That The Boys-shaped hole in your viewing is about to be filled, and not just by college-set spinoff Gen V. Viewers had the latter to get their sinister superhero fix in 2023, but 2024 will deliver more of the show behind it — and, unsurprisingly to viewers of 201-9's first season, 2020's second effort and 2022's third go-around, utter mayhem is on the way. When The Boys returns, it'll see the world dealing with Homelander (Antony Starr, Guy Ritchie's The Covenant)-versus-Starlight (Erin Moriarty, Captain Fantastic) factionalism, and just being ready to tear itself apart in general. Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit, Where'd You Go, Bernadette) is getting closer to the Oval Office, too, with Homelander pulling the strings. It's no wonder that the just-dropped first trailer for season four is filled with utter chaos. Also on the way: no-nonsense Brit Billy Butcher (Karl Urban, Thor: Ragnarok) dealing with the fact that he's only got months left, and that he's no longer leading The Boys — aka the eponymous ragtag team intent on bringing down Vought International, Homelander, and the company's caped-crusader industry and dominance. And, there's a new face, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead) joining the cast, adding another Supernatural link after Jensen Ackles did the same in season three. Back in 2019 when The Boys first hit streaming, sufferers of superhero fatigue understandably rejoiced. Yes, it focuses on a group of caped crusaders just like seemingly every second blockbuster movie (and, these days, every third TV show or so as well); however, in a world where viewers have been conditioned to lap up narratives about powerful folks who are supposedly better than most, this series both satirises and questions that very idea. Here, superheroes work for Vought. They're still the main form of entertainment, but they're real, the most famous celebrities there are and inescapable in daily life, too. The absolute top talent is known as The Seven, but most are hardly role models when the public isn't looking. That has made quite the change from the usual cinematic universes as the Prime Video show has kept notching up the seasons, all coming to the small screen after being adapted from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic book series of the same name. Exactly when The Boys will bring back its gleefully darker-than-dark tone, a pervasive bleakness that refuses to be shaken, plus oh-so-much blood, gore and guts hasn't been revealed other than sometime in 2024. As well as Starr, Moriarty, Doumit and Urban, Jack Quaid (Oppenheimer), Jessie T Usher (Smile), Laz Alonso (Wrath of Man), Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl), Tomer Capone (One on One), Karen Fukuhara (Bullet Train), Colby Minifie (I'm Thinking of Ending Things) and Cameron Crovetti (Goodnight Mommy) will all return — with Susan Heyward (Hello Tomorrow!) and Valorie Curry (The Lost Symbol) also set to be season four newcomers. Check out the first trailer for The Boys season four below: The fourth season of The Boys will start streaming via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced. Read our reviews of The Boys season three and Gen V.
Art/Work is a new Concrete Playground series where we take some time to chat with our local creatives in an attempt to unravel the daily grind behind being an artist. This week we speak with Kate Mitchell, a Sydney-based endurance artist represented by Chalk Horse. She is also one half of the paper cut crazy duo, Greedy Hen. Beware, jealousy pangs coming up, no more day job for this lovely lady! Most days you'll find me having some good times working at the Greedy Hen studio in Surry Hills. Greedy Hen is essentially a multi-disciplinary studio functioning partly as an art collective and partly as a design studio, housing the collaborative works of Katherine Brickman and myself. We make artwork, mostly collage/illustration heavy and it ends up in a whole variety of industries. We share our studio with some top notch people like Elke Kramer, Mikie Inglis and Benja Harney. It's non stop action in there! When I am not there I am having good times working/making from my studio at home. Otherwise I'm at the beach or on a bike. For the most part I spend my week bouncing ideas around with Katherine Brickman in Greedy Hen HQ, nutting out plans of attack and then getting them done the best way we can. We never know what will be in our inbox each morning, but usually there is some job waiting patiently for us! From time to time I work from my studio at home, it's quite a good balance. At the moment I am working on a solo Greedy Hen show which opens on May 5th at Lamington Drive in Melbourne. And currently I have some video works in a splendid group show called Social Sculpture on at Anna Schwartz Gallery at Carriage Works. It's on until May 14th. If money wasn't an issue I'd sail around the world, live on an island, climb some mountains, raft some rapids, make travel documentaries, meet some serious locals, learn to tie knots properly, never live through another winter and just wholesomely get out there and get involved. And realise all art dreams! Being an artist in Sydney is delightful and relentless in equal measure. My neighbourhood is Bronte. There's the beach and the RSL, what could possibly go wrong? I'm quite a fan of sneaking in a good body surf at Bronte beach in the mornings, and then I can't resist a dance off at Good God Small Club. It never fails to deliver.
If you’re the forgetful type and your keys often go rogue then this new technology may be the solution for you. KeyMe is a cloud-based key management platform where you can now store your keys digitally so you no longer need a physical key in order to make a copy. KeyMe’s newly launched free mobile app which scans a copy of your key and generates a set of instructions that you can give to any locksmith to create a new key from scratch instead of bringing in a physical key to make the copy, very handy when you’ve misplaced the original. KeyMe can even mail you a key within two to three weeks if you’re not in a rush. The app also allows you to share your digital keys and create digital key chains to share with flatmates or overnight guests, but be wary of you who trust with your digital keys, once shared you can’t revoke them. Currently only available in the USA, this technology will be a saving grace for the almost 90 million forgetful folks who get locked out of their homes each year. Now just makes sure you don’t lose your mobile phone with your keys. [via mashable]
1980s Brisbane is coming to your streaming queue, and one of Australia's iconic novels along with it. It's been four years since Harper Collins sold the television rights to Boy Swallows Universe in 2019, then a year since Netflix announced its involvement in bringing the tale to the screen in 2022. Now, when 2024 hits, the wait to see what Trent Dalton's beloved award-winner looks like as a streaming series will be over. Boy Swallows Universe has won a swag of awards, including the Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards — and was longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin. It sold a heap of copies and been turned into a play. The Brisbane-set story trod those boards in Brissie, too, and now it's a Netflix series that was shot in the River City. After releasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production, initially advising that it would arrive in 2023 and dropping a first teaser trailer, the TV adaptation has now locked in its release date and unveiled its full sneak peek. First, mark Thursday, January 11, 2024 in your diary. Then, check out what's in store for this coming-of-age story on-screen via the new trailer. Dalton's novel and now the television show that follows spin a tale about a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. Also included: Eli Bell's (Felix Cameron, Penguin Bloom) attempt to understand how to be a good person, with his plight spanning a lost father, a criminal for a babysitter, a mum recovering from addiction, a mute brother, a stepfather who deals and a red telephone. Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe adaptation features eight episodes, running as a self-contained limited series, as it plunges into the space between childhood's magic and adulthood's reality. Travis Fimmel (Black Snow) also stars as Lyle Orlik, while the cast includes Simon Baker (Limbo) as Robert Bell and Phoebe Tonkin (Babylon) as Frances Bell — plus Lee Tiger Halley (The Heights) as Gus Bell. Also appearing: Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) as Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia (Nitram) as Tytus Broz, and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) as Caitlyn Spies, plus Christopher James Baker (Ozark) as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le (Spooky Files) as Bich Dang and Deborah Mailman (The New Boy) as Poppy Birkbeck. And, you'll see Ben O'Toole (Barons) as Teddy, Zachary Wan (Never Too Late) as Darren Dang, and Millie Donaldson (Jack Irish) and Eloise Rothfield as Shelley Huffman (aged 17 and 13, respectively). Boy Swallows Universe is directed by Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas), Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), and scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). The impressive names involved extend to the show's executive producers, too, which include Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao's Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard's End, Chimerica) and Kerry Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased). Check out the full trailer for Boy Swallows Universe below: Boy Swallows Universe will stream via Netflix from Thursday, January 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2023.
Melbourne's blazing summers aren't just a blessing for beachgoers. If you're fond of cooling down on dry land with a spritz in your hand and the sun's rays on your face, this is your time to shine. Perhaps more than most, this summer is certain to bring Melburnians together. A chaotic few years, our gorgeous climate, tastebud-tempting cocktails, that carefree vibe that floats across the Yarra as soon as the season hits — that'll do it. If you're wondering where to head, we've teamed up with Aperol to pick six must-visit spots that'll take care of this year's holy trifecta: spritzes, all that glorious sunshine, and ample space for you and your pals. Plus, to celebrate togetherness, Aperol is picking up the tab for 100,000 spritzes this summer to make your summer soiree even sweeter.
If Dad's got a thing for charred meats and crafty brews, we reckon he'd be pretty stoked to join you at Grazeland's weekend-long food fest. The Spotswood food precinct is getting into the Father's Day spirit with its third annual BBQ Beer Festival, running from Friday, August 30–Sunday, September 1. The weekend's food lineup is a meat-lover's dream, with lots of Grazeland's vendors set to serve up special barbecue-inspired eats for the occasion. Expect a plethora of smoked meats, along with a globe-trotting array of grilled goodies from the likes of Zuya African BBQ, El Gaucho Argentinean BBQ, Smokeworks BBQ, BratBoy, Flame Skewers, Mr. Toum, Tandoori Land, Colombo and The Burgie Barare. To wash it down, there'll be a dedicated beer zone pouring drops from hyped local breweries including Little Creatures, Brooklyn Fixation and James Squire. And as always, there'll be plenty of live tunes and DJs across the weekend, ranging from soft rock, to classic backyard barbecue tracks.
From 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1, until at least Wednesday, July 29, stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced in ten Melbourne postcodes, which means their residents can only leave for one of four reasons: work or school, care or care giving, daily exercise or food and other essentials. For more information, head to the DHHS website. While Melburnians are encouraged to continue working from home if possible, the City of Melbourne is getting ready for residents to start hitting the road once again. To help make it a little easier to get to and from work in the near future, the Council is constructing 40 kilometres of new protected bike lanes in and around the CBD. Part of the previously announced ten-year Transport Strategy 2030, the bike lanes' construction is being fast tracked so that Melburnians will be able to more safely travel around the city. "By fast-tracking the delivery of bike lanes on key routes, we're creating streets that people can feel confident riding along, which in turn will free up space on our roads, buses, trams and trains," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said in a statement. The bike lanes will help better connect Carlton, East Melbourne, North Melbourne, Brunswick and West Melbourne with the CBD and will be rolled out in two stages. The first stage, slated for completion in late 2020 or early 2021, features the following five routes: Exhibition Street stage one (Flinders Street to Bourke Street) Rathdowne Street (Victoria Street to Faraday Street) William Street (Dudley Street to Flinders Street) Abbotsford Street (Flemington Road to Queensberry Street) Swanston Street (Grattan Street to Cemetery Road) [caption id="attachment_773090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Click to enlarge[/caption] The protected bike lanes will be physically separated from cars and constructed using a combination of plastics, rubber and recycled materials. To construct the lanes, 228 car parking spots will need to be removed, according to The Age, but the Council is expecting this to have a "minimal impact" as it's a fraction of its total 23,500 metered and unmetered spaces on the streets. Between the hectic traffic, overcrowded tram stops, the clogged-up footpaths and all the construction going on at the moment, Melbourne's CBD can sometimes feel like a big pile of stress. But things are (hopefully) changing. As well as the Transport Strategy 2030, and the new bike lanes, the city is getting ready to welcome the new Metro Tunnel project, which will be finished by 2025, bringing a new underground line and five new stations to help people get in and out of the CBD. For more information about the City of Melbourne's new planned bike lanes and Transport Strategy 2030, head to the council website.
