Has a year without travel left you craving a sun-drenched jaunt to the other side of the world? Well, you might not be able to enjoy the real deal just yet, but you can indulge in a pretty convincing make-believe session at new South Yarra bar and bistro Vesper. Opening its doors from Tuesday, February 2, this newcomer is out to transport diners to the sparkling islands of the Mediterranean, with the help of a seafood-heavy menu spiked with a variety of regional flavours. Italian chef Francesco Castellana (Vue de Monde, New York's Per Se) is heading up the kitchen, where he's sating those travel yearnings with elegant, holiday-worthy plates — including almond gazpacho featuring olive oil-poached mackerel, plus Sardinian-style fregola with pecorino and saffron-braised abalone. There's an expansive raw bar selection, showcasing bites like house-cured swordfish finished with pickled grape and baby fennel, and marinated vegetables teamed with a buffalo yoghurt tzatziki. The red snapper fillet comes with a side of preserved lemon salmoriglio, as well as potato and caper puree, while the lamb cutlet is crusted in pistachio and mustard, served alongside an artichoke skordalia. When Vesper starts welcoming in patrons, Melburnians will be greeted by a front dining space that's both warm and lively, with rich brown banquettes, mirrored accents and striking floral walls. Hidden beyond, however, is a secret bar and dining room that beckons for pre- and post-dinner drinks, complete with an adjacent leafy courtyard. In the venue's back space, you'll be able to escape the rush with a secluded tipple or two from the classic-leaning cocktail lineup — a tight selection featuring a range of summery spritzes and a nod to the vesper martini crafted on Four Pillars' Olive Leaf Gin. There's also a curation of boutique wines sourced from across Europe and Australia, and a mix of local and Mediterranean beers in the fridge. Find Vesper at 25 Toorak Road, South Yarra, from Tuesday, February 2. It'll be open from 5pm until late Tuesday–Saturday.
Melbourne's Fitzroy and Sydney's Newtown are arguably cut from the same cloth — a statement well supported by the Best Served Loud series, which is being thrown by Sydney brewers Young Henrys. Kicking off in Fitzroy North's Tramway Hotel on Saturday, March 23, the series celebrates the strong and resilient live music scenes which provide threads of creative energy throughout Australia's two biggest cities. "Bands should always get paid, music should always be accessible and venues need to be supported to remain open. This is us playing our part in that ecosystem" said Young Henrys co-founder Oscar McMahon speaking about the series. The free monthly gigs will be scattered across Melbourne favourites like The Standard Hotel, Nighthawks, Bendigo Hotel and Northcote Social Club. On Saturday the four-person Jade Imagine band will be heading up the event, supported by indie artist Gena Rose Bruce to follow.
These cats are the oldest and most established single malt distillery in Australia (well, as well as the mainland's concerned). Its drops are so good they've been exported from their central highlands base in Ballarat to France, Germany, Sweden and the UK. But unfortunately (for those overseas, that is), local demand has meant exports have been reduced to supply only the local market. And what lucky ducks we are. Our current favourite is the peated malt whisky: complex tobacco smokiness intermingles with toffee and honeycomb. A definite gold rush from beginning to end. If you want to visit the North Bayswater distillery, you'll have to book a tour. At the moment, they run every second Saturday and cost $55, which includes a tasting at the end.
Last month, Ian Strange turned a Richmond house into an artwork, to explore urban isolation, vulnerability and the universal need for shelter. Now, a bunch of teachers from Swinburne Uni have similarly treated the home as canvas. But, this time, they've plastered it with mirrors. Every square centimetre of wall surface on the dwelling at 27 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully is covered with mirrored bricks. There are over 1800 altogether. Called Untitled House, the project is part of Knox City Council Immerse Arts Festival, which runs 11 November to 11 December. "The Great Australian Dream of home ownership is being challenged in contemporary Australian life," artists Roh Singh, Larry Parkinson and Morganna Magee explain on the festival website. "[It's] becoming an ephemeral idea, one that many are watching slip from the horizon. The concept of the tangible disappearing out of sight and out of reach is one of the central intentions." The mirrors represent this ephemerality. As the house occupies a high position, they mainly reflect the sky and distant views of the Dandenong Ranges. "This clad structure reflects and absorbs the changing ambience of its surroundings," the artists write. "We hope to echo a sense of disappearing, bringing a symbolic impression of the house being lost to the environment." Meanwhile, the interior has been transformed into a gallery. A series of artworks draw on installation, sound art, photography and architectural interventions to explore notions of home and place, compelling viewers to reflect on their memories and ideas. The house is open on Wednesdays (10am – 1pm) and Saturdays (10am – 4.30pm) between November 15 and December 9. Admission is free but you should book a spot through the website in advance. Images: Rhiannon Slatter.
Arlechin has had a pretty rough road to success, struggling to get back on its feet following a few COVID-19-enforced closures. But the Grossi family (Grossi Florentino, Puttanesca, Cellar Bar, Ombra) hasn't given up on this little late-night bar in the CBD, having decided to reopen on Friday, May 24 with a new food and drinks lineup. Guy Grossi and his team have kept the wines as they were — focusing on Italian and Aussie drops — and have enlisted Arlechin's new Bar Venue Manager Russell Branford (ex-Lakehouse Daylesford) to dream up a whole new cocktail menu. He's had some fun with these, especially when creating the puttanesca martinez. This cocktail is inspired by the classic pasta sauce, and is made with chilli-infused gin, red vermouth, a black olive reduction and Bittermens Hellfire bitters. There's no tomato in this bad boy, but the savoury notes will definitely play tricks with your tastebuds. Branford has made another five signature drinks for Arlechin, alongside a few classic Italian cocktails that have each had little upgrades — think barrel-aged negroni or a champagne cocktail finished with a Campari-soaked sugar cube. It wouldn't be a true Grossi venue without the chef's signature style of contemporary Italian cuisine. At Arlechin, you can pair your bevs with salumi boards and generous bowls of pasta (including Grossi's beloved midnight spaghetti), as well as fun bites like bolognese jaffles and crumpets topped with whipped baccala. "The beauty of Arlechin is its location and offering," says Grossi. "If you're dining at one of our sibling restaurants and looking for a nightcap to continue your evening it's just a short walk around the corner. If you're after a pre-dinner snack, there is a selection of smaller share plates but if you want to stay put, we have plenty of substantial dinner options too. Our menu truly embraces the essence of Italian simplicity and sophistication whilst complementing the drinks list.". Arlechin will relaunch on Friday, May 24 and be open 5pm–1am, Wednesday to Saturday. For more information, you can visit the venue's website.
The restaurant behind last year's legendary 29-cheese gnocchi creation, it's safe to say South Yarra's Cucinetta has a soft spot for pillowy potato dumplings. This cosy eatery specialises in generous pasta dishes, alongside a slew of other traditional Italian fare, its weekly-changing menu heroing top local produce and home-style cooking. In good news for true aficionados, a new handmade gnocchi dish appears with each Tuesday's new menu. These days, you might find yourself sitting down to a version made with rocket pesto and swordfish, a fusion of crab, clams and cherry tomatoes, or perhaps a seasonal concoction of Italian sausage, pumpkin cream and truffle oil. Plus, the kitchen also serves up cacio e pepe straight out of a pecorino wheel every day of the week.
With Australia banning non-essential events with more than 100 people due to COVID-19 — and mandating that everyone arriving from overseas self-isolate for 14 days, too — Melbourne's arts and cultural scene has started to go into shutdown mode. The city's major institutions have already announced temporary closures, and now the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is joining them. While MSO has announced that it's suspending all concerts with audiences in attendance from Monday, March 16–Monday, April 13, it's planning to host an online concert series — because, even if audiences can only watch and listen online from their couches, the music must go on. The series kicked off with a live-stream of Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade at Hamer Hall on Monday, March 16, followed by MSO's Beethoven & Mendelssohn gig on Thursday, March 19. Then, the series will show recordings of past performances that have never been seen online before every Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. Music lovers can check out the performances via MSO's YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/MCBYvd5LKa4 Updated: Monday, March 30, 2020
We all love a good wine crawl, touring regional vineyards to sip and snack a weekend away. And Morris of Rutherglen has always been a decent spot to add to a High Country getaway, having made fortified wines since 1859. But now that it just unveiled a multi-million-dollar renovation, it's got to be one of the region's best — especially as you can drop by to taste not only the team's fortified wines but also its newer single-malt whiskies. The new atrium-style cellar door boasts a large wrap-around bar and tasting room that looks out on its century-old wine barrels and recently landscaped outdoor area — which is primed for summertime sips. It's even got interactive exhibitions showing visitors how fortified wine and whisky are made. A more subtle — but no less significant — part of the makeover is the restoration of the original 1930s copper stills, as well as the establishment of a new program for repurposing local wine barrels to age and finish the whisky. "We are thrilled to unveil the newly renovated cellar door and whisky distillery to the local community and visitors to the region," shares Morris of Rutherglen's Micheal Sergeant. "This project represents our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation while staying true to the heritage and tradition that has defined Morris for generations." You can either book ahead for tours and tastings, or simply drop in during its opening hours to sample some of its top tawnies, muscats and whiskies. You'll find Morris of Rutherglen at 154 Mia Mia Road, Browns Plains, open 10am–4pm every day of the week. For more information, visit the venue's website.
The key to staying fresh all summer long is hydration — and having the perfect swimming spot to chill out in when things really heat up. Whether you need to get your splash-fix via a luxury staycation, a little beach day or heading into the bush for some true serenity, we've got a hit list of Melbourne swimming spots to suit every citysider or off-road adventurer. Best of all? Every single one is easy to reach on a day trip, so you can pack your swimmers and towel and head out at the last minute on the next sunny day. Don't forget to pack your M.A.C Cosmetics Fix+, too. The cult hydrating face mist will not only keep your skin refreshed and hydrated on the way there, but it'll also help your makeup stay in place while you splash about — so you can go straight from the beach to the bar, if you so wish. Some of the swimming spots on this list are not patrolled by lifeguards. To ensure you stay safe, head here for tips on water safety.
Tatt fans can celebrate all the creativity and diversity of the tattooing world at the Inked Expo, an all-new body art festival coming to the Melbourne Showgrounds the weekend of February 10-12. The event will be a showcase of exceptional tattoo art, with world-renowned artists such as Emily-Rose Murray, Chris Nieves, Karlla Mended, Luke Dyson, Camilo Camargo and more showcasing their skills, live in person. In fact, more than 220 artists and vendors will be displaying their work and offering walk-ins, flash tattoos and pre-bookings across the weekend, so it's perfect timing if you're in the market for a new piece. Acclaimed tattoo artist and event founder Chris Jensen has pulled together a diverse lineup that extends beyond tattooing. Live music, discussion panels, awards, food trucks and even "ink off" battles are all on the bill, as well as a child-friendly "Kidz Corner" where kids can experiment with (temporary) sleeve tatts. Tickets for Inked Expo are available now and will set you back $35 for a day pass, $65 for a two day pass, and $75 for a three day pass (with free entry for kids under 13).
