Perhaps you're a theatre-loving Melburnian currently navigating the city's latest lockdown. Or, you could've had your eye on Melbourne Theatre Company's 2021 program from elsewhere, but haven't been able to make the trip south to see a show. Either way, you'll find the arts organisation's new MTC Digital Theatre rather handy, with the just-launched platform making a selection of MTC's productions available to stream. Currently online to watch from wherever you happen to be around the country: Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch's #MeToo-era interpretation of the familiar student–teacher narrative; and Berlin, a romantic thriller from Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. Both have had their time on MTC's physical stage this year, and were filmed while the cast was treading the boards, all so that theatre fans could check them out afterwards from their couches. The two shows mark MTC's first leap into on-demand theatre, a new facet of its operations that it intends to expand. "It's been a dream of ours for some time, and audiences have been asking for it with increasing frequency, especially after last year when there was very little Australian theatre available to stream," explained MTC Executive Director and co-CEO Virginia Lovett. When each show is filmed — in front of a live audience, and in 4K with 5.1 surround sound — the production's creative personnel works alongside the video team to make sure that the viewing experience reflects the play's creative intentions. Also pivotal: that it brings as much of the live experience as possible to the screen. That involves using multiple cameras throughout the auditorium, in order to get a wide range of audience perspectives. If you're keen to check out Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes' tale about a prize-winning novelist and his university student — starring Dan Spielman and Izabella Yena — it's available to stream until 11.59pm on Sunday, June 6. If Berlin and its story about two strangers (Grace Cummings and Michael Wahr) meeting in a Berlin bar takes your fancy, it has just hit the streaming service, and will be available until 11.59pm on Sunday, July 4. To access MTC Digital Theatre, you just need to head to MTC's website, purchase a $25 video pass per show, and then watch within 48 hours. And, if you're in the mood for more theatre from your couch once you've viewed MTC's two current offerings, the UK's National Theatre also has its own streaming platform. MTC Digital Theatre is now available online on a pay-per-view basis, with video passes costing $25 per show. For further details, or to watch Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes and Berlin, head to the service's website.
Gin dreams are made of this: a sprawling distillery that doubles as an indoor/outdoor gin garden, lets spirits aficionados sip plenty of gin (obviously), and also serves up snacks made with spent gin botanicals. That's all on the menu at Four Pillars' redeveloped Healesville base, which has finally relaunched to the gin-adoring public following a hefty $7 million makeover. Gin fiends of Australia have been singing the brand's praises for almost a decade, with the beloved distillery setting up shop in 2013, then opening up its Healesville digs to the public in 2015 — and the latter's revamp will only evoke more cheers. Announced back in early 2021, and up and running since Tuesday, April 26, Healesville 2.0 aims to be a gin lover's heaven. In fact, if this doesn't entice juniper spirits-lovers to the Yarra Valley to enjoy Four Pillars' tipples, nothing will. Sitting directly adjacent to the company's original home on Lilydale Road, the new 1000-square-metre space helps turn the brand's headquarters into a gin destination, and has almost tripled the area available to visitors. As well as the aforementioned Jude's Gin Garden — which overlooks leafy trees and has sliding floor-to-ceiling windows to let the outside in (when the weather permits) — there's multiple new event and function rooms, a dedicated Four Pillars Gin Shop, and a gleaming new copper bar. On the menu: a changing array that spans tasting paddles, gin classics and familiar cocktails, plus a snack range designed by Made From Gin's Matt Wilkinson with Caro Gray. Think: duck liver pate with Bloody Shiraz Gin jelly; bagels with olive leaf gin-cured salmon; plus gin-laced potato, zucchini and dill croquettes — all using those spent gin botanicals. Still on food, the Four Pillars Tuck Shop will open later in 2022, too, serving up more substantial dishes on weekends and public holidays. Of course, a visit to this gin-swilling spot is always going to be about the spirit in question — and here it's piped into the main bar using featured copper, all so that Four Pillars can reduce its glass waste. Tonic is largely being served from kegs as well for the same reason, at a site that goes big on solar and recycling to lower the venue's carbon and environmental impact. That shouldn't come as a surprise, with Four Pillars announcing earlier in April that it has now gone carbon-neutral. Tubing is also a big design feature, with 1650 metres of raw copper tubing used to enclose the entire site — the OG building and the new base — in a veil. As well as looking stunning, it's designed to work as a natural heat exchange to reduce energy consumption. Melbourne's sustainability-led Breathe Architecture led the revamped spot's design, which also heroes recycled and upcycled concrete and bricks, plus pineapple 'leather' upholstery. The furniture has been sourced locally, and local natives and botanicals play a big part in the landscaping both indoors and out. And yes, many will end up in Four Pillars' gins in the future. It's expected that the redevelopment will see between 150,000–200,000 visitors a year head to the Healesville facility — and, because updating the production side of things was also part of the makeover, it'll now allow Four Pillars to produce more than one million bottles of gin a year as well. To the delight of your tastebuds, that means more of its award-winning range — which includes barrel-aged, bloody shiraz, rare dry, yuzu, Christmas, overproof, olive leaf and summer-inspired gins. And yes, Healesville 2.0's launch helps cap off a huge few years for the gin company. It was named the world's best gin producer for two years running, sold half of its business to beer behemoth Lion and opened a Sydney bar in the middle of the pandemic — and now, of course, this. Four Pillars' revamped distillery is now open at 2 Lilydale Road, Healesville — operating from 10.30am–5.30pm Sunday–Thursday and 10.30am–9pm Friday–Saturday. Images: Anson Smart.
Intrepid travellers have been getting down to fishy business in a submerged hotel room off Tanzania’s East Coast since November. But now, you can turn the occasional subaquatic sally into a permanent thing. That’s right, 144 years after Jules Verne wrote 20,000 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, underwater homes are officially up for sale. Meet the H20ME, the brand new undersea residential creation from US Submarine Structures. The structure is comprised of two floors that provide 340 square metres of sunken living space between them. On the top level, you'll find two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open lounge and expansive skylight-type structures. On the bottom floor, there's a master bedroom, kitchen, dining area, lounge, library and bar for mixing copious Sea Breezes and Salty Dogs. Every ocean-facing wall is made of transparent acrylic panels, kept clean by automatic water jets; you're pretty much backdropped on every side by a live, 24/7 version of Finding Nemo. What's more, the view is kept well-illuminated and busy via an elaborate array of external lights and fish feeders. You can literally populate your view with bait. You can even opt for a seascaping service, through which you can order colourful coral gardens according to your taste. Yep, that's tailormade ocean views, designed by your lucky, lucky self. Where exactly in the world you take up residence in your H20ME is up to you — and most likely the government who owns your chosen seabed. The only specification is that it must be built between ten metres and eighteen metres below sea level. Access is attained through a private pier connected to either an elevator or a spiral staircase and the dwelling is fixed to the sea floor with bolts and struts. Air pressure is maintained at the same level as that found on land — so there's no need for decompressing every time you pop out to the shops to replenish your dwindling caviar supply. The only catch (zing) is the H20ME will set you back a cool $10 million. Start saving those dubloons. Via Gizmag. Images: US Submarine Structures.
Potential is such a loaded term. Everyone is meant to have it. We're all petrified that we're not realising it. Chasing it, searching for it, grappling with it and coming to grips with possibly not living up to it — and that it can change and evolve as well — can all knock a person off-kilter. That's true of life, and also within Apple TV+ dramedy The Big Door Prize in both its 2023-premiering first season and now 2024's second season. Lead Chris O'Dowd, like everyone, knows that the baggage that comes with the word is inescapable. "I think you're right in that potential is such a loaded term and such an arbitrary one, really. We've just decided that this could be a thing. There isn't any proof for anything, if we want to buy into the premise that a potential is something that exists at all," The IT Crowd, Bridesmaids and Juliet, Naked talent tells Concrete Playground. "So I shudder to think, but it's probably true that it comes from some sense of entitlement to something better than you have or you are. And I think that keys into all of our egos. And, I suppose as a structure for a series, therefore it makes a lot of sense." Adapted from MO Walsh's novel of the same name, with Schitt's Creek alum David West Read bringing the text to the screen, The Big Door Prize pushes the concept of potential in more than just a general sense. At its heart is a machine that could be magical and is definitely mysterious: the Morpho, which turns up in the fictional US town of Deerfield out of the blue to spit out blue cards with white text proclaiming what everyone should be. Dusty, O'Dowd's high-school teacher character, is told by the contraption that "teacher/whistler" is his destiny — once he slowly warms up to giving the gadget a go after being the local cynic at first. But for him, as for his loved ones and neighbours, receiving a piece of paper that proclaims to inform you of your life's purpose doesn't provide all of the answers. Big questions sit at the heart of this thoughtful and contemplative dramedy, clearly. Also navigating how to react to the Morpho — and, of course, to the idea that anything can advise you what you should be devoting your existence to — is Deerfield's resident ex-hockey player-turned-Italian restaurateur Giorgio. As played by Josh Segarra, he's a dose of almost-constant optimism, as the Scream VI and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law actor also was in now-dearly departed comedy The Other Two. Giorgio doesn't share Dusty's uncertainty about the Morpho, but a card announcing "superstar" doesn't set him on a straightforward path, either. Getting existential comes with the series, then — a show that feels perfectly timed for the pandemic era, O'Dowd notes, as everyone reassesses what they want out of life and who they want to be after such a jolt of a period. But when you're starring in The Big Door Prize, your job is to take the audience on that journey, Segarra advises. "We just have to play each moment to each moment and make it as believable as possible, and then allow the viewers to ask the questions," he explains. Acting in the series doesn't stop you wondering what you'd do if a Morpho appeared in front of you, though, or what you'd want your card — or vision, the machine's next level, which features 32-bit clips instead — to show. With season two of The Big Door Prize now streaming, plunging back into a community that's flocked to a clairvoyant console to give them the answers that everyone wants, we chatted with O'Dowd and Segarra about their first reactions when a series about a mysterious machine that tells everyone their life potential crossed their paths — and also their dream Morpho fortunes, the show's mix of comedy with hope and tragedy, what gets them excited about a new project and more. On O'Dowd and Segarra's Initial Reactions to a Show About a Small Town That's Upended by a Mysterious Machine That Tells Everyone Their Life Potential Chris: "I was intrigued. I read the book first — because I always find if you have that opportunity, and sometimes that's not the case, but if the opportunity arises where you can read the book first, I think it's a better process of doing it. Because it means that you first find what the intention of the writer is, and then the person who's adapting, you know instantly what their intention is by what they've left out. And I thought as a premise it was very intriguing and promising. Reading this mid-COVID, it kind of offered this reset to life that I think people were discussing anyway, and that something could act as a catalyst for that reset and this recharging of their new versions of themselves. In a post-pandemic world, it felt very attractive to get on-screen. That's what I thought initially." Josh: "I love what you said about that because that's the truth. The way the book reads, MO Walsh's book, it reads very spiritual — and it's fiction, and you're still following these characters, but in a way, it also felt like a self-help book, because as you're reading it you are in your time with the characters asking the same questions. So then you get to our show, that's no longer our job to ask the big questions that we're delivering. We just have to play each moment to each moment and make it as believable as possible, and then allow the viewers to ask the questions." On Dusty's Journey From Being a Cynic About the Morpho to Using It as a Guide — and What That's Like for O'Dowd to Play Chris: "Poor old Dusty is clutching his straws. Emotionally and mentally, he doesn't know how to deal with these huge upheavals in his life. He felt fairly settled, so it's fun to play somebody who goes from probably the biggest cynic in town about this new machine — they put up a kind of ideological forcefield against the idea of it being anything — and then becomes really the rabble-rouser for it and the Pied Piper, leading people back to. It speaks to how much upheaval it has had on his own mentality. So there's a lot of nice little meandering changes going on for Dusty, so I feel very lucky for that." On What Appeals to Segarra About Playing a Character with Such Outward Optimism in The Big Door Prize – and in The Other Two as Well Josh: "Probably the way that it makes me feel after I'm done every day. I like playing positive characters because they allow me to put their shoes on for a day and allow me to feel pretty positive. I feel like it always feels better when you're putting out love, when you're putting out kindness — so when I play characters like that, it makes me feel like I went through like a like a flight simulator. I was in the flight simulator, I didn't have to fly the plane, but it sure felt like I did. And I like finding the heart of the characters, so sometimes they might be written one way and I'm going to try my best to figure out what makes them tick, what makes them move. But these, thankfully, are written with a lot of heart, both Lance and Giorgio." On Contemplating, or Not, the Human Need for Answers and for Validation When You're Making a Show About a Magical Machine That's Giving Life Advice Josh: "I try not to think about it too much. It was Chris yesterday that said something that I've been thinking about. He dropped so many gems on me. Yesterday, he said 'our jobs are playing the triangle in an orchestra, and we can't concern ourselves with what the drums are doing'. So the drums in our case are David and our writers room. They're taking these ideas, these big questions and making sure that they're seamlessly strewn about. But our jobs are to take the moment and make it as believable as possible, get from A to B and tell the story the way it needs to be told." On Finding the Balance of Comedy, Hope and Even Tragedy in The Big Door Prize Chris: "There's so much pathos going on with Dusty, and a lot of ups and downs. And tonally, it can be tricky sometimes, because you want people to be invested in the sadness of a breakup while also not letting the laughter completely die out. I think it's important for us to always keep those balls in the air. Otherwise, you're just watching a single ball — and that's the worst job I've seen." Josh: "The worst." Chris: "I'll watch it for a while just because I like seeing people do stuff with their hands." Josh: "That would be a funny act, if you never added the second and third ball. It'd be like an Andy Kaufman bit." Chris: "Yes, it would really depend on how it was lit." On What Gets O'Dowd and Segarra Excited About a New Role, and a Project Like The Big Door Prize, at This Point in Their Respective Careers Chris: "For me, this one was fun because it was such a big idea. And I think getting inside the guts of that can be very satisfying. Because you're really just trying to make a lot of it — when you're playing the kind of role I am, anyway — relatable. You're the audience, really. When you're kind of the grounded person in a show saying 'this doesn't make sense, guys' a lot and then become romantic about what would happen, actually, if it were all true — that's probably how we want the audience to feel. You want them to feel a little cynical at the start so you have to somehow reel them in. I was interested by the prospect of that. And I grew up if watching those Amblin movies where you tell very detailed truths through a very high concept. In the same way that ET was about divorce and Jaws was about getting old, this is in many ways about the great reset. And so to be part of the big idea like that was enticing." Josh: "Exactly that. Plus the idea that I'd get to work with Chris. I'd get to play a former professional hockey player." Chris: "Woo!" Josh: "I'd get to wear track suits for my entire wardrobe. And we got to live in Atlanta while we did it. All pretty good things. I'm still asking Apple to let me jump to the front of the line at the Genius Bar, but they haven't really approved that that request quite yet." On Whether O'Dowd and Segarra Would Use the Morpho If It Was Real — and What They'd Hope Their Card Would Say or Vision Would Show Josh: "Absolutely." Chris: "Oh yeah, I'd do it. I'd do it. In like Flynn, why not?" Josh: "In a heartbeat." Chris: "Rich poet." Josh: "That'd be fun." Chris: "I don't know what, maybe it's inherited — but you know, it's a magic card, so it doesn't really matter." Josh: "I like that. I'd like to go with a chef. I wish I knew how to cook better. I can cook a couple mean meals, like I make a nice chicken parmesan, I make a good breakfast. But I'd like to be able just to kind of — you know those people that can look in their fridge and see what's left and then throw together an amazing meal? I'm not one of them and I wish I was." The Big Door Prize streams via Apple TV+. Read our reviews of season one and season two.
