There are 11,761 beaches in Australia. So it goes without saying that choosing the nation's most epic stretches of sand is no easy feat. Still, we've taken on the challenge. And, having considered the entire coastline, we've teamed up with Jim Beam to come up with ten of the best beaches in Australia so you can book a group holiday — from South Australia's sweeping Coorong Beach, which is one of the longest beaches in the world, to Queensland's Whitehaven Beach, which is famous for its incredible beauty, rather than its length. Remote and not close to major cities, these are not your local favourites — these are the top beaches in Australia. Get your bucket list ready, hit up the group chat (because every beach adventure is best enjoyed together) and start planning your next waterside getaway to at least one of them. Recommended reads: The Best Coastal Spots for Whale Watching Across Australia The Best Islands to Visit in Australia The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Glamping Sites in Australia [caption id="attachment_694321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] NINETY MILE BEACH, VICTORIA Sometimes, size does matter. That's true in the case of Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually 94 miles — or 151 kilometres — long, making it one of the longest beaches in the world. It runs along the state's northeastern coastline, parallel to the (also epic) Gippsland Lakes. And there are all kinds of adventures on offer. Spend days (and days) wandering along the sand, uninterrupted by rocks or headlands while soaking up the surf and looking out for whales. Visit Ninety Mile's cute seaside towns, like Woodside, Seaspray and Golden Beach. And, if you're a camper who's happy to swap creature comforts for serenity, pitch your tent at Emu Bight, on the shores of Lake Victoria within The Lakes National Park, and use this guide to explore the water. Editors note: Emu Bight is currently closed due to bushfires in the nearby area. Check the government's Emu Bight site for more updated info. [caption id="attachment_743661" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] RED ROCK BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES Some beaches are epic, not only for themselves, but for what surrounds them. Take Red Rock, 30 minutes' drive north of Coffs Harbour. The Australian beach takes its name from its stunning headland, a 20-metre-high formation of 300-million-year-old jasper, also known as red quartz. Much of the sand is backdropped by national park and keen hikers should conquer the 65-kilometre multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk — or at least a section of it. If you find yourself needing human civilisation, visit the tiny coastal community of Corindi, where you can camp or stay in a cabin at Reflections Holiday Park. Take your time exploring the area and Red Rock Beach, one of the best beaches in Australia. [caption id="attachment_743607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QUEENSLAND Whitehaven Beach was famous for its looks even before Instagram existed. Located on Whitsunday Island, this seven-kilometre-long wonder is known for its sand, which, made of silica, is among the whitest, brightest and purest on the planet. To visit, you'll need to climb aboard a tour from Airlie Beach — be it by yacht, powerboat, ferry or seaplane. You'll be sorely tempted to take a dip in the crystal clear waters when visiting Whitehaven Beach, easily one of the best beaches in Australia. And, for extraordinary views of the beach, island and surrounds, get yourself to Tongue Point Lookout. If you'd like to stay overnight, there are several campsites nearby. [caption id="attachment_743612" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] CAPE TRIBULATION BEACH, QUEENSLAND Cape Tribulation in Queensland's Far North is where two Heritage-listed wildernesses — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest — come together. Cape Tribulation Beach is the first one north of the cape, around two hours' drive north of Port Douglas. Begin your adventures at Kulki with a ten-minute stroll to Cape Tribulation Lookout, which looks north over Cape Tribulation Beach, backdropped by mountains. And to add a second sandy spot to your itinerary, take the one-hour Cape Tribulation to Mason's Store walk, for views of Myall Beach. [caption id="attachment_743652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] COORONG BEACH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA This breathtaking stretch of sand forms the southwestern border of Coorong National Park, on South Australia's southeast coast. It runs for around 220 kilometres, between Port Elliot in the north and Cape Jaffa in the south — and it's considered the longest beach in Australia. It's also where the Murray River meets the sea, after a 2500-kilometre journey from the Australian Alps. Just behind Coorong Beach are the Coorong Wetlands, where the original Storm Boy (1977) film was shot. Consider a paddling tour along one of the best beaches in Australia, be it a three-hour sunset fling or a multi-day expedition. Keep your eyes peeled for threatened species, including the orange-bellied parrot, freckled duck and southern bell frog. [caption id="attachment_743610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] 75 MILE BEACH, QUEENSLAND Another beach that's legendary for its awesome size is 75 Mile Beach on K'gari. This sandy behemoth forms most of the east coast of the island — which is the world's biggest sand island — and lies just off the coast, around six hours' drive north of Brisbane. The attractions here aren't just endless sea and sky, but also multicoloured and adventurous. Yes, there are sharks in the water and dingos on land, but the main attraction here is the length of the beach. Consequently, one of the most popular ways to travel 75 Mile Beach is by 4WD tour. That said, you can also go exploring on foot and camp or glamp at the dedicated Beach Camp Fraser Island. And be sure to stop off at Nudey Beach, which was named the best beach in Australia for 2018. [caption id="attachment_743683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] WINEGLASS BAY, TASMANIA Like Queensland's Whitehaven Beach, Tasmania's Wineglass Bay is known all over the world for its good looks. As you've no doubt guessed, the bay gets its name from its smooth curves, which resemble a wine glass. You'll find one of the beast beaches in Australia on on Tassie's east coast, within Freycinet National Park. To get some perspective, follow the three-kilometre walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout from Wineglass Bay car park. An even more epic adventure is the full-day Hazards Beach to Wineglass Bay Circuit, an 11-kilometre hike that takes in two beaches, wilderness and pretty views. [caption id="attachment_743719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] CABLE BEACH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Cable Beach, on the edge of Broome, is best known for its camel rides. Every evening, the humped beasts traipse along the shoreline, delivering tourists to some of the most beautiful sunsets in Australia, if not the world. It's hard to think of a better way to experience Cable Beach. But, if that's not your thing, you can hire a bike and cycle along the sand. Alternatively, settle for relaxing on the sand, swimming or sipping cocktails when visiting one of the best beaches in Australia. As well as its white sand, Cable Beach is famous for its rich red ochre cliffs, which create a striking contrast with the blue, blue sky. [caption id="attachment_743663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Stanley via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] COSSIES BEACH, COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS Add a bit of island hopping to your beachy bucket list chasing with a quick getaway to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These magical wonderlands of coral are in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a 4.5-hour flight west of Perth — which is pretty far-flung, but they're still considered an Australian territory. There's no shortage of gorgeous beaches, but one of the most magnificent is Cossies, on Direction Island, which beach expert Brad Farmer named Australia's best beach in his book 101 Best Beaches 2017. Keen snorkellers should definitely spend some time at the Rip, a haven of colourful corals, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, reef sharks and other intriguing underwater creatures. And if you're looking for a place to stay when visiting one of the best beaches in Australia, try nabbing a room at Cocos Seaview. [caption id="attachment_743664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Linear77 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] EIGHTY MILE BEACH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA One of the best things about Western Australia's many beaches is that they come with sunsets. And, on Eighty Mile Beach — which sprawls between Port Hedland and Broome — you get 220 kilometres of them. It's also a marine park, so you can count on plenty of sea life, including dugongs, dolphins, sawfish and flatback turtles, that come here to nest. Spend your time looking out for these and other wondrous creatures, or get into some strolling, swimming or fishing. There are spots to camp, too, including Cape Keraudren Coastal Reserve. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.
More than two decades ago, Australian coffee roastery Single O took its first steps right here at home. Soon, the Sydney-based brand will boast more locations to its name in Japan than Down Under. A decade since heading overseas, four years after opening its first international cafe in the country's capital back in 2021 and just a year since its last Tokyo expansion, Single O is launching a new concept in the must-visit city: its first-ever day-to-night venue. Located near Akihabara, the neighbourhood of Kanda Awajicho is your next destination for one of the chain's cuppas in Tokyo — and for cocktails, wine and beers as well. Opening on Thursday, April 24, 2025, this will be Single O's largest venue in the city, as well as its new Japanese flagship. "We're excited to open our newest Single O location in Kanda. We've been in Japan for over ten years now, and it's unreal to be part of specialty coffee's growth here and support a thriving independent cafe scene," said Single O CEO Mike Brabant. "It's a sister to our Surry Hills site in Sydney, seating a community of coffee lovers, locals and travellers alike," he continued. "We're calling it the mothership and we hope people will come in, discover something new and feel at home — whether they're here for our signature Reservoir St flat white, [to] experience the latest single origin on tap from our producer partners around the world or grab an after-work drink." For the new 50-seater venue's look, Single O have gone with a space-age theme. "Mixing futuristic, industrial aesthetics found us celebrating the brand's DNA, Australian roots and celebrating Japan's vibrant culture," advised Stuart Krelle, with Sydney-based design firm Luchetti Krelle behind the aesthetic. The brand's commitment to sustainability remains in place, however, including in the Kanda cafe's recycled plastic countertops, upcycled plywood chairs and reused central communal table. Among the sips, coffee on tap is a feature, of course, with six free-pour options available. The lineup of drinks running through them will rotate between origins, blends and seasonal choices. Or, order something else caffeinated and get the cafe's staff to put the espresso machine to good use. When it comes time to say cheers to a boozy beverage, expect coffee cocktails, naturally. Single O has even whipped up its own piña colada featuring a pineapple and coconut coffee clarification that's created with spent coffee grounds, plus washed coconut rum and soda water. Australian craft beers and wines are also on offer. Yes, the banana bread with espresso butter is on the food menu. So is The Avo Show, aka rye, achiote cashew cheese, pickled fennel, seasoned crumb, chilli oil and sweet lemon aspen. You can also tuck into the Mothership Bowl (made with brown rice, caramelised mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, pickles and a soft boiled egg) and the Yuzu Benny (which features a poached egg, sourdough, smoked salmon, yuzu hollandaise, cucumber, mint, coriander, pickled apple, lemongrass sate, chilli oil, crispy rice and shallot crumb). In another first for Single O, the Kanda outpost also sports its debut range of pastries baked onsite thanks to Head Chef Yoko Kobayashi (an alum of Bills in Australia) and Pastry Chef Johnny Pisanelli. Single O's Kanda location joins its Hamacho spot, plus Ryogoku Roastworks — which initially started as a roastery and tasting bar before its initial Japanese cafe, then moved into bigger digs and added its second space for aficionados to grab a brew — and its Shibuya coffee bar. In Australia, the chain has venues in Surry Hills and at Carriageworks in Sydney, and in Newstead in Brisbane. Find Single O's new Kanda cafe at at 〒101-0063 3F Waterras Tower 101, 2-chome Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, from Thursday, April 24, 2025 — open from 8am–9pm weekdays and 9am–6pm on weekends. Head to the brand's website for more details.
Inviting everyone over to enjoy your sun-drenched courtyard on a Friday evening seemed like a brilliant idea at the time — it's certainly more relaxed than cramming into a busy city rooftop bar and more summery than sipping cocktails in a dark, underground basement bar. But now that your friends are due round any moment, do you have your drinks repertoire ready? Here to help you, we've got five easy-to-make cocktail recipes that'll upgrade your home bar and hosting skills — and you won't have to spend all your time in the kitchen making them, either. Spruce up your evening get-together with the world's finest French vodka, Grey Goose, which we've partnered with to showcase three vodka cocktails and two non-alcoholic options that your friends and workmates will love. GREY GOOSE ESPRESSO MARTINI In 1983 a model sauntered into a London bar and uttered the phrase "I want something to wake me up and fuck me up", and the espresso martini was born. Thirty-six years later and the caffeinated cocktail has risen to cult status. To make things easier on you, this recipe uses cold drip coffee so you don't have to worry about making a fresh espresso for each round. — 30ml Grey Goose Original — 30ml De Kuyper Crème de Café coffee liqueur — 30ml cold drip coffee — 1 pinch of salt (serves one) Shake all the ingredients, hard, in Boston tins with lots of ice till the outside is frosty. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate dust. Everyone'll be pepped for the night ahead in no time. [caption id="attachment_750115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camille Vidal, La Maison Wellness[/caption] HEALTH YEAH Not everyone drinks alcohol — and having a non-boozy option makes you a considerate host. This refreshingly light iced tea needs a little pre-planning, so you'll have to batch-make the tea and syrup the night before. Then, come Friday afternoon, you can to knock one of these together in no time. — 120ml roobois tea — 80ml kombucha — 20ml turmeric honey syrup — 2 dashes of lemon essential oil (serves one) Use cold water to infuse the tea as it'll avoid bitterness and tannins; add ten grams of roobois tea for every one litre of mineral water and leave to infuse overnight. Strain and keep it in the fridge. To make the syrup, use three tablespoons of turmeric honey and one tablespoon of golden unrefined sugar with 350ml of water. Add all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to boiling point and stir for one-to-two minutes until dissolved. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool. Build the cocktail over ice in a highball, give a gentle stir to mix ingredients and garnish with a lemon wedge. SPIKED ICE TEA Thought that last one sounded good? How about having an iced tea with an extra kick? Forget woeful Long Islands and upgrade to this delicious and balanced Grey Goose version which includes a fruity twist of apricot brandy. — 30ml Grey Goose Original — 20ml apricot brandy — 20ml lemon juice — 90ml cold earl grey tea — 10ml sugar syrup Just like the boozeless option above, prep the tea overnight and brew with cold water to avoid any bitter tannin taste. Build the cocktail over ice in a highball, give a gentle stir to mix ingredients and garnish with a lemon wedge. Easy peasy! BOOZELESS GINGER MOJITO Who said drinkers had to have all the fun and flavour? When you want to take time off the sauce, or cater for guests who do, opt for this gently spiced but super-fresh non-alcoholic mojito. As a bonus you can show off your muddling skills to impress your mates. — 22ml fresh lime juice — 15ml sugar syrup — 3 wedges of fresh lime — 2cm of fresh peeled ginger — 12 fresh mint leaves — top with soda water (serves one) Muddle lime wedges, mint leaves and ginger with the sugar syrup and lime juice. Add crushed ice and churn before topping with soda water. Look at you go! ROSE SPRITZ Make like you're in the south of France with this gently fizzy, and oh-so pink cocktail that practically begs to be sipped outdoors on a terrace surrounded by your besties. — 30ml Grey Goose Original — 20ml Martini Bianco — 10ml Monin watermelon syrup — 15ml lemon juice — 45ml soda (serves one) Build all the ingredients over ice in a collins glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wedge. Then upload a pic to Instagram to make sure everyone knows you can make such a fine looking drink. Upgrade your Friday night at home by choosing premium vodka Grey Goose. Each bottle is distilled in France, and the high quality vodka has a 100 percent traceable production process, from crop to cork.
Summer is outdoor cinema season, as Melburnians well and truly know. But sometimes, as much as you'd like to catch a film under the stars, you'd also like to do so in a more intimate situation. That's not a pandemic-related reaction, but just recognition that big openair cinemas have their moments, and plenty of them — however, so do quieter and cosier movie-watching environments. You could take your own TV outside into your backyard, of course. You could rig up a sheet and buy a projector, too. Or, if you're still keen on treating yo'self and your favourite person to a night out of the house (and not just outside your own house), you can book a room at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel that comes with a private courtyard — which is then decked out with a hot tub and an outdoor cinema setup. Launched to entice Melburnians to enjoy a staycation over summer, the Marriott's new deal includes a five-star room, your own courtyard and place to soak outdoors, and your own big screen as well. You choose the movie, which you can then sit back and watch from the tub or from reclining camp deck chairs. And, to say cheers to all that, you'll also receive a two-pack of wine. You can order gourmet hampers to your room, too, and check out the mini bar — but that'll cost you extra. Room rates start from $399 per night and, if all that hot tubbing and movie-watching leaves you in need of a sleep in, you won't have to check out until 1pm the next day. Find the Melbourne Marriott Hotel on the corner of Lonsdale and Exhibition streets, Melbourne — with stays in a room with a private courtyard, outside hot tub and outdoor cinema screen starting at $399.
