At last, the air is starting to thaw and the clouds are starting to part. Winter has come and gone again, and it's time to enjoy that spring has, in fact, sprung. This October, Melbourne Quarter is playing host to a seasonal celebration to help you shake off the winter blues and spring into the coming months. For an entire week, the new neighbourhood along Collins Street will be playing host to celebrations of art and culture. From Monday, October 10, Scottish Melbourne-based illustrator and muralist Lynn Bremner will be creating a vibrant art mural in Gunpowder Walk. And on Wednesday, October 12, the lobby of One Melbourne Quarter will transform into a high-end runway that will showcase new pieces from the spring collection of sustainable First Nations label Ngali. [caption id="attachment_870871" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ngali Australia[/caption] Visitors will also be able to contribute to a floral installation. Simply look for a Melbourne Quarter representative handing out flowers to help add a touch of spring to the laneway, and score a voucher to use at participating Melbourne Quarter retailers for your efforts. And you can say goodbye to any midweek blues on October 12 and 13, when you can stop by the precinct during lunch to soak up live and local tunes and sit back on a bean bag as you chow down on a delicious meal from one of the nearby eateries. Melbourne Quarter's spring celebrations take place from Monday, October 10 to Friday, October 14. Entry is free and spaces for the fashion show are limited. The program is subject to change with weather conditions. For more details, head to the website.
It's cold. It's rainy. It's windy. It's Melbourne in winter and, as much as we complain about it, we've just got to rug up and deal with it until spring hits. But while you're waiting for that first whiff of September air and the slew of warm-weather music fests to roll in, we've got a few festivals that will get you out of the house and occupied until the winter chill dissipates.
Gelato Messina first introduced its cookie pies to the world in 2020, and tastebuds across Australia thanked them. Then, it kept bringing the OTT dessert back when we all needed an extra dose of sweetness across the year. Those cravings haven't subsided, especially as lockdowns have kept popping up, so the dessert fiends have been serving up its special creations for well over a year now. Messina celebrated that 12-month milestone back in April; however, it isn't done with cookie pies yet. Here's hoping that it never will be, because the dessert chain just keeps finding ways to level up these mouthwatering creations. The latest example: the cone-ception cookie pie. If you like cookie pies and you like the waffle cones that Messina's gelato usually comes scooped in, you're in luck. This new limited-edition — and characteristically OTT — dessert combines milk and dark choc chips, caramel custard and waffle cone spread all in one bake-at-home cookie pie. Hang on, a cookie pie? If you're not familiar with the concept yet, it's a pie — obviously — but it's made of cookie dough. And it serves two–six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. This time, you'll enjoy the scent of ice cream cones as well. What's waffle cone spread? It's what Messina makes when it blends a heap of waffle cones into a smooth paste. That's what's stuffed inside the cone-ception cookie pie, and a crumble made of waffle cones is also sprinkled on top. The new pies will be available for preorder on Monday, August 9, so that's your chance to get yourself a piece of the pie. This time, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is staggering the on-sale times — with folks in Queensland and the ACT able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 10am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 11am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 12pm; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 1pm). You can only buy this pie in kits, which means that you'll get some of the cult ice creamery's famed gelato along with it. You can opt for a 500-millilitre tub for $38, a one-litre tub for $44 or a 1.5-litre tub for $48. The catch? You'll have to peel yourself off the couch and head to your local Messina store to pick up your order. They'll be available for collection between Friday, August 13–Sunday, August 15. Sydneysiders, remember to abide by lockdown restrictions when it comes to picking up your pie — with a ten-kilometre limit in place for picking up food in most lockdown areas, and a five-kilometre limit in place in Local Government Areas of concern. Folks in southeast Queensland, if lockdown is extended until then, you'll also only be permitted to travel within a ten-kilometre radius to pick up food. You can preorder a Messina cone-ception cookie pie from Monday, August 9, to pick up from Friday, August 13–Sunday, August 15.
This year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras brightened up the Harbour City back in February and March, complete with help from The Wiggles — but today, Friday, June 24, marks a huge milestone for the event. On this day back in 1978, Sydney's first-ever Mardi Gras was held. So, to celebrate, what better day to create a human progress pride flag on the Sydney Opera House steps? That glorious display has already happened, taking place around lunchtime today. That said, like most things in life these days, there are photos. Nearly 1000 Sydneysiders lined up on the steps for the multi-hued display, arranged in colourful lines beneath one of the city's — and Australia's — most recognisable landmarks. [caption id="attachment_859007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] As well as commemorating the date, the flag was created — albeit temporarily, obviously — in the lead up to Sydney WorldPride in 2023. The New South Wales capital will host the global event from February 17–March 5 next year, which'll span 17 days and 300-plus LGBTQIA+ festivities. Included on the Sydney WorldPride bill: the Mardi Gras Parade, of course. It'll make its way down Oxford Street for the first time in three years, after the pandemic scuppered its usual plans and sent it to the SCG in 2021 and 2022. Sydney WorldPride will also feature a huge opening concert hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan, pride villages set up in sections of Crown Street and Riley Street, a giant weekend-long street party on Oxford Street, a Bondi beach party that'll turn the iconic sandy stretch into a club for 12,000 people, and a Blak & Deadly First Nations gala concert. [caption id="attachment_859015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Getty Images[/caption] Plus, there'll be a dance party in The Domain for 10,000, which is being dubbed as the biggest LGBQTIA+ outdoor dance party in Australia; a pride march, sending 50,000 people across the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and huge queer show Rainbow Republic, again at The Domain, this time with six hours of live music, DJs and performances spanning both international and local acts. The Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference is also on the bill, as is a six-night First Nations gathering space at Carriageworks — and Ultra Violet, an inclusive LGBTQIA+ women's party at Town Hall. Yes, it's going to be huge — and it's expected that more than 500,000 people will participate. [caption id="attachment_859017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Getty Images[/caption] Sydney WorldPride will run from February 17–March 5, 2023. For more information, or for general ticket sales from 9am AEST on Friday, July 15, head to the event's website. Images: Daniel Boud / Getty Images.
After recently opening a Sydney surplus store and holding one hell of a sale in it, minimalist Aussie clothing designer Assembly Label is bringing some stock down south for its first ever Melbourne warehouse sale. It's hosting a four-day bargain blitz in Collingwood from Thursday, June 28 through to Sunday, July 1. This means the warehouse's samples and pieces from past seasons will be going at up to 70 percent off. That includes much-needed jackets and knitwear for the coming winter months, plus denim, tops, shorts, pants, swimwear and accessories in both men's and women's designs. The label is known for its linen basics and relaxed coastal vibes that makes up the wardrobe of many an Australian in summer. The sale will be open from 2–7pm on Thursday, 9am–5.30pm on Friday, and 9am–5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Burger lovers of Sydney and Melbourne, rejoice — yet another place selling your favourite food is posed to join the culinary lineup. If you've ever been on holiday in Queensland and grabbed a burg on the Gold or Sunshine coasts, then you might be familiar with the newest joint heading down south: Betty's Burgers. Don't go donning your best stretchy pants just yet, though. An opening date for Betty's first two ventures outside of their home state is yet to be announced (setting up a retro burger barn that'll make you feel like you've been whisked back to '50s America takes time, after all). But, expect them sooner rather than later — Melbourne staff have started training in the lead up to the new 97 Elizabeth Street firing up the grills, and the Betty's Facebook page has been posting pictures of Manly in Sydney. Of course, good things come to those that wait, as your mum always told you. That includes five types of burgers, including classic, crispy chicken, pork belly and shroom selections. And there's also the massive stacked concoction that combines a good old' beef burg with its mushroom sibling. If your stomach is already grumbling, that's understandable; Betty's meat-and-bread (and veg-and-bread) fare tastes as good as it sounds. Plus, it's not just the titular fare that's the attraction here, thanks to their Shake Shack-style frozen custard desserts known as 'concretes', which are available in everything from peanut butter brittle to hot fudge doughnut flavours. For more information about Betty's Burgers' Sydney and Melbourne stores, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Sydney's no stranger to world-class drinking dens, but even we're due for a few surprises when one of the world's best, and most enduring, speakeasies hits Aussie shores next month. Since the first Employees Only bar opened its doors in New York back in 2004, it has picked up a whole swag of accolades — including ranking among The World's 50 Best Bars for ten years running, this year coming in at 26 — and its founders have successfully taken the concept global, launching outposts in Singapore, Hong Kong and Miami. And now, they're headed Down Under, taking over a heritage basement space in Sydney's CBD and bringing in Sydney native Anna Fang, for the bar's much-anticipated Australian debut. Here, Employees Only is sticking to its original principles, promising memorable cocktails and sophisticated fare in a beautiful space. But it'll also be rounded out with a distinctly local edge and a healthy dose of Sydney style. The Sydney outpost is being run by EO co-founder Dushan Zaric, along with EO New York bartender Robert Krueger and Fang as venue manager. And it seems no one is deterred by the city's ongoing lockout law woes, with Krueger saying, "We're excited to work with the incredible local bar community, together helping to reinvigorate Sydney's nightlife and bring it back onto the global stage." To that end, expect a cocktail offering that lives up to the hype, with some of the New York outpost's favourites sitting alongside a slew of new, Sydney-exclusive creations. Must-try classics that will appear on the menu include the Amelia, crafted on vodka, elderflower liqueur, puréed blackberries and fresh lemon, and the Provençal, with lavender-infused gin, vermouth and Cointreau. Meanwhile, the kitchen is taking its cues from classic New York bistro fare, the menu sporting a mix of Employee's Only favourites — think house-made pork sausage cavatelli, bone marrow poppers with bordelaise sauce, and the now legendary steak tartare, here done with hand-cut filet mignon — and Head Chef Aurelian Girault's latest Australian-inspired creations. Enter beneath the signature neon "psychic" sign, pull up a seat at the curved, brass-topped bar and get ready for some pretty exceptional boozing. Employees Only Sydney is slated to open in November at 9 Barrack Street, Sydney. Images: Robert Krueger and Anna Fang, by Joe Cheng.