When Freaks and Geeks first aired on Australian TV, it was one of those series that you had to actively search the television guide for. If you were devotedly scouring the listings at the time, then you already knew that the Paul Feig (Another Simple Favour)-created show was instantly among the coming-of-age greats, and also destined for a cult following. The past quarter century has proven that true of this glimpse at 80s-era suburban high-school life, but here's something that viewers back in the late-90s and early-00s couldn't have foreseen: a 14-hour marathon featuring all 18 episodes of the series screening at SXSW Sydney in 2025. Feig is SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival keynote speaker and its first recipient of the new SXSW Sydney Screen Pioneer Award. If that's not enough love for the director, writer, producer and actor, the Harbour City fest is also pairing his visit, chat and accolade with a retrospective of his work. Audiences can see three key titles from across the filmmaker's career, including that all-day stint with Freaks and Geeks. If you're keen to binge-watch the Jason Segel (Shrinking)-, Linda Cardellini (Nonnas)-, Seth Rogen (The Studio)-, Busy Phillips (Girls5eva)-, John Francis Daley (Game Night)- and Martin Starr (Tulsa King)-starring show on the big screen, that's on the agenda at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick on Saturday, October 18, kicking off at 9.30am. Or, a few days earlier, you can see the cinematic comedy sensation that is Bridesmaids, complete with Feig in attendance and taking part in a Q&A. If you have any burning questions about the Maya Rudolph (Loot)-, Kristen Wiig (Palm Royale)- and Rose Byrne (Physical)-led flick, Wednesday, October 15 is your chance to ask them. For the film's wedding-themed chaos, you'll also be heading to the Ritz Cinema. The third part of the retrospective program is a Sunday, October 19 session of The Heat, Feig's odd-couple buddy-cop comedy with Sandra Bullock (The Lost City) and Melissa McCarthy (Only Murders in the Building), also at the same venue.
You've seen the animated movie, watched the photorealistic (and CGI-heavy) remake and hummed along to the stage show. You know all the words to 'Hakuna Matata', and you instantly get nostalgic whenever the phrase "circle of life" comes up in conversation. The next item to tick off on your list, Lion King fans? Sipping your hot beverage of choice out of Frank Green's Lion King-themed keep cups (and saying "no worries" to doing the environment a solid in the process). Teaming up with Disney, the sustainability-focused Australian brand is launching a limited-edition range of cups and reusable bottles inspired by the 90s flick and its beloved characters. Design-wise, you can choose between Rafiki's cave painting of baby Simba, the future king's face, adult Simba or, back in his cub days, the young lion with Timon and Pumbaa. There's also an animal-print option, if you can't quite bring yourself to choose between the other styles. The cups and bottles come in different hues depending on the design, so you could be drinking coffee from a coral-coloured bottle or a khaki-toned cup. You also have choices regarding size, with each design available in small (295 millilitres) medium (595 millilitres) and large (one litre). Priced between $46.95–64.95, The Lion King range joins Frank Green's other Disney-themed wares, which also includes Winnie the Pooh, Frozen and Wall-E — and both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The new designs hit the brand's online shelves from Tuesday, May 18, but you can pre-order now until stocks run out. Once you have one in your hands, it's up to you whether you want to hold your coffee over your head like you're standing atop Pride Rock. Frank Green's Lion King range is available to preorder now, before going on sale from Tuesday, May 18.
If sunning yourself on a beach, surrounded by palm trees and crystal blue waters, sounds like total bliss, we'd say you're not alone. Most of us have a pang of wanderlust from time-to-time and, after a pretty stressful year, kicking back in a bikini or boardies with a cocktail in hand sounds like paradise. Sure, you can't yet jet off to the sandy white shores of Puerto Rico, the turquoise seas of the Maldives or the buzzing streets of Havana, but you can still get plenty of vacay vibes in Australia. We've teamed up with our friends at go-to rum label Bacardi to bring you four cruisy cocktails that you can whip up fuss-free over summer. We bet these tasty tipples will transport you to a tropical island in no time. So, don your favourite holiday outfit, whack on some bossa nova tunes and get ready makes some next-level drinks. THE COOL ONE: FROZEN DAIQUIRI Serves one Aussie summers are hot, so you'll want an ice-cold beverage on those days where the cicadas thrum and the air is thick and sticky. Enter the frozen daiquiri, a cool riff on the classic daiquiri. Basically, it's summer in a glass. To make it, you'll need a blender, so you can make multiple serves at once, meaning it's the perfect party drink. Just be sure to stick to the ratios to ensure you're serving up a sweet-but-equally-tangy concoction. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 30ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 1 lime wedge (optional) 3/4 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass, or, if you're feeling fancy, a martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge and serve. THE PARTY STARTER: SPICED PIÑA COLADA Serves one If you like this fun drink and getting caught in the rain on a sweltering summer evening, then you should be making yourself one stat. Originating from Puerto Rico, the piña colada is typically made with white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice aplenty. But this version, using Bacardi Spiced to hints of vanilla and cinnamon, is sure to get any party going. It has a surprisingly smooth finish, too, and the coconut water instead of cream or milk keeps things fresh. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Spiced 30ml fresh pineapple juice 30ml coconut water 2 teaspoons castor sugar 3–4 cubes of fresh pineapple 1 pineapple slice (optional) 1 tropical leaf (optional) Ice Method Place pineapple cubes and castor sugar in cocktail shaker and slightly crush using a muddler or spoon. Add pineapple juice and coconut water to mixture and stir to dissolve the sugar, then add Bacardi Spiced. Half fill cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a highball glass and add ice cubes. Top with crushed ice and garnish with pineapple slice and leaf to serve. THE COOL ONE'S FUN COUSIN: FROZEN STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI Serves one This frosty, fruity take on the daiquiri is pretty much an adult slushie. Again, to make this frozen delight you'll be using a blender, meaning you can easily make it in batches. Not only is it delicious, but its vibrant colour makes it an ideal go-to throughout the holiday season. Best of all, it is easy as a Sunday morning to whip up. Ingredients 45ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 20ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 3–4 strawberries 1 partially sliced strawberry (optional) 1 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and crushed ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass or any glass, really. Garnish with sliced strawberry and serve. THE CLASSIC: MOJITO Serves one If there's one drink that has you dreaming of salsa dancing in Cuba upon first sip it's the mojito. It's got all the ingredients for a refreshing summer drink without being utterly dull. There's zesty citrus, the freshness of mint, a slight sweetness and some fizz to keep things light and bubbly. Of course, there's also the rum. If you want to keep things old-school opt for Bacardi Carta Blanca, or you can spice things up a bit by using Bacardi Spiced. Either way, it's an A-class cocktail. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca or Bacardi Spiced 4 lime wedges 2 teaspoons castor sugar 6–8 mint leaves 15–30ml soda water 1 mint sprig (optional) Method Squeeze lime into a highball glass, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add mint leaves and muddle. Half fill glass with crushed ice, pour Bacardi Carta Blanca, or Bacardi Spiced if you're making a spiced mojito, then stir to combine. Top up with more crushed ice, add a dash of soda (to taste) and garnish with mint sprig. Do what moves you this summer with these super-easy tropical cocktails from Bacardi. Once you've mastered the art of rum cocktails, check out Bacardi's competition, where you and 20 mates could win the chance to attend Australia's smallest music festival. Top image: Mushroom Creative House
As if Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel could get any more adorably twee, Argentine designers Sabrina Giselle Acevedo and Jazmin Granada (both graphic design students at the University of Buenos Aires) have recreated Anderson's latest film's opening credits using paper. Making a pop-up book-like representation of Gustave's reception keys and Agatha's perfect Mendl's cake, Acevedo and Granada have created a squealworthy sequence of stop animation to make your day that little bit more grand. Via Fubiz. Want more Grand Budapest Hotel-ery? Check out our attempts to recreate Mendl's Courtesan au Chocolat with Gelato Messina over here.
Rummaging through your cupboards can be an invigorating exercise, unearthing and breathing new life into old gems. In one of the most high-fiveworthy collaborations in recent memory, Future Classic and le coq sportif have paired up for their own big ol' throwback project. The Sydney-based electronic label home to Flume and the French-founded sportswear company have joined forces to release a collection of remixes and reissues from the archives. Dubbed 'The Reissue Project', the double-sided project sees both parties bring their mad skills to the table. Delving deep into the back catalogues, le coq sportif have designed a collection of garments exclusively for Future Classic. Looking particularly to the '80s and '90s chapters of le coq history, the team have created six brand new designs that hope to fuse le coq aesthetic with the beats-loving clubs of now — think drop crotch trackies, reversible jackets, bucket hats, fleecy sweaters and good old fashioned t-shirts. Best part? Glow in the dark details, FO' CLUBBIN'. The team have also made exclusive varsity jackets for Future Classic artists, not for sale but still fly. In return, Future Classic have dug into their own back catalogue to reissue some older bangers, revamped with some pretty damn excellent remixes and reworks by Chicago legend Derrick Carter, Sydney's acid house master DJ HMC, NYC beatsmaster Jaques Renault, French young gun Pyramid and UK 'resident producer' of Wolf Music, Greymatter. Touch Sensitive's 2006 track 'Body Stop' has been worked over, alongside Luke Million, Stick Figures, Peret Mako and the gold nugget-like 'Possum', the first tune Flume ever put on triple j Unearthed. The physical collaboration element between the two comes from the unique codes paired with each le coq sportif piece; if you buy a piece you can download the Reissue Project tracks to strut down the street with for free. But because both sides are legends, they're letting you listen in anyway — you'll be able to stream the tracks from Soundcloud and www.thereissueproject.com from Thursday, August 14 at 10am AEST. Here's the sweet threads, you can run from the gym to the clurb without changing a thing: The LCS x FC Reissue Project is available in le coq sportif stores, selected Glue Stores nationally and online from 14 August. Want to customise your own le coq sportif threads in the meantime? Stroll to The Rocks over here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FBh7PVr0p9Y
While the details are still scarce, pastry fans should prepare themselves to jump in line when Lune Croissanterie opens the doors to its first-ever Brisbane shopfront. From a tiny store in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood in 2012, Lune has grown into a converted warehouse space in Fitzroy (with perpetual lines out the front), opened a second store in the CBD and was even dubbed "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times. Now, Founder Kate Reid, who co-owns Lune with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman (Dessous, Hazel, Common Ground Project), has confirmed they've signed the lease on space in South Brisbane to expand their empire to the Sunshine State. Permanently. The Reid siblings and Toleman posted the below photo on Instagram, showing off what will be the future home of Lune Brisbane and saying: "we are incredibly excited to announce that in Winter 2021 Lune will be opening a flagship store in Brisbane!!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lune Croissanterie (@lunecroissant) An ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid brings scientific precision to her craft, including the climate-controlled glass cube Lune croissants are made and baked in, and the time-consuming process used to perfect each flaky pastry. It's too early to say what form the Brisbane store will take — it could be similar to Melbourne CBD's standing room-only outpost or more of a spectacle like the Fitzroy warehouse and its cube — or when it will open, but we're hoping for a menu of Lune Croissanterie favourites. The Lune team also has plans in the works to open a Sydney store, but they have been pushed back due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our mouths and stomachs are ready for twice-baked croissant aux amandes (stuffed with almond frangipane and generously topped with flaked almonds) and the Ferrero cruffin: a muffin-croissant hybrid filled with hazelnut and chocolate custard, dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts. Oh, and its perfectly flaky traditional croissant, of course. Lune Croissanterie is set to open a flagship store in South Brisbane in winter 2021. We'll let you know when more details are announced. Images: Marcie Raw.
Chris Lucas is bringing his Asian-style cuisine to Fitzroy. The man behind Chin Chin, Baby Pizza and Hawker Hall purchased the property at 229 Smith Street earlier in the year, and has now unveiled his plans to transform the former ANZ Bank building into a second iteration of his popular Richmond Asian joint, Kong. Speaking to Concrete Playground, a spokesperson from the Lucas Group confirmed that the company would be taking over the venue around March, with the aim of opening towards the end of next year. Between this, their upcoming three story Japanese restaurant in Flinders Lane, and the launch of Chin Chin Sydney, it seems like they've got a busy year ahead of them. The Smith Street Kong will be overseen by chefs Shaun Presland (ex-Sake) and Kitak Lee (ex-Momofuku). The pair have already taken charge of revamping Kong's Richmond menu, putting more focus on Japanese-style dishes such as tuna tataki and crispy sashimi shells. According to the spokesperson, the new location will "carry along the Kong DNA," while also offering "more of a ramen-based, quick dining experience." The restaurant will also operate an all-day, late-night takeaway window on the Moore Street side. As for the interior, the plan is for Kong to "fit into the local area" with "a bit of a Northside feel," although the spokesperson stressed that they were still in the early stages of planning. They're also keeping mum about the restaurant's capacity and opening hours, so stay tuned for more information as it drops. Look for Kong at 229 Smith Street, Fitzroy towards the end of 2017. In the meantime, you can visit their original location at 599 Church Street, Richmond and stay up to date with new developments via Facebook.