Brotherwolf has been making big moves in 2025, just over a decade since the barbershop and eventual clothing brand launched in Melbourne. In February, the label launched its first retail space on Greville Street, offering a three-month pop-up stocked with tailored streetwear alongside a curated vintage offering. Now, Brotherwolf has just opened its fourth outpost — one designed to marry menswear and grooming. Following locations in Prahran, St Kilda and Fitzroy, the brand-new South Melbourne spot brings barbering, design and fashion under the one roof. Moving into a 100-square-metre space on Clarendon Street, once the home of a grand bank, Brotherwolf has maintained the building's 19th-century heritage vibe. However, the crew brought Jessica Ellis Studio on board to give the interiors a suitably contemporary uplift. Stepping through the Boom-era facade, Parquet de Versailles flooring set against timber-clad walls welcomes visitors inside. Plus, the brand's nod to vintage rings through antique oil paintings in gilded frames as skylights flood the vast space with natural light. In the front, it's all about men's grooming thanks to a row of custom-built stations, while a hair-washing station is smartly tucked into one of the original bank vaults. Meanwhile, sleek garment racks and shelving dedicated to the brand's in-house haircare line adorn the rear. "The South Melbourne store feels like the most refined expression of Brotherwolf so far. It's different in the way it brings everything together under one roof with real intention," says the brand's founder, Pádraig Whelehan. Whether you're heading along to get a fresh fade or shop the range of wide-leg trousers, heavyweight knits and Cuban collar shirts, Whelehan has big plans for the new location. From in-store activations to limited-edition collaborations, expect creative encounters to take over the flagship spot in the coming months. Now, ten years into its run, Brotherwolf is staying true to its community-driven spirit. Says Whelehan: "At its core, [the South Melbourne store] is still very much us. The music, the banter, the attention to detail behind the chair — that stuff all remains unchanged. It carries the same DNA as our other shops, just with a bit more polish." Brotherwolf South Melbourne is now open at 295 Clarendon St, South Melbourne. Head to the website for more information. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
For more than a decade, a movie version of Monopoly has been mooted, but hasn't yet reached screens. There's no need to hope for a Jumanji-style big-screen take on the game, however. Instead, from Wednesday, November 15 in Melbourne, you can just head to Monopoly Dreams and enjoy playing your way through Australia's first theme park-esque Monopoly experience. Here, the property-buying family favourite is no longer just a game: it's an immersive 1700-square-metre attraction. Monopoly Dreams is already open in Hong Kong, making the Aussie venue only the second in the world. Initially slated to launch in October, it's now officially ready to welcome in Monopoly lovers. If you're wondering what happens when the game that's caused many a childhood dispute — and plenty more between adults as well — makes the bricks-and-mortar leap on Melbourne Central's lower ground level, that's as understandable as being annoyed about being sent directly to jail. The answer isn't just a life-sized version of the game that everyone has played more than once. Rather, the venue is taking a chance on bringing Monopoly elements beyond the board, building a Monopoly city that includes water works, the electric company, the bank and Mr Monopoly's mansion. Yes, there is indeed a jail. Presumably you don't go directly there upon entering, but you can get your mugshot taken within its walls. When you walk through the doors, you'll also find carnival games. It wouldn't be an attraction based on a board game if playing games wasn't a big part of the setup, of course. Expect challenges as well — and, in the mansion, there'll also be a vault and gallery, alongside a 4D cinema screening a movie about Mr Monopoly and his dog Scottie touring Melbourne locations — plus the opportunity to create your own customised Monopoly title deed. For bites to eat, patrons can hit up the Monopoly cafe. And if all this Monopoly talk has you wanting to play Monopoly or buy Monopoly merchandise, Monopoly Dreams will also feature Australia's first and only dedicated Monopoly store. Catering for audiences of all ages — so, you'll have kids for company, but it's open for adults without children in tow — Monopoly Dreams will take visitors around 60–90 minutes to enjoy the full experience. "The opening of Monopoly Dreams has been highly anticipated by Monopoly fans since the news broke that we'd be making Melbourne our home," said Monopoly Dreams General Manager Mark Connolly. "We are absolutely thrilled to now be opening the doors and welcoming guests into the incredible world of Mr Monopoly." Monopoly Dreams will open on Wednesday, November 15 at Melbourne Central, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further details.
Summer in Australia means sandy feet, mangos, and a speaker permanently in your beach bag playing the music that will soundtrack the season. But, did you know that just 8.4 percent of the music we consume as Aussies is actually Australian? Thelma Plum, Keli Holiday, G Flip, Ben Lee, Gordi and whole host of Australian musicians are asking us to Ausify our algorithms this month. Why? Because the more we play Aussie music the more momentum it gets. More gigs, more music. More stories that represent the rich fabric of what makes up Australia being told. Whether you're watching a summer storm roll in, dipping in and out of the surf, or manning the BBQ, here's some inspiration to Ausify your playlists this AusMusic month. Prefer your music live? Aussie artists are always touring. This month, you can catch Josh Pyke, The Reubens, Thelma Plum and more across the country. A Summer Walk View this post on Instagram A post shared by K I T A (@kitaalexander) With the smell of jasmine in the air and the sun on your skin, nothing beats a headphones-in walk by the Harbour Bridge or through your local neighbourhood. Try Ausifying your walking playlist with Ocean Alley for the perfect summer soundtrack with sun-soaked guitar and hypnotic vocals. For the times your walk needs heavy-hitting lyrics and a lot of feelings, add some Kita Alexander to your walk. Or, when you need more of a strut than a walk, press play on some Jessica Mauboy. A Boogie with Friends View this post on Instagram A post shared by keli holiday (@keliholiday) There are so many Aussie artists begging to soundtrack your summer dance parties. Keli Holiday's 'Dancing2' is shaping up to be the song of the summer and is an absolute joy to dance to, especially around the people you love the most. For something new, check out Ninajirachi. She has quickly gone from triple j Unearthed High finalist to an absolute night out playlist staple with a nostalgic EDM sound. For infectious beats that feel like they are made to be played on a balmy summer night, put on some Electric Fields. Watching a Storm Roll In View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beyond Productions (@beyondproductions.tv) An Australian summer isn't complete without an afternoon or two spent watching a storm roll in as the day's humidity finally snaps away. This calls for comforting, nostalgic and somehow thrilling tunes. Take Midnight Oil for example with their classic rock vibe perfect for watching a summer storm. Or blast some King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard for an anticipatory sound that somehow pairs perfectly with the impending approach of those telltale dark clouds. If you're looking to self-soothe and find comfort, Josh Pyke has the perfect ambient vibe to pair with claps of thunder and drops of rain. Road Trips View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thelma Plum (@thelmaplum) A road trip over summer is an Australian right of passage. Whether it's travelling to see family, chasing a waterfall on a scorching day, or driving to the coast to race through hot sand and dive into the sea, road trips feel like a summer non-negotiable. Missy Higgins 'Scar' is an essential accompaniment for watching the scenery pass by. Then, for those drives when you need poignant lyrics to scream along to, or maybe a boost of hometown nostalgia, Thelma Plum's music is road trip certified. Then, for something that will get the whole car going like a shot of espresso, hit play on Amyl and the Sniffers. Beach Day View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baker Boy (@dabakerboy) Nothing feels as good as that first beach day of the summer when the country slowly defrosts. A parmy at a surf club, sunscreen on your skin, and Aussie music playing on your speaker: the perfect day, really. For that welcome to summer feeling, Baker Boy makes the best feel-good, high-energy music to blast as the mercury rises. If you're spending a chill, surfy day by the water Xavier Rudd's music is the natural choice. But, if your beach days are more high-energy check out G Flip for big vocals and punchy beats. This summer, make it your mission to explore Aussie music. The more you explore, the more it gives back. Find out more at the Ausify website.
Say goodbye to your childhood. Then, say hello to a beloved favourite slicing and dicing on the big screen. As announced back in 2022, the usually adorable literary critter that is Winnie-the-Pooh has been given the horror-movie treatment, in what's instantly one of the most intriguing flicks of the past few years. And, in great/cursed news for Australians, Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey is hitting cinemas Down Under in 2023. This isn't the AA Milne creation that you grew up with. Instead, it's a slasher film about the Hundred Acre Woods' famous inhabitant and his pals. And, if cuddling up with your significant other while watching a horror movie is your idea of a prime Valentine's Day date, Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey will bow locally on Tuesday, February 14, hosting sneak-peek sessions before a four-day season between Thursday, February 16–Sunday, February 19. Take every horror movie staple, every expected line and all the usual eerie settings, then throw in a favourite figure that's stopped being friendly and turned savage instead: yes, that's what's in Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey's pot. And yes, based on the trailer, it looks as creepy as the whole concept sounds. "Oh bother!" is definitely the mood, after Christopher Robin returns to the Hundred Acre Wood as an adult, years after leaving his pals Winnie, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga and Roo behind. All that time alone hasn't turned out well for those animals, and there's about to be a body count to prove it. No, the idea that Pooh might turn murderous hasn't ever crossed anyone's minds before this film. Gracing pages for almost a century — plus screens big and small for decades — Winnie-the-Pooh has done many things in his time, but getting grisly hasn't been one of them. Ever since Milne first conjured up the honey-loving, walking-and-talking teddy bear back in the 1920s, Pooh has enjoyed plenty of adventures involving his human and animal friends, and tried to eat as much of his favourite foodstuff as possible. We've all seen the cartoons and toys, and also watched films such as Goodbye Christopher Robin and Christopher Robin in recent years. To director Rhys Waterfield, however, Pooh is no longer cute and cuddly, even if he's a honey-fiending teddy bear who normally doesn't wear pants (although he appears to here). And if you're wondering about the tone of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, other than horror, the filmmaker's other upcoming titles include Firenado, Sky Monster and Rise of the Loch Ness. Clearly, Pooh breaking bad all falls into B-movie territory, which the premise makes plain as well. The setup: after seeing their food supplies dwindle as Christopher grew up, Pooh and Piglet have spent years feeling hungry. They've turned feral, in fact, even eating Eeyore to survive. So when Christopher returns, it sets the pair on a rampage, which leads to them a rural cabin where a group of university students are holidaying. From that summary, it's obvious what'll happen from there. The trailer cements that fact, and throws in more horror tropes than you could fit in a pot of honey in the process. Now all that's left is to see the end result in Aussie cinemas, with Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey also hitting screens overseas around the same time. Wondering why something that's usually so sweet and innocent is being given the creepy, bloody, eerie horror treatment — turning Winnie-the-Pooh into a killer, no less? It's because the character has just entered the public domain in America. Disney no longer holds the copyright, and no one can now hold the exclusive intellectual property rights over the character, opening the door for wild interpretations like this slasher flick. Check out the Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey trailer below: Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey will screen in Australian cinemas on Tuesday, February 14, then from Thursday, February 16–Sunday, February 19. Images: Jagged Edge Productions.
Every year, Australia's finest horse riders converge on stunning Werribee Park for three days. And you're invited to watch them in action. The competition will start on Friday, June 6 with dressage, which carries into Saturday. The following day, the riders will let loose on a cross-country course around the property's beautiful grounds. Then, come Monday, it's show-jumping time. Whoever performs best across all three events will be announced champion and take home some serious prize money. In between watching, head to the Trade Village to wander among horsey-related stallholders. You'll come across apparel (for animals and people) by Valley Horsewear, saddles by Bates, equestrian gear by Castlefin and loads more. Plus, on Sunday evening, catch the indoor speed jumping competition, set to music. Entry on Friday is free; tickets range from $12.50–$110 Saturday–Monday. You can book ahead online.
The Moon Dog crew doesn't really do understated. Its brewery bars are not only large in size but usually have a theme and playful food and drink lineup. Moon Dog Wild West out in Footscray even has a free-to-ride bucking bull and is made for big group parties. And now, the team is going even bigger with Doglands — its 1200-person island themed bar within the revamped Marvel Stadium Concourse, which is slated to open in October this year. The original plans included an indoor volcano and hidden karaoke room, but these have sadly been left out to accommodate more punters. However, it will still have a palm tree-lined boardwalk that snakes around the entire venue, plus a live music stage and jungle-themed terrace restaurant. The team will serve classic pub food, Moon Dog beers and seltzers, wine, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks in the main venue. Vacay-inspired specials like a Jungle Spritz with Campari, dark rum and pineapple, and a Volcano Bowl Negroni will bring even more playful energy to the Doglands adventureland experience. And those who head over to The Jungle Room will find a slightly elevated dining experience with Med-inspired food and drinks. More details on exactly what's on offer here are yet to be announced, but we'll be sure to share more once it's all finalised. Moon Dog's Doglands will open in October 2024, and can be found at 685 La Trobe Street, Docklands. For more information, you can check out the venue's website.
Sisters Grimm do not make theatre the way you might usually think of theatre. The trashtastic Melbourne satirists (also known as Ash Flanders and Declan Green) staged their DIY 2010 theatre piece Little Mercy in a car park and 2012's Summertime in the Garden of Eden in a suburban garage — and got rave reviews for both. So much so that the anti-establishmentarians have gone establishment, in the nicest possible way, as the Sydney Theatre Company is bringing them out to reimagine Little Mercy, a high-camp ode to 'evil child' movies, for their Wharf 2 stage. (Summertime in the Garden on Eden, meanwhile, will get a run at Griffin Theatre in November). Marcus Costello caught-up with Ash, who as well as writing and directing is playing the mother character Virginia, on his first day treading the boards at the Wharf. Here's what he had to say on stepping up to the main stage, the joys of the low-brow, and how they're adapting their "aesthetic of failure". First day of rehearsals, how's it going? We haven't stopped laughing that we’re actually here at STC. Well it's a long way from where you gave birth to Little Mercy in a Melbourne car park all those years ago. How has the show changed since then? Oh, you know, just little tweaks — like rewriting the whole show. Our shows are always staged in response to the space we're working in and the resources we have available, which is usually next to nothing. Our work ends up being an exercise in the aesthetic of failure, which is where much of the comedy comes from. Of course, being here [at STC] we can't just pretend we have no money so we're responding to the idea and construction of conventional theatre. In a way it's not that radical a departure because we're all about the interrogation of genre — finding the cracks, tearing it apart, and putting it back together. We like to see how much pressure something can take before it's completely unintelligible. Stepping up to the main stage... I like to think of it as STC stepping down [laughs]. Good call. In any case it's a collision of worlds. If you like it here and want to stick around, how is that going to affect your anti-establishment practice? If we can get paid to do shows on big stages, great, but it was never really our aim to make it to this point at settle-in. I think we'll always do scratch shows because mixing up where we perform is really important to us. I mean, we'll ride this out and have fun along the way, but we won't get so big-headed that we'll stop performing in living rooms and backyard sheds, or car parks, even. By the same token, if performing in car parks to a bunch of our adoring friends was all we ever did, it wouldn't amount to much. We don't plan to play it safe. A character at the centre of your play, Rodger, is a wealthy theatre director. Should we take that as a dig at the establishment? Um, [laughs] oh I don't know how meta we want to get about that! I mean, yeah, his job, his taste comes across as increasingly ridiculous throughout the show. We needed a job where the husband/father could become totally engrossed in what he does. As we both know, directors can get way too involved with their own projects and stop seeing the world around them — maybe even fail to see their own child is a psychotic killer. You say that the goal of your theatre is to make the audience laugh. I reckon your gritty-camp shtick might rankle with some of the more conservative STC season subscribers, don't you think? We don't intend to shock them too much. I mean, we won't be flopping our dicks out. In a way, our comedy is kind of old-fashioned. A man in a dress isn't new, but what we do with it hopefully is new and interesting and funny. At least we hope so because we think laughter in the theatre is vital. If you go to the theatre to take your medicine, to eat something that's good for you, then you've killed a lot of the joy. I don't like to go to the theatre to be educated. Dialectical, polemical, preachy theatre, theatre where the performers blast their politics at you, that doesn't inspire me. At least, if I learn something I want it to be incidental to the laughs. And if it's not making me laugh, it should make be gasp. Whatever is does, it needs to make me feel something. There are a number of Australian theatre-makers at the moment who set out to hurt feelings and sensibilities. How do you feel about that? Oy vey! That's not something we would deliberately set out to do. Our kind of humour can be quite hoary and hokey but I think if anything was going to offend, especially the STC audience, it would be the stupid jokes — because we would offend their intelligence [laughs]. I'm not playing Virginia for a joke, but every time I get on stage there will be laughter for a good five seconds. That's interesting because you're not unknown to the Melbourne drag scene. How does it feel having an audience laughing at you not with you? I'm totally fine with it. It’s not my job to know why people are laughing, it's really not. I'm happy with laughs wherever they’re derived from. I'm just not that precious; I'm aware of the grenade that I am. Little Mercy is on at the Sydney Theatre Company's Wharf 2 from March 7 to 24. Tickets are available from their website.