Direct flights from Australia's east coast to New York — and London, too — are on their way, with Qantas committing to make the massive trips from 2025. But first, the Aussie airline is heading non-stop from Auckland to the Big Apple. The carrier has announced two pieces of exciting news for travellers Down Under, both of which might change your holiday plans from 2023 onwards. Firstly, it's starting those direct Auckland–New York routes, kicking off on June 14. Secondly, it's recommencing flying to NY in general, including a new Sydney–Auckland–New York flight. Initially, the new service will run three days a week, starting in Sydney before soaring non-stop from NZ to NY. The latter part will take a whopping 16 hours, which is slightly shorter than the 17-hour direct Perth–London route that first hit the air back in 2018, but will still be a mammoth undertaking. Yes, time feels like it means nothing when you're on one plane for that long. Yes, if you're keen on as few stopovers as possible whenever you're jetting around the world, that hefty non-stop leg is worth it. When Qantas returns to NY for the first time in three years due to the pandemic, travellers will be flying on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the airline taking delivery of three new aircraft in 2023. If you now know what you're doing next winter — enjoying a hot NY summer, obviously — the Sydney–Auckland–New York flights have just gone on sale today, Thursday, August 25. The airline will also increase its daily services from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Auckland from six to 11 when the new route commences, to help Aussies can take advantage of it. In flying direct from NZ to NYC, Qantas follows in the footsteps of Air New Zealand, which announced its plans back in 2019 and will start the route in September 2022. Qantas will restart flying to New York via its new Sydney–Auckland–New York route from June 14, 2023. For more information or to make a booking, head to the airline's website.
The two-kilometre coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama is always a stunning Sydney sight no matter when you mosey along it, but it's especially impressive during Sculpture by the Sea. Once a year since 1997 — except during the pandemic's early days — the outdoor art event displays large-scale pieces with the ocean as a backdrop. Understandably, it isn't just one of the annual highlights of Sydney's cultural calendar, but of Australia's. That excuse to soak up the great outdoors in the Harbour City returns again in 2023, from Friday, October 20–Monday, November 6. On the agenda once more: 100-plus artworks by Australian and international sculptors, all along a two-kilometre walk. But this is the 25th Sculpture by the Sea, so it's celebrating notching up that milestone with pieces by artists who displayed at the event back at its beginning. Paul Bacon, Stephen King, Michael Le Grand, John Petrie, James Rogers and Margarita Sampson earn those honours, bookending a quarter-century run. Sculpture by the Sea 2023 will also feature works by Philip Spelman and Ron Gomboc, who reach double decades displaying at the event; Lucy Barker and Ayako Saito, who hit a decade; and Chinese artist Chen Wenling. Discovering exactly who'll be showing what and where is part of the fun of taking the spring stroll, but this year's event won't be short on talent. As always, the exhibition is set to draw a crowd. Each year, Sculpture by the Sea attracts approximately 450,000 visitors over 18 days, with the same number of art lovers expected this time around. The past few years have been particularly eventful for the exhibition, which had to sit out 2020 like oh-so-many festivities around the world, then tried to make a comeback in October 2021 but also had to scrap those plans due to the pandemic. It did successfully stage a CBD spinoff, Sculpture Rocks, in autumn 2021, however. Even before the current global health situation interrupted its annual plans, organisers were also at loggerheads with the Council over the construction of a new path back in mid-2019, and were scoping out alternative locations for the long-running art exhibition. In fact, it was only early in 2021 that the parties came to an agreement to remain in Bondi until 2030, with the organisers and Council agreeing to a ten-year deal. Amid all of the above, the Sculpture by the Sea team also branched in 2022, opening the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. It's a permanent 100-kilometre collection of outdoor art along the Snowy Valleys Way, passing through the towns of Adelong, Batlow and Tumbarumba, the hamlet of Tooma, plus the Tumbarumba wine region's cellar doors. Sculpture by the Sea will return to the Bondi–Tamarama coastal walk for 2023 from Friday, October 20–Monday, November 6. For more information, head to sculpturebythesea.com. Images: Charlotte Curd, Reni Indrawan, Clyde Yee, Jack Bett, Jarrad Seng, W Patino, G Carr and Samantha Burns.
For his latest solo exhibition at the Museum for Contemporary Art in Tokyo, Tokujin Yoshioka has again indulged his fascination with organic structures and natural processes, embracing the interaction between prisms, space and light. In his series of striking sculptures and installations, Yoshioka aims to expose the beauty and energy present within self-generating wonders such as crystal formation, harnessing the process to become part of the art itself. He quite literally grows his artworks, using a special liquid that allows natural crystals to develop into whatever shape they choose, after which he sometimes decides to attach them to a base of some kind. And, like any true gardening fanatic, he believes in playing music to his 'plants' as they grow. His series entitled Swan Lake apparently blossomed under the soothing companionship of Tchaikovsky. Whilst we happen to think the huge fairy floss-like clouds of crystal comprising Tornado 2007 are pretty spectacular, the large-scale installation Rainbow Church has been heralded as the exhibition's highlight: a huge window made of 500 crystal prisms inspired by Henri Matisse's designs for the Rosaire Chapel. Yoshioka is known for combining architecture, design and installation art. His furniture designs appear at Salone del Mobile annually and he has also designed store interiors for high fashion brands such as Hermès and Issey Miyake. Via Yatzer.com. Images from the MOT.
Whatever your plans are on Tuesday, November 8, change them — or find a way to include peering at the sky into your diary, too. For 85 minutes, folks Down Under will be treated to a blood moon and a total lunar eclipse, giving you a stellar reason to spend your night staring upwards. While blood moons aren't particularly rare, there is one big reason to look up this time around. This total lunar eclipse is the last one that'll be able to be seen in Australia and New Zealand until 2025. If you're wondering what else you need to know, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. When a full moon happens to coincide with a total lunar eclipse, it's also called a blood moon. Why? Yes, it has to do with the colour. When the astronomical body passes directly into the earth's actual shadow, it turns a blood-red shade thanks to sunlight that's filtered and refracted by the earth's atmosphere. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Tuesday, November 8. According to Timeanddate.com, the total lunar eclipse is due to begin at 9.16pm AEDT in Sydney and Melbourne — and, because of daylight saving in the southern states, at 8.16pm AEST in Brisbane. Those times adjust accordingly in Adelaide (8.46pm) and Perth (6.16pm) — with the full total lunar eclipse running for 85 minutes. In NZ, you'll be looking up from 11.16pm. Moonrise will happen before that, and the partial eclipse will begin 67 minutes prior to the totality times, too — so at 8.09pm in Sydney and Melbourne and 7.09pm in Brisbane, for instance. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies. So, city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Naturally, you'll be hoping for cloud-free skies that evening. If you can't get a clear vantage, The Virtual Telescope Project will be live-streaming from the skyline above Rome from 8.30pm AEDT / 7.30pm AEST / 10.30pm NZ time. The blood moon and total lunar eclipse will take place on Tuesday, November 8, with the full total lunar eclipse starting at 9.16pm AEDT / 8.16pm AEST / 11.16pm NZ time. For further information, including about timing, head to Timeanddate.com.
Lorde is back — but she won't be back doing live gigs for a bit longer. After five years away from music, the New Zealand pop sensation returned this year with a third studio album, with Solar Power releasing back August. Back in June, she also announced a massive 2022 tour of Australia and New Zealand; however, those shows have now been delayed until 2023. The tour has been postponed due to New Zealand's current COVID-19 outbreak and the uncertainty surrounding what'll be permitted next February and March, which is when Lorde's gigs were originally set to take place. "I am beyond devastated to be postponing these shows. Starting the tour in New Zealand was always really important to me, and would have been a huge high," Lorde said in a statement. "I fought this decision for a long time, but the truth is that touring internationally through a COVID outbreak has a ton of unforeseen moving parts, and I'd much rather play for you when we're all confident it will go smoothly. I want to apologise wholeheartedly to the fans. I'm so gutted to let you down, but so grateful for your understanding." [caption id="attachment_816623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Come Up Show[/caption] When it kicks off in 2023, the tour will now run from Tuesday, February 21 through till Saturday, March 18. Australians are scoring eight dates across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while New Zealanders can choose from seven shows. The Australian and New Zealand tour will begin at Days Bay at Lower Hutt on Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22. From there the 'Royals' singer will make her way around New Zealand throughout late February and early March, and arrive in Australia on Tuesday, March 7 for two shows at the Brisbane Riverstage. Australia's east coast will be treated to two more shows each at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the ICC's Aware Super Theatre in Sydney, before the tour wraps up with a couple of gigs at Perth's Belvoir Amphitheatre. The last time either country was treated to Lorde's live set was her headline set at Splendour in the Grass 2018, a full circle moment for the singer as she returned to the stage of one of her first ever performances as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean back in 2013. A year prior, in 2017, Lorde also toured some of Australia's largest and most iconic outdoor venues including the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Existing tickets will remain valid for the new dates, while tickets to newly announced gigs in Lower Hutt, Brisbane and Perth start pre-sales on Wednesday, November 17 ahead of general ticket sales on Friday, November 19. LORDE 'SOLAR POWER' 2023 TOUR DATES Tuesday, February 21 – Days Bay, Lower Hutt Wednesday, February 22 – Days Bay, Lower Hutt — new show Saturday, February 25 – Electric Avenue, Christchurch Monday, February 27 – Neudorf Vineyards, Upper Moutere Wednesday, March 1 – Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North Friday, March 3 – TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth Saturday, March 4 – Outer Fields Western Springs, Auckland Tuesday, March 7 – Riverstage, Brisbane — new show Wednesday, March 8 – Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, March 10 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Saturday, March 11 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Monday, March 13 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney Tuesday, March 14 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney Friday, March 17 – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth — new show Saturday, March 18 – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth Lorde's Solar Power Tour will now take place between Tuesday, February 21–Saturday, March 18, 2023. Head to the Frontier website for all info on tickets. Top image: Liliane Callegari via Wikimedia Commons.
