There are plenty of ways you could celebrate World Doughnut Day, but an all-you-can-eat doughnut banquet has got to be among the most decadent. Especially when it's being served up by one of Melbourne's go-to doughnut spots, Goldeluck's. On Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, the bakery is celebrating the world's favourite holey treat with a bottomless buffet feast at its Patterson Lakes and Ringwood stores. Book in for a one-hour sitting between 11am and 7.30pm on your chosen day, and you'll get to gorge on your fill of sweet treats for just $22. The menu includes unlimited serves of its signature doughnuts, HSP doughnut packs and croissant-doughnut hybrid, the 'dossant'. There's no word yet on exactly which flavours will be making it to the buffet table, but past hits have included the likes of raspberry and white chocolate, Golden Gaytime and a classic peanut butter and jelly number. To drink, there'll be free-flowing tea, coffee and milkshakes, too. Goldeluck's all-you-can-eat doughnut buffet is available at both its Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood and Lakeview Shopping Centre, Patterson Lakes stores. One-hour sessions are available between 11am–7.30pm each day.
Students from the University of Adelaide have created an odd new two-wheeled vehicle that seeks to solve inner city transport problems. The 'Edward', or Electric Diwheel With Active Rotation Dampening, looks like something out of an eco-friendly sci-movie. It also happens to share a resemblance with South Park's It, which Mr. Garrison created as an alternative mode of transport to airplanes for those willing to try anything but. The Edward can reach 40 kilometres per hour and at a mere incline of 12 degrees, and is the first diwheel vehicle (a vehicle with two wheels on the same axle with a cabin mounted between them) that uses stabilising technology that stops the driver from being rocked back and fourth as the vehicle moves. The vehicle is battery powered, meaning that it is incredibly environmentally friendly and also almost silent. Not to mention that its size would make it ideal for parking and driving down crowded and busy city streets. And while it may not be roadworthy just yet - the South Australian Transport Department recently rejected an application for the Edward to be driven on the streets - this contraption provides an interesting solution to the problems associated with traveling by car in inner city areas. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uf6Gh-hPDeo Via [Fast Company]
Is your wardrobe overflowing with clothes that you don't wear? We've all been there, and we've all been too busy to do anything about it. Through its op shops, Australian Red Cross finds a new home for your pre-loved outfits, shoes and accessories, with proceeds going towards its charity efforts — but we all know that wanting to donate your old threads is one thing and finding the time to do it is another. That's why Australian Red Cross has once again partnered with Uber for its annual Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive. When it launched in 2018, it collected over 43,500 kilograms of clothing in that first year alone, which saw clothing items worth an estimated $800,000 donated. And you'd best take the drive part literally, as the ride-sharing service will actually drive to your house, pick up your unwanted clothes and accessories, and deliver them to Red Cross Shops. Even better: it's not only super easy to take part, but it's free as well. Melburnians, just make sure you're ready between 10am–4pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Once you've bagged up all of your old bits and pieces (items you'd happily give your best friend, and no toys, books, furniture or electrical objects) into a bundle that weighs no more than 20 kilograms, it's all incredibly simple. Open the Uber app during that six-hour window, then find the Red Cross Clothing Drive image. After that, you need to set Red Cross Clothing Drive as the drop-off spot — and it should come up with a $0 amount. An Uber driver will then stop outside your house, meaning that you just need to take your preloved goods out to their car. Voila, you've cleared out your closet and you've helped folks in need, all with the tap of a button.
Easter and fish have always gone hand in hand. But this year, you can really up the ante thanks to Cappo Sociale and its luxurious lobster offering. The Fitzroy Italian restaurant is ensuring seafood fans have a very, very happy Easter, with not one, but two limited-edition lobster dishes hitting the menu from Friday, April 15–Sunday, April 17. Both are a nod to Head Chef Davide Amato's own Italian family Easter traditions. First up, there's the 'aragosta (lobster) gratin', starring a half WA rock lobster that's been grilled over charcoal and finished with a Sicilian-style crumble and lashings of lemon garlic butter ($45). Or, if you're a diehard pasta fiend, go for a serve of the special fettuccine, pairing half a rock lobster with fresh pasta, confit tomato and gremolata. It clocks in at $60 and is more than generous enough for two. While you're there, you'll be able to get your mitts on the rest of Cappo Sociale's regular menu, too. It's a long weekend — treat yo'self. [caption id="attachment_850468" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Images: Interiors by Arianna Leggiero
The San Telmo crew's new Japanese grill restaurant Robata was open for less than a week before the latest lockdown shut its doors. Thankfully, you can now get a taste of Head Chef Stephen Clark's hotly anticipated new menu delivered to your house. The restaurant has launched a lockdown-friendly Robata at Home offering available for delivery this weekend. For $75, the 'Ie De Robata' two-person meal box comes loaded with chirashi hand rolls, plenty of house-made condiments, and finish-at-home dishes like chicken thigh yakitori, yaki onigiri and leek kushiyaki skewers. There are step-by-step instructions to help you bring it all to life, plus a curated playlist to jam to while you cook. Meanwhile, the $110 'Sequel' box features an even heartier lineup — think, fresh tuna and salmon sashimi, pork katsu teamed with cabbage and a red miso sauce, and fluffy yuzu marshmallow for dessert. Other goodies available to add onto your order include Asahi beers, bottles of sake and wine, and batched serves of the signature Sakura cocktail — a traditional blend of vodka, sake, sour cranberry and cherry blossom. Only a limited number of boxes are up for grabs, so get in quick and order yours online before they're gone. Deliveries are happening this Friday, August 13–Sunday, August 15, from 9am–5pm. Order before 5pm for next-day drop-off.
In the eyes of many, it's already among Abbotsford's top-tier drinking destinations. But this spring, Lulie Tavern is stepping things up a level — quite literally. The team has been hard at work transforming the space above its Johnston Street digs into the suburb's newest rooftop bar. On track to launch in November, the upstairs space will go by the name of Full Moon Fever — a tribute to music legend Tom Petty who, as you might have noticed from the photos and music programming downstairs, is an absolute Lulie idol. The all-weather rooftop will feature both a retractable roof and outdoor wood fire, kitted out with lounge seats and plenty of roomy booths. Beams and bricks from the former factory's original roof have been repurposed, and the space will be rocking a similar laidback, rock 'n' roll, memorabilia-filled aesthetic to its downstairs counterpart. Expect a warm, lively spot for after-work bevs, weekend hangs and everything in between. Full Moon Fever's menu is still being finalised, though we're told you can look forward to staple sips, done well and at locals' prices. Get set for summery sessions settled in over chilled tinnies, top-notch margaritas and peach iced teas — with some cracking tunes on the speakers to match, of course. Lulie Tavern has been an Abbotsford mainstay even since before it opened the doors to this current address in 2018. Prior to that, it was slinging cold tins and good vibes out of its previous home around the corner on Lulie Street. Find Full Moon Fever upstairs at 225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, from November. We'll share more updates as they drop. Images: Jake Roden
In just the past year, Fred Armisen has popped up on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, returned briefly to Saturday Night Live, played multiple characters on Documentary Now! and launched new Spanish-language horror-comedy Los Espookys. He has also co-starred with Maya Rudolph in existential dramedy Forever, voiced a hormone monster on Big Mouth and said goodbye to Portlandia. It's safe to say that he's had a busy 12 months or so. Next up for the hardworking actor and comedian is his first Australian tour, with Armisen bringing his latest show to our shores this August and September. No, he won't be donning wigs and different outfits, and pretending to be various residents from everyone's favourite Oregon hipster city. Sketch comedy does feature in this new show, however — and, this time, musicians are his target. Combining gags, songs and impressions, Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome finds plenty of humour in the music industry, and, as Portlandia fans will know, Armisen is no stranger to combining tunes and laughs. While he's now best known for all of the aforementioned series, others like 30 Rock, Broad City and Parks & Recreation, plus as films as varied as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Battle of the Sexes and The Dictator, Armisen actually started out in Chicago punk band Trenchmouth. He also played drums for the Blue Man Group and, since it launched in 2014, he's been the bandleader and a frequent drummer for Late Night with Seth Meyers. As a result, Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome isn't a case of a comedian poking fun at a different industry — Armisen knows what he's joking about. Heading to Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome follows on from Armisen's Netflix special Fred Armisen: Standup for Drummers, which nabbed him a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. If you need some amusement until Armisen hits the country, check out the Standup for Drummers trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAhvJMcLShU Fred Armisen's Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome will play at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre on Thursday, August 29; Perth's Astor Theatre on Sunday, September 1; The Tivoli in Brisbane on Tuesday, September 3; and Sydney's Enmore Theatre on Wednesday, September 4. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Monday, July 15 — for further details, visit the promoter's website.
