Take your summer adventure in a new direction with an action-packed trip to the Upper Murray and Mitta Valley regions. The area is home to sprawling state and national parks, meaning there is ample opportunity for you to climb mountain peaks and race down whitewater rapids. For those seeking a slower-paced vacay, you can book a farm stay (with an outdoor woodfired tub) for a weekend that'll leave you feeling totally rejuvenated. Ready to start wandering? We've partnered up with Victoria's High Country to round up the best things to do on a summer trip to the Upper Murray and surrounds — so all you have to do is hit the road. FULL-DAY HIKES Take on the Pine Mountain Walking Track for a challenging 12-kilometre journey to the summit of the giant rock monolith of Pine Mountain. At the top you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the distant countryside, and natural scenery of the High Country along the way. If you're up for another day of ascents, you can climb to the top of Mount Welcome via a 16-kilometre track traversing steep inclines. The hard work is worth the reward, though, with the peak overlooking the stunning valley. Then, descend along the Mount Disappointment track and arrive back in the tiny town of Mitta Mitta for some well-earned rest. STROLLS WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS Whether you're gently stretching tired legs after a bigger hike or just want to experience the region at a laidback pace, the Mount Lawson Summit Loop Nature Trail is ideal for a more leisurely stroll. This one-kilometre circuit winds through a series of rocky outcrops where you can check out the enormous formations and admire the surrounding landscape from up high. Another easygoing walk is the Conic Range Walking Track, which leads hikers through a craggy section of Mount Lawson State Park. With this out-and-back walk estimated to take just 40 minutes, you'll have plenty of time to take in the giant stacks of granite boulders. And the view at the top is pretty spectacular, too, with a vantage point overlooking the breathtaking northern part of the park. ADRENALINE-FUELLED ADVENTURES Almost everything that surrounds the Mitta Valley ensures travellers reconnect with nature. But if you're a thrill-seeker, you'll want to check out the whitewater rapids of the Lower Mitta River, which brings a daring edge to this section of Victorian wilderness. Keen to get in the water? There are 60 heart-pounding sections spread along a series of towering granite gorges for whitewater rafting, so you are spoilt for choice. And the folks at Rafting Australia are experts of the region's waterways, there to help you live out your daredevil dreams. With a range of one- and two-day adventures available, the company has runs for everyone from novices to experienced rafters. Plus, all the training, equipment, shuttles and lunch are provided, so you can spend more time on the water. SIP LOCAL CRAFT BREWS Established in 2018, family-owned and -operated Mitta Mitta Brewing Co is the top craft brewery in the region. The pair of mates behind the venue, Tim and Alec, grow their own hops on-site and source single-origin malt from the local area to give their lineup of beers an authentically seasonal quality. Sticking to the local theme, the boys built the brewery from the ground up using repurposed materials and timber sourced in the area. The brewery is located in a paddock on the edge of the Mitta Mitta township, and is open to visitors every Friday through Sunday. Hot tip: nab a spot in the sun at one of the many outdoor tables and park up for an afternoon. OLD-SCHOOL PUBS WITH GOOD GRUB After more good ol' fashioned country hospitality? Then head to Tintaldra Hotel, a schooner-pouring piece of history situated along the Upper Murray. Although this much-loved watering hole has been around for over 150 years, the publicans have kept up with the times, offering a menu of locally sourced produce, a shady beer garden and a stack of award-winning wines from the region. If you're spending your summertime adventures within reach of Lake Hume, then Bethanga Hotel should be your top port of call. It's another classic country pub well worth a visit, with a seasonal menu that includes several vegan and vegetarian options for your plant-based mates. For those entertaining kids, there's also a petting zoo out the back where visitors can get up close with goats, llamas and chooks. CHARMING RURAL STAYS The best way to explore the Upper Murray and surrounds is from a countryside base. Hotel Granya Farmstay provides a great spot to unwind, right on the banks of Lake Hume. Set across the farm's seven acres, there are two self-contained dwellings that combine modern living with rustic touches — one even has an outdoor woodfired hot tub. And you're welcome to pick fruit from the orchard and greet the resident animals, too. Meanwhile, Riverview Lodge is a luxury bed and breakfast, located in the remote town of Towong. From an elevated position high on a ridge, the rooms offer incredible views of the Snowy Mountains, while the kitchen's cuisine has a focus on great home cooking, made from fresh produce grown in the adjacent paddocks. Swap Home for Victoria's High Country and tap into your adventurous side this summer. To discover more epic walks and outdoor adventures, check out the Victoria's High Country website. All images: Tourism North East
Melbourne's summer festival calendar scored a wild and wonderful new addition with the announcement of Can't Do Tomorrow. Taking over the warehouses of Kensington's famed underground space The Facility, the new street art festival will dish up a dynamic festival of contemporary culture from February 20–29, 2020. And it's just announced its big boundary-pushing program. A melting pot of creativity, music, discussion and art, the ten-day fiesta promises to be immersive, eclectic and entirely thought-provoking. A lineup of more than 100 artists, galleries, crews and collectives will transform the former wool stores into a large-scale smorgasbord of urban art for you to feast on, interact with, experience and even buy. Organisers are even describing it as "an outlandish Eden". Headlining the event will be a giant hand-painted boat floating in a shipping container by Archibald Prize finalist and Melbourne artist Michael Peck. Elsewhere on the program, new media artist Nick Azidis will take over the exterior walls and tunnel of The Facility with mind-bending projections, UK artist Mysterios Al will transform an area into a multi-dimensional work with "hidden secrets" and street artist Kaffeine's Infinite Thanks will celebrate LGBTQI+ icons with paintings and stories inside a shrine, which you'll also be able to add your own offerings to. [caption id="attachment_752914" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Milk Bar by Callum Preston[/caption] Callum Preston — who's behind Melbourne's famed milk bar installation, above — will also create a new immersive work inspired by 80s gangster movies. You'll feel like you've stepped into Scarface as you walk through and touch the piece. Street artists Ruskidd, Jason Parker, Unwell Bunny, LucyLucy, David Hooke, Steve Leadbeater and Heesco are some of the other big names announced today, with the full program set to drop in January. As well as looking at (and contributing to) the artists' works, you'll be able to chat to them, thanks to a series of talks and workshops. Rone, who recently transformed a deserted 30s mansion into a haunting installation earlier this year, is one of the artists who'll be sharing their tips. To round out the festivities, there'll also be live music, pop-up food stalls and bars and warehouse parties at Tallows Club, which will be open until 1am throughout the festival. Can't Do Tomorrow will take over The Facility, at 2R Chelmsford St, Kensington, from February 20 to 29, 2020. Tickets are on sale now. The full program is slated to drop in January — we'll let you know when it does. Images: The Facility by Alex Jovanovic
When you name your brewery after monstrous Japanese creatures, you're obviously aiming to grab attention. When Godzilla tramples its way across the planet, it doesn't go unnoticed after all. Kaiju! Beer's brews have happily followed in the eponymous class of critters' giant footsteps, too, picking up a huge swathe of accolades — including three consecutive top ten placings in the annual Hottest 100 Australian Craft Brews countdown. If you're going to opt for just one beer, our pick is the Kaiju Krush! Tropical Pale Ale. This is an easy-drinking, super-clean brew that is big on tropical flavours as its name suggests. It's also made from a blend of US, Australian and New Zealand hops — because, if you've seen a monster movie, you'll know that kaiju know no bounds. Kaiju! Beer's brews are only available in stores, and its Dandenong South brewery isn't open to the public — however, if you're a fan, check out its online merch shop for everything from t-shirts and hoodies to sunnies and beach towels.