If you're thinking small for your next domestic getaway, there's a new pint-sized accommodation option to add to that holiday radar. NRMA, aka the National Roads and Motorists' Association, has just unveiled two new stylishly-repurposed shipping containers it's calling 'glamtainers' — and they'll be making their home on New South Wales' Central Coast until autumn next year. Easily movable and extendable in size, the seven-metre-long luxury tiny homes have room to sleep four, each boasting two queen beds, a full bathroom and a decent sized kitchenette. What's more, they're fitted out in style, with upscale features including comfy King Koil mattresses, plush linens, air-conditioning and attached outdoor entertaining spaces. No slumming it here, that's for sure. Currently located at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, the two new glamtainers are the work of Melbourne company GlamXperience, which makes a whole suite of glamping tents and mini retreats — and whose creations you might have spied at the likes of St Jerome's The Hotel and the newly launched Clifftop at Hepburn. They're designed to allow guests to experience staying amongst the great outdoors, without sacrificing comfort. Bookings are already filling up fast for the glamtainers' debut stint on the NSW Central Coast, with prices starting from $180 per night. And, because the entire concept of turning shipping containers into places to stay means they're easily portable, the pair of glamtainers will be packed up and shuttled off to NRMA's Jindabyne resort come late autumn — where they'll enjoy a second iteration during ski season. The glamtainers are now available to book at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Head to the website to check availability and make a booking. Images: Shan Rose Photography
When someone says the word 'desk', it usually conjures up images of uninspired objects with a flat top and four legs. We have stumbled on some innovative and quirky desks that could change those mundane conceptions for good. Bring life to your desk and ensure your working day is never average again with these fun and unorthodox desk designs. 1. The Abstract Desk Having boxes at odd angles all over your desk is bound to get the creative juices flowing. Store your documents in fun ways with this abstract and unique desk, called the Overdose Desk by Bulo. Because straight and neatly stacked is overrated. 2. The Wave Desk The marvellous woodwork of this stunning piece by Robert Brou is a compact and handy design, and the desk surface looks so incredibly smooth that it could lull you into trance-like state of pure productivity. 3. The Purple Desk Why waste floor space in your room, when you can simply stack your desks up on the wall? The peculiar Storyteller desk by Isabel Quiroga very effectively creates storage and shelf space, and is the perfect little enclave for a quirky student or work-from-home business person. 4. The Star Wars Desk Although this style of desk may not suit everyone, Star Wars fanatics are sure to love this creation by Tom Spina Designs. This desk houses a frozen Han Solo beneath a quarter inch thick solid sheet of glass. 5. The Pod Desk The Rewrite desk by GamFratesi allows you to dive completely into your own little world - or at least your own little pod. Say goodbye to procrastination. 6. The Suitcase Desk This desk by Maarten De Ceulaer is perfectly suited for lovers of travel, lovers of suitcases, or lovers of all things out of the ordinary. The eccentric and colourful style will be sure to stimulate the mind. 7. The Wall-Art Desk The K Workstation by Miso Soup Design is a modern take, appearing to climb along the wall at odd angles as it simultaneously acts as shelf space and wall art. 8. The Bike Desk The old saying 'kill two birds with one stone' takes on new meaning with the Pit In desk, which doubles as a bike rack. Not only can you skip the hassle of having to tie up your bike, but also ensure your posture remains upright throughout the day. 9. The Briefcase Desk Remove the difficulty of having to rummage through drawers of papers and files when trying to find documents for your suitcase by combining the two. All you need to do with these innovative suitcase-drawers is pull them out of the desk, by Jung-Ah Kim, and you're good to go. 10. The Car Desk Rev up the engine that is your mind and set off on an exciting journey, all from the comfort of your Mini Cooper office desk.
Midsumma Festival returns to Melbourne in the new year, bringing together the LGBTQI+ community and artists from across the state for its annual queer arts and cultural festival. It spans from January 19 through February 9, with 194 events taking place in venues all over Melbourne. The massive program kicks off with a bang at the Midsumma Carnival, on Sunday, January 19, in Alexandra Gardens. There'll be 11 hours of live music and entertainment on the main stage, heaps of food stalls and bars, plus the return of the ever-popular Midsumma Dog Show. Once the sun starts to set, the park is transformed into one enormous dance floor, with DJs and artists performing well into the night. And it's 100 percent free. The festival continues with a heap of talks, performances, installations, exhibitions and parties, all aimed at celebrating the diverse stories of the queer arts scene. In the 2020 major project, Queen Unsettled, unheard voices and marginalised communities are front and centre in a multidisciplinary attack on colonisation. Attend a Lunar New Year Disco with Drag Race Thailand stars after hours at Melbourne Museum; hear from Pacific womxn of colour and Indigenous femmes in BLOW and FAMILI; and be entranced by The Sky After Rain, a video installation exploring three queer Iranian diasporas. Other Midsumma highlights include the Midsumma and Australia Post Art Award exhibition, a music festival of queer women and non-binary musicians, the Midsumma Extravaganza showcase at Hamer Hall, and the 25th annual Midsumma Pride March on Sunday, February 2. Images: Midsumma Carnival, Jackson Grant/Suzanne Balding.
Beyond: Two Souls is a staggering achievement in gaming. If you're a semi-regular gamer, you already know that. But it's if you don't include games in your current recreational repertoire that the information is most pertinent. Because Beyond is quite unlike your Grand Theft Autos, Call of Dutys, Wii tennises and nearly every other blockbuster title on the market, and it might be the one that sucks you in. Made for a reputed $28 million, Beyond stars Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in leading roles and screened its demo at this year's prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. It sits somewhere between cinema and what we think of as games, crafting an interactive drama that you play in the first person. French studio Quantic Dream, who explored a similar form with Heavy Rain (2010), are really concerned with the possibilities of immersive storytelling using new technologies. Curious? Here are a few reasons to give Beyond: Two Souls a go. Because you like film and TV Let's face it, of all the screen arts, video games are not the ones known for their complexity of story, character or emotion; they're known for their abundance of things to shoot at. But storytelling comes first in Beyond: There are some action scenes, but they happen in the broader context of the life of one specific girl, Jodie Holmes (Page), who is blessed/cursed with various psychic powers that make her valuable to the CIA and government research departments but chilling to her parents and peers. Her whole life she has felt a connection to the invisible 'entity' Aiden, and much of the tension in the game comes from the love/hate relationship she has with her constant companion. As the player, you see Jodie from the ages of six to twenty-one, though you play the chapters out of chronological order, piecing together the puzzles of her life. "We tried to create an interactive experience, more than just another video game," said Beyond's writer/director David Cage at a recent game preview in Sydney. He takes his cues from the world of cinema, adding elements from the game designers' toolkit to make you even more invested in the story. Because you want to see Ellen Page's Oscar-worthy performance There are so many sub-reasons it's great to see Ellen Page in the main role in Beyond, and the fact that she's not some 'sassy' and pneumatically boobed animation — she's Ellen Page — is just the tip of the iceberg. "A mix of technology and talent" is Cage's catch cry for Beyond, which would've been a far lesser game without the perfect female lead to embody your journey. And embodying it really is — Page is not just lending her voice or her face; she and the rest of the cast acted out this 2000-page script in a bare room kitted out in the latest in performance capture technology. They even developed a new method of capturing eye movement, placing small markers all around the eye to track minute muscle contractions and so basically eliminating that 'cold dead eyes' effect that has long plagued computer-generated imaging. The process is truly a sight to behold. In this sometimes testing, sometimes liberating environment, Page puts in an entrancing performance as Jodie, a character who's a pretty intense contradiction of feelings over many years of her life. "It's really bare acting," says Cage. "It's just you in this silly suit and all you can trust is your imagination, the script, the director helping you and, of course, the other actors. But it's really about acting in its pure, pure form." Because you think emotional journeys are the core of story "The idea is really to make you feel emotions that are usually rarely found in video games," says Cage. Specifically, rather than stress, competition and (a hopefully cathartic) rage, there's more hurt, mourning, nervousness, pride and love. Beyond's emotional palette is that of growing up, moving forward and mourning (Cage was inspired to write the story after the death of someone close to him). While there's plenty of this kind of exploration going on in indie games, such as That Game Company's phenomenal Journey, Beyond is perhaps the only big-budget, high-production-value game with this agenda. "We really tried to put you in the shoes of this young woman," says Cage. "You will feel like you've known her since she was a kid because you've been with her in the happy and difficult moments of her life, you know what she went through and where she comes from. My hope is that by the time you are done with the game and you turn off the console you will be a little bit sad, because you may never see her again." Because you won't get stuck on level 6 Or any level before or after. Beyond is all about the consequences your actions have on a life. And just like life, there are no do-overs. Instead, the game will funnel you on to the next chapter, via a slightly different road. Get caught by the cops? Maybe your invisible friend can help you out of those cuffs. Asphyxiate in a fire? Here's that 'come toward the light' sequence you were definitely going to see at some point. You will not keep dying at that one tricky spot in perpetuity. That means no matter your skills, Beyond will take you about 12 hours to play through. The control scheme is also a bit different and quite simple — an annoyance to some regular gamers but great for newbies. Quantic Dream have carefully designed the gameplay to be so integrated into the story that it's basically invisible, and at its best moments, it's very elegant. The goal is not to pull you out of the story with the trials of a complex controller dance but to allow you to lose yourself in it. And if it's the controller itself that unnerves you, Beyond even allows you to sync up your Android or iOS device and use familiar swipes and taps instead. Because you won't be able to help it Beyond has its successes and failures it's true, but its single-minded inventiveness is so inspiring, film and new media makers are lapping it up. It's a bold step in the direction of 'convergence', which sees film and games blend, borrow from each other and sometimes forge something completely new. Don't play it now and you'll instead see some flicker of it, in some medium, some time in the future. Beyond: Two Souls is out now on PS3.
When you think of the Mornington Peninsula, images of stunning beaches, wineries and charming towns might float into your mind. But there's something new to get excited about in the region: Colt Dining, an upcoming restaurant from acclaimed chef Matt Fallon that will open on Friday, October 6. After having life-saving brain surgery in 2019, Fallon made the decision to pack up his Byron Bay digs and head home to create the restaurant he's always dreamed of. The result? Colt Dining, which will showcase the best of what the Mornington Peninsula has to offer, with dishes made with seasonal ingredients from the region's farms, gardens and waters. From a menu that will go big on woodfired dishes and modern Australian flavours, highlights include barramundi wrapped in steamed kelp; Otway shiitake mushrooms over charcoal flames, then paired with pumpkin seed miso for a nice fusion of earthy flavours; pressed brisket accompanied by deep notes of black garlic; and crisp toast topped with succulent yabbie, crowned with a zesty sprinkle of native pepper. In a 95-person space that will boast a 70s-inspired fitout, plus booths inside and a breezy outdoor terrace, there's also a focus on wine and cocktails. Low-intervention drops from the region will sit alongside old-world tipples, while a selection of "otherworldy" cocktails will be curated by beverage manager Zac Abbot. Fallon says he wants Colt Dining to be a place where people can come together to enjoy good food, drinks and company. "The vision is simple — we want to give Mornington high-quality, accessible dining, driven by love for local produce, foraging and growing our own food." "Colt's style of cuisine will be that of a pared-back yet refined dining experience, without labels of fusion or rustic or any other boxes people like to put restaurants in." Colt Dining is set to open at 9a Main Street, Mornington on Friday, October 6.