Aaron Hobson has taken some breathtaking landscape photographs of remote locations scattered across the globe, and all without leaving the comfort of his own computer screen. From the haunting energy of undisturbed forests in France to roads that wrap around mountainous Spain, Hobson has captured each of these picturesque moments using Google Street View. Hobson says that he began using Google Street View to discover possible shooting locations for a film, but soon found himself clicking away for miles along deserted roads, all for his own pleasure. He also says that he uses Google Street View in High Definition, so that the photographs only require a few minutes of editing before they are put on show. His work has garnered so much attention that last week his website buckled under the pressure of 50,000 views in one day. This isn't the first time that Google Street View has been used to create an artistic work. Last week we featured the remarkable Address is Approximate, a stop motion animation film by Tom Jenkins. This film uses a clever combination of Google Street View and everyday objects to create a quirky sense of travel and distance. The use of Google Street View by these online explorers proves that the world is now literally in the palm of our hands. [via Mashable]
It's that time of year, somehow. Christmas is fast approaching, winter has well and truly fallen by the wayside, and you're probably thinking about your summer shenanigans. While jetting overseas still isn't an option for Australians at the moment, you can make plans to roam around much of this country we all come home now that borders are reopening — and, if you'd like to head up to the Northern Territory, its government wants to give you an extra incentive. As part of the NT Summer Sale campaign — which launched at the beginning of October — the NT Government and its tourism body are offering discounts on trips to Australia's red centre and top end. To all of the Northern Territory, actually. For each $1000 you spend up to $5000, you'll receive a $200 discount. It maxes out at $1000 off, but that's still 20-percent off the price. The discounts are available for a number of things too — covering plenty of essential elements of every holiday. You can use them on flights, accommodation, tours and attractions, and vehicle hire. You will need to both book and travel between now and March 31, 2020, however. The other big stipulation: you'll need to book through one of Tourism NT's campaign partners to score the discount. They include retailers such as Holidays of Australia, Helloworld Travel & Viva Holidays, and Flight Centre. [caption id="attachment_785574" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] If you've always been meaning to make the trip — and you've had both Uluru and its incredible Field of Light installation on your must-see list for ages — here's a mighty fine excuse to put those dreams into action. Border-wise, the NT currently doesn't require interstate visitors to quarantine unless you've been in a declared hotspot in the 14 days prior to your arrival — which, at the time of writing, only covers a number of Local Government Areas in Victoria. It's best to keep an eye on the NT Government's coronavirus hub, though, for any future changes, For further details about the NT Summer Sale campaign — which is available for travel between now and March 31, 2020 — head to the Tourism NT website. Top image: Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall
Back in the 2000s, if you weren't listing to Interpol and Bloc Party, were you really in the 2000s? No, no you weren't. The former arrived out of Manhattan in the late 90s, then helped define the city's turn-of-the-century indie music scene with The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio and The National. Hailing from Britain and also coming together just before Y2K, the latter initially scored some hefty approval in 2003 via Franz Ferdinand's lead singer Alex Kaprano. From those beginnings, both bands became indie rock greats. Next, they're heading to Australia to remind music lovers why. Busting out everything from 'Slow Hands' to 'She's Hearing Voices', the two groups will share the same bill on a co-headlining tour of the country's east coast in November, starting at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, then hitting Sydney's Hordern Pavilion and finally playing the Brisbane Riverstage. For Interpol, it'll be their first visit Down Under since 2019, plus their debut chance to play 2022 album The Other Side of Make-Believe in Australia. Tracks from past records such as Turn on the Bright Lights, Antics and El Pintor will also feature. Bloc Party are making the trip after last rocking Aussie stages in 2018, and will perform songs from Silent Alarm, A Weekend in the City, Intimacy and 2022 LP Alpha Games. "We are so happy to be hitting the road with our friends Bloc Party in Australia. Come on down!" said Interpol, announcing the tour. "The histories of Bloc Party and Interpol are intertwined at various stages of our careers. It made perfect sense to us to solidify that by playing some massive shows together in one of our favourite countries on earth. We can't wait to get back to Australia in November," added Bloc Party's Kele Okereke. INTERPOL AND BLOC PARTY AUSTRALIAN CO-HEADLINE TOUR 2023: Thursday, November 16 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Saturday, November 18 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Wednesday, November 22 — Riverstage, Brisbane Interpol and Bloc Party are touring Australia's east coast in November 2023, with presales from 9am on Wednesday, July 5 and general sales from 9am on Friday, July 7. Hit up the tour website for further details. Bloc Party images: James Kellegher. Interpol image: Ebru Yildiz.
Ever wanted to watch Simon Pegg recreate Eat Pray Love? Then you're in luck. It may head to China, Africa and Los Angeles in a quest for contentment, but there's little in Hector and the Search for Happiness that wasn't first seen in that well-known book turned film — other than numerous references to Tintin, that is. Pegg plays the titular therapist, living a seemingly satisfactory life with his devoted girlfriend, Clara (Rosamund Pike). He thinks he is happy, until a dream featuring Hergé's boy adventurer starts him wondering about the meaning of the word. His practice is flourishing and patients accept his guidance willingly, yet he's no longer certain his orderly existence qualifies him to dispense advice. Broadening his horizons becomes the obvious course of action, as Hector sets off around the world in the pursuit of exhilaration and enlightenment. Food, spirituality and romance ensue in the adaptation of psychiatrist-turned-author François Lelord's novel of the same name, in an effort comprised of episodic encounters with thinly drawn characters. A wealthy businessman (Stellan Skarsgård), ruthless drug lord (Jean Reno), former flame (Toni Collette) and distinguished professor (Christopher Plummer) cross Hector's path, each imparting life lessons. To ensure audiences are paying attention, every piece of wisdom Hector gleans is also emblazoned on the screen in scribbled handwriting. In a travelogue film brimming with platitudes, it feels fitting that what is seen in Hector and the Search for Happiness — scrawled statements of supposed knowledge aside — fares better than what is heard. The feature's central performances are amiable, with Pegg more earnest than usual, and Pike luminous, though barely used. From the UK to the US and everywhere in between, the far-flung settings are handsomely and brightly photographed. Alas, a likeable cast and lush images can't overcome trite and troubling material that shouts its sentiments as loudly as it can. Though poised as a warm comedy, there's little that's funny about a script sketchily espousing "be yourself" teachings likely to be found in fortune cookies and overdosing in schmaltz as Hector mingles with babies and the dying — and they're the less concerning elements. Insensitive cultural tourism reinforces stereotypical perceptions and highlights the film's privileged perspective, as does the handling of Hector and Clara's relationship, with marriage and parenthood posed as the real sources of happiness. Coming from the director of Hannah Montana: The Movie and Serendipity, Peter Chelsom, the feature plays out like a cartoonish fairytale, but the lack of serious intent and the overt adherence to formula doesn't excuse its offensiveness or laziness. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty did soul-searching globetrotting before, and better. Hector and the Search for Happiness merely wades along the shallow and sugary edges of the self-help pond. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JElca1Latos
When we sniff the word 'birthday' being thrown about somewhere, there's that instant ding in our minds: 'Ah yes. Official right to par-ty!' (never mind whose birthday it actually is). This time around it's our old mate Jack Daniels, and he's made it to 161 fine years. To celebrate, he's throwing one mighty big blow out. This year, a bevvy of musical acts are paying homage to one of Australia's greats, Icehouse – they who brought us 'Great Southern Land', 'Electric Blue', 'Crazy' and more (this would be your cue to hold a mini Icehouse YouTube party in your bedroom). Heading up the pack is Art Vs Science, who are no strangers to the cover, having taken on Daft Punk on Triple J's Like A Version. Along for the ride are Kate Miller-Heidke, Patience Hodgeson of The Grates, and Dappled Cities' Tim Derricourt. Plus, Purple Sneakers DJs will be at the decks to get things moving. To go in the running for one of four double passes to the JD Set, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email us with your preference of Sydney or Melbourne shows. Entries close Friday, September 9 at 5pm. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HRwis9CWcjA
Zeus Street Greek has been rolling hot, fulfilling pitas off its spits and into your stomaches since 2014. Providing traditional Greek food with more of a 'healthy nourishing meal' feel than a '3am greasy food' vibe, Zeus cooks up street food that covers several important food bases: meaty pitas, healthy salads and sides, traditional Greek desserts and, of course, chips. The eatery's tag is #foodhonestly, and there's nothing more honest than a big pile of crispy hand-cut fries. To celebrate World Fries Day on Friday, July 13, Zeus Greek Street is offering a very chip-tastic giveaway. Knowing that fries were an integral part of Yia Yia's kitchen has meant that they've ended up a big part of the Zeus menu — and a bonanza of them will be given away. One lucky person can win a year's worth of chips, with 365 vouchers to be redeemed at any store across the country. Zeus offers Yia Yia's fries seasoned simply with rock salt and oregano making them the perfect accompaniment to your pita or Spartan box, or — if you're a big fry fan — on their own. You'll also nab a winner's party at your chosen branch of Zeus Street Greek, with a $100 voucher to share with your hungry pals. Just pause for a moment and think about what this will do to your overall comfort levels throughout winter. To enter, see details below. [competition]674243[/competition] Image: Dominic Loneragan
We're the country that gave the world Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, to name just a few renowned Australian actresses owning the silver screen in recent years. Accordingly, we're no stranger to celebrating formidable women in cinema. It tracks, then, that Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image has curated a world-premiere exhibition dedicated to femininity across screen history — which is running from Wednesday, April 5–Sunday, October 1. Six-month-long showcase Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion declares its affection for ladies of the screen right there in its name. Examining how women are represented in cinema and television, it pays tribute to standout ladies, how depictions and expectations of femininity have changed, and what female talents have symbolised — and been forced to deal with — about and from the society around them. It's both a massive and a landmark exhibition. More than 150 original costumes, objects, artworks, props and sketches are now gracing the Federation Square venue's walls and halls, all championing oh-so-many women and their impact. Launched in-person by the one and only Geena Davis, who is also the exhibition's lead ambassador, Goddess fittingly includes outfits worn by her and Susan Sarandon in 1991's Thelma & Louise — and that's just the beginning of its treasures. Among a lineup that spans threads that've never been displayed before, various cinematic trinkets, large-scale projections and other interactive experiences, attendees can check out odes to Marlene Dietrich in 1930's Morocco, Pam Grier's spectacular Blaxploitation career, Tilda Swinton in 1992's Orlando and the aforementioned Robbie via 2020's Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Plus, there's Mae West's sky-high heels from 1934's Belle of the Nineties, as well as Michelle Yeoh's fight-ready silks from 2000's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The list goes on, clearly, covering Anna May Wong, Marilyn Monroe, Laverne Cox and Zendaya as well. And, everything from Glenn Close's Cruella de Vil in 102 Dalmatians to the Carey Mulligan-starring Promising Young Woman also gets time to shine. As it does with its big exhibitions, ACMI is pairing Goddess' wide-ranging display with soundscapes by Melbourne-based composer Chiara Kickdrum, and also hosting a sprawling events program complete with late-night parties, performances and talks — and film screenings, of course. Fancy taking an in-depth curator tour of the exhibition after hours? That's on the bill monthly. There's also a music program called Goddess Nights from late May, which'll focus on three femme-centric live music lineups with performances by DJ JNETT, CD, POOKIE and Ayebatonye — and a curated range of food and booze put together just for each evening. For film buffs, movie series Divine Trailblazers will focus on contemporary actors at the height of their powers, while the Goddess Sundays is all about on-screen personas. So, the first includes Angela Bassett's Oscar-nominated performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Academy Award-winners Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Cate Blanchett conducting a masterpiece in Tár, Viola Davis in warrior mode in The Woman King, Filipino actor Dolly De Leon stealing every scene she's in in Triangle of Sadness, and Leah Purcell writing, directing, producing and starring in The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson. Images: Eugene Hyland Photography.
