The CCP has five exciting new exhibitions opening this week, which gives you five excellent reasons to drop by to view some world-class photography. In Gallery One, Kiron Robinson’s latest exhibition, We Told Ourselves We Needed Separate Beds To Sleep, will be on display. Images are either flattened, scanned or re-photographed to create new images — testing intriguing relationships between the originals. In Gallery Two, animator Dave Jones and interdisciplinary artist Steven Rhall have joined forces to respond to the Australian Grains Genebank for In Debt: Saving Seeds. In Gallery Three, Lift From The Top explores ways in which sculpture and photography intersect in contemporary art practice. It features work from both local and international artists, including Paul Adair, Fleur van Dodewaard, Andrew Hazewinkel, Arini Byng and Georgia Hutchinson, Stephanie Lagarde and Stein Ronning, and is curated by Laura Lantieri and Sarah Wall. Gallery Four contains Sara Oscar’s From Here To Eternity, fuelled by the innuendo from stills of romantic films. Finally, for those who can’t get enough photography, there's also Greg Moncrieff’s work California Revisited presented in the CCP’s Night Projection Window. Image: Kiron Robinson, Young woman kissing old man while he turns his head away (2014), archival pigment inkjet print on Baryta paper.
For four days now, Victoria has been in lockdown as part of the state's latest effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. The stay-at-home period was due to run for five days, starting at 11.59pm on Thursday, July 15 and ending at 11.59pm on Tuesday, July 20; however, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that it'll be continuing past that initial end date. At the state's daily press conference today, Monday, July 19, the Premier said that "these restrictions simply cannot end at midnight tomorrow night". He continued: "we are running alongside this virus, but we are not yet out in front of it. If you think about it like a fire, we have a containment line and are making significant progress but it is not out yet. What we know with Delta is an hour is like a day and day is like a week in some ways — it is moving so fast." The plan, the Premier advised, is to be able to reopen after this lockdown and stay open — which is why the state won't be able to ease its stay-at-home conditions on Tuesday, July 20. "It would be perhaps a few days of sunshine, and then there's a very high chance we'd be back in lockdown again. That's what I'm trying to avoid," he said. At this stage, the Premier isn't able to advise how much longer the lockdown will run, or what the exact conditions will be. Andrews announced that he hopes to be able to provide that information by this time tomorrow. Victoria currently has 81 active COVID-19 cases, including 13 new locally acquired cases identified in the 24 hours to midnight last night. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1416886071955128320 At the moment, as under past Victorian lockdowns — including the last one before this back in May and June — the state's residents can only leave home for five reasons: shopping for what you need, when you need it; caregiving and compassionate reasons; essential work or permitted eduction that can't be done from home; exercise; and getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Exercise must be limited to two hours a day with your household members, your intimate partner or one other person who is not from your household or your partner. Once again, though, Victorians must stay within five kilometres of their homes, unless you're leaving for permitted work or you're shopping for essentials if there are no shops in your radius. Masks are also mandatory everywhere outside of your home — and private gatherings are banned, as are public gatherings. But, while you can't have any visitors enter your home in general, there are single bubbles, and intimate partner visits are allowed. So, if you live alone, you can form a bubble with another person or see your other half. Weddings are not permitted, unless on compassionate grounds, while funerals are limited to ten. Hairdressing and beauty services, indoor physical recreation and sport venues, swimming pools, community facilities including libraries, entertainment venues and non-essential retail venues remain closed — and hospitality venues have reverted back to takeaway-only. Supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies are still open — and professional sports can proceed, but without crowds. Victoria will not leave its current lockdown after five days, on Tuesday, July 20, with further details to be announced on that date. For more information about the rules in place at the moment, head to the Victorian Department of Health website.
Photobombing is an art attempted by many, yet perfected by few. Ruining somebody's photo in the most humorous way possible takes impeccable timing and swift movement. Now, photobombing experts will have their work cut out for them as software company Scalado look set to release their new Remove technology. As the name suggests, Remove allows you to erase unwanted objects from those precious picture moments. When a photo is taken, Remove actually takes a lightning-quick succession of snaps, and detects moving objects within the lens. It then gives you the option to simply remove any moving objects, leaving the regular background unscathed. If you're a little vain and a strict perfectionist, Remove will be right up your alley. Not only will you be able to erase immature friends who sneak into your photos, but you also won't have to worry about flying birds, speeding cars or annoying pedestrians. Taking the perfect picture for your bedside table has never been so easy. No word on when it will be available to the public, but we're guessing that plenty of teenage girls will be eager for this one. Check out the video below and see how this technology works. https://youtube.com/watch?v=flNomXIIWr4 [Via Mashable]
'You're a nut! You're crazy in the coconut!' Throw your head back to 2000, you're going to need all the lyrics to 'Frontier Psychiatrist' for this one. In tribute to The Avalanches' legendary album Since I Left You, Sydney's Astral People and Jonti are performing the entire thing live on stage. That might not sound like the most amazing of accomplishments, but it really needs to be put in perspective. This genius patchwork of an album was made from more than 3,500 samples. It's game-changing electronic music that was never meant to be performed live. But that won't stop these guys. Astral People and Jonti will be joined by a 17-piece orchestra. We've never been so pumped to hear some violins. This event was chosen as one of our top ten things to see at the Melbourne Festival 2014. See the full list here.
Good news for those of the hardcore punk generation — or those who wish they were. After the disappointment felt due to the cancellation of their scheduled 2013 tour, Dead Kennedys are returning with their Bedtime for Democracy tour, playing a comprehensive string of shows around the country. Dead Kennedys — in all their changing forms — have been galvanising the masses against political apathy since 1978. The current lineup is East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride, D. H. Peligro and Ron 'Skip' Greer, who'll take tunes from the group's extensive back catalogue. Show them your support (and your utter disdain for The Man) at 170 Russell on October 1, and be more punk than anyone else you have met in your life. Supported by The Bennies. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ds_TRSoQkJ0
Who better to teach you the art of cooking a cracking dish of paella, than Melbourne's own maestro of Spanish cuisine? This winter, you'll have the chance to learn from one of the best, as Frank Camorra, acclaimed chef-restaurateur of MoVida, shares his passions at a special series of Spanish-inspired food events, called Mi Casa Tu Casa, From Our House To Yours. On a few dates this year, Camorra will host an intimate cooking class and lunch at MoVida sister venue, Bar Tini. He'll create a Spanish paella, offering plenty of tips and tricks along the way, before it's served up for all to enjoy, alongside a selection of classic tapas bites. Just be sure to leave room for dessert, and for the plenty of Spanish beers and wines flowing throughout the afternoon. Paella With Frank cooking classes will run from 2.30–5pm. The August class has already sold out, but there are still spots left for the October session. Image: Alana Dimou. Updated: August 4, 2018.
Undoubtedly some of the best fun (and best value) events of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, the Crawl 'n' Bite nights have been a highlight in previous years. The restaurant crawls have unfortunately (but predictably) sold out already, but you can still book for a night of cheese and wine — which sounds just good to us, because cheese. Starting at Bar Lourinha, you'll hear from the house sommelier and sample the best the bar has to offer, before moving with your small group to Punch Lane and, eventually, Florentino Upstairs. This special cheese journey is being held on one night only, with two crawls set to go ahead: one starting at 6pm and another at 8pm. And the best part? You don't even have to get on your hands and knees to take part.
In excellent news for anyone who loves scouting out new tunes from fresh local talent, the folks at Rare Finds have launched an east coast touring circuit, kicking off in January 2018. The Sydney-based PR and artist management company has long been a champion of emerging Aussie artists, hosting regular showcases in Brisbane and Sydney over the past two years. Now it's teamed up with Oporto and creative collective Pilerats to bring its latest musical finds to a stage near you. Touring once a month across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, each Rare Finds circuit will feature a curation of up-and-coming acts, providing an all-important live platform for these emerging artists. Headlining the first tour in January 2018 is Sunshine Coast songstress Ayla, off the back of her second EP Let's Talk Monday. She'll be joined by a different lineup in each city — Otious, Magnets and British India DJs will be in-tow for the Melbourne leg. Catch the first iteration of the circuit for free on January 19 at Sydney Road's Penny Black.