If you like nabbing bargains, then Christmas has come a month early in 2022. Black Friday is here, and sales, sales and more sales are popping up everywhere on and around Friday, November 25. So, maybe you're keen to treat yo'self to whatever is on your wishlist. Perhaps you're getting your festive shopping done early. Or, you could be getting a jump on your 2023 holiday planning. If it's the latter that has you most excited about Black Friday, here's a destination to add to your itinerary: the Northern Territory. Via Tourism NT and a range of holiday providers, you can now score $89 flights to Australia's Red Centre and Top End, plus up to 25-percent off holiday experiences. [caption id="attachment_846391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] The specials are running for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and those $89 airfares will take you from Sydney to Uluru with Jetstar. The full range of flights includes discounts to both Uluru and Alice Springs from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns, with all fares under $150. Also on offer: packages via Flight Centre, some including airfares, all with hefty discounts. Flights, accommodation and a three-day cultural getaway at Uluru start at $1435, or you can get the same setup for a wildlife and desert ranges jaunt in Alice Springs from $1380. Hotel-only packages start at $503 per person for four nights in Darwin, if you're travelling as part of a couple — and, whether you're just nabbing flights, hotels or both, there's a heap of tours and experiences up for grabs for cheap as well, with discounts between 20–25-percent off. Fancy a self-driving tour of the Red Centre? That's on the list, too, and so are Kakadu jaunts, and hitting up waterfalls and national parks. Basically, if you haven't yet made the trip to the NT, this sale gives you zero excuses to keep it that way. To check out the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday deals, head to the Tourism NT website. First top image: Tiwi Island Retreat, Tourism NT. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Carrie Bradshaws of Melbourne, it's time for a little celebration. Miss Louise is having a massive sale and if you're a shoeaholic (own it) you'll be wanting to get down to Collins Street stat. While it's cold and miserable out there, this is one golden opportunity opportunity to update your wardrobe before spring — and reward yourself for not entirely hibernating. Serious shopping sprees mean serious fashion names. Chloe, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Balenciaga — the gang's all here and they'll be treating you to some pretty special discounts. Think up to 70% off. Our tip? Get in early and snap up the best deals before everyone else twigs. And prepare yourself for a spot of confrontation — let's be honest, some people will do anything for good shoes. There's never been a better moment to create your own urban shoe myth, let your inner Carrie out and saunter to Miss Louise where all your favourite fancy foot friends will be waiting.
This sushi bar/supermarket is the mysterious Japanese food repository you never knew you needed. If you're looking to make something yourself, the shelves are your friend. Find anything from koroke to katsu, gyoza to green tea Kit Kats, and a mammoth amount of bottled sauces and everything you need to make ramen. Oh, and sake and shochu. Over at the sushi counter, a range of 89 options will be available. There are more traditional varieties like your sashimi and nigiri platters, and then more unique creations like the salmon aioli with squid and egg salad.
Thanks to home cocktail kits, how-to books and amassing a hefty spirits collection, anyone can whip up a top-notch boozy beverage without leaving the house. But sometimes you want that tipple shaken and stirred for you, and you don't want to venture too far. Enter UberEats new Bar in a Car, aka a travelling tavern that's brought to your door — but is only cruising the streets for a few days. Sydneysiders and Melburnians, this drink-sipping experience can be yours in January, with Bar in a Car hitting the road in both cities. Book in a slot and you won't just get cocktails poured in your driveway, however. You'll also score Stefano Catino of Sydney's Maybe Sammy — which is frequently named one of the best bars in the world — doing the honours by hosting onsite masterclasses. "On Uber you can go anywhere or get anything — including amazing experiences to share with your family and friends,"said Catino. "The Bar in the Car is the perfect way to extend summer at home for one last hurrah before you have to head back to the grind." Bar in a Car is doing the rounds in Sydney from Thursday, January 19–Tuesday, January 24, including two days in Manly, two in Bondi, one in Summer Hill and one in Parramatta. Then, it makes the trip to Melbourne from Saturday, January 28–Sunday, January 29, focusing on Richmond and St Kilda for one day each. Inside the vehicle, it truly does look like a tiny bar — a miniature neighbourhood pub, in fact. The Bar in a Car has taken over a former military vehicle and can fit in six, with sessions running from 3–9.30pm daily for $40. A huge caveat: booking ASAP is recommended, with some timeslots already sold out. If you nab a Bar in a Car visit, you'll receive a 30-minute cocktail experience, nibbles to snack on, limited edition goodies and a cocktail kit of your choice to make afterwards — spanning Messina choc hazelnut martinis, Brix spiced spritzes and The Gearshift, which is made with Hellfire Bluff's sloe gin. UBEREATS BAR IN A CAR SCHEDULE: SYDNEY: Thursday, January 19–Friday, January 20 — searchable in Manly Saturday, January 21–Sunday, January 22 —searchable in Bondi Monday, January 23 — searchable in Summer Hill Tuesday, January 24 — searchable in Parramatta MELBOURNE: Saturday, January 28 — searchable in Richmond Sunday, January 29 — searchable in St Kilda The UberEats bar in a car is hitting up Sydney from Thursday, January 19–Tuesday, January 24 and Melbourne from Saturday, January 28–Sunday, January 29. Hit up the UberEats app to book.
Whether focused on steak joints, restaurants in general, bars, hotels, beaches or places to travel to, there's no shortage of rankings proclaiming the standout spots to spend your time, or just to live overall. Another one seems to pop up almost daily. In fact, one more has just joined the ever-growing array, and it's a hefty addition, with the first-ever Oxford Economics Global Cities Index naming the top 1000 cities worldwide. Use it as a must-visit list, a guide if you're thinking about a big move or to add fuel to one of Australia's enduring pastimes: arguing over which Aussie city tops the rest. According to the index, Melbourne earns the honours this time, coming in ninth globally. But just as the Melbourne-versus-Sydney debate starts firing up again, the latter didn't do badly at all, sitting in 16th. Australia has six cities in the top 51, with Perth ranking 23rd, Brisbane in 27th place, Canberra taking out 44th and Adelaide just missing the top 50. The nation scored seven cities in the top 100 and also in the full 1000, thanks to the Gold Coast placing 81st. To make its selections among the planet's largest 1000 largest cities — which you'll find in 163 different countries — Oxford Economics looked at five broad factors: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. It also outlined a top ten for each category, with Down Under spots earning some more love there. While no Aussie cities placed in the top ten for economics, environment or governance, Sydney came eighth in human capital, which considers educational attainment, universities, population growth, age profiles, the diversity of the population and corporate headquarters among its indicators. The second-best place in the world for quality of life, which takes into consideration life expectancy, income per person, income equality, housing expenditure, recreation and cultural sites, and internet speed? Canberra, the only Australian city in the top ten there. The Gold Coast placed 95th, Perth 135th, Brisbane 146th, Adelaide 152nd, Melbourne 185th and Sydney 230th. Over in New Zealand, Auckland placed highest at 59th on the complete list of 1000, followed by Wellington at 69th and Christchurch at 87th. All three ranked NZ cities also earned a position in the environment top ten (which covers air quality, emissions intensity, natural disasters, and temperature and rainfall anomalies) and took out the three top spots in the governance top ten (where institutions, political stability, business environment and civil liberties are assessed). Back to the overall rundown, New York emerged victorious over the other 999 cities in the index, followed by London in second. Returning to the US, San Jose came in third. After Tokyo in fourth and Paris in fifth, the next three places were again American cities, with Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco receiving the nod. And rounding out the top ten after Melbourne is Zurich. For more information about the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index for 2024, head to the organisation's website.
Since 2005, Northcote Social Club has been known as a spot for bands, beers and big nights — and this winter, it'll be marking two decades as a key destination in Melbourne's live music scene with an appropriately massive birthday blowout. On Monday, June 30, the northside hotspot is kicking off a stacked birthday program dubbed 20 Gigs for 20 Years, with two months of shows and parties featuring some of the artists and communities who have helped to shape the venue's story so far. Expect live sets from favourites like Kingswood, Nai Palm, Augie March, Briggs' new band Big Noter (pictured below) and heaps more, as well as curated takeovers by PBS, Northside Records, Collective Artists and Poison City Records. The celebrations will conclude with a huge closing party on Friday, August 29 — the lineup for that night is still under wraps, but no doubt the venue will officially enter its third decade with a serious bang. And because Northcote Social Club has always been about community as much as chords, it's inviting anyone who's enjoyed a drink or a dance floor moment to drop a note or a photo into its front-bar letterbox — and by sharing your memory of the venue, you can win free tickets, a food and bev voucher, or a merch pack. Plus, anyone who buys a ticket to any of the 20th anniversary shows will go in the running to win the NSC Golden Ticket: 12 double passes to any shows over the next 12 months.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the five-star, adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive five-night travel deal — including a discounted room rate, complimentary massages and a bunch of extra goodies. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? There are so many islands in Fiji to choose from when holidaying to this tropical part of the world, but this particular private island offers up a totally kids-free travel experience. And, Tokoriki Island Resort is all about luxury — with the proof in the countless awards the spot's won for its lavish offering. If you're looking to really treat yourself on your next vacay, staying here is sure to do the trick. THE ROOMS The entry-level accommodation at Tokoriki Island Resort comes in the form of small beachfront bures. These 60-square-metre freestanding rooms look fairly rustic, but come with aircon, modern furnishings and a gorgeous outdoor tropical shower surrounded by lush gardens. You even have a cheeky hammock outside your bure for post-swim hangs with a book and glass of vino in hand. Then there are the upgrades: go for your own bure with a private plunge pool or one of the larger villas that come with or without a pool. No matter which accommodation you choose, you'll be surrounded by nature and have uninterrupted views across the surrounding beaches and coves. THE DINING When you're staying on a private island, you are fully dependent on your accommodation to provide food — so it better be good. Thankfully, these guys don't miss a beat on the dining front. For breakfast, we recommend ordering the floating champagne breakfast. When lunchtime rolls around, head to the restaurant, dine on your own balcony or get the team to make you a beach picnic hamper. This stellar offering is nothing compared to the long list of dinner options. Get around the à la carte menu championing South Pacific and Asian cuisines — using locally sourced ingredients — or splash some cash on one of the extra-special dining experiences. There's the four-person teppanyaki feast, the champagne and sashimi degustation out on the jetty or the romantic private sunset dinner. Each and every meal served at this luxury Fiji resort comes with a side of sweeping beachfront vistas. You really won't get tired of these views. [caption id="attachment_877271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook Sabin, Cloud 9 floating bar courtesy of Tourism Fiji.[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA Tokoriki is one of the many picturesque Mamanuca Islands in Fiji — and it has been privately owned for over 25 years. That means you won't find hordes of tourists here. It's a sanctuary surrounded by wild natural surrounds. And it's pretty easy to get to as well. If you jump in a chopper from the main airport on Nadi, you'll arrive in about 15 minutes. Or if you go by boat (which is included in the deal we are slinging on Concrete Playground Trips), it will take about an hour. Once you're here, you can explore the long white-sand beaches and lush rainforest or jump on a boat and tour around the neighbouring islands. There are over 20 islands located in this tropical archipelago, with a few floating bars also dotted about for good measure. It's in a prime position for guests who want to do a little island hopping in Fiji. THE EXTRAS This is a five-star tropical island resort, meaning you'll find extras aplenty. You can do the usual snorkelling around the local reefs or learn to scuba dive, or you can do something a little different — think fishing trips on a catamaran, small-group tours to nearby islands and a series of bespoke couple's activities. And if you book our five-night stay at Tokoriki Island Resort, you're set to receive loads of extras. This includes complimentary massages, cocktail tastings, daily afternoon tea, snorkel trips around the local reef and return transfers by boat. It's all sorted for you — just book your flights, pack your bags and get ready for one incredibly luxurious holiday in Fiji. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Port Melbourne's venues have undergone many transformations over the years, but perhaps none more so than number nine Waterfront Place. The venue, which sits squat alongside the Spirit of Australia ferry terminal, was the first to move into the area 15 years ago. Since then, the restaurant has undergone many conceptual changes at the hand of its original owners, who still look after the site today. Noom Duck is its most recent reincarnation. And while still in its infancy at just under a month old, this newest development shows a lot of promise and room to grow. They've nabbed ex-Chin Chin chef Steven Ngo chef to head the kitchen — which should tell you a lot about their intentions — and create a menu that places classic and modern Asian-style dishes alongside the staples expected of a traditional seafood restaurant, without necessarily blurring lines between the two. For example, there's the tour de force seafood platter for two ($85 per person), but you can also order a no-frills serve of butter chicken. But the menu really excels when the kitchen turns a knife to reinvent ingredients that have become somewhat naff in Asian cooking. Barramundi breathes again as a fish cake ($24.50), thanks to thin and freshly sliced green apple, cabbage, mint and crushed peanuts and a refreshing sweet pork salad. A crispy fried half duck ($36) is well rendered, dry where it's meant to be and moist where it counts. It's a strong choice if you're sharing, and is served with a ginger nuoc cham dipping sauce, banana blossom, shallot and fried chilli salad. Coconut sago with vanilla bean ice cream ($12.50), topped with crunchy toasted coconut, fresh fruit and a miso caramel sauce is ambitious. And while you feel the sauce is neither perfectly miso or caramel, it's a clear winner for dessert and really rounds out Noom Duck's best hand. Fresh, quality ingredients served both confidently and boldly is what Noom Duck do best. And with a little time to refine their offering (and perhaps sharpen their culinary message), Noom Duck looks to be a seaside summer hotspot if it can rise to its obvious potential.