We've made it to the end of the year, and to celebrate Falls Festival has just gifted us with one helluva lineup. Helping to ring in the art and music festival's 26th year is a pretty buzzworthy gang of musical mates headlined by American rapper Anderson .Paak. He'll be taking the stage with his band The Free Nationals, and performing hits off his Grammy Award-nominated album Malibu and maybe a tune or two off his highly anticipated third album, Oxnard Ventura. He's joined on the bill by big names like UK foursome Catfish and The Bottlemen, who'll be debuting some fresh new material at their only Aussie show; Australia's own Vance Joy; Scottish synth-pop trio Chvrches, who'll also be here for NYD celebration Field Day; Interpol, fresh off the back of their new album release, Marauder; and Toto. Toto. Yes, the American rock band behind the masterpiece that is 'Africa' is heading to Falls. While you're feeling nostalgic, you'll also be able to hit up Hilltop Hoods — call dad. True to form, the Falls 2018 local lineup is equally exciting, and every bit as broad. Homegrown acts hitting the stage include the dance-ready Flight Facilities, Melbourne's psychedelic King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Sydney producer Touch Sensitive, Gold Coast native Amy Shark and Heaps Gay DJs & Friends back for another year. This year, too, an impressive 48 percent of acts performing have female artists and, while it's not quite half — and there are still lots of other minority groups that are underrepresented — it's a start. As always, the tunes are backed by a colourful curation of art events, performances, pop-ups, markets, wellness sessions and gourmet eats. It's all happening over New Years at the usual spots in Tassie's Marion Bay, Lorne in Victoria, the North Byron Parklands and the Fremantle Oval Precinct, WA. FALLS FESTIVAL 2018 LINEUP Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals Catfish and The Bottlemen (no sideshows) Vance Joy Chvrches Hilltop Hoods Toto Interpol 88Rising Feat. Rich Brian, Joji, Niki & August 08 (no sideshows) Flight Facilities Amy Shark DMA's Kind Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Golden Features First Aid Kit (no sideshows) Ocean Alley Hockey Dad Cashmere Cat (no sideshows) The Vaccines Cub Sport Ruel Jack River Bishop Briggs Mallrat Briggs Touch Sensitive Tkay Maidza Dermot Kennedy Tired Lion Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers Soccer Mommy Banks Triple One Alice Skye Heaps Gay DJs & Friends + More to be announced
Darkness of Noon, a collaboration by photographer Derek Henderson and illustrator Kelly Thompson showcases the delicate and subtle beauty of model Zippora Seven. Edmund Pearce Gallery — a small, photography-centric gallery with just three modest rooms — provides the ideal backdrop for this unassuming and calm body of work, as the intimacy of the environment aligns with the art. The images were driven by Zippora's natural interactions with the camera and this obvious sense of freedom gives the photographs and subsequent illustrations an air of realness. The viewer becomes part of the intimate world of this beautiful woman, her unattainable figure so close it is almost touchable in what appears as relaxed as the habitat it was born into. The coming together of photography and illustration again has an inclusionary effect, making the viewer sense some of the process behind the works. Allowing us to see these two mediums together showcases the many elements that are involved in the artistic process. The exhibition showcases a handful of pieces from a larger body of work that can be found in the coffee table style book designed by Australia-based Fabio Ongarato, who has worked with the likes of Baker D. Chirico and Country Road. Only 1000 copies have been printed. Image credit Derek Henderson and Kelly Thompson.
The revamped District Docklands entertainment precinct continues to nab some good'uns, including a seven-storey artisan market and the first Melbourne instalment of Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Now, a sustainable craft brewery is being added into the mix. Urban Alley Brewery will open the doors to its massive new brewpub and production facility on Friday, September 7, and it comes complete with onsite bio-waste and water treatment plants, gas emission offsets and biodegradable packaging to boot. The brewery's founder, financier-turned-home brewer Ze'ev Meltzer, started brewing back in 2016, when he launched Collins St Brewing Co. Meltzer is retiring that moniker with the launch of Urban Alley Brewery, but he's bringing across one of its most-popular beers, Once Bitter. Now called Urban Ale, the flagship session ale is already available in Melbourne venues such as Naked for Satan, Garden State Hotel and Pawn & Co. And, as of this month, the brew will be available in bottle shops, too — packaged in biodegradable E6PR six-pack rings, which are made from spent grain and can be eaten by marine life. This eco-focused attitude is at the forefront of Urban Alley Brewery, with sustainability practices around waste, energy consumption and gas emissions front-and-centre. Sure, you've heard of breweries going solar, but Urban Alley's facility takes environmental-consciousness to the next level. First up, Meltzer has installed an onsite bio-waste plant, which repurposes every bi-product of the brewing process (apart from spent grain) into fertilizer. The natural gas produced by the bio-waste plant is in turn used to power the brewery. Next, an onsite water treatment plant neutralises all water-waste. The result is water that is high in minerals, salts and proteins, which in the future will be transported and reused in farm irrigation. Meltzer has also has teamed up with a local distillery (which shall mysteriously remain nameless for now) to reduce the carbon footprint of both businesses. In general, the rapid heating-and-cooling process needed during brewing can require up to 3000 times more gas than an average Australian home. By creating a shared system that exchanges water usage, the two venues have reduced gas emissions to match residential consumption. It's easy to see the necessity for this type of system, especially considering the Urban Alley production facility aims to pump out two-million-litres of beer per year. Come September, this eco-warrior will open to the public, offering up 24 rotating taps of the brewery's core — including a lager, an American pale ale and a dark brew — and seasonal ranges. The huge warehouse space holds room for 550 all up and the brewpub is constructed from recycled brick and wood, of course. It'll have a full kitchen too, slinging a menu of traditional pub grub like parmas, schnittys and burgers, plus a dedicated Kosher menu and beer-battering aplenty. A collab with the upcoming Archie Brothers is on the docket too, so keep an eye on this space. In general, it seems craft breweries have won their way onto a precinct must-have list across Australia — with Urban Alley's opening following Frenchies in Sydney's The Cannery, along with Felon's Brewery and Stone & Wood taking up space in Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves development. Urban Alley Brewery will open on September 7 at The District Docklands, Docklands Drive, Docklands. Opening daily from 11am until late.
Remember Wilson — the volleyball from Cast Away? Turns out, since it slipped off Chuck's raft, the poor ball has spent the last 25 years traversing the seas. But don't be too sorry; Wilson is about to make land at St Kilda Beach with something special to mark the end of its journey. At least that's the story Tourism Fiji has concocted for its latest campaign, featuring a sweet giveaway inspired by cinematic events. Kicking off at 6am on Thursday, July 24, you only have to find one of three Wilson volleyballs washed ashore to win a sweet getaway to the island paradise. If you snag one, each ball will invite a handful of lucky winners to claim a Fijian escape by scanning its QR code. Though Wilson's journey has been long and arduous, giving away a top-notch holiday surely makes up for it. But if you miss out, spend $250 online or in-store at Wilson's Sporting Goods to automatically go in the running for a free holiday. "Wilson's story is one that has stuck with so many for 25 years," says Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill. "So when we realised it had been a quarter century since he was last seen drifting out at sea, we thought what better time to give Wilson the ending he deserves?"
Put away the gadgets, turn off the Netflix, round up the family and lace up your (and the little guys') joggers. Victoria's variety of scenic walking trails offer the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air with the whole family — all the while surrounded by the pristine natural landmarks that make this state a hiker's dream. To help you get out there with the entire fam, we've teamed up with our mates at Macpac to track down getaways perfect for all ages. Load up that picnic basket and head to these coastal adventures and lakeside saunters that everyone will love. These family-friendly hikes are well within reach of the city, so the kids won't get bored in the car — and you'll make it home for dinner. [caption id="attachment_717127" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] MORNINGTON DOG-FRIENDLY WALK The Mornington Foreshore offers everything from stunning camping spots and sandy beaches to great quality food and drinks. Featuring a dog-friendly path and modern playground, the walk begins in native bushland and includes many vantage points to glimpse a spectacular water view. Along the way, you'll get to explore Mothers Beach and its vibrant boat houses before arriving at the popular Mornington Pier. Don't forget to bring your fur baby along, too — the Royal Beach is leash-free, and the water and rock pools provide a great spot to rest. Pack this: Kahuna 18L Urban Backpack ($71.99) [caption id="attachment_717128" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] YOU YANGS BIG ROCK WALK Set between Melbourne and Geelong, the You Yangs Regional Park is a great place to visit if you want to get back to nature but not too far away from the city. Home to towering granite rock formations that rise out of the volcanic soil, this place is most popular among rock climbers and mountain bikers. The Big Rock Walk is a leisurely 30-minute stroll winding its way between thick vegetation, eventually arriving at said 'big rock'. The name may lack some imagination, but you'll be inspired by the view from the top. On those cooler Victorian days, the rock soaks up the sun and makes for a pleasant picnic spot with incredible scenery. Pack this: Soft Touch Water Bottle 1L ($24.49) [caption id="attachment_717130" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] WADAWURRUNG COUNTRY WALK Beginning at Point Impossible, the Wadawurrung Country Walk showcases incredible white-sand beaches and coastal shrubbery that attract visitors from near and far. Plus, you can learn about the traditional Wadawurrung people that lived there for thousands of years as you journey along its path. The Torquay Sundial is another highlight and, set near the playground, is a great spot for the kids to discover. Designed by local artists Claire Gittings and Glenn Romanis, the sundial's art combines flora, fauna and oral stories significant to the local community. As you make your way along this 90-minute walk, make sure to stop off at the likes of Whites Beach Playground and the Elephant Walk Park to keep the kids entertained and their energy high. Pack this: Summit Ridge 22L Daypack — Kids ($80.00) [caption id="attachment_703508" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brianna Laugher via Flickr.[/caption] LERDERDERG GORGE Only an hour's drive from the CBD, Lerderderg State Park is a sprawling spot that spans 14,250 hectares. Begin your descent into the gorge from MacKenzies Flat, then follow the well-signed track towards the river that carves through the landscape. Roam the sandstone and slate rock formations of this 300-metre deep gorge and spot some of the beautiful flora and fauna dotting the area. The kids will have fun leaping across the stepping stones and splashing around int he shallows. Pack this: Cub 10L Daypack — Kids ($54.99) [caption id="attachment_717125" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria.[/caption] LAKE ELIZABETH WALK The Otway Ranges are home to some challenging climbs, but this walk is accessible for the whole family. Take a relaxing stroll around Lake Elizabeth and find out why this tiny section of the Otways is so beloved. Located just a ten-minute drive from the tight-knit community of Forrest, the Lake Elizabeth Walk offers the opportunity to wander through the ferns and even spot a platypus or two. Towering trunks burst from beneath the lake's surface, remaining from when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago. There's also a small jetty where you can bring a dingy and paddle your way across the water. Pack this: Possum Child Carrier V2 ($239.99)
There is absolutely no denying that Lorde is the artist of the moment. And the hype surrounding today’s video release for her latest single, 'Team', is no different, with all the clicks causing Vevo to crash minutes after the clip was posted. 'Team', directed by LA director Young Replicant (The xx, M83), sees Lorde mostly sitting down — limiting her usually impressive dance moves. But she knows where she's going with it. "This video was borne from a dream I had a few months ago about teenagers in their own world, a world with hierarchies and initiations, where the boy who was second in command had acne on his face, and so did the girl who was queen," she said on her Facebook page. "I dreamt about this world being so different to anything anyone had ever seen, a dark world full of tropical plants and ruins and sweat. And of this world, I dreamt about tests that didn't need to be passed in order to be allowed in: sometimes the person who loses is stronger." The vid — plus several of Lorde's recent live performances, including a killer ARIA appearance in Sydney over the weekend — have come to prove that as she continues to gain ridiculous popularity, her style becomes more and more quirky. And we dig it — the 17-year-old, continuing to demonstrate the power of youth in her ironic music videos. 'Team' is the third single to be released from Pure Heroine. Lorde will return to Australia in February to perform at Laneway Festival.