Take a trip to the pictures with singer, pianist and cinephile Joe Stilgoe at this year's Melbourne Cabaret Festival. A smash hit at the Edinburgh Fringe where it has sold out the past two years, Songs on Film raids the soundtracks of some of the greatest movies ever made. Over the course of their hour-long show, Stilgoe and his band pay tribute to more than a century of Hollywood history, from golden age classics to Pixar and the jukebox of Mr. Quentin Tarantino. Two shows only.
With all this time spent at home, you might as well make it interesting. Maybe throw in some problem-solving, clue-cracking and a spot of mystery? If any of the above takes your fancy, strap yourself in for the latest at-home escape room experience from the masters of intrigue at Ukiyo. The Brunswick-based escape room studio has been delivering locals their lockdown puzzle fix via a series of interactive online experiences. And the next one unfolds over four brain-teasing days, kicking off next Wednesday, September 16. Dubbed Bird Cage, this new virtual game takes its cues from the likes of Stranger Things, The Ring and Slender Man, serving up an Aussie twist on the retro sci-fi thriller. The story's set deep in the outback, pulling players into a paranormal mystery involving a creepy scientific institute, its prized specimen and a very unwanted escape. Delve into this immersive head-scratcher solo, or with your housemates, cracking clues and solving puzzles as the game unfolds. All you'll need to play is a computer with internet access, though there's also a Stranger Things-inspired pillow fortress competition to enter if you fancy a shot at winning a $200 Ukiyo voucher. Tickets for Bird Cage are just $5 per person, or you can nab a household ticket for $15 (for three or more players).
The Flinders Street site most recently home to George Calombaris' intimate fine diner The Press Club has officially handed over the reins. As of last month, the alluring Elektra Dining Room has taken its place, changing up the pace, and gifting Melbourne with a bold new wining and dining hideaway. At the helm is Executive Chef Reuben Davis, former Executive Chef of The Press Club, and General Manager Joey Commerford, whose resume boasts stints at the likes of the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, Iki-Jime Seafood by Vue, and Vue de Monde. Here, they're out to offer a more relaxed, fun alternative to the usual fine-dining schtick. It's an offering that's plush, elegant and tightly considered, but one you can enjoy at your own whim, whether that means an after-work grazing session or a long dinner. The oft-changing menu is concise and primed for sharing, sporting a modern European lean while also embracing some key international flavours that have left their mark on the Australian dining scene. You might find dishes like a veal schnitzel, oysters baked in rich bacon butter and finished with a grape mignonette, and a butter vol-au-vent with pickles courtesy of a collaboration with Fitzroy's legendary Lune Croissanterie. Meals are available a la carte, though there'll also be chef's menus for those who fancy ditching the decision-making. To match, there's a thoughtful international wine selection boasting a solid 30 drops by the glass, backed by classic cocktails showcasing Aussie spirits like Healesville's Alchemy and Four Pillars. Find Elektra Dining Room at 72 Flinders St, Melbourne. It's open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6pm till late.
Vegan? Gluten free? Intolerant of basically everything? Wattle Park Green Grocer has your back. As well as all the fruit and veg you'd expect to see at your local supermarket, Wattle Park specialises in ready made meals (including gluten free and low FODMAP options), organic produce boxes and gourmet food hampers. You'll find vegan dips and pestos, fair trade coffee and chocolate from local producers, organic Australian sauces and condiments, a big selection of mueslis and a room dedicated to bulk-buy wholefoods like nuts, seeds, dry fruit, legumes and hard to find flours. BYO containers and reusable shopping and produce bags. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
South Yarra's Supersmall Club is pretty schmick at pulling off novelty themed parties — a Macklemore Thrift Shop party, an MTV VMA's party and a Beauty and the Geek Dress Up party have been on the cards, among others. They're also pretty darn good at giving the punters what they want, which in this case is bottomless drinks on weekends. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can head along for endless Furphys (or is it Furphies?), with a bunch of tasty beers putting the icing on the cake that was your week. A ticketed event, you'll need to pre-purchase a $35 ticket before entry, receive a wristband and then Bob's your uncle: just finish your can and take it up to the bar for another Furph. The sessions run for two hours between 6–8pm and 8.30–10.30pm, so you can't drink yourself into oblivion. There's also snacks on the go such as shoestring fries, cheeseburgers, and mac and cheese poppers (as well as a full $27 deli board). And, Supersmall runs the same special for other drinks too, if beers aren't your jam. There's also margaritas, cosmos, daiquiris and — if you're really brave and feeling a throwback to your teen years, fruit tingles.
The temperature might be starting to plummet here in Australia, but the European summer vibes are still in strong supply over at Melbourne Quarter. Across the tail end of April and right through May, the precinct is heating things up with a special Mediterranean-inspired offering of eats, drinks and tunes. Holiday mood, here we come. From 12–2pm on Monday, April 26 (and May 3), you'll be taking a trip to Greece, as you chow down on roving platters of authentic Greek fare from Bluebag Fresh and Peddler Espresso. Then, at the same time on Thursday, April 29 (and May 6), the sunny isle of Mykonos is your destination, as Sky Park serves up a soundtrack of live Laiko tunes to match free personalised mocktails from the bar. For something a little stronger, pop back from 4-6pm when the team's handing out complimentary ouzo. After that, it's onto Italy, when Gelato Messina joins the party with a pop-up ice cream parlour, dishing up signature scoops from 12–2pm on Monday, May 10 (and May 17). All that pretend holidaying will be thirsty work, so the folks at San Pellegrino will be giving out free sips on Thursday, May 13 and 20 (12–2pm). And from 4–6pm both days, you're invited to kick back and treat your ears to some live tunes, matched to a couple of chic Aperol spritzes. Other free activities during the faux European tour involve pottery classes, tasting Greek dips, wine-fuelled painting and a mozzarella masterclass.
Contemporary dance and digital technology collide in a critically-acclaimed show from French choreographer Mourad Merzouki. An international hit, Pixel arrives at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne after sell-out engagements in Europe and the U.S., and should in no way be confused with that terrible Adam Sandler movie with a very similar title. On stage for one week only from August 31 through to September 4, the immersive dance work sweeps audiences into an immersive world of light, movement and sound, as a team of dancers traverse the stage amidst breathtaking 3D projections. Influenced by circus, hip-hop and the concept of interactive performance, the 75-minute show has earned rave reviews around the globe and frankly looks absolutely stunning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isJ9bg4ouR8
Brunetti Classico is a proper Melbourne institution, having served Italian biscotti, cakes and coffee up in Carlton for decades. It's one of the best cake spots in the city. And even though the CBD outpost Brunetti Oro split from the original back in 2021, it is still a standout spot to head for a sweet treat in the city. And this year, it is going all out for Cannoli Day. Not only have the pastry chefs created a selection of limited-edition flavours, but Brunetti Oro will also be giving away 100 free mini cannoli each day during the week leading up to Cannoli Day — Monday, June 10–Sunday, June 16. It's a first come, first served situation — only the first 100 punters will get a free cannolo — so make sure you get there as close as you can to its 10am opening time. The flavours available include classic Sicilian ricotta, cioccolato and vaniglia. An additional three sweet flavours will also be up for grabs, either individually or as a part of the tasting box. Plus, those wanting to go down the savoury route can opt for their shells to be pumped full of either mushroom cream, ragu bolognese or salmon mousse filling. You're totally spoilt for choice. And if you're left wanting more, but still don't want to pay, Brunetti Oro has set up a competition that could see you winning a whole host of cannoli prizes. For the entire week, visitors can check out the giant cannoli tower and guess how many cannoli were used in its construction. The closest to the actual number, wins. But, in fact, we're all winning with this cannoli-filled week of specials and giveaway.