OVERVIEW Are you an authority on pop culture, music, food, drink, events and city life? Are you adept at putting your thoughts on those things into words that people can’t help but read? Are you a total pro at all things digital? Concrete Playground is currently seeking a skilled, experienced journalist/editor to join its Sydney team as deputy editor, and if you answered in the affirmative to all of the above, you may just be the person we’re looking for. RESPONSIBILITIES Working closely with the editor-in-chief from our Redfern, Sydney office, you'll come up with story ideas, write articles and commission work from a team of freelancers. Fastidious subediting will be a pillar of your day, as will making images, text, video and links work together as a happy whole. Your primary responsibilities will include: Leading Concrete Playground's news and features content across Australia and New Zealand.Management and growth of Concrete Playground’s various social media channels.Assisting with the planning and execution of Concrete Playground’s editorial strategy.Creation of varied written and multimedia content.Management of freelance news contributors across five cities. REQUIREMENTS A university degreeAt least one year's experience in the online media environment.A demonstrated ability to write smart, funny, popular articles quickly, and to come up with even more ideas than you can write.Solid subediting skills and ability to work with a style guide.Experience with social media management and strategy.Knowledge of SEO and basic HTML.Experience working with a content management system (preferably Wordpress).A good eye for images and skills with image production (preferably Photoshop).Expertise on the topics of music and pop culture, though you might also be strong in: technology, design, sustainability, current affairs, fashion, lifestyle, travel, food & drink, film, the arts and local cultural life.Some photography or videography skills. HOW TO APPLY Please send your cover letter, CV and links to 3-4 relevant online writing samples to Concrete Playground’s editor-in-chief, Rima Sabina Aouf, at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au WHO WE ARE Concrete Playground is an online weather vane pointing readers to the cultural tornadoes that are just about to hit. Our writers, editors and contributors have a constant ear to the under and above (but never middle) ground of the creative worlds of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Wellington. Ideally, applicants will be pretty familiar with us and what we're about.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from April's haul of newbies. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW APOLLO 10 1/2: A SPACE AGE CHILDHOOD In 1969, the year that Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood is set, writer/director Richard Linklater was nine years old and living in Houston, Texas. This lovely animated film happens to follow a boy around the same age in the same city — and trust the filmmaker behind Boyhood, Dazed and Confused, and the glorious trio that is Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight to make viewers who weren't there then (who weren't even alive and have never been to America, too) to feel as nostalgic about the place and era as he clearly does. As narrated by his Bernie and The School of Rock star Jack Black, the film's entire middle section dances through memories of the time and city with infectious enthusiasm, but its biggest dose of affection radiates towards the technological promise of the 60s. The Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions were rocketing into space and it patently felt like anything was possible, a sensation so marvellously captured in each second of Apollo 10 1/2. Jumping back into the rotoscoped animation that served Linklater so well in Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly, this loving ode to years and moods gone by also sports a delightful premise. As his older guise (Black) explains, young Stan (debutant Milo Coy) was an ordinary Houston kid with a NASA-employed dad (Bill Wise, Waves), doting mum (Lee Eddy, Cruel Summer) and five older siblings when he was approached by two men (Shazam!'s Zachary Levi and Everybody Wants Some!!'s Glen Powell) to help them with a problem. In the lead up to Apollo 11, it seems that NASA accidentally built the lunar module a couple of sizes too small, so they need a kid — Stan — to help them by going to the moon to test things out before Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins make their famous trip in a bigger version. That fantastical idea feels ripped from Linklater's childhood dreams, and it well might be; it also makes for a warm and charming entry point into a movie that's as much about life's ups and downs, the bonds of family and the wide-eyed optimism of youth as it is about heading to space. Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood is available to stream via Netflix. SLOW HORSES One of several espionage-themed efforts worth a watch this month — see also: The Flight Attendant and All the Old Knives below — Slow Horses gives the genre a pivotal switch and entertaining shake up. It's still a tense thriller, kicking off with an airport incident (another theme for the month) and then following a kidnapping, but it's also about the kind of spies that don't usually populate the on-screen world of covert operatives. Stationed away from the main MI5 base at a rundown, clandestine office called Slough House, Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard) and his team are the agency's rejects. They haven't been fired for a multitude of reasons, however, including boasting ties to influential past employees, being great at their jobs but also a drunk and having impressive hacking skills yet proving impossible to get along with. Given the nickname that gives the show its moniker, usually they do little more than push paper, too, until they get caught up in a high-profile case. Oldman goes big and broad as Lamb, and he's also ceaselessly absorbing to watch, but Slow Horses isn't short on stars. In a six-episode first season adapted from Mick Herron's 2010 novel of the same name, Kristin Scott Thomas (Rebecca) plays MI5 Deputy Director-General Diana Taverner, Lamb's supremely competent head-office counterpart — although it's Jack Lowden (Fighting with My Family) and Olivia Cooke (Pixie) as young operatives River Cartwright and Sid Baker, and their efforts to chase down a lead they're not meant to, that anchors the series. Behind the scenes, executive producer and writer Will Smith (not that one) brings a sly and witty way with dialogue from his past work on The Thick of It and Veep, making Slow Horses both crackingly suspenseful and tartly amusing. The slinky theme tune by Mick Jagger also helps set the mood — and season two is already in development. The first season of Slow Horses is available to stream via Apple TV+. HEARTSTOPPER It only takes minutes for British newcomer Heartstopper to explain its title — showing rather than telling, as all great shows should. A year ten student at Truham Grammar School for Boys, Charlie Spring (first-timer Joe Locke) finds himself seated in his form class next to year 11 rugby player Nick Nelson (Kit Connor, Little Joe). Sparks fly on the former's part, swiftly and overwhelmingly, with the eight-part series' graphic-novel origins inspiring a flurry of fluttering animated hearts on-screen. But Charlie has a secret boyfriend, Ben (Sebastian Croft, Doom Patrol), who won't even acknowledge him in public. He also hardly thinks of himself as sporty, even after Nick asks him to join the school team. And, while a friendship quickly solidifies between the two, Charlie is initially unsure whether anything more can happen — and anxiety-riddled in general. As well as writing Heartstopper's source material — which initially started as a webcomic — Alice Oseman pens every episode of this perceptive teenage-focused gem. From the outset, it bubbles with heartwarming charm, while its coming-of-age story and central love story alike prove wholly relatable, aptly awkward but also wonderfully sweet and sensitive. In short, it's a series that plunges so convincingly and inclusively into its characters' experiences that it feels like its heart is constantly beating with affection for Charlie, Nick, and their fellow high-schoolers Tao (fellow debutant William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown, Daphne) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell). First crushes, young love, the swirling swell of emotions that comes with both and also figuring out who you are: all of this dances through Heartstopper's frames. Also, when Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter) pops up, she's glorious as always. The first season of Heartstopper is available to stream via Netflix. Read our full review. KILLING IT Killing It starts with a pitch. It's the first of many because that's just life these days, the show posits. Adding another sitcom to his resume after The Office, Ghosted and his beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine guest spots, Craig Robinson keeps his first name as a Miami bank security guard with big aspirations — if he can rustle up some startup funds. His vision: owning a saw palmetto farm and living the American dream, because he believed his dad back when he was told as a kid that hard work and perseverance always pay off in the USA. For $20,000, he plans to buy land in the Everglades, then sell the fruit to pharmaceutical companies, who'll use it in prostate medicines for the lucrative health market. But when his branch manager won't give him a loan, and his life spirals soon afterwards, he begins to realise how America really works for everyone who isn't ruthless, wealthy or both. Striving for a better life, styling yourself to meet society's expectations, getting brutally trampled down: that's Killing It, which hails from B99 co-creator Dan Goor and executive producer Luke Del Tredici. It's a perceptive and savvily funny series about aiming for a shiny future to escape the swampy present, but getting stuck slithering in a circle no matter what you try. And, it's also about literally killing snakes, a money-making scheme that Craig comes across via Uber driver Jillian (Claudia O'Doherty, Our Flag Means Death). She's a chatty Australian who swings hammers at pythons because it's a profitable business — and because there's a contest awarding $20,000 to whoever kills the most. If The Good Place was wholly set in Florida and followed down-on-their luck folks chasing glory by slaying pythons, and also made exceptional use of the well-paired Robinson and O'Doherty, this'd be the end result. The first season of Killing It is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. MASTER Taking cues from Jordan Peele's Get Out and Donald Glover's Atlanta (see below), as well as from old-school horror classics such as Rosemary's Baby and The Shining, college-set horror-thriller Master isn't lacking in well-known influences. It also isn't afraid to let the imprint left by its obvious predecessors visibly ripple through its frames. But being overly ambitious in stitching together a story that so clearly owes a debt backwards is one of this film's few missteps — that and being so brimming with ideas that not everything gets its due. Excavating the institutionalised racism that festers in the American university system is a big task, though, and first-time feature writer/director Mariama Diallo doesn't hold back. There's a slow-burn eeriness to this intense Ivy League-steeped affair, but also a go-for-broke mentality behind its dissection of deeply engrained prejudice and weaponised identity politics. Regina Hall (Nine Perfect Strangers), Zoe Renee (Black Lightning) and Amber Gray (The Underground Railroad) play Gail Bishop, Jasmine Moore and Liv Beckman, respectively — three women of colour at a New England uni, Ancaster, with a long history. The school's past is almost exclusively tied to white administrators and students, of course, so much so that Gail is the first Black head of the college, or master. Her appointment comes as Jasmine arrives and gets allocated to a dorm once inhabited by the college's first-ever Black pupil, whose tale ended in tragedy, and as popular professor Liv tries to earn tenure. Diallo balances racial politics and the supernatural with skill; yes, the former, and the way that 'diversity' is paid lip-service to boost the university's prestige, is far more chilling than the otherworldly bumps and jumps, but both play a key part in making this a smart and haunting feature. Master is available to stream via Prime Video. ALL THE OLD KNIVES Starring Chris Pine (Wonder Woman 1984) and Thandiwe Newton (Westworld) as two spies wading through the fallout of a terrorist attack that changed their lives years earlier, All the Old Knives brings its espionage intrigue to the screen with a sense of timelessness. It's easy to imagine how stars from any other decade — perhaps pairings involving Kurt Russell and Jamie Lee Curtis in the 80s, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in the 90s, or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in the 00s — could've stepped into the same film with little tinkering needed, and how it still would've turned out as slickly and engagingly. Pine and Newton play Henry Pelham and Celia Harrison, colleagues and lovers in 2012 when Turkish Alliance flight 127 is hijacked. In 2020, the case is reopened after new information comes to light, with Henry tasked with investigating — which means reuniting with Celia after she suddenly left her old existence behind. As directed by Borg vs McEnroe's Janus Metz Pedersen, much of All the Old Knives unfurls through conversation, with the filmmaker once again diving into a highly charged adversarial and emotional relationship. With Henry trying to extract information and Celia endeavouring to protect everything she's earned since the incident, it also unravels like a game between two well-matched players, even if the twists and turns penned by Olen Steinhauer — the creator of TV's Berlin Station, and also the author of the novel that All the Old Knives is based on — are rarely astonishing. Pine and Newton make the most of the material, however, in dialogue-driven parts that rely heavily upon their smouldering chemistry. Also influential in the handsomely shot thriller: the supporting cast that spans Laurence Fishburne (MacGruber) and Jonathan Pryce (Tales From the Loop) as fellow CIA operatives. All the Old Knives is available to stream via Prime Video. NEW SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK THE GIRL FROM PLAINVILLE Whatever she's in, and whether she's the star of the show or a supporting player, Chloë Sevigny's face always tells a tale of its own. That's been true in everything from Kids and Boys Don't Cry through to Big Love and We Are Who We Are, and it remains that way in The Girl From Plainville — the new eight-part true-crime miniseries led by The Great's Elle Fanning that's based on the death of Massachusetts teenager Conrad Roy III in 2014. Here, Fanning plays Conrad's long-distance girlfriend Michelle Carter. It's due to the her actions that the situation has been known as "the texting suicide case" for almost a decade — garnering not just local but international attention, and earning a HBO documentary, I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth Vs Michelle Carter, back in 2019. Fanning is fantastic in what proves an eerie character study, but the looks that Sevigny, as Conrad's mother Lynn, shoots her way scream rather than simply speak volumes. Inspired by Jesse Barron's Esquire article of the same name, The Girl From Plainville tells a tough tale, starting with Conrad's (Colton Ryan, Dear Evan Hansen) suicide in his truck in a Kmart parking lot. It was his second attempt to take his own life, although he'd promised Lynn that he wouldn't do it again — and when his death was investigated, police discovered text messages sent to him by Michelle, including a plethora of words encouraging him to follow through. In 2015, she was indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter for "wantonly and recklessly" assisting the suicide. In 2017, her trial took place. The outcome is now a matter a history, which the complicated, captivating and gripping The Girl From Plainville builds up to while also unpacking Michelle and Conrad's relationship. The Girl From Plainville is available to stream via Stan, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. OUTER RANGE Some shows commence with a dead girl wrapped in plastic. Others begin with a plane crash on a spooky island. With Outer Range, it all kicks off with a void. On the Abbott family ranch in Wyoming, in the western reach that gives the show its name, a chasm suddenly appears. A perfect circle swirling with otherworldly mist and resembling an oversized golf hole, it's just one of several troubles plaguing patriarch Royal (Josh Brolin, Dune), however. There is indeed a touch of Twin Peaks and Lost to Outer Range. A dash of Yellowstone, The Twilight Zone, The X-Files and whichever family-focused prime-time soap opera takes your fancy, too. As a result, while Royal is visibly disconcerted by the unexpected opening staring at him in an otherwise ordinary field in this intriguing, quickly entrancing and supremely well-acted eight-part series — a show that makes ideal use of Brolin especially — he has other worries. His rich, ostentatious and increasingly madcap neighbour Wayne Tillerson (Will Patton, Halloween Kills) suddenly wants a parcel of the Abbotts' turf, claiming mapping inaccuracies. One of Tillerson's mouthy and entitled sons, Trevor (Matt Lauria, CSI: Vegas), ends up in a bar spat with Royal's sons Rhett (Lewis Pullman, Them That Follow) and Perry (Tom Pelphrey, Mank). And there's also the matter of Perry's missing wife, who disappeared nine months back, leaving both her husband and their young daughter Amy (Olive Abercrombie, The Haunting of Hill House) searching since. Plus, into this sea of faith-testing chaos amid such serene and dreamlike scenery, a stranger arrives as well: "hippie chick" backpacker Autumn Rivers (Imogen Poots, The Father). She just wants to camp for a few days on the Abbotts' stunning and sprawling land, she says, but she's a key part in a show that's a ranch-dwelling western, an offbeat enigma, an eerie sci-fi, a detective quest and a thriller all at once. Outer Range is available to stream via Prime video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. RETURNING FAVOURITES NOW DROPPING EAGERLY AWAITED NEW SEASONS ATLANTA Atlanta's third season arrives with two pieces of fantastic news, and one inevitable but not-so-welcome reality. Hitting screens four years after season two, it's one of two seasons that'll air this year — and it's as extraordinary as the Donald Glover-created and -starring (and often -written and -directed) show has ever been — but when season four drops later in 2022, that'll be the end of this deserved award-winner. The latter makes revelling in what Atlanta has for viewers now all the more special, although this series always earns that description anyway. Just as Jordan Peele has done on the big screen with Get Out and Us after building upon his excellent sketch comedy series Key & Peele, Glover lays bare what it's like to be Black in America today with brutally smart and honest precision, and also makes it blisteringly apparent that both horror and so-wild-and-terrifying-that-you-can-only-laugh comedy remains the default. Actually, in the season-three episodes that focus on Glover's Earnest 'Earn' Marks, his cousin and rapper Alfred 'Paper Boi' Miles (Brian Tyree Henry, Godzilla vs Kong), their Nigerian American pal Darius (Lakeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah) and Earn's ex Vanessa (Zazie Beetz, The Harder They Fall), the lived experience of being a Black American anywhere is thrust into the spotlight. Paper Boi is on tour in Europe, which results in an on-the-road onslaught of antics that repeatedly put the quartet at the mercy of white bullshit — racist traditions, money-hungry rich folks looking to cash in on someone else's culture, scheming hangers-on, brands using Black artists for politically correct PR stunts and culinary gentrification all included. And then there's the standalone stories, all of which'd make excellent movies. Proving astute, incisive, sometimes-absurd, always-stellar and relentlessly surprising, here Atlanta examines the welfare system and in its inequalities, reparations for slavery, and the emotional and physical labour outsourced to Black workers. The third season of Atlanta is available to stream via SBS On Demand, with new episodes dropping weekly. BETTER CALL SAUL Saul Goodman's name has always been ironic. As played so devastatingly well by the one and only Bob Odenkirk, the slick lawyer sells the "s'all good, man" vibe with well-oiled charm, but little is ever truly good — for his clients, as his Breaking Bad experiences with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman demonstrated, or for the ever-enterprising law-skirting attorney himself. That truth has always sat at the heart of Better Call Saul's magnificent tragedy, too, and has made the prequel series one of the best shows of this century. Viewers know the fate that awaits, and yet we desperately yearn for the opposite to magically happen. But when the first part of the series' final season begins — with seven episodes arriving weekly since mid-April, then the final six dropping from mid-July — we're pushed well past the point of hoping. Professionally, the earnest, striving, well-meaning Jimmy McGill is gone, ditching his real name and his quest for a legitimate career, and instead embracing his slide into shadiness. Only three episodes in, Better Call Saul's new season has explored the fallout from this concerted life change — and from all that's brought Jimmy to this point. It hammers home what's to come as well, given it opens on Saul Goodman's Breaking Bad-era home being seized by the feds; however, the show still has much to cover in the lawyer's past. With his significant other Kim Wexler (the simply phenomenal Rhea Seehorn, Veep), he's seeking revenge on their former boss Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian, Black Monday). Meanwhile, his ties to the Salamanca family and their drug empire — to the psychotic Lalo (Tony Dalton, Hawkeye) and ambitious-but-trapped Nacho (Michael Mando, Spider-Man: Homecoming), and to ex-cop Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks, The Comey Rule) and Los Pollos Hermanos owner Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito, The Boys) — are drawing attention. Tense, intelligent, heartbreaking and just exceptional: that's the result so far, as it always has been with this astounding series. The sixth season of Better Call Saul is available to stream via Stan, with new episodes dropping weekly. RUSSIAN DOLL Getting philosophical about existence can mean bobbing between two extremes. At one end, life means everything, so we need to make the absolute most of it. At the other, nothing at all matters. When genre-bending and mind-melting time-loop comedy-drama Russian Doll first hit Netflix in 2019, it served up a party full of mysteries — a repeating shindig overflowing with chaos and questions, to be precise — but it also delivered a few absolute truths, too. Fact one: it's possible to posit that life means everything and nothing at once, all by watching Natasha Lyonne relive the same day (and same 36th-birthday celebrations) over and over. Fact two: a show led by the Orange Is the New Black, Irresistible and The United States vs Billie Holiday star, and co-created by the actor with Parks and Recreation's Amy Poehler, plus Bachelorette and Sleeping with Other People filmmaker Leslye Headland, was always going be a must-see. Here's a third fact as well: after cementing itself as one of the best TV shows of 2019, and one of the smartest, savviest and funniest in the process, Russian Doll's long-awaited second season is equally wonderful. In glorious news for sweet birthday babies, it's also smarter and weirder across its seven episodes, this time following Lyonne's self-destructive video-game designer Nadia and mild-mannered fellow NYC-dweller Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett, You) as they tackle another trippy problem. After being caught in a Groundhog Day-style situation last season, now death isn't their problem. Instead, time is. It was an issue before, given the duo couldn't move with it, only back through the same events — but here, via the New York subway's No 6 train, Nadia and Alan speed into the past to explore cause and effect, inherited struggles and intergenerational trauma. Season two of Russian Doll is available to stream via Netflix. Read our full review. THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT When The Flight Attendant hit shelves in 2018, it must've been sold in the most of obvious of places: airport bookstores. Based on the TV show adapted from its Chris Bohjalian-penned pages, it's easy to see why that would've been the easiest move any publisher has ever made; with its country-hopping murder-mystery thrills, spills and kills, it's a quintessential airport novel. The focus: Cassie Bowden, the titular airline worker and New York City-based party fiend, who is rarely far from a bar no matter which part of the world she happens to find herself in on any given day. But then she wakes up in a Bangkok hotel room next to a dead body, upending her already chaotic life — as Kaley Cuoco conveyed to perfection in the first season, and thankfully flew far, far away from The Big Bang Theory in the process. In The Flight Attendant's second season, Cassie's life has calmed down in some ways and gotten more tumultuous in others. Now based on Los Angeles, she's a year sober, all nested in a homely bungalow, and also in her longest relationship ever with the handsome Marco (Santiago Cabrera, Ema). She's working for the CIA as well, spying on people of interest during her jaunts abroad. And, when one moonlighting gig in Berlin ends in an explosion — and a mysterious woman seemingly passing herself off as Cassie's doppelgänger — the high-stakes bedlam sets in fast. Although it has been dropping its first four episodes in pairs, The Flight Attendant has always been compulsively bingeable, bringing page-turning cliffhangers to the screen with twisty and polished aplomb. Season two isn't as taut as its predecessor so far, but it still soars to entertaining heights thanks to its blend of humour, darkness and espionage intrigue, as well as Cuoco's career-best work and Girls' Zosia Mamet standing out in support. The second season of The Flight Attendant is available to stream via Binge, with new episodes dropping weekly. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2021, and January, February and March 2022 — and our top new TV shows of 2021, best new television series from last year that you might've missed, top 2021 straight-to-streaming films and specials and must-stream 2022 shows so far as well. Top image: Coco Olakunle/FX.
