Normally ugliness is relative and objective, but not if you’re at one of the stranger events taking place during the Basque city of Bilbao’s annual cultural festival Aste Nagusia or ‘Big Week’. Somewhere in between the comparatively commonplace displays of music, art, fireworks and bullfights taking place over the nine-day celebration falls the bewildering Concurso de Feos, which literally translates to ‘The Ugly Competition’. Concurso de Feos was apparently initiated as a spin on the controversial and outdated beauty pageant. Though it is also a great alternative for those not endowed with the skills required to perform the spectacular facial feat known as a gurn (perhaps due to still having at least six teeth) but who continue to dream of having their ugliest mug immortalised on the Internet. The Spanish competition apparently encourages the use of fingers to assist with the distorting process, with entrants stuffing digits into their nostrils, eyeballs and inner cheeks in their quest to perform the most unsightly sneer in all the land. There appears to be no age restrictions on competing, with the event popular amongst both old and young alike. And, obligatory jokes aside, Concurso de Feos can claim the dual merits of providing locals with a comical distraction from the Basque County’s economic woes and the rest of the world with a good boost of self-confidence. via Geekologie
Sitting along the Maribyrnong River, The Boathouse is a local institution. Fairytale-esque wooden tables, outdoor chairs and shady hanging trees make The Boathouse one of the best places for a summer drink in Melbourne's west. Boasting a brief Modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh seafood and meat, you'd do well to pair your meal with a little midday drink.
If Polly were a real lady, this is what her home would look like: washed concrete floors, deep burgundy walls, and gold framed-paintings of long lost elders, royal velvet armchairs and a schmick bar fit out with a box of sneaky cigars for later use. Oh, and of course, her front garden would be a green paradise, with mythical Greek statues and the odd water feature or two. Except Polly isn't a real lady. She's a bar, and a damn fine one at that, too. Located right in the heart of Brunswick, Polly is a drinking hole with air of dark elegance. Think the eerie feeling of a haunted house crossed with a grand dame's estate, and you've got a quirky little place, perfect for pre-drinks or a night out in itself, right within the reaches of Melbourne's best bohemian suburb. Polly boasts an extensive drink list, and if you can't find what you want off the menu, the friendly, efficient staff will happily improvise to make something delicious. Cocktails are a premium here, and many top shelf liquors are also available upon request. Why not down a decadent Nutella cocktail? (Nutella, Drambuie, chocolate vodka, chestnut liqueur coconut syrup) Or, if you really want to channel your own inner Polly, a mature sip of 'Lusty Busty Maiden' (Frangelico, berry puree, raspberry liquor) or a classic mojito flow down the neck with ease. (All from $18) If you're looking for a drink that is a little more modest, Polly's extensive wine list will leave you spoilt for choice, with even selections of white, red and sparkling wines available. (Glass, from $8) A wide range of tap and boutique beers keep the lads happy, while the designated driver can even have a bit of fun with a mocktail or two (from $8). Polly also offers a range of bar snacks and nibbles. The 'Perfect P' pizza (sweet potato, caramelised onion, olives and feta cheese) ($7) makes for a delicious little supper. Don't come here if you are in a hurry, as the shirt and tie clad staff take the time to cut, blend, mix, shake and pour your drink to perfect. Besides, you wouldn't want to rush such a fine experience as this one. Be sure to get to Polly early on Friday and Saturday, because as the night goes on, patrons fill the place wall-to-wall, and on occasion is sometimes known to flow out into the plant covered foyer with locals and their friends.
Concrete Playground takes to the streets to uncover Melbourne's most delicious dining strips. With new openings and a legion of local institutions, we're testing out the new kids on the block as well as rediscovering some old favourites along the way. First up: Smith Street. Rolling in the accolades of late, the Collingwood strip is bursting with flavour as the food offering gets more diverse and exciting with each new venue that opens its doors. Huxtaburger Pioneers of Melbourne's dude-food resurgence Huxtaburger prove that sometimes simplicity is best with their straightforward promise of 'hot food, cold beer'. A short, tight menu offers six burgers, ranging from the classic Huxtaburger (beef pattie, mustard, mayo, tomato sauce, tomato, cheese, lettuce and pickles; $8.50) to the Denise, with jalapeno and sriracha mayo ($9.50). For vegetarians, it's the Sondra tofu burger with sesame soy mayo ($9). Team it with crinkle cut chips and you've got a meal to rival any of Smith Street's higher-end restaurants. 106 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9417 6328, huxtaburger.com.au Old Kingdom Before booking here, know the protocol. There will be two questions when you place the call: how many duck?' Phone number?! Answer quickly and briefly. There's no time for pleasantries — a lot of succulent Peking duck needs to be cooked. But don't let the phone manner put you off. While the Kingdom itself isn't adorned with frills, the entertaining service, wallet-friendly food and BYO policy will see you in for a great night. Look on as the waiter theatrically dispenses duck, flinging it onto your plate before teaching you the recommended assembly method; folded inside a delicate pancake alongside spring onion, cucumber and hoi sin sauce. 197 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9417 2438 Saint Crispin Fresh from a recent awards sweep (winning a spot in the 2014 Age Good Food Guide and being named 'Hottest Victorian Restaurant' in The Australian Top 50 Restaurants list this year), Saint Crispin is a relative newcomer to the Smith Street scene. Considering the pedigree of the chefs (their previous work includes The Estelle and The Press Club), it's no surprise that Saint Crispin's menu has been creating media buzz, and with dishes such as WA marron, foie gras parfait, black truffle and sauterne jelly ($10) and little bites of 'snap, crackle and pop' ($9), it's hype that's well deserved. 300 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9419 2202, saintcrispin.com.au Rockwell And Sons The very thought of fried chicken Wednesdays should give you all the motivation required to make it through the mid-week hump. Tenderised in brine, slathered in buttermilk and batter-crunch fried, it takes three days to prepare but only one joyous moment to consume. If you burn your mouth through over-enthusiasm, just cool off with a glass of Riesling or crisp ale. The menu might seem lifted from the table of a tuck-shop diner (the double patty smash burger unashamedly uses Kraft cheese singles for their superior texture and unique melting mechanism), but it's the result of some very careful burger research — and considering the chefs were sourced from Attica and Cutler & Co, we'd tend to trust them. Besides, if hickory-smoked onion rings with Dr Pepper BBQ sauce and a pan fried soft shell crab sandwich with bacon, cabbage slaw and mustard creme fraiche don't convince, we can't help you. 288 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 8415 0700, rockwellandsons.com.au Po' Boy Quarter The Gumbo Kitchen food truck has finally found a place to park its po' boys, obtaining permanent residency at their new headquarters on Smith. They're keeping the Creole flavours coming with smoky pulled pork, southern fried chicken and shucked oysters, and while there's a focus on free range and fresh, it’s the lustre of deep fried snacks that will get you every time. The serves are hunking huge, which, surprisingly, has led to the odd criticism in social media. But complaining about portion size being too big is like saying 'my only weakness is that I'm a perfectionist' in a job interview. So maybe don't come here if you're after a light snack before the gym — for everyone else, dig in. 295 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9419 2130, gumbokitchen.com.au Josie Bones A mural of pork-porn above the bar sets the tone of this carnivorous eating house, where dishes like potted pork and smoked beer jelly ($12) and braised pigs trotter (stuffed with sweetbreads and mushrooms with smoked potato mash; $25) make nose-to-tail eating sound glamorous. The dishes are small but packed with flavour; be prepared to spend some cash if you're seeking a hearty feed. Otherwise, just settle in for an international tour of the craft beer list — there's over 250 brews on the menu and eight on rotating tap. While the meat-minded menu is the obvious drawcard here, ultimately it's about the brew, not the chew. That said, they cater to vegetarians surprisingly well — so nobody needs to feel left out. 98 Smith Street, Collingwood, (03) 9417 1878, josiebones.com
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Woodland Cabin, one of three luxe lodgings at Logan Brae Retreats in the Blue Mountains. With room for only two, any one of the cabins is an ideal getaway for when you need space, solitude and something a little fancy. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? The magical quality of this escape starts well before check in. If you're heading here from Sydney, you'll start your journey by winding your way through Hazelbrook, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath (stopping off for deli provisions and vino, so there's no need to interrupt your imminent immersion in nature) before you're welcomed by expansive views across Megalong Valley. Once you pull into the gravel driveway and make your way up to the Woodland Cabin, you'll immediately be consumed by calm. Warmly hued festoon lights, wildlife wandering freely, a round plunge pool perched alongside your deck, a vista to rival most: everything is special here. THE SPACE Although there's only room for a pair at the Woodland Cabin, the lofty open-plan design, towering windows and pared-back earthy palette delivers a space that's anything but small. You'll arrive to an already-built fire in the hearth with logs aplenty stacked alongside — all you need to do is strike the match. There's a deep stone tub to soak in, which when married with that view makes for a deliciously spent afternoon. And in the bathroom? A wide double shower, stone-topped vanity and gold fixtures, a lineup of lush products from Apotheke, plus style-heavy towels and robes adding a transportive touch of luxe. Outside, deck chairs beckon you for a morning coffee, as does a breakfast bar and outdoor dining set. While the deep plunge pool ensures you can beat any country heat. FOOD AND DRINK As a delightful touch to start your trip, a basket of snacks, vino, chocolate and light breakfast supplies waits on the dining table for you. Then, in the kitchen, you've got all the essentials. An oven, gas stove and nice wide sink join all the usual suspects (fridge, microwave, toaster, pots and pans); and you've covered for both olive oil and salt and pepper. Caffeine a pre-requisite? You've got a dedicated coffee bench, you lucky thing. Espresso machine? Tick. Plunger? Tick. Percolator? Tick. You can even make your own drip coffee. There's freshly ground beans, milk — cow only, so BYOM(ilk) if you're an almond or oat drinker — plus a 12-strong selection of teas. If you don't want to cook, you can get catering from Lavender Hill Graze. There's breakfast boxes, barbecue and salad packs and grazing platters ideal for by the pool. You can even have a picnic basket (complete with bubbles and rug) delivered to your doorstep. THE LOCAL AREA The Blue Mountains is a classic choice for a Sydneysider's weekender. And it's with good reason. There are hikes up to world-class views and secluded waterholes, buzzy breweries and cosy restaurants — all surrounded by that fresh clean country air. Nearby your lodging are farmers markets (in Blackheath on the second Sunday of the month), Euro-inspired saunas and the option to explore the area atop a horse. And if you want to stay close, stroll to the staggering cactus plant or stick to the private Woodlands Walk for a top-notch spot to take in the sunset. Got a book? Head to the tree hammock and while away your time suspended among the trees. THE EXTRAS Beyond the fact that this spot is clearly a winner, the family-run stay boasts delightfully personal touches too. Take the props adorning the walls: hats fit for seasoned bushmen and a whip. You two holidaymakers can stage a shoot, ensuring you have more than happy memories when you leave. There's a set of vintage binoculars for spotting faraway critters and all the deets for you to organise an in-room spa treatment. You can even organise flowers on arrival, from the locally loved micro flower farm Floral by Nature. It's just about time you booked a stay, dear reader. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
