Feeling hot, hot, hot? While summer can be a beautiful thing of balmy evenings, backyard parties and inflatable pool toys, it can also turn at any moment. And when it decides to beat its relentless, fiery heatwaves down on us, the city turns into an apocalyptic state of dripping icy poles, too-hot tram carriages and overall frustration. So where to go and what to do without melting into a puddle? While hiding under the bed waiting for that blessed cool change is tempting, there are many other cooling and less hermit-like options that can help make your summer enjoyable — even when venturing outside feels like stepping into a fire pit. SWIM UNDER A WATERFALL AT TURPINS FALLS Water doesn't get any cooler, or more refreshing than this waterfall which flows directly from the Macedon Ranges. While taking a dip in this slightly-above-freezing billabong may require some encouragement and bravery, once submerged you'll be rewarded with instant refreshment and the cool embrace of water. It's also pretty easy to forget about the summer heat when you're pretending to be a mermaid. SEE A FILM AND STUFF YOUR FACE WITH POPCORN AT CINEMA NOVA Everyone knows that when Melbourne reaches apocalyptic melting point, the best place to take shelter from the laser beam-like UV rays is in the cool comfort of the cinema. With 16 screens, Cinema Nova is Melbourne's largest arthouse cinema, screening everything from the latest explosive blockbuster to favourite indie flick. So there's bound to be something on that at least partly takes your fancy. Scrooges take note of the Monday special — $7 before 4pm and a mere $9 after means you'll have extra pennies to enjoy popcorn and a refreshing pre-screening beverage at the Nova bar. GRAB A DOUBLE SCOOP AT GELATO MESSINA While ice cream hasn't been scientifically proven to reduce one's body temperature, it sure doesn't need rigorous scientific testing to know it can instantly bring a smile to one's sunburnt, sweaty face. The joy-makers at Gelato Messina create delicious A/C for the mouth with 35 permanent flavours and five new ones each week, using the best of smashed up cheesecake, cookies, red velvet and caramel pieces. Too hot for you to brave the wrath of the sun in search of a scoop? They now offer delivery, making home sweeter than ever. [caption id="attachment_554353" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre via Flickr[/caption] TAKE THE PLUNGE AT NORTHCOTE POOL While cooling down in chlorinated public waters may not sound as appealing as plunging into one of Melbourne's swimming holes, this local pool is a good alternative to embrace your inner fish during summer. Worth travelling to, the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre not only has a sweet 50m outdoor pool, but they also have a separate 25m outdoor pool for kids and beginners. Plus, the pool backs onto a park so there's many a grassy patch to park yourself on for the afternoon. [caption id="attachment_554354" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pascal via Flickr[/caption] GET YOUR SUMMER READING DONE AT THE STATE LIBRARY While your ideal version of summer reading may be lying luxuriously on a beachfront, in hot weather the reality that awaits you is most probably a lobster tan and scorching sand — not a peaceful page-turning experience. Instead, you can cooly relax in the air conditioned heaven of the State Library of Victoria, home of 200 million books and Ned Kelly's armour. This sesquicentennial building has a bunch of tranquil reading rooms, a mesmerising dome and free exhibitions — all blasted with beautiful, beautiful air con. HEAD FOR THE HILLS WITH A TRIP TO THE DANDENONG RANGES For an instant temperature drop, head for the hills of lush ferns, moss-covered beauty and delicious locally-sourced cafe tucker. The cool climate and sheltering forest of the Dandenong Ranges means it is typically a couple of degrees cooler than the city — making it a perfect haven to escape from the heat. If you're feeling energetic from all that mountain air, you may like to explore the area by foot by taking one of their hiking trails, try and steal some spray from Sherbrooke or Olinda Falls, or simply take it easy at one of the many eateries and cafes in the area. KEEP HYDRATED AT NAKED IN THE SKY They say hot air rises, but who cares when you're looking out at one of Melbourne's best views in the north, sipping on tasty house-made vodka, snacking on exquisite tapas? As well as the rooftop bar receiving some of the most refreshing summer breezes, the cool ambience and laidback crowd can make summer heatwaves a whole lot of fun. [caption id="attachment_602904" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sean Fennessey[/caption] STEP INSIDE A 'CAR WASH' AT THE NGV If you feel nostalgic for days spent swanning through sprinklers in the backyard, this might be the next best thing. As part of the 2016 NGV Architecture Commission, M@ STUDIO Architects have set up a pretend car wash in the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden for the summer. You'll be able to find your fun easily — just look out for the old-school glittering sign, a pretty translucent ceiling, frolicking in bright pink AstroTurf and kicking back on rubber speed bumps. There's be five 'bays', two hung with red plastic curtains and one equipped with a mist diffuser. Go forth and frolic (or just rest those sweaty, weary bones) within. PREVENT SCURVY WITH A COLD-PRESSED JUICE AT GREENE ST JUICE CO. Maintaining your new year's resolution health kick and searching for a refreshing beverage can be a tricky feat. Thankfully clean eaters need not reach for a sugar-filled Boost but instead can sip and slurp at this Prahran juice bar, serving 'holistic nutrition' in the form of cold-pressed organic juices full of healthy raw, organic herbal extracts. The bar itself is a cool place (both literally and figuratively) to sip on your elixir, with natural textures of stone, walnut batten and greenery. [caption id="attachment_554371" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dollar Photo Club[/caption] GO ARCTIC AND HANG IN A BAR MADE OF ICE If all else fails, stick your head in the freezer, head into the cool room at the bottle-o or — if you're looking for a full-body experience — the novelty that is Ice Bar may be the only thing to cool you down. Step into the frozen wonderland of -10 degrees of their new Fitzroy premises and grab yourself a cocktail in an ice-cup, relax on a chilly bar-stool and marvel at the specially crafted ice sculptures. But being this cold isn't quite the cheapest perk going around, the $30 entry will give you 30 minutes of Arctic joy. This is for when you're desperate. Top image: Dollar Photo Club
Two years ago The Saint Hotel was a regular haunt for young club kids, now it's all grown up. After extensive renovations and a huge shift in focus, the newly branded St Hotel is set to launch within the month. With a new devotion to Thai cuisine and quality service, this enormous site is set to be the next Chin Chin — a place where people get suitably rowdy over a coconut curry and a cocktail rather than a few vodka raspberries. Headed up by Paul Nguyen and Simon Blacher, the owners of Saigon Sally and Hanoi Hannah, St Hotel looks set to expand upon Melbourne's enduring love of Asian cuisine. Distancing themselves from their signature Vietnamese style, the owners have turned to a Thai master to take charge. Their new head chef, Sean Judd, has comes straight from the kitchens of Longrain and Chin Chin; he's even worked under David Thompson of award-winning Thai favourite Nahm. Just like at Chin Chin, most dishes will be made to be shared, but we won't judge you if it's so good you eat the whole thing. So far we know the menu will include a crispy caramel pork hock, coconut braised lamb shoulder, Chian Mai hotdog, and stir-fried mud crab. Judd says the menu will be "a mixture of traditional Thai dishes ... and contemporary dishes with authentic Thai flavours and ingredients." And better yet, nothing will be over $25. But it's not just the kitchen that will delight. This huge double-storey venue is being transformed into a huge multi-purpose space. The dining room, sunken dining space and supper club will seat a combined total of 200 people, but there will also be a public bar, private event space and nightclub that fits a further 200. Time to ditch the scungy clubs and late-night kebab stops, St Kilda is growing up in style. Though there's no launch date set in stone, you can expect St Hotel to be open by the end of October. Keep your eyes glued to their Facebook. Fitzroy Street is about to get a new favourite.
They first toured Australia in 1982. They've returned plenty of times since, including on the Big Day Out and Vivid lineups. When they were last here in 2020, the pandemic got in the way, causing them to cut short their plans — and now New Order have locked in their latest visit Down Under five years later. "It's an honour to be coming back to perform in one of our favourite places. We sadly had to cancel a Melbourne show in March 2020, as a consequence of COVID and are so happy we can come back to play again," said the Manchester-formed band, announcing their next Aussie dates. "We've always loved playing in Australia and are excited to be returning for a run of very special shows in 2025. Good things come to those who wait!" [caption id="attachment_976837" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Erin Mc via Flickr[/caption] 'Blue Monday', 'Temptation', 'Bizarre Love Triangle' — more than four decades after forming, the group will play them all on a four-city Australian tour that starts at Perth's RAC Arena, then plays the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne and Riverstage in Brisbane, before hitting the Sydney Opera House Forecourt for two nights, all in March 2025. Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner started New Order out of Joy Division, following the tragic death of the latter's lead singer Ian Curtis, and helped pioneer the synth-pop sound that not only helped define the 80s but has been influential ever since. If you've seen the films Control and 24 Hour Party People, you've seen part of New Order's story on-screen. And if you've caught them live before, you'll know that they're always a must-see. In Sydney, the group join Sydney Opera House's March run of forecourt concerts, which also includes Fontaines DC and PJ Harvey. "The incomparable New Order on the forecourt will be one of *those* Opera House moments to remember forever (and my 16 year-old self with his hopelessly worn-out tape of Substance can't quite believe it). Fontaines DC's moment is right now, and it's an honour to host one of the world's most fiercest live bands on the Forecourt for their massive Australian return," said Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall. [caption id="attachment_976838" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RL GNZLZ via Flickr[/caption] New Order Australian Tour 2025 Wednesday, March 5 — RAC Arena, Perth Saturday, March 8 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Tuesday, March 11 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, March 14–Saturday, March 15 — Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney New Order are touring Australia in March 2025, with tickets on sale from 10am local time on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: RL GNZLZ via Flickr.
When the end of January rolls around in Australia, folks get a-counting. The nation loves working through the top 100 tunes of the past year thanks to Triple J's huge annual music poll, and has for decades. And, it loves celebrating the brews everyone is likely sipping while listening to that countdown, too — aka the yearly GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers list. This yeasty ranking does for beer what the other Hottest 100 does for bangers, and it has just anointed its best tipple from 2022's brews. Coming out on top is Mountain Culture's Status Quo pale ale, with the New South Wales brewery from the Blue Mountains giving the GABS countdown a new winner for the first time in a few years. In both 2020 and 2021, Canberra's Bentspoke Brewing Co did the honours with its Crankshaft American IPA. In 2022, that brew came in third instead Mountain Culture also bested 2017 and 2018 winner Balter Brewing Company, which notched up second position with its Balter XPA. And, it beat out Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale, the winner of the 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2019 polls, and 2020's second-place getter, which nabbed fourth position this year — as it did in 2021. Your Mates Brewing Co came in fifth with its Larry pale ale, while Better Beer's zero carb variety sits in sixth. Rounding out the top ten are Young Henrys' Newtowner pale ale in seventh, Coopers' original pale ale in eighth, Bridge Road Brewers' Beechworth pale ale in ninth and Black Hops Brewery's GOAT hazy IPA in tenth. Mountain Culture, which is run by husband-and-wife team DJ & Harriet McCready, also placed 15th and 31st with other tipples — and clearly had ample company. 2022's hottest 100 was whittled down from 311 vote-receiving breweries and 2140 of their beers, with more than 60,000 folks having their say about Australia's best craft beers. As a result, the top ten was the most closely contested in GABS history, and a record-equalling 58 breweries made the full list of 100 brews. That includes 28 beers from NSW, 26 from Queensland and 18 from Victoria, plus 11 from Western Australia, nine from the ACT and eight from South Australia. Run by GABS — or the annual festival also known as the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular, which returns for 2023 this May and June — the countdown is a people's-choice poll decided by booze lovers around the country. If you're thinking "less background, more beer", here's what you've been waiting for: the rundown of the best beverages from the past year that just keep tempting tastebuds. Working your way through the whole 100 isn't just a great way to show your appreciation for locally made brews, either — consider it research for the 2023 countdown. GABS HOTTEST 100 AUSSIE CRAFT BEERS OF 2022: 1. Mountain Culture — Status Quo Hazy Pale Ale 2. Balter Brewing Balter — XPA Pale Ale 3. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Crankshaft American IPA 4. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Pacific Ale Australian Pale Ale 5. Your Mates Brewing Co — Larry Australian Pale Ale 6. Better Beer — Better Beer Zero Carb Australian Pilsner 7. Young Henrys — Newtowner Australian Pale Ale 8. Coopers Brewery — Original Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale 9. Bridge Road Brewers — Beechworth Pale Ale American Pale Ale 10. Black Hops Brewery — G.O.A.T. New England IPA 11. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Single Fin Australian Pale Ale 12. Capital Brewing Co — Capital XPA Pale Ale 13. Pirate Life Brewing — South Coast Pale Ale American Pale Ale 14. Revel Brewing Co — Strawberries & Cream Sour Ale Kettle Sour 15. Mountain Culture — Cult IPA New England IPA 16. Brookvale Union — Ginger Beer 17. Philter Brewing — Philter XPA Australian Pale Ale 18. Beerfarm Royal — Haze Hazy IPA 19. Balter Brewing — Hazy IPA 20. Black Hops Brewery — East Coast Haze Hazy Pale Ale 21. Balter Brewing — Eazy Hazy Hazy Pale Ale 22. Little Creatures — Little Creatures Pale Ale American Pale Ale 23. Heads Of Noosa Brewing Co — Japanese Style Lager 24. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Barley Griffin Australian Pale Ale 25. 4 Pines Brewing Co — 4 Pines Pacific Ale Australian Pale Ale 26. Coopers Brewery — Sparkling Ale Australian Pale Ale 27. Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Patio Pale American Pale Ale 28. Brick Lane Brewing Co — One Love Pale Ale American Pale Ale 29. Grifter Brewing Co — Pale Australian Pale Ale 30. Modus Brewing — Modus Cerveza Lager 31. Mountain Goat Beer — GOAT Very Enjoyable Beer Lager 32. Better Beer — Better Beer Ginger Beer 33. Heaps Normal — Quiet XPA Pale Ale 34. Capital Brewing Co — Coast Ale California Common 35. Blackflag Brewing — Rage Juicy Pale Pale Ale 36. Mountain Culture — Be Kind Rewind New England IPA 37. Matso's Broome Brewery — Matso's Ginger Beer 38. Your Mates Brewing Co — Tilly Ginger Beer 39. Coopers Brewery — Coopers XPA American Pale Ale 40. Balter Brewing — Bucket Full Of Nothin' Hazy IIPA 41. CBCo Brewing — Pale Ale American Pale Ale 42. Capital Brewing Co — Hang Loose Juice Blood Orange NEIPA New England IPA 43. 10 Toes Brewery — Pipeline Pale Australian Pale Ale 44. Balter Brewing — Captain Sensible American Pale Ale 45. Ballistic Beer Co — Hawaiian Haze Hazy Pale Ale 46. Bright Brewery — Alpine Lager Lager 47. KAIJU! Beer — KAIJU! KRUSH Australian Pale Ale 48. Grifter Brewing Co — Serpents Kiss Fruit Beer 49. Feral Brewing Co — Biggie Juice New England IPA 50. White Rabbit — White Rabbit Dark Ale 51. Big Shed Brewing Concern — Boozy Fruit New England IPA 52. Green Beacon Brewing Co — Wayfarer Tropical Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale 53. Range Brewing Co — Disco Hazy Pale Ale 54. Stomping Ground Brewing Co — Gipps St Pale Ale American Pale Ale 55. Young Henrys — Hazy Pale Ale 56. Willie The Boatman — Albo Australian Pale Ale 57. Burleigh Brewing Co — Twisted Palm Australian Pale Ale 58. Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Lager Australian Pilsner 59. Akasha Brewing Co — Super Chill Australian Pale Ale 60. Dainton Beer — Equalizer Hazy Pale Ale 61. 4 Pines Brewing Co — 4 Pines Pale Ale American Pale Ale 62. Kosciuszko Brewing Co — Kosciuszko Pale Ale American Pale Ale 63. Black Hops Brewery — Black Hops Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale 64. Brouhaha Brewery — Strawberry Rhubarb Sour Kettle Sour 65. Moon Dog Craft Brewery ‚ Old Mate American Pale Ale 66. Blackman's Brewery — Juicy Banger Lager 67. Capital Brewing Co — Trail Pale Ale American Pale Ale 68. Hop Nation Brewing Co — J-Juice New England IPA 69. Blackflag Brewing — Astro Punk XPA Pale Ale 70. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Side Track All Day XPA Pale Ale 71. Your Mates Brewing Co — Sally American IPA 72. Bodriggy Brewing Co — Speccy Juice Session IPA 73. Burleigh Brewing Co — Bighead No-carb Lager Lager 74. Coopers Brewery — Coopers Pacific Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale 75. Eumundi Brewery — Eumundi Alcoholic Ginger Beer 76. Rocky Ridge Brewing Co — Jindong Juicy Hazy Pale Ale 77. Young Henrys — Natural Lager Lager 78. Dainton Beer — Blood Orange NEIPA New England IPA 79. Hop Nation Brewing Co — Rattenhund Pilsner 80. Capital Brewing Co — Rock Hopper IPA American IPA 81. Little Creatures — Pacific Ale Australian Pale Ale 82. Diablo Co — Diablo Ginger Beer 83. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Cloud Catcher Australian Pale Ale 84. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Sprocket American IPA 85. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Hazy As Hazy Pale Ale 86. Wayward Brewing Co — Raspberry Berliner Weisse Berliner Weisse 87. Young Henrys — Motorcycle Oil Porter 88. Mismatch Brewing Co — Session Ale Session IPA 89. Little Creatures — Rogers Amber Ale 90. One Drop Brewing Co — Double Vanilla Custard Pancake Imperial Nitro Thickshake IPA Milkshake IPA 91. 4 Pines Brewing Co — Hazy Pale Ale 92. Balter Brewing — Balter IPA American IPA 93. Coopers Brewery — Best Extra Stout 94. Hawkers Beer — West Coast IPA American IPA 95. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Pipe Dreams Coastal Lager Australian Pilsner 96. Range Brewing Co — Lights + Music TIPA 97. Dainton Beer — Jungle Juice Hazy IPA 98. Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel — Three Sheets Australian Pale Ale 99. Bad Shepherd Brewing Co — Peanut Butter Porter Porter 100. One Drop Brewing Co — We Jammin' Sour For more information about the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2022, head to the GABS website.
