It has been three short months since Banksy pulled what might be the artist's greatest prank yet — ripping one of his own paintings to shreds the very moment it was sold at auction. If you've watched the artist's extended behind-the-scenes video and still just can't get enough of the stunt, that's understandable. Soon, you'll also be able to see the torn piece with your own eyes, with the artwork going on display to the public for the first time. Originally titled Girl with Balloon and now known as Love is in the Bin, the painting will be exhibited at Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden, Germany, from Tuesday, February 5 to Monday, March 3. Anyone that finds themselves in the European town, which is located in the Germany's Black Forest right near the country's border with France, will be able to cast their eyes over the piece for free. Given Banksy's focus on making art available to everyone, the museum's approach aligns those of the art trickster. It's "designed to allow as many visitors as possible to see the picture," the exhibition website notes. Museum Frieder Burda will also host a symposium about Banksy to put his work and creative strategies into context. It's the latest chapter for a stunt that has sparked plenty of chatter both in the art world and in general since October, when the artwork self-destructed as the hammer fell on the winning bid at London's Sotheby's auction house. As the painting was disintegrating, the collector behind the successful bid was buying it for £860,000 (AU$1.6 million). If Banksy's prank had gone according to plan, only torn strips of the painting would remain — and that's all that'd be able to be placed on show. In the nearly three-minute clip Shred the Love: The Director's Cut, which was posted on artist's website, Banksy reveals that the entire painting was supposed to be cut to pieces. "In rehearsals it worked every time," the video notes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxkwRNIZgdY In the immediate aftermath of the October 5 prank, Banksy also released a video — showing a shredder being secretly built into the artwork, with an explanation that this was done a few years ago "in case it was ever put up for auction". Sotheby's has repeatedly advised that it had no knowledge of the prank before it happened. "It appears we just got Banksy-ed," Alex Branczik, head of contemporary art for Europe, told The Art Newspaper. Love is in the Bin will be on display at Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden, Germany, from Tuesday, February 5 to Monday, March 3. Images: Olga Rozenbajgier, The Art of Banksy / Banksy.
Curated by boutique music agency I Heard A Whisper, White Noise offers up a program of choice aural delights to complement the rest of the festival's striking visuals and illuminations. On Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24, it goes venturing down laneways and into some of Melbourne's best-loved music venues, to deliver a high-energy showcase of emerging talent plucked from across the country. Trip through a broad range of genres, from upcoming acts like CLYPSO, The Merindas, DJ Colette, Pjenné & Millú, as they grace stages at Section 8, Jack & Bones, Boney, Globe Alley and newcomer Radar. To check out the full White Noise lineup, head to the White Night website. Images: Radar by Julia Sansone and The Merindas
When and where domestic border rules and COVID-19 restrictions have permitted, travelling throughout Australia has been on the agenda across the past year. With the country set to remain closed to international jaunts until at least mid-June, that isn't changing yet — but you can still hop on a plane and head over the ocean thanks to Qantas' just-announced new flights to Norfolk Island. Of course, travelling south to Tasmania remains a trusty option if you're eager to get off the mainland. Everywhere from Kangaroo Island and Rottnest Island to Fraser Island and Daydream Island also fit the bill. But a trip to Norfolk Island means you'll be venturing more than 1400 kilometres east from the Aussie coastline, and to an external territory of Australia that sits between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Yes, you'll only be spotting water below you while you stare out of the plane windows. Qantas' flights will kick off on Friday, March 19, and head to the Pacific Ocean spot six times a week — three from Sydney and three from Brisbane. Prices start at $412 one-way from New South Wales and $390 one-way from Queensland, with the routes using Boeing 737 aircraft, which means there'll be 2000 seats available each week. Obviously, if you live somewhere other than Sydney or Brisbane, you'll just need to get to either of them first. For now, the two routes are set to run for three months, as part of a contract that the Federal Government has awarded to Qantas. There is a possibility that it'll be extended, and that the routes will stick around for the longer term. If you're keen to spend some time soaring over the sea, then kicking back on a South Pacific getaway, you'll be departing from Sydney and Brisbane's international terminal — so you really will feel as if you're jetting abroad. There's no need to prepare yourself for a lengthy flight, though, with the trip taking around two-and-a-half hours from Sydney and two hours from Brisbane. For Sydneysiders and Brisbanites who'd rather jet off to colder climes, Qantas has also this month announced new routes from the two cities to the Snowy Mountains and the Victorian Alps. There, you're clearly definitely staying on home turf — but when it comes to making holiday plans for the next few months, before a potential travel bubble with Singapore could possibly come into effect, you definitely have options. Qantas' new flights to Norfolk Island from Sydney and Brisbane will start flying from Friday, March 19. For more information, or to book, head to the airline's website. Top image: Roderick Eime via Flickr.
