"We're not done with golf": in the just-dropped official teaser trailer for Happy Gilmore 2, they're Virginia Venit's (Julie Bowen, Hysteria!) words to the movie's main character; however, they clearly apply to Adam Sandler, too. Almost three decades after first getting tap, tap, tapping as a hockey player with an anger problem who makes the jump to golf — and after Happy Gilmore became one of the best-known comedies of the 90s, as well as one of Sandler's best-known films — he's back on the green on-screen. In the first film, Happy won the Tour Championship in 1996. As the just-dropped new sneak peek at Happy Gilmore 2 shows, he's repeated the feat several times over, and now has a bust of his head to honour five-time winners to show for. It's been years since he has picked up a club, though, and he's a little intimidated by today's golfers — but soon he's back in the swing again. Alongside Sandler (Spaceman) and Bowen, Ben Stiller (Nutcrackers) and Christopher McDonald (Hacks) return from the original Happy Gilmore. Joining them among the cast: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Cassandro) aka Bad Bunny; Sander's daughters Sadie (You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah) and Sunny (Kinda Pregnant); Travis Kelce; and Blake Clark (a regular Sandler collaborator, as seen in The Waterboy, Little Nicky, Mr Deeds, 50 First Dates, Click, Grown Ups and more). Then there's the lineup of IRL professional golfers, such as John Daly, Rory McIlroy, Paige Spiranac, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris and Bryson DeChambeau. A new happy place, unexpected reunions, broken clubs, more than a few rounds of advice encouraging Gilmore to get back to the sport: they're all part of the new trailer, too, which follows a past teaser to start 2025. Just like with the original, Sandler co-wrote Happy Gilmore 2 with Tim Herlihy (who has also penned or co-penned Billy Madison, The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy and eight other Sandler flicks through to Hubie Halloween), but Kyle Newacheck (Murder Mystery) steps into the director's chair instead of the initial film's Dennis Dugan (Grown Ups 2). Check out the official teaser for Happy Gilmore 2 below: Happy Gilmore 2 will stream via Netflix from Friday, July 25, 2025. Top image: Cr. Scott Yamano/Netflix © 2024.
Take me with you, indeed: whether you're a Prince fan, a Purple Rain obsessive or both, you can now follow in the musician and the film's footsteps by sleeping in the house from the iconic movie. This is the actual abode from the inimitable flick, newly restored and decked out in purple aplenty. You'll slumber in The Kid's bedroom, hear rare Prince tracks, and go crazy with love for the picture and the late, great artist behind it, of course. Back in May, Airbnb announced that it was doing things a little differently in 2024 when it comes to its pop culture-themed stays. The accommodation platform is no stranger to giving travellers once-in-a-lifetime vacation options — see: Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton, to name just a few — which it previously announced at random, with no advance warning. Now, however, it has created the Airbnb Icons category, grouping them all together. The company also revealed at the time that Prince's Purple Rain mansion was one of the many spots on the way. As a result, you might've heard about this Minneapolis listing before — but it's only about to become available now. Will you find out what it sounds like when doves cry if you nab a one-night stay here? You'll need to try to score a reservation between 11pm AEST on Wednesday, October 2–4.59pm AEST on Monday, October 7, 2024 for a stay between Saturday, October 26–Saturday, December 14, 2024. There's 25 stays on offer, each for up to four guest at a time. The booking isn't free, but only costs $7 per person because that was Prince's favourite number. That price only covers the stay itself. To get there and back, you'll be paying separately and organising your travel yourself. And your hosts, because Airbnb always gets someone pivotal involved? For this listing, it's Wendy and Lisa — aka of Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman — who were part of Prince's band The Revolution. "We were lucky enough to be a part of the music scene in Minneapolis during such a pivotal era for rock music, playing with Prince in one of the most successful bands of our generation and starring alongside him in the Purple Rain film," said Wendy and Lisa. "The Purple Rain house stands as a tribute to our dear friend Prince, the timeless character he brought to life and the lasting impact he continues to have. We hope the space gives fans a glimpse into the eclectic world Prince created, and visitors walk away feeling a little bit closer to him as an artist and person." This is what it looks like: guests can get excited about staying in a spot with purple velvet wallpaper; a spa with a claw-foot bath and stained-glass windows (and purple robes, naturally) that's decorated to resemble the 'When Doves Cry' music video; and a music lounge with a piano, drums and guitar, plus instructions on how to play the chorus to 'Purple Rain' with pre-recorded vocals from The Kid. There's also a closet filled with Prince outfits, all behind glass — and more 80s-inspired threads, not worn by the man himself, that you can pop on. When it's time for bed, you will indeed feel like you've stepped into Purple Rain (although the personal tape collection with one of Prince's demo recordings mixes the movie with reality). Still on tunes, there's a vintage 80s stereo downstairs featuring songs that inspired The Kid — and you can listen to a personal commentary by scanning QR codes. You can also consider this a Prince scavenger hunt, in a way, thanks to a secret space that you need to find. It's filled with treasures — and you'll want to be paying attention to the fake vinyl album. In the past, Airbnb has also featured the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay. Its Airbnb Icons has also made sleeping at the Up house, Inside Out 2's headquarters, the X-Mansion from X-Men '97 and the Ferrari Museum a reality, as well as stays hosted by Doja Cat, Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and Kevin Hart. For more information about the Purple Rain house on Airbnb, or to book from 11pm AEST on Wednesday, October 2–4.59pm AEST on Monday, October 7, 2024 for a stay between Saturday, October 26–Saturday, December 14, 2024, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Eric Ogden. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
He's famous for a series about nothing. He's now heading Down Under to share something: Jerry Seinfeld, that is, with the comedian just announcing Australia and New Zealand dates for his latest stand-up show. Instead of rewatching old Seinfeld episodes for approximately the 75th time, you can catch the iconic talent on a seven-city trip that marks his first visit since 2017. Those gigs sold out faster than a Seinfeld character can say "what's the deal?", and expect tickets to his 2024 trip to get snapped up quickly as well. Mark June in your calendar, as that's when Seinfeld will be going all "yada yada yada" in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne in Australia, plus Auckland and Christchurch in Aotearoa. So far, every city scores one show except Melbourne, where Seinfeld will take to the stage for two nights. Back in 1998, he called the Victorian capital the "anus" of the world — but perhaps his feelings have now changed. In NZ, Seinfeld's Christchurch stop will mark his first ever in the city — with Auckland a return to the spot where he played his debut New Zealand gig in 2017. [caption id="attachment_925505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "I can't wait to bring the laughs Down Under once again," said Seinfeld about his next trip our way, which comes 43 years after he initially appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and 35 years since Seinfeld — which was co-created by its namesake and Larry David — premiered. His career also spans everything from web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, films such as Comedian and Bee Movie — with a new flick Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story on the way — and books Is this Anything? and Seinlanguage. And yes, we're assuming that he won't be stepping behind the microphone wearing a puffy shirt. JERRY SEINFELD AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2024 DATES: Saturday, June 15 — RAC Arena, Perth Sunday, June 16 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, June 19 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, June 20 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Saturday, June 22–Sunday, June 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Monday, June 24 — Spark Arena, Auckland Wednesday, June 26 — Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch Jerry Seinfeld is touring Australia and New Zealand in June 2024, with Telstra presales from 12pm local time on Tuesday, November 14 TEG Dainty presales from 1pm local time on Thursday, November 16 and general sales from 12pm local time on Friday, November 17 — head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.
Melbourne's northern suburbs are set to ring in the New Year with an exciting new food and entertainment hub, as part of Westfield Plenty Valley's $80 million revamp. The Mill Park development – which is slated to launch in early 2018 – will pull together a juicy lineup of restaurants and eateries, including North Sydney's acclaimed Italian Street Kitchen making its Victorian debut. The vibrant Italian spot has become a firm favourite north of the border, renowned for its authentic eats and warm, Euro-style hospitality. It'll find itself in good companyt here, joined by the likes of Martini & Co, ENA Greek Food, Fukutontei Raman, Cielo Gelateria, Dosa Hut and that childhood classic, The Pancake Parlour. To complement the dining offering, the precinct will feature a mix of indoor and openair spaces, with a sprawling central lawn designed for year-round use. There'll also be a state-of-the-art Village Cinemas complex, complete with Gold Class, Vpremium, Vmax and Vjunior theatres. Westfield Plenty Valley's new dining and entertainment precinct will open early 2018, at 415 McDonalds Rd, Mill Park.
Got a big birthday, anniversary or major achievement to celebrate? You're in the right place. There's no better way to do it than by running away to the country — preferably to a dreamy spot with killer views, beautiful artworks, stunning furnishings, and maybe even an infinity pool. Luckily, Melbourne is just a brief drive to a bunch of luxe stays. We've rounded up ten of the best — from the folklore-inspired Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula to the 19th century Quondong Homestead in the High Country, surrounded by acres of architect-designed gardens. JACKALOPE HOTEL, MORNINGTON PENINSULA When top Australian architect Carr was charged with designing the Jackalope Hotel, the challenge was to make the absolute most of the views. Whether snuggling in your room or kicking back in the 30-metre infinity pool, you'll feel immersed in rolling vineyards. In between, wander among the hotel's extraordinary art collection, from Emily Floyd seven-metre-high Jackalope to Rolf Sacks' 5 Flasks. Every room comes with glass walls, loft ceilings, custom-built furniture by Zuster, a fireplace and a lavish jet-black bathtub. Stick around and dine at the on-site restaurant, Doot Doot Doot, under a 10,000-light chandelier — or go exploring the Mornington Peninsula. [caption id="attachment_1018001" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] PORTSEA SANCTUARY With five bedrooms, a gas-heated pool and a chef's kitchen, this De Campo Architect-designed mansion is ideal for special occasions. There's space for more than 16 guests, so shout all your mates (or split the cost with them). Either way, you'll be making memories. Hang out in the giant indoor-outdoor living spaces, host a tennis table or foosball championship, and get cosy in front of the wood fireplace. Portsea's back beach is just a stumble away. Then there's the whole of the Mornington Peninsula to roam around, including lesser-known spots like Cape Schanck. FIVE ACRES, PHILLIP ISLAND Does your idea of luxury involve close-up meetings with highland cows? Five Acres, a trio of lovely, standalone cabins on a working micro-farm, is for you. You'll have five acres of orchards and veggie gardens to explore, where cattle, sheep, goats and chickens roam. Your high-end cabin comes with a cosy log fire, a handcrafted outdoor bath, a north-facing deck, and gorgeous rural views backdropped by Western Port Bay. And, if you don't want to go anywhere, you can order grazing platters and local wine. Alternatively, get out and about on Phillip Island with our foodie's guide. LON RETREAT & SPA, BELLARINE PENINSULA With 200 acres of coastal farmland, a destination spa and seven sandstone suites, Lon Retreat & Spa gives you everything you need to sink into total luxury for a night (or three!). Start your day on walking trails around the farm — or wandering deliciously aimlessly. Look out for native flowers, a veggie garden, World War Two remnants, an old dairy and even a labyrinth on your way. Then head to the spa for mineral water hot tubs, steam rooms and massages with invigorating ocean views. Back in your suite, you'll find yourself surrounded by organic shapes, earthy colours, luxe linen, a king bed and scenery on every side. Find out what else there is to experience on the Bellarine Peninsula with our weekender's guide to Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. [caption id="attachment_891432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] We Met in June[/caption] BRAE, CAPE OTWAY You might know Brae best as one of the World's Top 100 Restaurants. But fine dining isn't the only reason to take yourself on a trip to chef Dan Hunter's organic farm in the Cape Otway hinterland. The property is also home to a string of equally tempting suites. Once you've conquered the tasting menu, stumble your way to a king bed — canopied by a stargazing skylight, surrounded by Melbourne-made furnishings and accompanied by a giant hot tub with views. Soundtrack your adventures with vinyl, and wake up to breakfast at your door: wood-fired sourdough, pastries, preserves and seasonal produce, served with fresh juice and coffee. After your stay, carry on along the Great Ocean Road with our wintery weekender's guide, or try these greatest hits. [caption id="attachment_1014117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moloney Architects[/caption] ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, GERIWARD/THE GRAMPIANS The Royal Mail Hotel made the news in July 2025 with the opening of its outdoor wellness suite. Under open skies, while overlooking Wurrgari (Mount Sturgeon), sink into a hot tub filled with magnesium salts, warm up in a Finnish-style sauna and refresh under a giant shower. And, to get the most out of the experience, sleep over — in a deluxe mountain view suite or a cosy cottage. Either way, you'll be a stone's throw from the 1.2-hectare organic garden, which provides the freshest and most local of produce to the hotel's two eateries: the high-end Wickens, where chef Robin Wickens oversees a tasting menu accompanied by a 4,500-strong wine list, and the more casual Parker St. Project. For more eats and adventures in Gariwerd/The Grampians, check out our weekender's guide. SHADOWS, THE GOLDFIELDS Designed by Ballarat's Moloney Architects, Shadows has transformed a tiny triangle of land in Creswick into a minimalist, Japanese-inspired hideaway — built with spotted gum, charred blackbutt, radiata pine and concrete. Leave behind your everyday worries, and disappear into a tranquil cocoon for a day or two. Within the open-plan space, you'll find a plush king bed, sunken lounge, round terracotta shower and a full kitchen. Outside, dissolve into an outdoor bath surrounded by a private native garden. Ballarat is just 20 minutes' drive away, and all the wonders of the Goldfields are on your doorstep. QUONDONG HOMESTEAD, HIGH COUNTRY Take a trip to the 19th century at Quondong Homestead in Wahgunyah. Built in the 1880s by an English-born merchant, this four-bedroom beauty has since had a luxe renovation. It's also been encircled with acres of gardens and lawns under the watchful eye of landscape architect Kathleen Murphy. Spend your holiday exploring them — in between lounging about on queen beds, lazing on the deck watching your private lagoon, and kicking back in the sauna. When the sun sets, cook up a storm in the cast-iron pizza oven before gathering around the fire pit for stargazing and marshmallow-toasting. On the way home, spend some time sipping muscat and eating French fare in the Rutherglen wine region. BILLABONG FALLS, YARRA VALLEY Billabong Falls isn't just a luxe stay; it's also a treehouse of sorts. The former home of international award-winning landscape designer Phillip Johnson is a two-bedroom house, where you can sleep among lush greenery and private waterfalls, enjoying views from every room. The interior, filled with timber, organic shapes and natural colours, creates a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. Wake up to find yourself surrounded by mist or, on a clear day, a glorious sunrise. Come evening, snuggle up in front of the fireplace. On your way out, swing by Healesville and the Yarra Valley, where you'll find excellent wines, top-notch eats and pretty picnic spots. [caption id="attachment_1018610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] HONEYSUCKLE BARN, KYNETON Whether you want to spend a weekend exploring the Macedon Ranges or taking turns in private gardens, Honeysuckle Barn in Kyneton is the luxe stay for you. This five-star, super-cute, 170-year-old two-bedroom cottage makes you feel like you're in the 19th century, but with a coffee machine, comfy beds and a bathroom with underfloor heating. The grounds, created by landscape designer Michael Pithie, give you a secret garden complete with a pond, blooms all-year-round and fresh veggies. Kyneton's Piper Street — filled with good eateries, cafes, boutiques and galleries — is just five minutes' drive away. Images: Supplied
Imagine that you're 22, you're settling into your chosen career and you're suddenly the name on everyone's lips. Imagine you've gone from never seeing an episode of the past decade's biggest TV sensation to starring in its prequel, in fact. In other words, imagine that you're Australian actor Milly Alcock, who has had a better, brighter and more chaotic 2022 than the rest of us. Before August, the Sydney-born talent was best known for an impressive resume of homegrown parts. Now, she's forever the young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Ask Alcock what the year has been like and she's candid. "It's all weird. One day you're you, and then suddenly someone places value on you," she advises. "And you're like 'why me? Why me? Okay, I guess I'll take it. I guess I'll run with it'. So life's been weird, wacky and wonderful, basically, but yeah, it's been such a big year. This year feels like the longest year of my life but in the best possible way." Alcock is chatting with Concrete Playground on the phone from the UK, where she shot House of the Dragon in 2021, and where she's now based as her international career takes off. But after working her way through roles on Australian shows such as Wonderland, Janet King, A Place to Call Home, Pine Gap, Fighting Season and Les Norton, she knows the part that made 2022's dreams happen: her AACTA-nominated role on Upright. Created by Chris Taylor from The Chaser, the show's' first season cast her as Meg, a 13-year-old pretending to 16 who literally collides with Tim Minchin's Lucky while she's running away across the country. An odd-couple dynamic ensues, and so did one of 2019's Aussie TV standouts. Three years later, a second season is here. This time, the headstrong, whip-smart Meg is 17 and no longer speeding across the desert. But Upright wouldn't be Upright if it didn't send Meg and Lucky on another soul-searching, life-defining road trip, this time to Far North Queensland to find Meg's mum. The old adage proves true once again: it isn't just about the destination but the journey. At the heart of the show is a sense of connection and solace, as two lost souls forge a bond that helps them process their individual struggles. That means that Upright's lead performances couldn't be more pivotal; indeed, without Alcock and Minchin as Meg and Lucky, it wouldn't be the success it is, let alone have returned for season two. With Upright's second season now airing on Foxtel and streaming via Binge, Alcock fills us in on the series that helped bring her to attention, making the leap to 2022's biggest TV blockbuster, playing determined young women and handling everything that House of the Dragon's fame has brought her. ON INITIALLY GETTING CAST IN UPRIGHT "You just read the audition scene for Meg and you're like: 'I want to play this character'. You don't even usually see those types of characters on Australian telly at all, and I felt such a kinship with her as soon as I read her on the page. Then when I met Tim, I was like 'please hire, please hire me, this is incredible!'. I owe my Upright my career, because it gave me such a beautiful body of work at such a young age." ON MAKING UPRIGHT'S FIRST SEASON "It was incredibly exciting. I was 18, I just dropped out of school, and I went and travelled around Australia for three months shooting a TV show. I'd never worked like that in my life — I'd never gotten a part like that ever, and I just wanted to do it so well. I just remember being like 'I can't fuck this up, I have to do it right, I have to do it right, I have to nail it, I have to make sure I'm making all the right choices and looking after myself and everything'. I was travelling around and I was without my family, and it got a bit difficult, but it was a massive learning experience." ON RETURNING FOR UPRIGHT'S SECOND SEASON "I didn't think that a second season was going to happen because of the way the story wrapped up — and the time passes. I was like, 'oh it's been three years, we're not going to do another one'. But we did. Meg is such a beautiful person and I'm always excited to talk about Meg, and play Meg." ON CO-LEADING UPRIGHT WITH TIM MINCHIN "We're friends; we just get on and act. And we just go 'these people have chemistry, let's give them the kind of chemistry that this scene warrants because of where they're at in their heads'. I think that Lucky is a bit of a mentor to Meg without her wanting to admit it. He's the only parental figure in her life that kind of guides her in any way. I think Tim and I's relationship reflects that narrative a bit, and we pull from that." ON JUMPING FROM AUSTRALIAN TV TO A HUGE HBO PRODUCTION "It was incredibly daunting. It was the most amount of fear I've felt in my entire life because I was like 'if you fuck this up, you're not going get to another chance'. It really felt like I had to prove myself very quickly, and I wanted to. I was Australian. Everyone was British. It was the pandemic. I didn't get to see my family while we were shooting. I didn't know anyone in London. So I really focused on my work because it was why I was there. I was there to do a job. But quickly, you realise that it's all the same, people are lovely and they're the same — and just the way that it functions is different and bigger because there's more cogs in the machine than there is in a smaller production like Upright, and like other jobs I've done before. I met a lot of amazing people and a lot of beautiful people, and they saw me and were like 'okay, we've got to look out for this one because she's a long way from home'. I was mortified for the first three months, basically. Yeah, absolutely mortified." ON NOT WATCHING GAME OF THRONES UNTIL BOOKING HOUSE OF THE DRAGON "When Game of Thrones is like 'we're doing prequel auditions', and you haven't really done a lot of acting before like I had, you're like 'oh yeah, of course I'm going to audition for this'. It's a massive show — not only a big show, but a very well-written show. It had great characters, and a great story, too. I was like 'yeah, of course'. But I hadn't seen the show before. I knew of it. I knew the accolades, I knew the reputation it had, I knew the status of it, but I hadn't seen it until I booked the job. It was incredibly exciting but also incredibly daunting, because I was like 'oh fuck, I have to do this. I have to live up to that. I don't know if I can do that'. It was exciting and scary. It was a rollercoaster, but you just keep going up. I haven't gone down yet. Then I read a bit of Fire & Blood. I wanted to really get an understanding of what was at stake in this world and be able to contextualise it into the world that we live in on earth. I would go to the library and just kind of study, basically. I would make graphs on what the houses are, what that means, what their titles were, what their status was like in our kind of world — all to understand it." ON PLAYING STRONG, DETERMINED YOUNG WOMEN "That's the way the jobs have landed because until House of the Dragon, I haven't been able to pick and choose — I still can't really pick and choose. I'm so young, I'm still starting out. With House of the Dragon, I was working against amazing actors — Paddy Considine and Rhys Ifans and Matt Smith — who have had a very big and beautiful and broad careers that I admire. I think that it's difficult because on one side, I want to play everyone. But then on the other hand, I know I'll read a script and be like 'this is a great part but I know I'm not that girl'. You just read a part and you're like 'I just can't play her, I'm just not her. In my heart and in my soul, I know I'm not her'. Unless you're a phenomenal character actor like Paddy, like Meryl Streep, like all those kind of legends, you kind of have to lean into parts of who you are. I think that I've been so lucky that there's parts of me that people have picked out and been like 'you can play that role'." ON THE CHANGE THAT HOUSE OF THE DRAGON HAS BROUGHT "I didn't expect anything. I didn't go in expecting anything with this. I think I was protecting myself, because everyone was like 'it could be a flop because it's a prequel'. But I think very early on, we realised that it had a lot of potential just from reading the script alone — but no, I didn't prepare myself at all. I just thought that if nothing comes of this, my life stays exactly the same. If something comes of it, everything changes. I think that for me to be able to do the work while we were shooting, I needed to not get swept up in what could happen because I needed to really focus. The opportunities have changed massively. People around me have changed. A Pandora's box has been opened, and I got to have a little peek inside. I think that just the way that people treat me is a bit different, which is the hardest thing to grapple with. It's weird. One day you're just you and then you're not. And you're like 'why am I chosen, what made me so special?'. I don't see it because I see me every day, I can feel the good bits and the ugly bits — especially the ugly bits, because you're stuck with yourself. It's just tricky. I mean, I'm 22 — I still can barely use a washing machine, let alone [process] what all of this is. But the most important thing is just keeping the right people around me and keeping my head on my shoulders, having that screwed on right — which I think I'm doing." Upright screens on Foxtel and streams via Binge, with both seasons available to watch in full. House of the Dragon's first season is available via Foxtel and Binge. Read our full review.