Sometimes, your tastebuds crave something special. They hanker for the kind of dish you're not going to eat every day, aka a treat yo'self type of culinary experience. Here are three things that they'd likely demand in that situation: lobster, truffles and champagne. If that sounds like your idea of an indulgent meal, Lobster & Co has you sorted between Tuesday, May 31–Sunday, July 10, which is when it's returning to the Arts Centre Forecourt for a fresh season of decadence. As always, you'll only find those three aforementioned items on the menu, too; the Lobster & Co van is solely serving lobster rolls with truffle fries and flutes of champagne. You'll pay $50 for the food combo, which features a whole confit lobster tail sourced from The Geraldton Fishermen's Co-op in Western Australia, served warm on a caramelised brioche bun with buttermilk fennel slaw, plus a side of parmesan truffle fries. A chilled glass of the champers will cost you $20 extra. Pull up a seat at one of the umbrellaed tables on the forecourt to enjoy your lobster, chips and bubbles while gazing out over the Yarra, and send those winter blues packing. Images: Karon Photography.
Brisbane comes alive in summer. Riverside bars and restaurants fill up with people taking advantage of longer days, barbecue smells waft throughout the city's parks and arts and culture venues host all manner of summer events. Yes, you can certainly run away to beaches along the coast for spectacular nature-filled getaways. But when you want a city break, this is the ultimate way to do it. From sunup till sundown, here's how to spend a weekend in the River City when you're treating yourself to a weekend break, whether it's your first time visiting or you're a Brisbanite looking to make the most of what the city has to offer. [caption id="attachment_698056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane Powerhouse's Wonderland Festival[/caption] FRIDAY Kick off your weekend Brisbane break by finding a premium sunset spot. We have two easy options for you. First off, there's Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Head up here to watch the sun go down over Brisbane's skyline, so BYO picnic hamper. Another one of our favourite ways to experience Brisbane's vibrant sunsets is by heading down to the water. You can walk alongside the river or hang at one of the many bars that dot its banks, but we think you can go one step better by going on a leisurely sunset kayaking tour. Operators like Adrenaline and River Life have guides who'll take you to the best sunset viewing spots. An unbeatable sunset view is an ideal prelude for an evening experiencing Brisbane's thriving arts and culture scene. Head to Fortitude Valley comedy bar Blute's Bar to see big Aussie names working on new material as well as newbies who may just surprise you with true silliness, Brisbane Powerhouse for a diverse array of both international acts and the best of Brisbane's local alternative arts scene, or QPAC for a big-ticket stage show. [caption id="attachment_875466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Motion Dining[/caption] SATURDAY If you didn't go too hard the night before (or if you stayed up all night long), we say you should sneak in a sunrise viewing from Mt Coot-tha. Seeing Brisbane and its surrounds slowly wake up to the sun's golden glow is a magical experience — and one that's only a 15-minute drive from the CBD. From here, make your way to the Powerhouse Farmers Markets, and browse over 120 stalls showcasing all kinds of foodie delights. Expect fresh farm produce, flowers and artisan products, as well as food trucks and coffee kiosks — more than enough, in other words, to set you up for a big day of exploring. Next, take your bounty to the adjacent New Farm Park (pictured below). This is one of Brisbane's oldest and largest parks, so you won't struggle to find a secluded spot where you can graze well into the afternoon — while doing some sly people watching as well, of course. [caption id="attachment_876238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael (Unsplash)[/caption] Suitably fuelled, hop on the ferry from New Farm Park and head to South Bank and the impressive Gallery of Modern Art. Here you'll find a whole host of exhibitions and film screenings showcasing the work of local and international artists as you see firsthand just how far Brissie's arts and culture scene has come in recent years. If you're wanting to take a glimpse at Brisbane's burgeoning local arts scene, head up to Fortitude Valley to spot some eye-catching street art. We recommend you take it at your own pace, exploring the local area with a self-guided tour. Once you've got your art fix, the sun will be starting to dip and you'd have likely spent a lot of time on your feet. Our tip: unwind in style with cocktails and bar snacks at The Charles', set within the luxurious surrounds of The Westin Brisbane. Settle in for a sundowner at this sleek lobby bar an antipasto platter that'll whet your appetite for dinner. Once you've warmed up the cogs of your stomach, it's time for dinner — and why not treat yourself to an evening of local produce? You can do just that at the stylish Motion Dining, where executive chef Peter Iwanczyk oversees a diverse menu that puts locally sourced ingredients front and centre. Whether you take a seat at the chef's table overlooking the theatre of the grill or you nab an al fresco riverside table, you'll be treated to some of Queensland's freshest seafood, premium steaks and more. [caption id="attachment_827832" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Three Blue Ducks[/caption] SUNDAY Sundays are made for taking it easy. That's why our go-to Sunday morning activity in Brisbane is a leisurely stroll through the City Botanic Gardens. This centrally located park is an oasis of calm located right on the river. Take your time wandering the grounds, taking in the views with a necessary coffee in hand. For brunch, it's all about Three Blue Ducks. This restaurant's ethos centres around paddock-to-plate dining — that means everything you get is locally sourced, seasonal and respectfully prepared. It's also pretty damn tasty, so you'll quickly understand why this is one of Brisbane's favourite breakfast destinations. Walk off your brunch by visiting Brisbane's much-loved Riverside Markets. Every Sunday, this patch of the riverbank transforms into a mini festival with live music, food trucks and stall after stall selling local wares. Pick up a few last-minute souvenirs here, bringing some memories of this Brisbane city break back home with you. Looking to make the most of your next city break? Find your home away from home with Marriott Bonvoy. Book your stay now at the website. Top image: Brisbane Local Marketing (Unsplash)
Durex is about to launch its Naked Box project, a design competition that will let your work be seen by naked people everywhere. Specifically calling for young designers, the Naked Box competition offers a rare opportunity for emerging artists to work with a global brand and have their work showcased around the world. If you're quite keen on drawing, design, or otherwise have an arty bone in your body (pun gleefully intended), Durex wants you to help them out by designing their new condom pack, to be sold globally. This means your designs could be the first thing people turn to during critical moments in bedrooms from Brisbane to Bratislava. While you're not allowed to be too rude and have to mind your language, the Naked Box competition website offers tools like Vibrating Pencils and Ribbed Rollers to help you out in the design process. There's also a design gallery where weekly winners are announced so that you can see what you're up against. Aside from the grand prize, there's also a bunch of other assorted cool stuff you can get your hands on, including iPads, underwear, t-shirts and other non-specific Durex paraphernalia. To enter, all you need to do is submit your design through Facebook. Entries open on March 7 and close on April 17 at midnight GMT, so there's plenty of time to get designing. Punters can also vote on Facebook for their favourite designs and evaluate each entrant's hard work for themselves.