We are all well acquainted with the fascinating leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Shrouded in mystery, marvelously eccentric and either architecturally amazing or atrocious, leaning towers and buildings are simply fascinating structures, which arouse our amazement and curiosity. However, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is far from being the only leaning tower in the world; in fact, it doesn't even top the list for being the oldest, tallest or having the greatest lean. Here are ten of the most stunning, mystifying leaning buildings from around the world that will be sure to make you look at buildings from a new angle. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi Granted the title of the world's furthest leaning man-made tower, the recently built Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi boasts of a whopping 35 stories, all leaning at an impressive 18-degree slant. This structural wonder is a 520-foot sleek and futuristic design which requires 49 piles drilled 100 feet into the Earth to maintain its integrity. Qianwei Leaning Tower, China In Huludao City in China's Liaoning Province lies the world's first leaning tower. Aside from it's rich historical background, the Qianwei leaning tower is believed by many to also have the largest lean in the world, yet it is not recognized by Guinness World Records. Leaning Tower of Barceloneta, Spain Situated on Barceloneta Beach in Spain, this iconic tower features four cubes stacked precariously on top of each other at varying angles. Scores of tourists and visitors flock to this beautiful part of the country, not only for the sun and sand, but also to take in the view of this unorthodox building. Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Malaysia The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, formerly known as just the water tower, is one of the major attractions of this small Malaysian town. Shortly after the construction of the tower the building began to tilt due to the stream of water running through the ground below, which made the foundation soil weak. Neuer Zollhof, Germany Part of the redeveloped port in Dusseldorf, this unconventional building was created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The three buildings curve and lean in varying directions and are made of different cladding, whether that be white plaster, red brick or reflective stainless steel. Leaning Temple of Huma, India The only leaning temple in the world, the Temple of Huma was built in 1670 on the banks of the Mahanadi at an angle of 17 degrees, and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It is said that the construction of the temple came about due to enquiries made because of a milkman's daily ritual of crossing the Mahanadi and offering his milk to the rock which cropped out on the bank, and the rock would miraculously consume the milk each time. Tilting Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank, Italy This eco-friendly building is an architectural feat in its own right as, rather than using shading devices to protect the south-facing walls, the solar passive design instead uses its own floors with the 14 degree tilt. The office also features a myriad of sustainable building strategies to provide comfort and save energy. Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia The mysteries surrounding this Russian tower work to make this ethereal building all the more stunning. No-one knows exactly what the tower/prison/science lab for secret experiments is actually for, when in the 18th century it was constructed, by whom, or the origins of its tilt. Although there are bizarre speculations including crying walls or throwing architects off the balcony, this one is better shrouded in mystery. Gate of Europe, Madrid The twin towers that make up the Gate of Europe are named as such for good reason. These foreboding structures, known as Puerta de Europa, lay at the top of a stone staircase and appear to barricade the city of Madrid. The 114m towers have 26 floors of office space and have fittingly appeared in a number of movies, such as The Day of the Beast. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany Before the Capital Gate was built in Abu Dhabi, this medieval steeple held the title of the most tilted tower in the world. Located in a village in North Western Germany, the 14th century church was built with oak tree trunk foundations, which rotted in the surrounding marshy land.