Ready to hit the open road? If you're looking to add a dose of wacky charm to your next road trip, follow the lead of our readers who've shared some excellent suggestions for offbeat attractions that'll have you chuckling all the way to your destination. From oversized critters to weird sculptures, here's our guide to the lame (but legendary) stops you won't want to miss — as recommended by you — as well as the nearest The Bottle-O so you can stock up on bevs for a winner of a weekend. [caption id="attachment_697951" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Big Merino, Goulburn NSW No surprise, one of Australia's best famed big things is first on our list: the Big Merino in Goulburn, NSW. This colossal concrete ram stands tall and proud, paying homage to Australia's wool industry and is a favourite for our reader Anita: "It's a baa-rilliant photo op you need for your Insta feed." If you're on a road trip from Sydney to Canberra over the long weekend, you've got no excuses not to pull over for a quick photo opp with this absolute unit. And before you park up at your accommodation in Canberra, swing by The Bottle-O to grab some tinnies and snacks to celebrate your arrival. Closest The Bottle-O: Mitchell [caption id="attachment_944023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australia Rock, David Burke[/caption] Australia Rock, Narooma NSW Are you planning a coastal road trip in NSW for an upcoming long weekend? Head to the coastal town of Narooma and you'll come across the iconic Australia Rock, a natural formation that looks a lot like the outline of this fair country. "Australia Rock in Narooma is an excellent road trip attraction," says reader Ned. "There's also loads of seals or seal lions on the rocks below. Perfect spot to stretch your legs when driving down to Bermagui, where I'll be heading this long weekend!" Stop in at The Bottle-O on the way down so you have ice cold brews to enjoy with your epic coastal views. Closest The Bottle-O: Ulladulla [caption id="attachment_944024" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SapiTerbang via Canva[/caption] Jacob's Ladder, Ben Lomond National Park TAS Feeling brave? Love a driving challenge? How about a seriously steep zig-zagging road that makes a dramatic ascent to a plateau? Make your way to Jacob's Ladder in Ben Lomond National Park for some serious adrenaline-pumping action. "Jacob's Ladder is iconic", says reader Greg. "It's well worth the trip from Launceston." Grab a few cold ones from The Bottle-O in Launceston to celebrate your driving victory after you return safely to your accommodation. Cheers to that. Closest The Bottle-O: Launceston Penguin, TAS No, we're not talking about the cute and cuddly kind – we're talking about the town of Penguin in Tasmania. Tassie has a fun habit of naming its towns and villages ridiculous names — we're looking at you Nowhere Else, Break-Me-Neck Hill, Doo Town, etc. But Penguin really takes the biscuit. "We always make a pit stop in Penguin to snap a pic with the giant penguin statue, and if it's late in the day, you could spot some local fairy penguins making their way to the water," says Penguin-town enthusiast and reader Laura. Grab a meat pie from the local bakery and enjoy a picnic by the beach with some beverages from The Bottle-O in town. Closest The Bottle-O: Penguin [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] The Big Pineapple, Woombye QLD Planning an escape to Noosa Heads or up to Rainbow Beach for the long weekend? Hop on the Bruce Highway and make a stop at the endearingly retro Big Pineapple in Woombye, not far from Nambour. This fruity landmark is a true Aussie icon, and our readers reckon it's worth the detour for the cheesy photo op alone. "Of the Big Things in Oz, it's definitely my top choice for a road trip detour," says reader Aidan. There's even a heritage-listed Pineapple Train through the sugar cane there, which might just be the most Queensland thing in existence. Closest The Bottle-O: Maroochydore [caption id="attachment_944027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Jones via Flickr[/caption] Tin Horse Highway, Kulin WA If the outback is calling you this long weekend, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more lame (with all due respect) but still legendary road trip detour than the Tin Horse Highway in Kulin, WA. This stretch of road is lined with homemade tin horses, each more ridiculous than the last. "The tin horses get more amazing the further your drive because the locals have been one-upping each other for decades," says reader Scott. "There's a slide made of tin horses, a horse riding a horse, and so much more." What started as a lark is now a fully-fledged competition with prize money, bragging rights and more tin horses. Now there are over 60 horses out there to discover. Take in a stretch, then you can debate your favourites when you pitch up at your campsite over a cold one from The Bottle-O. Closest The Bottle-O: Byford [caption id="attachment_944028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Burke[/caption] The Giant Koala, Dadswell's Bridge VIC If you're travelling around The Grampians for the long weekend, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't head south to Dadswell's Bridge and pay your respects to the Giant Koala. Towering over the surrounding countryside, this oversized marsupial is a legendary and ever so slightly cursed sight for any road tripper. "Nothing can prepare for looking into those wild red eyes," says reader Kate. "it reaches into your soul. Best Big Thing. No contest". Recover from the soul-piercing eyes as you relax as the sun sets over the mountains at your campsite with a much-needed bev from The Bottle-O. Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol [caption id="attachment_944029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] GrainCorp Silos at Sheep Hills, Artist Adnate, Credit Aaron Powell[/caption] Silo Art Trail, VIC We received a lot of recommendations for Silo Art, from the cockatoo-clad silo on Kangaroo Island to Newdegate in WA. But one state copped more recommendations than any other and that is Victoria. Whichever direction you head from Melbourne, you'll have plenty of silos to add to your roadside attraction list. "I love the Silo Art Movement. I've knocked off ten around Melbs and I'll be heading further into regional VIC to check off a few more this long weekend," says reader Michelle. And don't forget to pick up some drinks at The Bottle-O to enjoy while admiring your snaps when you reach your accommodation. Closest The Bottle-O: Doreen Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: David Burke
Back in the day, a farmers market wasn't just place to buy your produce before scurrying off home. They were also a place to share food, meet friends or make new ones, and generally relax. In this spirit, Melbourne Farmers Markets has launched Market Brunch. On the first Sunday of every month, around 15 stall holders converge on Younghusband in Kensington to peddle their produce, while market-goers sit together to eat well and chew the fat. On Sunday, June 1, look out for Adam's Pies with their savoury pastries, Better Now Bakes with their vegan treats, and Bill's Bakeshop with its next-level bread. To match your pick, grab a sticky chai from Caravan Chai or an excellent brew from Coffeerider & Co. Meanwhile, Frankly Raw will be showcasing its handcrafted peanut butter, Long Paddock will have its artisanal cheeses up for tasting, and Madeleine will be selling her small-batch cultured butter. And these are just the beginning. At every market, you'll get the chance to hear from a handpicked selection of stallholders at the show-and-tell sessions, where they'll share their craft, techniques and stories.
First, the bad news: if you've been hanging out to see The Kid LAROI take to the stage on his first-ever Down Under stadium tour, you'll now be waiting longer. Now, the better news: part of the delay is due to trying to lock in a "really big surprise and special guest", the Australian singer-songwriter advised on Instagram, who couldn't be finalised before the planned February dates. "We've had to push back the Australian leg of the tour to October," Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard noted. "The tour will now end off in Australia." The Kid LAROI also named "a bunch of other logistical stuff" as a reason for the delay, while saying that he wants to give audiences the best show he can — and "make everyone back home proud". The tour is in support of The Kid LAROI's debut studio album The First Time, and was originally set for a five-city Australian run. New dates haven't been announced as yet, but the star was due to play Melbourne's AAMI Park, Perth's HBF Park, Adelaide's Coopers Stadium, Sydney's Commbank Stadium and CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. The First Time might be a new 2023 arrival, but The Kid LAROI has been releasing music since 2018 — solo, and also teaming up with everyone from Juice WRLD and ONEFOUR to Justin Bieber. Accordingly, fans can look forward to hearing 'Stay', 'Without You', 'Thousand Miles', 'Love Again' and more next spring. The stadium tour follows The Kid LAROI's first headline Australian tour back in 2022, which sold out arenas across the country, sparking the addition of more dates. On his postponed 2024 dates, the artist has confirmed that ONEFOUR will still be on the bill. As for who else will join them, "we're working on the details including some new additions to the lineup and will let you know ASAP," the singer said. THE KID LAROI THE FIRST TIME TOUR 2024: October 2024 date TBC — AAMI Park, Melbourne October 2024 date TBC — HBF Park, Perth October 2024 date TBC — Coopers Stadium, Adelaide October 2024 date TBC — Commbank Stadium, Sydney October 2024 date TBC — CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast The Kid LAROI is touring Australia in October 2024, postponed from February 2024 — head to the Australian ticketing site for more information. Top image: Adam Kargenian.
Chamomile gin, quinoa vodka and moonshine are among the spirits now available for tasting just outside of Melbourne in Healesville, following the opening of distillery Alchemy. The business has taken over a century-old bakery, which you'll find hidden away up a laneway, off the main street. And not only is there a cellar door, there's a cocktail bar and accommodation too. At the centre of Alchemy's operations is a hybrid pot still with a 100-litre capacity. This mighty machine enables founders Evan Kipping and Jannick Zester to experiment with a variety of left-of-field flavours and ideas. While the aforementioned chamomile gin, quinoa vodka and moonshine are Alchemy's core products, there's also a bunch of small-batch spirits on the go at all times. You're invited to taste Alchemy's offerings and/or settle in for a signature cocktail, craft beer or local wine — either indoors, at the bar, or out in the sunny beer garden splashed with greenery. If you want or need to sleep over, there's a two-bedroom apartment overlooking the main street that'll sort you out. To get more deeply involved, join Alchemy's barrel-ageing program. The crew is giving 100 people the opportunity to own their own 20-litre barrel. You'll start by going through the whiskey-making process, including mashing, distillation and fermentation, then, throughout maturation, make return visits to sample your creation. Two years down the track, choose to release the whiskey, stick with it as it continues to age or pop it in a bottle and take it home.