The Athlete's Foot pride themselves on helping you find your fit, and if you haven't found a fun run that suits your exercise style yet, you're in luck — we're coming up to the major running event season for 2013. While nothing like an actual marathon, fun runs range from the absolute crazy to the absolute gruelling. Whether you're in costume, taking a stroll, or crawling through mud, some things remain the same: it's a great way to get fit, socialise, and have some fun. If you're planning to do one or more of these, make sure you've got the right shoes to tackle all the obstacles. The folks at The Athlete's Foot pride themselves on excellent service and really know what shoes you need. Drop into one of their 130 stores nationwide or shop online. They have footwear solutions for muddy runs and colour runs, and they know all about the shoe technologies to keep you ahead of zombies, Spartans, and more. 1. The Zombie Escape Survival Challenge One of the most inventive fun runs around, and in keeping with the current zombie fad, the Zombie Run pits runners against zombies. Runners must brave various obstacles while pursued by 'zombies', who have professional make-up applied before being let loose to go after the runners' brains. The organisers' recommendation for preparation is "Run. Watch zombie movies. Run some more." Spectator tickets are available for those who wish to purely watch the action. When and where: 13 April (Brisbane, Gold Coast), 13 May (Sydney), 13 June (Melbourne, Perth)Length: 5kmCost: TBC, pre-register here. 2. Cupid's Undie Run Purported as putting "the hilarity back into charity", the Cupid's Undie Run tells hopefuls to leave their Sunday best at home and don nothing but their underwear. Participants raise money for the Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia, an organisation dedicated to fighting neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder which can cause deafness, blindness, cancer, and chronic pain. Runners are rewarded for their good deeds with prizes, post-race entertainment, drinks, and awards. Get in the spirit with some cool red, pink, or purple Nike Frees — flexible footwear in great colours for the run. When and where: The weekend before Valentine’s Day at Bungalow 8 and the Barangaroo Foreshore Walk, SydneyLength: 1.5kmCost: $30 3. The Color Run The Color Run certainly puts the fun into the run. Decked out in white shirts, runners are blasted by volunteers, staff, and sponsors with a new colour each kilometre: pink, orange, yellow, blue, then a mishmash of colours for the final stretch. Stick around at the finish line for more colour, food, and activities. Participants are encouraged to raise money for charity; the Color Run has a different charity partner for each city. The run in Sydney supports HeartKids Australia, which provides support to children with heart disease and their families. When and where: 10 February (Sydney) at Sydney Olympic Park, with other capital cities throughout the yearLength: 5kmCost: $55 (solo) or $50 (4+ group) 4. Tough Mudder The Tough Mudder run means taking a cup of tough with a spoonful of humour. Designed by British Special Forces, the run is an obstacle course which tests strength, endurance, and solidarity but is more enjoyable than a marathon. 'Mudders' work in teams, with the option of wearing outrageous team costumes, and are greeted at the end with live music, beer, and good cheer. A season pass is available for entry to all Australian events, including those already sold out. When and where: 13 & 14 April (Sydney), 17 & 18 August (Sunshine Coast), 14 & 15 September (Melbourne), 12 & 13 October (Sydney) or 26 & 27 October (Perth)Length: 18–20kmCost: $80-$180 5. Spartan Race The Spartan Race is no joke. In a bid to transport participants back to ancient times, the race, a little sibling of the Spartan Death Race, is set on harsh terrain with obstacles of fire, water, mud, and barbed wire. The first races in the season are 'Sprints' of 7km, which progress to 'Super' of 14km and 'Beast' of 21km. People can fly solo or register as a team, and the Spartan Kids race allows children to experience some of the challenges. The race is followed by food, drink, and stalls. When and where: 2 March (Melbourne), 16 March (Sydney) and 22 June (Brisbane)Length: 7km (Sydney, Melbourne) or 14km (Brisbane)Cost: $85-$95 6. Mother's Day Classic - Sponsored by The Athlete's Foot Kill two birds with one stone by getting fit and raising money for breast cancer research. People can choose to run or walk the easy Mother's Day Classic course, which has a 4km or an 8km version. If you are one of the fastest, or have the largest school team, corporate team, or friends and family team, you could score a trophy. It's a perfect day out for the family, with entertainment, food vendors, and kids’ activities, such as face painting and jumping castles, on site. Participants can be sponsored for their run or walk by setting up an online fundraising page. The Athlete's Foot is one of the major sponsors of this event, and you should look out for their stand after you complete the race to score awesomely rewarding treats (like their 'I did it!' medals last year). Make sure you get fitted properly for your training in your nearest store, and join them on Facebook — we hear rumours they are giving away lots of tickets for free, plus training tips, training nights, and more very soon. When and where: Mother's Day, 12 May, at The Domain, Sydney (other capital cities and regional areas also hold events)Length: 4km or 8kmCost: $20-$50, with special prices for families 7. True Grit If you’re looking for minefields, 4 metre high cargo nets, rivers of fire, and crisscrossing routes, True Grit is for you. The term 'fun run' is used loosely for True Grit; with over 30 obstacles in each military-style event specially designed by Australian Special Forces, it is not for the faint-hearted. Two training programs assist participants in their preparation, as well as improving fitness and body strength. Their promotional videos will either entice you or scare you away from the challenge. When and where: 11 & 12 May (Adelaide), with other capital cities to be announced soon. Pre-register here.Length: 10–12kmCost: $70-$120 8. Greatest Athlete The Greatest Athlete Challenge is much more than a fun run: participants compete for the chance to appear on the Greatest Athlete TV Series which will appear on the Nine Network from September 2013. The challenge is an obstacle course with 16 obstacle stations, ranging from easy to advanced. The top 50 men and women win a place on the TV series, where they will battle against each other and well-known sporting legends for $200,000 in cash and prizes. TV-shy athletes can take the 'Adventure Challenge', a modified, non-TV version of the course. When and where: 18 May (Gold Coast, Brisbane), 25 May (Sydney), 1 June (Canberra), 8 June (Melbourne), 15 June (Adelaide), 29 June (Perth)Length: 5kmCost: $110 (Adventure), $145 (TV Series) or $350-$500 for a season pass 9. The Warrior Challenge This is an obstacle course for people who don't mind getting dirty. Stretching over forest, bitumen, mountain terrain, mud, and snow, the Warrior Challenge organises tough challenges throughout the year, regardless of the seasons. The Samurai Challenge is coming up in March, with large mud pits, huge walls, cable climbs, commando crawls, a snow pit, and prizes for the winners. Accommodation and food packages are on offer, and there's no need to worry about the kids, who can be left to amuse themselves in a jumping castle. When and where: 2 March at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, VictoriaLength: 15kmCost: $55 (early early bird), $69 (early bird) or $79 (regular admission) 10. The Great Tribal Chase Working in tribes of two to six, people scour Sydney's streets for 'checkpoints' by solving riddles on their clue sheet. At each checkpoint, there are two activities to be completed, which might be a history question or a puzzle. Tribes raise money for Good Beginnings Australia, a charity that provides support to disadvantaged children and their parents. There are great prizes for those who solve the most puzzles and raise the most money. When and where: 5 May at Sydney CBD and foreshoreLength: 4 hoursCost: $24 (individual), $49 (family) If you need some inspiration to start training, make sure you visit The Athlete’s Foot. We're also loving their latest Brooks Float or Feel range, in stores and online now.
Aussie brick enthusiasts, get excited. Sydney will join the likes of New York, London, Hong Kong and Copenhagen on the list of cities boasting a flagship Lego store later this year. The Harbour City is set to welcome the world's largest official Lego store to Sydney Arcade, overlooking Pitt Street Mall. The massive 900-square-meter site will be your one-stop shop for all things colourful plastic bricks. Lego fans can expect an interactive storytelling table that will give them behind-the-scenes looks at their favourite sets and designs, Australia's first Minifigure Factory where visitors can create Lego versions of themselves or their loved ones, and a pick-and-build wall boasting an enormous catalogue of different pieces. Official Brick Specialists will be on hand to help guide you through everything the superstore has to offer — and if you're after a challenge to get your creativity flowing, there will be in-store builds and monthly events. Basically, you'll have everything you could need to bring your wildest imagination to life via the wonders of Lego. There will also be Australia-specific elements of the store with large-format Lego sculptures of Australian and Sydney cultural touchstones decorating the space. "Supporting the Lego Group's mission to inspire and develop builders of tomorrow, the immersive new store will feature creative play experiences, with playful nods to Australian culture, that are sure to create lasting memories for every Aussie or visitor from around the world," Vice President and General Manager of LEGO Australia and New Zealand Troy Taylor says. Lego fans of all ages will be able to visit the expansive shop before the end of this year. The exact open date is set to be announced within the next few weeks, so watch this space. The flagship Sydney Lego store will open at Sydney Arcade, Pitt Street, Sydney later in 2023.
Superheroes aren't subtle. Some endeavour to blend in as ordinary people — sporting glasses that somehow trick the world into not spotting their real identities, for instance — but wearing brightly hued spandex suits isn't a low-key move. And, neither is busting out super strength or speed, or invisibility or being able to shrink, or any other preternatural abilities that caped crusaders have at their disposal. Superheroes are also everywhere, or that's how it feels when you're watching a screen big or small. So if you're going to satirise this super-powered genre, throwing nuance out the window is as essential as retaining a super-sized dose of self-awareness. For three seasons now, The Boys has understood this. Prime Video's page-to-screen parody first arrived in 2019, making the leap from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic book series of the same name. It returned in 2020 with more, and now follows that up with a third spin (dropping three episodes on Friday, June 3, then releasing the remaining five week by week). Across every instalment in all three seasons, The Boys has also gleaned something else crucial: that superhero fatigue is real and in non-stop supply. It knows that it dwells in an IRL world where every second blockbuster movie and every third TV show is about lycra-clad folks, and where anything else is becoming an outlier at the box office and in streaming queues alike. So, from day one, it has savvily set itself up as a much-needed antidote. A show about supes that's a tonic to all those flicks and other series about supes? Yes, That's The Boys. It's also gleefully OTT, unflinchingly violent, immensely funny, and so eager to push boundaries that you could be forgiven for wondering if its powers-that-be are just whipping up with the most outlandish things they think they can get away with. But The Boys isn't a respite from all that other never-ending superhero fare merely due to its tone, but thanks to its smarts. Indeed, in season three, it goes all in on one of its most pressing topics: the ideas and ideals about life that get passed down when worshipping the super-powered (and the wealthy, and just the powerful, and generally the white and male as well) is the unthinking cultural status quo. For the uninitiated, The Boys lurks in a version of reality that has supes in the flesh, not just in flickering frames. And while the marketing-driven, profit-chasing narrative pumped out around them by supe-peddling corporation Vought International hails these heroes as being better than everyone else, this show is well aware that buying that line about any celebrities is foolish. Names are changed and some details, too, but spying parallels off-screen is easy by design. Accordingly, that Vought has layered its famous figures across every platform it can, including theme parks, isn't surprising. That the supposed best of the best are packaged together as the ultimate hero team, The Seven, isn't either. Nor is the avid fandom they receive, or the film franchises sprawling around them, or the notion that spouting fawning adoration should be automatic. It's been evident since episode one that The Seven leader Homelander (Antony Starr, Banshee) uses his public persona as a shield for his twisted ego, soul-devouring insecurities, arrogance and selfishness — and, instalment by instalment, his sinister true nature keeps burning. In The Boys' third season, he may as well be America's most recent ex-President, complete with unhinged rants and an at-any-cost desperation to retain control. The comics were actually published from 2006–12, but the show they've spawned is firmly steeped in the polarised US of the past six or so years. That's another reason that subtlety hardly comes with the territory, and yet it doesn't make The Boys any less potent. The in-show alternative to Homelander's psychopathic, egotistical, world-threatening existence: the ragtag gang of vigilantes that shares the series' name. Led by cynical-as-fuck Brit Billy Butcher (Karl Urban, Thor: Ragnarok), they remain intent on bringing down Vought and The Seven, as always. About year has passed, however, and Hughie (Jack Quaid, Scream) now works with congresswoman Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit, Where'd You Go, Bernadette) at the Federal Bureau of Superhuman Affairs, countering misbehaving superheroes the legal way. That involves overseeing Butcher and fellow pals Frenchie (Tomer Capone, One on One) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara, Suicide Squad), but this wouldn't be The Boys if their battle was that straightforward. So much that happens in season three stems from that one underlying concept: that the penchant for passing on automatic superhero fandom is a symptom of a society — and of people, too — happier to rot mindlessly than do what's right. It's there in the reality TV show that The Seven's Starlight (Erin Moriarty, Captain Fantastic), also Hughie's girlfriend, hosts to find new members for the supe team. It's also in Mother's Milk's (Laz Alonso, Wrath of Man) multilayered subplot, which sees him in and out of The Boys, avenging his traumatic past and worrying about who's influencing his pre-teen daughter. Butcher's relentless quest to vanquish Homelander, also at any cost, fits as well. And, it's an inescapable part of the tale around long-missing hero Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) and everything that being a supe stood for in his heyday between the 40s and 80s. The Boys isn't saying much that's new in its third season, but it continues to bite deeper — and sharper. Finding more ways to spell out how insidious caped-crusader mania keeps getting must be as entertaining a task as conjuring up bloodier, gorier, more audacious setpieces; this season ups the ante on both, and it's equally entertaining to watch. Taking Honey I Shrunk the Kids to a brazen extreme, bringing one of its source material's most jaw-dropping storylines to the screen, tearing into toxic masculinity in a plethora of ways, getting just as savage about corporate domination: that's all on the menu, too. So is riffing on pandemic-era pop-culture moments, serving up impressive cameos, spewing guts and other bodily substances, and throwing in Britney Spears and Fast and Furious winks, plus song-and-dance numbers. Much of the above happens within season three's first episode, in fact, but The Boys definitely starts its latest go-around as it continues. And yes, that includes doubling down on the two performances that couldn't sum up this darker-than-dark, unshakeably bleak, constantly perceptive show better, with New Zealanders Starr and Urban each as hypnotic as ever as two sides of the same coin. Just don't go thinking that either of them play heroes. Check out the trailer for The Boys season three below: The third season of The Boys streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 3.