When David Bowie starred in 1976's The Man Who Fell to Earth, playing an alien who crash lands on our planet, it became one of the musician's iconic on-screen roles. It's also one that he returned to nearly four decades later, in a fashion — co-writing the musical Lazarus, as inspired by the Walter Tevis novel that the sci-fi film was based on. Written with playwright Enda Walsh, and one of Bowie's final projects before his passing in January 2016, Lazarus opened off-Broadway in December 2015. The production made the jump to London in 2016, and brought its otherworldly story — and its soundtrack of 18 Bowie tracks — to Melbourne in 2019. But if you haven't seen it yet, you can now do so from your own couch. When Friday, January 8, 2021 rolls around, it would've been Bowie's 74th birthday. When Sunday, January 10, 2021 hits, it'll mark five years since his death. In honour of those two occasions, a stream of the London production of Lazarus will be available to watch. It was captured live on stage during the show's run, and stars Dexter's Michael C Hall, who followed in Bowie's footsteps by taking on the part of Thomas Jerome Newton — and it's streaming at 7pm AEDT on Friday, January 8 and Saturday, January 9, and at 3pm AEDT on Sunday, January 10. Tickets cost $28.50. Those eager for a date with this starman — and to start loving the alien, again — can expect a sequel of sorts to The Man Who Fell to Earth. The enigmatic Newton remains on earth, unable to die; however, the arrival of another lost soul might offer the solution that he's been looking for. As for the familiar songs that this story plays out to, it's basically a best-of catalogue of Bowie's greatest hits. 'Heroes', 'Changes', 'Life on Mars?', 'The Man Who Sold the World' and 'Sound and Vision' all feature — as do four of the star's final recordings, including the title track 'Lazarus'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9iw6yoMk3I
To celebrate the passion and artistry of Italian cinema, we're giving ten lucky Playgrounders (and their mates) free tickets to one of the most anticipated films of this year's Lavazza Italian Film Festival: the Australian premiere of Bangla. And, not only will you be watching this fresh and witty rom-com on the big screen, but you'll also be treated to dinner and drinks beforehand — on us. It's called Culture Club. We've teamed up with Palace Cinemas to curate a (free) evening of food, drinks, film and conversation — and the next club meeting will take place next month, on Saturday, October 12. From 6pm, you'll be treated to dinner at Albert Park's well-loved pizza joint Italian Artisans. Expect a drink on arrival (spritz, beer or vino) followed by antipasto platters, mains (expect lots of pizza) and endless pours of wine. Geeky film chat with your fellow VIPs is encouraged. Once you've finished wining and dining, you'll be picked up and whisked away to Chapel Street's much-loved hidden speakeasy, Promise Bar, for a pre-film tipple at 8pm. Then, you'll be taking a (very) short stroll down to the plush Palace Cinema Como to watch the movie at 8.50pm. Movie snacks (a drink and a popcorn) will be there for you to enjoy — if you're not too full from dinner, that is. For a little taste of what to expect from Bangla, check out the trailer below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s69O1G1ZRAM If you're keen to nab free tickets to Culture Club, enter your details below to be in the running. [competition]741009[/competition]
While the NGV's gallery spaces are gearing up to host an array of breath-taking garments as part of its soon-to-launch blockbuster Alexander McQueen exhibition, its grounds have already scored a fresh injection of colour for the summer. And that's thanks to the winning NGV 2022 Architecture Commission, Temple of Boom, which made its home in the Grollo Equiset Garden this week. The boldly coloured replica of Greece's famed Parthenon will be parking itself here until August next year, set to be continually refreshed with large-scale works by various local artists during its stay. The structure itself is the work of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, celebrating The Parthenon as a symbol of Western civilisation, democracy and enduring beauty — and built to reflect on the impact time has on architecture. The latter is what'll also drive Temple of Boom's ever-shifting look, the first of which features vibrant optical illusions and floral elements by contemporary artists Manda Lane, Drez and David Lee Pereira. Lane's work centres around relationships between the man-made and the natural; Pereira is known for his explorations of gender and identity fluidity; and Drez's murals challenge perspective using colour and form. While the structure will be transformed with different artworks across three phases of its stay, it'll also work as a community meeting spot and play host to an extended program of events. That includes a calendar of talks, performances and VR experiences held in collaboration with the Hellenic Museum Melbourne; and a lineup of Friday evening DJ sets as announced for the new NGV Friday Nights summer season. Catch 'Temple of Boom' in the Grollo Equiset Garden, NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, until August 2023. Images: Installation view of the 2022 NGV Architecture Commission 'Temple of Boom', designed by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, at NGV International from 22 November 2022–August 2023. Photo by Sean Fennessy.
By this point in the year, a certain three words have been overused and then some. That trio? 'Tis the season. That said, it truly is the season for booking in cheap holidays for the year ahead, starting with Black Friday sales and now going into Boxing Day sales. If you're after discounted flights to a heap of places — including around Australia and the globe — yes, Virgin is getting into the post-Christmas spirit and slashing prices again. For Boxing Day — starting at 12.01am AEDT on Monday, December 26 and running till midnight on Thursday, December 29, or earlier if sold out — there's a hefty 800,000 discounted domestic and international fares up for grabs. Sticking with home turf, you can head to Byron Bay, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart and more. And, if you're eager to journey overseas, you can hit up Bali, Vanuatu and Tokyo. With discounts of up to 30-percent off, one-way domestic fares start at $55, which'll get you from Sydney to Byron Bay. As always, that's cheapest route. Yes, we say that every time one of these sales drop, but it's genuinely always the case. Other cheap flights include Brisbane to Cairns for $89, Melbourne to Hobart from $79, Adelaide to Darwin from $139 and Perth to Sydney from $209. Internationally, return deals include Brisbane to Vanuatu from $539, the Gold Coast to Denpasar from $479 and Cairns to Tokyo from $699. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, there's a range of dates across 2023, all varying depending on the flights and prices. As usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Actually, given how much everyone loves a Boxing Day sale — in-person or online — setting an alarm to make your New Year's travel resolutions come true isn't outlandish. Virgin's Boxing Day sale runs from 12.01am AEDT on Monday, December 26 until midnight on Thursday, December 29 — unless sold out earlier. 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.
Maybe you lived through the 90s rave scene. Perhaps you spent every weekend enjoying club life in the 00s. Or, you might just wish you were old enough to have ticked both boxes. Ministry of Sound was around to see both, and now it's revisiting the experience — bringing back its massive Testament parties for another year, this time touring them around Australia over two weekends. If cutting loose like you've travelled back in time is your ideal way to mark absolutely anything, then you'll want to make a date with Testament when it hits up Melbourne. For two nights across Saturday, August 12–Sunday, August 13, the event will have you making shapes to 90s and 00s bangers at The Timber Yard. It's a choose-your-own-adventure type of affair, so fans of old-school tunes can hit up the session dedicated to 90s house, rave, trance and garage tracks, and lovers of 00s electro and breaks get their own shindig. Leading the bill at the 90s party are Barbara Tucker, Inner City, Phil Hartnoll and Tall Paul, while The Bloody Beetroots, Digitalism, Freq Nasty and Stanton Warriors are their 00s counterparts. On the Melbourne-specific leg of the national tour, Papa Smurf, John Course, Anthony Pappa, Jason Digby, Kasey Taylor, Mark Dynamix, Mark Pellegrini, Sean Quinn and Sgt Slick are also on the 90s bill. Fleshing out the 00s: Boogs, Dirty South, Orkestrated, Andee Van Damage, Bang Gang Deejays, Gab Oliver, John Course, Minx, Sunshine and T-Rek.
As little children we are fed the dream of happily ever after, beginning with the arrival of a white knight in shining armour or the electrifying meeting of eyes across a crowded room, followed closely by a textbook whirlwind romance, destined to end with a white wedding and an ensuing eternity of conjugal bliss. Freidrich Durrenmatt’s adaptation of Strinderg’s Dance of Death, translated by Tom Holloway and performed by the Malthouse Theatre, presents a one part hilarious, one part harrowing parallel reality of what happens when the aforementioned fairy tale does not. Think less Cinderella story, more Survivor meets the revenge of OJ Simpson and you’re halfway to the kind of domestic hades re-imagined by director Matthew Lutton. Alice (Belinda McClory) and Edgar (Jacek Koman) have been together for 25 unhappy years and judging from their terse, spiteful interactions, hated each other for about the same. Literally stranded on an island with nothing but their mutual disgust to keep them company, their relationship is typified by the constant re-hashing of past mistakes, the exchange of venomous and cutting abuse and even plain roll up your sleeves fisty-cuffs. The kind of circular communication that looks destined to go the way of the never-ending story is disrupted by the arrival of Kurt (David Paterson), Alice’s cousin and ex-flame, creating an absurdist love triangle that sees the couple’s marriage reach new lows. Exchanges between Alice and Edgar are commendably inventive and crude — “I wouldn’t touch you with his dick”, quips Alice in a moment of particular vitriol — the kind of unbelievable domestics you secretly enjoy eavesdropping on in public places. While this makes Dance of Death perhaps primarily an albeit very dark comedy, it’s impossible not to feel saddened by the heartbreakingly relatable pitfalls of the couple’s marriage, as played put superbly by McClory as the tragic thwarted actress and Koman as the self proclaimed world famous military author, each on their own parallel paths to emotional and physical decline. Multiple dramatic devices are employed in Dance of Death that act to emphasise the dynamics of the performance. Separated from the audience by actual walls of glass, the performers appear increasingly isolated within their marital unit as they stare out in desperation from within a stage that resembles a fish bowl. Further heightening the sense of spectacle, the piece is structured like a boxing match, with the end of each round signalled by the ringing of a piercing bell and a flash of colour as the seemingly tireless fighters retreat to their separate corners to take stock. While these elements can feel somewhat overstated at times, they provide a welcome respite from the kind of fighting that is exhausting even to watch as an outsider. Likened to a “funny stab in the neck or hilarious kick in the crotch” by the cast themselves, Dance of Death will leave you somewhere between amused and horrified, sure of only one thing — you get less punishment for manslaughter than marriage. Image via Malthouse Theatre
Like all good things, daylight saving time is hurtling to an abrupt end, ditching us for the next six months while winter does its thing. But this year, at least, you can cruise through the transition in relatively good spirits with some cheap espresso martinis. As possibly the most well-known coffee liqueur in the world — and staunch supporter of Australia's unceasing espresso martini obsession — Kahlua is facilitating a nationwide series of happy hour deals. And it all kicks off just before those clocks turn back, this Friday, April 5. Venues across the country will be celebrating the last full night of daylight savings with some cheers-worthy drink specials, pouring espresso martinis, for up to half the usual price. The on-tap cocktail features a blend of Absolut vodka, Kahlua and organic cold brew from Kind Coffee Co. — and as there's with no shaking required, you'l have minimal time to waste at the bar. The caffeinated drink deals will debut from 6–7pm on April 5, and continue at the same venues each Friday for the rest of the month. How much money you'll have to part with will differ from venue to venue, but you can expect to pay just half of the regular price of an espresso martini. KAHLUA HOUR VENUES Father's Office, CBD Swan Hotel, Richmond The Boatbuilders Yard, South Wharf Common Man, South Wharf Asian Beer Cafe, CBD Henry & The Fox, CBD
Few of today's new restaurants boast the same kind of pedigree as Fitzroy North's most recent addition, Ryne. Making its home within a smart, 60-seat space on St George's Road, the fine diner is the latest venture from Donovan Cooke, the trailblazing chef behind such culinary greats as Est Est Est and seafood-focused Crown restaurant The Atlantic. He's joined forces with with long-time colleague and friend Alex Law (The Atlantic, The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club) to deliver a contemporary take on classic French fare. Named for an Anglo-Saxon word referring to a course that's continuously moving forwards, Ryne offers Cooke the chance to return to his favourite kind of work, crafting honest yet refined dishes within an intimate setting. Open only for dinner, Ryne keeps the decision-making to a minimum, offering simply a two-course ($65), three-course ($80) and seven-course ($150) tasting menu. The starting lineup is one big celebration of spring, featuring plates like smoked rainbow trout with dashi-infused daikon and horseradish, and marron scented with orange and teamed with a pea panna cotta. Meanwhile, the wine list is geared towards small producers, pulling together a thoughtful mix of international and local gems. Find Ryne at 203-205 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North.