Attic Erratic have just wrapped their first show of this year’s Melbourne Fringe, with The City They Burned playing to packed-out houses (and bulging waiting lists) for the last three weeks. Tripped looks like a slightly more light-hearted offering than Fleur Kilpatrick’s searing update of Sodom and Gomorrah, but it’s a comedy with the same kind of darkness at its core. Directed by the company’s joint Artistic Director Celeste Cody, Nick Musgrove’s Tripped sets an ambitious target — a darkly-humoured treatment of racial prejudice that sees its two protagonists, Norm and Ahmed, thrash out their differences (and similarities) in a minefield. We’re hanging out to see whether Cody and Musgrove can walk the tightrope between the work’s heavy material and its mordant, comic sensibilities. But, now that the company have well and truly established themselves as one of the city’s leading independent companies, we’re sure they can pull it off. After all, what better time for a play that navigates the monstrous waters of diversity and suspicion to arrive in Melbourne? Image: Sarah Walker
There are a whole lot of bands that make you want to dance, but none have done it quite so well in the past few years as The Wombats. Shooting to global recognition in 2007 with 'Let's Dance To Joy Division' and 'Moving To New York', staples of indie dance-floors everywhere, the pressure was on for the Liverpool three-piece to follow up with something that went above and beyond their debut. With last month's release of This Modern Glitch they look set to eclipse themselves, and are back in Australia to begin an intense year of touring. Sporting a very fine hat, the Wombats' drummer Dan Haggis sat down to chat with Madeleine Watts ahead of their Sydney gig. I'm sure every Australian asks this, but how did you get to be called the Wombats? It was completely random. We've made up stories in the past, but actually we just needed something for the poster for our first gig. Me and Murph called each other 'silly goats' or 'wombats' sometimes. But it stuck, and now we can't get away from it. How was Groovin' The Moo over the weekend? It was amazing. We didn't know what to expect, but it's just insane. Even though it was freezing last night, people still had their tops off, just going for it and having a great time. To be honest we've never really had a bad experience in Australia, except one where we were jet lagged and broken from touring too much. What did you guys do differently with the new album? We were really happy with the first album, but we played for so long that we needed something completely different. The first album was right up in your face, non-stop high energy, which probably reflected how we were at the time. But this album is more thought through. So we had ninety percent of the songs mapped out but then we could mess around in the studio and get excited and geek out with knob twiddling. What kind of bands were you listening to when you were recording? We're all fans of Depeche Mode, New Order, Joy Division, obviously, and Kraftwerk as well. We had a couple of really grungy new songs. Then we did some DJ sets for a bit of pocket money one weekend and we were absolutely annihilated. And me and Murph were in the hotel room dancing around to Kraftwerk, still pissed I think. So we bought a Moog right after that. I think we wanted to challenge ourselves to be octopuses. Was it just you, or all of you, who had near death experiences before recording? It was me and Murph. Murph was in a car going really fast and ended up in a bush by the side of the motorway. Then we were in Dubai, and I was on a dune buggy - just, you know, a day off in the desert, normal day - and my girlfriend was on the back and I got a bit over-excited, as you do, and went too fast and she went flying off the back. I tried to keep on but I couldn't, so I fell off and it landed next to me. But things like that wake you up a bit. It shakes you and you go "oh fuck it, we're not immortal." You guys all met at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Did you meet Paul McCartney while you were there as well? Yeah, we've met him a couple of times actually. At LIPA Paul McCartney does one-on-one song-writing classes. Then we met him again at the European Music Awards. We passed him and said, "oh, Sir Paul, congratulations on your award." And he said, "Oh yeah. Thanks for your album, really liked that 'New York' song," And we said, "OK, thanks a lot, take care," and then walked off and all screamed wildly for ten minutes and generally shat ourselves. Then we ended up doing an interview with him on Radio One. Which was even more nerve-wracking because we were the presenters. Imagine if your first interview was live on Radio One with Paul McCartney. That's what we did. It was fucking horrendous. But it went really well. Talked about tea with him for a while. Finally, after all this time can you still dance to Joy Division? I think we can, yeah. We just have to be really shitfaced. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DRhUIJextp8