Yes, you read that right. Concerns for the Palais, not the Palace Theatre, have been raised this week as Port Phillip Council have desperately advocated the need for renovation at the iconic St Kilda venue. Circulating a pretty foreboding brochure, the council have started lobbying the state government to fund a $15 million short-term renovation with a commitment to another $25 million down the track. "If we don't act now, the Palais faces imminent closure," the brochure reads. For many of us this news may come as a monumental shock. After all, the Palais added an exciting new show to their program just this morning. Bob freakin' Dylan played there last week! How much damage could the mild-mannered Tambourine Man possibly have done? Nonetheless, the theatre is understandably ageing. Built in 1927, the colossal beachfront venue was one of the largest and most regal of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Now, its most recent condition assessment reports a damaged exterior, a lack of support to the interior dome, and outdated electrical infrastructure. Concrete is literally crumbling off the walls to the footpath below. Port Phillip Council have erected a scaffolding around the sides of the building and boarded up old windows for sake of pedestrian safety, but such efforts understandably fall short of their $35 million plan. Unfortunately, chances are it'll be like that for a while. Initial reaction to the request for funding has been negative. "State governments simply do not take responsibility for heritage theatres," said former mayor Dick Gross to The Age. "There is an infrastructure crisis in schools and hospitals, and for them to expect the begging bowl to work is a complete misunderstanding of state politics in an election year." Obviously we've only heard the start of this debate and the campaign could pick up a lot of steam as the November election grows closer. The whole thing is made further complicated by the fact that Port Philip Council rejected a development scheme in 2009 that would have seen the Palais gain $20 million for restoration purposes. Regardless, this news is another blow for Melbourne music lovers. We're still licking our wounds from the fight for the Palace, and only yesterday had to suffer the news of Bennetts Lane Jazz Club closing its doors. Are we up for another fight? Are we willing to front millions of tax dollars for it? Why are all our venues so doomed these days? Via The Age.
When Japan reopened its borders to international tourists late in 2022, it was the news that plenty of travellers had been waiting for, helping us all live out our Tokyo-touring dreams once more. The list of sights to see in both the country and its capital is hefty, especially with a Super Nintendo theme park launching during the pandemic, plus Studio Ghibli's long-awaited park also debuting last November. But the latest must-visit Tokyo spot won't even have you leaving the airport. That airport: Haneda, one of two servicing Tokyo, and the more central of the pair. On Tuesday, January 31, it's officially opening the new Haneda Airport Garden complex, which features with a few sizeable drawcards — 24-hour hot springs with views of Mount Fuji (on a clear day) chief among them. Located 12 floors up and spanning over 2000 square metres, rooftop facility Spa Izumi at Haneda is your new go-to for soaking before or after a flight. The onsen overlooks the Tamagawa River, as the entire Haneda Airport Garden does, and operates 24 hours a day. Using privately sourced water, it comes complete with four areas that span openair and indoor baths — a carbonated water bath, ice plunge pool and jet bath included — plus dry, steam and hot-stone saunas, as well as shower, powder and dressing-room facilities. Even better: while Haneda Airport Garden's official opening date arrives at the end of January, Spa Izumi and the hub's two hotels started welcoming in guests back in December 2022. Looking for a place to stay before or after your travels, too? Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand features a whopping 1557 rooms, while the smaller Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier boasts 160. The former offers guests 12 different types of spaces, while the latter has six varieties. Crucially, visitors looking to take advantage of the hot springs won't need to be hotel guests. So, if you're only at the airport to head home or on a layover between flights, you can still make time for a dip before hopping on the plane — no overnight stay at one of the Villa Fontaine hotels needed. You will need to pay an admission fee, however. The full new complex also includes around 60 shops and 30 restaurants — those usual airport staples — and a bus terminal for easy access to Osaka, Yamagata and more. And, there's an event hall and conference rooms. Plus, handily, Haneda Airport Garden connects through to terminal 3, which is where Qantas flies into and out of. Unsurprisingly, this is now Japan's largest airport hotel — so expect to have ample company while you're there. Haneda Airport Garden will officially open at Tokyo's Haneda Airport from Tuesday, January 31, with Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand, Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier and Spa Izumi already operating. For more information, head to the Haneda Airport Garden website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If you haven't been to Barrington Tops, a lush NSW getaway spot four hours north of Sydney, then lose no time in making it your next vacay spot. Verdant greenery, intrepid trails to explore, beautiful native flora and fauna, and plenty of adventurous activities make Barrington Tops the ultimate underrated getaway spot, whether you're going with your significant other, your whole family or a big group of mates. Okay, so we know we're spoiling it a bit by writing about it, but we just couldn't keep this one to ourselves. To help streamline the plethora of awesome things to see and do in the region, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to bring you a few of our faves. [caption id="attachment_843191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MidCoast Water (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A BUSH WALK THROUGH THE WORLD HERITAGE-LISTED BARRINGTON TOPS NATIONAL PARK You simply cannot go to this part of the world without checking out the massive national park for which it is perhaps best known. There's a lot of ground to cover — literally — so we recommend doing an overnight hike to explore this diverse terrain. The best way to see as much as you can is to start on the Gloucester River walking track, where you'll see the majestic namesake river (pictured above), gullies and impressive views as well as all manner of native wildlife. Make sure you pack lunch and something to swim in, as you'll have access to idyllic spots for riverside picnics and river swims along the way, too. Spend the night surrounded by ancient rainforest in the Gloucester River campground and set off the next morning on the Sharpes Creek walking track, where you can spot platypus and eastern water dragons. If you're pressed for time (or don't love the idea of camping overnight in the bush), then there are a number of tracks you can easily complete in the space of a day or less. [caption id="attachment_843945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] CHALLENGE YOURSELF ON THE CORKER TRAIL If you fancy yourself a bit more of an adventurer, tackle the Corker trail, a challenging walking track recommended for experienced bushwalkers only that runs all the way from the Lagoon Pinch picnic area right across to Careys Peak on the Barrington Plateau. Be warned, it's not called the Corker for nothing, so expect a pretty tough slog through challenging terrain. It's well worth it at the end, though, as you'll be rewarded with a scenic lookout over the snow gums, swamps and wide open grass plains of the Barrington Plateau for a view that will leave you as breathless as the hike did, if not more. The hike will also take you by Wombat Creek campground, a perfect spot to set up camp and spend a night under the stars. [caption id="attachment_843943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE A 4WD TRIP TO THE REMOTE GUMMI FALLS CAMPGROUND High in the sub-alpine region you'll find the remote Gummi Falls Campground, which is well and truly out there in the wild. You'll need to take a 4WD to access this untamed, natural bit of country, but don't worry, there are barbecue facilities and toilets once you're there. Spend your day mountain biking or horse riding through the many trails that surround the bewitchingly beautiful region, and try to spot elusive native fauna like the long-nosed potoroo, spotted-tail quoll and powerful owl. If you fancy a different angle, drop a line in the crystal clear Manning River, known for its abundant supply of freshwater bass. [caption id="attachment_843187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Doug Beckers (Flickr)[/caption] MOUNTAIN BIKE ALONG THE BARRINGTON TRAIL If you've read this far, you may have already surmised that Barrington Tops is a great spot for mountain biking — and the vast array of rugged terrain and beautiful scenery are arguably even better experienced on two wheels. While you're spoilt for choice in terms of which path to take, we recommend starting with the Barrington trail, a well traversed dirt and gravel road spanning nearly 15 kilometres and, running from Mount Barrington past Brumlow Top and on to Polblue Mountain. On this trail, you'll have access to incredible views, a diverse spread of forest habitats and perfect mountain air. [caption id="attachment_843949" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TACKLE THE BLUE GUM LOOP TRAIL, AND COOL OFF WITH A DIP IN A SECLUDED RIVER AFTERWARDS The idyllic Blue Gum Loop trail runs alongside a pristine river and showcases some of the region's finest plant life — the trail is named for the towering blue gum trees that dominate the landscape here and bestow this place with an ethereal beauty. Immerse yourself in their majesty on a leisurely 3.5-kilometre looped trail, which will give you a bird's-eye view of the cascades of the stunning Williamson River from a high steel span bridge, easily accessible from the walk. There's a great spot to stop for a picnic at Fern Creek cascades, and, if you're feeling a bit hot after all that walking, wander down one of the many short detours to find a secluded spot by the riverbank to cool off with a refreshing dip. [caption id="attachment_843198" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MidCoast Water (Flickr)[/caption] GO WHITE WATER KAYAKING ON THE BARRINGTON RIVER RAPIDS If you're chasing more of a thrill from nature, check out the white water kayaking along the surging rapids of the mighty Barrington River. Fed by the pristine, fresh waters that run from Barrington Tops, these rapids rush after periods of heavy rainfall, when the river swells to cover ground it ordinarily wouldn't. Kayaking and rafting tours are readily available, but are subject to rainfall prior, so keep an eye on the weather and get booking when the rain falls. [caption id="attachment_843189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE IT ALL IN FROM ONE OF THE REGION'S MANY LOOKOUTS With all of this natural beauty surrounding you, it can be hard to get a sense of the region as a whole. So it's definitely worth your while to check out one, if not several, of the many scenic lookouts that offer an all-encompassing view of this stunning landscape. Devils Hole lookout sits at an altitude of 1400 metres and offers breathtaking views of the dense forestry and undulating mountains beyond. The nearby, and epically titled, Thunderbolts lookout showcases the gorgeous plateau region between Scone and Gloucester, dense with Antarctic beech trees and moss-covered forest floors. Elsewhere, Careys Peak is at the end of an invigorating walking track that will take you through heavily wooded country before giving way to a peak in the Williams Range, where you can survey the ground you've just traversed from a cracking lookout spot. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Russell Street (Flickr)
Sometimes you want a great cup of coffee without a side of pretence. Sometimes you want a rustic and wholesome meal without having to make it yourself. And sometimes you just want a pot of homemade preserves without having to sterilise jars. Where perhaps might we find a cafe like that? Thomson Cafe and Food Store, my friends, fulfils all of the above and feels like an extension of your own home, in the best possible way. Whether it's a takeaway coffee or lunch for the family, these guys know what's up. With limited seating of under 30, intimacy is felt no matter what the occasion — in more of a cosy way rather than an accidentally drinking your neighbours water kind of way. When it comes to the menu, it's broken down into breakfasts, egg based goodness and 'lunchy things'. If it's closer to the AM the freshly baked crumpets served with butter and house made lemon curd ($11) is a hearty and decedent choice, while the avocado on organic sourdough served with house marinated feta, lemon, and toasted seeds is never a bad idea ($9 for one slice, $13 for two). For a more egg-based feed, the #2 baked eggs with caramelised onion, spinach and house marinated feta served with sourdough ($15) is creamy and rich, just the way you want it. Hangover = cured. When it comes to lunch, the virtuous among us can't go wrong with the brown rice salad with pickled ginger, avocado, cucumber, nori, black sesame, wasabi mayo, and salmon ($19), while a sandwich of poached chicken, walnuts, tarragon, spinach, parsley and aioli ($14.50) goes down just as nicely. For those who steer away from caffeine, hot chocolates of almond milk, raw cacao and dates heats you up without the sugar, while green juices and smoothies keep you going. We can't really fault this little local cafe who not only make most of their food and baked goods in-house, but grow most of their produce as well. We just hope you don't all go at once.
Australia has so much wonderful wilderness that spending a few days trekking up hills and down mountains is something everyone should try at least once. But doing so is not something that anyone should take lightly — from safety steps, to preparing food and drink, to having the ideal gear, being suitably prepared for your journey is a must before heading off. Since 1973, Macpac has been ensuring that both new and experienced hikers get the most out of their overnight treks, all thanks to a range of technical clothing and outdoor gear that can handle any type of climate. So, we teamed up with the brand — in celebration of the opening of its new Adventure Hubs — to help you get properly kitted out and put your plan in place. It's time to go trekking. HIKE AT THE RIGHT TIME It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but Australia's weather can be pretty temperamental. So when it comes to overnight hiking, it's important to choose a track that's going to have the right conditions for when you're planning to set off. Throughout the year, many hikes can change dramatically thanks to heavy rain or snow, with some becoming inaccessible altogether. Ensure that you're not caught out in the wrong place at the wrong time by researching exactly where you're heading — and by keeping an eye on the weather forecast so you always have the appropriate gear. Pack this: Less is Less Rain Jacket in women's and men's styles ($329.99) MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT Whenever you set out for an overnight trip into the hills, having a travel plan that you can stick to is the best way to avoid a bad situation. There are plenty of things to consider but, if it's possible, you should seek advice from the local Parks Victoria office or experienced local hikers so that you know what to expect when you arrive. (Plus, this way you may get some hints to some epic sights and views.) But bear in mind that if conditions change and any dangers arise, it's better to scrap the plan and cut your trip short than to keep pushing forward. Also crucial: making sure that you leave a detailed itinerary for someone at home, who can then raise the alarm if you don't return by your expected time. Include where you're going, the route you plan to take and how long you think you'll be gone for. You can also head to the Macpac website to make use of its helpful planning tool. Pack this: Suunto Spartan Sport Watch ($699) TAKE EXTRA FOOD AND WATER — JUST IN CASE More is more when you're heading off on an overnight hike — that is, it's always advisable to take more food and water than you think you'll need. And while packing food can be a bit of a challenge, you'll be thanking yourself if you largely opt for lightweight, dehydrated and non-perishable foods. As a general guide, you'll want to try to consume around 12,500 kilojoules or more per day; for water, it's recommended that you drink 250 millilitres for every 30–45 minutes of hiking. In terms of what to pack, many hikers prefer simple products that are easily stored like muesli bars, oatmeal sachets and basic pasta. But if you're feeling ambitious, here are a host of awesome camp food ideas that you can try if you consider yourself a bit of a chef around the fire. Pack this: Hydration Reservoir 3L ($59.95) PICK YOUR GEAR WISELY Bringing all of the right gear is going to make your overnight hike smoother and more enjoyable — plus, you'll feel like a seasoned adventurer. If you're the forgetful type, pack early and have a checklist of all the things you know you'll need. One thing that people often don't remember is just how useful a headlamp is, especially if you've ever tried cooking in the dark with one hand occupied by a torch. That also means bringing along some spare batteries, while sunscreen, a first aid kit and a paper map are always good ideas as well. Next, you need to consider if the gear you currently own is going to be suited for the climate that you're heading into. Consider upgrading your tent, sleeping bag or winter clothing if you think things might get a little chilly. Many popular hiking destinations also have online packing lists, so checking them out will also help. Pack this: Petzl Headlamp ($59.99) LEAVE NO TRACE Everyone loves Australia's pristine nature, so we all need to work together to keep it that way. Always plan to leave no trace when you go out hiking — that means carrying your rubbish with you and staying respectful of any wildlife you come across. Also, make sure that you're aware of any local camping regulations or environmental concerns in the area. One particular warning to take note of: total fire bans. While everyone wants a campfire when they set up their tent for the night, bans are commonplace across Australia and must be followed. If having a fire is allowed, try to keep it small while also using fire pans or mounds, which help keep the flames safely under control. Pack this: Scarpa Kailash Boots in women's and men's styles ($399.99) DON'T FORGET ENTERTAINMENT If storm clouds roll through and you find yourself stuck in your tent for a few hours, you might find that the conversation becomes a little stale. That's why bringing some light form of entertainment to keep yourself and others occupied never goes amiss. A deck of cards weighs next to nothing and is easy to carry, while paperback books (or a Kindle), magazines and audiobooks are other great ways to pass the time before you can hit the track again. Top image: Visit Victoria.