These dream-like pictures look as though they could be from the set of Inception, but they're actually screenshots from Google Earth. Artist Clement Valla zooms into Google Earth at certain angles to reveal a surrealist vision of our world, capturing the images he finds. The only editing effects applied by the artist are basic color adjustments and cropping. A particular penchant for bridges and roads has resulted in an extraordinary collection of screenshots. “I am collecting these new typologies as a means of conservation – as Google Earth improves its 3D models, its terrain, and its satellite imagery, these strange, surrealist depictions of our built environment and its relation to the natural landscape will disappear in favor of better illusionistic imagery. However, I think these strange mappings of the 2-dimensional and the 3-dimensional provide us with fabulous forms that are purely the result of algorithmic processes and not of human aesthetic decision making. They are artifacts worth preserving.” [Via PSFK]
In 2017, the picturesque town of Healesville welcomed this charming independent bookshop, built on a fierce love of great words. An expansion in early 2021 saw Verso Books double in size, cementing its status as a complete bookworm's haven — the kind of warm, inviting space in which you'll happily lose an afternoon, browsing gems from top local and international authors. Here, explore an expert curation of both fiction and non-fiction titles covering everything from craft to crime, and from parenting to poetry. The staff are friendly, plus they're always handy with the wise book advice; whether you're after the perfect present, or hunting a new tome to grace your own bedside table. The store also boasts a great collection of magazines, stationary, puzzles, gifts and games — consider it a one-stop shop for top finds, literary or otherwise. Verso Books in Healesville may be a little ways out of the city, but it is still one of Melbourne's best bookshops, worth taking the leisurely drive to.
Armadale cafe Moby 3143 now has an Albert Park sister venue — and though Lenny 3206 opened back in June, it's just nabbed a liquor license ad new menu for the start of summer. The bright, heritage-listed corner cafe has beachy vibes with pastel hues and an airy fit-out. Moby's executive chef Stephen Svensen (Pillar of Salt) has designed Lenny's new spring brunch menu, which spans from healthier options — like the mandarin juice-soaked bircher ($18) with stone fruit and toasted almonds — to the rather rich sounding cookies 'n' cream ricotta hotcakes ($21), which come topped with a white chocolate glaze, peach gel and vanilla ice cream. Other newcomers include a house-cured salmon omelette ($21) with crispy capers, green pesto and whipped lemon ricotta; a green poke bowl ($21) with broccoli and avocado, wasabi peas and edamame on a bed of wakame salad and brown sushi rice; and a falafel plate ($19) with spicy hummus, beetroot labneh, cucumber gel and a quinoa and zucchini salad. Signature dishes haven't lost their place on the menu either, with the superfood salad ($19), chilli scrambled eggs ($21.5) and cafe-requisite smashed avo on toast ($19) still on offer. But now you can enjoy these with an Aperol spritz or glass of wine in hand — as brunch is meant to be enjoyed. Images: Simon Shiff.
Step inside Luna Park Sydney's big top and you might now see a rollercoaster and a hot air balloon. Underwater creatures could await, or fantastical critters, futuristic lights like you're zooming through space, skulls, eyes, spiders and geometric architecture. In fact, expect all of the above to greet you, plus an array of colours and trippy visuals, as you experience Dream Circus. Announced in November 2023, opening just before Christmas, and now welcoming in locals and tourists alike, this immersive $15-million experience has revamped Luna Park Sydney's big top to make you feel like you've walked into a movie. Intergalactic landscapes, webs, space scenes, nefarious monsters and, yes, a circus setup: they're just some of the other sights that Dream Circus can and does display with its 360-degree projections, holograms, motion-activated LED screens and lighting. When it opened 88 years ago at Milsons Point, Luna Park Sydney wasn't the world's first Luna Park, or even Australia's. But around multiple closures, reopenings and revamps, it's remained one of the Harbour City's go-to tourist spots. Its latest reason to stop by also features surround sound and spatial audio mapping to engage your ears as well as your eyes, and is Sydney's first permanent immersive-experience attraction — and a world-first type of attraction as well. Attendees enter a narrative journey, where characters and a spectacle for the senses combine. So, you'll follow Pedro, the showman managing other performers. As the aforementioned list of visuals makes plain, just don't expecting the tale that unfurls to stick to reality. In the 3000-square-metre big top, Dream Circus' sights fill a surface area of over 3500 square metres — with Artists in Motion, TDC and Auditoria, who have ABBA Voyage, King Kong on Broadway, works at Vivid and Walking with Dinosaurs to their names, behind it. Luna Park Sydney expects people to flock to see the results, predicting that 50,000 people will check it out over summer. The new attraction helps the site embrace the future, while still loving its status as an art-deco amusement park that dates back almost a century. "The launch of the Dream Circus marks the beginning of the transformation of Luna Park Sydney," said Luna Park Sydney CEO John Hughes. "Sydney has some of the best creative talent in the world, and we have been so fortunate to work with more than 140 creative practitioners and technologists to create something unique and of great value to Sydney." Find Dream Circus at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point — visit the park's website for more information and tickets.
Describing itself as a candy store, but for herbs and spices, Gewürzhaus presents visitors with 350 single-origin spices, herbs, salts, peppers, teas and sugars imported from around the world. Located on Lygon Street amid Carlton's vibrant restaurants and eateries, the store also stocks more than 100 small-batch blends that are mixed and milled on a weekly basis exclusively by Gewürzhaus. From premium quality thyme to sage and tarragon, send your tastebuds into overdrive as your cooking will assuredly be taken to whole new levels following your visit. Images: Parker Blain.
To the German monks who started brewing beer in the Middle Ages: we wholeheartedly salute you. Without those first monastery based breweries, we would all be living in a world without our favourite golden nectar. Dark times, indeed. Luckily, those wily monks started tinkering with wild hops around 1150, and as a result we have the beer that we know today. History lesson aside, you can sample the best of brews at the European Bier Cafe. Soaring high on the east side of the CBD, this triple-level bar is conveniently located just a short walk from Parliament train station. Best of luck trying to narrow down your first pint: these guys have 40 local and international beers on offer. For non-beer drinkers (we've heard they exist) there is an impressive cocktail list available, with share-style carafes also popular. The all-weather rooftop is ready for Melbourne's inclement weather, with a roaring fire in the winter and water misters in the summer. The entertainment roster is similarly impressive, with comedy nights, trivia comps and plenty of live sport. Prost! Images: Giulia Morlando.
Vanfest is a solid reason to road trip into the outback for the first weekend of summer. The outback festival is only in its fourth year, but it's quickly become one of NSW's best regional music events. Set against a backdrop of cows and countryside, the lineup will rival that of a city festival; Amy Shark, Tash Sultana, Dune Rats, Thundamentals, San Cisco and Cosmo's Midnight are just several of the 13 huge names performing this year. There will also be rides, pop-up bars, market stalls and VIP areas. There will also be a Van City at the festival offering a good variety of accommodation, ranging from the affordable, six-man, 'lights off'-style tent to a luxurious, double-bed-and-doona glamping option — and pretty much everything in between. There's 'freestyle camping' where you bring your own tent, or you can save yourself the potential embarrassment of looking like a tent-pitching fool and book pre-pitched tents for a little extra.
Fitzroy's Rose St Artists' Market has been teaming up with the Heide Museum of Modern Art for regular instalments of the Heide Makers' Market for almost two years now. This Saturday, May 12 will be the last market for the season — and, conveniently, it's the day before Mother's Day. Taking over the lush surrounds of the gallery's sculpture park, the market will once again celebrate talented local makers. It'll showcase a broad range of handmade goodness, across art and design, jewellery and homewares. Visitors will get the chance to chat one-on-one with stall holders, or just saunter through the gallery's grounds with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for something to do that afternoon, the gallery is running a crafternoon tea at 2pm.
UPDATE, December 4, 2020: The Grudge is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. In its final frames, the latest version of The Grudge peers menacingly at an ordinary small-town house. Absolutely nothing else happens in this long, lingering shot, other than the film's end credits rolling over the image — but the static picture serves up the movie's biggest scare. That's not a compliment. Even though it ties into an earlier plot point, it's not a spoiler, either. Because everyone knows how franchises work in this time of undying sagas, constant reboots and remakes, and sprawling cinematic universes, you can easily guess why this visual is so unnerving. It's a warning that, even after sitting through this bland, by-the-numbers instalment, The Grudge's curse hasn't ended yet. As long as this flick makes enough money or Hollywood wants to merely keep the series alive, it'll keep hexing audiences in future movies. As one of J-horror's huge international hits, alongside Ringu, the thought of more movies in this franchise shouldn't instantly make horror fans cringe. But two decades after the first Japanese Ju-On hit screens — and after seven sequels, one Ring crossover and four average-at-best, awful-at-worst American versions all called The Grudge — this series has very little life left in it, based on its latest film at least. Other big horror titles have survived excruciating chapters and returned with a splash, such as Halloween, but it's hard to see why anyone will want to keep watching US-made The Grudge flicks after this painfully dull and derivative effort. Of course, the fact that some curses just won't die, especially when long-haired Japanese spirits are involved, is this supernatural saga's whole premise. You might be familiar with the Sarah Michelle Gellar-starring 2004 version of The Grudge, the first Hollywood iteration — even though it wasn't particularly good. In fact, it was so unmemorable that you might not have bothered with its sequel in 2006, or with the direct-to-video third American movie in 2009. Luckily, 2020's take on The Grudge doesn't need you to recall much. While this new follow-on starts with American nurse Fiona Landers (Tara Westwood) in Tokyo, standing outside the abode that sparked all the drama in the 2004 film, it quickly shifts the action to Cross River, Pennsylvania two years later. When detectives Muldoon (Andrea Riseborough) and Goodman (Demián Bichir) start investigating a strange corpse with links to an old case in an eerie house, it's clear what's happening: moving back to the town, Landers brought the franchise's enraged ghost, Kayako Saeki (Junko Bailey), with her — and so the spirit's reign of vengeance lives on. While the Ju-On and The Grudge flicks have always traded in creepily effective imagery — Kayako, like Ringu's Sadako, has become a genre icon for a reason — a decent horror movie needs more than just a few scary visuals doled out with bumps and jumps in mind. Writer/director Nicolas Pesce knows that, as seen in his thrillingly unsettling 2016 debut The Eyes of My Mother. And yet, his version of The Grudge offers up little more than repetitive glimpses of gory sights wrapped up in multiple intersecting but still repetitive storylines. In addition to following Muldoon, who is also a grieving widow with a primary school-aged son (John J. Hansen), and a newcomer to town, too, the film flashes back to various different tales, all connected to Landers' Cross River home. John Cho and GLOW's Betty Gilpin play realtors selling the property, and expecting their first baby. Jacki Weaver pops up as an assisted-suicide consultant, enlisted to help an elderly resident (Frankie Faison) with his terminally ill wife (horror stalwart and Insidious franchise standout Lin Shaye). Thanks to the case that brought the whole mess to the US, Goodman's old partner (William Sadler) also has links to the address. Sadly, no matter how many characters The Grudge throws in its malicious spirit's path, it's always apparent how each segment will turn out. And, no matter how hard this impressive roster of actors tries to breathe life and depth into their slim, vignette-style stories — Riseborough, Bichir and Cho, particularly — the whole thing is about as frightening as watching someone manically shouting the movie's most obvious plot points. Yes, that actually happens. Pesce does bring an inescapable sense of unease to the film — a bleakness that not only infects his visibly wearied characters' backstories, or their otherworldly encounters, but the feature's grey-tinted vision of life in general. Indeed, with cinematographer Zack Galler (The Act) and production designer Jean-Andre Carriere (J.T. Leroy), he ensures that feeling of grim, unshakeable dread is present in every frame, as well as in the house that sits at centre of all the chaos. When a movie sticks to the most boilerplate of templates and well-worn of tropes otherwise, though, a disquieting look and mood doesn't go very far. That's The Grudge circa 2020's curse, and one this creatively fading franchise will undoubtedly dredge up again whether audiences like it or not. Talks of a sequel are already bubbling, because of course they are, as is chatter about an American crossover with The Ring series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3cjWaZf_LE
If you find yourself thinking back on Law & Order re-runs, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs or Heath Ledger's turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight, you're probably thinking about one particular type of scene. There's an art to a good on-screen interrogation — to seeing characters verbally spar back and forth, as one probes for answers and the other tries to avoid their questions — that's riveting when it's done well. It's also hilarious when it's done comedically (see Brooklyn Nine-Nine); however, nothing beats a grim, serious, eyes-blazing, nostril-flaring confrontation between a suspected criminal and a savvy detective who are both confined to the same small room. Netflix, in its seemingly never-ending quest to turn every single possible idea into highly binge-able streaming content, took this concept and ran with it in its anthology crime series Criminal — which first premiered last year. Love interrogations, but not so fussed about all the stuff around them? Then you'll want to glue your peepers to this, because it's all about heated chats in police interview suites. In fact, that's all it's about. And, after a first season that spanned dozen different tales across just as many 45-minute episodes — spending three episodes each focusing on cases in France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom — Criminal is coming back for a four-episode UK-based second season. While the first batch of episodes featured David Tennant and Agent Carter's Hayley Atwell among its British cast, this time around the show has enlisted Game of Thrones' Kit Harington, Catastrophe and Game Night's Sharon Horgan, The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar and Wild Rose's Sophie Okonedo to answer a barrage of tense questions. Once again, expect claustrophobic, cat-and-mouse-style confrontations — and twisty narratives that rarely go in the direction expected. The show's second season will hit Netflix on Wednesday, September 16. Check out the season two trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtHBrjgDjes Criminal's second season will release on Netflix on Wednesday, September 16.