Earlier in the year, when Victorians were asked to stay at home and the city's venues were forced to close, the State Government launched a digital entertainment portal to both help support local creatives and keep everyone connected. Now, with the state in the midst of its second lockdown — including stage-four restrictions in Melbourne — that online hub is getting a big boost. As announced today, Saturday, August 15 by Premier Daniel Andrews, Victoria Together will score a new range of virtual experiences, such as streamed comedy performances and live music. If you've already worked your way through your Netflix queue and played every board game in your house, this will be welcome news. If you're eager to do whatever you can to help Australia's arts industry, which has suffered greatly during the country's fight against COVID-19, it's fantastic news as well. Once again, the Victoria Together platform is hosting everything from cute animal videos from Melbourne Zoo to ACMI's film screenings, wellbeing resources, workout routines, recipes, digital art exhibitions and theatre shows — you get the idea. Basically, where all of the above is concerned, it's a one-stop-shop for the state's already exisiting online content. Best of all, it's completely free. Looking for something completely new? The hub also features freshly made content, with more coming in its rebooted form. The state government has once again partnered up with independent music and entertainment company Mushroom Group to continue the popular The State of Music weekly live-stream music series, which'll support and champion Victoria's developing artists this time around. This iteration is called The State of Music — Introducing, and will feature four episodes kicking off from 7.30pm on Friday, August 21. Expect to see Paul Kelly introducing Jess Hitchcock, The Chats' Eamon Sandwith introducing Clamm and The Teskey Brothers' Josh Teskey introducing Gena Rose Bruce, for instance. [caption id="attachment_737415" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cybele Malinowski[/caption] Also coming soon: an eight-part stand-up comedy series which'll be hosted by Nazeem Hussein, and boast the likes of Frank Woodley, Em Rusciano, Rhys Nicholson and Geraldine Hickey behind the microphone; the second season of cooking series Big Night In; and, in partnership ACMI, a new 'Victoria on Film' series that'll showcase locally made movies such as Ride Like a Girl, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, The Dressmaker, The Australian Dream, and Romulus My Father. As proved the case the first time, the aim isn't just to give Victorians something new to watch, but to keep a sense of connection going between artist and audience, and venue and punter. And, as Premier Andrews explained, to support "our musicians, filmmakers and others in the creative industries who are doing it tough". To visit Victoria Together, head to the online hub. The State of Music — Introducing will kick off at 7.30pm on Friday, August 21 and will run every Friday for four weeks — and for details on the rest of the online platform's content, keep an eye on its website.
So, you've been hanging out for some proper Korean eats, but a takeaway-heavy lockdown's left you with absolutely zero patience for soggy fried chicken or lukewarm bibimbap. Well, a group of CBD-based Korean eateries have banded together to create a new finish-at-home meal delivery service that'll solve your conundrum in a snap. With the newly launched Market Seoul Soul, punters can enjoy some of the restaurants' best-loved dishes at home, with just a little bit of prep work needed to bring the feast to life. Noodle joint Guksu, tofu house Dooboo, street food specialists Oppa Kitchen and Sam Sam Chicken have teamed up to offer fans a food experience that's as close as possible to what you'd get dining in. They're delivering meal packs right across Melbourne three days a week, filled with the ingredients you'll need to assemble your chosen dishes at home. Expect fresh vegetables and garnishes, along with slow-cooked house broths, handmade noodles, seasonings and secret signature sauces. There's even a series of online video tutorials and tips to help you nail it. The menu is a hefty one, too. Pick from the likes of Dooboo's classic beef bulgogi, a traditional dumpling soup called myeong-dong kalguksu or even a fiery kimchi jjigae (stew) laced with pork, onions and tofu. Meats like pork jowl and beef shabu shabu come cut and ready to barbecue, a range of sushi-style 'gimbap' rolls are made fresh each morning, and there's a DIY kimchi kit that's a breeze to assemble and keeps in the fridge for up to three days. If you've got an air-fryer, there are also a couple of Korean fried chicken options to try, including packs of crispy wingettes and drumettes, and serves of saucy boneless chook from Sam Sam. Currently, Market Seoul Soul's making deliveries to a stack of Melbourne suburbs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Order cut-off is 4.30pm the day prior to delivery. Find Market Seoul Soul's full menu and delivery options over at the website.
It's been a tumultuous few months for Melbourne's public transport system — and it's far from over. Today, it was announced that the entire tram network will again shut down for four hours on Tuesday, January 28 and Thursday, January 30. The strikes follows previous four-hour stoppages in August, September, October, November and December and are in response to ongoing failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. While the strikes will happen in off-peak times and, thankfully, not on Fridays, they're still expected to cause some public transport havoc — so, best dust off that ol' bike and get set for some two-wheeled travel. The strikes are expected to run from 10am–2pm, with no metropolitan tram services operating between these hours. If you were planning on heading to the Australian Open on these days, the stoppages could be particularly disruptive, but RBTU Brand Secretary Luba Grigorovitch said it had "no other option". "We have not taken industrial action for two months because we did not want to inconvenience the public over the Christmas period," said Grigorovitch. "However, now Yarra Trams has left us no choice." https://www.facebook.com/RTBUVic/posts/2876790329052064?__xts__[0]=68.ARDwHvCg-7OcvHC7Bg7VxS0GGAwTY-17zlLutweiKWMZPzeR3dvV2eB9Z2sDzuEezHdx93csSIL9Ch2a8riUYVvADBv8heLEXgw99N2AuVcvXlKDQSzYvI0OslqmYfBSrN2qip3dZongTSbV7UVOj-HlHHhssIPUzECbjmb7HOiPj0BzNZvryLFGIS9EZL47wA4v1IolZoGxNqYAotXfq6G3PmXY4aIFQpPujQR8hQNtjxHdBpZxBcSfPXhhF8StBSclSq5fApwOvMr7aaiYCGc-kBjE2yMM95-p0UaX8iAeky9JoOZOZ9IsFQ9iPHpAWXedDe9COVk2iuYWBAb6K35oMw&__tn__=-R The Rail Tram and Bus Union has been at loggerheads with Yarra Trams for months over its proposal to increase the number of part-time workers, which, Grigorovitch says, would "substantially reduce terms and conditions for its workforce". The off-peak strikes are designed to minimise the impact on commuters, but industrial action could continue to escalate if negotiations are not unresolved. The strikes are expected to run from 10am–2pm on Tuesday, January 28 and Thursday, January 30. To plan alternative transport during these times, head to the PTV website. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
Have you ever wondered who the people on our money actually are? Sure, the Queen's pretty obvious. Okay, we seem to be a little enamoured with our native animals. But wouldn't if be great if you could actually relate to the people proudly emblazoned on our currency? Imagine if you could pay for a cold beer with a few cheeky Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. That's a world I want to live in. So to does German-based designer Andre Levy. Working on an popular Instagram turned Tumblr project called Tales You Lose, this skilled artist has been altering currency from around the world to suit this great idea. He's transformed politicians, royalty and cultural icons into the likes of Princess Leia, Amy Winehouse, Flash and Apu from The Simpsons. "I never collected coins," he told Hyperallergic. "What initially made me accumulate a few was the fact that I keep forgetting them in my pockets ... I saw those coins as massively reproduced sculptures, and felt they could be turned into templates for something richer." Though the act is inherently a kind of defacement, Levy says his intentions aren't political. His subjects are instead decided by convenience. For instance, he often chooses to colour over Queen Elizabeth because of her easily manipulated silhouette. He especially like the Italian 'Vitruvian Man' because you can sneak in a whole standing figure. As far as we can tell, he hasn't yet tackled any Australian currency, though he's always thinking up new ideas for artworks. Right now, he's actually looking for a coin to transform into RuPaul. Seeing as our only pictured person other than the Queen is an Aboriginal elder, I don't think Australia can help him out. Via Hyperallergic.
Conventional maps of political results seen in the media, in stats and in reports often demonstrate a skewed and non-inclusive representation of the outcomes of US Presidential Elections. This then creates a politics of maps. However, Mark Newman, a renowned complexity researcher, has attempted to abate the confusion behind these inaccurate portrayals by creating his own highly inclusive and bona fide images. Newman believed the representations of states coloured by the majority votes was insufficient. Not only do these maps fail to take population into consideration, but they also demonstrate democratic or republican voters in each state as black and white, or in this case blue and red, rather than showing the many shades in between. After billions of dollars and years of incessant campaigning, surely an authentic portrayal of the election results is not too much to ask. Newman has answered this call by creating more realistic and more complex illustrations of the election results. First, view the varying processes Newman went through in accurately depicting the 2008 presidential elections, followed by his political map of the most recent 2012 election. 2008 Election Results By State With red depicting republicans and blue democrats, this widespread map of the 2008 Presidential Election is obviously a vast illusion, as one would not be wrong in mistaking the winner as McCain rather than Obama. 2008 Election Results Population Cartogram This more precise depiction instead shows the election results compared to the population sizes of each state. The fact is that the red states often have a lower population than the blue, thus increasing the proportion of blue in this image and eradicating the sea of red in the previous one. 2008 Election Results by County Rather than assuming an entire state is a homogenized mass holding a single political view, this map shows the electoral votes in each county of the US. Again, however, this image is incredible deceptive and misleading. 2008 Election Results by County Population Cartogram Using the same technology as before, this map demonstrates the results of the election by county, according to population. Once again this makes the balance between red and blue more accurate, however, this is much more specific and localized to certain areas. 2008 Election Results by County in Shades Forget 50 shades of grey, what we want to see is 50 shades of purple. To closer resemble the balance that exists within states and the nuances in voting patterns, Newman used varying shades of purple rather than simply two block colours. This eliminates the vast mass of red or blue spreading over particular areas and demonstrates that the country is not actually starkly divided. 2008 Election Results by County in Shades Population Cartogram Combining all the complex techniques above produces this truthful and reliable depiction of the election results compared to population per county. Much more accurate than the first map given! 2012 Election Results And now for the long awaited images of the recent 2012 US Presidential Election. Here is the image of the standard and simple map of the election results of Romney VS Obama. Not too distant from the image we saw from the 2008 Election. 2012 Election Results by County in Shades Population Cartogram Here is the more authentic portrayal of outcomes from the 2012 election using population per county and shades: an up-to-date representation of America's voting patterns that couldn't be much more accurate.
Sydney-based designer Jeremy Saunders has built a career out of transforming films into evocative and arrestingly beautiful movie posters. In the last 10 years, he has produced the key artwork for such modern classics as George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck, the Che Guevara biopic The Motorcycle Diaries, and Heath Ledger's heroin-fuelled love story Candy. Now Saunders has turned his hand to his own artwork, redesigning posters for films of his own choosing. First up is the poster series LYNCHED, based on the stylish and darkly mysterious world of director and cult legend David Lynch. By focusing on key objects in Lynch's films, such as the dismembered ear in Blue Velvet or the videotape in Lost Highway, Saunders has created a series of beautifully minimalist posters illustrating the bizarre details in Lynch's works that have made his filmography so iconic and enduring. Saunders told us that while he was inspired by the distinctive 'Lynch style', the motivation to create the posters came from a sudden artistic impulse. "Over the last few years the rise of the 'minimalist redesign' for existing movies has become more and more prevalent around the web," he says. "I'd always been a bit snooty about it, I think, because designing something that nods to a pre-existing understanding of a film is completely oppositional to the much harder task of creating a desire for something no-one's familiar with yet. "So I'd avoided doing them. Plus, you know, I was kind of busy with making movie posters as my day job. But one afternoon I was watching Lost Highway and the image came to me, and over the course of the next day I created the artworks." Have a look below to see all the posters from LYNCHED and check out Saunders website if you'd like to get your hands on your own movie poster.