You don't normally associate the MCG with fine dining — it's more overpriced pies and eating an entire six-pack of hot jam doughnuts all to yourself. But it that's about to change in the lead up to this year's AFL Grand Final, as some of Melbourne's best restaurants set up outside the 'G. Part of this year's pre-GF celebrations, Yarra Park will play host to a four-day Footy Festival in the lead-up to the big game. As well as lots of activities and the Grand Final Eve concert (which is headlined by Bird of Tokyo this year) on Friday afternoon, the best part of the fest is the food offering. Seek out the Taste of Footy area for food from culinary heavy-hitters Biggie Smalls, Taco Truck and Bluebonnet Barbecue — that's along with other multiple bars and vendors selling everything from jaffles to fried chicken to bubble tea. Yarra Park will be pumping with live entertainment, kids' activities and broadcasts from 10am–6pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am–6pm Friday and Saturday. Disclaimer: you will not be allowed to drink your wine out of a Premiership Cup. It will be a good place to get a snack if you're going to the game, however. Images: Kelly Defina.
When the Victorian Government made masks mandatory again indoors just before Christmas, it also served up a big dose of déjà vu. Here's another: the return of the one person per two-square-metres rule in indoor hospitality and entertainment venues, which'll kick in at 11.59pm tonight, Thursday, January 6. At the state's daily COVID-19 press conference, Health Minister Martin Foley announced that density limits were coming back in an effort to help stop Victoria's rising case numbers. "Interaction in those hospitality and entertainment venues is close, it's crowded, it's active and it's mobile. It's what young people do and we don't begrudge them that," Foley said. "These relatively mild restrictions are about making sure that that activity can continue, but it can continue in a less congregated and less active space when it comes to hospitality." The returning density rule will apply at restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and nightclubs, as well as at arcades, amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues across the state. The one exception: indoor seated cinemas and theatres, which can still operate without density limits because people are seated and masked in those venues. [caption id="attachment_818582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Mask rules are still in effect, too, but no other restrictions are being introduced at present. That said, the Victorian Government is also recommending that entertainment and hospitality venues, and folks attending them, choose seated service only — and, because it's time to feel like you're living in Footloose again, to avoid indoor dancefloors. Just like before Christmas, Victorians are still being encouraged to work from home — and to study from home as well — with that recommendation remaining in place until January 26. Victoria currently has 61,120 active COVID-19 cases, including 21,997 new cases reported today, Thursday, January 6. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website. Top image: Julia Sansone.
Do you have a book that's gone neglected, gathering dust in a bedside drawer or on a coffee table? Bring it out of literary hibernation thanks to Reading Party Melbourne — a rare chance to mix some quality reading time with a night out on the town. The event will be hosted at Mr Mills for one night only this December. Descend the chartreuse spiral staircase to the perfect alcove to tear through a couple of chapters — a moody bar replete with warm timber, plush booths and little lamps. Order snacks like olives, almonds and even a charcuterie plate with guindillas and manchego, and you've got the perfect setup for a reading sesh. Starting at 6pm, you'll get to enjoy some silent reading time with your fellow attendees (no awkward icebreakers or aloud reading needed) before it's books down to and time to get your mingle on. It's not so much a book club, but an excuse to enjoy your page-turner of the moment somewhere other than your usual reading spots. No pre-reading, no homework, no worries. Of course, the books are right there to get the conversation started. Swap recommendations, or break down the events so far, if someone happens to be reading the same volume as you. Your ticket includes a beer or a glass from Mr Mill's wine list. Tickets come in at $23 and you can be in bed by 9. What's not to love? Find out more and get your tickets via the website. Images: Supplied
Breakups are hard. But, they also makes for some pretty great stories. And you'll unearth plenty of those heartbreaking tales when the Museum of Broken Relationships rocks into town. The internationally acclaimed, Croatian-born exhibition will make its Aussie debut next month, as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival's love-themed 2019 program. It's set to hit the CBD's No Vacancy Gallery from September 1–29, showcasing a thought-provoking collection of real-life relationship relics. For the museum's Melbourne pop-up, curators (and exes) Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic are pulling together an assortment of local stories and pieces, as well as objects from the exhibition's permanent collections in Zagreb and Los Angeles. Expect to find symbols of heartbreak, nostalgia and ended relationships — and the captivating stories behind them. And if you've got your own object of long lost love lying around, it can be part of the show, too. Vistica and Grubisic are collecting Melbourne contributions to add a bit of local heartbreak to the pop-up, which might then go on the road and become part of the Museum's permanent collection. To donate your item, fill in a contribution form by August 7.
The National Gallery of Victoria has just announced its 2019-20 Spring/Summer program — and it's sure to get more than a few people excited. Last winter, the NGV saw over 200 works from New York's famed MoMA and over summer it housed the Escher x Nendo: Between Two Worlds — an exhibition showcasing the works of both Dutch artist M.C. Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo. So, it had some big shoes to fill. Its summer blockbuster, announced this morning, is Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines — and the NGV has succeeded in bringing yet another world-class exhibition to Australian shores. Similar to the Escher x Nendo and 2016's Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibitions, it will showcase an intersection between the two artists' lives, ideas and practices, delving into their radicalism, socio-political standings and distinctive imagery. A world-premiere retrospective exclusive to Melbourne, Crossing Lines will feature over 300 works, including Haring's iconic dancing figures and Basquiat's crown and head motifs throughout a collection of painting, sculpture, objects, drawings, photographs, notebooks and pieces in public spaces. The exhibition will also house the artists' collaborations with some of the world's most-celebrated pop culture icons, including Andy Warhol, Grace Jones and Madonna. [caption id="attachment_717213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Untitled 1982, Keith Haring, copyright Keith Haring Foundation.[/caption] On top of this stellar exhibition, the NGV will also host a number of smaller (yet no less impressive) exhibitions over spring and summer, including a look at New Jersey artist Brian Donnelly (aka KAWS) in Companionship In The Age Of Loneliness, and a collection of hyperreal photographs by Sydney-based artist Petrina Hicks in Bleached Gothic. A photography exhibition featuring the works of over 100 contemporary photographers from around the world, and a solo show by Australian photographer Polixeni Papapetrou round out the list. Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines will run from December 1, 2019—April 13, 2020 at the National Gallery of Victoria International, Melbourne. Top images: Portrait of Keith Haring by William Coupon; Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, copyright George Hirose; Untitled 1982, Jean-Michel Basquiat, copyright estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
In the heart of Williamstown is a store, larder and restaurant with a Mediterranean influence. The Greenery Store has a wide selection of stylish homewares, fashion and gifts, including ceramics from Toast and Honey Studio, Hoopla bags, Queensland skincare brand Saya and Ode jewellery handmade in Melbourne. Once you've finished browsing, pop to the plant-adorned larder and restaurant next door, where you can have sweet corn fritters for breakfast (complete with tomato chilli jam and honey bacon), or enjoy slow-cooked duck and quince with potato dumplings or braised beef cheek and roast pumpkin for lunch. The space is available for private hire for dinner parties, too. Plus, there's coffee from Industry Beans, and a good selection of wine, beer and spirits from local producers, too.
Lives of extravagant luxury. Globe-hopping getaways. Whiling away cocktail-soaked days in gorgeous beachy locales. Throw in the level of wealth and comfort needed to make those three things an easy, breezy everyday reality, and the world's sweetest dreams are supposedly made of this. On TV since 2021, HBO's hit dramedy The White Lotus has been, too. Indeed, in its Emmy-winning first season, the series was a phenomenon of a biting satire, scorching the one percent, colonialism and class divides in a twisty, astute, savage and hilarious fashion. It struck such a chord, in fact, that what was meant to be a one-and-done limited season was renewed for a second go-around, sparking an anthology. That Sicily-set second effort arrives Down Under on Monday, October 31, airing week to week — via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — and the several suitcase loads of scathing chaos it brings with it are well worth unpacking again. Sex, status, staring head-on at mortality and accepting the unshakeable fact that life is short for everyone but truly sweet for oh-so-few, regardless of bank balance: they're The White Lotus season two's concerns. All three played key parts in season one as well, but this sunnily shot seven-episode second run emphatically stresses that the bliss money is meant to bring is truly a mirage, as is the carefree air of a vacation. Accordingly, another group of well-off holidaymakers slip into another splashy, flashy White Lotus property — this time in Taormina in Italy, sat atop jagged cliffs and beneath the looming Mount Etna — and work through their jumbled existences over drinks by the pool, dinners at the bar, hefty room-service bills and sightseeing trips around town. Another death lingers over their trip, with The White Lotus again starting with an unnamed body — bodies, actually — then jumping back seven days to tell its tale from the beginning. Running the Sicilian outpost of the high-end resort chain, White Lotus manager Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore, Across the River and Into the Trees) is barely surprised by the corpse that kicks off season two. Non-plussed about the hotel's demanding guests, her staff and men in particular, she's barely surprised at much beforehand, either. Initially, viewers will share her lack of astonishment, with writer/director/creator Mike White (Brad's Status) setting up this return visit with similar elements as season one. New location, new hotel employees, a mostly new cohort of travellers, same malaise and mayhem: that's The White Lotus' second season at the outset and on the surface. As it proved the first time around with such potency, however, this series is exceptional at letting the supposedly straightforward and idyllic blister like a sunbather catching some rays — and at peeling away layer upon layer of ostensible ecstasy in a seeming utopia. Now married to Greg (Jon Gries, Dream Corp LLC), who she met in Hawaii in season one, Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (Jennifer Coolidge, The Watcher) is among the resort's fresh arrivals — and, with her husband, the show's familiar faces. Everyone else around Sicily skips through the series for the first time, some with a heartier spring in their step than others. Tanya's assistant Portia (Haley Lu Richardson, After Yang) is hardly thrilled when she's dispatched to her room, for instance, after Greg gets furious that she's on their vacation with them. She wants this jaunt away to be an experience after spending years alone in her room doomscrolling through the pandemic, but her boss just wants an emotional lap dog. Actually, Portia wants her trip to become a lusty Italian sex comedy, which White gleefully plays up across his slate of season-two characters; when in the country, clearly. Also having a conflicted time are three generations of Di Grasso men: Bert (F Murray Abraham, Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities), who wants to visit his mother's village and flirts with every woman he sees; Dominic (Michael Imperioli, The Many Saints of Newark), a Hollywood hotshot navigating a marital breakdown due to his philandering; and the Stanford-educated Albie (Adam DiMarco, The Order), who's determined for his relationships with women to be everything his grandad's and dad's aren't. And, there's another far-from-content group in the Spillers and the Babcocks, with tech whiz Ethan (Will Sharpe, Defending the Guilty) and his employment-lawyer spouse Harper (Aubrey Plaza, Best Sellers) newly flush with cash after the former sold his company, but begrudgingly accepting a getaway invite from his finance-bro college roommate Cameron (Theo James, The Time Traveller's Wife) and his stay-at-home wife Daphne (Meghann Fahy, The Bold Type). In the superbly written first five episodes of season two, White examines an array of familiar and relatable dynamics among Sicily's tourists, spanning new and long-standing couples, bosses and employees, and fathers and sons. When Portia and Albie cross paths early, it adds strangers potentially tumbling into a vacation romance to the itinerary a well. Delightfully, devilishly detailed characters are one of this show's strengths again, though, as aided by pitch-perfect performances all-round — especially from Coolidge once more, the endlessly cynical and expressive Plaza, and the tumultuous-and-loving-it Abraham. Another of The White Lotus' key drawcards, as paralleled in the new opening credits which play with Renaissance-style paintings: exposing how much emptiness, unhappiness and uncertainty sits behind such privileged lives, even in picturesque surroundings where opulence and relaxation are touted as the only aims. Eating the rich — and why they're eating themselves — is one of film and TV's favourite topics of late, whether Succession is spinning it into a similarly stellar satire across streaming queues, or Parasite and then Triangle of Sadness are winning the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or. The White Lotus has always found extra bite in surveying the high-end holiday industry that relies upon well-to-do tourism, catering to such guests' every whim no matter how demanding or outlandish, too, by contrasting the vast difference between such vacationers and the staff at their beck and call, and acknowledging that true euphoria is never the end result. In season two, the remit broadens to Sicily locals who don't work at the titular resort — not officially, anyway. Sex worker Lucia (Simona Tabasco, The Ties) and aspiring singer Mia (Beatrice Grannò, Security) hang around the hotel to meet and chase both clients and dreams, and to covet the excess around them. All that glitters isn't gold for them, either. All similarly isn't quite what it seems for Palermo-dwelling Brit Quentin (Tom Hollander, The King's Man), who decamped to Sicily decades back and, with his nephew Jack (Leo Woodall, Cherry), rounds out season two's key character list. Through them, The White Lotus' widened scope also encompasses the expat community, as well as the reality behind turning a holiday into your daily life. There's new shades to the show this time around, but its overall insights aren't surprising, of course. Still, White keeps pushing further, cutting both sharply and deep as he takes down and tears apart the fallacy of wealth and lavishness. What's always made The White Lotus so delicious — and such a potent, perceptive, snaky and amusing must-see — isn't just its moneyed misery and messiness, after all, but smartly stripping bare the idea that stacks of cash and scenic settings can buy perfection and satisfaction, even fleetingly, for anyone. Check out the trailer for The White Lotus season two below: The second season of The White Lotus starts streaming Down Under from Monday, October 31 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one. Images: HBO.
One of the ideas at the heart of Squid Game — and fellow battle-to-the-death fare like The Hunger Games and The Running Man, too — is that people like to watch others risk their lives, and sometimes give them, while striving to survive deadly contests. While the competitions at the heart of shows and movies with these storylines are purely fictional, folks IRL do indeed love viewing them. Indeed, with its final season, Squid Game notched up a few big firsts for Netflix. If you couldn't wait to discover Seong Gi-hun's (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) fate when the South Korean hit dropped its third and last batch of episodes on Friday, June 27, 2025, you had company. Netflix reports that the six-instalment season notched up 60.1-million views in just three days, breaking the record for such a short period. [caption id="attachment_1011923" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Squid Game S3 Cr. No Ju-han/Netflix © 2025[/caption] Squid Game season three also became the first Netflix show to reach number one in all countries that the streaming platform ranks in the week it premiered, and the only series to hit the service's most-popular list in its debut week. Less than seven days out from releasing, season three is placed ninth among Netflix's most-watched shows ever in languages other than English as well. While the series' final run served up surprises on-screen, its success among audiences isn't one of them. The exploits of Player 456 in a secret tournament that turns childhood games fatal with 45.6-billion won up for grabs has been a must-see, and embraced as such, since its beginnings. Season one proved such a smash that more episodes were locked in, as was IRL competition series Squid Game: The Challenge (without the death, of course). The latter has been picked up for a second season. The next question: will there be more on the fictional side of the franchise? It has been rumoured that David Fincher (The Killer) is keen on an English-language remake — although he is working on directing a different return, stepping into Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's realm to helm the Brad Pitt (F1)-starring follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's Oscar-winning picture, at present. Also, the season-three finale swiftly sparked thoughts of Squid Game finding a way to continue. With Entertainment Weekly, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently mentioned a spinoff idea set between seasons one and two — and has floated similar concepts before — but nothing beyond a new round of Squid Game: The Challenge has been confirmed in in the Squid Game universe so far. Watch the trailer for Squid Game season three below: Squid Game streams via Netflix. Images: Netflix.