Ask a cyclist why they risk death on two wheels to get around town, and their response might mention the green credentials of biking: infinite miles per gallon, fewer resources used in manufacturing, no resources required to repair the damage to roads caused by bikes... But what if you wanted to take your eco-cycling to a whole new level? What about all that CARBON in the carbon fibre? One of the world's leading bike manufacturers has come up with a solution. Trek have a recycling program using waste carbon fibre products to make new bike frames, and keeping the waste from landfill. If that's not green enough for you, you could opt for a bike made from nature's own carbon fibre: wood. Audi have partnered with specialist bike manufacturer Renovo to create a range of luxury bikes with hardwood frames. But if you prefer to have an eco-bike that's not associated with a car company, why not grow your own? Bamboo bikes have been around for a while as a cycling curio, and are now getting the full cycle-bling treatment by the likes of Calfee. Or, if you're into DIY, there's even an instructables page on how to build one yourself.
Any good 'twist movie' carries with it two inescapable truths: joy to behold, bitch to review. The best to which a critic can aspire is circumspection bordering on indifference, tempered like a card shark sitting on an unbeatable hand. That task becomes even more formidable when the twist itself provides the basis for the entire plot. In those cases, as it is with Steven Soderbergh's latest (and supposedly last) film Side Effects, even just stating what the film's about in the broadest possible terms discloses more than can ever be justified. Ultimately, there's little more that can be said beyond "This film is great and you really ought to see it." And yet, sufficient as that review might be, in this instance Side Effects' name and tagline — "One pill can change your life" — helpfully offer at least a permissible insight into the movie's umbrella theme: prescription drugs. Its main character Emily (Rooney Mara) flits back and forth from one antidepressant to the next like they were competing brands of cereal, forever in search of that consequence-free panacea to her daily "poisonous fog bank rolling in". Her well-intentioned psychiatrist (Jude Law) dutifully doles out each prescription, just as eager to cure her melancholy yet also candidly advocating certain medications over others in exchange for those companies' generous consultancy fees. However, just as Side Effects appears to be establishing itself as the fictionalised version of similarly themed documentaries like Generation RX and Prescription for Disaster, it takes such a sudden and monumental shift that the audience audibly gasped in our screening. From that moment on, Soderbergh (who also filmed and edited the movie under pseudonyms) has you questioning and requestioning everything you see and hear, grasping for clarity, and staving off paranoia like the very characters before you. If indeed this is to be his swan song, then we can take solace in knowing he's left us with another gripping, intelligent, and complex psychological thriller befitting both his status as an auteur and his extraordinary back catalogue of films.
Can't stop, addicted to the shindig? Then you'll be excited about the latest huge music tour heading Down Under. Get ready to give it away, give it away, give it away now, too — your money, obviously, to see Red Hot Chili Peppers when they hit up Australia and New Zealand in early 2023. The Los Angeles-based rockers have announced that they're bringing their new global stadium tour our way, making six stops across both countries. First up, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante will hit up Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium and Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium in January, plus Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Then, in February, they'll be singing songs to you beneath the marquee at Sydney's Accor Stadium, Melbourne's Marvel Stadium and Perth's Optus Stadium. The band's dreams of Californication are zipping around the planet as part of a hefty tour that kicked off in June in Spain, and will also make its way to London, Paris, Dublin, LA, Chicago, New York and more alongside its Down Under stops. And yes, the Chili Peppers have a record to plug in the process, aka Unlimited Love — their 12th studio album, which dropped back in April. [caption id="attachment_859838" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clara Balzary[/caption] Both Unlimited Love and the tour mark the return of guitarist Frusciante, who left the Chilis back in 2009, then rejoined the band in 2019. And, the tour will see the group head to this part of the world for the first time since 2019, too — and playing plenty of hits from their almost four-decade run so far, obviously. There's a hefty number of songs to choose from. Since their self-titled first EP in 1984, the band has sold more than 80 million albums, won six Grammys and entered the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. They've also released tracks spanning 'Under the Bridge', 'Scar Tissue', 'Breaking the Girl', 'By the Way' and 'The Zephyr Song', as well as 'Otherside', 'Soul to Squeeze', 'Around the World', 'My Friends' and 'Suck My Kiss'. Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joined Down Under by someone else who's sold just as many records: Post Malone. Yes, it's a two-for-the-price-of-one kind of tour — two massive music names, that is. Post Malone heads our way fresh from releasing his fourth studio album Twelve Carat Toothache in June. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2023 DOWN UNDER TOUR DATES — WITH POST MALONE: Saturday, January 21 — Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Thursday, January 26 — Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Sunday, January 29 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Thursday, February 2 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Tuesday, February 7 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Sunday, February 12 — Optus Stadium, Perth Red Hot Chili Peppers and Post Malone are touring Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2023. Tickets for Australian shows go on sale online on Monday, July 11 — at 12pm in Brisbane, 1pm in Melbourne and Perth, and 2pm in Sydney, with pre-sales via Telstra from Wednesday, July 6 and from Live Nation on Friday, July 8. For more information, head to the tour website. Tickets for New Zealand shows go on sale online at 12pm on Monday, July 11, with pre-sales via Vodaphone from Wednesday, July 6 and from Live Nation on Friday, July 8. For more information, head to the tour website. Images: Pavel Suslov / Clara Balzary.
The espionage antics. The shaken-not-stirred martinis. The suits. The theme song. Think James Bond, and all four come to mind. Indeed, they've all played a part in the long-running franchise, which first started back in 1962 — and they're all now coming to Hamer Hall with a live score. Following in the footsteps of the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, Bond is bringing one of its spy instalments back to the big screen with help from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. It's the first time in Australia that the franchise has been shown in this way, and it'll hit Melbourne on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. Audiences will relive Daniel Craig's 007 debut while hearing the music behind as they've never heard it before, all as part of Casino Royale in Concert. For those in need of a refresher on the 2006 flick, it takes the franchise back to the beginning of Bond's career. He's newly licensed to kill, and he's soon falling in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) while trying to hunt down terrorist financier Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Directed by Martin Campbell, it was a huge hit — the biggest Bond film, box office-wise, ever released at the time, a mantle that was later overtaken by 2012's Skyfall. As the film hops from the Bahamas, to Montenegro to Venice's Grand Canal, the MSO will perform composer David Arnold's music. Yes, the classic theme track that's served the franchise so well for more than half a century now also features.
When a major arts festival drops its latest program, as Sydney Festival just has for its massive 2023 event, it's easy to start playing the numbers game. The figures are impressive, with the event's second year under Artistic Director Olivia Ansell boasting 748 performances across 54 venues. The lineup also spans more than 100 unique events, 26 of which won't cost attendees a thing. And, there'll be 18 world premieres and 14 Australian exclusives — aka shows that you'll need to travel to Sydney to see if you don't live there, because they won't pop up elsewhere. All of these stats do indeed tell a story, conveying how widely the festival crew has scoured for top-notch shows; how jam-packed the resulting calendar of performances, gigs and exhibitions is; and how busy the 25 days from Thursday, January 5–Sunday, January 29 are going to prove. And, they help express the most important message there is for audiences: if you're looking for not just a culture fix but to bathe in art, theatre, music and all-round exciting festivities for weeks on end all around Sydney at the start of 2023, then you'd best block out your diary now. There's no shortage of highlights in the program, no matter what kind of cultural experience take your fancy. Here's perhaps the most surprising one: turning Sydney Town Hall into a beach courtesy of 26 tonnes of sand. No, you won't be able to swim there — but you can watch Lithuanian opera Sun & Sea, which won the Venice Biennale's Golden Lion in 2019, stage its sandy work in the round. The end result explores the climate emergency, is certain to make for a memorable show, and is one of Sydney Festival's Australian exclusives. Also unlikely to be forgotten quickly: the Australian premiere of Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon, a multi-sensory art experience dedicated to the iconic Mexican painter. Think: the immersive Vincent van Gogh showcase that's being doing the rounds, or the new Monet one headed to Melbourne, but all about the one and only Kahlo. Hailing from Spanish digital arts company Layers of Reality, alongside the Frida Kahlo Corporation, it'll take over the Cutaway with holography, 360-degree projections and live performances of traditional Mexican music, as well as a virtual-reality system that'll let you step inside the artist's iconic pieces. [caption id="attachment_874188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Other standouts include Bonobo hitting the decks at the Masonic Centre, and turning its banquet hall into a unique dance party; performance piece In Chamber, which literally takes place in a safe in the basement of the Margot Kimpton Hotel; ROOM, the latest surreal theatre piece by James Thiérrée; and Tracker, which sees choreographer-director Daniel Riley combine dance, ceremony and text. Or, there's also 16 days of live music inside the 70s-era underground bar beneath Martin Place's Harry Seidler-designed Commercial Travellers' Association building (yes, the mushroom building). That subterranean space remains unrenovated, so expect The Weary Traveller, as the fest-within-the-fest is called, to serve up a huge blast from the past (plus tunes by Alice Skye, Astral People, Automatic, June Jones, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Lil Silva, Party Dozen, Tom Snowdon, Moktar, Two Birds with Bayand, Coloured Stone, HTRK and Potion). In the same structure, the 28-room hotel itself is being taken over by American artist Kelsey Lu. You'll want to check in for this one, and stay the evening — because In The Lucid: A Dream Portal to Awakening is an eight-hour audio journey. [caption id="attachment_874185" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Wallis[/caption] Heartbreak High fans will want to catch Blue, and fans of homegrown theatre as well — it stars and has been written by Thomas Weatherall, and will enjoy its world premiere at Sydney Festival. Or, for something completely different, a Shinjuku-inspired magic bar will pop up at Darling Harbour, transporting you to Tokyo if you haven't already made Japan holiday plans now that the country has reopened its borders. The list goes on, including Bloodlines, an exhibition paying tribute to artists lost to HIV/AIDS; The Party, which'll celebrate Sydney's LGBTQIA+ nightlife and party culture between 1973–2002; and Retrosweat hosting a big 80s pool party that, yes, will involve aqua aerobics. Or, there's flamenco dancer Sara Bara in Alma at the Sydney Opera House; Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall's take on the Trojan war in Holding Achilles; drag brunch show Smashed: The Brunch Party hosted by Victoria Falcone; and Prinnie Stevens singing tunes by superstars like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé. Plus, Sydney Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Lunar New Year outdoors at Parramatta Park; Polar Force at Carriageworks explores the extremes of ice and wind by pairing Antarctic field recordings with live industrial percussion; and Restless Dance Theatre's dance piece Guttered is set in a real-life bowling alley. And, Lego lovers can check out a new Brickwrecks exhibition, which recreates shipwrecks with the plastic bricks. Also, ENESS, who was behind the 2022 fest's Airship Orchestra, is back with Cupid's Koi Garden — which'll give Tumbalong Park a six-metre-tall immersive water-play park right in the middle of summer. [caption id="attachment_874184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Roberts Photography[/caption] Sydney Festival 2023 runs from Thursday, January 5–Sunday, January 29 at venues across the city. For further details and to buy tickets, visit the Sydney Festival website. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, October 19. Top image: Andrej Vasilenko.