The role of Andie Whitford, the lead part in High Country, was written for Leah Purcell. It's easy to understand why. There's a quiet resolve to the character — a been-there-seen-that air to weathering tumult, too, and to knowing that she'll always have to fight hard for what she wants — that's long been a part of the Indigenous Australian star's acting toolkit across a three-decade career. Purcell first appeared on-screen in 90s TV shows such as GP, Police Rescue and Water Rats. In the past year before High Country, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Shayda also popped onto her resume. In-between, the 2000s brought Lantana, Somersault, The Proposition and Jindabyne — and the 2010s added Redfern Now, Last Cab to Darwin, Janet King and Black Comedy. Across three formats, as a play, a book and a movie, she also interrogated and reimagined Henry Lawson's The Drover's Wife in blistering fashion, and while writing, acting and directing. It's thanks to Wentworth that High Country came Purcell's way, however. Creators Marcia Gardner and John Ridley worked with her there, then made this the trio's next shared project. The nuts and bolts of the series are solid anyway, but it joins the ranks of Aussie detective and mystery tales made all the better due to their main talent. Mystery Road, which High Country co-star Aaron Pedersen (High Ground) has led in films and on TV, was the same. Jack Irish, featuring Guy Pearce (The Clearing) as its namesake and also Pedersen as his righthand man, equally fits. So does The Dry and its sequel Force of Nature: The Dry 2, both with Eric Bana (Blueback) — the latter of which also used Victoria's alpine region as a backdrop, as does High Country. Andie is a seasoned police detective who takes a job back in uniform overseeing the town of Broken Ridge, which is located in the mountainous Victorian spot that gives the show its moniker. While High Country might be the second Aussie effort in 2024's early months to embrace this part of the nation — among a small but growing wave of rural-set Down Under movies and programs that aren't traversing red earth, such as the Tasmanian-set Deadloch, The Gloaming and The Kettering Incident, too — it's no mere rehash there, or anywhere. High Country's framework, down to its character types, is easily recognisable. Gardner and Ridley know what everyone does, though: that a great story can make any whodunnit-driven procedural feel different, as can excellent casting. A big reason for Andie's move: stability and work-life balance, aka relocating for the sake of her personal life with spouse Helen Hartley (Sara Wiseman, Under the Vines) and daughter Kirra (Pez Warner, making her TV debut). An existence-resetting tree change is meant to be on the cards, then, in a place where leafy vantages stretch over mountains and down into valleys as far as the eye can see. But her arrival, especially being installed as the new police chief, doesn't earn the sunniest of welcomes. Then there's the missing-person cases that swiftly start piling up, some old, some new, some previously explained by pointing fingers in specific directions. An absent doctor (Francis Greenslade, Irreverent) and the car he leaves behind is Andie's entry point, but that isn't the beginning or the end of the tale. Also key to the series are Andie's retiring predecessor Sam Dryson (Ian McElhinney, The Boys in the Boat), who is fixated on the past disappearance of a young boy — and former teacher Damien Stark (Henry Nixon, The PM's Daughter), who he's certain is responsible, has become the town outcast as a result and contends that he's psychic. Andie is soon perched between them. She values Sam's advice, yet spies how fixated he is in his vendetta (one wall in his house is right out of the obsessed-cop playbook). At the same time, she enlists Damien as a consultant to help on active cases, hoping that he'll accidentally reveal his involvement in the process. Ranger Owen Cooper (Pedersen) is one of the few other Indigenous faces in town; his teenage son Ben (Pedrea Jackson, Sweet As) quickly befriends Kirra. Throw in Rose De Vigny, the financially challenged proprietor (Linda Cropper, How to Stay Married) of a haven for artists, plus cop colleagues of varying help and loyalty (Romance at the Vineyard's Matt Domingo and Wyrmwood: Apocalypse's Luke McKenzie), and Broken Ridge doesn't lack in players. Rabble-rousing siblings (Boy Swallows Universe's Nathaniel Dean and The Clearing's Jamie Timony), town bigwigs (Geoff Morrell, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) — the list goes on. Crucially, no matter how many of High Country's characters feel as if they could've walked in from fellow Aussie fare, where the show takes them is always its own journey. The same is true of Andie, and not just within a homegrown context; Jodie Foster (Nyad) in True Detective: Night Country and Kate Winslet (The Regime) in Mare of Easttown have charted comparable paths, but never this exact route. Pivotal to giving High Country its own flavour is its sense of place — not merely as a source of picturesque sights, which Andie often takes in as a newcomer to these parts, but in getting entrenched in the ragtag Broken Ridge community. When Sam reflects early that disappearances and deaths are just what happens here, Andie is horrified. Digging into the motivation behind his words becomes another of her missions, and the series'. With a wealth of fellow Wentworth alum behind the camera — Kevin Carlin (Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries) and Beck Cole (Deadloch) direct; Craig Barden (The Rooster) and Darrell Martin (White Fever) are High Country's cinematographers — this is a probing affair. The surroundings that make us, and also hide our secrets, prove a canvas, a minefield and a map. Discovering what they contain in this small-town thriller makes for addictive viewing, unsurprisingly. And in Purcell as Andie, High Country has a discerning and determined guide to fuel not just one season and its mysteries, but hopefully much more to follow. Check out the trailer for High Country below: High Country streams via Binge. Read our interview with Leah Purcell Images: Sarah Enticknap / Narelle Portanier.
If you're on the hunt for rare furniture, then Nicholas & Alistair in Abbotsford should be your first stop. Legend has it that owners Nicholas Mesiano and Alistair Knight once drove through a blizzard in the French Alps just to retrieve a dining table by Italian artist Piero Fornasetti. In other words, they know their stuff and they always make sure they get it – which means all you have to do is find your way to their showroom to discover your next household gem. Be warned, you will want to spend all your savings.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for handmade artisan gelato. Yes, the days of the humble Bubble O' Bill are but a speck on your long overdue dental exam, replaced by the elaborate taste combinations of burnt butter, rosemary & chestnut and rhubarb & Vincotto swirl. These are just a few of the flavours on offer at the newly opened Pidapipo Gelateria, which after operating as a pop-up 'test lab' on Carlton's Faraday Street last summer has found a permanent home just around the corner at 299 Lygon Street. The latest boutique ice-creamery bringing sugary goodness to Melbourne's inner north-east is the brainchild of Lisa Valmorbida, a graduate of Italy's Carpigiani Gelato University. As a sidenote, if the news that there's such a thing as Gelato University is making you question every decision you've ever made in life, then trust me, you're not alone. Inspired by Valmorbida's grandfather, Pidapipo Gelateria combines modern ideas with traditional ice-cream making methods. The gelato is made fresh in store using ingredients from local and Italian producers, including pistachios from Sicily, milk from Warrnambool and honey harvested from the store's own rooftop beehive. Every three months will see the launch of a new seasonal range of flavours, to go along with time-honoured Italian favourites such as fior di latte and ricotta & fig. Valmorbida will also collaborate with other chefs on special flavours, the first of which is a Coke float gelato inspired by local doughnut connoisseur and food-truck operator Raph Rashid. Of course it wouldn't be a modern ice-cream store without head-pounding techno music. So every Friday night, Pidapipo will play host to a series of resident DJs, including Edd Fisher, Laila Sakini and DJ Prequel. For more information, visit their website. Or if you just want to drool over pictures of gelato, they're on Instagram as well.
A jaunt around Victorian-era Europe, a destination wedding in Sydney or hopping between Greek islands? Animated ducks or a kingdom based around wishes? An affecting true tale of heroism or superhero fare? Cinemagoers of Australia, they're among your choices on the annual movie calendar's release day to end all release days. That'd be Boxing Day, which always packs picture palaces with new flicks, plus eager audiences keen to see them. Indeed, along with hitting the sales, enjoying the beach and recovering from your Christmas food coma, seeing a movie on December 26 is a yearly tradition. Feel like you're spoiled for choice? Not sure which film should tempt you out of the summer sun and into an air-conditioned darkened room? Keen to see a few movies, but don't know where to start? Thanks to Boxing Day's hefty array of newcomers, plus Wonka still a fresh arrival on big screen, there's plenty of picks. We've watched them all — and here's our rundown. POOR THINGS Richly striking feats of cinema by Yorgos Lanthimos aren't scarce. Sublime performances by Emma Stone are hardly infrequent. Screen takes on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein couldn't be more constant. For Lanthimos, see: Dogtooth and Alps in the Greek Weird Wave filmmaker's native language, plus The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Favourite since he started helming movies in English. With Stone, examples abound in her Best Actress Oscar for La La Land, supporting nominations before and after for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and Lanthimos' aforementioned regal satire, and twin 2024 Golden Globe nods nods for their latest collaboration as well as TV's The Curse. And as for the best gothic-horror story there is, not to mention one of the most influential sci-fi stories ever, the evidence is everywhere from traditional adaptations to debts owed as widely as The Rocky Horror Show and M3GAN. Combining the three results in a rarity, however: a jewel of a pastel-, jewel- and bodily fluid-toned feminist Frankenstein-esque fairy tale that's a stunning creation, as zapped to life with Lanthimos' inimitable flair, a mischievous air, Stone at her most extraordinary and empowerment blazing like a lightning bolt. With cascading black hair, an inquisitive stare, incessant frankness and jolting physical mannerisms, Poor Things' star is Bella Baxter in this suitably wondrous adaptation of Alasdair Grey's award-winning 1992 novel, as penned by Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara (The Great, and another Academy Award-nominee for The Favourite). Among the reasons that the movie and its lead portrayal are so singular: as a character with a woman's body revived with a baby's brain, Stone plays someone from infancy to adulthood, all with the astonishingly exact mindset and mannerisms to match, and while making every move, choice and feeling as organic as birth, living and death. In this fantastical steampunk vision of Victorian-era Europe, London-based Scottish doctor Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe, Asteroid City) is Bella's maker. Even if she didn't call him God, he's been playing it. But curiosity, the quest for agency and independence, horniness and a lust for adventure all beckon his creation on a radical, rebellious, gorgeously rendered, gloriously funny and generously insightful odyssey. So, Godwin tries to marry Bella off to medical student Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef, Ramy), only for her to discover "working on myself to get happiness" and "furious jumping" — masturbation and sex — and run off to the continent with caddish lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) instead. Read our full review. ANYONE BUT YOU Greenlighting Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as its leads must've been among Hollywood's easiest decisions. One of the rom-com's stars has been everywhere from Euphoria and The White Lotus to Reality of late, while the other is fresh off feeling the need for speed in Top Gun: Maverick. They both drip charisma. If this was the 80s, 90s or 00s, they each would have an entire segment of their filmographies dedicated to breezy romantic comedies like this Sydney-shot film, and probably more than a few together. Indeed, regardless of his gleaming casting, Anyone But You director and co-writer Will Gluck makes his first adult-oriented flick in 12 years — since Friends with Benefits, with Annie and the two Peter Rabbit movies since — as if it's still two, three or four decades back. The gimmick-fuelled plot, the scenic setting, swinging between stock-standard and OTT supporting characters: even amid overt riffs on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, they're all formulaically present and accounted for. So is the fact that Anyone But You's story always comes second to Sweeney and Powell's smouldering chemistry, and that most of its obvious jokes that only land because the pair sell them, as well as the whole movie. Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) meet-cute over a bathroom key in a busy cafe. That first dreamy day ends badly the next morning, however, with more pain in store when Bea's sister Halle (Hadley Robinson, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) gets engaged to Ben's best friend Pete's (GaTa, Dave) sister Claudia (Alexandra Shipp, Barbie). Cue their feud going international at the destination wedding in Australia, then getting a twist when Bea and Ben pretend that they're together. They're trying stop their fighting ruining the nuptials, get her parents to back off from pushing for a reunion with her ex (Darren Barnet, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) and make his own past love (model-turned-acting debutant Charlee Fraser) jealous. Every expected narrative beat is struck, then, while nodding to other rom-com wedding flicks — My Best Friend's Wedding co-stars Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths play Bea's mum and dad, with the latter also a Muriel's Wedding alum — and getting cheesily Aussie via koalas, endless shots of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, and Bryan Brown (Faraway Downs) and Joe Davidson (Neighbours) playing the stereotypical parts. And yet, Sweeney and Powell ace their performances and rapport, and also couldn't be more watchable. Read our full review. ONE LIFE Nicholas Winton's "British Schindler" label wasn't invented for One Life, the rousing biopic that tells his story; however, it's a handy two-word description that couldn't better fit both him and the film. In the late 1930s, when the then-Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland was occupied by Nazi Germany, the London-born banker spearheaded a rescue mission to get children — mostly Jewish — out of the country. After being encouraged to visit Prague in 1938 by friends assisting refugees, he was so moved to stop as many kids as possible from falling victim to the Holocaust that he and a group of fellow humanitarians arranged trains to take them to England. The immense effort was dubbed kindertransport, with Winton assisting in saving 669 children. Then, in the decades that followed, his heroic feat was almost lost to history. In fact, it only returned to public knowledge in 1988 when his wife Grete Gjelstrup encouraged him to show his scrapbook from the time to Holocaust researcher Elizabeth Maxwell, who was married to media mogul Robert Maxwell. Smartly, One Life captures both remarkable aspects to Winton's story, flitting between them as it tells its powerful and stirring true tale. The film's jumps backwards and forward also allow room for two excellent performances, enlisting Anthony Hopkins as the older Winton and Johnny Flynn (Operation Mincemeat) to do the honours in his younger years. With The Two Popes, his Oscar win for The Father, Armageddon Time and now this, Hopkins has been enjoying a stellar run in his 80s. If matching one of Hopkins' great portrayals in a period filled with them — a career, too, of course — was daunting for Flynn, he doesn't show it. As with Kurt and Wyatt Russell on the small screen's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, they're playing the same man but also someone who changes, as everyone does, through his experiences. Accordingly, a lively Flynn captures Winton's zeal and determination, while a patient Hopkins wears the haunted disappointment of someone who has spent half of their life thinking that he hasn't done enough. When he finally realises the full impact of his efforts, it's a devastatingly touching moment in a potent feature that looks the standard sombre part, but also knows that flashiness isn't what leaves an imprint in a story as important as this. AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM The DC Extended Universe is dead. With Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the comic book-to-screen franchise hardly swims out with a memorable farewell, hasn't washed up on a high and shouldn't have many tearful over its demise. More movies based on the company's superheroes are still on the way. They'll be badged the DC Universe instead, and start largely afresh; 2025's Superman: Legacy will be the first, with Pearl's David Corenswet as the eponymous figure, as directed by new DC Studios co-chairman and co-CEO James Gunn (The Suicide Squad). Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ends up the old regime about as expected, however: soggily, unable to make the most of its star, and stuck treading water between what it really wants to be and box-ticking saga formula. Led by Jason Momoa (Fast X), the first Aquaman knew that it was goofy, playful fun. Its main man, plus filmmaker James Wan (Malignant), didn't splash around self-importance or sink into seriousness. Rather, they made a giddily irreverent underwater space opera — and, while it ebbed and flowed between colouring by numbers and getting entertainingly silly, the latter usually won out. Alas, exuberance loses the same battle in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Having spent its existence playing catch-up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DCEU does exactly that for a final time here. As with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, there's such a large debt owed to Star Wars that elements seem to be lifted wholesale; just try not to laugh at Jabba the Hutt as a sea creature. 2018's initial Aquaman used past intergalactic flicks as a diving-off point, too, but with its own personality — no trace of which bobs up this time around. Wan helms again, switching to workman-like mode. He's co-credited on the story with returning screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (Orphan: First Kill), Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett (The Last Manhunt), but there's little but being dragged out with the prevailing tide, tonal chaos and a CGI mess on show. Now king of Atlantis and a father, Arthur Curry has another tussle with Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ambulance) to face, with his enemy aided by dark magic and exacerbating climate change. Only Aquaman teaming up with his imprisoned half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson, Insidious: The Red Door) will give the world a chance to survive. Even with an octopus spy and Nicole Kidman (Faraway Downs) riding a robot shark, a shipwreck results. Read our full review. MIGRATION It mightn't seem like Migration and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget should be twin films. The first is Illumination's latest non-Minions effort. The second is the long-awaited sequel to 2000 claymation favourite Chicken Run. But this pair of animated movies is definitely the newest example of the long-running cinematic déjà vu trend. Past birds of a feather have included Antz and A Bug's Life, Deep Impact and Armageddon, Churchill and Darkest Hour, and Ben Is Back and Beautiful Boy — and oh-so-many more — aka pictures with similar plots releasing at around the same time. The current additions to the list both arrive in December 2023, focus on anthropomorphised poultry, and initially find their clucking and quacking critters happy in their own safe, insular idylls, only to be forced out into the scary wider world largely due to their kids. Chaos with humans in the food industry ensues, including a life-or-death quest to avoid being eaten, plus lessons about being willing to break out of your comfort zone/nest/pond. Famous voices help bring the avian protagonists to the screen, too — Elizabeth Banks (The Beanie Bubble) and Kumail Nanjiani (Welcome to Chippendales) are the parents in Migration, for instance, and Thandiwe Newton (Westworld) and Zachary Levi (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) in Dawn of the Nugget — although that's long been the industry standard in animation in general. If you've seen Chicken Run's return, then, Migration will instantly feel familiar. This is an instance of two studios hatching near-identical films that both have their own charms, however. With Migration, a voice cast that also spans Awkwafina (Quiz Lady), Keegan-Michael Key (Wonka), Danny DeVito (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Carol Kane (Hunters) brings plenty of energy. As the key behind-the-camera talents, director Benjamin Renner (Ernest & Celestine) and screenwriter Mike White (yes, The White Lotus' Mike White) know how to enliven the narrative. That tale tells of mallards Mack (Nanjiani) and Pam (Banks), one nervous and the other adventurous, who follow another family from New England to Jamaica via New York City with their eager ducklings Dax (Caspar Jennings, Operation Mincemeat) and Gwen (first-timer Tresi Gazal), and cantankerous uncle (DeVito). But the Big Apple brings a run-in which a chef, after initially falling afoul of a flock of pigeons, befriending their leader (Awkwafina) and endeavouring to rescue the homesick parrot (Key) who knows the way to their sunny winter getaway. WISH Arriving in the year that Walt Disney Animation Studios celebrates its 100th birthday shouldn't mean that Wish needs to live up to a century's worth of beloved classics. And it wouldn't for viewers, even with the Mouse House's anniversary celebrations everywhere, if the company's latest film didn't bluntly draw attention to Disney hits gone by. Parts are cobbled together from Cinderella, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. Not just fellow animated efforts get referenced; alongside shoutouts to Bambi and Peter Pan, Mary Poppins earns the nod well. Overtly elbowing rather than winking, directors Chris Buck (Frozen and Frozen II) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (head of story on Raya and the Last Dragon) plus screenwriters Jennifer Lee (another Frozen alum) and Allison Moore (Beacon 23) ensure that their audience has the mega media corporation's other fare in their heads. It's a dangerous strategy, calling out other movies if the feature doing the calling out is by-the-numbers at best, and it does Wish no favours. No one might've been actively thinking "I wish I was watching a different Disney movie instead" if they weren't pushed in that direction by the flick itself, but once that idea sweeps in it never floats away. While the importance and power of dreams is Wish's main theme, the film forgot to have many itself. If it hoped to be a generic inspiration-touting fairy-tale musical, however, that fantasy was granted. Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) and Chris Pine (Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves) star as teenager Asha and all-powerful sorcerer Magnifico, respectively. The latter created the kingdom of Rosas as a sanctuary to protect people's wishes, which hover in his castle — but he's stingy with granting them. When Asha discovers that the land's sovereign isn't as benevolent as he seems, then wishes on a star that becomes her beaming friend (and makes her goat Valentino talk, sporting the voice of Peter Pan & Wendy's Alan Tudyk), she decides to topple his rule and free the deepest desires of her fellow townsfolk. Oscar-winner DeBose brings her best to the movie's songs, which would've fallen flat and proven forgettable in anyone else's hands, but they're the most vivid part of a film that starts with the storybook cliche, leans too heavily on chattering critters and can't match its classic look with an instant-classic picture. TWO TICKETS TO GREECE Laure Calamy is heading away again. In Full Time, France's current go-to actor could only dream of a getaway. Around that career-best performance, however, she's trekked with a donkey in Antoinette in the Cévennes, enjoyed family reunions on Côte d'Azur island Porquerolles in The Origin of Evil and now holidays on the Balkan Peninsula in the likeable-enough Two Tickets to Greece. Her latest packs more than a few other familiar elements into its suitcase: chalk-and-cheese protagonists, midlife crises, confronting the past, seizing the future, reviving old friendships, making new pals and finding oneself. Writer/director Marc Fitoussi, who reteams with Calamy after Call My Agent!, knows that every trip swims or sinks based on the company, though. He explores that very idea in his narrative, and has the film live it via Calamy as the chaotic Magalie, Olivia Côte (The Rose Maker, and also in Antoinette in the Cévennes) as her strait-laced childhood bestie Blandine — who she hasn't seen for decades after a teenage falling out — and an against-type-and-loving-it Kristin Scott Thomas (Slow Horses) as the go-with-the-flow Bijou. Scott Thomas puts in such an earthy-yet-layered performance as Magalie's friend, who lives the island life in Mykonos with artist Dimitris (Panos Koronis, The Lost Daughter), that Two Tickets to Greece is a better movie once she's on-screen. It's a more-rounded film, relying less on an odd-couple dynamic — even though both Calamy and Côte perfect their parts. Fitoussi first introduces his main duo as high-schoolers (Les invisibles' Marie Mallia and Vise le coeur's Leelou Laridan) who obsessively adore 1988 diving drama The Big Blue. They only meet again as adults after Blandine's son Benjamin (Alexandre Desrousseaux, Standing Up) pushes them back into each other's lives out of worry for his divorced-and-unhappy-about-it mum. He's meant to be going to Greece with his mother, in fact, but soon the erratic and impulsive Magalie has his ticket. Their destination is Armogos, The Big Blue's setting, although every detour that can redirect the pair's sun-dappled path away from a stock-standard luxe hotel stay — ferry mishaps, cute surfers, dancing on restaurant tables, island-hopping, big fights, hard truths, health scares and the like — does. COUP DE CHANCE A stroke of luck starts Coup de Chance, befitting the name of this French-language romantic thriller-slash-farce from Woody Allen. On the streets of Paris, gallerist Fanny (Lou de Laâge, The Mad Women's Ball) is recognised by writer Alain (Niels Schneider, Spirit of Ecstasy), with the pair classmates during their school days abroad in New York. He had a hefty crush all those years back, he reminds her. Even in their first reacquainted encounter, it's plain to see that he still does now. Reminiscing leads to future plans to catch up, then to leisurely walks and sandwich-fuelled picnics in parks on her lunch breaks. And, with Fanny clearly unhappily married to flashy, self-made millionaire wealth manager Jean (Melvil Poupaud, One Fine Morning), who possessively and controllingly considers her a trophy more than a person, an affair springs, too. Cue the suspicions of Jean, complete with a private detective doing his snooping and a raging case of entitlement seeping from his pores. Cue Fanny's mother Camille (Valérie Lemercier, Aline) figuring out the situation, and getting involved as well. Also, cue Allen in familiar territory from 2005's Match Point, which was set in London rather than Paris. Only a non-French filmmaker would have his Parisian characters order foie gras and frogs' legs in a restaurant. Working in Europe almost by necessity, and a writer/director whose output will always lurk under a cloud, only Allen would make the movie's yearning romantic alternative a bookish sort called Alain that's his latest on-screen surrogate. But those cliches and box-ticking elements don't stop Coup de Chance from being his best film in some time — since 2013's Blue Jasmine, which won Cate Blanchett an Oscar — with considerable help from his cast. The helmer's 50th movie sports warm autumnal hues via cinematographer Vittorio Storaro (who also shot Cafe Society, Wonder Wheel and A Rainy Day in New York), a jazzy soundtrack, plus actors who can effortlessly ride the plot's conveniences, twists and constant musings on fate alike. That said, almost any filmmaker could point their lens de Laâge, Schneider, Poupaud and Lemercier's way with engaging results; however, Allen's first film in a language other than English is repeatedly buoyed by their presence.
Pizza. It's delicious. It also has a huge spectrum of quality and authenticity. But Ladro on Fitzroy's Gertrude Street does it well. Really well. With a sleek interior, a woodfired oven or two and chefs making pasta by hand in the kitchen, pizza isn't all they do well. Start with a salumi board, deep-fried chickpea fritters and some chargrilled prawns or dive right into the pizzas. 16 different pizza options are up for grabs at Ladro, from your classic margs and capricciosa as well as more off-piste creations like the gamberi with lemon-marinated prawns and zucchini and the breakfast calazione with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, speck and an egg. And then there's the pasta. Each day, the chefs roll out fresh pasta for the masses. It's a labour of love and the proof really is in the pudding — or the pappardelle. The spaghettini with vongole, cherry tomatoes and garlic is light and delicate, while the beef ragu is tender and rich. And be careful when eating the soft and pillowy saffron gnocchi — that bright yellow sauce will get everywhere. To round off your eatables, the tiramisu served in a little jar is a must, while the Bomboloni — Italian Doughnuts served with hazelnut ice cream and rooftop honey — are decedent and addictive. But they aren't always on the menu. If they are when you visit, they're a must-order. All in all, Ladro has a touch of Italy with a Melbourne sensibility and a commitment to quality. No complaints here. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
You've seen the animated movie, watched the photorealistic (and CGI-heavy) remake and hummed along to the stage show. You know all the words to 'Hakuna Matata', and you instantly get nostalgic whenever the phrase "circle of life" comes up in conversation. The next item to tick off on your list, Lion King fans? Sipping your hot beverage of choice out of Frank Green's Lion King-themed keep cups (and saying "no worries" to doing the environment a solid in the process). Teaming up with Disney, the sustainability-focused Australian brand is launching a limited-edition range of cups and reusable bottles inspired by the 90s flick and its beloved characters. Design-wise, you can choose between Rafiki's cave painting of baby Simba, the future king's face, adult Simba or, back in his cub days, the young lion with Timon and Pumbaa. There's also an animal-print option, if you can't quite bring yourself to choose between the other styles. The cups and bottles come in different hues depending on the design, so you could be drinking coffee from a coral-coloured bottle or a khaki-toned cup. You also have choices regarding size, with each design available in small (295 millilitres) medium (595 millilitres) and large (one litre). Priced between $46.95–64.95, The Lion King range joins Frank Green's other Disney-themed wares, which also includes Winnie the Pooh, Frozen and Wall-E — and both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The new designs hit the brand's online shelves from Tuesday, May 18, but you can pre-order now until stocks run out. Once you have one in your hands, it's up to you whether you want to hold your coffee over your head like you're standing atop Pride Rock. Frank Green's Lion King range is available to preorder now, before going on sale from Tuesday, May 18.
Already in 2021, fans of the DC Extended Universe — the interconnected franchise that started with Man of Steel, and also includes Wonder Woman and its sequel, Aquaman and Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) — have sat down to watch an extended new version of Justice League like it's still 2017. Next on the series' viewing list: The Suicide Squad, the confusingly named sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad (because no one has challenged themselves thinking of the upcoming flick's title). Margot Robbie (Dreamland) returns as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman (The Secrets We Keep) does the same as Rick Flag and Australian actor Jai Courtney (Honest Thief) also makes a comeback as Captain Boomerang. As the government agent overseeing this band of world-saving supervillains, recent Oscar-nominee Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) is back as well. But don't expect to see the rest of their original costars this time around. As seen in the film's initial trailer, and now expanded upon in its just-dropped new sneak peek, The Suicide Squad sees a new group of nefarious folks joins Harley and the gang — including Idris Elba (Cats) as Bloodsport, John Cena (Playing with Fire) as Peacemaker, Peter Capaldi (The Personal History of David Copperfield) as Thinker, Pete Davidson (The King of Staten Island) as Blackguard and Sylvester Stallone (Rambo: Last Blood) as the voice of King Shark. Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) has a yet-to-be revealed role, and Guardians of the Galaxy alums Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn show up, too — which makes complete sense given that GotG filmmaker James Gunn is behind the lens and has also penned the screenplay. By hiring Gunn, DC is clearly looking for his sense of humour, as well as his lively and OTT style. In both clips so far, all of the above is on display. So yes, if The Suicide Squad feels more in line with goofier Marvel Cinematic Universe flicks than most of DC Comics' big-screen output, there's an obvious reason for that. When the film hits cinemas Down Under on August 5, it'll initially head to Belle Reve prison, where supervillains are kept. Asked by Task Force X to participate in a secret mission in exchange for time out of incarceration, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, King Shark, Blackguard and their pals are more than willing to help. Their job: travelling to the island of Corto Maltese on a deadly quest. It's dubbed a suicide mission in the trailer, because of course it is. Check out latest The Suicide Squad trailer below: The Suicide Squad releases in cinemas Down Under on August 5.
Melbourne's summer might not last forever, but you can bank on some year-round tropical feels at The Luwow's new CBD tiki bar. After five years shaking colourful cocktails and playing retro tunes on Fitzroy's Johnston Street, followed by a bit of a hiatus, the much-loved venue moved into new digs in the city late last year. It's now bringing the party vibes to Little Collins Street, in a space that's a little more intimate, but every bit as lively as the original. Here, owners Skipper Josh Collins and Barbara Blaze — also behind Perth's Hula Bula Bar and Devilles Pad, and new Sunshine Coast resort The Luwow Lodge — have created yet another high-voltage, kitschy hideaway. It's filled with hand-carved totem poles, jungle plants, leopard print and bamboo, as well as treasures picked up from across the South Pacific. Vintage sounds plucked from the duo's own collection of vinyl deliver a toe-tapping mix of rock 'n' roll, ska, surf, exotica and 60s garage, while DJs work the decks each weekend. [caption id="attachment_762096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tracey Ah-kee[/caption] Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Luwow 2.0 is whipping up a bold cocktail menu of rum-heavy drinks, many crafted with natural sweeteners like organic coconut blossom nectar. You'll find concoctions like a gutsy mai tai, the flaming share-sized Voodoo Volcano and the Don Zombie — a blend of rum, pink grapefruit, star anise, pomegranate and cinnamon. Fancy some holiday-style drink prices? The daily happy hour (4–6pm) offers a slew of $10 tiki cocktails, along with pints of Red Stripe lager for an easy $7 a pop. Like the space itself, the food offering here comes chock full of pan-Pacific flavour. Try corn tortillas topped with the likes of slow-roasted pork shoulder and salsa verde, an Oaxacan cheese quesadilla or the mulitas — a crispy corn taco sandwich loaded with cheese, guacamole and your choice of fillings. [caption id="attachment_762095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tracey Ah-kee[/caption] Of course, the tiki bar concept isn't without controversy. With cultural appropriation, colonial nostalgia and exploitative use of First Nations peoples' iconography and tradition at its core, the concept is often seen as exploitative, offensive and problematic. In many Pacific Islander communities, a tiki is a deity. In tiki-themed bars, it's a kitschy drinking vessel. Others insist, however, that tiki bars aren't meant to be taken too seriously — that we should instead focus on its fun side and drink that mai tai. Perhaps 2020 will be a turning point for how we view tiki bars, collectively. Find The Luwow at 212 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open 4pm—midnight Monday—Thursday and 4.30pm–1am Friday–Saturday. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZAQT0jTFuU AMMONITE Looking at an ammonite fossil is like putting your ear up to a seashell: in their ridged spirals, it feels as if a whole new world could exist. In the latter's case, each one is made from the remains of extinct molluscs from millions of years ago, and lingers now as a reminder of a different time and existence, its compact coils encasing all of its secrets. The striking specimens from the past provide the film Ammonite with its title, and with an obvious metaphor as well — but also an apt one that's brought to life with meticulous delicacy. In the second feature from God's Own Country writer/director Francis Lee, the two central characters in this patient yet always evocative 1840s-set romance are the product of centuries of convention and expectation, with society's engrained views about women both weathering away at them and solidifying their place. In a queer love story that once again arises organically in heightened circumstances, dives into a labour-intensive field with a resolute connection to the land, derives an elemental tenor from crucial locations, watches on tenderly as a new arrival upends the status quo and gifts two lonely souls a connection they wouldn't otherwise admit they yearned for, they're also as tightly wound as the historical remnants they tirelessly search for along the craggy, cliff-lined West Dorset coastline. Lee's impeccably cast, exquisitely acted, solemnly beautiful and moving film isn't just the lesbian counterpart to its predecessor, though. While the movies complement each other perfectly, Ammonite unearths its own depths and boasts its own strengths. Lee has made the concerted decision not just to focus on two women, but to fictionalise the relationship between real-life scientists who find solace in each other as they're forced to fight to be seen as anything other than housewives. Living in Lyme Regis with her ailing mother (Gemma Jones, Rocketman), Mary Anning (Kate Winslet, Wonder Wheel) is no one's wife, and doesn't want to be — but, working in the male-dominated realm of palaeontology, she's accustomed to being treated differently to her peers. As a child, she found her first ammonite fossil, which is displayed in the British Museum. Now scraping by running a shop that sells smaller specimens to rich tourists, she hasn't stopped looking for other big discoveries since. When geologist Roderick Murchison (James McArdle, Mary, Queen of Scots) visits Mary's store, however, he's after her services in a different way. In a casual reminder of just how dismissively women are regarded, she's asked to take care of his melancholic wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan, Little Women) while he travels abroad for work. Roderick thinks it'll be good for Charlotte to learn from Mary, to get outside daily and to have a sense of purpose, but Mary only agrees for the money. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZQz0rkNajo THE DIG When Ralph Fiennes first trundles across the screen in The Dig, then starts speaking in a thick Suffolk accent, he's in suitably surly mode, as he needs to be. But, playing forthright and hardworking excavator Basil Brown, the adaptable Official Secrets, Hail, Caesar!, Spectre and A Bigger Splash star also flirts with overstatement in his initial scenes. Thankfully, he settles into his role quickly — and this 1939-set drama about an immense real-life archaeological discovery finds its rhythm with him. Hired by Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman) to burrow into what appear to be centuries-old burial mounds on her sprawling estate, Basil doesn't unearth any old find. His kindly employer has always had a feeling about the small hills on her property, she tells him in one of their friendly, leisurely chats, and her instincts prove accurate, sparking national interest. Adapting the 2007 novel of the same name by John Preston, this graceful movie explores Basil's dig, Edith's fight to retain both recognition and the items buried deep in her soil, her increasing health woes, and the keen excitement of her primary school-aged son Robert (Archie Barnes, Patrick). It also follows the circus that kicks up when the British Museum's Charles Phillips (Ken Stott, The Mercy) insists on taking over, and the love triangle that arises between his married employees Stuart (Ben Chaplin, The Children Act) and Peggy Piggott (Lily James, Rebecca) and Edith's airforce-bound cousin Rory Lomax (Johnny Flynn, Emma). Whether you already know the details or you're discovering them for the first time, The Dig tells an astonishing story — and while a mid-20th century archaeological dig mightn't sound like rich and riveting viewing, this fascinating feature proves that notion wrong. As well as its true tale, it benefits from two important decisions: the casting of Mulligan and Fiennes, and the involvement of Australian theatre director-turned-filmmaker Simon Stone. After the anger and raw energy of Promising Young Woman, Mulligan finds power in restraint here. Once Fiennes finds his knack as Basil, he's a source of stoic potency as well. Their scenes together rank among the movie's best, although, making his first movie since 2015's The Daughter, Stone ensures that even the most routine of moments is never dull. The Dig abounds with sun-dappled imagery of Suffolk fields, their green and yellow expanse being carved into one shovel at a time, but it's a gorgeously lensed film in every frame. Stone and cinematographer Mike Eley (who also worked on The White Crow, which was directed by Fiennes) rarely shoot anything within view in the expected manner, resulting in a movie that steps back into the past, chronicles an historical discovery, appears the handsome period part, yet also looks and feels fluid and lively as it ponders the reality that time comes for all things and people. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-0w6yTt3lg MY SALINGER YEAR Cinema's recent obsession with JD Salinger continues, with My Salinger Year joining 2013 documentary Salinger, 2015 drama Coming Through the Rye and 2017 biography Rebel in the Rye. The reclusive The Catcher in the Rye author famously wouldn't permit his acclaimed novel to be adapted for the big screen, and that absence has clearly made the filmmaking world's heart grow fonder in the years since his 2010 death — although, in this case, Joanna Rakoff's 2014 memoir was always bound to get the movie treatment. In 1995, fresh from studying English literature at college and newly arrived in New York to chase her dreams, the wide-eyed aspiring scribe (Margaret Qualley, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) takes an assistant job at one of the city's oldest and most prestigious literary agencies. Landing the role requires lying about her own ambitions, telling her new boss, Margaret (Sigourney Weaver, Ghostbusters), that she isn't trying to become a writer herself. (That's one thing the seasoned agent won't abide; another: any new technology beyond typewriters and telephones.) Joanna soon finds an outlet for her talents, however, when she's asked to reply to Salinger's fan mail. She's advised to send a generic response to the author's aficionados, as has always been the agency's policy, but she's moved to both secretly read and pen personal responses to them instead. French Canadian writer/director Philippe Falardeau's Monsieur Lazhar, from 2011, was one of that year's tender, touching and thoughtful standouts. But My Salinger Year, which opened 2020's Berlinale almost a year before reaching Australian cinemas, is far more perfunctory — making an interesting true story feel far more formulaic as it should. The filmmaker retains a gentle hand, fills his script with affection for the enthusiastic Joanna, and literally gives a voice to those who've been moved by exceptional literature, and yet the end result spins an adult coming-of-age story just pleasantly and affably enough, rather than strikes much of a lasting chord. It also feels slight while proving overstretched, making obvious statements about art and commerce, the past and the future, and the eternal struggle to maintain a personal-professional balance (with Salinger, or Jerry as Margaret calls him, weaved throughout each point). At the same vastly different junctures in their careers as the characters they play, Qualley and Weaver are the feature's obvious highlights, however. They're placed in a well-worn Devil Wears Prada-style relationship, but their back-and-forth provides the film with its spark (and, for Weaver fans, even recalls her Oscar-nominated supporting role in 1988 workplace comedy Working Girl). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35jJNyFuYKQ THE WHITE TIGER Adapted from Aravind Adiga's 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning debut novel, The White Tiger shares an animal metaphor in its name; however, it's another, about roosters and coops, that truly cuts to its core. Like poultry in a cage awaiting slaughter, India's poor are kept in their place as servants, explains protagonist Balram (Adarsh Gourav, Hostel Daze) in the pacy narration that drives the film. At the mercy of cruel and ruthless masters, they're well aware that they're being treated thoughtlessly at best. They watch on as others around them are stuck in compliant lives of drudgery, in fact. But, ever-dutiful, they're unwilling to break free or even defy their employers. That's the life that Balram is supposed to lead, and does for a time — after he ingratiates his way into a driver position for Ashok and Pinky (Bollywood star Rajkummar Rao and Baywatch's Priyanka Chopra Jonas), the American-educated son and New York-raised daughter-in-law of the rich landlord (Mahesh Manjrekar, Slumdog Millionaire) who owns his village and demands a third of all earnings from its residents. The White Tiger starts with a car accident outside Delhi involving Balram, Ashok and Pinky, then unfurls in flashbacks from a slick, unapologetic Balram in the future, so it's immediately apparent that he won't always be kowtowing to those considered above him in his country's strict caste system. It's also evident that his tale, as cheekily told via a letter penned to 2003–13 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, will take the audience on quite the wild journey. The White Tiger's framing device is a little clumsy, and its overt, blackly comic observations about the wealthy taking advantage of everyone they consider below them aren't new — but this is still a savage, compelling and entertaining film with something smart to say and an engaging way of conveying its central message. Thanks to 2005's Man Push Cart, 2007's Chop Shop and 2015's 99 Homes, Iranian American writer/director Ramin Bahrani is no stranger to street-level stories about everyday folks trying to survive and thrive under capitalism's boot, or to the twisted power dynamics that can ensue in society at large and in close quarters. Accordingly, he's a perfect fit for the material here, and brings a constantly probing eye to the narrative penned by his college classmate Adiga. Also ideal is Gourav. The actor is in excellent company, with Rao and Chopra Jonas each finding multiple layers in their characters' lives of privilege and eagerness to regard Balram as a friend while it suits. But as a bright-eyed but still calculating young man trying to work his way up in the world, and then as a cynical experienced hand who has seen much, endured more and knows how he wants the world to work, Gourav is electrifying. It's a performance that's bound to catapult him into other high-profile roles, and it's also the likeable and empathetic yet also ambitious and slippery portrayal this rollercoaster ride of a story hinges upon. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7OVB-7gjJ0 MUSIC Sia isn't the first musician to try her hand at filmmaking. Music is barely a movie, however. As co-penned with children's author Dallas Clayton, the scantest of cliche-riddled, Rain Man-esque narratives is used to stitch together ten whimsy-dripping musical numbers — packaged as brightly coloured and costumed insights into the unique way in which the film's titular character sees the world, but really just lavish music videos to new Sia-penned songs performed by the feature's cast. And, awash in rainbow hues, surrealistic outfits and jerky, stylised dance moves, these frequent video clips are actually the most subtle parts of the movie. Sia's regular dancer and muse Maddie Ziegler jumps from the singer/songwriter's 'Chandelier' and 'Elastic Heart' videos to play Music, a nonverbal teenager on the autism spectrum, with such pronounced mannerisms that her performances feels like a caricature from her first wide-eyed stare. As the girl's just-sober, on-probation, much-older half-sister Zu (and acting in her first screen role since 2017), Kate Hudson stamps around with a shaved head that's supposed to signify the character's alternative credentials — and, as her character scowls about her new responsibilities to her sibling, drops phrases such as "people pound" and flits around town dealing drugs to fund her dream of starting a yoga commune, she's just as forceful. Music starts with its headphone-wearing namesake's daily routine, which has been carefully established by her grandmother Millie (Mary Kay Place, The Prom), and is maintained with help from the kindly local community. But then tragedy strikes, Zu is called in to look after Music, and she quickly establishes that she knows far less about what she's doing and about her sister than Millie's doting neighbours, such as boxing teacher Ebo (Leslie Odom Jr, a Tony-winner for Hamilton) and building mainstay George (Hector Elizondo, one of Hudson's co-stars in 2016's also abysmal Mother's Day). The movie might bear Music's name, but it tells Zu's story. Controversy swelled around the film when its first trailer dropped in 2020, with Sia called out for the fact that the neurotypical Ziegler isn't from the autistic community — and it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the first-time feature director happily uses Music as a catalyst to spark Zu's growth, rather than as the movie's actual protagonist. Zu's journey involves learning not to resent her sibling or dump her on others (something that should be self-evident) and falling for Ebo, while Music becomes little more than her sidekick. By the time that Sia shows up, playing a version of herself and purchasing pills from Zu to send to Haiti as an act of charity, Music has already outstayed its welcome; however, her brief on-screen appearance hammers home not just the film's indulgence, but the fact that the movie is really just an advertisement for a concept album above all else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjLnk8YriCQ SHADOW IN THE CLOUD In Shadow in the Cloud, a passenger on a plane spies a gremlin peering at them from outside the aircraft — and science fiction fans will know that in 1963 with William Shatner, in 1983 with John Lithgow and in 2019 with Adam Scott, The Twilight Zone got there first. The second of those instances, in Twilight Zone: The Movie, was produced by filmmaker John Landis. In what's hardly a coincidence, the script for Shadow in the Cloud is co-credited to Landis' controversial son Max (Chronicle, American Ultra). Plenty of details have been changed here, with the second feature from director and co-writer Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets) set in 1943, primarily taking place on a B-17 bomber from Auckland to Samoa and focusing on Flight Officer Maude Garrett (Chloë Grace Moretz, Greta). From the outset, the film also endeavours to draw attention to gender politics. After its airborne scenes, it gets gleefully absurd, too. Still, after some initial intrigue, Shadow in the Cloud kicks into gear with a been-there, seen-that air that can't be shaken, even as the movie tries to fly into over-the-top B-movie territory. It doesn't help that, while endeavouring to mixing feminist sentiments with gonzo genre flourishes, it spends far too much time letting men voice their utter surprise that a woman could be caught up in this narrative. Those comments echo as Maude sits in the ball turret hanging beneath the aircraft. She's hitching a ride with an all-male crew (including The Outpost's Taylor John Smith, Hawaii Five-O's Beulah Koale, Love, Simon's Nick Robinson, Operation Buffalo's Benedict Wall and Avengers: Endgame's Callan Mulvey) for a secret mission that she isn't allowed to let them in on, and they're none too happy about the situation. So, that's the only space they're willing to give her. They're content to chatter away obnoxiously about her, though, and to dismiss her worries as hysterics when she spies a critter wreaking havoc outside. This part of the picture is enough to give viewers whiplash. In the tension-dripping creature-feature tradition, and as a Twilight Zone remake, Maude's experiences during the flight are the film's best. If her anxiety-riddled time with the gremlin had been stretched out to movie-length and packaged with example after example of how society overlooks women, they could've had real bite, too. And yet, the way the movie's sexist dialogue is used to make a girl-power point proves near-excruciatingly clunky and cliched, rather than clever or meaningful. Imbalance plagues the film over and over, actually — as evidenced in the 80s-style synth score that sounds great but doesn't quite fit, its constant tonal shifts, Moretz's performance, and the overall feeling that the movie thinks it has nailed the combination of out-there and astute. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30; August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27; September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24; October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22 and October 29; and November 5, November 12, November 19 and November 26; and December 3, December 10, December 17, December 26; and January 1 and January 7. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin, Peninsula, Tenet, Les Misérables, The New Mutants, Bill & Ted Face the Music, The Translators, An American Pickle, The High Note, On the Rocks, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Antebellum, Miss Juneteenth, Savage, I Am Greta, Rebecca, Kajillionaire, Baby Done, Corpus Christi, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive, Brazen Hussies, Freaky, Mank, Monsoon, Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), American Utopia, Possessor, Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, The Prom, Sound of Metal, The Witches, The Midnight Sky, The Furnace, Wonder Woman 1984, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman and Summerland.
Here's two ways that 2025 will be better than 2024: The White Lotus will return for season three, as will The Last of Us for season two. If you've been hanging out for more holiday chaos and dystopian tension, you can now start marking your calendar. Neither show has exact return dates yet, but HBO has just gotten more specific about when each will be streaming. In February 2025, it'll be time to check in again. Your destination this time: Thailand. Walton Goggins (Fallout), Carrie Coon (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Jason Isaacs (The Crowded Room), Michelle Monaghan (MaXXXine), Leslie Bibb (Palm Royale), Parker Posey (Mr & Mrs Smith) and Lisa from BLACKPINK are among the new cast of The White Lotus season three, all playing characters that are bound to learn — and the anthology series' on-screen figures always do — that getaways and bliss don't always go hand in hand. From season one, Natasha Rothwell (How to Die Alone) is also returning. HBO is planning to drop big tentpole shows a few times a year — so it'll be in 2025's second quarter, which is autumn Down Under, that The Last of Us will return. There's no exact month as yet, but Joel and Ellie will be back. In their shoes, so will Pedro Pascal (The Wild Robot) and Bella Ramsey (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget), of course. This time around, the series' main duo have company from both familiar faces and a heap of newcomers. Rutina Wesley (Monster High) and Gabriel Luna (Fubar) return as Maria and Tommy, while Kaitlyn Dever (Good Grief), Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus), Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Young Mazino (Beef), Ariela Barer (How to Blow Up a Pipeline), Tati Gabrielle (Kaleidoscope), Spencer Lord (Family Law) and Danny Ramirez (Black Mirror) are the season's additions. The US cable network revealed the timing for both shows during a Wells Fargo-hosted conference, also advising that new Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to arrive in summer in the US — which is winter in Australia and New Zealand, fittingly. And if you can't wait for more Euphoria, the long-delayed and eagerly anticipated third season is now expected to arrive early in 2026. If you're wondering what else is in store for HBO in 2025 and beyond — or even to close out 2024 — the network dropped a trailer back in November teasing the slate to come. Also on the way, and also debuting never-before-seen footage in the clip: IT prequel series Welcome to Derry, season four of Hacks, season two of The Rehearsal, a new show led by Bottoms and Saturday Night's Rachel Sennott, two-part documentary Pee-Wee as Himself, The Righteous Gemstones season four, Peacemaker season two, The Pitt with ER veteran Noah Wyle, Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things)-led FBI series Task and Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson) comedy The Chair Company. Season three of And Just Like That... and The Gilded Age also feature in the trailer, albeit without any new material, with each series joining the list for 2025. You can spot scenes from Dune: Prophecy, season three of The Sex Lives of College Girls, the animated Creature Commandos and limited series Get Millie Black, too, all of which are 2024 releases. From 2025's lineup, newcomer Duster with Lost's Josh Holloway and season two of Conan O'Brien Must Go scored a look as well. Where Australians will be watching all of the above is yet to be revealed, however, given that HBO has confirmed that its own streaming service Max will launch here sometime in the first half of 2025. Watch HBO's most-recent 2024–25 roundup trailer below: The shows highlighted in HBO's new trailer will arrive across the end of 2024 and in 2025. At present, the bulk of the network's programs stream via Binge in Australia and on Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
Which franchise adores sand, has hopped between the big and small screens across four decades, is equally famous for the movie that didn't end up getting made, and has a date with streaming queues via a new prequel series in November 2024 — in the same year that it last graced cinemas? That'd be Dune. 2024 is a double Dune year. First, Dune: Part Two brought the science-fiction franchise back to picture palaces with help from director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), plus stars Timothée Chalamet (Wonka) and Zendaya (Euphoria). Next, television's Dune: Prophecy will arrive before spring is out. A six-part prequel series from HBO, it's set 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides — and, as both the first and second teaser trailers show, plus the just-dropped full trailer, this is a time when sacrifices must be made. Dune: Prophecy marks this book-to-screen universe's return to the small screen. Over the past 40 years, the saga started on the page by Frank Herbert has hit cinemas three times so far, including David Lynch's 1984 film and Villeneuve's 2021 standout Dune: Part One. In the 00s, it also spread sand across TV via two miniseries. Everything in pop culture has to span both movies and television at the same time these days, however, hence Dune: Prophecy — even though the tale of Paul, aka sci-fi's spiciest man, is set to continue in a third Dune film that doesn't yet have a release date. Come Monday, November 18, including via Binge in Australia, Dune: Prophecy will follow the sect that gives rise to the Bene Gesserit, the sisterhood that secretly sways the universe. In the debut sneak peek back in May, the narration explained how the faction formed, and was "assigned to the great houses to help them sift truth from lies" — but also noted that that power comes with a price. The second and third glimpses each double down on the costs and chaos, as well as the scheming and subterfuge. And yes, there's also sandworms. Across all three trailers, cue plenty of plotting, lurking in dramatically shadowy spaces, rituals, battles, confrontations and marriages. The focus falls on two Harkonnen sisters — part of the same family that includes Stellan Skarsgard's (Andor) Baron Harkonnen, Dave Bautista's (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Rabban and Austin Butler's (The Bikeriders) Feyd-Rautha in the movies — who are attempting to sure up humanity's future. Dune: Prophecy is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson's novel Sisterhood of Dune, and features Emily Watson (Small Things Like These), Olivia Williams (The Crown), Jodhi May (Renegade Nell), Mark Strong (Tár), Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Colony) and Jessica Barden (You & Me) among the cast. Down Under viewers will also spot a heap of Australian talent, such as Travis Fimmel (Boy Swallows Universe), Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High), Shalom Brune-Franklin (Baby Reindeer), Yerin Ha (Halo) and Brendan Cowell (The Castaways). Check out the full trailer for Dune: Prophecy below: Dune: Prophecy will stream from Monday, November 18, 2024, including via Binge in Australia. Read our reviews of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, and our interview with cinematographer Greig Fraser.
Anything that Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo and Aladdin can do, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan and now Pinocchio can, too — if by anything you really mean get the live-action remake treatment by Disney, that is. The Mouse House sure does adore giving its animated classics do-overs with actors, realistic CGI or both, and it's now doing just that with the wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. Indeed, the company's new take on Pinocchio will arrive on Disney+ on Thursday, September 8, Pinocchio has hit screens before with humans rather than pixels filling the frames, including recently via a fantastical Italian movie that starred Roberto Benigni as Geppetto. Also, back in 2002, Benigni made his own version first, but played the titular role instead. The key difference with this new Pinocchio: Disney remaking Disney, although the underlying tale behind every version always hails back to 1883 children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Disney boasts two big drawcards for its latest remake: America's dad Tom Hanks and filmmaker Robert Zemeckis. The former returns to the screen fresh from getting somewhat villainous in Elvis, the latter opts to give an already-beloved book-to-film story another spin after not faring so well with The Witches, and the pair reteam following everything from Forrest Gump and Cast Away to The Polar Express. Hanks plays Geppetto, obviously. And in the just-dropped full trailer for the new film, he looks the kindly, loving part. As always, the story sees the wood carver build and care for a wooden puppet who then wants to become more than timber, but faces challenges finding his way in the world. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Haunting of Bly Manor) voices Pinocchio, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber) does the same with Jiminy Cricket — and the cast also includes Cynthia Erivo (Chaos Walking) as the Blue Fairy, Keegan-Michael Key (The Bubble) as 'Honest' John, Lorraine Bracco (Blue Bloods) as new character Sofia the Seagull and Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers) as The Coachman. Clearly, this is one of those Disney remakes that considers hefty doses of CGI as closer to live-action than animation. No need to wish upon a star to see the end result, Disney fans — and yes, that song does feature, as performed by Erivo. If you're wondering why Mouse House's latest remake is heading to Disney+, and so soon, it'll drop on what the Mouse House has dubbed 'Disney+ Day' — alongside Thor: Love and Thunder's streaming debut, a behind-the-scenes look at Obi-Wan Kenobi, and sing-along versions of Frozen and Frozen 2. Check out the trailer for Pinocchio below: Pinocchio will be available to stream via Disney+ from Thursday, September 8. Images: courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Smack bang in the middle of Melbourne's most Italian suburb, on its most Italian strip, surrounded mostly by Italian restaurants, you'll find something unexpected: a bright, modern Indian restaurant. The new venue is called Kahaani, which means 'story' in Urdu — quite appropriate when you take a closer look at the menu. It's the brainchild of Head Chef Aseem Sood (formerly of Peter Rowland and Scotland's Crieff Hydro Hotel) and business partner Kunal Bhardwaj (Le Cordon Bleu and Grand Hyatt), who cooked up the idea after COVID torpedoed Bhardwaj's popular St Kilda wine bar. Kahaani is the sort of venue where you could order butter chicken, but you probably shouldn't order butter chicken. No one's going to raise any eyebrows if you do, but you'd be missing out on some of the treasures that lie deeper into the menu. Think puffed pani puri balls with tangy tamarind sherbet, barramundi fillets with green spice rub, or moreish spiced potato buns which go down particularly well with a lager. Another highlight is the tandoor-charred cauliflower, served with kasundi and charcoal yogurt. If you can only order one dish, though, make it the Ghar Ka Ghosht goat curry. It's where Kahaani's 'story' element really shines. This particular dish can be traced all the way back to Kunal's great uncle, who owned a café in Pakistan after the British occupation in 1947, but was forced to flee to Punjab. The recipe has been passed down in Kunal's family ever since, from mother to son, and now sits proudly under the mains section at Kahaani. Ghar Ka Ghosht translates to 'home-style meat', and it'll leave your Friday night butter chicken in the dust: tender chunks of goat, simmered in an aromatic gravy, spiked with ginger, garlic, cumin, cardamon and garam masala. Kahaani itself is classic Lygon: a long, narrow dining hall, with funky industrial lighting and exposed brick down one side. The front window opens out onto the street, letting the breeze and Lygon nightlife waft in. The food implies elevated Indian fare, but the prices are reasonable, and there's a well-stocked wine board that changes each week. If you don't know where to start, just ask for the $45 'Make My Feast' menu and get your waiter to pick a bit of everything. Food on Lygon St has been hit and miss over the last 15 years, and Kahaani feels like a breath of fresh, East Indian air. "Unreasonably authentic" reads the restaurant tagline. Cheese naan this place is not. Kahaani is now open at 262 Lygon Street, Carlton, Tuesdays–Saturdays, 5.30pm–9.30pm. Images: supplied.
