In this or any other galaxy far, far away, now and a long time ago alike, this is a first: an exhibition displaying the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled, and ranking as the biggest touring Lego showcase ever. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition was initially announced in 2024, and now unveils the scenes crafted from its eight-million-plus plastic bricks at Melbourne Museum on the best day for it: May the fourth. The force is strong with this one — the Lego-building force, that is, in this world-premiering exhibition featuring Lego models based on the George Lucas-created space saga. Locations, characters, duels: they're all included, such as the Millennium Falcon, Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards, a stormtrooper helmet, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing off, and the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon doing the same. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition hails from Ryan McNaught aka Brickman, who has indeed been spending time turning plastic rectangles, squares and other shapes into a recreation of the smash-hit franchise that's been soaring across screens big and small — and beyond — for almost five decades now. To build, the showcase took more than 25,000 hours at McNaught's headquarters in Tullamarine. As it constructs an immersive experience and follows in the footsteps of the Jurassic World series, which has also received the Lego treatment from Brickman, Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition has plenty of material to draw upon. On-screen, so far it spans the initial film trilogy that released from 1977–83, then the prequels from 1999–2005, then the sequels — including The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker — from 2015–2019. Rogue One, Solo, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Skeleton Crew: the list goes on across cinemas and TV, including the wealth of animated efforts in the saga. This is not just the first Lego showcase dedicated to Star Wars, but the only Lego showcase devoted to it. Another drawcard: being able to build your own Lego brick lightsaber, then giving it a swing in augmented reality. If you're keen to check it out and you don't live in Melbourne, you'll need to head to the Victorian capital to wander through Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition. Alongside the hosting the world-premiere season, which runs until Monday, January 26, 2026, the stint at Melbourne Museum is an Australian exclusive. "Building the Star Wars galaxy from Lego bricks has been a dream project, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've created. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition takes some of the most-iconic moments from the beloved saga and reimagines them at a scale that's never been done before. The detail, the size and the sheer number of bricks used to make this exhibition is something truly special. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or just love to build, it's an experience that everyone can enjoy," said McNaught. "This world-first exhibition unites two of the most-iconic and -imaginative forces in global culture ‚ right here in Melbourne. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition boldly blends creativity, storytelling and interactivity into an adventure for curious minds of all ages," added Museums Victoria Chief Executive Officer and Director Lynley Crosswell. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition runs from Sunday, May 4, 2025–Monday, January 26, 2026 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the exhibition's website for tickets and more details. Exhibition images: Eugene Hyland, Museums Victoria / The Brickman.
Melbourne Now is impossibly large. Too large to talk about in any cohesive way, in fact. With the work of over 400 artists covering over 8,000 square metres of space over multiple levels of two major galleries and in some cases even the city's streets, me giving a review of Melbourne Now is like someone writing a travel guide of the entire European continent after having spent seven days on a Contiki tour. That being said, some conclusions can definitely be drawn. Firstly, the exhibition is impressive. After being toted for months as the National Gallery of Victoria's most ambitious project to date, it's now clear they weren't bluffing. Corridor after corridor, gallery after gallery, the work just keeps coming. If you were to give each artwork the attention it deserves, you would be there for days, and if exhibitions were in any way comparable to restaurants, Melbourne Now would be an all-you-can-eat type of place — one of the classy ones. However, as you roam around the large collection of works on show, you do have to readjust the expectations you may have for any regular exhibition. There is no real theme. There's no concept or message; no fortified aesthetic. The strength of the exhibition lies in the artworks' many differences. Each masterfully curated gallery space ushers in a new idea, a new vision. As a portrait of contemporary Melbourne, the collection is oblique and discordant. While you may think of these qualities in a negative way — what is the purpose of art for if not to achieve some sense of meaning — these words are in fact evidence of the idea being executed well. The NGV gets it right. We can't talk about contemporary art as a whole without acknowledging its many differences. The Bold and the Beautiful Everyone knows beauty can be found in odd places, but in such rapid-fire succession Melbourne Now really does reveal the full spectrum. Firstly, there are the conventional forms. With 40 fashion labels, shoemakers, jewellery practitioners and textile designers showing their wares, a portion of the ground floor at the Ian Potter Centre channels the best of our fashion festivals with work from both emerging and established artists. The photographic work on display is another highlight of the conventionally beautiful. Paul Knight explores intimacy and companionship through an affecting photographic series of couples in bed. David Rosetzky's video piece Half-brother hypnotically explores intimacy and confidence through dance and (oddly enough) paper. And on a grander scale, Ash Keating just transformed the outside wall of the NGV into a remarkable impressionistic canvas with the ingenious help of fire extinguishers loaded with paint. Then there's that other sphere — the dark and irresistible. Patricia Piccinini is well-known for her surreal and menacing depictions of altered beings, and The Carrier (pictured) is one of the best. Much like the work of Ron Mueck, it is a wonder to witness in the flesh (so to speak). Similarly, work from Stelarc's Ear on Arm series provides unhealthy intrigue, and Julia deVille creates a mysterious beauty in a room filled with jewel-encrusted dead animals. The Silly and the Solemn Some of the highlights of the exhibition come from its willingness to downplay its own grandeur. Stuart Ringholt's series of conveniently covered nudes (pictured) contributes to a welcome sense of cheekiness that stretches to many of the included works. Ross Coulter's 10,000 Paper Planes documents the beautiful aftermath of launching 10,000 paper planes from the mezzanine of the LaTrobe Reading Room at the State Library, and Darren Sylvester asks audience members to just lose their inhibition and dance with his amazing light-up dancefloor fittingly titled For You. However, all this light-heartedness doesn't undermine other works with much heavier themes. Georgia Metaxas' photographic series The Mourners (pictured) is heartbreaking in its depiction of women following the death of their husbands. Penny Byrne examines the dark side of nationalism by disfiguring kitsch figurines in iProtest. Then, Destiny Deacon offers up a dark installation about stereotypes of Indigenous identity; her work is just one of many fuelled by a sense of postcolonial anxiety. So what does this have to do with Melbourne again? Before seeing it, the premise of Melbourne Now sounds a little ludicrous. These works really aren't all connected to Melbourne like you might imagine, and the goal to "reflect the complexity of Melbourne and its unique and dynamic cultural identity, considering a diverse range of creative practices as well as the cross-disciplinary work occurring in Melbourne today" sounds like one of those intimidatingly broad VCE exam questions: 'What is art?' or 'Examine World War Two in 500 words or less'. There are some pieces, of course, that examine Melbourne in a more literal sense. Jon Campbell plasters a wall in customised tea towels that invert and challenge our inherent sense of Australiana, and there are a number of pieces that explore laneway culture including street art and local activism. In an encouraging show of democracy and civic engagement the artwork Zoom even asks audience members to decide 'How Might We Design Our Future City?'. But, the thematic concern of Melbourne is secondary to Melbourne Now's examination of contemporary art itself. As the NGV are often concerned with competing on a global stage with regular announcements of European masterpieces, it's incredibly reassuring to see them so involved with contemporary Australian art in this way. Melbourne Now is the kind of exhibition we need open forever — the kind of showcase that keeps audiences in touch with a diverse range of new artwork and practices. This is art relevant to us. Image credits from top, left to right Tully Moore, Chevron, Goggle, Kaws, Universal Habit, 2013 (installation), oil on canvas cotton, chrome, plastic 178.0 x 108.0 cm, © Tully Moore, courtesy John Buckley Gallery, Melbourne. Patricia Piccinini, The Carrier, 2012, silicone, fibreglass, human and animal hair, clothing, 170.0 x 115.0 x 75.0 cm, Collection of Corbett Lyon and Yueji Lyon, Lyon Housemuseum, Melbourne, proposed gift, © Patricia Piccinini, courtesy Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne, Photo: Peter Hennessey, Supported by Corbett and Yueji Lyon. Kinonak, Melbourne (fashion house) Australia est. 2011, Amie Kohane (designer), Kiwaa dress, 2013, from the Free-Time Collection Spring- Summer 2013-14, Collection of the artist, Supported by MECCA Cosmetica © Amie Kohane. Stuart Ringholt, Nudes, 2013, collage, (1-52) 29.0 x 30.0 cm (each) Collection of the artist, © Stuart Ringholt, courtesy Milani Gallery, Brisbane. Georgie Metaxas, Untitled 28, 2011, from The mourners series 2011, type C photograph, 60.0 x 50.0 x 7.0 cm, Collection of the artist, © Georgia Metaxas, courtesy of Fehily Contemporary, Melbourne. Ross Coulter, 10,000 paper planes – Aftermath (1) 2011 type C photograph, 156.0 x 200.0 cm, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased NGV Foundation, 2012, © Ross Coulter. Melbourne Now is open 'til March 2014. Works are on display at both the International and Australian spaces of the NGV and entry is free. For more information head to the Melbourne Now website or download the app.
The Australian Ballet's Celebration Gala, bound for Arts Centre Melbourne, is such an excellent showcase of talent within the company, that it's impossible to resist hyperbole. If you are deeply into the ballet or simply have a minor appreciation for the artform of dance in any genre, the Celebration Gala is basically a greatest hits collection of solos and pas de deuxs that inspires you to dig into the superlatives. It's stunning. It's emotional. It's amazing what the human body is capable of! The lineup of dances includes evergreen blockbuster bangers like the White Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake and the iconic pas de deux from Act II of The Nutcracker, as well as contemporary pieces including the wrenchingly beautiful Clay — choreographed by brilliant Australian talent Alice Topp, and Chroma by trailblazing British choreographer, Wayne McGregor. The performances are accompanied by the Opera Australia Orchestra, live and in full flight. Next year, the huge 2022 program will be brought to stages across Australia under the meticulous and artful oversight of David Hallberg in his second season as Artistic Director. In the meantime, for the dancers' long overdue return to the stage, the Celebration Gala really is just that: a celebration. [caption id="attachment_834967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Karen Nanasca and Nathan Brook, Australian Ballet[/caption] All images: Dan Boud.