The Yarra Valley and the Great Ocean Road boast scenic sights as far as the eye can see, but that's not their own attraction. Both areas are also home to a combined chocolaterie and ice creamery. Exploring the countryside, snacking on hand-crafted chocolates, licking your way through an array of gelato flavours — what's not to love? Now, the Mornington Peninsula has also joined its regional counterparts, welcoming its very own purveyor of sweets. It's the third venue for Ian and Leanne Neeland, who've created a petite-sized sibling to their Yarra Valley and the Great Ocean Road stores. As well as serving up chocolate and ice cream in the seaside town of Flinders, their new location will also feature a brownie bar. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Mornington Peninsula Chocolates on Cook Street, the chocolaterie and ice creamery combines a bit of the old and the new — although, regarding which is which, it depends on how you look at it. The store will continue to make truffles in flavours made popular by the site's previous owners, such as chilli and tequila, blood orange and tonka beans, and tangy lime caramel. And, it sells over 300 unique chocolate varieties made by Belgian and French chocolatiers Thomas Wierinck and Anna Guinet, who also provide the sweets for the Neelands' other spots. Among the chocolate range, nut clusters, rocky road, giant chocolate freckles, and choc-coated ginger, honeycomb and nougat are all on offer. At the ice creamery, a range of Italian gelato flavours are available, too. And as for the brownie bar, it's baking a revolving menu that includes triple choc, mint, Cherry Ripe, Nutella and Baileys varieties. Milkshakes, hot chocolates and barista-made coffee are also be on the menu. If you're super keen on chocolate, you can enjoy a 20-minute hosted tasting session, which take place at 11am, 12pm and 1pm each day. Or, you can book into a chocolate discovery class, where you'll not only taste a few choccies — you'll also make some. Find Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery at 45 Cook Street, Flinders — open Monday to Sunday from 9am–5pm.
Ghosts and ghouls of Melbourne, you're about to come up against some tough competition. This October, for the first time ever, a festival dedicated to all things truly scary is popping up in your city. Across two terrifying weekends, you can wander through haunted houses, drink around bubbling witches' cauldrons, get your thrills in spooky games and run into spine-chilling performers. At the festival's dark heart will be two haunted houses. We're not talking about the mild kind that might've rolled into the local fairground when you were a kid. We're talking epic, high adrenaline, immersive experiences, akin to stepping inside the scariest of horror movies. In Cirque du Slay, you'll find yourself surrounded by a troupe of crazy clowns and twisted creatures, while, in Yarra River Coffinworks, you'll enter a damp, dusty, coffin factory, infested with spiders, rats, snakes and, we're thinking, plenty more to make your skin crawl. Yep — this is not for the faint of heart. To take a break from such extreme horrors, explore the festival grounds and snack at food stalls. Also stop by at the Fright Night Bar, where you can sip on 'spooky' sangria and pumpkin ale. The Halloween Carnival will be offering creepy games, and you can listen to a live ghost story over at the Haunted Graveyard. Wherever you wander, don't turn your back: zombies, freaks and scary circus performers will take any opportunity to catch you unawares. We recommend rounding up a big group to visit with — safety in numbers and all that. Hauntville is set to take over Burnley Circus Park, Hawthorn, from October 19–28, opening on Fridays and Saturdays, 4pm-11pm and Sundays, 4pm-10pm. Entry is free, but you'll need tickets for the haunted houses, which you can pre-purchase online.