A space for surrealist, figurative and highly imaginative artworks, Beinart Gallery houses three exhibition spaces in the heart of Brunswick. Beginning life as an Australian artist collective and online gallery in 2003 before quickly coming to include like-minded international creatives, Beinart opened its physical gallery doors in 2016 and has since hosted a number of exhibitions showcasing established and emerging artists from around the world. The Beinart space also includes a gift shop, which stocks a range of specialty books, artisanal jewellery and other curiosities. The online store, meanwhile, includes a wide selection of artworks and limited-edition prints.
Balmy summer afternoons are prime time for sipping gin — especially now that Brogan's Way has added a slew of new dates to its Bottomless Gin Sessions. Across five Saturday sessions from January 21–April 22, the Richmond distillery is your go-to for an arvo of free-flowing sips and picnic fare. Choose between the 1pm or 4pm sitting and you'll settle in to enjoy a Blue Frozen Gin Margarita, followed by two hours of bottomless G&Ts. There's a swag of options to take your fancy too, from Brogan's Way's Everyday Salvation Gin, to its Strawberries & Cream number. While you're enjoying the drinks, you'll also be tucking into a picnic box (standard and vegetarian available) full of good stuff — think, lamb fillet crostini with wild mushroom pâté, lemon za'atar chook served with harissa yoghurt and flatbread, and dainty passionfruit curd tartlets for dessert. Sessions are $72 per person and bookings are essential — though if you book before January 31 with the code BLUESUMMER23 you'll score a $5 discount.
From Friday, May 1, 2020 a maximum of two adult Sydneysiders can visit a second household, so you can start planning small dinner parties. Remember, though, that you need to continue to follow the rest of the social distancing and public gathering restrictions. If, like us, you've suddenly realised that you go to bed before 10pm, enjoy a fair slosh of milk in your tea and your ankles crack inexplicably when you stand up or sit down, you might be feeling like you're getting too old for places like 'the club'. Well, we say embrace it; start doing grown-up things like having dinner parties instead. Trust us, you're probably not the only one in your crew who'd much rather be at home on the couch, sipping G&Ts with mates and in bed by a wholesome hour. The days of nice cheese, top-shelf (or close to) alcohol, decent home cooking and adult conversations about the state of the world (you'll need the drinks for this) have arrived. So your dinner party is as successful as it can be, here are some tips. Start by buying some matching crockery, teach yourself to make a good roast and move on down this list. [caption id="attachment_731075" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] THE APERITIF Luckily this one is easy. Well, it can be. You can throw together a refreshing G&T — this timeless combination of gin and tonic water isn't to be sneered at — whip up a spritz or get fancy with something slightly more complicated, like a negroni (which is just equal parts Campari, gin and sweet vermouth). If you want go even fancier, we've wrapped up some recipes for run tipples, such as sangria, a basil collins and le grand fizz — over here. [caption id="attachment_689382" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould.[/caption] THE NIBBLES Proven over the centuries, the Italians know what to do with their savoury pre-dinner snacks. So, get your head, heart and stomach around the bellissimo antipasti game. Head to a proper Italian food store to stock up on the goods, because if there's something worth spending most of your week's pay on it's a really, really good pecorino and some deluxe salumi. Try the truly hallowed halls of Mediterranean Wholesalers in Melbourne's Brunswick, the storied Paesanella Food Emporium in Sydney's Marrickville or New Farm Deli in Brisbane's New Farm, which has been operating since 1975. You can also check out our Gin List for some recipe ideas for your pre-dinner eats — and what's more, each one comes with a gin cocktail pairing to try. You're welcome. THE TABLE SETTING Being an adult is all about putting in the effort — think making bread from scratch, remembering to send birthday cards or, you know, finally graduating from the sharehouse vibes and hanging art on the walls. The same thing goes for when you're hosting a dinner party: why not put in just a smidge more effort? Look up how to properly set a table, invest in some cloth serviettes (it's an eco-friendly decision, too) and make place cards for your guests. (Pinterest has approximately 200 million ideas to inspire you.) For the final touch, find every candle and candleholder you may own and scatter them across the table. Just no scented candles, please. You don't want those Glasshouse fragrances clashing with the meal you've thoughtfully prepared. THE LIGHTING Nothing can make a dinner party more uncomfortable than glaring fluorescent lights or the sun setting mid-meal making it almost impossible to see the food on your plate. Ease your way into the darkening evening with soft, warm lighting a la the candle collection above— or just throw a scarf over a lamp and call it décor. Whatever floats your lantern. If you're sitting outside for the evening, set up some candles early on to light once the sun dips beneath the horizon. Oh, and a string or two of fairy lights never goes amiss. THE MEAL It's the pièce de résistance of the evening, the opportunity to impress your friends with your cooking prowess (be it newly learned or well-honed). What you'll serve to eat should come with careful decision. Do any of your guests have dietary requirements? How much time do you have to prep and cook? Does your current salary afford a full roast to feed ten guests? When you've considered all these factors, then it's time to scour Google for the best-rated recipes. We've also delved into our archives to find you some past recipes we've scored from the likes of Sydney's Thievery, Porteño, Big Poppa's and Three Blue Ducks. THE PLAYLIST The first knock or ring of your doorbell may alert you of the fact that you have no music playing yet. Your mind has been kept busy prepping and cooking and primping that the evening's soundtrack hasn't even yet registered. Don't panic — we're here to help. Grab your phone and just chuck this smooth dinner party playlist on for the evening. Erykah Badu and Toto will help you chase away the nerves and comfortably settle into the evening (G&T in hand — you deserve it). https://open.spotify.com/user/concreteplayground/playlist/6SBK5b5pwaqhyGo8scJnQl
Seligman (Stellan Skarsgård) comes across Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg), lying broken and beaten in the street. She refuses an ambulance, so he takes her back to his house, where she tells him the story of lifelong obsession with sex. Nymphomaniac is, in many territories around the world, released in two separate parts. In Australia, we are getting the whole thing in one massive four-hour go, albeit with some of the more extreme material cut. Although it's hard to imagine they cut much, given what's left in. There's a good chance that Nymphomaniac will confirm your preconceived notions of director Lars von Trier. To his fans, it is a bold, funny, challenging film that dives headlong into a difficult subject. To his detractors, it is further evidence that von Trier's idea of provocative cinema is a rote combination of mental illnesses and genital close-ups. I should confess at this point that I am traditionally a von Trier detractor, but one who claimed his previous work, Melancholia, to be one of 2011's best films. Nymphomaniac, however, is a litany of his worst tendencies. He seems terrified of sincerity; every moment that comes dangerously close to a human emotion is immediately undercut with a cynical aside as we cut jarringly back to the 'present -day' story. What should be a clever framing device becomes a get-out-of-jail free card for von Trier. Joe and Seligman fall over themselves to acknowledge the extraordinary coincidences in Joe's story, as if von Trier thinks this makes up for lazy writing. Or is winking at us to show us the lazy writing is deliberate. Either way, he seems to believe a veil of self-aware cynicism insulates him against potential criticism. It does not. Now, it must be acknowledged that making fun of Shia LaBeouf these days is like shooting fish in a barrel, and must only be attempted when the situation absolutely calls for it. This is one such situation. Casting LaBeouf as one of the 'English' characters feels like von Trier's biggest prank, and LaBeouf enters each scene as if he was asked to try some sort of Britishy accent moments before 'action!' was called. I'm not saying it's bad; I'm saying nobody's allowed to make fun of Dick Van Dyke ever again. There's an adage in filmmaking that if you have a great ending, audiences will forgive any trespasses. And Nymphomaniac, I must confess, has a great ending. It went out on such an impressive note, it almost made me forget my problems with the proceeding four hours. Almost. Ardent fans of von Trier will find much to enjoy in this film, as he continues exploring the themes and styles of works such as Breaking the Waves, Dogville and Dancer in the Dark. If you do not count yourself as a fan, then I suggest you stay well away. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gdxzno5Xp2Y