Before there was a Marvel Cinematic Universe, there were Fantastic Four movies. The first two to earn a big-screen release arrived in 2005 and 2007, with the latter hitting the year before Iron Man kicked off the MCU. Now, add the Stan Lee- and Jack Kirby-created superhero quartet to the list of characters who are being brought into the Marvel fold. The next Fantastic Four is set to reach cinemas in 2025 as part of the franchise's sixth phase. That Disney has been planning to bring Fantastic Four into the MCU isn't new news. In fact, it's been on the cards for a few years, enabled by the Mouse House buying 20th Century Fox. But since it was announced, it's sparked a whole heap of speculation about casting Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm — aka Mister Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing and The Human Torch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney (@disney) Exactly who'll be getting fantastic this time around has just been revealed, with Disney dropping the news for Valentine's Day 2024 in the US. It's a starry list, starting with Pedro Pascal — who adds the MCU to his resume alongside the Star Wars realm (thanks to The Mandalorian) and game-to-TV smash The Last of Us — as stretchy group leader Richards. He's joined by Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), who'll bend light as one of the Storm siblings; Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), who'll get fiery as the other; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), who is no one's cousin here, but will instead get huge, rocky and super strong. Directed by WandaVision, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Succession's Matt Shakman, the new Fantastic Four is now set for a Thursday, July 24, 2025 release Down Under. [caption id="attachment_885020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Last of Us via HBO[/caption] Pascal and company are taking over from two past big-screen takes on the superhero team. In the 2005 and 2007 movies, Ioan Gruffudd (Harrow), Jessica Alba (LA's Finest), a pre-Captain America Chris Evans (Pain Hustlers) and Michael Chiklis (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) starred. Then, in 2015, Chronicle filmmaker Josh Trank gave the group a spin — still outside of the MCU — with Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Kate Mara (Black Mirror), a pre-Black Panther Michael B Jordan (Creed III) and Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers). As everyone who caught this year's Super Bowl trailers knows — so, everyone — Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds, Ghosted) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, Faraway Downs) are also joining the MCU in Deadpool & Wolverine, and also thanks to Disney purchasing Fox. Since dropping on Monday, February 12, the debut trailer for the film has become the most-watched trailer ever. There's no trailer for the new Fantastic Four yet, obviously, but you can check out the sneak peeks for the past three Fantastic Four movies below: Fantastic Four is set to release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Top images via HBO, Apple TV+, Netflix and FX.
Three months after closing its doors on the 55th floor of Rialto Towers, celebrated fine-diner Vue de monde is reopening with a whole new fit-out and menu. The adjoining Lui Bar is also back with a brand-new look and an expanded drinking area. During the break, Executive Chef Hugh Allen worked with his team to do a major update on the French-inspired food offering. "We've been working on the changes to Vue de monde and Lui Bar for a few years now, and it is wonderful to see everything come together. Taking a few months away from the day to day has helped us create what we believe are really special menus across the restaurant and the bar," Allen notes. Dishes from the opening menu are set to include grilled lamb sweetbreads with asparagus topped with a sauce made of fermented macadamia; padrón peppers filled with heirloom eggplant; and marron tail slowly grilled and served with a paste made from fried native herbs and accompanied by a warm marron roe custard. Wine continues to receive ample love here, as director Dorian Guillon and head sommelier Mathieu Gobin run Vue de monde's phenomenal, award-winning wine program comprised of 2,000 bins, hailing from both Australia and around the globe. When sitting down to eat, guests will still gather around the signature tables made by designer Ross Didier and kangaroo hide tabletops designed by Theo Hassett. But the rest of the interiors have been redone, mostly featuring luxe black and timber finishes. Restraint remains as the views across the city are the true star of the show up at Vue de monde. That goes for Bar Lui as well, which is now situated on the eastern and southern wings of the tower. The larger space is designed similarly to the Vue de monde dining room, yet with more natural finishes — think timber, marble, sheep skin and natural brass. Allen has developed a larger menu of snacks here, featuring Sydney rock oysters, Blackmore wagyu ribs and caviar service for the extra bougie folks out there. Lui Bar's manager Elisabetta Lupi has also curated a new cocktail list focusing on sustainability and native ingredients. Lupi's favourite new cocktail is the Margot — a spritz made with Davidson plums, rhubarb and lacto-fermented yellow tomatoes. It seems as if the same luxury French-inspired sensibilities of Vue de monde remain, but with a strong focus on local ingredients. Vue de monde is welcoming guests back from November 1, and Bar Lui will reopen on November 8. Find them both at Level 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street — open from Wednesday to Saturday.
Nestled in The Archway on Katherine Place, Delhi Streets brings authentic Indian market food to the city of Melbourne. Owner Charan Singh likes to pride himself on not running a typical Indian restaurant. Expect a more snack-based, market style affair. The menu kicks off with a 'Feed Me' option, designed to take the stress away from the indecisive diner and let them sit back and relax while the chefs decide. Alternatively you can back yourself and order away off the 'Street Chaat' menu, which includes delights such as the pain puri, crispy cracker balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind and yoghurt, or the Mumbai staple; pav bhaji, a spiced mixture of mashed veggies served in two toasty, buttery buns. It also does pizzas and wraps with an Indian focus, which sets this place apart from the more traditional Indian restaurants in Melbourne. The tandoori chicken pizza is an open-faced naan with masala sauce, chicken tikka, cheese, tomato and onions while the paneer pizza is a mouth-watering vegetarian option with capsicum, coriander, tomatoes, onions and crumbled Indian cheese on masala sauce. Then there are thali classics. This includes butter chicken or goat served with rice, naan, pappadum and pickles as well as heaps of vegetarian options. Keeping it all in the family, his dad, Resham, is manning the tandoor. From the tandoor oven, we recommend you try a mixed grill or stick with the classic chicken in a garlic and ginger marinade. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and Monday to Saturday for dinner, Delhi Streets is the perfect venue for any occasion, so long as the brief is fun and laidback.
We love a midweek dining deal. Whether that's bottomless pierogies, cheap tacos, heavily discounted lobster linguine or all-you-can-eat charcoal chicken. These deals are the perfect reason to get off the couch and into the city to support small businesses without going too heavy on the spending. And Chapel Street's Mr Miyagi is the latest spot to join the fold, slinging its flame-cooked yakitori every Tuesday night for just $5 a pop. Head down to the Windsor restaurant on its all-new Skewsday to sample pork belly skewers with teriyaki glaze, barbecue spice and lime; chicken skewers with garlic soy marinade and lemon ponzu butter; beef skewers with teriyaki glaze, barbecue spice and lime; and eggplant skewers with shio koji soy marinade and lemon ponzu butter. You can either sip and snack after work with these cheap yakitori and a few cocktails or make a feast out of these and a few other larger dishes. Dealer's choice.
Two Little Boys follows the series of unfortunate incidents that make up Nige (Bret McKenzie) and Deano's (Hamish Blake) long-term mateship. Things get tricky when Nige accidentally runs over and kills a Scandavian soccer star. He has no one to turn to but Deano and, unfortunately, Deano is not the kind of guy to turn to in a time of crisis. The mishap leads to more unfortunate events with hilarious and bizarre consequences. Directed by Robert Sarkies and based on the novel by Duncan Sarkies, Two Little Boys is a cheeky comedy bound to make you laugh and appreciate the one of a kind relationship between two best mates. Thanks to Hopscotch, Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway to see Two Little Boys. To go in the running just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au
If bliss to you means peering at infinite reflections in lit-up mirror rooms, wading through brightly coloured ball pits and having pillow fights — plus hanging out in digital forests, watching tales told via shadows and hopping over musical tiles, too — then prepare to beam with joy when Dopamine Land arrives Down Under. The latest multi-sensory experience that's hitting Australia, it's being pitched as an interactive museum. Inside, you'll find themed spaces that you can mosey through, engage with their contents and, ideally, bask in nothing but pure happiness. With a name like Dopamine Land, it's immediately clear that contentment, glee, merriment and exuberance is the aim of the game here. So is evoking those feel-good sensations through nostalgia, because this is another kidulting activity — it's all-ages-friendly as well — and it's making its Aussie debut in Brisbane from Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Brisbanites, and anyone keen for a Sunshine State trip to revel in more than the sun's glow, can look forward to wandering around Dopamine Land at Uptown in the River City's Queen Street Mall. Locals know that the site was previously the Myer Centre — and, decades back, was home to a dragon-themed rollercoaster. So, it's a fitting venue to get everyone channeling their inner child, unleashing their imagination and, yes, hitting each other with cushions. Heading this way direct from London, the experience combines optical illusions, engaging soundscapes and more across its ten themed rooms. The ball pit is self-explanatory, but also takes its cues from Miami in the 80s, complete with a pina colada scent, an electro soundtrack and LED lights that pulse to mirror waves. The pillow-fight space also doesn't need much explaining; however, the decor is inspired by marshmallows and boxes of lollies, Mexican wrestling is also an influence and you can win the pillow-fighting championship. Fancy seeing stories play out via shadows? There's a room for that featuring a big top-style roof. If you try your hand at the musical tiles — well, your feet, to be more accurate — you'll create a melody as you jump around, with the lights changing as you go as well. And if getting as serene as possible is your aim, head to the Keep Calm Forest, which artificially recreates a woodland via LED trees, mirrors and sounds to match. There's even a room dedicated to the autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR, which goes big on projections and animations by Australian digital artist Cassie Troughton. As is always the case with these kinds of pop-ups — Fever, the company bringing Dopamine Land to Australia, has also been behind The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, The NBA Exhibition, Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience and Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience — there'll be ample opportunities to take photos. Accordingly, you know what you'll be seeing on your social-media feeds. There's no word yet whether Dopamine Land will head to other Australian cities beyond Brisbane, but expect it to be popular either way. Find Dopamine Land at Uptown, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane from Tuesday, May 28, 2024, with tickets on sale from 7pm on Thursday, April 11. For more information, or to join the ticket waitlist, head to the experience website.
Following a massive five-year renovation, Hotel Sorrento has finally unveiled its completed look. The Mornington Peninsula's uber-cool, world-class boutique resort has expanded its offerings, marking a new benchmark for coastal luxury in Victoria. The pub has been in the hands of the Pitt family since 1981, and across three generations, it has undergone extensive transformations, including this latest multi-phase project. First, the development saw luxury accommodation, a pool, spa and wellness facilities added on to the venue. And now, the final upgrades have been unveiled to include a New York-style Lobby Bar, an openair wellness terrace, conference and event facilities, and several new luxury suites. "The completion of this development isn't just a milestone for us; it redefines what hospitality looks like on the Mornington Peninsula. We grew up in this hotel, and to now see it fully realised as a resort destination that offers world-class hospitality and wellness is something we're incredibly proud of," says Myles Pitt, Director at Hotel Sorrento. The new Lobby bar, designed by Six Degrees Architects, is inspired by globally recognised venues such as The Bowery Hotel in New York. Whether it's an early morning coffee, an afternoon aperitif, or a post-dinner cocktail, the low-lit space is an intimate and sophisticated place to slow down and unwind. The new openair terrace will complement the hotel's existing wellness offering, Marlo Spa. With seaviews, a travertine yoga deck wrapped in lush greenery and sun-soaked, laidback vibes, it'll be a great spot to settle in over summer. "As a family, we are thrilled to provide an offering that reflects what we love — not only spaces for people to connect and celebrate, but also an opportunity to invest in their health and wellbeing. We are passionate about balance, and Hotel Sorrento certainly now provides that," says Marcus Pitt, Director at Hotel Sorrento. Images: Supplied.
With a booming five-year stint and loyal crowd of regulars under its belt, unique party place Pawn & Co shocked plenty when it announced it was getting turfed from its Chapel Street home — at the hands of developers, no less. But, as promised fiercely to its fans, the bar-pawn shop hybrid has returned with a vengeance, moving to impressive digs around the corner, at 177 Greville Street. The new iteration is bigger and better than ever, with the original hidden bookshelf entrance now leading punters to a heftier two-level space, complete with cosy booths, a courtyard, and three separate bars. This time though, co-owner and designer Josh Lefers has dialled up the steampunk aesthetic to a whole new level, with the retro-futuristic reboot boasting such random treasures as a cryogenic chamber, a steampunk throne, and an old Victorian tram you can sit in. There's also a church organ mixing cocktails, a talking vending machine taking drink orders, and a host of bonus extra features, glimpsed only through special glasses given to patrons. Of course, Pawn & Co has stuck with the bar concept that put it on the map (it was once featured by Forbes back in 2013), so absolutely everything inside the space is up for sale. Best keep that credit card on a short leash though, unless you really want a cryogenic chamber for your house. Images: Eugene Hyland.
Six months after a group of ten adorable platypuses were introduced into the Royal National Park, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has reported that the duck-billed buddies are thriving in their new home. The iconic native animal had been extinct from the area for 50 years up until 2023, but now they're back and they're loving it, with nine of the ten platypuses reportedly adapting well to their new environment. As for the tenth, it has travelled beyond the established tracking area, but the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said: "we are confident the little adventurer is just exploring other creeks". Originally announced back in 2021, the project is the first-ever translocation program for platypuses in New South Wales, coming from collaborative work between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia. The ten ultra-cute pioneers were collected from southern NSW before being given health checks and fitted with transmitters at Taronga Zoo's platypus refugee. They were then brought to the national park and shown their new digs, where they've been hanging out ever since. The project was started after a 2020 UNSW study that found that the areas where platypuses live in Australia had shrunk by 22 percent in the last three decades. The group of furry trailblazers will be monitored through 2024, with hopes that they might breed and rear young — a milestone moment for the project if it does occur. If you want to head out and explore this expansive stretch of nature — and possibly catch a sighting of a platypus — there are plenty of walks and stays that you can plan in the Royal National Park. Find out more about the platypus reintroduction project via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Facebook page.