There's nothing like a tidy payday cash injection to leave you feeling flush and with the urge to splurge. And what better way to treat your hard-working self, than with a big ol' fancy-pants feast? After all, you've got to balance out the stints of cheap eats and Mi Goreng somehow. Well, to see you through the fruitful times, we've teamed up with American Express to bring you a lineup of some of the city's most splurge-worthy restaurants — venues where you can make it rain and eat like royalty, without burning through your entire pay cheque in one sitting. Not only will these culinary hot spots fill your belly and excite your tastebuds — as well as add to your collection of Amex points — they're also guaranteed to make you feel special, kind of like you've finally made something of your life. Let the feasting begin. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Doing your bit for the environment has never looked quite so good as it does with Frank Green's colourful range of reusable cups. The durable containers are not only helping to quash Australia's single-use coffee cup waste problem, they're also super stylish and beautifully designed. And you've got the perfect excuse to add a couple to your collection (or someone else's) with Frank Green's storewide 20 percent off sale this weekend. From Friday, November 27 until Monday, November 30 you'll be able to treat yourself, a friend or your family to a stylish and sustainable cup on the cheap. Frank Green's entire catalogue — apart from sale items and gift cards — is on sale and there's something for everyone. You'll find the core reusable cup and bottle range featuring the brand's recognisable pastel colour palette and in-built tap-to-pay feature, as well as the Sustainable Sips range of tea, coffee and the new ceramic french press. If you're looking for holiday presents for the kids or your nieces and nephews, Frank Green also has a range of Disney and Minions cups and bottles. The pastel yellow Winnie the Pooh cup is so adorable you might end up getting it for yourself. Plus, $1 from every order will be donated to Reforest Now, an organisation that grows and plants trees in subtropical Australia. You'll be saving the planet in more ways than one. [caption id="attachment_792088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] 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.
When it comes to renting, things are rarely positive. But, in some good news for renters — which may or may not make up for all the times your landlord has refused to fix your broken shower head — the Victorian Government looks set to introduce a swathe of rental reforms into parliament. And, if passed, they could make renting a fairer playing field for Victorians. After initially announcing the reforms back in October last year, Premier Daniel Andrews has now — in the lead-up to the November state election, no less — unveiled 130 reforms that will aim to increase renters' rights and protect tenants in vulnerable positions. According to Fairfax, the reforms may be introduced into parliament as early as this week and, if passed, it would be the most substantial change to the Residential Tenancies Act since it was introduced over 20 years ago. The reforms will see updates to existing legislation to better reflect the current market and make it easier for people to enter into it — a problem that isn't just exclusive to first home buyers. Anyone who's recently had to fork out a small fortune to pay bond will be happy to know that, under the proposed changes, bond amounts would be capped at four weeks' rent and landlords would be prevented from hiking up your rent more than once a year, too. The Andrews Government's reforms would also give you more freedom to make a house into a home — you'd be able to make small modifications such as nailing hooks into the wall. Though minor, perhaps nothing says "this feels like home" than finally being able to hang up that festival poster you've been hanging onto since 2011. And it'll be way harder for landlords to ban pets, too — they'd have to get an order from VCAT, so it's likely you'd be able to add a fur baby to your fam if you so wish. In addition to all that, there are also a variety of further reforms to do with right of entry and leftover goods from renters at properties. And, on recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, tenants will be able to terminate rental agreements in a situation of domestic or family violence, with victims not being held liable for debts that aren't their own. Of course, the reforms won't be reforms until they are passed through both houses of parliament — the government needs the support of both the opposition and the Greens to get them through the Upper House. Stay tuned. Image: Donaldytong via Wikimedia Commons.
It's no secret that New York City is overflowing with cultural experiences. That's probably one of the main reasons you're considering visiting (or revisiting). But what you might not know is that there's a slew of cultural experiences to be found beyond the Big Apple too. Once you've explored The Met and caught a Broadway show, head outside the city into New York State to explore art galleries, museums and performance spaces that showcase incredible creativity, history and stories. We've teamed up with New York State to highlight some of our favourite destinations that will elevate your journey beyond the typical tourist stops. [caption id="attachment_845553" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Rozell, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation[/caption] SCHUYLER MANSION, ALBANY Planning to see Hamilton when you're in NYC? In addition to listening to the soundtrack on repeat for the rest of your trip, you'll likely want to learn more about the characters you saw brought to life on stage. And you can do so at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany, the state's capital city. Once home to Philip J. Schuyler — the prominent 18th-century military leader, politician and father to Hamilton characters Angelica, Eliza and Peggy Schuyler — the Schuyler Mansion remains an enduring piece of Albany's history. Originally built on an 80-acre property overlooking the Hudson River, it was visited throughout the years by some of America's most notable figures including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Benedict Arnold. Spoiler alert: it was also the location of Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's wedding in 1780. Enjoy wandering through this preserved Georgian home to delve into the story behind the mansion and its residents, and to experience how one of New York's influential figures shaped the surrounding region from this historic estate. [caption id="attachment_845255" align="alignnone" width="1920"] George Eastman House - Kellie Fraver[/caption] GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM, ROCHESTER Consider yourself a film and photography buff? The George Eastman Museum is a grand cultural institution dedicated to the origins of photography and motion picture. The estate's namesake owner founded the Eastman Kodak Company, and his former residence has hosted this not-for-profit museum since 1947 and features a collection spanning millions of artefacts. Throughout the year there are terrific exhibitions from established and emerging artists, plus daily tours of the grounds and regular talks by visiting scholars. The museum is also one of three places in the country where you can catch a screening presented on nitrate film — once thought too flammable to use safely. After you've finished exploring inside, take a moment to savour the mansion's immaculate gardens. [caption id="attachment_853517" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM, COOPERSTOWN Baseball is still referred to as America's favourite pastime and remains one of the most popular sports in the country. Attending a Major League game is definitely something to add to your itinerary (even if only for the hotdogs, peanuts and beer in paper cups) but if you're looking to learn about the history of the sport, it's worth a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. Here, both mega-fans and the sports-curious can explore remarkable exhibits featuring millions of items from the private collection. Opened in 1939 to draw tourists to the community, this vast three-storey museum now offers everything from baseball movie memorabilia to a 200-seat theatre screening documentaries. [caption id="attachment_853521" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] PROCTORS THEATER, SCHENECTADY Opened as a vaudeville playhouse in the early 20th century, Proctors Theater is one of the most historic stages to be found anywhere in the United States. It was the location for the first-ever public television demonstration in 1930 and has had iconic pop acts like Mariah Carey and Britney Spears grace its stage. Proctors Theater now focuses on accommodating Broadway productions, large-scale cinema screenings and shows for emerging local performers, so if you wanted to experience a quality theatrical production (without the huge crowds and ticket prices that Broadway often demand), head to the colourful city of Schenectady to secure seats to the likes of My Fair Lady (May 17–22, 2022) and Mean Girls (June 28–July 3, 2022). [caption id="attachment_853523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] BOLDT CASTLE, ALEXANDRIA BAY It's hard to believe you can find something so picturesque and fairy tale-like within driving distance of New York City but here you have it: Boldt Castle. This grand Rhineland structure adorns its own five-acre island within the Thousand Islands-Seaways region, about 5.5 hours from Manhattan. The brainchild of influential hotelier George Boldt, the castle was originally built for his wife Louise, but sat incomplete for over 70 years after her death brought construction to a halt. After a long-standing effort to finish the castle, the island is now open to visitors between May and October each year when the weather is warmer. Catch a ferry or private boat across from the mainland to explore the carefully reconstructed spaces and period-specific furnishings, then hit up the formal gardens, picnic areas and gift shop. [caption id="attachment_851083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] LUCY DESI STUDIOS MUSEUM AND NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER, JAMESTOWN Nowadays, it's difficult to grasp how influential a duo Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were. Back in the 50s, I Love Lucy was a worldwide sensation and a pioneering production on a couple of fronts, including being the first TV show to have a live studio audience instead of using canned laughter. The Lucy Desi Museum is where you can celebrate the legacy of these television icons by exploring a collection of costumes, awards, mementos as well as precise studio set recreations. Also in Jamestown is the National Comedy Center where you'll find more than 50 interactive exhibits that track the rise of modern comedy as a beloved art form. You'll gain an even greater appreciation for the genre's defining figures, from Charlie Chaplin to Carl Reiner. [caption id="attachment_845002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] STORM KING ART CENTER, NEW WINDSOR New York State's kaleidoscopic landscape is striking as it shifts in colour throughout the year from one season to the next. One of the best places to experience the natural wonder is Hudson Valley's Storm King Art Center — a 500-acre outdoor gallery filled with towering installations and site-specific commissions from renowned artists. As you roam the wide open fields, you'll come across soaring artworks by world-famous sculpturists like Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder, Richard Serra and Lynda Benglis. Alongside this enormous collection of permanent openair works, there are new exhibitions presented inside a smaller gallery space. This year, Storm King Art Center is hosting a special showing of Kenyan-born American artist Wangechi Mutu's earth and bronze sculptures, and New York-based artist Brandon Ndife's site-specific project Shade Trees. [caption id="attachment_853526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] FISHER CENTER AT BARD, ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON Cultural institutions rarely come more stunning than the Fisher Center at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson. Located in the Hudson Valley region, the experimental performing arts centre was designed by seminal architect Frank Gehry, and the building's sustainable innovations and deconstructivist roofline received rave reviews upon being opened to the public. The performances inside are just as impressive. The Fisher Center at Bard hosts musical theatre, dance and orchestral events across several groundbreaking spaces. Check the website to see what's happening during your visit and purchase tickets to whatever takes your fancy. To start planning your trip to New York State, head to iloveny.com. Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best food and drink stops, places to stay, outdoor adventures and day trips from NYC. Top image: NYSDED, Darren McGee
Among the many ways to decide which wine next swirls around your glass, then across your tastebuds, Australia's Young Gun of Wine stands out. Since 2007, the awards have thrown some love at up-and-coming wine labels and winemakers across the nation, and not just because they make top-notch vino. These accolades take into account the whole story behind their tipples of choice each year — and 2024 now has its top 50. "Every year, we're seeing new ideas from the emerging talent, and they're shaping the environment that we get to enjoy. It's also not just about the products — it's the learnings that peers can take from their adventurous winemaking. It's also how they're presenting, labelling and talking about their work — how they're connecting with wine professionals and consumers," said Rory Kent, who founded YGOW, about 2024's picks. "That's why, uniquely and since day one, the wines for the Young Gun of Wine Awards are not tasted blind. These awards are as much about vision and leadership as they are about the quality of wine in the glass." 2024's top 50 spans drops from around most of Australia. Victoria is home to more spots on the list than anywhere else with 20, followed by South Australia with 17. New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory account for six wine labels and winemakers, Western Australia for four and Tasmania for three. The range also goes big on new names, which covers half of the finalists. This is the 18th year that YGOW has taken place, with the top 50 just one element. Now that Kent and his fellow 2024 judges — Jeremy Shiell from Winespeake, winemaker Meg Brodtmann, wine critic Nick Stock, Atlas Vinifera's Abby Moret and Orbis Wines' — have shared their favourites, winners of the accolades' six annual trophies will be unveiled on Tuesday, June 18. [caption id="attachment_681000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone, South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] The Young Gun of Wine is the overall prize, while the Winemaker's Choice is a peer-chosen gong, Best New Act goes to a first-time finalist, Danger Zone to a boundary-pushing wine product, and The Vigneron to makers who show love in tending to their land and vines. The People's Choice award is self-explanatory, and currently open for votes until Tuesday, June 18. [caption id="attachment_773167" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Young Gun of Wine 2024 Top 50: New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory: Agitate (Andrew Ling) Aristotelis Ke Anthoula (Tony Zafirakos and Maddison Park-Neilson) Intrepidus Wines (Chrissie Smith) Linear Wines (Nathan Brown) M&J Becker Wines (Meagan and James Becker) Sabi Wabi (Peta Kotz) South Australia: Agricola (Callum Powell) Alpha Box and Dice (Sam Berketa) Cape Jaffa Wines (Giulia Fiorovic and Federico Pezzino) Curator Wine Co (Daniel Zolotarev) Guthrie (Hugh Guthrie) J & S Fielke (Jemma and Steven Fielke) Jean Bouteille Wines (Jean-Baptiste Courdesses) Kenny Wine (Andrew Kenny) Mountadam (Caitlin Brown) Parley Wine (Melissa Woods and Sarah Feehan) Poppelvej (Uffe Deichmann) Saltfleet Wines (Kyle Egel and Jonny Cook) Scanlon Wines (Harry Scanlon) Turon Wines (Turon White) Wangolina (Anita Goode) Worlds Apart Wines (Louis Schofield) XO Wine Co (Greg Clack and Kate Horstmann) Tasmania: Aunt Alice (Alice Davidson) Marco Lubiana (Marco Lubiana) Utzinger Wines (Matthias Utzinger) Victoria: Alessandro Stefani (Alessandro Stefani) Alkimi Wines (Stuart Dudine) Allevare (Lucy Kendall and Alysha Moscatt) ECK Wines (Emily Kinsman) Gum Wine (George McCullough) Honky Chateau (Chris Ryan) Jones Winery & Vineyard — J6 Wines (Benjamin Jones) Juliard Wines (Jules Morey and Bernard Morey) Little Frances (Erin Frances Pooley) Mac Forbes Wines (Hannah Maltby) Meredith Wines (Ben Luker) Mise En Place Wines (Doug Lilburne) Musical Folk (James Becker) Nomads Garden (Ben Dahlenburg) Patch Wines (Matt Talbot) Port Phillip Estate (Tim Perrin) Portsea Estate (Matt Lugg and Will Ross) Scion (Rowly Milhinch) Tillie J Wines (Tillie Johnston) Werkstatt Wine (Bridget Mac) Western Australia: Fervor (Callum Garland) Chalari Wines (Alexi Christidis) Mon Tout (Nic Bowen and Richard Burch) Vallée du Venom (Rhys and Emma Parker) For more information about Young Gun of Wine, head to the awards' website. 2024's winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 18.
By this stage, you've probably forgotten what the inside of a movie theatre looks like and it's anyone's guess when you'll be reacquainted with one. But hey, at least you can still get your cinema candy bar fix, thanks to the folks at Thornbury Picture House. Every Saturday, the family-run indie movie theatre is opening its doors for Drive-Thru Cinema. No, not an actual movie screening, but a pop-up shop offering a selection of takeaway eats and drinks to make your couch-based film sessions just that little bit better. On the menu, you'll find all the cinema staples, from serves of freshly popped popcorn, to old-school lolly bags. There are Maltesers — for rolling down the aisle of your living room, of course — and a range of choc tops, including The Toddy Shop's famed vegan iterations, in flavours like burnt toffee and espresso martini. And of course, they've got a few boozy offerings to wash it all down, with bottles of Noisy Ritual wine also up for grabs. Do remember, for now, you can only swing past if the drive-thru is in your five-kilometre bubble. [caption id="attachment_693396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thornbury Picture House by Nicole Cleary[/caption] Drive-Thru Cinema at Thornbury Picture House is open from 3–7.30pm every Saturday. Top image: Tinny Tang
Sometimes, we're all looking onwards, upwards and forwards because we're thinking about the future. In a 16-month period that's seen normality as everyone knows it change and evolve rapidly, that's hardly surprising. But don't forget to look up literally, too — especially when must-see sights keep gracing the night sky. When it comes to vibrant astronomical visions, the past few weeks have well and truly delivered. First, the Lyrids meteor shower lit up the night. Then, the 'pink' supermoon did its lunar thing. Every autumn, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower also sets the sky ablaze, and it's that time now. This year, the shower will be at its most spectacular early on Friday, May 7 — very early, in fact. If you're eager to catch a glimpse, even from just your backyard or balcony, here's how. WHAT IS IT The Eta Aquarids might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but the shower is actually a distant relation — because the bits and pieces you see flying around were on Halley's path a really, really long time ago. And, rather than only being visible every 76 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), the Eta Aquarids come around every year, usually between April 19–May 28 every year. The shower's name comes from the star from which they appear to come Eta Aquarii, which is part of the Aquarius constellation. So, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. Luckily, being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world. On average, you can see up to 20–40 meteors per hour. [caption id="attachment_769233" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Friday, May 7, but will still be able to be seen for a few days on either side. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am. This year, at that time, you'll be in the running to see as many as 50 meteors every 60 minutes. Each will be moving at about 225,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. HOW TO SEE IT Usually, when a meteor shower lights up the sky, we'd tell city-dwellers to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the best view. If you can't venture out of town at the moment, you can still take a gander from your backyard or balcony. To help locate the shower, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Eta Aquarids. It has been updating this daily. The weather might get in the way of your viewing, though. Sydney is set for showers until Friday — fingers crossed that the wet weather takes a break during the early hours. It's also forecast to be partly cloudy in Melbourne until the weekend, mostly sunny in Brisbane, showery and cloudy in Perth, and partly cloudy in Adelaide. This year, the meteor shower will also have to compete with the moon, which is expected to reduce visibility — so catching a glimpse pre-dawn after the moon sets is your best bet.