Learning to always keep hand sanitiser within arm's reach is a very 2020 lesson. Working out how many jigsaw puzzles you can do in a single month is too. So is accepting change — because a year can start out normally, then transform into something completely different. And while we didn't need a pandemic to tell us this, a person's entire life can go through similar shifts as well. Someone can start out in one job, for instance, then make a once-in-a-lifetime leap to pursue another. That's the story behind Wilson Brewing Company, which is based in Albany. It also applies at Illegal Tender Rum Co, in Springfield in Western Australia's midwest. Or, a person can jump into the wine industry in one part of the country, then end up making it in a completely different area. That tale rings true at Ferngrove Wines in the Great Southern region, for instance. What hasn't changed lately, though, is how much Australians love Wilson, Illegal Tender and Ferngrove's drinks. When BWS asked Aussies to pick the country's top tipples as part of its Local Luvvas initiative, all three emerged victorious in WA. They'll now receive an extra helping hand with getting their products stocked in more BWS stores — and we've chatted to key players from all three to discover just how life's changes brought them to this point. FROM THE MINING INDUSTRY TO MAKING BEER IN AN OLD NURSERY If you were to ask the entire Australian population how they'd spend their time if they could have any job they wanted, we're betting that a considerable number would mention brewing beer. Matty Wilson would now, but he mightn't have known how much he loves his work if he hadn't been a boilermaker in the Pilbara first. It was there, as one of the mining industry's many fly-in, fly-out employees, that his cousin Leon first introduced him to brewing. "I was instantly addicted, and loved the combination of science, cooking and chemistry," he says. "After about six months, I realised that I had a knack for brewing and recipe development — and started thinking about opening a brewery in Albany." Opening a brewery isn't a part-time endeavour, of course. For Wilson, it meant calling time on his existing career, buying an old garden nursery with a big dilapidated shed out the back, and putting all his energy into making Wilson Brewing Company a reality. He didn't completely farewell his old skills at first, though, using them over the course of nine months to fix up the property and build his first brew kit by hand — a key early step in making the leap into the professional beer business after five years of home brewing. That was back in 2016 — and while it represented an enormous change for Wilson, this year would bring more. "2020 has proven to be a time of overcoming challenges," he says; however, it has also been one of "banding together and supporting each other". When he started Wilson Brewing, he sold his first keg to the Earl of Spencer Pub in Albany. Now, in this tough period, the community in WA's southwest and the state as a whole has been pivotal. "They've truly proven why it is so great to live here," Wilson shares. "We have had unprecedented support, and have had the opportunity to support others like never before. We learned that we can take a beating, stick it out, and come out the other end stronger and still chasing our dreams." LEAVING A CAREER AS AN ELECTRICIAN TO DISTILL RUM At first glance, Illegal Tender Rum Co's origin story is rather similar to Wilson Brewing Company's — and that of the former's Codie Palmer to the latter's Matty Wilson, too. Palmer was previously an instrumentation electrician by trade, working in iron ore mining in Dampier. Now, after selling his house and car to finance his dream, he has been distilling professionally for six years out of Dongara. For Palmer, however, making rum was always his "true calling". In fact, he's been doing it for more than half of his life. "There is something about it that just ensnared me; something with the process and how you could take raw ingredients and really make them your own," he says, explaining that it's "a curiosity that beckons to you like a bright light in the night". He relishes the process, and the hard work that's required along the way. "A truly great spirit is something that is nurtured from start to finish — no shortcuts," he notes, explaining how Illegal Tender guides its 100-percent Australian ingredients through the brewing stage, then through fermentation, then double distillation, and finally through maturation. In 2020, Illegal Tender has been making something else as well: hand sanitiser. Add that to the big changes that have marked Palmer's rum-distilling path — but, while unexpected, it's one he'll always cherish. "It saw us help thousands of vulnerable people in our area, and that's something that we will be proud of for the rest of our days," he says. Indeed, it has allowed him to support a community that has supported him. "Without it, we simply would not be around. When we began our journey, it was the local support we received from the very beginning that made us feel like we were a part of a greater family," he explains. "Being local should be something all producers are proud of… and supporting locals should be at the forefront of people's minds in this day and age." SWAPPING THE BAROSSA VALLEY FOR WA'S GREAT SOUTHERN REGION Unlike his fellow Local Luvvas winners, Ferngrove Wines' Craig Grafton didn't experience a stint in mining before following his vino dreams. But he still probably wouldn't have predicted that he'd become the chief winemaker at a Western Australian vineyard — especially given that he grew up north of South Australia's Barossa Valley; has spent time working in the Yarra and Clare valleys, Geelong and Bellarine, and Mildura; and has also plied his trade in the Bordeaux region of Southern France, in California's Sonoma Valley, and also in Nashik in India and Ningxia in China. The move to WA was the result of years of respect for the area, though. "I have always held the Great Southern region in high regard," he says, noting that that's proven true across his 20 years as a winemaker. And if you're going to make a top-notch drop, Grafton believes that you need the very best location. "It is a little clichéd, but it is absolutely true that great wines really are made in the vineyard." Ferngrove's location since 1998 — where "the cool climate of the Frankland River allows our vines to produce some incredibly intense fruit, and we have relatively warm days which allow the fruit to fully ripen in flavour," as Grafton explains — is a little off the beaten path. It's 360 kilometres south of Perth, in fact. That makes local support crucial for Ferngrove Wines, even before 2020 delivered its challenges. "Being loved as a local winery is what we've been striving for as remotely located vineyard. We have to work a little harder to get our wines out there, and it means that we have to shout and scream at the top of our lungs that we are a winery that's worth tasting, enjoying and seeking out," he says. As a self-confessed wine fanatic, that's a task that Grafton enjoys, however; "the romance, the history, the people, the places that are all involved in wine production made me want to forge a career and lifestyle around this". To find these or other Western Australian drinks as part of the BWS Local Luvva's initiative, head to your nearest BWS store.
Long before humans could soar into space, they could only dream about it. Queensland Museum's new NASA exhibition — an Australian premiere — celebrates both the experience and the idea of space travel. While much of NASA – A Human Adventure features suits, parachutes, equipment and even empty food containers that've actually left the earth, the stellar showcase also pays tribute to the imaginative minds that've inspired every rocket scientist, engineer and astronaut. Visitors not only enter the exhibition via a dome that honours Jules Verne, HG Wells and company, but can also spy their names in the biographies of important figures that are plastered across the South Bank building's walls. It's easy to understand how one influenced the other — how mere ideas motivated eager adventurers to push boundaries, achieve the seemingly impossible and fly beyond this planet we all call home. Indeed, NASA – A Human Adventure has the same effect. Feasting your eyes on this array of more than 250 historically significant items, getting up close to replicas of famous spacecraft, and hearing Neil Armstrong's iconic "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" speech while wandering through the exhibition, plenty of wannabe astronauts — and those who thought they'd stopped dreaming of such things years ago — will leave with visions of rocketing to the moon themselves. And with 2019 marking half a century since man first set foot on the moon, the timing of this exhibition couldn't be better. It will only be hitting Brisbane, so if you're not a local, you might want to schedule in a trip to the city before October. When you get there, these five standout pieces can't be missed — from space shuttles to space vodka (yes, really). A JUPITER NOSECONE One of NASA – A Human Adventure's first's first big pieces shows signs of wear and tear, and that's to be expected. You don't fly into space, crash into the sea and escape unscathed — even if you're part of a rocket. Visibly worn on the outside, filled with gadgetry inside, this hefty item draws a crowd; however, the story behind the Jupiter program's involvement in space flight is just as fascinating. While the PGM-19 Jupiter was originally designed as a nuclear-tipped missile, the nosecones were instrumental when it came to discovering how manned spaceflights might re-enter the earth's atmosphere. In 1958 and 1959, they were also used to test biological flights in low orbits, using both mice and monkeys. LUNAR ROVERS First, the bad news: two types of lunar rover drove across the moon's surface in the 60s and 70s, and they're all still there. Now, the good news: NASA – A Human Adventure has the next best thing: life-sized replicas. Visitors will first spot Lunokhod 1, the Soviets' first moon walker (that's the literal translation). It looks a little bit like a giant Wall-E, was launched in 1970 and stopped transmitting back to earth in 1971. Then you'll mosey on over to the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle, the moon buggies used by the Americans on the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions. Yes, it's supposed to look like a dune buggy. Yes, the chairs look like deckchairs. No, you can't hop into it. SPACESUITS Reaching for the stars requires a wardrobe to match, although an astronaut's attire is functional rather than fashionable. Still, staring at real-life spacesuits never loses its intrigue — especially when some of them have actually been into space. NASA – A Human Adventure features six pieces, including a US Air Force high-altitude pressure suit, plus items from all of its missions from Mercury to Apollo. The highlight: a version of the suit, helmet and gloves that were used during the moon landing, including a cutaway piece that shows just how much protective material is needed (and hints at some of the practicalities of being suited up, as everyone has always wondered). MERCURY, GEMINI AND APOLLO CRAFTS NASA's jaunts into space all started with Project Mercury, which aimed to send a human into orbit and then return them safely. And while NASA – A Human Adventure doesn't feature a real Mercury spacecraft, taking a gander at a life-size replica does spark a definite realisation: for something that was sent into space, it's rather tiny. With Project Gemini, the second human spaceflight program, the capsule is noticeably bigger (although, as this replica makes plain, it still wouldn't suit anyone who isn't fond of small spaces). Finally, exhibition attendees can also peer at full-scale models of the Apollo Lunar Module Crew Cain and the Apollo Command Module — all while walking beneath the enormous (and space-flown) orange-and-white parachute that was used in 1972's Apollo 16 mission. THE SPACE SHUTTLE Ever wanted to climb aboard the space shuttle — that is, the world's first reusable spacecraft, which was used to transport cargo into space from the 1980 to 2011? Now that it has been retired after 135 missions, you can't; however you can ascend Queensland Museum's stairs to make a peek at this towering replica. Windows allow attendees to view the cockpit, its console its many, many buttons, although sadly you can't take a seat or press anything yourself. And in good news for anyone with accessibility requirements, there's also a lift that'll take you up to the top level (and folks on crutches or in a wheelchair will also nab a view that no one else gets to see). NASA – A Human Adventure is currently showing at Brisbane's Queensland Museum until October 8, 2019. Tickets cost $18–21 and can be booked online here.
Celebrating memorable sandwiches and top-quality coffee in equal measure, this little spot within the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the brainchild of Reverence Coffee Roasters' Andreas and Annie Martinu, along with Martin Mcevoy and Nicholas Tan. And with Palermo Head Chef Michael Dalton behind the menu, it's got some chops. Decked out in fresh green and white, OlMate's is embracing the beauty in simplicity with a short-but-sweet food offering matched to primo Reverence coffee. Sandwich fiends can expect well-crafted, refreshed classics like the Big Tuna — a riff on the tuna melt featuring nori aioli and provolone on Tuscan-style flatbread ($15) — plus the plant-based roast cauliflower roll with green chilli sauce ($16), and a hot egg salad brekkie muffin ($12). The roast beef sanga heroes spice-crusted meat, mint and coriander chutney, and comes paired with a rogan josh dipping sauce ($17). And a hefty salad sandwich teams beetroot, sprouts and other goodies with either lemon roast chicken or vegan-friendly crushed chickpeas ($16). Sips by Reverence showcase the roaster's Lion Tamer blend alongside a rotating single-origin batch brew, with a fun illustration of co-owner Andreas gracing the statement green takeaway cups. Otherwise, you can match your feed with an icy beer from the likes of Bodriggy, Hop Nation or Balter.
Fans of outdoor art, scenic walks and excuses to mosey around Sydney have spent the past few weeks rejoicing about the upcoming return of Bondi's Sculpture by the Sea. But it's not the only event set to give locals and tourists alike an excuse to soak in the Harbour City's waterside splendour, and soon — and see a heap of impressive creative pieces in the process. Slated to run between Thursday, August 11–Saturday, September 24, Waterfront Whale Tales is a new addition to the New South Wales capital's arts calendar. Yes, that name is a big clue. The free outdoor exhibition will feature 30 two-metre-tall whale tail sculptures, as created by 30 Australian artists, with each piece inspired by its location and the land. Creatives set to do the honours include 2022 Archibald prize winner Blak Douglas, illustrator and animator Chris Yee, and artist, author and illustrator Sha'an d'Anthes, aka Furry Little Peach. Curated by prolific curatorial group Art Pharmacy, the full range of sculptures will span a six-kilometre trail along Sydney's Western Harbour waterfront, reaching from Barangaroo to Sydney Fish Market. That means that it'll stretch past Crown Sydney, King Street Wharf, Darling Quarter, ICC Sydney, the Powerhouse Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum and The Star. While visitors will be able to walk the full trail in a single stroll, there'll also be mini trails for shorter walks. And, there'll be an app that'll provide details of each, plus stories about the waterfront's past, present and future. Also available via your phone: freebies, discounts and prizes from local businesses along the trail, as well as a major prize for checking out all 30 tails. As well as aiming to get folks checking out the waterfront — attempting to attract up to 500,000 visitors, in fact — the trail has enlisted Indigenous Curatorial Advisors Uncle Graham Toomey and Aunty Joanne Selfe to help connect the artists to the Whale Story, as well as to the Gadigal and Saltwater Country that the exhibition will grace. "Traditionally, the whale holds within it intricate Aboriginal knowledge systems, a complex tapestry of science, of knowledge that interweaves with cultural and social practice," said Aunty Joanne. "The sculptures will feature the ancient tracks that connect the clans to each other and the sharing of stories and culture," said Uncle Graham. [caption id="attachment_804445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan; Destination NSW[/caption] After the event's six-week run, the sculptures will be auctioned, with net proceeds given to The Kids Cancer Project. If you're keen on one while you're taking the walk, you can also put in an expression of interest during the trail's dates. Sydney's Waterfront Whale Tales will run between Thursday, August 11–Saturday, September 24 along the city's Western Harbour waterfront from Barangaroo to Sydney Fish Market. For more information, head to the exhibition's website.
Not quite a cake. Not quite a pancake, either. Not a slice of toast, and not an English muffin. It's sort of what you'd get if all those delightful breakfast foods birthed a hybrid: a beautiful, holey, thick round that holds as much love in its tiny holes as it does melted butter. Yeah, we're waxing lyrical about crumpets — but for good reason. Made from as little as four ingredients, crumpets may just be the ultimate comfort food. With a texture unlike anything you've ever put in your face, crumpos are the antidote to any boring brunch habits, and the tastiest spongy breakfast food you ever did munch on (especially when covered in butter and honey). So where to find them in Melbourne? These six spots slather theirs with honey, cheese, Nutella, lemon curd and all sorts of spread. We've done the research — you just gotta do the eating.
Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films typically have a moment — more than one, sometimes — where an ominous sound gets the franchise's characters looking upwards. The source of that noise tends to be a towering dinosaur, which also becomes everyone's next sight, the movie-watching audience included. In those seconds, folks on- and off-screen tend to share a look. Viewers of 1993's OG picture in the saga, and of 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park, 2001's Jurassic Park III, 2015's Jurassic World, 2018's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, 2022's Jurassic World Dominion and now 2025's Jurassic World Rebirth, have all spied it. Awe, wonder, surprise, shock, amazement, reverence, a touch of fear: that's the Jurassic expression when the kind of critter that lived more than 66-million years ago looms large over modern-day humans. Audiences do indeed sport the same reaction. Jurassic World Rebirth star Rupert Friend (The Phoenician Scheme) has witnessed it. At the film's premiere, "occasionally we turned around in our seats to look at the faces watching it," he tells Concrete Playground, "and you saw a thousand people with that look on their face". If you're thinking that perhaps that is just the innate, instinctual response to dinosaurs, then, you're not alone. "So maybe it's just a natural thing when you're experiencing this stuff, to have that — somewhere between awe, wonder and terror, maybe — I would say," Friend continues. Friend's character is the entire reason that the new narrative, which is set five years post-Jurassic World Dominion, kicks into gear. In the seventh instalment in the big-screen series, and in a movie directed by Gareth Edwards (The Creator) — adding a Jurassic Park franchise film to a resume that's already seen him tackle sizeable creatures in 2010's Monsters and 2014's Godzilla, and jump into huge sagas courtesy of the latter and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story — Martin Krebs is the man with the plan. Working for pharmaceutical company ParkerGenix, he recruits ex-special forces operative Zora Bennett (Friend's The Phoenician Scheme co-star Scarlett Johansson), her seasoned associate Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali, Leave the World Behind) and palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey, Wicked) on a mission to collect dino DNA. The idea is to use the specimens in medical research to create new treatments. Making money is as much of a goal. Venturing to an island that's one of the last places on the planet with a climate and ecology still suitable for ancient beasts — and to a location that's forbidden to people as a result — Zora, Duncan and Henry are Jurassic World Rebirth's core trio. Fans know that the saga has enjoyed putting that dynamic front and centre since Sam Neill (The Twelve), Laura Dern (Lonely Planet) and Jeff Goldblum (Wicked) were at the heart of 1993's franchise-starter. Unsurprisingly given his employers, and befitting the series' fondness for a human villain, too, Krebs and the latest film's three leads don't always agree. Experiencing the wonders of living dinosaurs right now equally harks back to the original flick. That's where Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer) comes in as Reuben Delgado, a father holidaying at sea with his daughters, 11-year-old Isabella (Audrina Miranda, Criminal Minds) and 18-year-old Teresa (Luna Blaise, Manifest), plus Teresa's boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono, Fear Street: Prom Queen). Their sailing getaway crosses paths with giant prehistoric critters of the deep, and with Zora and her crew's clandestine trip. Garcia-Rulfo partly credits Jurassic Park for him even being an actor. "The first one, the Spielberg one, it was such a big part of me. For me, films are like my second mother, my second school. I thought since I was a kid, I was a terrible student, and all I did was watch movies — and a big one was Jurassic Park. So now to be part of that, it's just very, very big for me." Also filled with affection, his Rebirth director admits that many of his features before now have all been secret attempts to make a Jurassic entry. "Well, it's just not so secret anymore, I think," Edwards advises. [caption id="attachment_1012234" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment[/caption] Those throwback-style leanings to Jurassic World Rebirth's story aren't just a case of a filmmaker getting a chance to pay tribute to something that he's long loved within its own realm, and doing so entertainingly, however. After respectively directing and adapting Jurassic Park and The Lost World, Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) and David Koepp (Black Bag) are back among the movie's team — one as an executive producer, the other penning the script. Accordingly, Edwards is working with the two figures who initially made movie magic from Michael Crichton's novel. Koepp's script delivers him the job of not only crafting a dinosaur action-adventure, though, but also a heist film with Krebs' mission, an anti-big pharma movie there as well, a family drama with Reuben and his children, an ocean creature feature at times, and a leap into sci-fi horror territory with a Frankenstein angle thanks to its new to genetically engineered dinosaurs, such as the Mutadon and the Distortus rex. With Edwards, Garcia-Rulfo and Friend, we chatted more about what it means to be part of this now 32-year-old franchise, working with Spielberg and Koepp, dreaming up new dinos, always grounding the tale in humans first and other topics — including its multiple-movies-in-one narrative, plus how nature's persistence remains pivotal. Yes, life keeps finding a way, just as it does in bringing all things Jurassic Park and Jurassic World back to cinemas. On Edwards Taking the Helm on a Franchise That He Grew Up with — and Has Said He's Been Trying to Secretly Make in All of His Other Films So Far Gareth: "I think it's like a coming out party where I can finally declare that Jurassic Park, it was just such an inspiration as a kid. I ended up buying a computer and learning how to do computer animation, and doing dinosaurs in my bedroom-type stuff — thinking 'oh, this is going to be the way you make films and if you learn how to do this, you'll be able to make a movie from home' kind of thing. Cut to 15 years later, I'm still doing visual effects, thinking I've wasted my life, I made a terrible mistake — but it actually turned out okay in the end, I think. I don't really understand how it led to this, but I feel like I'm in a simulation or something. I don't really know how it happened is the honest truth." On What Being Part of the Jurassic Park Franchise Means to Its Cast Manuel: "It's huge. For me, it's so big. So honestly, it's kind of overwhelming. I don't know if that's the word, but Jurassic Park really changed me — and, I guess, marked a generation — but it really changed me as a person. Meaning, when I saw it, I really wanted to be part of the films, of this industry, of that world. So now to be part of that franchise, which is one of the biggest franchises in cinema, I'm just really, really happy and grateful — and very happy with the result. I've seen it two times, the film, and it's so good — it's such a fun film." Rupert: "Yeah, likewise. Of any of the sort of super blockbuster franchises, I was always my favourite. I think the idea of exotic foreign locales plus that weird thing which is not science fiction, but it's not totally known to us — the world of dinosaurs. If you think about things that are set in space, that's sort of complete science fiction, and this always felt like the most-perfect hybrid. Aside from being made by Spielberg, who I've loved all my life, and Crichton, who I read when I was a child and continue to adore his writing. So to do it as a kind of brand-new venture within a familiar universe with this incredible new cast, new dinosaurs, Gareth Edwards at the helm, it was just the perfect melting pot." On How Working with Steven Spielberg and David Koepp, Who Started the Film Franchise Three Decades Ago, Assists When You're Directing the Saga's Sixth Sequel Gareth: "It was the key to everything. Essentially, Steven had kind of come up with the whole premise with David Koepp, figured out the storyline. And then David, I think, wrote a first draft and that got greenlit. It was a really fast process. I think it existed in December and by March I was going to meetings at Universal. And then we did this movie in a year and a quarter. Normally on a giant film like this, you have two-and-a-half years — and this is half the amount of time. My editor, he put a sign up on the edit suite, a quote — I think it's from Leonard Bernstein — and it said something like "art is when you have a plan and not quite enough time". It's like having a gun at your head. It's really interesting, because it makes — you can't second guess yourself. Everyone who worked on the movie had to just go with their first instincts first time. And there was no messing around. If anyone got in the way of anything, the film wouldn't make the release date. And weirdly, looking back now, I kind of feel like 'okay, my next contract, if I ever make another film, I'm going to tell them to take the schedule and halve it' — because I think it leads to a more interesting result. It's like you just have to go with your gut." On the Importance of Jurassic World Rebirth Grounding Its Dinosaur Adventure in Its Human Characters Manuel: "I think that's the most important for me. That's what really drew me to the story. And I really believe that Gareth was the perfect one. I recently, before being cast, I watched his latest film, which was The Creator, and it really made me want to see all his films. And he's a perfect director that works with science fiction, even though this is different. But he never loses the element of humanity in his stories. And I think this is for me, it's just the heart of the film. Otherwise you don't care for the characters. And again, I think this movie has not just very scary moments, but a lot of heart because of the characters." On Whether It's a Dream Come True Getting to Create New Dinosaurs — Creatures Literally Whipped Up in a Lab — for a Jurassic Movie Gareth: "I love monsters. And I love, obviously, when you get given the task of designing a monster for some reason — it's also one of the hardest things you can do, because there's so many great monsters that have already been done. There was a concept artist I worked with who did the Joker's mask in The Dark Knight and stuff like that, and he said it's like trying to find the last carpark space in the Disney World carpark or something — where you're going around, you know it's there somewhere, there is a new monster that's not been done, but everywhere you go, you go 'well, that's been done, that's been done, that's been done'. And so what you end up in a situation is, sometimes, like real animals, like breeding things. So it was a bit like the rancor monster from Star Wars had a sexual relationship with the HR Giger's alien, and had a little kid that was like a T. rex. And then what's interesting is, then the animators have to animate that stuff, and one of the questions they ask you is 'if this was a real character from a real film, who would it be?' — so we just get the personality across. And it was a tricky question. For the D. rex, the big, massive dinosaur you see on the posters, it was like 'well, go rewatch The Elephant Man'. Because I felt like that was kind of where I was imagining it in my head — is that something where you had a little bit of empathy for them as well. It wasn't just a monster. And it makes the audience feel a little bit more uncomfortable because they can't just want to kill this thing." On the Idea of Nature's Persistence Being So Pivotal to the Film Rupert: "Life finds a way. Certainly all the characters in this film have a temerity and a tenacity to survive — and in the case of the family, to survive as a team; and in the case of the more bounty-hunter gang, to complete the mission as well as survive. And in terms of the dinosaurs as well, we see the laboratory now ruined from which they escaped, and that's a perfect visual metaphor for life finding a way. Even if it's locked up in some laboratory on a remote island, eventually evolution will have its day." On What Excites Edwards About Getting the Chance to Add His Voice and Vision to Big Beloved Franchises, Including Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the Past Gareth: "It's funny because it does feel a bit like — when I grew up, the films that were being made were all very original movies. Every single one of them. What we call a franchise now was at one point original. And so there's half of me that's like 'what's the matter? What's going on? Why is it all franchises and IPs?'. And then you start to realise that what's probably going on is it's a little bit like a mythical story. Like, for hundreds of thousands of years, you'd be a little kid around the campfire, and some elder would tell you this tale about how they went off over the hill and fought some animal and came back with all the things for the village. And you would hear that story and go 'oh wow, that's amazing'. And then one day as you got older, you would then want to tell that story to the little kids around the campfire. I feel like that's what a franchise is, a good one — it's like a modern myth. And what you're doing is you're getting the chance to retell that thematic mythology. I'm basically being allowed to take one of these things that I grew up around the campfire loving and made me want to tell stories, and now I get to tell it, but put your own spin on it and add a few things and all that sort of stuff. And so I just think it's a modern version of that. For instance, when we were shooting or editing the film, Jonathan Bailey was in Richard II, the Shakespeare play in London. And I was sitting in the audience, because I went to see it with him, and thinking 'this is like a franchise, really'. Like Shakespeare, everyone comes along and they do their version of it, and retell it and make a new film or make a new play, and no one thinks twice about it. Everyone's very happy. And they're really like franchises or IPs. And when you get the right idea and the right ingredients and everyone's excited about it like Jurassic Park, then it sort of catches fire, and then it's something that — it's like there's this thing, and you can remake it and retell it, and there's offshoot ideas and storylines or different takes on it. And dinosaurs, I think, are very embedded genetically in being human. To have that reaction to an animal that might come and kill someone we love at any moment, I think it's very hardwired in us. And so it's not going anywhere. I think dinosaur stories and films are so primal, they'll keep happening as long as there are people in the world." On What Interested Garcia-Rulfo About His Character's Ocean Survival Thriller-Meets-Family Drama Journey Manuel: "Personally, everything. I mean, being part of the franchise, knowing that Gareth was going to direct, knowing that all these amazing actors — Scarlett, Rupert and Mahershala — were going to be in it, knowing that David wrote the script again. So it was all those elements. But also, I really, when I read it, it really fell in love with the story of the family — because, for me, it's like the heart of the film, especially because there's a little kid. So that becomes very vulnerable. It's like the most-vulnerable character of the film. So everybody's going to want to care for her or want her to be okay. And so I fell in love with it. I fell in love with this guy, with this father, knowing nothing about survival or dinosaurs and all this, and having just to protect the loved ones and being this journey. And I think that was fascinating, and I loved it." On Friend's Task Playing a Big Pharma Representative Chasing Something That'll Both Change Human Existence and Bring in a Huge Profit Rupert: "I think it's a balancing act for Krebs, and the film is definitely interested in exploring that. At the head of the film, Scarlett's character, Mahershala's character and my character are all in it for pretty much the same reason — it's just that there is an overarching validation of that reason. It's not just 'get money to sock it away under your bed'. It's to do something that is altruistic. And I think that that motivation evolves and changes for the characters as it goes along. But yeah, it's a fascinating dichotomy, for sure." On Jurassic World Rebirth Playing Like a Few Different Movies in One, From Creature Feature and Frankenstein-Esque Sci-Fi Horror to Family Drama, Heist Flick and Anti-Big Pharma Film Gareth: "It was like having a bunch of kids, in that one kid grows up really well and becomes really strong and you go 'oh, this is really working, this section of the film' — and so then it was my job to then look at another section and go 'okay, let's make this better, let's help this one and refine it and try to add ideas' until that was now competing with the other one. And so you're basically moving around the whole movie, trying to take each sequence and elevate it, and just make it as strong as the others. And so yeah, that was my job mainly on the film, because there were some really strong ideas in there. Like visually, when I read the script, the section where there's a T. rex chasing a family in a raft, I was like 'well, that's worth directing the movie just for this sequence'. It's a kind of killer visual that's going to definitely work. And so then it's like 'okay, well, my job is now to make sure all these other sequences around it are as good as that'. And so it was really tricky, because it's the highest of high bars to compete with Jurassic Park. It's a masterpiece of filmmaking. And ultimately, you can't compete with it. It's a moment in cinema that you're never going to get again, where the world got to see dinosaurs for the very first time. But so what we did do is go 'well, let's imagine that we made this movie back then' — like we shot this in the early 90s. It has all that flavour of the original. And for whatever reason, Universal went 'okay, well, we've got this big dinosaur [movie] this summer, this Jurassic Park film, so we're going to put this in the vault, on the shelf, for a second', and then they forgot they'd done that. And then suddenly, in like 2025, they go 'oh my god, we completely forgot we made this movie' and they decided to release it. We wanted it to feel like a throwback to something of that kind of movie we grew up loving as kids." Jurassic World Rebirth released in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
A decade ago, Melburnians gained a new spot to see a movie. Elsternwick's Classic Cinemas and Belgrave's Cameo Cinemas also scored a sibling venue in Hawthorn. When Lido Cinemas opened in mid-2015, it did so by resurrecting the space that was home to the Glenferrie Theatre six decades prior, leaning into the boutique experience and also looking upwards, with sky-high setup Lido on the Roof showing films under the stars when the weather is warm. Lido Cinemas launched by offering $5 tickets for a day, too. Consider the picture palace's just-announced ten-year celebrations a blast from the past, then. To mark a decade of screening flicks to film fans, the Glenferrie Road venue is doing discounts, bringing back that $5 deal for a whole week. If you catch a movie between Thursday, August 7–Wednesday, August 13, 2025 — other than attending special events — that price is all that you'll pay. More discounts apply if you're keen for something to eat or drink: there'll be $5 choc tops, plus $10 medium combos featuring popcorn and a drink. That means that you can get your film and snacks covered for less than the cost of a ticket at Lido's regular prices. If you're thinking that it's the cinema's birthday but film lovers are the ones getting the presents, you're right. Here's another: a ten-year anniversary retrospective season across the week that's fittingly playing ten films from the past decade that Lido has been operating, all of which will only cost $5 to see (and every one of them is exceptional). 2015 is the year that not only Lido launched, but that the world gained the Australian sci-fi/action spectacular that is Mad Max: Fury Road, so of course George Miller's fourth title in the franchise — and the movie that sparked 2024's Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga — is on the lineup. Then, 2016's pick covers a feature that will always be remembered for its Oscars glory, no matter the mixup announcing its win as Best Picture: Moonlight from director Barry Jenkins (Mufasa: The Lion King). From 2017, the program boasts a yearning dose of Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), and its first of two Luca Guadagnino (Queer) flicks, via Call Me By Your Name. 2018's selection goes with horror thanks to Ari Aster's (Eddington) unnerving debut Hereditary, while 2019's Portrait of a Lady on Fire from Céline Sciamma (Petite Maman) is another title on the program to swoon over. Rachel Sennott (Saturday Night)- and Molly Gordon (The Bear)-starring comedy Shiva Baby is 2020's choice, then Joachim Trier's (Sentimental Value) Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent)-led The Worst Person in the World from 2021. Paul Mescal (Gladiator II) makes an appearance on the lineup thanks to Charlotte Wells' Aftersun, the film that earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination, as 2022's pick. Finally, two very different love triangles — 2023's Past Lives from Materialists' helmer Celine Song, and 2024's Challengers starring Zendaya and helmed by Guadagnino — round out the bill. [caption id="attachment_1014611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gavin John[/caption] Find Lido Cinemas at 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn — with the cinema's tenth-birthday celebrations, including its $5 tickets and ten-year anniversary retrospective season, running from Thursday, August 7–Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Head to the venue's website for tickets and more information. Top image: Gavin John.
Wool&Prince, the team that brought us 'The Better Button-Down' shirt, which you can wear for 100 days straight without washing, is back. This time, they're tackling the humble T-shirt. They've come up with a 100 percent wool garment that's odour-resistant, offers 'natural climate control' and is super-soft. To get it on the market in a way that maximises quality and minimises prices, though, they need to submit a US$35,000 initial factory order. So they're looking for help via Kickstarter. The Wool&Prince crew spent eight months investigating and experimenting with hundreds of fabrics, trying T-shirt styles and testing out various fits. The rigorous research process involved putting the three final prototypes through stressful situations, including a 20,000km road trip across 45 US states, a 23-day cycling and camping trip in Alaska, a messy week at Oktoberfest, Germany and an extended feel test/vox pop with New Yorkers. In the end, they decided on 16.5 superfine micron Merino wool. Its extreme sweat-absorption capacity prevents the odour created by the breakdown of sweat via bacteria. Plus it's both naturally insulating and naturally breathable, meaning that the wearer is kept warm in cold weather yet cool in hot weather. The Wear-More, Wash-Less T-Shirt is currently available in crew-neck and v-neck styles, and in two different colours: black and heather-grey. If the stretch goals are reached, the repertoire will extend to include a polo and the palette to include bright navy and red. According to Wool&Prince, the fit is neither too baggy nor too tight, being akin to the T-shirts sold at American Apparel. Fifteen days remain in the Wear-More, Wash-Less campaign. Of the US$35,000 goal, just over US$26,000 has been pledged by 225 backers (as of 14 January). US$58 buys you one T-shirt, US$108 buys two, US$158 buys three and US$208 buys four.
Port Melbourne's venues have undergone many transformations over the years, but perhaps none more so than number nine Waterfront Place. The venue, which sits squat alongside the Spirit of Australia ferry terminal, was the first to move into the area 15 years ago. Since then, the restaurant has undergone many conceptual changes at the hand of its original owners, who still look after the site today. Noom Duck is its most recent reincarnation. And while still in its infancy at just under a month old, this newest development shows a lot of promise and room to grow. They've nabbed ex-Chin Chin chef Steven Ngo chef to head the kitchen — which should tell you a lot about their intentions — and create a menu that places classic and modern Asian-style dishes alongside the staples expected of a traditional seafood restaurant, without necessarily blurring lines between the two. For example, there's the tour de force seafood platter for two ($85 per person), but you can also order a no-frills serve of butter chicken. But the menu really excels when the kitchen turns a knife to reinvent ingredients that have become somewhat naff in Asian cooking. Barramundi breathes again as a fish cake ($24.50), thanks to thin and freshly sliced green apple, cabbage, mint and crushed peanuts and a refreshing sweet pork salad. A crispy fried half duck ($36) is well rendered, dry where it's meant to be and moist where it counts. It's a strong choice if you're sharing, and is served with a ginger nuoc cham dipping sauce, banana blossom, shallot and fried chilli salad. Coconut sago with vanilla bean ice cream ($12.50), topped with crunchy toasted coconut, fresh fruit and a miso caramel sauce is ambitious. And while you feel the sauce is neither perfectly miso or caramel, it's a clear winner for dessert and really rounds out Noom Duck's best hand. Fresh, quality ingredients served both confidently and boldly is what Noom Duck do best. And with a little time to refine their offering (and perhaps sharpen their culinary message), Noom Duck looks to be a seaside summer hotspot if it can rise to its obvious potential.
If you're looking for a bar situated near the G, have a gander at the London Tavern; it's been there since 1921 and is somewhat of a footy icon in the area. Watch the match there of a weekend night, or enter the hefty meat raffle every Thursday. If you don't make too much of a ruckus yourself perhaps you'll be able to hear the live MCG action from your seat.