With his first feature, Samoa-born, New Zealand-based writer/director Miki Magasiva is living the filmmaking dream, all by championing what's important in his culture. Tinā, about a grieving mother who takes a job at a private school after the Christchurch earthquakes change her life forever, premiered at the Hawai'i International Film Festival late in 2024. Just over six months later, it's a homegrown hit that's earned so much affection from audiences in Aotearoa that the picture is now one of the most-successful NZ films in history. Sitting in sixth place as at mid-April 2025, Tinā is behind only Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Boy, then The World's Fastest Indian, Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider. For the year so far overall, it's second to A Minecraft Movie at the New Zealand box office. Taking on her first lead role after decades as an actor — on-screen, see: The Market, One Thousand Ropes, The Changeover, Filthy Rich, The Breaker Upperers, The Justice of Bunny King, Our Flag Means Death, The Rule of Jenny Pen and more — Anapela Polataivao wasn't envisaging this reaction, after she initially came onboard Tinā to help with the movie's development process without knowing that Magasiva had plans for to star. "Let's just say I did not anticipate this kind of response," she tells Concrete Playground. "You do the work and then you walk away and hope for the best, but this has been a continual — the response has been incredible, and mainly from our people, who are so appreciative of the work. And also a lot of the comments also are about their pride in the work, and visibility and for them being seen in our stories. So that's a great compliment." Did Magasiva foresee that Tinā, which takes its title from "mother" in Samoan, would strike such a chord? "Yes and no," he advises. "We were confident we had an initial script that people would enjoy watching. And then once we did the first round of edits, we knew we were onto something good that people would want to go and watch. However, having said that, the eventual response that we've gotten so far has been far beyond what we expected." "Touching on what Bels has just said before, you make these films and then you think 'that's it, my job's done. I'll just send it off — and if people go watch it, great. And if people don't go watch it, well, that's fine, too. We can't help that.' But having people come up to us and talk about their experiences, transformational experiences with family members and themselves, having gone through watching the film, is just way beyond what we ever expected. And so it's just been this really massive surprise for us that we're just so overwhelmed by and thankful for." Screening in Australian cinemas since Thursday, May 1, following its NZ release on Thursday, February 27, Tinā's origins mirror plenty of other movies in one regard: art imitating life. That said, Magasiva combined inspiration from IRL choir contest The Big Sing, the New Zealand choral festival for high schools that's been running for over 30 years, with not only tapping into Samoan culture but paying tribute to both the importance of connection and the leadership role of mothers. Mareta Percival, the heartwarming film's fictional protagonist, dotes on her daughter when the feature begins, encouraging her to make the most of her singing talents. Then tragedy strikes. While grappling with her loss, substitute teaching at a wealthy school becomes a necessity — and starting a choir that croons Samoan tunes proves a much-needed move for Mareta and her new pupils alike, even if some in the privileged community that's barely letting her in are vocal in their opposition. Tinā sits on Magasiva's resume after decades in the business as well, including earning acclaim for his shorts — Rites of Courage arrived in 2005, then Uso in 2006 — and working in television. The Panthers, of which he helmed two episodes, was the first-ever New Zealand TV drama series to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival. On We Are Still Here, an anthology feature directed by Indigenous filmmakers from New Zealand and Australia that opened the 2022 Sydney Film Festival, he was one of the behind-the-camera talents. His success with Tinā is far from overnight, then, but it might not have happened if he hadn't been so moved by online The Big Sing footage. With Magasiva and Polataivao, we also explored the journey from Tinā's first sparks to the tale that viewers are now being so touched by in cinemas — a story that puts the importance of moving forward collectively at its core; that is shaped by grief, and understands how mourning is so personal yet universal; and that also centres navigating cultural differences as a warm, hopeful film, while not shying away from the impact of attitudes of prejudice. And, we unpacked how Polataivo came to be its lead, what that achievement means to her, how Magasiva built Tinā's cast around its star and more. On Finding Inspiration for the Film in Online Footage of High School Choirs Miki: "It was hearing the choir performing. We grew up in churches, Samoan churches, listening to choirs, so we know it well. We have this sort nostalgic memory anytime we hear all of our old church choir songs. And so when I saw that, I was just so emotionally moved. I almost cried watching that video or that YouTube clip. I just thought that would make a great premise. I thought 'if I can just recreate some of the emotion that I'm feeling at the moment, I think we're on to something really special here' — and so I think luckily we've done a little bit of that." On the Path From Watching New Zealand's The Big Sing Competition to a Story About a Grieving Samoan Mother Getting a Job in a Private School in Post-Earthquake Christchurch Miki: "Well, it's a story process, much like you go through when you when you create stories. And what's always good is we had the end in mind, and so we wanted just to build towards that moment, that end. We were always working our way towards the end. So it's about 'who's the main character?'. And it's a drama, and so we try to create situations and journeys for her to get to that end — and put her into situations that challenge her, and put her into situations where she has relationships with others that really drives her towards the end there. And then when you're piercing these things together, you source techniques that you like yourself. There's a lot of comedy in the film, and so I wanted to infuse the storyline with a bit of comedy. And it seemed to work well, because it has this sort of mother-teacher relationship that I always find funny, and I think that that can be a really rich ground for comedy. Add into that a bit of emotion, add into that music, and then just drive the story towards the end — it's a really fun part of the process." On Polataivo's Initial Response to the Project — and Being Asked to Help Develop the Film Without Knowing That Magasiva Wanted Her to Play the Lead Anapela: "Yes, this guy — let's not go there." Miki: "I tricked her." Anapela: "He did. Because these things, I'm just so used to working as part of the team, being the assistant or coach or stuff like that. So when I come in to help, I don't have any other thoughts or any other preconceived anything. It's just like 'I'm going to help my friends'. So when these guys got the green light, and then I get the call saying 'hey, we had you in mind for it' — gosh, I was just like 'you little ...', all of the things. And then, of course, I think we did our first read — I had said yes after that, and then we did our first read where everyone was a mess and we were all in tears. And that's just when you know it's a family affair and it's going to work." On Polataivo Scoring Her First Lead Film Role After Decades as an Actor Anapela: "I think this is different. This was a different one, because it was more personal — so it wasn't like 'oh my goodness'; it was really like 'okay'. I didn't even think about being in the lead, either. I just felt like I was just part of the fabric of the story. There's so many moving parts. Yes, you may be driving the thing, but you understand, well I understand, you'll be able to play that — and to be helpful and to assist in the purpose of it. So it was not an 'oh my goodness' moment. It was an 'oh my gosh', because it's personal, it's family, and you just know. My partner would always say to me 'Bels, it's one shot, one shot for Miki, let's go' — with that tone. And I get it. It is. Any shot we get, it is a shot. And we don't take those things lightly, either. So we go and you pour all of yourself in there. And we do have a big sense of responsibility, as well, to continue." On the Importance of This Being a Movie About Community and About Moving Forward Collectively Miki: "It's everything. It is what we are to be Samoan or Pacific. It's just how we see the world. So right from the way we run our sets to the way we run our production, to the themes of our story, that's how we communicate — and that's how we see the world, and that's how we work. So it is everything to us. And so to have a film reflect those themes, it's really important and allows us to highlight our culture in a way to the world that communicates what it is like to be Samoan and what it is like to be a Pacific Islander, what it's like to live in New Zealand and Aotearoa. And I think a lot of communities around the world can resonate with that, can see something in that, that they connect with as well. So I think it's a very human condition." On Making the Specific and Personal Universal Through the Film's Story of Grief and Connection Anapela: "It's not a thing — it just is. It's only when we talk about these things and analyse, but they are just a way of being. It's like with Miki talking about in Samoan, we're talking at very young age about sharing, and also that you're not the most-important person in the line. If anything, you're the last, you're supposed to help. It's never ever about you. There's this quote that says 'I is we always in a Samoan village'. So it's that mentality. That's how we're born. We're born into religion. We're born into all these things that make us Samoan. That goes more into the nitty gritty of what it's like. But when you try to find all those nuances in her, to not only explore but to allow those things about her being Samoan to breathe on-screen, to bring life and to evoke — let's just say, some of the comments that I've read, and I know it's from non-Samoan viewers, are 'we get a window, we kind of understand now what that means to be a Samoan just through that story'." Miki: "And it is things that we think about when we're piercing it together as well, so that will be the heart of it. But we've tried to create a story that does feel universal, that everybody can connect with. So we're telling a story from a Pacific perspective, but we're telling a story that's a universal story. Those who go and watch the film will see that it's not all about just being a Pacific Islander. And we've had great success back home in New Zealand because the entire country has found something to connect with. And we've tried to build that into the story, when we pieced it all together — that it is about community and coming together, and cultural acceptance. A large part of our European community back home have connected with the film because it has those things in it, and it does deal with things that they can connect with and they find funny, and they can find some sort of connectivity back to how they grew up as well. So hopefully it is a universal story for everyone." On the Movie's Approach to Navigating Cultural Differences Miki: "I tried to put it this way: we're not trying to hide from our past, and we are saying that these things did happen — and actually continue to happen, let's face it. And we've dealt with a lot of that stuff both on the nose, both directly and a little bit more subtly in the film, too. But you have to have that backdrop to it. You have to have some sort of setup for the entire film to end up in a place that we hope everybody ends up, which is inclusiveness and working together and coming together despite our differences — that we can celebrate a culture and the richness of it, we can say that we have been through this and some of us continue to go through these, but we can work our way through it through cultural acceptance and working together as a community." On Building the Cast and the Choir Around Polataivo Miki: "It's an exciting part of it. So, all of our students had to sing in their auditions. They all sung songs to audition for it. We went through the natural casting process. But we got really lucky when we came across Antonia [Robinson, Mystic], who has a musical background herself. She's a great singer anyway. She sings in her real life. But she's also a wonderful actress. We absolutely love Antonia. She's very hard-working, she's super talented. We know she's going to go on to great stuff after this. And then we managed to also find and create students next to her, in Zac [O'Meagher, Uproar] and Talia [Pua, Happiness Is the Path] and Tania [Nolan, The Convert] who had their own unique traits that they could bring to the group as a whole. Outside of that, we also have lots of wonderful New Zealand actors in there. Beulah Koale [Next Goal Wins] is in there, and Nicole Whippy [Shortland Street] is in there. Jamie Irvine [Literally Dead] is in there." Anapela: "Alison Bruce [The Gone]." Miki: "Alison Bruce as well. So we've got all of these well-known and really experienced New Zealand actors that not only are around Bels, but also help support and stand next to Bels." Anapela: "And our guy from Perth." Miki: "And Dalip Sondhi [Better Man] as well, who I think is a wonderful Australian actor — from England originally as well, the UK. So it was just special to be able to build a cast to support that. And they were all just so wonderful and embracing the community spirit of what we were trying to create. They're all amazing in the film, so it's quite lucky — super lucky and grateful." Tinā opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, May 1, 2025, and in New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
At this point, it's not really a surprise when Uber announces some strange, attention grabbing promotion. Sometimes they bring you ice cream. Other times, it's puppies. And this Australia Day/Invasion Day/January 26, they're delivering the most important (and oft-forgotten) addition to any barbecue: bags of ice. Now, there's a heap of things to do for tomorrow's public holiday — we've put together a handy list for Sydneysiders, Melburnians and Brisbanites. You can attend one of the rallies happening around the country, head to a Survival Day festival, take the opportunity to learn up on Australian history or simply go to see an Australian film (Lion just got a heap of Oscar noms), but if you're attending a barbecue, this delivery service might come in handy — especially when you run out of ice and all your mates are already four beers in. Starting from 11am on January 26, UberEATS users in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide will be able to log onto the app and, by typing 'backyard hero', see all the locations selling bags of ice and order one. If you've never used Uber before, use the code 'backyard hero' for free ice — otherwise it'll cost you $10. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
In today's cafe game, serving a stock standard latte with a slice of undercooked banana bread just isn't going to cut it. Things have to be done properly, thoroughly, and with extra, indefinable zest; a cafe should be a 'creative space', a coffee an 'experience'. And while cafe kingpins are scattered high and low around Melbourne, there's one humble jack-of-all-trades that sits comfortably off Brunswick's Sydney Road: Acustico. Snuggled on Union Street, so close to the train tracks you'll feel like the fat controller while snacking on breaky, Acustico is a cafe well worth veering off the main strip for. It's a sustainable environment in both its direction and delivery, designed by Mike Sharp and Jessica In from The Summer Office. The interior has been constructed using recycled materials, and its intimate, yet open plan setting encourages conversation as well as shared eating. This is a real bonus given the coffee here is extra mean, and the food is so good you'll want to be showing it off to those around you. Whether or not there's something on the main menu that takes your fancy, be sure to scope out the specials. Their lemon ricotta pancakes with caramel, hazelnuts and strawberries ($15) are light, fluffy, and will have you pleased and perplexed at how one simple ingredient can strangely enhance a century-old breakfast staple. Otherwise, the chorizo baked eggs ($16) are a solid go-to, and their range of toasties are addictively perfect — you can safely order one and know it's going to be hearty and absolutely crisp, cheese-laden, and cholesterol-spiking. Second to a cafe, Acustico may as well sell itself as an artistic space. Its tables are wide and sturdy, the wifi is strong, and the music and conversation of other patrons never tends to be intrusive. Almost always at Acustico, there's a cafe-goer hard at work, headphones in, typing away on a Mac — usually sharing a table with someone doing the same. The space is just as welcoming for families; the menu and wait staff are super accommodating to tots, and there's even a little playroom out back. If you can overlook all the lights and allure of Sydney Road, Acustico is a safe and satisfying detour for a coffee and a meal. Whether you're with friends, family, flying solo or just catching up on some work, let Acustico show you what fine coffee, food and eco-ethos is all about.