A good toastie is more Australian than Bob Hawke sculling beer at the cricket. The humble toastie may just be a simple sandwich that has been toasted (whether that's in a frying pan, a sandwich press or a jaffle iron), but a world of possibilities exists within those two slices of bread. While this is something you could make at home, why would you when so many venues do it so well? These five toasties are the toast of the town. BACON SANDWICH, WIDE OPEN ROAD One sandwich rules them all in Brunswick, and that's the bacon sanga at Wide Open Road. It has crispy bacon, oozy double cheese, sweet and slightly spicy relish framed in bread so golden you know it's been fried by some kind of magic (otherwise known as a frying pan). If you don't normally come to Brunswick, this is a toastie worth crossing rivers for — whether that's the Yarra, the Parramatta, the Danube, the Seine or the Nile. BANGERS AND MASH JAFFLE, BAD FRANKIE If you get out of bed on Saturdays for the sausage sizzle at Bunnings, we'd like to introduce you to the sausage sizzle's gourmet cousin: the bangers and mash jaffle at Bad Frankie. This small bar, just off Smith Street in Collingwood, specialises in Australian whisky and jaffles. On the menu, there are toasties stuffed with cheese, supreme pizza, vego butter chicken, and, of course, the bangers and mash. Pork sausages are served on wholemeal bread, topped with potato mash and served with gravy dipping sauce on the side. It's so delicious you'll never go to Bunnings again (well, not for the sausage sizzle). [caption id="attachment_640639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] LAMB JAFFLE, TUCK SHOP TAKE AWAY Tuck Shop Take Away is a corner store in Caulfield reinventing old classics that make a variety of 'best of' lists: best milkshakes, best burgers, best fries, best treats, and, most importantly, some of the best jaffles around. Tuck Shop has three jaffle options — baked beans, three cheese or slow-cooked lamb. The lamb is mixed with Vegemite and béchamel sauce and tightly sealed in a jaffle iron – it tastes like the best gourmet pie you've ever had. There's limited seating in the cafe, so head in early and grab a stool at the counter. CHICKEN AND CHORIZO BOLOGNESE TOASTIE, CHEERIO Cheerio lives up to its name — it's a small and cheerful cafe just off Swan Street in Richmond where you can order a cheerful toastie from a cheerful waiter. And if that's not enough for you, wait until you bite into the chicken and chorizo bolognese toastie. Mixing comfort foods from Spain and Italy, in an Australian toastie, it's unapologetically indulgent. [caption id="attachment_647658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Letícia Almeida[/caption] JAFFLE BOLOGNESE, ARLECHIN Another bolognese toastie, in a completely different setting. Arlechin is a new bar in the CBD serving up snacks and drinks til 2am. So if you've ever craved a stellar toastie after midnight, but have, maybe, lacked the 'dexterity' to do so, Arlechin is here to save the day. The rich, piping hot bolognese is sealed between slices of crisp golden bread and topped with a healthy pile of grated parmesan. Your hangover will thank you tomorrow.
The clever clogs at The Lifted Brow have pulled together another excellent edition for your reading pleasure, and because of this, we must party. For those of you yet to pick up this literary gem, The Lifted Brow is a quarterly journal that publishes literature, visual art, and many other things that fit in the spaces between. Their authors and artists herald from both from Australia and abroad, and digital versions as well as print editions are available to suit your reading preferences. On this celebratory occasion, there'll be music from DJ Giles Simon and friends, and projections curated by Katie Parrish and Marc Pearson to set the aural and visual mood. We’re also lucky to have readings from contributors to this issue, the ever-talented Briohny Doyle and Zora Sanders. Copies of TLB27 will be available for purchase, drinks will be available for drinking, and entry into the event, hosted at Grey Gardens, will cost you zero dollars.
When a Tumblr phenomenon gets its own real-life exhibition, you know we are living in a brave new world. As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, WTF Renaissance will set up at the Lithuanian club for a free exhibition featuring new work from these masterminds of memes and lols. For those who are yet to stumble across this comedic gold, WTF Renaissance, in their own words, puts together "Paintings that are old as f*ck, with captions that are modern as shit." Hilarity ensues. This is the second time WTF Renaissance have exhibited their comedy gold, and when something is back by popular demand, you know it’s worth dropping in on. Find them at the Fringe Club, part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, at the Lithuanian Club.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Byron Bay Council. To book your creative Byron Bay adventure, visit legendarybyron.com.au. Byron Bay might be synonymous with sandy, salty escapades and long, summery days, but there are at least three good reasons to visit mid-year — and that’s not even counting Splendour. For a start, tourist numbers are down, so you won’t find yourself queuing for breakfast or dodging pedestrians in overcrowded streets Bluesfest-style. Second up, the weather, with temperatures hovering around the late-teens, offers a sizeable improvement on southeastern offerings. Third, hordes of artists are painting, drawing and sculpting in their Hinterland studios, awaiting your visit. In fact, in Byron, you’ll find two times as many people working in the creative industries as you’ll find in the average shire. “A place without art is a very dull place indeed,” says Byron Bay Shire Mayor Simon Richardson. “We have a rich tradition of cultural creativity, and so for us, in a way, it ensures that the alternative or progression of culture and community here continues to have a voice, continues to share their skills and ideas with the wider community ... We’ve got a really lovely mix between those who are very regionally and locally focused, and come from that old-school, non-metropolitan artistic aesthetic, and those who are fully fledged professionals.” WATCH AN ARTIST AT WORK IN A '70s MO One of the most Lord of the Rings-esque yet least visited areas in the Byron Shire is Goonengerry, and one of its most talked about artists is award-winning sculptor and ceramicist Suvira McDonald. You can watch him in action in his enormous studio (visits by arrangement; call (02) 6684 9194), situated on an MO. For those who’ve never donned a pair of rainbow flares, that’s short for Multiple Occupancy, which is kind of a technical-sounding word for commune. “These days an MO is more about people just wanting to live in a close supportive community,” McDonald explains. “Our MO only has five properties; it’s very manageable. People drop by and borrow an onion. We all like and support each other”. There’s virgin rainforest, a garden that’s been established for 20 years and more wildlife than you’ll see in an episode of Blinky Bill. “I’m a potter originally, so there’s always tableware on hand as well as the sculptures,” McDonalds says. “I work a lot with recycled materials, so that makes it interesting for the visitor. There are plenty of curiosities hanging around, including my collection of steel.” Browse and buy affordable art What better keepsake of your time in Byron than an enviable contemporary art find? Retrospect Galleries (52 Jonson Street, Byron Bay) is probably the town's leading gallery, often travelling abroad for affordable art fairs. They offer up a roster of excellently curated exhibitions from artists who work in Byron Bay, Australia and the world. Graphic and street art are particularly prominent, and if you're lucky you'll stumble in on a day they're hosting an artist talk, workshop or live art demonstrations. The July 2014 exhibition is a real charmer. Retrospect are exhibiting the work of Oksana Waterfall, whom they caught wind of at Byron Art's Classic, an annual community exhibition. The detailed, Russo-inspired collages play with the relics of childhood. "The works have a curious blend of whimsy, nostalgia, tenderness and a touch of the macabre," write Retrospect on their website. GET HANDS-ON If watching McDonald gets you inspired, a trip to the Byron Bay Art Studio (18 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay) will have you creating like Picasso in no time. There, experienced artist and 'art-inspirationalist' Irena Kirpichnikova has taught tens of thousands of individuals to develop their artistic confidence. In just three hours, she’ll help you produce your very own masterpiece - even if you’ve never so much as glanced at a paintbrush in your life. For the especially enthusiastic, she offers five-day one-on-one ‘art apprenticeships’, during which you’ll learn about how the brain creates colours and how to “paint from your heart — using intuition and self-expression”. Inspired? Check out legendarybyron.com.au to plan and book your getaway in Byron Bay.
With the hustle of a 9-to-5 and the fast pace of modern life, each week can fly by in a way that leaves you feeling exhausted but, paradoxically, as though you haven't achieved anything of substance. Well, enough of that. Each day you can elevate your life by aiming for just one easy win — even small changes to your routine will help boost your week and leave you feeling accomplished. To get you started, we've teamed up with our friends at Coopers to bring you a list of 'easy wins' — small things that will enrich your week and help you balance that delicate trifecta of health, career and social life with greater aplomb than ever before. MONDAY: GET COFFEE WITH A COLLEAGUE You can go for months — years, even — only knowing your colleagues on a superficial level. So, why not take some time out of your Monday to get to know someone from the office a bit better. It's an easy win from both a social and career perspective. If you're shy or not too sure of what to talk about, the best place to start is to simply ask what path your colleague took to reach their current job. If that fails, Netflix chat is always a good back up — people love spruiking their favourite new series. Who knows, you could find a new work bestie. And, once the relationship progresses, you can swap coffee dates for after-work beers. TUESDAY: SPEND YOUR LUNCH BREAK AT A GALLERY Every day we are bombarded with images via our screens — but seeing things IRL is an altogether different, much more impactful, experience. Switch off your phone, head to an art gallery and stimulate your senses the old-fashioned way. It doesn't have to be a full-blown art affair where you spend your entire Sunday traversing one of the major galleries; it can be as easy as popping into a local gallery on your lunch break and doing a quick walkthrough. Add a bit of culture to your work week, and check out Kyle Montgomery's crystal Virgin Mary sculptures at China Heights in Sydney, Honey Long and Prue Stent's divine photography at Arc One in Melbourne or the young artistic talent at the Edwina Corlette Gallery in Brisbane. WEDNESDAY: DO A DIGITAL DETOX Sure, technology has its many benefits, but it can also have some pretty nasty side-effects. Constant connection can be stressful, distracting or, at worst, damaging to our mental health. While a full-on digital detox is off the cards for most of us — y'know work and stuff — design ethicist Tristan Harris has a number of tricks to help us reduce our reliance on smartphones and form more intentional relationships with technology. For starters, download Flux onto your computer (it cuts out the blue light from your screen at night so your melatonin levels are less disrupted), change your iPhone display to black and white (grayscale is less appealing to regularly check than colour) and turn off push notifications on your phone. Now that scrolling is no longer sucking up your time, you can bury your head in a book, catch up with friends, take a walk... the opportunities are endless. THURSDAY: EXPAND YOUR MIND WITH A TALK You know the importance of integrating physical exercise into our weekly routines, but it's easy to forget the need to keep our minds active, too. On any given night you can find a number of scintillating talks across your city on diverse topics like politics, media, art, sexuality and business. Many of these events — held at bookshops like Gleebooks in Sydney, Avid Reader in Brisbane or Readings in Melbourne — are free to attend. You can also check out our Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne event pages to find upcoming talks and classes in your city. FRIDAY: SAVOUR A BOWL OF PHO Wind down the work week with a Friday night pho from the best in the business. The most delicious meals often hail from the most humble looking places — a good noodle-soup discovery will attest to this adage like nothing else. Pho Tau Bay in Sydney's Cabramatta, Pho Hung Vuong 2 in Melbourne's Richmond and The Vietnamese in Brissie's Fortitude Valley all pack a punch with bountiful bowls of pure flavour. To take this easy win a step further, treat yourself to an ice cold beer — beer and pho are bros, trust us. SATURDAY: READ AN ACTUAL NEWSPAPER Yes, they still exist. Head to your local cafe, grabbing a paper on the way, order a flat white and catch up on the news in a slow, laidback way — rather than that frenzied, panicked newsfeed way. Kick leisure goals and expand your mind simultaneously. The Saturday Paper is prime for longer reads, The Australian Financial Review is perfect for the latest in business and politics, while The Age (Melbourne), The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney) or The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) cover the news of your city. SUNDAY: TUCK INTO SOME TACOS You heard it here first, shrimp tacos are the at-home dish of choice for summer 2019 — fresh, zesty, and perfect for warm weather. Close out your week with the biggest of littlest wins, find your preferred recipe on the interwebs and put on a feast for your loved ones. Just add beers and sangria, and you have the perfect Saturday evening made. Kick off your 'easy wins' by enjoying a Coopers Dry, or two, with your mates.
Goodbye, Espy Kitchen. Hello, Louey's. St Kilda's iconic pub, The Espy, has just opened its most recent venue-within-a-venue: a disco-themed Italian-American diner. It's taking over the old Espy Kitchen space, replacing fancy pub grub with a neon-lit mashup of live theatrics, wood-fired pizzas, American sides, ricotta-stuffed parmas and Italian share plates. You'll be relieved to hear the rest of The Espy is staying more or less in-tact. The front bar is still your destination for pub fare, and Mya Tiger is still serving sizzling Cantonese upstairs. As far as we know, Louey's is the last big change planned for the venue, at least in the immediate future. Food-wise, expect a heavy dose of Italian-American kitsch. Executive Chef Tony Moss (from South Melbourne's O'Connell's Hotel) seems to be having fun with this one, serving up mini fried lasagne, meatball sliders, spaghetti and meatballs and even a lobster pizza. Want cheese with that? Louey's is doing a giant tableside wheel of parmesan, shaved to order. The Espy Venue Manager Chad Kaya says the idea with Louey's was to bridge that awkward gap between a sit-down restaurant and good-time dive bar. "It's the ideal space for those wanting a good time and good food," Kaya says, "the perfect balance between what's upstairs at Mya Tyger and the casual pub in the main entrance of the building". Louey's is all about spectacle and fun. There's nothing subtle about the Cohen family's new venture, but what sets Louey's apart from other Italian-Americana venues is live entertainment, which will rotate each week. On Wednesdays, there's a house band from 7pm. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays will have DJ sets kicking on into the evening. Saturdays even feature piano bar-style brunch sessions (the so-called Pick of the Brunch), with song requests and sing-a-longs. It's fun, it's in St Kilda's best venue, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Three cheers for the new-look Espy. Louey's is open from 12pm-late from Wednesdays through to Sunday. Images: supplied.