Have you ever been half way through the work week and fantasised about living a simple life? Perhaps you've been dreaming about waking up in a timber cottage with nothing but rolling hills as far as the eye can see? Well, luckily for you, there's a small collection of architecturally designed houses on vineyards and cabins set amongst idyllic gardens in New South Wales — perfect for your next serene weekend venture. To help you live out your dungaree wearing, straw chewing, horse riding dreams, here's a list of the most charming farm stays across NSW you can book right now. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Luxury Getaways From Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains The Blacksmith's Luxury Cabin, Bellbrook Perfect for a rejuvenating and relaxing getaway. Situated on a regenerative organic farm, you can preorder hampers filled with the farm's fresh produce, book meditation sessions at the nearby "spirit pools", one-on-one yoga classes, massages, and Ayurvedic diet coaching. From $250 a night, sleeps two. The Gate House by Yeates Wines, Eurunderee This architecturally designed, split-level farm stay shares a backyard with Yeates Wines cellar door, so expect a complimentary wine tasting on arrival. It also boasts high ceilings, a slow combustion fireplace, a kingsize bed and sprawling views of the vineyard. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Jaguar Stay, Mogo One of three adult-only luxury villas on the property, all of which have their own plunge pools. Jaguar Stay is close to nearby South Coast beaches and is directly next to Mogo Wildlife Park, a small, privately owned zoo, so you'll be waking up to the sound of exotic animals. From $575 a night, sleeps two. Rustic Country Escape, Tenterfield An idyllic cottage situated on a creek with homely, rustic interior styling in the Northern Highlands. Set amongst picturesque gardens with a view of the adjacent farm, this farm stay is the perfect spot to switch off and unwind. From $247 a night, sleeps two. Vibrant Meadow Lodge, Far Meadow Gaze across the rolling countryside while lounging by the pool in this quaint and summer-heat-friendly cottage. Inside, cook up a feast in the bright and colourful country kitchen. From $399 a night, sleeps five. Kestrel Nest Ecohut, Mount Adrah Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, this eco-hut is nestled above a rocky mountain stream on the edge of rolling farmland and a conservation area, with an outdoor bathtub, a fireplace and firepit. From $460 a night, sleeps four. The Shearing Shed, Cowra A charming renovated shearing shed with an open-plan living room. Five kilometres from historically rich Wiradjuri Country (Cowra), what was once a vibrant area during the Gold Rush era. From $250 a night, sleeps two The Loft, Kyangatha The perfect farm stay for animal lovers, this two-level timber loft is set in a paddock with two horses, a small herd of cows and free-range ducks. It also has outdoor shower, a galley-style kitchen and a river on its doorstep. From $195 a night, sleeps three. Kumbogie Cabin, Daruka Situated on a working sheep farm, this eco-friendly retreat is as secluded as they come. Kumbogie Cabin is 900 metres from any neighbours that aren't the kangaroos, wallabies, birds and echidnas that frequent the surrounding bushland. From $150 a night, sleeps two. Luxurious Farm Stay, Peak Hill A renovated two-bedroom 70-year old shearing shed with French doors leading onto decks with views across the 118-year old property. Offers a family-sized barbecue for open-air cooking, and an outdoor bar to match. From $240 a night, sleeps five. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The good vibes will be off the charts when the next edition of Midsumma Festival arrives, with Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ annual event serving up 22 days of bright and bold happenings. Running from Sunday, January 18–Monday, February 2, 2026, expect the full spectrum of rainbow-tinged creativity, with over 250 events and 500 artists and culture-makers ensuring this festival is better than ever. In 2026, Midsumma Festival's theme is 'Time & Place,' recognising the present as a pivotal moment where connection matters more than ever. As such, the sprawling program centres on community, with art exhibitions, inspiring conversations and free outdoor celebrations shaping an uplifting experience. Kicking off with the much-loved Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens, this iconic event sets the tone for the entire festival before an incredible variety of events unfold over the next three-plus weeks. On Saturday, January 24, catch Kiki House of Furia Presents: The Fantasy Ball at State Library Victoria. Combining ballroom and voguing culture amid the grand Queen's Hall, the night celebrates artistry and resilience, complete with multiple categories, judges and DJs. Then, on Sunday, January 25, The Timber Yard hosts Hot and Steamy — a beloved LGBTQIA+ party hailing from Far North Queensland. Think a transformative tropical paradise graced by infectious rhymes and headlined by Drag Race Global superstar Kween Kong. Looking ahead to Sunday, January 31, the Blankë POP Secret Garden Party takes over The Mission to Seafarers Courtyard in Docklands. Dress up, or down, as you dance the afternoon away to queer house music alongside performances by some of Melbourne's most talented artists. Then, following the Midsumma Pride March, Sunday Sizzle serves up a stellar afterparty at the Victorian Pride Centre on Sunday, February 1, lighting up the rooftop with fab performances, refreshing beverages and tasty snags fresh off the barbie. [caption id="attachment_883999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nocturnal x Midsumma[/caption]
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to our own bayside suburb of Sandringham, Baia Di Vino is Melbourne's newest beachfront wining and dining destination. Regardless of the weather, this shoreline gem channels balmy Amalfi Coast sunsets and laidback holiday sessions, sporting a warm fitout of rattan and exposed timber by Samantha Eades Design. Big arched windows overlook the ocean, while an impressive marble bar boasts front-and-centre kitchen-side seating. From that kitchen comes a coastal-inspired menu packed full of modern European flair. Local produce shines through in considered dishes like fried sardines matched with fennel cream and an orange emulsion, as well as seared duck breast with butternut pumpkin and nerone rice. Plenty of plates make a hero of ocean-fresh ingredients, like the Brodetto Di Pesce, featuring scampi, king prawn, Cloudy Bay clams, Port Arlington mussels, scallops and squid in an aromatic prawn broth. Living up to its name, which translates to 'wine bay', Baia di Vino also boasts a carefully curated wine offering, showcasing drops from across Italy and greater Europe, alongside European grape varieties from some top Aussie producers. A Coravin system means you can sample some premium international pours by the glass, perhaps alongside elegant small plates like the duck and foie gras terrine, or veal-stuffed ascolana crumbed olives. And come home time, there's an onsite wine store replete with yet more Euro treats. Images: Jake Roden
Yarraville's status as a well-kept secret might be largely done and dusted, but that doesn't mean the area has lost the charm or community vibe that made it so special in the first place. Once you've grown tired of the same old spots on Brunswick or Chapel streets, head west and check out Yarraville's slew of cafes, boutiques and design stores, which will offer you something new during your next shopping trip. To showcase the must-visit independent and family-run establishments making the west an area that can't be ignored, we've teamed up with American Express to bring you this handy guide so you can shop small in Yarraville. Making it even easier, all these small businesses will accept your American Express Card.
This summer, Melburnians won't take spontaneity (or social gatherings) for granted. We're ready to revel in the freedom of last-minute plans, the excitement of everyday adventures and even the simple joy of running into friends on the street and saying, "Hey, I know a great spot". When you're dealing with changeable Melbourne weather, it also helps to have a few quick pivots ready to go. Luckily, there's a whole world of spontaneous summer opportunities to seize in this city. Whether you and your gang want cocktails and charcuterie, seaside afternoons or casual lobster breakfasts (yep, you read that right), there's a last-minute adventure waiting for you. We've teamed up with Jacob's Creek to share some fun spots to hit this summer. [caption id="attachment_793542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Little Sky Gelato, Fiona Storey[/caption] FISH TANK AND LITTLE SKY GELATO, BRIGHTON Brighton's one of the easiest beaches to reach via public transport, so head down on the next sunny Saturday. Walk along the shore, admire the delightful bathing boxes, have a splash in the sea, then head to Fish Tank for top-quality, old-school fish and chips. Hot tip: sparkling wine is the perfect pairing for fried foods so, once you've nabbed a patch of grass to enjoy your takeaway feast on, pop a bottle of Jacob's Creek Better by Half Sparkling. Finish your jaunt by hitting the best gelateria in town, Little Sky Gelato, for small-batch, all-natural gelato. There's always a brand new experimental flavour to try. [caption id="attachment_763009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tracey Ah-kee[/caption] TETA MONA, BRUNSWICK EAST Missed the mezze? Now's your chance to make up for it. Teta Mona in Brunswick East serves up Lebanese soul food fit for your whole hungry crew. Book a table in the courtyard, order one of the banquets and BYO your choice of Jacob's Creek to suit, be it a rosé with rez wa djaj (seven-spiced chicken with rice) or a pinot noir to match the fattè bi lahem (six-hour slow-cooked lamb with chickpeas). Don't skip the signature pea falafels and the secret-family-recipe toum — and save space for the grazing platter of dessert specials. GEM PIER SEAFOOD, WILLIAMSTOWN Head over to Syme Street, Williamstown to score some lobster rolls fresh off the boat — literally. On Saturdays and Sundays from 8am–2pm, Gem Pier Seafood sells them straight from the barge at the pier. While its seafood offerings can include everything from whole octopus to flounder, prawns and freshly shucked oysters, Gem Pier Seafood is especially famous for its made-to-order rolls of joy filled with lobster or crayfish, depending on the catch. Head there with your mates, grab a casual-but-luxe lobster brunch and gaze over the water at the Melbourne skyline. Afterwards, you can do a little more exploring along the bike paths, reserves and botanic gardens — or just go back for a second lobster roll. [caption id="attachment_749240" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] JOE FRANK, ASHBURTON Need a new brunch spot for the gang? Look no further than Joe Frank in Ashburton. It has the sleek post-industrial decor and sun-drenched courtyard for the ambiance-lovers, a luxe Brooklyn Black Out chocolate cake that's 'richer than Chris Hemsworth' for the sweet-tooths and plenty of brunch options — from fried chicken tacos to a classic burger and fries. Still need convincing? Three words: sriracha maple bacon. If you're not in the mood for a fresh juice, smoothie or specialty coffee, Joe Frank is now BYO, which is the perfect excuse to bring along a bottle of Jacob's Creek Le Petit Rosé. [caption id="attachment_741992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] PEPE'S ITALIAN AND LIQUOR, MELBOURNE CBD If you can't get enough of the spritzin' this summer, you should hit the bar that has its very own dedicated spritz station. Pepe's Italian and Liquor is an homage to mid-century Italian-American theatrical dining (think, The Godfather). Head here to enjoy a top-notch martini or vino and feast from a menu of time-honoured favourites. The terrace's set menu offers an elegant affair of two or three courses, or you can gather in the garden to pick and choose a la carte-style. Start with share platters of antipasto and arancini, then ramp up to meatball pizza or spicy vodka rigatoni. And, yes, there's tiramisu. EARL CANTEEN QV, MELBOURNE CBD Earl Canteen is packing some of the most luxurious picnics in Melbourne. Think salads, sandwiches, sweet little treats and individually packaged lunch boxes — all handmade and all gourmet. Luckily, Fitzroy Gardens is just a short walk away from the QV Melbourne store, so you have the perfect setting for your posh picnic. The fact that the Gardens are BYO-friendly means you can bring a bottle of Jacob's Creek Better by Half Pinot Grigio along, too. For something a bit different, and to make your spread look even bigger, set up near the mini Tudor Village. Yes, there's a tiny town tucked away in Fitzroy Gardens. You've gotta see it to believe it. [caption id="attachment_758267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] THE PRINCE PUBLIC BAR, ST KILDA Craving a good pub feed? Go one better and take your mates to the Prince Public Bar's new rooftop beer garden. Catch the sea breeze while sipping brews and sharing a Roman-style deep pan pizza. With a DJ on hand and a walk-in-only policy, this will be a perfectly chilled-out go-to for you and your crew all summer long. Reconnect with your friends and family this summer with a bottle of Jacob's Creek. Discover the Jacob's Creek range and purchase a bottle today from all good liquor retailers. Top image: Pepe's Italian & Liquor, Gareth Sobey Please drink responsibly.
Victorians keen for a taste of the high life will soon have a new spot to show off their diving skills, thanks to a $3 million restoration project at the Harold Holt Swim Centre in Glen Iris. Part of the proposed works will see the centre's diving tower and pool given a revamp and reopened for the first time since 2003. In addition to the diving facilities, which include a restored tower with a three-metre springboard and a separate one-metre springboard, a suite of other improvements are also under way. There are plans to retile pools, improve accessibility to the outdoor 50-metre pool, swap the existing lights for energy efficient LED fittings, refurbish the outdoor change rooms and upgrade the pool's spectator seating. The site would also score a new landscaped lawn area for hanging out on in-between dips. Plans for the proposed redevelopment can be viewed online. The community feedback period has now closed, but the City of Stonnington Council will continue to liaise with Diving Victoria, Heritage Victoria and Live Saving Victoria on the upgrade. It will then use all this information to put together a report later this year. If all it approved by council, work on the upgrades would start in 2020. The centre's diving facilities were first constructed back in 1969 and are now heritage-listed. The site currently sees over 500,000 visitors through its gates each year, with the revamp expected to pull even more. The Harold Holt Swim Centre will remain open as usual for the time being at 1409–1413 High Street, Glen Iris. Updated: June 3, 2019.
Sitting down to enjoy a drink is one the simplest pleasures there is. You need the right beverage, a great space and good company, of course, but that's an easy-to-follow recipe. Monty's Bar in North Fitzroy has taken the idea to heart, with the laidback St George's Road joint all about keeping things straightforward. The star here: the experience of knocking back beverages and having a great time with your mates. Inside, you can opt for a booth beneath a gloriously 80s-style wine and fruit still life picture, or perch yourself on a stool at the bar. Outside, a brick-heavy courtyard, shady umbrellas and plenty of greenery await. Whichever you choose, you'll be steeped in a cruisy mood. And while the drinks list suits the pared-back vibe — think: spritzes, a handful of classic cocktails, two types of tinnies and beer on tap — fantastic things clearly come in small packages. Plus, food-wise, five kinds of pizza will tempt your tastebuds.
Next time you peer at the Sydney Harbour Bridge — whether you're a local who passes it daily, or just an occasional visitor to the city — you'll spot the Australian Aboriginal flag flying atop the iconic structure. The New South Wales Government has today, Monday, July 11, announced that the flag is now in place permanently on the landmark. The flag was already waving above the structure for NAIDOC Week which, historically, has been among the rare occasions that it has graced the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Indeed, before now, tje Aboriginal flag was only on display above the harbour for 19 days annually, including on Australia Day, Sorry Day and during Reconciliation Week. "From today, one of Australia's most recognisable landmarks will celebrate our Indigenous people and provide an everyday reminder of our nation's rich history," said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, announcing the news. "Our nation's story is rich and enduring, and flying the Aboriginal flag permanently above the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a celebration and acknowledgment of that. Honouring this commitment is part of our ongoing commitment to recognise the history, culture, excellence and achievements of Aboriginal people, and is a fitting end to NAIDOC Week 2022." [caption id="attachment_858129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Boyd159 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] To fly atop the bridge permanently, the Aboriginal flag replaces the NSW State flag, which'll be relocated "to a place of prominence as part of the revitalisation of the Macquarie St East precinct redevelopment," the NSW Government advised. The move comes after an eventful few months involving the Aboriginal flag, after the NSW Premier originally pledged to give it a permanent berth atop the country's most famous man-made structure back in February, then announced in June that it'd become a reality by the end of 2022. Last month, when that last promise was made, it was also revealed that a third flagpole would be added to the bridge, allowing the Australian flag, NSW State flag and Aboriginal flags all to top the structure side by side. But, that was set to come with a hefty price tag, with $25 million committed in the 2022–23 NSW budget. Instead, those funds will now be allocated towards Indigenous initiatives. "This builds on the NSW Government's commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across NSW, following a $716 million investment in this year's budget to prioritise Closing the Gap initiatives," said NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin. "I am proud to be part of the government that will permanently fly the Aboriginal flag above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and I am happy that a further investment will be made to deliver real outcomes for Aboriginal people across NSW." VICTORY!!! A proud moment & a powerful ending. I want to extend appreciation for everyone fighting injustice. Don't stop until you're proud & stay persistent 👊🏽@MayorDarcy @IWCouncil @david4wyong @AIA_SydneyCBD Aboriginal flag to replace NSW flag https://t.co/A1q26dx3lR — Cheree Toka (@Chereetoka) July 10, 2022 The move to fly the Aboriginal flag permanently follows a five-year-long campaign by Kamilaroi woman Cheree Toka, who also launched a Change.org campaign in 2020 to continue to call on the NSW government to make this exact move. "The Aboriginal flag is a reminder that the country has a history before European arrival," Toka said two years ago. "I think it's really important to have a symbolic gesture on the bridge that identifies the true history of Australia, which is a starting point for conversation around greater issues affecting the Indigenous population." After the first three years of Toka's campaign, she had amassed more than 157,000 digital signatures and the required 10,000 paper-based signatures to bring the issue to NSW parliament. However, when it was debated in the final NSW parliamentary session of 2019, the result then was that it would cost too much to construct a third flagpole to see the Aboriginal flag flying daily — which was what sparked her crowdfunding campaign to raise the $300,000 quoted by the government to 'fund the flag'. Also in Aboriginal flag news this year, the Australian Government unveiled a copyright deal at the end of January with Luritja artist Harold Thomas, who designed the symbol, to make it freely available for public use. The Aboriginal flag is now flying permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, effective Monday, July 11. Top image: Mary and Andrew via Flickr.
Internationally celebrated fine dining restaurants, beery brunch spots, teeny tiny cafes and openair dining terraces by the sea — Perth's fast becoming one of Australia's food capitals. With over two million Perthites, it's no wonder Western Australia's capital has matured into a hub of wealth and high achievers. Perth is a food lover's city with a laidback attitude, full of enthusiastic folks in activewear — in fact, it's apparently acceptable to wear head-to-toe exercise clothes 24 hours a day in Perth with zero judgment. Think of Perth like San Diego — a sprawled out city with pockets of creativity and sunshine for days. As one of our favourite long weekenders, we thought it time to share the love. You'll need a thick wallet, an empty stomach, an explorative mindset and an Uber account (taxis aren't exactly flowing in Perth). Grab a cross-country flight (around five to six hours) on Thursday night then take these cues for the best long weekend in pretty little Perth. [caption id="attachment_621562" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petition.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK The benefits of flying to Perth include gaining time which ultimately means, double breakfast and double dinner. It's the food, wine and beer scene in this city that never disappoints. You thought Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane were hard to please? Perth boasts an exceptional quota of local coffee and food snobs with high expectations. Start your days strong with breakfast or brunch at Gordon Street Garage in East Perth, Petition Kitchen, Tiisch, Post, or La Veen in Perth city. If you're more of a long mac kinda person, Telegram, Saint Larry, Small Print, Max + Sons, Lowdown and Mo Espresso have you covered for a takeaway before you start your adventures. In the 'burbs, you want to head to Pixel Coffee Brewers in Leederville, Hylin in West Leederville or Mary Street Bakery in Highgate for epic baked goods to match your mug o' caffeinated magic. [caption id="attachment_621569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Shorehouse.[/caption] By about midday, the sun has fully occupied Perth so you want to sit outside near a beach and enjoy those lunchtime rays that Melburnians dream of. Bread in Common in Fremantle, Bib & Tucker on Leighton Beach, Il Lido in Cottesloe, The Shorehouse in Swanbourne and Kailis Trigg Beach are a sure thing to a light tan while you indulge in Western Australian seafood and Semillon. Happy hour begins rather early in Perth and it seems customary to head to Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle for a pale ale with a side of hand-cut fries. Heading up the Indian Ocean you also can't go past the infamous Ocean Beach Hotel on Cottesloe Beach. Not many places in the world provide that view matched with thongs and bathers being an acceptable dress attire, but it's Perth so it's all good. [caption id="attachment_621556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Long Chim.[/caption] Roughly five years ago, Perth saw a significant shift in the dining scene. Maybe it was the mining boom, which saw wealth flow over the state, or perhaps it was Perth's maturity kicking in, but it's plain to see local restaurants and bars have stepped it up. There's an old meets new, East meets West theme clearly evident across the city's menus. Following news of Restaurant Amuse and Neil Perry's Rockpool closing down, many feared the worst for Perth's fine dining industry. But new kids on the block, Ku De Ta, Long Chim, Wildflower and Lulu La Delizia are not letting anything deter them. After dinner, if you're keen to continue the late night shenanigans, hidden CBD bar Helvetica, underground cocktail bar Alfred's Pizzeria, snug rooftop joint Mechanics Institute, rum speakeasy Sneaky Tony's, country-loving dive bar Alabama Song, whiskey den Varnish On King, all-day/night favourite Pica Bar, WA-proud, two-level classic bar Dominion League or these ten bars worth travelling for. [caption id="attachment_621536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] COMO The Treasury.[/caption] STAY Turns out Perth hosts the second best hotel in the world according to Conde Naste. Yep, it's true. It's called COMO The Treasury and it's absolutely stunning. If you're a high baller with cash money to burn, look no further. Wedged between the original 1875 brick and stonework sits a sculpture of polished opulence. With the likes of David Thompson's Long Chim setting up shop inside the Hotel, one never really has to leave. DO Like most Australian destinations, Perth's activities are highlighted in the sun, and no trip is complete without visiting Rottnest Island. Around 20-40 minutes from Perth is Western Australia's version of the Whitsundays (at just a fraction of the price). Think crystal blue water, powder white sand and no cars in sight. You can do Rotto in a day by hiring a bike and snorkel gear and wandering through the bays along the way. The Rotto Pub, Hotel Rottnest is where it's at for fish and chips while you take selfies with the Island's famous native little friend, the quokka. Get your return ferry to drop you at B Shed in Fremantle and explore the Maritime Museum, Fremantle Prison and Fremantle Markets. After Rotto, head for more of the Indian Ocean coastline from Leighton Beach up to Trigg. Hiring a stand-up paddleboard from Elemental SUP is a great place to start. Whether you're a beginner, keen to head out by yourself or try SUP yoga, the team has you sorted. For those a little less SUP and little more surf, there's plenty of boards to hire in Cottesloe, Scarborough and Trigg beach. For a change of pace, head to one of the world's largest inner city parks, King's Park. Hosting various hikes, botanical gardens, outdoor cinema and concerts, treetop walks, memorials and Indigenous history, the park is perfect for exploring for a few sunny hours. Take a picnic with you to savour while you overlook Perth city and the Swan River. [caption id="attachment_621560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petition.[/caption] LET'S DO THIS: WHEN TO GO Like the majority of Australian destinations, to get the best out of them, you want to visit during summer. With an annual average of 25 degrees though, Perth is a sure thing for eternal sunshine. It's from November to April when this city really turns it on so if you can manage a long weekend around the Perth Fringe Festival or the Perth International Arts Festival you'll see Perth in its shining glory.