Summer might be over, but there's another bright spark of sunshine waiting just over the horizon. Namely, the grand and glorious 2021 edition of Midsumma Festival, which takes over venues, spaces and screens across Melbourne from Monday, April 19–Wednesday, May 5. The long-running annual LGBTQIA+ celebration is gearing up for its biggest and boldest run yet, thanks to a program chock full of art, music, performance, conversation and parties promising to help reignite the city's soul. Featuring over 145 events — and 100-plus open-access events made for and by queer communities — it's set to serve up a little something for everyone. The theme: the art of the possible. Highlights include the sold-out Midsumma Live At The Bowl, a free, huge two-night concert series at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, featuring a roll call of Aussie queer icons — plus A Strange Space, an openair exhibition embracing the idea of resilience over at the newly revamped Collingwood Yards. In Williamstown, The Pier Festival serves up a diverse celebration for queer women and their allies, featuring a program of food trucks, market stalls and live entertainment. And, multifaceted show After Dark will see a lineup of leading drag performers take audiences on a lively trip back through the ages of cabaret. A stack of events will be firing up nightly at the many festival hubs, too, including Arts Centre Melbourne, Theatre Works, Gasworks Arts Park and Chapel Off Chapel. Loads of return favourites are also on the event bill, such as the unique variety show that is Dolly Diamond's Star for a Night, long-running female-led music showcase Goddess Grooves, and the Midsumma and Australia Post Art Award exhibition. Those playing along at home will find a whole crop of virtual events and live-streamed goodness as well. Check out screenings of Maxie Dara's award-winning digital short play Alone Together from your couch — or opt for a hilarious online storytelling series dubbed Drag Storytime. The fun continues post-festival on Sunday, May 23, as the Midsumma Pride March hosts its supercharged 26th anniversary edition, transforming St Kilda's Fitzroy Street into a rolling parade and party. COVID-19 has ensured a few changes to this year's run, but no one need miss out — audiences can live-stream the entire thing at home, or book a spot at one of the street's venues to catch the parade up close. Midsumma Festival 2021 runs from Monday, April 19–Wednesday, May 5 at various locations across Melbourne, with the Midsumma Pride March taking place post-festival on Sunday, May 23. Jump over to the website to check out the full program and grab tickets. Top image: Midsumma Pride March by Dean Arcuri .
Since 1989, Sweden's Icehotel has given travellers a decidedly cool place to stay each winter. December hits, and the site reveals its new frosty rooms — the kind that are carved out of ice and only around for a short time, as they'll melt once the weather gets warmer. They're not just any old slabs of ice and snow in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, however. As part of their annual tradition, the accommodation provider calls for designers and artists to unleash their chilly ideas — then unveils their wondrous creations to travellers. In this year's crop? A snail world made out of cold, cold substances, a hanging installation that you can sleep in, a bed you can only reach by navigating a 34-meter ice labyrinth and another than requires walking over a bridge — and some thin ice — before you can bunk down for the night. Other highlights include a frozen jungle of Monstera-plants, an icy Fabergé egg, a space-inspired space, and a dream-like, cloud-esque piece that UK artist Lisa Lindqvist has dubbed "an art installation who also happens to be a bedroom." Now open until April 15, 2018, the fresh blend of ice and creativity features 35 one-of-a-kind rooms in total, as crafted by 36 artists from 17 countries. They're made from more than 30,000 cubic metres of snice — that's a mix of snow and ice — from the local Torne River. As well as places to sleep, the new iteration also includes an ice bar, ice ceremony hall and ice gallery. If you're a fan of the kind of coldness the southern hemisphere doesn't see at this time of the year, but you can't make it to Icehotel's cold climes during the northern winter, don't worry — in addition to their annual slate of artistic suites, Icehotel has been open all year round for the past year. It inclludes 20 permanent suites, an ice bar, plus private saunas and spas for an added touch of warmth in such cold surroundings. For more information about Icehotel, visit www.icehotel.com. Images: Asaf Kliger.
After 12 years on Collins Street, The Long Room has been retired. The bar, which, during its time, was a go-to for after-work drinks in the CBD, has undergone a huge renovation — $4 million worth, to be exact — and is now The George on Collins, set to open its expensive doors today, Friday, June 23. The brand new space, which sits in the Georges Building, has been designed by the interior experts Hecker Guthrie (responsible for Ugly Duckling, Ruyi and Longrain, amongst others). Although it is a basement venue, it still manages to be surprisingly light, with bright ceilings and white marble tables. This is especially welcome as The George will be all-day operation, meaning you can head in for an early morning cup of joe from Padre Coffee and some brekkie, and then head back in later for a post-work Negroni. The centrepiece of the space is a long bar softly lit with pendant lighting, which boasts a cocktail list curated by Bad Frankie's Sebastian Costello. On it, you'll find the Collins Street Mule — a berry-driven Moscow Mule — and the Roguish Tendencies, a martini with savoury vermouth and thyme-infused honey. The wine list comes from sommelier Ainslie Lubbock (ex-Attica, The Royal Mail Hotel, Cutler and Co), and features some of the best winemakers in Australia, focusing on small batch, handmade wines. Keeping up its popular position in the business crowd, the venue will also feature nightly rotating DJs and a private dining room, which is concealed by frosted glass and includes custom-made furnishings for up to 80 of your nearest and dearest. The existing menu from chef Tom Brockbank spans breakfast through to late-night snacks and is accompanied by a weekend share offering, including antipasto, cheese and charcuterie boards, sliders, fish tacos and polenta fries. The George on Collins is now open in the Georges Building, 162-168 Collins Street, Melbourne. For more info, visit thegeorgeoncollins.com.au. Images: Earl Carter and Kristoffer Paulsen.
Fear, dread, tension, apprehension, just being creeped out — they're all strong emotions. They're also exactly the types of reactions that Darkfield and Realscape Productions trade in. The two companies have been teaming up for a couple of years now, with UK creators Darkfield first collaborating with the Melbourne-based Realscape Productions on Seance, Coma and Flight, those eerie shipping container installations that have popped up around the country. Then, when the pandemic hit, the pair pivoted to at-home audio experiences. If you've listed along to Double, Visitors and Eternal as part of the Darkfield Radio series — all of which are back streaming again now — you'll know that putting people on edge is firmly on the agenda here. Announcing their latest Darkfield Radio project, Darkfield and Realscape aren't messing with their successful formula — so audiences can expect another unsettling experience designed to be listened to at home. But this duo never serve up the same thing twice, even if their current works all spin nerve-jangling tales and unfurl creepy audio experiences. With Knot, which'll make its Australian premiere on Friday, June 25, you won't just sit in one place, don your headphones and listen attentively, for instance. You'll initially head to a park bench to listen in — still wearing those headphones, of course — and then you'll need to sit in a car. For the last section of this three-part experience, you'll then get comfy in a room in your house. To get the full experience, you need to work through all three of Knot's sections in one evening — untangling them in your head, naturally. Darkfield and Realscape always keep the minutiae of their shows close to their chests, so that audiences experience them for themselves while listening, but they have released one clue for Knot: "Here I am, I have come from nothing, created in this moment, as your brain improvises me into existence, improvised into existence... but with no hidden depths." "Season one exposed audiences to the mysterious and supernatural inside their homes, magnified by Darkfield's signature 360 degree binaural sound,", said Realscape Productions Amy Johnson. "We're looking forward to getting audiences outside of their homes for Season two — in COVID-safe settings of course — and pushing them out of their comfort zones even more." Leading Darkfield Radio's second season, Knot will arrive in Australia fresh from playing as part of the Tribeca Film Festival's 2021 immersive lineup. The company's shows have been earning that kind of attention over the past year, with season one becoming the first audio-only experience to ever be a part of Venice International Film Festival last year. Knot will be available to listen to every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Friday, June 25–Sunday, September 30. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the Darkfield website. Images: Empty Bottles Media.