If you're lucky enough to score tickets to Meredith Music Festival in any year via the event's ballot, one of Australia's best fests awaits no matter the lineup. 2025's roster of acts is characteristically impressive, however. On the bill: TV on the Radio, Atarashii Gakko! and Perfume Genius, for starters, as well as Thee Sacred Souls, Pa Salieu, HAAi, Bar Italia, Colin Hay and Mildlife. And, there's still more where the came from. Folk Bitch Trio, Saya Gray, RONA. and Omar Souleyman are on the lineup, too. So are Dames Brown, Radio Free Alice, Sam Austins RP Boo, Wax'o Paradiso, Florist and Jack J. Add in Drifting Clouds, Dr Sure's Unusual Practice, Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir, Mouseatouille, Brown Spirits and Lazy Susan on MC duties, and expect a jam-packed three days across Friday, December 5–Sunday, December 7, 2025. [caption id="attachment_1017125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chip Mooney[/caption] How is the fest crew describing this year's event? "One of the best places on earth to spend a weekend, the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre has been natured and nurtured and then natured again, for the singular purpose of hosting the time of your life," organisers advise. So, expect "a permanent and purpose-built underground wunderland that provides optimal conditions for rarefied reverie", as well as to get "lost in music, lost in one another, for three days and two nights of Sup'ed up saucery". [caption id="attachment_1017126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sumner Dilworth[/caption] Meredith Music Festival 2025 Lineup TV on the Radio Atarashii Gakko! Perfume Genius Thee Sacred Souls Pa Salieu HAAi Bar Italia Colin Hay Mildlife Folk Bitch Trio Saya Gray RONA. Omar Souleyman Dames Brown Radio Free Alice Sam Austins RP Boo Wax'o Paradiso Florist Jack J Drifting Clouds Dr Sure's Unusual Practice Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir Mouseatouille Brown Spirits Lazy Susan Top images: Leah Hulst, Cody Critcheloe.
No longer just relegated to late-night post-uni eats and fancy tea and cake with your gran, Brunetti is this week coming to life. Asking people to come together and "experience the real Italian dream" these experts in decadence and pleasure are hosting a series of in-house parties with huge delicious banquets, drinks and — of course — dancing. Testing things out with a La Dolce Vita themed opening last month, Brunetti have since perfected the plan and are hitting back with Act II — a Pompeii-themed banquet of pizza, pasta, gelato, cocktails and wine. Your ticket will include one cocktail on arrival and as many incredible treats as you can possibly stomach. And, at just $25, that's not a bad deal. If you can't make it this time around, never fear. Brunetti will be partying well into the summer with the next event scheduled for January 23. Both events will be held at their big store at City Square, but make sure you're on time. With aperitivo meaning "pre-dinner drink" the dancing will be done strictly between 5-6pm. Grab your tickets here.
Upon returning from a winter escape to sunny Vietnam, my response to the obligatory "how was it?" was consistent in message, and in enthusiasm. "THE FOOD! Oh my God!", pretty much sums it up. Most surprising was just how regional the cuisine is and how it can differ from the north to the south, east to the west. Of course, if you go along looking for pho, spring rolls and banh mi, you will indeed find — and no doubt enjoy — them everywhere. However, if you open your eyes and mind a little wider, you'll discover each region has a set of specialties, and an approach to food that differs slightly from everywhere else. What does consistently run through the entire country is a commitment to freshness and flavour; fragrant fresh herbs liven even the simplest of meals, and local dishes are borne from what's available to be caught from the sea or picked from the ground. In one reasonably short trip you can experience vast differences in not only the food, but also in the scenes and 'scapes. From city madness — which mostly entails throngs of scooters careering around the roads and tourists closing their eyes and hoping for the best when crossing the street — to beautiful beaches, and mountain peaks to rice fields in the valley. Here are a few highlights to be discovered with eyes, mind and mouth wide open. HANOI Hanoi in the north is the country's capital, and yet seems a touch more modest and visitor-friendly than Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). The traffic system will leave you aghast for the first day, and after that you must embrace it, roll with it and trust in the controlled chaos of the road when you close your eyes and run towards the other side. Taking the city on foot will let you discover hidden laneways, a hint of French architecture, buzzing street food stalls, plenty of cheap fake goods for sale, and a snippet of local life. The Old Quarter and area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect base to explore the city. Hit the lake early one morning to get a glimpse of what keeps the locals so happy, healthy and vibrant: plenty of Tai Chi, stretching, breathing and all manner of interesting morning rituals. HANOI FOODNOTE Here it seems nearly all to do with rice noodles and soup (yes, you will find pho aplenty in Hanoi). One of the local specialties here is bun bo nam bo — which is not only delicious, but incredibly fun to pronounce. This is a beef noodle dish of vermicelli, barbecued beef strips, a tasty stock sauce, chopped peanuts and lashing of fresh herbs on top. At Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu – be careful of imitators who have popped up nearby), you need only to walk in and tell them how many serves and you will be presented with a bowl of this tasty meal for all of about $2.50. Similar local options include bun cha (pork and noodles) and bun ca (crispy fish and noodles, this time served in a soup), while cha ca is a slightly different local treat – barbequed fish with chilli and lemongrass, served with dry rice paper, fresh salad and peanuts, and a dipping sauce all to be wrapped, dunked and downed. An unsung hero of Hanoi cuisine, cha ca will prove its worth if you seek it out. MAI CHAU Mai Chau lies about four hours south-west of Hanoi and is home to a White Thai community of people. There are small villages that can be reached by wandering through the rice fields (among the song of frogs, geese and cows), where you'll find homestay options, stalls selling woven scarves, bags and clothing, and even a few traditional looms on display or in use. It's a beautiful change from the city and a real taste of rural life. If you stay at Mai Chau Lodge, there are plenty of activities to book, such as walking tours with local guides, cave explorations, market trips and cooking classes. MAI CHAU FOODNOTE Because this area is inhabited by White Thai people, the food is highly varied and pulls strong influences from Chinese and Thai cuisines. So while dishes such as tom ka ghai and fried noodles might have you wondering if you've strayed from traditional Vietnamese cuisine, just think of how little you worried about the 'Frenchness' of that banh mi baguette. The cuisine here holds a very interesting identity, and that is precisely thanks to the different influences. Of course, being in the rice fields, the ubiquitous white grain features heavily, and is served with pretty much everything. As are the flavours of lemongrass, lime, garlic, chilli and salt. And, somewhat surprisingly, sweet potatoes that are grown in the fields and sold at the local markets in abundance. HOI AN Hoi An in central Vietnam is a quaint little delight of a town that seems highly geared towards tourism, yet still retains some element of small-town charm. Lanterns hang outside the shops and the old town's cobbled streets are filled with wanderers of the non-motorised variety, in very European fashion. Don't be overwhelmed by all the clothes tailors and shoemakers. Save time and energy and head straight to Miss Forget-Me-Not (37 Phan Chu Trinh Street) for clothes and shoes, and Tu Chi (24 Phan Boi Chau Street) for bags — they come highly recommended by many travellers, including this writer. Then find respite from it all at An Bang Beach, about four kilometres out of town. My recommendation is to base yourself out there, in one of the few homestay properties (there are no hotels, per se, but Beach Hideaway and Seaside Village both offer glorious villa-style cottages), and cycle into town when the days calls for dining or shopping. For the other times, the beach provides long stretches of white sand dotted with traditional fishing coracles, warm calm water to float about in, and a stretch of bars and restaurants with shaded beach lounges for their customers. Watch the local families descend on the beach as the sun recedes — they bring tables, chairs, big pots of rice and grilled meats, make a fire and settle in for an evening on the sand. It's quite a sight. HOI AN FOODNOTE Perhaps the jewel in Hoi An's food crown is cao lau, a traditional dish of noodles made using water from the well to give them a heavier, chewier texture. These noodles are sandwiched between rich, salty stock at the bottom and grilled pork and fresh leaves on top. It's served at breakfast time (although you can find it any time of the day) and is a surprisingly great way to start the day of eating. Other treats specific to Hoi An include white rose (rice paper dumplings filled with minced prawns) and com ga, shredded chicken with yellow rice. Of course, being by the sea, fresh seafood also features heavily. Ordering the fish special often means whatever the local fishermen have brought back in their coracles that morning, so you can guarantee it will be fresh, and local. Beyond all that, wherever you are in Vietnam, remember to wear sunscreen, cross the road with bravery, barter with a smile, look for regional specialties and try ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at least once, if not daily. Photography by Greg George and Julia Gaw.
Sculpture by the Sea kicked off its 22nd annual exhibition today — once again taking over the two-kilometre coastline from Sydney's Bondi to Tamarama Beach with many incredible sculptural feats. This year, you'll find 107 sculptures by artists from 21 countries globally. The works will be on display from October 18 through November 4, and it's all absolutely free. This year's highlights include a collaboration with China's leading art institute, the Central Academy of Art (CAFA), showcasing the works of eight alumni, all spread throughout the vast sculpture park. If you're looking to know more about the inspiration for the sculptures on display, you can grab a bean bag and hear directly from the artists every Saturday and Sunday. But, with so many sculptures to feast your eyes on, it can be overwhelming — and you want to make sure not to overlook the best of the bunch. Here are five sculptures to keep a look out for while you take that famed Sydney walk. [caption id="attachment_694145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van der Jagt[/caption] COOL SHIT: DAMIEN HIRST LOOKING FOR SHARKS UK artist Cool Shit (the nom de plume of David Glass) has created a large-scale inflatable snorkeler as a parody of artist Damien Hirst — it reference's Hirst's quest for the tiger shark that made him one of the most iconic postmodern British artists of his time. Hirst caught the shark off of Queensland's Hervey Bay back in the 1990s, preserved it with formaldehyde and sold it as a sculpture in 2004 for some $12 million. Glass' work is a comment on the commercialism of Hirst's work, titled The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, which Glass feels was more a hunt for millions than for art. The inflatable sculpture is mainly air and the outer sheath is made of hundreds of hand-painted fabrics. [caption id="attachment_694147" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent Van der Jagt[/caption] BARBARA LICHA: CBD Made of stainless steel bars and galvanised wire and mesh, CBD is a striking representation of the Sydney city centre, created by Polish-born Aussie artist Barbara Licha. She aims to bring attention to the structural beauty of our city and how we are connected not just to others but also to the place we live. This sculpture is full of movement and uses geometrical shapes to depict this intersection between people and place. It explores architecture as more than just a means to building houses, towns and cities but also as a form of art that connects us to our surroundings. [caption id="attachment_694175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlotte Curd[/caption] MU BOYAN: HORIZON A three-metre-tall fleshy figure has really stolen the show this year as the most recognisable sculpture of the bunch. Mu Boyan's Horizon rests on the south Bondi headland at Marks Park and its towering stature is markedly contrasted by its peaceful pose. According to Boyan, the Buddha-like figure is an invitation to sit alongside it and empty your mind. A meditative force to be reckoned with, the sculpture is one-of-eight works in collaboration with Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts. [caption id="attachment_694174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] PENELOPE FORLANO: COUNTERPOINTS WA artist Penelope Forlano directly responded to the Bondi coastline in her sculpture Counterpoints, creating a work that is familiar yet contrasting to the natural surrounds. She began by focusing on the dynamic flow of the waves against the Hawkesbury sandstone — which once connected Australia to Antarctica 300-million years ago. The sculpture is reminiscent of both a water droplet and stone spearhead, the latter of which is meant to connect to nearby Aboriginal engravings. It is a shape that at once fits in and stands out, echoing both the enduring and ephemeral aspects of nature. [caption id="attachment_694168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] ALESSANDRA ROSSI: CAIRNS Referencing human-made piles of stones that have been created by cultures around the globe for centuries, Cairns uses opaque and mirrored perspex to reflect light on its surrounds. Visit it during different times of the day and you'll find yourself bathed in shimmering hues of red, pink, orange and blue. The impermanence of this light also helps convey a dichotomy between the temporary and the enduring, which is also reflected by the ocean — its ebbing waves and its surrounding solid rocks. The three pieces are by Italian artist Alessandra Rossi, who has also exhibited across Australia. Sculpture by the Sea runs until November 4. For more info, visit sculpturebythesea.com. Top image: Trent van der Jagt
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your text trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, where they have just launched their new lavish beachfront pavilions. We've even teamed up with Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort to bring our readers a great deal. Head to Concrete Playground Trips here, to book a three-night stay in the Premium Lagoon Room (including all transfers and breakfasts). WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Spend a few nights in your own luxury retreat located on a private island's shoreline. You can roll out of bed and slide right into your own plunge pool in mere seconds. THE ROOMS When staying at the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort's new pavilions, you are located right on the beach. The beach isn't a short walk down a path. Just step off your private terrace and immediately feel the sand in between your toes. This place is about achieving absolute relaxation in the most luxurious of settings. And that means no kids. It's an adults-only accommodation for those who need a break from hectic youth energy and noise. Each standalone room has a generous living area, a plush king bed, an ensuite with a free standing bath and separate shower area as well as your very own plunge pool overlooking the beach. Yes, these luxury accommodations come with a fairly steep price tag but at the Intercontinental you very much get what you pay for. FOOD AND DRINK We get that you won't want to pull yourselves away from your private paradise, but you'll want to indulge in the excellent food and drinks program on offer. The resort has five distinct restaurants and bars, serving up all the best local produce to guests. But it's their private dining options which are most impressive. They organise private picnics on remote beaches including Langford Island and Blue Pearl Bay (where you'll be served premium honeymoon vibes along with the champagne). They also have poolside cabana lunches and hands-on chef's table experiences. It is proper decadence. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA Hayman Island is the most northerly of the famous Whitsunday Islands, off the coast of Central Queensland. Once you arrive on Hamilton Island, you'll then need to get either a boat or helicopter to Hayman Island. Once you're here, you've got all the best nature experiences at your fingertips. You can walk into the tropical forests full of wildlife or find your very own remote beach away from the other resort goers. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the private island are also full of coral and tropical fish — making this ideal for diving and snorkelling. Editor's tip: if you're looking for an epic way to experience The Whitsundays then book one of these exclusive getaways through Concrete Playground Trips (including a sunset cruise, scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, luxury accommodation and a tour of Whitehaven Beach). THE EXTRAS The Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort has a huge range of activities available to those seeking to either relax or go out on an adventure. On the island, guests can go on nature-bound walking trails, picnics on the beach, immersive wildlife tours, fish feeding trips, cultural weaving classes and take part in a whole host of sports and fitness activities. These guys can also organise a bunch of expeditions by air. Helicopter tours and private seaplane charters will take you above Whitehaven Beach's iconic turquoise swirls and gaze over the world-famous Heart Reef. And lastly, you can go exploring the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands by sea. Get on a daytime tour of the reef (full of snorkelling or scuba diving), work up a sweat during a sea kayaking excursion, head on a fishing adventure by boat or fully relax on a sunset cruise. Heaps of premium sun-soaked activities are on the menu here. Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Only through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips at destinations all over the world.