Show us a guy with a drum machine or a girl with a guitar who purports to never having wanted to be a rock star and we'll show you a liar-liar-pants-on-fire. Thankfully, you don't have to release a Pitchfork-approved debut album or sell out a stadium to live the life of a travelling troubadour. Boutique travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith, admittedly slightly more Elvis Costello and Diana Krall than Kurt and Courtney, have scoured the globe to find the greatest music-inspired and inspiring getaways. 1. Geejam Where: Lot 122 Skippers Boulevard, San San, Port Antonio, Jamaica If you've been planning to record your own Is This It or My Generation for some time now, you might want to check out the facilities at Geejam boutique hotel in Jamaica. Not simply a cluster of heavenly Caribbean villas and cabins blanketed by rainforest with ocean views, Geejam also has its own recording studio. Book Drum & Bass, a junior suite on the ground floor of the studio, and start strumming - or tinkling on the ivories at the piano overlooking the sea. If it's good enough for No Doubt and Gorillaz, it's good enough for you. 2. The Drake Where: 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada The bunk-ups are hip at Toronto budget-boutique hotel The Drake. A sock doll on your pillow may greet you on check-in, indie rock is on a loop on the flatscreen TV, and photographs of guitars and other gear hang on the walls. But it's the dining, drinking and entertainment up for grabs that will edify the party animal within. Start your evening with a cocktail at rooftop Sky Yard, follow it with steak frites in a banquette at the Dining Room, then head downstairs to the Underground, the hotel's basement club that's seen performances by everyone from the Killers to MIA. 3. Establishment Hotel Where: 5 Bridge Lane, Sydney, Australia An acquaintance of Mr & Mrs Smith once confessed to being tucked in to her huge bed at Establishment Hotel in Sydney, completely unaware that in one of the bars Jamiroquai's Jay Kay was DJing up a storm. Don't be caught napping when you check in to this multi-tasking pleasure palace. It's the premier destination for visiting rock royalty in the Harbour City. Who knows who you might be rubbing shoulders with, when Robbie Williams, Scissor Sisters and Outkast have all partied hard within its four walls. 4. Le Royal Monceau Where: 37 Avenue Hoche, Paris, France Arty, classy boutique retreat Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris is definitely not the sort of place where hair metal bands throw televisions from windows. But the more contemplative singer-songwriter side of your soul will love the acoustic guitars in each room. Draw inspiration from the City of Love and express it in a tune. Loving your next big hit sick? The hotel has a mobile sound studio available to musos of all descriptions. 5. Hotel San Jose Where: 1316 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, USA Music fans will feel right at home at retro-hip boutique digs Hotel San José in Austin. Originally built in 1939 as a ‘motor court’, it’s been given a stucco overhaul and now nestles in happening 'hood SoCo buzzing with bars, stores and cafés. The mellow rooms – pea green is a favoured hue – are hung with vintage gig posters, their floors covered with cowhide rugs. Get into some tunes by borrowing one of the iPods stocked with Americana classics then head to the courtyard. During the day, beardy guys and tattooed gals knock back espressos; after dark musicians and DJs play alfresco. 6. Karma Kandara Where: Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Bali, Indonesia Sure, the super-sized villas with vast plunge pools and views of the azure Indian Ocean at Bali boutique hotel Karma Kandara are private and impressive enough to suit even the most outrageous behaviour. Want to bake naked in the sun? No issue whatsoever. But you might prefer to get your togs on to check out what many people consider the best beach club in south-east Asia. Nammos is accessed via a cliff-front inclinator. Book one of the shady day-beds and settle back for chilled choons, icy cocktails and intermittent seaside splashing. 7. Shoreditch Rooms Where: 1 Ebor Street, Shoreditch, London, UK The skinny-jeaned massive frequents converted warehouse-turned-members’ club Shoreditch Rooms hotel in East London. There’s a rooftop pool, a bowling alley on the fourth floor and a Cowshed spa (perfect for overcoming night-before excesses), but the compact rooms are, most importantly, within staggering distance of Shoreditch’s coolest clubs and music venues, and grungy, bar-packed Dalston. Plus, because this is an outpost of Soho House, the see-and-be-seen crowd drapes itself around the Square Bar and on the roof, so there’s always action aplenty. Both Madonna and Harry Styles have celebrated their birthdays here. 8. Ace Hotel & Swim Club Where: 701 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California, USA All those youngsters who like to declare that vinyl is dead, well, you’re probably not going to find them at Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. Thankfully. Vintage furniture, swathed fabrics on the walls, full-size bottles of spirits in the minibar and handicrafts in all the rooms scream hipster heaven. Plus, if you book a Patio room – go for one with a garden – or one of the more expensive boudoirs, your digs come with a record player and a selection of retro vinyl that could range from Dylan to Zeppelin. When the temperature rises, though, it’s all about the pools. Yoga classes, bands and impromptu dance parties take place regularly by the water’s edge and, unlike many hotels, you can hang here until 2am. 9. Atzaró Where: Ctra San Joan km 15, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain Sometimes even rock stars need downtime, and family-run Atzaró finca in Ibiza, the world’s most famous party island, delivers with a soothing blend of white-washed surrounds, day-bed-circled pool (and neighbouring cold-water Jacuzzi) and luxury spa. Recovering from the night before? The breakfast room is open until an incredibly civilised 1pm, after which a 90-minute Zen Shiatsu massage should improve your outlook enough to consider the evening once again – perhaps starting with mojitos at the Music & Sushi Lounge. 10. Dar Darma Where: 11/12, Trik Sidi Bohuarba, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco There wasn’t a Sixties rock icon worth his leather pants that didn’t get on the opium in exotic Morocco. Now, we’re not going to pretend that Jim Morrison, Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix or Neil Young sucked the hookah at Marrakech boutique hotel Dar Darma, but you can easily imagine they did. In the heart of the medina, this darkly exotic five-suite guesthouse partners 300-year-old zouak ceilings and faded antique textiles with Versace-esque velvet settles, distressed metallic stripes and leopardskin rugs. Don your best boho-chic threads, head up to the plunge pool on the roof terrace and imagine you’re Talitha and John Paul Getty.
Before Stranger Things returns for its fifth and final season sometime in 2025, Finn Wolfhard has some slasher things to deal with. Movie lovers in Sydney and Melbourne can see how that pans out at Fantastic Film Festival Australia's 2025 run. With Hell of a Summer, the actor also turns co-director and co-writer with his Ghostbusters: Afterlife, When You Finish Saving the World and Saturday Night co-star Billy Bryk, with the pair giving the summer-camp masked-killer horror subgenre their own spin. Helping out on-screen: Gladiator II and The White Lotus' Fred Hechinger, plus Reservation Dogs' D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai. That's how Fantastic Film Festival Australia is opening this year, with a meta horror-comedy. From there, this celebration of boundary-pushing pictures has 26 more features on its lineup, 16 of the rest brand-new and then ten others must-see classics. Sydneysiders can get their fix from Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick, while Melburnians have two destinations: Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn across Thursday, April 24–Thursday, May 15, plus Thornbury Picture House from Tuesday, April 29–Monday, May 5. If you haven't been to FFFA before, the event is marking its fifth iteration in 2025 — and one of its hallmarks, the nude screening, is back for the occasion. Get ready to say "yeah, baby" to watching a movie sans clothes, with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery this year's flick to watch while wearing nix (following on from past sessions of nudist camp-set comedy Patrick, The Full Monty, Zoolander and The Naked Gun). Another highlight of 2025's program: the retrospective dedicated to Scottish writer/director Lynne Ramsay. Her filmography might only span four features since 1999, all of which are showing at FFFA, but it's a resume that any fellow helmer should envy. For audiences, getting the chance to see Ratcatcher, Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here on the big screen — whether for the first time or as a revisit — is a cinephile's dream. Among the fest's new fare, The Second Act hits the lineup after opening the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, with Rubber and Deerskin's Quentin Dupieux enlisting Léa Seydoux (Dune: Part Two), Louis Garrel (Saint-Exupéry) and Vincent Lindon (The Quiet Son) for his latest absurdist satire. Or, catch Tár's Noémie Merlant in The Balconettes, which she co-wrote with her Portrait of a Lady on Fire director Céline Sciamma; see what happens when The Wild Boys and After Blue's Bertrand Mandico combines two film essays in one split-screen presentation in Dragon Dilatation; and head back to 1999 while journeying into teen antics 3000 light years away in Escape From the 21st Century. Viewers can get a dose of eerie puppetry via Monkey's Magic Merry Go Round, too, then watch Crispin Glover (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) as a magician in Mr. K and undergo a unique animated musical-comedy experience with Spermageddon. Back with FFFA's 2025 blasts from the past, John Woo's (The Killer) gun-fu great Hard Boiled is the festival's closing-night pick, including screening in 35mm in Sydney. If you're keen on a movie marathon, Umbrella-Palooza will get you watching three films about technological nightmares, all courtesy of Australian distributor Umbrella Entertainment — starting with 2002's Cypher, then heading back to 1990's vision of cyberpunk in Hardware, before the OG Japanese Pulse unleashes its presence. Supporting homegrown efforts, the fest has 1977 psychological thriller Summerfield among its retro component, alongside four newcomers: the Super 8-shot A Grand Mockery; the Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door)-inspired Salt Along the Tongue; Pure Scum, which is set amid Melbourne's private-school culture; and Sword of Silence, as shot completely under a full moon. Aussie talents are also in focus in the Sydney Shorts and Melbourne Shorts screenings. "FFFA is a celebration of vibrant, boundary-pushing cinema, spotlighting unrestrained and wholly original voices from around the globe. It's an invitation to take a ride on the wild side, discover cult classics in the making and join our community of likeminded cinematic explorers," said Artistic Director Hudson Sowada, announcing 2025's flicks. 2025 Fantastic Film Festival Australia Dates Melbourne: Thursday, April 24–Thursday, May 15 — Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn Tuesday, April 29–Monday, May 5 — Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury Sydney: Thursday, April 24–Friday, May 16 — Ritz Cinemas, Randwick Fantastic Film Festival Australia runs in April and May at Ritz Cinema, Randwick in Sydney, plus Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn and Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury in Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the FFFA website.
There are many key components to a great Christmas movie and music is often one of them, no matter how you feel about the usual carols. Who hasn't had the Home Alone music stuck in their head since the 90s? No one who's ever watched it. Who doesn't know all the words to Love Actually's 'Christmas Is All Around'? Again, the same category applies. It's that fact that helped make Love Actually in Concert screenings a) a thing and b) a huge hit, but that isn't the only festive favourite that you can see on the big screen with a live score this December. In Sydney and Melbourne, a three-decade-old gem is getting the same treatment: The Muppet Christmas Carol. It's time to play the music, light the lights and see Charles Dickens' classic play out in felt — and with Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge — accompanied by a live score. This is the first time that the film will play in Australia this way, after debuting in the UK last year. Sure, you might've watched it a thousand times when you were a kid, but you obviously haven't seen it like this before. The movie follows Dickens's tale, with the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge given a change of perspective by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Here, however, Jim Henson's beloved creations join in, with Kermit the Frog playing clerk Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Gonzo narrating the story as Dickens (with help from Rizzo the Rat), Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. Other Muppets show up, because of course they do. The live orchestra will perform the feature's original score as composed by Miles Goodman (Little Shop of Horrors), with songs by Oscar-winning songwriter Paul Williams ('Rainbow Connection'). And yes, if you're in Melbourne and you want to make a double with the Tony Award-winning version of A Christmas Carol (the latter without Muppets), you can. Check out the trailer for The Muppet Christmas Carol below: THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT 2022 DATES: Saturday, December 10 — 4pm, Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney Friday, December 16 — 7pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert will tour Australia this December — head to Ticketek for further details, and to buy tickets.
Prepare to say "accio remote!" and get comfier than Hermione Granger in a library. In news that'll keep you glued to your couch this winter — timely news given that Sydney is currently in the middle of a lengthy lockdown — everyone's favourite boy wizard is now working his magic on Netflix. You won't need the Marauder's Map to find these enchanting flicks. Today, Thursday, July 15, all eight movies in the Harry Potter series have hit the streaming platform, bringing their Hogwarts-set adventures to Australian subscribers. If you've watched your DVD copies from the 2000s so many times that they're showing a little wear and tear — or your laptop no longer has a disc drive — this is butterbeer-worthy news. Yes, everything from Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) first visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, the Yule Ball and the Triwizard Tournament to many a fluttering snitch and He Who Must Not Be Named are now at your fingertips. It's prime viewing for wizards, witches and muggles alike — all 19 hours and 39 minutes of it. The Fantastic Beasts films haven't joined them, though with wizarding journey keeping its focus on the original franchise. If you're thinking that a time-turner might come in handy over the next few months, we completely understand. And if this sounds like familiar news, that's because all eight movies were also available on Netflix back in 2019. They jumped to Binge after that, too, because the thing about streaming services — unless they're making and funding a movie or series themselves, films and shows can switch platforms as the rights deals behind them change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG37G--drDs&list=PLnpIp0ksj4UlQWQlPaRd6WrI9XSmS6B4u Find Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 are all now streaming on Netflix.
It's been a big few months for new hotels around Australia, including just-opened spots and places that'll launch in the coming months and years. Sydney now boasts the first Down Under outpost for Ace Hotels, and will soon score Porter House Hotel, too — plus the local debut of The Waldorf Astoria in 2025. Melbourne has welcomed the design-driven AC Hotels, Newcastle is nabbing its own QT with a rooftop bar and a suite in a clock tower, and the Gold Coast is nabbing The Langham. There's also a new hotel in the works for the Barossa in the middle of a vineyard, and the Yarra Valley is getting one as part of a big gig venue. Don't go thinking that Brisbane is missing out, though — because that's where the new voco Brisbane City Centre comes in. The chain has just taken up residence on North Quay right next to Brisbane Quarter, which means that it's in a prime riverside position. And, to take advantage of that location, it features a views aplenty, as well as a rooftop pool. Brisbane's first voco hotel — and the second for Queensland, after voco Gold Coast — it also comes with 194 rooms, as well as hangout space Kraft & Co. There, you can drink coffee by day and kick back in a lounge bar by night. You'll find the latter on the ground floor, slinging everything from eggs for breakfast and brunch through to cocktails till late. Wherever you're spending your time at this new staycation spot, you'll be surrounded by a sleek fitout by Sydney-based interior design studio JPDC, which takes its cues from the hotel's riverside locale. Dark blue tones are a big feature, alongside neutral colours — and maximising natural light. Among the site's features, voco Brisbane City Centre also boasts an all-hours gym, plus 11 meeting and function spaces. And, as part of a sustainability push that also includes aerated shower heads and refillable Antipodes products, guests can zip around the city for free on handcrafted bamboo bikes from Wyld Bikes. Find voco Brisbane City Centre at 85–87 North Quay, Brisbane. For more information or to make a booking, head to the voco website.