This bustling Irving Street eatery and its Collingwood sibling are both known for their traditional Ethiopan dinners. The Footscray outpost, however, is also immensely popular as a breakfast spot, knocking out steaming plates of silts (an Ethiopian version of scrambled eggs) and ful — a spiced broadbean stew served with sliced hard-boiled eggs, green peppers and crusty bread for mopping it all up. Both these dishes use a traditional Ethiopian-sourced berbere spice mix as a base, made up of 25 different spices, many of which are endemic to the region. Coffee lovers will rejoice at the availability of hand-roasted Ethiopian organic rainforest coffee, which takes a few moments to make but is a spectacle worth beholding. Beyond breakfast, diners flock for the extended menu of vegan, vegetarian and meat-based dishes served throughout the day, all paired with the classic injera flatbread that traditionally serves as a replacement for cutlery.
On any given day, Melbourne's famous Tan Track is busy with walkers, runners, strollers and joggers. And we can see why: the 3.8-kilometre track around the Royal Botanic Gardens is surrounded by lush bush and convenient kiosks. To enhance your next run around The Tan, we've teamed up with Adidas to bring you seven rewarding stops to make along the way, starting at the Rose Pavilion and finishing up at Ornamental Lake. [caption id="attachment_803855" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria[/caption] ROSE PAVILION In the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens, right next to Hopetoun Lawn and west of Ornamental Lake, is the Rose Pavilion. Known for its dreamy pink and white roses surrounding the dome, the Pavilion is a good starting location for warming up. As you limber up your calves and hammies, soak in the tranquil views of the river, enjoy the shade from the rotunda and listen to some tunes to get you in the mood for the jog ahead. [caption id="attachment_803854" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria[/caption] JARDIN TAN When you think of Jardin Tan, the first thing that comes to mind is its increasingly popular deluxe picnic hampers. However, you're on the move, so instead take a look at the cafe's takeaway options to keep you well fuelled and in good company on your jog. Our choice is a scoop of house-made gelato or one of its lemon squash or lime and pineapple sodas. While you're stopping by, enjoy the organic gardens and peruse the cafe's farm-to-table menu for a future long lunch. [caption id="attachment_803859" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Baron; Flickr[/caption] KING'S DOMAIN GARDENS There's a lot to see on a stop off at King's Domain Gardens, found alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens and Alexandra Gardens. The expansive parklands offers an abundance of scenery and views. There's La Trobe's Cottage, The Grotto, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Government House and the Shrine of Remembrance. You'll also get a little history lesson with the various monuments and statues along the way, including the Kings Domain Resting Place, a memorial marking the repatriation of the remains of 38 Indigenous Australians. [caption id="attachment_803853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria[/caption] TROPICAL GLASSHOUSE Make your next goal the Tropical Glasshouse and feast your eyes on the various plants from tropical regions across the globe. You'll find some interesting and striking international flowers, such as the titan arum — the largest unbranched flower head in the world, native to Indonesia. Or, spy the lovely perfumed tiger-spotted stanhopea, a striking orchid native to Mexico. The Glasshouse has a humidity of 70 percent or higher, so make sure you take time for a water break, too. [caption id="attachment_803852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria[/caption] GUILFOYLE'S VOLCANO Catch your breath while you soak in the lush sights at Guilfoyle's Volcano (also a great spot for a mid-run photo, if you're into that kind of thing). The pool of water was originally built in 1876 to store water for the Botanic Gardens. Today, after undergoing restoration and landscape development, the picturesque water reservoir has a timber boardwalk with multiple viewing platforms. While you're there, get a good look at the various water plants, succulents and floating islands. You'll also spy stunning views of the city. While running The Tan, look out for access to the boardwalk via Gate C on Anderson Street or Gate D on Birdwood Avenue. THE TERRACE CAFE When you're feeling peckish, point your toes towards The Terrace Cafe. The takeaway kiosk serves muffins and scones, chicken wraps and quinoa salads — so there's heaps to choose from for either a quick bite or as the ultimate reward for your efforts. And, of course, it serves excellent cups of coffee too. The kiosk is open daily from 9.30am–3.30pm. Alternatively, if you're escaping bad weather or want to spot for longer, the cafe serves more substantial feeds, like vegetarian omelettes, eggs bennies and chicken burgers. [caption id="attachment_795214" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] ORNAMENTAL LAKE You made it! As your final stop, Ornamental Lake provides the perfect oasis to cool down. Walk around the circumference, or find a spot to sit and relax on the lawn by the water. The peaceful spot is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including vibrant flowers and over 50 species of native birds. While you walk off the lactic acid build up in your muscles, try to spot one of the black swans or maybe even a cygnet. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Top image: Visit Victoria
The idea behind The Lume was always a stunner, giving Australia its first permanent digital-only art gallery. When the Melbourne venue started welcoming in patrons in 2021, it lived up to its immersive, multi-sensory promise, initially with a spectacular Van Gogh exhibition that let visitors feel like they were walking right into the artist's work, and then with the French impressionism-focused Monet & Friends Alive. The next showcase set to grace the site's agenda has those past shows beat, however, heroing First Nations art and music. When Connection opens on Friday, June 23, it'll feature more than 110 Indigenous visual and musical artists in a dazzling fashion. At this Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre gallery, the art gracing its walls tower over patrons, with the space filled with large-scale digital pieces. And Connection will be full thanks to more than 550 works — digitals and originals alike. Set to feature: art by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Tommy Watson, Anna Pitjara, Lin Onus, Sarrita King, Kate Constantine, Wayne Qulliam, Clifford, Gabriella and Michelle Possum Nungurrayi, and many more, in a walk-through exhibition that'll present its pieces through the themes of land, water and sky Country. Their work will score a soundtrack by Yothu Yindi, Archie Roach, Emily Wurramara, Gurrumul, Alice Skye, Baker Boy and others, plus composers such as William Barton. Grande Experiences, the company behind The Lume and its touring exhibitions — Van Gogh Alive made its way around Australia, and Monet in Paris is about to do the same from June — says that Connection will boast the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled. It'll span over 3000 square metres, and its remit is just as sizeable: highlighting pieces by past and present artists, and surveying the entire country and Torres Strait. Shining a spotlight on emerging talents while showing their work alongside their inspirations is another key mission. "The technology Connection uses breaks down a lot of barriers to entry," says Constantine, a Gadigal artist of the Eora Nation. "A lot of people like Aboriginal art because it is colourful or pretty, but a lot of people are quite challenged by Aboriginal art too, by not knowing or understanding how to interpret it or not feeling like they have permission to be involved. Connection is just so inclusive." "I see Connection as this beautiful collection of storytellers sharing our culture with the world the way that our ancestors have taught us to do," adds Professor Wayne Quilliam, a NAIDOC Indigenous Artist of the Year, who is contributing digital storytelling via drone, photography and art to the exhibition. If it sounds familiar, that's because a smaller version premiered at the National Museum of Australia in 2022, with Grande Experiences joining forces with the Canberra gallery. Connection also benefits from an advisory panel featuring Constantine, Quilliam, King, Aboriginal art specialist Adam Knight, the National Museum's lead Indigenous curator and academic Margo Ngawa Neale, arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO, and designer and film producer Alison Page. Fingers crossed that Connection takes its show on the road, too, after thoroughly wowing The Lume. Connection opens at The Lume, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, on Friday, June 23 — head to the venue's website for tickets and further information.
Adapting to a new public transport arrangement is almost always an uphill struggle, but things were especially confusing in Melbourne this morning with the full timetable opening of the Metro Tunnel causing more than usual chaos for the Monday morning peak hour and its commuters. The Metro Tunnel, a nine-kilometre twin tunnel that circumnavigates the City Loop for passengers on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, opened to a mix of cheers and groans to passengers on a limited timetable in November, marking the largest upgrade (an upgrade completed to the tune of $10.9 billion) to Melbourne's train lines since the City Loop itself opened in 1981. This morning marked its first run on the full timetable, and saw passengers scramble to adapt to the new routes that they've been commuting on for decades, with little forewarning, but plenty of support from station staff on the day, explaining to flustered passengers and helping control the crowd crushes that piled up at ticket gates. Passengers on the aforementioned lines who disembark at Southern Cross, Parliament and Flagstaff will now have to interchange to reach their destinations, with The Age reporting from the platforms that passengers were scrambling to make up for commutes suddenly extending as long as 25 minutes (in the case of one unfortunate soul trying to get to Collingwood from Cranbourne, now facing a three-train trip). For some, though, the changes are for the better, with The Age speaking to a student who has seen 15 minutes shaved off her commute to UOM just in time for the first day of classes. Despite Monday typically being a quieter day in terms of train patronage, Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said today was the tunnels first trial by commuter-fanned fire. Bowen said, "I get the feeling there's some people that are well aware of the change and there's others who may be a bit surprised come Monday morning that they don't end up at Parliament station or wherever". For more information on the Metro Tunnel and how it affects your commute, visit the Transport VIC website. Images: Chris Putnam for Getty Images
Come November, the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden will play host to a striking new addition, with the arrival of towering architectural installation In Absence. Taking out the title of 2019 National Gallery of Victoria Architecture Commission, the design is the work of contemporary Indigenous artist Yhonnie Scarce and Melbourne architecture studio Edition Office. It beat 99 other designs in this year's competition, which invites participants from across the country to create a site-specific work of temporary architecture to grace the gallery's famed gardens. Working to the themes of multidisciplinary thinking, collaboration and audience engagement, this year's winner takes a trip back in time for its inspiration, exploring the long-running history of construction in Indigenous Australian communities. Drawing from the structures and building practises of pre-colonial Australia, In Absence boasts a soaring, dark timber tower, opening up to multi-textural interiors. Scarce has used thousands of small black glass yams to bring to life a pair of internal voids, in another nod to the past. The looming tower structure will be the latest in an impressive lineup of Architecture Commission winners, joining the ranks of previous designs like 2017's maze-like Garden Wall and 2016's playful pink carwash design by M@STUDIO Architects. In Absence will be on display in the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden from November 2019. Further information is available from the NGV website.
One of Australia's most-iconic novels has a new date with the screen, with Netflix starting production on a series adaptation of Miles Franklin's My Brilliant Career. The 1901 book, the acclaimed author's first, has already reached cinemas thanks to a 1979 iteration. It has also hit the stage as both a play and a musical in the past five years. Next comes its small-screen version — a new big Aussie drama for streaming platform behind it, too. Netflix recently went the page-to-screen route in Australia with The Survivors, adapting the novel of the same name by The Dry and Force of Nature author Jane Harper. A beloved writer, a book with ample fans, a proven history of said author's work hitting the screen with great success: that's the template that it's following again with My Brilliant Career. Filming is currently underway in South Australia, but when you'll be able to watch the series hasn't yet been revealed. Fresh from fellow Netflix show Territory, Philippa Northeast leads the cast as Sybylla, the young woman growing up in rural Australia who dreams of becoming a writer. The rest of the ensemble boasts big names aplenty, including Slow Horses star Christopher Chung as Harry, as well as Andor's Mon Mothma aka Genevieve O'Reilly, plus Anna Chancellor (My Lady Jane), Kate Mulvany (Better Man), Jake Dunn (What It Feels Like for a Girl), Alexander England (Nautilus), Sherry-Lee Watson (Thou Shalt Not Steal) and Miah Madden (Troppo). Barons' Liz Doran is developing and co-writing the series, with Alyssa McClelland (Amandaland) and Anne Renton (Good Cop/Bad Cop) its directors. "It's been a privilege to work with so many incredible creatives on this reimagining of Miles Franklin's rollicking tale of a young woman's quest to determine her own life," says Doran. "It's thrilling to bring this Australian classic to a whole new audience. Partnering with Netflix and fellow executive producers Liz Doran and Alyssa McClelland, with Philippa Northeast as our rebellious and witty Sybylla, has been the stuff that dreams are made of," added executive producer Chloe Rickard (another Good Cop/Bad Cop alum). Northeast and Chung follow in the footsteps of Judy Davis (Nitram) and Sam Neill (Apples Never Fall), who played Sybylla and Harry in Gillian Armstrong's (Women He's Undressed) movie take — which won Davis two BAFTAs, including for Best Actress; and scored Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay from the Australian Film Institute. There's no trailer yet, but check out Netflix's My Brilliant Career social-media announcement below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix Australia & NZ (@netflixanz) My Brilliant Career will stream via Netflix, but doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when more details are announced. My Brilliant Career images: Courtesy of Netflix © 2025.
Caulfield is one of those suburbs you don't hear much about. In fact, one could probably enter their early thirties without even so much as a visit to the south-eastern neighbourhood. But we've got a feeling that's changing, fast. Last year saw Tuck Shop Take Away lure burger-lovers into the area, and now Caulfield looks like it has its very own destination-worth cafe to match. It doesn't take a practiced cafe-spotting savant to hunt down Frank and Ginger. Drive down Alma Road, heading away from St Kilda and towards Caulfield North, and you won't be able to miss it — not because of the size of the cafe, but because it's the only one around. The residential surroundings mean it's easy to get a park, but you'll definitely have to jostle a local or two for a seat on the weekend. But you've got to expect some jostling when there's brunch involved. Fight for your right to hoe into a giant bowl of oaty granola served with fresh fruit and lavender-infused yoghurt ($12) and/or a breakie bagel with all the good stuff ($10). It's worth it. The menu is familiar but there's enough to irk your interest. We'd recommend ditching the regular avocado mash for the spicy pumpkin and feta. Served with pumpkin toast, hummus, beetroot relish and poached eggs ($15), it's a great dish with loads of taste and texture. There's also a morning salad with avo, tomato, mint, haloumi and a poached egg that might actually bring you around to the idea of eating a salad for breakfast ($15). The space is small but it packs more seats than you'd expect, which increases your chances of getting a table as well as knocking elbows with the diner beside and behind you. Maybe two less tables would make things a bit less intense. If it's looking a bit tight, takeaway might be your saviour. The Maling Room coffee tastes just as good out as it does in, as do their lemongrass and ginger bahn mi ($12). With only a month's service under their belt, Frank and Ginger are doing well to manage both the eat-in brunchers and drop-by passersby looking for something to take with them. By the looks of things, Caulfield locals are heaving a sigh of joy. The trans-suburb Sunday morning pilgrimage is over — they have their own local now.
Northside favourite ice creamery Billy Van Creamy is teaming up with Lovehoney for a two-day 'Lover's Scoop' pop-up in Brunswick, pairing libido-spiking ice cream with sex toys. Across Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11, the Sydney Road location will give away 600 free cones daily from 11am–10pm, with the first 50 people through the doors each day also receiving a free sex toy. Two limited-edition flavours have been created for the occasion — lavender and honey, and sumac and strawberry — both dipped in chocolate and served in a double cone designed for sharing. The activation comes off the back of new research showing more than half of Victorians report experiencing low libido, with married couples the most likely to be affected. Lovehoney sexologist Christine Rafe said the collaboration is about finding connection through small rituals. "Often it's the small, playful rituals that make the difference. It's why we've chosen natural aphrodisiac flavours such as honey, lavender, strawberry and sumac, a fun reminder that even something as simple as sharing an ice cream can help turn things back on," she said. Whether you're heading out on a date or looking to reconnect, the event is an invitation to mix pleasure with a little intimacy. Billy van Creamy x Lovehoney 'Lover's Scoop' runs Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11, from 11am–10pm at 146 Sydney Road, Brunswick.