It's been just over two years since Barry Susanto (former sous-chef of Navi) and Erwin Chandra shook up Richmond's sandwich game with the arrival of their Indo-inspired eatery Warkop. Now, it's the CBD's turn, as the duo gears up to open their second outpost on Little Collins Street next week. Incoming Tuesday, May 2, Warkop's city iteration will celebrate the same fusion of familar flavours and inventive spirit that's made the OG such a hit. Here, however, you've got an entirely new menu of breakfast goodies, hefty sandwiches and house-made pastries to look forward to. Both Indonesian, Susanto and Chandra met working together at Duke's Coffee Roasters in Windsor, sparking initial plans to open their own establishment. Fuelled by a touch of homesickness, some lockdown experimentation and a desire to offer locals a broader, more authentic taste of their homeland, they turned that plan into a reality in 2021. And now, they're doubling down. Here, a simple yet inviting fitout by Sonelo Architects draws inspiration from the warung kopi (Indonesia's café-style street stalls) that also gave Warkop its name. A splash of colour, woven rattan finishes and lots of raw timber combine to lend a welcoming edge. Come breakfast time, you've got a range of sweet and savoury bites to choose from, with the likes of bacon and egg muffins dressed with black garlic sauce, sambal matah (a Balinese raw sambal) crullers, and sweet crullers finished with a kaya glaze. Plus, you can match your morning feed with an espresso or cold-brew made on beans by Dukes. Sandwich fiends are in for a real treat, whether they're after something fresh, toasted or even fried. Flavour combinations might include rare roast beef with pickled bean sprouts, salted egg and Thai basil in a soft potato roll, a brisket rendang number on rye, or a gado gado-inspired focaccia toastie with tofu and peanut sauce. Fried sangas include a crispy chicken and kohlrabi creation with the house Bazzinga sauce, and Warkop's answer to the Filet-o-Fish done with sambal matah, sprouts and tartare. There's also a daily-changing salad offering, plus freshly-baked sweet treats courtesy of Pastry Chef Audita Bisma; ranging from a burnt Basque cheesecake reimagined with palm sugar, to rum and vanilla-infused cream puffs. Find Warkop CBD at 13 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, from May 2. It'll open from 7am–3pm weekdays and from 8am–3pm on weekends.
Sick of waiting in line to pick up a coffee? Have a drone fly one to you instead. Costa Coffee in the UAE has trialled "coffee-copter" delivery, ferrying caffeinated beverages to Dubai beachgoers. If there's an occasion that calls for aerial beverage service, it's lazing on the sand getting some sun. Coffee-loving customers had iced versions of their drink of choice in their hands within 15 minutes of ordering, with Costa's Jumeirah Beach Drive-Thru store stepping into the future to test out the concept. The move came after a survey of their patrons revealed 82 percent were open to getting their brews via drone. Really, the most surprising part is that 18 percent said no. Delivering food, drinks and more by drone is a concept that isn't going away, so prepare for more such instances in the future. Sushi, burgers, slurpees and pizza have all received the same treatment in the past, while Amazon wants drones to bring its packages to your door, and Aussie beaches will deploy the technology to patrol the beaches for sharks over summer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S3OiTOemxY Via The National.
Melbourne has had a warm start to the new year, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s for the past week; however, a blast of extra sizzling warmth awaits today. Indeed, finding some frosty air-con or a shaded pool is recommended, with the city predicted to swelter through a day-long spell of 38-degree heat. The Bureau of Meteorology expects the mercury to soar across Victoria on Monday, January 11, hitting 38 in Melbourne and up to 40 in the state's north. While that's a about ten degrees above Melbourne's average January temperature, it's still lower than the city's highest recorded January maximum of 45.6 degrees back in 1939. It is the city's hottest day since January 31, 2020, though, when the mercury hit 42.9. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1348161575539122177 With today's hot weather, comes very high and severe levels of fire danger across parts of Victoria. A total fire ban has also been declared for the day in Mallee, Wimmera and the Northern Country districts. If you were hoping to escape the heat by heading to a swimming hole or beach, keep in mind that the state's public transport has also been impacted by the heat. V/Line has implemented its Extreme Heat Timetable for several lines, including Bendigo, Swan Hill, Geelong and Warrnambool, which means journey times will be extended and some services will be replaced by air-conditioned coaches. Yarra Trams is also expecting service changes across the network today. Thankfully, the scorching summer blast will be short-lived, with the BOM predicting a cool change to come through late in the evening. After an expected high of 34 on Wednesday, the city will return to the low-20s for the rest of the week. You can stay up to date with public transport changes at the PTV website and fire danger levels and bans at Country Fire Authority. Image: udeyismail via Flickr.
If you've ever caught a train here in Victoria, you've probably got an opinion on which stations are good and which ones are...well, horrendous and to be avoided at all costs. But now, RACV has gone and dropped a definitive list of the state's best and worst performing train stations, based on results from its biennial On Track survey. The transport company collected feedback from over 24,500 locals, in an effort to identify which train services and stations cause the biggest headaches across the network, based on accessibility, convenience, comfort and safety. And then it ranked the whole lot of them. Poor ol' South Kensington station, which is on the Werribee and Williamstown lines, took out the unenviable title of worst performer across the board, scoring a rating of just 2.48 out of ten. Probably something to do with the fact a whopping 64 percent of respondents said they didn't feel safe there at certain times of the day. Other stations without many fans include the likes of Broadmeadows, Aircraft, Donnybrook and Mernda line's Ruthven, which each scored of less than four. And all of those were repeat offenders, having featured in the survey's bottom ten on at least two other occasions. Commuters' main gripes included things like annoying cancellations and bus replacement services; inadequate car park spaces, toilets and shelter at stations; and infrequent or overcrowded train services. Up the happier end, Hawkstowe station on the Mernda line nabbed the survey's top ranking spot, with a hefty score of 9. Fellow Mernda line stations Middle Gorge and Mernda also ranked among the top players, and Frankston line had three high scorers, too: Bentleigh, Southland and Ormond. Interestingly, top ten performers Carnegie, Rosanna, Bentleigh, Ormond, Bayswater and Gardiner were all recently revamped as part of the government's level crossing removal program — seemingly cementing their status among Victoria's best-loved train stations. As for the services themselves based on "on-train experiences", the Upfield line ranked worst, with four different mentions in the bottom ten. Mernda again proved the golden child of the bunch as the top-ranked train service, closely followed by the Sandringham line. Check out the full survey results and see where your local ranked at the RACV On Track page.
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.
The Astor's latest retrospective will be served shaken, not stirred. Over five consecutive weekends starting Saturday, October 18, Melbourne's iconic repertory theatre will screen nine classic James Bond adventures featuring insane gadgets, bad puns, unfortunate chauvinism and all. The marathon kicks off back at the very beginning, in an era in which Britain's greatest secret agent still possessed a distinctly Scottish inflection. The early Connery films still stand out as some of best in the franchise, as double bills of Dr. No and From Russia with Love, along with Goldfinger and Thunderball, will attest. In comparison, Australia's own used car salesman turned actor George Lazenby never quite cut the mustard, although his sole film as Bond, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, holds up in spite of his performance. As for Roger Moore, it's safe to say that his tenure was somewhat hit and miss. The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only are both pretty strong. Octopussy and View to a Kill, not so much.
