Attenzione! Fitzroy's beloved Italian sandwich bar Rocco's Bologna Discoteca has opened a new upstairs bar. Vince's Bar, named after the father of one of the owners, is a more relaxed and intimate space than downstairs, and boasts a focus on cocktails and snacks. Open since early September, the bar operates from 6pm till late every Friday and Saturday, and has a varied drinks menu featuring a selection of wines and cocktails. The cocktail menu features a mix of classic and modern, heroing Italian ingredients. Some of the highlights include the pandan negroni, made with gin, vermouth and pandan syrup; Vince's martini, which whips together vodka, grapefruit bitters and chamomile oil; and the Spaghetti Western No. 2, which uses mezcal, mango, rose vermouth, bitters and prosecco. The snack menu is also Italian-inspired, with small plates like oysters, mortadella mousse tartlets, and crescetina with Cantabrian anchovies and goat ricotta. As the weather only continues to get nicer (grazie Dio), Vince's Bar, with its cute patio, has timed its opening perfectly. Walk-ins are welcome, so if you find yourself strolling down Gertrude Street on a balmy Friday or Saturday evening, pop in and say ciao. Find Vince's Bar above Rocco's Bologna Discoteca at 15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy — open from 6pm–late every Friday and Saturday.
The Finders Keepers Design Market is making its spring return to the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12. This time, the market is debuting a first-of-its-kind showcase with Australian furniture and lighting brand Dowel Jones. Curated by Dale Hardiman (Dowel Jones) in partnership with Craft Victoria, The Museum of Modern Craft (MoMC) will spotlight Australian makers in an ode to vessels and vases, adding an entirely new dimension to the market's already stacked lineup. Expect the usual Finders Keepers energy of more than 260 stalls brimming with homewares, art, fashion, jewellery, ceramics and unique gifts. There'll also be live music, DJs and an expanded outdoor picnic ground serving wine from Fin Wines, brews and spritzes from Molly Rose, caffeine hits by Coffee Supreme and Matcha Mate, and pies from Ballarat's Mrs Browne Bakes (a 2025 award-winner). Market favourites are returning too, including the Mindfulness Mural, Eleonora Arosio's sell-out three-minute portraits and fresh editions from independent makers like Everyday Normal, Find Your Treasures, Little Greeneryy, and Danny Boy Distillery. The Design Files is also dropping issue three of its magazine exclusively at the market. Tickets for the Finders Keepers Design Market are on sale now and range from $5 to $36, depending on the ticket type. To find out more, head to the event website.
Telling your co-workers to wash their damn plates has never looked so suave. Comic Sans, the "I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom," of the font world, has been given a streamlined, minimalist makeover and is lurking dangerously close to legitimate suavity. Taking cues from the more sophisticated typography go-tos like Helvetica Neue, Comic Neue could potentially be suited for more than passive-aggressive staff kitchen notices and school canteen specials. Constantly scorned for its combination of rounded edges and likeness to the Foundation Handwriting font taught at preschools, Comic Sans has long worn the crown for biggest lamebot in the font family. Writers at McSweeney’s tried to convince us otherwise, but until graphic designer Craig Rozynski decided to give the font a new pair of pants, it was doomed to the Angelfire blogs of yesteryear. Japan-based Australian designer Rozynski saw an overlooked elegance in the world’s most ridiculed font. “Comic Sans wasn’t designed to be the world’s most ubiquitous casual typeface,” he says on the font’s own website. “The squashed, wonky, and weird glyphs of Comic Sans have been beaten into shape while maintaining the honesty that made Comic Sans so popular.” Sporting a makeover to rival Rachel Leigh Cook’s She’s All That staircase descent, Comic Neue is sure to score all the invites to prom with its new schwanky look. Rozynski believes teaching a an old dog new tricks will impress even the biggest font snobs. “Comic Neue aspires to be the casual script choice for everyone including the typographically savvy.” You can test drive Comic Neue over here for free for a limited time. Go on, lightly warn the good people about the consequences of taking people's fridge food. It's going to look damn classy. Via Mashable.
2023 marks a mere five years since Netflix released its first-ever Australian original series, with Tidelands hitting the streaming service three years after it officially launched Down Under. That supernatural drama didn't usher in a non-stop influx of new Aussie content. While older local titles sit among the platform's catalogue, freshly commissioned fare such as Heartbreak High and Wellmania is still fairly rare. But Netflix's small pool of homegrown Australian projects has locked in a few more additions, with four just-announced newcomers on their way. The novel-to-screen adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe is also in the works, but that was initially revealed almost 18 months back. Following it to your queue will be another book-to-TV effort, an outback family-feud tale and two movies — one starring Delta Goodrem and the other a documentary about ONEFOUR. First, your future binges: The Survivors and Desert King (although they're just working titles, so those monikers might change). The first is heading to Netflix from the pages of Jane Harper's text of the same name, while the second sounds like it wants to give Succession-meets-Yellowstone a Top End spin. Neither have casts as yet, or release dates. [caption id="attachment_905971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Force of Nature, Narelle Portanier[/caption] Yes, Australia's screen industry currently loves bringing Harper's works to the screen. The Dry proved a massive smash, after all, and that flick's sequel Force of Nature will hit cinemas when Hollywood's actors' strike is over. The Survivors isn't linked to either movie by anything but author, so there's no Aaron Falk this time. Instead, the Tasmanian-set story follows families still coping with the loss caused by a massive storm in their seaside town 15 years earlier, then faced with a new murder. As for Desert King, it will be set on the world's largest cattle station, which the Lawson family runs. When the property is left without a firm successor, the fights start — and everyone from billionaire miners and desert gangsters to Indigenous elders and other cattle barons get involved. Netflix will get bonus points from audiences if they manage to get Sarah Snook to star. [caption id="attachment_914014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2023[/caption] With the streamer's upcoming Aussie movies, Goodrem has been born to give her acting chops another try, this time in a romance called Love Is in the Air. There's no word on whether the film will feature Delta singing John Paul Young's Aussie song of the same name, which first released in the 70s and became a hit again in the 90s thanks to Strictly Ballroom. What is known, however, is that the flick is about a seaplane pilot who falls for the man who's meant to be tanking her business — and that it'll be filmed in the Whitsundays. ONEFOUR: Against All Odds will tell its namesake's story, including the drill rap group's huge popularity and the police taskforce attempting to stop them performing. "The story of ONEFOUR is one of the most significant cultural moments in recent Australian history. It's about the changing face of this country and who gets to have a voice in it," said writer/director Gabriel Gasparinatos. "Australia markets this sunkissed image of itself and it's so important to show it's not all like that, and that there is another side to this country the world is only just starting to see. I'm so grateful to ONEFOUR for trusting us with their story and to Netflix for bringing it to the global audience it deserves." Announced previously, Netflix is also making a second season of its Heartbreak High revival, as well as Surviving Summer. The former is due in 2024 and the latter this September. And, for kids, Eddie's Lil Homies is on its way, based on childrens' books by former AFL superstar Eddie Betts, and following an eight-year-old Eddie and his friends. Netflix's just-announced new Australian projects don't yet have release dates — we'll update you when more information is announced. Top image: The Dry.
Need a little fantasy in your life? You'll find a healthy serve of it at Melbourne's newly-opened Storyville — a bar inspired by fables, fairytales and all the fantastical things that captured your imagination as a little tacker. The Lonsdale Street spot is the brainchild of Steve and Keti Thomas, who've previously helped you escape reality at iconic themed drinking spots 29th Apartment and Pawn & Co. To bring the Storyville concept to life, they've tapped into the creativity of Josh Lefers (East 9th Brewing, Pawn & Co) for fitout that includes a lofty gold bird cage, novel-filled library, Narnia-inspired lounge and magical toadstool bar decked out with giant glowing funghi. The signature cocktail list comes sprinkled with literary nostalgia as well, with each crafty drink paying homage to a timeless favourite. Through The Looking Glass, featuring a boozy vanilla cream tea and served in a teapot with dry ice, is a nod to Lewis Carroll's iconic story, while for Mr Pilkington's Neighbour, a combination of apple liqueur, animal crackers and pork chop fat-washed bourbon combine to transport you to the pages of George Orwell's Animal Farm. Harry Potter, Hunter S. Thompson, A Clockwork Orange and more also get a nod — and you might even find yourself face-to-face with a garnish of real insects. Meanwhile, the food situation runs to cheese, charcuterie and a selection of jaffles, inspired by stories like The Three Blind Mice and that Dr Seuss favourite, Green Eggs and Ham. Head in a sip of polyjuice and a tumble down the rabbit hole. Find Storyville at 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Head to their website for further details Images: Jean-Louis Carvalho.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions, you can't go on a holiday (locally or overseas). But, the government has hinted travel between Australia and New Zealand may be allowed in the near future, so it's time to start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. With a bountiful backyard to be explored, it's high time you got out and slept in the most jaw-dropping rest stops in the South Island. You may be giving up your own bed, but you don't have to sacrifice any comfort for that natural NZ beauty at these glamping retreats. To help you find the perfect place to rest your head in the great outdoors (without getting too lo-fi), we've gathered a list of the best glamping spots in the south. Get ready for a night of luxury, trust us, you'll never sleep better. CAMP KEKERENGU, KAIKOURA Waking up at Kaikoura's Camp Kekerengu is like waking up on the edge of the earth. Perched high above the wild Clarence River, you can watch the sunrise from your bed over the expansive beaches below then enjoy sights of playful seals and whales putting on a show. The campsite is complete with outdoor baths and a kitchen with a vista to die for — you'll be moving in before you know it. Go for the full luxe experience, and head to Nin's Bin to eat some of the freshest crayfish you can get your hands on. $220 per night. LAVERICKS BAY, CHRISTCHURCH If you just want to switch off and escape, look no further than Lavericks Bay. Tucked away in the coves of the Banks Peninsula, this lavish campsite boasts wooden outdoor hot tubs and toasty wood burners for the cooler Christchurch nights. It also opens onto a private beach and backs onto rolling hills for your exploring pleasure. Fall asleep watching the stars, then hike up the hill to watch the sun rise over the ocean and feel the serenity. At a 40 minutes' drive from Akaroa and two hours from the garden city, it's a bit of a trek — but, trust us, it's worth the effort. While you're there, grab a surfboard and check out some of the remote breaks dotted around the Banks Peninsula. $210 per night. ROCKY POINT HUT, PEPIN ISLAND Just a stone's throw away from Nelson — but far enough to look back on the bay's beauty — is Rocky Point Hut on Pepin Island. Nestled on the remote tip of the picturesque farming island, the accommodation is a two-hour walk from the isolated Cable Bay beach. While that sounds long, your hard work will be rewarded with an epic vista to make you feel like the king of the land. Your throne? The outdoor hot tub with panoramic views of Tasman Bay. For the full royal treatment, forgo cooking and head to Cable Bay Cafe instead. It's a secret spot only the locals know and serves some of New Zealand's best fare. $150 per night. VALLEY VIEWS, OTAGO Deep in the heart of Mackenzie Country, you'll find a village of luxurious tents to call home. Valley Views Glamping does what it says, delivering incredible views of farm, river and mountain across the vast Waitaki Valley. The campsite sits two hours from Wanaka, giving you a chance to soak in the southern sights on your way to the comfy bed and cosy log burner that await your arrival. Bring a book, and your favourite person, you're not going to want to leave. While you're there, make tracks to Kurow Estate Winery's Cellar Door and pick up some vino to enjoy with the views. $200–$300 per night. WOODPECKER HUT Welcome to Woodpecker Hut, an oasis in the midst of the West Coast wilderness where you can kick back and let your worries subside. Designed and built by locals, the isolated cabin sits harmoniously within its natural surrounds. The hut marries luxury with nature seamlessly, so you can soak in the wooden hot tub all while you soak up a sunset. With bushwalks and beaches at your doorstep, there's plenty of adventuring to be done if you get tired of relaxing, too. If you're after even more views, take a trip just five minutes down the road to the breathtaking Pancake Rocks. $290 per night. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
It's what Melbourne is known for: having a drink on the top of one of its city buildings as you see out the day in style. We know there are many to choose from, so in partnership with Jim Beam, we've put together a list of four rooftop bars where you can find something a little different — from cheeseburgers in old tram carriages to cocktails above a Chinese restaurant.
Melbourne's own little pocket of New York City-style cool is firing up for another rollicking block party featuring beers, art and tunes aplenty. On Saturday, February 18, Section 8 and Ferdydurke and their famed laneway surrounds will come alive for a free shindig co-hosted by the USA's legendary Brooklyn Brewery. Drop by from 3pm to catch a genre-swapping lineup of live music from acts like NYC's own Nitty Scott, Sydney's Queen P, Cris Gamble, IJALE and more. There'll be visuals courtesy of the talented Lava Brain, while the likes of Walla C, Colette, MzRizk, Smilez, Julia Towers and Honeydew will be gracing the decks. [caption id="attachment_888915" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nitty Scott[/caption] The folks from tiny Fitzroy taqueria and mezcal joint Little Hop are set to make an appearance with a taco pop-up slinging all the good stuff. And of course, Brooklyn Brewery will be cracking open plenty of liquid treats throughout the day and night to keep you lubricated on the dance floor. [caption id="attachment_883873" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ferdydurke, by Leilani Bale[/caption]
Dance music hits. An orchestra. Combine the two and Ministry of Sound Classical is one end result. For a few years now, this event has been giving Australia what no one probably knew they wanted when Ministry of Sound first started as a London club night back in 1991: tunes that usually fill dance floors performed by classical musicians. If you're a fan of making shapes and you're fond of getting nostalgic, then Ministry of Sound keeps indulging — sometimes by throwing huge 90s and 00s parties that nod back to raves three decades back and club nights at the turn of the century, and sometimes via this orchestral tour that gives bangers from the past 30 years a new live spin. In Australia, the latter is returning before 2025 is out, seeing out spring in Brisbane and Melbourne, then welcoming summer in Sydney and Perth. This year's run kicks off at Victoria Park in the Sunshine State capital on Saturday, November 1, with Sneaky Sound System headlining. Conducted by Vanessa Perica and with DJ Groove Terminator on backing duties, the Ministry of Sound Orchestra takes pride of place, of course. Then, Cassius is heading Down Under from France to front the fun on Saturday, November 29 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne — as well as on Saturday, December 6 at The Entertainment Quarter in Sydney, plus on Friday, December 12 at Kings Park & Botanic Garden in Perth. Other than the orchestra, the lineup varies per city, spanning both international and Australian names. Judge Jules is on the bill in Melbourne and Sydney, for instance, while Tall Paul is also joining in in Sydney — and so is A.Skillz, who has a date with Perth as well. Dirty South is another talent with a date with Brisbane. John Course, Kid Kenobi, Mell Hall and Minx are on the roster, too, plus local names at each of Ministry of Sound Classical's 2025 stops. As for vocalists, expect Reigan, Karina Chavez, Rudy, Lady Lyric and Luke Antony. Ministry of Sound Classical is calling 2025's run a summer dance music festival — even if half of its dates are the month prior — which means that a curated food and bar lineup is also on offer. Sydney will score three stages, while Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth will also feature a silent disco. As for the soundtrack, the event surveys tunes that've packed dance floors over Ministry of Sound's existence — so you just might hear classical renditions of Basement Jaxx, Darude, Röyksopp, Robin, Underworld, Moby, Fisher and more played by its orchestra. Ministry of Sound Classical 2025 Dates Saturday, November 1 — Victoria Park, Brisbane Saturday, November 29 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Saturday, December 6 — The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney Friday, December 12 — Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth Ministry of Sound Classical 2025 Lineup (varies per city) Cassius Judge Jules Sneaky Sound System Tall Paul A.Skillz Dirty South John Course Kid Kenobi Mell Hall Minx 2025's Ministry of Sound Classical tour will pop up across Australia in November and December. For further details and tickets — with presales from Tuesday, June 17 at 12pm AEST, then general sales from Wednesday, June 18 at the same time — head to the tour website. Images: Ruby Boland, Ashlea Caygill and Jack Dullard.