Will Dune movies just keep getting better and better? Here's hoping that's as natural an outcome as spying sand as far as the eye can see across Arrakis. When Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) followed in David Lynch's footsteps with 2021's Dune, he made a new version of one of the most unfairly maligned sci-fi films ever crafted, and managed what Alejandro Jodorowsky sadly couldn't (see: excellent documentary Jodorowsky's Dune) — and a new science-fiction cinema classic arrived and stunned. Villeneuve's picture, which scored ten Oscar nominations and six wins, only told part of Dune's story. Cue Dune: Part Two to keep the tale going. War has arrived on the franchise's spice-laden planet, and Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet, Bones and All) and the Fremen are ready to fight. The former doesn't just want to face off against the folks who destroyed his family, but for the sandy celestial body, with Zendaya's (Euphoria) Chani at his side. That's the tale teased in not one but two trailers for the Dune sequel, with the second just dropping and filled with swirling tension. "This world is beyond cruelty," says Paul in the latest sneak peek, surveying the grim status quo. But he has a plan: "he who can destroy a thing has the real control of it." The first film had Paul head to Arrakis because his dad Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac, Moon Knight) had just been given stewardship of the planet and its abundance of 'the spice' — aka the most valuable substance in the universe — and then get caught up in a bitter battle with malicious forces over the substance. It also saw Paul meet the population of people known as the Fremen, including Chani, plus Javier Bardem's (Lyle, Lyle Crocodile) Stilgar, which is who he and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, Silo) are with in Dune: Part Two. Expansive desert landscape, golden and orange hues (again, Villeneuve helmed Blade Runner 2049), sandworms, the director's reliable eye for a spectacle and Hans Zimmer's (The Son) latest likely Oscar-winning score: they've all shown up in the new film's two glimpses so far. So have some of the franchise's new players, with Austin Butler ditching his Elvis locks as Feyd Rautha Harkonnen, the nephew of Stellan Skarsgard's (Andor) Baron Harkonnen. Christopher Walken (Severance) and Florence Pugh (The Wonder) also join the saga as Emperor Shaddam IV and his daughter Princess Irulen. From the first film, Josh Brolin (Outer Range), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Beau Is Afraid) and Charlotte Rampling (Benedetta) return, while Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future) also joins the cast. Off-screen, Villeneuve has brought back not just Zimmer, but Oscar-winning Australian director of photography Greig Fraser (The Batman), Oscar-winning production designer Patrice Vermett (Vice), Oscar-winning editor Joe Walker (The Unforgivable), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert (First Man) and Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West (Song to Song). Check out the latest Dune: Part Two trailer below: Dune: Part Two will release in cinemas Down Under on November 2, 2023.
Lumen People recently joined a growing trend in the Melbourne cafe scene, deciding to transform into a wine bar a few nights a week. This is a big win for North Melbourne locals who have plenty of neighbourhood pubs to choose from, but a much smaller number of wine bars. And even though it already has a banging evening menu, Lumen People's decided to switch things up a little this June by inviting some of the city's most creative food and wine talents to take over the menu for a three-night event series. The first, running on Friday, June 14, sees Love Shack Brewery's Joe Baylon (ex-Aru and The Moon) running the pass from 6pm. Baylon will be serving up French-inspired eats that Foreign Fruits' Ibrahim Khudeira will pair with a specially-curated list of wines. Then, on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23, Capitano Head Chef Ryan Hodgson (ex-Bar Liberty) will be cooking up some southern soul food. Expect a heap of reimagined Sunday lunch classics that are "vaguely inspired by the Atlantic coast". Matt Kingsley Shaw (ex-MoVida and Ombra) from Portuguese wine importer Tasty Things will be providing the matched drops for this takeover. Rounding out the docket is Dora Mazzeo (ex-Bar Liberty and Hope St Radio), who has most recently been overseeing kitchen takeovers at Rathdowne Street fave Florian. She'll be slinging creative eats on Friday, June 28, alongside a curated wine list by Max Helsing from wine importer and distributor Halle aux Vins. These three food and wine takeovers are a great excuse to check out Lumen People's transformation into a wine bar, and to treat yourself to a little winter warmer. Images: Hugh McDonnell.
If anyone wanted a big case of déjà vu for Christmas, it's arrived, with COVID-19 cases rising again across Victoria. And, in response, the Victorian Government is changed the state's mask rules to bring back mandatory face coverings indoors. As announced today, Thursday, December 23, wearing masks in inside spaces will become compulsory again at 11.59pm tonight — so, effectively from Friday, December 24. Victorians, that means covering up your smile is now part of your Christmas plans. Face masks will be mandatory inside for all Victorians over the age of eight, in all indoor settings other than homes. Also, they'll become compulsory when you're moving around major events with more than 30,000 people — as cricket fans know, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is almost upon us — but not when you're seated outdoors. No other restrictions are being introduced at present; however, Victorians are being encouraged to work from home if they need to work over the festive season. Also, if you're keen to be as COVID-safe as possible, the government is also advising sticking to seated service while inside hospitality venues rather than moving around crowded venues, and only hitting up dance floors in in well-ventilated outdoor areas. Victoria currently has 14,801 active cases, including 2005 new cases reported today, Thursday, December 23. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Which movie features multiple terrible sex scenes, a ridiculous plot and way too many spoons? Oh hi The Room. When the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau decided to write, direct, produce, fund and act in his own Hollywood breakthrough flick 14 years ago, he couldn't possibly have predicted the cult fame, plastic cutlery and branded underwear that would follow — although, if you asked him today, he'd probably claim otherwise. After all, he spends one of The Room's DVD extras explaining that yes, you really can play football with your friends while wearing a tuxedo and standing three metres apart. Trust him. If it sounds like Wiseau lives in his own absurd world, he'd likely be happy with that. In fact, he once told his pal and co-star Greg Sestero that he'd like to have his own planet. Based on Sestero's behind-the-scenes book about The Room's mind-boggling production, The Disaster Artist is the movie that brings Wiseau back down to earth. Directed by and starring a pitch-perfect James Franco, with supporting performances from his brother Dave as well as Seth Rogen, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron and Alison Brie, it's a sidesplittingly funny and thoroughly heart-warming look at the man who unwittingly started a phenomenon. A wild true story about obsessively chasing a dream, finding a friend and yearning to belong, this Ed Wood-style effort will make you want to hurl spoons at the screen with sheer joy. With limp black tresses and a vaguely European (or is it New Orleanian?) accent, Franco plays Wiseau not as a joke, but as an eager, aspiring talent who'll climb the walls if he has to. When we first see him channelling his inner Brando in a San Francisco acting class, that's literally what he does. Self-conscious and wide-eyed, 19-year-old Sestero (Dave Franco) is drawn to Wiseau's confidence — enough to ignore the concerns of his mother and move to Los Angeles with his clearly middle-aged new buddy. But the film industry doesn't exactly welcome them with open arms, so Wiseau takes their fate into his own hands. Voila, The Room is born. Much of The Disaster Artist is concerned with revealing how The Room came to be. The now-iconic lines, the stilted performances, the odd non-sequiturs: they're all there, often recreated with shot-for-shot accuracy that'll tear both fans and newcomers apart with laughter. But Franco and writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (500 Days of Summer) are interested in more than just making in-jokes and poking fun at everyone's favourite bad movie. A relatable, genuinely moving and hilarious love letter rather than a lampoon, The Disaster Artist celebrates Wiseau's eccentricity and passion, even when he's sabotaging his own efforts. As such, while there's plenty of comedy, he's never the subject of mockery. When Franco adopts his distinctive mannerisms, it's with sincerity and affection. It helps that, in a different universe, Franco could've very well lived Wiseau's life. Driven by comparable levels of enthusiasm and determination, the Oscar-nominated actor might be one of Hollywood's biggest stars, but he's had more than his share of missteps along the way – including multiple movies that he's directed and starred in that barely saw the light of day. Whether he's yelling Wiseau's unforgettable dialogue or fixing a crooked stare on his co-stars, Franco's turn as Tommy is his best to date, with authenticity as well as earnestness shining through at every moment. His decision to cast his similarly-excellent sibling as Sestero likewise proves a smart one. Together, the Francos evoke an easy familiarity in a movie that is, at its core, about the bonds of brotherhood. With The Disaster Artist, Franco has crafted a riotous film about art imitating life, one that should amuse and inspire regardless of whether you're a fan of The Room or have never heard of Wiseau at all. Not only that, but as award season arrives, it might pull in a few shiny statues too. The older Franco has already won a Gotham Award for his performance, and if he collects a few more trophies, don't be surprised to see Wiseau grace the stage with him insisting he knew it'd turn out this way all along. Whatever happens, The Disaster Artist is one of the year's best movies – and features one of the best on-screen uses of '90s dance track 'Rhythm of the Night' as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DT41LF22ZA
After a false start earlier in the month (thanks, Lockdown 5.0), Fireside Yarra Valley 2021 kicks off this weekend celebrating the wine region's finest winter offerings. The timing couldn't be better if you're looking for the perfect excuse for a post-lockdown, out-of-town jaunt. Running from Friday, July 30–Sunday, August 8, the program is set to plate up a slew of events for all palates from dinner feasts and pizza parties, to overnight stays and fireside brunches. There will also be scores of opportunities to sample some of the Yarra Valley's finest vino. Settle into a French-style prix-fixe Sunday lunch at the renowned Dominique Portet Winery (August 1), join mates at Stefani Estate for an afternoon of sangiovese and sausage (July 31), and indulge in the chicest of brunch sessions courtesy of Domaine Chandon (August 2 & 3) complete with blood orange mimosas, sparkling wine and a lavish four-course spread. This year's fun wraps up on Sunday, August 8, with A Fiery Feast presented by celebrated wine labels Jayden Ong and Handpicked. Here, expect top local produce cooked over charcoal, live tunes and free-flowing wine, all enjoyed fireside at the Jayden Ong property in Healesville.