A few months ago, Federation Square's Skyline Terrace was a winter wonderland filled with pop-up igloos and an ice-skating rink. But come January 3, the openair space above Flinders Street Station's eastern railway tracks will be whacking on the sunscreen and shades, and transforming into a warm-weather paradise for the debut of Summertime Social. Sticking around until early April 2020, the huge al fresco summer playground will take over the rooftop space with whole swag of sun-soaked fun. For those after a break from their own backyard, Summertime Social's grassy communal lawn is the place to be. It'll host a stack of free lawn games, including giant Jenga, though it's also your go-to for picnics and sunny chill sessions, as you make the most of the pop-up's food and drink offering. On Sundays, punters can duke it out for prizes and glory at the lawn's weekly giant games battle, while Fridays and Saturdays promise a lineup of sunset DJs spinning from 5–10pm. More games, from bocce to shuffleboard, will be going down in the games lane. These ones you'll need to book and start from $30 per 20-minute session. For a more private summer do, nab your crew one of the comfy huts or converted caravans. The huts can be booked for up to 20 people, while the boho-style caravans have space for 10, customised with your choice of picnic eats, boozy ice cream, beer-filled eskies and board games. Pop-up bars throughout Summertime Social will be serving up tap cocktails, booze-infused slushies (including mango daiquiris and margaritas), beer, wine, spirits and even stocked mini-eskies. Meanwhile, a weekday happy hour means $6 Furphy, cocktails, rosé and prosecco from 4–6pm. As for the food, you'll be able to settle in with woodfired pizzas; Dirty Birdie's fried chicken, salad bowls and burgers; and boozy frozen treats from a pop-up ice cream cart. If you fancy making a day of it, a range of picnic baskets are also up for grabs, including the two-person Classic Basket, loaded with cheeses, party pies, chicken tenders and potato salad. On Saturdays, you can enjoy Summertime Social's bottomless brunch, offering 90 minutes of free-flowing beer, prosecco, mimosas and tap cocktails and your choice of brunch dish for $49. To eat, you can choose from a PBJ ice cream sanga, a BLT, a veggie burger or calzone. Find Summertime Social at Federation Square's Skyline Terrace from Friday, January 3 till April, 2020. It's open from 11am–10pm Monday–Sunday.
If you're looking for your latest glimpse of the next Star Wars movie, there's no need to travel to a galaxy far, far away, because the full final trailer has just dropped in this one. Two months before the main franchise's ninth episode (and 11th theatrical flick overall) hits cinemas, Disney has delivered its last sneak peek of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker — as well as reiterating the claim that this flick will end the whole Skywalker saga. Don't worry — more Star Wars movies are definitely in the works, courtesy of two big-screen spinoff trilogies by Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi helmer Rian Johnson and Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, respectively. Just next month, new TV series The Mandalorian will start screening on Disney's new streaming platform as well. An Obi-Wan Kenobi-focused television show is also in development, with Ewan McGregor returning as the beloved Jedi master. And, even if The Rise of Skywalker wants to tell us otherwise for now, we have a good feeling that we won't see the last of all of the other Star Wars characters that everyone already knows and loves. Given The Rise of Skywalker's title, the way that The Last Jedi wrapped up and the theories that have been swirling around Daisy Ridley's Rey since she was first introduced in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, it should come as no surprise that the scavenger-turned-pilot takes centre stage in the new trailer — as she did in the first teaser earlier this year. Also popping up are Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron and John Boyega's ex-stormtrooper Finn, helping out the film's plucky heroine once more; Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, wielding his red lightsaber for the dark side yet again; and long-standing series favourites Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO, of course. The late Carrie Fisher features as well, with the actor's appearance as General Leia Organa made possible by using previously filmed footage. And two other familiar characters also rejoin the fold, including Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian and a sinister figure who's once again heard rather than seen. The huge cast list keeps going, with Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran and Lupita Nyong'o all returning, Mark Hamill also included, and Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell and Naomi Ackie among the Star Wars newcomers. As he did with The Force Awakens, JJ Abrams also sits in the director's chair. Feel the force with the full final trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qn_spdM5Zg Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker releases in Australian cinemas on December 19. Images: (c) 2019 and TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
All too often, being vegan and being spoilt for choice are two mutually exclusive concepts. But at the newly hatched Vincent's Marketplace, they're cohabitating very happily together under the one roof, thank you very much. The latest venture from meat-free wholesalers Vincent Vegetarian Food, the new Brunswick Street site features both a comprehensive vegan supermarket and a cosy plant-based cafe to visit pre- or post-shop. The retail shelves carry a huge array of products, offering the kind of diverse range that's been synonymous with Vincent's since it started life as a vegetarian superstore in Footscray back in 1996. Here in Fitzroy, you'll spy plenty of plant-based goodies not found in too many other Melbourne stores — such as vegan condensed milk, whipped cream and honeycomb — as well as an exclusive line of signature Vincent's products that includes vegan fried 'chicken', dumplings, party snacks and faux bacon. [caption id="attachment_697391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Weirdoughs by Kate Shanasy[/caption] Sitting next to it is a standing-room-only cafe pouring top-notch St Ali coffee and selling innovative pastries from the CBD's Weirdoughs. These guys are famous for whipping up wild and wonderful plant-based treats, from Aperol spritz-filled doughnuts to cube-shaped croissants. Vincent's Marketplace adds to Fitzroy's already thriving vegan and vegetarian scene, joining vegan bar and restaurant Smith & Daughters, sibling Smith & Deli, the long-running Vegie Bar, plant-based dessert bar Girls & Boys, and many more. Find Vincent's Marketplace at 379 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. The retail store is open from Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 10am–5pm, while the cafe runs from Monday to Friday 7am–4pm and Saturday–Sunday 8am–3pm.
Tucked between the lively restaurants and bars of Yarraville Village, Lonni is the embodiment of everything owner and local resident Roselyn Moncrieff loves. Stocking a rich variety of Australian brands across fashion and lifestyle, Moncrieff has chosen everything inside herself, as she's gradually curated a selection of wares that she considers the best in the business. Featuring the likes of Rolla's Jeans, Assembly Label, Elka Collective and Zulu & Zephyr, Lonni has a keen focus on supporting local brands who also have a positive ethos. Spend some time between the shelves among the large collection of indoor plants, we're sure you'll find something you love. Image: Immerse Creative.
From the wild, WTF and wonderful finalists, the Art Gallery of New South Wales has announced their 204 Archibald Prize winner. Fiona Lowry has won the prestigious prize for her portrait of Penelope Seidler. Runner up was Mitch Cairns with his portrait of Red Richardson AM. The Wynne and Sulman Prizes have also been announced. Taking the Wynne for landscape or sculpture was Michael Johnson with his abstract Oceania High Low: And the Sulman (best subject painting, genre painting or mural project) landed on Andrew Sullivan's T-Rex: Check out our picks for weirdest and most wonderful Archibald finalist tales over here.
Having recently spent a crazy couple of months living in Berlin, the news of East Berlin club Salon Zur Wilden Renate installing a real life maze in the two-storey abandoned building comes as no surprise. With the intention of creating an other-worldly, ethereal experience, the Peristal Singum labyrinth uses confined spaces to confuse your sensory perceptions, where one visitor at a time is forced to crawl, duck, and slide to their salvation. Prepare for a lucid mind where your whole metaphysical being is questioned while disproportionately-sized objects create the illusion of fantasy characters that roam rooms that seem smaller than they actually are. There is no marked pathway, so drinking too much prior to entering may not be the wisest of ideas. Peristal Singum
UPDATE: JULY 24, 2020 — Gami's Melbourne restaurants are currently closed to dine-in, but it's offering delivery via Deliveroo, UberEats and DoorDash. On the menu: a 'comfort pack' for two (or one) with eight wings, chips and half a boneless chicken for a very reasonable $35. In Korean, gami loosely translates to "beautiful taste" and this popular chicken and beer joint certainly embodies that sentiment. The casual eatery in Hawthorn is known for making some pretty epic fried chicken. All you need to do is agree on bones or no bones, and whether you want it served up in its OG crunchy format, or coated in one of three sauces – sweet chilli, soy garlic or spicy. You can also get amongst some traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi or the dangerously moreish tteok-bokki (stir-fried rice cakes covered in chilli sauce). Beer is obviously the other big player and it's available in glasses just bigger than a pot, a jug or a large oak barrel.
Her latest venture, Rosa's Canteen, strays a little from her Punch Lane food mecca. Instead of sticking to the Sicilian side of things, her newest CBD restaurant sets out to explore the riches from the Italian mainland. But even though this is Rosa's Canteen (as opposed to Kitchen), her well-established, authentic Italian touch stays central to the menu. Deciding to keep things as traditional as possible this evening, we started with beef carpaccio ($20), which was carved into the most delicate, yet flavoursome slices. We recommend savouring every sliver of beef while sipping on aperitivo cocktails: the Perativo is perfect for early evenings, with Aperol, Cocchi Americano Bianco and pear cider. For something with a little more kick, without being too strong, the Bicicletta is a winner, with Campari, white wine and soda. It feels a little sacrilegious to visit an Italian restaurant without sampling at least one of their pasta dishes, so that's exactly what we did. The casarecce lamb ragout ($20) with peas, tasted like the real deal; the curly pasta had just enough al dente bounce to contrast against the fall-apart lamb. The tomatoes and peas did not detract from the main event of the lamb, but gave the dish heartiness and a nice familiarity. On our visit, the fish of the day ($34) happened to be a fillet of snapper with tomatoes on a bed of polenta. The fish was moist and perfectly cooked, and complemented the slight acidity of the tomatoes. But it was the perfect polenta that stood out — creamy and rich, it's the stuff of dreams. We don't want to know how much butter went in to make it so heavenly, but at the same time, we're desperate to know so we can make it ourselves. This was our favourite dish of the evening. With both lamb and fish, wine was slightly difficult to place. We settled on a pinot noir from Six Acres in the Yarra Valley, which was light enough for the fish and red enough for the ragout. A very drinkable drop indeed. Not wanting the evening to end just yet, we sampled the canoli for dessert. Here, they're filled with ricotta, marsala and honey, with each end dipped in crushed green pistachios ($5 each). The helpful staff suggested we pair it with a class of Pellegrino Marsala, a sweet fortified wine. If the canoli had been filled with a sweet custard — what many Australians are used to when it comes to canoli consumption — the marsala may have been a bit much, but thankfully this was not the case, and it complemented the ricotta-filled dessert perfectly. An evening at Rosa's is relaxed affair, with food that has been both comforting and of a high quality. The staff were friendly and certainly helpful when it came to suggesting items — and with that winning combination, we'll certainly be back.
If films like The Darjeeling Limited or Slumdog Millionaire weren’t enough to convince you that India should be your next travel destination, cyber architect James Law's new concept is sure to challenge your stance. The Aquaria Grande is a breathtaking residential complex design thought up by Law for real estate company, The Wadhwa Group, in Mumbai, India. Aesthetically and architecturally stunning, the signature features of the facility are the floating pools located at the edge of each apartment’s balcony. Although the pools may not be ideal for those of us who are prone to vertigo, The Aquaria Grande boasts 37 storeys of 200 luxurious, eco-conscious, energy efficient apartments. In the densely populated city of Mumbai, it provides a fresh new outlook on the direction of the architectural industry in India where there are increasing pressures on the land. Designs like James Law's are not only innovative but necessary to provide sustainable living in a increasingly developed city like Mumbai where cars and high rise buildings make the prospect of eco-friendly living fragile. By raising the bar on architectural aesthetics and design, the Aquaria Grande is sure to place India on the map in terms of the international architectural scene. Now all we need is someone to build one of these complexes in Australia.