No one alive today was living and breathing during Leonardo da Vinci's lifetime in the 15th and 16th centuries; however, Melbourne's The Lume is doing its best to help its patrons experience the Italian Renaissance-era great's existence. Opening on Saturday, March 16, Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius sees the venue — which is Australia's first permanent digital-only art gallery — devote its surfaces to stepping into the artist and inventor's tale. His paintings grace the walls. His machines are dotted around its halls. Even original sheets from his notebooks, that boast his writing and sketches, are on display. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius was first announced in 2023, and is understandably The Lume's major 2024 exhibition, alongside a massive reason for folks living outside of Melbourne to head to the Victorian capital this year. Back in February, the venue also revealed that pages from da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus feature, displaying in Australia for the first time ever. Add them to the must-see list next to the world's most-famous enigmatic smile, The Last Supper, the artist's anatomical drawings and more. Attendees at the Grande Experiences-run Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre site can see what The Lume is calling its "most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking yet". That's quite the claim for a collection that follows a van Gogh celebration, a focus on Monet and his contemporaries and the First Nations-centric Connection. Given everything that's a part of Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius, though, that statement also isn't surprising. No one will forget the Mona Lisa after heading to the exhibition. The artwork is almost everywhere within the 3000-square-metre space, and in a larger-than-life fashion — because that's how Grande Experiences' whole setup works. The iconic piece also links in with the segment of the showcase that's all about French optical engineer Pascal Cotte, who invented a multispectral camera and has peeled back the artwork's layers using his research. So, get excited about Mona Lisa Revealed, which includes an exact 360-degree replica — the only one in the world — as created thanks to Cotte's 240,000,000-pixel multispectral camera. The Last Supper also enjoys the spotlight in a big way, with emphasis on the 'big'. Similarly among Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius' highlights: 40 of da Vinci's machine inventions, which are on loan from the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome. Leonardo is just as well-known for his flying machine concepts, with his 15th-century vision of human flight scoring The Lume's attention. This part of the exhibition heroes recreations made in Italy from the artist and inventor's sketches, and also uses the materials and techniques that he would've at the time. Letting visitors check out pages from Codex Atlanticus is a huge coup. The 12-volume set is filled with da Vinci's drawings and writings, detailing his thoughts and featuring his sketches on a wide array of topics. It's priceless. It includes entries from its author from between 1478–1519, dating up to the year of his death. Since 1637, it has called Milan's Biblioteca Ambrosiana home — and it's thanks to a relationship between it and Grande Experiences, which is also behind Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci, that some of its sheets can display Down Under. Stepping through da Vinci's journey at Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius also spans recreations of Florence's streets, Venice's canals and Milan — as brought to life via sight, sound, scent, touch and taste. Flying over Florence using virtual reality, dining at a Renaissance-themed experience where The Last Supper provides the backdrop, being turned into a da Vinci sketch thanks to AI, seeing how you align with the artist's Vitruvian Man drawing: that's all on offer, too. That said, Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius isn't solely about its namesake's well-known works, with the 3000-square-metre multi-sensory gallery also exploring his inspirations and those creating their own masterpieces at the same time. Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and works by Caravaggio can all be sighted, for instance. In Queensland, at HOTA, Home of the Arts, Grande Experiences's Italian Renaissance Alive will also take a broader look at the Italian Renaissance period from late March — but anyone wanting to be steeped in da Vinci's works in particular will need to head to Melbourne. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius opens at The Lume, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, from Saturday, March 16, 2024 — head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Alicia Taylor.
Alone is a performance art installation. No, scratch that — it's a psychological experiment. Created by Los Angeles-based artist Devon Paulson and film producer Lawrence T. Lewis, it hurls participants into a city-wide, 'haunted house'-style scenario. And, it's coming to Australia. Aided by a crowd of actors, the hour-long walkthrough will see participants transported around Melbourne, into inexplicable, scary or hilarious situations that are designed to mess with their sanity. Participants must sign a waiver beforehand and be in good physical and mental health, which just might says something about what the night will involve. They're then taken to a secret location to begin their terrifying abduction. No mobile phones are allowed and it's likely that your clothes will get dirty. "Alone explores the complex folds of the human psyche and the human condition, from the inside out," says Paulson. "The truth is that one needs to experience Alone to understand it." According to the website, "your body may be aggressively touched and moved or tenderly embraced or utterly left displaced and alone." Despite having organised the event 18 times over the last six years, the creators refuse to reveal details of previous stints. "What I can say is that the situations will cause participants to traverse the spectrum of human emotion," says Paulson. "But the crucial goal is to dislocate you, from the world, from others, from comfort, from self." And yes, it begins on Valentine's Day — but it's a completely solitary journey, so don't think about bringing your date. "Some experiences you may find yourself in a group situation, but as in life, you will eventually find yourself to be alone," reads a hard-hitting FAQ on the Alone website. Alone runs from February 14–27. Head to the website for tickets and more details.
Frankston locals have scored a major win with the arrival of The Sporting Globe. The new two-storey sports, entertainment and nightlife hub has taken over a sprawling corner of the Bayside Entertainment Centre, with room for 700 punters across its three bars — including a rooftop with a retractable roof. As with other Sporting Globe locations, screens are the star attraction. Around the venue, you'll find more than 50 HD TVs and two jumbotron screens showing all the major codes from open to close, as well as private booths fitted with personal touchscreen TVs. But it's not just about spectating. If you're feeling competitive, you can take your best shot in one of the augmented reality dart lanes. Add 16 beers on tap and a menu stacked with parmas, burgers, wings and other sports bar staples — including a dedicated low-gluten selection — and you've got the makings of an all-rounder for game days and nights out alike. The Frankston outpost joins a national stable of 23 Sporting Globe venues, all with a strong community focus — the brand maintains partnerships with more than 250 grassroots sports clubs across the country.
Sitting just off Lonsdale Street in Melbourne's CBD, voco Melbourne Central is a 252-room high-rise hotel that balances comfort, convenience and clean-lined design. Towering 22 storeys above the city, voco offers views across the skyline and easy access to the surrounding retail and dining precincts. Part of IHG's upmarket voco brand, the hotel is pitched at travellers looking for something a little more refined than a standard business or budget stay. All rooms feature blackout blinds, rainfall showers, floor-to-ceiling windows and sustainably sourced bedding — with higher price-point options featuring a free-standing bath. Decor throughout is minimal and neutral, with light-blue and timber touches, and an emphasis on natural light. The rooftop pool is a major drawcard — a rare feature among Melbourne's CBD hotels — offering an outdoor spot to cool off with views of the surrounding high-rises. It's not expansive, but the cityscape backdrop and openair feel give it resort-style ambiance. Loungers line the compact deck — perfect for a quick dip or unwinding after a day of exploring the city. Guests also have access to a 24-hour gym and a selection of meeting rooms and event spaces on-site, making it a well-equipped choice for business travellers. The in-house restaurant, Blacksmith Bar & Grill, opens daily for buffet breakfast and continues through lunch and dinner with a menu that sticks to crowd-pleasers — steaks, burgers, pasta and share plates. It's a practical option if you're after a no-fuss meal, with the added convenience of room service available. For drinks, the adjacent bar serves local wines, classic cocktails and a few Australian craft brews. That said, the hotel's central position means some of Melbourne's most exciting food and drink options are within walking distance — from laneway cafes to late-night wine bars and fine diners. Images: supplied by IHG
After Melbourne's Mana Bar (the world's first ever video game cocktail bar) folded in August last year, it seemed the market for geek bars — not Timezones with bars attached, real D&D-encouraging nerd hubs — just wasn't there. Unlike successful models in Japan and the US, even the Aussie gaming community wasn't biting. But according to Gizmodo, Australian nerds are crying out for a space — and are about to get three new video game bars. "Lets face it... Most bars suck for people like us," says Melbourne's Power Up geek bar developer Edmund Mundlay. "We sit there with loud obnoxious music blaring in our ears while keeping a watchful eye on the bogans at the next table just hoping they don't start a fight. We want a bar for us. We want to build the hub of Melbourne's geek community." A motley crew of former Hobart EB employees and Melbourne hospitality workers have launched a Pozible campaign to raise $10,000 toward their dream bar, Power Up, “an open-source bar for geeks”. The group saw the closure of Melbourne's Mana Bar (and the alternate success of the Brisbane branch) as having more impact than people originally thought, seeing a hole in the market left by the venue's departure. Making a furious push to providing a safe, fun hub for geeks to socialise, the Power Up team realised gamers just wanted the main thing they're often accused of rejecting: a social life. "So many people would come and just hang out with us at EB, they just wanted to talk to like minded people," says Mundlay. "I wanted to build that home, a place where geeks and nerds citywide could just come and hangout, talk about games or anime, sci-fi or technology... With such a huge community of geeks, nerds, gamers and pop-culture fanatics doesn't it just make sense that there should be a centre for this community?" Punters will be encouraged to bring their weekly D&D meetings to the bar, participate in cosplay competitions and e-sports tournaments and make a whole bunch of buddies over beers and movie screenings. So what of the Mana Bar crew? The Melbourne alumni are currently working on a CBD geek bar to called BetaBar. This new space will hope to function as Melbourne's top spot for the indie game developer community to test out their newest adventures on the target market. Sydney geeks aren't left out either, Spawn Point Small Bar is currently getting ready to open on Clarence Street in the CBD. Choosing to set their sights a little wider than the hardcore gaming community, Spawn Point are hooking up retro consoles for Sydney nostalgics — we're talking NES, SNES, N64, PS1, PS2, MegaDrive and MasterSystem consoles. Furious Mario Kart and GoldenEye tournaments will inevitably ensue. The three bars will (hopefully) all open within the coming months, with one proviso to rule them all: No jocks, douchebags or teasing jerks. There's enough to deal with in Skyrim without dragons constantly roasting your backside. Via Gizmodo. Top image by Ben Andrews.