With an abundance of art exhibitions, amazing creative institutions and all-hours eateries, Melbourne has well and truly cemented itself as Australia's cultural capital. And one of the best ways to explore it is by planning a night at the theatre — specifically, one where you catch a live performance of Cameron Mackintosh's The Phantom of the Opera — while also crossing a few other must-sees off your list. Whether you're a travelling out-of-towner or a local looking to enjoy a sophisticated city staycation, our essential guide promises to deliver the ultimate evening out. KICK OFF YOUR CULTURE FIX EXPLORE THE STREET ART AT SOUTHBANK Melbourne's labyrinth of lanes is a blank canvas for emerging artists. So when it comes to galleries, some of the most innovative ones on offer are outdoors. And while public artworks are spread across the city's streets, those on display at Southbank are truly striking. Our don't-miss-pick is the vibrant, neon floral Outdoor Living mural created on the outside walls of Hanover House by local artist Atong Atem. Otherwise, if you're keen to test your own creative snapping skills, then we suggest you take the time to stop for a good-for-gram shot on the Princes Bridge. VISIT THE ARTS PRECINCT A recent glow-up has seen the Melbourne Arts Precinct on St Kilda Road transformed into the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia's history, and home to the most visited art gallery in the country. With a plethora of creative communities nestled between Federation Square and Southbank (as well as up to 3000 performances and exhibitions every year), we're confident you'll find a theatre, gallery, museum or music venue to get you into the mood for the main show. However, if you need a little inspiration to get started, we have a few suggestions. Like the aforementioned National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian Ballet school, the National Institute for Dramatic Arts and even the ABC. GO GALLERY HOPPING As the world's first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Federation Square rightly recognises the creative contribution of some of our country's best craftspeople. Take some time to explore this spectacular showcase comprised of over 20 galleries housed within a landmark architectural complex. Otherwise, check out the ACMI (formerly Australian Centre for the Moving Image) and navigate the universe of film, TV, video games and art, or the Koorie Heritage Trust — a not-for-profit First Nations-owned and managed arts organisation providing opportunities for all people to connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria. Complete your experience with a walk by the banks of the Birrarung Marr or the River of Mists (also known as the Yarra River) INDULGE IN AN EARLY DINNER SPECTACULAR SUSHI AT SAKÉ Award-winning eatery Saké Restaurant & Bar offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, alongside an exclusive range of its namesake drink. And although the extensive cocktail list and exquisite sashimi are common across its various Sydney and Melbourne locations, only its Southbank outpost offers phenomenal Yarra River views courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling walls. PADDOCK-TO-PLATE AT PURE SOUTH KITCHEN This modern Australian restaurant is pure by both name and nature, with every single item on the menu made with ingredients that arrive daily from farmers, fisherpeople and artisan food producers across the Bass Strait. Expect dishes featuring handmade bresaola, sustainably caught cod and organic fruit and veggies, from Tasmania and Flinders and King Islands. Head upstairs to the elegant dining room for dinner with a view of the Melbourne skyline, or grab a quick bite at the more casual corner downstairs. AMAZING ARGENTINEAN AT ASADO Some of the most succulent steaks this side of Buenos Aries can be found at this sophisticated South-American-inspired bar in the heart of Southbank. As well as the range of specialities that you'll find roasted over the open fire pit and traditional three-metre bespoke charcoal parrilla — like the Tira De Asado (Argentinian style short rib), Polpo (Fremantle octopus, saffron & smoked paprika sauce, pickled fennel) and Cordero (pasture-fed lamb rump with chimichurri sauce) — expect a selection of tasty tapas and very impressive wine list. CELEBRATE THE STATE AT VICTORIA BY FARMER'S DAUGHTERS Fresh ingredients focusing on the best that Victoria has to offer come together at this farm-to-fork restaurant. Score yourself one of the 250 seats on offer at this venue and experience the Farmer's Daughters' philosophy of showcasing seasonal and regional produce that celebrates the finest offerings of The Garden State. The rotating "region in residence" ethos is embraced in the dining options and also extends to the drinks, which include only-in-Victoria wines, cocktails exclusively crafted with the state's best spirits and a selection of Victorian beers on tap. SAVOUR A PRE-SHOW SUPPER AT THE ARTS CENTRE "Dinner and a show" is an iconic pairing for an amazing evening out. And, one of the easiest ways to enjoy both is by taking advantage of the three-course prix fixe (fixed price) menu being served at The Arts Centre Melbourne, before finding your seats at your selected performance of The Phantom of the Opera. In addition to a glass of sparkling on arrival, The Phantom of the Opera Dining Experience will plate up fancy French-inspired fare like goat cheese and asparagus tart with black currant pearls and frisée, grilled ocean trout with lobster bisque and baked celery salad and a chocolate mousse cake (with chocolate crumble, white chocolate shavings and a chocolate macaron), for the final act. Simply add the dining package to your cart after selecting tickets for any of the performances or purchase separately. WIND DOWN WITH A POST-SHOW WINE COCKTAILS AT EAU DE VIE Intimate, cosy and discreetly nestled in Malthouse Lane, the bar considered by many as one of the best in Melbourne gives serious speakeasy vibes. Inspired by America's 1920s prohibition era, Eau de Vie will certainly recreate the mood of the show you just watched, with its theatrical cocktail creations, dramatic whiskies (secretly hidden behind the bookcase) and a selection of fine wines served by bartenders who have perfected their own art of performance. Choose a spot at the bar, or sink into one of the private booths towards the back and channel your inner Gatsby. ROOFTOP VIBES AT SIGLO Perched above Spring Street, this charming, old-world rooftop terrace bar serves cocktails, gourmet snacks and seriously impressive views of Parliament House, the Princess Theatre and St Patrick Cathedral's towering spire. While it's renowned for sparkling views as the sun sets over Melbourne city, its late-trade hours (it's open till 3 am), mean anytime is a good one to visit. LIVE MUSIC AT MUSIC ROOM Head to the first level of four-storey mega-venue HER and discover Melbourne's first official listening bar. Modelled on similar sound-proof spaces throughout Japan, Music Room is a little bit club, a touch of recording studio, a sprinkle of vinyl record store, and a whole lot of fun. Treat your ears to mixes by one of Music Room's exclusive DJ residencies or something from the 3000-strong collection of hard-to-find vinyl, before grabbing a neat whiskey to tend to your thirsty taste buds. ESCAPE TO AN ICONIC HOTEL SWEET DREAMS AT THE SOFITEL A year-and-half-long, $15 million renovation has revamped the Collin's Street location of this luxe hotel. The splash of cash has seen each of the 360 rooms re-imagined into uniquely designed accommodation fusing classic Sofitel French flair with all the latest tech, as well as a return of some decadent dining options such as Sofitel's famous afternoon tea experiences. As regular guests will confirm, one thing that has never really needed upgrading was the views, with the Sofitel continuing to deliver breathtaking vistas across Melbourne's main landmarks, including the Arts Centre, Flinders Street Station, Fed Square, and even Luna Park on a clear day. As the official hotel partner for the Melbourne season of The Phantom of the Opera, the Sofitel is also offering guests an exclusive Phantom-inspired cocktail menu. Head to the Atrium Bar on level 35 for decadent drinks with a touch of drama. LUXURY AT THE LANGHAM Opulent, old-school elegance is on full display at this iconic Southbank sleeping spot. Tear yourself away from the utter indulgence on offer in your room and head to the rooftop pool for a midnight swim and uninterrupted vistas across the Yarra River and the rest of Melbourne's cityscape. If you have time, we really recommend making a booking at the Langham Spa before you check out. The Chinese massages are so good, you may be tempted to book another night, just so you can enjoy them again. WELLNESS AT THE WESTIN As appealing as your surroundings may be, sometimes you just need a little time out to escape the hustle. In these instances, The Westin is where you want to head, with this idyllic urban sanctuary offering an exceptional opportunity to relax — without straying too far from the fun. Find your inner zen in the sauna, steam room or spa, lose yourself in the accommodation's enchanting aesthetics (which includes a dramatic staircase, deco-inspired lobby and a deluge of contemporary artworks lining the walls) or while away the evening with some bubbles and a good book by the fireside library at the plush Lobby Lounge. WRAP UP YOUR STAY WITH A REFUELLING BREAKFAST BAKED EGGS WITH CHORIZO AT HARDWARE SOCIÉTÉ Both branches (Katherine Place and Hardware Street) of this Melbourne brunch institution are within walking distance of the Arts Centre, meaning you have no excuse not to pop in. And although the lines can be long it's truly worth the wait. Our suggestion is their signature Baked Eggs Deux, made with spicy Spanish sausage, potato, piquillo peppers, queso manchego, almonds and aioli. But by all means, peruse the menu and pick anything that catches your eye. It's all undoubtedly good. BREAKFAST RUBEN SANDWICH AT BOWERY TO WILLIAMSBURG Make like a New Yorker and head to this classic diner-style joint — an ode to the Big Apple's Bowery subway station. Nab one of the 50 seats on offer at the large communal table inside or settle in for your "caw-fee" (using Padre beans from Brunswick) at one of the undercover cafeteria-style tables outside. A QUICK COFFEE AT KING STREET ESPRESSO BAR The name of this hole-in-the-wall coffee shop (formerly known as Sbriga) may have changed. But its commitment to churning out quality cups of caffeine continues. Inspired by the old-school espresso bars of Italy, King's Street's early hours of operation — you'll find the doors flung open from 6am — make it perfect for a short black by sunrise, paired with a sliver of biscotti. A SLICE OF DACQUOISE AT BENCH COFFEE CO Juxtaposed amongst the urban, utilitarian architecture of this coffee shop (which gets its name from the modernist glass bench centrepiece) is one of the sweetest ways you could possibly start your day — a slice of dacquoise. With variations of this baked meringue and buttercream dessert the only food item on the menu (alongside an extensive selection of brews) you can be sure that Bench is raising the bar when it comes to doing breakfast right. For the ultimate Melbourne escape, don't forget to grab your tickets to The Phantom of the Opera. The show is now playing, with best availability for January 2023. Top image: Southbank Melbourne at night by Lycheeart.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Up-to-date information on restrictions are available at your state's health websites (click through for NSW, Victoria and Queensland). Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. Australia's hugely diverse landscape means there's plenty of choice when it comes to finding an off-road experience, no matter how you like to get around. From twisting turns across the Australian Alps to tropical rainforest descents, epic all-terrain mountain biking adventures can be discovered in every corner of the country. When you're ready to hit the road, don't forget to pack the new Sonos Roam. Designed to withstand a rough-and-tumble lifestyle, this lightweight and portable smart speaker is drop-withstanding and waterproof, making it the perfect device to soundtrack your journey. [caption id="attachment_812642" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ain Raadik Photography[/caption] THE AUSTRALIAN ALPINE EPIC, VICTORIA When it comes to the Alpine Epic, everything you need to know is in the name. The first trail in the southern hemisphere to be designated, quite literally, 'epic' by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, this exhilarating cross-country trail begins from the lofty Mt Buller Alpine Village. From there, you'll pedal through 40 kilometres of incredible alpine terrain, including many of the region's most picturesque destinations. Passing through snowgum groves and wildflowers via Soul Revival, One Tree Hill and Gang Gangs on this challenging descent, the Australian Alpine Epic is suited to experienced riders, and takes around seven hours to complete. The trail is open from December to April. [caption id="attachment_818224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ready Aim Media[/caption] OURIMBAH STATE FOREST, NSW Situated at the southern end of the Watagan Mountains, just west of Wyong, Ourimbah State Forest is a popular destination for outdoor adventure activities near the Central Coast. As well as stellar hiking and ziplining experiences through the treetops, mountain biking is high on the agenda for many visitors with a series of well-maintained downhill and cross-country trails suitable for both beginner and experienced riders. You'll find plenty of obstacles and jumps to test your skills, with many of the routes designed with progression in mind. Plus, a convenient shuttle bus ensures you get a break on the way back to the top of the mountain. [caption id="attachment_818229" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SMITHFIELD MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, QUEENSLAND The dense, lush landscape of tropical north Queensland makes for the perfect destination when you're looking for some serious thrills. Featuring more than 60 kilometres of trails set deep within the rainforest, Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is considered one of the top all-terrain trail systems anywhere in the world. It hosted the 1996 and 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships — and it's also the oldest mountain bike park in Australia. You can bounce your way across craggy hillsides and fast-flowing streams as you ride through vine-covered jungle and jagged ridges overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. While experienced riders flock to Smithfield for its great selection of quick technical routes to test their skills, beginners will discover a series of spacious, smooth trails that skirt the lower edges of the park. [caption id="attachment_812640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] ARTHURS SEAT PARK, VICTORIA Surrounding the 314-metre summit of Arthurs Seat State Park is a striking network of mountain biking trails that wind through the region's native bushland and rocky terrain. There are suitable off-road adventures for every experience level here, with 14 trails of varying difficulty. Beginners will prefer the well-connected Pink Line Trail, Slippery Gypsy Trail and East Link Trail with their low gradients and minimal obstacles. More accomplished riders can take on the highly technical Deadwoods Trail or the sharp drops of the Pins and Needles Trail. [caption id="attachment_812638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] THREDBO MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, NSW Alpine mountain biking doesn't get much better than what's on offer at the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. The trails are open from November to May each year and offer an evolving network of cross-country adventures that ensure you can find a path to match your skillset. Featuring Australia's only chairlift-accessed gravity trails open throughout summer, Thredbo is a great place for riders with a bit of experience to test themselves on berms, rock drops and other technical obstacles. For those who'd prefer a more relaxing off-road experience, Easy Street and the Thredbo Valley Track offer a stellar combination of thrills and alpine scenery. Thredbo Mountain Bike Park also offers clinics for all ages and skill levels. [caption id="attachment_812641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] BIG HILL MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, VICTORIA Situated atop the appropriately named Mount Beauty, Big Hill Mountain Bike Park is widely regarded as one of Australia's best mountain biking destinations. This labyrinth of downhill and cross-country trails spans more than 40 kilometres, with over 50 trails to choose from ranging in terrain and difficulty. Big Hill is home to the National Mountain Bike Championships, but there are a number of trails suited to less experienced riders including the Dart Spur Track and Sesame Street. With the charming town of Bright located within close proximity of this track, you can round out your outdoor adventures with a visit to the Bright Brewery or one of the many cafes in town. [caption id="attachment_818518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stromlo Forest Park[/caption] STROMLO FOREST PARK, ACT Stromlo Forest Park is the best place for mountain biking when you don't want to totally leave civilisation behind. Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Canberra are over 40 kilometres of world-class trails that are suited to a wide range of riding abilities and age groups. Cemented in Australian mountain biking folklore thanks to its hosting numerous national championships and professional competitions, Stromlo Forest Park offers highly technical routes, including log rides and bridges, alongside easier trails with long, flowing descents. Stash away your lunch and Sonos for a relaxing post-ride picnic amongst the trees. [caption id="attachment_818267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] NOOSA TRAIL NETWORK, QUEENSLAND Spanning a vast section of Queensland's rural landscape, the Noosa Trail Network encompasses eight distinct hinterland trails ideal for biking, hiking and horse riding. While these scenic journeys are slightly more focused on the incredible vistas that make up this part of the world, there are still plenty of challenges to be found. The 25-kilometre Kin Kin to Lake Macdonald Trail, for example, delves from wide-open countryside into the rainforest, while the Kin Kin Countryside Loop is a leisurely ride linking peaceful picnic spots with bird watching opportunities. Find out more about the new Sonos Roam at the official website. Top image: TBC
We probably don't need to remind you that two years of lockdowns equates to a whole lotta missed birthdays. But if you're one of the many Melburnians who got stiffed on one or more birthday celebrations due to a certain pandemic, the crew from Scratch Arts has your back. On Saturday, May 28, they're taking over the Abbotsford Convent to throw the ultimate do-over party, dubbed Lost Birthdays. This little shindig is out to make up for all those missed festivities, set to dazzle with an evening of tunes, drinks, performances and UV-lit antics. There'll be six different DJs hitting the decks, serving a dance-worthy mix of disco, house and techno. Meanwhile, a curation of circus artists and performers will be dishing up a program of roving entertainment, and there'll be craft stations for those looking to unleash some of their own creative energy. What's more, the same minds that brought us UV performance art party Blankë Pop will be putting together a neon-drenched blacklight playground for you to groove through in between dance floor sessions. You're going to want to curate your birthday party outfit accordingly.