Taking its title from the French euphemism for orgasm, The Little Death wears its risque approach as a badge of honour. Erotic fetishes furnish six slight vignettes, purporting to normalise types of between-the-sheets behaviour; as the saying goes, everyone's doing it. Alas, more than parodying private peccadillos is needed to turn apparently twisted trysts into a smart sex comedy. Edginess doesn't equal astuteness, nor does painting with sitcom-style strokes cover ill-explored content. Any Questions for Ben? and House of Lies' Josh Lawson writes, directs and stars in an effort destined to be labelled a physicality fuelled Love Actually. Four couples monopolise the anthology feature, each with relationship issues. Maeve (Bojana Novakovic) wants Paul (Lawson) to fulfil her rape fantasies. Rowena (Kate Box) finds herself aroused whenever husband Richard (Patrick Brammall) cries. Phil (Alan Dukes) finds Maureen (Lisa McCune) at her most attractive when she is sleeping. Dan (Damon Herriman) and Evie (Kate Mulvany) make a foray into roleplaying that backfires. As the linking device between the tales, a new neighbour (Kim Gyngell) makes visits to disclose he's a registered sex offender. A final segment tackles phone sex and disability, as the hearing-impaired Sam (T.J. Power) places a call aided by operator Monica (Erin James). Finding farce in intimacy is far from a new conceit; however, it isn't enough to simply bring up taboo topics in contrived circumstances, especially in a superficial manner devoid of depth, discussion or development. Courting controversy and causing a reaction appears the film's only ambition, not thoughtfully examining sources of sexual satisfaction rarely addressed, or contemplating the human core of our deepest desires. Indeed, in pursuing broad and easy amusement, characterisation is absent — particularly regarding women. Unacceptable categorisations and implausible choices prevail, rendering female protagonists naive, cruel, selfish or complaining, whilst attempts to place Maeve and Rowena in charge of their destinies are undone by one-note personalities. Men, contrastingly, are presented with sympathy, even when potentially crossing the line. Consider Paul planning an elaborate rape upon request, and Phil drugging his wife to escape her nagging, the feature skirting around the latter's creepy consequences. The last standalone story may boast sincerity and sweetness otherwise lacking, followed by awkwardly offering comeuppance, but a late burst of heart and consequences can't overcome the bulk of the film's horrific skewering of kinkiness in rom-com confines. Though the ensemble cast toils valiantly and Lawson helms competently, each is poorly served by sketches neither dark nor different. Alas, The Little Death is not the subversive work it intends, instead just gratifying a too-neat account of the same offensive, over-used stereotypes of middle-class sex and romance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BnnhesQ8Rxc
Since first opening its doors back in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has played host to a wealth of performances, spanning far further in genre than just the art form that gives the venue its name. But it was only during Vivid Live 2016 that the iconic locale serenaded visitors into an evening-long slumber, all as part of Max Richter's live recital of his eight-and-a-half hour work Sleep. Across 31 tracks comprised of 204 movements, the German-born British composer's concept album unfurls music based on the neuroscience of getting some shuteye. In its intonation, the ambitious yet soothing piece favours the range that can be heard in the womb for much of its duration. When performed for an audience, it is played overnight, with beds set up — and doing as the work's title suggests is highly encouraged. Attendees recline, listen and let Richter's blend of strings, synthesisers and soprano vocals lull them into the land of nod. If they'd prefer to stay awake, that's fine as well, but soaking in Sleep's ambient sounds while you're snatching 40 winks is all very much part of the experience. In its live version, Sleep has echoed through spaces in London, Berlin and Paris, too; however, it's the first openair performance in Los Angeles' Grand Park in 2018 that takes pride of place in the documentary Max Richter's Sleep. A filmmaker was always bound to be so fascinated with the concept that they'd turn their lens Richter's way, and that director is Natalie Johns (an Emmy nominee for Annie Lennox: Nostalgia Live in Concert), who endeavours to capture the experience for those who haven't had the pleasure themselves. The resulting film doesn't run for more than eight hours, or anywhere close — but those watching and listening will quickly wish that it did. As a feature, Max Richter's Sleep isn't designed to advertise its namesake. Rather, it documents, explores and tries to understand it. Still, the movie so easily draws viewers into the music, and so deeply, that making its audience want to snooze in public while Richter and his band plays is a guaranteed side effect. In its observational footage, Max Richter's Sleep wanders and peers as Angelenos arrive, settle in, turn their attention to the stage, get comfortable and drift off. It keeps gazing their way as they slumber, as Richter and his fellow musicians keep playing, and, later, as a change in pitch in the music and the dawning sunrise both eventually herald the morning. Johns and editors Michael Carter (Dayveon), Matt Cronin (the Arctic Monkeys' 'Four Out of Five' video) and Dom Whitworth (Lily Allen and Friends) weave in footage from other concerts, too, including Sydney. The film also flits between interviews with Richter and Yulia Mahr, his partner and an artist and filmmaker, plus other collaborators. And, it speaks to ordinary folks who've signed up for a night of music — some knowing exactly what they were in for, others not quite as aware — and been moved by the experience, As a concert film, Max Richter's Sleep is entrancing; again, viewers won't want those segments of the documentary to end. And if the feature had simply played the Los Angeles concert in its entirety, or as an abridged glimpse, it would've conveyed many of its points without further explanation. So much of the music's power — and the live performance's as well — is evident without words. An eight-plus-hour album that's engineered to be listened to in a sleeping state is a clear anomaly in popular culture, and in our non-stop world. Every artwork demands an investment of time, whether it's a song that plays for just a few minutes, a movie with a two-hour duration or a painting that requires more than a moment to soak in its beauty, but when something takes up a third of one's day, it forces a shift in engagement. Mindfulness, meditation, slowing down, switching off — all of these words and phrases apply to Sleep, both as a record and as a gig, and that always comes through in Max Richter's Sleep's concert footage. When Richter speaks about Sleep, he mirrors these aforementioned ideas, and stresses how much he wants his listeners to disengage from the regular hustle and bustle while they're taking in his music. First released in early September 2015 and initially played live later that month, the album was obviously ahead of its time. The documentary is too, after premiering in November 2019, then playing Sundance in January 2020. Viewed now in the middle of a pandemic, it feels like a calming balm for the soul — as it was clearly always supposed to, even long before the world dissolved into its current status quo. The interviews in Max Richter's Sleep aren't superfluous, of course, and neither are the film's dives into Mahr's Super 8mm-filled personal archive. Hearing not only about the immense amount of work that went into Sleep, but the ways in which Richter had to alter his own thinking to even compose it, ensures that viewers appreciate the magnum opus for its artistry and effort, and not just its effect and prescience. The tales that flesh out these chats, including Richter and Mahr's frank admissions about struggling to make a living as artists, and to afford to raise their family, help put the massive quest to bring Sleep to fruition into context. Also known for scoring films and television shows, Richter has everything from Waltz with Bashir, Perfect Sense, Lore and Wadjda to The Leftovers, an episode of Black Mirror, Mary, Queen of Scots and Ad Astra on his resume, but Sleep is undeniably a labour of love. This tranquil cinematic examination of his lengthy lullaby makes that plain, and plunges its audience into the album's dreamlike state. The ethereal and insightful movie's soundtrack is a highlight as well, naturally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb9PBr7Qhec Top image: Stefan Hoederath.
If you're about to head out of (or into) the CBD, read this first. Victoria Police is currently responding to an incident on Bourke Street, just near where it intersects with Swanston. It is advising Melburnians to avoid the area. Naturally, this has affected traffic in the CBD, and Yarra Trams has advised that trams are currently not running down Swanston and Bourke streets. Specifically, Bourke Street trams 86 and 96 will be diverting at Melbourne Museum in Carlton and Spencer Street at the south end of the city. Swanston Street routes are being diverted at Collins Street and Melbourne Central. It seems that Elizabeth Street trams are still running, and Metro trains has confirmed on Twitter that trains are operating as normal. Witnesses have reported seeing a car on fire and news outlets, including The Age, have reported that the driver, who was armed with a knife, was then shot by police. Chaos in #bourkest as a guy seems to have set his car on fire then attacked police with a knife. Police response was swift and overwhelming. I heard at least one gunshot initially. pic.twitter.com/j5BB8VVehI— Meegan May (@meegslouise) November 9, 2018 It's expected that the trams will be down for the rest of the evening. Avoid the area if possible and keep checking Yarra Trams and Victoria Police for more details.
On the off-chance you've already slurped your way through Melbourne's recent boom of new hot pot restaurants (think Panda Hot Pot and Jiyu Thai), here's yet another one to check off your hit-list. The boldly executed Chef David has landed on Elizabeth Street in a vision of marble, metallics and neon blue. Sibling to Melbourne's two David's Spicy Pot outposts, as well as Russell Street's David's Hot Pot, the new restaurant's dishing up spicy Sichuan hot pot against a futuristic, multimillion-dollar backdrop. There are seats for 200 diners, ceilings hung with dazzling chrome chandeliers and a high-tech sound system for the program of live acts and DJs to come. The menu's handy 'how-to' guide is useful for both seasoned hot pot fans and novices alike, with the kitchen offering a hefty nine different soup base options to tempt all levels of spice tolerance. You can select up to three to fill your table's communal hot pot — perhaps the easygoing dried fish maw and chicken number, or the Signature Spicy Instagram Soup starring 130 herbs and spices, and an animal character shaped out of beef tallow. Then, pimp it out with your choice of high-quality meat cuts, plenty of offal, vegetables, tofu and market-fresh seafood, along with sausages, dumplings and various meatballs. Each is listed on the menu with a handy suggested cooking time A range of dipping sauces lets you customise things further. But it's not all about the hot pot, of course — the kitchen's also whipping up an offering of grilled dishes, barbecued skewers and snacks that include everything from deep-fried pork belly to crisp sticky rice doughnuts. And, since this one's kicking on until 4am each night, we're guessing the lineup of tap beers, Japanese whisky and creative cocktails should get a solid workout of its own. Find Chef David at Level 1, 462 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. It's open from 5pm–4am daily.
Take a journey through working life over the years at the Immigration Museum's My Working Life: Stories From the Collection exhibition. Showcasing objects and projected images from the Museums Victoria collection, this installation explores the nine-to-five experiences of a range of individuals, tapping into an array of different professions, and representing cultural and social diversity within their respective fields. The exhibition primarily focuses on showing how working experiences have shaped the way society perceives culture, sexuality and gender. Accordingly, the collection showcases snake-wrangling Scottish jillaroo Bernice Kopple, Gammin Threads Design founder Tahnee Edwards, and 1940s mum and professional pattern maker Violet Morgan — as well as Laverton pigment workers, post-WWII Italian migrant and model maker Domenico Annetta, plus former refugee and human rights lawyer Nydaol Nyuon. [caption id="attachment_876625" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laurie Richards[/caption] "This installation reflects the Immigration Museum's ongoing exploration of identity and its ever-evolving nature based on a myriad of experiences in our journey of life," explains Rohini Kappadath, Immigration Museum's General Manager. Dive into the stories of these diverse communities at My Working Life: Stories From the Collection, which will run until September 2023. [caption id="attachment_876185" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Museums Victoria - Supplied[/caption] Top image: Museums Victoria.
This July, a groundbreaking exhibition will kick off at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square, with the main aim of smashing preconceptions of Indigenous design. Titled Blak Design Matters and curated by award-winning architect Jefa Greenaway, it'll be the first national survey of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design, showcasing talent from across the country. Exploring everything from architecture and town planning, to interior and product design, the exhibition's out to celebrate Indigenous design within a contemporary context, instead of reinforcing the usual link to long-held traditions and eras past. It'll look at how Aboriginal-led design remains innovative, creative and contemporary, while still balancing a respect for history. On show will be a diverse spread of work, including jewellery from Maree Clarke, Haus of Dizzy and Grace Lillian Lee, graphic design from Balarinji Designs, Marcus Lee Designs and Galimbaa Designs, and fashion pieces by the likes of Lyn-Al Young and Teagan Cowlishaw's AARLI. "Think of the potential to appropriately and sensitively reference the depth of history that this country too often conceals," said Greenaway. "Indigenous-led design and designers have the tools to give voice to many compelling narratives that our rich culture holds".