Before 2025 is out, BENEE will release her second album. Before that, she's supporting Tate McRae's UK and Europe gigs, and already has a tune on the soundtrack for A Minecraft Movie. That's a huge year for any musician, especially after touring with Wallows in North America and Olivia Rodrigo in Australia in 2024, as well as making her Coachella debut in 2023 and singing the official song of the same year's Women's World Cup with Mallrat. But something else that's massive has been happening for Stella Bennett around the above achievements and highlights, plus her own first world tour in 20222: Head South, her debut film. Written and directed by fellow Aotearoan Jonathan Ogilvie (The Tender Hook, Lone Wolf), Head South is based on his own experiences. The filmmaker calls it "an almost-true story"; "everything in it happened, and mainly to me", he also notes. Given that the movie shot in 2022, then premiered at International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2024, then played New Zealand International Film Festival and hit cinemas in NZ that year, Head South has been a part of Bennett's life for a few years ahead of opening in Australia on Thursday, April 3, 2205. And while she can't wait for what's ahead for her musically in 2025 — "I'm so excited. I love touring. It's pretty fun being on a bus. That makes it weirdly easier, because you're not checking into hotels or being in a sprinter van, but you get rocked to sleep in the bus. It's quite strange. It doesn't sound fun, but it is fun," she tells Concrete Playground — she's always wanted to be in a film. Indeed, she hopes that more will follow. BENEE wasn't actively looking for the project that'd take her to the big screen when Head South crossed her path. "It was just an opportunity that came up," she advises. That said, "I'd definitely been saying that I want to do acting", she also reflects. "I grew up doing auditions and voiceovers, so it was definitely, when it came up, I was like 'heck yeah, definitely, I'm down'." The bug has firmly struck, though, including genuinely seeking out new parts moving forward. "I am. I've just got a new agent in America, so there are hopefully going to be some opportunities. And I want to be in a horror movie. I would love to be in a scary movie." With Head South mining Ogilvie's teenage life for inspiration, Australian talent Ed Oxenbould (Nugget Is Dead?: A Christmas Story) is the picture's lead — and the lone Aussie among the NZ cast and crew, he tells us. As Angus, it's the Puberty Blues, Paper Planes, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, The Visit, Better Watch Out, Wildlife and Irreverent star's task to virtually play his director, and to find himself thrust into Christchurch's post-punk music scene in 1979. Always trying to seem cool, the character swaps his blonde surfer-style locks and trying to pass off parsley as marijuana with his schoolmates for a cropped cut, a bass and the world revolving around Middle Earth Records. Listening to Public Image Ltd, John Lydon's band post-Sex Pistols, is one of those life-changing music moments that every teen has. Attempting to put together the band that Angus claims that he already fronts — endeavouring to impress Malcolm (Demos Murphy, The Gulf), the singer from local favourites The Cursed — isn't as straightforward as he expects, however. Angus' made-up group has a name: The Daleks. It soon has a gig as well, opening for The Cursed. BENEE plays Kirsten, who works the counter at a pharmacy, is a wiz on the guitar and is Angus' only hope for making good on his music claims. That Ogilvie's narrative focuses on a journey sparked by exaggerating to fit in, then scrambling to back it up, is indicative of its warts-and-all honesty. There's warmth to Head South, yet it's also deeply bittersweet as it balances Angus and Kirsten's growing connection, and the former's quest to truly find himself amid his self-doubts — plus "all these cute characters vibing around Christchurch", as BENEE puts it — with more than a few people taking advantage of Angus, the awkwardness with his father (Marton Csokas, Cuckoo) at home after his mother has moved out and navigating a tragedy. In Head South's performances, emotions, personal ties, portrait of a moment in music history in a specific city, soundtrack and aesthetic — scratches and splices among the visuals included — Ogilvie pushes authenticity to the fore. Much about that commitment appealed to both Bennett and Oxenbould; this isn't the kind of project that comes either of their ways often. "You don't see these type of things every day, and that's what immediately jumped out about it, was the quality of it, how unique it was. It was something that I knew nothing about, which is always exciting as an actor, to dive into a different world. And the fact that it was personal and true adds a whole new gravity and weight to it, which makes it really exciting. There was so much about it that was so interesting and tantalising as an idea," Oxenbould says. Among the pair, Oxenbould was the veteran on-screen, but Bennett had the music experience. Drawing upon each other's expertise was a key part of the production for both. We also chatted with the duo about being about to lean on each other, the weight of making a film that's so personal for its guiding force — and, as Oxenbould characterises it, "such a unique mix of genres" — as well as music research and more. On How BENEE Knew That Head South Was the Right Film for Her Movie Debut Stella: "I think when I initially got sent the script and story, I was obviously like 'okay, this is sick'. This is set in Christchurch, in the post-punk scene, which I honestly didn't know a lot about when I first got sent it. And then I read the script and I learned about Kirsten, and I was pretty attached to her quite early on — because I was like 'oh, there's something so vulnerable and sweet and kind of damaged and quirky about this character'. And I just instantly fell in love with the whole story. It just felt right. And also Jonathan was so nice. He was so enthusiastic from the get-go. And I was like 'he believes in me, and I'm so down to be a part of this'. I've always wanted to be in a film. And I love acting. It's a lot of fun. And it's fun to just be a different character, because I feel like my whole thing is BENEE and it's more myself — but performing, but myself. So it was cool to just completely take a different role. I want to be in a horror movie next. I want to be every different kind of character." On Whether It's Daunting Making a Project That's So Personal for Its Director — Including, for Oxenbould, Playing a Version of Ogilvie Ed: "100 percent. It's very daunting. Look, it's good. Thankfully, it was really good that Jonathan wasn't like 'you have to get me word-perfect'. It was so relaxed, and he knew that it was just a basis. And there were things that he changed and stretched in his story, so we found a really good middle ground of character and real life. But it is always daunting, knowing that these things happened to him. It adds to it — it's not just like 'ooh, how would I react?'. There was a lot of me asking him 'how did you react? How did you feel here? How can I try to bring some of that authenticity and truthfulness to that?'. But it is definitely daunting." Stella: "It definitely was. And even I remember that last scene, I feel like I got — as you got — pretty emotional, because I was like 'damn, he went through this and we're just acting this out right now in front of him', and 'what a crazy thing to experience in life' and to do it justice, basically." Ed: "Yeah, that's it. But it is surreal. Like you're saying, Stella, it's kind of weird to think 'ohh, we're acting out this crazy pivotal moment in Jonathan's life'." Stella: "Yeah." Ed: "And he's watching, and there's a whole crew watching." Stella: "You did a great job, mate. You did a great job." Ed: "Thank you. You too." On the Balancing Act of Navigating the Movie's Mix of Comedy, Darkness, Coming-of-Age Antics, Awkwardness and Heartbreak Ed: "It definitely is, but I think it comes down to Jonathan's great sense of direction — that he knew when to reel it in, he knew when to accentuate it. But I think that's also what read in the script, is the sense of humour, and all these gags that were in it that made it really fun and light. And it's also that really nice, quirky, very Kiwi sense of humour, which also just sets it apart from so many other things. But I think he just did such a good job with, on the day and in editing, just really finding that balance of heart and extremities of both sides." Stella: "Definitely. There's so much depth. And like, yeah, you were laughing — like I was hysterically laughing at times —and then other times I'm like 'well, this is dark and kind of twisted' or 'this is really sad'. I feel like that's what I want out of every movie. I want it to make me feel a bunch of things — and then I come out of it, and I feel a little bit hurt, but I also feel kind of hopeful." On the Research Required for a Film Set in the Late 70s, in the Post-Punk Music Scene, Telling a Very Specific Slice of Christchurch Life Ed: "For me, so much of the film is about these experiences that Angus goes through and he's extremely unprepared for them, and he kind of gets taken off his feet. So I had an element of that, of wanting to be a little bit carried away and swept up by the music and by everything. But I think in basic preparation, it was just a lot of looking at a lot of reference material; listening to the music; listening to what came before, what came after, what came during; and just to try to build the scene in your head — so that we were really well-versed in just that world, so that we could do our jobs truthfully and as close as possible to how these people lived and sounded and acted." Stella: "Yeah, totally. And for me, I think what was really helpful was just sitting down with Jonathan and hearing everything that he has to say about that era, and what it was like for him being in a band — because it is so different to how it is now, and making music and releasing and recording music. And he's so passionate about it because he's not only a director but also musician. So just learning from him, and then feeling prepared by that. He was like an encyclopaedia, for real — a thesis." On How BENEE's Music Experience Helped Her Make the Leap to Her First Movie Stella: "Maybe for the performance at the end. That was really fun. But also, I feel like music is my life, so it felt quite comfortable just doing this film because it was all about the music. And yeah, I think that in maybe some subtle ways that it did help me, maybe. I don't know how, but I think it did." On What Oxenbould Makes of His Journey of an Actor, From Starting Out as a Child to the Path That's Brought Him to Head South Ed: "That journey is bizarre. I've been so, so lucky, and I wouldn't change anything. I've met incredible people. I've made my strongest friends by doing it. It's given me access to a whole host of opportunities that are very, very fortunate. So I feel so lucky. But I don't know — I don't really know where it goes from here. I don't know if I hit my peak and now I've plateaued." Stella: "No, you have not." Ed: "Or I'm on a downward spiral. But it's good. It means everything to me. I'm so lucky, and I hope I can continue to do it for the rest of my life. And I'm excited to explore other areas of the industry. It was a fantastic way to learn and to grow up. I've picked up all these great things and it's made me who I am as a person. I'm very, very fortunate to the people who let me get away with all things I get away with." On What It Means to BENEE to Make Her Movie Debut in a Homegrown Film That's So Proud of Being From NZ, and with Such a Strong Connection to Music Stella: "It feels really special and authentic, and just like it was meant to be. It was just the universe being like 'girl, you're going to do this right now and it's going to be really cool'. And it feels really special that it is my home, and I am part of the music, and the music that shapes the music from Christchurch. That made no sense." Ed: "I got it." Stella: "Did you get that? But it does feel pretty special. I wouldn't have wanted it to be any other role. And also just the people, it was so nice. I don't have any other experience of working with actors or directors from America or anything, so it was pretty special that it was on this Kiwi-Aussie bus. Everyone just gets it and is super down to earth and very chill. So it was a great environment to be in, especially as a first-timer, I would say." On Being Able to Lean on Each Other While Making the Film Ed: "100 percent. It's that beautiful acting thing where you just bounce off each other, and you don't realise it but you learn so much from other people. And then by the end you're like 'ohh, thank you'. And it's not this explicit 'let me help you, ;et me sit you down, Buster'." Stella: "No, no." Ed: "You just absorb." Stella: "Yeah." Ed: "It was great." Stella: "It was a lot of fun. It makes it easier, I guess, just being able to vibe with who you're working with in any field — but especially because Ed is so good. I was like 'okay, I'm taking notes and I'm learning, and I'm going to get better at this'. So it was a pretty awesome experience." Ed: "Watching you just perform and on stage — okay, that's how you do it." Stella: "No! I was literally faking the guitar. It was insane. I was learning how to play bass — oh wait, no I wasn't, I was actually playing guitar." On What Oxenbould Looks for in an Australian or New Zealand Project — and What's Special About Working Down Under After His Success Overseas Ed: "It just means a lot more. It's a lot nicer to be talking in your own accent, and talking to people that you know. and you're in a familiar land. It just feels better. It feels nice. It means you can stay and you can work and still live with family. When you work over there, you have to kind of give up — at least I have to give up everything to go over there. But working in Australia, I love. And then working in New Zealand was an honour. I love, love, love, love New Zealand. I love Kiwis. And I was the only Aussie." Stella: "You were." Ed: "I was only one in the cast. I think the only one on the crew. So I was very intimidated." Stella: "New Zealand loves you." Ed: "But you felt very welcomed, and I was very happy. And it meant a lot that that Jonathan trusted me to be the lead of this very distinctly Kiwi film — to get a traitor in the mix." Stella: "No! No. You made peace, bro." On What BENEE and Oxenbould Learned From Making Head South Ed: "You learn so much from every project and every film, which is the best part about it — you just pick up so much from the people, from around you. But I think the main thing that I learned was just about the punk scene. It's just awesome to dive into a whole new topic. And it's not something that I ever would have probably researched or probably would have sought out a lot of information, but then having Jonathan, having this crazy, knowledgeable guy who's just always there and able to fill us in on the gaps of history, it was just great. You walk away learning a lot more about these real institutions that have shaped the music industry here and in New Zealand." Stella: "Totally." Head South opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, April 3, 2025 — and is available to stream in New Zealand via Arovision.
Last year was tough for Australia's hospitality industry, but hope is on the horizon thanks to the inspirational ideas submitted by talented bartenders, managers and venue teams in this year's Idea Lab competition. Beam Suntory's competition initiative awarded grants from $5000–20,000 to support hospo legends and their passion projects with a goal to improve the industry as a whole. And the result is a series of new projects that will revitalise the bars you visit week after week, as well as supporting the industry as a whole. Whittled down from 20 finalists, these six ideas were chosen from around the country as 2021's Idea Lab champions. Read on to find out what's coming — or relaunching — in a city near you. A BETTER SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY FOR HOSPO WORKERS Having spent decades in the Melbourne hospo scene, Nicola Keating (Welcome to Brunswick, Brunswick Mess Hall) is sick of pervasive sexual harassment in the industry. She's joined forces with psychologist Ishma Alvi to launch a sexual harassment and assault policy for Australia's hospitality industry. The duo has been awarded $20,000 to start the project, called The Consent Blueprints, which will create training modules and implement safeguarding tools for venues. The program will also promote risk assessments and risk management protocols for venues and events. The Consent Blueprints is positioned to truly make change in the industry, so watch this space. A MULTIUSE COCKTAIL LAB IN WOLLONGONG Wollongong's escape room bar Breakout Bar is set to expand this year thanks to bartenders Orion Leppan Taylor and Mitchell Bloomfield. The duo want to elevate the local cocktail scene by creating a space that's both a test kitchen for bartenders and a multipurpose event space. The Wollongong Cocktail Lab will include prep islands and high-end equipment, a research and development lab with cocktail-making equipment like centrifuges and rotary vacuums, and a small bar and masterclass section. And the pair has been awarded $20,000 to make it happen. It's not just for hospitality workers either, as on weekends you can expect masterclasses, cocktail-making courses, spirit tastings and other similar events for punters, too. A DEDICATED ICE LAB IN PERTH Western Australian Tom Kearney runs a company called Arctic Fox Ice Co, which supplies quality ice to bartenders and venues across Perth. Alongside providing ice for high quality drinks, Kearney's company aims to offer workshops, training and other cocktail- and ice-related activations. His idea to create a dedicated space for training sessions was awarded a whopping $20,000 from Beam Suntory. If you're a hospo worker in Perth, look out for upcoming details on the Arctic Fox Ice Lab in the near future. A HOSPO DEVELOPMENT NETWORK IN WA There is a lack of personal and professional development available to Australia's expansive hospo community, believes Perth bartender Kaden Pool, from Arcade Palace. Pool says this shortcoming is especially noticeable in WA, so his idea is to create a not-for-profit that provides professional development opportunities for the local hospitality scene. Good Causes will host workshops and training sessions for industry workers and Pool's been awarded $5,000 to make it happen. The not-for-profit will officially launch in 2021, so keep an eye on the Instagram page for more details. A THREE-WEEK CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN BRISBANE After a long, difficult year, we were all in need of a little extra Christmas cheer according to Queensland man Daniel Rodriguez. To finish 2020 off with a big ol' bang, Daniel's big idea was to go all out with a Christmas celebration in Brisbane that lasted three weeks. He was awarded $10,000 to bring together the city's live music scene in a series of Christmas-themed events geared toward bringing Brisbanites back into its city venues. A NETWORKING COLLECTIVE IN ADELAIDE Adelaide's hospo elite have bandied together for this one under the name The Pursuit of Hospitality. Maybe Mae's Michael Keogh, Cry Baby's Sean Howard, Bar Torino's Kayla Grigoriou and Jack Booker (Yiasou George, Anchovy Bandit) have joined forces to come up with a mentorship community that supports rookies in the early days of their hospitality careers. The Pursuit of Hospitality are at the top of their game as managers, owners and distillers, and so the group aims to provide industry expertise to the next gen. The team has been awarded $5,000 to provide training and networking opportunities to hospo workers, and it plans to bring together the Adelaide community like never before. Top image: Orion Leppan Taylor, Wollongong Cocktail Lab