No one is fond of cooking every night of the week, even when you're spending more time at home than usual. So, we're guessing that you've relied upon food delivery services a little more than normal over the past 12 months — and that you've been thinking about doing the same now that Victoria is now under a snap lockdown until 11.59pm on Wednesday, February 17. Heading out to eat is well and truly off the cards; however, you can still get meals brought to your door. In fact, that's been a key coping tool during Melbourne's three lockdowns over the last year. You might not be able to physically go to your favourite eatery, but you can still tuck into its dishes. Until this current stay-at-home period ends, you'll also be able to get those bites to eat without paying for delivery. You'll need to order via Doordash, which is scrapping all of its delivery fees across Victoria — so, not only in Melbourne, but also in the likes of Ballarat, Bendigo, Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura-Wentworth, Shepparton, Traralgon, Morwell and Warnambool. You'll still have to pay for your food, obviously, but you won't have to fork out a single cent to get it delivered. And, the deal applies to every Doordash-delivered order, so you'll have plenty of dishes to choose from. There's also no minimum spend required, and you don't need to enter a code to activate the special, either. [caption id="attachment_779334" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Doordash's $0 delivery throughout Victoria runs until 11.59pm Wednesday, February 17.
Earlier this year, Australia's caffeinated booze expert Mr Black gave fans of alcohol and coffee the premixed beverage they definitely wanted, with the company's bottled coffee negroni marking its first-ever pre-batched cocktail. Now, it's adding another tipple to the range, and it's another big hitter: the cold brew old fashioned, or cold fashioned. Yes, there's a time for coffee and there's a time for cocktails — but, sometimes, there's a time in the day when you want both and you don't want to do any of the mixing yourself. The cold fashioned is made with Mr Black coffee liqueur, rye whiskey and bitters, and you can expect both coffee and chocolate flavours to come through, as well as a bit of spice. Each bottle is going for $49 and can be used to make five cocktails (yes, that's a very reasonably $9.80 a drink). To make said cocktail, you just need to pour 100 millilitres of the sweet stuff into a glass over ice and garnish with a citrus twist — if you want to get a little fancy. It's the third new product that the Mr Black team has released during lockdown, with the company also launching a hand sanitiser in late March. As well as selling thousands (and thousands) of bottles to the public, the team donated hundreds to front-line medical workers, not-for-profits, testing clinics and medical centres. To get your hands on a bottle of cold fashioned, which, knowing Mr Black's track record, will sell out fast, head over to the Mr Black website. It's currently offering free shopping on all orders over $80. Mr Black's cold fashioned is on sale now for $49. Top image: Guy Davies.
Your Yarra Valley wine-sipping itinerary has just scored a bold new addition, with the much anticipated launch of Hubert Estate. Now open and welcoming in patrons, the new destination winery is the work of Gerry and Andrew Ryan, (Mitchelton Winery, Nagambie Brewery & Distillery, The Prince). And it's an absolute doozy, featuring a modern Australian restaurant, new-look cellar door, art gallery, event space and boutique wine store. The Coldstream site formerly home to St Huberts winery has been given a complete transformation at the hands of celebrated design studio Cera Stribley, with its most striking feature being the main building — cut dramatically into the earth, crowned by an expanse of lawn and overlooking the vines. The multi-faceted estate is set to serve an array of wining, dining and cultural experiences, headlined by Quarters — a restaurant of modern Australian and Euro influence that's led by Executive Chef Michael Smith (former Head Chef at Coda and Tonka). Celebrating both lunch and dinner, the diner will hero dishes cooked over charcoal and wood on the kitchen's custom-made grill, along with a selection of wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta creations. Meanwhile, Hubert Gallery of Art is set to showcase a strong curation of Indigenous works, and event space Harriet promises to sweep you off your feet with its stunning fitout and breathtaking views. Wine lovers are also in excellent hands here, thanks to the newly revamped St Huberts cellar door, where you can sample the full house range of wines, or settle in to enjoy a bottle over some local cheese and charcuterie. The adjoining boutique wine store Notes is stocked with up to 70 drops from across Australia, championing new techniques and emerging varietals above all. And the Hubert Estate fun doesn't end there. Also in the works are plans for a designer hotel and wellness centre, to grace the precinct by 2024. Find Hubert Estate at 1–3 St Huberts Road, Coldstream. Quarters is open from 10am–6pm Wednesday and Thursday, 10am–9pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am–6pm Sunday. The Cellar Door is open daily from 10am–6pm.
Does Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick) only have one more mission left in him? The title for the eighth Mission: Impossible film might just point in that direction. Viewers won't know until the movie hits cinemas in 2025, but the flick that was initially called Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two is now named Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: spending until May wondering if audiences are about to see the last of Ethan Hunt. It was back in 2023 when Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One hit cinemas and left viewers wanting more, by design: when it wrapped up its 163 minutes of espionage antics, everyone already knew that a second part was on its way. Originally, the latter was meant to arrive in June 2024, less than a year after the first film. But amid Hollywood's strikes last year, the film was pushed back almost 12 months. Its release date Down Under: Thursday, May 22, 2025. It was also rumoured at the time that the movie would get a new moniker, so The Final Reckoning isn't a surprise in that regard. But the 'final' part of the title — and a just-dropped trailer that focuses on how every step leads you down a specific path, complete with the tagline "every choice has led to this" — wasn't as expected. "I need you to trust me one last time," Cruise also utters. The film's first teaser trailer traverses everywhere from snow and sky-high heights to under the sea and frozen in ice — and, as always, features plenty of Cruise running. Story details are sparse, however, but of course the film's star is seen hanging off of a plane. Viewers can expect world-hopping intrigue, explosions, chases and fights, though, as regularly occurs when Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Missions Force team return. Also back: a cast including Simon Pegg (The Boys), Ving Rhames (The Wild Robot) and Hayley Atwell (Heartstopper), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Esai Morales (Crescent City), Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Henry Czerny (Zombie Town), Angela Bassett (9-1-1) and Shea Whigham (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) — and, behind the camera, director Christopher McQuarrie helms again after doing the same on Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible — Fallout and Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. On-screen, Holt McCallany (The Lincoln Lawyer), Janet McTeer (The Old Man), Nick Offerman (Civil War) and Hannah Waddingham (The Fall Guy) feature as well. Check out the first teaser trailer for Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning below: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Read our review of Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. Images: Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Mates are great. They're there for all the highs and lows throughout our lives, from popping champagne when we land a promotion to bringing us ice cream in the middle of the night after a bad break up. With 2020 being such a dud, we've come to realise even more how important those close to us are. So, as Christmas is just around the corner, it's time to show your friends a big fat thanks for all their love and support this year. In partnership with Square, we've searched through Victoria's independent shops to help you do just that. Why? Because your pals deserve the world, not yet another book or pair of socks you picked up in a hurry. And, because we don't want you to go breaking the bank over these, we've put together a list of ten cracking gifts that each cost under $100. Plus, you'll be buying from local legends who, after a pretty tough year, need your support. If you are a small business owner, Square has the tools you need to take payments and maximise your sales, including an ebook with tips to help you get started this holiday season. BUCKET HAT, SECOND STITCH ($55) Social enterprise Second Stitch employs refugee and asylum seeker workers in its Coburg studio. As well as making a heap of cotton face masks during lockdown, it also peddles non-COVID-related accessories such as giant scrunchies, bags, cushions and purses. Now that the sun is coming out to play, we're sure your mate will want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. So, perhaps a fun bucket hat is the perfect way to say thanks and, in turn, have their back this summer. After all, nobody likes a sunburnt scalp. Second Stitch's hats come in four different colours — black, navy, khaki and blue check — so you're able to get them a hat that'll suit their style, too. Add in $8 for shipping, or pick up in store. HER BEST FRIEND PUZZLE, OKAY LADY ($79) If your mate sent you a bunch of fun activities to help you pass the time during lockdown (and lockdown 2.0), then it might be wise to return the favour. Chances are you have at least one friend who developed a penchant for puzzles this year and, if that's the case, a pressie from online jigsaw puzzle company Okay Lady will be a winner. Okay Lady puzzles champion Aussie women illustrators and come in environmentally friendly packaging — no plastic in sight. If you're gifting this to your bestie, get this super-cute 400-piece jigsaw by Queensland artist Sophie Beer that features two besties and some adorable pups. Shipping is free across Australia. 'STEAL THE LIGHT', THE CAT EMPIRE, COTTONMOUTH RECORDS ($37) If you've got a muso mate, there's no question a record makes for a great gift. But, with taste in tunes being such a personal thing, it can be hard to pick a piece of black gold. Enter Sydney's Cottonmouth Records. Sure it may be across the border, but you don't need to live nearby to take advantage of owner Zachery Williams' eclectic vinyl collection. Its online store has everything from the Pixies and New Order to Groove Armada and Action Bronson. If your friend is a fan of joyous, trumpet-laden tunes, we think a record by Melbourne-based musicians The Cat Empire will be a hit. We've picked the band's sixth studio album Steal the Light not only because it has some great tracks, but the cover art by Graeme Base is pretty sweet, too. Shipping is $15, or free for orders over $100. ONE-LITRE CANIMAL, THE MILL BREWERY ($15–22) We all know someone who loves a good craft brew. The one who plans the perfect brewery crawls, orders strange brews even at your local and scoffs at the idea of a schooey of VB. Luckily, Melbourne has craft breweries aplenty, so finding a top-notch tipple for them isn't all that hard. If you don't know where to start, though, The Mill Brewery is a great port of call. Mostly known for its ales, the Collingwood brewery sells one-litre tinnies of its brews for those wanting more than a stubby but less than a growler. Cheekily called Canimal, the one-litre can can be filled with any tap brew. If you're planning on ordering a few, shipping is a flat rate of $19.95, otherwise swing by and pick it up in person. ARC VESSEL SMALL, MILK WORKSHOP ($65) Milk Workshop is a small ceramic studio in Melbourne by a former fashion and graphic designer, so you can bet these wares are as beautiful as they are functional. It produces everything from planters to plates, mugs and vases, with every piece hand-built. Expect minimalist clean lines, organic textures and subtle detailing across Milk's products, including this beautiful (and watertight) vessel that's ideal for holding flowers. If you really want to show your friend how much you love them, you can pick up a teeny-tiny bunch of blooms to accompany this sleek ceramic vase, too. Shipping is a flat rate of $10, or you can drop by the workshop and pick it up for no extra cost. MAISON BALZAC LE BOIS CANDLE, THE PLANT SOCIETY ($70) French-born and Sydney-based Elise Pioch had the right idea when she created Maison Balzac: she wanted to develop a product that would take her right back to her childhood. Short of creating a time machine, she achieved that goal with her wonderfully fragrant candles, as well as colourful retro-chic homewares like wine goblets, tableware and vases. If you want to throw your support behind a local business, you can purchase her perfumed candles through The Plant Society's online store. Our pick is Le Bois, with notes of cedar wood, leather and smoke. The Plant Society offers free local shipping for orders over $50, too, or you can pick it up in store. COCKATOO CUSHION IN ROSE, COCKATOO COLLECTION ($69) Melbourne-based brand Cockatoo Collection is a one-stop-shop for cute, colourful homewares, from tea towels and trays to cushions and candles, that combine simple Scandinavian design aesthetic with bold Australiana nods. Most pieces are designed and made in Melbourne by the brand's owners Helena and Katarina, while the rest comes from other Aussie designers, illustrators and creators. Everything the brand touts is pretty cute, but we reckon your supportive soul mate will love a cushy pillow sporting a cockatoo, naturally, and available in pink, aqua and grey. Shipping is free for orders over $25. THE OG BLO BRUSH, BLO BRUSH ($89.95) For all the sophisticated glamour queens in your life, look no further than this three-in-one hair styling wonder from Blo Brush. Part-hairdryer, part-straightener and part-volumiser, this nifty machine lets you recreate a salon blow-dry at home in a fraction of the time. And, it's pretty portable, too. So grab it for your pal who is constantly on the go, but loves to look chic day and night. You can even opt to have it boxed in Christmas-themed packaging. Orders are shipped via express post, so it'll be on your mate's doorstep in a matter of days. ONE FINE SUNDAY TOWEL, THE SHEARER'S WIFE ($55) It's summer, which means there are many beach days on the horizon. If you've got a mate who's beach towel is looking a little threadbare, gift them a brand new one like this chic number from Aussie brand One Fine Sunday. Available in an array of colours and patterns, including mustard green, beige and white stripes and charcoal stonewash, these Turkish towels are made from high-quality cotton, traditionally loomed and hand tied in Turkey. Not only will your mate tout it at the beach, but it also makes for a great picnic blanket. Shipping costs $10 around Australia or you can pick up from The Shearer's Wife in Cooma. SCALLOP TASSEL LARGE, SEASHELLS & CO ($60) If you don't want to turn up empty handed at Christmas lunch with friends, these hand-painted scallop shells from Seashells & Co make for an excellent pressie. The decorative shells will liven up any interior, so perhaps nab one for your mates who'll be WFH for the foreseeable future. They're made in sunny Port Douglas and come individually gift wrapped, so you don't have to worry about picking up wrapping paper either. Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. If you are a small business owner, Square has guidance on how best to maximise sales in the run up to the Christmas holiday period in its ebook, found here.