Gone are the days when travel restrictions, including on travel through both domestic and international borders, meant that making the most of your own backyard was the only way to get out of the house. If you're a Brisbanite, playing tourist in your own town shouldn't just be something you're doing because you have to, though — and if you need an extra incentive in August, a heap of $20 tourism deals are coming to help. When we say a heap, we mean it. More than 5000 deals will be on offer from Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31, covering the kinds of experiences that every Brissie resident should've had but mightn't have gotten around to yet. Always wanted to take a cocktail cruise along the river? Head to Moreton Island for a stint of quad biking? Climb and abseil your way around the city? They're some of the tourism activities covered. You don't need to be a local to take advantage of the deals, either, if you have a trip to the Sunshine State in your future — you just need to have Brisbane City Council's free Brisbane app. That's where the deals will be available, and you can download the app from Apple's app store and Google Play. Different $20 specials will drop every single day across August's 31-day span, giving you motivation to check in with what's up for grabs daily. The reason behind the deals? Like plenty of other efforts to get locals exploring their home turf during the pandemic — such as travel vouchers and staycation giveaways — the aim is to get Brisbane residents and visitors out and about to support local businesses. "Brisbane businesses and tourism operators have faced unprecedented times over the past two years with COVID and devastating floods having huge impacts on their livelihood," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, announcing the deal scheme, which has been badged 'Rediscover Brisbane'. "Rediscover Brisbane will give residents and visitors access to great deals to get out and about in our great city, while also injecting $370,000 into some our top tourism attractions," continued the Lord Mayor. "From Moreton Island adventure and river cruises to mini golf and food and wine tours, these $20 deals will be up for grabs at the click of a button." Rediscover Brisbane will feature more than 5000 $20 deals from Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31 on tourism experiences around Brisbane. To access the deals via the Brisbane app, head to the app's website.
Just like a picture is worth a thousand words, a good gift can speak volumes. And when it comes to your nearest and dearest, it's worth forking out the big bucks to make them feel suitably special. Socks and undies simply will not do, you need to up the ante and pick out a present that is nuanced, thoughtful and unequivocally them. We know it can be tough; you may feel as though you've exhausted all your options. There's only so many times you can buy their favourite necklace, after all. To give you some fresh gift ideas, we've partnered with Australia Post and pulled together some real humdingers for the super important people in your life. From retro turntables to limited edition RMs, these pressies keep your key peeps smiling. Moreover, they can all be ordered online and conveniently delivered to your nearby Parcel Locker so you don't even have to go to the shops. Let your fingers do the walking, forgo the crazy Christmas crowds and rest easy knowing your parcel is stored securely till you're ready to collect. Happy shopping, Santas. PORD WINE BARREL If you've got a legit wine lover on your list, go beyond a bottle of primo vino or even a stylish decanter, and blow their socks off with one of these mini wine barrel masterpieces. The three-litre barrels are covered in art by three eclectic artists — Filippa Edghill, Hannah Nowlan and Evi O. — and filled with top-notch Mitchelton drops from the 2017 and 2018 vintages. Choose the design and the wine — pinot grigio, shiraz or rose — and get ready to be praised for your awesome gift. Each barrel holds a neat four bottles' worth of wine and will keep it fresh for up to six weeks. They can also be repurposed once empty. Cheers to that. How much? $160 CUSTOM HABBOT SHOES There's nothing better than a pair of comfy shoes. Wait, we take that back, there's nothing better than a pair of comfy and stylish shoes. Treat your special someone to a pair of custom Habbot shoes — they're super chic but have Hush Puppies-level comfort. The Aussie-designed and Italian-made footwear company has a great online customisation tool that lets you pick and choose everything, from the shoe type — classic derby, micro-sole derby, point pump or mid-heel sandal — to the material, colour and laces. So, you can design one-of-a-kind kicks for your numero uno that'll stand out from the crowd. How much? From $405 EVERY EDITION OF TRUTH, LOVE & CLEAN CUTLERY If your nearest and dearest is both an eco-warrior and a food lover — congrats, they sound awesome — surprise them with every edition of Truth, Love & Clean Cutlery. Basically the A to Z of sustainable eating, these guidebooks feature more than 1300 organic, ethical and sustainable restaurants from around the world. To take the gift up a notch, let your loved one pick out a few of their favourite restaurants and treat them to a night of ethical fare. Hey, it's a present for you, too. How much? $145 for all four books RM WILLIAMS EXCLUSIVE BOOTS These boots were made for walking and showing off, the limited edition metallic RMs are the shoe of the season and the perfect gift for any Carrie Bradshaw-status shoe fiends. At $545 a pop, they're not cheap — but the RM brand is renowned for its rock-solid craftsmanship and the kicks will last a lifetime. Luckily, silver is seldom out of style and goes perfectly with tinsel. But if silver is a bit too flash for your giftee, there's also the more subdued limited edition high-shine black boot. No matter your choice, each pair is crafted out of a single piece of leather and is made to order, so expect a two-week delivery timeframe. They're worth the wait, trust us. How much? $545 GOOGLE HOME HUB Hey, Google. Tell us how many hugs we're going to get for this kick-ass gift? Forget it, we already know it's going to be a heap. Yep, anyone who receives a Google Home Hub for Christmas is going to be over the moon. They're basically getting their very own assistant to set alarms, turn off lights, read out cooking instructions, organise daily routines, play music, take photos... the list goes on. They might even get a new lover if they're anything like Joaquin Phoenix's character in Her. Now that's a gift. How much? $219 FUJIFILM INSTAX SQUARE SQ6 INSTANT CAMERA Remember when Polaroid cameras were so big and bulky they basically required their own carry bag? While the promise of pretty photos (in an instant) was enticing, nobody wanted to lug around a brick. Thankfully, those days are long gone and you can now gift a nice, compact FujiFilm Instant Camera to your number one. The clever square format means your pal won't waste time choosing between portrait or landscape, they can just pick up the camera and take the snap. It's kind of like Instagram in real life. Plus, its small size means it can be carried around with ease. How much? $199 RETRO-LOOKING TURNTABLE If you've got a bigtime muso in your inner circle, there's a good chance you've heard them rabbiting on about the beauty of vinyl before — how records sound so much better than CDs or MP3. Something about audio data and lossy formats? Anyway, treat them to this Thomson 3 Speed Retro Look Turntable with built-in speakers and get them spinning their favourite tracks. The turntable's sleek, vintage design makes it a nice addition to any home — even a muso's dark and dingy lair. If you want to add a personalised touch, pick out a vinyl to gift with the turntable — it's a combo that's guaranteed to make their head spin like, well, a record. How much? $99 NOKIA STEEL HR WATCH This one's for the fitness fanatics in your life who also appreciate a bit of style. The Nokia Steel HR Watch is a watch-activity tracker hybrid that's both aesthetically pleasing and hella practical. The watch monitors your heart rate during workouts and can assess your overall performance, then deliver a personalised in-app report directly to your smartphone. The intuitive gadget makes your fitness goals that little bit easier to achieve, which means it's also a thoughtful gift for somebody you know is keen to get fit in the new year. How much? From $299 MODERNIST BREAD BOOK SET Bread, glorious bread. You'd be hard pressed to find a person who doesn't love it. But if you've got a special person who's particularly fond of baked goods, this is the book set for them. Modernist Bread: The Art and Science is a deep-dive into one of the most important staples of the human diet; it's the most in-depth look at bread to date. The five-volume set, housed in a sleek stainless steel case, contains more than 1500 recipes and breadmaking techniques. The best part? You can sample all their tasty dough-based creations. Forget cake, let them eat bread. How much? $700 HP SPROCKET PHOTO PRINTER A gift for the selfie enthusiasts, the HP Sprocket Photo Printer allows you to instantly print photos straight from your smartphone quicker than you can say 'duck face'. The printer has an ultracompact design — it's small enough to carry on the go — so it's also a great gift for budding photographers or designers as they can quickly print their snaps. The printer uses Bluetooth technology, which means there are no annoying cords and each photograph can be edited (hello, filters) before printing via the HP Sprocket app. Also, the special adhesive photo paper means you can easily stick your photos into albums or journals. How much? $159 Christmas shopping has never been so simple — order online, ship to a Parcel Locker and avoid the hectic shops with Australia Post.