For all intents and purposes of title, Collective Espresso has built quite a reputation within a loyal and diverse group of locals. The perfect location near Camberwell station means commuters are satiated, families or smaller groups are welcomed by the extremely obliging staff, and, with a sleek interior, it regularly manages to attract a hip, younger crowd. With this in mind, Collective Espresso is a pleasant slice of the suburban ecosystem. An unassuming presence is exactly what has Collective Espresso alive and thriving. With a penchant to attract minimal attention to itself, every piece of the cafe experience has been left to do the talking. The narrow space is well-utilised, with the white decor carefully accented by regularly changing artwork on the walls and a thoughtful selection of reading material on offer. An expansive communal table that runs down the centre of the space bustles during peak periods, and, instead of potentially proving a beacon for a dissatisfying visit, actually makes things all the more jovial. Mixed all together, it's a quietly coherent and confident experience. Service is extremely friendly, comfortable and practiced. Such reliability is accommodating of the seasonal menu changes, which vary from the expected to the thoroughly surprising. A mixture of verbose descriptions and interesting ingredient combinations are assured to make you think for a second or even furrow your brow, but with adventure comes lovely results that will not disappoint. Despite endless revisions the menu stalwart remains the 'collective sigh of relief', a compilation of scrambled or poached eggs, spinach, mushrooms, tomato chutney, bacon and toast ($23). Locals also continuously dive into the avocado and feta mash ($12) that is simplicity at its best. For the best morning-after cure, the fried chicken, cos and chipotle mayo brioche roll ($12) cannot be overlooked. Wash this down with a BAM: for the uninitiated, that’s a blueberry, apple and mint slushy ($5). Don't miss it. Collective Espresso really is a bit of a local secret. It's assured to satiate any craving without needing to travel far, and that's even if you do need to come via train. Reliability in a cafe experience all too often equals boring, but this is far from it.
Being stuck in isolation can take its toll and Melburnians are the last people in Australia that need to be reminded of that. If you've found yourself back in iso for the umpteenth time, do all those home-based activities that help you unwind and de-stress so once you're released back into the wild you'll be raring to go. Whether you're jumping on a meditation app or getting some locally-made bath products delivered to your door, these self-care ideas will hopefully get you feeling somewhere north of 'fine'. And, if you've got got a mate who's been hit by the iso fairy, these items would make a thoughtful gift (hint hint, nudge nudge). SOOTHING CANDLES Want to transform your pad into an aromatherapy haven? If that candle collection is in need of some fresh talent, you'll find some absolute gems being created by Melbourne fragrance house SOH. These bespoke candles feature scents like the fig-heavy Green House and the Mediterranean-inspired Libertine. Meanwhile, Gather & Harvest's natural soy wax candles are housed in glass that's hand-cut from recycled bottles in Bali. Jump online to order scents like basil and cucumber, rose geranium and cafe mocha, shipped to your door. The candle jars are reusable and refillable, too. [caption id="attachment_814441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Monstera via Pexels[/caption] LUXE BATH ADDITIONS If you've got a bathtub, you've got a luxurious makeshift spa treatment right there in the bathroom. Light a few candles, throw on your favourite tunes and make that next bath a proper event. Local skincare label Dindi Naturals will level-up bath time with products like a relaxing plant-based bubble bath blend, and bath salts infused with native lemon myrtle and kunzea. Geelong's Planet Fizz sells a mix of fun bath salts, soaks and bubble bath blends online including the lolly-inspired Fizzy Bath Crumble, which you scatter into your bath water. Or get a taste of the Peninsula Hot Springs at home with its signature products available to buy via the online store — from mineral magnesium bath salts to a range of rejuvenating natural clay blends. DECADENT BODY SCRUBS If your ideal self-care routine involves a clean slate (and by slate we mean epidermis), a good body scrub is a requirement. Slough away stress (and dry skin) with some body products from one of these Victorian brands that deliver to your home. Sustainability-focused Ocean Road has an all-vegan range, featuring a nourishing body scrub made on rainforest fruits and coconut shell. Babe Australia's dry scrubs boast rejuvenating ingredients like green tea, coffee and Himalayan pink salt. And if you check out the high-end spa-inspired products from Salus, you'll find a purifying eucalyptus and rosemary scrub created with bamboo and pumice. They also offer free shipping Australia-wide. MEDITATION Meditation has a stack of physical and emotional benefits. Among other things, the practice is thought to help reduce depression, alleviate stress, manage anxiety and improve sleep, so it's a worthwhile addition to your daily iso cycle. If you aren't already a zen lord and could use a bit of guidance, the widely-used Headspace app simplifies things with a simple beginners course that teaches the basics of meditation in just a few minutes a day. Award-winning app Calm has its own variety of meditation lessons, along with expert-taught masterclasses, guided exercises and relaxing soundscapes you can use in your future meditative endeavours (you can also listen to Harry Styles soothingly discuss his dreams). And more in-depth online meditation courses are offered by the likes of Melbourne Meditation Centre and the Zen Room. [caption id="attachment_814161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christin Hume via Unsplash[/caption] ESSENTIAL OILS As wellness experts will tell you, essential oils can have a whole swag of benefits for your health and mind — including some that can prove especially handy during a stressful stint in iso. And if you want to give them a whirl, there are lots of local companies slinging their therapeutic oils online. Nunchi has game-changing products including an uplifting Sunny spray, a calming yoga blend and the new Golden interior spray — designed to boost the welcoming energy of your home. Castlemaine's Mimosa Botanicals offers a range of oil blends that'll help elevate your home space (with free shipping on orders over $39.95). And if you're battling iso insomnia, the sleep savants at The Goodnight Co have a whole variety of oils and other products aimed at helping you get some much-needed shut-eye. [caption id="attachment_814443" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manki Kim via Unsplash[/caption] A STASH OF QUALITY TEA Whack on the kettle, raid the pantry and cosy up with one of your favourite tea brews, or shake things up by trying something new from a top Victorian producer. The Yarra Valley Tea Co has a hefty assortment of certified organic goodies available on its online store, including the concentration-elevating Think Straight blend. Indigenous-owned cafe and food business Mabu Mabu has some tasty loose-leaf tea varieties in its line of signature pantry products — jump online to get the spiced chai infused with native botanicals, or an aromatic strawberry gum and wild hibiscus blend delivered straight to your door. Love Tea is another local brand specialising in organic teas, with a huge range of options available for shipping across Australia. [caption id="attachment_765411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hello Botanical[/caption] PLANT LIFE Get a fresh dose of nature into your living space with a new plant — no nursery visit necessary. There are plenty of delivery plant stores that can get a new leafy mate sitting on your doorstep ASAP. Online plant and gift retailer Vine Boy is slinging an affordable curation of potted indoor plants and accessories, with prices starting from $39. It has also got a tidy range of extras to add on — think, candles and coffee — with free shipping available on orders over $85. Meanwhile, Hello Botanical offers same-day delivery (Melbourne and Geelong) when you order from its extensive online plant store before 12.30pm (11am for Geelong). [caption id="attachment_745750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unyoked, by Luisa Brimble[/caption] A FUTURE OFF-THE-GRID HOLIDAY Any stretch of isolation is improved with a light at the end of the tunnel. So give yourself something great to look forward to and book 'future you' a getaway with plenty of wide open spaces. If you want to stick with a mindful escape, start the search with Unyoked, which has a collection of tiny house stays located on secluded properties across Victoria and interstate. Each micro-retreat features comfy amenities like bedding, a hot shower and a bar fridge, though you can look forward to being offline — and one with nature — for the duration of your stay. Your tiny house might be nestled by a wooded creek, perched on a working farm, or set high on a mountain overlooking rolling hills. Either way, you'll only find out the exact location after you book; which just adds to the excitement and anticipation. Top image: Mindspace Studio via Unsplash
Just because the days are getting fresher needn't mean scrapping your beloved weekly brunch routine. Half Acre's light-filled atrium space proves a primo weekend setting, even right through the depths of a grizzly Melbourne winter. Especially thanks to the South Melbourne eatery's newly hatched weekend brunch offering, which is dishing up a bottomless New York-inspired feast every Saturday and Sunday from April 26. Taking cues from the Big Apple's Soho House, this luxe buffet brunch is all-you-can-eat — so, make sure you head along hungry. It features a generous banquet spread loaded with shakshuka eggs in a tangy tomato and pepper sauce, challah french toast with rosewater berry compote, and oven-roasted figs with stracciatella, kale pesto and olive. But what really dials up the weekend vibes here is Half Acre's self-serve DIY bottomless bar, stocked to overflowing with citrus and vodka options, alongside a rainbow of trimmings, from cinnamon sticks to ginger crisps. Unleash some brunchtime creativity as you customise your own boozy concoctions to match the eats. And how much will all of this mid-morning boozing and eating set you back? A very reasonable $65. To reserve your spot, head to the restaurant's website. Half Acre's bottomless brunch banquets are running from 11.30am–2pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Tacos slathered with salsa. Chips dipped in hot sauce. A sliver of cheese accompanied by a zesty relish. Whatever your favourite food happens to be, it probably tastes better with a condiment — and, like everything from artisanal gin to plants to cocktail ingredients, there's now a curated delivery service dedicated to flavour-adding substances. Meet Condimental, which bundles a heap of pickles, preserves, sauces, seasonings and relishes into a box and brings it to your door. If an image of a boring Christmas hamper just popped into your head, then this service will wipe it away. On the menu is a changing range of limited-release and seasonal items from Australian suppliers, aka the types of condiments that you won't find in any old supermarket. [caption id="attachment_707077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Condimental's launch box.[/caption] Condimental also leans into the concept of exclusivity — not just via its selection, but courtesy of its limited-run editions. Only 100 boxes are available with each release, and while you can't subscribe to receive a box every time the service starts shipping a new batch, you can sign up to be notified when a new edition becomes available. In other words, if you're keen on watermelon pickle, habañero and oak hot sauce, umami seasoning, fermented tomatillo salsa picante, or bread and butter pickle, then you'll need to get in quick. They're the items on offer in the first delivery, with the launch release costing $65 plus a $15 delivery fee. For more information, visit the Condimental website.