Experience impeccable taste in fashion and cocktails, as a special collaboration sees menswear designer Christian Kimber and Carlton's Bar Bellamy team up with Woodford Reserve on an imaginative drinks lineup. Launching the Most Fashionable Old Fashioned cocktail collection during the Melbourne Fashion Festival, this chic meeting of the minds sees the classic Old Fashioned cocktail given a spruce up. With a duo of inventive twists to sip on, Kimber's uncompromising approach to craftsmanship is the ideal pairing with Bar Bellamy's award-winning creativity. Once you add Woodford Reserve's fruit-forward whisky — produced in the bluegrass fields of Kentucky — to the mix, the results speak for themselves. This brace of cocktails shaped by Australian style plays on classic and contemporary blends to offer an original drinking experience. First up, the Amber Stitch reflects Australia's fondness for nonchalant tailoring, fusing Woodford Reserve with a fragrant corn silk tea and an earthy corn stock alongside wattleseed and citrus soda. With more than a few warm summer nights ahead, this long take on an Old Fashioned is ideal for cooling off, with complex floral flavours rounded out with a flourish of beetroot paint and bitters. Next, the Silken Sprig takes a more adventurous approach, with mountain marigold leaf-infused Woodford Reserve, low-waste pineapple syrup, Zucca Rabarbaro amaro, calendula and toasted milk powder. Topped with a sweet treat, a nostalgic caramelised milk chocolate and malt cream adorns this cocktail before a light dusting of pepperberry and rosella salt levels up the sophistication and style. "Effortless style relies on incredibly thoughtful design – applying classic craftsmanship to concepts that deliver a sense of ease and modernity. That's what we set out to achieve with my favourite cocktail, the Old Fashioned. It was a pleasure working with Woodford Reserve and Bar Bellamy to come up with two drinks that reflect my design philosophy and aesthetic, blending the smoothest and beautifully crafted whiskey with uniquely local ingredients to celebrate both craftsmanship and Australian taste in a very contemporary way," says Kimber. With Melbourne Fashion Festival happening from now until March 8, you'll find these cocktails served at the Woodford Reserve Fashion Bar in the Royal Exhibition Building. Meanwhile, you'll also find them served exclusively at Bar Bellamy from March 3-8. With these Old Fashioned cocktails made like never before, it's your chance to explore fashion, heritage and sumptuous flavours in a pair of beverages. The Most Fashionable Old Fashioned cocktail collection is available at the Woodford Reserve Fashion Bar at the Royal Exhibition Building until March 8, and at Bar Bellamy from March 3-8. Head to the website for more information.
Whether you started getting emails about it before Christmas even hit, you just know that February is almost here, or you've spotted pink and red hues — and roses and chocolates — at your local shops, yes, Valentine's Day is almost upon us again. And if your sweetheart has a sweet tooth and a love of Gelato Messina, the ice cream chain has whipped up some of its favourite non-gelato treats for this year's romance-fuelled occasion. Never one to miss an opportunity to experiment with new ways to inhale desserts, Messina has been cooking up novelty treats for Valentine's Day for a couple of years, and it's going with a twist on a tried-and-tested option for 2022. That'd be its bon bons, which it usually serves up for Mother's Day — but hey, fancy choccies are a go-to on plenty of occasions for good reason. An important note, though: while Messina's chocolate bon bons were filled with gelato to begin with, the chain has been doing all-chocolate versions for a couple of years now. And, that's what's on offer again this Valentine's Day. They come in three nutty varieties all in the same box, all in shades of red and pink — and, with Messina recently stepping up its in-house chocolate-making capabilities, you'll be tasting some of the gelato chain's new wares. Each box features with four versions of each of the three different flavours: peanut praline, which fill a milk-chocolate shell with milk chocolate, wafer and salted peanut praline; macadamia and coffee praline, which opt for a white-chocolate shell, plus roasted and caramelised macadamia and coffee praline; and hazelnut praline, again with the white chocolate exterior, but this this time with milk chocolate, roasted hazelnut and wafer praline inside. So, your special someone will have a variety to feast on. And hey, if they don't like one of the flavours, maybe they'll share it with you. Boxes cost $45 each for 12 bon bons and you'll need to place your order on Monday, January 31, with times varying depending on your state. You can then pick up the choccies between Sunday, February 13–Monday, February 14. Gelato Messina's Valentine's Day Bon Bons will be available to order on Monday, January 31, from 9am local time in Queensland and the ACT, 9.30am in Victoria and between 10am–11am in New South Wales.
Sibling and next-door neighbour to northside cafe Mixed Business, Clifton Hill's Fowlers Flowers is a little haven of a shopfront, filled with colourful blooms and certain inspiration for that special arrangement. A neighbourhood favourite for over ten years, its expert florists are just as skilled at creating hand-tied, custom bouquets, as they are decking out events with a litany of vibrant blooms that are guaranteed to impress. Here, seasonality is always celebrated and there's a strong commitment to sustainable practices. And if you're after a gift that's a little more lasting, there's the long-life dried posies, available in a range of colour palettes, depending on what flowers are in stock.
On your next getaway in southeast Queensland, head up in the world, then stay there. Located 45 minutes out of the Gold Coast in the Scenic Rim region — which Lonely Planet named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022 — Tamborine Mountain is the area's lofty tree-change go-to. From December 2024, the scenic site will also be home to a new boutique motel. The latest accommodation option from the team behind Cassis Red Hill in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, The Tamborine boasts 23 rooms in its 80s-style abode, which takes its design cues from haciendas. When you're getting cosy, you'll be doing so in king-sized beds — and with mountain views no matter which room you're in, including from either a private balcony or a terrace. If you're keen for a splash as well, there's a heated mineral pool and spa. The Tamborine will also include a lounge and bar area, where complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, hosted aperitifs are on the menu each afternoon, and drinks and bar snacks can be ordered to enjoy poolside. The drinks focus: locally sourced sips. But if you're eager to use the motel as a base to explore the rest of the mountain, the crew here understand — and have a curated array of experiences beyond the site's doors to suggest. "Whether it be immersing oneself in nature, enjoying a tipple at one of the many and emerging microbreweries and distilleries, or exploring the artisan wares the mountain is famous for, The Tamborine will be the perfect escape for our guests. We want guests leaving feeling enriched and connected, and eager to return," advised co-owner Nina Aberdeen. "We are beyond excited to open the doors to The Tamborine and share this special place with our guests. The hotel is designed to offer a seamless connection between our guests, our hosts, the natural surrounds and the local community," added co-owner Gina McNamara. "Every detail has been crafted to ensure that when guests arrive, they feel a deep sense of relaxation and belonging. We can't wait to see them experience the stunning views, unwind by the pool and explore everything the Scenic Rim has to offer." Find The Tamborine at 99 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, from early December 2024. Head to the motel's website for bookings and further details.
When March arrives, the Murray River transforms into a wonderland of reds, oranges and golds. It's the ideal season to visit. While outdoorsy types can walk, cycle and paddle, wine aficionados can linger over autumnal releases, with rolling vineyards and river sunsets as their backdrop. Here are five dreamy ways to enjoy the Murray's changing colours, from drifting down the river on a houseboat to cycling along share paths scattered with sculptures and cantering on horseback through red river gum forests. SLEEPOVER ON A HOUSEBOAT To completely immerse yourself in the river – from dawn till dusk – stay on a houseboat. All you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the day roll by (unless, of course, you're captain). Or, you can get as adventurous as you like, mooring at riverside villages, stopping by wineries for tastings, embarking on kayaking escapades, jumping in the water for dips and trying your hand at fishing. Most vessels come with a variety of spaces, including sunny decks, glass-walled lounge rooms and outdoor spas. If you've cash to splash, go for a luxury model, such as Magic Murray Houseboats' Magic or Murray River Houseboats' Decadence, which each feature four queen or king bedrooms, luxurious linen, TVs galore, a spa and sun deck. Meanwhile, Mildura Houseboats' fleet ranges from back-to-basics to total extravagance, so there are options for any budget. Stacks more boats are listed on the Wander Victoria website. JUMP ON A BICYCLE It's possible to ride the entire length of the Murray, from its source on the slopes of Mount Kosciuszko to its mouth in Coorong, about 75 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. However, if you don't have weeks to spare (and Amazonian legs), then there are plenty of shorter cycle paths to explore. In Echuca, the Food and Wine Trail takes in numerous cellar doors and local producers, including Morrisons Winery and Cape Horn Vineyard, which both afford expansive views of the river. If you're heading to Albury, conquer the Wagirra Trail, a six-kilometre roll dotted with river-inspired sculptures created by local Indigenous artists. And in Mildura, you'll find several options, including the 12.5-kilometre Riverfront Highlights route, which passes Mildura Arts Centre, Old Mildura Homestead and Ornamental Lakes. PADDLE A CANOE, KAYAK OR STAND-UP BOARD Another way to see autumn from the water – apart from hiring a houseboat – is by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For red river gums, koalas and cockatoos, make tracks to Barmah National Park, where there are four paddling trails, between 2.7 and 17.4 kilometres long. Nearby lies Murray Valley National Park, home to the Edward River, a tranquil tributary of the Murray sprinkled with picnic areas and swimming spots. You'll find hire facilities in many riverside towns, including Echuca (Echuca SUP and Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire), Cohuna (Murray River Adventours) and Albury-Wodonga (Canoe the Murray). If you're not confident paddling on your own or would like someone else to take care of the organising, book an adventure with Southern Side Eco Tourism, who'll take you to remote terrain and put you up in a bell tent, or River Country Adventours, whose canoe safaris run on the Goulburn River. HORSE RIDING THROUGH RED RIVER GUM FOREST If reading Black Beauty changed your life forever, then make your equine dreams come true at Billabong Ranch. This 390-acre property just ten minutes' drive from Echuca is an adventure park, where you can jump on a horse's back and canter alongside rivers and through red river gum forest. There are four journeys to choose from: a one-hour bush and creek ride, a two-hour journey beside Goulburn River, a three-hour escapade taking in the Goulburn and the Murray, and a winery ride, which carries you to a local cellar door. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, then the latter can be turned into an overnighter, with extra activities, such as a longer ride to a local pub, a mini cattle muster, a cruise on a paddle steamer and a tour of the Great Aussie Beer Shed. GO WINE TASTING What better way to admire dazzling autumn leaves than with a glass of wine in hand? There are several places to sip and sample along the Murray. If you're Mildura-bound, then begin your explorations at the Sunraysia Cellar Door, where more than 250 wines await your review. Just 15 minutes' drive away in Trentham Cliffs is Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery and restaurant on the banks of the Murray. It's one of many waterfront wineries along the river. Drive southeast for two hours to reach Piangil, where you'll find Andrew Peace's cellar door, then another two-and-a-half to Echuca Moama, home to Cape Horn Vineyard and Morrisons Winery. While you're in the area, get off the beaten track with a trip along the Backroads Trail, stopping at The Old School to try some small-batch meads and Restdown for organic drops. For more ideas on how to spend your autumn getaway in the Murray River region and across the state, check out the Wander Victoria website.