Since the first Iron Man film in 2008, Marvel has trained superhero fans well. Notching up 33 movies in its enormous cinematic universe with 2023's The Marvels and showing zero signs of stopping, the comic book company has basically taken over the big screen, with this year delivering Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, too — and, as always, there's plenty more flicks on the way. Marvel hasn't just taken over picture palaces. Via Disney+, the small screen is also home to many a MCU story, including Secret Invasion and season two of Loki in 2023. Keen to see your favourite spandex-clad crime-fighters try to save the world in person as well? Along with splashing Marvel's heroes and villains across every screen it can find, that's also coming — and soon. Marvel Universe LIVE! is exactly what it seems — and if it sounds familiar, that's because it was meant to head Down Under in 2020, but then the pandemic hit. So, when it makes the trip to Australia in April 2024, it'll be unveiling its show to Aussie audiences for the first time. The production takes more than 20 characters such as Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, teaming them up on stage and letting audiences marvel (pun intended) at their exploits. Featuring everyone from Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and the Hulk to Captain America, Doctor Strange and Black Widow, it tasks the beloved superheroes with facing off against some of Marvel's infamous villains, including Nebula, Loki and Green Goblin. And, it packages their antics with video projections, special effects, pyrotechnics, martial arts, and both aerial and motorcycle stunts. The performance is aimed at all ages and, in news that's about as unsurprising as most wisecracks that Tony Stark ever uttered, the show has proven a massive success in the United States, Latin America and Europe. As a result, it was only a matter of time until it hit Australia after its pandemic delay. Obviously, attendees won't be watching Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer), Chris Hemsworth (Extraction II), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City) and Tom Hiddleston (The Essex Serpent) — or any of the many, many other high-profile stars who feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, because that list truly seems endless. But, if you're happy to get your Marvel fix however you can, then you can do just that in arenas and stadiums around the country in 2024. Marvel Universe LIVE! will premiere its Aussie run in Brisbane, before heading to Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. "Our tremendously talented creative team and a nearly superhuman cast have created a show that brings the grandeur of Marvel to life," said Marvel Universe LIVE! producer Juliette Feld Grossman. "This production creates an experience that immerses families in non-stop action, creating movie-style thrills and jaw-dropping stunts that showcase the powers of your favourite superheroes right before your eyes." MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! 2024 DATES: Thursday, April 4–Sunday, April 7 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Friday, April 12–Monday, April 15 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Friday, April 19–Monday, April 22 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Friday, April 26–Sunday, April 28 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Marvel Universe LIVE! is touring Australia in April 2024 — head to the event's website for more information, and pre-sale tickets, with general tickets available from 10am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023
While NSW's restrictions are easing somewhat, with restaurants, cafes and other food-first venues reopening with restrictions from May 15, we're still a little way off being able to head underground for just a shot of cognac, a shit tinnie and shooting the shit at a bar. This exact scenario is what we're missing at Ramblin' Rascal Tavern, Sydney's cognac- and corn nut-doused dive bar. So, we've asked Bar Manager Dylan Ruba how we can attempt to recreate a small slice of that experience at home: the drinks. If you've frequented Ramblin', you've more than likely had your cognac, short, neat and consumed in one shot, but when you're at home on the couch watching Mad Men reruns (as Ruba has during lockdown), you might want to try something a little… longer. Ruba's run us through three of his favourite drinks to make at home, which are riffs on a few of Rascal's signature cocktails. They're "tried and tested with a bit of at-home flair" according to Ruba — and they're drinks you can make without fancy cocktail shakers, stirrers or julep strainers, too. Also, because Stanley Tucci is now synonymous with quarantine cocktails, we couldn't not ask Ruba his opinions on the now-infamous shaken double shot gin negroni. "Look, I'm never one to judge someone on how they like their drinks," said Ruba. "I can't say that's how I'd do it, but props to Stanley for standing by his own ways and preferences." How would Ruba make his ideal negroni? "Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, and stir it down over ice with a slice of orange." Easy. [caption id="attachment_515137" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ramblin' Rascal Tavern[/caption] SEASON 6 Tart, but sweet. Orange peel is an ingredient often used in the crafting of gin, and stewed fruits help bring out those forgotten flavours. 45ml gin 30ml lemon juice 10ml sugar Teaspoon marmalade Prosecco Lemon twist You can make the Season 6 one of two ways: shaken or blended. For shaken: pour all ingredients into a jar (or a cocktail shaker if you have it) over ice, put a lid on it, shake. Strain into a coupe or flute (or, frankly, a mug if it's what you've got) and garnish with a dash of prosecco and a lemon twist. For blended: chuck all ingredients into a blender with ice. Blend. Pour slushie into glass of your choice and top with a dash of prosecco and a lemon twist. GERI HALLIWELL Really, really easy one, it's a bit like a dark and stormy or moscow mule, but a bitter, spicier version 30ml Martell Blue Swift 20ml lime juice Cracked pepper Ginger beer Lime wedge Build in a tall glass with ice, add 'one spin of the pepper cracker' worth of pepper, top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge. BLUE STEEL This is a heavier drink, bit like at an old fashioned but instead of using bitters — which not many people have at home — it has nutmeg and vanilla, which we've all got lying around from baking. Nutmeg also helps brings out the flavours of Martell Blue Swift, which has been finished in bourbon barrels. 45ml Martell Blue Swift 10ml sugar syrup A few drops of vanilla essence Small pinch of nutmeg Lemon twist Pour all ingredients into a short glass, stir down over ice. If you don't have a stirrer, you can just use a teaspoon. Garnish with a lemon twist. Make it and serve it all that one glass.
Cairns is a jump-off point for so many of the region's highlights with bustling markets, stunning tropical beaches, a world-heritage listed rainforest and luxury hotels. And now, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is a competition entry away. Be in with a chance to win a two-night stay for two guests in one of those luxury hotels courtesy of Concrete Playground and Crystalbrook Collection Cairns. The Crystalbrook Collection hotel group has three stunning (and sustainability-minded) hotels and resorts in Cairns, and the lucky winner can choose which of the three they would like to spend their two-night stay with their plus one. Crystalbrook prides itself on its eco-conscious philosophy of "responsible luxury". There are mindful choices throughout the hotels from wooden key cards to locally sourced produce. You'll also find glass water bottles instead of plastic, 100% recycled cardboard hangers in your wardrobe and much more. Not sure which to choose? If you are a social butterfly, Crystalbrook Flynn is your spot. It's mere steps from Cairns Esplanade boardwalk and close to all the main attractions of the city as well as having two onsite restaurants — Flynn's Italian and Boardwalk Social — and a contemporary bar and balcony Whiskey and Wine. For relaxed resort vibes, the five-star Crystalbrook Riley is the perfect place to escape. There's an onsite restaurant Paper Crane, rooftop bar Rocco and a relaxing Eléme Day spa for chilling out at the end of the day. Or tap into your inner artist at Crystalbrook Bailey. A dog-friendly hotel with a rooftop bar, an award-winning restaurant CC's Bar and Grill and a wine bar Arte where you could discover your new favourite biodynamic wine. Not only will the winner enjoy a two-night stay at the hotel, but they and a plus one will also receive welcome drinks on arrival at Whiskey and Wine, daily breakfast for two, wine and dinner for two at the award-winning CC's Bar and Grill and flights for two from Melbourne or Sydney. All you'll have to do is pack. If Cairns has been on your bucket list for a while, it's well past time to scratch it off. Shake off your winter thermals and slip into your swimmers and thongs to enjoy a bevvie by the pool in one of the hotels. Keen to nab this incredible tropical holiday? Simply fill out your details below for your chance to win. [competition]910681[/competition]
After an intolerably long break from international travel, the end is finally nigh. Yes, my friends — borders are reopening and the holiday planning can officially begin, with overseas adventures no longer a pipe dream. If your ideal getaway is one spent unwinding on white sandy beaches, lounging by infinity pools, indulging in water-based activities and soaking up the spicy temperatures of a tropical climate, then Fiji should be top of your holiday hit-list. Its borders are set to reopen to Aussie tourists from this Thursday, November 11 and we can already taste the coconut cocktails. So, we've rounded up some next-level Fiji escapes you can book right now for a tropical sojourn; from group-friendly hilltop villas to beachside stays for two. You've waited too long for a holiday to settle for anything less than luxurious — hunt down that passport and lock in one of these dreamy Fijian stays. MARAVU PARADISE, SAVUSAVU This secluded beauty boasts endless water views, 2.5 acres of lush gardens and a stunning infinity pool to take all the views in. How much? From $457 a night, sleeps six. TOKORIKI ISLAND RESORT, TOKORIKI ISLAND Bliss out at this highly awarded adults-only oasis, where the rooms feature absolute beachfront settings, private infinity pools and leafy tropical surrounds. How much? From $835 a night, sleeps two. Larger room options also available. SAVASI ISLAND RESORT, SAVUSAVU Set amongst jungle-like gardens and endless beaches, this private island resort feels like a true holiday escape. Sparkling pools, modern villas and relaxation aplenty await. How much? From $583 a night, sleeps two. Larger room options also available. DENARAU ISLAND HOME, DENARAU ISLAND A luxe, two-bedroom resort pad nestled amongst acres of tropical gardens, with lagoon-style pools and a private beach on its doorstep. How much? From $1331 a night, sleeps six. YOUR PRIVATE FLOATING HOTEL, DENARAU ISLAND The ultimate floating escape, all to yourself — this spacious catamaran boasts a suite of luxury mod-cons and fancy finishes for a true taste of the holiday high life. How much? From $472 a night, sleeps eight. [caption id="attachment_831413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amber Toms[/caption] SIX SENSES RESORT, MALOLO ISLAND This resort's 24 designer villas are surrounded by crisp white beaches, sparkling ocean and all the holidaying facilities you could want. Plus, each opens onto its own private pool. How much? From $1525 a night, sleeps four. Alternate room options also available. DENARAU GARDEN VIEW VILLA, DENARAU ISLAND Located within a lush five-star resort just metres from the sand, this stylish garden villa is the contemporary island paradise you've been craving. How much? From $1163 a night, sleeps four. KOKO SAVUSAVU HONEYMOON VILLA, SAVUSAVU Soak up sweeping views from the infinity pool and deck at this high-set honeymoon villa, surrounded by nature and primed for romantic getaways. How much? From $410 a night, sleeps three. THREE PALMS VILLA, SIGATOKA A roomy, group-friendly getaway with breezy indoor-outdoor living and panoramic ocean views. Split your days between poolside lounging and frolicking on the adjacent beach. How much? From $675 a night, sleeps six. THE WARWICK FIJI, SIGATOKA A luxurious suite at this five-star property involves ocean views from the balcony, pampering at the spa and some knockout dining experiences — all in one stunning spot. How much? From $372 a night, sleeps two. Alternate room options also available. VALE I YATA, MALOLO ISLAND This spacious, group-friendly retreat is nestled right on the water, surrounded by palms and with views for days. Expect high-end finishes and a blissful poolside terrace. How much? From $601 a night, sleeps eight. NAVUTU STARS RESORT, MATAYALEVU An intimate, eco-friendly resort where you'll wake to the sound of lapping waves, surrounded by nature. In your own beautifully kitted out beachside bure, no less. How much? From $409 a night, sleeps two. Alternate room options also available. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Top Image: Tokoriki Island Resort
Cocktail lovers were devastated when The Everleigh — one of Melbourne's foremost cocktail bars — closed its doors after 14 years on Gertrude Street. Yet it was hard to imagine the creative force of Michael and Zara Madrusan would disappear into the ether for long, having spent over a decade at the top of their game. The time for their return has arrived, as The Everleigh makes its first appearance since shutting its doors in March earlier this year. Appearing at the Royal Exhibition Building's Makers & Shakers Market from Saturday, September 6–Sunday, September 7, this all-Australian showcase of design, creativity and craftsmanship is the ideal match for the duo's talent. For this one-weekend-only revival of The Everleigh, Michael and Zara will serve a selection of the bar's most iconic cocktails, while highlighting new creations from their upcoming book, The Madrusan Cocktail Companion. Featuring more than 2800 classic and modern recipes, this tome might just be the essential guide to cocktail-making here on out. Meanwhile, the duo will also host a 60-minute masterclass on both market days, presented from 3–4pm. With tickets available for $55 per person, including two cocktails, visitors will hear from the best in the business as they offer a deep dive into time-tested cocktails, contemporary twists and innovative techniques that will take your concoctions to greater heights.