It might sound like a impossible task to pack a city's entire essence into one single venue, but new Melbourne laneway joint Archie Green is giving it a red hot crack. Now open in Katherine Place, it's an all-day bar and eatery inspired by some of the best bits of Melbourne life — innovative cocktails, top-notch food, vibrant street art and forward-thinking architecture. Inside the cafe-style space, a blend of industrial elements and lush greenery pays homage to some familiar Melbourne cityscapes, complementing two striking murals by acclaimed street artist ELLE. The technique-driven menu, the handiwork of head chef Gomez Braham, is one that trips across the globe while giving small local producers pride of place. Breakfast features creations like blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs, as well as braised veal hash brown with salt and vinegar kale, while dinner might find you chowing down on a Millbrook roast pork teamed with smoked eggplant, grapefruit and jalapenos. Meanwhile, former Atlantic sommelier Stuart Quinn heads up the boutique drinks offering, where small producers reign supreme throughout both the wine list and spirits selection. And you can prepare to be wowed by the cocktail lineup — a collaboration between Quinn, Braham and a food scientist that promises some pretty adventurous boozing, with names such as Lygon Street Spritz, Avalon Airport and South Yarra Iced Tea. Also on offer: cocktails in a can. Find Archie Green at 10 Katherine Place, Melbourne. It's open from 7.30am weekdays and from 8am weekends.
Would you change your outfit if your partner asked you to? What about your haircut? Or, supposing they wanted to act as your personal stylist — would you let them? What if you'd always felt slightly frumpy, and they were suave, sexy and sophisticated? What if, as in Neil LaBute's The Shape of Things, opening on Thursday for a season at the No Vacancy gallery, you were a shy college student named Adam and they were a stunning art sophomore called Evelyn, who seemed to be inexplicably smitten with you? You'd do anything for love, right? Directed By Peter Blackburn, the play has been performed around the world and was even made into a feature film in 2003, starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz. The Shape of Things propels Adam and Eve out of their idyllic Garden and into the plastic surgeon's office to suggest that modern relationships have quite enough venom to effectively exile happiness without the seductive snake. It's an acidic take on the relationships between men and women and what it means to change someone. When a person becomes a project, maybe all's not fair in love and war. Image via no-vacancy.com.au
Rowland S. Howard never quite got the notoriety he deserved. Known for his work in The Birthday Party and his iconic song 'Shivers' that was later famously covered by Nick Cave, Howard was an incredibly influential and inventive musician for well over three decades but his sound was always on the fringes. Now, five years after his death, his seminal 2009 album Pop Crimes is being treated to some serious fanfare on the big stage. These two shows at the Festival Hub will see Howard's old bandmates and key collaborators pay tribute to the fallen great. This will include old faithful like Mick Harvey and Harry Howard as well as newbies like Adalita among others. Get ready for some shivers. This event was chosen as one of our top ten things to see at the Melbourne Festival 2014. See the full list here.
In need of some Friday fuel for a big weekend ahead? A coffee will do the trick. Of course, even better than that is a quality cup of coffee that doesn't cost you a cent. And even better than that is a free coffee that's also kind on the planet and leaves zero waste to clog up landfill. That's the kind of conscious caffeine hit you can enjoy this Friday, July 8, courtesy of sustainability-driven Collingwood cafe Into Coffee. From 9–11am, the team will be pepping up everyones' mornings, handing out free coffees made on the Industry Beans house blend and a choice of Minor Figures' oat milk or Schultz's dairy milk. What's more, you won't need to remember to bring your reusable cup, nor fret about disposing of a takeaway one. The free coffees will be served in Good-Edi's nifty single-use edible cups, which are made out of oats and can double as a tasty breakfast snack once you've downed your drink.
Dance, music and experimental art return to the Queen Victoria Gardens' 2017 MPavilion architecture commission. Back for its second year, M*SYNC sets out to celebrate love as a contemporary ritual with the aid of artists from both home and abroad. M*SYNC will take place on Saturday, February 11 from 5–9pm. The evening will see LA-based band Tropic of Cancer make their Australian debut, in a set synced to the heartbeats of the crowd. They'll be joined by the likes of Sydney sound artist Gail Priest, dancers Niharika Senapati and Benjamin Hancock, and newly formed music project Queens of the Circulating Library from Jonnine Standish and Ying-Li Hooi. As part of this year's M*SYNC, MPavilion will also install a series of suspended 'cardiophonic' 3D knitted snooze pods — or Hypnapods — created by arts group Unconscious Collective. Pop by during the day between February 9 and 14 (10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm) to experience them for yourself. Image: Zeehaen Films.
Whether your favourite objects sit in the realm of furniture, accessories or even lighting pendants, if you've got a thing for clever design, there's only one place you need to be next month. And that's at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre when it plays host to the next instalment of the Melbourne Design Fair. From Thursday, May 18–Sunday, May 21, you can fuel your obsession with beautifully made items as you stroll among works by more than 150 designers. And if you spy something you love, lots of the pieces will be available for sale, too. [caption id="attachment_897661" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of works from Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthberton's display at Melbourne Design Fair 2022, presented by the NGV in collaboration with Melbourne Art Foundation. Photo by Sean Fennessy.[/caption] There'll be more than 60 exhibits from celebrated studios, galleries and collectives, including Sullivan+Strumpf, Craft Victoria, MARS Gallery and Neon Parc, plus Funaki, Canberra Glassworks, Design Tasmania and more. Both established and up-and-coming talent will be on show, with everything from furniture and textiles to jewellery and ceramics to swoon over. Ogle at unconventional coffee tables, bold statement necklaces, covetable chairs and maybe even the next big thing in lighting design. NGV-curated exhibition DISCOVERY will debut as part of this year's showcase, spotlighting — and selling works by — emerging designers including Charlie White, Annie Paxton, Livio Lucca Tobler and members of the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. Meanwhile, return favourite FOCUS will take visitors on a deep-dive into the process and practice of five leading Aussie female artists. [caption id="attachment_897659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Nobody's Perfect, 2022, Gaetano Pesce (Neon Parc). Photo by Olga Antipina, courtesy of Gaetano Pesce.[/caption] Top image: Installation view of works from Modern Times' display at Melbourne Design Fair 2022, presented by the NGV in collaboration with Melbourne Art Foundation. Photo by Sean Fennessy.
Pizza. Pasta. Salumi. Gelato. And don't even get us started on the booze. The Italians have gifted the world with some pretty spectacular food and drink. And the good news is you'll find all that and more at the Italian Wine + Food Festival. Taking over the Royal Exhibition Building on Sunday, June 25, this day-and-night gastronomic bonanza will welcome the proprietors and chefs from some of the most beloved Italian eateries in town. We're talking 400 Gradi and Rosa's Kitchen, to name but a few. There'll be cooking demonstrations and wine-tasting workshops. Those looking to put what they learn into practice can swing by the festival food market and find all the ingredients they need to cook an Italian feast at home. And once you're done shopping you can kick back with a glass of vino, or perhaps a Negroni from the Negroni Bar.