At the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2024 started with Kandinsky and Louise Bourgeois exhibitions, all carrying over from 2023. Now that the middle of the year has hit, the Sydney institution has thrown over its walls to another massive art name: Alphonse Mucha. The Czech-born painter and illustrator is virtually synonymous with Paris in the art nouveau period in no small part thanks to posters for French stage actor Sarah Bernhardt in the late-19th and early-20th centuries — and Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau, AGNSW's big winter showcase, is dedicated to his work. In an exclusive-to-Sydney display that opened on Saturday, June 15 in Naala Badu, the gallery's north building, and runs until Sunday, September 22, Australian audiences can now step through why Mucha's art is so influential. Whether they're devoted to a theme, a movement or a specific artist, every exhibition tells a story, with this one exploring the two parts of its name: a man who gave an era its look and the aesthetic that he helped immortalise. This isn't a small step through all things Mucha, with more than 200 items featured. Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau is the most-comprehensive showcase of the artist's work that the country has ever seen, in fact. And yes, posters for Bernhardt and others are among the pieces on display, alongside illustrations, photographs, sculptures, jewellery and interior decoration. Surveying Mucha's five-decade career, created in collaboration with the Mucha Foundation in Prague and featuring works from the Mucha Family Collection, Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau also includes a digital component, with painting cycle The Slav Epic from 1912–26 — a piece that spans 20 canvases — getting the immersive treatment. AGNSW is also pairing works by Mucha with Japanese prints sourced from its ukiyo-e collection that date to the same period that Mucha was in Paris, plus band posters and record covers from the 60s and 70s, as well as manga from more recently, that demonstrate his ongoing influence. "Alphonse Mucha was one of art's great stylistic innovators, and whilst best known for his iconic posters and decorative designs that contributed to the development of art nouveau, we hope this truly comprehensive exhibition will offer audiences the chance to take a deeper look at the remarkable life of this fascinating artist and his humanistic ideals," said AGNSW Director Michael Brand. "We are grateful to the Mucha Foundation for their generosity in lending these treasures to allow audiences here in Sydney the chance to discover an exhibition not only rich in art but also in history, human achievement and political commitment." Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau displays at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, The Domain, Sydney from Saturday, June 15–Sunday, September 22, 2024. For more information, visit the venue's website. Images: installation view of the 'Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 15 June – 22 September 2024, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio.
Immersive and Instagrammable art has been all the rage in Australia for a few years now. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room has taken up permanent residence in Canberra, Sugar Republic's "dessert museum" keeps popping up, both multi-sensory playground Imaginaria and Van Gogh Alive have been touring the country in 2021, and Melbourne now has its own permanent digital art museum. And, after first hitting our shores in Sydney in 2020, Happy Place is about to jump back on the must-photograph list. Dubbed the "world's most Instagrammable exhibit", the multi-room installation had already travelled across the US and Canada before its first Aussie stop, and now it's heading to Crown Melbourne from Thursday, December 2–Sunday, January 30. Once inside the exhibition, you'll find many OTT rooms to explore, including a rubber ducky bathtub room, a cookie room that actually smells like freshly baked cookies, a room filled with 40,000 golden handmade flowers and a giant rainbow with a golden ball pit (no leprechauns though, sorry). If that doesn't have you reaching for your smartphone, there's also a mind-bending upside-down room and the "world's largest indoor confetti dome". When it was on display in the northern hemisphere, more than one million snap-happy folks visited Happy Place — including, supposedly, celebs such as Adele, Hilary Duff, Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Michelle Gellar — and we're guessing it's going to be equally popular during its return Down Under. While the exhibition is "on a mission to spread happiness around the world", thankfully it isn't actually like The Good Place. Obviously, it's likely to sell out — and fast. Happy Place will be operating under COVID-safe guidelines in Melbourne, which means that all patrons over the age of 16 will need to be double-vaccinated — and there'll be contact tracing in effect, as well as increased sanitisation measures. Find Happy Place at Crown Melbourne, Level 1 Metropol Precinct, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank from Thursday, December 2–Sunday, January 30. Adult tickets start at $24.99 and are on sale now.
You may have caught Zoe Coombs Marr on ABC2's Dirty Laundry Live or in post's bloody riff on death scenes, Oedipus Schmoedipus. Separate to her work with post, Coombs Marr's thing tends to be the timely topic of gender, and bending it. The "awkward sapphic high priestess of cool" (that's a description worth milking) confirms she's been dressing up as a dude (intermittently) all her life — like when she skipped schoolies to put on a drag musical. She's also won a Phillip Parsons Playwright Award and FBi SMAC Best on Stage in her time, which is pretty much as close as you get to having a quality guarantee. Catch her in Dave this week at Sydney's 107 Projects. There are lots of comedians named Dave, but none are quite like this one. Or maybe they all are. Ahead of the show, Zoe gave us the lowdown on dressing in drag (just like Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart and Brie Larsen have been perfecting). START EARLY Drag is a skill like any other. Just like violin, tennis, and passive aggression, the earlier you start, the more honed it'll be! Due to a natural aptitude*, I was lucky enough to get a headstart in childhood and the evidence is strewn through our family photo albums. While my sisters played it safe, as fairies, princesses and fairy princesses, I used these formative years to progress from standard beginner 'genie' 'magician' and 'groom' (to my sister), into more challenging impersonations of The BFG and The Hunchback of Notre Dame before graduating to experimental drag looks including 'Box of Sultanas with a moustache' and 'Tim Shore from the Demtel infomercials, but dead'. If you feel the chance has passed you by, why not take a leaf out of the Dance Moms handbook and live vicariously through your kids? This is particularly easy as all babies look like genderless potatoes. You can easily confuse everyone with the simplest acts, like dressing little Sally in blue or adorning baby Jake's head with one of those weird elastic bows that anxious heteros put on their bald infant girls to make sure that no one mistakes her for a boy. *lesbianism Images: Zoe's baby drag looks. BREASTS See also: Boozies, boobs, melons, honkers, jugs, bazookas, norks… I could go on. Once you move out of your genderless potato phase you're going to have to deal with these guys. If you're Hilary Swank or Gwyneth Paltrow, you'll just need a single crepe bandage, or to stand facing into a strong breeze. If you've got big knockers, like me, you'll probably try a number of uncomfortable and complicated methods involving: Tape - Gaffa tape can work in a pinch, but you need to wear a shirt under it and the shirt will be ruined. Bandages - Don't really work, because they either (a) move apart, creating a 'sausage coming out of its casing' effect or (b) crush your ribs, restrict your breathing and make you feel a little panicky. This is my theory as to why Gwyneth got so emotional at the Oscars. Sports bras - One forward, one back. never worked for me. Thanks for nothing wikihow. Glad wrap - Which works so well at first. Until the sweat comes… and more sweat… and then the rash. And other household items. Then, after all of the sore ribs, bruises, breathlessness and rashes, you'll give in and buy a binder online. Why didn't you do this ages ago, you idiot? And a tip: You will need a helper. As awkward as this may seem, it is nowhere near as awkward as trying to do this on your own in a dressing room. Especially if, like me, you tend to do this at all-male comedy nights where the dressing room is just a small gap behind a curtain next to the pub’s coolroom. FACIAL HAIR You have a couple of options here. If you’re planning on maintaining some sort of attractive aesthetic, or getting laid after your gig, you can just google 'Drag King Makeup' and follow their tips to creating a sexy contoured look. Think sharp edged eyebrows and pencil thin sculptured beards (aka "chinstrap" or "douche beard") that will make you look like a member of Backstreet Boys, circa 1998. However, I personally prefer to take the less popular route and glue hair clippings to my face, giving the effect of a lolly that's fallen on the floor. Glue them on with spirit glue. (Don’t make my mistakes. Remember water-soluble is easiest to get off unless you have the removal fluid. I once had to wash my face with nail polish remover.) You can source the clippings from a friend, partner, pet, or your own ponytail. The darker and coarser the better. Secretly I’ve always thought that pubic hair would be the best route, but have never been game enough to try. We all have to draw the line somewhere. Actually, now that I think of it, an actual beard would be the best, so if you know any hipster dudes whose Newtown microbrewery has failed and they have to shave to get a job in a bank, let me know. HEAD HAIR This is easy. If you have short hair, you're set! If you have long hair, you're also set: just sweep it into a low pony and you'll look like you work at Harvey Norman and sell stolen microphones on the side. Done. GENITALIA So now that you're covered in tape and hair, you'll need a penis too. I read somewhere that a small plastic bag of birdseed in the undies makes a great prosthe-dick. Or you can just go the tried and tested rolled-up sock route, which is what I do. Mainly because I generally forget this step until the last minute and as a result I perform about half my shows in only one sock. But whatever you use, you'll be tempted to make it too big. Rookie mistake. Hold back! One sock is fine. In fact, I like to imagine that Dave's penis is slightly smaller than average. The lack of confidence has to be made up in bravado and results in a far more realistic performance. After all that just whack on a graphic tee, a flannie, a pair of Rip Curl jeans and off you go. Remember, your guy is complex, if beer ads are anything to go by, he could be into football or cricket or larrikinism. Dave is on July 25-26 at 107 Projects before heading to Edinburgh. More info here.
Digitise your notes and hold them forever without losing the art of touching ink to paper. The line between the digital and non-digital world becomes ever thinner and more transparent with the influx of nifty new technologies like Moleskine's Smart Notebook. This notebook changes the world of handwritten notes as it allows you to photograph them, upload them onto note-taking program Evernote, and view them on a smartphone, tablet or computer. The notebook is for sketches or brainstorms which require old-school pen and paper, but can still conveniently be stored digitally. The Smart Notebook makes your notes, sketches, lists etc. incredibly "accessible, searchable, and shareable." After you've uploaded your notes onto Evernote, you can store them easily, look through them on screen, and easily share them with friends, family or work colleagues. Moleskine's notebook also comes with stickers or tags, so that you can group relevant notes together and make it much easier to sift through and search for various notes or drawings. On the Evernote app, it is easy to search for tags or keywords to easily find past notes. It also does helpful things, like automatically straightening images according to the lines of the notebook. Each Moleskine Smart Notebook comes with a three month Evernote subscription, so you can could theoretically make use of their service by simply buying a new book every three months.
Fancy reliving your childhood film favourites on the stage? That seems to be the current trend. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is doing big business in Melbourne, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical has been taking its golden tickets around the country, and now Shrek the Musical is bringing its all-singing, all-dancing version of the animated movie franchise to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Expect plenty of green when this Tony and Grammy award-nominated stage show finally makes its way to our shores, after first premiering on Broadway back in 2008. Since then, everyone's favourite ogre has sung his way through theatres in the UK, Asia Europe, Canada, Latin and South America, Israel and Scandinavia. Although exact dates haven't been revealed, the character originally voiced by Mike Myers will bound across the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star from early January 2020, then hit up Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne and the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane. You know the story, of course — unless you somehow managed to miss the original 2001 Oscar-winning film, its sequels in 2004, 2007 and 2010, and the heap of spin-offs, shorts, TV specials and series that all followed. Based on the 1990 picture book Shrek!, the tale follows the reclusive but kindly titular figure who endeavours to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona from the the fairy tale-hating Lord Farquaad, all while trekking along with a talking Donkey sidekick. Australian cast details haven't been revealed, but Shrek lovers can expect a whopping 19 songs, an obvious colour scheme and plenty of other fairy tale references. Check out the trailer for the production's UK run below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2VQ2pfXbyI Shrek the Musical will tour Australia from 2020, starting with a Sydney season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star from January. Complete dates — including for the show's seasons at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne and the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane — are yet to be announced. Sydney tickets go on sale on Friday, July 5, with pre-sales from Monday, July 1. Head to ShrekTheMusical.com.au to join the waitlist, and for further details. Image: Helen Maybanks.
The loveable troubadour is back, and we’re getting a sneak peak into his upcoming album, Love is the Great Rebellion, at Howler. This will be Lee’s 10th studio album, and his special brand of endearing indie pop is expected to be alive and well with his new material. The ARIA award winning singer/songwriter will be joined by guitarist Dave Rogers and pianist Sophie Koh for this exceptionally intimate show. Opening act is guitar virtuoso and The Voice runner up Danny Ross, who has been working solidly on his debut album As the Crow Flies which was met with very positive reviews. When it comes down to it, we're really looking forward to abandoning all of our worries or cares and blissfully swaying around to old favourites like 'Catch my Disease', 'Gamble Everything for Love' and 'Love Me Like the World is Ending'. Because really, who doesn’t love a good singalong and slow hand clap?