The caffeine specialists at Market Lane have added yet another member to their growing family. Opening yesterday, Tuesday, April 26, at the east end of the CBD, Market Lane Collins Street is your new city destination for espresso and filter coffee, beans and equipment. Located in historic Portland House near the intersection of Collins and Spring Streets, the small shop marks the fifth permanent Market Lane location, with the boutique roastery also operating cafes in Carlton, Prahran, Queen Vic Market and Therry Street in the CBD. The Collins Street store was designed by Sarah Trotter of Hearth Studio, with eucalyptus-green walls and tessellated floor tiles meant to reflect the building's Victorian heritage. Textured fabric walls and seating, matte walnut cabinetry and the use of cloudy marble stone are influenced by the work of Australian painter Clarice Beckett (1887-1935), who studied at the College of Art across the street. Market Lane Collins Street will be open from 7am to 3pm Monday through Friday, serving espresso and filter coffee as well as a small selection of cakes from Beatrix Bakes in North Melbourne. They also sell beans and specialty equipment, including grinders, plungers and filter paper, for coffee fiends looking to replicate their work at home. Find Market Lane's latest store at 8 Collins Street, Melbourne. For more information visit marketlane.com.au. Image: Market Lane Coffee.
This month was set to be busy for Boatshed Cheese. But with Australia's mass gatherings ban, and just other event cancellations due to COVID-19 in general, the Mornington Peninsula shop has an excess of dairy on its hands. That's where Victoria's cheese fiends come in, obviously — because if there's one thing we all can do, it's ensure that cheese doesn't go to waste. Make the trip to the Dromana store between Monday, March 16–Friday, March 20 — open between 9am–3pm — and you'll find a massive array of cheese waiting to be bought and eaten. Even better, if you buy three cheeses, you'll get the fourth free. You can also order online in advance — and, if you live in the area, you can get your dairy delivered as well. From blue cheese to goat cheese to everything in-between, you'll be having cheesy dreams before you know it. Due to the response so far, Boatshed Cheese will also put on a pop-up in Dromana on Saturday, March 21, with details still to come. Images: Boatshed Cheese. 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.
For beer lovers, the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular is the kind of festival that you plan your calendar around. When one year's fest is over, everyone instantly starts looking forward to the next year's. It was back in May and June that 2023's GABS took place, and you can now lock in your 2024 dates around the same time in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Of course, the New South Wales, Victorian and Queensland capitals host beer festivals most weekends, but GABS is its own unique beast. It dedicates itself to weird, wild, wonderful and inventive varieties that are made exclusively for the booze-fuelled party. Think of a foodstuff — peanut butter, coffee, earl grey tea, chicken salt, pizza, fairy floss, bubblegum, doughnuts, red frogs and sour gummy bears, for instance — and there's likely been a brew made to taste exactly the same at GABS. Only dates have been confirmed so far, and not venues, the brewers heading along or the beers they'll be whipping up. Still, attendees can look forward to an event that's considered to be one of the best craft beer and cider festivals in the Asia Pacific region. If you're a newcomer to GABS, it started off as a Melbourne-only celebration of ales, lagers, ciders and more. Then it began spreading along Australia's east coast capitals, as well as to New Zealand. Now, in its Aussie stops, it pours at least 120 different types of brews each year. The event surveys both Australian and New Zealand breweries, with more than 60 normally showcasing their wares annually. Also on the bill: other tipples, including non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, whiskey, gin, cocktails and wines. GABS is known for dishing up a hefty lineup of activities to accompanying all that sipping, too, which usually spans a silent disco, roaming bands, circus and sideshow performers, games and panels with industry leaders, plus local food trucks and vendors to line your stomach. Fancy getting in on the GABS fun at home now? Every year, the crew behind the fest also pust together the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beer poll, which is open for votes until Sunday, January 14 for 2023's best brews. GREAT AUSTRALASIAN BEER SPECTAPULAR 2024 DATES: Friday, May 17–Sunday, May 19 — Melbourne Friday, May 31–Saturday, June 1 — Sydney Friday, June 14–Saturday, June 15 — Brisbane GABS will take place across Australia's east coast throughout May and June 2024 — head to the event's website for further details.
For loved ones that prefer their flowers edible, Gelato Messina is once again happy to oblige. It has created a new frozen floral creation, dubbed The Tart Breaker: a limited-edition gelato rose cake, which will be released exclusively for Valentine's Day this year. The red rose cake is complex inside and out — in true Messina fashion. It's a chocolate tart shell filled with layers of Basque cheesecake gelato and dulce de leche, topped with petals made from hand-piped burnt vanilla chantilly. Yes, it's as decadent as it sounds. The rose cake will cost you $69 — likely less than a big bouquet of (non-edible) V-day roses — and can be cut into 6–8 slices, which can serve 6–8 people or just you and your partner; the decision is yours, we're not here to judge. Orders are only available for pickup on the days leading up to Valentine's Day. The Tart Breaker is available to pre-order from all Messina outposts except The Star from Monday, February 1 for pick up between Friday, February 12–Sunday, February 14.
Since 2011, DJ Tom Loud's travelling dance party Hot Dub Time Machine has ripped up stages the world over, offering a rolling crossfade of the last six decades of pop-music. Now, ready to sink his teeth into a new chapter of music-infused revelry, Loud's announced his latest project, Hot Dub Wine Machine — a series of al fresco get-togethers that'll take over four of the country's best-loved wine regions. This Australia-wide tour follows the raging success of Hot Dub Wine Machine's inaugural event, which saw over 6000 wine and music lovers flock to McLaren Vale's Serafino Winery in December last year. This time around, the scenic vistas and rolling hills of Hope Estate in NSW's Hunter Valley, Rochford Estate in Victoria's Yarra Valley, Ocean View Estate in Queensland's Somerset Valley, Home Hill Winery in Tasmania's Huon Valley, and Houghton Winery in WA's Swan Valley (so many valleys!), will play host to the festivities. Each boutique event will run from early afternoon through to after dark, and feature a hand-picked smorgasbord of Australian musical talent. This will all lead into one of Hot Dub's signature sets, which will see audiences dancing their way from 1954 to today, as the DJ mixes an iconic song from each year. Backing up the tunes, expect a careful curation of locally-sourced gourmet eats, craft beer, cocktails, and of course, some sensational vino from these iconic Australian wine regions. Safe to say, it's probably the rowdiest event these wineries will host all year. Hot Dub Wine Machine will take over Home Hill Winery on Saturday, March 4, Hope Estate on Saturday, March 18, Rochford Estate on Saturday, March 25, Ocean View Estate on Saturday, April 1, and Houghton Winery on Saturday, April 8. Tickets are now on sale here. Images: Pat Stevenson. Updated: January 19, 2017.
The big screen is going green at the sixth annual Transitions Film Festival, Australia's leading showcase of socially-conscious cinema. In Melbourne from February 16 to March 3, this year's festival lineup is jam-packed with deep-diving documentaries about some of the biggest social, environmental and geopolitical issues facing the world today. Standout films include A Plastic Ocean, about the harmful effects of plastic on marine life; Riverblue, a look at the disastrous environmental cost of the global fashion industry; and Power to Change, which chronicles the fight by German activists and entrepreneurs for a more energy efficient future. For the full Transitions Film Festival lineup, visit transitionsfilmfestival.com.