Were you a little underwhelmed with all the tech news this week? A new iPhone or fandangled watch from the future is great and all, but most of us aren't all that up for throwing another $1000 at Apple. If so, here's a little piece of the tech revolution that won't leave you bankrupt (except maybe morally so). The world is about to get it's very first GIF keyboard for iPhones. The upcoming app PopKey will be available for those using the new iOS 8 and will enable users to save, select and send a variety of GIFs in exactly the way they currently use the emoji keyboard. Just like emojis, the GIFs will be organised into different sections. Categories supposedly include 'LOL', 'shocked', 'facepalm' and 'swag'. Basically, your phone will no longer be a means to communicate and articulate yourself with loved ones, it will be an interactive version of Buzzfeed. We have a lot of feels about this. At first we were nerdily excited. Then we remembered how people over-do it with emojis. GIF onslaughts could be a whole new level of crazy. Finally, we realised there's no other option than deleting our younger siblings numbers from our phones completely. But aside from all that, it's a pretty excellent concept. In addition to the library of GIFs you accumulate yourself, the app will update in realtime with those which are currently trending online. This means you'll be the first to know when Jennifer Lawrence or Tina Fey do something quirky, or the internet goes crazy for whatever this creepy thing with Emma Watson was all about. iOS 8 is set to launch on Wednesday, September 17 and PopKey shouldn't be too far behind it. Soon you can test out the technology for yourself. Give up your beloved red salsa lady emoji for a bit of Queen Bey. Let Emma Stone communicate your approval from here on out. Either that or throw your iPhone off a bridge. This is the way of the world now. Via Mashable.
Your mates at Concrete Playground know how much you guys love Nutella. Sydney lost its collective shit (and rightfully so) over those damn Tella Ball milkshakes, and Melbourne eats so much of the stuff they caused a temporary nation-wide shortage. As addictions go, we suppose it could be worse. Point is, when we heard there was going to be a toaster-shaped Nutella food truck rolling around the country, we figured you'd want to hear about it. Especially since all the goodies on board will be free. The food truck menu has been devised by Alistair Fogg, the man behind Sydney's Nighthawk Diner. Think stewed winter berries with Nutella and toasted coconut, raisin toast with Nutella and berries, and a crepe stack with Nutella and crispy bacon. It's only one item per customer per day, unfortunately. Let's just say at this stage, we're not ruling out the possibility of trailing the truck from town to town like the insatiable groupies we so clearly are. The road trip begins in Sydney on June 15, before heading down the Hume Highway to Melbourne. They'll hit St Kilda's O'Donnell Gardens on June 25-26 and Queensbridge Square in Southbank on June 27, before wrapping up their journey in Geelong on June 28. Find the complete list of dates, times and locations for the Nutella Road Trip at the official Facebook page.
Over the past decade, Flinders Lane's Chin Chin has well and truly earned a spot among the city's food institutions. And now it's celebrating turning the big one-zero in style with a whole month of tasty birthday festivities. It all kicks off on Wednesday, May 5, when the restaurant fires up for the spice-fuelled Chilli Inferno dinner, matching inventive plates like seafood pad khaprao and a pork belly dry red curry with a special curation of cooling cocktails, beer and wine. On Wednesday, May 12, plant-based feast The Garden of Eatin' serves up a meat-free spread of bold southeast Asian fare with matched drinks, while Wednesday, May 19 sees Chin Chin Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper treat diners to his ultimate dinner — featuring a parade of boundary-pushing dishes that never made it onto the menu. And on Thursday, May 27, Melburnians are invited to one heck of a wrap party, starring a roll call of Chin Chin's favourite collaborators from across the years. Expect a night of high-energy celebrations, complete with tunes from Miss Goldie and DJ Salvador Darling; artistic delights courtesy of I Am Offerings, Bendy Ben and Tanzer; a special birthday cocktail lineup and pop-up food stations slinging some of Chin Chin's finest flavours. Tickets to each of the four events are $165 per person each and they're expected to sell out fast. To book yours, head online.
To anyone who's ever seen a boy band struggle to croon over the screams of an enraptured crowd, the energy from the adolescent girls losing their minds would seem enough to solve the looming global energy crisis. Is it clean? Not always. But there are 60 years worth of gig footage — from The Beatles to One Direction — that classifies this energy as renewable. Sydney's Belvoir Theatre has explored the topic in its super-popular production Fangirls, and now it's making the trip to Melbourne. From April 28–May 9, it'll be taking over the Playhouse at Arts Centre Melbourne with its boundless enthusiasm. The musical peeks into the poster-plastered bedroom and love-heart-emblazoned diary of teen girl fandom. It's a celebration of the time in your life when you're convinced the haircuts of a pop group may well bring civilisation to its knees. It's witty and fun, sure. But writer and lyricist Yve Blake also probes an insidious double standard: Why is it that when boys cry at the footy, that's the love of the game, but when girls cry at a Justin Bieber concert, that's pathetic? Through protagonist Edna (Karis Oka), a city girl conspiring to confess her undying love to True Connection frontman Harry (Aydan), Fangirls also examines the sorts of messages sold to young women as well as the power of the modern fan. In the age of the internet, pubescent devotees are a coveted market, but they are also the new talent scouts, organising online to confer godhood on anybody playing acoustic guitar in their bedroom, rhyming 'your face' with 'gotta get out of this place'. Directed by Paige Rattray, the Melbourne production will star a mix of new and returning cast members, with Oka taking over from Blake as the lead. Fangirls is boppy and sugary in spades. But it also asks you to spare a thought for those crying, screaming and full of joy in the front row. They're going through a hugely transformative time. And, they may be the ones keeping your lights on in years to come.
The Russian Resurrection Film Festival is back for 2015, showcasing the best of Russian cinema from Vladivostok to Moscow. The largest festival of Russian filmmaking anywhere outside of the motherland, this year's lineup features a wide mix of genres and includes a program stream dedicated to classic and contemporary war films. Because nobody makes war movies like the Russians. Headlining the program is Dmitriy Meskhiev's Battalion, which tells the real-life story of the First Russian Women's Battalion during the height of WWI. Other films in the sidebar include 1959's Oscar-nominated Ballad of a Soldier, and Alexei German's 19756 epic 20 Days Without War, as well as the recent Russian-Ukrainian co-production Battle for Sevastopol — which opens the festival in Brisbane. Moving beyond the canon fire, other standouts on the program include Teacha, a thriller about a high school teacher holding her students hostage, and Sunstroke, a three-hour historical drama about the last days of the Russian Empire.
A whopping 60 films will make their Australian debut at the 2015 Jewish International Film Festival. Returning to Event Cinemas Bondi Junction in Sydney and Classic Cinemas Elsternwick in Melbourne, this three-week celebration of Jewish films and filmmakers will screen both fiction and non-fiction films from all around the world, in order to showcase what festival director Eddie Tamir calls "the agony and the ecstasy of the Jewish experience". Standout narratives in the JIFF 2015 program include German post-WWII legal thriller Labyrinth of Lies, French-Canadian romantic drama Felix and Meira, Cannes Grand Prix winner Son of Saul and Natalie Portman's directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness, about Israeli novelist and journalist Amos Oz. The documentary lineup is similarly strong. Out of Israel, Censored Voices uncovers harrowing recordings made by disillusioned Israeli soldiers shortly after the Six Day War in 1967, while controversial Latvian doco Beyond the Fear tells the story of Yigal Amir, the assassin of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
Already home to stunning sights across its coastal landscape, Victoria's Great Ocean Road is set to welcome a new attraction: a 50-acre nature park dedicated to observing and learning about native animals in their natural setting. Called Wildlife Wonders and expected to commence construction this year, the site will sit just outside Apollo Bay, overlooking the ocean — and will offer guided walking tours conducted by qualified conservationists. Under their guidance, visitors will stroll through bushland to see Australia's native critters living freely — and predator-free — in their own habitats. Expect to spot the area's animals like you've never been able to before, spying koalas sleeping in trees, bandicoots scampering through the foliage and kangaroos hopping wherever they please. More than that, patrons will mosey through an experience designed by Brian Massey, the art director on the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. If you're thinking "wasn't he blessed with great landscape on those flicks?", well, you're not wrong — but he also turned landscape designer with New Zealand's Hobbiton tourist attraction. Here, he'll be involved in a site that includes a themed field-research base, a visitor arrivals building, and a cafe and retail outlet that'll highlight local products. The Victorian Government will support Wildlife Wonders via a $1.5 million grant to the Conservation Ecology Centre, while the Federal Government has already $2 million to the project. When it's up and running, the park's profits will be used to further the centre's conservation efforts, including ecosystem restoration, ecological research, species recovery programs and community education programs. For more information, visit the Conservation Ecology Centre website.