The end of March sees the beginning of cherry blossoms beginning their bloom all over Japan. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a fleeting beauty, only revealing the pretty pink petals for a couple of weeks each year — with tourists hailing from all over the world to catch a precious glimpse. With the country's borders reopening to tourists at the end of 2022, there is no better time to head to Japan and soak in all of its wonders than right now. Plus, with the sakura season varying around the country, you can experience that pink sky a bit later in the year if you head further north than Tokyo. If a Japan trip is in your near future, we're jealous! But, you're also probably feeling a tad overwhelmed with the myriad sights to see, activities to do and snacks to snack on. So, it's handy that Klook is up to date with the greatest ways to explore the country. Heading to Tokyo? Osaka? Okinawa? There's parasailing, dedicated cherry blossom experiences, temples aplenty and much more. But, if you're not heading there in the near future, CP's got you covered — don't fret. We've rounded up some standout Japanese experiences in Melbourne that will ease you through your travel bug. [caption id="attachment_893357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phattana[/caption] JOIN A CHERRY BLOSSOM-THEMED PAINT AND SIP AT LADDER ART SPACE Heading to Tokyo? Be sure to book a Mount Fuji Classic Route Day Tour to see the cherry blossom trees in flower with the iconic Mt Fuji in the background. You'll have time to explore the picturesque ponds of Oshino Hakkai too, sure to be an experience you'll never forget. Staying in Melbourne? If you can't see the cherry blossoms in the flesh, why not paint them instead? Kew's Ladder Art Space cherry blossom class will provide you with everything you need, all you have to do is show up. Your creative juices will flow (encouraged by some vino) and music, plus expert artists showing you the ropes. Whether you're a tyro or a Picasso, you will take home a hand-painted cherry blossom artwork, with the staggering Mount Fuji as the backdrop — your own slice of Japan to look at every day. [caption id="attachment_889219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] HAVE AN OMAKASE DINING EXPERIENCE AT YUGEN If you're feeling sorry for yourself for missing out on cherry blossom season in Japan this year, we suggest you stay local and really treat yourself — and what's more indulgent than an omakase experience? Head to the six-seater chef's table at Yugen, where Alex Yu will guide you through an intimate dining experience showcasing the highest quality produce and his well-honed culinary skills. Yu handcrafts a seasonally driven daily menu and personally works to ensure your experience is something truly special. The omakase will set you back $285 per person — make sure you book in advance as spots book out quickly. [caption id="attachment_717300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] GET YOUR BRUNCH ON AT 279 If you won't be in Tokyo to brunch on nori toast or impossibly fluffy pancakes, look no further than West Melbourne for your daily dose of authentic Japanese home cooking at 279. This sleek venue sits on Victoria Street and offers strictly Japanese cuisine, coffee and dessert. This is a fusion-free zone with a menu that is hearty and traditional, centred around onigiri — which you can find on the shelves of Japan's plentiful convenience stores. Right here in Melbourne is the perfect spot to start your day's feasting with authentic Japanese cuisine — you'll soon forget that you're in Melbourne's decorated streets and not those of Harajuku. SIP ON SAKE AND JAPANESE BEERS AT ROBOT BAR If a night on the town in Tokyo, exploring the alleyway bars of Golden Gai, isn't on the cards for spring, check out Robot Bar hidden away off Flinders Lane. This is a little slice of Tokyo in Melbourne, with an extensive range of sake and beer to enjoy. The Japanese "popular culture bar" is guarded by a gang of toy robots hanging from the ceiling and a collection of vintage Japanese movie posters. A fun and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy after work — or a place to nerd out on anime every Tuesday at 8pm. [caption id="attachment_893354" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marco Montalti[/caption] REPAIR YOUR BROKEN CERAMICS AT A KINTSUGI AUSTRALIA WORKSHOP Klook is full of exciting activities you can enjoy in Japan this spring. But, if you're wanting to take up a new hobby while embracing some culture right here in Melbourne, we suggest you check out Kintsugi Australia's workshop. Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold, dating back to the 16th century. This art form embraces the Japanese celebration of the beauty in imperfection, beautifully highlighting a break or flaw instead of disguising it. Kintsugi Australia offers a range of courses, whether you are looking for something modern, traditional, beginner or intensive. Workshops run most days — there's something for everyone to embrace and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_893361" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Mila Naumova[/caption] TRY YOUR HAND AT IKEBANA FLORAL STYLING Have a go at ikebana, a calming and therapeutic petalled way to bring a bit of Japanese culture into your life. Ikebana is a traditional style of floral arrangement, which is a lot more sculptural practice compared to Western techniques. This practice highlights the inner qualities of materials and aims to express balance, harmony and form. If you're interested in learning how to make beautiful ikebana arrangements, By Azumi has you covered with workshops suitable for beginners and more experienced students, in multiple places in Melbourne. You'll learn all the basics, going home with your arrangement and the skills to flex your ikebana muscles forever. [caption id="attachment_893462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Author[/caption] BUY SOME MANGA, FIGURINES AND MODEL KITS AT ONE STOP ANIME If you're interested in more contemporary Japanese culture, One Stop Anime has a pretty impressive collection of figurines that will see you take a little piece of Japan home with you. Hidden away on Bourke Street, this treasure trove is heaven for any anime lover. The staff are all experts and super friendly, so they will be sure to help you with whatever you're searching for — whether you are into Studio Ghibli, Pokemon or Hatsune Miku. HEAD OUT OF THE CITY TO STAY AT JAPANESE MOUNTAIN RETREAT Heading to Japan and Fukuoka's on your list? Be sure to check out Klook's Kumamoto Castle and Kurokawa Onsen day trip. After you explore some majestic historical castles and visit an active volcano you will end the day with a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Kurokawa. Staying in Melbourne? Head to the Japanese Mountain Retreat in Montrose for a romantic weekend away. You might not have a vista that includes volcanoes, but the mountains are just as magical. Plus, you can enjoy your own onsen experience. Here, there are multiple bathing packages that'll have you soaking in natural mineral-rich spring water — we promise you will feel worlds away from home in this Japanese oasis. There are plenty of Japanese experiences you can enjoy right here in Melbourne, but if you can't quite cure your travel bug, it might be a sign that a last-minute trip during cherry blossom season is just what you need. Best place to start planning? Klook. For more information, head to the website. Top images: AXP Photography; Julia Sansone; Jezael Melgoza.
As the Macrodata Refinement division has learned over two seasons so far, alongside a few other Lumon Industries staff as well, a company that literally messes with your brain as a condition of employment is hardly a great place to work. The shady organisation at the heart of Severance sure does love throwing parties for its hired hands, though — and whether you're keen on a music dance experience, a melon bar, an egg bar social, a waffle party, a coffee cozy, pineapple bobbing, a hall of funhouse mirrors or some choreography and merriment, you'll want to celebrate the Apple TV+ hit officially being renewed for season three. The news comes fresh from Severance's second season dropping its unforgettable final episode, and after a phenomenal sophomore run for the show in general — after it returned in January 2025 almost three years after its first season debuted. So, if you watched season two wrap up and instantly wondered if there'd be more to Mark S (Adam Scott, The Monkey) and Helly R's (Britt Lower, Darkest Miriam) tale, and everyone else's, you didn't have to wait long for an answer. "Making Severance has been one of the most-creatively exciting experiences I've ever been a part of," said Ben Stiller (Nutcrackers), one of the guiding forces behind the series — directing 11 episodes across two seasons to-date, including season two finale 'Cold Harbour', and also executive producing — announcing the show's renewal. "While I have no memory of this, I'm told making season three will be equally enjoyable, though any recollection of these future events will be forever and irrevocably wiped from my memory as well." Added Scott, who not only stars but is also among Severance's executive producers: "I couldn't be more excited to get back to work with Ben, Dan, the incredible cast and crew, Apple and the whole Severance team. Oh hey also — not a huge deal — but if you see my innie, please don't mention any of this to him. Thanks." There's no word yet as to when Severance season three will arrive, after Hollywood's strikes played a part in the extended wait for season two. The show's creator, writer and executive producer Dan Erickson noted that he "can't wait to continue spreading woe, frolic, dread and malice with these truly incredible people". Locking in Severance's return comes just a week after Apple TV+ also confirmed more episodes of another of its huge successes, Ted Lasso, which will be back for its fourth season sometime in the future. In season two of Severance, a few queries earned the show's attention. The first: what happens when a group of employees attempts to raise issues about their workplace? Mark S, Helly R and their colleagues Dylan (Zach Cherry, Fallout) and Irving (John Turturro, Mr & Mrs Smith) all found out, but also started asking more questions about their existence as innies, their forced subservience not only to Lumon but to their outies, and their hopes of releasing their own dreams and desires. Both within and beyond the company's walls, Mark's outie's quest to find his wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) also drives season two's narrative. Christopher Walken (Dune: Part Two), Patricia Arquette (High Desert), Tramell Tillman (Hunters), Jen Tullock (Perry Mason) and Michael Chernus (Carol & the End of the World) returned among the cast for season two, joined by new cast members Sarah Bock (Bruiser), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (La Palma), Gwendoline Christie (Wednesday), Bob Balaban (Asteroid City), Merritt Wever (Memory), Alia Shawkat (The Old Man) and John Noble (Twilight of the Gods). There's obviously no trailer for season three as yet, but check out the trailer for Severance season two below: Severance streams via Apple TV+ — and we'll update you with a release date for season three when one is announced. Read our review of season one and our season-two interview with Christopher Walken.
If you have been looking for a way to escape the world of mere mortals, then this is the event for you. The Wizarding Academy Express, a magical train journey, is steaming into Melbourne. On Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, the Express will be departing Docklands' Southern Cross Station throughout both days (from Platform 9 3/4, we hope). Professors from the 'Saremcroft Wizarding Academy' will be sourcing local witches and wizards for their next intake. Your lessons begin as the train departs the platform — you'll need to brush up on your spell casting and potion making. The train ride is an interactive theatre experience, suitable for all ages. Your carriage is your 'house', where you'll find your House Captain and Professor. Robes and wands are, of course, recommended. The whole experience has the air of a certain fictional wizarding universe, but, it has been noted, is not affiliated to or endorsed by Warner Bros in any way. The whole thing goes for 60–90 minutes, including all magical activities and even non-alcoholic potions. Unfortunately, all tickets have now sold out, but we'll let you know if any more journeys are added. Updated: September 24, 2019.
Gin lovers, rejoice. Melbourne's CBD now has its first craft gin distillery, with Little Lon Distilling Co opening its doors. Steeped in history, the distillery is named after the infamous red light district that sat between Lonsdale, Spring, Exhibition and La Trobe Streets. The notorious area — that operated around 150 years ago and had bootleggers, prostitutes and sly grog aplenty — was divided by small laneways and cottages, most of which were destroyed in the 1950s. The distillery site, on Casselden Place, is one of the few historic spaces that remain. Little Lon owner and distiller Brad Wilson said the heritage-listed cottage from the 1800s was a passion project many years in the making. "After travelling to Europe, I thought it would be great to have my own spirit brand," Wilson said. "I was inspired by a 400-year-old distillery called Wynand Fockink in Amsterdam to start a project of my own." Drinks such as the mulled apple Ginger Mick are standouts on the menu, with each batch paying homage to the real-life characters that inspired the building's name. Using Victorian Police records, and the knowledge of a Melbourne tour guide Michael Sheldon who runs crime tours in the area, Wilson became familiar with the key figures of the time. "We wanted to personify the characters that used to live and kick around these laneways," said Wilson. Maude Compton, who ran a brothel and was jailed for stealing money out of customer's pockets, and Constable Hickling are some of the characters that feature on the distillery's menu. Little Lon Distilling Co, which has the capacity for around 200–300 litres of fermentation, is churning out batches on regular rotation, featuring local ingredients and fragrant notes such as rosemary, oranges and lemons — all things which have historically grown in the area. Images: Julia Sansone
Take a step back in time and be whisked away to the wonders of the 1960s Brazilian music scene, as Melbourne Recital Centre presents an exclusive evening of Suingue Brazuca — The Golden Years of Brazilian Music on Friday, August 11 at 7.30pm, at the renowned Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. The 1960s witnessed the emergence of an illustrious musical epoch in Brazil, where the sounds of bossa nova and the rhythms of Sérgio Mendes and Brasil 66 took centre stage. But they were just one chapter of a rich musical story. During this showcase, uncover musical gems that are relatively unknown outside of the South American country. The event will feature a carefully curated selection of vibrant Brazilian songs that were originally performed by exceptional interpreters, including Elza Soares, Elizeth Cardoso, Elis Regina and Leny Andrade. Leading this musical sojourn is the talented drummer Carlos Ferreira, whose innate rhythm and flair have been influenced by his upbringing in the heart of Rio during the 1960s. Accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians, including Dany Maia on vocals, Lachlan Davidson on saxophone and flute, Rob Planck on trumpet, Adrian Sheriff on trombone, Steve Sedergreen on piano and Jorge Albuquerque on bass. As part of the Season Three: Haven series at the Melbourne Recital Centre, this evening of Suingue Brazuca invites you to discover and embrace Brazilian musical legacy. Tickets for this showcase start at $45. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on these extraordinary musical adventures at Melbourne Recital Centre. Each event promises an experience that will resonate long after the final note has been played. Find out more information on Melbourne Recital Centre's website.
When a TV show or movie franchise returns years and years after its last instalment, there's no longer any point being surprised. It happens that often these days, with Veronica Mars, Twin Peaks, Star Wars and Jurassic Park just a few recent examples. The latest past pop culture hit set to make a comeback: Sex and the City. Thankfully, as anyone who sat through the terrible 2008 and 2010 movies of the same name will be hoping, the Sarah Jessica Parker-starring series is returning to the small screen this time around. This news was first announced back at the beginning of 2021 — and, ten months later, new HBO show And Just Like That... is now getting closer to reaching our eyeballs. Mark December in your diary and prepare to start sipping cosmopolitans over summer, as that's when this ten-episode spinoff will arrive. Parker is back, as are her initial co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. But And Just Like That... is being badged as a "new chapter' in the Sex and the City story, rather than an additional season of the existing 1998–2004 program — and there's one clear reason for that. While the show will follow Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Nixon) and Charlotte (Davis) once more, the character of Samantha isn't part of the revival, and neither is actor Kim Cattrall, who played her. So, you'll be watching a trio of the original series' leading ladies as they navigate their lives — this time in their 50s. Although Parker, Nixon and Davis won't have Cattrall for company, the list of returning Sex and the City cast members includes Chris Noth, Mario Cantone, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler and the late Willie Garson. Yes, that's Big, Anthony, Steve, Harry and Stanford all accounted for. Also, Grey's Anatomy's Sara Ramírez will feature as well. Parker, Davis and Nixon are also named as producers on And Just Like That..., alongside Michael Patrick King, who worked as a writer, director and executive producer on the original (and on the two movies). In Australia, And Just Like That... is headed to Binge, Foxtel's stand-alone streaming service (and also home to Sex and the City's six seasons). A trailer for the new series hasn't been released yet, but HBO has dropped a date announcement video, which gives a few glimpses. Check it out below: And Just Like That... will start streaming in Australia via Binge sometime in December. We'll update you with an exact airdate once one is announced. Top image: HBO Max.