Yep, Pressed don't just do liquids — they do solid food too. As of just recently, they've added a few filling menu items that go hand-in-hand with their grab-and-go, nutrition-focused philosophy. If you swing by for breakfast, you can grab one of three mueslis with their date almond mylk, or a very pretty coconut granola parfait. For lunch, raw zucchini pasta comes with basil pesto, rocket and walnuts. As expected, presentation is immaculate with glass jars stopped with cork lids. You'll pay extra for the Pressed branding of course, but it's good, clean food your body will thank you for.
Fine Italian liqueur Disaronno is popping up across Melbourne at Palace Cinemas from May 27 to July 31 with $15 amaretto sour cocktails. Head to Palace Cinema Como, Palace Cinemas Balwyn, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, Pentridge Cinema or The Kino to sample a classic amaretto sour made with Disaronno alongside the latest movies. As an extra treat, July 10 features a special screening of Fly Me to the Moon, starring Channing Tatum (Dog, The Lost City) and Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City, Marriage Story). With the amaretto sour rising to popularity throughout the 1960s, the film's space race setting provides the perfect backdrop for the free Disaronno cocktail you get on arrival with your booking. If one isn't enough, a selection of Melbourne's top cocktail bars are also taking part in Disaronno's amber-coloured activations. In Southbank, sip amaretto sours made with Disaronno overlooking the city's skyline from Soho Restaurant and Bar's 14th-floor vantage point. Just a few steps away, Left Bank offers a stellar late-night spot to soak up the riverfront. If the beach is more your vibe, Republica is on hand to serve the beverage on the shores of St Kilda Beach. Score a complimentary authentic amaretto sour made with Disaronno at select Palace Cinema screenings of 'Fly Me To The Moon'. For more information, check out the website.
From the Grounds of Alexandria's resident pig, the postcard-happy sands of Surfers Paradise and the hallowed turf of Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia's a genuinely Instagrammable place. Inevitably, there's a few prime snap-happy spots that get a little more filtered love than others; for obvious tourism reasons but also for kickass food on the table reasons. Sydney dominated the list, with seven in the top ten — a number it clearly can thank Vivid Sydney for. Using geotag data, the Daily Telegraph has revealed the ten most Instagrammed places in Australia for 2014. The results were taken from the geotags added by 'grammers (if you glazed over before, that's the latitude and longitude of your current location with your photo) and compiled into a top ten list. Here's the places you whacked a sweet filter on this year. Australia's Ten Most Instagrammed Places For 2014 10. Coogee Beach, Sydney The Pool in Coogee. #coogee #coogeebeach #aussie #australia #aussieadventure #australiansummer #summer #december #beachtime #sydney #sydneycity A photo posted by Daniela Valencia (@danyvalencia88) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:55am PST 9. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Hallowed ground. A photo posted by @tonikchurch on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:31pm PST 8. Circular Quay, Sydney Lights on and crowds out at #vividsydney. A video posted by Concrete Playground Sydney (@concreteplayground) on May 5, 2014 at 4:12am PDT 7. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne A photo posted by Claudia (@claw_dear) on Dec 12, 2014 at 2:27pm PST 6. The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney Thanks to all our 'grammers who tag #thegrounds as their location when they visit! @instagram has just named us the 6th most geo-tagged destination in the country alongside some big tourist icons. Thanks for the love. Keep tagging, you guys rock! (One of our fave images from @chriscourt) A photo posted by The Grounds of Alexandria (@thegroundsofalexandria) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:45pm PST 5. Surfers Paradise Beach Waking up to this isn't too bad #visitsurfersparadise #surferssnaps photo: @absolomphotography A photo posted by SurfersParadise (@visitsurfersparadise) on Oct 10, 2014 at 7:11pm PDT 4. Bondi Beach "Double trouble" - last night. Sydney is in for another run of storm and rolling clouds. If you decide to go out and shoot, be safe ! I might be out there again... #frothers #frothersgallery #franckgazzola #mynikonlife #d4s #amazing #weather #extreme #bolt #lightning #flash #clouds #cloudporn #sydney #australia #seeaustralia #crazy #ocean #sea #eclair #orage A photo posted by Franck Gazzola (@franckgazzola) on Dec 12, 2014 at 10:15pm PST 3. Sydney Harbour Bridge spinal tap // #sydney #sydneyharbourbridge #architecture #architectureporn #bridge #bridgeporn #blue #colour #street #streetphotography #citylife #igerssydney #icu_aussies #tv_pointofview #rsa_streetview A photo posted by John Appleseed (@thateightieskid) on Dec 12, 2014 at 11:04pm PST 2. Darling Harbour, Sydney #australia #sydney #darlingharbour#instaaustralia #instasydney #nightview #instatravel #instatrip #??????? #????#?????????#??#?? #?? A photo posted by @kumasuca on Dec 12, 2014 at 7:35am PST 1. Sydney Opera House VIVID Sydney 2014 #vivid #vividsydney A photo posted by Photos of VIVID (@photosofvivid) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:03pm PST Via Daily Telegraph.
Good news Melbourne: there are now twice as many places for you to gorge on hand-churned soft serve laden with ridiculous toppings. After putting down roots in Swanston Street, South Korean ice creamery Milkcow has opened a second location in the city's newest retail and dining precinct, St Collins Lane. And yes, we admit, it's not exactly ice cream weather right now. But you might want to make an exception for these guys. Located on the second level of the high-end shopping centre alongside other gastronomic offerings including The Burger Project and Sake Jr, Milkcow will serve signature soft serve made instore each day from locally-sourced organic milk. Topping combinations include doubled glazed caramel popcorn with caramel syrup, French macaroon with toasted coconut chips, jelly beans with fairy floss and fleur de sel, and oreo crumbs with chocolate rocks and apple. They also offer a number of similarly decadent milkshakes flavours, including Cherry Ripe, Oreo and burnt toffee caramel. Yes, it's all as good as it sounds. Ice cream is always better in pairs! Credits to @lipstemptations for sharing! A post shared by Milkcow Australia (@milkcowau) on Mar 30, 2017 at 5:02pm PDT Find the new Milkcow store at St Collins Lane, 260 Collins Street Melbourne. For more information check them out on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website.
You total pizza fiends. You early rising breakfast hunters. You long-dedicated bike lovers. Here's what you clicked, perused and ate with your eyes on Concrete Playground this year, the most popular articles of 2014. Needless to say, you're a hungry bunch with good taste — who don't keep their feet on the ground when it comes to cocktails. 10. The Ten Best Cocktail Bars in Melbourne 9. The Best Women's Fashion Boutiques In Melbourne 8. The Ten Best Outdoor Restaurants in Melbourne 7. REVIEW: Brunetti Lygon Street 6. The Ten Best Beer Gardens in Melbourne 5. The Best Bike Shops in Melbourne 4. The Ten Best Pizza Joints in Melbourne 3. Take a Look at Melbourne's New 900-Seater German Beer Hall 2. The Ten Best Breakfasts in Melbourne 1. The Top Ten Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
As the Mornington Peninsula's first all-vegan cafe and food store, Wombat has big love for all things cruelty-free. Rebecca Ettridge launched the venue in 2016 with the aim of gently showing Dromana locals that eating vegan needn't mean ditching flavour. It's a bright, youthful space, with local Little Rebel beans in the coffee grinder, house-made treats in the sweets cabinet, and a vibrant range of smoothies named after mountain bike trails in the nearby national park. The all-day breakfast menu is down to earth and hearty, with plates like the lemon-infused smashed avo, teamed with slow-roasted tomatoes and The Vegan Dairy feta, and a stack of banana pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. Loaded buddha bowls and a signature barbecue jackfruit burger take the reins at lunchtime. And at the end of the day you can feel extra good about your visit, knowing that proceeds from the cafe go towards funding Ettridge's Plumfield Farm animal sanctuary, just west of Ballarat.
Bar Nonno on High St in Northcote might have closed, but its spirit lives on. The venue's old head chef, David Murphy, has taken over the space, turning it into a French bistro called Ruckers Hill. If the name Murphy sounds familiar, it's because this guy has been around the traps for a while. After starting his kitchen career at 15, Murphy went on to work as a sous chef at Bistro Thierry, PM24, Bar Nonno and 1800 Lasagne. Ruckers Hill is Murphy's first solo project, and so far it looks like a winner. With its exposed brick and bottle-lined walls, this place is a love letter to the Parisian 'bistronomy' movement, which emerged in the '90s as an antidote to the stuffy, Michelin-world of French haute cuisine. Bistronomy is more about the vibe: a combination of bistro atmosphere and fine dining techniques, at a price to suit the average wallet. At Ruckers Hill, this takes the form of a $79 set menu. The dishes change with the seasons, but depending on the night, you might be wolfing down king prawns and wasabi in crispy brick pastry, pork belly with ginger and dry sherry, or marbled entrecôte with a silky bordelaise sauce. Pomme frites are never far away, either. "I wanted to create a place where the local community can eat well at a reasonable price, and cook food using the best ingredients we can get our hands on," Murphy says. "I think our tasting menu hits that sweet spot. And after a career in restaurant kitchens, it's important to me that our staff are paid fairly, and are working in a positive environment, so that's a big focus for us." You can order a la carte, too, if that's more your speed, and Ruckers Hill also boasts an extensive (and self-described) "uncool" wine list. A lot of old-world drops, curated by sommelier Angelo Stella. Situated just a few doors down from Westgarth Cinema, this place makes the perfect one-two first date combination. Start the night with Murphy's scallops and pancetta, finish with popcorn and a choc top. Northcote, you've got a keeper here. Ruckers Hill is open at 83 High Street, Northcote from Tuesday through to Saturday, 5pm till late. You can make a booking via the Ruckers Hill website. Images: The Edible Image
'Wine' and 'festival': they're two words that almost always lead to happy times for you and your gang. The Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival will return come Saturday, April 6, and with it comes a celebration of the region's food and wine. Local winemakers will engulf the town centre — Rosalind Park to be precise — for five hours of alfresco fun. Over 60 different wines will be on show for you to sample, so grab a glass, have a chat to the winemakers and do a big collective 'cheers' to the end of the harvest. Remember to pace yourself (small sips, not big gulps) and that eating isn't cheating — there'll be plenty of food stalls to keep you plugging along wholesomely. There'll also be live music from The Deans and The Funk Junkies and competitions running all day. You can BYO picnic rug or, if you're feeling ritzy, nab a private VIP marquee for $750. It'll get you and eleven mates entry to the festival (with a souvenir wine glass and complimentary wine tastings), access to the special private digs all day and a 30-minute private wine masterclass with a Bendigo region winemaker. Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival will run from 11am–4pm on Saturday, April 6. Tasting tickets start at $45, which includes a souvenir wine glass and complimentary wine tastings. Non-tasting tickets are available from $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, head this way.