Victoria's alpine region is only a few hours' drive from Melbourne, making it ideal for a quick getaway. Its craggy mountains, sprawling vineyards and countless bushwalking trails offer stunning scenery to take in year-round. But it's not all about the natural landscape. From Bright and Beechworth to Mansfield and Mount Buller, the mountainous region boasts phenomenal wineries, pubs, cafes and farm-to-table fine diners. So, if you consider yourself a foodie, it's time to start planning your next food-fuelled adventure. Don't know where to start? To help point you in the right direction, we've partnered with Victoria's High Country to bring you eight road-trip worthy dining and drinking spots. [caption id="attachment_805160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Roberto Seba[/caption] PROVENANCE Set in a former Bank of Australasia building, Provenance Restaurant is a cult favourite for both Beechworth locals and visitors to the old gold rush town. Here, foraged and locally grown produce is used to create an 18-dish, four-course set menu of Japanese-influenced fare, priced at $150 per person. So, you'll want to come hungry. While the menu often changes, you can expect dishes like oysters with cherry blossom dressing, asparagus tempura with fish eggs, grilled beef with smoked miso butter and a candied grapefruit and green tea mousse dessert. To drink, pick from co-owner Jeanette Henderson's fine sake and wine list. You can also drop by the Provenance Grocer to pick up house-made sauces, jams, pickled vegetables and jerky. [caption id="attachment_805171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn[/caption] TOMAHAWKS At Bright's much-loved Tomahawks, the ambience is as vibrant and punchy as the menu, which features flavour-bombs like sticky lamb ribs served with gochujang caramel; prawn and ginger dumplings; cauliflower and mozzarella fritters; and selection of burgers. End your meal on a sugar high and order the decadent white chocolate blondie with salted caramel and ice cream, too. If you're just stopping in for a tipple you won't be disappointed on that front either. The drinks list is a love letter to local breweries and wineries, and the bar always has a few surprises on rotation, so things don't get boring for the regular bar flies. The Tomahawks team has just opened up a pizza shop in town, too, if you were in search of cheesy slices. [caption id="attachment_805174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Georgie James Photography[/caption] TERRACE RESTAURANT One thing you'll notice in Victoria's High Country is that there's no shortage of fine diners. With that said, the award-winning Terrace Restaurant, just outside Rutherglen, is one of the spots we can't pass up when talking about the region's finer food offerings. Located on the All Saints Estate in a 19th century castle-like building overlooking vineyards and stately gardens, the restaurant certainly impresses. Food-wise, expect European-inspired indulgence from Chef Simon Arkless's menu, jam-packed with seasonal produce. The menu changes weekly, but you can always expect lamb, pork and fresh eggs sourced from the on-site farm. It's open for lunch every Wednesday to Sunday, with a feed starting from $65 per head for a two-course meal. MANSFIELD COFFEE MERCHANT Melbourne's coffee culture has spread to the North East with go-to cafe Mansfield Coffee Merchant. Owner Mat Picone took his bean roasting skills from the city to the country around six years ago and has been caffeinating locals ever since. Try one of the in-house roasted single origins or blends for a cup of joe or, if you're more of a tea person, the cafe also offers a selection of brews from local company Mad Hatter Tea Co. Breakfast here is also a good shout, with classics like pancakes with mixed berries; chorizo and feta omelettes; and porchetta eggs hitting the spot on a cold autumn morning. [caption id="attachment_807305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beechworth Photographers[/caption] PROJECT FORTY NINE Project Forty Nine, located in historic Beechworth, is a boutique grocer and cafe that champions goods from the region's small-scale producers and farmers. So, like many High Country foodie havens, seasonal produce is the hero here. Over at the deli counter, you'll find top-quality charcuterie, stinky cheeses and many tasty-looking baked goods. Plus, it also stocks oils, pastas, preserves and other pantry staples. But, really, you're here for its impressive wine selection of local drops. If you don't have time to pop by, you can also have one of Project Forty Nine's platters — which showcase some of the store's favourite items — delivered straight to your doorstep. [caption id="attachment_805161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn[/caption] DAL ZOTTO Nothing can prepare you for the positive energy that comes with a visit to the prosecco pioneers of King Valley. Established in 1987 by Otto and Elena Dal Zotto, Dal Zotto Wines is a full-on family affair that has a penchant for the simple things in life. Start at the cellar door to sip glasses of prosecco. Then, kick back in the sun in the dog-friendly garden complete with picnic tables and wooden wine barrels substituting high tables. And be sure to check out Elena's veggie garden. You'll want to book a table in at the winery's trattoria, too, which serves up everything from antipasto boards to fresh homemade pasta and pizzas. [caption id="attachment_805167" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn[/caption] SIXPENCE COFFEE Sixpence Coffee is the small giant of the High Country's bean scene. Located in the alpine foothills of Bright, the family-owned and -run venue shares Reed & Co Distillery's airy warehouse-style space. So, on a rainy day, you could easily spend a few hours at the coffee bar before moving on to something stronger. Make sure to try Sixpence's popular 3741 blend, which is roasted in small batches on site and has a reputation that precedes itself not only in Bright but also much further afield. TEMPLAR LODGE Surrounded by cattle farms and overlooking Victoria's highest peak, Mount Bogong, Templar Lodge is an unexpected gem in Tawonga. Chef-Owner Emma Handley has transformed the former 1950s Masonic Hall into an intimate paddock-to-plate restaurant. The contemporary Australian menu makes use of top-notch local produce — including fruits and veggies grown on Handley's farm — and changes with the seasons. To give an idea of what you'll be tucking in to, though, expect warming dishes like smoked eel rillette, house-made gnocchi, grilled ribeye and tonkotsu ramen. If it's not too chilly, nab a spot on the wide verandah for epic alpine views. Discover more and plan your next food-fuelled adventure at Victoria's High Country. Top image: Sixpence Coffee, Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn
International travel might be off the cards for the next little while, but that means it's time to soak up all the goodness in your own backyard. Australia and New Zealand are chock full of world-class travel opportunities, with lush rainforests, dazzling coastline, pristine outback and more, just waiting to be explored. And one lucky local will get to hit the road and see part of it for free, thanks to a bumper new competition from Surf Stitch. The fashion retailer has joined forces with campervan hire crew Travellers Autobarn to give away a two-week road-tripping adventure of a lifetime. The winner will score 14-day van hire — with the chance to go cruising around either New Zealand or Australia with their besties, kicking off from a location of their choice — as well as a $1500 wardrobe worth of fresh threads from Surf Stitch, to keep you all looking extra good on tour. Where and when your adventure will unfold, is entirely up to you — and COVID-19 restrictions, of course. At the moment, there are restrictions on travelling between states and territories in Australia, all of Victoria is in lockdown and you can't fly between Australia and NZ — so, if you do win, be sure to check the laws before heading off on your adventure. Restrictions aside, you could go tripping along NSW's north coast, splitting your time between sandy beach and rainforest. Touring the untouched wilderness of Tassie. Or maybe gallivanting your way around the famed Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound on New Zealand's south island. Whatever your local travel bucket-list looks like, this prize is sure to help you tick off a few gems, while giving that holiday itch a good scratch. To be in with a shot at winning your ultimate road trip, simply jump on the competition website and enter your details. Then, decide just which part of this grand old backyard is calling to you the loudest. You can enter the competition by filling in your details over at the Surf Stitch website. Entries close at 11.59pm AEST on Friday, August 14. The competition is open to citizens and permanent residents of Australia and NZ. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Most superheroes don't boast the same skills; however, in making the leap from comics to the screen and beyond, they can follow similar paths. Yes, the fact that great power means great responsibility should apply to all caped crusaders. Yes, many often segue from ordinary folks to suddenly super-powered saviours. And yes, in Black Panther and now the Spider-Man franchise's cases, one of their best are returning to cinemas a couple of years later as a spectacular movie-and-music event. Film fans can see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in cinemas right now, and should. It's exceptional, and already one of the best flicks of 2023. Keen to revisit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the title that started everyone's favourite friendly neighbourhood webslinger's current animated movie series? That's coming to Australia via Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert. Five years after Into the Spider-Verse debuted on the silver screen, it's swinging back onto one, this time at The Plenary at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, October 21. Making its Australian premiere as a concert, the animated masterpiece will be accompanied by a 32-piece orchestra, plus DJ Total Eclipse from The X-Ecutioners on the turntables. Everything from The Lion King to Star Wars and Harry Potter, plus The Princess Bride, Home Alone and Toy Story as well, have scored or are about to score the orchestral treatment — but that approach alone wouldn't suit Into the Spider-Verse and its Brooklyn-based Spidey Miles Morales (Shameik Moore, Wu-Tang: An American Saga). Hence the fusion with DJ-spun tracks, to truly do not only Daniel Pemberton's (an Oscar-nominee for The Trial of the Chicago 7) score justice, but also the soundtrack featuring Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and Nicki Minaj, too. "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favourite scores I've ever written. Utilising a full orchestra, crazy electronics and unbelievable turntable scratching techniques amongst a million other things, it is so technically complex I never thought we'd ever be able to actually reproduce it in a live concert, but somehow, we have," said Pemberton about the project. The concert version heads Down Under after premiering in New York in March 2023, and with fellow stops around the US currently taking place, as well as shows in the UK planned after its Australian run. Fingers crossed that this dazzling mix of sound and vision will do whatever the Spider-Verse can in other Australian cities, although only a Melbourne date has been announced so far. Check out the trailers for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in Concert and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse itself below: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert is playing The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne on Saturday, October 21, with tickets on sale via Ticketmaster from Friday, July 28. Images: Adela Loconte.
First, her milkshake brought all the boys to the yard. Now, a couple of Brisbane events — BIGSOUND and Sweet Relief! — are bringing Kelis to Brisbane in 2024. The thinking: why get the R&B talent to hit up one festival in the Sunshine State capital when she can take to the stage at two? Damn right, this plan is better than yours. At BIGSOUND, Kelis joins the conference lineup at the huge music event, which combines plenty of discussions with live gigs in Fortitude Valley, and returns to Brisbane from Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 for its 23rd year. Then, on Saturday, September 7, Kelis will be part of Sweet Relief!'s 2024 bill. Accordingly, BIGSOUND attendees can expect to hear about her experiences in music — and maybe as a fashion icon, muse for designers, and a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef with her own Netflix several cooking specials and cookbook My Life on a Plate to her name. At Sweet Relief!, in an exclusive show, Kelis will bust out not just 'Milkshake' and 'Bossy' but more tunes from her catalogue at the fest's second year. For company at the event, which moves to Ballymore Stadium for 2024 after debuting at Northshore Brisbane in 2023, she'll be joined by The Presets, 2024 Eurovision contestants Electric Fields, Haiku Hands, Dameeeela and Juno so far, with more to be announced. 2024 marks a quarter century since Kelis' first record Kaleidoscope and also 21 years since Tasty — featuring 'Milkshake', 'Trick Me' and 'Millionaire' — became such a hit. The singer's spot on both the BIGSOUND and Sweet Relief! is the result of a partnership between BIGSOUND and QLD Music Trails, the latter of which Sweet Relief! forms part of. [caption id="attachment_959285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The James Adams[/caption] [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_959282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The James Adams[/caption] [caption id="attachment_851424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] BIGSOUND 2024 will take place between Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information, visit the event's website. Sweet Relief! 2024 will take place at Ballymore Stadium, 91 Clyde Road, Herston, on Saturday, September 7, with presales from 11am local time on Tuesday, June 4 and general sales from 11am local time on Friday, June 7 — head to the event's website for more details.
Heading to an outdoor music festival normally means hoping for fine and sunny outdoor weather. At Snow Machine, you'll be praying for one thing: yes, snow. Because spending a day or several dancing to tunes in the open air isn't solely synonymous with summer, this event embraces its wintry setup, combining live music with a ski trip — as Japan first experienced in 2020, and New Zealand has been enjoying since 2022. The Japanese fest takes place for 2025 in March, but you'll want to mark September in your calendar if you're keen on the Aotearoa event. The hottest festival for the colder months is unleashing its avalanche of music and adventure at two mountain-topping NZ ski resorts between Tuesday, September 9–Sunday, September 14 this year. The snow-filled attraction has also just dropped its impressive lineup. On the Thursday night, Claptone and Hot Dub Time Machine will be headlining. On the Friday, Amyl and The Sniffers are playing an exclusive New Zealand show, with Mallrat also on the bill. Come Saturday, Netsky and Luude are doing the honours. Also helping to give Snow Machine's NZ winter wonderland a thumping soundtrack across the fest: Argonaut, Baby J, Ben Silver, Beverly Kills, Body Ocean, Boogs, Brian Fantana and Casey Leaver — plus Dannika Peach, Jimi The Kween, Lenni Vibe, Mell Hall, Montel2099, Odd Mob. And, then there's Bribera, Savage, Spacey Space, T-Rek and What So Not. As the hefty roster of talent demonstrates, attendees are in for a helluva few days, including hitting the slopes and partying at après ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. How much dancing, skiing and sipping you want to do is up to you — as is how many other adventurous activities you'd like to add to your itinerary, such as heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and skydiving. Snow Machine's official welcome party is also on the agenda again, taking place at AJ Hackett Bungy Kawarau Bridge. So is another annual highlight: the Polar Bare, which endeavours to set a world record for the most amount of people heading down the slopes their swimwear. Alongside the wintry backdrop and the fun that comes with it, one of the things that sets Snow Machine apart from other music fests is being able to book your entire getaway with your ticket. Packages span both five and seven nights of accommodation, and include a four-day festival ticket, plus multi-day ski pass. If you'd rather make your own way or pass on the skiing, there are ticket-only options — and VIP packages if you really want to do it in style. Snow Machine 2025 Lineup Amyl and The Sniffers Argonaut Baby J Ben Silver Beverly Kills Body Ocean Boogs Brian Fantana Casey Leaver Claptone Dannika Peach Hot Dub Time Machine Jimi The Kween Lenni Vibe Luude Mallrat Mell Hall Montel2099 Netsky Odd Mob Bribera Savage Spacey Space T-Rek What So Not Plus stage takeovers from: Poof Doof Ski Club Thicks as Thieves Revolver Sundays Electric Rush Snow Machine 2025 takes place from Tuesday, September 9–Sunday, September 14 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Presale tickets go on sale on from 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST / 3pm NZDT on Monday, February 24, 2025, with general tickets available from 1pm AEDT / 12pm AEST / 3pm NZDT on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. For more information, visit the festival's website. Images: Han Lowther / Amee Freeman / Luke O'Keefe.