Brisbanites, prepare for your next hotel getaway — but don't expect to travel very far. Come March 2018, the CBD will welcome its first new luxury hotel in decades, W Brisbane. A five-star establishment on the northern side of the river, it's the type of place that screams 'staycation'. Views beyond South Bank and Mt Coot-tha from each of its rooms, three dining and drinking venues, a lounge-style lobby that boasts a DJ booth by night: they're all part of the W Brisbane experience. In-room cocktail bars, free Netflix, a barbecue-lined poolside area and 1,100 square meters of function space are as well. Taking over the spot at 300 George Street that previously housed the city's supreme courts, and forming part of the new Brisbane Quarter development, the hotel won't be lacking in lush facilities, amenities or reasons to drop by. Those staying the night can pick from 280 standard rooms, 28 suites, two extra-luxe spaces they've dubbed "wow" suites and one "extreme wow" offering — all decked out with custom-designed furniture inspired by the state's history. If that's not blissful enough, guests can also head downstairs to the spa, which features a hair and nail salon, vitality pools, relaxation pods and rejuvenating salt inhalation chambers. W Hotels is owned by Marriott International. New hotels are also planned for Sydney in 2019 and Melbourne in 2020. As for the rest of Brisbane Quarter, it's slated to include an office tower, apartments and two levels of retail too. Find W Brisbane at 300 George Street, Brisbane from March 2018. For more information, or to make a reservation from November 2017, visit the hotel website.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 — RNB Fridays has this morning unveiled its mystery act for this year's throwback tour: Brandy. The chart-topping R&B singer will be belting out 90s and 00s hits such as 'Never Say Never', 'Wanna Be Down' and, of course, 'The Boy Is Mine'. So, don't try and hesitate and snap up tickets before it's too late. Put down your So Fresh CD. Crack open your teenage piggy bank. Keep practising your Janet Jackson shimmy. Because a full-blown R&B frenzy is set to sweep the nation this November as live party tour RNB Fridays returns for five mammoth shows. Descending on stadiums in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth between November 8 and 16 (not all on Fridays, mind you), the event has managed to pull a pretty serious lineup of international music legends straight from the 90s and early 2000s. Last year, the event saw tens of thousands of people snap up tickets to see Usher, Salt-N-Pepa and T-Pain. Heading the bill this time around is none other than singing, songwriting, dancing royalty Janet Jackson, in what will be the 30th anniversary of her award-winning album Rhythm Nation. Expect to hear bangers such as 'That's The Way Love Goes' and 'Got 'Til It's Gone'. She'll be joined by Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, 'In da Club' rapper 50 Cent, plus Jason Derulo, Keri Hilson, J-Kwon, Fatman Scoop and Sisqo — who will be performing his 90s smash hit 'Thong Song'. All of them. Together. In one show. RNB FRIDAYS 2019 LINEUP Janet Jackson The Black Eyes Peas 50 Cent Jason Derulo Keri Hilson Sisqo J-Kwon Hosted by Fatman Scoop Brandy RNB FRIDAYS 2019 DATES Perth — HBF Park, Friday, November 8 Melbourne — Marvel Stadium, Saturday, November 9 Adelaide — Adelaide Showground, Sunday, November 10 Brisbane — Brisbane Showgrounds, Friday, November 15 Sydney — Giants Stadium, Saturday, November 16 RnB Fridays Live 2019 pre-sale tickets are up for grabs from Monday, August 12 with general admission on sale from August 19. Image: Janet Jackson 2015 Unbreakable Tour via WikiCommons, RNB Fridays by Mushroom Creative House.
Isabella Rossellini is coming to Australia, dressed as a praying mantis and talking about sex. Set to perform her critically acclaimed, one-woman comedy show Green Porno, Rossellini will hit Australian shores in March next year — touring Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and the Adelaide Festival, with her hilarious take on the fascinating sexual habits of land and marine animals. The playful stage show, based upon Rossellini's short film series and subsequent book of the same name kookily exploring mating in the natural world, will first premier in Los Angeles this November. The screen icon — who is currently studying animal behaviour at Hunter College in New York — says that she's always been interested in animal behaviour: "...and I certainly know a lot of people that are interested I sex. So here you have the three elements that make the core concept of Green Porn." The show first originated in 2008, when Robert Redford asked the Italian actress to create short, environmental films for his Sundance TV Channel. Rossellini then wrote the stage production, alongside Jean-Claude Carrier —well-known author, actor, opera librettist and director. Expect a mix of live performance along with some of Rossellini's short films. The actress dresses up in a variety of ridiculous insect and sea-creature costumes, while providing a storyline that is completely scientifically accurate. Provocative, unusual and hilarious, Green Porno will headline the Adelaide Festival on March 15 & 16, then travel to Perth on March 19, Sydney on March 22 and Brisbane on March 24. Short stories about sex and animals — who would want to miss it? Tour dates Adelaide Festival: Her Majesty's Theatre, March 15-16. Tickets from adelaidefestival.com.au Perth: Perth Concert Hall, March 19. Tickets from ticketek.com.au Sydney: City Recital Hall, Angel Place, March 22. Tickets from cityrecitalhall.com or Ticketmaster. Brisbane: Brisbane Concert Hall, March 24. Tickets from qpac.com.au. Update (December 6): Rossellini has added an extra date to her tour — Melbourne. She'll be presenting Green Porno at the Playhouse, Arts Centre, on Wednesday, March 26. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BckqviVaWl0
It's that time of year again. Temperatures are rising and we're planning our summer getaways, but when you don't want to follow the crowds to the beach — and the idea of lounging around isn't your kind of holiday — perhaps it's time to rethink mountain adventures. Once the snow melts away, New South Wales' Snowy Mountains transform into an adventurer's haven. There are peaks for conquering, trails for cycling, rivers for kayaking, long plains for horse riding and swimming holes for cooling off after all that adrenaline-boosting action. Plus, you'll be surrounded by incredible views, fields of wildflowers and incredible wildlife. In partnership with Destination NSW, here are five reasons to make your great escape to the Snowy Mountains in the summer months. Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_742018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thredbo[/caption] GO MOUNTAIN BIKING Whether you're a newbie or veteran on two wheels, there are tracks and trails to suit your skills in the Snowies. A good place to start is Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, where there are 50 kilometres to explore — from skill parks to cross country routes. For a longer adventure, cycle to Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa along the Thredbo Valley Track — the 35-kilometre trail follows Thredbo River, taking in a few suspension bridges and plenty of pretty scenery. Note that it's closed until December 19 for track maintenance. Perisher's easier-going trails, which come with epic views, are also worth a spin. And, if you're looking for some local company, book a guided mountain biking tour. [caption id="attachment_745605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] TREK INTO THE WILD Explore the legend that Banjo Paterson made famous on a pony of your own. At Thredbo Valley Horse Riding, you can choose from a range of trail rides, be it a one-hour taster, a 1.5-hour saunter or a two-hour adventure. All of them pass through magical, sub-alpine wilderness, and begin with a 15-minute lesson, so you learn the basics before jumping into the saddle. Ride at a level that suits you, whether you prefer a slow walk or a fast-paced gallop. Ready for something more epic? Plunge into a multi-day saga, with either Cochran Horse Treks or Reynella Rides. [caption id="attachment_742071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] TAKE A HIKE You could spend months hiking in the Snowy Mountains without running out of terrain. The Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is the best-known trail in the area, but there are loads of other routes to try. If you're into waterfalls, take a stroll along the Waterfall Walking Track, which passes through six kilometres of wildflowers, forests and granite boulders. For panoramic views, go for Dead Horse Gap Walking Track, a five-kilometre hike that passes beneath the Ramshead Range, 600 metres above Thredbo Valley. Or, to combine a walk with a swim, add Illawong Walk to your itinerary. It's an easy, five-kilometre return trail that follows Thredbo River from Guthega Village. [caption id="attachment_745602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SWIM IN SCENIC POOLS AND ALPINE LAKES The water isn't exactly tropical in the Snowy Mountains, but it's definitely an adventure. At Thredbo, you'll find a couple of swimming holes that are popular with locals, including Merritts Pond and Friday Flat Pond. Another super-peaceful spot is Lake Jindabyne, where there are various bays suitable for dipping, one of the prettiest being Rushes Bay. Then there's Thredbo River, home to a bunch of swimming holes. But, if you really can't hack the chill, make tracks to Yarrangobilly Caves Pool, a thermal, spring-fed pool, right near Yarrangobilly Caves, which is 27 degrees all year round. [caption id="attachment_742081" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thredbo[/caption] SCALE THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS Need to clear your head? There are stacks of places in the Snowies where you can climb your way to greater heights — whether you're a novice who's never left the ground before or a hard-corer who's summited Mount Everest. K7 Adventures offers a variety of tours, from half-day escapades in Charlotte Pass suitable for beginners to full-day experiences at Blue Lake designed for advanced climbers. Another popular operator is Snowy Mountains Climbing School, which runs trips among Thredbo's granite tours for climbers of all skill levels, including newbies. Once you've scaled great heights it's time to put your trust in the ropes and abseil back down again. To find more things to do in the Snowy Mountains or to start planning your trip, go to Visit NSW. Top image: Tourism Snowy Mountains
Christmas is arriving early at QV Melbourne. Until Tuesday, January 6, QV Square will transform into a festive destination built around a towering 11-metre industrial-inspired Christmas sculpture. The installation features neon lights, oversized baubles and a statement-making design that is guaranteed to become one of the city's most photographed holiday spots. Alongside the sculpture, QV will play host to the Qris Qringle gifting activation; from 4pm each day (Friday, December 12–Sunday, December 21), visitors who spend $100 or more at participating QV retailers can show their receipts, join the QV E-List and select a mystery gift box from the Qringle hub. With 80 prizes to be revealed on QV Melbourne's Instagram, expect plenty of anticipation among shoppers and content creators. Forming the substantial prize pool are a host of QV retailers. That includes sneakers from Hype DC, featuring brands such as Salomon, Puma, adidas, New Balance, and Nike. High-end accessories from Incu, A.P.C., and Anine Bing, Jacquemus bucket hats from Marais, Foot Locker gift cards, beauty tools from Hairhouse, July luggage and family passes to Strike Bowling. A wide range of additional surprise gifts will also be available throughout the activation period. Beyond the giveaways, QV Square will be filled with a festive atmosphere throughout the season. The neon-lit sculpture, the bustling gifting hub and the crowds moving through the vicinity offer a mix of colour, movement and celebratory energy. Together, it's expected to be one of Melbourne's most popular locations for end-of-year social content, especially for those looking to capture the height of the season in the CBD.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun finally came together in Australia a couple of years back. If haven't made it along yet, Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. It's hardly surprising that taking the show on the road — that is, launching Bongo's Bingo Australia — went well. And now, it's hardly surprising that is's coming back for yet another round either. [caption id="attachment_638028" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dinosaur Designs.[/caption] Patrons can expect all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo, including rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to a Hills Hoist, with a range of some absolutely ridiculous surprises on offer. Bongo's Bingo heads to Max Watt's on Sunday, February 16.
The thing about the great outdoors is that there's a depth to it that photos and secondhand accounts can't fully capture — its full grandeur has to be experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated. Whether you're hoping to catch a glimpse of rare species endemic to the region, hankering after an adrenaline rush — or simply can't imagine a holiday without taking in the natural wonders of your destination, the landscapes of the American South are just waiting to be explored. In partnership with Travel South USA, we've curated a range of ways to get into the great outdoors in each of the South's nine states. Mammoth Cave — Kentucky A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles (over 643 kilometres) explored. Visitors can take guided tours to marvel at its vast chambers, unique rock formations, and fascinating underground ecosystems. Not only is it the largest cave system in the world, it's also situated in a National Park that's ideal for hiking, biking and camping. Atchafalaya National Heritage Area — Louisiana One of the most ecologically diverse regions in the US is found in south-central Louisiana's Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. Not only is the Atchafalaya the nation's largest freshwater swamp, the twisting bayous are where alligators, raccoons, bears, catfish, shrimp, crawfish and over 270 species of birds call home. Within the swamp grounds, ancient oak trees and impressive cypress trees also tower — and can be seen when exploring the swamp on a guided tour either by boat or kayak. Whitewater Rafting in Almost Heaven — West Virginia For an experience that gets you out of your comfort zone and into the splash zone, take to West Virginia's river rapids. The state is home to world-class whitewater rafting, with the highest density of whitewater runs in the country. Beginners all the way through to rafting veterans are all welcome, with family-friendly fun and wild adrenaline-pumping adventures alike to be found in Almost Heaven's wide range of rivers. The rafting is so good in West Virginia that National Geographic crowned it a 2024 "Best of the World Experience". Loggerhead Sea Turtles at Edisto Beach State Park — South Carolina South Carolina's beaches are as warm as they are wide, and are home to a population of loggerhead sea turtles — one of the seven species of the beak-and-flipper-boasting marine reptiles worldwide. Female loggerheads return to the beaches where they were born to nest and every year between May and August, Edisto Beach State Park is home to returning loggerheads and hatchlings as they make their treacherous scurry out to sea. Ranger-guided nighttime beach walks during this period offer a chance to witness the baby turtles take their first breaths and first scurries firsthand. Katy Trail State Park — Missouri Built along the corridor of what was once the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railway, today the Katy Trail State Park is home to the longest continuous rail trail in the US — and an unrivalled way to witness the heritage of the state. The trail consists of 26 trailheads stretching over 386 scenic kilometres meandering through once-thriving small towns along the Missouri River, wine country in the state's east and rural farmland in the west. Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail — Alabama Situated along Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, the Gulf State Park spans a formidable 6150 acres (about 2500 hectares). Despite the size, the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail makes exploring this expanse of pristine nature much more accessible. Over 28 miles (about 45 kilometres) of paved trails it's possible to explore all nine of the distinct ecosystems that make up the State Park. There are a plethora of wildlife-watching opportunities and the trail is ideal for hiking and biking, making it a homegrown favourite that was crowned 2024's Best Recreational Trail by USA Today. Coastal Mississippi — Mississippi Mississippi's extensive coastline is a nature lover's playground. Whether by boat or on foot, there are breathtaking Gulf views to behold and a smorgasbord of experiences unique to the region, including the possibility of fresh local seafood in the catch of the day on a chartered fishing trip or shrimping excursion. The coast's many serene bayous and waterways are ideally suited for exploring from a kayak or paddleboard, while a boat ride is the best way to reach the Gulf Islands National Seashore's pristine beaches. Birdwatchers can flock to Pascagoula River Audubon Center to spot migratory species and there are countless coastal trails just waiting to be strolled along. WildSide in Pigeon Forge — Tennessee In the backyard of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains with over 18 miles (about 28 kilometres) of trails across 900 acres of terrain (about 365 hectares) lies WildSide, one of the ultimate adventure parks in the South. Head off-road on guided UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) or on a mountain bike for thrilling wilderness experiences to suit every skill level and appetite for adrenaline. Grandfather Mountain — North Carolina Standing at 5946 feet (1812 metres), Grandfather Mountain in northwest North Carolina is more than just the highest peak of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, which is itself one of the chains that make up the expansive Appalachian Mountains. With 16 distinct natural ecosystems, the mountain is classified as an International Biosphere Reserve owing to its rare plant and animal diversity, many of which are also endemic or endangered. The reserve has a multitude of hiking trails, opportunities to see local species in natural habitats and is also home to America's highest suspension footbridge. Find your next adventure in the South. Discover more unforgettable destinations and start planning your trip with Travel South USA.
Ride the 86 all the way to Northcote's trimmings and stop off at Low Key. This underrated bar is the relaxed vibe you want for reading. Inside, you'll find a choice of olive-green velvet couches to cosy up on, with local artist prints and painting adorning the walls. Outside, the courtyard hosts oodles of light to keep your globular organs happy for when you stray back to your book. Overhead, hip hop plays — the likes of Mos Def and De La Soul whose grooves offer a trance-like accompaniment to your Steinbeck. Recommendations from your barkeep are to sit with a beer or a wine. We recommend a pint of Bodriggy Draught — just five bucks between 4–6pm — or an orange number sourced from neighbours Samuel Pepys. There's no kitchen but you can order in pizza from Primo across the road. Image: Mark Owen.