You may know Kieren Spiteri, Ben Argentino and Bec Moore as the names behind Northcote's Tinker, Collingwood's Terror Twilight and Smith Street sandwich spot Hi Fi. Well, from Wednesday, August 10, this little convoy of culinary favourites will have gained another addition, as the team unveils its latest venture in the heart of Moonee Ponds. A good 18 months in the making and built off the back of popular demand from regulars, Convoy has finally arrived — a bright daytime diner overlooking Queens Park. It's showing off a retro-leaning, timber-filled fitout by female-led practices Studio Esteta and My Friend Tom, with a spacious streetside deck and garden, and plenty of natural materials used throughout. [caption id="attachment_864355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] My Friend Tom[/caption] Executive Chef of Convoy's sibling venues, Dale Kemp, is also steering the food offering here on Pascoe Vale Road, plating up both familiar favourites and a crop of exclusive new creations. It's as creative and considered as you'd expect — mushrooms on toast with a Calabrian chilli butter and 'corn crackle'; a brekkie muffin sandwiching curried scrambled eggs and grandma ham; the steak frites roll and kewpie-topped prawn roll; and cinnamon scroll-inspired pancakes made with sweet potato. The kitchen's take on eggs benedict features fried milk bread and smoked pastrami with a pickled daikon and apple salad; the Turkish eggs are elevated with black pudding and a lemon yoghurt; and there's an okonomiyaki finished with miso mayo and a kimchi crisp. Along with your usual coffee options, you'll find a boba-style drink with sweetened coconut cream and tapioca pearls that have been soaked in cold brew. Or you can amp things up with a sip from the cocktail list, where classics like mimosas and bloody marias sit alongside a breakfast martini and the Melbourne Mai Tai — a blend of orange, pineapple, Amaretto and dark rum. [caption id="attachment_864358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] My Friend Tom[/caption] Find Convoy at 109 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds, from August 10. It'll be open daily from 7am–4pm. Images: My Friend Tom.
A group of entrepreneurs and creative thinkers will come together for The 8 Percent Festival, which will hold its inaugural two-day event this October at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne. The keynote speakers include journalist and news presenter for ABC's Late Edition and SBS's World News Tonight Indira Naidoo, South Sudanese refugee and law graduate Deng Thiak Adut — who you might recognise from Western Sydney University's 'unlimited' marketing campaign — and undefeated martial artist Nadine Champion, who has given a TEDX talk on courage. The festival will combine keynote speeches, think tank panels and breakout workshops across two days, and includes a third Creative Inspiration Day for those willing to fork out $2500 for VIP tickets. Panellists and guests will together discuss diverse industries such as health, film, media, education and business, and will be encouraged to contribute to a new business model to solve issues in one industry. General tickets are a little pricey at $997, but you can get a much more affordable voyeur ticket for $197, which allows you to watch the keynotes and panels over both days, but not participate. [competition]590147[/competition]
Canadian artist Jon Rafman has presented viewers with a collection of the most bizzare, quirky and often disturbing images that are captured on Google's Street View. Named after the nine cameras that sit on top of the vehicles used to capture the images that form Google's mapping service, Rafman's work has again expanded notions of art and street photography. The collection includes four masked strangers on a highway in Mexico, a van engulfed in flames on the brink of explosion in Brazil, and a man revealing his bare bottom in Ireland. Rafman states that he collected the images through Street View blogs and his own use of the service, and has offered a lengthy essay detailing the purpose of the work and it's significance. Like the stunning images captured by Aaron Hobson, Rafman has shown us that the Internet is reaching a vastness that allows us to become virtual explorers of the world. With Google's mission to map the entire world and immortalise it online, there will be no shortage of images from fascinatingly random locations that we haven't even heard of. Next time you pass one of Google's vehicles you should quickly comb your hair and flash your best smile. After all, you might become part of an artwork. [via Buzzfeed]
Sticky Institute, Melbourne's staunch defenders of independent zine culture, have four huge days of entertainment lined up for Paper City, a festival celebrating everything in and around the joys of printed matter. If heartfelt, handcrafted mini-mags on any number of niche topics sounds like a riot, this is the event for you. The opening night party at Yah Yah's on Thursday features underground rap/noise stars Brothers Hand Mirror with supports in the folk and indie vein, as well as a complement of DJs. Friday the festival kicks off proper, with events all day at Sticky's underground Degraves Subway space, with a band t-shirt party and a split-zine launch among the day's lo-fi but high energy activities. Saturday brings some zine-world heavy hitters with the launch of the second issues of both the ethical eaters' recipe book Veganistan, and the much-needed Sex Industry Apologist. Then Sunday is the main event: a zine stall at Melbourne Town Hall, for all your zine needs. Get amongst it!
Summer is just around the corner. If you're looking for the perfect day trip to celebrate in your dusted-off swimmers, Kingston could be the place for your summer plans. It's only 15-kilometres south of the CBD and packed with hot spots, local favourites and beaches as far as the eye can see. We've teamed up with Kingston to design the perfect coastal crawl to keep you busy this summer. Mentone Beach We're starting at the northern end of Kingston's coastline at Mentone Beach. This spot is one of Melbourne's most popular dog beaches year-round — so be sure to bring your furry friend. If you're looking for a snack, head inland to Mentone Parade to Bromley's Bread. This local bakery is passionate about all things artisanal baking, including sourdough and croissants that rank among the top patisseries in the entire city, from the humble pain au choc to the hearty vegemite and cheddar croissant. For lunch or dinner, Sunnyside Sliced is a New York-style pizzeria that uses long-fermented, hand-stretched, stone-baked dough for pizza that would knock everyone from your nephew to your nonna off their feet. Parkdale Beach Next is Parkdale Beach, a one-and-a-half kilometre stretch of peaceful coastline where you can set up on the uphill grassy area or on the sand to take in the ambience and unwind properly. Parkdale Beach Cafe and Kiosk, located up on the grassy bluff is the closest you can get to the water while ordering a coffee around here. Directly overlooking the water, there's a seasonally rotating selection of gourmet feeds here. Still, certain classics, like a steak sandwich with beetroot and fries with whipped mustard mayo, remain year-round. If you've got time to kill after your meal, you can make your way over to Shirley Burke Theatre and catch a performance from the Mordialloc Theatre Company. Mordialloc Beach Speaking of Mordialloc, that happens to be the next stop on our adventure. Beyond the picturesque shorefront and its 300-metre boardwalk, it is one of the oldest coastal towns in Melbourne, with a rich First Nations history and several local sporting traditions. However, the food in Mordialloc is anything but traditional. There's the recently opened Southeast Asian fusion restaurant, Chiki Chan, which admits to breaking all the rules alongside its brand new sibling, Hiki Bar. There's also Bang Bang, a Hawker-style southeast Asian restaurant that deals in dishes the team has eaten on their own travels, bringing a mix of international flavours to the table. And it wouldn't be a beach town without a chicken joint, so that's where Bruno's Chicken Shop comes in, dishing out chargrilled and fried chicken by the half, quarter, burger or roll. Aspendale Beach Continuing south, the next three-kilometre stretch of sand is Aspendale Beach. The immediately eye-catching feature of this next destination isn't the rolling dunes or waves. It's those brightly coloured historic boatsheds and bathing boxes you've no doubt seen photos of across social media. These sheds are used to store the boats and belongings of their owners. If you're stopping in for a feed as well as a swim, head just past the Surf Life Saving Club, and you'll find Mama Nuoi. This is a step up from your neighbourhood Vietnamese spot, with a sophisticated take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine like green salad with freshly shredded papaya and a slow-roasted lamb shank served with sweet potatoes. Edithvale Beach Keep walking along the sand or the foreshore, and you'll find yourself at a local favourite beach, Edithvale, with its own collection of beach huts, a shiny brand-new Surf Life Saving Club, and its own offering of seaside feeds. One of the most popular spots in Edithvale for dinner is Tamam Tacos, easily missed in its tucked-away corner off the Nepean Highway. There are no bookings here, and Tamam only takes walk-ins and phone orders for its unpretentious and delicious tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Across that same parking lot is another beach town classic — Beachside Fish & Chips Edithvale, perfect for grabbing an easy takeaway feed to eat by the water. Chelsea Beach Chelsea Beach is the name of the next stretch of sand, with rolling dunes and a sizeable playground if you've got any kids (or kidults) in tow. Inti Gourmet Fine Peruvian is a local gem here. It immerses you in Peruvian hospitality with its dining and decor along with regular specials and community events. If you need a break from the beach by now, take a turn inland to Chelsea Heights, where you'll find Tomboy's Canteen. It's a cafe owned and operated by two Chelsea locals, who invite you to bring dogs, mates and dates alike to tuck into cafe classics like granola bowls, waffles and oh-so-cheesy melts. Bonbeach Beach The final section which stretches from Chelsea Beach to Patterson River is broken by Bonbeach. So if you've been enjoying a walk on the lovely white sand, you're going to have to take a quick pause and head onto the boardwalk instead. While you do, visit The Corner Hideout, a family-run cafe on the border of Chelsea that is a perfect spot for a refuel. If you're on the hunt for breakfast, it serves up large and small plates alike. Tuck into loaded pancakes, stacked Turkish roll sandwiches and more. If you're here at lunchtime, there is plenty to pick from, including sandwiches, loaded fries and homemade lasagne. Carrum Beach The final stop on our Kingston tour, the pristine Carrum Beach, sees white sand and calm waters running from the mouth of the Patterson River to Keast Park. There's plenty to find in and around the beach itself, with the Beauty Spot Park and the Dandenong Creek Trail being two sights you can find within the two-kilometre area of the beach. And on the dining front, you don't need to go much further than The Kitchen Container. In the morning, this cafe and restaurant offers fresh juice, coffee and freshly made brekkie sandwiches. Come night-time, the team goes all in on pizza subs. Choose from twelve flavours of pizza, served on a footlong sub instead of typical pizza bread. It's the tip of the coastal iceberg in Kingston since the fun goes far beyond the beach. Be it a slice of scenery and natural ambience, a night out of fine dining and culture or a good old fashioned figure it-out adventure, you'll find it in Kingston. Find out more and start planning your Kingston adventure at This is Kingston's Instagram or website.