Trade your cramped office cubical for the great outdoors at Australia's new summer camp designed specifically for grownups. Located in Aireys Inlet an hour and a half outside of Melbourne, Camp Kidinyou will give adult professionals the chance to get in touch with their inner child, with a weekend's worth of activities, games and more. Set to take place over the first weekend in December, the getaway is the brainchild of Florida-born life coach Dara Simkin, who was inspired by her own summer camp experiences as a child, as well as the recent popularity of adult camps in the US. "I feel like Australians understand the concept of what summer camp is from television shows and movies, but there was never that real experience as a kid," she says. "So I'm wanting to fill that gap." At $478 per head, the camp is pitched at professionals "looking to unplug from their business and go and do something different," explains Simkin. "You can always go to a bar, you can always go out to dinner with friends. I'm trying to create something that's really different and exciting. You're outside, you're meeting new people, and creating relationships over a weekend." Campers will take part in a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, meditation, contemporary dance and '80s aerobics, as well as team sports including kickball, volleyball and relay races. "I think that a lot of us have missed out on playing fun, competitive sports in our adult life," says Simkin. "When's the last time you did an egg and spoon race?" "There's so much research now around play," Simkin continues. "It increases brain function, it increases creativity and focus. We're built to play. We're built to connect, and we're built to have those kinds of deeper relationships... it's just that something happens when we get older where we feel like play is a waste of time, or play is immature. But I think even as a business owner or as an employee, incorporating play into your work life or your social life adds so much more peace and balance and fun." Meals will also be included in the entry price — and before you start flashing back to the terrible food you ate on school camp, rest assured that the offerings at Camp Kidinyou will be of a much higher standard. Think all-you-can-eat wood-fired pizza, bakery breakfasts, coffee by Bonappuccino, and dinner catered by Melbourne BBQ joint Fancy Hank's. "When you arrive there's nothing to worry about," says Simkin. "You pay for your registration, and everything is included. You don't have to pull out your wallet once the whole weekend." Campers will even get to hunker down bunk beds, guaranteeing that quintessential camp experience. Just please… make sure you're on your best behaviour when the lights go out for the night. "I want to build a community around the camp," says Simkin, adding that she hopes to host "camp reunions" back in Melbourne. "Just because camp is over, that doesn't mean we can't go bowling together, or play kickball games in a park. Once you're a camper, you're a camper for life." Camp Kidinyou runs from December 2-4 at Angahook Camp in Aireys Inlet. For more information and to book your place visit www.campkidinyou.com.
Jono Gooley's upcoming exhibition, The Skull of the Unknown Sheep, gives us an intimate and varied glimpse at the process of making art. The subject, a desiccated sheep's skull, is rendered over and over from different angles and with different mediums to evoke a sense of artistic progression and multiplicity. Gooley is a Melbourne-based artist and graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, who generally creates large-scale oil and airbrush portraits. However, The Skull of the Unknown Sheep shows Gooley experimenting with various mediums, including soft pastels, Copic markers, watercolours, graphite and charcoal, as well as some sculptural works (check out his process in this time-lapse video). The exhibition opens on Sunday, June 26 with a viewing and performances from Yakini, The Gaza Stripper and Dhana Bhutan from 4-8pm. The gallery will also be open from 11am till 5pm on June 27 and 28.
Instagram favourites The Inspired Unemployed are pretty used to bringing Aussies joy via their side-splitting satirical videos. From lockdown habits and fitness instructors to tradies and bouncers — Jack Steele and Matt Ford will take aspects of stereotypical Aussie culture, then flip the script to poke a bit of fun. Now, the self-dubbed battlers are looking to bring Australians a new kind of happiness ahead of summer — with a beer launched in collaboration with Victorian favourite, Torquay Beverage Company. Better Beer is a zero-carb, zero-sugar lager that clocks in at 87 calories per can, which Ford quips is "healthier than broccoli". Explaining the decision to make Better Beer zero-carb, Steele says: "As loose as we can be at times, we're actually pretty healthy people. So we decided, let's make a beer that's healthier and still tastes great, one that doesn't make you feel heavy in the morning and rough around the edges." "We've had a lot of opportunities to do bigger stuff and beer was on our mind for a while," Steele explains to Concrete Playground. "But the thing is — when we start something, we don't want to start it and go half-hearted. We either make it the best thing ever or don't do it at all." On social media, the pair of mates are all about hyperboles. But, that's far from the case in this instance — Better Beer is the product of 12 months of work, which included an (unintended) four-month stint in New Zealand and COVID-friendly collaboration sessions with their business partner in crime, Torquay Beverage Company founder Nick Cogger. "I couldn't tell you how many hours we've spent on Zoom," Steele says. Cogger is a long-time partner of The Inspired Unemployed, commissioning them back in late 2019 when the pair had just 12,000 followers. "Nick was actually one of the first people to ever give us a job in this industry," Ford says. "He was one of the first people to reach out, he gave us a job to go to a music festival and..." "...get drunk!" Steele jokes. The pair initially called Cogger for advice on the beer brand, before deciding to create Better Beer together. "And then next thing you know, here we are talking to you." As for the taste, the boys have reportedly heard it described as "smooth like Michael Jackson" and "the breakfast of champions". "All our mates have tasted it and they love it. Obviously, they're our mates, so you'd think they'd have to say that — but it was a genuine reaction!" Ford says. If you're after a cold one, Better Beer will be available at your local Dan Murphy's, BWS and independent bottleshops from Friday, November 12. You can keep up to date with Better Beer, including limited-edition merch drops, via the website. New Better Beer products are also expected to drop in March 2022.
The Australian Open is coming in hot for its 2023 edition, with thousands of punters set to descend on Melbourne Park for two weeks of Grand Slam tennis action from Monday, January 16–Sunday, January 29. But as usual, the tennis won't be the only thing pulling crowds and whetting appetites. Serving a few aces of its own is the AO's 2023 food and drink offering — a star-studded lineup of restaurant pop-ups and experiences to tempt tennis-goers and foodies alike. Throughout the tournament, a slew of big-name chefs and dining institutions will be headed courtside to dish up a blockbuster menu of culinary gold. Among these familiar favourites you'll catch Andrew McConnell's modern Asian diner Supernormal, hosting both a set-menu restaurant and a walk-in-friendly al fresco dining terrace. And yes, there'll be plenty of that famed lobster roll to go around. Meanwhile, award-winning Sydney chef and seafood maestro Josh Niland (Saint Peter) will treat locals to a taste of his sustainable fish and chipper Charcoal Fish, which is heading south for the first time. Hit the pop-up eatery for cult-fave dishes like a rotisserie Murray cod roll with gravy and crispy skin, and the double yellowfin tuna cheeseburger. You can also nab tickets to his one-off talk. [caption id="attachment_884148" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charcoal Fish[/caption] Fellow Sydneysider Jacqui Challinor will be recreating the magic of her own Nomad stable courtside, serving bites like mushroom and bone marrow empanadas, standout house-made charcuterie and a Middle Eastern-inspired olive oil cream sandwich. There'll be restaurants by Penfolds and Rockpool Bar & Grill if you fancy dialling up the sophistication factor, as well as a pop-up fine-diner by the Stokehouse crew serving a sumptuous set-menu affair — including an adorable tennis ball dessert. And a collective of chefs including Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook), Adam D'Sylva (Tonka, Coda) and Scott Pickett (Longrain, Estelle) are assembling to cook up the fusion feast of your dreams. Elsewhere, you can tuck into plates from the likes of Victoria by Farmer's Daughters, Shane Delia's Maha, Oasis, Ca Com (by Anchovy's Thi Lee and Jia-Yen Lee) and The B.East. Josh Fry will be whipping up a menu of two-handed delights a la Rocco's Bologna, while Mischa Tropp showcases his acclaimed Keralan fare — that legendary butter chicken included. No one's going thirsty, either. The palm-fringed AO Spritz Bar will be your go-to for all things fizzy, with the menu ranging from a booze-free guava marg to a signature hibiscus-infused spritz. It'll be rocking a breezy resort-inspired aesthetic, complete with bookable cabanas and a prime location adjacent to Charcoal Fish. Meanwhile, over at the Canadian Club Racquet Club, you'll find another tidy lineup of sips, alongside free gigs, street food by Beatbox Burgers and Taco Truck, and the tennis action playing live and loud on the big screens. Further booze pop-ups come courtesy of labels like Piper Heidsieck, Balter, Sommersby, Peroni and Gordon's. [caption id="attachment_884140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maha[/caption] [caption id="attachment_884143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Penfolds Restaurant[/caption] [caption id="attachment_884145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supernormal[/caption] The 2023 Australian Open and its food offering will take over Melbourne Park from Monday, January 16–Sunday, January 29. For details on the full lineup or to book a table, see the website. Top images: Stokehouse, Nomad.
Whatever type of food you love, there's a day for it. You can celebrate your favourite dishes whenever you like, of course, but pretty much everything you can think of has a specific date on the calendar dedicated to that purpose. That includes tacos, with International Taco Day hitting on Monday, October 4 this year. And, to mark the occasion, Tex-Mex giant Taco Bell is giving away freebies. The chain has been steadily opening stores around the country since 2017, with a new Sydney store in Green Square launching earlier this year, and Perth just nabbing its own venue as well. So, if you're a big fan of Mexican-inspired food, you've probably already become acquainted with the brand's wares. No one can ever pass up free tacos, though — although you will need to break out your best emoji game to get one. Here's how it works: on Monday, October 4, you need to first visit ta.co/au to auto populate a WhatsApp message. Then, you'll need to hit 'send', which'll see instructions on how to redeem a free Taco Supreme sent to you. And, while you will need to go through that process on that specific day, you'll then have until Sunday, October 10 to collect your free taco. If you're wondering where to head, Taco Bell has 23 stores across the country. So, you can hit up Albion Park, Ballina, Blacktown, Jesmond, Green Square and Tamworth in New South Wales; Altona North, Hawthorn, Roxburgh Park and South Yarra in Victoria; Annerley, Beenleigh, Cairns, Cleveland, Currajong, East Ipswich, Keperra, Logan Central, Morayfield, North Lakes, Robina and Southport in Queensland; and Midland in Western Australia. Taco Bell is offering free tacos for International Taco Day to every customer who follows the prompts via WhatsApp on Monday, October 4. To find your nearest store, head to the chain's website.