In a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, Melbourne's major art and cultural institutions have temporarily closed their doors. In a statement made on Sunday, March 15, Museums Victoria said Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, Immigration Museum, Royal Exhibition Building and IMAX would all be closed to the public as of Monday, March 16. "We are taking these steps as a public health precaution in support of measures to contain COVID-19, especially for those in our community who are most vulnerable," Museums Victoria Director & CEO Lynley Crosswell said in the statement. "We are committed to providing support for all of our employees and volunteers and to protecting our community during these unprecedented and challenging times." While a reopening date for these institutions has not been announced, Museums Victoria said it will continue to update the public on its website and social media channels. Yesterday, Arts Centre Melbourne, the NGV, State Library of Victoria, Geelong Arts Centre and Melbourne Recital Centre also announced they would be temporarily closing. The NGV and Arts Centre both intend to reopen on Monday, April 13, and are offering refunds for those who have pre-purchased tickets to shows and performances. Reopening dates for the Library and Recital Centre have not yet been announced. https://www.facebook.com/artscentremelbourne/photos/a.552397028158401/3026228627441883/?type=3&theater The COVID-19 situation in Australia is changing every day, with the federal government first implementing a ban on non-essential events with more than 500 people and then mandating that everyone arriving from overseas self-isolate for 14 days. The State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Recital Centre, Geelong Arts Centre, Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, Immigration Museum, Royal Exhibition Building and IMAX are all now closed until further notice. The NGV and Arts Centre Melbourne intend to reopen on April 13. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Running events in the arts and hospitality industry can be tough enough at the best of times, let alone when your city is drifting in and out of restrictions and lockdowns. But despite the challenges served up by 2021, the year had plenty of shining lights. There was an avalanche of exciting new restaurant and bar openings to sink our teeth into outside of lockdowns, and some adventurous, thought-provoking and all-round joyous events took place over the last 12 months. From ground-breaking exhibitions to huge concerts, 2021 still managed to deliver the goods — and we've pulled together a list of six of the year's most memorable events. While many fantastic gigs, festivals and shows were cancelled due to the pandemic, these are the ones that managed to go ahead and fill our year with good food, music, art and culture.
Golf courses have always tried to mimic the natural: undulating hills, thick forests, deep water and unforgiving sand. It's been a trend of recent years to flip this, instead opting for the unusual: whether that be the lush greens and rolling sand dunes of Dubai's desert golf, the foreboding doom presented by a recently dormant volcano at Lanzarote or the thrill (chill?) of ice golf in Uummannaq in Greenland. So we really shouldn't be surprised to discover a recent venture from Troon Golf and Dutch Docklands to create an 18-hole floating golf course in the Maldives, should we? A series of man-made floating platforms containing a number of holes each will be linked together by underwater tunnels. Although seemingly an exercise in extravagance, it is not without conscience. The project will be entirely carbon neutral, using solar energy, sustainable desalination and water cooling technology. The Maldives approval of the project is more than just a cash grab. With rising sea levels, precipitated by climate change, predicted to submerge a series of the Maldives islands, the government is looking offshore for solutions. President Mahamed Nasheed is even looking to purchase new land in other countries to house his people. The verdict is still out on the project, drawing out such loaded terms as 'obscene' and 'indulgent' but also 'responsible' and 'socially inclusive'.
Did you know that there are around 60 young artists, designers and students who work at ACCA as volunteers and casual staff? As well as working for an excellent artistic institution, they have the opportunity present their own work in ACCA’s Startups program. Startups runs for five weeks out of a shipping container in the ACCA Forecourt, with a different artist inhabiting the space for a week at a time. Each artist will work with the ACCA team to develop their artwork and week-long exhibit. This is the fifth year this program has run at ACCA, and the artwork presented will include video, sculpture and multimedia works. Contemporary modes of communication, modern beauty standards, how constant stimulation and heightened stress are affecting development, as well as the influence that digital technology has on our perceptions on the world will all be thematically explored during Startups. Artists featured in this year’s Startups include Dalton Stewart, Jacqueline Stojanovic, Lucinda Florence, Jesse Dyer and Jacqui Shelton.
For the first time, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is presenting Cities of Architecture — a series of talks exploring the world's most fascinating and beautiful cities — once a month from February to October this year. The series will begin with a broad (and free!) launch talk at MPavilion which will discuss using cities as a means for exploring architecture and urbanism. The lectures on individual cities — which will cover Tokyo, Venice, Huston, Madrid, Shanghai, Barcelona, Isfahan and Guadalajara — will expand on this in greater depth. The talks are being given by experts in the field — think professors of architecture and the directors of Melbourne's most notable architectural studios such as LAB, the studio that designed Federation Square. Stuart Harrison, co-host of 3RRR's The Architects, will give the Venice talk on April 10, and the executive architect and researcher at the Sagrada Familia basilica, Mark Burry, is set to give the Barcelona talk on Monday, August 14. Altogether, it looks like a stellar lineup. Each talk even includes a custom-made cocktail to suit the city, designed by the people at the Melbourne Gin Company and Starward Whisky. Image: SBA73 via Flickr.
Slow living and handmade craft has metamorphosed from bewitching alternative trend to a totally plausible way of life. In what seems to be some kind of conscious resistance to the speed and churn of internet culture, mass production and memes, there's an uptake in the kind of hands-on activities all about a quality time investment and a quality result at the end. Think sourdough starter, knitting, home ceramics kits... hell, even elaborate cocktail-making all fall into this category. Nonna's Grocer, an online concept store that popped up this year is the brainchild of Wollongong-based designer, Madeleine Hoy, and it's all about embracing the 'perfectly imperfect' principles of hand made. Right now, the hero produce on Nonna's Grocer's virtual shelves is a range of beautiful candles made the size, shape and appearance of the fruit and vegetables from your local fruit shop. Lemons, oranges and a family of heirloom tomatoes look so realistically juicy you'd be forgiven for being duped into taking a bite (Madeleine told us that no one's admitted doing that yet). For her next addition to the store, she's teamed up with Marrickville-based studio Defy Design on a fresh product line made from recycled plastic. Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind Nonna's Grocer and the ethos behind the store. Nonna's Grocer evolved about a year and a half ago, the day I learned that my Great Grandparents ran a grocery store in Daylesford Victoria. My dad was showing me these beautiful images of my Great grandfather Giuseppe in front of his shop and I was so inspired by this moment in time, and couldn't believe I hadn't known about it sooner. I immediately began thinking about a way I could combine my design background (I was a set designer) with this beautiful business that was a part of my family history. Thus Nonna's Grocer was born, a conceptual studio where I develop designs that harness the era of a simpler time with a modern twist. A 'Perfectly imperfect' handmade aesthetic is my focus, as well as creating special pieces for humans to encourage them to slowww it down. Whether that's having a bath, a dinner date with your dog, or stretching a hammy, light a candle and enjoy the moment. Your current range is a selection of incredibly true-to-life fruit shaped candles. How do you make them look so life-like? I found a maker in Sydney who casts objects for sculptures and pitched the idea of getting them to cast fruit. We were a bit unsure at the time how well it would work as fruits decompose quickly when encased, so we had to be smart about which fruits could work well. (Turns out peeled fruits don't work well, just so you know). I then started hitting the supermarkets (back in the day when one could tread slowly) and would study 100 lemons at a time to find the perfect one, and my range grew from there. I've got to ask: have you encountered any instances of people accidentally taking a bite? Oh ha, look no one has informed me they have tried to eat one as of yet, but is that really something you would tell people if you accidentally ate a candle? What kind of shopper do you want Nonna's Grocer to appeal to? I like to think Nonna's Grocer appeals to anyone that is interested in quality produce and a slower paced lifestyle. Particularly people that appreciate craftsmanship, design, and looking for creative ways to make their day more playful. What are the craftspeople, brands or concept retailers that you admire and take inspiration from? Oh dear, I love homeware stores that scream 'good quality'. The Provider Store in Surry Hills is pretty special as it celebrates the history and craftsmanship of Japan. Delicious! The New Zealand store KauKau [based in Wellington] is also beautiful, highly recommend checking them out. I am a big fan of designers like Sabine Marcelis and Gustaf Westman who design various pieces in their own aesthetic, never following a trend. I take inspiration from a million different places, but Stephanie Stamatis the art director began styling food in a way that really resonated, and the interior designers from Paris called Studio Classico have a lovely touch when it comes to materials. Oh, and the cheese shop Formaje in Madrid, their packaging and cheese selection is to die for... Honestly, I could go on and on. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie Stamatova (@stephanie_somebody) You've started with fruit but you've hinted at 'more to come'. What else can we expect to see hit the virtual shelves of your store? I am so excited to share with you what is coming next, but they are all at the back end of development so I am not quite ready to spill the cannellini beans just yet. I can give you a sneaky hint though: one of my pieces will be manufactured at Defy Design in Marrickville, who collect local plastic waste, hand separate them by colour, and then melt them down into new objects. I'm very excited! Discover more about Nonna's Grocer and have a browse at the website or follow on Instagram.