Burger fiends of Sydney scored a new go-to joint back in 2021, when US-born brand Five Guys opened its first Australian store in Penrith. It also backed that up with a second outpost in Sydney's CBD this winter, too. But if you're keen to give the chain's combination of meat and buns a try down in Melbourne, get ready to add a trip to Southbank to your menu — with Five Guys launching its first Victorian eatery, and third Aussie spot overall, on Monday, August 8. Setting up shop at 3 Freshwater Place, the new store will sit on the promenade in front of Queensbridge Square, seat 79 burger lovers and — unsurprisingly — sport Five Guys' red-and-white colour scheme. On the menu: burgs, fries, hotdogs, sandwiches and shakes, aka Five Guys' usual range. If you're wondering why the brand has built up such a following, the fact that its made-to-order burgers skew in the classic direction is one good reason. These burgs come with two hand-formed patties on toasted buns, with your choice of free toppings (including pickles, grilled mushrooms and jalapeños). Five Guys also does bacon cheeseburgers that add two strips of bacon and two slices of Kraft American cheese as well. Prefer hotdogs, sandwiches (in veggie, cheese or BLT varieties), hand-cut fries (with or without Cajun spices) and vanilla milkshakes? They're all on the menu as well. Don't go thinking that the latter are boring, though — you can add bacon, bananas, peanut butter, salted caramel and even Oreo pieces to your design-your-own beverage. As anyone with allergies should note, though, Five Guys only cooks its fries in peanut oil. The popular chain already has more than 1600 stores to its name across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia since starting back in 1986 in the Washington, DC area — and has amassed quite the reputation in the process. Even given the number of big-name US burger chains with hefty followings, such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, it stands out. More Aussie Five Guys stores are in the works, too, in including additional Melbourne locations in 2023. Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, aka the folks behind The Meat & Wine Co, Hunter & Barrel, 6 Head, Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer, hold the master franchise for Five Guys in Australia and New Zealand — and while it hasn't revealed where more burgs will be coming everyone's ways just yet, setting up plenty of locations has always been the company's plan. When news that Five Guys was launching stores Down Under first hit in 2020, at least 20 spots were earmarked for Australia alone. Find Five Guys' first Melbourne store at 3 Freshwater Place, Southbank, Melbourne, from Monday, August 8 — open from 11am–10pm daily.
2025 marks once, not twice, but three times in a row now that winter in Melbourne is being bookended by major arts festivals. RISING kicks off the cooler weather, then Now or Never helps farewell the frostier temperatures. As the former was as well, the latter is back in a big way this year, whether you're keen to witness one of the city's key spaces undergo a spectacular transformation just for the fest, fill 11 days and nights with live tunes, hear more about astronauts and astronomy, see where the lines between cinema and real-time performances blur, or celebrate queer Black excellence. Now or Never packs its lineup with arts, ideas, sound and technology events. From Thursday, August 21–Sunday, August 31 around Melbourne, 2025's fest features more than 140 free and ticketed sessions, which are the products of 285-plus local and international artists. Whatever else you head to, making a date with the Royal Exhibition Building — the venue that hosted its first large-scale live music performances in over 20 years at 2023's debut Now or Never — is a must, however, if you want to step inside a pink bubble. Free, running for the first four days of 2025's festival, and both an Australian premiere and a Melbourne exclusive, MATRIA looks set to prove quite the stunner. The installation's aim: to turn the Royal Exhibition Building, its temporary home, into a womb-like space via a recycled pink inflatable. Courtesy of Barcelona-based collective Penique Productions, translucent membrane will wrap around the venue's wooden interior skeleton — and breathe. The accompanying soundtrack, complete with a solo vocalist, will get it vibrating. Dancers will also help the installation's skin move and stretch, and you can expect to see futuristic art feature as well. Inside MATRIA, you'll be cocooned — and you'll also engage with more of Now or Never's program, because the site is still hosting shows and gigs within the installation. Dancer and choreographer Amber McCartney is teaming up with DJ Shapednoise on one, composer Alex Zhang Hungtai is in the spotlight on another, and rRoxymore is also doing the honours one evening. Or, get inhaling and exhaling along with MATRIA thanks to The Breath Haus and its meditation and breathwork sessions. For more music, Melbourne Town Hall will feature four nights of acts spanning Marie Davidson, DJ Python, DJ Logic1000, Young Marco and Yarra — plus Japanese visual and sound artist Ryoji Ikeda bringing ultratronics and its blend of minimalistic light and sound to Australia for the first time. Also engaging multiple senses in the same venue is Einder, a 20-metre-long light and sound installation by Dutch artist and composer Boris Acket. For one evening only, you can also feast beneath it, with Julia Busuttil Nishimura in charge of the multi-course menu. For a memorable outdoor installation, Dr Christian Thompson is on the case at the Evan Walker Bridge. Burdi Burdi (Fire Fire) is all about quiet reflection, and will be the Bidjara/Chinese Australian artist's largest such work. Hit up State Library Victoria instead and you'll spy DELIRI from the Barcelona-based Hamill Industries, a large-scale projection musing on understanding and deconstructing reality that's taking over the building's facade. Thinking about the cosmos is on the bill when Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg and astronomer Dr Tania Hill team up, complete with a screening of a short film commissioned by the Australian Space Agency. For more folks chatting, former Australian of the Year Tim Flannery will contemplate facing the future as the climate changes. Plus, the Charting the Future: First Nations Knowledges and Artificial Intelligence session will examine Australian innovation, not just looking at machine learning now and beyond, but also at knowledge in First Nations cultures — and neuroscientist Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston is digging into potentially living forever. If you're all about the big screen, ACMI is presenting Rashaad Newsome's documentary Assembly, which steps behind the scenes of his installation at New York's Park Avenue Armory. With this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, it's also screening VR documentary The World Came Flooding In. Or, drop by for PARA.CINE's merging of where cinema and real-time virtual performances intersect. One world-premiere piece is giving picture palaces a zoological spin. The other boasts New York's Team Rolfes, with speeding jockeys at its centre.
Mountain Goat Beer has been around since 1997 — right back near the start of Australian craft beer. Emerging from Dave Bonighton and Cam Hines' backyard, it's now one of the industry's largest players and its dedication to the craft has stayed the same over the last 22 years. Featuring many old-favourite drops, the large-scale brick warehouse also has a selection on tap that you can only taste out here. The North Street IPA is a fine choice with its fruity aroma and earthy hints, while the Fancy Pants Amber Ale makes for an easy-going drink — a good one to kick off the day's festivities. The Richmond brewery also has a handpump serving dark beer the old English way and an infuser that lets you add different flavours to your freshly brewed beer. Food comes in the form of simple but tasty pizzas (vego and gluten free options available) and the occasional food truck parked out the front. While the space is only open to the public three days a week (the beer has to get brewed sometime), there are free brewery tours every Wednesday at 6.30pm, and you can book out the whole space for private functions on Thursday nights and Saturdays.
Spring is synonymous with freshness and vitality. It's the season of weddings and births, spring cleans and fresh starts. The days are longer — thanks, daylight savings — and the temperature that perfect mix between hot and cold. Brisk mornings are followed by warm, sun-plenty afternoons that summon us to get out and explore. And, we don't just mean exploring more of Melbourne. To really make the most of the season, you need to escape the city and go bush. With crisp spring vegetables and juicy fruits ripe for the picking, regional Victoria is in full blossom. And, thanks to the farm-to-table approach taken by many regional restaurants, you can really sink your teeth into spring and treat your tastebuds to some of the best seasonal produce around — expertly prepared by the likes of hatted kitchens, award-winning chefs, as well as family teams that just have the savoir-faire of homegrown produce. To help you navigate to these locally focused culinary champions, we've created a list of restaurants in regional Victoria where you can get a glorious springtime feed thanks to the on-site farms and kitchen gardens putting the freshest fruit, veg and meat directly on your plate. BRAE, BIRREGURRA Set on a hillside farm 30 minutes from Geelong, Dan Hunter's world-class fine diner Brae boasts an ever-changing set menu that's dictated by the produce grown on the on-site organic farm. Each day, Hunter and his team carefully select fresh ingredients from Brae's veggie plots and orchards and formulate the day's menu. Practically everything, from the eggs laid by a flock of free-range chickens to the olive oil produced from a grove of more than 100 trees, comes from the farm and is irrefutably fresh. Crunchy, nutty, tart and sweet — Brae proves time and time again that when you've got a great ingredient, you don't need to fancy it up. This restaurant lets the produce speak for itself, and it says plenty. LAKE HOUSE RESTAURANT, DAYLESFORD Set among six acres of country gardens, the Lake House in Daylesford is a multi-faceted venue that's grown to include hotel accommodation, a day spa, cooking school and an award-winning restaurant. Co-owner and culinary director of the restaurant Alla Wolf-Tasker champions seasonal produce, serving up a cutting-edge modern Australian menu based around ingredients from the on-site orchard and kitchen garden, as well as meats from local farmers. Seasonality is naturally apparent, with spring delivering dishes such as an artichoke tart with burrata, preserved lemon, candied olives and smoked creme fraiche. PROVENANCE, BEECHWORTH Since 2009, chef-owner Michael Ryan has been serving high-quality regional produce with a Japanese flare at his Beechworth restaurant Provenance. And it seems it's provenance by name, provenance by nature — specifically when it comes to ingredients. Dishes are accompanied with an anecdote about how the ingredients came to be on the plate — with personalised and rather cute descriptions like 'weeds picked from under Ryan's daughter's trampoline' — highlighting the hands-on foraging that's practised by the chef. With both a meat and veggie degustation available, Provenance will have your springtime cravings well and truly covered. DOOT DOOT DOOT, MERRICKS NORTH Within Willow Creek's new luxe hotel Jackalope, you'll find hatted fine diner Doot Doot Doot. Executive chef Guy Stanaway and Head Chef Elliott Pinn have crafted a produce-driven menu featuring seasonal ingredients from the hotel's kitchen garden and various Mornington Peninsula producers. At Doot, you eat with the seasons via a five-course tasting menu; think spring lamb with chinese broccoli, white soy and ice plant or spaghettini with broad beans, goat's curd and fresh sorrel. We suggest adding the wine pairing for an additional $90 to sample some fantastic local drops. MONTALTO, MORNINGTON PENINSULA A hatted restaurant, a sprawling vineyard, a celebrated cellar door and an expansive sculpture garden, Montalto has it all. Making the most of its Mornington Peninsula locale, Montalto Restaurant offers a warm and relaxing dining experience, stunning views and top-notch estate-grown produce harvested from the four-acre kitchen garden. Head chef Gerard Phelan reflects the rhythm of the seasons and knows how to make seasonal ingredients sing, bringing a refined rustic feel to each dish. We suggest ordering the confit cabbage with stracciatella, orange and macadamia ($17). Cabbage is in season and incredibly tasty when plucked straight from the farm and put on your fork. MERRIJIG KITCHEN, PORT FAIRY Within the oldest inn in Victoria, you'll find a food-lovers haven boasting all kinds of tasty regional fare. Encompassing a DIY ethos, the Merrijig Kitchen cures its own meat, smokes its own fish and grows its own produce in a thriving kitchen garden ensuring guests are treated to the best ingredients the region has to offer. The seasonal menu, which changes daily according to what's available on the day, includes decadent French-style fare — think duck liver parfait and new season whole artichokes, as well as a throng of local bio-dynamic and organic wine. If you're driving along the Great Ocean Road, be sure to plan a pitstop here. WICKENS AT ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, DUNKELD Accessible only via bush trail, remote fine diner Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel is all about getting back to nature. Taking over a new standalone space on the Dunkeld property, the venue boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that frame striking views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt and executive chef Robin Wickens' hyper-local menu changes regularly. Using daily hauls from the on-site olive groves, orchard and 1.2-hectare organic kitchen garden, the kitchen plates up garden-fresh goodies that refect the micro-climate of Dunkeld. In spring, we suggest opting for veggie dishes over meat — the broad beans are particularly delicious. DU FERMIER, TRENTHAM In the tiny town of Trentham amid the breathtaking landscape of the Great Dividing Range sits Du Fermier, an understated French restaurant that immediately feels like home. Channelling farmhouse-style cooking, chef-owner Annie Smithers plates up hearty seasonally driven fare, featuring ingredients she's rustled up from her kitchen garden earlier that day. The menu is comprised of the classics — there are no Blumenthal-esque shenanigans here. It's just honest-to-god cooking that doesn't need to work for your attention. The set menu is $75 per head, available for only two nights each week, so be sure to book for this one. LITTLE GREEN CORNER, GEELONG Geelong's Little Green Corner is all about keeping things both seasonal and sustainable, an ethos established by owner Hugh Whitehead. Both resourceful and inventive, Whitehead applies that old 'waste not, want not' adage, turning excess fruit into cordial and excess milk into ricotta. The menu showcases produce from the venue's farm in Waurn Ponds — run by Whitehead's in-laws — and the kitchen garden just 20 metres from the cafe's front door. While dishes are constantly changing based on what's ripe in the garden, we suggest the made-to-order rolled oats with fresh, seasonal fruit — it's the perfect spring brekkie. FORAGE ON THE FORESHORE, PORT CAMPBELL As its moniker implies, this venue is all about foraging on, well, you get it. The waterfront cafe is located by the popular Port Campbell beach and, unsurprisingly, seafood is the dish of choice here, specifically the pan roasted great ocean wild abalone with garlic butter and raw celeriac salad ($28.50). The cafe is a real family affair, with the husband and wife duo and their four children all fetching produce from the local area. Whatever is in season, they'll collect and transform into something special. Head here to get a little dose of family and a big dose of spring. For more spring places, spaces and events to discover in regional Victoria visit Your Happy Space.
When the first season of Deadloch came to an end, it set the scene for all that anyone who'd been watching wanted: more of the ace — and very amusing — series from Australian comedy queens Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan. It's taken a year, but now that dream has finally been locked in. Prime Video has announced that season two of the AACTA-winning show is on the way, taking the action to the Northern Territory. This time, when the mystery-comedy shifts from Tasmania to the Top End, there'll be six episodes rather than eight. Still, any new Deadloch is better than none, especially after it proved one of the best new TV arrivals of 2023. Subverting the usual crime-drama setup with more than just laughs, the series' first season began with a sleepy small town, a body on a beach, a local detective trying to solve the case and an outsider dropping in to lend their expertise — and then transformed that very familiar scenario into both a satire and a statement. "We are so excited to head to the Top End for a sticky, sweaty and filthy season two," said McCartney and McLennan, who created, write and executive produce the series. "Both of us are thrilled to be teaming up again with comedy angels Kate Box, Madeleine Sami, Nina Oyama and Alicia Gardiner, and we can't wait to work with a new bunch of cast members and some massive fucking crocodiles." As The Kates mentioned, Box (Boy Swallows Universe) will return as local senior sergeant Dulcie Collins, as well as Sami (Our Flag Means Death) as Darwin-based senior investigator Eddie Redcliffe — plus Oyama (Utopia) as junior constable Abby Matsuda and Gardiner (The Clearing) as Dulcie's wife Cath York. The story this time will follow Dulcie and Eddie looking into the death of Bushy, the latter's former policing partner. While they're in the NT digging around, a couple of bodies are found, sparking a new investigation. McCartney and McLennan are writing the new season again, and also back executive producing, while Beck Cole (High Country) and Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) will return as directors. There's no word yet when Deadloch season two will hit streaming queues, but filming will start in the Northern Territory later in 2024. There's no trailer yet for season two, obviously, but check out the trailer for Deadloch season one below: Deadloch streams via Prime Video, with no release date announced as yet for season two. Read our review of season one, and our interview with Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan. Deadloch images: Bradley Patrick / Prime-Video.
Fancy being able to shop an expert curation of wine, handpicked by two of the state's industry heavyweights? That's exactly the situation you're in for when restaurateur Christian McCabe (the man behind Embla and Lesa) and renowned winemaker Patrick Sullivan open the doors to their new boutique bottle shop in the CBD. The excellently named Punchin' Bottles will make its home in the space next door to Embla on Russell Street, from Wednesday, January 15, the new drinks destination will be shining a spotlight on Victorian drops, alongside a solid collection of carefully sourced European wines. Expect to find a rotating lineup of locally produced small-batch labels and top international finds, with plenty flying the flag for sustainable winemaking practices. And, if you've ever found yourself being expertly guided through the wine list next door, you'll also know to expect some pretty top-notch service and advice, to match the store's winning curation of wine. [caption id="attachment_757181" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Patrick Sullivan and Christian McCabe, shot by Elika Rowell.[/caption] Punchin' Bottles is also set to host a series of weekly wine tasting sessions, showcasing favourites from both close to home and overseas. The program kicks off Wednesday, January 22, with a tasting of Adelaide Hills' Gentle Folk Wines, followed by some treats from Campbell Burton Wines on January 24 and 25. Find Punchin' Bottles at 124 Russell Street, Melbourne from January 15. Sign up to the newsletter for details on the upcoming wine tasting program. Image: Embla.