All across New South Wales, stages are being dusted, soundchecks are running, setlists are being distributed, and crowds are gearing up—because Great Southern Nights, NSW's statewide music festival, is almost ready to make its 2025 return. With more than 300 gigs taking place across 17 nights in cities and districts from Byron Bay to Broken Hill and beyond, as festivals go, it's going to be an all-timer. It would be unusual if none of the action took place in the busiest city in the state, so it shouldn't be a surprise that Sydney will be at the heart of the action. With so much to choose from and so little time to figure it out, we've teamed up with Great Southern Nights to pick out the must-see gigs and to offer some suggestions on how to make a night out of each and every act. The Lineup The fun starts straight off the proverbial bat in the always-buzzing inner city. Oxford Art Factory is playing host to Sydney's own ARIA-nominated breakout star Charley on Wednesday, March 26. Then, by the sea at the Beach Road Hotel, you'll find a very on-theme act for Bondi with surf stoner pop-style band Babe Rainbow on Friday, March 28. On that same Friday over in the Inner West, ARIA-nominated electronic producer Alice Ivy hits the Trocadero Room in Enmore. Plus, Newtown's The Vanguard Hotel is going back-to-back with Adelaide's own smash-hit star Aleksiah on the same night, followed by the globally popular Kaiit on Wednesday, April 2 and the captivating lyrics of DEVAURA on Thursday, April 3. Up the road in Chippendale, a mini festival is happening at the Lansdowne Hotel with the Booty Block Party on Saturday, April 5, headlined by Triple-J favourite duo Bootleg Rascal. If you've still got any steam left in you, swing by the City Recital Hall for SAFIA, W Sydney for Kinder, Glass Island for Havana Brown, Metro Social for Total Tommy or venues within the Hollywood Quarter for a specialised Great Southern Nights Gig Trail. Local Eats and Treats It's impossible to distil the full potential of Sydney's dining scene down to a few short paragraphs, but thankfully, Great Southern Nights is concentrated near some of the city's most popular eateries. Within the streets of the aforementioned Hollywood Quarter and Surry Hills, you'll find Sydney mainstays like the charming Hollywood Hotel, tequila-soaked Tio's, multiculturally flavoured Nomad, the fried chicken-focused dive bar Butter and Sydney's home of high-end degustations, NEL. If you make your way over to the Inner West, you're also set to encounter some of Sydney's most loved restaurants. In Newtown, one of those restaurants specialises in two things: burgers and natural wines. That might sound unusual, but Mary's is a Sydney favourite for a reason. There's also Earl's Juke Joint, a New Orleans-esque bar hidden behind what looks like a butcher shop, and Cairo Takeaway, an Egyptian restaurant that some claim serves the best chicken and falafel in the city. Things to Do and Places to See There's always something happening in the Harbour City — Sydney is one of those cities where you can find something worth your time just by picking a direction and walking, especially in the areas hosting Great Southern Nights gigs. If you're around the Hollywood Quarter, check out our neighbourhood guide to Surry Hills for some of the most popular local spots, or visit the neighbourhood guide to Newtown should you find yourself in the Inner West. Otherwise, there are plenty of itinerary-worthy activities running alongside Great Southern Nights. The first weekend of the festival is your last chance to catch one of Sydney's most comfortable outdoor cinemas, and you'll have until the end of the following week (Sunday, March 30) to head out west for one of the largest Ramadan Night Markets in the city. If you love a game night, you can join an interactive Dungeons & Dragons session at the Sydney Opera House. And if you want to surround yourself with what makes Sydney great, get a dose of the city's many cultures in Darling Harbour or immerse yourself in a reconstructed forest in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Where to Stay And, of course, you need a great spot to spend your nights recharging ahead of another great gig. That goes for residents and visitors alike since a city staycation can save you some serious late-night hassle in getting home. If you want to go all-out on luxury, opt for a room at W Sydney, the design-heavy Darling Harbour stay that's hosting some of Great Southern Nights gigs — or the stunning heritage building-encasing Intercontinental Sydney with spectacular views of the harbour. Further into the inner city, Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel is a prime pick for a centralised stay and is even dog-friendly if you're travelling with a four-legged friend. Over on the eastern end of the city, Oxford House serves as a fantastic Palm Springs-style escape hidden on one of Sydney's busiest roads. Great Southern Nights is set to take over venues across NSW between Friday, March 21 and Sunday, April 6. Check out our gig guides for Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong or visit the website for more information.
The weather's still hot, which means we're still smack-bang in the middle of 'Summer Swiping Season'. There are first dates (born from Bumble, Tinder or just the old-fashioned way) happening all around the place. Plus with resulting second and third dates, chances are (if you're in the dating game) you may be in need of a 'thing to do' or two. Drinks? Been there; done that. Movies? Opinions can divide a date, plus it doesn't really permit much 'getting to know you' time. Dinner? A trusty standby but surely you can do better. Think outside your normal square — and outside in general — and give something a crack that uses the great outdoors as inspiration. With our mates at Hahn, we've put together a list that'll put a couple of beaut ideas up your sleeve for your next potential Tinder match — just make sure you give them a heads up to dress weather appropriately or slip, slap, slop. HORSE RIDING NEAR THE CITY Take a trot on the wilder side and give a trail ride a go — sign up for a day of hanging out with a majestic four-legged friend. Though it may not be quite as romantic and sun-drenched as it is in the movies, horseriding is still a) fun and b) a surprisingly great workout — full marks for adventure and action. Just make sure you and your date are both wearing riding appropriate pants (no short shorts here) and shoes, and remember that novice trail rides are generally chaperoned by an experienced rider. If you're trying to have a conversation about feelings, it might be third wheeled. Maybe wait until you're back at the stables to bust out the "I love you" for the first time, just in case. Where? Glenworth Valley, NSW; Gunnamatta Trail Rides, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria; Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain, Queensland. Discover even more spots for horse riding in Sydney and Brisbane. A PICNIC IN A SECRET SPOT So you've painstakingly prepared the most extravagant picnic feast of all time, packed a six pack and headed to your local park, only to lay out your blanket, unpack your fancy eats and find yourself constantly rescuing bits of your picnic from the scores of dogs and/or small children in your vicinity. Picnics are 100% better when they're private, so for the next al fresco dining date situation you get yourself in, why not head to some quieter venues, sans the small people or furry animals. There are plenty of lovely parks and gardens just crying out for people to sit around in them, making love eyes at each other and saying "isn't this just perfect?" as they have a bite of brie. Where? Arthur McElhone Reserve, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney; George Tindale Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke, Melbourne; Fig Tree Pocket River Reserve, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane. GLAMPING IN A UNIQUE SPOT Camping is all well and good until it's been three days since your last shower, you forgot to pack enough undies and socks and you're starting to feel more than a bit uncomfortable (and not very romantic). Change all that by going on a glamping adventure. Think less sweaty conditions and more proper beds to lounge in — plus a tent that you don't have to set up yourself. Take a date along to an unusual spot for added lush points — try Cockatoo Island or Murphy's Creek for something a little different. Hot showers and toiletries are included (and a claw foot bath at Murphy's Creek) so it might even be a step up from your bathroom at home instead of back to basics. BYO holiday reading and variety of meats and bevvies to arrange in the provided barbecues and eskies. Where? Cockatoo Island Glamping, Cockatoo Island, Sydney; Phillip Island Glamping, Phillip Island, Victoria; Murphy's Creek Hideaway, Toowoomba, QLD. Find more spots to go glamping in Melbourne and Sydney. TRAPEZE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS Running away and joining the circus is definitely the ultimate romantic act, but it's a bit hectic for a first or second date, and there are real-world responsibilities to think about like your job and your pot plants. Your back up option is to head to an outdoors trapeze class — they're run in Melbourne over the summer, and Sydney and Brisbane at most times — and feel like a free bird flying in the wind for an hour. Hopefully, your date won't have a fear of heights, but if it helps, classes are run by professional coaches and have all the bells and whistles to keep you safe, i.e,. nets and harnesses. Plus, living dangerously is pretty sexy. Where? Circus Arts, Sydney and Brisbane locations; Fly Factory, Blackburn, Victoria (outdoor classes in Mornington). [caption id="attachment_656745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James.[/caption] ROWING ON THE WATER There's something to be said about a slow cruise around a body of water on a warm day, following the current, letting it gently tug you along. Pack a picnic lunch, a lifejacket and hire a rowboat or a kayak and hit your nearest river. Melbourne and Sydney have a variety of rowboat options for use in their waters, while Brisbane is more of a flashy kayak type of place. Just remember that rowing a boat around all day takes a fair bit of arm-power and it's probably harder than Hugh Grant makes it look in Bridget Jones Diary. Fairfield Boathouse in Melbourne also does a ripper Devonshire Tea if you want to amp up your date to past centuries in England levels — BYO parasol. Where? Audley Boatshed, Audley, Sydney; Fairfield Boathouse, Fairfield, Melbourne; Kayak Hire Brisbane, Scarborough, QLD. Start planning how you'll take your next date up a notch, with a Hahn in hand.
Victoria's Hot Chocolate Festival is back again this August. And, like in past years, it's also bringing the decadence to you. Whether you're a Melburnian who can't make it to one of the three venues outside of town, or you're located elsewhere and you really love hot chocolate, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie are churning out at-home kits filled with creative hot choccie flavours. This year's physical fest boasts a wild range of flavours, with the at-home version following suit. Whichever you choose between Tuesday, August 1–Thursday, August 31, you'll receive couverture flavour-infused melts, a giant marshmallow and interactive elements to add to your choice of hot milk at home. Wondering which inventive flavours will tempt your tastebuds? The full 2023 lineup is as OTT and indulgent as ever — and as tasty. Kicking things off: a nod to Barbie via a pink-infused hot chocolate, as well as an Iced Vovo hot chocolate that features chocolate iced doughnuts for dunking. Or, you can sip on a poached pear and hazelnut version, a dulce de leche churros hot chocolate and a Biscoff hedgehog variety. Pick the Happy Vegemite hot chocolate and you'll get handcrafted caramel koalas to dip — or go for the Harry Potter-inspired hot choc to score a chocolate wand for doing the same. Some flavours come topped with waffles or pretzels. Yes, the list goes on. Only a selection of flavours will be available to make at home, but the ones on offer can be ordered throughout August for $6.50 per single-flavour kit. There's also a flat-rate shipping fee of $15 to anywhere in Australia. Images: A Myszka.
Revitalised motels are having a moment in Australia. Here to join the party is River Drive Motel, an idyllic countryside escape that pays homage to the natural landscape. Designed by wife-and-husband duo Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates, the boutique, five-room motel is nestled along the Tarwin River in South Gippsland and conveniently located close to Venus Bay and Wilsons Promontory. The self-contained rooms have been sympathetically designed with modern sensibilities by the couple's Melbourne-based design and event agency, Moth Design. A relaxed palette of eucalyptus greens, earthy tones, and vintage pink highlights feature throughout the rooms. "We wanted to reinvent the concept of what holiday accommodation can be, by providing a home away from home that is both modern and nostalgic. We love the idea of being able to simply drive up, unpack and enjoy your own adventure," Hannaford says. Artwork comes in the form of a curated collection of upcoming Australian and First Nations works, which is set to rotate regularly. A locally-stocked mini bar highlighting Gippsland producers is a beautiful touch, and includes WaWa Chocolate, Love Tea, A.R.C Wines, Loch Distillery & Brewery G&T and Gurneys Cider. For something a bit more substantial, the motel offers all-day, seasonal grazing boxes from locally-based caterer Acacia Edibles. Boxes can be pre-ordered and delivered to your door. A large communal garden area complete with BBQs, picnic tables and a nostalgic old shed filled with family-friendly games completes the warm property. Images: Albert Comper.