Alternative milk may have taken the world by storm, but that doesn't mean classic dairy milk has been relegated to the back seat. That's plain to see with Fitzroy's St David Dairy, a cafe that opened at the tail end of 2024 and is, at the time of writing, Melbourne's only micro-dairy. That's a dairy farm that keeps things small-scale and more ethical than your run-of-the-mill commercial dairy operation. The establishment and its owners know that dairy is a complex subject, but they take strides to ensure that all products on the shelves and in the refrigerators are made the way they should be: small-scale and local. Visitors can see most of the process unfurling while they sit and sip their coffee. With raw dairy products sourced from Gippsland, every batch of milk is tested daily for quality and hand-poured inside the cafe premises. You'll be able to walk away with milk, yoghurt, cream, butter, cheese, buttermilk or crème fraiche. And just like the good old days, if you return with an empty glass bottle of milk, you'll get a refill for cheaper. The offering is only increasing in size, with the cafe recently installing an ice creamery. There are also plans to host workshops in its space, including a butter master class, coffee cupping, ice cream pairing, and events educating people about sustainable practices, artisanal practices and the importance of sourcing locally.
Take a step back in time at the Kyneton Springs Motel, a touch of Palm Springs without the airfare in regional Victoria. A self-described salute to the classic road trip. This regional Victorian stay comes complete with 20 rooms all lined up in a row behind pastel pink doors and aqua blue railing. Behind each door is a one-of-a-kind styled room clothed in bold wallpaper, polished concrete floor and pops of orange. Brass fixtures and retro phones (to call down for brekkie in the morning) add style to the comforts of a luxe mattress and a microwave, toaster and kettle — everything you could need in a country stay. You can enjoy in-room old-school breakfast trays or paper bag lunches to go if in need of some sustenance for your excursions in the regions. [caption id="attachment_892570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kyneton Springs Motel. David White[/caption] Freshen up with an umbrella-topped soda from Cathie's Kiosk, which is the onsite al fresco spot giving centre place to bright cocktails and foam-topped spiders. Then, explore your new suburb. You're in the Macedon Ranges, where there are wineries, walks and waterfalls to keep you occupied. Come for the classic neon sign out front, and stay for the hospitality. Images: David White Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Dear Mums of the world, we love you. That's what we should be saying to our Mums this Mother's Day — and if we can't say it with words, we best say it with a booking at a stellar venue. We've got some recommendations ready to suit any preference and family group, from big family affairs to a cheeky champers brunch with just the two of you. Thank us later, but hurry up and make a booking. Melbourne Public — Pub Classics and a Petting Zoo If you have a large group in tow — including younger siblings, kids or grandkids — a top choice would be Melbourne Public. Not just for this sprawling Yarra-side venue's classic pub fare offerings for lunch and dinner, but because there'll be a full-blown mini farm petting zoo for the little ones to get some cute cuddling time in with baby animals between 12.30–3pm. BrewDog Pentridge — An Exclusive Menu at One of Melbourne's Biggest Breweries Scottish brewery BrewDog made a splash when it arrived in Australia, setting up all over the eastern seaboard, including in the massive historic Pentridge Prison site. This is a Mother's Day event you won't want to miss. This brewery is friendly for the whole family — including the furry members — but gives the little ones enough room to stretch their legs when the grownups need a break. It offers an exclusive menu for the occasion, which ought to put a pep in any Mum's step. Prince Alfred Hotel — Live Acoustics and Face Painting Settled in as one of Richmond's most popular pubs and beer gardens, Prince Alfred Hotel is perfect for any larger group looking for a great lunch out with the family in the spirit of Mother's Day. She's getting the celebrity treatment here, and that starts with a glass of bubbles on arrival. Once the bubbles are done, Mum can enjoy (and you can order) drinks at happy hour prices from 2pm–5pm. Mum isn't the only special guest; kids eat free all day. Said kiddos can also enjoy a spot of face painting, also for free, and the whole group can enjoy live music from some of the pubs' favourite acoustic performers. The Victoria Hotel — Monthly Mum Brunches Serving pints to thirsty Yarraville locals and visitors alike since 1873, it's safe to say that The Victoria Hotel is something of an institution. But despite the long and storied history of the pub, it's still managing to keep things fresh. That includes a brand-new motherly tradition kicking off on Saturday, May 11. Sure, that's not Mother's Day, but it is the beginning of the new Monthly Mummy Brunches. Going forward, the second Saturday of every month will be reserved from 12.30–2pm for brunch and bottomless bubbles, plus free kids entertainment to keep the little ones busy, all for $54pp. Trinket — Bottomless Gin High Tea Steering away from the family-oriented offerings, the boozier offerings kick off from the intimate ground-floor bar Trinket. Here, you'll find two Mother's Day tropes: high tea and bottomless bevvies. But instead of champagne and bite-sized scones, we're getting out a classic Mum cocktail, gin and tonic, and blending it with a gourmet chef-curated high tea tray. Garnish your G&T as you like, and nosh on six bites per guest (it's all high tea classics like sandwiches, quiches, mini cheesecakes and cannolis), all served on a cake tray. Bookings are $75pp and are available for two or more from 2.30pm. Garden State Hotel — Grazing Boards, Bubbles and Drag Queen Bingo This CBD pub has a wealth of experiences and memories to be made across its four storeys, each whisking you away from Flinders Lane — at least in your mind. Be it the open beer garden where quaint decorations and tall ficus trees fill the space with light and love, or the intimate Rose Garden basement bar. Adding to the Mother's Day celebrations all over town, here in the venue's Rose Garden, you'll find a great afternoon of drag queen bingo. For $45pp, you and Mum can join the fun with a cold glass of bubbles and a moreish grazing board to share. Morris House — Three Indulgent Courses of Dining This multi-storey establishment boasts a reputation as an all-purpose venue and a damn fine one at that. Ranging from a sun-soaked leafy rooftop to an exposed-brick comedy club in the basement, it's everything you want in a multimillion-dollar CBD venue. The same can be said for its Mother's Day special, everything you want for mum's special day. It's a hefty three-course lunch, starting with a seafood platter to share, then a main of your choice and a boozy NYC-style cheesecake to finish — available between 12–3pm. Middle Park Hotel — Three-Course Feed with Complimentary Fizz Another Melbourne standout, especially if you're keyed into the gastropub scene, is Middle Park Hotel. Be it the historical decor or the bold menu items, there's much to be said for landing on this St Kilda adjacent location. So why not make a Mother's Day booking? For $69pp, any mum will be served a complimentary glass of bubbles before tucking into an appropriately luxurious three-course set menu lunch. If Mum doesn't need anything fancy, general reservations are also available on the day. The Smith Prahran — Drag Comedy with Brunch and Bubbles The last addition to this hefty list of choices might be one of the most entertaining. The Smith in Prahran is a regular pick for both bottomless brunches and drag events in Melbourne, fitting then that it's combining its two specialties for Mother's Day. For the big day, you'll be treated to live entertainment from drag group The Jawbreakers, a brunch item to enjoy alongside and perhaps most importantly, two hours of bottomless mimosas, spritzes, wines and beers. It's all bundled for $74pp and available in two sessions at 12pm and 3pm. For more information on any of these venues or to make bookings, visit the respective websites linked above.
If you've only ever spotted one thing about former wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson, we're betting you've noticed that he already looks like he has superpowers. And if you've been watching The Rock's on-screen career as he's amassed a hefty movie resume over the past couple of decades, you've probably also observed a second key point: he overwhelmingly loves joining franchises. Cases in point: The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King, his multiple Fast and Furious flicks (and spinoff Hobbs & Shaw), Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, GI Joe: Retaliation, and both Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level. New to that list is Black Adam — and, fittingly, here he plays someone with superpowers. The latest entry in the DC Extended Universe — aka the movies that revolve around Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the whole Justice League gang, because Marvel isn't the only comic book company with a film and TV universe — Black Adam is also a spinoff from past DCEU flick Shazam!. Johnson plays an ancient prisoner turned god who was given powers almost 5000 years back, then captured in a tomb. Now, he's free and on the loose in the modern world. Is Black Adam a hero or villain? On the page, he's one of Shazam's archenemies — but as the just-dropped trailer for Black Adam shows, grappling with that question is a big part of this new movie. Given that he's played by the always-likeable Johnson, you can probably expect him to fall further on the side of good than evil. Black Adam hits cinemas Down Under on October 20, with Johnson's Jungle Cruise director Jaume Collet-Serra helming. Also featuring on-screen: Aldis Hodge (One Night in Miami) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (the To All the Boys I've Loved Before franchise ) as Atom Smasher and ex-Bond star Pierce Brosnan as Dr Fate, plus Sarah Shahi (Sex/Life), Marwan Kenzari (Aladdin), Quintessa Swindell (Voyagers) and Bodhi Sabongui (A Million Little Things). And if Black Adam has you thinking about Shazam!, it is getting a sequel this year, too, with Shazam! Fury of the Gods due in cinemas in December. Check out the trailer for Black Adam below: Black Adam opens in cinemas Down Under on October 20.
It's the northeastern suburbs' go-to for retail therapy, but come next year, Westfield Doncaster shopping centre will have a whole lot more to offer in terms of food, when it unveils a $30 million upgrade to its Level 2 food and entertainment hub. Developers have announced that work on the makeover is already underway, as they set out to create a contemporary and lush new rooftop precinct. An assortment of indoor and outdoor areas will complement the existing Village Cinemas site, boasting up to 14 new restaurants and eateries once complete. While the exact retailers are under wraps for now, we're told to expect a mix of "much-loved favourites" and "new culinary experiences". Other plans for the space include a sunny central courtyard accessed via a series of laneways and pathways, as well as a sculpture garden, a foliage-filled lobby area, a conservatory and a variety of leafy communal spaces. Best of all, the new rooftop precinct will be open day and night — perfect for those pre- or post-movie hangs. The space should be up and running by some time in 2020. The $30 million upgrade is separate to (but coincides with) the centre's proposed $500 million masterplan redevelopment, which was given the green light from the state government earlier this year. This half-a-billion redevelopment, which is still awaiting further approvals, includes the addition of a 14-storey tower, as extra 43,000 square metres of retail offerings and 18,000 of office space. We'll let you know when there are anymore updates on that. Westfield Doncaster's new-look level 2 food and entertainment is slated for completion in 2020. We'll let you know when the retailers are announced.
Our Flag Means Death might be no more, after the pirate rom-com was cancelled after two seasons, but getting giggling at Rhys Darby is still on the agenda. The New Zealand comedian has hardly been away from the screen for more than 15 years, ever since Flight of the Conchords became one of HBO's best-ever sitcoms, so he's been inspiring laughs for years. For the first time in nearly a decade, however, he's returning to the stand-up stage — and he's just locked in an Australian tour. At the beginning of each year, Aussies enjoy a chuckle when comedy festival season sweeps the nation's east coast. Darby is on the Brisbane Comedy Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival lineups, and will also play Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Newcastle. In fact, he's making nine stops around the country throughout April 2025. [caption id="attachment_915747" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Our Flag Means Death, Nicola Dove[/caption] "I'm so excited to return to the stage, a bit older, a bit wiser but mostly a bit sillier than ever before!" said Darby, announcing the tour, which kicks off from Tuesday, April 8–Sunday, April 13 at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre and ends on Wednesday, April 30 at the Princess Theatre in Brisbane. Fans can expect gags about AI, robots, dads wearing tight jeans and more — and the mix of absurdity and insights that have always marked Darby's brand of comedy. [caption id="attachment_980410" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gage Skidmore via Flickr[/caption] Between calling band meetings on Flight of the Conchords and finding love while swashbuckling on Our Flag Means Death, his career has spanned everything from The X-Files, A Series of Unfortunate Events and Wellington Paranormal to Sweet Tooth, SpongeBob SquarePants and Monsters at Work on the small screen. On the big screen, Darby has also been a frequent presence, thanks to The Boat That Rocked, What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level, Uproar, Next Goal Wins and plenty more. Rhys Darby The Legend Returns 2025 Tour Dates Tuesday, April 8–Sunday, April 13 — Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne Tuesday, April 15 — Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide Thursday, April 17 — Odeon Theatre, Hobart Saturday, April 19 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra Tuesday, April 22 — Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle Wednesday, April 23 — Anita's Theatre, Thirroul Thursday, April 24 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Sunday, April 27 — Regal Theatre, Perth Wednesday, April 30 — Princess Theatre, Brisbane Rhys Darby is touring Australia in April 2025, with pre-sale tickets from 10am on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 and general tickets on sale from 10am on Friday, November 22, 2024. Head to the tour website for more details.
Set among the rolling vineyards of Merricks North, Jackalope has been one of the Mornington Peninsula's most sought-after stays for the better part of a decade. With its bold design, impressive art collection and first-rate amenities, the boutique hotel brings a slice of thoughtful modern luxury to the stillness of the Peninsula's wine country. And this winter, you can experience some of that signature luxury — no check-in required. Available Sundays through Thursdays until Tuesday, September 30, the new Winter Day Access package invites two guests to spend the day enjoying the hotel's private pool deck and wellness facilities for $100. It's a rare opportunity to explore one of Australia's most awarded luxury hotels, without an overnight stay. For $50 each, you and a mate or date will have full-day access (from 9am–5pm) to Jackalope's 30-metre heated infinity pool, private pool deck, outdoor spa and infrared sauna, which all overlook the property's verdant, undulating vineyards. Tea on arrival and Jackalope's signature plush terry-waffle robes complete the experience — and you'll get a pair of slippers to take home, too. The new wellness-focused day pass taps into Melbourne's growing love affair with both day spas and hot-and-cold therapy, which is having its own moment right now. Jackalope's sleek architectural surrounds bring a contemporary edge to the ritual, which has been shown to improve circulation, muscle recovery and mental clarity. If you're really looking to switch off, you can book a treatment from Jackalope's extensive spa menu, though this isn't included in the day pass. Of course, a day spent between a picturesque infinity pool and a restorative sauna is bound to build up an appetite — thankfully, you won't have to go far to refuel. Make a day of it with a seasonal long lunch at Rare Hare, Jackalope's hatted restaurant and cellar door, where local produce and estate-made wines take centre stage. Or simply relax by the fire with a drink in hand at Flaggerdoot, the hotel's moody cocktail bar known for its high-concept interiors and inventive drinks with a seasonal edge. Whether you're escaping the hustle and bustle of city life for the day or looking for day-date with serious wow factor, Jackalope's new offer makes a strong case for giving yourself some time out — and experiencing one of Melbourne's go-to summer destinations in a whole new winter light. Jackalope's Winter Day Access package is available Sundays through Thursdays until Tuesday, September 30. For more information and to make a reservation, visit the hotel's website.