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths have become hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to return to Australia is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of the world's biggest bouncy castle — as certified by the Guinness World Records — plus a 300-metre long obstacle course, a three-part space-themed wonderland and a sports slam arena. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to tour the country in 2022, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns, but there are a heap of adults-only sessions — so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $59, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. Yes, you'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. [caption id="attachment_825374" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarasota Experience[/caption] Before you hit the next, three-part section of the extremely OTT theme park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, as you do only have three hours to explore it all. Either way, at Airspace, aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. After that, you'll certainly need a nap. And, new for 2022, there's also the Sport Slam, which is rather self-explanatory — and will be a must of you're keen to add a competitive spin to all that bouncing. THE BIG BOUNCE AUSTRALIA 2022 TOUR DATES: January 14–16: Eagles Sports Complex, Brisbane January 28–30 and February 4–6: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne February 18–20: Ellis Park, Adelaide March 4–6: Canberra, venue TBC March 11–13: St Ives Showground, Sydney April 8–10: Newcastle, venue TBC May 6–8: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth The Big Bounce tours Australia from January–May, 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
The Foreigner only opened its doors last year, but Sam Elmazi already has plenty of plans. "We've bought the store next door, so we're hoping to have the expanded cafe ready before Christmas," Elmazi says. "We're also thinking of extending our opening hours on Friday and Saturday nights." Even though he is the sole owner of The Foreigner, Elmazi has a tendency to talk about the cafe's future plans as a collaborative, team effort. And it's easy to understand why. His waitstaff are obviously a big part of the business; cheeky, genuine and attentive, they manage to keep business humming even during Ivanhoe's quietest suburban hours. Despite the name, The Foreigner isn't a reference to migration or multiculturalism. Keen to get Ivanhoe and quality coffee a little more acquainted — and give the area somewhere 'personable' to visit — Elmazi says the cafe's namesake is inspired by all the foreign coffee beans he plans to introduce. When pressed about the choice of suburb, Elmazi admits Ivanhoe wasn't always in the cards. It was a chance visit to the area that sparked his interest. "I was actually picking something up from eBay," he says. "Ivanhoe is such an interesting area. There's lots of food and coffee but there's no strong cafe scene." Inside, white chairs, inset shelves and a feature mirror make up the French provisional-feel of the cafe. European-styled antiques and old-fashioned pots are endearingly charming, a rarity outside of Melbourne's central hubs. Breakfast is straightforward. The locals don't seem to mind following the path well travelled and The Foreigner's brunch staples are homely and fresh, if a tad unimaginative. Jars filled with homemade sweets and in-demand muffins are displayed in a glass cabinet. Elmazi plans to change the menu seasonally. A world map covers the length of The Foreigner's undecorated wall, featuring the single origin of the week, permanent house blends and information on flavour profiles. The house blend is from Code Black, and single origins are from Industry Beans. While the coffee may be a little foreign, there are few locales in the northeast as inviting as The Foreigner.
Saying goodbye to 2025 at Lost Paradise means farewelling the year with a jam-packed lineup of tunes. Ben Böhmer, Chris Stussy, Confidence Man, Duke Dumont, I Hate Models, KETTAMA, Marc Rebillet, Maribou State, Underworld, X CLUB: they're all headlining the annual end-of-year music festival in Glenworth Valley on the New South Wales Central Coast this year. So, mark Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 on your calendar — and prepare for a huge few days. Other acts on the bill include Anna Lunoe, BIG WETT, Channel Tres, Fcukers, DJ Heartstring, Hot Dub Time Machine, Omar+, VTSS and plenty more. Some people love last-minute New Year's Eve plans, going wherever the mood takes them. Others can't start planning early enough. If you fall into the latter category, this December is for you. For Lost Paradise newcomers, the multi-day event turns a slice of its setting — which is located an hour out of Sydney — into one helluva shindig, complete with live music and DJ sets spanning both international and Australian talents. This year, organisers are promising newly reimagined versions of the festival's Arcadia, Lost Disco and Paradise Club stages. Tunes are just one part of the Lost Paradise experience, though. Here, art, culture, wellness, and food and drink also get a look in. And, at Shambhala Fields, you can hear talks and take part in workshops — so that's where you'll find the likes of Dr Karl, Eric Avery, Deano Gladstone, Lara Zilibowitz, Kath Ebbs, Sez, Tom Carroll, Simon Borg-Olivier, Gwyn Williams and others. Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become a go-to way to wrap up one year and welcome in the next — including if you're keen to camp for its duration. Lost Paradise 2025 Lineup Ben Böhmer Chris Stussy Confidence Man Duke Dumont I Hate Models KETTAMA Marc Rebillet Maribou State Underworld X CLUB Anna Lunoe Baby J Bad Boombox & Mischluft Balu Brigada Bella Claxton BIG WETT Blusher Bullet Tooth Cassian Channel Tres Dameeeela DJ Heartstring Dombresky presents Disco Dom Dr Banana Fcukers Folamour Heidi Hot Dub Time Machine INJI Jazzy Josh Baker Juicy Romance Kilimanjaro Luke Alessi Merci, Mercy Narciss Notion Odd Mob Omar+ Pegassi Prospa Riria Ross From Friends presents Bubble Love Sex Mask Silva Bumpa Sim0ne Sumner Swim (live) Two Another VTSS Wolters Alex Dowsing Badassmutha Bella Backe Caleb Jackson Couch Mechanic Cricket Dayzzi B2B Daug Disco Dora Elijah Something GMOZ Grooveworks Kai Kawai Large Mirage LAYTX Lily FM Lost Soundsystem Madame Reve Maina Doe Mash Middle James Mina Tonic Oscill8 Pamela Penelope People's Party Roxy Lotz Salarymen Selve Siila Silly Lily Sim Select Tia Lacoste Tokyo Sexwale Tseba Waxlily Yasmina Sadiki Shambhala Fields: Benny Holloway Catriona Wallace Chanel Contos Deano Gladstone Dr Karl Eric Avery Gwyn Williams Kath Ebbs Lara Zilibowitz Plastic Free Mermaid Sez Simon Borg-Olivier Tom Carroll Lost Paradise mages: Jess Bowen, Jordan K Munns, Byravyna and Amar Gera.
Hear that? It's the sound of the collective population shutting windows, zipping up jackets and switching the AC setting from cool to warm. Summer is officially over. You may have bemoaned what felt like an endless summer after one too many sunburns or sleepless nights. You also may have excitedly unpacked your winter coat and thought giddily of cosy nights in with Netflix and hot chocolate for company. But truthfully, for us coastal-dwelling folk who thrive in the great outdoors, the appeal of winter can wear off before it has even truly begun. And soon enough, you'll be plotting ways to escape to sunnier pastures. Well, lucky for you, we've teamed up with Coopers to handpick some the best destinations around Australia where summer never really ends. Just like the new Coopers Session Ale, a fresh and fruity brew, these spots keep the summer dream alive all year long. [caption id="attachment_605628" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Petra Bensted via Flickr.[/caption] RUN TO PARADISE IN THE WHITSUNDAYS Imagine this: rather than a blaring alarm, you're woken by the call of a native bird or lapping waves. Rather than woolly socks and slippers, you sink your bare feet into glorious white sand. This is Whitehaven Beach, one of the most popular spots in the Whitsundays. The picturesque surroundings and tropical climate (no frosty mornings here — temperatures sit pleasantly in the mid-20s during winter) are enough to please even the most cynical of campers. A maximum of 36 people is permitted at the beach's campsite, so the morning is yours to explore the oasis in relative seclusion before the day-trippers arrive. Time your 1.3-kilometre walk to the Hill Inlet viewing platform at Tongue Point to coincide with low tide, and witness a stunning display of swirling silica sands. The vista is the ultimate reward for 'roughing it', as is returning to the campsite for a cool beer as the sun sets. Winter blues be gone. EXPLORE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND Tropical North Queensland is the perfect distraction from your wintery reality. Average water temps sit at a very acceptable 24-degree mark, and low rainfall vastly improves water visibility in the Great Barrier Reef, which will please both scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts. If donning a wetsuit is not your style, there are plenty of land-based activities around to keep you active, too. Cape Tribulation, where Daintree Rainforest meets the ocean, offers plenty of exploration options: foot, horseback, kayak, four-wheel drive or flying fox among them. Whichever you choose, the area has a real 'untouched' vibe to it, with pristine beaches, lush plant life and native wildlife waiting to be discovered. [caption id="attachment_619578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall.[/caption] VISIT OUR RED CENTRE Arguably our most famous natural icon, Uluru is a bucket list item for many. Witnessing a kaleidoscope of colours cross the sacred rock as the sun sets over the horizon — it's truly something to behold. Winter is actually the preferred time to visit as temperatures are milder — around the mid-20s during the day — which makes trekking the 10.6-kilometre base circumference a more achievable task. As night falls, so does the temp. Avoid shattering the summer illusion, and jump onto a helicopter tour for a birds-eye view of the spectacular Field of Light installation. Extended until December 2020, the artwork uses 50,000 glass spheres to transform the arid plains into an illuminated, multi-coloured blanket. It may help you temporarily forget the winter chill but you'll remember this magical experience forever. [caption id="attachment_669247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Broome Visitor Centre.[/caption] RIDE A CAMEL AS THE SUN SETS IN BROOME Nestled along the coastline in the Kimberley region's far west, Broome is completely unique and yet quintessentially Australian. It's where the beach meets the outback with a tropical climate that encourages an itinerary of strictly outdoor activities. Start the day by hunting for dinosaur prints at Gantheaume Point before venturing to Willie Creek Pearl Farm for a boat cruise across crystal waters, complete with lessons on pearling. After you've properly explored the clear waters and rugged coastline, head to Cable Beach to watch a stunning sunset atop a camel — cliché be damned, it's an unmissable tourist attraction for a reason. Finish off the day with a visit to the over 100-year-old Sun Pictures, the world's oldest outdoor cinema still in operation. Those chilly nights will be a distant memory. TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA'S TOP END Darwin may be the oft-forgotten state capital, but in recent years it has established itself as a hot destination (pun intended) — particularly for younger travellers due to its thriving art and nightlife scenes. If you weren't quite ready to say goodbye to summer sundowners, waterside Darwin Ski Club will ensure your beers-by-the-bay quota is met. Kakadu National Park is usually a drawcard for visitors when up north. But if you're short on time or want to try something a little more off-the-beaten-track, the less-frequented Tiwi Islands provide an equally rich indigenous experience. There are two main islands, Melville and Bathurst, plus nine other smaller, uninhabited islands which are all just a 30-minute scenic flight from Darwin. Art is a hugely important part of the culture here and is best appreciated at morning tea with some local ladies from the Wurrumiyanga community. Over a snack of billy tea and fresh damper, you can watch the Tiwi ladies weaving and painting. Finish off your day trip with a scenic drive around the island exploring the lush tropical gardens, plus a visit to a Tiwi burial site. Grab a Coopers Session Ale and make the most of summer, all year round. Top image: Coral Beach, Gareth McGuigan.