For better or worse, we'll probably all end up with a few new things in our skillset post lockdown, whether that's some killer home workout moves, or simply a long list of creative uses for canned tuna. But that pooch of yours? Well, they could end these next few weeks of lockdown with a full-blown modelling career. The hunt is on to find three photogenic fur-kids whose faces will star in a wall mural for Harlow's new rooftop bar. Set to open in spring, the Richmond venue's new space will feature sweeping city views and a giant dog-themed artwork to match. If you're a Melbourne dog-owner, the Puppy Pals of Harlow competition invites you to nominate your furry mate for one of the winning mural mug shots, by Monday, August 10. The top ten entries will then go to a public vote, which will help select the three reigning champs. As well as having their furry face immortalised in the new rooftop artwork, each of the trio will win a custom Harlow dog hoodie and free doggy treats for life. The owners will also each score $100 food and drink credit to spend in the venue once it reopens. To enter, simply share a photo of your pooch to Instagram with #puppypalsofharlow and tag @harlowbar. Entries close at 11.59pm on Monday, August 10, with public voting for the ten finalists running between August 11–24.
He lived there. He spent his last moments there. In between, he recorded music, played small gigs, and based his studio and record label there, too. We're talking about Paisley Park, the house formerly known as Prince's private and creative sanctuary. Now, the compound that shares its name with one of his songs is opening to the public. Four months after his tragic passing, the multi-talented musician's siblings have announced their plans for the massive mansion 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota — and, given that the site will celebrate his life, musical output and legacy, Prince fans are going to want to schedule a trip to America's midwest from October 6. That's when the 65,000-square-foot complex will start offering daily tours of a place that, until now, only a few hundred people have had the privilege of entering. We know what you're thinking, and you're right; yes, Paisley Park is about to become the Prince-focused equivalent of Elvis Presley's Graceland. Visitors to the abode-turned-museum will be able to wander through the main floor of site, which was built in the mid '80s. There, they'll see the recording and mixing studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed many of the iconic tracks we all know and love. Plus, they'll step inside his private NPG Music Club, and get a glimpse the massive soundstage and concert hall where he not only rehearsed for tours, but also held exclusive private events and concerts. Along the way, thousands of artifacts from Prince's personal archives will be on display. If you've ever wanted to feast your eyes on his concert outfits, awards, musical instruments and artwork — or rare music and video recordings, concert memorabilia, automobiles and motorcycles — you'll find them here. According to Prince's sister Tyka Nelson, "opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on." While the lyrics of his 1985 song advised that "admission is easy, just say U believe and come 2 this place in your heart", early-bird ticketing — which is on sale now — costs either US$38.50 for a 70-minute self-guided tour, or US$100 for a longer, more extensive VIP experience within what we're hoping are purple-coloured walls.
The St Kilda Film Festival is back from Thursday, June 1 through to Monday, June 12, with an array of cinematic wonders that will leave film enthusiasts and culture aficionados buzzing. The 12-day festival boasts a diverse program of genres covering everything from thrilling horror flicks to thought-provoking female-led narratives. Grab your popcorn and prepare to be immersed in the magic of the silver screen with these unmissable sessions that will captivate and inspire. Opening Night – St Kilda Film Festival's Night of Nights at the Palais Theatre The opening night of the festival is always a standout, and this year is no exception. Head to the iconic Palais Theatre for an evening of cinematic splendour where you'll dive into the festival with a screening of the best short films from Australia. Filmmakers and special guests will be in attendance, followed by the official after-party held at Encore at the St Kilda Sea Baths complex. With a lineup of sparkling short films and a vibrant energy that only St Kilda can provide, this is an event that sets the tone for your festival voyage. The St Kilda Film Festival Opening Night is from 7:30–9.30pm Thursday, June 1 at the Palais Theatre. Dark Matters – Twisted Themes for Horror Fiends Calling all horror enthusiasts and lovers of the macabre. Dark Matters is a spine-chilling session that delves into twisted themes and thrilling narratives. Prepare to be captivated by a selection of haunting and thought-provoking short films that will send shivers down your spine. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, supernatural tales, or bone-chilling horror, Dark Matters is sure to satiate your appetite for all things scary and unsettling. With two screenings at both the Astor Theatre and the Golden Gate Hotel in South Melbourne, this program is perfect for those who love home-grown horror. There are two screenings of Dark Matters: 8.45–10.30pm, Friday, June 2 at the Astor Theatre and 8–10pm, Monday, June 5, at the Golden Gate Hotel. Shifting the Gaze – The Future of Film is Female In an industry often dominated by male voices, Shifting the Gaze celebrates and highlights the incredible talent of Australian female filmmakers. Presented in collaboration with Women in Film and Television (WIFT VIC), this session showcases a collection of powerful narratives, stirring musicals, gripping documentaries, and compelling stories that explore diverse perspectives and challenge norms. Join this empowering session and witness the incredible creativity and storytelling prowess of female voices in the film industry. Shifting the Gaze is showing on 3.15—5pm, Saturday, June 10, at the Astor Theatre. Australian Animation Showcase – For Lovers of Beautiful, Handcrafted Cinema Step into a world of delightful visuals and breathtaking artistry with the Australian Animation Showcase. Immerse yourself in a curated selection of animated creations that bring imagination to life. From whimsical to thought-provoking, enjoy innovative storytelling and stunning visual craft. Prepare to be awed and inspired by the magical worlds and captivating characters that grace the screen. There are two screenings of the Australian Animation Showcase: 6.30–8.30pm, Wednesday, June 7, South Melbourne Market and 1–2.45pm, Sunday, June 11, The Astor Theatre. Tales of Mystery and Imagination – Take a Walk on the Wild Side For those craving a cinematic adventure filled with intrigue and suspense, Tales of Mystery and Imagination is a must-see session. Delve into the realm of enigmatic narratives, mind-bending plots, and unexpected twists. These films will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you journey through stories that explore the depths of human nature and the unexplored realms of the imagination. With screenings at both the Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne and the Astor Theatre, this collection of short films will have you hanging on to discover what will happen next. There are two screenings of the Tales of Mystery and Imagination Showcase: 8–10pm, Saturday June 3, Limerick Arms Hotel and 7.30–9.15pm, Saturday June 10, The Astor Theatre. The St Kilda Film Festival is a celebration of the art of cinema, and these five sessions are just a taste of what's on offer. Head to the website to check out what other film sessions are showing during the festival.
Not a sauv blanc fan? Think rosé is just alcoholic red cordial? That's cool (though we'll defend rosé 'til the death). Or perhaps you're simply a lover of all boozy beverages. Whatever your stance, the Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival may be right up your alley. This one-day event returns to Tom Flood Sports Centre on Saturday, March 23. Brewers from across Australia will be represented, with more than 100 different beers or ciders to take a punt on. The 2019 lineup boasts heavy representation of Victorian craft brewers including local Bendigo crew Brookes, plus Tooboorac Brewery, Cornella Real, Shedshaker Brewing and more. Meanwhile, The Side Project, Modus Operandi and Green Beacon Brewing Co will be making the trip from South Australia's Limestone Coast, Sydney and Brisbane respectively. There'll be live music, food trucks and festival games to keep the mood up for the day, too — think Giant Jenga and table tennis. Nabbing a VIP marquee for your crew is an option, but we think the real win would be just plonking yourself down on the nearest haystack and sipping your cold brews through the afternoon. Entry to Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival is $38.80 with discounts available for group bookings of five or ten people. To purchase tickets, head this way.
By the beard of Zeus, everyone's favourite TV newsman is back — in podcast form. Not content with his regular job at KVWN Channel 4, or with being the star of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Ron Burgundy is giving another medium a whirl. Announced late in 2018, The Ron Burgundy Podcast is now staying classy on the iHeartRadio platform. His new show released its first episode on February 7, and will drop new instalments each Thursday. In total, two 12-episode seasons on their way, with the second batch due to hit mid-year. Yes, it's kind of a big deal, as is the fact that Will Ferrell reprises his role as the fictional San Diego newscaster. The entire show is co-produced by Funny or Die, which Ferrell co-founded, so it was always likely that he was going to be involved. While The Ron Burgundy Podcast could've just featured the anchorman chatting while sipping scotchy scotch scotch and talking over his beloved dog Baxter, that's not the finished product. Rather, the character tackles a different topic each week, starting with a subject that no one can get enough of: true crime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u_jcTy3JHM Serial, this isn't — but If you've ever wanted to unlock Burgundy's glass case of emotion about the Zodiac Killer, all of your favourite true crime binges and whether obsessing over the genre is a little bit creepy, now you can. In true Ron Burgundy style, he had some words about his new venture. "Listen, I don't know what a podcast is, but I currently have a lot of time on my hands and a lot to talk about. I am also broke. Therefore, I am very excited to do this podcast. It is literally saving my life." The first episode of The Ron Burgundy Podcast is now available on iHeartRadio, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.
Fancy taking your tastebuds on a flavour-packed, wok-fuelled adventure through Thailand? Forget about digging out that passport — in autumn, the Bangkok Street Food Festival is bringing it all right here to you. Dishing up the goods from Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1 as part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the event will see Bangkok's legendary one-dish eatery Phed Mark bringing its famed pad krapao (a Thai basil stir-fry) to Melbourne for the first time ever. Alongside the CBD's own Thai favourites Soi38, BKK and DoDee Paidang, the restaurant will descend on Drewery Lane (beneath BKK) for a two-night celebration of Thai street food. Expect fire, spice, smoke and bold flavours aplenty. [caption id="attachment_890857" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phed Mark's famed pad krapao.[/caption] With limited bookings and walk-ins available, Melburnians will be treated to a showcase of signature dishes from all four venues — from noodles through to chicken curry puffs, and including gutsy larb ped with duck as well. Of course, you're going to need some cooling bevs to match, and there'll be stacks of sips to choose from. Think: smashable long necks and punchy cocktails — including BKK's gin-infused Sawadee Kha crafted on house-made lemongrass and fresh ginger tea.
Industrial chic meets neighbourhood comfort for this hip, friendly Seddon local serving inventive cocktails and Greek street food. Lay Low's owners and staff all live in the surrounding suburbs and the for-locals, by-locals vibe really shines. This collaborative spirit extends to bringing in the team from The Brotherhood Yiros to create seasonal food menus featuring dishes such as kolokithokeftedes — zucchini, feta and ricotta fritters served with tzatziki — and traditional yiros wraps with fillings like chicken, lamb or zucchini. Cocktails are a standout here, with highlights such as the Slow, Eh — an alluring blend of two gins, with a spiced red wine and orange cordial — or the wonderfully named Umami Issues, featuring smoked spiced rum, sherry, tomato, worcestershire and tabasco. If you're not feeling a cocktail, check out the short but diverse wine list, or grab a local tap beer from the likes of Hop Nation. Images: Julia Sansone
Throughout November, the Leonids meteor shower has been soaring through the skies; however, that's not the only reason to look up this weekend. Take a gander at the sky on Friday, November 19 and you'll also see a 97-percent partial lunar eclipse that's expected to turn the mood a shade of red. You won't even need to shake yourself out of your warm bed at a super-early hour to catch a glimpse, either, because the eclipse will be lurking in the sky on Friday evening just as nightfall hits. If you're wondering what else you need to know, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's the rundown. Unlike May's total lunar eclipse, this one is a 97-percent partial lunar eclipse — so the earth will move between the moon and the sun, but they won't all be completely aligned. Still, when the moon is directly in the earth's actual shadow, it turns a shade of red thanks to sunlight that's filtered and refracted by the earth's atmosphere. For a lunar eclipse to occur, there must be a full moon. Based on North American seasons, the November full moon is called a beaver moon because that's when they start to build their winter dams. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Friday, November 19. In Sydney, the partial eclipse is due to begin at 7.34pm, reach its maximum at 8.02pm and end at 11.03pm, while in Melbourne, it'll start at 8.09pm, hit its maximum at 8.12pm and still end at 11.03pm — all according to Timeanddate.com. For Brisbanites, it'll kick off at 6.14pm, reach its maximum at 7.02pm and end at 10.03pm. If you're in Adelaide, those key times are 7.59pm, 8.11pm and 10.33pm. In Perth, you'll get a far more limited view from 6.57pm, with the eclipse hitting its maximum at 7pm and ending at 8.03pm. You'll want to have your cameras at the ready, of course — and see if you can outdo previous big batches of supermoon snaps and super blue blood moon pics. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies. So, city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. If you can't get a clear vantage, Sydney Observatory will be hosting a livestream with Gomeroi yinarr woman, astrophysicist and STEM leader Karlie Alinta Noon, plus Sydney Observatory astrophysicist Dr Andrew Jacob and Sydney Observatory Astronomy Ambassador Kat Ross, from 6.30pm AEST/7.30pm AEDT. The Virtual Telescope Project will also be live-streaming from the skyline above Rome from 5pm AEST/6pm AEDT. The 97 percent partial lunar eclipse will take place on the evening of Friday, November 19. For further information, including about timing, head to either NASA or Timeanddate.com.