Monforte Viennoiserie, a pint-sized Carlton North bakery, has been missing just one essential ingredient to make it the ultimate one-stop shop for a morning adventure — proper barista coffee. However, loyal customers need no longer go elsewhere to get their gourmet caffeine fix, as the beloved hole-in-the-wall patisserie finally welcomes its own coffee machine and Everyday Coffee beans. What Monforte Viennoiserie lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in quality, technique and creativity. Giorgia McAlliser Forte's teal kiosk, tucked away in a row of beige Victorian houses, keeps customers on their toes with an imaginative menu of ever-changing seasonal offerings, along with a couple of staple items that showcase her impeccable technique. Signature classics include a leatherwood honey and sea salt croissant, and seasonal offerings range from the likes of a salted yuzu floating island, to a chocolate, green mandarin and finger lime kouign amann, to a hazelnut, peach and black tea twice-baked pastry. "Our loyal customers have been crying out for espresso-based drinks, and after 5 years we've finally managed to rejig the space to squeeze in a machine", explains Forte. "The compliments paid around our pastries, in particular the signature classic leatherwood and sea salt croissant, meant we had to match the best with the best, partnering with local Collingwood-based roaster Everyday [Coffee]. The installation of a La Marzocco machine means our customers can rely on a true gold standard across all our food and beverage offerings." To celebrate its partnership with Everyday Coffee and give back to its devoted customers, Monforte will be giving away free coffees this Saturday, November 15. Get in quick, as the offer is available from 8.30am until 2pm, or until sold out. And for those so inclined, don't worry, they'll still be serving their signature hot and cold filter coffees. Images: Michael Gardenia. Got pastries on your mind? Check out the best bakeries in Melbourne.
For nearly a decade, Thornbury Picture House has been more than just a place to watch films, serving as a gathering spot and a creative hub for Melbourne's northern suburbs. Now, co-owners Gus and Lou Berger are bringing that same sense of community to Brunswick, with the opening of Brunswick Picture House on Sydney Road this November. "We've been living in Brunswick for ten years," Gus says. "With that comes a kind of understanding of the area, its independence, diversity, and vibrancy. I want our programming to reflect that." For Berger, cinemas are as essential to a neighbourhood as libraries, record shops, and cafés. "Every community deserves to have a cinema nearby," he says. "It completes the community." At the Thornbury Picture House, Berger and his wife, Lou, set out to do something different from the multiplex model. A place where people could gather, chat, and share a film rather than just watch one. "We never wanted to be a typical cinema," Gus explains. "We've always seen ourselves as more of a community hang-out." That approach will carry over to Brunswick, with the same emphasis on accessibility and collaboration. Local filmmakers will be encouraged to host screenings, premieres, and cast-and-crew events at affordable rates. "As a filmmaker myself, I understand how much love and effort go into making a movie," Gus says. "It's a privilege to be the place where those films are first shown to friends, family, and collaborators." Beyond film screenings, the team plans to keep their doors open for community events and fundraisers. "It feels good to give back to the community that's supporting you," Gus adds. While many cinemas chase the latest blockbusters, Berger's philosophy is rooted in connection. "There's something special about everyone coming to see the same film together, hanging out afterwards, talking about it," he says. "That shared experience, that's what we're trying to create." That communal feeling often extends beyond the screen. Expect to see DJs or live bands performing before select screenings, themed nights, and their signature mini-festivals, as well as from the Northern Lights Film Festival, which celebrates local short films and music videos, to Beats Working, a showcase of the year's best music documentaries. "We love curating nights that feel like an event, more than just watching a movie," Gus says. Gus's passion for film heritage is undeniable. A filmmaker himself (his documentary The Lost City of Melbourne explored the city's vanished cinemas), he's committed to keeping film history alive — quite literally — through 35mm projection. "There's something about seeing a film on 35mm that feels alive and real," he says. "You can see the grain, the texture, it's imperfect in a beautiful way." The Brunswick venue will feature a 35mm projector, a rare treat for cinephiles in the northern suburbs. "We can't wait to bring that experience back." Berger believes cinemas hold deep emotional resonance for people. "Everyone remembers the cinema of their childhood, where they went on their first date, or where they escaped during hard times," he says. "Cinemas are woven into the stories of our lives." Brunswick Picture House will carry the same design as its Thornbury counterpart, part retro charm, part arthouse edge. The Bergers are bringing along their personal collection of vintage film gear, including old cameras and poster art, to decorate the space. "Framing those prints and old photographs has been such a joy," Gus says. "It's a way of honouring cinema's past while creating something fresh." Visitors can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a beautiful timber bar for that pre- or post-film drink. "We want people to walk in and feel like they're in a special place, one that loves cinema as much as they do," Gus says. "After months of dealing with builders, I can't wait to get back to the fun part, creating experiences that bring people together." Brunswick Picture House opens in late November on Sydney Road. Stay tuned for programming updates and special events. Images: Supplied
Nestled into a leafy corner of South Melbourne, O'Connell's has been a cornerstone of Melbourne's pub scene for over 150 years. After a rethink back in 1990, it's sometimes pegged as the city's first gastropub, pairing top-quality food and drink to earn this neighbourly spot a stellar reputation. However, the venue is ready for its next chapter with the appointment of a new head chef, Aaron Brodie. Renowned for his produce-first approach and wood-fire cooking techniques, Brodie follows a long line of acclaimed chefs to lead O'Connell's kitchen, with names like Greg Malouf, Adrian Richardson and Cath Kalka previously plying their trade. Now it's Brodie's turn, having served as head chef at Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley for almost a decade. Bringing fresh energy and a renewed culinary focus, a Josper charcoal grill is where much of the action will take place. Perfect for seasonal and ingredient-first cooking, Brodie has conceived several headline dishes, including woodfired king prawns with nduja butter and capers; rainbow trout with champagne sauce and caviar; and a 300g Galiciana MB3 scotch fillet, served with butterleaf salad, pickled shallots and hand-cut chips. Meanwhile, pub faves are elevated with a delicate touch, like veal schnitzel "Holstein" with Ortiz anchovy and brown butter, and a raclette-topped wagyu cheeseburger layered with house-made relish. "Our focus at O'Connell's is on dishes prepared thoughtfully, with integrity and care," says Brodie. "It's about using great ingredients and preparing them properly, always with a sense of generosity behind it. Whether it's a wagyu steak or rainbow trout, that wood-fire flavour runs through everything we do." Supported by close relationships with some of Victoria's leading makers and producers, Brodie and his back-of-house team have sourced carbon-neutral Robbins Island Wagyu and Cape Grim beef, while the Mornington Peninsula's Barragunda Estate is responsible for the seasonal vegetables. This update also extends to O'Connell's interior, though special care was taken to carry forward the character of this historic landmark. Guests can expect new lighting, artwork and furnishings to adorn its storied timber floors, heritage windows and fireplace. "We're thrilled to have Aaron leading the kitchen at O'Connell's," says Morris Hospitality Group Executive Chef, Peter Reffell. "He brings incredible culinary talent, a fresh creative energy and a genuine passion for bold flavours and seasonal produce. His approach respects O'Connell's heritage but adds a vibrant new layer to it." O'Connell's is open daily from 12pm–11pm at 407 Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Head to the website for more information. Images: Arianna Leggiero / Simon Schiff
Put down your So Fresh CD. Crack open your teenage piggy bank. Keep practicing your Usher slide glide. Because a full-blown R&B frenzy is set to sweep the nation this November as live party tour RnB Fridays returns for five mammoth shows. Descending on Marvel Stadium on November 10 (not a Friday, mind you), the event has managed to pull a pretty serious lineup of international music legends straight from the 90s and early 2000s. Heading the bill is none other than singing, songwriting, dancing superstar Usher, in what will be his first Aussie shows since 2011. He'll be joined by hip hop queens Salt-N-Pepa, rappers T-Pain and Lil Jon, mononymous ladies Eve and Estelle, Grammy Award-winning trio Naughty By Nature, Fatman Scoop and 'Pony' Ginuwine. All of them. Together. In one show. Ticket prices are as momentous as the lineup, with each one starting at $109.90. If you fancy really splashing out, you can opt for $349.90 platinum package — it comes complete with a commemorative lanyard, express entry, front-row real estate and the chance to meet Usher himself. Image: Mushroom Creative House.
Ever since Messina has been scooping out gelato, the dessert chain has also been turning beloved sweet treats into ice cream. Sometimes, it creates wonderful new flavours inspired by lamingtons and the like. Sometimes, it gives iconic biscuits the gelato treatment. And sometimes, it whips up its own version of classic dishes — such as the vanilla- and chocolate-layered ice cream cake that everyone considered the height of extravagance as a child, aka the Viennetta. The Messinetta, as Messina calls its Viennetta, debuted in 2020, then returned in 2021. That same year, it also got a Golden Gaytime twist, which is exactly what it sounds like. That Frankenstein's monster of a dessert — but in the best possible way — also made a comeback, reappearing in 2022. Now, it's time to unleash the Neapolitan Messinetta. Again, this limited-edition dish is extremely self-explanatory. And yes, that name alone points to it being supremely tasty. Once more, Messina is combining two things that everyone tucked into a whole heap when they were kids — Viennetta and the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream that is Neapolitan — into one delicious package. What's in a Neapolitan Messinetta? That iconic trio of flavours is all accounted for, as are the slices of chocolate. Think: vanilla sponge layered with chocolate gelato, vanilla gelato and strawberry gel, plus those with chocolate shards, then piped with vanilla chantilly cream. It serves up to 14 people, but that obviously depends on portion sizes — and how willing you are to share. The Neapolitan Messinetta earned Messina a return spot on MasterChef on Tuesday, May 30, with Messina co-owner and head chef Donato Toce challenging contestants to make their own. If you felt your stomach grumbling and tastebuds tingling while you were watching, you can now get ordering — from 8.40pm on Tuesday, May 30. A Neapolitan Messinetta will set you back $120, and you'll collect it in-store between Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18. Gelato Messina's Neapolitan Messinetta is be available to order from 8.40pm on Tuesday, May 30, for pick up between Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18 — head to the Messina website for further details.
Trekking is fun. But carrying heavy gear isn't. Next time you're contemplating a hike through the Macedon Ranges, consider getting a llama to help you out. Hanging Rock Llama Treks will hook you up with your very own personal four-legged friend. The eco-tours range from five to 12 kilometres in length. Plus, there's also an obstacle course that you and your llama can conquer together. Before you head out, you'll be taken through all things llama from how to care for them to what order they should walk in (to respect dominance in the herd). And if you're lucky, when you return to the farm, you may even get to meet some crias (baby llamas).
Fitzroy has welcomed a new haven of 70s disco dazzle, as The Lame Duck arrives to heat things up this summer. Behind a glittering gold door and up a flight of stairs on the corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets, this newbie's rocking a retro pool room aesthetic with a definite disco edge. Cementing those old-school party vibes, expect a healthy dose of wood panelling, a shrine to the one and only Cher, a working photo booth for late-night happy snaps, and a Billy Bass presiding happily over the room. A vintage purple pool table snookers all the others in town, and enormous booths — decked out in hot pink palm trees, no less — are primed for group festivities. With a nifty 4am licence, and a couple of hospitality veterans at the helm, it's a place where letting your hair down is most certainly encouraged. The cocktail offering is embracing the very best of eras past, slinging new-school takes on some of the 70s' best-known daggy drinks. There's the daring Mezcal Sunrise ($18) with pink grapefruit juice, a piña colada-margarita mash-up ($18) and the signature Lame Fluffy Duck ($18) — a gin and Aperol sour. They're all ten bucks if you get there for happy hour between 5–7pm Tuesday to Thursday. More retro classics pepper the snacks menu; you'll find yourself stepping back in time with bites like pickled onions, hot dogs and an oozy baked camembert fondue. Meanwhile, the DJ tunes will be spinning nightly, with residents like JNETT and Capt'n Shergz throwing down a hearty mix of disco, funk and soul jams. Be sure to bring your party shoes — dancing on the tables is a-ok at The Lame Duck. At least for the time being. Images: Jess Middleton.
UPDATE: APRIL 24, 2020 — This pizzeria in Melbourne's north is serving its gluten free and vegan slices and pastas for takeaway and delivery. You can order via the website. Italian might not be the obvious choice when you're hunting for vegan or gluten-free eats, but Shop 225 is pretty keen to shake up that thought process entirely. Up in Pascoe Vale South, this neighbourhood pizzeria is dishing up a rare culinary combination: it's championing simple Italian fare, while also specialising in both vegan and gluten-free dishes. Boasting Coeliac Australia accreditation, the restaurant's got all the proper processes in place to minimise cross-contamination and ensure long-suffering diners can finally sit down to a whole menu filled with choices. A hefty range of traditional pasta dishes also includes a plethora of plant-based alternatives — from mushroom fettuccini to a rigatoni bolognese — with gluten-free casarecce, spaghetti or gnocchi interchangeable for most. And when it comes to woodfired pizzas, the options are even more bountiful, thanks to a wide-ranging lineup of vegan ingredients and Shop 225's signature coeliac-friendly bases ($4 extra). It swaps the usual wheat situation for a blend of Ardor gluten-free flour and rice, tapioca, maize, soy and pea flours. For toppings, plant-based options abound, crafted with lactose-free Local Craft cheese and vegan-friendly meat alternatives. And, of course, they haven't forgotten about the discerning dessert fiends out there either — you'll spy Nutella-loaded pizzas and calzones, creamy panna cotta and proper Sicilian cannoli, all available in both vegan and gluten-free variations. Images: Hi Sylvia Photography.