Have you heard? Legendary pop and dance icons Charli XCX, Duke Dumont, Cosmo's Midnight and Sonny Fodera are taking to the stage with other stellar artists across four stunning waterside locations for the 2023 run of For The Love. On Saturday, March 4, stars from here and abroad will be taking over Melbourne's Catani Gardens for one massive day and night of good-time vibes — with St Kilda's palm-lined amphitheatre as your backdrop, you'll be dancing to hits and sending out your summer on a high. The 2023 lineup is stacked. The team at Untitled Group — the same minds behind Beyond the Valley and Pitch Music & Arts — have gathered an incredibly strong list of acts to keep the energy high while FTL delivers its signature elevated experience (complete with stand-out fashion and lifestyle elements). Expect Snakehips, Budjerah and KYE, as well as Sumner and Jade Zoe, to make appearances. And while you can experience all of this as a regular punter, For The Love's VIP tickets make it that much better. Enjoy a private bar (avoiding longer lines elsewhere — huge win), upgraded amenities and access to the coveted VIP deck (for uninterrupted views of the stage) and the double-storey VIP fashion lounge (where you'll mingle with FTL's fun-loving ambassadors and social personalities). Is is, by far, the best way to experience this red-hot lineup, which is why Concrete Playground Trips has teamed up with For The Love to create an epic VIP travel package. First off, we're putting guests up in the Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne for two nights — just a short drive from the For The Love venue. In each room? Grey Goose Vodka Essences (to start your pre-drinking the right way) and Tend-2 Hangover Relief (the 100% organic pills that will save you a bit of pain the next day). The much-anticipated event is an exceptional way to send off summer — set your reminders now, legends. The VIP For The Love Melbourne package is exclusive to Concrete Playground Trips. To book your curated experience, head to the website. Top image: Cait Miers
Prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France? Casual summer weekendery. The ever-popular So Frenchy So Chic in the Park is waltzing back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion for its sixth year running, while in Sydney it will be moving over to the Glebe waterfront at Bicentennial Park for its fourth instalment. If you haven't been before, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties — think gourmet picnic hampers, tortes and terrines, offensively good wine, furious outdoor chess, casual gypsy beats. So Frenchy hinges around a solid lineup of eclectic artists you may be yet to meet. There's '60s French pop-American art rock hybrid outfit The Limiñanas (think Serge Gainsbourg meets The Velvet Underground), Parisian funk-folk poet and musician Bertrand Berlin, and Nouvelle Vague, who are no strangers to the So Frenchy setup. Last, but in no way, shape or form least, there's six-piece ex-busker band Deluxe — they will be belting out their unique blend of pop, hip-hop, funk, soul and big band elements to get everyone up off their picnic rugs and dancing the blazes out of that lawn. If you're not the most organised of picnickers, So Frenchy is putting on the works again with their beloved picnic boxes and cheese plates from Ed Dixon in Melbourne and Simmone Logue in Sydney. Filled with buttery pastry quiches, salad jardinière and goose egg meringue, the picnic boxes are one to preorder if you don't want to miss out. But So Frenchy won't let you go hungry; there'll be a huge banquet of seafood, crepes, macarons and ice cream available on the day. And of course, there'll be plenty of Laurent Perrier Champagne, French beer, Provence rosé, Bordeaux reds and whites, and special cocktails at the SFSC vintage caravan. Don your best floral-headband-and-sundress-combo and gear up for un merveilleux après-midi. SO FRENCHY SO CHIC IN THE PARK 2017: Sunday, January 15 — Werribee Park, Melbourne Saturday, January 21 — Bicentennial Park, Sydney So Frenchy So Chic in the Park will return to Melbourne and Sydney in January 2017. Early bird tickets are on sale now until October 10 for $75. From then on, tickets will be $89 online or $99 on the door. For more info, visit sofrenchysochic.com.au.
Whether you need a feed to enjoy alongside this weekend's footy finals action, or you just love a good flaky savoury pastry accompanied by top-notch brews — Tallboy & Moose's latest limited release will have you sold. The Preston brewery has teamed up with fellow northside mates the Northcote Bakeshop to put together a flavour-filled collaboration on offer this week only — the Yippie Pie Yay Pack. Available for takeaway and delivery from Thursday, August 26–Saturday, August 28, this tasty assembly of beer, pie and brownie will make your day. At $49, the pack comes stocked with a couple of brisket, stout and braised onion pies (served cold, ready to pop in the oven); a giant fudge brownie big enough to serve two; and a mixed four-pack of Tallboy & Moose beers to wash down the rest. You'll get a tinny each of the Spring Chicken pale ale, the Sunray XPA, the Deadset lager and the Nitro Moose Mousse stout. A vegan version — complete with wild mushroom and smoked paprika pies, and a plant-based rhubarb coconut cake — is also available, for delivery only this Friday, August 27. The OG pack is available with free delivery to a stack of local suburbs, or you can pick up your order from the brewery if it's within your five-kilometre radius.
All too often, Malaysian cuisine is overshadowed by its regional neighbours in India, Thailand and Vietnam. But not for much longer — talented duo Aline Viravouth and Marcel Nantharath (Nasi Lemak House in Carlton) are aiming to put contemporary Malaysian street food on the map with their latest venue, Merah. Launching on October 17, their new eatery will offer an abundance of fresh and spicy Malaysian flavours across its contemporary menu. Merah, which means red in Malay, is a tribute to the colour of chilli sambal — a traditional street food condiment. "Just as sambal brings together a variety of ingredients to create something memorable, so too does our restaurant," explains Viravouth. Diners can expect Malaysian classics like chilli crab, beef rendang and a nasi lemak of coconut rice, crispy anchovies, peanuts, achar, egg and sambal. In addition, there'll also be Melbourne twists on a few classics, plus a substantial vegan offering — think java jungle curry laksa with a plant-based broth and green soba noodles, and vegan barbecue sliders with grilled mushrooms and sambal. To wash it all down, patrons will find a selection of local craft beers, organic wines and creative mocktails. Each dish will be made from scratch daily using locally sourced produce, including the sambal, a family recipe of Viravouth's that has been passed down through four generations. And, you'll also be able to take a jar of the house-made side home with you. "We always have people asking to buy it at Nasi Lemak House, so I'm excited to see it in jars and ready for customers to take home," Vivavouth enthuses. Decor-wise, the 30-seat eatery is simple and relaxed, but with personality. Traditional rattan and plywood textures feature throughout, while speckled walls and occasional splashes of pink, grey and banana-leaf green catch the eye. Merah is located at 238 High Street, Northcote and will be open for lunch Friday to Sunday, and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Visit their website for further details.
Playing a string of intimate gigs in Melbourne and Sydney, European buzz boy SOHN (aka Christopher Taylor) is embarking on his first ever Australian tour this month. Though you may not have heard too much from him now, we highly recommend jumping on tickets. This guy's about to blow up in a big way, and you'll probably be paying double in a year's time for his sell-out gigs at The Forum. Having just released his debut album Tremors, SOHN is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who specialises in hypnotic electro beats. Perfect for your average chill session, SOHN's music lies somewhere between the moody vocals of James Blake and the precise repetitive grooves of Alt-J. And, if you ask us, that's a surefire recipe for success. As a London expat now living in Vienna, there's also a great deal of place reflected in his music. SOHN reportedly recorded every song on the album entirely at night, then took a long walk at sunrise through the city to clear his head. As a result of this, Tremors has been described as the perfect blend of London's buzzing hubbub and Vienna's iconic serenity. Tracks like 'Artifice' and 'The Wheel' show this perfectly — some great listening for your evening stroll to his gig. https://youtube.com/watch?v=AslPYSm7jfg
If lockdown's seen you devouring books faster than ever, you might be looking for some fresh literary inspiration right about now. And one place you're guaranteed to find it is among Melbourne Writers Festival's 2021 program, which is now set to be reimagined as an all-virtual lineup. The festival's IRL events have been scrapped due to Melbourne's latest lockdown, but in good news — the extended digital program will run from Friday, September 3–Wednesday, September 15. It'll shine a spotlight on some of today's most engaging international literary voices, through a series of conversations, readings, author chats and panel discussions, all streamed online. Among them, Rumaan Alam unpacks his eerily-pertinent dystopian tale Leave the World Behind; Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri speaks about the literary construction of Whereabouts; Natasha Brown explores the issues of race and class stirred up in her lauded new novel Assembly; renowned philosopher AC Grayling ponders the great paradox of human inquiry while chatting about his release Frontiers of Knowledge; and the tales of a cast of young creatives come alive as Brandon Taylor shares insight into his short story collection Filthy Animals. Plus, on September 3, a specially commissioned short documentary series Writers on Film invites audiences on a guided tour into the lives and worlds of local authors Jennifer Down, Sophie Cunningham and Tony Birch. [caption id="attachment_823151" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Brown, author of 'Assembly'[/caption] Top images: Jhumpa Lahiri, author of 'Whereabouts' and Rumaan Alam, author of 'Leave the World Behind.
It may feel like winter will never ever end, but nothing blasts away those post-winter chills quicker than some tropical vibes and a healthy dose of rum. And maybe a decorative pineapple or two. With that in mind, things are really set to heat up on Sunday, September 23, when Whitehart fires up its inaugural I Hart Rum Festival. The CBD container bar will be channelling the Caribbean for one tasty afternoon, showcasing over 30 sugar cane spirits from all across the world. Your $35 ticket will give you the chance to sample the whole lot and pick up some knowledge at a series of expert-led masterclasses. You'll also be able to purchase some crafty rum cocktails so you can taste the rums in-situ. To round out the island vibes, there'll be Jamaican nosh from The Real Jerk food truck, live tunes, DJs and even a pop-up tiki bar.