If you're on the fence about growing a big mo this November, the Movember crew's free pop-up barber shop might just help sway you towards participating. On Thursday, October 17, the Movember's eight-metre silver bullet airstream will park up at Fed Square, giving away free beard trims to anyone who drops by. Keen to clean things up before growing your November moustache? Want to learn how to maintain and care for your mo? Maybe you're just mo-curious and want a professional to carve one out for you. [caption id="attachment_975155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sydney pop-up barber shop.[/caption] Whatever the reason, you best consider using this free pop-up barber service, which is open from 7am–9pm. Drop by anytime for a mo consultation or head over at 12pm for a special yoga session powered by lululemon. And if go after work — from 5pm — you'll even find food trucks, drinks and tunes. You don't have to sign up for this year's Movember, but you'll be encouraged to do so — raising money for men's health.
It's a fact that some architectural firms use Lego to privately demonstrate building layout ideas. How adorable it is to imagine a room of dashing young architects tinkering with the colourful plastic blocks of their childhoods. But now Lego has launched a sophisticated, minimalist, all-white set of bricks that can help make you an architect yourself. Maybe you could you be the next Harry Seidler. This is no children's toy; part of the adults' mini-architecture line, the Lego Architecture Studio is for ages 16+. It's a great example of how the accoutrements of playtime can become a lifelong educational tool, aimed at aspiring architects, designers and construction enthusiasts. Apart from its 1210 bricks, in lieu of an instruction booklet it comes with the true bargain of the set — a 272-page illustrated book that puts forth the fundamentals of architectural design. Christopher Turner edited the book, which was written with architecture firms including KRADS, MAD, REX, SOM, Sou Fujimoto, Winy Maas, Safdie and Tham & Videgaard. There are exercises included that will help you, poised on your living room floor with plastic blocks in hand, grasp the notions of scale, surface, texture, density, modules, voids, repetition and more. Online reviews of the Studio are packed with squeals of delight from architecture students the world over. The set even comes with sorting trays for your bricks — how advanced is that? — so invest and let your dreams of yore live anew. A world of speculative Lego layouts in tasteful Modernist white awaits. Via Hyperallergic.
Yep, we're back in lockdown, Melbourne. But having to stay home doesn't mean we need to take a culture break. Heaps of events, galleries, film festivals and architectural displays have transitioned to online — so you can enjoy it all in from the comfort of your home. Learn to draw like Dali, visit a famous New York art gallery and view Melbourne's best-loved buildings, all without leaving the couch. Australia's latest exhibitions are calling you, Melburnians, and all you have to do is click the link.
If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. Launched in 2003, Chocolate Buddha has long been a fixture of Federation Square's dynamic group of residents. But now, just like neighbour ACMI, the modern Japanese spot is mixing things up. While it's still located in the same spot, Angela Mathioudakis' (Joe's Garage, Blue Train Cafe, Transit, Taxi) restaurant has undergone a hefty makeover courtesy of long-time collaborator, award-winning architect Peter Maddison. The newly reopened corner site is a study in contemporary Japanese sensibilities, from its breezy new look to the refined sashimi and big bowls of ramen. And it boasts not one, but two high-tech sushi trains — the first parading freshly made sushi, sashimi, maki and nigiri, and the other (an extra fast "bullet train") delivering hot dishes straight to your table. Step through the door and you'll now discover a bright, lofty space, decked out with handmade Japanese tiles, raw cement and Victorian ash timber. Japanese fabric screens and compressed timber acoustic panelling help to create a more intimate feel. There are separate kitchens for each part of the menu, with one open station dedicated to showcasing the talented sushi chefs at work. They're whipping up creations like soft-shell crab and avocado rolls, salmon rice paper sushi topped with spicy tobiko mayo, and panko-crumbed chicken katsu rolls. [caption id="attachment_745386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] William Watt[/caption] Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find izakaya-style plates such as steamed prawn and salmon dumplings, spicy lamb misoyaki, yakitori and a selection of seasonal tempura dishes. You can also tuck into some donburi – perhaps the chargrilled chicken with house-made teriyaki – a range of ramen and a handful of salads, including one starring crab meat, wakame and potato. A Even dessert lovers are sorted, with clever treats like a yuzu baked cheesecake and chocolate spring rolls teamed with caramel miso sauce. Meanwhile, the drinks list is equally loaded with choice. You'll find a largely Aussie wine lineup, sake and umeshu galore, and a mix of local brews and easy-drinking imports, both on tap and by the bottle. Find the new-look Chocolate Buddha at Federation Square, Corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, Melbourne. It's open from Tuesday–Saturday 11.30am-10pm and Sunday–Monday 11.30am–9.30pm. Images: William Watt
If you're the type of traveller who doesn't just plan where you'll be staying and what sights you'll be seeing, but also what you'll be drinking while you're there, then add Australia's latest accommodation option to your dream holiday list. A collaboration between caravan rental site Camplify and The Botanist Gin, The Botanist Van is the country's first gin-themed caravan — and yes, a bottle of gin will be waiting for you when you get there. Nicknamed Mazzy the Van, the holiday spot on wheels has been painted in beachy blue and white hues, while its interiors have been decked out Hamptons-style — with oozing serious 70s vibes one of its aims. The renovated 1979 Viscount Royal vintage caravan comes with a barbecue, an outdoor table and chairs, and an awning, as well as indoor and outdoor games, a beach umbrella and beach towels, and a picnic basket. It's the stocked Botanist Gin bar cart, however, that'll make you thirsty. During your stay, you'll be sipping from a complimentary 700-millilitre bottle of The Botanist gin, a four-pack of Fever Tree tonic waters and Botanicus' flavoured herbal Tea Tube. You'll also be combining all of the above with dried fruit garnishes and other ingredients to make gin cocktails. The Botanist team have some new suggestions for the latter, too, including its own spin on a G&T — so you just need to get mixing and sipping. If this sounds like your kind of getaway, The Botanist Van is available to book from Friday, November 6 through until the end of summer (February 28, 2021) from $140 per night — sleeping four people, and for a minimum three-night stay. You will need to get cosy over a weekend to receive the gin pack, though, as it comes with Friday–Sunday and Saturday–Monday bookings. As for where you'll be having a few drinks, kicking back and getting nostalgic, the van is based on the New South Wales South Coast. It can be reserved and set up on your choice of campsite within 100 kilometres of Flinders — so between Austinmer and Jervis Bay. To book The Botanist Van — with prices from $140 per day, and rentals available within 100 kilometres of Flinders in New South Wales until February 28, 2021 — visit the Camplify website.
Twenty years ago, long before he explored the birth of American hiphop in Netflix's The Get Down, Baz Luhrmann achieved two not-too-insignificant things with his film adaptation of Romeo + Juliet. Not only did the Aussie director's vibrant take on the tragic classic completely change the way everyone thinks about Shakespeare — it also delivered one of the killer soundtracks of the '90s, and one that many a movie has tried and failed to top since. The track list speaks for itself really, featuring everything Garbage's '#1 Crush' to The Cardigans' 'Lovefool' to Radiohead's 'Talk Show Host'. Everclear, Butthole Surfers, that one good Des'ree song and Quindon Tarver's 'Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)' also pop up, with Luhrmann turning the greatest love story ever told into the greatest soundtrack ever sold. If you were around and of a certain age back in '96, you definitely owned a copy. You probably still do. Now, you can definitely relive those memories — and celebrate a swoon-worthy collection of tunes — at Romeo & Juliet (Vol 1): The 20th Anniversary as part of Melbourne Fringe. Tom Dickins and a yet-to-be-revealed, star-studded lineup of musicians and performers will bring the soundtrack to end all soundtracks to life at a 20th anniversary party. The event only happens twice, on September 23 and 24, so we'd recommend getting your tickets quick. If this shindig proves even a fraction as popular as its inspiration, it'll be sold out before you can utter "wherefore art thou Romeo?".