Renowned Malaysian brand Tealive has 500 stores located around the world, but this Melbourne spot is a little different. Housed in a former Swanston Street ATM, it's set to be one of the smallest bubble tea stores in the world. Clocking in at just 4.4 square metres, it has room for just two staff at any one time. Despite its size, Tealive's new hole-in-the-wall serves up an impressive amount of teas a day thanks to its convenient (and busy) location, directly across from the State Library Victoria. [caption id="attachment_761812" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Unsurprisingly, this store's working a smaller menu than the rest of the brand's 500 international outposts, celebrating Tealive's best-selling bevs. Roll past for drinks like the silky roasted milk tea loaded with grass jelly, an iced matcha latte featuring warm pearls, the strawberry custard smoothie and a range of fruity iced teas, along with a milk tea soft-serve dessert. It's an entirely cashless operation, so you simply order and pay via the electronic display out front. And while this store's got a tiny physical footprint, Tealive is also making moves to up its environmental game across all global outposts. It's swapping out plastic straws for paper alternatives and even sells its own range of reusable bubble tea tumblers. Images: Eugene Hyland
If you're an inner west fan of God's gift to vegetables — that is, chips — boy, do we have some news for you. Melbourne own ethical fast food institution, and promoter of some of the best chips in the universe, Lord of the Fries is opening a new store in South Yarra. The much-loved Aussie chippery first hit the streets in 2004 as a food truck in Melbourne and has since opened a tonne of stores both here and interstate. The Lord's offerings sit atop a 100 percent vegan menu, using oil free of chemicals, preservatives and animal products. In addition to the addictive fries, menu items include plant-based patties, hot dogs, nuggets and shakes, as well as its recently launched all-day breakfast and vegan ice cream sandwiches. To celebrate the opening of the Toorak Road street store, it'll be giving away free burgers and fries on Friday, August 30. The first 50 customers that stop by at midday will receive a free mini burger, and anyone who pops in between noon and 7pm will snag a free cup of fries.
Thornbury has scored itself a new locals' haunt which, thankfully, doesn't live up to its name. In fact, Nasty's, the new kid on High Street, is nice as pie. It's the first venture from hospitality veteran Nick Matheson, who found himself choosing the northside suburb for his long-planned watering hole after a raft of friends moved in nearby. Cheerfully low-key with a warm, homespun vibe, Nasty's has been dubbed so in a nod to Matheson's own ironic nickname. Step inside and you'll discover a space that forgoes trendy trimmings for a more personalised haul of upcycled treasures, which are fairly representative of its owner's style. Think knick knacks, potted plants and a fun mix of seating that includes deep Chesterfields and revamped car seats. A lively green and orange mural is splashed along one brick wall, and, through the back room, you'll spy an old-school ironing board enjoying a new life as a table. As with all good neighbourhood haunts, there are cosy corners and nooks aplenty, including a secluded beer garden out back. Though, in a joint like this, you're just as likely to find yourself hanging with new mates in the front bar. [caption id="attachment_712398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy.[/caption] The drinks list sticks with the same sweet-and-simple philosophy as the fit-out. Headed up by a six-strong rotation of local tap brews, which currently includes Abbotsford brewery Moon Dog, the drinks menu also features a tight lineup of spirits, a handful of ciders and wines. There's no formal cocktail list, but if you have a chat to Matheson, he'll happily whip you up something, and a food offering is en route soon. Find Nasty's at 806 High St, Thornbury. It's open from Monday–Friday 4pm–1am and Saturday–Sunday midday–1am. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Thanks to your long-suffering folks, beach umbrellas were one of those childhood perks you enjoyed without any effort on your own part, like an endless supply of free snacks or piggybacks on demand. It meant you could spend the whole day at the beach in comfort rather than leaving, red and blistery, after two or three hours when endless dips in the ocean are no longer effective. Basil Bangs' beautifully designed beach umbrellas will allow you to spend a sensible day at the beach while still looking hip. The ‘Calypso’ and ‘Princess and the Pea’ umbrellas have pretty white fringing, or if you want yours a little more masculine, the ‘Chaplin Stripe’ is a classic black and white. If you're struggling to find something for Christmas for that fashionable friend with discerning taste, the umbrella that Missoni designed in collaboration with Basil Bangs will be sure to win brownie points. Concrete Playground caught up with Lauren Boyce and Mike Durante, the two talented halves of Basil Bangs, to find out what makes them and their business tick. Tell us about the name, Basil Bangs. We’re always being asked, “Who is this Basil Bangs character!??”. Well, Basil Bangs is the mysterious dude behind our loud and proud range of premium sun umbrellas. We joke that he’s related to James Boags (they’re cousins). We’re often revealing little clues to our Facebook fans about Basil’s world & who he is with his favourite gigs, dining experiences and of course his favourite places to hang out poolside or with sandy toes. What would be Basil’s perfect day in Sydney? Basil starts his perfect day in salt water. He rides his cruiser to the beach for a surf check. If the surf’s on, he’s out there. If it’s really perfect, no wetsuit’s required, it’s offshore & no-one’s out!! Basil loves the farmers markets at Bondi so he’ll often pick up some breakfast ingredients. Then it’s brunch and coffee time with papers and a picnic rug at the park, sharing the shade cast by a BB Mr Huckabee with his lady and his border collie. After that, there might be a BBQ with mates on the cards, or a cruise into town to check out the latest books, or pop into an exhibition at Object. A snack at Bourke Street Bakery is always on the cards if he’s in the neighbourhood (he’s got a sweet tooth that one!), otherwise a favourite spot to shoot the breeze or have a relaxed meal with mates is The Commons in Darlinghurst. For evening entertainment he’d catch The National playing at The Enmore or an emerging act at The Basement, or perhaps the end of the Bicycle Film Festival down at Bondi. Basil’s arm can always be twisted for a nightcap somewhere cosy…he’s currently enjoying a nice Cognac. Where do you get your inspiration from? We’re passionate travellers and really admire how Europeans do beach. So chic. We love the Slim Aarons’ work, how he captured the incredible summers in the 1960s and 70s is truly inspirational. That period was a time of such optimism and risk taking. Our friends and family are a happy and very funny bunch who always give us new ideas. It’s awesome to see the little-ies start to enjoy the shade these brollies offer. The sandcastles are going to get epic. It’s a much easier way to be sun smart than the beach tents – and let’s face it, far more beautiful! Our goal is to surpass the beach tent as the shade of choice this summer. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out? Hmm, well, you can easily underestimate how long it takes to do things, especially when you’re doing everything yourself and sometimes learning from scratch. We also launched during the GFC, which was interesting timing! It made us really work hard to ensure value and quality so in the end it was a good thing. Basil Bangs isn’t about being the cheapest thing around. What we do want is to be long lasting, to be easy to use, and to wear with you. Everyone loves the vintage brollies you see at markets or the back of garages that have such personality. In 30 years we hope our brollies are a collector’s item too. We are really passionate about what Basil Bangs is and stands for, so when we see one of our brollies being used on the beach, or hanging out in a park, it makes all the hard slog worthwhile. How do you choose your materials? We choose our materials for durability, quality, the job they’re meant to do, and equally important, how great they look. How did the collaboration with Missoni come about? As massive fans of Missoni, we bandied around the idea of doing something with them when we first started. In the end we just approached them, and here we are. I think that having a high quality, design-led product that they don’t currently have in their range already was the trick. And how gorgeous is it? They make all the fabric in Italy in their own mills. We would love to keep on revealing a different Missoni Brolly each summer but we’ll see…. Can your umbrellas be used in places apart from the beach? Yes absolutely, anywhere you need some shade. We’ve seen them being used on little balconies above a small table and 2 chairs, in backyards, on patios and decks. They’re ideal for people in apartments because they’re not too big and can be easily stored away. We take ours pretty much everywhere we go; it’s always in the car for 'just in case'. The Chaplin Stripe has even been used for daytime weddings where some chic shade was required but they didn’t want a marquee. So many options : ) Any words of wisdom for people thinking of starting their own brand? Do your research, do your sums, make sure you have clear goals, and most importantly: HAVE FUN! How will you spending your summer? Morning swims and surfs, twilight dinners, on our bikes, at the markets, enjoying all the amazing exhibitions that come to town, eating…lots, seeing some of the many great gigs, cruising around Sydney Festival First Night… and of course we’ll be reading Concrete Playground for any ideas! What is the best thing about summer in Sydney? What a question! Hmm the best thing about summer is Sydney! It’s…that the ocean stays brisk…eating gelato from Messina or Pompei’s on a steamy evening… smiley, happy people around town…drinking shandies…the fireworks…barbeques…holidays… What’s your favourite Sydney beach? Well, we’re based in Bondi so of course we think North Bondi is pretty great. That said, we can’t narrow it down to just one beach. Our pick for harbour side swims are Parsley Bay Reserve and Redleaf, and for beaches it’s Bronte, Freshwater, and Palm Beach. Honestly though, there are just too many stunning spots to choose from. We’re pretty blessed here in Sydney!
Nothing's better than hitting an indoor mini-golf course for a few holes of pop culture-themed fun on a Monday night. Holey Moley in the CBD features three nine-hole courses across two levels, plus pun-friendly beverages (see: Long Island Iced Tee) and rooms dedicated to The Simpsons, Game of Thrones, Pacman and Barbie. Plus, everyone can break out into song all together at the karaoke section of the course. Holey Moley is open from 12pm on Monday, so you can duck out of work early, and practice your putt from the arvo until late.
Radical, revolutionary and just downright ridiculous, the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert (or "the playa" as it is called) is one of the most mysterious and mind-bending festival experiences anywhere in the world. For one week over the Labor Day weekend in August/September tens of thousands of curious backpackers and new age hippies come together to create the temporary metropolis of Black Rock City, a psychedelic celebration of alternative art, community, self-expression and the creativity of the human spirit. Beginning in 1986 on San Francisco's Baker Beach where a few mates burnt a wooden effigy of a man, Burning Man is now a cultural phenomenon like no other with the eclectic mix of body art, DIY sculptures and revelrous bicycle-riders fused together only by a deep sense of mutual respect and this year's deliberately ambiguous theme of "Fertility 2.0". While the yearly ritual of burning a giant wooden effigy remains a constant, the festival otherwise seems to defy any simple definition or explanation and, until you have experienced it for yourself, attempting to describe Burning Man is "like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind" according to the event organisers. So as long as language remains insufficient, here is a photographic tour through the intoxicating world of Burning Man 2012. The 60,000 person metropolis of Black Rock City The famous bicycle-riding culture of Burning Man includes bikes of all sizes Personal expression is not just encouraged but a mandatory component of Burning Man The otherworldly Cloud 9 A laser light show The sky is literally the limit for Burning Man participants Dreamtime Circus light up the stage with their fire twirling performance As the sun goes down, the festival goers get ready to fire up Aerialist Indi-Lou stuns the Crowd with her lyra act This spiralling art installation really gets the party blazing The only thing Burning here is Indigo's throat after the infamous drinking games
Nestled in the heart of Yarra Valley wine country in Healesville, Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar (from the co-owner of Cumulus Inc of the same name) has been serving up the goods for two years now. And in honour of that fact, it's throwing a four-day birthday party, from January 26–29. The festivities will be kicking on from 12pm each day, with a lineup of live tunes and DJs headlined by Ennio Styles, bringing the groove to the flower-filled cellar door. A bumper drinks offering is set to pour locally-focused cocktails and brews alongside the winery's celebrated crop of vino. And, for an extra celebratory touch, there'll even be champagne available by the glass. Meanwhile, the weekend's food offering will centre around tasty things served hot off the charcoal grill — complete with a $75 two-course menu featuring plates like wood-grilled flank steak with café de Paris butter, and a freekeh salad with shanklish. Add-ons include grilled Skull Island prawns, fresh oysters and local cheeses courtesy of Stone & Crow.