The Great Ocean Road existing on Melbourne's doorstep means exploring the Surf Coast's endless supply of natural wonders is incredibly easy. Stretching from Torquay to Lorne and into lush inland valleys, this coastal region, and the start of the Great Ocean Road, is home to an array of world-class activities that makes a road trip there a hugely rewarding experience. Whether you prefer surfing some of the world's best breaks, sampling locally produced gin or appreciating the region's booming creative scene, you may find it difficult to know where to begin in this part of the world. We've teamed up with our Victorian road trip partner RACV to bring you a selection of incredible ways to experience the Surf Coast. And don't forget — if you're planning on having a drink, make sure there's a designated driver to keep you safe on your travels. [caption id="attachment_692635" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST Surrounded by the Great Otway National Park, the Surf Coast is easily within reach of some of Australia's most lush rainforest. There are several waterfalls tucked deep within the ferns and gullies, with perhaps the most impressive being Erskine Falls. Rising 30 metres above the rainforest floor, this towering landmark is one of the highest and most dramatic natural features in the region. If you're up for a challenge, the 7.5-kilometre Erskine River Track leads back to Lorne along the river, and passes Straw Falls and Splitter Falls along the way. In a hurry? A 90-minute drive along the winding roads presents an even more exhilarating destination. Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is Victoria's premier ziplining experience, and sees thrill-seekers soar through the canopy of the Otway Ranges. For a slightly less heart-pounding adventure, wander the 600-metre-long elevated walkway wedged right between the tree branches. [caption id="attachment_720275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATCH A WAVE AT BELLS BEACH — OR SEE IT FROM ABOVE Bells Beach is the most internationally recognisable shoreline in Victoria, having hosted the world-famous Rip Curl Pro surfing event continuously since 1961. However, you don't have to join the pro circuit to take part in the action, with the beach's famous breaks easily accessible between the towns of Torquay and Jan Juc. Once you've finished carving up the waves, you can roam along the soaring clifftops to soak up the views. Consider tackling a section of the 44-kilometre Surf Coast Walk — the 3.2-kilometre Bells Track from Bird Rock to Bells Beach offers striking coastal views and close encounters with native wildlife. [caption id="attachment_843650" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Duyet Le (Unsplash)[/caption] GO STRAWBERRY PICKING Nibble on a freshly picked punnet of strawberries while you explore Victoria's most stunning stretch of coastline. Situated on 90 acres of picturesque farmland along the road from Geelong to Torquay, the family-owned Surf Coast Strawberry Fields allows families and friends to hunt for the tastiest berries available. The warmer months of the year are the ideal time to get involved, too, with the main picking season running from November to April. After you've finished searching the fields for these natural sweet treats, head to the on-site ice cream bar or stock up on farm-fresh goods, including strawberry preserves, honey and rhubarb. [caption id="attachment_846021" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] SAMPLE LOCAL GIN Robust landscapes can be seen along the Surf Coast in every direction, but you can experience how this floral vegetation tastes when it's distilled down by the experts at Great Ocean Road Gin. Taking inspiration from its idyllic surroundings, the distillery's range of tipples showcases a host of local ingredients, from coastal tea tree and river mint to kelp and lemon gum. With the distillery offering a tasting room, a gin garden, and a sit-down eatery serving South East Asian mains and share plates, this is a must-visit spot for both gin-ophiles and the gin-curious. ENJOY LIVE MUSIC AND PUB GRUB Housed in a renovated beach shack opposite the Anglesea River, Last One Inn offers an irresistible combination of live tunes and pub grub with a South American twist. Here you'll find live acts and DJs lighting up the place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, with a rotating soundtrack of house, techno, funk and disco. Accompanying this musical odyssey is a rousing menu of small plates like fried baby calamari with curry leaf and burnt lemon aioli, and spiced quince-glazed pork pincho skewers with a zingy slaw and seeded mustard dressing. Bigger options include a beautifully messy cheeseburger and pan-seared local snapper with a cashew and dill ajo blanco, burnt butter and baby zucchini. With daily happy hours from 3–5pm, Last One Inn should be your first (and maybe last) stop for a drink and a boogie against the fading light. [caption id="attachment_844573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Merinda Kelly – Citizen Archaeologies, 2017-18. Tinted recycled perspex and reclaimed objects, LED lights[/caption] DISCOVER THE LOCAL ART SCENE The art scene is thriving along the coastline, with an array of independent art galleries highlighting the top creative talent in their respective communities. On the outskirts of Lorne, Qdos Fine Arts is one of the most significant creative spaces in the region, featuring a striking gallery, a laidback cafe and an enchanting sculpture park. If you're planning on exploring the Surf Coast in the coming months, time your visit with the upcoming Lorne Sculpture Biennale. Running from March 12 to April 3, the outdoor exhibition will showcase the work of 16 artists across 16 distinct spaces, with works responding to themes exploring the diverse history of the area as well as the beauty of its natural environment. [caption id="attachment_844586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Somi Jaiswal (Unsplash)[/caption] PERUSE THE TORQUAY COWRIE MARKET Community markets are the ideal place to find the pulse of a small town. Held on the third Sunday of the month from September to April, Torquay Cowrie Market is outstanding for road trippers who love art, craft, fashion and vintage goods that come with a sustainable edge. As you wander the stalls overlooking Zeally Bay, you'll be tempted by a diverse mix of tantalising flavours. There's also a load of delicious paddock-to-table produce and preserves waiting to be sampled. Hang around for local musical talent and live performers that take to the stage throughout the day. UNWIND IN STYLE AT RACV TORQUAY RESORT Every unforgettable road trip needs a great place to rest your head. During your tour of the Surf Coast, RACV Torquay Resort offers your adventuring spirit the perfect spot to recuperate. Whether you join a tranquil yoga class, unwind with a rejuvenating sauna session or treat yourself to a trip to the luxurious day spa, there are plenty of ways to unwind at this beautiful property. Featuring sweeping views of the coast, the RACV Torquay Resort also has a range of family-friendly activities that'll keep any little ones entertained, including playgrounds and games rooms. Plus, there's an 18-hole golf course should you want to tackle the links. Book your stay, dine in style and place yourself within touching distance of the region's top destinations. Planning a road trip? Get RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance before you head off. Top image: Mark Chew, Visit Victoria
Hobart's long-running showcase of winemakers, Bottle Tops, is finally making its debut in Melbourne. Held at Hope St Radio, the event will feature 65 of innovative winemakers from across Australia and parts of New Zealand, Chile and Georgia, alongside a small selection of beer, cider and spirit producers. From 12–4pm on Sunday, June 9, ticket-holders can get four hours of tastings, a snack and glassware. Unusual and rare beverages will be offered by the glass throughout the day for those who want to experience something unique. For those who want to extend their weekend celebrations, you can also head along to the afterparty at Hope St Radio, which will have food, wine and DJs until late into the night. The initial lineup of exhibitors has been announced, featuring both established names and new participants, such as Lucy Margaux, Momento Mori, Chateau Acid, Fallow, LATTA, High Hopes, Jamsheed, North Wine, and many more. Tickets are priced at $75, which you can now purchase online.
The first thing you notice when you walk up the flight of stairs from first floor venue-sibling Polepole, is a huge tent-type structure, which dominates half the venue. Mind you, it isn't cloying or claustrophobic — and it certainly isn't a detraction to the overall aesthetic — because when your name is Glamp, you’re kinda expected to give some kind of nod to the camping vibe. The tent is one of the possible spots to sit and imbibe, with a sightly snugger nook at the other end. If you steer towards the tent, you’ll find it full of bright cushions and mix of wood and wire furniture, all plopped on a covering of equally as colourful carpet. The seating is low and functional, and is just the right level of relaxed for an after-work drink or two. Glamp has a DJ on Fridays from 6pm and Saturdays from 9pm, making it an ideal spot for cocktails with a friend or for a pretty schmancy first date. The noise levels on Friday night were such that it would be pretty tough going holding a conversation with a group of more than four, but it was just right for a huddled tête-à-tête (without any neighbours overhearing your conversation). Save your D&Ms for during the week though, when the bar operates sans-DJ. When you've got your spot, one of the chirpy waitstaff will pop over to deliver some water and take an order. There are interesting drinks on the menu, and if you're up for a refreshing pre-dinner aperitif, you couldn't go far wrong with a Jungle Juice ($19): a herbaceous sour with a hint of fresh capsicum. If something a bit stronger is more your tipple then head straight for the Means No Worries ($22) — their take on the Mai Tai — or the Maasai Warrior ($20), which is basically a Negroni. The cocktails will have you reaching deep into your wallet if you plan on having two or three, but there's also an interesting offering of African beers alongside their wine list, with prices from a more friendly $8.50. As far as food goes, Glamp is definitely on the grazing end of the scale (and with Polepole downstairs there's really no reason to eat anywhere else) — but if you're post-work and starving, you'll be stoked to find a charcuterie platter with biltong, pancetta, 'nduja and an assortment of piquant pickles adorning a wooden slab ($22). If you've already had main course and are in the mood for a finisher, look no further than their cheese board ($18), which comes with a generous serving of manchego, za'atar goats' cheese and gorgonzola. The cheeses are paired with dehydrated green island pear, burnt honey and fig and ginger paste, among other delights. A nice accompaniment to Polepole downstairs, Glamp is perfect for a sundowner after a hard day traipsing the city, or a great spot for classed-up post-work drinks. No matter who you take, you're sure to impress — even if just for the novelty factor.
Your mates have flocked to the Mediterranean coast. Your boss is sailing around Croatia. Heck, even your parents have jetted off for a week of sun, sand and piña coladas in Hawaii. And here in Oz, we're sloshing and shivering our way through another winter season But, there's plenty of reason to rug up, get out and explore our own backyard. Even if it's chilly outside. As the mercury plummets, there's no better time to cosy up, glass of wine in hand, and let someone else do the cooking. Or perhaps you're looking for a dose of arts and culture or even something to get the blood pumping? Whatever you're craving, Sydney has a whole stack of blues-busting events, festivals and activities all winter long. To get you started, we've teamed up with InterContinental Sydney to bring you an itinerary that'll make your winter a little bit warmer. Base yourself at the hotel's CBD location and hop from exhibitions and pop-up events to must-see dining spots. We've done the hard work you; all you have to do is get exploring. INDULGE IN A LAND TO SEA BUFFET While on holiday, you should always treat yourself to the finer things. At InterContinental Sydney's Cafe Opera, you'll find a 'land to sea' buffet packed with fresh seafood, locally sourced meats and a new Asian cuisine station. Enjoy Sydney Rock oysters, prawns, green-lipped mussels and a selection of sushi, then fill up on roast meats sourced from NSW's Southern Highlands like lamb shoulder, pork belly and beef rump. You can choose to go for lunch from Wednesday to Friday or enjoy the 'deluxe experience' over the weekend. Our tip? If you're visiting on a weekend, stop by from Friday night to Sunday (all day) for a luxe seafood offering of Balmain bugs, blue swimmer crab, salmon sashimi and grilled whole salmon available lunch and dinner. Plus, if you choose to lunch on the weekend, you'll also get free-flowing sparkling wine and soft drinks with your meal. The Land to Sea Buffet is available from Wednesday 12pm to Friday 2.30pm for $69 per person and from Friday 5.30pm to Sunday 10pm for $99 per person. Kids ten and under eat free. InterContinental Sydney is also offering 20% off food till October 13, 2019. WATCH AN OPERATIC MASTERPIECE AT THE OPERA HOUSE It's a Sydney icon that welcomes 8.2 million visitors every year. Some would say it's the most popular house in the country. But, for Australians, it's often the most overlooked of attractions. Take in all of the Sydney Opera House's glory with one of the world's most famous love stories. Madama Butterfly is the bold new production by choreographer Graeme Murphy, bringing new life to Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's original work. This digital production uses 12 huge high-definition LED panels to showcase animations and film content, telling the tragic tale of a young Japanese girl's marriage with an American naval officer. Make sure to bring plenty of tissues for this one. Madama Butterfly runs from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, August 10, 2019, and tickets start at $47. [caption id="attachment_679482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Madeye Photography[/caption] HAVE A CUPPA AT A FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO TEA Blending and brewing are terms typically associated with craft breweries. But, the specialty tea market is just as complex, and you can learn all about it at the Sydney Tea Festival. This one-day event brings dozens of tea specialists and lovers to Sydney's multi-arts centre Carriageworks for workshops, tastings and a bustling tea market. Sample specialty loose leaf tea, relax in the Brew Lounge and immerse yourself in a world of flavour with educational tastings, demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop by the on-site food trucks for a sweet or savoury bite to eat. Sydney Tea Festival takes place on August 18, 2019, and tickets start at $16.95. DO YOUR BRAIN SOME GOOD AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW There's much more to science than lab coats and Bunsen burners. And Sydney's annual science festival proves just that. Showcasing some of the globe's leading thinkers, Sydney Science Festival brings researchers, museums, universities and communities together for a week of discovery, discussion and scientific debate. Even if science class was not your thing at school, you'll still find something that intrigues within the festival's lineup of talks, workshops and exhibitions. Picnic beneath the stars (and with reduced light pollution) explore activism in the age of climate change, challenge how you perceive reality at A Night of Illusions and celebrate the female tech visionaries who've played an important role in the history of technology but have been overlooked — until now. Sydney Science Festival runs August 6–18. Find the full lineup here. SEE THE ARCHIBALD AT THE AGNSW If you haven't had a chance to see the Archibald before, now's your chance. The annual portrait prize exhibition is now showing at the Art Gallery of NSW till September 9. This year, you can expect to see the likes of actor David Wenham, three-time Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott plus Sydney-based author, broadcaster and journalist Benjamin Law. The best bit? For just $20 you'll also get to explore the Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibitions, showcasing the best landscape paintings of Australian scenery as well as the best subject, genre or mural painting. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize 2019 runs till September 8, 2019, and tickets cost $20. And while you're there, opt to catch a double exhibition with tickets to The Essential Duchamp for an additional $16, running till August 11, 2019. Plan to stay at InterContinental Sydney on your next trip to the Harbour City. Enjoy up to 30 percent off your stay if you book before August 5, 2019 and check-in before September 30, 2019. To book, visit the website here. Updated: July 22, 2019.