If you like starting your nights out with a scavenger hunt, then Milney's fits the bill: first, you need to find the nondescript door on Brunswick Street that's marked with an M. Once that pivotal task is complete, your evening can begin. Venture inside and a must-visit courtyard awaits, complete with picnic bench-style seating, leafy greenery aplenty, a smattering of garden gnomes and an eye-catching mural taking up a towering slab of bricks. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're in the know, whether you're sipping a beer poured from the back-wall tap while taking a perch at the wood-heavy bar, or a spritz out the back with a mixtape soundtrack is more your style. The venue has a pedigree, too, with Monty Mullooly-Hill and Paul Milne also behind Monty's in Fitzroy North, and Rochelle Hutchinson bringing her experience from Joe's Shoe Store.
You could travel to the Murray and do nothing but eat, drink and be merry. And you should. The region is jam-packed with incredible producers, innovative makers and chefs, old-school artisans and new-wave cuisine. Having access to some of the country's best farmers and makers gives these venues the luxury of a hyper-local, hyper-seasonal approach to food and drink. From swanky bistros and rustic wineries to experimental distillers and fire-focused chefs, the Murray region is an unmissable foodie destination. If you're a flavour-chaser, prepare yourself to get amongst it all: swirl small-batch wines, discover ancient flavours and native ingredients, and experience new locavore dining experiences and European-inspired eateries. Whatever your taste, whenever you decide to visit, there's someone in the Murray region putting their heart and soul into something delicious. [caption id="attachment_662395" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morrisons Riverview Winery and Restaurant[/caption] WINE AND DINE Trentham Estate Winery lies on the banks of the Murray, offering an award-winning cellar door experience. This much-lauded NSW Tourism Awards Hall-of-Famer boasts 45 sweeping hectares of vines producing French and Italian varietals. Officially established in 1988, it'd actually been in viticulture for decades beforehand, and it's still a family-run winery today. Snag a table at the restaurant to enjoy Modern European fare, or swing by the cellar door to just sit back and watch the boats slide by as you sip shiraz (also, unsurprisingly, award-winning). Morrisons Riverview Winery and Restaurant (pictured above) is more than just a darn gorgeous venue — this Moama winery also has a restaurant that should be on every foodie hitlist. The ever-changing menu is focused on local, seasonal produce with enough variety to suit all tastes. Sweetcorn bread with cashew sambal and burnt chilli butter sits alongside lamb backstrap with pickled cauli, greens, couscous and smoked eggplant puree, calamari caesar salad pimped with pork scratchings and garlic toast, and chips with kasundi, aioli and hop salt. The five-course 'Chef's Feed Me' option is the best way to sample the scope of these flavours. Enjoy it while sipping Morrisons' premium wine blends from its 15 hectares of vines — from chardonnay to moscato to shiraz. [caption id="attachment_893785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old School Winery and Meadery, Destination NSW[/caption] SIP SOMETHING SPECIAL For something different, take a drive out to Monak Wine Co. Its first vintage was released in 2020 making it a younger winery (albeit with 25 years of winemaking experience to draw on). Here's what else you need to know: it's family-owned, works with local growers and applies exquisite attention to detail to its small-batch, handmade drops. It's an eclectic mix of wines — some minimal intervention, all very special. The cellar door opens on Friday and Saturday to slake your curiosity. The Old School Winery and Meadery (pictured above) is more than a classic winery. Sure, it makes a few small-batch, handcrafted reds, but the main point of difference is mead — traditionally fermented honey alcohol. On the site of an old Womboota school, this rustic venue offers a taste of history in more ways than one. It has been making mead for over 20 years, spearheading the honey-wine industry growth in Australia. Mead was a drink beloved by Vikings, but the unique flavour of Australian bush honey makes this unlike any European mead. Here, the team crafts everything from sweet and fortified meads to drier styles. They also make medieval mead beakers in the on-site pottery workshop. Bring a picnic and settle into the cellar door garden for an afternoon. [caption id="attachment_893783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, Destination NSW[/caption] GET SPIRITED AWAY Drink less, enjoy more: that's the ethos of Echuca Distillery, championing quality and character over quantity. Based in Echuca Moama, David De Vries and his wife Fiona have decades of experience in fragrance and flavour production science. Their fastidious research and passion for playing with gin botanicals lead to unique, expressive flavour profiles. Starting with a base of grain or grape spirit distilled in Lavender, their Italian copper still, they infuse classics like dry and navy strength gin as well as combos like yuzu and ginger, a five-citrus gin and a port barrel-aged gin. In addition to liqueurs, cocktail spirits, arak and agave, Echuca has now added a whisky to the lineup. Corowa Whisky and Chocolate (pictured above) began with an underdog story of three mates buying an abandoned flour mill for a dollar. With one of Australia's youngest head distillers, this business produces a true blue Aussie whisky. It uses local organic barley grains and Murray River water to make its signature dram, aided by the drastically fluctuating temperatures of the area which leads to faster maturation. The most popular whisky, Corowa Characters, honours the team behind it and is aged in American, French and Hungarian oak. There are other whisky styles that use ex-bourbon, ex-muscat and ex-sherry casks, as well as single barrel releases and a special collab with Bridge Road Brewers, distilled from unsold kegs of beer in 2020. For those with a sweet tooth, there are Belgian chocolates crafted in-house on offer that are the perfect complement to whisky. What more could you need? [caption id="attachment_894105" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yardbird[/caption] EAT ELITE Bistro Selle is a classic European bistro in the heart of a country city. There's a balance between comfortable familiarity, charming elegance and playful experiments. As well as freshly shucked oysters and smoked beef tartare, you'll find crispy tripe, goat ragu and a porcini-choc-fennel-malt dessert. Refined dishes are plated in an artistic, almost sculptural, way that's as pleasing to the eye as to the tastebuds. All are accompanied by an extensive wine list of Australian and European drops. The key focus of Yardbird (pictured above) is flame, from the Spanish Mibrasa woodfired oven in the kitchen to the roaring glass-fronted fire centrepiece of the dining room. It only opened in 2021, but it's been making a name for itself in the region. The decor is stylish yet warm and comforting: light-flooded, pale timber accents and post-industrial warehouse ceilings. The western European-inspired menu changes in line with the daily produce and opportunity, but can include whipped cod roe and flatbread; deep fried Crottin de Chavignol with figs, green beans and honey; bavette steak with bone marrow, persillade and green peppercorn; rosemary duck fat potatoes and mamasita-style fire-roasted corn; and poached cherry pavlova to finish. Now, imagine all that paired with a bright wine list of mineral-driven, minimal intervention vino. [caption id="attachment_893786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The River Deck Cafe, Destination NSW[/caption] OR KEEP IT CASUAL The River Deck Cafe serves Modern Australian cuisine in Albury, overlooking the tree-lined banks of the Murray. Local and native ingredients take centre stage here, so you can really taste the region, with its creative flourish on a farm-to-table menu. It's very seasonal. So seasonal that the menu changes every two to four weeks in line with the availability of the best produce. At breakfast and lunch, it offers comforting country classics like sourdough crumpets alongside the smashed avo and house granola any city slicker expects of brekkie, followed by hearty mains like a porterhouse steak, barramundi and chips and pasta dishes. The Albury offshoot of a locally loved Lake Mulwala restaurant, Blacksmith Provedore, has distilled that same European aperitivo hour aesthetic of the original into a space within the famously top-notch Harris Farm market. With a white and grey marble bar, hanging charcuterie and rows of delicious wines, it brings more casual riviera elegance than you might expect. Plus, being in the market, it has access to the finest ingredients. As well as local produce, expect prosciutto from San Daniele, San Marzano tomatoes from Salerno and buffalo Mozzarella from Shaw River. You can start your day with luxurious pastries, a Reuben toastie or fruit-topped chia puddings. Stop by later to get in on those famous woodfired pizzas with a three-day slow-fermented base. Pair it with a spritz or cocktail special, or opt for a wine from the truly delicious list. Located at the rear of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), looking over the gardens, Canvas Eatery is a bright light-filled modern space offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Albury. It's open 8am—3pm daily but also opens on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm till late. It serves some of the best coffee in town, according to the locals. Not to mention craft beer and excellent wines. Food-wise, it's a fun, fresh menu, with Coco Pops, crumpets with honeycomb butter and raspberry cheesecake waffles for breakfast. An open bagel smørrebrød with herb creme fraiche, smoked salmon, avo and salmon caviar features on the lunch menu. Then by night, expect an eclectic mix of share plates, including smoked river fish croquettes, prawn toast banh mi, duck parfait with rye wattleseed waffle, and pizzas. [caption id="attachment_893788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paddle Streamer, Destination NSW[/caption] TAKE A TASTING TOUR Take a cruise down the river, capturing that old-timey charm on board an award-winning tour. Murray River Paddle Steamer's 'Wharf to Winery' premium cruise takes you along the Murray in an iconic, beautifully restored historic paddle steamer. The total tour is about three hours, accompanied by a captain's commentary on the history and culture of the area. Then it's time for a two-course lunch at Morrisons Winery and a guided tasting. On the way back, enjoy complimentary vino as you sail along the Murray in style. Nothing compares to meeting the folks behind the food, and The Eating, Drinking, Tasting tour with Albury Eating Travel allows you to do just that. A full-day tour of two to seven guests in a Mercedes van will take you around the region to chat with the experts themselves: small-scale, private farms, boutique wineries and distilleries. And each tour is unique and catered to your taste and the seasons. For more ways to enjoy the Murray region, check out our nature guide or history and culture guide. Or, to start planning your food pilgrimage to the Murray region, head to the website. Top images: Destination NSW (Corowa Distillery; Blacksmith Provedore, Albury).
Intrepid travellers have been getting down to fishy business in a submerged hotel room off Tanzania’s East Coast since November. But now, you can turn the occasional subaquatic sally into a permanent thing. That’s right, 144 years after Jules Verne wrote 20,000 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, underwater homes are officially up for sale. Meet the H20ME, the brand new undersea residential creation from US Submarine Structures. The structure is comprised of two floors that provide 340 square metres of sunken living space between them. On the top level, you'll find two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open lounge and expansive skylight-type structures. On the bottom floor, there's a master bedroom, kitchen, dining area, lounge, library and bar for mixing copious Sea Breezes and Salty Dogs. Every ocean-facing wall is made of transparent acrylic panels, kept clean by automatic water jets; you're pretty much backdropped on every side by a live, 24/7 version of Finding Nemo. What's more, the view is kept well-illuminated and busy via an elaborate array of external lights and fish feeders. You can literally populate your view with bait. You can even opt for a seascaping service, through which you can order colourful coral gardens according to your taste. Yep, that's tailormade ocean views, designed by your lucky, lucky self. Where exactly in the world you take up residence in your H20ME is up to you — and most likely the government who owns your chosen seabed. The only specification is that it must be built between ten metres and eighteen metres below sea level. Access is attained through a private pier connected to either an elevator or a spiral staircase and the dwelling is fixed to the sea floor with bolts and struts. Air pressure is maintained at the same level as that found on land — so there's no need for decompressing every time you pop out to the shops to replenish your dwindling caviar supply. The only catch (zing) is the H20ME will set you back a cool $10 million. Start saving those dubloons. Via Gizmag. Images: US Submarine Structures.
Another day, another new streaming service, or that's how it feels these days. When Tubi joins the ever-growing ranks of online platforms vying for Australian eyeballs, however, it'll boast a significant point of difference — it's free. Already up and running in the US and Canada, where audiences viewed more than 94 million hours of its content in May alone, Tubi is an ad-supported on-demand video service. Few things in life truly cost nothing, so, while this streamer doesn't ask for any of your hard-earned cash, it will make you sit through commercials. For your troubles, you'll get access to almost 7000 movies and TV shows when the service launches in Australia on Sunday, September 1. That number is due to grow, too, with the Aussie service aiming to reach 15,000 titles — which is what's currently offered on the US service — over time. If you're keen to get spooked by Hansel and Gretel, sing along to Hairspray and Purple Rain or watch Jean-Claude Van Damme unleash his martial arts skills in Lionheart, you'll be able to do without paying a cent from this weekend. As this range of flicks makes plain, Tubi doesn't focus on new releases, with fellow retro movies such as Dirty Dancing, I Am Sam and Young Guns also on the lineup. To access the streaming platform, you can head to Tubi's website or use most internet-connected screen devices — including Samsung televisions, Apple TV, Telstra TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple iOS, Android tablets and smartphones, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. And if you're feeling spoiled for viewing choice at the moment, that's because Australia is in the midst of a streaming boom. Disney+ is due to launch in November, Apple TV+ should arrive sometime in spring, documentary service iWonder hit earlier this year, and everything from Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime Video to Ozflix, DocPlay and Kanopy are already operational, just to name a few services. We're still waiting for horror-focused service Shudder, though, after it announced last year that it was heading to our shores. Tubi launches in Australia on Sunday, September 1. For more information, or to sign up, visit the service's website.
If there's one thing we've all learned the hard way these past 18 months, it's that plans change. So it'll come as little surprise that there've been a few *ahem* major tweaks to the planned multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Sorrento's historic Continental Hotel since we last brought you up to speed in 2018. New owners Victor Smorgon Group, Kanat Group and Trenerry Property have just revealed the latest plans for the 145-year-old heritage building, which feature an expansive, multi-faceted hospitality offering headed up by renowned chef Scott Pickett and publican Craig Shearer. Set to commence opening in early 2022, the Continental Sorrento's dramatic transformation will include a slew of food and drink venues operated by the two hospitality veterans. You'll know Pickett as the mind behind culinary hits like Estelle, Matilda and Longrain, while Shearer counts the likes of North Fitzroy's Terminus and The Plough in South Brisbane in his stable. Here, in a buzzy pocket of the Mornington Peninsula, they'll join forces to deliver the Conti's main restaurant — named Audrey's, after Pickett's grandmother and cooking muse — along with a public bar and beer garden, a late-night venue, poolside and in-room dining, and a rooftop deck. The lineup of offerings will range from upscale degustation menus through to casual pub fare enjoyed straight off the sand, with an expected capacity of 5000 diners across the whole multi-venue site. [caption id="attachment_823638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] As you can expect, the sprawling, high-profile hotel won't be short on additional function spaces either. There are plans to restore the building's original grand ballroom to its former glory, to sit alongside an assortment of other private, bookable rooms. The hillside precinct will also eventually be home to a new 108-room luxury InterContinental Resort Hotel and a wellness centre. The new consortium of owners took over the reins in April last year. The Continental Sorrento is located at 1/21 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento. The first stages of its new hospitality offering are set to open from early 2022.
When June 2023 arrives at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, expect three words to echo with enthusiasm: "be our guest". The Harbour City venue will be home to quite the coup, courtesy of the Australian premiere season of Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical, which is heading Down Under as a newly reimagined and redesigned production. From Wednesday, June 14, the huge show will bring a tale as old as time to Australia to liven up winter — and it marks the latest in a growing line of Disney hits to come our way. Frozen the Musical has done the rounds over the past few years, while the musical version of Mary Poppins has also started floating around the nation. This new Beauty and the Beast first made its way to the stage in the UK in 2021, and reworks the original show that premiered in the US in the 90s — adapting Disney's hit 1991 animated movie musical, of course. Fans can expect the same Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated score courtesy of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, including all the beloved tunes such as 'Be Our Guest' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. It also comes with new dance arrangements by David Chase, and with original choreographer Matt West revisiting his work. Who'll star in the local version and whether it'll tour to other Aussie cities hasn't yet been revealed either — but if you're now planning a trip to Sydney's Capitol Theatre next June, whether or not you live in the city, that's understandable. So is crossing your fingers for Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide seasons afterwards. Images: Johan Persson.
This is a review of the first run of Songs for the Fallen, which ran at Sydney's Old Fitz from December 5-16, 2012. Songs for the Fallen is one of those excellent finds that gives you faith in human ingenuity. It is one of many artistic imaginings of the life of Marie Duplessis, the 19th-century Parisian courtesan best known as the protagonist of Moulin Rouge. Sheridan Harbridge has devised the original piece with fellow actors Ben Gerrard and Garth Holcombe, director Shane Anthony, and composer/musican Basil Hogios. The team is obviously dynamite together as the result is a hilarious, self-aware piece of sophisticated debauchery. We enter the dinky Old Fitz Theatre to find designer Michael Hankin has decked it out with a luscious, satin-covered bed of sin in front of a gorgeous red velvet backdrop and theatrical 19th-century music hall facade. There is of course also a fourth wall, but this is taken down pretty quickly, as Harbridge declares to delighted audience member Linda that she's "taken it down and it's not going up again!" Self-reference in theatre can sometimes be painful and indulgent, but here any references to the show itself are pointed and funny. For example, as Harbridge switches from a French accent to posh Australian, she tells us she simply can't be bothered keeping the French up. Fair enough, she has a lot else keeping her busy. Men, in particular — many men. Gerrard takes the lion's share of playing the gentleman customers, while Holcombe narrates nobly from upstage, translating the words pomme and frites ad infinitum. This farrago of a show has pop tunes galore, most of which have been composed by Hogios with Harbridge's lyrical input. Using a microphone bound in pink velvet and white satin ribbon, Harbridge bursts into song in many awkward positions and is supported royally by Hogios at his little musical station in the corner. His opening sequence is particularly clever, as he morphs his way seamlessly between baroque interpretations of Nirvana and Blondie on what sounds like an electronic harpsichord. Like the burlesque master Meow Meow, Harbridge has a gift for being at once vulgar, intelligent, and elegant. It's a rare thing. She and her gang of bohemians have produced a triumph of indie theatre.
Melbourne's pan-Asian chef and restaurateur, Andrew McConnell, wants to get you off the couch this Monday evening. Remedy a weekend of bad behaviour with something sweet: namely, the ever-coveted peanut butter parfait, salted caramel and soft chocolate dessert at Supernormal, his ever-popular Flinders Street restaurant. The peanut butter parfait is the final crescendo on the restaurant's hybrid menu: it injects a nut element into a typical western dessert format, securing its place alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. If you stop by for the peanut parfait, don't be surprised if you find yourself facing three courses of pan-Asian dishes, showcasing McConnell's delicate blend of Chinese, Japanese and Korean flavours.
Sweeten up that mid-week morning routine with a little help from the world-class pastries at Fitzroy favourite (and everyone's favourite) Lune Croissanterie. The backstreet gem is serving what's been described by The New York Times as the best croissants on the planet, alongside an array of other mouthwatering baked goods — both classic and inventive. Drop by the sleek space for a coffee and sugar hit in the form of a traditional pain au chocolate, signature cruffin creation or perhaps a twice-baked almond croissant — your day will be looking pretty great indeed.