If you're planning to attempt a dry January, this event probably isn't for you. For the first time, independent artisan wine producers One Block are holding four cellar door events throughout the month. Each Sunday, Chestnut Hill Vineyard in West Gippsland — about an hour and a half from Melbourne — will play host to One Block for its new Summer Series. The event will give you the opportunity to sample popular and soon-to-be released drops from One Block and winemaker Jayden Ong's other ventures La Maison de Ong, Moonlit Forest and NAS (preservative-free). And what is a wine tasting without some paired snacks? Enter Yarra Valley Dairy, who'll be there to fulfil your fromage needs, while Meatsmith Specialty Butcher will be getting the wood-fired grill going. The first three weeks are free, but the finale on January 28 is ticketed. At $49 per person, the ticket includes admission, a reserved table, lunch by Meatsmith and entertainment. Anyone who has tasted a One Block drop at Cumulus Inc. (which Ong co-owns) knows it's worth lifting the New Year's resolution drinking ban for. If you're thinking of making the journey, check out our Weekender's Guide to West Gippsland to plan your adventure.
Melburnians, if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry, warm and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the rest of the day. After two days of wet weather that's caused flash flooding across the city, the rain is set to stick around. And not just any old wet weather, either. The Bureau of Meteorology is reporting that intense storms are on their way to Melbourne, and "heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is likely". A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued not only for Melbourne, but for most of Victoria. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1073789720168140800 Like the huge downpour earlier in the week, wild weather is a result of tropical cyclone Owen moving across the country, creating a low-pressure system. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Vic Roads, PTV and BOM for warnings and updates.
With its wealth of European stalls, eateries and delis, Preston Market is like a culinary wonderland for salami-lovers. And when National Salami Day rolls around on Saturday, September 7, we can't think of a much better place to locate yourself. The historic marketplace is celebrating the occasion with a one-day program of offerings and specials to delight your inner Italophile and reignite your love of the humble salami. You'll find salami specials at Slavonija, Lemnos and Farinacci Delis, embark on a salami tasting journey at Gerry's Deli, and even give vegan salami a whirl, with tastings of a plant-based version at Rhubarb Rhubarb Organics. Then, once you're done with the eating, you can have a crack at the making, as Sara Grazia from Sausages Made Simple guides a free salami-making demonstration from 11am. She'll run you through everything from meat selection, to maturing, and will be doling out plenty of tastings along the way. Still hungry? You can wrap up your day with a salami-topped pizza, from resident pizzerias Peter's or Vinnie's.
Does your version of celebrating the festive season involve eating more of the things you love? Do pork belly, chicken schnitzels, chicken wings and German sausages fall into that category? If so, The Bavarian has an all-you-can-eat special that'll tempt your tastebuds — because a bottomless feast is on the menu. On Thursdays between November 18–December 23, the German-themed chain is serving up all-you-can-eat meat platters. They come stacked with all of the aforementioned meats — and yes, the pork belly includes crackling — plus mashed potato, sauerkraut and red cabbage as sides. And, once you've finished your board, you'll get a whole new serving. There's no time limit to your eating, so you can pace yourself — and it'll cost you $35 per person. There is a two-person minimum, however, so you'll need to take at least one meat-loving pal along with you. You'll find The Bavarian at Knox and Highpoint. And if you want to pair all that meat with German brews — which is understandable — you'll pay extra for the drinks.
Snuff Puppets have quite literally created a monster. After trialling the idea in 2012, launching a successful crowdfunding campaign, and working tirelessly on perfecting giant eyeballs and getting lost in gargantuan mounds of intertwining intestines, this local puppet company have finally created Everybody. Measuring in at a staggering 26.5 metres, this terrifying creature is in fact the world's largest human puppet. And, from December 4-6, he'll be staggering around Testing Grounds at Southbank to greet happy-go-lucky art lovers and hoards of traumatised tourists. Though his size makes it seem impossible, he will move around just like any other puppet — operated by a skilled team of puppeteers. Unlike every other puppet, he doesn't necessarily stay in one piece. Audience members are encouraged to play rough with him; most of his body part and organs easily break away from his body. "Everyone is a grand experiment, a manifestation, celebration and liberation," says artistic director Andy Freer. "I wanted to experiment with the theatre of the human body, the drama, the metaphor and the magic." And, with brains raining down on you from the giant puppet overlord roaming the streets, it's safe to say there'll be no shortage of fun either. If you miss Everybody this time around, it will also be showing as part of next year's Summersalt Festival. Image: Ponch Hawkes.
Lorde is back. After five years away from music, the New Zealand pop sensation returned in 2021 with third studio album Solar Power. And, if you've been hanging out to hear it live, her delayed tour is finally heading our way in March. The Solar Power World Tour was meant to hit in 2022, but was postponed due to New Zealand's COVID-19 situation and border rules at the time. When it makes its way to Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Friday, March 10–Saturday, March 11, fans will still be in for a treat, of course — and three albums worth of Lorde tunes. [caption id="attachment_816623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Come Up Show[/caption] On the Solar Power tour, expect to have plenty of company belting out all the words to 'Ribs' and 'Green Light'. The last time that Australia was treated to Lorde's live set was her headline set at Splendour in the Grass 2018, a full-circle moment for the singer as she returned to the stage of one of her first ever performances as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean back in 2013. A year prior, in 2017, Lorde also toured some of Australia's largest and most iconic outdoor venues including the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Top image: Liliane Callegari via Wikimedia Commons.
In 2021, the Royal Exhibition Building is set to be overrun with pooches of every shape and size. Returning for another year, the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show usually welcomes more than 200 exhibitors and upwards of 30,000 visitors. Whether you're in the market for a new family pet or are just looking for a bit of a cuddle, you won't find a more adorable event in Melbourne. Obviously, cat people need not apply. Taking place between Friday, October 22–Sunday, October 24, this year's show includes a number of special events for guests on two legs and four. There'll also be a doggy pool show and a parade of famous Instagram puppers, while celebrity vets typically run seminars on canine health. Several of Victoria's dog shelters will also be there, with no shortage of rescued animals looking for permanent homes. Oh, and in case that doesn't make your heart melt, they've also got a dedicated puppy patting zone. A note: while the Dog Lovers Show is all about dogs and features dogs, it isn't for dogs to attend — so you'll need to leave your own pooch at home.
A Francophile is many things. They are passionate about France, bang on (and on) about French food, French wine and French country houses, and seem to know exactly how to piss everyone off with their incessant French-ness. It's enough to ruin friendships — except when it comes to Bastille Day. Commemorating the storming of the Bastille, the 14th of July is a celebration of everything French that everyone can get on board with, particularly foodies. And all you have to do its travel to Brunswick, not Bordeaux. This year Albert St Food & Wine is celebrating Bastille Day on the Sunday prior with a hunter's feast, inspired by chef Jason Rodwell's own travels through regional France. A wine-marinated boar (apple in mouth and all) will form the centrepiece of the feast, complete with Albert St's hors d’oeuvres and champagne. The evening will, of course, be topped off with dessert: L'Artisan's The Authentic cheese washed in-house with Chablis and poached pears and hazelnuts, with a warm waffle and salted caramel ice cream. You don't have to be a Francophile to appreciate this feast.
A remote alpine village more than 300 kilometres from Melbourne is about to drift into a world of shadows, murmurs and dreams. Curated by artists Madelynne Cornish and Philip Samartzis in the foothills of the Alpine National Park, Phantasmagoria is a free, site-responsive festival and exhibition incorporating video and sound works, photography, installations and interactive art. Taking place over three days in Bogong Village, the festival portion of Phantasmagoria runs from Friday, April 7 through to Sunday, April 9. Visitors will interact with technology, including QR codes and FM radio transmitters, and will walk through a sound garden of embedded loudspeakers. Many of the works will draw on the history of the region, including dreamtime stories and folklore. The Bogong Centre for Sound Culture will also play host to a 'legacy exhibition' of video and sound art over the subsequent three weekends in April. Image: Charinthorn Rachurutchata.