"Look, I don't want to take up a ton of your time, but I'm gonna kill myself," Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) announces to her history teacher, Mr Bruner (Woody Harrelson), at the beginning of The Edge of Seventeen. Whether she's making over-dramatic statements in class or bickering with her mother (Kyra Sedgwick), a definite mood is established: Nadine is not only awkward, opinionated and sarcastic, but she's also bitterly unhappy. Actually, as flashbacks from her childhood show, she has always been less than content. Now that she's watching her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) hook up with her brother Darian (Blake Jenner), she's even more miserable than usual. First-time writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig charts the fallout as Nadine tries to cope with this change to her status quo, a development made all the more devastating given her outsider status and lack of other friends. The Edge of Seventeen is packaged as a peppy coming-of-age comedy with humorous yet realistic banter and a soundtrack full of new and retro tracks to match. But it's not just about relaying a story. As Nadine wallows, rebels, chases the hot older guy (Alexander Calvert) and is courted by the shy aspiring filmmaker (Hayden Szeto), the film also interrogates the narrative that Nadine keeps telling herself. Everyone watching should be able to relate, with even the most perky and positive among us telling themselves a tale about their existence as it is unfolding. Moreover, if you've ever felt like an outsider, the story you've spun probably hasn't always been all that positive. Thoughtful and wise, The Edge of Seventeen understands this. By the time it works through the usual checklist of adolescent antics — think boys in cars, drinking too much, fights between BFFs and run-ins with authority — the film won't just have imparted life lessons to the characters, but to everyone in the audience as well. That's one of the things that separates a great teen flick like this one from the pack. Even as it follows the same basic formula, Craig's film boasts an abundance of insight and genuine emotion. It also helps that Nadine defies easy categorisation, thanks to a savvy script and a raw yet robust performance from one-time Oscar nominee Steinfeld. She thinks she's a put-upon loser, but her loud-mouthed tantrums often paint Nadine as a petulant brat. If this was Mean Girls, she'd be both Lindsay Lohan's Cady Heron and Rachel McAdams' Regina George. Not everything about The Edge of Seventeen hits the mark. Some of its jokes try a little too hard, some of its performances fade into the background, and on the whole you shouldn't have much trouble guessing where the story is going. Even so, as you're laughing at Steinfeld and Harrelson's rapport, cheering for Szeto's wannabe love interest, and coming to the same realisations as Nadine, odds are these small issues won't bother you.
We firmly believe that no one should ever have to settle for weak tea bags, cheap toiletries or anything less than a well-stocked bar downstairs when booking a hotel stay. Thankfully, New Zealand is teeming with boutique hotels that are high on class and have everything you want for a special overnight stay. We've rounded up the boutique hotels and plenty of newcomers that are worth your time. The thick of a global pandemic seems like an unlikely time to open a brand new hotel, but the past few months have seen a surprising number of boutique properties pop up across New Zealand. That's great news for locals, and also for Australians looking for an excuse to take advantage of the trans-Tasman bubble on their next holiday. If you're looking for some inspiration for your next getaway, how about booking a room at Auckland's striking new brick-clad hotel? Dunedin also has its own new five-star boutique worthy of a visit, and there's an attractive design-led property in Wellington, too — and they're just a few of the new places to consider. NAUMI STUDIO HOTEL, WELLINGTON This eclectic new boutique hotel in Wellington's Cuba Street precinct showcases the work of local artists and designers. The 116-room Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington is the fourth property to arrive from Singapore-based private hospitality label Naumi Hotels in New Zealand and, like its sister properties, the Wellington outpost is an absolute feast for the eyes, with bold spaces "inspired from seafaring, the literary world and an enduring love." Guests will see the work of several New Zealand artists and designers. A large-scale floral backdrop in the reception area was created by Art Dep't NZ and is completely covered in gold leaf. Underfoot the botanical theme is brought to life by rugs from painter Karl