SNAFU Theatre’s new production, by May Jasper and Sam Wilson, is a snappy psychological drama set some place that isn’t Australia where clapping in public is an arrestable offence. Spy #1, played by the sensational Samantha Hill, has been working undercover there for three years. Whatever manner of operation she’s undertaking, her cover is working and seemingly allows her enough time for trivia night. All this is disrupted when she stumbles home one night to find a stranger rummaging through her kitchen. He says he’s from her agency – but he's a spy too, can he be trusted? Ten months sounds a lot like a penitentiary term and it would appear to be how long how long Spy #2, played by newcomer James Gand-Hunt, has been assigned to stay in this cold town. The problem with being undercover is there’s nobody you can really trust, nobody you can readily share your Weetbix with. The cagey dialogue that takes place between the two spies as he tries to discover where confidential documents are hidden and she skilfully deflects his questions is tightly scripted and thoroughly intriguing. There’s a neat juxtaposition between Spy #1’s love of trivial pursuits and Spy #2’s increasing desperation to make for the hills. The suspense is effectively amped up a notch when a mysterious fax arrives and a lonely Russian neighbour comes calling. Ten Months in a Cold Town explores the dangers of feeling trapped and the potential fallout when Seduction Technique 101 fails. It’s kind of similar to a game of Jenga, where players take turns to remove and restack a block from a tower, creating a taller and increasingly unstable structure until the whole tower topples and wham! Game over. Image via SNAFU Theatre
The sounds and — perhaps more importantly — the flavours of Louisiana are on their way back to Carlton. Inspired by New Orleans' famous Mardi Gras celebrations, Fat Tuesday will see Piazza Italia off Lygon Street overrun with local jazz musicians blasting tunes, and food vendors cooking up a storm. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday evening. The event is organised by the team at Gumbo Kitchen. They, along with folks from Bluebonnet Barbecue, Pretty Mama and Taco Truck, will be serving up a variety of old school Southern cuisine, including po' boys, tacos, jerk chicken and, of course, gumbo. There'll also be a pair of Southern Comfort cocktail bars, plus wine and craft beers aplenty. Entertainment, meanwhile, will come courtesy of local music acts including Mustered Courage, Horns of Leroy, Jules Boult and the Le Blanc Bros Cajun Band.
Sometimes, we all need to get a little lost. We need to leave our comfort zones — and the homes we've spent so much time in during the pandemic — and go wandering through an otherworldly realm. We need to play with echo light chambers, bound our way into giant bubbles, wander between shimmering digital vines and take a leap into a three-metre abyss, too, and just completely forget about our day-to-day troubles while we're moseying around a multi-sensory installation. If all of that sounds like your idea of heaven at the moment, it's about to become a reality in Melbourne again from Friday, November 12. That's when Imaginaria is bringing its immersive playground for kidults and children alike back to The District Docklands, and setting up shop until the end of January. If you weren't one of the 100,000-plus people who caught Imaginaria's last Melbourne season late last year and early this year, here's your chance to head along. And if you did make the trip last time, there's plenty to tempt you back for a return wander, including new installations and a collaboration with French filmmaker Thomas Vanz. This time, that aforementioned echo light chamber will respond to your movements — and you can jump into that three-metre cosmic abyss. The giant bubble will be filled with Vanz's hypnotic imagery, or you can recline on a seven-metre rotating bean bag perched underneath a light and sound constellation. In general, you can soak up an ambient soundscape that's designed by Alexander Albrecht and Nico as well. All of the above will still fall within a space that's made up of different structures, each filled with lights, sounds and smells. And yes, you'll still take your shoes off first, before exploring Imaginaria's new otherworldly realm. Melbourne's second dance with Imaginaria will be a choose-your-own-adventure kind of experience again, so you can spend 15 minutes skipping through or take your time. Open to all ages, it'll also have capacity limits and strict hygiene measures, with tickets starting at $29.95 a pop for adults.
Hop, skip and jump your way down to the National Gallery of Victoria for a look at the latest installation work from acclaimed American conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner. Inspired by the game of hopscotch, Out of Sight is a 16-metre long participatory artwork built into the floor in front of the NGV's iconic waterwall. Aimed primarily at teenage visitors (because teens love hopscotch, apparently), the work is designed to make you think creatively about the direction of your life, and will incorporate the artist's characteristic text-based approach along with a short film featuring local high school students. "We're thrilled to be one of the first galleries in the world to stage Lawrence Weiner's newest work Out of Sight, which will also be presented in cities including New York, Houston, Chicago and Shanghai," said NGV director Tony Ellwood. "Out of Sight will explore the concept of uncertain futures with visitors encountering a number of different phrases and ideas as they move along the hopscotch." Images: Exhibition install at NGV International by Wayne Taylor.
The oldest floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival focuses on the hundreds of lilac-blossomed trees that line the town's streets. First held in 1935, the festival brings together art exhibitions, live music, markets and parades for a week-long celebration from October 28 through November 5. While the jacaranda blooms are of course the main attraction, it's by no means the only event you'll have to look forward to during the festival — think a 30-team dragon boat race and a Venetian-style circus and carnival, along with buskers, fireworks and stallholders aplenty. Grafton takes their tree heritage seriously and currently holds the title for biggest jacaranda on the National Tree Register of Big Trees (yes, it is a real registry). While in town, visit 'The Gorge', a tree which measures at a massive 30 metres high with a six-metre circumference. It deserves a nice big hug, we reckon.
Early in Paris Can Wait, Anne (Diane Lane) and her busy film producer husband Michael (Alec Baldwin) take a start-stop ride to the Cannes airport. The sun streams down as they coast through the seaside town, but their driver, Michael's sometimes business partner Jacques (Arnaud Viard), keeps pausing to buy bread, sausage and strawberries for their flight. It's a kind gesture, and just the type of thing you'd expect holidays in France to include. Alas, they feel like frustrating interruptions for the visiting Americans. Far from improving their trip, the nitty gritty of actually embracing their surroundings gets in the way. Like characters, like filmmaker, like film. Jumping wholeheartedly into the narrative side of the family business by making her first non-documentary feature at the age of 81, writer-director Eleanor Coppola fills Paris Can Wait with detours and diversions. Unfortunately, they're unable to boost the final product, which is affectionately shot but uninspiringly scripted and assembled. While the film's premise revolves around an extended jaunt that takes its time to get to its eventual destination, tripping over cliches causes the leisurely romantic drama to stumble. A middle-aged woman doing some unexpected soul-searching, a connection arising out of nowhere, and broken-down cars prolonging the journey: Coppola throws them all in, along with long-held regrets, new awakenings and the difficulties of long-distance love. Inevitably they all arise as Anne treks across the country, not with Michael, who is always barking orders about his latest movie into his phone, but with the much more laid-back Jacques. The pair become unlikely road trip companions after an earache stops her getting on the plane, but their odd-couple awkwardness doesn't last long. He's a suave and shameless flirt fond of wining, dining and straying off the beaten path. Set free from her usual life, she soon finds her defences beginning to crumble. As a scenic travelogue complete with stopovers for picturesque picnics, swanky restaurant dinners and a visit to the Lumiere brothers museum in Lyon, Paris Can Wait is a Francophile's fantasy. If France's lavender fields and other rustic highlights weren't already on your must-visit bucket list, they will be after you've watch this film. Indeed, Coppola demonstrates a feel for both the road and for her locations, which is hardly surprising given that Paris Can Wait was inspired by her own post-Cannes Film Festival adventure back in 2009 (her husband Francis Ford Coppola had a feature screening at the festival that year). If only the story she spun had the same authenticity. Coppola might've taken the broad gist of the movie from her experiences, but the on-screen details prove disappointly stock-standard. And, if only her casting choices weren't so obvious. Lane is subtle and effective in rehashing territory that she previously played with in Under the Tuscan Sun. Baldwin, on the other hand, who is heard more than he's seen, may as well be playing Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock. Still, there's one area where choosing the easy option works, and it's one we'll choose to believe really is a case of art imitating life. As a soundtrack to her trip, Anne keeps listening to Phoenix. It's fitting: not only does the band's melodic pop-rock suit the mood of the film, but, thanks to her daughter Sofia, their frontman is Coppola's son-in-law. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EiPR0TtHv4
The City of Melbourne has unveiled a new plan for an ambitious project which would see the northern bank of the Yarra overhauled with boardwalks, elevated pedestrian bridges and a stack of extra green space. The proposed revitalisation project, Greenline, pulls inspiration from New York's High Line — an elevated public park built atop a former freight rail line — and spans a four-kilometre section of riverside stretching from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge. If approved, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Greenline would deliver one of the biggest transformations of the city since the opening of Fed Square back in 2002. The makeover details a series of high walkways the Lord Mayor says would help "provide a continuous green link throughout Northbank," and offer "new perspectives of the city". Various park upgrades and native foliage plantings are also in the works, as well as elements designed to better recognise the spiritual and historic significance of the Yarra Rivier — Birrarung — to First Nations people. "Greenline would tell stories of Melbourne's history and increase visibility and understanding of the area's Aboriginal culture and heritage," the Lord Mayor said. It's hoped that the Greenline plans would transform this underused pocket of land into a world-class waterfront precinct, attracting more visitors, locals and businesses. The project is expected to cost up to $300 million. If approved, the council would seek funding from both the government and the private sector to bring the vision to life. According to forecasts by the City of Melbourne, Greenline could attract $1 billion in economic activity and create up to 1,000 jobs. [caption id="attachment_810336" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Greenline's proposed transformation of the Batman Park precinct.[/caption] The implementation plan released last week is set to be considered by councillors on Tuesday, May 4. While the Greenline project is in proposal phase, Northbank does have a confirmed new addition heading its way, with final plans for Seafarers Rest unveiled last month. The new 3500-square-metre public park is set to be completed by 2024, featuring grassy lawns, event spaces and its own urban forest. You can check out the full Greenline Implementation Plan here. It's being considered by City of Melbourne Councillors on Tuesday, May 4. We'll keep you posted as to what happens next.