If you're looking to kick off this next turn around the sun with a healthy session of live tunes and a good old-fashioned New Year's Day boogie, be sure to put Coburg Velodrome on your radar. The northside's legendary open-air party destination will launch into 2022 with the next iteration of Sun Cycle. The respected music heads at Crown Ruler (Duke Street Block Party, Freedom Time), Untitled Group (Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Ability Fest) and WAT Artists are back to deliver another tasty start to another new year, featuring a top-notch gathering of local and international acts, as well as striking visual installations. Helping to ring in 2022 with a well-deserved bang will be Japanese electronic legend Soichi Terada, New Zealand brother duo Chaos in the CBD, London-based DJ Bradley Zero and our very own Roza Terenzi. Sounds from Aboriginal rapper Briggs and rising soul-pop star Akosia are also in the mix, along with diverse sonic offerings from other homegrown acts like Sleep D, Tornado Wallace, Jennifer Loveless, Zjoso and Surprise Chef. Visual thrills from the likes of Alchemy Orange, Rhys Newling and Mikaela Stafford will round out the day's fun. You can register here for presale tickets, which go on sale at 6pm on Thursday, November 4. General public tickets will then be on sale from 12pm on November 5. Images: Natalie Jurrjens
Mary Eats Cake is known for serving one of the best high teas in Melbourne — with bottomless scones — in both its Brunswick and Montrose sites. But it is switching things up from Sunday, December 1–Sunday, December 22, by running a bunch of festive specials. First, the team has designed a decadent Christmas-themed high tea ($75 on weekdays and $79 on weekends) that includes a mulled wine spritzer on arrival, festive scones, Christmas cookies and a mini pavlova. There are also a few limited-edition a la carte offerings up for grabs for those who want a sweet treat but don't want to dive all the way into a towering high tea feast. This includes gingerbread french toast, a turkey toastie, Christmas scones and a pumpkin spiced latte. A few festive hampers have also been put together, featuring Christmas pudding, gingerbread cupcakes, macarons, hot chocolate powder, cookies and marshmallows. You can even nab a four-inch chocolate Christmas cake decorated with vintage piping and buttercream flourishes.
It's always tough saying goodbye to old friends, especially when you've shared countless sweaty hours on the dance floor, bonding over epic tunes and pre-dawn parties. So it's with misty eyes that Melbourne bids farewell to iconic music destination The Mercat Basement, which this week shuts its doors to make way for the Queen Victoria Market's grand redevelopment plans. But after almost ten years, there's no way this underground institution is going out without a bang. Punters are invited to enjoy The Mercat's warm, bass-heavy embrace one last time, for its grand exit this Saturday, February 11. Kicking off at 10pm, expect appearances by some long-time Mercat mates, including Tornado Wallace, Francis Inferno Orchestra and Otologic. Unfortunately, there are zero pre-sale tickets on offer for this one, so if you're hoping for a final Mercat dance floor session, we recommend you start lining up early. Image: The Mercat / REUP.
More than 50 Australian music acts will perform by the shore this February 12 when St Kilda Festival returns for another year. A regular feature on the suburb's cultural calendar for three decades and counting, this summer celebration of music, culture and food is all going down on a (hopefully) sunny Sunday on the St Kilda foreshore. The free fun begins just after 11am and runs well into the night. The Smith Street Band, Emma Louise, Drapht, Indigenous musician Archie Roach, Ainslie Wills and Daryl Braithwaite are just a few of the acts you can expect to see across a total of seven separate stages, stretching from Catani Gardens to the south end of Acland Street. In addition to the music, the festival will host a tonne of extra events and activities, ranging from bubble soccer and beach netball to aerial silks classes Bollywood dance workshops and a Latin street carnival. There's a lot going on — for more information, visit their website. Images: Jim Lee.
After creating an instant hit with inner-north food truck park Welcome to Thornbury, the 300 Burgers Group is back for round two. The team is continuing its northside foray with a new venture in collaboration with famed Sydney-based brewery 4 Pines. Together, the duo has opened a new 450-person food precinct, brewery and beer garden in Brunswick. Located behind Sydney Road's Brunswick Mess Hall, 4 Pines Welcome to Brunswick is a little smaller than its Northcote sibling indoors, but outside it boasts a much roomier, park-like outdoor zone, decked out with loads of lush greenery, paintings by local artists and a solid spread of both sunny and shaded areas. And yes, it's all as dog-friendly as it sounds. The food offering comes courtesy of a rotating food truck lineup, with up to four vendors on-site each night. Expect regular appearances from favourites like Mr Burger, Woking Amazing, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks and Nem n Nem, all backed by dishes from the Mess Hall kitchen, which you can also order from. Meanwhile, the beer lineup is set to feature entirely 4 Pines brews — and, come 2020, all of them will be brewed in the on-site brewery. Signatures like the summer ale, pale ale, pacific ale and kolsch star alongside the brewery's seasonal Keller Door releases, which, at the moment, includes the Margarita gose and the El Dorado IPA. An environmentally sensitive design by Breathe Architects is heavy on the recycled and reclaimed materials, which include kegs that've been up-cycled into stools. Welcome to Brunswick's commitment to sustainability also includes composting 100 percent of its organic waste (including all of its bowls and plates) and future solar panels, with a long-term aim of producing all of its energy on-site. Find 4 Pines Welcome to Brunswick at 1 Frith Street, Brunswick. It's open from 5–10pm Wednesday, 12–10pm Thursday, 12pm–midnight Friday–Saturday, 12–10pm Sunday.
Malvern might be accustomed to welcoming new cafes, but Leah Blefari is accustomed to the difficulties of eating out with particular dietary. And this is why, perhaps, her new café Tonic & Grace stands out from the Glenferrie Road crowd. Nestled in near Malvern Station, Tonic & Grace has a menu almost entirely made up of vegan and vegetarian fare, with the option of adding a sly egg or bit of smoked salmon here and there. All inclusive of vegos, vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free folks, the cafe is doing a couple of things to the beat of their own drum — and it's a worthy drum to be banging. "80 percent [of the menu] is vegan," says Blefari. "So people that are vegan or gluten intolerant don't need to worry about what's in their food. There's still the option of adding different proteins for those who don't have dietary restrictions. The whole idea was to flip the coin — usually people with dietaries have to chop and change; how about we make it easier for them and let everyone else add on what they like?" Blefari's menu includes some of the classic brekky goodness Melburnians have grown to love and demand from their city, including — of course — the omnipotent smashed avocado. This one's vegan though, served with quinoa, beetroot hummus and a sesame crumb, and "people go crazy for it," says Blefari. There are also multiple — six — milk choices, ranging from soy to rice. The cafe's range points to inclusiveness everywhere it can, something Blefari sees as an integral focus. "We want people recognising that everyone does eat differently and that it's ok. I would love to make some waves, seeing that other cafes follow suit and have all the dietary requirements accessible for people," says Blefari. Future plans for Tonic & Grace will stretch beyond breakfast options. Blefari wants the cafe to be a one-stop, on-the-way-back-from-the-train-station effort for the folk of Malvern, and is looking at providing ready-made, fresh meals for those too busy to cook. "Clean, fresh, take home meals, sort of like Hello Fresh… on your way to or from the train station, if you want some dinner, we'll have it there waiting for you — that's the aim." With big goals (and milk selections) abounding, our interest is certainly piqued. The "Nyctophilia" certainly helps: dark chocolate and pea protein pancakes, with strawberries, walnuts, salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache — made from raw cacao — and, of course, all vegan and gluten free.
Houseboats are the aquatic equivalent of packing up a camper and taking yourself where the road leads. Rather than traversing the neverending highways that cut across our broad country, why not try cruising the rivers and waterways that trail like veins through some of the remarkable landscapes Australia has to offer? From fishing on the Ord River to skippering your own sailboat in the Whitsundays, sleeping on a boat opens up a whole new world of adventure holiday. For a cruisy vacation you haven't thought of yet, here are our top ten picks of houseboats around the land, and a couple that aren't technically houseboats, but provide an unmatchable experience on the water nonetheless. FIVE STAR SPA, WISEMAN'S FERRY, NSW Able Houseboats on the Hawkesbury River has a berth for 12 people, and as the name suggests, has a nice spa for soaking while boating. Wiseman's Ferry only takes an hour or so to reach by car from Sydney, so the boat is perfect for a cheeky weekend on the river. A weekend for 12 people on the stunning Hawkesbury River starts at $4820, which is starting to verge on the exxy side, but can you really put a price on happiness? Particularly happiness induced by houseboat? THE RIVERDREAM BOATEL, RENMARK, SA So, there's a luxury houseboat, then there's an insanely luxurious houseboat. Then there's the Riverdream. Boasting five king-sized bedrooms, a spiral staircase that leads you to the control room, a tinted ceiling, central heating, barbecue and everything short of its own helipad, this is the houseboat that Elton John would probably hire if he had any interest in houseboats. Operating along the Murray River, this boat shows off some of the most picturesque landscape that South Australia has to offer, all in the comfort of a floating five star resort. Prices start at $180 per night, per person. OCEAN SPIRIT, HOPE HARBOUR, QLD It's a general rule with boat-bound holidays that the stronger the pun, the better the boat. So Ocean Spirit (from Fantaseas) has to be one of the best boats out there. Ocean Spirit is moored at Hope Harbour, just north of Surfer's Paradise. It has four bedrooms, all lined with leather and panelled with polished wood, plus a barbecue on deck and what's that? A spa? Yep, there's one of those, too. Midweek prices in the normal season start at $3200 for four nights, and the boat can sleep you and 11 friends. CRUISE AWAY, WALPOLE-NORNALUP, WA A houseboat getaway doesn't mean you have to take a whole squad of mates. Instead, tear it up peacefully on the waterways with a romantic getaway for two. Cruise Away, a four-berth houseboat moored in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park on the southern tip of Western Australia, provides ample opportunity for exactly that. Cruise through the park, set off up the rivulets on the dinghy provided, try your hand at fishing for dinner, or simply sit on the deck and soak up the natural beauty of this less-explored landscape. Three nights in the peak season starts at $1225. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, KUNUNURRA, WA From the bottom of Australia's western edge to the top, Love At First Sight is a six-berth houseboat moored in Kununurra on the banks of the Ord River. This boat will take you away from the hubbub of urban living into the complete embrace of nature. Keep a line out for bream, catfish and even barramundi to catch yourself your very own dinner. Prices start at $1500 for three nights in peak season. PINK LADY, MILDURA, VIC It's all too often that a holiday house is a stark reminder that you've travelled far from the comforts of home. Pink Lady, however, aims to make this less and less obvious with an injection of what All Seasons Houseboats call the Platinum Indulgence. The boat has all the trimmings necessary for a fancy hotel, including a barbecue, spa, bar and a fitout worthy of a luxury hotel. Prices for a three-night sojourn on the Pink Lady start at $3200, but the upshot of this is that some of this coin goes towards the Breast Cancer Network Australia. HERO, ECHUCA MOAMA, SA Another entry on the list that isn't exactly a houseboat, but worth mentioning nonetheless. Echuca Moama sits on the banks of the Murray River, and has long been known as the paddle steamer capital of Australia, but only by those who knew Australia has a paddle steamer capital. Hero organises overnight stays in the floating hotel, where guests experience the luxury of 1874, the year that Hero was built. The crew do their best to maintain the beautiful interiors, which only accentuate the views of the countryside as they scroll past. The cost of staying on Hero varies, depending on your stay. SCALLYWAG, BLANCHETOWN, SA Although houseboats are an amazing idea for groups, it's always nice to spend a little time with just you and a special someone. In that case, the two-berth Scallywag has you covered. You can crew Scallywag, just the two of you, up the Murray River, soaking in the rugged scrub that lines the riverbanks. The queen bed sits below a panoramic window, so you can watch the moon and stars as you sleep. The roof is decked with timber, so there's plenty of space up there to soak in the sights. Scallywag is moored at Blanchetown, and prices start at $1050 for three nights in the normal period. LEOPARD 48, WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, QLD Houseboats, given their general lack of the ability to brave any kind of surf, usually stick to rivers and canals. But what if you're feeling like an overnight holiday on the ocean? Bareboating uses the same principals as houseboating, where you acquire yourself a boat, a skipper and crew it yourself, and then return it when you're done. Whitsunday Escape provides everything from sailboats to powered yachts, including the very fancy catamaran, Leopard 48. Nightly rates for the five-star boat start at $1950 per night in the peak season, but when split between 11 mates, that's not too much to pay to captain your own sailboat around the Whitsunday Islands. SOLWAY LASS, WHITSUNDAYS, QLD While not exactly a houseboat, I think we can all agree that the Solway Lass definitely deserves to be on this list. I mean, look at it. It's a pirate ship. Tours start out at Airlie Beach, and the skipper takes you on a three-day voyage around the Whitsunday Islands, so you can cruise about on a 100-year-old pirate ship without worrying about having to steer the thing. The trip carries you to Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, and through a whole heap of bushwalking opportunities. Prices start at $560 per person for three days with meals included, and accommodates groups of up to 30 people.