Maughan, while the lobby features a larger than life floral sculpture from light artist Angus Muir. There are six room types to choose from, and the onsite bar serves up the likes of lychee mojitos and bourbon sours. THE HOTEL BRITOMART, AUCKLAND The striking brick-clad Hotel Britomart was officially the country's first 5 Green Star hotel when it opened last year. That certification marks a commitment to sustainability during the build and the use of eco-friendly materials. It offers 99 guest rooms and five suites — three of which have lush sky gardens and front-row seats overlooking the Waitemata Harbour. Cheshire Architects, who also master-planned the Britomart neighbourhood, looked after the new hotel both inside and out. Inside are "cocoon-like" rooms with timber-lined walls, tiled bathrooms and built-in sofas. Smaller touches include hand-made ceramics, bronze-and-paper table lamps and minibars full of locally sourced treats. You don't have to walk far for a first-class meal, either. The ground floor is home to several new food and beverage offerings, including a seafood-focused restaurant from the Orphans Kitchen team, the new 70-seater from top chef Michael Meredith, and the refreshed outpost of Cafe Hanoi. HOTEL FITZROY, AUCKLAND Privately owned hotel group CPG Hotels is currently in the process of opening a collection of boutique five-star hotels across New Zealand. One of the first under the Fable banner is Hotel Fitzroy. Located just a short walk from the main strip of Auckland's shopping and dining precinct, Ponsonby, the property takes over a historic two-storey villa. A contemporary black-panelled building stands behind the property, bringing the room count to ten. Inside, each guest room has been outfitted with premium soft furnishings, linens and amenities. There's also an intimate library for guests to unwind or enjoy complementary snacks and fine wine. Hotel Fitzroy offers custom experiences including a dedicated host service and tailored activities. While the property doesn't offer an on-site restaurant, guests can order continental or cooked tray service breakfast direct to their room. The complimentary mini-bar is also replenished daily, while the room service menu is available 24 hours. THE DAIRY AND THE CENTRAL PRIVATE HOTEL, QUEENSTOWN The folks from Naumi Hotels haven't only brought their bold, design-led approach to the capital. Queenstown also welcomes two new eye-catching properties from the Singapore-based private hospitality label. Rustic glamour and old-world charm meet in Queenstown's The Dairy Private Hotel, while sister property The Central Private Hotel brings a fresh take on retro postmodernism. At both boutique properties, guests can take their pick from 14 spacious rooms — every space comes with its own bright cacophony of colour. Each property comes equipped with an inviting lounge area and its own complementary drinks hour serving award-winning New Zealand wines. With a nod to its past as Queenstown's original 'dairy' (corner store), The Dairy also offers an old-fashioned sweet selection. Here, you'll also find an outdoor jacuzzi with views across the picturesque Remarkables. FABLE DUNEDIN, DUNEDIN Dunedin's historic Wains Hotel has been given a new lease on life under the new masthead Fable Dunedin. The boutique five-star opening, found just a short walk from the Octagon, brings the Victorian-era hotel into the modern age without losing the glory of its past. Guests are welcomed by a concierge in a top hat and tails, before being guided to one of 50 luxurious rooms or suites that come lined with vibrant, custom-designed carpets and specially commissioned tartan blankets paying homage to the city's Scottish ties. The Press Club restaurant and bar is led by Fable Group executive chef, Jinu Abraham. Abraham has prepared a menu sourced heavily from local suppliers alongside an extensive whisky menu. There's slow-cooked lamb shoulder served with miso-glazed pickles, Otago wild fallow with venison boudin noir, and pork belly matched with scallops. OHTEL, WELLINGTON Just a skip, hop and a jump from Wellington's iconic Oriental Bay, Ohtel is New Zealand owned and operated and was architecturally designed and built by Alan Blundell. After being inspired to create a baby 'design hotel' following a trip to New York in 2000, Alan set about bringing the 10 room, four-storey structure to life. Ohtel is known for its locally-sourced menu offerings, such as freshly baked goods from Pandoro some 300-odd metres down the road, and organic dairy products from Zany Zeus in Lower Hutt. Keep your eyes peeled for their sister site which has recently opened in Auckland's Viaduct. THE INTREPID HOTEL, WELLINGTON New kid on the block and dubbed the 'traveller's hotel', The Intrepid Hotel brings