With the news finally confirmed that Aussies can begin visiting New Zealand shores once again, you're likely to be more than ready to book that holiday to our easterly neighbour. Home to some of the best slopes that the southern hemisphere has to offer, New Zealand is a no-brainer when it comes to choosing a winter vacay destination. No matter which stunning ski region you choose, there's just as much to do off the slopes as there is on them. Between world-class eateries, jaw-dropping hotel views and walks to remember, you're going to want to wring as much out of each place as you can. Together with Ski NZ, we've put together this guide on where to eat, play and stay in New Zealand's best ski regions across both the North Island and South Island. QUEENSTOWN/WANAKA [caption id="attachment_846406" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Little Aosta, Arrowtown[/caption] EAT Queenstown is known for its world-class food and cocktail offering. Yes, you're there for the serious business of skiing but it would be a crime not to indulge. If you're staying in the heart of Queenstown, fuel up early for a day on the slopes with strong coffee and delicious cabinet goods from Vudu Larder — the carrot cake is a particular standout (and a breakfast food, in our opinion). At the end of the day, travel 20 minutes down the road to the charming historic village of Arrowtown to try authentic Italian family-style fare at Ben Bayly's recently opened Little Aosta. Après-ski cocktail hour around the fire starts at 3pm here, so get your spot early. For fancier fine dining, you can't go past Rātā, celebrity chef Josh Emmett's main Queenstown fort, for a taste of the best Aotearoa has to offer in a deconstructed degustation. [caption id="attachment_806669" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coronet Peak[/caption] PLAY You're down south? You're in luck, because Queenstown and Wanaka are home to some of the best ski fields in the country — even the world. If you're looking for a reliably good run, Cardrona is just a short drive from either side of the valley. For experienced skiers wanting a challenge, ski and snowboard hotspot Treble Cone features the South Island's "biggest vert" (you're going to want to say that to feel like part of the in-crowd) — AKA the longest vertical drop in the region. Queenstown's closest ski field, Coronet Peak, is located an easy 20-minute drive from the town centre, while the unbelievable views from atop the family-friendly slopes of The Remarkables make it worth the slightly longer 40-minute roadie (or just hop on one of the regular shuttles from the city's centre). And if you're in town at the time, don't miss alpine music festival Snow Machine in September, set to turn the slopes into the dance floor of your sub-zero dreams. The following day, reward yourself for all that hard work with a day in the vines: Amisfield and Akarua are our top winery picks. Don't miss a day up the Queenstown gondola for the best views you can imagine — and a thrilling luge ride on the way down, of course. And if you want to restore your body after a day on the slopes, Align, Queenstown's first reformer pilates studio, offers dynamic classes of equal strength and stretch to help get you back in shape for the next day's skiing. [caption id="attachment_846407" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mahu Whenua[/caption] STAY If you're planning on waking up with the sunrise to make the most of your day on the slopes, you're going to need million-dollar views to make it easier. Luckily, you'd be hard-pressed to find a bad view in this corner of the world. For a wake-up as good as it gets, Eichardt's Private Hotel boasts one of the best lakefront positions in Queenstown. If you prefer cosy intimacy and a bold print, notoriously quirky hotel chain Naumi's The Dairy Private Hotel transformed Queenstown's original 1920s corner store into colourful boutique accommodation with a bottomless happy hour between 5pm and 6pm. For an eco-friendly stay without sacrificing on luxury, rest your weary head at Mahu Whenua luxury eco-accommodation. Any of the rustic suites at this luxury lodge will make you feel like the king or queen of the castle, worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Wanaka township (rather than a mere 25 minutes). CANTERBURY [caption id="attachment_846515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Inati, Christchurch[/caption] EAT Thanks to Canterbury's spot in the central South Island, meat-eaters and vegetarians alike will be in paradise with locally-sourced meats and produce at many a farm-to-table spot. Keen to splurge? Head to Inati for a degustation from head chef Simon Levy who trained under a pretty well-known chef named Gordon Ramsay — you may have heard of him. With a menu split into earth, land and sea, Inati directly translates from Te Reo to mean "to share a portion of food or to be exceptional and exciting". Either sound good to us. If only a giant steak will do, hit up the city's classic steakhouse Bloody Mary's and follow it with a post-dinner cocktail to die for at speakeasy-style bar OGB in Christchurch's stunning old government building (get the name?). Thanks to giant heaters and overhead cover, you can sit out in the courtyard overlooking Cathedral Square year-round, with a few negronis to beat the winter chill. [caption id="attachment_852204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Hutt[/caption] PLAY For an easy day ski trip just outside of the city, head to two of the closest mountains to central Christchurch: Mount Hutt, Canterbury's premier ski field, or Mount Cheeseman. Both are sun-soaked (even in winter), family-friendly and set up for a fun day on the slopes. If you feel like journeying a little further afield, Mount Dobson is just two hours from Christchurch and an underrated jewel with sensational views across Lake Pukaki and Tekapo towards New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. After a day on the slopes, soak the aching muscles away in Methven's brand new Ōpuke hot pools at the base of Mount Hutt. This new wellness destination has adults-only 'tranquillity pools' and family-friendly 'discovery pools', with a swim-up bar that will make you feel like you're in the islands, despite being surrounded by a mountain range. They'll even bring you a cocktail right to your spot in the pool — no slapping around in wet swimwear required. For those staying closer to the city, the He Puna Taimoana hot pools in New Brighton offer views over the beach and can be booked in time slots so you'll never feel crowded. If the weather is playing ball and you want a little greenery after all of that snow, Christchurch's Botanic Gardens are stunning year-round thanks to the hot greenhouse, Wintergarden, which will warm your bones no matter the weather. [caption id="attachment_846409" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Britten Stables[/caption] STAY For stunning boutique accommodation in the heart of Christchurch, Britten Stables is a key piece of Christchurch history that has been lovingly restored into luxe accommodation with an indoor plunge pool, hot tub, billiards room and spacious gardens. For accommodation closer to the slopes, Terrace Downs resort was recently purchased by luxe hotel chain Fable and offers villas nestled below the Southern Alps, only a 45-minute drive to the ski field — or a five-minute helicopter to the top of the slopes. You can recover the next morning with a round of golf right outside your room. RUAPEHU [caption id="attachment_757144" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pinnacles Restaurant[/caption] EAT For lunch with an out-of-this-world view above the dual UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, ride the Sky Waka gondola up Mount Ruapehu to the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet — which, sitting 2020 metres above sea level, is NZ's highest dining experience. With breathtaking views of the Pinnacles, as well as skiers and boarders hooning down the slopes, visitors can choose from a delicious and varied menu that shines with high-quality, locally sourced produce. On your return to town, once you've had a hot shower and dropped off your gear, head to Osteria, a cosy family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Ohakune. The lasagne al forno and a large glass of red is the perfect pairing to warm the bones after a day on the field. [caption id="attachment_852205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mt Ruapehu[/caption] PLAY Part of the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu has some of the North Island's most rugged terrain, formed by solidified lava. On its flanks, Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas boast the country's most exhilarating ski runs, as well as world-class beginner slopes and lessons for those just venturing out, across its combined 1050 hectares — no intimidating vibes here. Feel like working your legs even more? Have a crack at one of the area's incredible walks. The 20-kilometre Tongariro Crossing offers views previously only seen in Lord of the Rings, or, if you're nursing sore legs from skiing, the six-kilometre loop of the Taranaki Falls is equally stunning (but takes a quarter of the time). If you've still got the energy for a boogie after nightfall, head to the famous Powderkeg Bar which hosts a series of gigs throughout the winter months, including Ohakune Mardi Gras, the George FM Snowball and a host of others. [caption id="attachment_846413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Powderhorn Chateau[/caption] STAY Knowing where to look is key to booking luxe accommodation around Ruapehu. For an intimate stay offering jaw-dropping views of the stars, Night Sky Cottage is a five-star, fully self-contained cottage in Ohakune with two baths perfectly positioned to gaze at the celestial wonders above. For an authentic alpine hotel experience, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the iconic Powderhorn Chateau when it comes to both location and winter ambience. The room's wooden interiors will give you Fargo vibes (in the best possible way) — and as a bonus, each room has a drying closet for your ski gear. To start planning your trip to New Zealand's top ski regions, visit the website. Top images: Coronet Peak, Little Aosta, Eichardt's Private Hotel
It's now a whole lot easier to get your mitts on one of those recognisable (and authentic) Fjällräven rucksacks, as the Swedish outdoors label behind the bags has launched its first-ever southern hemisphere store. Opening on level two of Melbourne Central, the new space will give locals a chance to shop the internationally renowned brand in person, browsing an extensive range of its sustainably made clothing, accessories and outdoors equipment. Here, those brightly coloured box-shaped Kanken rucksacks (and the mini versions) will be on show in 55 different colours alongside menswear, womenswear, tents, sleeping bags, and plenty of other travel accompaniments. The 'concept store' also offers complimentary coffee, free wi-fi and loads of expert advice for those plotting their next outdoors adventure or even just an overseas jaunt. Fjällräven, now famous worldwide for its clever fusion of functionality and style, has been kicking on since 1960, when founder Ake Nordin made and sold his first aluminium-framed backpack. The label has since expanded to a huge line of fashion and equipment for nature-lovers and style-savvy city dwellers alike. Find Fjällräven at Shop 241, Level 2 Melbourne Central, Corner Latrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne. Updated: December 8, 2018.