UPDATE Monday, July 19: Lift those spirits and treat yourself to an at-home Mexican fiesta, courtesy of Mejico's latest delivery meal boxes. They arrive ready to heat and serve, packed with a two-person menu of starters, sides, dessert and a main dish — like the hibiscus mole chicken. A range of food and drink add-ons are also available. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. As the CBD slowly emerges from its 2020 hibernation, it's welcomed an especially lively newcomer in Mejico — a vibrant eatery that opened its doors this week, transforming Pink Alley into a permanent fiesta. Sibling to Mejico Sydney, which launched back in 2013, the restaurant's serving up a diverse menu of regional Mexican fare, alongside what's pegged to be Melbourne's largest selection of tequila and mezcal, clocking in at over 260 varieties. The two-storey space sports an edgy fit-out full of black and neon pink accents, with an all-weather glasshouse-style dining room on the ground floor, and a more intimate tequila bar and cocktail lounge upstairs. It's decked out with hand-drawn mandalas, striking murals by local artist Ash Keating, and a leafy vertical garden. Unlike most of the Mexican joints you've been frequenting, this one's an early riser, kicking off each day with a breakfast offering from 7.30am. Settle in with the likes of a reworked eggs benny with chipotle hollandaise, dulce de leche crumpets and mezcal-cured salmon, or grab a fresh croissant and coffee to-go. [caption id="attachment_793263" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Come lunch and dinner, the menu expands to a colourful lineup of street snacks — think, grilled haloumi with burnt honey, fire-glazed salmon tacos and empanadas stuffed with Daylesford beef brisket — alongside larger plates like the pasilla-spiced roast chicken and a Yucatan-style pulled pork matched with smoked eggplant. Here, the all-important guacamole element is prepared tableside in front of your eyes, served with plantain chips and customised with your choice of garnishes. Or, you can tuck into a classic ($62) or deluxe ($79) 'feed me' menu, the latter of which includes a serve of Mejico's signature margarita cheesecake. Late-night cravings are sorted, too, with a special post-11pm snack menu, featuring bites like blue corn chips with a roasted pineapple and habanero salsa, brisket empanadas, and crispy chicharrones. Tequila and mezcal reign supreme on the drinks list, though the agave-focused cocktail lineup is also set to get a solid workout. You'll find fruity creations like a jalapeño margarita and the Guadalajaran — featuring a blend of pineapple-infused tequila and passionfruit. Rounding out the fun is a tidy crop of wines, crisp beers, and sangria by the glass or jug. Images: Arianna Leggiero
Shimmering glacial lakes, stunning wildflower meadows, enchanting snow gum forests and mountainous vistas that seem to go on forever — the Snowy Mountains is home to some of the most varied and magical scenery in Australia. And there's so much more to see outside of the chilly season. Spring, summer and autumn are ideal for exploring freely, unhindered by snow, ice and bitter winds. Whether you're a coffee cruiser who likes your hikes short and easy or a hardcore adventurer keen to conquer as many peaks as possible in a day, here are five spectacular hiking trails in the Snowy Mountains that you really should try before Jack Frost comes around again. MT KOSCIUSZKO SUMMIT WALK This exhilarating walk carries you to the highest point in Australia: the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, 2228 metres above sea level. Its eighteen kilometres start at Charlotte's Pass, then follow the Old Summit Road, surrounding you with epic views of the Australian Alps and the Bogong Peaks Wilderness much of the way. Stop by the Snowy River for a picnic, spend a moment in the Seaman's Hut (built in 1929) and leave yourself plenty of time to wander among wildflowers, rock formations and snow gums. For a more challenging adventure, take the alternative Main Range Walk, a 22-kilometre loop that passes some stunning glacial lakes. If you're looking for less of a challenge (but equally stunning valley views) take the Express Chairlift — it's a scenic 15-minute, two-kilometre ride from Thredbo almost all the way to Mount K. NICHOLS GORGE WALKING TRACK You'll need a torch to make the most of this wondrous, seven-kilometre loop. That's because within 500 metres of setting out, you'll come across Cooleman Cave — and it's pitch black inside. The next section — dotted with ancient fossils of brachiopods and sea lilies — journeys along Cave Creek before traversing plains covered in snow grass and backdropped by the rugged Gurrangorambla Range and Tom O'Rourkes Peak. Along the way, expect to pass numerous views of breathtaking Nichols Gorge, and look out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead. The track starts at Blue Waterholes Campground in the High Plains area of Kosciuszko National Park. Fair warning: you'll be tempted to sleep over and visit Clarke Gorge the following day so plan ahead. DEAD HORSE GAP WALKING TRACK This spectacular five-kilometre track transports you 600 metres above Thredbo Valley and across part of the Australian Alps Walking Trail, a 655-kilometre adventure that crosses the country's highest peaks. Start at either end: Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way or at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift in Thredbo. Whichever you choose, you'll spend your time immersed in snow gum forests, alpine heath and meadows dotted with native herbs, all the while surrounded by dramatic Ramshead Range. Alternatively, walk from Thredbo Village through the golf course and onto the Thredbo River Track. THREDBO VALLEY TRAIL While Dead Horse Gap Track puts you above Thredbo Valley, this 17-kilometre one-way trail allows you to explore its depths. What's more, it's shared, so you can jump on a bike for something different. Your escapade begins at Thredbo Village, follows Thredbo River and crisscrosses at several points via suspension bridges. Snow gum forests and tall mountain gum woods interweave with open grasslands, and if you're especially observant, you might spot a 400-year-old mountain plum pine or two. There is the option to catch your own lunch, so try your luck at catching a fish along the way. The trail ends at Bullocks Hut, but you can continue to Lake Crackenback Resort or shorten your adventure by using an access point, such as Thredbo Diggings Campground or Ngarigo Campground. [caption id="attachment_661587" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] YARRANGOBILLY CAVES WALK Most people associate Yarrangobilly Caves with strolls into dark caverns and along meandering rivers, but this two-kilometre walk gives you quite the opposite: grand, head-clearing views. Strap up your boots at Glory Hole carpark, from where you should follow the road leading into Yarrangobilly Valley, before turning off at the Bluff Lookout sign. Just 150 metres later, you'll find yourself staring out over Yarrangobilly Caves House, backdropped by dramatic limestone formations and wilderness. Do note that the trail gets steep in places, so you'll need some fitness, willpower and water on your side. The good news is that the return trip is an easy 500 metres, all downhill and ending up at a picnic area with free electric barbies. Discover all that the Snowy Mountains has to offer outside of winter months, from jam-packed adventures to culinary excursions and so much more.
Heartbreak kid Ryan Adams and ex-Rilo Kiley lead singer Jenny Lewis are in the country for what is sure to be another excellent Splendour In The Grass. Even better, while they're here they've decided to team up and perform a couple of sideshows - and Melbourne has thankfully made the cut. Lewis and Adams are far from strangers; as well as sharing alt-country backgrounds and impeccable lyrical writing skills, Adams also produced Lewis’ 2014 album The Voyager. Lewis’ stand out single 'Just One Of The Guys' cemented itself into our brains last year not only for it’s wry vocals and catchy jingle, but also for having one of the best music videos of 2014. Adams, meanwhile, hasn't been to our shores since 2012. To see these two creative musical artists perform together is sure to be a very special event well worth the price of admission.
If you're obsessed with Korean food and culture but a trip to Seoul isn't on the cards anytime soon, EziStreat's huge Seoul Sunday Market best be etched into your calendar, stat. For one day only, 11.30am-4pm on Sunday, September 15, North Melbourne's hawker-style food hall and beer garden EziStreat will be taken over by artisanal craft and clothing stalls and cultural performances. The venue's usual street food vendors will also be out that day, dishing up mostly pan-Asian eats. Seoul Bunsik will also be serving up Korean street food, including its much-loved Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, kimbap and rice cake songpyeon — traditionally eaten as a treat for Chuseok in Korea. But the shopping side of things is where Seoul Sunday Market really shines. My Korean School and EziStreat have together curated an impressive lineup of local and international artisans who'll be selling their wares to Koreanophiles (or really just about anyone who loves handcrafted goods). Gori Kitchenware will provide a selection of ceramics and tableware from Korea. Melbeauty will be selling Korean skincare products. And MiranDay Designs will showcase some of its Korean women's clothes. There'll even be some live K-pop performances throughout the arvo, helping create the party vibes. Top images: Noah Sutherland
Let's call it the seven-, eight- and nine-month itch: that point when a year reaches its halfway point, and as winter starts to give way to spring, when holidays, holidays, holidays is all that's on anyone's mind. Is that you right now? Been spending every spare moment dreaming of summer getaways, and also making travel plans right into 2023? Then Virgin's latest sale arrives at the right time. More than one million fares are up for grabs as part of the Bring On Summer sale, covering both Aussie and international destinations. Yes, that means that you've got options, no matter where you'd like to head. Among the domestic routes, one-way fares start at $49, which'll get you from Sydney to Byron Bay. Other sale flights include Brisbane–Whitsunday Coast from $75, Melbourne–Gold Coast from $79, Melbourne–Adelaide from $79 as well and Sydney–Hobart from $85. And if you're wondering when you'll need to travel, you can book trips between January 17–June 24, 2023. Internationally, return fares cover getaways to Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa — from Sydney (from $489 to Fiji, $549 to Bali and $560 to Samoa), Melbourne ($549 to Bali and $579 to Fiji) and Brisbane ($475 to Vanuatu, $529 to either Bali or Fiji, and $559 to Samoa). Again, that means you've got choices, including if multiple getaways to different spots are in your ideal future. As always when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until midnight AEST on Monday, September 5 or sold out, whichever arrives first. In total, the sale is taking up to 30-percent off Virgin's economy fares to 34 locations. Yep, best grab your suitcase now. Virgin's Bring on Summer sale runs from until Monday, September 5 — or until sold out.
Economic uncertainty and vast urban sprawl have made the dream of owning a home less likely for many citizens. Thankfully, architects and designers around the globe are fusing creativity with the latest technology to build unique homes at a fraction of the price. Pre-fabricated houses are gaining more relevance in today's society as homes that are affordable for most prospective owners. These houses are manufactured in factories and then transported and assembled at a location of your choosing. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, simplicity and a reduced impact on the environment, pre-fabricated houses are a solution that people are looking to with greater interest. Here we have collected some of the most innovative pre-fabricated houses. With the diverse range of materials and designs used in the examples below, pre-fabricated homes have also become one of the primary avenues for creative minds to flaunt their imaginations. Have a look below and consider a pre-fabricated home to make your own. MCube by MDesigns Superb-A House by mnm.MOD PLACE Houses mkLotus by Michelle Kauffman The Crib by Broadhurst Architects Haus Bold by Thomas Bendel House Arc by Bellomo Architects Loftcube Origin by Blu Homes zeroHouse
Keen to combine romance and gambling? Sadly an overnight getaway to Vegas is probably off the cards for a while yet, so if you're looking for an over-the-top way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, this might be the next best thing. QT Hotels around New Zealand and Australia are offering loved-up couples the chance to win big when they book a Valentine's stay at any of their hotels in February, and we mean really big. Live in the hotel for the rest of the month, big. Yup, that's right Chuck Bass. For the price of one night's stay, you could be living it up in a hotel for weeks, ordering breakfast to your bed and dialling into Zoom calls poolside. View this post on Instagram A post shared by QT Auckland (@qtauckland) It's all part of the new Love Is Blind promotion run by QT, inviting guests to roll the dice in a low-risk, high-reward game of romantic roulette. Book a stay with your beau (or bestie, or even your mum) between Friday, February 11 and Tuesday, February and you'll be surprised with either an upgrade or downgrade on check-in. The upgrades are all looking pretty sweet. You might get your champagne bottle levelled up to a magnum, or even your room upgraded to a suite. The best prize on offer is having your stay extended until Monday, February 28 — that's 17 nights for the price of one. And that offer is on at every QT Hotel in Australia and New Zealand, so you're in with a decent shot at winning. Of course, the flipside is risking a downgrade — that's gambling for you. QT promises that downgrades are "rare" but they're there: you might get a mere chocolate on the pillow (still sounds yum tbh) or have your King-sized bed downgraded to two twin beds. Sexy! The novel promotion is not out of character for the hotel chain, which is known for its quirky campaigns. Back in 2020, it ran a Rock Star package encouraging you to book out an entire floor to party with your mates. Upon opening in Auckland, the hotel hid 150 room keys around the city in a giant treasure hunt. In this case, you're relying on a fair bit of luck to be on your side — but if you're already lucky in love, this will just be the icing on the cake. The Love Is Blind package is available at QT Sydney, QT Bondi, QT Canberra, QT Melbourne, QT Gold Coast, QT Perth, QT Auckland, QT Wellington and QT Queenstown between Friday 11 February to Tuesday 15 February 2022. Bookings are available now, with February 14 the last available day to book.