In August 2023, Wicked will unleash its spin on The Wizard of Oz — and one of Broadway's biggest hits of the 21st century — upon Sydney, in what's set to be one of the Harbour City's theatre highlights of the year. But fans of faraway realms, yellow brick roads and toe-tapping songs in Melbourne can get their fix right here at home, all thanks to a new stage production of the show that started it all. This winter, from Thursday, June 29–Sunday, July 9, consider the Victorian capital's National Theatre somewhere over the rainbow. You'll be off to see the wizard there, too. There's never a bad time to pop on your ruby slippers, and hasn't been for the past 84 years since the page-to-screen hit first reached cinemas — including when theatre outfit Theatrical give The Wizard of Oz a whirl. More than 30 performers will tread the boards, led by Lyla Digrazia — a veteran of Theatrical's Freaky Friday — as Dorothy. Kael D'Alterio (Matilda) plays Scarecrow, Ashley Wilsnach (Spring Awakening) gets shiny as Tin Man and Leigh Roncon (Chicago) will seek courage as the Cowardly Lion. Also in key roles: Keyanna Burgher (Into the Woods) as the Wicked Witch, Isobel Smart (also Freaky Friday) as both Glinda the Good Witch and Aunt Em, and Jason Fabbri (Beauty and the Beast) stepping behind the curtain as the Wizard. As they act out the storyline for director Kim Anderson, audiences will also hear all of the tracks that everyone has stuck in their head forever, including Oscar-winner 'Over the Rainbow', 'We're Off to See the Wizard', 'Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead', 'If I Only Had a Brain' and 'The Merry Old Land of Oz'. But, this show isn't without changes, including moving the action forward in time. "The Wizard of Oz is a delightful classic, a musical I have directed once before. For this new production, we are shifting from the traditional look of the show, and making our female characters grounded and fiercely independent," said Anderson, announcing the production. "We will be setting the story in a time period not too far off into the future from our own. It's a bit steampunk; think of a cross between 1930s dustbowl and Jules Verne. The heartwarming story, loveable characters and iconic songs remain, woven into a new fantasy world." For those who've somehow missed the 1939 classic flick so far, it adapts the 1900 novel The Wonderful World of Oz by L Frank Baum. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland in the movie) and her little dog Toto are whisked off from her Kansas farm to the titular realm, where she needs to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West — and find the eponymous wizard to make it home. To locate the latter, a stroll down a certain golden path with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion is on the agenda. Check out the trailer for the film below: The Wizard of Oz plays Melbourne's National Theatre from Thursday, June 29–Sunday, July 9, with tickets on sale now.
After a couple of months spent cooped up at home dabbling in some serious alone time, it's safe to say most of us are itching to get back out there and into some semblance of normal life. And sitting down to a feed at an actual restaurant with your mates? That's surely right near the top of the hit-list. Happily, under Victoria's newly eased restrictions (which came into effect at midnight on May 31), cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs are allowed to reopen for dine-in service, to a maximum of 20 seated customers per enclosed space. Of course, there are a few rules to follow — guests are required to order a 'meal' alongside any booze and will need to leave their contact details for tracing purposes. But in short, dining out is back on the menu. And, if you really want to kick things back off with a bang, you'll even find some venues offering themselves up for exclusive hire. Yep, we've scouted out nine Melbourne spots you can snap up for a private 20-person food party, to welcome yourselves back into society in style. But you'd best book quick — reservations are filling up fast. While the following venues are allowing bookings of 20 customers, there's still a maximum of six diners per table and a requirement to keep 1.5 metres of space between tables, in line with the government's restrictions. If all goes to plan, the government hopes to increase the dine-in customer limit to 50 per enclosed space, from 11.59pm on June 21. Most venues' booking options will likely change then. RICE PAPER SCISSORS, FITZROY The masters of share-friendly, modern Southeast Asian eats are back, as Rice Paper Scissors flings open the doors this week. And, if you've got 19 hungry mates, the long-running Brunswick Street restaurant can be yours to book out for a private feast. Rice Paper Scissors' shared feed menus are famously good value, at just $32 per person for lunch or $37 at dinner. And as always, there's a swag of options to tempt both vegans and their carnivore counterparts. Settle in for dishes like sticky whisky-marinated barbecue lamb ribs, coconut snapper ceviche and a plant-based Burmese tea leaf salad, matched to Asian-inspired sips like the Pandan Colada. Bookings: online. [caption id="attachment_662927" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jean-Louis Carvalho[/caption] BODEGA UNDERGROUND, CBD If you've been nursing a craving for Bodega Underground's tacos and impressive mezcal selection, then here's some cracking good news — the subterranean CBD taqueria is finally welcoming dine-ins once more. Even better, you can book out the whole venue for a private, 20-person Mexican fiesta. A sumptuous feed-me menu clocks in at $50 a head, running to dishes like slow-cooked lamb riblets teamed with poblano chilli, roasted cauliflower with salsa verde, and tacos loaded with black beans, pickled jalapeño and vegetable chips. As always, vegan mates are well looked after and the bar is slinging a slew of punchy tequila cocktails, with a range of different drink packages on offer. Bookings: online. [caption id="attachment_772401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicholas Wilkins[/caption] AMARILLO, FITZROY Neighbourhood bar Amarillo made its much-anticipated return on June 3, and is back slinging interesting wines and an inviting menu of rustic Mediterranean fare from Wednesday through Sunday. And, if you'd like the place all to yourself, you can book for a group of 20, spread across different tables throughout the venue's two rooms. The kitchen's even unveiled a brand-new menu to get acquainted with, featuring elegant plates like octopus teamed with chickpeas and melted tomatoes, a salt cod and potato galette, and clams matched with white beans and sherry. If you've visited before, you'll know signature cocktails like the Momoko Spritz and the mezcal-infused Smokey Negroni are well worth a look-in, too. Bookings: online. FEAST OF MERIT, RICHMOND If you've ever wanted to take over that secluded rooftop at Feast of Merit, there's never been a better time than now. Not only is the plant-filled, Middle Eastern-inspired diner welcoming back guests, but its rooftop space is available to book exclusively for two-hour sittings, if you've got a group of 20. Make yourselves at home among the ferns and fairy lights to enjoy free rein of the full a la carte menu, starring dishes like creamy hummus dressed with pumpkin seeds and capers, roast harissa potatoes, and the share-friendly slow-roasted lamb shoulder. To match, there's a stack of Aussie brews, a local-leaning wine list and plenty of celebratory house cocktails. Bookings: online. DAVID'S, PRAHRAN Like the sound of a private yum cha party at one of Melbourne's most celebrated Shanghainese eateries? Well, this month, you're in luck. Long-running Prahran restaurant David's is offering up its entire space for group bookings of 20, with 90-minute sittings available from Wednesday to Sunday. There are even three differently themed yum cha feasting menus to choose from — Wednesday's vegan lineup, a roster of spicy dishes on Thursdays and a classic yum cha selection the rest of the week. Grab the chopsticks and get stuck into the likes of szechuan chicken ribs, plump pork buns, ginger prawn dumplings and a spicy veggie san choi bao, for only $45–50 a head. Bookings: online. [caption id="attachment_692009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Ross[/caption] HALF ACRE, SOUTH MELBOURNE An architectural gem in the backstreets of South Melbourne, Half Acre is an idyllic setting for that post-lockdown party you've been craving. And right now, you can book out the venue's bar and eatery exclusively, for groups of up to 20 diners from Tuesday through Thursday. There's a variety of seasonal food and drink packages to choose from, though you can rest assured no one's walking out of this shindig hungry. Get your guests amped for produce-driven plates like wood-roasted lamb with labneh and burnt eggplant, and grilled cabbage with chimichurri and torched goat's cheese. And of course, the fan favourite za'atar bread, fired over wood and paired with smoked butter. Minimum spends may apply — shoot them an email to enquire. Bookings: email info@halfacre.com.au. [caption id="attachment_674539" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] TIPICO, WINDSOR You can now book out Windsor favourite Tipico for your own pasta party. As always, Tipico's kitchen is showing off its flair for modern European eats, with plenty of house-made pasta dishes primed for a winter feasting session with friends. Gather your favourites to devour plates like braised ox cheek pappardelle, rich duck and thyme gnocchi, and a veal cotoletta with house-made giardiniera. Or, save the decision-making and opt for the $60 per person feed-me menu. And don't forget, there's loads of top-notch Italian vino to round out your night. Bookings: online. [caption id="attachment_759139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] MRS SINGH, CBD Jessi Singh's Indian-accented wine bar was still in its infancy when lockdown took effect. But the playful Mrs Singh is making up for lost time, back in action and serving dine-in customers seven days a week. If you've got a crew of 20, the space can be yours to book out entirely for a private feasting party, celebrating a menu packed with creative, modern dishes. Get excited for the likes of vindaloo momos, duck paratha pancakes, a smoked lamb curry and house-made breads — including the cult favourite blue cheese naan with caramelised onion. And you can pair those spices with a crisp craft brew, or one of four house gin and tonics. Bookings: online. AGOSTINO CELLAR BAR, CARLTON Keen to class things up a bit post-lockdown? Housed within Carlton's iconic King & Godfree building, Agostino has finally reopened the doors to its chic bluestone cellar. And the intimate space is available to book out in its entirety for a swanky subterranean soiree, Thursday through Sunday. The Italian-style wine bar promises a fitting backdrop for your reentry into social life, with a newly minted share-style set menu to match. Clocking in at $75 a head, it might star dishes like house-made cherry tomato and pesto focaccia; a vodka, tomato and chilli paccheri pasta; or a classic veal ossobucco with gremolada. Meanwhile, the wine list is packed with plenty of goodies of its own. Bookings: online. Top image: Half Acre by Tim Ross.
Fitzroy's Black Pearl has long been considered one of Australia's greatest cocktail bars, so it was only a matter of time before a few of its talented alumni teamed up to carry on the legacy and make some cocktail history of their own. Having all met at the ionic Fitzroy bar and boasting over 50 years experience between them, Chris Hysted-Adams, Rob Libecans, Matthew Stirling and Ryan Noreiks are now gearing up for the launch of their first joint venture. Fancy Free will be a neighbourhood-style bar — it's slated to open later this year at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in the CBD. It's been a long-held dream for the four to pool their talents to open a bar of their own, explains Hysted-Adams, adding that the team is "kind of like the Avengers, but with drinks". At Fancy Free, wine, beer and food are each set to play starring roles alongside cocktails, which is undoubtedly where the team's expertise lies. While an opening date is yet to be announced, the boys are happy to give us all a sneak peek, taking the Fancy Free concept on a nationwide 'teaser' tour. They've lined up collaborations with Tasmania's Dark Mofo, Saville Row in Brisbane, the Sydney's burger and booze slingers Mary's and Melbourne's own Ramblr in late July. Fancy Free is set to open later this year. For more info on the national tour, jump over to the fancyfreebar.com.au.
As much as we love catching a movie under the stars, outdoors cinemas are usually more of a summer activity. After all, it's sort of hard to focus on the story when your extremities are going numb. Enter Hot Tub Cinema Club. Coming back to to a secret Melbourne location for two weeks this October, this novelty nickelodeon works exactly the way you think it does: you and your mates strip down to your togs and enjoy a flick from the comfort of a bubbling tub. Melbourne has already tried the concept last year, and after a season in Sydney, the club is coming back down south for spring. The organisers of Hot Tub Cinema Melbourne are yet to reveal which four films will feature on the program, although shame on them if they don't include Jaws or, failing that, Splash. Spots will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, although you can sign up for pre-release tickets. For more information and to stay in the loop about Hot Tub Cinema Club Melbourne, visit their website.
The Albion Hotel's is what you'd call a true 'risen from the ashes' story. Two years ago, the historic South Melbourne pub took quite the beating, burning to the ground just ten days before it was due to reopen. Now, its team of owners — which includes ex-Collingwood AFL player Dane Swan and former rugby league legends Danny Williams and Robbie Kearns — have brought the venue back to life, ready to at last unveil the finished project in early February. We're told to expect an entirely different offering to any of the pub's many previous incarnations, as it returns to its original name of The Albion. This time around, expect a mammoth three-level space, crowned with one of Melbourne's biggest rooftop bars. Up here, find yourself quaffing gin cocktails and tap beers, matched to sweeping views of the city skyline. One floor below lies a plush lounge bar, decked out with leather booths and brass accents, while a modern front bar takes over the ground level. It's an all-encompassing venue that's been designed to cruise easily from daytime to the after-dark hours, with a state-of-the-art sound system and a nifty 5am weekend licence pegging it as a favourite for late-night dance floor sessions. Meanwhile, the brand new kitchen will be plating up a menu that celebrates both local produce and global flavours, featuring the likes of soft shell crab bao, cider-braised pork belly and a seared nori tuna. This isn't the only old pub to open next month — Melbourne University's Prince Alfred is getting a new lease on life too. The Albion will open Wednesday through Sunday at 172, York Street South Melbourne, from February 2018. For more information, keep checking back here and at thealbion.bar.
When all seven chapters of S-Town were released in one mighty swoop on March 28 this year, podcasting entered a new realm. Ten million episodes were downloaded in four days, obliterating records. And now, series creator Brian Reed is coming to Australia to talk about how he did it. At two different evenings, titled 'Mysteries, Mazes and the Making of S-Town' at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre and We Need To Talk About S-Town at Sydney Opera House, he'll be chatting about telling stories, combining reporting with literariness, leaving things unsaid and, of course, John B. McLemore, the podcast's eccentric, obsessive, unforgettable protagonist. Along the way, you're likely to hear him touching on all the big themes that found their way into S-Town: greed, poverty, mental health issues and prejudice. And, if you've been plagued by questions of journalistic ethics, this would be the time to dig them out. Tickets are already selling fast to the Melbourne show, and tickets for Sydney go on sale Monday, May 29. So, you'd better be quick. BRIAN REED'S AUSTRALIAN DATES: Wednesday, July 26 — 'Mysteries, Mazes and the Making of S-Town' at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre. Tickets here. Saturday, July 29 — 'Brian Reed: We Need to Talk About S-Town' at Sydney Opera House. Tickets here. Image: Andrea Morales.