What runs the film world right now? Concert flicks, which are having a big-screen moment again. In the space of mere months, three huge examples of the genre will play cinemas worldwide, much to the delight of folks who like getting their movie and music fix in one go. First comes Taylor Swift's Eras tour concert film in October. In Australia, Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense, aka the best concert flick ever made, will return to picture palaces in November. And now RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will do the same worldwide from December. Beyoncé is no stranger to splashing her sets across a screen, after HOMECOMING: A Film By Beyoncé did exactly that on Netflix back in 2019. That movie covered the superstar singer's time on the Coachella stage, and came with a 40-track live album as well. This time, Bey is focusing on her 56-performance, 39-city world RENAISSANCE tour in support of the 2022 album of the same name. Now wrapped up after starting in Stockholm in Sweden in May and finishing in Kansas City, Missouri in the US on Sunday, October 1, the RENAISSANCE tour featured everything from 'Dangerously in Love 2', 'Cuff It', 'Formation' and 'Run the World (Girls)' to 'Crazy in Love', 'Love On Top', 'Drunk in Love' and 'America Has a Problem'. Sadly, audiences in Australia or New Zealand haven't experienced that setlist for themselves, with the tour skipping Down Under shows so far. Accordingly, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ is the first chance for Bey fans in this part of the world to join in without heading overseas. "When I am performing, I am nothing but free," says Beyoncé in the just-released trailer for the new concert flick, which dropped along with the news that the movie exists. "The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free," the musician continues, in a sneak peek that includes behind-the-scenes glimpses, crowd shots and, of course, spectacular concert footage. RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ charts the tour from its first show until its last, as well as the hard work and technical mastery that went into it on- and off-stage, as 2.7-million-plus fans have seen in person. In North America, it'll hit cinemas on Friday, December 1, and play for at least four weeks from Thursday–Sunday, including in IMAX. Exactly when the film will debut Down Under hasn't been revealed as yet — nor where the movie will screen — but prepare for lift off ASAP afterwards. Check out the trailer for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ below: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will start screening in North America from Friday, December 1, with opening dates in other locations still to be announced — we'll update you when Australia and New Zealand details are revealed. Images: Julian Dakdouk / Mason Poole.
This two-level Mornington precinct is the latest addition to Johnny di Francesco's award-winning pizza empire, featuring a 400 Gradi restaurant; a Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar; and an outpost of di Francesco's delicatessen concept, Gradi Mercato. Inside, earthy tones, elegant finishes and terrazzo countertops carry on the familiar 400 Gradi aesthetic. Downstairs houses a casual wine and snack bar, plus a chic dining room, while the upstairs restaurant space boasts its own bar, al fresco terrace and balcony with bay views. A kitchen headed up by Pierre Khodja (Pinchy's, Camus) and 400 Gradi pizzaiolo Giuseppe Fortunato is serving the full lineup of 400 Gradi favourites, alongside a raft of seafood-centric 'al mare' additions inspired by the venue's coastal location. Classics like the meatballs in napoli ($18), spinach-ricotta agnolotti ($34) and the legendary World's Best Pizza titleholder Margherita Verace ($23) sit amongst newcomers including a spaghettini al granchio with lobster bisque and crab meat ($38), and a dish of local mussels cooked on the Josper ($44). A supporting cocktail list employs plenty of creative flair, with sips like a passionfruit and cardamom margarita ($18), a bacon-garnished Breakfast Old Fashioned ($20), and the Ruby Rose Martini sporting a crown of dry ice ($18). Zero Gradi and Gradi Mercato have their own space on the lower level, with the former slinging the brand's trademark offering of hand-churned gelato and artisan sweet treats. Meanwhile, the deli promises to be a one-stop shop for at-home Italian eats, stocked with ready-to-heat meals, fresh pasta, antipasto trimmings, pantry goods and more. [caption id="attachment_819510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Breakfast Old Fashioned, by Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
In the Swan Street space once home to Saint Urban, now sits owner Martin Pirc's (Punch Lane, Juliet) latest venture — a much-loved neighbourhood pit-stop for wining, dining and general merriment, named Waygood. It's a relaxed space with a charming streetside terrace, a penchant for top-notch, yet accessible wine and a menu designed by group Executive Chef Nuno Gabriel. From the kitchen, an oft-changing lineup heroes approachable dishes and real ingredients, guided by seasonality without tying itself too firmly to any one cuisine. You might find yourself easing into your meal with bites like the sweet tamarind caramel pork spiked with a touch of chilli and perched atop a betel leaf; or perhaps a light, bright riff on miso eggplant, finished with edamame and pea shoots. Glossy salmon pastrami is teamed with a dill creme fraiche and house-made crackers, the cauliflower steak is enlivened with pistachio dukkah and an eggplant kasundi, and a daily-changing fresh pasta special shows off a flair for Italian flavours. As for the vinous accompaniments, consider yourself totally spoilt for choice. A reasonably priced cellar selection runs to a hefty 80-strong rotation of bottles, available to grab-and-go, or to enjoy right there with your meal. Among them sits a solid spread of biodynamic and low-intervention drops, should you fancy quaffing something like the Moondarra pet-nat rosé ($15/74) or Quealy's Pobblebonk ($70) while you soak up rays on the terrace. A brief lineup of cocktails is equally primed for aperitivo hour — try the Davo Plum Sour ($20) or a Boulevardier made on Starward's Two-Fold whisky ($24). Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Equal parts gin, vermouth rosso and Campari, the classic negroni cocktail is easy to make and its simple recipe means it's a popular go-to for aperitivo hour. When you're looking to shake things up, there are a number of cocktails created through the decades that take the classic Italian drink and give it a distinctive flavour transformation, from coffee combinations to bubbly versions that might appeal to your espresso martini and Aperol spritz loving friends. Together with Campari, we've picked out five easy-to-master cocktails that riff on a negroni — so you can introduce your favourite bittersweet cocktail to your pals, no matter the occasion. Once you've found your preferred tipple, head to the Campari website to download two recipe books that feature ten classic negroni recipes and 50 twists by leading Australian bartenders. Melburnians who are living with stage four restrictions are encouraged to bookmark this page for when you're ready to receive visitors once again. Until then, explore the recipes below and those in the Negroni Cocktail Book for inspiration. OLD PAL Is there a more fitting cocktail to serve to your besties? Aside from its endearing name, Old Pal is an elegant beverage that was invented in the 1930s and is traditionally served in a coupette glass. When you're having a couple of whiskey drinking mates over for dinner, this alternative drink brings in that full-bodied flavour profile into the mix. 30ml Campari 30ml Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey 30ml Cinzano Extra-Dry Lemon or orange Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for a few seconds to reach the desired dilution. Strain into a stemmed glass. Twist a peel of lemon to release the essential oils around the glass rim. If you prefer a rounder, smoother flavour, use an orange in place of the lemon. COFFEE NEGRONI When your preferred pep-me-up cocktail is an espresso martini, this coffee-flavoured negroni will give you a hint of the same smooth taste, but without having to faff with espresso coffee. The youngest member of the negroni family is easy to make and you only need four ingredients to get the party started. 30ml Campari 30ml London dry gin 15ml Cinzano Rosso 15ml coffee liqueur Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass over plenty of ice and stir to mix. Garnish with an orange wedge and three coffee beans. Don't have coffee liqueur? Amero or hazelnut liqueur are good substitutes. CARDINALE When you're looking to show off your skills, there's a negroni-style cocktail that has the elegance of a martini. The Cardinale is usually served chilled in a coupette, or another stemmed glass, for slow sipping over good conversation. Its name comes from the colour of the gowns worn by Catholic bishops, and you can punch it up in strength with two parts gin for a robust nightcap. 30ml Campari 30ml London dry gin 30ml Cinzano Extra-Dry Pour Campari, gin and Cinzano into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for few seconds to reach the desired dilution. Strain in a coupette or stemmed glass. Express the essential oils of a lemon and use as garnish (optional). MILANO-TORINO A key ingredient of any classic negroni is Campari, and another is vermouth. This 1860s-born drink honours the birthplaces of both Campari (Milan) and Vermouth (Turin) in its name, which you might know better as a Mi-To. 45ml Campari 45ml Cinzano Rosso Pour both ingredients into a rocks glass over plenty of ice. The trick is to use large ice cubes that don't dilute the drink too quickly. Once mixed, garnish with orange or lemon peel. If you want to stick to a traditional style, opt for a coupette glass and serve chilled, without ice in the glass. NEGRONI SBAGLIATO One for the Aperol spritz fans. In 1972, at Bar Basso in Milan, bartender Mirko Stocchetto accidentally poured prosecco into a negroni, instead of gin. We can barely believe it either, but the bubbly creation has since become the bar's bestseller and a celebratory one at that. The Italian word 'sbagliato' translates to 'mistaken' and its honest name is a reminder that accidents can lead to beautiful things. 30ml Campari 30ml Cinzano Rosso 75ml prosecco Pour all three ingredients into a rocks glass over plenty of ice. Stir to mix. Garnish with a wedge of orange. Serve in a wine glass, which is how Stocchetto would have wanted it. Negroni Week runs from September 14–20. Download the free Negroni Cocktail Book for 60 different negroni recipes to try at home. Remember to Drinkwise.
Melburnians, cancel your lunch plans for Wednesday, March 8. Actually, maybe cancel your morning plans as well. Whatever you already had on your agenda for the day, it can wait, because this is happening again: In-N-Out Burger is back in Melbourne for one of its late-notice burg-slinging pop-ups. From 9am–3pm, the American chain will hit St Kilda's Newmarket Hotel on Inkerman Street, serving up burgers within that six-hour window — or until sold out. Jimmy's Burgers, aka James Hurlston, announced the news on his Instagram account. And yes, these pop-ups always happen with very little notice, as you might remember from past In-N-Out frenzies before the pandemic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Hurlston (@jimmysburgers) On the menu: the chain's double-double, animal-style and protein-style burgs, all while stocks last — with limited quantities available. If you've been to one of In-N-Out's previous Melbourne pop-ups, you'll know these burgers sell like, well, cult-status burgers — so you'll have to get there ASAP on Wednesday. Work can wait. The In-N-Out burger pop-up will run from 9am–3pm on Wednesday, March 8 at St Kilda's Newmarket Hotel, 34 Inkerman Street, St Kilda. Images: Thank You (21 Millions+) views / Craig Lloyd via Wikimedia Commons.
Red Gum BBQ's pit master, Martin Goffin dreams about meat and wood nightly, such is his obsession with all things barbecue. A far cry from what he envisaged growing up in Great Yarmouth, on England's east coast, Goffin and his wife Melissa own and run a barbecue joint of epic proportions in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. It was a visit to a barbecue restaurant just out of Melissa's hometown of Miami in 2005 that sealed Goffin's fate. And from the first bite, he was hooked. But it wasn't till 2012 that Goffin took his low-and-slow cooking on the road. "I was on paternity leave with my son in 2011 and got bored, and had a real think about what was going on in my life, what I enjoy doing and what I wanted to do," Goffin says. "Essentially, it was barbecue." He then started working markets and local events with a three-by-three metre marquee and a trailer with a Texas offset smoker. A couple of years later, in 2016 — just before they signed the lease on the Red Hill venue — Goffin went back to the States and did a week at Southern Soul Barbeque in Georgia. Here, he learnt how to take what he had been doing to the far-larger scale of a restaurant. Red Gum BBQ has just celebrated its second birthday in a space that used to be a truck mechanics, and is now filled with recycled wooden picnic-style tables and bench seats, a bar, and, down the far end, three massive smokers built specifically for Goffin."A guy called Paul, over at Silver Creek Smokers, built them for me," says Goffin. "They're old, five-metre-long LPG tanks, and they all have date stamps from when they were originally built — so there's one from 1982 and another one from 1970. They're magic, and I love them." Red Gum BBQ is, according to Goffin, the largest barbecue restaurant in the country, and it implements a range of sustainable practices, including sourcing free-range and grass-fed meats from exclusively ethical and local producers. Drinks are from the area, too, with all the wines and most of the beers coming from the Peninsula. Hop fans can try a selection of local brews (five to be exact) on a beer and cider taster paddle ($25). As for the food itself, the concept is simple. As at most American barbecue joints, you choose your barbecued meat: fall-off-the-bone beef rib with a salt and pepper crust (market price); beef brisket ($19); slightly spicy, slightly sweet pulled pork ($18); pork ribs (market price) or half or quarter chicken ($19 or $10); add your sides: coleslaw, mac 'n' cheese, broccoli salad, fries, potato salad or cornbread (all $8–12); and dig in. Even the wood used to cook the meats — which, for most, is between twelve and sixteen hours — is local: red gum. Goffin explains his local-is-best mantra by comparing it to barbecue in the States. "Barbecue in America is traditional. It's traditional in the sense that everything is local," Goffin says. "I'm trying to recreate what they've done in the States, but by using what we have available here."
QVM's regular night markets have always been hugely popular, but this year's have really gone off. The Hawker 88 Night Market had its best year yet, and the Winter Night Market saw well over 290,000 people visit across its 13-week run. Melburnians can't get enough of these food- and culture-filled evenings. And the Queen Vic Market is capitalising on this during its break between the winter and summer iterations, enlisting Albert Lim (Hawker 88 Night Market) to run a two-day festival that heroes food from across Southeast Asia. On Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8, a huge selection of traders will descend on the Queen Vic Market to smash out all kinds of hawker-style eats. You'll find everything from Malaysian nasi lemak and Filipino charcoal skewers to Burmese noodles and Vietnamese banh mi. Desserts from many other Asian franchises that populate the streets of Southeast Asia will also be on the cards, including Korean bingsu and Chinese mooncakes. As usual, there'll be plenty of live entertainment both on stages and roaming around the market, plus booze stalls will also be set up on both days. If this is anything like Lim's hugely popular Hawker 88 Night Market events, it's sure to get a bit rowdy. The South East Asia Market will run from 9am–4pm on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8. For more information, you can visit the event website.
Drinkify makes sure you'll never drink alone again. Created in 24 presumably booze-soaked hours, the website matches whatever music you're listening to with the perfect drink. Combining information about genres and audio summaries of tracks from The Echo Nest with the treasure trove that is Last.fm, along with a truly astonishing appreciation for alcohol, Drinkify is weirdly and delightfully accurate. For example, if you're spending a lonesome night indoors being serenaded by Johnny Cash and your vanilla Coke seems oddly inappropriate, you'll want to combine yourself 4 oz. of Jack Daniels and 4 oz. of honey in a highball glass and sit back and just see if you don't feel the world become a better place. To fully enjoy listening to M83, for example, you'd be advised to combine 8 oz. of water and 8 oz. of iced tea in a highball glass, whereas if you're hanging out to OFWGKTA things get a little more complex, and you'll need to get yourself one bottle of 'rum, fucking rum', one bottle of honey and 4 oz. of Worcestershire sauce, combined in a highball glass, and garnish with a twist of grapefruit. Chilling to Sleigh Bells is simplest of all: 10 oz. of whiskey, neat. And to demonstrate just how accurate Drinkify appears to be, they recommend listening to Gotye with 8oz of vodka, served neat, stirred quickly and garnished with a glow stick, and believe a quiet evening with SBTRKT requires 1 oz. cocaine, on the rocks, garnished with sparklers.
Summer is headed for us in full force. And, we all know it's never too early to start planning how to spend the warmer months — especially the bits that involve sipping cocktails by the water and loading up on art and culture. Thankfully, the Museum of Contemporary Art is again combining two of our favourite pastimes for its fifth annual summer pop-up bar. This year, the ground floor terrace has been transformed into an airy, garden-inspired bar, with top-notch tequila brand Patrón behind it. Plus, Patrón has partnered up with the MCA and is a sponsor of the gallery's retrospective exhibition of British artist Cornelia Parker, which is running from November 8–February 16 as part of the MCA's 2019/2020 Sydney International Art Series. At the bar, you'll be sipping on negronis, highballs and old fashioneds, but all with a summery twist. Instead of using your usual gin or whisky, the bartenders will be shaking and stirring drinks with Patrón tequila. Or, you can opt for a Patrón, lime and soda or the signature cocktail inspired by Cornelia Parker: the Cold Dark Matter, made with Patrón reposado, blackberry liqueur, lime and ginger ale. Not only will the pop-up offer modernised classic cocktails, but there'll be plenty of Mexican food to pair it with — think margarita-spiced popcorn and tostadas with pork, salmon or traditional mole. And those views across Circular Quay and the harbour add extra allure. Of course, there'll be entertainment in spades, too. Patrón and MCA have decorated the terrace with leafy decor, plus there'll be performances, installations, VR experiences for you to check out and tunes aplenty. The Patrón Pop-up kicks off on Thursday, October 31 and is open 4–10pm every Wednesday through Friday; from 2–9pm on Saturdays; and from 2–8pm on Sundays until February 16 (excluding public holidays and New Year's Eve). Visit Patron's website for more details. UPDATE: JANUARY 16, 2020 — The MCA x Patrón Pop-Up is now serving $15 cocktails every Sunday through Wednesday from 5–7pm as part of its happy hour.