If you prefer your chicken wings served with a hefty dose of chilli and some good ol' mouth burn, you'll find yourself in expert hands at Chinatown's Crazy Wings. Home to one of Melbourne's broadest offerings of BBQ chicken wings, this legendary eatery isn't afraid to turn up the heat - something you'll discover especially quickly when chowing down on its namesake dish. Finger-lickin' good and seriously spicy, a serve of crazy wings makes for a ripper hump day treat. Head in with your mates to see who'll reign supreme in a battle of the burn.
Blending Homer Simpson and Piet Mondrian might be the most unlikely of team-ups, but two Russian designers have begged to differ. Seeing a primary colour-based no-brainer in the pair, Constantin Bolimond and Dmitry Patsukevich have created a line of wine bottle packaging called Wine, or maybe not?. Stripping Homer and Marge back to minimalist Mondrian-like lines and restricted colour areas, the Simpsons have rarely looked so MOMA Gift Shopworthy. Although there's no wine yet created to inhabit the Simpsons, we'd be happy to chuck some Duff in there, work a couch groove and tune into the rest of your life. Via Fubiz. Images by Constantin Bolimond and Dmitry Patsukevich. Keen for more minimalist pop culture wine design? Sure you are. We're on it, head over here for a drop of Westeros.
Iconic club session S.A.S.H has been partying for 12 years. And this weekend, it's celebrating that long legacy with a bumper birthday bash, complete with a stacked lineup of international and local artists. From 1pm on Saturday, April 16, the high-energy fun will transform all three rooms of Bourke Street Courtyard. You're invited to dip your toes back into the day party scene as you hit the dance floor to sounds from the likes of French producer Dyed Soundorom, Canada's Mike Shannon and plenty of homegrown heroes. The Jail Cells will be pumping to a lineup curated by Hot Mess — think, Subb-an and James Dexter — while Mantra Collective is guiding the tunes Upstairs, its bill headlined by Berlin-based Aussie DJ Katie Drover. If you've been looking for an excuse to dance your way through the long weekend, consider this it.
Between the hectic traffic, overcrowded tram stops, the clogged-up footpaths and all the construction going on at the moment, Melbourne's CBD can sometimes feel like a big pile of stress. But things are (hopefully) changing. For one, the new Metro Tunnel project will be finished by 2025, bringing a new underground line and five new stations to help people get in and out of the CBD. And now, the City of Melbourne has released a draft ten-year plan designed to reduce city congestion by shifting the focus to pedestrians and cyclists. Many of the proposed changes in the Draft Transport Strategy 2030 revolve around reducing cars in the CBD and encouraging more people to travel by either foot, public transport or two wheels. The strategy focuses mainly on making it safer and more enjoyable to walk or ride around the city by removing cars off some streets and building more protected bike lanes. So what could the changes mean for you? Here are a few things Lord Mayor Sally Capp and the City of Melbourne want to put into play. Turning a heap of public roads and on-street parking spaces into pedestrian walkways, cycling paths, trading areas and green space. About the equivalent of 20 Bourke Street Malls would be transformed. Keeping as many cars as possible out of the CBD. This would mean traffic simply passing through the city would be kept out of the grid and encouraged to use alternative routes. Prioritising pedestrians in the CBD's Little streets and laneways, by dropping speed limits, making it easier and safer to walk around. There are also plans to expand Swanston Street's 30km/h zone to other streets in the grid. Adding around 44 kilometres of new protected bicycle lanes running through the CBD by 2030. The current network totals around six kilometres, so this would take it up to 50. This would aim to increase the feeling of safety and get more people to take up cycling. Improving the areas around public transport hubs, with wider footpaths, better streetscapes, additional train station exits and more green spaces. Increase footpath space by creating 300 more on-street motorcycle parks. These changes would ideally complement the Metro Tunnel and proposed Suburban Rail Loop public transport projects currently being undertaken by the State Government. They're actions that seem necessary seeing as Greater Melbourne will more than double its population in the next 30 years. Of course, none of this is set in stone just yet. The draft strategy will go before Councillors at the Future Melbourne Committee next week and, if given the go-ahead, will then go on public display until for six week where you can submit your thoughts and concerns. We'll let you know what happens next.
Marking International Women's Day has never felt more important than it does in 2025. Not only is March 8 a day to celebrate the achievements of those who identify as women, from your closest friends and family members to world leaders, but it's also a day to reflect on the challenges they're currently facing every single day. Whether you're planning to attend or stream some of the talks and performances happening at All About Women 2025 or you just want to spend the day surrounded by your favourite females, we've got the perfect thing to rev your engine. In partnership with Revlon, we're hosting a special breakfast event on Saturday, March 8 — and you're invited. Happening in both Sydney and Melbourne, Get Up and Glow is an opportunity for you to practice some self-care. Our goal is for you to leave feeling empowered and ready to take on this special day (and the world). It'll kick off at 7.30am with a 45-minute yoga flow — led by Body by Berner's Bernadette Fahy in Sydney and Nike Ambassador Zoe Klein in Melbourne — followed by some light breakfast snacks and drinks. You'll get to sample the products from the Illuminance product range, which is designed to improve skin health and achieve a natural glowy makeup look, with professional makeup artists on-hand to match your perfect shade. Plus, you'll go home with a jam-packed bag of Revlon goodies. There are only super-limited spots available at each location. Enter your details below to be in the running for passes for you and a mate. [competition]992179[/competition]
Lockdown 5.0 might have hampered your annual truffle-hunting efforts, but you can make up for that with a visit to Prahran Market this weekend. Saturday, August 7, marks the return of the precinct's ever-popular Truffle Celebration and Truffle Trail, dishing up an indulgent day of chef demonstrations, market stalls and specialty truffle-infused eats. Two different food 'trails' will send punters adventuring through the market, sampling various truffle dishes and collecting take-home goodies along the way. The $35.50 option includes bites like Farini's truffled mushroom pizza and a savoury black truffle mille-feuille from The Food House Deli, while the $40.50 trail stars the likes of truffle-topped Hervey Bay scallops and Stir The Pot's truffled chicken petite pie. Fritz Gelato's even got dessert covered, scooping a double cream black truffle ice cream for the occasion. Meanwhile, chefs including Tobie Puttock and Joe Vargetto (Mister Bianco) will be hitting the truffle demonstration kitchen to share some of their secrets. The free sessions are currently full, but you can join the waitlist here. Plus, some of the market's favourite traders will be serving more limited-edition truffle-inspired creations — from specialty sausages to truffled bacon and egg pies.
Melbourne has no shortage of outdoor cinemas, but only one of them lets you watch a flick with a burrito in one hand and a margarita in the other — and donates 100 percent of ticket sales to charity. Fonda Windsor's rooftop cinema is back for summer and it's offering just that. Running from January 13–30, the openair cinema is screening new flicks and classics and donating all proceeds to WIRES wildlife rescue, which is helping save and care for animals injured or orphaned during the bushfires. So, you can watch Pretty Woman, bawl your eyes out (again) to The Notebook, sing through Bohemian Rhapsody and enjoy the fabulous Priscilla, Queen of the Desert all for a good cause. [caption id="attachment_735692" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria/Mark Lobo[/caption] Tickets to the films will set you back $30 and include a bean bag recliner and bottomless sparkling water. If you'd like to eat — you are at a Mexican restaurant after all — you can order food straight from your phone, including burritos, chips, tacos and quesadillas. Oh, and margaritas, of course. Tickets go on sale at 8am on Wednesday, January 8 via the website.