In these multi-purpose, multi-tasking, multi-hyphenate-filled times, the idea of a winery simply featuring rows of vines, the facilities to make vino, and somewhere to buy and drink it is long gone. Sure, all of the above are still included — but so are sculpture gardens, luxury hotels and four-acre spaces filled with edible greenery, plus giant five-storey cubes. The latter is the standout attraction at South Australian winery d'Arenberg, which opened its new centrepiece in McLaren Vale on December 14. More than 14 years and $15 million in the making, the towering structure looks like a partially twisted Rubik's Cube floating above the plants below. Of course, even over-sized versions of everyday puzzles don't usually feature an art gallery, a wine inhalation room, a virtual fermenter, a blending bench, a video room or a smartphone app-linked functionality that's being dubbed an "alternate reality wine museum." A cellar door and a restaurant are part of the space as well, the former boasting panoramic views over McLaren Vale, the Willunga Hills and the Gulf St Vincent, and the latter serving up seasonally changing degustations over two levels. Anyone visiting for a sip and to stock up their own wine reserves can expect to pay $10 to enter, then try 30 different grape varieties, 70 wines and choose from four different premium tasting flights (for an extra fee). Meanwhile, hungry attendees can feast on a menu cooked up by husband and wife team Brendan Wessels and Lindsay Durr. Other highlights include 115 televisions, and a glass roof that features 16 hydraulic umbrellas — which lift in a choreographed sequence. As well as proving unlike any other winery in the country, it's anticipated that the massive square will become a tourist attraction. "The d'Arenberg Cube has been a once in a lifetime project – high tech, yet grounded in the dirt of our McLaren Vale vineyard, with views to the future," explains d'Arenberg Wines chief winemaker and viticulturalist Chester Osborn. Images: d'Arenberg.
Sounds like a branding exercise, but there really is a brand new vegetable on the block; a teeny tiny new development dubbed lollipop kale, currently under development in Australia, the UK and US right now. And it's possibly the most adorable thing we've seen in many a day — even if it's almost a Brussels sprout. Lollipop kale is indeed a thing — one gaining predictable popularity in the US, UK and now, South Australia and Victoria. Developed as a hybrid by British company Tozer Seeds, lollipop kale is now known as kale sprout (boring) in Australia and kalette (better) in the US. A form of cross-breeding between kale and Brussels sprouts (so you'll actually eat 'em), lollipop kale is currently being developed by a cluey South Australian grower. Adelaide Hills grower Scott Samwell, of Eastbook Farms in Mount Barker, has been upping the ante on his lollipop kale plantings over the last two years. Samwell told the ABC the lollipop kale grows sort of like a Brussels sprout — tiny bunches growing from a central stem, growing to around a metre tall. Apparently the new veggie has been getting good reviews in South Australian and Victorian markets, where the mini-kale has been available. "Everyone we've spoken to who has tried it, especially in the local area, are very keen on it." he told ABC. "It's a different tasting product, compared to green Brussels sprouts, because it's a bit sweeter." According to Grub Street, lollipop kale was the centre of mere whisperings in the food community — and wholly doubted and denied by chefs. GS's Hugh Merwin described it as the Bigfoot of the vegetable world — appearing in fruit exchanges around America and then suddenly becoming unattainable. But now it's here, ready for 'hipster' brandings and total hater ridicule. Being so teeny tiny, lollipop kale is primed for the home roasting — more bite-sized and considerably more adorable than your regular freaky kale chips. Right now, however, growing lollipop kale at home is pretty expensive — GS noted that online vegetable message boards (an actual Thing) criticised the high cost of the seeds; $11 for 40 seeds. So expect to see higher prices on Australian menus for the bite-sized little blighters. Lollipop kale will supposedly be available on the Australian market this year. Via ABC and Grub Street. Image: Hugh Merwin, Grub Street.
'Social distancing' isn't just a phrase that you might remember from watching Contagion years ago. As the world reacts to COVID-19, it's an important and crucial tactic to help stem the growing spread of the coronavirus. That means not only keeping your distance from other people if and when you do venture out of the house but, increasingly, staying home entirely. If communal viewing parties are part of your usual social routine, however, you don't have to completely adjust to watching Netflix alone. Thanks to a Google Chrome plug-in called Netflix Party, you can now stream movies and TV series on the platform simultaneously with your friends — with the browser extension synchronising everyone's playback so you're truly watching each and every frame at the same time. It also features an online chat function, allowing you to talk, laugh and otherwise comment while your film or show of choice plays. To use Netflix Party, everyone you'd like to watch with will need have their own Netflix account. They'll also need to use Google Chrome — and the plug-in is only available on desktop and laptop computers, so you won't be able to sync your television sets. After downloading the extension, you'll want to head to the Netflix website, select what you'd like to watch and hit the 'NP' button at the top of the browser next to the address bar. Then, select 'start the party', which'll create a URL for you to share with your mates. For those receiving a Netflix Party URL, you'll need to click on it to open it in Google Chrome, then hit the 'NP' button at the top of the browser next to the address bar. Once you've done that, it should automatically bring you into the communal viewing space. Of course, people have tried synchronising their streaming viewing manually ever since Netflix and other platforms emerged on the scene. If you've attempted that option, though, you'll now that it's tricky, involves a constant barrage of text messages asking "which part are you at now?", and just proves logistically frustrating. Netflix Party is available for Google Chrome on both desktop and laptop computers. To download the plug-in, visit the Netflix Party website. 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. Top image: Netflix.
There's no putting a happy face on this news: Joker: Folie à Deux has been named one of the worst movies of 2024 by the 45th Golden Raspberry Awards. While the first Joker film earned Joaquin Phoenix (Napoleon) an Oscar, now he's up for Worst Actor instead. Lady Gaga (House of Gucci) is included in the Worst Actress field for her performance as Harleen Quinzel, and the picture's two leads share a nod in the Worst Screen Combo category. The flick also popped up in the Worst Screenplay, Worst Director (for Todd Phillips, War Dogs) and Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel camps. 2025's Razzies, which will announce its winners on Sunday, March 2, 2025 Australian and New Zealand time, weren't fond of comic-book characters making the leap to the screen. Madame Web also collected a heap of nominations — six in total, including for Worst Picture and in three of the acting fields. Cinema's least-coveted gongs didn't have any love for video game-to-film adaptation Borderlands, either, another flick with a big showing, including in the top field. Also up for Worst Picture: Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis and political biopic Reagan. The five-film group covers all of the most-nominated titles for 2025's awards, with Joker: Folie à Deux up for seven, then Madame Web, Borderlands, Megalopolis and Reagan each up for six. From there, although they weren't featured in the Worst Picture field, the Jerry Seinfeld-directed Unfrosted picked up four nods, Kraven the Hunter scored three and the remake of The Crow starring Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu) nabbed two. Everything from Argylle (for two of its performances) to Mufasa: The Lion King (for Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel) are now Razzie nominees. Among the big-name stars recognised this year, Seinfeld earned two (for Worst Actor and Worst Director), while Jack Black received three (for Worst Actor for Dear Santa, Worst Supporting Actor for Borderlands and for the latter again for Worst Screen Combo — for any two obnoxious characters, but especially Jack Black). Whichever films emerge victorious in March, they'll follow on from 2024's winners, with Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey nominated in five categories and winning all five — and Expend4bles collecting two awards. The year before, Morbius, Blonde and Elvis tied for the most accolades with two apiece. Check out the full list of Razzie nominees below: Golden Raspberry Nominees 2025 Worst Picture: Borderlands Joker: Folie à Deux Madame Web Megalopolis Reagan Worst Actor: Jack Black, Dear Santa Zachary Levi, Harold and the Purple Crayon Joaquin Phoenix, Joker: Folie à Deux Dennis Quaid, Reagan Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted Worst Actress: Cate Blanchett, Borderlands Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux Bryce Dallas Howard, Argylle Dakota Johnson, Madame Web Jennifer Lopez, Atlas Worst Supporting Actor: Jack Black, Borderlands Kevin Hart, Borderlands Shia LaBeouf, Megalopolis Tahar Rahim, Madame Web Jon Voight, Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land and Strangers Worst Supporting Actress: Ariana DeBose, Argylle and Kraven the Hunter Leslie Anne Down, Reagan Emma Roberts, Madame Web Amy Schumer, Unfrosted FKA Twigs, The Crow Worst Screen Combo: Any two obnoxious characters (but especially Jack Black), Borderlands Any two unfunny "comedic actors", Unfrosted The entire cast of Megalopolis Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller, Reagan Worst Director: SJ Clarkson, Madame Web Francis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis Todd Phillips, Joker: Folie à Deux Eli Roth, Borderlands Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel: The Crow Joker: Folie à Deux Kraven the Hunter Mufasa: The Lion King Rebel Moon 2: The Scargiver Worst Screenplay: Joker: Folie à Deux Kraven the Hunter Madame Web Megalopolis Reagan The Golden Raspberry Awards will be announced on Sunday, March 2, 2025 Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has won three Grammys and 11 Latin Grammys, starred in Bullet Train and hosted Saturday Night Live, among plenty of other achievements, but only in 2026 will he finally hit the stage in Australia. In February and March, Bad Bunny will tick a trip Down Under off of his list, bringing his new DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS world tour to Sydney. Named for his latest album, which released in January this year and spent three weeks in a row atop the Billboard 200 chart, the tour will see him become the first Latin act to headline stadiums globally. Only one city on Bad Bunny's jaunt around the planet is Australia, however: the Harbour City, for two shows at ENGIE Stadium across Saturday, February 28–Sunday, March 1. He's playing the New South Wales capital in-between dates in Brazil and Japan, two other countries where the 'Mia', 'Callaíta', 'Qué Pretendes' and 'Vete' singer will perform live for the first time ever. The Puerto Rican superstar's global trek follows his No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí gigs, a 30-date residency at José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in his homeland. Before that, he toured North America in 2024, and both North and Latin America in 2022. His DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS shows will take him to Europe for the first time since his 2019 X 100pre tour. On the charts, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, his sixth album, has kept garnering love — also sitting in the Billboard 200 top ten for 13 weeks, taking the number-one slot on Billboard's Latin Albums chart for 16 consecutive weeks and helping him become the first-ever Latin artist with 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries.
A fairy theme with rock'n'roll attitude is the best way to describe Arcane Fairies. This late-night bar on Lonsdale Street promises to deliver a night you won't forget too soon. From the giant fairy folk suspended from the ceiling to medieval-inspired decor and a menu that's centred on indulgence, Arcane Fairies proves itself as not just another cocktail bar quite quickly. Drinks — referred to as elixirs — follow the fantasy theme. Vexa's Trick mixes gin, cucumber and black cherry bitters, Sylph's Golden Glow sees bourbon and triple sec dance with salted caramel, and Aura's Blush is the ultimate blend of sweet, tart and icy thanks to Bacardi being blitzed with coconut and frozen strawberries. It seems that fairies like good food. And the snacks menu runs the gamut from twice-cooked fried chicken, a lobster doughnut and a Birria-inspired corn dog to Sichuan braised pork ragu, smash burgers and "fairy crack fries". If you're wondering where this perfectly weird range of eats comes from, it's the mind of celebrity chef Jake Warhurst at work. He served as a personal chef to Drake and Virgin CEO Richard Branson at times. We've saved the best part until last – drinks are delivered from bar to table via a zipline, which stretches across the venue's ceiling.
If you've ever been stuck with the job of throwing away perfectly good food at the end of a hospitality shift, it probably won't shock you that Australian retailers are turfing over three million tonnes of food each year. Or that 80 percent of it is being chucked out simply because it wasn't sold. Thankfully, folks across the country are tackling the issue of unnecessary food waste head-on, with groups like OzHarvest and SecondBite built around the concept of redistributing unused food to the needy. And now, you can help fight the issue and save money on grub simultaneously, thanks to a new locally born app called Y Waste. Currently operating in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, the app helps you locate businesses in your area that have surplus food to offload at the end of the day. You can then purchase it at a discounted price, paying via your smartphone and picking it up from the venue at the allocated time. Depending on which city you're searching in, you might find sandwiches and salads from the local cafe, unsold pastries from that nearby bakery, or even freshly made pizzas, all going cheap. The only restriction is that you have to take what's left — so if you're a picky eater or have dietary restrictions, this may not be for you. Sydney's offering includes Newtown's The Pie Tin, which is serving up a box of unsold pies for $2.90, Sol Coffee Bar in Campsie, serving up a mix of sandwiches and salads for $4, and Neutral Bay's Tonic Lane, which has mixed bags of cold and hot dishes going for $5. In Melbourne, you'll find venues like Coburg's Falafel House, serving up two falafels for $7, and Richmond's Fruscolino Pizza, with a large pizza going for only $9.90, in the lineup. In Brisbane, you can snag $5 pizzas at South Brisbane's Presto Pizza and $2.75 breads, sandwiches and muffins from 3Js Cafe in Woody Point. Now you can nab a budget-friendly feed and feel good about your efforts. The Y Waste app is available to for iOS and Android. Image: The Pie Tin, Newtown
Last summer, Australians sat down in front of their televisions to watch a famous train cross the country. And, it proved a hit. In fact, a three-hour documentary about Adelaide-to-Darwin locomotive The Ghan was such a success that SBS aired a 17-hour version that followed the entirety of the train's daytime trip. Yes, 17 whole hours. It cut out the evening parts, where the screen would just be black, for obvious reasons. Come January 2019, The Ghan will have company in the very niche genre that is TV docos about super-lengthy Aussie train journeys — and, once again, there's two versions. Following the Indian Pacific, the transcontinental railway line that crosses Australia from Perth to Sydney, the documentary will air on SBS in a three-hour format at 7.30pm on Sunday, January 6. It'll then be followed by the entire 17-hour marathon, which'll run on SBS Viceland from a yet-to-be-confirmed time on Saturday, January 12. Now, The Indian Pacific: Australia's Longest Train Journey could've been longer. Much, much longer. In fact, the whole 4352-kilometre trip takes 65 hours from coast to coast, with stopovers in places such as Broken Hill, Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, Kalgoorlie, Rawlinna and Cook depending on the direction of the journey. A train with a hefty history, the Indian Pacific first ran along the rails on February 23, 1970, and is now considered an Aussie icon. The lengthy doco forms part of the slow TV movement, and it's not the only instance that's coming to SBS this summer. Like boats? Multiple types of transport? The broadcaster is also airing The Kimberley Cruise: Australia's Last Great Wilderness, which follows a Broome-to-Darwin route through the Top End; plus North to South, which ventures from Auckland on New Zealand's north island down to the Southern Alps and Milford Sound on the country's south island, including railways, sailing and driving the route. Both will screen three-hour cuts as well as lengthier versions up to 18 hours, with the Kimberley getting its time to shine on Sunday, January 13 and Saturday, January 19, and NZ in the spotlight on Sunday, January 27 and Saturday, February 2. If that's not enough, SBS Viceland will replay the whole The Ghan experience on Saturday, January 26 too. If staring at transport trekking across landscape is your kind of thing, there's your Saturdays in January well and truly sorted. For further details, visit the SBS website. Image: Great Southern Rail.
Funlab (Holey Moley, Hijinx Hotel and Strike Bowling) has a thing for competitive socialising, now operating over 50 game bars across Australia. And one of its most popular sites — Holey Moley on Little Bourke Street — is undergoing a huge expansion. Come Friday, October 11, the Funlab crew will unveil the new-look mini golf space, which has been decked out with new automated scoring and live leaderboards, bonus points scoring games, and a heap of other updated technologies. The main Caddyshack bar is also being expanded to accommodate guests visiting the new downstairs venue Holey Moley Funhouse. Here, putters will be invited to put down their clubs and participate in nine different challenge games — similar to those seen at the team's OTT Hijinx Hotel. These will include a ball pit, throwing challenges, an egg and spoon race full of obstacles, quick-fire memory games, and putt putt pong (we're not entirely sure what this is). Like the downstairs mini gold bar, these games can all be played with a drink in hand — or at least the drinks can be put down for a few moments while you compete with your mates at each different gaming area. Holey Moley Funhouse will also similarly embrace nostalgic 80s and 90s vibes but feel more like a carnival than a mini-golf course. "Holey Moley Funhouse combines two of our guests' favourite experiences; Hijinx Hotel challenge rooms and the competitive and nostalgic fun of Holey Moley. We think we've not only created the latest and greatest new Funlab concept, but also Melbourne's most playful new bar!", shares Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber. Holey Moley Funhouse will open on Friday, October 11, and can be found at 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. For more information, you can visit the venue's website.