Some visit Bali seeking romantic places to stay, where they can treat themselves to pamper packages within wild natural surroundings. Others want a tropical adventure — hiking up volcano craters, riding quad bikes through the jungle or swimming beneath hidden waterfalls. And, of course, there's the party atmosphere, from group day trips to places to dance the night away. To help any kind of traveller have the best time in Bali, we curated a selection of local trips and tours that can be booked through Concrete Playground Trips. Read on to find a few of our favourites. [caption id="attachment_892435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Juan Cruz Mountford (Unsplash)[/caption] SUNRISE VOLCANO HIKE WITH THERMAL SPRINGS SWIM This trek could quite easily become the highlight of your trip to Bali. You'll get up early to hike to the summit of volcanic Mount Batur to catch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast cooked over volcanic steam. It's not a difficult climb, but the natural hot springs waiting for you at the bottom are a magical treat. Enjoy the view of the volcano and the surrounding mountains while you soothe your muscles in the natural springs. Not a morning person? Book a midnight hike or a private jeep ride up to the volcano and into the crater instead. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_892433" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob M Visuals (Unsplash)[/caption] RICE TERRACE CYCLING TOUR When visiting Bali, go beyond the island's famous beaches and head inland to explore the untamed jungle and thousands of miles of rice terraces. While you can drive to many of them, the best way to see a bunch is by going on a cycling tour. This particular one focuses on the Bangli region. It is a less commercialised area, boasting some of the world's most beautiful rice fields with views of Mount Batur in the distance. Alight from your bike to walk between the terraces, little huts, tumbling waterfalls and quaint temples before sitting down to a big lunch overlooking the stunning scenery. We could think of worse ways to spend a day. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_892434" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jared Rice (Unsplash)[/caption] FIVE-DAY HOLISTIC RETREAT Bali abounds with wellness retreats, and Y Retreats is one of the best budget-friendly options. That's why we teamed up with Y Retreats to sell some of the spots available on its upcoming Reset and Recharge retreat. Over the course of five days, you'll be immersed in a carefully curated combination of breathwork, cold exposure, yoga, self-development sessions, leadership and resilience workshops, physical adventuring and so much more. It's held at a secluded beachfront property in Tabanan and includes all your meals. It's the perfect place to relax and work on yourself. BOOK IT NOW. BALI SEA WALKER This is a really random travel experience. But it's heaps of fun. You pop on a glass helmet that's fed oxygen via a long tube and walk along the sea floor spotting tropical fish swimming about coral reefs. It's much easier than proper scuba diving (no training is required for sea walking). Add this little activity to a day spent at the beach. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_892436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Fewings (Unsplash)[/caption] UBUD DAY TRIP The Ubud region has become increasingly popular these days, but remains quieter than most parts of Bali. It has many picturesque temples, coffee plantations, rice fields, museums and small villages filled with markets and great places to eat. But seeing all its best bits can be tough without a guide. So, we teamed up with Candidasa Taxi to offer this unique private tour of Ubud that also includes a trip to Tegenungan Waterfall and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_892432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tandya Rachmat (Unsplash)[/caption] THREE-DAY GILI ISLANDS AND LOMBOK TOUR The Gili Islands is one of our favourite places to go in Indonesia. These six small islets are all located by Bali's neighbour sister Lombok and offer up exceptional experiences. You can swim with turtles, explore small fishing villages, relax on long white sand beaches and simply escape the crowds of Bali. And if you book this Gili Island and Lombok tour, you'll get to take your time seeing all the best bits over three days — you'll really want to spend more than just a day in these parts. The tour will also pick you up from Padang, so it's a great addition to any Bali holiday. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_892439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Florian Giorgio (Unsplash)[/caption] REGIONAL BALI TOURS Bali is a diverse place when it comes to culture, food and natural sites. That's why you shouldn't spend your entire holiday in just one place. But packing up all your things to stay in several different areas can also be tiring. The solution? Get on the day trip bandwagon. We have a bunch to help you see it all. Spend a day in the north, south, east or west of the island with each of these unique trips that take you to all the most popular parts — as well as a few hidden gems only locals know about. [caption id="attachment_892438" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nattu Adnan (Unsplash)[/caption] NUSA PENIDA DAY TRIP Nusa Penida is an absolutely stunning island located just off the shores of Bali. It's a beach lover's paradise, with countless hidden coves located all over. A great way to see them is by joining a day tour. This particular one takes you to Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay. You can even book a really affordable private boat tour of Nusa Penida to see it all from the water. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_892441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bali Surgawi Tour Travels (Unsplash)[/caption] QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE As an ATV rider, you will be challenged to conquer some of Bali's rugged off-road terrain and muddy rock formations for 90 to 120 minutes. You'll see some great scenery, rice fields, rivers and beaches while zooming about with some mates. This will be followed by a two-hour snorkel trip that will take you to two different swimming spots. It's a two-in-one. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world. Top image: Jamie Fenn (Unsplash)
Two Spanish couples on holiday, the tale of a real-life Barcelona bus driver and a crime thriller set in the Basque Country: if you're looking to swap Australia's winter for Euro vibes from your cinema seat, they're some of the highlights in store. When the middle of the year hits Down Under each year, the Spanish Film Festival brightens up Aussie picture palaces with a lineup of movies from its namesake country. Exploring the breadth of Spanish-language cinema, it also showcases flicks from Latin America. Thirty films are on the fest's program for 2025, including across Friday, June 13–Wednesday, July 2 at The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Palace Balwyn and Pentridge Cinema in Melbourne. Audiences can enjoy a roster of picks that features a Sliding Doors-style opener, this year's two Goya Best Film winners and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Nine Queens. Among the films mentioned above, Samana Sunrise is kicking of the festival with 20-year pals on a beachside getaway to the Dominican Republic when what might've been becomes the focus. Then, both El 47 and Undercover have prime slots fresh from their shared victory at Spain's version of the Oscars. The first heads back to the 70s to tell of bus driver Eduard Fernández's peaceful act of dissidence, while the second also unfurls a true tale, this time about the only police officer in Spain's history that has worked their way into terrorist organisation ETA. If you've been watching Ricardo Darín in recent Netflix hit The Eternaut, then you'll want to head back a quarter-century to see the Argentinian star's stellar work in heist flick Nine Queens — or revisit it if you're already a fan. It's closing out this year's Spanish Film Festival, screening in 4K. Other highlights across the program include The Quiet Maid, which was completely funded by NFTs, boasts Steven Soderbergh (Presence, Black Bag) as an executive producer, and follows a Colombian maid who discovers how to enjoy her summer while working on the Costa Brava; Ocho, charting a relationship over 90 years; the page-to-screen The Goldsmith's Secret; and Spanish box-office hit Wolfgang, a comedy a nine-year-old boy being set to live with his father. Or, there's Argentinian crime-thriller A Silent Death, which heads Patagonia in the 80s; El Jockey, with Money Heist and The Day of the Jackal's Úrsula Corberó among the Buenos Aires-set film's cast; and Peru's Through Rocks and Clouds, where an eight-year-old alpaca herder gets excited about the World Cup. With Marco, The Invented Truth, another slice of reality graces the lineup, this time honing in on the man who acted as the speaker of the Spanish association of Holocaust victims. The same is the case with I Am Nevenka, Nevenka Fernández's report of harassment by her employer in the 90s. Two documentaries also demonstrate how fact is frequently more fascinating than fiction, with Mugaritz. No Bread, No Dessert all about its eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant and The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés celebrating a rising star of its titular genre.
Did you let yourself — or, more specifically, your hair — get a little out of control in lockdown? It's understandable. So if you have quite the (ahem) hairy situation to sort out, a barbershop called Brother Wolf seems more than fitting. Pop down to this shop in St Kilda, or the original on Greville Street, Prahran, and one of the crew can get to work. This shop puts a modern spin the old-school barbershop design, so expect plenty of indoor plants to match the palm leaf wallpaper. Here, men's cuts start from $55 or you can get a clipper cut from $30. Plus, it offers hot towel shaves from $50. Want to keep the Brother Wolf experience going after you leave the store? It has a range of apparel and haircare products.
Life can feel a little gloomy when your entire city is a couple of months deep into lockdown. But, we can't think of a better time to spread a bit of love and cheer — so why not treat your friends to a little present, just because. After all, you know what they say about the gift of giving — it's not just the person receiving the present that's in for some warm and fuzzies. Luckily, thanks to the wild times we live in, there's no shortage of excellent gifting options available for speedy delivery. To help you pick the perfect prezzie for the well-deserving humans in your life, we've pulled together a few primo options to suit all kinds of different persuasions; from the mate who's been cooking up a storm, to that person who's recently discovered the joys of a good book. Channel your online shopping habit into making others happy and check out these top-notch present picks. [caption id="attachment_771911" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Rob Palmer, from Josh Niland's The Whole Fish Cookbook[/caption] THAT FRIEND YOU'VE BEEN GETTING ALL YOUR LOCKDOWN RECIPES FROM At this point of lockdown, even your go-to recipe guru is likely running short on inspiration. Remedy that with a few fresh ideas and wise words from the experts, and get them a nice glossy cookbook from the chef behind their favourite restaurant. Plenty of leading local venues have inspired books filled with recipes and tips, that'll both level-up someone's kitchen game and help fill that void when dining out is off the cards. Seafood fans will be chuffed to own a copy of Take One Fish from Saint Peter's Josh Niland, where the chef shares his forward-thinking philosophy on cooking with fish, across 60 cracking recipes. Fellow Sydney chef star Peter Gilmore (Quay) gives insight into his own celebrated cooking style with stunning titles like Organum. For Melbourne mates, try the beautiful homage to all things vegan that is Shannon Martinez's (Smith & Daughters) latest title Vegan With Bite. Or challenge them to up the ante with Brae: Recipes and Stories From the Restaurant by world-renowned talent Dan Hunter, which unpacks some of the incredible dishes plated up at one of Australia's best fine diners. Perfecting the recipe for chilled broad bean broth with strawberry fig leaf and yoghurt whey should keep them busy until the end of lockdown. THAT MATE WHO'S ACTUALLY BEEN KEEPING UP AN EXERCISE ROUTINE DURING LOCKDOWN Sticking to an exercise routine is tough at the best of times. So if you know someone who's managed to get through this crazy iso period without giving up on workouts altogether, they deserve a serious pat on the back. Or maybe a nice little present — like some quality activewear made from recycled plastic bottles, courtesy of Sydney-born brand Nimble. The label's sustainable collection of women's workout threads are extra kind to the environment and ship Australia-wide. Similarly, DK Active is known for its ethically produced line of active threads for men and women, crafted with sustainable fabrics in order to reduce landfill and ocean waste. And if you're looking for the ultimate present for a yogi mate, check out the eco-sensitive yoga mats from Recycled Mats, featuring stunning designs like this one from Indigenous artist Anna Carroll. Or, you know, maybe what your mate is really craving after all that religious exercising is a big ol' box of decadent chocolate treats. Invite them to roll up that workout mat, take a breather and treat themselves to a box of eclairs from Sydney's Madame & Yves, a cake fix courtesy of Black Star Pastry, or some gooey-centred delights from The Cookie Box. [caption id="attachment_775874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Providoor[/caption] THAT PARENT WHO'S BEEN COOKING THE SAME FIVE DISHES FOR 20+ YEARS They say variety is the spice of life. But if you know someone who's severely lacking in the spiciness department, perhaps it's time to gently nudge them towards a culinary shakeup. Or at least a new recipe or two. The key here is maximum inspiration and minimal effort, which Make Out Meals is serving up in abundance. This Melbourne-based business delivers top-quality meal kits based on menus from your favourite local restaurants and chefs. They feature ingredients, recipe cards and even step-by-step cook-along videos, so your folks can be whipping up Lello's minestrone soup with gnocchi sardi or Babajan's harissa salmon in no time at all. For fresh meals with even less effort involved, Providoor is delivering an excellent range of finish-at-home dishes and banquets from top Sydney and Melbourne restaurants, that might just give mum or dad the boost of confidence to try something new. Of course, a chef-penned cookbook packed with fresh dinner ideas is also a good option here. Especially if mum's got a long-held crush on a certain curly-haired, Irish-accented chef... [caption id="attachment_738943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Drnks[/caption] THE ONE WHO CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON THE BEERS No one's heading to the pub these days, but you can get the next best thing all packaged up and delivered to your door with a Pub In a Box experience from one of the city's fine booze-slinging establishments. Melbourne craft brewery Moon Dog first trotted out its take on the concept during last year's lockdowns and it's now back thanks to popular demand, available to ship Australia-wide. Clocking in at $99, the box comes packed with a tasty range of house beer — and seltzer — creations, along with a couple of branded beer glasses, a bar mat and beer nuts, to really capture that pub spirit. Parkville pub Naughtons has recently dropped its own version, which comes complete with drinks, a rotating selection of top-notch pub grub (homemade pie, anyone?) and even a trivia card to help you recreate that beloved quiz night. Beer-focused gifting service Brewquets can also help fill the void with its curated packs, which match a lineup of craft beer with extras like beer glasses and classic bar snacks. And booze retailer Drnks is coming to the rescue with its curated boozy care packs, featuring extras like DIY burger kits, aperitivo snacks and picnic eats. THAT FRIEND WHO'S ALWAYS IN NEED OF A NEW CREATIVE PROJECT We all know someone who just ain't happy unless they're getting their hands messy, making or creating something. Ceramics, paint-by-numbers, knitting, terrariums — you name it, if it's got a creative edge, they've tried it at least once during lockdown. But after this much time at home, we bet they're in desperate need of a new pursuit to keep them busy and entertained through the tail-end of this time stuck at home. Have they had a crack at shibori yet? There are lots of local spots spreading love for this ancient Japanese method of resist-dyeing, offering online tutorials and home-delivered DIY kits. Try Sydney-based textile studio Shibori for fun, instructional project kits for novices through to seasoned dyers, or order your mate one of these beautiful packs from Handmaker's Factory in Melbourne's West Footscray. This crew also sells an excellent weaving loom kit, if that's more your friend's speed. If they've got a thing for the tile-of-the-moment, terrazzo, Journey of Something's DIY kit will have them whipping up these cute flecked coasters to grace their coffee table. Meanwhile, local retailers like Craft Club Co have a range of easy-to-follow rug-making kits that will get them hooked on creating fun floor accessories. These beginner packs include all the tools and materials needed for one specific project, though the internet's filled with online rug-making suppliers if they get the itch and want to make more. [caption id="attachment_814288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Salus[/caption] YOUR HOUSEMATE WHO'S RUN OUT OF QUALITY BATHROOM PRODUCTS Maybe you've been nicking a few squirts of your housemate's luxe moisturiser here and there, maybe you haven't. Who's to say? Either way, a bathroom that's running low on decent product is not a good one to have during lockdown. Replenish the stocks or simply treat your roomie to some pampering essentials with a home-delivered care package full of locally-made bathroom goodies. Melbourne's Hunter Lab has a sleek line of natural skin, hair and body products that have the added bonus of looking very dapper on your shower shelf or by your bathroom sink. The brand's also doing some rather gorgeous gift packs, featuring leather toiletry bags. Sydney-born skincare range Edible Beauty Australia makes botanically-charged products to soothe all sorts of skin types and needs, and offers an array of great gift-worthy bundles, too. And the lineup of high-end spa-inspired products from Salus is filled with good stuff, from purifying rosemary body scrubs, to chamomile facial masks, and