Carlton is known for its poky little places. There are heaps of small pizza joints with very large men spruiking them, there are great cafes down tight laneways and there are beloved basement bars with only a few seats available — but people don't talk much about its big sprawling pubs. The Great Northern is one of them. And we'd say this is made for true pub lovers — the folks who like to watch the footy and really know their beers. Boasting 22 taps with a regular rotation of craft beers including Balter, 2 Brothers, Slumdog Brewing Co and Stone & Wood, and a selection from the ever-present Brooklyn Brewery, this is definitely the place to go for a pint. But it's not only about the beers. The great Northern does some decent pub food too. Get around a chicken or eggplant parma, some deliciously greasy burgers and a few steaks and salads. Nothing on the food menu will surprise you, but it will keep you happily fuelled for a day or night out in Carlton. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
Weren't lucky enough to wrangle an overseas summer holiday this year? Never mind — South Yarra has its own sky-high paradise replete with European vibes. A luxe cocktail bar, Tetto di Carolina is the newest addition to Joe Mammone's celebrated stable (Bar Carolina, Il Bacaro, Sarti). As its name suggests (it means 'roof of Carolina' in Italian), Tetto is located above its sister restaurant Bar Carolina. And, in the same vein as its siblings, Tetto is also study in sophistication. The intimate Chris Connell-designed space is decked out with terrazzo tiling, warm polished timber and an impressive, six-metre-long walnut bar. Deep leather banquettes are nestled throughout, while an openair terrace — with a retractable roof — overlooks South Yarra. There's an Italian lean to the food and drinks. The booze is selected by award-winning cocktail bartender Alex Dyzart of London's Bar Three. You'll spy a stack of champagne and sparkling iterations, a tight range of wines from across Australia and Europe, and plenty of crafty signature cocktails like the Copacabana Fizz — starring aged rum, fig leaf and clarified almond — and the gin and and fennel flower Florence Revival. From the kitchen comes a smart lineup of plates designed to be enjoyed beside a drink. Think Italian-style fried chicken with fennel slaw on brioche, pine-smoked mussels in a sweet vermouth and butterbean sauce, savoury cannoli filled with duck liver parfait and Sicilian doughnuts crafted with chestnut flour and roasted hazelnuts. To round out your European adventure, there'll even be a program of live performances, headlined by some of Melbourne's most respected jazz musicians. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
A brand-new interactive advertising campaign from Play Melbourne jumps energetically away from traditional advertising. In an attempt to allow tourists to experience a city before they actually arrive, the Remote Control Tourist lets online users control the movements of two real tourists and watch the results via live stream. Essentially, you sign into remotecontroltourist.com using your Facebook or Twitter account. You can see the map of where the tourist is, what’s nearby, and their video and audio feeds. Then, just send a request for that tourist to do whatever you want. For example, "Find out if Manchester Press do Brazilian coffee." They don’t. The logic behind the two peeps with camera strapped to their heads seems to be that typical tourism ads just show what the tourism company wants you to see, but as a tourist the experience is always totally different. So why not check out the tourist life before embarking on it, all from the comfort and safety of your own home? The idea is not so crazy. The real-life tourist doesn’t have to acquiesce to every request, so nothing creepy or weird is going to go down. Plus, it appeals to the God complex that hides deep down inside us all — who doesn’t want to have complete control over somebody for a little while? It’s also oddly addictive to watch a total stranger responding to online requests like that. So, if you want a chance to "go before you go" to Melbourne, check out the website between October 9-13. Images via Remote Control Tourist.
The Great Ocean Road is arguably Australia's most famous drive — and for good reason. The entire 243 kilometres has earned its reputation thanks to a seemingly endless reserve of lush national parks, pristine coastline and inviting food and drink experiences. Here, we've taken a closer look at a lesser-known drive between Wye River and Port Campbell. This part of the trip offers towering waterfalls, hidden beachfronts and acclaimed regional restaurants — everything you need for an unforgettable road trip. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check the relevant websites before making any plans. Some of the beaches on this list are not patrolled by lifeguards. To ensure you stay safe, head over to Tourism Australia for its latest tips on water safety. WYE GENERAL STORE As you cruise through Anglesea and Lorne on your way down to the Otways, make sure you hold off on that morning coffee — trust us, the wait is worth it. You'll soon find yourself at Wye River and the Wye General Store, which has one of the best cafes found anywhere along this piece of shore-front. The all-day brunch menu offers everything from buttery pastries and freshly baked sourdough to poached eggs and beef burgers. The outside deck is great for soaking up the sounds of the nearby waves, and, for those chillier days, the wood combustion heater keeps the inside toasty. 35 Great Ocean Road, Wye River FORREST BREWING COMPANY Enter the Great Otway National Park and wind your way up into its lush landscape before arriving at the tiny community of Forrest. Home to about 230 permanent residents, the town is a popular base for serious mountain bikers, who can be seen hurtling through the surrounding hills most days. But another main draw is the hilltop Forrest Brewing Company, which has helped breathe new life to the town. Beer is, of course, the main attraction here, with the 600-litre brew house offering four permanent frothies — a stout, irish red, pale ale and lager. For those feeling a little adventurous, there's always a selection of seasonal craft beers that'll satisfy any serious beer drinker. The laidback onsite restaurant also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with many options designed to pair with a bev or two. 26 Grant Street, Forrest HOPETOUN FALLS No road trip along the Great Ocean Road can be considered complete without at least one visit to the many waterfalls found in The Great Otway National Park. This time, forgo the Otway's famous Erskine Falls and head to the lesser-known Hopetoun Falls. It offers some of the most alluring views anywhere in this hinterland. The upper platform gets you up close to the 30-metre-high waterfall, while brave trekkers can then take the slightly precarious stairs, winding through lush ferns, down to the falls' base. While you're here, don't miss the nearby Californian Redwood Forest — it was planted in 1939 and is set to hold some of the tallest trees in the world by the end of the century. Aire Valley Road, Beech Forest [caption id="attachment_712446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] LOCH ARD GORGE Having witnessed what the Great Ocean Road offers from the hills, it's time to get coastal. That means paying a visit to some of Australia's most stunning rock formations, coastal shrubbery and ocean views at Loch Ard Gorge. Situated close to the community of Port Campbell, this place offers a famous combination of crystal clear waters, sharp golden cliffs and a soft sandy beach. Just a few minutes' drive from the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is a great opportunity to break out the bathers and take a refreshing dip in the ocean. Nearby, you'll find several limestone caves to explore, too, along with a host of coastal walks ideal for stretching your legs. Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell [caption id="attachment_694520" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Forage on the Foreshore[/caption] FORAGE ON THE FORESHORE Once you've finished admiring the Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, drive just a little bit further and you'll arrive in Port Campbell. You won't regret making this place your next stop, as the modest town is home to one of the region's best restaurants, Forage on the Foreshore. Set opposite the beach, the restaurant serves truly seasonal fare — everything here is either grown in the restaurant's veggie patch, locally produced or foraged. The dining room offers views of the Southern Ocean, while the chic refurbished furniture makes it a trendy, comfortable spot to take some time out. 32 Cairns Street, Port Campbell 12 APOSTLES GOURMET TRAIL The region's numerous culinary options are simplified thanks to the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. It's a handy, 700-kilometre loop that makes it easy to discover many of the Great Ocean Road's most delicious producers and growers. One that you shouldn't breeze past is the Timboon Distillery. Single malt fans take note — this is some of Australia's finest, and you can sample the lot through a variety of free tastings. For something sweeter, drop in next door at Timboon Fine Ice Cream, which is offering up scoops produced from local dairy cow milk. And, since you can't have a road trip without at least one supremely tasty block of cheese, head nearby to the paddock-to-plate cheese specialists, Apostle Whey Cheese. ROTTEN POINT HOUSE Don't let the name confuse you, Rotten Point House is anything but unpleasant. Eco-friendly and beautifully designed, this stunning hilltop home rests amid 100 acres of private native bushland, offering spectacular views of the Southern Ocean. Just an eight-minute drive from Johanna Beach and 30 minutes from the shops of Apollo Bay, this secluded location is where you can spoil yourselves after a long drive. Offering four cosy double bedrooms, a free-standing double-sided fireplace and underfloor heating, this designer abode has chilly nights covered, ensuring everyone stays snug. Evans Track, Johanna Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Loch Ard Gorge via Visit Victoria
Whether you're an architecture nerd, a history buff, or simply fancy getting up close and personal with your city, you'll catch a fresh perspective at the Melbourne City DNA exhibition. Currently on display at North Melbourne's Meat Market as part of Melbourne Knowledge Week 2018, this innovative, eye-opening exhibition takes a deep dive into the city's past, present and future. And it does so with the help of some pretty nifty technology, through a week-long program of interactive exhibits, augmented reality, 3D visualisations and virtual reality experiences. You'll have the chance to 'wander' around greened-up versions of Melbourne's streets and laneways via a pair of VR goggles, enjoy the view from above with a huge 3D model and projections of Swanston Street, and even trip back in time through a simulation of Melbourne in the days before European settlement. As Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood explained, the 13-exhibit program "shows how our data can be used creatively to tell the story of what Melbourne is, has been and will be". Other exhibition highlights include an exploration of Melbourne's history using iPads and augmented reality, and a glimpse of the future, through 3D visualisations of what the cityscape could look like in the coming years. Jump over to the MKW website for more details and to grab tickets.
So, you've always wanted to explore Australia, but keep jetting off overseas instead. Or, maybe you like the idea of travelling more than actually doing it. For anyone keen to experience destinations they haven't yet visited — and for those that are happy enough to pretend that they're on holiday instead of hopping on a plane — virtual reality offers a solution. And, with their new VR app, Qantas is jumping on that bandwagon. Fresh from announcing that they're closing in on non-stop flights between Australia and Europe, the airline has released their next attempt to change travelling as we know it. Courtesy of 13 immersive 360-degree videos, you can now enjoy everything from a world-first virtual fly over of Uluru to diving at the Great Barrier Reef off Hamilton Island. Heading to Sydney's VIVID, climbing the Harbour Bridge, taking a sunset river cruise through Kakadu National Park, and discovering the spectacular sights and inhabitants of Ormiston Gorge — they're all on the agenda (and once you've felt just like you're there, Qantas is clearly hoping that you'll book a real trip). You can also glide in a hot air balloon over Alice Springs and sail to Whitehaven Beach as part of your virtual tour of the country. Additional content showcasing other locations will be rolled out over the coming weeks, so if you've caught the VR travel bug, your journey is just beginning. And while the Qantas VR app is currently available on iPhone, Android, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive devices, don't stress if you don't have the requisite headwear — you can also watch in 2D mode on your phone.