Things are starting to get pretty frosty in Melbourne, so the team at Welcome To Thornbury are heating up a plan to help warm your weekend — a mini festival dedicated to mulled wine and hot cheese. The party's set to take over the Northcote food truck park from noon, this Saturday, May 27, pulling together a selection of hot, gooey creations from some of the city's favourite cheese-slinging vendors. This is where all your cheesiest dreams come true, chowing down on lush cheese fondue from Frencheese, The Cheese Rebels' decadent haloumi sausages, a raclette burger from the folks at Mr Burger, and other treats from the likes of That Arancini Guy, Crepes For Change, and Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks. Of course, you won't find a better drink match to all that rich, melty dairy than some hot, spiced booze, so the bar will be rounding out its usual offerings with a special mulled wine, available all day long. The first Mulled Wine and Hot Cheese Festival happens from midday to 11pm, Saturday, May 27, at Welcome to Thornbury, 520 High Street, Northcote.
There's not a whole lot that can't be fixed with a big serve of carbs, especially when that involves diving headfirst into a generous bowl of pasta. A slurp of spaghetti or forkful of fettuccine and life suddenly looks very sweet indeed. So, with American Express, we've picked out some of Melbourne's finest pasta-slinging spots (that'll also accept that Amex you've been trying to earn more points with), to ensure no gnocchi craving ever goes unanswered again. While Melbourne's strong Italian heritage means the city's not short on Nonna-worthy pasta dishes, this hand-picked lineup sticks to the kinds of places you'll happily land in after a tough day — comfy spaces with atmosphere aplenty and some super-skilled pasta masters working their magic in the kitchen. Next time you've got pasta on your mind, let one of these restaurants sort you out in style. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
It's time to make the pilgrimage to the Supernatural Amphitheatre once again, because Golden Plains has opened the ballot for 2018. Taking place over a long weekend under a full moon, Meredith's other beloved festival returns for March 10–12, 2018. As always, the lineup will appear on one stage in the Supernatural Amphitheatre, but Aunty is keeping quiet about the details for now. Expect the full lineup to drop soon. Standouts from last year included Neil Finn, Kurt Vile, Nicholas Jaar and Chain and The Gang. Meanwhile, Golden Plains is set to be the same festival you know and love — no dickheads, no need to hide your goon sacks, no commercial sponsors. If you can't wait until next year, best get yourself a ticket to Meredith in December as well Golden Plains will take over the Supernatural Amphitheatre in Meredith on March 10, 11 and 12. The ballot for GPXI is open now until 10pm on Monday, October 16. Visit goldenplains.com.au for details. Image: Theresa Harrison.
Northcote Pottery Supplies is hosting a twilight market for all your ceramics needs and wants. On Wednesday, December 13, there will be a plethora of stalls showcasing works by studio residents, staff, tutors and emerging makers. Featured makers include Alterfact, Dawn Vachon, Acardia Scott and many, many more. It's out with the old and in with the new as 2017 reaches a close — so stock your shelves and dress your home with unique pieces. Pop over anytime between 5 and 8pm to peruse the displays and even grab yourself (or a loved one) a Christmas present.
After nearly a year without being able to head to theatres, it now feels like a proper treat to catch a movie on the big screen. Making sure we get extra cultural bang for our buck, short film festival Flickerfest returns to The Kino this April to showcase the best of Melbourne-made shorts. The internationally acclaimed Flickerfest is celebrating its 30th year and, following the festival's ten-day stint in Sydney, it's making its way to Melbourne on Wednesday, April 14. The annual film festival is Australia's only Academy-qualifying and BAFTA-recognised short film festival, too. Highlights this year include feel-good film Dog Date Afternoon, which tells the story of a germophobe trying to win the girl of his dreams and her dog; hilarious crime comedy Pugs Before Drugs; and The Wake, which sees a recent widow struggling to navigate her husband's frenzied funeral. [caption id="attachment_803926" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Pugs Before Drugs'[/caption] For your $25 ticket, you'll get to watch the hand-picked shorts and festival award-winners in one evening. You can also enjoy a complimentary Gage Roads beer, Rosnay Organic wine or PS organic soft drink and popcorn on arrival and have the chance to hear from the featured filmmakers before the screening. To see the full program and grab tickets, head here. Top images (in order): The Wake by Eddie Diamandi, and Dog Date Afternoon by Lachlan Ryan.
Suddenly, it's not enough to enjoy craft beer, locally-made sourdough and bespoke flavoured oils anymore — now it's all the rage to actually make them yourself too. How do you do that, you ask? Enter The Craft and Co., the newest venue on Smith Street. They can help you out. The Craft and Co. vision is to teach through demonstration. They’re a retail and hospitality space that hosts in-store demonstrations and workshops to help you understand how your food is made — and maybe even give it a crack yourself. It's big space that incorporates an onsite micro-brewery and distillery, cured meat and cheese making rooms and coffee roastery, as well as a retail store, bar and eatery. And their also hoping to develop their own farm and vineyard. Talk about ambitious. The plan is to hold workshops, demonstrations and events — so if you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own mozzarella, curing your own salami or whipping up some home-brew, this is your place. And if you simply can’t be bothered with DIY, you can just always just EIY (eat it yourself). The lunch and dinner menu is stellar and — best of all — won't break the bank, which is a necessary consideration in this post-Christmas world we now live in. The menu is a mixture of tapas-style nibbles and meaty, filling mains, but the breakfast menu really has us intrigued. A zucchini and mint omelette, wagyu minute steak and chips (for breakfast?!) and the cacao pops — activated buckwheat, cacao and coconut served with milk — are just experimental enough that we'll happily concede to The Craft and Co.’s expertise in this department. The Craft and Co. is located at 390 Smith Street, Fitzroy. For more information and opening hours, visit thecraftandco.com.au.
Cue the fireworks: the New Year is almost upon us. And no, we don't mean those few hours of public drunkenness and poor decision-making that fall between sundown on December 31 and your hangover the following morning. We're talking about Chinese New Year, a celebration that, quite frankly, makes our piddly little Gregorian thing look about as exciting as your grandmother's birthday. The Chinese Lunar calendar officially ticks over on Monday, February 8, but that's only a fraction of the fun. With markets, concerts, parades, film screenings, parties and more, Melbourne's Chinese community are sparing no expense. Here's our list pick of the events happening this February to help you ring in the Year of the Monkey in style.
Are you serious about your rum? Or just know you love the stuff? Either way, there's a rummy adventure happening in Melbourne throughout August and you can get involved. Fine purveyors and makers of rum for over 265 years, Appleton Estate will bring back The Appleton Trail, a month-long celebration of Jamaica's long-loved spirit. Throughout August Melburnians can pull up a pew at not one, but two rum-lovin' bars and taste the gems of the Appleton range and get into the summery Jamaican spirit. The Trail is headed both to Brunswick's Penny Black and Big Mouth in St Kilda — so no matter what side of the river you live on, you can still enjoy the festivities. Both venues will be serving up special Appleton cocktails and matched Jamaican snacks every night in August with some added surprises rolling out throughout the month. The Penny Black will have live music on Friday, August 5 and Sunday, August 12 as well as some super tasty jerk chicken from their pop-up bar — which is a total no brainer. Or get down to Big Mouth on Saturday, August 20 and 27 for complimentary cocktail tastings. Yep, it's time to switch to rum for winter — it's one of the best ways to keep warm, after all. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan.
Back in the '60s and '70s, country Aussie pubs didn't just house on-site bistros — they boasted their own Chinese restaurants on the premises. Trust Andrew McConnell to revive the trend. In fact, he's revamped Fitzroy's Builders Arms Hotel to reintroduce pub-goers to the idea of eating dishes like drunken chicken before, after or while they're having a drink themselves. Gone is the chef's previous eatery, Moon Under Water, with Ricky & Pinky taking its place. As well as a completely fresh culinary focus courtesy of its Hong Kong-style Chinese food selection, the new restaurant looks remarkably different, too. Think colourful and open, with a more than a few knocked-down walls, a now-visible kitchen run by ex-Cutler & Co, Golden Fields and Supernormal alum Archan Chan, and that traditional staple: fish tanks filled with swimming market seafood, crustaceans and molluscs. Menu-wise, Ricky & Pinky mightn't call its delicious range Asian fusion; however it is rather keen on mixing classic and innovative cooking in its dishes. When you're twirling around the lazy Susan sitting in the middle of your table, you might just share the likes of mapo tofu, fried rice with preserved vegetable and salted duck egg, fried prawn and chicken wontons with sweet and sour sauce, or pippies and XO sauce with fried doughnuts. To cap things off, end your meal with an extra-large fortune cookie or banana semifreddo with chocolate caramel and crisp batter. If you've been known to grab at pint or a bite in Builders Arms' trusty front bar, don't worry. There, you'll still find good ol' choices like burgers and whipped cod roe. Everything else might've changed, but some icons just keep in keepin' on. Find Ricky & Pinky at the Builders Arms Hotel, 211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. For more information, visit their website. Images: Harvard Wang.
There's a week for everything, it seems — and in 2017, that includes design. The brand new, dedicated Melbourne Design Week will form part of the National Gallery of Victoria's just-announced inaugural Victorian Design Program. Yes, prepare to feast your eyes on a whole lot of local creativity. Other than making everyone say the word design more often than we might normally, and not to be confused with the previous Melbourne International Design Week, Melbourne Design Week will take place every March from 2017, showcasing and celebrating all things related to the field: the business behind it, how it works in practice, its social impact and just how it helps make Melbourne such a liveable city. To kick things off, the first event will focus specifically on design values when it takes over the NGV from March 16 to 26. The program will feature exhibitions, international guests and keynote speakers, product launches, programs for businesses and more, at both the NGV and other venues around the city. Anyone particularly interested in or working in a design-oriented area should be interested in the open-access component developed in conjunction with Open House Melbourne, which will connect Victorians to design-led businesses, manufacturers, facilities and institutions. While the full March lineup won't be announced until February 1, 2017, the broader curated Victorian Design Program will run year-round, so keep your eyes peeled for NGV's new slate of design-centric drawcards. "The Gallery's vision is to present and make accessible design and architecture for a broad range of audiences," said NGV director Tony Ellwood. Melbourne Design Week takes place from March 16 to 26, 2017. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-design-week-2/ Image: Haven't you always wanted ...? by M@STUDIO Architects for the 2016 NGV Architecture Commission. Photo: Peter Bennetts.
Come summer in Melbourne, you won't just see stars on cinema screens — you'll sit beneath them while you're watching a movie. That's what Rooftop Cinema promises, and the first part of its new program certainly delivers. First stop: Tom Hiddleston navigating an anarchic society in an apartment block in High-Rise. Kicking off on December 3 and running through until the end of January 2017 (with the still-to-be-announced second half of the program spanning February to April), there's plenty more movie fun where that came from. Haven't had a chance to catch up with Marvel's latest superhero, Doctor Strange? Keen to revisit this year's lady-centric version of Ghostbusters? Want to take the ultimate US road trip with American Honey? You'll find them all on the lineup. Amy Adams-starring duo Arrival and Nocturnal Animals, amusing action hit The Nice Guys and a dose of the skux life courtesy of Hunt for the Wilderpeople also feature among the more recent portion of the program. So do two music offerings sponsored by Levi's: Nick Cave doco Once More With Feeling, as well as a look at the fab four in The Beatles: Eight Days A Week. Don't forget that checking out classics on the big screen is all part of the Rooftop Cinema experience as well, though. This year's retro contingent including tear-inducing tributes (Labyrinth and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), all manner of Christmas hijinks (Bad Santa and its forthcoming sequel, Love Actually, Home Alone and Elf) and three nights of Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice, new release The Founder, and Birdman). If there's ever been a reason to spend your evenings outdoors for the next few months, this is it. Rooftop Cinema takes place in the Melbourne CBD, on top of Curtin House, Swanston Street (between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Streets). The bar opens daily between 11am and 1am, with films starting at 9.30pm in December and January. The February to April program will be announced in late January. Rooftop Cinema kicks off December 3. Check out the whole first half of the program at the Rooftop Cinema website.
Launching the third edition of biannual video art celebration Channels Festival, Future Tense combines video, installation and new technology to create hypothetical stories and explore issues of contemporary politics, histories and national identity. Taking place at The Substation, Future Tense currently features the works of Antoinette J. Citizen, Hannah Brontë, Yael Bartana (ISR) and Rachel Mason (US) — with more artists soon to be announced. Founded in 2012, this year's Channels Festival program features 90 Australian and international artists across 14 varied events including exhibitions, screenings, workshops and online programs. The 2017 festival's theme 'futures' invites a range of experimental and innovative artists to "explore the uncharted territory of histories yet to be established". Future Tense is open from Friday, September 1 until Saturday, October 28 at Newport's The Substation.