rejuvenating body oils made with rosehip and orange. Can't decide? Gift them with a box of treats curated by the experts. Local subscription services like Tis The Box and Bellabox will deliver a regular pack (or one-off box) of new products and cult favourites straight to your door. [caption id="attachment_812098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Edgar Castrejon via Unsplash[/caption] THAT FRIEND WHO'S BEEN RELYING A LITTLE TOO MUCH ON UBEREATS The kitchen can be a daunting place and the pull of UberEats is strong. So, if you're looking to nudge someone out of the lockdown takeaway rut, you're going to want to make the alternative as attractive as possible. You could whip them up a five-star meal yourself; or you could gift them a few clever things that'll help them level-up their own kitchen game in a jiffy. For example, a flavour-packed, nourishing bowl of ramen is a breeze to master, if you've got a DIY kit to guide you through the process. Sydney's Rising Sun Workshop is slinging a range of these finish-at-home packs for delivery across the city, while in Melbourne, Shop Ramen has an even heftier selection of make-at-home kits, which come complete with all ingredients, a bunch of garnishes and easy-to-follow instructions. Grab your mate a steamed brisket bun kit while you're there. Otherwise, treat them to some honest, homestyle cooking that requires little more than a quick reheat in the oven. Sydney-based FoodSt has a growing menu of satisfying home-cooked meals crafted by its team of actual home cooks using real ingredients. Treat your mate to dishes like a Moroccan lamb tagine, hearty gnocchi bolognese, and spinach and ricotta cannelloni, and remind them what non-restaurant food tastes like. Who knows — you might even inspire them to hit the kitchen themselves. [caption id="attachment_826640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] WellRead, by Frenchy[/caption] THAT MATE WHO'S JUST DISCOVERED BOOKS Know someone who could use a little guidance when it comes to selecting a great read? Hand them over to the experts at Aussie book subscription service WellRead. These guys offer subscription packs to suit readers of all persuasions — and ages — sending customers a different hand-picked title each month. You can sign your mate up for an ongoing delivery, or choose a one-off gift from WellRead's curation of three-book packs. Literati runs a similar subscription offering, heroing fiction titles, non-fiction and classics. Plans start from an easy $21, plus readers can access Literati's program of virtual author Q&A sessions. And over at The Wild Book Box they're playing book matchmaker with pre-loved reads, matching up customers (or giftees) with quality second-hand titles based on their preferences and reading habits. Local versions are also being delivered by the likes of Elizabeth's Bookshop in Sydney, whose famed Blind Date With a Book mystery packs are available to ship Australia-wide. Top Image: Naughtons Pub in a Box
Unlike many other music festivals gearing up to make their first appearance since before the pandemic, much-loved camping fest Pitch Music & Arts is preparing to host its second post-COVID instalment. But if last year's well-timed (and sold-out) return was anything to go by, it's set to go off with just as big of a bang as any other comeback on your calendar. The long-running celebration is headed back to Moyston, in the foothills of Victoria's Grampians, from Friday, March 10–Tuesday, March 14 2023. Not only will its three stages play host to a sparkling lineup of local and international musical talent, but the tunes will be backed by a hefty program of interactive art and installations. Basically, you're in for a very big, very busy four days. [caption id="attachment_875292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Duncographic[/caption] Guiding your sonic journey will be legends like Germany's Helena Hauff, UK electro act Four Tet (who's also hitting Golden Plains the same weekend), DJ and producer Nightmares on Wax, Berlin-born supergroup Moderat and a live set from UK-based duo OVERMONO. You'll also catch the likes of Leon Vynehall, Ben UFO, Fatima Yamaha and Âme flying the flag for the international dance scene, joined by a juicy lineup of homegrown heroes — Mildlife, Ayebatonye, C.Frim, Yarra, IN2STELLAR and Soju Gang, included. While the supporting program of artistic delights is yet to drop, last year's offering — including works by street artist Adnate and installation king Clayton Blake (Winner of Best Art at Burning Man 2018) — should leave you pretty excited for what's in store. [caption id="attachment_875293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Duncographic[/caption] In between all the dance-floor sessions and arty things, festival-goers can make themselves at home in the Pitch Pavilion, unwinding with a yoga class, meditation or sound bath. There'll also be an ethical design market to shop, a range of food stalls to fuel your weekend and a Pride Patrol doing live drag performances. If that all sounds like your true calling, you'll have to enter the Pitch Music & Arts 2023 ballot where, for the first time, entrants will be required to make a 'Pitch Pledge' — a written commitment to positively contributing to the Pitch community, leaving no trace and behaving respectfully while onsite. [caption id="attachment_875295" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ash Caygill[/caption] PITCH MUSIC & ARTS 2023 LINEUP: ABSOLUTE. AK Sports Âme Anetha Ayebatonye Ben UFO Bertie BIG WETT Bradley Zero C.Frim X Mirasia Call Super Cassie Raptor Club Angel Daria Kolosova DAWS Dax J DJ EZ DJ Heartstring DJ Stingray 313 DJ Tennis Effy Ewan McVicar Fatima Yamaha (Live) FJAAK DJ Four Tet François X HALFQUEEN Héctor Oaks Helena Hauff I.JORDAN IN2STELLAR Interplanetary Criminal Jaguar Jennifer Cardini Juicy Romance Jyoty Kalyani KAS:ST Kelly Lee Owens (DJ Set) KETTAMA Ki/Ki Kim Ann Foxman Leon Vynehall (Live) LSDXOXO m8riarchy Major League Djz Mano Le Tough Marie Montexier Mildlife Miley Serious Moderat (Live) Nightmares On Wax NLV OVERMONO (Live) Parfait Paula Tape Peach Pretty Girl (Live) Roi Perez RONA Ryan Elliott Sam Alfred x STÜM Soju Gang Sophie McAlister SWIM Tama Sumo x Lakuti Tinlicker (Live) u.r.trax Yarra Yikes Young Marco Pitch Music & Arts will return to Moyston from March 10–March 14, 2023. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ballot before 3pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 2. General tickets will go on sale from 12pm on Thursday, November 10. Top Images: Alex Drewniak and William Hamilton Coates.
Whether they attend Truham Grammar School or the neighbouring Higgs Girls School, most of Heartstopper's teenagers have much to say, often via text through their phones. But perhaps the most apt line of the entire Netflix series so far is uttered by Isaac Henderson (first-timer Tobie Donovan), the quiet bibliophile among the show's main friendship group, who almost always has a printed tome in his hands. "I read all these books where people fall in love and I still have absolutely no idea," Isaac advises in the web-to-page-to-screen hit's second season, which streams from Thursday, August 3. As a webcomic, a graphic novel and also a TV series that proved an instant smash when it debuted in 2022, Alice Oseman's creation couldn't better embody this reflection. Heartstopper is Isaac's yearning and confusion turned into art, even as the series remains sweet and joyous in every episode. Isaac gets his own storyline in season two, exploring what that lament means to him and why as he unpacks his own identity, and it's among the show's weighty narrative threads. But everyone in Heartstopper, from central couple Charlie Spring (fellow debutant Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor, Little Joe) to their maybe-more-than-friends pals Tao Xu (newcomer William Gao) and Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney), plus the latter's classmates Tara Jones (Corinna Brown, Daphne) and Darcy Olsson (Kizzy Edgell), live and breathe his telling statement in their own ways. Tales about getting swept away by first love adore conveying the rush, buzz and head-over-heels effervescence evoked by the pivotal experience. Awkwardness often factors in, but rarely the reality that no one ever truly knows what they're doing when it comes to romance. A chronicle of coming of age and also coming out, Heartstopper not only centres the truth that every teen is just doing their best and following their heart — it makes it one of the show's core guiding concepts. And mostly, usually with each other's help as they traverse the full onslaught of adolescent emotions, this supremely likeable, relatable crew of high schoolers knows that they don't, can't and won't ever have all the answers. Brought to the screen by Oseman as the series' creator and writer, plus director Euros Lyn (Dream Horse) behind the lens — together, they've respectively penned and helmed all 16 episodes, eight in season one and that amount again in season two — Heartstopper spent its debut offering watching Charlie and Nick gravitate into each other's orbits. When the pair were sat next to each other in form class at the beginning of a new term, a friendship and then more swelled. Season two finds them officially and happily boyfriends, with Nick's mother Sarah (Olivia Colman, Secret Invasion) supportive about Nick's bisexuality after he came out to her in the last batch of instalments. Telling the rest of the world when he chooses to is part of his latest journey, always with the protective Charlie by his side. There's an idealism to Heartstopper — fantasy, too — and Oseman knows, welcomes and cultivates it. When an adult mentions missing out on "those beautiful gay teenage experiences" partway through its new run, the series recognises that its vision of being young and queer typically paints with rosy colours. But a story about being an LGBTQIA+ high schooler can be optimistic and earnest, as well as endlessly swoonworthy, while also seeing the full spectrum of complexities that surround its characters. Heartstopper isn't just keenly aware that no one understands what comes next when their heart starts a-fluttering; it's equally as cognisant that big, small, cute and complicated moments will each pop up. Insightfully, it revels in them all. It lingers in the fireworks of gloriously requited crushes, the comfort of hanging out with the one you love, the endearing delights of everyday gestures and the intricacies of sharing who you are — and thoughtfully. If and how Nick will come out to his other friends, his domineering older brother David (Jack Barton, War of the Worlds) and his absent father Stephane (Thibault de Montalembert, All Quiet on the Western Front) gets Heartstopper contemplating conformity, societal pressure, homophobia and specifically biphobia. Nick simply wants to be himself and not to have to hide his relationship with Charlie, with the show digging into the many layers that come with something that should be effortless in a perfect world. Oseman also spends season two slowly unfurling the consequences of Charlie's own traumatic coming-out experience, which linger even as he's over the moon about being with Nick. And, as Tara and Darcy get to the stage of saying "I love you" within their confident romance, Heartstopper season two plunges into how being out and proud at school doesn't mean that someone has zero troubles. Like Isaac, Tara and Darcy receive a bigger arc this time around. Nuanced and mature, their plot thread also muses on internalised expectations, carefully composed appearances and feeling like there's only one way to express your sense of self. Heartstopper's second season isn't merely giving Nick and Charlie's friends more substantial tales now that its key duo is comfortably a couple, however — and transferring the will-they-won't-they tension to movie buff Tao and aspiring artist Elle, who wants to move to a dedicated art school, in the process — but continuing to dive deeper into its young hearts running free. As its key aesthetic flourish, season two still draws its feelings on literally and sincerely, via animated hearts, leaves, sparks, rainbows and other gorgeous visual representations, showing what's bubbling inside Charlie, Nick and company even when they're not saying it. It still uses the rest of its imagery, whether glowing or shadowy, to do the same. It astutely grounds its romances and self-discovery quests in daily high-school life again, including sleepovers, sibling spats, parental rules, schoolyard disputes, end-of-year exams, parties, prom and a Paris trip. And, it remains home to some of the most open performances in the teen genre, especially from the exceptionally well-cast Locke and Connor. Yes, Heartstopper's second spin is just as delightful and heartfelt as its first. Its only room for improvement: needing more of Tori (Jenny Walser, Call the Midwife), Charlie's watchful and intensely caring Wednesday Addams-esque elder sister, whether in the already-greenlit season three or an adaptation of Oseman's debut novel Solitaire. Check out the trailer for Heartstopper season two below: Heartstopper season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, August 3. Read our review of season one. Images: Netflix.
How good at Pictionary would Sky Ferreira be? Would the doodles of Earl Sweatshirt be found in an art gallery? How would London Grammar go in a life drawing class? Sydney's FBi Radio intended to find out, by inviting a list of over 30 musicians to try their hand at a handdrawn masterpiece. Bringing back their wildly successful 'Brush With Fame' art auction, FBi asked a serious banquet of bands, rappers, ARIA-nominees, folksters, singers and beatmakers to create drawings on canvas especially for the station, ready for auction from 9pm Tuesday, November 25. All proceeds raise funds for the independent, not-for-profit, top notch station. Kudos to FBi for one of the best group show lineups around, y'ready? You (YOU) can own a handdrawn work by: Alt J, Ásgeir, Banks, Buck 65, Chali 2NA, Chet Faker, DARKSIDE, Dustin Tebutt, Earl Sweatshirt, Ears, El-P, Glass Animals, Holy Fuck, Ice Age, Four Tet, The Jezabels, Jon Hopkins, Killer Mike, Little Dragon, Little May, London Grammar, Lee Ranaldo, Megan Washington, Midlake, Mount Kimbie, Okkervil River, Phantogram, Phoenix, Sky Ferreira, Sly & Robbie, St Vincent, Veronica Falls, Warpaint. Phew. That's a bloody lineup. All works are on display over here. The online auction launches globally tonight at 9pm (AEDT) via eBay with bids starting at just AUD$50. Each piece comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from FBi. The auction closes on Monday December 2 at 9pm (AEDT) and works will be shipped the following day — we're talking seriously perfect Christmas gifts right here. Here's a couple of our favourites in the bunch, that you'll have to furiously outbid us on. Again, the FBi 'Brush With Fame' online auction launches globally tonight at 9pm (AEDT) via eBay and closes on Monday December 2 at 9pm. Go! RUN!
Aussies love a good ball game. And though we might prefer a local game of NRL or AFL to the likes of the American NFL, there's a place for all sports fans in our nation. And besides, the Super Bowl is a big deal no matter how you spin it. Whether it's the sporting thrill for the fans watching the culmination of the NFL season, the always-viral halftime show or even the debut of hotly anticipated movie trailers mid-commercial break, we can all find a reason to tune in. So, when the Super Bowl LIX touches down on Monday, February 10 (in our local timezone), secure your annual leave (or chuck a potentially risky sickie) and get the most out of the game by making a booking for a game day special at one of these Melbourne venues. The Terminus Hotel, Abbotsford Never missing the chance to get it on for a big sporting event, the Termo has set the stage for one hell of a touchdown with a special offer for game day. With doors opening at 9am ahead of the 10.30am kickoff, you can get in early to secure the best seats in the house. Once you're situated, grab a cold Coors Light ('tis the day for it) and join in on a team jersey raffle. Make the most of the occasion and order some options off the special American-themed menu — think: loaded fries and double cheese and bacon cheeseburgers. Imperial Hotel, Bourke Street Super Bowl LIX is taking place at Caesars Superdome, the home stadium of the New Orleans Saints, so the Imperial is taking notes from the Crescent City. Starting at 9am, you can get face painting to support your team and enjoy some NFL-themed games before kickoff. The menu will be inspired by the flavours of New Orleans, and come halftime — this year's performance will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar — cheerleaders will back the performance with a rooftop show. The fun will keep going once the game is done, too, when a live band takes over at 3pm to keep festivities going well into the evening. The Exchange Hotel, Port Melbourne If you're planning more than just a quick lunch to watch the game, make a booking at The Exchange to make the most of a bottomless package for the day. For $89pp, you'll get guaranteed prime seats to watch the game, four hours of bottomless house beers and wines and your choice of an item off the American-themed menu. Doors open at 9.30am, so don't delay ahead of the game. The Local, Port Melbourne The Local is also going all out for game day, with celebrations spread across two floors and two tiers. If you'll have the day free, splash $75 and enjoy a four-hour Super Bowl package on level one. That's 240 minutes of bottomless house beers and wines and a complimentary item off the themed menu between 10.30am and 2.30pm. If you can only duck out for a quick viewing on your lunch break, the ground floor is accepting standard bookings and walk-ins; just be prepared for limited space. College Lawn Hotel, Prahran For those looking to go absolutely all-out, the College Lawn is offering a mega four-hour booking for $140pp. Any seat is prime viewing since the venue boasts two big screens and 16 TVs scattered throughout, and you'll be able to enjoy the action with all beers on tap, house wines, soft drinks and an American-inspired eight-piece canapé platter. How's that for a game day viewing party? Melbourne Public Hotel, South Wharf Meanwhile, at Melbourne Public, there are more than a few options for bookings, depending on how you want to spend your day. At the base level, entry will be $20 on the day and includes a schooner of Coors Light (first in, best dressed for tables), or you can book the brekkie bundle for $35 — that'll secure a table and a schooner of Coors plus a brekkie burger and three wings. If you're looking to splash a bit more cash, the $120 VIP package is your biggest option. That will land you entry and the best seats in the house, unlimited beers from 10.30am and an American meat platter to fuel you until the game is through. For more information on these venues and to claim credit for your order, download The Pass app.