Melbourne-born sensual care brand Bruxa is gearing up for a night of tempting food, scents and conversation to celebrate the release of its new pheromone body oil, Don Juan 1973. Held at the Younghusband precinct in Kensington from 7pm on Thursday, November 27, 'The Seduction of Self' dinner explores desire and pleasure from multiple perspectives. Guided by candlelight, chef Marco Dazzan will serve a three-course aphrodisiac-inspired dinner and drinks package. Meanwhile, a dedicated scent bar will deconstruct the raw ingredients and pheromones of Bruxa's latest release. Led by chemist Marta Novovic, guests will hear how the brand's holistic formulations heighten sensual moments and treat the body. Adding another element, the night also features an insightful panel discussion featuring sex columnist Laura Roscioli, sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James and journalist-turned-escort Samantha X on women's sexual agency. Alongside projection-based light installations and an erotic soundtrack by FOURA, expect an event filled with sensorial immersion. "This is what BRUXA stands for: taking pleasure out of the shadows, rewriting how female desire is seen, spoken about, and experienced. Don Juan 1973 is in service of the erotic self," says brand founder Madelene Kadziela.
Not everyone is a sports fan, but if you like live tunes, the Australian Open should still be on your radar even if you care little about on-the-court action. Only one music event in the world takes place as part of a Grand Slam, and that's AO Live. On the lineup for 2025's iteration: none other than Kesha, Armand Van Helden, Kaytranada and Benson Boone. Game, set, match, music: that's what's on offer when the Australian Open returns in January 2025 with two jam-packed weeks of tennis, plus a few aces for music lovers in the form of its three-day festival. It was back in 2023 that the annual Melbourne sports event launched the AO Finals Festival, getting a heap of talents taking to the stage. Unsurprisingly proving a hit, the fest returned in 2024, and will now be back again in 2025 under a new name. The venue: John Cain Arena, where AO Live will run from Thursday, January 23–Saturday, January 25. 2025's version features the event's biggest lineup so far — complete with Bag Raiders, Bella Amor, Channel Tres, Dijok, Kah-Lo and Jade Zoe. The fest kicks off with Boone on the Thursday, followed by Kaytranada on the Friday. Both days will span 5–9pm. Come Saturday, coinciding with the women's finals, Kesha will make her first visit to Australia in seven years, joined by Van Helden. Wrapping up AO Live, the day will kick off at 2pm and finish at 7pm. Expect plenty of company, with the 2023 fest selling out, then 2024's moving venues to John Cain Arena to take advantage of its 10,000-person capacity. AO Live ticketholders will also get a ground pass to the Australian Open, so you can watch the tennis as well as catching live tunes. As always, there'll be scores of food and drink pop-ups scattered throughout Melbourne Park, as well as big screens showing all the on-court action. [caption id="attachment_975223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendan Walter[/caption] AO Live 2024 Lineup Thursday, January 23: Benson Boone Bella Amor Friday, January 24: Kaytranada Channel Tres Dijok Saturday, January 25: Kesha Armand Van Helden Bag Raiders Kah-Lo Jade Zoe AO Finals Festival images: Ashlea Caygill.
Artists and animals are set to collide in the city this autumn. For two glorious weeks, Melbourne Zoo will transform into an extravaganza of lights, projections, installations and interactive performances when the inaugural Neon Playground takes over. Your journey begins at the entrance, where multidisciplinary artist Kit Webster will take inspiration from the Art Deco features of the Zoo's magnificent gates with a towering light installation. From there, step into Awareness Alley, to immerse yourself in a blaze of lasers created by Robin Fox, and then learn about the Zoo's battle against extinction, thanks to the colourful artworks of Carla O'Brien. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Among Neon Playground's many other adventures are a giant maze — made from 600 metres of neon — that takes its cue from the Southern Corroboree frog and a 3D interpretation of of Graeme Base's picture book Waterhole, filled with illuminated puppets. When you're feeling peckish, head into Carousel Park, to discover Relaxoland — a myriad of pop-up bars and food trucks. Neon Playground runs nightly from 5.30–9.30pm.
2021 proved a busy year for Chris Lucas and his growing hospitality stable, with the addition of not one, but two new restaurants — the glamourous Society and buzzing Japanese spot Yakimono. But hey, why stop when you're on a roll, right? Lucas (of Chin Chin, Baby Pizza, Hawker Hall) is gearing up to open the doors to yet another hotly anticipated eatery before the month's out, with the impending arrival of new Italian-inspired bar and restaurant Grill Americano. First announced last June and originally slated for a spring launch, the newcomer is now set to welcome customers from Monday, March 21, making its home in the iconic 101 Collins Street tower. If you're extra keen, however, you can get in early as bookings for the venue open today, Tuesday, March 8. [caption id="attachment_845295" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grill Americano owner Chris Lucas[/caption] While you'll have to wait a couple more weeks to find out exactly what's in store, the team has unveiled a few key details to tide us all over until then. You can expect a Northern Italian flavour to Lucas' latest menu, from a kitchen that's centred around a bespoke wood oven and flame-licked grills. The food offering is set to hero top-quality Aussie meat and seafood, running to the likes of sophisticated grill classics, handmade pasta dishes and slow-cooked braises. And tying it all together is a sense of modern elegance, right through to the team of smartly jacketed waitstaff bringing the dining room to life. Lucas says: "Grill Americano speaks of the rich cultural heritage of Melbourne as one of the best food cities in the world", sharing that he hopes the newcomer will help give a much-needed boost to the city's rebuilding restaurant industry. Grill Americano will open at 101 Collins (entry via Flinders Lane) from Monday, March 21. We'll share more details about the venue as they drop.
If you're yet to catch Hannah Gadsby's award-winning comedy show Nanette, you'd better jump to it. Having announced her impending retirement from stand-up, the Tassie-born comedian will be hanging up her comedy boots at the end of the year. Thankfully, she's leaving Australians with a parting gift, squeezing in a final run of shows at the Arts Centre Melbourne this November with two new shows now on sale. Head along to catch the well-loved funny lady as she exits with a bang, the show a hilarious and raw account of taking on the world as a 'not normal'. Audiences will get a glimpse into Gadsby's life and her many capers during a recent year spent in solitude. And if the accolades are anything to go by, Nanette is a show you don't want to miss. She was just named joint winner of Edinburgh Fringe Festival's Best Comedy Award — one of the biggest comedy titles in the world — and the show also scored plenty of local love this year, scooping awards for Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe Festival, Best Comedy Performer at the Helpmann Awards and the Barry Award for Best Show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Image: Jim Lee.
Despite the public holiday, Melbourne's got plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants that are opening their doors to help make your first day of the year a great one. Perhaps you had an especially celebratory New Year's Eve and a swift recovery is at the top of your to-do list. Or, maybe you're just keen to start off 2022 how you wish to continue it — with good mates, a solid soundtrack, and some top-notch eats and drinks. Either way, outsourcing your January 1 festivities — and the associated cleanup — is always a good idea. Here are all the Melbourne spots open and serving up the goods on New Year's Day. CAFES [caption id="attachment_671311" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bentwood, by Kate Shanasy[/caption] Tall Timber, Prahran: 7.30am–3pm Bentwood, Fitzroy: 7.30am–4pm Glovers Station, Malvern East: 7am–4pm Juliette Coffee & Bread, Malvern East: usual Saturday hours RESTAURANTS [caption id="attachment_764371" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Firebird, by Jana Langhorst[/caption] Cappo Sociale, Fitzroy: from 5pm Pidapipo, various locations: open until 11pm Longrain, CBD: 5pm–late Prince Dining Room, St Kilda: 12pm–late Firebird, Prahran: open from 5.30pm 400 Gradi, Brunswick East: open from 12pm HuTong, Prahran: from 12pm Entrecote, Prahran: 12pm–late PUBS [caption id="attachment_829814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Builders Arms, by Julia Sansone[/caption] The Rochester Hotel, Fitzroy: 3pm–3am (three-stage DJ party — nab tickets here) The Botanical, South Yarra: 12pm–late The Empress, Fitzroy North: 12pm–late The Local Taphouse, St Kilda: 12pm–12am Builders Arms, Fitzroy: 12pm–late BARS [caption id="attachment_605215" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Section 8[/caption] Section 8, CBD: 12pm–1am (free day party headlined by MzRizk) Prince Public Bar, St Kilda: 8am–late Bourke Street Courtyard, CBD: 12–9pm (DJ party — get tickets here) Pontoon, St Kilda: 3–11pm (beachside DJ party headlined by Feenixpawl — grab tickets here) Arbory Afloat, CBD: 12–5pm (pool party with a range of ticketing options available) Welcome to Thornbury, Northcote: 12pm–2am (four-stage DJ party with food trucks — nab tickets here) Fargo & Co, Richmond: 12pm–1am The B.East CBD, CBD: 12–9pm Loop Roof, CBD: 1–4pm (bottomless brunch party — grab tickets here) Top Image: Arbory Afloat, by Parker Blain
Every evening Sepideh Hooshyar looks up at the night sky and marvels at what she sees. An amateur stargazer, she wants desperately to be an astronaut. Failing that, she’d like to become an astronomer, although for a girl in provincial Iran, one seems about as likely as the other. Named for its determined teenage subject, this shoestring doco reveals in stark, day-to-day exchanges the inequality faced by women living in conservative Iran. And yet somehow, the film leaves you feeling inspired. First time Danish director Berit Madsen shot the film over a two to three year period, beginning when the project’s namesake was 16 years old. When we first see Sepideh, she’s watching a documentary about Iranian-American engineer and businesswoman Anousheh Ansari, who in 2006 became the first Iranian to visit outer space. Ansari is one of Sepideh’s four big heroes, along with her late father, Albert Einstein, and the head of the local astronomy club Mr. Kabiri. It’s Kabiri who encourages Sepideh to attend university in order to pursue her cosmic ambition. Unfortunately, for Sepideh, the future seems to be slipping out of reach. Since her father’s unexpected death, the household has been brought to the edge of bankruptcy, with no help coming from her paternal uncles. There’s also the matter of her mother’s brother Hadi, who disapproves of his niece leaving the house after dark with the boys in her astronomy club – even going so far as to threaten to kill her if she does anything improper. What’s truly unsettling about the threat is that you can tell Hadi thinks he’s doing the right thing. It’s an example of how deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes in the country are. Despite this, Madsen keeps things relatively optimistic. The film’s thesis can basically be boiled down to ‘believe in yourself and you can achieve anything’; whether or not that’s entirely realistic, Sepideh’s refusal to abandon her dream is certainly worthy of applause. As she and Mr. Kabiri petition the local government to finish a half-completed observatory, you’re filled with hope that perhaps Sepideh’s generation will be the one that brings about change. Until then, she’ll keep reaching for the stars.