The minds behind participatory theatre crew Born in a Taxi are no strangers to thinking outside of the box, known for delivering barrier-smashing, immersive arts experiences that focus on real-time co-creation. Well now, they're diving back into the box, if you like, for their latest creation, The Cube. Making its home at the Carnegie Community Space from Friday, April 8–Wednesday, April 13, The Cube will act as a giant display case of creativity, hosting a suite of performances, installations and live art experiences. Passersbys can catch innovative offerings like Cubed — a performance piece by dance-theatre company Alice Will Caroline that reimagines 1997 film Cube — and a spontaneous show fusing comedy, light, dance and theatre, titled Enlighten. Meanwhile, the premiere of Butterfly House will see you create your own winged critter out of recycled materials, to be released in the butterfly chamber among a cast of performers and puppets. Dance collective L2R are set to share their secrets via a hip hop workshop, before showing off their finest moves in a community dance jam. And you'll even have the chance to catch local street artists creating live works, as The Cube becomes a transparent studio space. The Cube's entire program is free to experience, though you'll need to register in advance for the workshops and the Butterfly House performances. [caption id="attachment_849720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carla Gottgens[/caption] Top Images: Catherine Smith and Emma-Jane Pirvel Collins
It has always been impossible to watch TV shows by Nathan Fielder, including Nathan for You and The Rehearsal, without feeling awkwardness gushing from the screen. The films of Josh and Benny Safdie, such as Good Time and Uncut Gems, are such masterclasses in anxiety and chaos — and so astute at conveying life's anything-that-can-go-wrong-will certainty — that viewers can be forgiven for thinking that their chairs are jittering along with them. From Easy A, La La Land and Maniac to The Favourite and Poor Things, Emma Stone keeps proving an inimitable acting force. Combine Fielder, the Safdies and Stone on one series, then, and whatever sprang was always going to be a must-see. Streaming in Australia via Paramount+ from Saturday, November 11, exquisite new dark satire The Curse is also as extraordinary in its brilliance as it is excruciating in its discomfort. As well as co-creating the ten-part series, Fielder and Benny Safdie co-star, co-write and co-direct. Stone joins them on-screen and as an executive producer, with Benny's brother Josh doing the latter as well. The Safdies' regular collaborator Oneohtrix Point Never, aka Daniel Lopatin, gets the show buzzing with atmospheric agitation in one of his best scores yet — even after winning the Cannes Soundtrack Award for his unforgettable work on Good Time. And yes, The Curse is everything that the sum of these parts promises. It's more, in fact, then even more again. It flows with disquiet like a burst hydrant. It fills each almost hour-long episode with a lifetime's worth of cringe. It's relentless in its unease second by second, moment by moment and scene by scene. It's also a marvellous, intense and hilarious black comedy that apes the metal Doug Aitken-esque houses that Stone and Fielder's Whitney and Asher Siegel like to build, reflecting oh-so-much about the world around it. The Curse takes the show-within-a-show route, with the Siegels eager to grace the world's screens as reality TV hosts. Their angle: environmentally sustainable passive homes that only use energy that they create, which Whitney and Asher consider their contribution to their adopted New Mexico hometown of Española. The newly married pair have American pay TV network Home & Garden Television interested in Fliplanthropy, as well as their efforts to green up the community, create jobs for locals, and revitalise a place otherwise equated with struggling and crime stats. Lurking between the couple and HGTV is producer Dougie Schecter (Safdie, Oppenheimer), Asher's slimy and manipulative childhood friend with a nose for sensationalism — particularly when he gets the scent of disharmony among his stars as they try to start a family, get their show on the air, build their gleaming houses, find ideal buyers, honour the area's Indigenous history and overcome The Curse's title. As the series dives into, parodies and interrogates unscripted television, gentrification, whitewashing, white saviour complexes, racism, appropriation, marriage, privilege, authenticity, spiritualism, inherited burdens and more, its moniker can refer to many things. A white couple sweeping into the region, trotting out altruism for fame — and, in Whitney's case, to scrub away her association with her parents (White House Plumbers's Corbin Bernsen Search Party's and Constance Shulman), who have been dubbed slumlords for treating their tenants poorly — is hardly the gift that the Siegels think. Accordingly, while their actions around Española don't just span futuristic abodes that couldn't stand out more, but also enticing new businesses to the area with free rent, supporting campaigns for land rights and celebrating local artists, it's forever plain that every move that the pair make is about getting something out of it. Fielder has long unpacked what it truly means to show reality on-screen, plus the machinations behind it — and with unsettling precision, The Curse is no different. Stress would ripple through this series as inescapably as Whitney's desperation to become TV's next big thing anyway, and Asher's onslaught of neuroses and humiliations (you'll never think about cherry tomatoes the same way again); however, The Curse's name is also literal. Being filmed for B-roll footage for the pilot at Dougie's suggestion, Asher gives primary schooler Nala (debutant Hikmah Warsame) a $100 note while she's selling soft drink in a carpark with her father Abshir (Captain Phillips Oscar-nominee Barkhad Abdi). Then, when the shot is over and his performative compassion is no longer needed, he snatches the money back. The girl's response, as accompanied by a steely gaze and the unfettered anger of a child wronged by an adult: "I curse you". As bad luck springs for the Siegels afterwards, arriving in both big and small ways, those words keep lingering. Again, Fielder ponders what is real and isn't, finding another way into his favourite topic. Whitney already oozes must-do-now urgency — served with a wide Stone smile — about anything that could stymie her quest for television domination, and Asher is a walking portrait of please-accept-me torment from the get-go; then comes the hex and the fudging of lines between what's a mess of their own making, what springs from paranoia and what may be supernatural. Aptly, when The Curse's title appears on-screen at the start of each episode, it shimmers with wavy lines looking glass-style to kick off this streaming mirror mirror, distorting and disorienting in the process. Birds sometimes fly directly into the Siegels' shiny houses, meeting their ends after not spotting what's looming right there in front of them, which also makes a fitting metaphor. Squirming and watching Fielder might go hand in hand, but the experience has rarely been better than in The Curse. Neither has Fielder. His familiar directorial instinct to let moments persist to the point of aching mortification continues here, sparking his most purposefully perturbing performance yet — because watching someone this bumbling yet authoritative, and this muddled and self-conscious in everything they do yet bolstered by their status, race and bank balance, is meant to be this incisively agonising. With the show often shot like it's spying, including through windows and doorways, Stone and Safdie are equally exceptional and difficult to look away from. The yearning to be worshipped and praised non-stop, and the fear of her carefully constructed do-gooder facade being cracked, is weaponised in Stone's portrayal. Meanwhile, Safdie plays the kind of shifty that can't be shaken devastatingly well. In a plethora of ways, The Curse ticks all the boxes that it was always going to, especially via Fielder, the Safdies and Stone's exacting involvement. Throw in the fact that A24 is behind the series, placing it on a slate alongside Beau Is Afraid, You Hurt My Feelings, smash-hit Australian horror movie Talk to Me and fellow TV series Beef from 2023 alone — each of which could pair with The Curse for different reasons — and that truth only grows. And yet, no one can pick exactly where this show is heading while watching, even when you're sure that you have and those predictions come to fruition in an exchange, plot point, theme or revelation. Consider it a funhouse hall of mirrors, then: you know that something warped will confront you wherever you look, but you can never be confident of what it'll be. Consider The Curse one of the best new TV shows of 2023, too, and the type of unique viewing that's a glittering treasure even it inspires non-stop dread and horror that threatens to swallow you whole. Check out the trailer for The Curse below: The Curse streams from Saturday, November 11 via Paramount+. Images: Beth Garrabrant and John Paul Lopez/A24/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
When it's hot and humid you'll find us hurling ourselves into the nearest water source to take the heat off. And after the past couple of years we've all had, we're pretty keen to cool off somewhere extra special in 2022. One place that is overflowing with waterfalls and crystal clear freshwater swimming holes is Tropical North Queensland. Autumn is the perfect time to see the rainforest and its waterfalls truly thrive thanks to higher rainfall. From natural rock waterslides to rope swings in the Daintree, there's no shortage of incredible ways to make a splash and extend your summer in the north this year. Just make sure you always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and steer clear of out of bounds zones, flooded waters or dangerous areas so you're always swimming safely. [caption id="attachment_830046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SLIDE DOWN A NATURAL WATERSLIDE AT JOSEPHINE FALLS When you drive 75 kilometres south of Cairns to Josephine Falls, you'll quickly realise why this picturesque playground is so popular among locals and tourists. Located in Wooroonooran National Park, which is home to the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon people, this incredible waterfall cascades through World Heritage-listed rainforest near Queensland's highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere. From the carpark, you'll wander 600 metres through lush rainforest before reaching the viewing decks that overlook the falls. Here, you can take a few snaps of the incredible view before making your way down to the water peppered with smooth boulders for you to perch on — then it's time to get wet. If you're feeling adventurous, have a crack at the natural waterslide in the main pool. Or, if you like to take your swimming at a slower pace, there's plenty of space to float about in the rejuvenating water fresh from the mountain. [caption id="attachment_830048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] HIKE THROUGH AN INCREDIBLE NATIONAL PARK TO CLAMSHELL FALLS If you want to get properly warmed up before jumping into fresh rainforest water, take the track through Behana Gorge to discover the impressive swimming spot that is Clamshell Falls. Situated 30 minutes drive south of Cairns, the track winds its way alongside a babbling creek for 3.5 kilometres before opening up to a dreamy dip destination. The waterfall itself acts as an active backdrop to the gentler swimming hole that sits below. The incline of the walk can be challenging in parts which means it's likely there won't be too many people around. Just make sure you take all your essential items with you as there are no amenities when you're this deep into the jungle. [caption id="attachment_830044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET UNDERNEATH THRIVING FALLS IN THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS If seeing one waterfall in a day isn't enough, head to the highlands to experience the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit. With a bunch of tumbling waterfalls and vast crater lakes to explore, the trip up the mountain range to these rainforest delights is essential Tropical North Queensland travel. Take the Gillies Highway from Cairns to Crater Lakes National Park to dive into Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. Unlike their explosive origins, these water-filled volcanic craters are ideal for a serene morning float. Next, drive to the nearby town of Millaa Millaa to find out why its eponymously named falls are one of the most photographed cascades in the country. Have a soak in the swimming hole at the base of Millaa Millaa Falls or get underneath its 18-metre drop to have your very own rainforest shower. And, if more waterfall action is what your heart desires, visit nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls to round out the circuit. [caption id="attachment_830047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SWING INTO THE PRISTINE WATERS OF THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST Willing to head off the beaten track to find a quality swimming hole? Then head a couple of hours north of Cairns to beat the heat at Emmagen Creek. You'll bounce down an unsealed road to reach this picturesque pool located five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park. From the carpark, head toward the Emmagen Creek road crossing and take the track on the left-hand side to the swimming section of the creek located a few hundred metres upstream. If the water is high, consider plonking yourself in the clear rainforest water via the rope swing. Or, clamber down the twisting tree roots to enter the freshwater swimming hole slowly and try to spot a cassowary from the creek. [caption id="attachment_830054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] BE SPOILED FOR CHOICE AT CRYSTAL CASCADES When you want to get wet on a whim in Tropical North Queensland, head to Crystal Cascades. This stunning swimming spot is a popular place for locals to plunge and it's located only a 20-minute drive from the Cairns CBD. Crystal Cascades boasts a series of swimming holes and waterfalls that tumble down the mountain in a section of Freshwater Creek. If you don't feel like walking far, cool off in one of the cascade's lower pools. Or, if you're keen for a longer stroll, head to the top to take a dip at the larger waterfall at the track's end. The arching rainforest canopy provides for shady swimming and the granite boulder-filled creek helps to keep the pools cool year-round. There are picnic tables and barbecue facilities available too, so pack yourself some seasonal tropical fruit to refuel after all your waterfall exploration. [caption id="attachment_830049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SPEND THE NIGHT CAMPING AT DAVIES CREEK Drifting off to sleep to the sound of falling water doesn't have to be created through a mindfulness app and your imagination when you're in Tropical North Queensland. If you head to Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park, you can listen to the sounds of an actual babbling creek situated right next to your campsite. To get there, drive an hour west of Cairns and then pitch a tent at either the Lower Davies Creek or Upper Davies Creek campsites. Then, spend a couple of days exploring the hikes, mountain bike trails and waterfalls throughout the neighbouring parks. Just make sure you book your campsite in advance as there are only eight spots available at each campground. [caption id="attachment_832593" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] EXPLORE THE JUNGLE AT STONEY CREEK In the rainforest at the back of Cairns, you'll find locals cooling off at much-loved swimming hole Stoney Creek. Whether you want a quick dip not too far from town or to hike your way to a waterfall further afield, this series of private swimming holes has all your swim cravings covered. It's just a short walk from the carpark in Barron Gorge National Park to the first pool perched underneath a small footbridge. Swim here or continue down the left side of the creek adjacent track past a series of swimming spots before reaching the spilling waters at Old Weir Falls. If you're keen for even more mountain action, head back to the footbridge after a swim at the falls and take the right side track up to Glacier Rock. [caption id="attachment_832594" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] DIVE INTO THE MAGIC OF FAIRY FALLS If you make your way to Crystal Cascades, it's worth checking out its little sister swimming spot located close by, too. Tucked away in the dense rainforest next door to the cascades, you'll soon realise what's so magical about Fairy Falls. Take the track to the left of the carpark at Crystal Cascades to make your way to the mystical falls a 15-minute walk away. The narrow waterfall shoots into a clear blue swimming hole and the log wedged in the centre of its stream makes it easy to imagine fairies frolicking in this picture-perfect rainforest pool. Just make sure you follow the path along the creek when you're trying to find this veiled treasure — the alternative track at the fork won't lead you to the magical place you're seeking. [caption id="attachment_832597" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raging Thunder Adventures[/caption] FLOAT DOWN THE TULLY RIVER TO PONYTAIL FALLS A couple of hours south of Cairns is where you'll find the spectacular sights of Tully Gorge National Park. The Tully River churns its way down the mountain creating rapids and world-class white water rafting throughout this stunning gorge. But it's not all rough and tumble in at every turn along this river. You have two options to find Ponytail Falls — by car or by raft with Raging Thunder Adventures. For drivers, follow signs to Cardstone Weir until you spot the number 11 painted on the road. Then, take a short stroll through the rainforest to uncover the hair-like spout that spills into pale blue water below. Or, if you want to see the falls from a raft, sign up to a white water rafting adventure and a guide will take you there via wet and wild rapids. Ready to extend your summer by soaking up waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes in Tropical North Queensland? For more information and to book your holiday in the tropics, visit the website. Top images: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
To Valhalla, George Miller went: when Mad Max: Fury Road thundered across and shone upon the silver screen in 2015, and it did both, it gave cinema one of the greatest action movies ever made. It has taken nine years for the Australian filmmaker to back up one of the 21st century's masterpieces with another stunt-filled drive through his dystopian franchise — a realm that now dates back 45 years, with Mad Max first envisaging a hellscape Down Under in 1979 — and he's achieved the immensely enviable. Fury Road and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga's white-hued, silver-lipped war boys pray to gain entry to a mythological dreamscape just once, but Miller keeps returning again and again (only 1985's Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, in a now five-film series that also includes 1981's Mad Max 2, is anything less than heavenly). "The question is: do you have what it takes to make it epic?" Miller has Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Love and Thunder) ask in Furiosa as biker-horde leader Dementus, he of the post-apocalyptic Thor-meets-Roman gladiator look and chariot-by-motorcycle mode of transport. Returning to all things Mad Max after an affecting detour to 2022's djinn fable Three Thousand Years of Longing, the writer/director might've been posing himself the same query — and he resoundingly answers in the affirmative. An origin story-spinning prequel has rarely felt as essential as this unearthing of its namesake's history, which Fury Road hinted at when it introduced Furiosa (then played by Charlize Theron, Fast X) and made her the movie's hero above and beyond Mad Max (Tom Hardy, Venom: Let There Be Carnage). Discovering the full Furiosa tale felt imperative then, too, and with good reason: Miller had already planned the figure's own film to flesh out her background before her celluloid debut, and that she existed well past her interactions with Max was always as apparent as the steely glare that said everything without words. Now with both Anya Taylor-Joy (The Super Mario Bros Movie) and Alyla Browne (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) playing the lead, Furiosa is an act of seeing how sands shift. Time, terrors and tragedy sweep through Furiosa's life, moulding her into Fury Road's formidable figure — and the grains blasted around by the years, and the trials and tribulations, assist with the shaping. As exceptional as Theron was, owning her time in the role and the film that she was in, Miller was smart to recast with Taylor-Joy rather than deploying digital de-ageing. His new Furiosa doesn't mimic her predecessor, but evolves into her take on the character, including via fierce and anxious eye emoting beneath slicks of grease in a frequently wordless performance. Browne is also excellent, and equally as determined. Furiosa has chosen all of its key talents wisely; in a showcase turn, Hemsworth peacocks and drips evil like he's never had so much fun on screen, while Tom Burke (Living) is commandingly stoic as Praetorian Jack, a war rig pilot and a thoughtful mentor. When Browne begins the film as Furiosa, The Green Place of Many Mothers and the Vuvalini, its matriarchal custodians, are the character's safe haven and guiding forces — blissfully so. But she's resourceful, knowing to sever the fuel line on the bike of roving scavengers to stop them from finding her home. The girl that audiences already know will become an Imperator under The Citadel warlord Immortan Joe (Three Thousand Years of Longing's Lachy Hulme, taking over from the now-late Hugh Keays-Byrne) — and will then secret away his captive wives, each treated as little more than human breeding stock — can't stop the raiders from snatching her up, however. Their hope: impressing the volatile Dementus, who rides across the desert with a teddy bear strapped to him, with living proof that more than the wasteland's dust and savagery exists. Furiosa's world-building first hour spends its time with its protagonist as a plucky pre-teen trying to escape back to her mother Mary Jabassa (Charlee Fraser, Anyone But You) — who is in swift pursuit — and then internalising the trauma of becoming her captor's adoptee as he plots dominance guided by sheer arrogance, entitlement, cruelty and buffoonery (Hemsworth wears his bluster as well as he does red capes, which he amusingly isn't done with in this move away from Marvel). She's still a girl when Dementus and his gang arrive at The Citadel, where she's traded into Immortan Joe's care. Fifteen years pass in Miller and Fury Road co-scribe Nick Lathouris' new narrative, but Taylor-Joy's step into Furiosa's shoes leaves the character no less enterprising and consumed by anger at a world where everything that she loves has been taken from her. Max Rockatansky was a vigilante, after all — and, as shot in Australia for the first time since Beyond Thunderdome, Miller is still making a vengeance story here. "We are the already dead, Little D, you and me," Dementus will tell Furiosa later. This remains a movie where speeding along dirt roads in the vehicular equivalents of Frankenstein's monster — tinkered together road trains ferrying arms from the Bullet Farm and petrol from Gas Town — is an eye-popping high-octane spectacle, but it's also one where pain, grief and, yes, fury run deep. With Aussie accents everywhere, and a sunburnt country that's inching closer to reflecting reality every day baking parched sights into the Simon Duggan (Disenchanted)-lensed frames, Furiosa doesn't forget that it's in a franchise about ecocide, what humanity robs from itself by committing it and what it takes to endure afterwards. Fury Road didn't, either, but by adding more room between the on-the-road chaos, its prequel buzzes and thrums with the urgency and immediacy of survival, and also lets the weight of Furiosa's plight land. With Oscar-winning editor Margaret Sixel (Happy Feet) and costume designer Jenny Beavan (Cruella) both back — the first working with Eliot Knapman (a second assistant editor last time) and whipping up action sequences as frenetic as ever, the second in vintage form — Miller has top-notch help etching stunning sights into cinema history again. Although Furiosa isn't just one long pedal-to-the-metal display, it's still filled with them. A mid-movie 15-minute setpiece is as tremendous as Mad Max flicks get. While CGI leaves bigger tyre marks this time, there's an apt air to the glossier look versus Fury Road's lived-in aesthetics, reflecting Furiosa's journey. The wasteland and its horrors greet her afresh in this film, but they're as caked on as mud when she's an Imperator. It also feels fitting that Furiosa arrives, finally, in a year that sand has already stretched across screens as far as could be seen in Dune: Part Two, and also revenge has fuelled Love Lies Bleeding and Monkey Man and Boy Kills World. Making the vast, primal and eternal feel vivid and shiny and new keeps proving Miller's 00s-era Mad Max wheelhouse — and what a treat, what a lovely treat, it makes for viewers.