The films we like to classify as big, dumb fun haven't had a great run of things so far in 2018. They've made money, definitely, but the balance has been out. Be they clangers like Pacific Rim: Uprising or mindless popcorn offerings like Rampage, there's been a lot of big and even more dumb, but the fun has been noticeably absent. The latest contender, Skyscraper, fares a little better, although ultimately its preposterous script and story render it little more than a passing diversion. Set in Hong Kong and starring Hollywood's most bankable star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Skyscraper is a thriller centred around The Pearl, the world's tallest and (supposedly) safest building. Johnson plays Will Sawyer, a former FBI agent turned high-rise security expert who finds himself in the midst of a convoluted terrorist plot to steal a valuable flash drive by setting fire to The Pearl in order to flush out its billionaire owner. Allusions to both Die Hard and Towering Inferno have been embraced by the film's distributor, so much so that they even created homage movie posters. Sadly, Skyscraper possesses neither the wit and gritty action of Die Hard nor the suspense of Inferno to see it come close to either. As always, Johnson does his level best to keep the film entertaining. But he's robbed of his usual charm-fuelled asides, left instead to deliver bizarre non-sequiturs like "if you can't fix it with Duct Tape, y'aint using enough Duct Tape" (this also ranking as perhaps cinema's most unexpected product placement). The movie's villain, too, is entirely forgettable – and whilst it might be unreasonable to hope for another Hans Gruber, writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber could at least have endeavoured to give us something a little meatier than the generic hired gun he serves up. Refreshingly, Neve Campbell appears as Johnson's wife, who proves a far more capable action-movie heroine than the traditional spouse-in-distress. Multilingual, combat-trained and a surgeon, she's the first to clue in to the terrorists' plot and doesn't back down when the guns are pointed in her direction. And then there's that jump. Every poster, promo spot and trailer has focussed on Johnson's physics-defying leap from a towering crane into the blazing building. Every part of the sequence is ludicrous, from the impossibly short space of time it takes for Johnson to ascend the crane in a free-climb, to the Olympic gold medal everything a leap of that magnitude would win, to the police shooting at him from a helicopter despite him being unarmed and no threat to anyone. Of course, in the end he does land the jump and the crowds both on screen and off cheer in unison. It's an A+ example of big, dumb and fun existing in perfect harmony. The great shame is how few of these moments exist in Skyscraper despite a setting of such scale and design offering so many more possibilities. At the end of the day, there's not much of Skyscraper that holds up to any real level of scrutiny. Still, as a park your brain at the entrance type distraction, it mostly gets the job done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9QePUT-Yt8
This time each year, for close to three decades, the Singapore Food Festival has dished up one of Southeast Asia's best-known culinary celebrations. But for those who can't jump on a plane to catch the real deal, Windsor's Hawker Hall is serving up a local fix, with its own Singapore Food Festival running from Wednesday, August 24–Sunday, September 11. Across the two-and-a-half weeks, you'll be able to sate your travel cravings with riffs on classic Singaporean dishes, such as spicy seafood laksa, chilli lobster with fluffy mantou steamed buns, hawker-style barbecue wings and rojak fruit salad. [caption id="attachment_843531" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hawker Hall[/caption] Meanwhile, the bar has created two festival-exclusive cocktails to pair with your hawker feast, including the tequila- and umeshu-infused Cala Chameleon, and a tweaked Singapore Sling featuring gin, pineapple, cherry brandy, benedictine and curacao. And on Saturday, September 10, Hawker Hall Head Chef Andrea Kok leads a yum cha cooking class for those keen to learn how to recreate the magic at home. Tickets are $99 (available online), which includes a hefty post-class hawker feast.
Positive Posters is putting forward the question: what do you care about? This creative initiative is a competition and exhibition asking designers worldwide what they think the most pressing global issues are. Entrants are challenged to design an original poster that conveys a message about a current problem which requires more attention. The posters will be viewed by thousands of individuals from over 150 nations, some of which won't speak your language. Entrants will therefore need to use make their message universal using images not words. The posters will be reviewed by judges who will create a shortlist of 30 to be exhibited at an exhibition in Melbourne in late October. From there, international judges will pick the top three place winners. Submissions can be entered in August and September, so get your creative thinking caps on quickly. For more information regarding the entry specifications and process read the Positive Posters 2012 brief.
Canadian artist Jon Rafman has presented viewers with a collection of the most bizzare, quirky and often disturbing images that are captured on Google's Street View. Named after the nine cameras that sit on top of the vehicles used to capture the images that form Google's mapping service, Rafman's work has again expanded notions of art and street photography. The collection includes four masked strangers on a highway in Mexico, a van engulfed in flames on the brink of explosion in Brazil, and a man revealing his bare bottom in Ireland. Rafman states that he collected the images through Street View blogs and his own use of the service, and has offered a lengthy essay detailing the purpose of the work and it's significance. Like the stunning images captured by Aaron Hobson, Rafman has shown us that the Internet is reaching a vastness that allows us to become virtual explorers of the world. With Google's mission to map the entire world and immortalise it online, there will be no shortage of images from fascinatingly random locations that we haven't even heard of. Next time you pass one of Google's vehicles you should quickly comb your hair and flash your best smile. After all, you might become part of an artwork. [via Buzzfeed]
Here's one for all of you culture-loving night owls — Melbourne Museum's famed after-hours parties are making their anticipated comeback this month, promising a suitably huge headline act in Aussie hip hop star Tkay Maidza. On Wednesday, November 30, Nocturnal returns for its first outing since 2020, set to transform the museum's exhibition spaces into a music-fuelled after-dark playground. Kicking off a fresh series of monthly summer sessions (further dates TBA), this next after-hours shindig is happening in conjunction with Victoria's statewide music program Always Live, and national hip hop and R&B radio platform CADA. [caption id="attachment_722270" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cesur Sanli[/caption] Gearing up the crowd for a big night of tunes will be acts like Western Sydney DJ Carolina Gasolina, and Melbourne's own Dijok and Soju Gang, before Maidza hits the stage from 9pm, promising to have the dance floor jumping. And as always, more after-hours revelry will come in the form of pop-up bars, tasty bites, hands-on workshops and curator talks. Plus, guests will have the rare chance to explore Melbourne Museum's latest exhibitions and installations by night — the current lineup includes newly launched exhibition Naadohbii: To Draw Water, interactive storytelling showcase Tyama (separate tickets required), and Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs.
If Docklands is still a suburb you seldom set foot in, its next addition could be the thing to finally change that. In news that was announced this morning, the harbourside area is set to get a brand new permanent food hall. It'll transform the ground and mezzanine floors of the seven-storey East Car Park at The District Docklands (formerly Harbour Town), and mark the next phase of a huge $150 million redevelopment for the area. Ambitiously, the precinct is taking its cues from internationally famed market halls like New York's Chelsea Markets. Once finished in mid-2019, it'll play host to a sprawling artisan market offering, featuring a collection of 25 specialty retailers with a uniquely Melbourne edge. Think, cafes and coffee roasters, restaurants, butchers, delis, bakeries and other fresh food vendors, all under the one roof. It's been designed by NH Architecture and Esquisse, combining historical elements and street art to create a warm, yet industrial feel. Next door to The Market will be some not-so artisan offerings, including a 3800-square-metre Woolworths shopping centre, along with a Dan Murphy's bottle shop, a large-scale Asian grocer and a pharmacy. The plans will complement The District Docklands Entertainment Precinct, which is on track to launch this September. It'll boast an eight-auditorium Hoyts Cinema, an Asian hawker restaurant from 8Eight Street, a venue called Urban Alley Brewery, and a Melbourne edition of Archie Brothers Electric Circus (from the same crew behind Holey Moley Golf Clubs). The Market will open in mid-2019 at The District Docklands, Docklands Drive, Docklands. We'll keep you updated on any new developments.
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, took to the small screen on Tuesday with his new talk show, The World Tomorrow. Assange and his first interviewee, the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, chatted companionably (with the aid of of translators) via video chat. Nasrallah spoke from an undisclosed location in Lebabnon, and Assange from the UK, where he is under house arrest. The interview marked Nasrallah's first Western interview since 2006. The World Tomorrow is carried by Russia Today (RT), a Kremlin-backed English-language news network and website with an anti-American undertone. Created by Vladimir Putin in 2005, RT aims to promote the Kremlin line abroad; it is also broadcast in Spanish and Arabic. Assange is noted for his involvement in a 2010 mass release of secret government documents. Though he was supported by the cooperation of several news organisations (including the New York Times), Assange was the only one involved to fully disclose the documents' details, names and all. He published the documents on his website, and has since become a target of controversy. Though no TV host natural, Assange covered a wide range of interesting topics, including issues in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, with Nasrallah on Tuesday night. The interview was thought-provoking and fresh, leaving audiences guessing what could be coming up in future episodes. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GDLXPpooA18 [via Pedestrian]
Melbourne's much-hyped new rooftop pool club is kicking things off with a serious bang, set to launch with a rollicking New Year's Eve shindig, set high above the city. Guests at Reunion Island Pool Club's NYE pool party will score exclusive use of the sky-high oasis, from 7pm on December 31, until 1am the following day. And they'll be wrapping up 2018 in style, quaffing free-flowing Kirin beer and Paul Louis Sparkling throughout the night, and enjoying primo views of Melbourne's NYE fireworks. Party bites will come courtesy of the Easey's crew and their new poolside kiosk — think, tacos, burgers and club sandwiches to launch your evening, with an injection of barbecue wings and mac 'n' cheese bites to keep those late-night antics fuelled. Meanwhile, DJ Jade Zoe — of local crew The Operatives — will be throwing down the ultimate soundtrack to launch a shiny, new 2019. Feeling flush? You can also nab a private four, six or 10-person pool for the evening, for an extra $100 per head. After this banger of a NYE party, Reunion Island Pool Club will be open daily until April.
If you're a fan of LGBTQIA+ flicks, don't say that you don't have anything to watch between Friday, February 28–Monday, March 10, 2025. You're not just stuck with usual couch-viewing options, either. The return of Queer Screen's Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney also means the return of the event's online component, which is great news no matter where you live in Australia. As always, the roster of movies that Sydneysiders can catch at MGFF's in-person sessions is far larger than its online program — but joining in from home is still filled with highlights. Movie buffs eager to check out the online picks from their couch can look forward to the Alan Cumming (Schmigadoon!)-starring Drive Back Home; Aussie effort Heart of a Man, about a closeted Indigenous boxer; a doco about activist Sally Gearhart; Unusually Normal's factual portrait of a family that includes two lesbian grandmothers, four lesbian mothers and one lesbian granddaughter; and a blend of fiction and reality with 2024 Sundance Special Jury Award-winner Desire Lines, among other titles. A number of shorts programs will be available to stream, too, with packages devoted to Asia Pacific, transgender and gender diverse, queer horror, queer documentaries, sapphic and more. Black Doves' Ben Whishaw pops up in one of the gay shorts, while Hacks' Megan Stalter appears in one of the films in the comedy lineup.