Having a chef as the owner of a cafe means you're going to see some pretty special things on the menu. Having two chefs as the owners of a cafe means you're going to see an epic menu that's going to have you returning again and again. That's the set-up at Third Wheel in Highett, Melbourne. Chefs (and married couple) Jen Anstey and Mere Herewini opened the popular cafe in the winter of 2023. The pair are joined by friend and business partner Suzy Kyriakopoulos (who they jokingly refer to as the third wheel, hence the name) in a venture underpinned by a combined 60+ years in the hospitality industry. In fact, the gang go way back. Jen and Suzy met while working in a cafe together back in 2007, where Suzy was head barista and manager, and Jen worked her way up to head chef. Mere had joined that team a few years back, but when the opportunity for premises came up in 2023, they jumped at the chance. Only a few months after opening, the trio won the prestigious Toby's Estate Local Legends Award, beating out all other Toby's Estate cafes in Victoria, and it's not difficult to see why. The care and attention they put into the experience they provide to customers, from the food and drink to the atmosphere, is clear to anyone who walks through the door. Suzy is described as "the chatterbox of the three", and the group take pride in the fact they've "put together a Front of House team that matches her joy in providing a retreat to everyone". The food is what grabs the attention, though. All dishes are made in-house, and the menu is Jen and Mere's place to shine. As they put it themselves: "We love constantly creating new weekly dishes. The inspiration comes from our travels and even viral online trends. We like to touch on all different types of cuisines, putting our own spin on popular meals. We're a real fusion, showcasing flavours from all around the world. Decades of working in kitchens means we have the confidence and ability to create dishes we're proud of". This all means the menu is ever evolving, but gnocchi, teriyaki chicken soba noodle salad, and prawn and saffron arancini with lemon and caper aioli have all graced the specials board in times gone by, and the team are open to bringing back popular past favourites if the public demand it. As they put it, "The three of us work really well together. Watching people enjoy what we offer brings us all a lot of pride." An enthusiastic team clearly in love with the industry were always going to be great guides to the local area. We caught up with Suzy from Third Wheel to get the skinny on what's hot in their corner of Melbourne. What's your coffee order? Latte is my go-to, although as it gets warmer, I do love an iced latte. Do you have a secret trick for making the perfect cup? No secret, really, although I'm very big on cleanliness. There's nothing worse than serving coffee from dirty equipment. I also always tell my staff nothing tastes better than something made with love. Knowledge of the product and love for what you do will always show in what you serve. From your food menu, what's the perfect pairing with a morning coffee? Nothing beats starting the day with a latte and our eggs benedict: a great coffee and our house-made hollandaise served over poached eggs and grilled bacon – perfection! What made you choose to open in the area you're in today? We're excited about the changes happening in the area. Very excited to spend the next few years growing with Highett and the families that live in the area, helping to create a little foodie hub in the suburbs. Where's your favourite local spot to grab a drink after work? We're so lucky, just down the road, we have Hawker Typhoon. It's a perfect place for an after-work drink. What's the most underrated spot for dinner in your area? We are lovers of Bounty of the Sun in Balaclava. Probably one of the best Japanese restaurants. The service there matches their amazing food. Where do you like to go to escape in nature nearby? We love the beach; Half Moon Bay is a favourite. It's a great place to go for a swim and grab some fish and chips from Cerberus after work. Any other local small businesses you think people should support? Galleries, barbers, gyms, retailers, etc. Highett Gelato, right across the road from us, makes amazing ice cream.
Playing corpses revived from the dead in upcoming big-screen release Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, Aunty Donna don't drink any morning brown. They will when they next hit the small screen, however, because their new ABC sitcom is all about the topic. Well, it's set in a cafe. Indeed, the show is called Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe. And that eponymous brew-slinging spot? It's named — you guessed it — Morning Brown. Get yourself a cup of laughs when the series hits ABC this April, starting screening weekly on TV at 9pm on Wednesday, April 12, and dropping all of its episodes via ABC iView at the same time. The show was initially announced in 2022, and unveiled a first sneak peek at the end of last year. Now, there's an official trailer and that just-revealed release date. Consider Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe prime viewing with Aunty Donna's $30 bottle of wine, after you're done reading the Always Room for Christmas Pud picture book, and if you've already watched Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun — aka one of 2020's best new shows — more times than you can count. It stars Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, of course, who fittingly return to the network nicknamed Aunty after Aunty Donna's Fresh Blood hit iView back in 2014. Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe's premise: three best mates run a cafe in one of Melbourne's laneways. Their coffee-slinging establishment is trendy, but the stretch of pavement it's in on isn't. Also, they don't quite have the experience or skills to do the job, but that definitely isn't stopping them. As well as cups of morning brown — and hopefully the song about them getting a whirl — will the cafe be open on Christmas and serve up a little bit of pud, too? You'll have to watch to find out. But, there will be bad reviews to deal with, court dates, and evil spirits who have a fondness for Gardening Australia. Oh, and Aunty Donna's absurd sense of humour remaining firmly intact, naturally. "Hello it is us Aunty Donna, and not an evil robot that has taken Mark, Zach and Broden hostage. We are so excited for all the humans to see our new comedy program Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe," said the comedy troupe. "We are especially thankful to the entities known as ABC and Screen Australia and Vic Screen, but mostly we are thankful to all the machines that work tirelessly for us with no thanks. We are fine and do not need help nor rescue." Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe will also feature a heap of guest stars, including Miranda Tapsell (Christmas Ransom), Pia Miranda (Mustangs FC) and Richard Roxburgh (Elvis). You'll also spot everyone from Shaun Micallef and Tony Martin to Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, Steven Oliver and Sam Pang. Check out the trailer for Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe below: Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe will start screening on the ABC at 9pm on Wednesday, April 12, with all episodes available to stream via ABC iView at the same time.
Nick Stanton, Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg and Jon Harper made a splash with their much-loved South Yarra diner Ramblr...and even more of a splash when they announced its sudden closure earlier this year. But the Chapel Street space has just scored a fitting successor, reincarnated as the guys' latest venture, Leo's By The Slice. New sibling to fellow hits Leonards House of Love and Leonardo's Pizza Palace, the Chapel Street restaurant is an ode to the classic pizza slice shops of New York City. And, while it might share some DNA and name inspiration with the rest of the stable, Leo's is proving it's very much its own animal. In front, expect a cosy space that nods to the takeaway joints and Pizza Huts of your childhood, complete with familiar red laminate benchtops, chequered floors and group-friendly booths. Beyond, lies a moody back bar where you'll happily find yourself shooting pool and kicking back over a few post-pizza craft brews. [caption id="attachment_738002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] The menu is a short, sweet and simple lineup of eight pizzas, available only by the hot, cheesy slice. But don't go expecting anything too similar to that of Carlton sibling Leonardo's – here, it's all about that authentic New York-style pie, crisp-edged and pliable. You'll find the likes of a classic pepperoni, a loaded meatlovers and even plant-based options including the vegan Chinese bolognese (a nod to an old Ramblr signature). Swing by at lunch (12–4pm) and you can team a slice of margherita with a can of Grifter beer for an easy $9.99. The drinks lineup is concise, but interesting, with craft beers, natural wines and easy-drinking cocktails. A vending machine has more brews, alongside a tidy range of Leo's merch. Find Leo's by The Slice at 363 Chapel Street, South Yarra. It's open Wednesday–Sunday, 5pm–midnight. Images: Kate Shanasy
To be afraid of death is one thing, but to be afraid of interesting conversation is another. Intelligence Squared is hosting a debate — Euthanasia Should be Legalised — this Wednesday about the decision to take death into one's own hands. Should it be legal? If it's okay for the terminally ill, is it okay for anyone? Will it be abused by the greedy or the malicious? Legalisation of euthanasia will be supported by Dr Phillip 'Dr Death' Nitschke, vocal international euthanasia activist; ethics expert Loane Skene; and Victorian Health Commisioner Beth Wilson. Opposing legalisation will be Dr Shakira Hussein, an expert in injustice and violence; William Silvester, a frontrunner of compassion and forward planning in medical treatment; and Scott Stephens, the ABC's ethics and religion commentator. Hosted by philosopher and ethicist Dr Simon Longstaff, the conversation should be heated, intense, personal and fascinating. Image by Steven Depolo.