If you've got a hard-earned thirst for some spiffy beer merch, the folks at Victoria Bitter have you covered, and that's been the case for a couple of years. Hankering not just for branded VB gear for your wardrobe, but also for a VB fragrance? That's also been a possibility since 2020 — because if you love the famed Carlton & United Breweries beer, you probably don't mind smelling like it as well. That fragrance now has a sequel, with Thirst now available in longneck bottles. Once again, it also been dubbed "eau de hard work" — by VB itself, of course. And, to answer the first question that will have instantly popped into your head, yes, it comes in a bottle that looks the part. As for second query that we're sure you're pondering, the fragrance is made from perfume oil combined with "the essence of Australian Super Pride hops" — aka an extract from the same hops that are used to brew VB. So, while you hopefully won't reek like the stale aroma that sticks to your clothes after you've accidentally spilled your beer, you will definitely smell like hops, it seems. Apparently the scent has whiffs of "bitter citrus" and "icy aromas", too. If you're eager to not only drink VB, but bathe yourself in a cloud of its distinctive bouquet, you can purchase Thirst from Chemist Warehouse, either online or in-store — and via VB's own website. [caption id="attachment_780167" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Victoria Bitter Thirst stubbie edition[/caption] If you're keen on other VB-themed items as well, you can still head to the brand's site to check out its latest range, which always has a retro flair that nods to the brew's lengthy history quenching the thirst of hardworking Aussies. There are crewneck jumpers, singlets, socks, beanies, bucket hats, caps, thongs and shoes, all emblazoned with that instantly recognisable logo. Alongside all the clothes, you'll also find VB wall art and jigsaw puzzles — plus glasses, water bottles, coolers, bar mats and even fridges. Victoria Bitter's Thirst scent is available to purchase from Chemist Warehouse — and from VB's own website.
Ready to serve up some summer fun? The Canadian Club Racquet Club (CCRC) is back in full swing at Birrarung Marr for this year's Australian Open. The club will be running throughout the entire duration of the tournament and it's all free. You don't even need to book, just walk right up and enjoy the immaculate Melbourne summer vibes on the banks of our great Yarra. Celebrating a decade-long partnership with the Australian Open, Canadian Club knows a thing or two about creating a solid go-to spot for catching the matches. So go ahead and pull up a chair, relax, grab a drink, and take in the party atmosphere and stunning views. Doesn't get much better on a sunny summer arvo. This year will see the introduction of the Canadian Club AO Padel Court to the AO Hilltop at Birrarung Marr. For the uninitiated, think of padel as an off-the-wall spin on tennis and squash, played in doubles on an enclosed court. This is the first year it's open to anyone and absolutely free to participate, so if you fancy a game, hit the court at CCRC between 12pm–9pm daily. Now, let's talk launch party. On Sunday, January 14, from 5pm–9pm, the CCRC is hosting a bash with DJ Gazman on the decks. It's the perfect scene for a cheeky Sunday session with your mates. Mark it in your cal. Canadian Club Racquet Club is the place to soak in the Aus Open atmosphere free of charge. Have a hit of padel, enjoy a drink among the misting fans, chill out in the comfy bean bags, and bask in the electricity of one of the planet's biggest sporting events, right here on our doorstep.
UPDATE, April 16, 2021: Crawl is available to stream via Netflix, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Part creature feature and part disaster movie, Crawl is a gleeful ripper of a thriller. Not only unleashing a ferocious hurricane upon its father-daughter duo, but a congregation of snapping alligators as well, its premise is simple — what the film lacks in narrative surprises, however, it makes up for in suspense and tension. That's the holy grail of fear-inducing flicks. Regardless of the concept, if a movie can make the audience feel as if they're in the same space as the characters they're watching, enduring every bump and jump, and sharing their life-or-death terror, then it has done its job. By playing it straight, serious and scary, Crawl manages to exceed its Sharknado rip-off status to craft a highly effective battle between humans, animals and the elements. The film introduces aspiring swimming star Haley Keller (Kaya Scodelario) on a wet and windy day, although she initially misses the wild weather warnings while she's doing laps at training. A panicked call from her sister (Moryfydd Clark) doesn't rattle the no-nonsense young woman, and nor does the news that her divorced father Dave (Barry Pepper) isn't answering his phone. Still, thanks to a few unresolved daddy-daughter issues nagging at her conscience, Haley is quickly driving down the blustery highway, flagrantly ignoring police instructions and heading to their old family home. It's no spoiler to say that she discovers more than she bargained for down in their basement, with Haley soon trying to save the injured Dave, stay alive herself, fend off ravenous gators and stay ahead of rising flood waters. In telling this tale, writers Michael and Shawn Rasmussen (The Ward) haven't met a cliche they didn't love, an emotional beat they didn't want to hit, or a convenient twist of the narrative screws that they didn't want to turn. It can't be overstated just how much of Crawl, in a story sense, plays out exactly as expected. Plot developments and character decisions all stick to the usual formula, as does animal behaviour and storm surges (if you're a screenwriter, it's possible to control the very forces that your protagonists can't). But it's worth thanking the cinema gods that Alexandre Aja is sitting in the director's chair — and that he knows a thing or two about creature features and horror movies. While the French filmmaker has both hits and misses to his name (including Haute Tension, remakes of The Hills Have Eyes and Piranha, and the devilish Daniel Radcliffe flick Horns), here he masters the art of conveying an alligator's menace. Of course, it could be argued that much of Crawl's work is easy. Along with sharks, gators already rank among the most frightening beasts on the planet. Courtesy of their teeth, speed, size and power, just thinking about them gives plenty of people the shivers — so, on paper, all that an unsettling film need do is place the scaly critters front and centre. And yet, as too many Jaws wannabes have shown since Steven Spielberg's massive hit created the concept of the blockbuster as we know it, it's not enough just to throw a bunch of attacking animals at some clueless folks. As more comic takes have demonstrated in Sharknado, Snakes on a Plane and the Birdemic movies, it's not enough to write off the whole scenario as simple silliness either. There's an existential basis to the genre's underlying idea, unpacking how humanity truly copes when it's made to face nature. As a species, much of our sense of collective worth stems from our ability to shape and control our world, and yet we can't stop weather systems from morphing into destructive hurricanes, or hungry reptiles from doing what they're designed to do. Mainly lurking in the Kellers' dank, dark, rat-infested crawlspace, Crawl leans into the primal side of pitting people against the environment. Aja takes every chance to emphasise the scampering threats eager to gobble up Haley and Dave. With assistance from his regular cinematographer Maxime Alexandre, he ramps up the unease, deploying tried and tested filmmaking techniques such as low shots, quick cuts, point-of-view perspectives, dim lighting, and ample movement and shadow. A couple of gory kill sequences add to the mood, as does the movie's approach to its swirling winds and rushing water. Indeed, amid the rampant CGI, there's a sense of awe for the havoc that alligators and hurricanes can each wreak, which only heightens the stressful atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, fear and tension radiates through the film as a result — and through its key duo, too. Although Scodelario and Pepper are given about as much room for character development as their cold-blooded foes, they still bring a naturalistic air to their performances, portraying anxious everyday folks just fighting to survive by doing whatever it takes. No matter what's thrown at us, or how, or where, that's what making humanity grapple with our surroundings boils down to, after all. In fact, given the state of the planet, Crawl's central theme not only proves frightening and fuels an effective thriller, but also feels unnervingly prescient. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4WuVXo_XAM
Hola amigos, meet Brunswick local Los Hermanos. Los Hermanos has found a niche somewhere between the taco trucks of the north and the classier acts of inner city and south-side Mexican eateries such as Touche Hombre and Mamasita. There are a few advantages that come with this: no lines or call-backs and tasty, traditional food without the pretension and price tag. They cater for both the carnivores and herbivores among us, so you can choose from one of the five taco fillings ($5 each) that are as fun to eat as they are to say. Pollo (chicken), carne (beef), barbacoa (lamb, highly recommended), hongos (mushroom) or calabazitas (zucchini) are your filling options. Or why not try something a little more traditional like the ensalada de napales ($7.50); here you have a cactus salad filled with plump tomatoes, tangy lemon (from the tree out the back), red onions, feta cheese and coriander. My pick, though, are los sopes ($6.50 each); the delicious discs of cornflour covered in beans, homemade salsa and crisp lettuce topped with chicken, mushroom or zucchini. Try some of the local hot sauce for a fiery finale. Though the prices are modest, the serving sizes follow suit, so you may need a few items to fill the belly. The bar's aesthetic perfectly suits owner Bruno Carreto's intention: to create a friendly, local drinking hole that people keep coming back to. It's cosy, casual and contemporary whether you're inside next to the wood panelled stickle-brick bar or outside under the fairy lights and fading summer sun. It's not a stretch to imagine you're perched at a bar somewhere in the hip colonia Condesa in Mexico City. From the banos out the back covered in Jose Posada-style skeleton chalk drawings, to the authentic pedigree of the lovely waiters, it's the little things that make the difference. A mixed local crowd fill out the place from mid-week on, so if you're not a fan of a background buzz, it's best to try earlier in the week. And the best part? Los Hermanos' basic beer and wine menu is set to expand to encompass margaritas, tequilas and many a mezcal. Their future food menu promises more hearty, traditional dishes that can be shared amongst friends. I know I'm not alone in looking forward to sharing some smoky tequila-soaked nights with mates at Los Hermanos. Here's hoping they stick around.
Situated deep in the West Gippsland region, the tiny town of Thorpdale is best known for potatoes, thanks to its rich agricultural industry and community events like the Thorpdale Potato Festival. But now the tight-knit town — population 475 — will go down as the home of the West Gippsland region's very first distillery, located in the historic Travellers Rest Hotel. The journey to get here has not been easy. In 2017, the 80-year-old pub was destroyed by fire, with many in the community fearing their beloved art deco watering hole would never open again. However, new owners Jill Jepson and Sean McCarthy took on the responsibility of returning this spot to its former glory. The results were impressive, with a new beer garden and deck overlooking spud country giving the community its much-needed social hub once more. Now Jepson and McCarthy have led the public house into its next chapter, with the unveiling of a brand-new, in-house distillery in the pub's former basement keg room. Initially starting with vodka, the output will showcase a range of local produce, with an aim to utilise Thorpdale's famous potatoes. Complete with a visitors' tasting room and bar, the subterranean space is filled with historic features that showcase the pub's 88-year story from to the original keg room doors, to the smartly restored former staff bedrooms which now house the shiny new still, as well as a cosy tasting room and a library. One historic leftover is the so-called drunk's room, where blitzed rogues would get safely stowed for the night, rather than being left to wander the surrounding paddocks in a haze. Visitors to the Travellers Rest Hotel can expect the distillery to serve up a series of creatively infused vodkas, with the initial offering including apple and coffee-accented tipples. Meanwhile, a seasonally evolving menu of smaller-batch runs will showcase the very best of the region's produce throughout the year. In addition, the distillery will soon host immersive tastings and masterclasses, designed to take you behind the scenes of the distilling process. There'll also be bottles available for purchase over the counter, if you're after a memento of your visit to West Gippsland. Don't cut your trip short though — after your tasting, you can head upstairs to the front bar for a classic counter meal, and keep warm in front of one of the pub's two wood heaters. The Travellers Rest Hotel is open at 2 Station Street, Thorpdale. Head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Nicky Cawood.