Think of Thornbury and you probably don't think of the surf — after all, it's over ten kilometres to the nearest beach, and at least an hour's drive from any surfable ones. This landlocked reality did not stop Zak Koniaris from opening up a shrine to all things surf on Thornbury's Victoria Road over two decades ago (and another in Newport soon after). Then known as Zak Surfboards, the store became more than just a place to pick up surf equipment and apparel — it helped to foster a community of surfers from all over Melbourne. The store rebranded in 2020 to Melbourne Surf Board Shop, and continues to stock everything you need to take on the waves, from surfboards (both new and secondhand) and board parts to towels and sunscreen. If you get your kicks from something a little more land-based, Melbourne Surf Board Shop also stocks a great range of skateboarding equipment. Image: Daniel Fuge
Ceramiques has studios all over Melbourne, with locations in Elsternwick, Kew and Geelong — offering up wheel-based ceramics classes in its tranquil, relaxing and creativity-inspiring studios. In Elsternwick, its classes include a one-off experience where curious-minded students can experience a two-hour introduction to pottery. They'll use the wheel for the first time, and by the end of the session, they'll have created two to four pieces of which their favourite will be glazed and fired — ready for collection not long after. There is also a four-week term with one two-hour class per week. Here, you'll learn all the steps involved in wheel throwing, from the design phase to the glazing. There is also a hand-building class on Thursday evenings for those who want to experiment with the endless possibilities of hand-crafted clay. The Kew and Geelong studios offer the same courses, while the Geelong spot incorporates the Ceramiques LAB where the teachers test, experiment and create. There are events and specialty classes here too. If you already have a knack for pottery Ceramiques allows studio accessories and kiln hire for a fee, so you can swing by any time you like and perfect your craft.
Five years in the making, Strato is the show-stopping crown jewel of the Oakwood Premier Melbourne — a lounge bar, five-star restaurant and private dining spread across the building's top two floors, soaring 139 metres above Southbank. Whiz on skyward in the lift to Level 40, move through the foyer with its immersive video projection artwork, and you'll find yourself in the glamorous Strato Bar and Restaurant — boasting space for 70, and sensational vistas from its seven-metre-tall windows and a dedicated terrace. From an impressive 16-metre-long stone bar, this sky-high haunt slings a sophisticated offering of cocktails, vino and local craft beer. Driven by celebrated bartender Charlie Ainsbury (This Must Be the Place, Proof & Company), Strato's signature sips feel more than luxe enough to suit the lofty locale, mingling the old world with the new, and bringing rare spirits and uncommon ingredients to the forefront. Cocktails might include crafty options like a house martini made on Never Never's Oyster Shell Gin; the Moondance, infused with smoked passionfruit and French vodka; and a riff on the Manhattan starring strawberry gum, chocolate and cherry. The rest of the drinks list harbours a slew of rare and hard-to-find pours and a curation of wine sourced from near and far, not to mention a truly hefty global array of whisky. Meanwhile, upscale bar snacks come courtesy of the same kitchen. Up here, you're in for elevated bites like foie gras macarons, caviar, braised venison croquettes and oozy baked camembert. Venture to the mezzanine above, and you'll find a sumptuous VIP private dining space, complete with its own bar and more dazzling views. UPDATE: Since opening in July 2022, the sky-high venues at 202 Normanby Street, Southbank, have been rebranded as one all-encompassing bar and eatery named Strato Melbourne. Find out more at the website.
If you grew up in Melbourne over the last few decades, there's a near-certain chance you spent at least a few scorching hot days at Funfields Themepark. Opened in 1985 as the Alpine Toboggan Park, this family-owned business is now ready to celebrate its 40th birthday, having just reopened with a host of exciting new rides and activities. Foremost among these is the Lava Lagoon Lazy River, a relaxing experience made for seeing out the hottest of hot days. Taking about 18 months to complete, more than 5000 tonnes of earth and two million litres of water were shifted to make way for this massive project. Now up and running, this summer retreat is primed for both relaxation and adventure. Floating along a scenic, heated lazy river, wave generators shipped in from Scotland transform the final stretch of peaceful waters into undulating rapids, punctuated with overhead bridges and dormant volcanoes. Plus, the surrounding beach area — lined with 3500 plants and 12 towering palm trees — features VIP cabanas and sun loungers designed for soaking up the sun. "Our Lava Lagoon Lazy River has been something families have been asking about for years," says Funfields General Manager of Operations Flynn Simsek "It's designed for everyone, parents can unwind, kids can play, and friends can float together. It's relaxing, heated and makes you feel like you've been transported to a tropical resort." Also forming part of this expansive $10 million upgrade, visitors will encounter another brand-new activity — Cyber Drift Bumper Cars. Bringing a supercharged twist to the action, smash and crash your way around the rink before slinging yourself down all 137 metres of the Typhoon Water Slide or tackling Victoria's first outdoor heated wave pool. "This year is about celebrating 40 years of memories," says Simsek. "So many Victorians grew up coming to Funfields, and we're proud that it's become a place where families continue to make memories together." Funfields Themepark is open Saturday–Sunday from 10am–5pm at 2365 Plenty Rd, Whittlesea. Head to the website for more information.
There's simply no stopping Scott Pickett. But then, you've got to agree, that's a very good thing. The acclaimed chef and restaurateur, who counts the likes of Estelle, Saint Crispin and Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie among his stable of culinary smash hits, has just unveiled his latest venture, this time taking on South Yarra. Perhaps the most striking Pickett project to date, Matilda 159 Domain has carved its home out of a soaring, two-level space beneath Domain Road's United Places Botanic Gardens boutique hotel. Sitting pretty across from the Royal Botanic Gardens, this one boasts a warm, timber-heavy fitout by creative studio Projects of Imagination, offset by an assembly of natural textures — custom designed Andrei Davidoff ceramics, dark leather banquettes, and tables crafted from Australian blackwood trees. It has an earthy vibe that's reflected in the modern Australian food offering, as Pickett pushes into new culinary territory, ditching the concept of gas cooking to focus on all things fire and smoke. The open kitchen's going in strong, with two fire pits, a rotisserie, a smoker box, a josper and a wood-fire oven — nab one of the eight covetable ring-side seats to best see it all at play. The menu itself features a roll-call of native Aussie ingredients, each dish brought to life by either coal, flame or smoke. Signature creations include the likes of Macedon Ranges duck, smoked over cherry wood and teamed with charred orange; spanner crab with flatbread and a prawn butter; and at dessert, a dish of Glenora rhubarb, burnt custard and lemon verbena. To match, a sprawling wine menu features a curation of top Aussie labels and European favourites, backed by a local-leaning contingent of spirits and craft beers. In the restaurant's basement you'll find Oscar's Bar, where a compact and creative cocktail and snacks list is soon to launch. Matilda 159 Domain is now open at 159 Domain Road, South Yarra. Images: Interiors by Tim Grey, Food by Gareth Sobey
Beware wells in the middle of the forest, crawling women with long black hair completely covering their faces and, naturally, any VHS tapes that depict both. Along with a healthy disdain for viral videos, that's what the Ring franchise has taught us over the past three decades — and the original Japanese series isn't done yet. The seventh film in the initial saga, Sadako follows psychology counsellor Mayu Akigawa (Elaiza Ikeda). Her younger brother is a YouTuber, and her latest patient may have a connection to the eponymous murderous spirit that's known to haunt videotapes. Yes, that likely means that someone will let the killer ghost loose on the internet, giving anyone who sees the creepy force just seven days to live. While Ring's concept was always going to play with the online world at some point, perhaps the most exciting aspect of Sadako is its filmmaker, with Hideo Nakata returning after directing the initial Japanese flick Ringu. He also helmed sequel Ring 2, as well as the sequel to the American remake, called The Ring Two. If you're a fan of J-horror, you've probably seen his other flicks, such as Dark Water and Kaidan. Ring actually started on the page back in 1991, thanks to a horror mystery novel series that spawned printed follow-ups called Spiral, Loop, Birthday, S and Tide. On-screen, the Japanese films debuted in 1998, and are split over two different timelines — with Sadako following on from 1999's Ring 2, and the other branch releasing its first follow-up in 1998, two more 3D movies in 2012 and 2013 that are confusingly also called Sadako, plus a cross-over with the Ju-on series named Sadako vs. Kayako in 2016. Of course, there's also the three American movies, starting with 2002's well-received The Ring starring Naomi Watts and ending with 2017's terrible Rings. A South Korean remake, The Ring Virus, also popped up in 1999. Check out the trailer for Sadako below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-Pftw4fd8k Sadako doesn't currently have a release date Down Under — we'll update you if and when that changes. Via IndieWire.
Sure, we've still got the tail end of winter to get through, but it's never too early to start dreaming about sunny spring afternoon G&Ts. And to help us get there, Brunswick-based gin producer Patient Wolf will open the doors to its Brunswick distillery for one day this Saturday, August 26. It's been just over six months since Matt Argus and Dave Irwin joined the growing ranks of Victorian artisan spirits producers, launching their first small-batch dry gin with the help of a Pozible campaign. And they've certainly been busy ones, with Cookie, Howler, and award-winning cocktail bar The Everleigh just some of the local venues quick to add Patient Wolf to their collections. But there's nothing quite like enjoying your gin-fix straight from the source, which you'll be able to do from 12–6pm, when the label's tasting bar opens to the public for the first time. Patient Wolf will deliver the full gin experience out of its Albert Street digs, where gin lovers can not only indulge in their favourite tipple, but enjoy free tastings, learn all about the botanicals that give this spirit its unique flavour and buy a bottle from the cellar door. All while marvelling at the boys' shiny 230-litre copper still, which was custom-made in Germany and takes pride of place in the distillery.
Mavis the Grocer is the latest addition to the burgeoning Abbotsford cafe scene. Housed in an old shop on the corner of Nicholson and Vere Streets, the quaintly named Mavis has a strong focus on creating connections with the local community. The team are striving to bring people together over nourishing food and great coffee — and by the looks of it, they're succeeding. The renovation of the corner store has been done well. The interior is fresh and light thanks to large windows that look out onto the street. In fact, it feels a little as though you are entering a big old neighbourhood kitchen with its weatherboard walls, wooden crates of fruit and greenery sprouting from pots. The menu has the usual brunch suspects with a few twists thrown in. Homemade muesli and eggs are breakfast menu staples, but a brown rice, steamed greens and tofu brekky bowl ($16) muscles in on the latest breakfast salad trend. Delicious bread is made on the premises and accompanies several of the dishes, including the slow braised spicy beans with a cheesy herb sourdough crust ($15). Citrus-cured salmon with roast and raw beetroot ($18) is a rich, yet healthy dish, and certainly meets the requirement of being photogenic, as did the flashback to childhood pikelets with sweet ricotta, strawberries and honeycomb ($15). As you move towards lunchtime, there is a selection of sandwiches (fresh and toasted), salads, and a specials board with more European-style slow cooked offerings, such as local mussels cooked in a tomato, fennel, chilli and basil broth, a risotto, and polpette. These reappear with more evening appeal when the sun starts to dip, the candles are lit and a glass of wine or a local beer is possible. Coffee is by Seven Seeds, with a permanent house blend and a single-origin blend that are well executed by knowledgeable baristas. There are also smoothies, cold pressed juices, kombucha and organic tea by Tielka. Co-owners Maurice Manno and Dan Zeidan — responsible for Collingwood favourites Lazerpig and The Grace Darling Hotel — are serious about their philosophy of using seasonal, local, sustainable or organic produce. All suppliers are chosen according to their ethical and environmental practices. The Mavis team want to minimise waste, reduce food mileage and keep their overall environmental impact as small as possible. Food scraps are reused as compost, farming and to feed their chickens. And as well as outdoor pavement seating, there's a heated courtyard out the back with a healthy looking veggie patch, which contributes to the kitchen's creations. In keeping with the grocer aspect of its personality, there is a small range of artisan products are for sale. Organic milk, pasta, olive oil, homemade jam and — intriguingly, but patriotically — jars of vegemite adorn the shelves. There are take home meals available too, making Mavis a bit of a one-stop, wonderful destination for your conscience, your belly and your need for community connection.
The waves aren't the only things making a splash at Melbourne's new surf park Urbnsurf after a much-anticipated culinary addition — the first Melbourne outpost of Three Blue Ducks. While the park's surfing lagoon has managed to get in a few months of operation since opening in January, the restaurant wasn't quite so lucky, forced to skip its planned March launch due to COVID-19. But the doors have now swung open, in time for a busy summer of surf, sun and sustainable fare. Known for its farm-to-table food ethos and with five permanent outposts across Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay and the Snowy Mountains, Three Blue Ducks is now set to deliver its sustainably-focused offering to Australia's first surf park. In a 350-seat indoor-outdoor space overlooking Urbnsurf's sparkling lagoon, the team's plating up an all-day menu built around simple food, and top-quality local ingredients. Whether you've just put in a morning's worth of waves, or you're there solely for the food, the breakfast menu is set to impress. On it, you'll find inventive creations like the spanner crab scramble ($25) matched with bean shoot salad and house-made Sriracha; a bacon and chilli jam brekky roll ($16) finished with slaw and mayo; and harissa-glazed pumpkin ($20) with sauerkraut and turmeric cashew cream. [caption id="attachment_792592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Deeper into the day, you can settle in with share-friendly starters — think, kingfish ceviche ($24) and crumbed pulled pork ($21) served with pickled onion purée — in addition to vibrant pizzas ($22–26), a daily-changing vegetarian pasta ($25) and mains like the Portuguese-style rotisserie chicken ($33) and a bone-in porterhouse ($55) with bagna cauda (an Italian garlic and anchovy sauce). Sides ($11–13) might include the likes of carrots done with burnt honey and ricotta salata, and dessert ($15–16) will see you feasting on treats like a flourless chocolate cake matched with rich whiskey cream. And no matter what time of day you visit, vegetarian and gluten free diners can count on being spoilt for choice. The sustainable focus extends to the drinks list, too, with Single O coffee showcased alongside local beers and ciders from the likes of Moon Dog, Stomping Ground, Bodriggy and Fixation. The wine selection celebrates organic and biodynamic practices, while a produce-forward cocktail lineup stars sips like the Balmy Nights Spritz, made with tequila, lime, chilli and strawberry. Right across the offering, there's a commitment to minimising both food miles and wastage, so expect to find on-site composting systems, a kitchen garden growing herbs and edible native plants, and plenty of drinks served on tap, rather than from the bottle. Venue images by Ed Sloane; food and drink images by Kitti Gould.