Kensington's beloved Doutta Galla Hotel has finally reopened, almost a year after it closed for major renovations. The Doot, as locals and regulars affectionately refer to it, has new owners, a fresh look and big plans ahead for the future. The Doot first opened its doors back in 1889, just down the road from Flemington Racecourse, and has remained a vital community spot for the Inner North — for families, footy fans, and racegoers alike — for over a century. During its time, it has held various names, including the Flemington Inn and the Geebung Polo Club, but at its heart, and for locals, it has always been known as The Doot. Now, The Doot reopens under the stewardship of the Kickon Group and a team of dedicated investors. Run by Craig Shearer and newly appointed Pub Partner Ben Lougoon, the Kickon Group operate lively venues such as The Terminus Hotel, The Continental and Pincho Disco. The group of passionate investors includes former AFL players Luke Hodge and Andrew Walker, and Vikings actor Travis Fimmel. Craig Shearer, CEO of Kickon Group, says, "The Doutta Galla has always been about more than beer and food. It's about connection, celebration, and the energy of the community. This relaunch isn't just about reopening a pub, it's about bringing a Melbourne icon back to life." The various levels of the pub have undergone a significant facelift as part of the renovation. On the ground level, a bar is located alongside a restaurant serving classic pub fare with a focus on steak. The upper levels have been transformed from hotel rooms to a series of event spaces. Whether you pop in for happy hour (from 4 to 7pm, Monday to Friday) for $7 wines and handles, and $12 cocktails, settle in for $20 parma day on Wednesdays, get a group together for trivia, stop by to watch the game or catch some live music, you're in for an easy-going, good time at The Doot. While many things have changed, much remains the same. The recognisable red doors remain as a nod to the pub's legacy. And most importantly, The Doot continues to serve as a hive of the community, providing a meeting place for connection, celebration, and late-night good times (the pub boasts a 3am licence). Images: Supplied.
"Nobody likes you when you're 23," blink-182 once told the world, but that sentiment doesn't apply to long-running music events that take over Brisbane every year. When BIGSOUND reaches that very number in 2024, there'll be plenty to like and downright love. The festival has already dropped a heap of names on its conference lineup, including Kelis and Amyl and The Sniffers frontwoman Amy Taylor, and now it has revealed a batch of 70 acts that'll be getting the River City's venues echoing. Between Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 in Fortitude Valley, attendees are in for not one but two Peking Duk experiences, with Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles — the former as Keli Holiday, the latter as Y.O.G.A. — making their solo BIGSOUND debuts. Alex the Astronaut, Gretta Ray and Sly Withers are also on the bill, as are dust, Dear Seattle, Stand Atlantic, PEPTALK, total tommy and Noah Dillon. The list goes on from there, including Australian First Nations talent Maanyung, Ray Dimakarri Dixon and Kiwat Kennell, plus New Zealand's NO CIGAR, Dick Move, Paige, Park RD, Reiki Ruawai and DARTZ. [caption id="attachment_907796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] BIGSOUND Music Programmers Casey O'Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne have had the job of whittled down their picks from more than 1200 applicants. "We are blown away by the calibre of artists that applied this year, and we've discovered so many amazing new artists in the process," they advised. If you're keen to see the results of the pair's curatorial efforts but can't stretch your budget, BIGSOUND is offering two cost-of-living crisis-friendly ticketing options this year: $25 one-night Music Festival tickets if you're under 25 years of age, and also $75 three-night Music Festival tickets if you purchase before Wednesday, July 31. [caption id="attachment_851424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] BIGSOUND's latest 2024 announcement adds to a roster of names that also spans London-based DJ, artist manager and Butterz co-founder Elijah among the speakers — and Korda Marshall, who started his record label career in 1983 making coffee and scouting talent at RCA. Casper Mills from independent record label 4AD will also share wisdom and experiences, as will Naomie Abergel, fka Mark Johns, plus AEG/Goldenvoice Concerts Vice President Elliott Lefko. Performance-wise, the event's commitment to showcasing impressive acts, artists and bands usually sees more than 150 talents hit its stages at 20-plus River City venues. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know that this entails filling as many Brisbane spaces as possible with musos, industry folks and music-loving punters, all enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent the country has to offer. [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_907800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simone Gorman-Clark[/caption] BIGSOUND 2024 Artist Lineup: AKA Lui Alex the Astronaut Austin Mackay Belle Haven breathe. Cap Carter Charlie Pittman Charlotte Le Lievre Cooper Smith DARTZ Dear Seattle Dick Move DoloRRes dust Erik Sanders Flow Kobra Fool Nelson FRIDAY* Front Row Garage Sale Georgia Mooney Gretta Ray Hellcat Speedracer Homegrown Trio Hudson Rose ISHAN Jerome Blazé Juice Webster Julian Munyard JUNO Keli Holiday Kiwat Kennell Lotte Gallagher LUPO.THEBOY Maanyung Mac The Knife MARVELL Matahara Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields Mau Power Medhanit MUDRAT NO CIGAR Noah Dillon Paige Park RD PEPTALK Playlunch Prink R.em.edy Ray Dimakarri Dixon Reiki Ruawai Rowena Wise SAME PAINS Sesame Girl Sex Mask Sly Withers Sonic Reducer Squid the Kid Stand Atlantic Stocker sunbleached The Belair Lip Bombs The Velvet club This New Light total tommy Vetta Borne Vinnie Brigante Wade Forster Y.O.G.A BIGSOUND 2024 will take place between Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website. Top image: Dave Kan.
No, you are not looking at a digitally altered photo. These photos are the work of German painter, sculptor and designer, Cornelia Konrads. She has created amazing displays of 'land-art' that seem to defy gravity. Her work represents the temporary existence of the structures that we build within nature. These displays are the disintegration of the man-made structures right before our eyes. Unique and beautiful, her work is a unique approach to land-art and we are quite impressed. For more of her stellar artwork, check out her website.
Chilli fiends, listen up. Can you eat Belle's Really F**kin Hot chicken wings without batting an eyelid? Choose the three chilli-rated menu items at Dainty Sichuan for a laugh? Well, have we got news for you. The team behind Hobba has recruited some of Melbourne's top food trucks to bring you the inaugural Melbourne Chilli Festival. Held on the vacant lot next to Hobba in Prahran on Saturday, June 4, each truck will create a special chilli offering just for the night. So what can you expect to be eating? Well, perhaps a few Dos Diablos tacos, a Little Mushroom Co. veggie burger, Soul Kitchen wood-fired pizza and some souvas from Hobba — all laden with chilli, of course. Billy Van Creamy will be there too, serving an intriguing chilli ice cream we're most keen to try. For the serious chilli eaters (and we mean serious), a chilli eating competition will be held on the night too — and it's set to test even the bravest, most numbed of tastebuds. If you're not a spice fiend though, they've got your kind covered too. As well as All The Chilli there will be non-chilli, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, so you won't have to go home crying from the spice of it all. The night isn't simply for the love of chilli, either — the gold coin donation entry fee will go to Prahran Mission, which is committed to assisting those with mental illness and extreme social or economic hardship. Now that's some spicy eating we can get behind. The Melbourne Chilli Festival 2016 will be held on Saturday, June 4 from 6-10pm at 424 Malvern Road, Prahran (the vacant lot next door to Hobba). For more info, check the Facebook event. Image: Colin McMurry.
This weekend, you've got a great excuse to hop on the train and get outta town, as the first edition of new music series End of the Line fires up Sandringham on Saturday, December 3. Presented by Victorian music program Always Live, the debut music fest will dish up an arvo of all-female Aussie music talent at — you guessed it — the end of the railway line. [caption id="attachment_880218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Merindas[/caption] The free festival is set to descend on the foreshore lawn beside the Sandringham Band Rotunda from 2pm, to deliver six sweet hours of live tunes. The lineup's diverse, too, featuring rising star of the pop scene Maple Glider, Indigenous duo The Merindas, indie-rock darling Chitra, and legendary artist and producer Jen Cloher. There'll be food and drink pop-ups if you fancy making a picnic day of it. Plus, expect to catch lots more performances and entertainment happening right around Sandy Village from 12pm on the day. [caption id="attachment_880217" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chitra, by Georgia Wallace[/caption]
Mere days in and 2023 is already starting off in an exciting — and extremely delicious — fashion. Each month, Melbourne and Brisbane's Lune Croissanterie unleashes a fresh range of menu specials, spanning new and beloved creations. To kick off the new year, that means the return of quite the Frankenstein's monster of baked goods: the Iced Vovo cruffin. Back in 2022, the cult-favourite bakery began the year with lamington cruffins. 2023's choice is clearly just as tasty. The words you're looking for? Yum and yum. It's exactly what it sounds like, stuffing a cruffin with coconut custard and raspberry jam, dipping it in raspberry glaze, sprinkling coconut on top and adding another button of jam as well. Fans of Kate Reid's pastry haven can pick up a pink-hued treat at Lune's Fitzroy and Armadale stores in Melbourne, as well as at its South Brisbane digs in Brisbane — and you can order them online in Brissie, too. In the tastebud-tempting stakes, it also has company, spanning both sweet and savoury dishes. Also on the menu: a coconut rough pain au chocolat, the OG Lune twice-baked pain au chocolat. It includes a chocolate coconut frangipane filling, plus large coconut flakes and drizzled chocolate on top — and it's on offer at all Lune locations, and online from South Brisbane and Burnett Lane. The January specials list also boasts twice-baked almond frangipane and vanilla crème croissants, which are topped with a slice of raw honey; mixed berry danishes, highlighting summer fruits; and pineapple upside down cakes, for a retro bite. And, the savoury special is spanakopita as an escargot, as filled with a spinach, ricotta and feta mix, then seasoned with lemon and herbs. Different specials are on offer at different stores, and only the Queensland venues also do pre-orders. Lune's January specials menu runs from Tuesday, January 31, with different specials on offer at Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne, and South Brisbane in Brisbane. In Brisbane only, you can also order them online. Images: Peter Dillon.
Not quite a cake. Not quite a pancake, either. Not a slice of toast, and not an English muffin. It's sort of what you'd get if all those delightful breakfast foods birthed a hybrid: a beautiful, holey, thick round that holds as much love in its tiny holes as it does melted butter. Yeah, we're waxing lyrical about crumpets — but for good reason. Made from as little as four ingredients, crumpets may just be the ultimate comfort food. With a texture unlike anything you've ever put in your face, crumpos are the antidote to any boring brunch habits, and the tastiest spongy breakfast food you ever did munch on (especially when covered in butter and honey). So where to find them in Melbourne? These six spots slather theirs with honey, cheese, Nutella, lemon curd and all sorts of spread. We've done the research — you just gotta do the eating.
Summer has to come to an end at some point, and for The Queen Victoria Market's ever-popular summer series — The Night Market — that end is just a few short weeks away. The food, the tunes and the nighttime revelry will all wrap up on Wednesday, April 11, rounding out a huge 21-week season for the warm weather favourite. And, having welcomed over half a million visitors since kicking off on November 15, The Night Market is going extra large for these final two iterations. Taking the stage on Wednesday, April 4, will be family-friendly crew The Mik Maks, and seven-piece brass outfit Horns of Leroy, while on April 11, you'll enjoy sounds from both Babaganoush and singer-songwriter Cooper Lower. A swag of free activities and a dedicated play zone will keep the school holiday set entertained on both dates, while the food offering will bring back some of the season's best-loved culinary gems. Expect to chow down on the likes of Southside Smokers' pulled pork, soft-shell crab rolls from Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie, and steamed buns from Wonderbao. As always, the bar will be repping an all-Aussie lineup, pouring treats from Coopers, Melbourne Gin Company, Pimm's, Running Bull Sangria and Coldstream Apple Cider. For more information about the market's last two weeks, head to the website.