Development in the lead-up to the Olympics often means catastrophe for the homeless. In 2008, Beijing attracted criticism following the announcement of an intended 'social clean-up'. A 2007 study by the UK Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions demonstrated that, since 1988, more than 2 million people worldwide had been forced out of their homes to provide space for the games. Journalist George Monbiot has described the Olympics as 'a licence for land grabs'. He recalls that, in Seoul, 'homeless people, alcoholics, beggars and the mentally ill were rounded up and housed in a prison camp. The world saw nothing of this: just a glossy new city full of glossy new people.' Last year, in London, the Manor Garden Allotments, which had been in use for a century, 'disappeared for good behind the Blue Wall', despite protests. The recent decision to transform London's Olympic Village into low-income housing is, therefore, a welcome one. It does not justify or ameliorate repeated disregard for the homeless, but it's an effort in the right direction. Having provided beds for 17,000 weary athletes, the area is being taken into the hands of a developer based in Qatar. Fifty per cent of the buildings will be up for private rental, with the remainder run by a local housing authority. Six-month contracts promise flexibility to tenants in need of short-term accommodation, and communal and commercial facilities, including schools, a medical centre, offices, stores and eateries, will be available. At least 100 houses will welcome their first residents this August. [via PSFK]
In Red, White and Blue, one of the five films in the Small Axe anthology, the force isn't with Star Wars' John Boyega. The police force, that is — although his character, Leroy Logan, gives up his job as a research scientist to fulfil his dream of becoming a cop. Logan wants to make a difference, and to drive change from within. He's committed to his task, even going through with his plan to enlist with London's Metropolitan Police after his father (Steve Toussaint, Doctor Who) is harassed and beaten by local officers because they can, and because they don't like the colour of his skin. But, while Logan excels at training and is quickly chosen to front a diversity campaign, British law enforcement in the early 80s wasn't welcoming to a Black man. Playing Logan — a real-life figure, like many within Small Axe — Boyega's eyes simmer with the intensity of someone who knows they're actively defying everything around them at each and every moment. Viewers can't help noticing this determined and resolute stare, just as they can't escape the Star Wars reference included by Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave and Widows filmmaker Steve McQueen and his co-scribe Courttia Newland either. Red, White and Blue is the third film in the series, however, so its audience has already spied this particular gaze several times over. Boyega and the character of Logan only appear in one movie, but the same look blazes across many of the faces seen across the entire 60s, 70s and 80s-set anthology, which places London's West Indian community firmly at its centre. In Mangrove, that same fervent expression is evident far and wide as the film tells an infuriating true tale about a police campaign to target a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill. When the Trinidad-born Frank Crichlow (Shaun Parkes, Lost in Space) opens the titular establishment, he wants to give his community a taste of home and a place to gather, but the cops quickly make their presence known. After protests about heavy-handed and racially targeted policing, nine activists — known as the Mangrove Nine, and including Black Panther leader Altheia Jones-LeCointe (played by Black Panther's Letitia Wright) — are arrested for inciting a riot. Co-scripting with Trespass Against Us and Tomb Raider writer Alastair Siddons, McQueen turns this heated situation into a gripping movie of two expertly crafted halves, with the first detailing the events from 1968 leading up to the trial, and the second showing how the defendants are treated while they're fighting for their freedom. [caption id="attachment_789616" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mangrove[/caption] Of course, every Small Axe film is about that same fight, just in different manners. McQueen wants everyone watching to see the toll such a battle takes, especially when it has to be waged day in, day out — and the images in his work, as has proven the case across his filmography, are repeatedly concerned with people trying to navigate stress, then internalising all the pain the external world throws their way. Oscar-nominated for 12 Years a Slave, he's a master at conveying that pain and tension, often by peering intimately and empathetically at his characters. That's a skill that can't be underestimated, and that few filmmakers possess in quite the same way. Indeed, it's one of the reasons that McQueen's features always stand out. Lovers Rock, the second Small Axe entry, overflows with faces and bodies — at a West London house party in 1980, where Martha (debutant Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn) and Franklyn (Micheal Ward, The Old Guard) cross paths. As the genre of reggae that shares the film's name echoes through the soundtrack, this pair of strangers lock eyes and more, with the film lovingly and tenderly showing Black Londoners just being themselves. Martha and Franklyn swoon over each other, and the movie swoons with them, its warm and sensual visuals helping to spin the only wholly fictional entry in the anthology. This tale is perhaps the most crucial part of the set, even though it departs tonally from its fellow features; the happiness snatched and shared by its two central characters feels all the more affecting and important when contextualised against the unwelcoming city around them. [caption id="attachment_797060" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Lovers Rock[/caption] Small Axe's fourth and fifth films don't leave any doubt that simply existing is often a political act for people of colour, and that trying to counter engrained discrimination and oppression is an ongoing effort. In Alex Wheatle, the series jumps into the life of the award-winning writer of the same name (as played by Ted Lasso's Asad-Shareef Muhammad as an eight-year-old, then by first-timer Sheyi Cole), who spends the bulk of his childhood in institutionalised care. When he later finds a place where he feels like he belongs, he's subsequently imprisoned during the Brixton Uprising of 1981. Unsurprisingly, Education also explores a character's formative years, using fictional figures to tell a story drawn from reality. Twelve-year-old Kingsley (Kenyah Sandy, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey) is singled out at his school, told he's underperforming and that he's being sent to another for kids with special needs — as part of an unofficial segregation policy his mother Agnes (Sharlene Whyte, We Hunt Together) learns is far too commonly applied to West Indian children. Before this anthology, McQueen hadn't directed a bad movie. That isn't changing now. Here, he gifts viewers a quintet of films that are as exceptional as anything he's ever made — and as potent, impassioned and probing as well. There's no weak link here, only stunning, stirring, standout cinema that tells blistering tales about Black London residents doing everything it takes to resist their racist treatment and live their lives. Every feature is sumptuously shot, too, thanks to the awards-worthy work of cinematographer Shabier Kirchner (Bull), which transports viewers into the five movies so vividly it's like you've been whisked back in person. McQueen's soundtrack choices also add yet another layer, including the pitch-perfect use of Janet Kay's 'Silly Games' in what might be the series' best sequence — as well Al Green's cover of the Bee Gees' 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' that cuts deep, as everything about Small Axe does by design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcqItifbNUA&feature=youtu.be All five Small Axe films are available to stream via Binge. Top image: Red, White and Blue.
December might be the merriest and jolliest time of the year, but the end of March and the bulk of April is Melbourne's funniest period. That's when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival arrives, tasking comedians from around the globe — including plenty of local talents — with getting the city laughing. When attendees aren't giggling at a world-famous name, they're discovering the amusing folks who'll become tomorrow's rib-tickling stars. From Wednesday, March 26–Sunday, April 20, 2025's MICF is here to get Melbourne chuckling, complete with a hefty lineup. By the numbers, this year's festival features 1000-plus performers — more than 130 of them from overseas — putting on 690 shows, and also 182 stages running in 133 venues. And then there's the type of gigs on offer, from solo stand-up to galas, cabaret to circus, and everything from sketches and improv to plays and all-ages fare as well. One of the big highlights full lineup — which started being announced in 2024 — is the Australian debut of Fantasmas star and creator Julio Torres, who is playing exclusively in Melbourne. Also on the bill: Mark Watson, Sara Pascoe, Danny Bhoy, Rhys Darby, Ruby Wax, Paul Foot, Nazeem Hussain and Zoë Coombs Marr, plus Michael Hing, Melanie Bracewell, Broden Kelly, Claire Hooper, Joel Creasy, Andrew Hansen, Lizzy Hoo, Wil Anderson, Jenny Tian, John Safran, Jimeoin, Reuben Kaye, Ray O'Leary and Sh!t-faced Shakespeare doing A Midsummer Night's Dream. The list goes on, including Adam Kay, Flo & Joan with One Man Musical, Desiree Burch, Rahul Subramanian, Sumukhi Suresh, Tom Allen and Buffy Revamped, which relives seven seasons of the series in 70 minutes as told by Spike. From there, the talents still keep coming, with Amy Gledhill on the bill fresh from winning the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 Best Show prize, Jin Hao Li also on the roster after being nominated for Best Newcomer at the same accolades and 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Award-winner Ahir Shah making the trip as well. Chloe Petts, Chris Parker, Guy Montgomery, Guy Williams, Urzila Carlson, Pierre Novellie, Rosie Jones, Anirban Dasgupta, Urooj Ashfaq, Charlene Kaye, Sarah Keyworth, Arj Barker, Carl Donnelly, Elf Lyons, Iliza Shlesinger, Kai Humphries, Kemah Bob, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Sofie Hagen: they're also among the international contingent. Back with Aussie humour, Alex Ward, Amy Hetherington, Becky Lucas, Bron Lewis, He Huang, Luke Heggie, Tommy Little, Luke McGregor, Mary Coustas, Sammy J, Yon from Tripod, Cameron James, Dave Hughes and Geraldine Hickey keep the list going — and, of course, have a whole heap of other homegrown company. And if you're looking for shows and events with a theme or twist, a David Bowie tribute, comedy whisky tasting, rooftop laughs, an improvised movie mashup, a murder-mystery, a comedy musical about op shops and a Jane Austen-inspired cabaret are on offer. Or, you can head to RocKwiz live, a Shrek burlesque, comedy pub crawls, a true-crime comedy walking tour and a 90s-loving game show. As proves the case every year, this is an event for comedy-loving Melburnians to get excited about, then plan their entire schedules around. Adding to the fun, the fest's gala is back, taking place at the Palais Theatre to open the year's guffaws, while the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, The Annual Great Debate, Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, Asian Allstars Gala and Upfront's focus on female and non-binary artists are all making welcome returns. To discover your next favourite comedians, the lineup also features RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and the Class Clowns National Grand Finals. Images: TJ Garvie / Nick Robertson / Ian Laidlaw / Nicole Reed.
Have you launched a hospitality business that deserves some love? Think you could be Australia's next great business success story? Been in business for five years or less? Keep reading because you could be in with a chance to win a business-changing worthy prize. Here at Concrete Playground, we love championing the hospitality businesses that keep the country fed and entertained. We also understand that times are tough right now. That's why, in partnership with Square, Concrete Playground is giving away a marketing package worth $20,000. If you've been in business for five years or less, the Boost Your Business competition aims to shine a light on your brand. By entering the competition, you could be in with a chance to win a native editorial feature on Concrete Playground and get your business in front of our dedicated readers, as well as inclusion in Concrete Playground's hospitality directory. You'll also receive a social media push as we promote your business across various channels and help you reach engaged audiences with an eDM inclusion. Intrigued? Simply tell us in 25 words or less why your hospitality business is Australia's next great success story. For the full details, see the comp form below. T&Cs apply. [competition]1022571[/competition]
Ever since 1922, every movie that's been made about vampires owes a debt to Nosferatu. On the Malthouse Theatre stage in 2023, so does Australia's latest world-premiere theatre production. The Melbourne theatre company is taking inspiration from the cinematic masterpiece in a new drama that shares its name — but, giving the tale an Aussie twist, it's setting its horror story in a Tasmanian mining town. Hailing from writer Keziah Warner, and starring Jacob Collins Levy (The White Princess), this take on Nosferatu heads to a locale that residents are keen to restore, hoping that its glory days can return. To achieve that feat, they embrace a mysterious investor. If you've seen the film, however, you'll now that its central figure always has quite the taste for blood — no matter the other narrative details around him. People disappearing, questions no one wants to ask, getting more than one bargains for: that's how Malthouse's Nosferatu goes from there, as theatre attendees can see during its debut season from Friday, February 10–Sunday, February 16. And yes, Nosferatu has always owed its own debt, too, given that the OG version has quite the similarities to Bram Stoker's Dracula. There's a long story behind that connection between the 1922 film and Stoker's iconic novel, but it all comes down to making an unauthorised adaptation of a popular book. Dracula has inspired a wealth of movies, TV shows and stage productions itself, of course — and Nosferatu has been remade, turned into an opera and more before Malthouse's new production. (Also in the works for cinemas: a new big-screen version by The Northman filmmaker Robert Eggers, reportedly starring Barbarian and IT's Bill Skarsgård.) Malthouse's date with the influential story marks its latest page-to-stage show, after adapting classic Aussie book Looking for Alibrandi in 2022. At present, anyone wanting to see the end result for Nosferatu will need to rush to the Melbourne season — but cross your stake-holding fingers that audiences elsewhere in the country will get to sink their fangs into the production in the future. Check out a trailer for Malthouse's Nosferatu below: Nosferatu's world-premiere season runs from Friday, February 10–Sunday, February 16 at the Merlyn Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne. Head to the Malthouse Theatre website for tickets and further details. Top image: Kristian Gehradte.
The holy trinity of a successful hospitality venue is food, drink and fit-out — though nailing this trifecta is no easy feat. Australasia's 2018 Eat Drink Design Awards covers the interior element in a celebration of hospo design across Australia and New Zealand in eight categories: best restaurant, bar, cafe, hotel, retail space and temporary installation (pop-up). Victoria (and more specifically Melbourne) is the clear winner this year — snagging five of the eight awards, plus additional commendations in seven categories. Birregurra's luxury farmstay Brae Restaurant Accommodation won Best Hotel Design (Six Degrees Architects); Melbourne CBD's tiny Japanese den Ishizuka won Best Restaurant Design (Russell & George); Fitzroy's heritage cafe Bentwood won Best Cafe Design (Ritz & Ghougassian); Yarra Valley's Chandon Australia — a tasting room and boutique – won Best Retail Design (Foolscap Studio); and Swanston Street stalwart Cookie was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The 2018 Best Bar Design went to Adelaide cocktail bar Malt & Juniper (Sans-Arc Studio), and Canberra nabbed a win in the Best Installation Design category for Pop Inn — a mobile wine bar (Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn Architects). While Sydney did not come home victorious, the city did receive a good number of commendations, including two for Barangaroo House, which earned commendations in both the best bar and best restaurant design categories. The Imperial Erskineville and Edition Haymarket also received best bar design commendations and Fonda Bondi received a best restaurant design commendation, too. In the best retail design category, Little Bonny's received a nod, which was designed by famed studio Luchetti Krelle (Manly Greenhouse, Terminus Hotel, Banksii, Acme). Luxuriate in the sleekness of the top designs below. [gallery ids="697870,697865,697866,671311,691780,651134,662281,697859"] For the full list of winners and commendations, head to the Eat Drink Design website. Images: Ishizuka by Felix Forest, Brae by Trevor Mein, Chandon Australia by Tom Blachford, Bentwood by Kate Shanasy, Edition by Trent van der Jagt, Barangaroo House by Kitti Smallbone, The Imperial by Trent van der Jagt, Cookie.
In his creative exploration of sleep and lightness, David Nemcsik has placed his friends in sleeping positions in the location of their most recent dreams...levitating in mid-air. His ingenious levitation photography is unlike the many of this sort we've seen before. Not only do his pictures appear as a wonder of unfathomable manipulation, but they are also meaningful and attempt to do much more than just confuse and amaze. Nemcsik travelled around his home country, Hungary, asking his friends where they were in their last dream and then proceeded to depict them in each particular location. He wanted to "show that people can levitate. It's magical and mysterious. They are levitating in a lying position just as if you'd be if you were lying in your bed while you were sleeping." The project was conducted as an entrance exam to art university and aimed to demonstrate to his friends that magic does really exist out there in the world. He's certainly convinced us so take a look at Nemsciks magnificent levitation photographs and renew your faith in magic.
Cher. Madonna. Prince. Björk. Rihanna. Some names are so iconic that they don't need a surname. These music legends — and many more – have released era-defining music, delivered performances that go down in history, and now, they're taking over the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts in the Southbank Arts Precinct. From couture gowns and glittering costumes to sets dominated by pyrotechnics and hologram visuals, divadom doesn't come easy. The just-opened performing arts museum's debut DIVA exhibition will unravel what it takes to be a diva, tracing the lives of a star-studded cast of international musicians alongside homegrown stars including Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton-John, Marcia Hines, and Dame Joan Sutherland. [caption id="attachment_1057920" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Operatic powerhouses Maria Callas and Dame Nellie Melba deliver technical and emotionally-charged arias without microphones. Pop provocateurs of all eras like Cher, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish pair their music with high-energy dances and theatrics. Elton John and Prince played multiple instruments, while Cher's and Grace John's stages often doubled up as fashion runways. All these performers are a part of DIVA, and rising icons get their share of the spotlight too — Amy Taylor of Melbourne-based punk band Amyl and the Sniffers and flamboyant cabaret artists Reuben Kaye and Meow Meow offer a glimpse into the next generation of divadom. [caption id="attachment_1057922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Find over 250 objects — including 60 spectacular costumes — from London's Victoria and Albert Museum, the Art Centre Melbourne's Australian Performing Arts Collection, and rounded off with loaned items from all over the world. DIVA also takes visitors backstage, with handwritten lyrics, scores, posters and personal paraphernelia. Walk through it all accompanied by an immersive soundscape designed by world-leading sound designer Gareth Fry, featuring an emotional soundtrack that brings together tunes by Aretha Franklin, Josephine Baker, Dolly Parton, Ella Fitzgerald, Sade, Adele and more. [caption id="attachment_1057925" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cabernet artist Reuben Kaye. Image supplied[/caption] Visit the Australian Museum of Performing Arts website for more information.
Located in the heart of Victoria Street — affectionately known as Melbourne's Little Vietnam — Thuy Lu and Thy Vo's new casual mod-Viet restaurant has quite the family history. The sisters' parents Trang Le and Van Ho opened both the original Thy Thy and Thy Thy 2 on Victoria Street in the 80s, and Thy Thy Counter and Canteen now sits in the very same corner site that once housed their third venture, Tho Tho. This new incarnation celebrates the family's South Vietnamese heritage, while also embracing other regional flavours encountered on more recent trips through the country's north. In the role of head chef, Mum Le is deftly blending the traditional with the modern, with plenty of long-held family recipes getting a spin. It's all being plated up in a light-filled, minimalist space, featuring a contemporary mix of polished concrete floors and generous pops of colour. Classics are in strong supply on the menu, with options like bo bop thau (wagyu beef salad) ($22), banh hoi (rice vermicelli cake) ($18–20), Vietnamese-style slaws and a range of goi cuon (rice paper rolls) ($12). You'll find a swag of stir-frys, vermicelli bowls and signature rice dishes, while a special beef pho ($14) heads the selection of noodle soups. Wash down your feed with a Vietnamese 333 Beer ($9), a local wine, or perhaps a sweet Viet-style coffee ($6). Keep an eye out for a weekly-changing lineup of specials, too — think, bun bo hue (Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup), traditional broths and a rotation of banh mi rolls. [caption id="attachment_830385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Images: Pete Dillon