Aunty Donna's approach to their career and to comedy boast more than a little in common. Think about either, and it also brings a recent movie title to mind. Beloved for their absurdist mile-a-minute humour, the Australian group recent loaned their voices to Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, but it's the name of 2023's big Oscar-winner that seems to sum up their whole ethos: Everything Everywhere All At Once. Zachary Ruane, Mark Samual Bonanno and Broden Kelly aren't in that film; however, they have been touring, making a Netflix series, and releasing Aunty Donna's $30 bottle of wine and an Always Room for Christmas Pud picture book all in just the past few years. And, they've now returned to the ABC nine years after a Fresh Blood iView stint in 2014, this time with six-part sitcom Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe. For fans watching on, Aunty Donna's jam-packed recent slate has felt like a whirlwind. Chatting to Concrete Playground about the release of Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe — which is now streaming in full on ABC iView, and also airs weekly on ABC TV — Ruane goes one better, while also noting how much hustle it took to get the now world-famous comedy troupe to this point. "I think the last ten years for us at least have felt like a whirlwind. In a way, it feels like we've slowed down in the last couple of years, even though everything's a bit more in the public. We used to tour a lot more than we do now. We used to make a lot of content for online, possibly more than we do now," Ruane advises. "So even though there's heaps happening and it's nice to be reminded, it actually in some ways feels like we've slowed it down a bit, which gives you an indication of what the last ten years have been like for us." Aunty Donna formed in 2011, then took their first live show to the 2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. They haven't stopped inciting laughs since. Anywhere they can possibly spread their wild, weird and wonderful brand of comedy, they have — a lengthy list of stage shows all around the world, their YouTube channel, a podcast, two albums, multiple webseries, pilots, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun, that book, the vino and now Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe included. The latter sprang after their Netflix success, and from Ruane, Bonanno and Kelly's eagerness to try the sitcom format. The end result: a workplace comedy skewering cafe culture, specifically Melbourne's caffeine-sipping scene, with an Aunty Donna spin. When it comes to satirising its setting and anything even tangentially connected — kidulting bars, cereal cafes, awful bosses and terrible landlords, for instance — the gags and bits keep coming. So too does Aunty Donna's beloved grab-bag approach, giving a show about working in a cafe an entire episode about a court case with Richard Roxburgh (Elvis) reprising his role from Rake, then a real-estate agent parody featuring Looking for Alibrandi's Pia Miranda, plus yet another instalment making fun of the very platform that Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe streams on. "We just went for it. We definitely caused a few headaches for our director Max [Miller, a fellow Aunty Donna member] with some of our setups," Ruane explains. Scoring a second show, being self-described "Melbourne wankers", getting nervous performing with Miranda, what comes next: Ruane told us about all of that, too — plus the dream of making an Aunty Donna movie. ON HOW AUNTY DONNA'S COFFEE CAFE COME ABOUT "It's our second longer-form thing, and I think we always knew that we wanted to keep pushing ourselves. Every time we come to a new platform or do a new thing, we want to it a little bit differently. We were really keen to do something a bit more narrative-focused, a bit more in that traditional sitcom structure. So that was the goal for us. I don't know how much that will read to an audience. Maybe it will all read as our crazy stuff, and in the same lineage of everything we do. But we wanted to challenge ourselves to make it a little more like a traditional sitcom, at least structurally, but still be as crazy and wild as what we've always done." ON COMING UP WITH THE CONCEPT — AND NOT JUST THANKS TO 'MORNING BROWN' "'Morning Brown', it's more of a nod to that song. We play around with different things, but we've always found that the things that we do that resonate the most are when there's a sort of a — I call it a sandbox, but there's a setting that resonates with people that I think people have an emotional connection to and understanding of. When we have that kind of setting that resonates, it allows us to go more crazy, more absurd. So, we've done it with the YouTube and our live shows. There's 1999, which was a webseries which is set in an office in 1999. We also did Glennridge Secondary College, which is a live show and a webseries set in a high school. I think we find whenever it's set somewhere recognisable and accessible, it actually allows us to go weirder and crazier and more absurd because people have a hook in. So we were looking for something like that — something that people would recognise, feel comfortable in, but then would also allow us to go in any direction we wanted." ON SKEWERING CAFE CULTURE "One thing we wanted to avoid going into — there's a territory of cliches in that space. We had to keep reminding ourselves to not just do the cafe stuff and the coffee culture stuff. But we've worked in hospitality, we're all Melbourne wankers, we've been customers at these cafes. It just feels so ripe, and it feels like the kind of thing you can pull from multiple different experiences. You can go into the kitchen and do a whole episode there. You can just focus on the staff, do a whole episode there. That's what we loved about the idea." ON MAKING A WORKPLACE COMEDY "It's really interesting. We've done other things set in workplaces, but also found it in the school one as well — there's something about a workplace where very different personality types and very different things can happen. I think also what we really loved about the cafe compared to our last series, which was set in a house: it's really hard to get people from the outside world into the house. We love to play lots of different characters, and it's really hard to get weird characters to come through the door. With a cafe, that's exactly what it is. Structurally, it's all a cavalcade of people coming through the door. Anyone you can envision, you just imagine them wanting to get a coffee and they're there in your world. That was the best part about it." ON GETTING GUEST STARS LIKE RICHARD ROXBURGH AND PIA MIRANDA "We were expecting Roxburgh to be a firm no. And not only that, we had to get so many layers of approval to get that joke in. I remember when it was floated, it was like 'oh, that's fun but it will never happen'. Because we had to get the creator of Rake onboard. We had to get ABC to sign off on it. We had to get Roxburgh to sign off on the character and then to want to do it — and then to be available to do it. Which is like, there are so many barriers here, it's not going to happen. We'd already started thinking of alternative jokes to him. Then I remember we were in the writers room and each day we'd get another person who'd said yes to it, we just kept getting this run of emails, and then when he was available to do it. We did not expect it to happen. Which I think made it more fun, because I don't think we put too much thought into it — we just wrote this stupid joke and were like 'surely he'll say no and then we'll figure something else out'. So it was very amazing that he said yes. I mean, same with Pia Miranda. I think I was more nervous performing with Pia Miranda than I was with Roxburgh. I had to act opposite her — that's crazy! Intimidatingly, she doesn't look like she's aged a day since [Looking for Alibrandi]. So it's like, I feel like I've been teleported. I'm like 'am I Kick Gurry right now?'. It was very cool." ON MAKING FUN OF THE ABC ON THE ABC "Insanely, they were so chill. It was funny how much. They were like 'you can tease us more if you want'. And we were like 'we'll see'. They were so up for it. I definitely thought we had pushed it too far with iView, because we really go at the platform. We thought they'll come back with 'you can make a bit of a joke but maybe not about technical issues'. But they were just like 'haha, yeah'." ON RUANE'S FAVOURITE AUNTY DONNA PROJECT SO FAR "It's hard to say. I mean, I was super proud of the picture book. It was one of those things that we had to keep explaining to people that we saw it as a little piece in its own right and it wasn't just a merch cash in. It was really fun to just do something completely different and to just discover a different world, and play around in a different space — and just to get people who really got the joke. I had such a specific vision in my mind of an early 90-style of Australian picture book — and to have it come out looking like that was pretty special. So that's, of the recent stuff, probably the thing I'm most proud of. But then I also love crazy stuff. Like I think $30 Bottle of Wine, which is a video on our YouTube that goes for about eight minutes and it's just repulsive, that's probably my favourite still." [caption id="attachment_791048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun, Netflix.[/caption] ON THE ORIGINAL AUNTY DONNA DREAM — AND LIVING IT NOW "I think it's always evolving and always changing. To be honest, in a really real way, I feel like it has surpassed so many of the original dreams and goals years ago. Very early on, I would've been perfectly happy if it was my full job — that became the goal really early in my twenties. If I can be entertaining people or doing something like this as my full-time job, that would be enough. To have hit that, and then had all these other things happen — we've got an ABC show, Wednesday night, that was the dream as a teenager for sure. That's what I grew up watching. To have had another show seen around the world. We've got a world tour coming up. So many of these things weren't even in the dream, weren't even a part of the picture. So to have achieved it, it's really cool and lovely and so — people say humbling, but it's the opposite. It's not that, it's cool and amazing." ON WHAT COMES NEXT FOR AUNTY DONNA "It's always about the creative, and always about doing new things. I don't think it's about [doing] more or [moving] up — I think it's just about different ways. If we can find different ways to make people laugh and to bring joy, then that's for me what it is. So who knows? Maybe it's a video game, maybe it's a board game, maybe it's more TV, maybe it's more YouTube — there's so many options, and I'm excited to just see where it goes." ON MAKING AN AUNTY DONNA MOVIE "How we would do it and how we would go about it is such a big question, but that's definitely on the list as something that I'd love to do. Our big one was that we always wanted to do like The Rugrats Movie, just a real crazy adventure. Yeah, we would love to do something like that for sure." Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe streams via ABC iView, and also screens weekly on the ABC at 9pm from Wednesday, April 12. Read our full review. Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe images: Richard Lowe / Jackson Flinter / ABC.
Melburnians love to proudly — and loudly — lament the city's ever-changing weather conditions. It's the ultimate water cooler talking point and the 'four seasons in a day' gimmick is thrown around at least once a day. We love to talk about the weather so much we now have a building dedicated to the topic. Melbourne's newest high-rise 888 Collins isn't your standard apartment block — the 15-storey exterior is fitted with 58,000 lights which, from dusk until midnight, perform an hourly light show for the masses. The show isn't just for spectacle, though. The colours indicate the real-time weather conditions outside and so are, like the weather, constantly changing. This feat was accomplished by artist Bruce Ramus, whose experience as a lighting designer includes work for the likes of R.E.M, U2 and David Bowie. It was easy for Ramus to notice the city's obsession with the weather and he felt creating an artwork that "interprets how the weather feels" was the best homage to locals, he told The Age. The building is located on the corner of Collins and Bourke Streets, down the Docklands end of the CBD. In order to predict the weather accurately, the roof is fitted with a weather station and fed data from the Bureau of Meteorology. The building is also solar powered, which provides power both for the lights and the building itself. While the idea of an eco-friendly building that depicts our love/hate relationship with the weather is right up our alley, we're not sure how keen we'd be to live in it. But Ramus has ensured residents that he has considered them in the design; the light output is far below the city's guidelines and the show "is very gentle". If you want to head down to Docklands and check it out for your self, Ramus has put together a handy guide for how to 'read' the building. Though the show ends at midnight, the building's lights will remain on throughout the night, depicting images of the moon straight on to morning. Now isn't that just dreamy. Via The Age. Image: LendLease.
Nicolas Cage can do anything and he has the filmography to prove it, spanning standout performances playing ex cons, con men, heartbroken lumberjacks, a version of Spider-Man, lonely paramedics, kooky dads milking alpacas, John Travolta, Elvis obsessives and himself. He made a mighty fine — and unhinged — undead obsessive back in 1988's Vampire's Kiss, too, which is the one Cage movie everyone needs to see if they only ever watch one Cage movie. And, 35 years later, he's now giving Dracula the good ol' Cage spin. This might be one of the rare instances where Nicolas Cage sucks — but on purpose and in a good way, of course. Cage playing Dracula is a next-level idea, as sits at the heart of Renfield, which focuses on the titular minion and his toxic relationship with his bloodsucking boss. Giving audiences two Nicks for the price of one, Renfield boasts The Great's Nicholas Hoult as eponymous character, who is getting unsurprisingly tired of doing his master's bidding. Catering to a vampire's every whim for centuries, even when you're given considerable powers in return, is losing its bite for the literary offsider — who, like the Count himself, does indeed hail from Bram Stoker's iconic horror novel. But ending that relationship isn't going to be easy in Renfield, as both the first sneak peek earlier in 2023 and the just-dropped latest trailer make clear. The film's namesake is already doubting his allegiances to the Dark One and the Lord of Death when he crosses paths with traffic cop Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and sparks fly — just as his employer does. Accordingly, in two early glimpses that big on camp, Renfield mixes up its horror-comedy by giving its lead a love interest. And, if you're feeling shades of Hugh Grant in Hoult's performance, you're not alone. So far, Cage's Dracula doesn't run around the streets shouting "I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire!", as Cage did in Vampire's Kiss. Whether that ends up happening in Renfield won't be seen Down Under until the end of May. Filmmaker Chris McKay (The Lego Batman Movie) sits in the director's chair here, working with a script by Rick and Morty writer Ryan Ridley based on an idea by The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman (an idea straight from everyone's dreams, too). And, joining Cage, Hoult and Awkwafina on-screen is a cast that also spans Ben Schwartz (The Afterparty) and Adrian Martinez (The Guilty). Check out the latest trailer for Renfield below: Renfield releases in cinemas Down Under on May 25.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a thing, and it's now in Melbourne. Based on the blockbuster film of the same name, the exhibition is making its world premiere at Melbourne Museum. The exhibit will feature incredibly life-like animatronic dinosaurs created by Melbourne locals, Creature Technology Company — the same team who developed the dinos for the Walking With Dinosaurs arena spectacular. So it's a good thing they're not real — because if you've seen at least one of the Jurassic Park films, you'd know that dinosaurs aren't always friendly. The exhibition instead gives you a chance to get up close and personal with the creatures in a unique and engaging way. "Visitors to [the exhibition] will get an unprecedented opportunity to be in close proximity to the most amazing creatures to have ever roamed the earth," says Sonny Tilders, creative director at the Creature Technology Company. Jack Horner, one of the film's paleontological advisors (or, Official Dinosaur Guy), is working with the exhibition to make sure that it's both educational and fun. Visitors both young and old will be able to learn more about these prehistoric creatures without having to pore over a dry textbook. Gone are the days of boring museum presentations. Now you can learn about dinosaurs from interactive and theatrical exhibits that might scare your pants off at the same time. This unique experience allows you to experience the events of the film, without having to travel to reception-less Isla Nublar with its dubious emergency protocol. Jurassic Park: The Exhibition features encounters with the realistic life-size dinosaurs, so we can only assume that there will be thousands of people taking pictures pretending to be velociraptor-whisperer, Owen Grady, doing some 'Prattkeeping'.
One of Melbourne's most unique venues will welcome some of the biggest names in standup, as part of an unusual collaboration with this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday throughout the fest — which runs March 29 through to April 23 — the river-adjacent Arbory Bar & Eatery will host the Silent Comedy Festival. They assure us it will be a lot funnier than it sounds. Jimeoin, Dave Hughes, Bev Killick and Mandy Nolan are but a few of the comedians who are set to take part in an event inspired by silent discos. Each performer's microphone will be connected to headphones worn by audience members, who, from the perspective of anyone passing by, will be laughing at the sound of silence. Tickets to the Silent Comedy Festival cost $25 and include four stand-up sets.