The ever-popular Deeds Brewing finally has a taproom and tasting bar of its own, located in the same 2600-square-metre former mechanics workshop its brewery calls home. With room for 150 people across a ground floor and booth-filled mezzanine level, the lofty, mod-industrial space offers views of the brewing equipment and fermentation tanks from wherever you sit. A 28-tap lineup focuses on Deeds' own house creations, pouring year-round sips like the XPA (from $5.5) and Juice Train NEIPA (from $8) alongside a rotation of seasonal and limited-edition brews. The beers are backed by a curation of local wine, Aussie spirits and cocktails, plus brewery tours and tastings will also be on offer. A clever yet approachable menu from Head Chef Paul Kasten (Stomping Ground, Host Dining) incorporates both beer and classic beer ingredients throughout. Expect bites like focaccia teamed with malt butter, hop-cured salmon with creme fraiche and Geraldton wax, and brussels sprouts elevated with pale malt and onion cream. Blue Grenadier might be coated in a Deeds draught batter and matched with malt vinegar, while a wagyu MS9+ blade fillet comes served alongside an ale glaze and green chilli harissa. And if dessert's on the cards, prepare to be won over by the likes of a stout brownie or a malted whipped cheesecake with caramelised puff pastry. Paired with a serve of Deeds' latest dark, malty creation, of course.
These days, whenever an old pop culture commodity comes back in a new guise, it's easy to feel complacent. It happens all the time, whether it's a classic franchise receiving its second reboot, a cult 80s movie making the leap to the small screen or a huge TV hit jumping into prequel territory to continue its story. But if you're a fan of a certain undead-killing late 90s and early 00s television show, you'll know that great things can start this way. It's the path that Buffy the Vampire Slayer took, after all. Based on the 1992 movie of the same name, the Sarah Michelle Gellar-starring series might just be the finest example of a film-turned-TV show — well, it's definitely the best example in the high school-set vampire genre — as the world came to learn across seven seasons that initially aired between 1997–2003. Buffy has remained a cult favourite ever since, and plenty of devotees still have the huge DVD collections to prove it. Now, binging your way through the whole show is as easy as heading to Australian streaming platform Stan. As part of a deal with Disney that's also brought How I Met Your Mother, Sons of Anarchy, Grey's Anatomy and Family Guy to the service, all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are available to stream. Whether you now know what you're doing this summer, have your after-work viewing planned for the foreseeable future or are planning to devote many a weekend to a rewatch, it's all there — from Buffy's arrival in Sunnydale, to her romantic fondness for brooding vamps Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters), to all the hijinks that the Scooby Gang got up to while living on top of a hellmouth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1v_q6TWAL4 Because this is a series that, fittingly, no one wants to die, a Buffy spinoff was announced back in 2018 — however, to date, it's yet to come to fruition. There's nothing quite like the original Joss Whedon-created show, though, even if it wasn't the very first take on the feisty character. Grab your stakes, line up a range of suitably garlic-flavoured snacks and get ready for a whole world of small-town, high school hell — with vampires, demons, witches, plenty of dark forces, wise watchers like Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) and Wesley (Alexis Denisof), and, of course, Buffy's besties Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon). All seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are now available to stream on Stan.
Even after a couple of years that've seen everyone spend far more time at home than normal, there are still only so many hours in the day to devote to your streaming queue. Sadly, you simply can't watch everything — which is why everyone has a list of classic shows they've always been meaning to get around to, and they definitely want to see, but just haven't managed to press play on yet. When a company like HBO makes such a wide array of series and so frequently, you can be forgiven for failing to keep up, after all. Need help knowing what to prioritise? Not sure where to start, or what shows you'll instantly realise that you should never have lived without for all these years? We've teamed up with streaming service Binge to take care of your next five viewing choices, picking the programs that you know you should've gotten to by now — and that you can spend your summer catching up on, including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
Melbourne's wintry temperatures are in full force right now, but we know one place where you can revel in some balmy summer heat whenever you feel like it. What's more, it's thought to have a whole swag of benefits for your body, not just your mood. Nestled within Swanston Street's Century Building, Pure Wellness Studio is thought to be the CBD's first dedicated infrared sauna studio. These aren't your standard saunas, either — rather, state-of-the-art Sunlighten pods that use direct infrared heat to penetrate deep into your body's tissues, unlocking a range of health benefits in the process. Infrared therapy offers the same kind of warmth you get from natural sunlight, only minus those damaging UV rays. It's also a much more bearable heat than the kind you get from regular saunas, meaning you can comfortably kick back in that little room for up to 45 minutes — none of that getting instantly hot and bothered, and looking for an immediate escape. The increasingly popular therapy is earning a big name for its detoxification powers — able to remove up to more than six times as many toxins from the body as a regular sauna — as well as its effectiveness at burning calories. It's also thought to be great for boosting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow and circulation. Pure Wellness boasts three different styles of infrared sauna rooms, including one with a cushy bed that envelops you with full surround heat while you're lying down, relaxed to the max. Prices start from $55 for a 45-minute session, with membership options available. For those looking to treat those muscles even further, the studio also offers relaxation, deep-tissue and hot stone massages, and a menu of facial treatments. You can even combine therapies for an indulgent two-, three- or four-hour pamper session. Find Pure Wellness Studio at Suite 604, Level 6, 125 Swanston Street, Melbourne. It's open from 3–7pm Tuesday, 10am–7pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am–5pm Saturday.
Rose Chong Costumes isn't just a shop — it's an institution. Affectionately known as 'Chongworld', the ten rooms are bursting with imaginative and downright ridiculous bespoke costumes like vegetable-stuffed sushi rolls, loud gold bodysuits and sultry nun get-ups that'll have you doing a few Hail Marys later on. Rose Chong has been drawing on her extensive experience in the film industry to frock up Fitzroy's streets for the past 40 years, so even if you don't need an outfit you should still pop in for a stickybeak. You can't miss the leopard print-covered facade with glittery pink lettering. Or, if you're feeling brave, it's the ultimate spot to re-create your favourite movie montage dress up scene. BYO music. Images: Parker Blain.
Reckon you could write the Great Australian Novel, if only you could find the time? Sick of staring at that half-finished film script? Been scribbling down lots of lines, but yet to finish a poem? Well, how does five days alone in a tiny house in the wilderness, completely off the grid, sound? Meet Cabin Days, a new writer's residency that sounds like every time-poor scribe's dream. It's being run by Unyoked, the Aussie startup that rents out those adorable little cabins in the middle of nowhere, in collaboration with online platform The Writers Bloc to give writers a chance to, well, write — without any interruptions (except maybe the view). The successful residents will receive five nights of free (!) accommodation, as well as personalised writing supplies, a bar (gin will be supplied by Archie Rose and beer by Capital Brewing Co.) and, if requested, support to publish their work. Two residencies will be given away per year — one in Sydney and another in Melbourne. Unyoked's cabins are located in secret spots, surrounded by bush, less than two hours from the city. At the moment there are four scattered around NSW and two in Victoria. Run independently by twin brothers Cam and Chris Grant — and designed with the help of Sydney studio Fresh Prince — they're built to make you feel as though you're part of the natural environment, but with the security of four, solid walls to keep out the bears, plus a few mod cons. Think expansive windows, timber walls, a comfy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood and good coffee. What's more, the cabins are entirely off the grid, which means solar power, composting toilets and a heavenly absence of wifi. Keen? Start your application over here. Or, if you can spare $199 a night, you can book your own retreat here.
When Quibi launched in Australia and New Zealand back in April, it added yet another streaming platform to the already lengthy list of services competing for your eyeballs, especially in this stay-at-home, pandemic-afflicted year. This newcomer came with a few twists — serving up its content in small chunks of up to ten minutes in length, designing it all for viewing on your phone, and eventually letting folks watch for free and allowing streaming from users' phones to their TVs, too — but it's now completely pulling the plug. Less than eight months after it kicked off, Quibi will close down, informing customers that it'll end "on or about December 1, 2020". In mid-October, it was revealed that the service would shutter after failing to both attract a big subscriber based and, once the company's powers-that-be realised that it was struggling, to attract a buyer. It shouldn't really come as a surprise that, when we're all spending more time at home during a global health crisis, folks didn't just want to view things by themselves on a tiny phone screen — and that by the time Quibi added Airplay and Chromecast capabilities, the world had largely dismissed the platform. There's also the fact that viewers have a seemingly never-ending array of new streaming services to choose from, so one dedicated to movies and TV shows in bite-sized pieces was probably never going to stand out. Quibi had big aims, both when it launched and in the years beforehand — including hitting 175 different shows and 7000 episodes in its first year. Boasting a name that's been shortened from 'quick bites', it was created by ex-Disney chairman and DreamWorks cofounder Jeffrey Katzenberg, and is led by former eBay president and CEO Meg Whitman. Before it launched, it had been in the works since 2018. And, it had earned ample attention thanks to its huge stash of cash (reportedly raising $1.75 billion to spend on content), as well as its hefty array of stars and shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96mETd0NIIE If you still have a subscription and you're keen to check out Quibi's slate of shows over the next month — including new version of Punk'd hosted by Chance the Rapper, Chrissy Teigen presiding over small claims cases in the Judge Judy-style Chrissy's Court and a Reese Witherspoon-narrated documentary series about females in natural history — you can still do so. Your access won't be renewed once your bill period ends, though. So, for now, you still have a short amount of time left to watch Anna Kendrick befriend a sex doll, follow the twists of horror-thriller The Stranger or work your way through a new version of The Fugitive. Some of Quibi's other highlights include mockumentary Nikki Fre$h, which follows Nicole Richie's efforts to become a wellness-focused rapper; cooking competition show Dishmantled, where host and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess shoots food at two culinary industry figures, then forces them to try to recreate the dish in question; and Lena Waithe-hosted documentary series You Ain't Got These, about sneaker culture. There's also Flipped, starring Will Forte and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Kaitlin Olson as a down-on-their-luck couple desperate to host their own TV renovation series; Most Dangerous Game, the latest twist on the humans-hunting-humans idea, this time with Christoph Waltz and Liam Hemsworth; and Survive, which casts Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner as a suicidal patient suddenly forced to fight for her life after a plane crash. Or, you can watch luxury dog houses come to life in Barkitecture. Quibi will shut down on December 1, 2020. For further details, visit the Quibi website.
The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), curated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin, are annual awards for First Nations artists from across the country. This year, NATSIAA award winners will be announced online — and all Australians can get to know the nominees via a virtual gallery — as well as vote for their favourites in the Telstra People's Choice Award. Each year, the awards celebrates contemporary artworks across a broad range of disciplines. Think paintings, craftsmanship, photography and textile works. There are 65 finalists from across the country, and what makes the awards so special is the diversity in storytelling; there are perspectives from coastal regions, desert towns, cities and everywhere between. [caption id="attachment_776094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Telstra Bark Painting Award Winner 2019, Noŋgirrŋa Marawili. Photo: Fiona Morrison[/caption] For 37 years, Telstra NATSIAA has represented the art of the nation — culturally, geographically and historically, as well as looking to our future. And long-standing partner Telstra has been part of the awards for almost three decades. For those who plan to visit the Northern Territory, you can also experience the artworks in person at the Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory from Saturday, August 8. And it's good news for those of us who'd usually miss out on the awards ceremony, as this year's presentation (usually held on the grounds of the museum) will be broadcast online. You can join host Brooke Boney on Friday, August 7 to find out which artists have won by visiting the Telstra NATSIAA website from 6pm. While you're there, check out the fully interactive, virtual gallery and chuck a vote in for your favourites.