New year, new adventures. It's time to start planning trips to hidden beaches while summer's still kicking, city breaks during quieter months of the year, and regional desert getaways when the temperature drops down south. And we get the "I'll put off travelling around Australia till I'm older" mentality. But enough of that. There's so much greatness in our own backyard that we shouldn't keep pushing local trips further down the line of must-visit places. So, read on to find a few Aussie destinations that should be added to your 2023 travel bucket list. Then go ahead and book a few trips before the opportunity passes. TASMANIA [caption id="attachment_883574" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zachary Ferguson (Unsplash)[/caption] BRUNY ISLAND Tassie's Bruny Island feels totally remote but it's a short ferry ride from the coast and, including driving time, is just 50-minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the rugged wilderness, you can still find luxury accommodation, amazing food and all kinds of local produce (think fine cheese and whisky). But consider Bruny Island a destination for when nature is calling. You'll find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. A trip to Bruny Island should be an essential addition to any Tasmanian vacation along the state's south-eastern coast. If you're a serious gourmand, you can experience all the island's finest delights in style with a gourmet tasting and sightseeing day trip from Hobart which includes award-winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters, handcrafted fudge and mead, local honey and a lunch at Pennicott's beachside restaurant with sweeping views of Adventure Bay. Book it now at Concrete Playground Trips. [caption id="attachment_728931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Kuilenburg, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] BAY OF FIRES This region is ripe for exploring and one of the most photogenic regions in Tassie. There are hiking trails through bushland full of native Australian wildlife as well as pristine white sand beaches with orange-hued granite boulders that the Bay of Fires is renowned for. Come any time of year to enjoy the area, staying for a few days at one of our favourite glamping sites in Australia or simply pass through while road tripping around Tasmania's North East region. [caption id="attachment_718786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia and Graham Freeman[/caption] HOBART Hobart is booming. Increasingly, Australian travellers and international folk are taking the trip down south to Tasmania's seaside city. The city's brilliant food scene (which has totally transformed in the past ten years) draws visitors, as well as the city's singular cultural institution MONA. This museum is home to world-class art and installations from owner/mastermind David Walsh's private collection of works that are anything but stuffy. The art is served alongside a fabulous selection of locally-focused food and wine. And then there is the Mona Foma music and arts festival. The dates of this year's festival are Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Launceston, then the weekend of Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Hobart, and both weekends boast cracking lineups. If you haven't secured your tickets, you can still book one of our exclusive Mona Foma travel packages which includes Posh Pit ferry pass to the museum, tickets to see Peaches return to the Mona stage on Friday, 24 February, plus two nights in a luxe hotel. VICTORIA [caption id="attachment_883577" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Weyne Yew (Unsplash)[/caption] THE WYE RIVER Victoria's Great Ocean Road is always worth travelling down — but finding places to stop for a few nights can be a much harder task. The classics of Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay are always great options, but we prefer the sleepier town of Wye River. The small regional town has its own beachside caravan park, an absolute stunner of a general store as well as plenty of beaches for surfing and swimming. Get away from the crowds down here. If you're keen to explore this area in style, book our Great Ocean Road road-tripping holiday here (which includes car rental and accommodation so all you need to do is get behind the wheel and enjoy the iconic views). [caption id="attachment_755967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Watson and Visit Victoria[/caption] WILSON'S PROMONTORY No matter how popular Wilson's Prom gets, you can always find your own private cove or headland. Either stay at a nearby town and then drive to a beach or hiking trail or get even further off the beaten path by camping, taking your time to go on long treks that'll distance you from the hustle of metropolitan civilisation. It's hard to find more stunning surrounds in Victoria, let alone Australia. You have tree-covered mountains that roll down to small coastal inlets where you can truly escape the outside world. [caption id="attachment_831273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] BALLARAT This regional Victorian city was booming back in the Gold Rush era and has recently had another renaissance of sorts — brilliant restaurants, bars, galleries and hotels are the new gold. These treasures, paired with its proximity to Melbourne (it's about an hour and a half drive or train ride away), help make Ballarat an even greater travel destination for 2023. QUEENSLAND [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] THE WHITSUNDAYS This may just be Australia's most up-market national park in the country. Luxury adult's only resorts and eco retreats are scattered all over the Whitsunday islands. This tropical paradise is where the rich and famous go to treat themselves to exclusive trips around the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. But you don't have to break the bank to enjoy these waters and beaches — so much of the area is considered a national park so you can go camping right up on many of the shorelines. Whitsunday Island, Hook Island and Henning Island all have campsites for those who want to properly get in touch with nature. Just make sure you book your campsite ahead of time because numbers are capped. If you are into a more luxurious stay, you can currently get 20% off the ultimate Whitsundays experience (think sunset sailing, scenic flights and a luxury resort stay) on this exclusive trip which you can book now. [caption id="attachment_876264" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Maisch (Unsplash)[/caption] MUNGA THIRRI NATIONAL PARK Now off to somewhere entirely more remote. Munga Thirri is country that belongs to the Wangkangurru and Yarluyandi people, formerly known as the Simpson Desert National Park. It is the largest national park in Queensland and is also one of the toughest to explore. This is proper Australian outback territory. You'll see sand dunes stretching for kilometres (rising as high as 90 metres) and experience some of the best stargazing in your life. But, if you're not an experienced outback traveller without a decent haul of gear it can be a challenging area for camping. So, in light of that, if you lack the more hardcore camping chops it's best to book stay somewhere like The Birdsville Hotel which will organise tours into the desert. They'll take you on scenic flights, show you epic 4WD tracks and help you organise other local adventures. Just be aware that Munga Thirri is closed for a decent chunk of time in summer due to extreme heat — so be sure to check out the park's opening times on the Queensland national parks website. NEW SOUTH WALES [caption id="attachment_771536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] NEWCASTLE Newcastle has undergone a huge cultural transformation in the past 15 years. Sydney's sister city hasn't always been a getaway destination, but we have been won over by its newfound charm. It has terrific beaches, an impressive street art scene that rivals Melbourne (well, don't say this around Melburnians), microbreweries, galleries, small bars, cafes aplenty and several good boutique hotels including a flashy new QT that opened in mid-2022. It really deserves to be added to your 2023 Australia travel bucket list. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] LORD HOWE ISLAND Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, is fully explorable within a few days. And thanks to visitor limits (only 400 people are permitted at any one time), it's one of Australia's best islands to visit when you want to get off the mainland. Prepare to have these long beaches, idyllic diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourselves. It's also just a short two-hour flight east of Sydney or, if you have the means, you can access the island by your personal yacht. [caption id="attachment_882177" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Novotel Wollongong Northbeach[/caption] WOLLONGONG You'll find some of the most stunning beaches along this part of the south coast including Bulli and Austinmer. But this isn't your average sleepy beach town. The city of Wollongong has undergone its own transformation over the past few years, becoming a hub for great food and drink and cultural activities. After a day of swimming or hiking, either hit up the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre or the Wollongong Art Gallery before dining at some of the excellent restaurants in the area. This little city has a lot going for it. This year, Wollongong will also host the For The Love music festival on Sunday, February 24 with headliners Charli XCX and Duke Dumont. Concrete Playground has teamed up For The Love on curated one-of-a-kind VIP packages for those wanting the ultimate experience. Book your package here — it includes two VIP festival tickets, two nights stay at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, a Grey Goose gift pack in your hotel room and late check-out so you can sleep in after the party. [caption id="attachment_883578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jake Charles (Unsplash)[/caption] BYRON BAY Byron Bay is a classic Australian travel destination, much loved for its bohemian beach culture and world class yoga and wellness retreats scattered about the region. Nature lovers can also go sea kayaking around some of the most breathtaking beaches or hike within the national parks. And the foodies must experience Byron Bay's diverse grassroots drinking and dining scene that is growing impressively every year. And who knows, you might just run into one of the Hemsworth brothers while you're there. Book a four-day wellness holiday for under $400 through Concrete Playground Trips here (including accommodation, yoga classes and two seperate sea kayaking and snorkelling tours). WESTERN AUSTRALIA [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] ROTTNEST ISLAND If you want to take a selfie with a quokka then Rottnest Island is the only place to do it. These amusing little mounds of joy wander all over the island, ready for locals to respectfully stop for a snap. But that's not the only reason to visit this Australian island, located just a short 90-minute ferry ride from Perth. Come to these parts for pristinely kept beaches, shallow shores that are perfect for snorkelling in and plenty of great places to stay for a range of budgets (from high-end hotels to well-appointed campsites). A trip to Rottnest Island is a must for anyone making their way to Perth for a few days. If you're wanting to get the most out of your next jaunt to Perth, book our five-day Perth holiday here (including your accommodation, a day trip to Rottnest Island and visit to the Pinnacles). [caption id="attachment_883580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isabelle Truong (Unsplash)[/caption] THE KIMBERLEY This remote region in Western Australia is one of Australia's most impressive natural landscapes. It's known for its abundance of local wildlife that roams the rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges with hidden swimming holes and the semi-arid desert planes. It's a Tourism Australia ad everywhere you go. It's also one of the best places to visit when you want to keep the summer dream alive — boasting wonderfully warm weather throughout the colder months of the year. [caption id="attachment_807814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] NINGALOO REEF Fun fact: Ningaloo Reef is the only large reef in the world that you can access right off the shore. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, you don't need to book a spot on a large boat that takes you out to the reef with a bunch of other tourists. Here, you simply park by the beach and get straight to snorkelling around vibrant coral gardens, dolphins, turtles and manta rays. You'll find the UNESCO heritage-listed wonder 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, from where it runs north along the coast for 260 kilometres, between North West Cape and Red Bluff. Pick a point to explore on your own or hit up local guides who will show you the best parts. SOUTH AUSTRALIA [caption id="attachment_664008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Kruger[/caption] ADELAIDE HILLS South Australia is famous for its many wine regions that pump out case after case of spectacular vino. You've got McLaren Vale, the Barossa and Clare Valley, but we are all about the Adelaide Hills in 2023. First off, this is one of the easiest wine regions to reach — located just a 30-minute drive away from the centre of Adelaide. It's also home to some of our favourite cellar doors. We suggest you start in Woodside, where you'll find stunning cellar doors from Bird in Hand, Petaluma, Barristers Block and Golding Wines. And while you're there, don't miss Lost in a Forest which serves up woodfired pizzas and natural wine from local label Ochota Barrels in a 130-year-old church. Get the most out of your trip to this region by booking our Adelaide Hills escape here including two nights' accommodation, transport around local wineries, daily yoga classes and most of your meals. [caption id="attachment_883581" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Skopal (Unsplash)[/caption] WILPENA POUND Wilpena Pound is the holy grail of the Flinders Ranges National Park, characterised by its dramatic rocky mountains. The entire region is vast and truly remote, located about a five-hour drive from Adelaide. But don't let the distance scare you off. There's much to see and do here. Go on 4WD treks through the bush, take scenic flights over the mountain ranges and go on guided hikes to see some of the best-preserved Aboriginal rock art while learning of the local Adnyamathanha people's rich history. [caption id="attachment_883583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Denu (Unsplash)[/caption] EYRE PENINSULA This coastal region in South Australia is foolishly overlooked by both Aussies and international travellers. It is the state's own version of Victoria's Great Ocean Road, and it might just give that famous stretch of coast a run for its money. Head to Eyre Peninsula to swim with dolphins and sea lions or simply relax on long sand beaches backed by rugged cliffs as you look out for passing whales. Dreamy stuff. Then you can hit up any of the local townships to try Eyre Peninsula's legendary oysters and freshly caught seafood or head inland to do some winery hopping. You'll quickly discover why it's one of our favourite stretches of coast in Australia. NORTHERN TERRITORY [caption id="attachment_826027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Kakadu is an unmissable Australian travel destination, but its perceived remoteness seems to put a lot of travellers off. Don't let it. Kakadu is only a three-hour drive from Darwin and it's well and truly worth the journey. Once you're there, you have an enormous natural playground to explore and some genuinely life-changing scenery and experiences ahead of you. We recommend hiring a 4WD with a pop-top tent or camper for the week and see where the road takes you. Organise an itinerary to hidden swimming holes and incredible rainwater waterfalls, epic mountain ranges or local wildlife sanctuaries and cultural experiences with the local Indigenous people to learn the ancient history and dreaming stories of the area. [caption id="attachment_883588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Banubanu, Tourism Australia[/caption] BREMER ISLAND Run away to the Northern Territory's fairly unknown Bremer Island for a super chill tropical island holiday. It's well and truly off the beaten path, so you'll be away from the crowds, surrounded only by well-preserved wilderness. There aren't many places to stay on the island, but we are big fans of Banubanu Beach Retreat — a glamping site located right on the water. Spend your days kayaking along the coast or snorkelling in the warm waters before eating some fresh-caught seafood. It's a really laid-back place to visit, away from the crowds and influencers. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top images: Sal Salis on Ningaloo Reef
With a weekly listenership of 1.7 million and a strong following since 1995, the popular weekly hour-long radio program This American Life is due to make its debut in Australian cinemas. Filmed on a stage in New York City, This American Life — Live! is a packed show featuring stories by host Ira Glass, writers David Sedaris and David Rakoff, comic Tig Notaro and Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington, plus live music by OK Go. This live experience will encompass things you could never do on the radio, such as a new short film by Mike Birbiglia, dance by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, original animation, projected illustration and more. Glass is excited to see how it turns out: “We've built this line-up of stories mixed with super visual things," he says. "It's going to feel like the radio show but also totally unlike anything we've done before." A must-see event to be permanent-markered in, This American Life — Live! will screen in select cinemas around Australia.
On Saturday, September 3 from 11am, right through until Sunday, September 4 at 9.10am, three Melbourne cinemas will become the most magical places in the city. That's when and where all eight Harry Potter films will grace the big screen again, as part of a whole day and night of wizarding wonder. BYO time-turner if you don't think you'll be able to get through it all otherwise. On the bill at the Lido, Classic and Cameo cinemas: watching Harry, Hermione, Ron and co spend their first day at Hogwarts, play quidditch, search for the deathly hallows and battle He Who Must Not Be Named. They'll navigate potions classes, bust out spells, face off against evil and their classmates, and get plenty of enchanting help, too. You know how the story goes, of course — and now, 21 years after Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first hit cinemas, you can revisit the whole saga in one big go. Potter Party — All-Night Harry Potter Marathon does include two breaks: 55 minutes for dinner between Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and 20 minutes for breakfast to split up Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Dressing up in costume is always highly recommended, as is indulging in 22 hours Potter nerdery — with tickets costing $50.