the wide world to Wellington, without the MIQ requirements. Having just undergone earthquake strengthening, the former Cadbury chocolate warehouse, built in 1909, is situated on Ghuznee Street, which means it has some of the city's best bars and restaurants at your fingertips. On that note, be sure to venture around the corner to Pomodoro Pizza, then satisfy your sweet tooth at Lashings. As an added draw, you can forego the kennels and bring your beloved pooch with you because The Intrepid Hotel has set aside a special room — complete with a designer dog bed — to accommodate you and your furry friend. THE MARTINBOROUGH HOTEL, WAIRARAPA A self-proclaimed "beautiful old girl", the Martinborough Hotel is the perfect place to stay once you've braved the sketchy Rimutaka Hill road from central Wellington. This hotel began as a way station for prosperous travellers to and from the South Wairarapa's huge isolated sheep stations back in the 1880s. The hotel was restored back in 1996 to become a hotspot, known for its bar and restaurant, among locals and tourists alike. In the heart of the town centre, this is an easy place to crash after a few glasses of Pinot Noir on your tour of the local vineyards (via crocodile bike, of course). PLUME VILLAS MATAKANA, AUCKLAND CITY If the fast-paced city life is driving you to a near on meltdown, then a peaceful country escape may be just the ticket. An hour drive north from Auckland (depending on the state of the traffic) brings you to the up-and-coming town of Matakana. Here you'll find the quaint-yet-modern Plume Villas. Joining the already established vineyard, restaurant and conference centre, Plume Villas is the latest addition to the family and it is evident that the owners have poured their love into the properties. Plume has all the basic amenities, as well as a petanque court, swimming pool and even a wine library. A great place to stay for a weekend of wine tastings, and of course eating your way around the local Saturday markets. HOTEL DEBRETT, AUCKLAND Hotel DeBrett is an art deco-style, luxury hotel located smack bang in the middle of Auckland City. The hotel offers a range of room styles, each uniquely decorated with eclectic interiors, and the in-house restaurant, DeBretts Kitchen, is also worth a visit, even if just to scope out the grand glass atrium roof overhead. Although, this boutique inner-city hotel is arguably best-known for its decadent 1920s-themed high teas, where the dress code is 'Flappers and Dappers'. Don't fret if your suitcase doesn't include any Great Gatsby-esque attire, because for just $15 you can deck yourself out in a house-provided costume kit containing faux pearls, a feather boa and more. So, in short, there's no excuse for party poopers. THE BOATSHED, WAIHEKE ISLAND If you're wanting a piece of laidback island time luxury then The Boatshed on Waiheke Island is the place for you. This 5-star boutique accommodation is tastefully nautical and there is a range of modern sea-themed rooms to choose from. Each room boasts magnificent panoramic views of the ocean but if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, we suggest you opt for the Owner's Cottage, which sleeps four. Here, stretching across a generous 210 square metres, you will find three fireplaces, a full chef's kitchen, BBQ, heated pool and to top it all off; a grand piano. QT, WELLINGTON Part art gallery, part eclectic collector's showroom, checking into the QT Wellington is a surreal experience. Situated on Cable Street, opposite Te Papa Museum, this swanky hotel is a treasure trove of oddities. Despite Wellington's fantastic hospitality scene, you're forgiven if you don't want to venture out of the hotel into the wind gusts that whip around Tory Street. There are three stellar options to eat and drink on site. And it's worth noting that the hotel's French-inspired Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar does an exquisite high tea. This is a great activity to schedule for your next weekend away.
Welcome to the new breed of combat movies. In Eye in the Sky, soldiers fight terrorists from the comfort of their desks, while the bulk of the people debating which course of action to take, and even those actually carrying out the strike, aren't on the front lines, but watching on from other continents. Their task is seemingly simple: apprehend two extremist ringleaders in Kenya. In the UK, Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) oversees operations, with her mission changing from a capture to a kill when she discovers a suicide attack may be imminent. On the ground in Nairobi, undercover agent Jama Farah (Barkhad Abdi) spies on the culprits, manoeuvring an insect-sized camera into their safe house. His aren't the only images of the scene, with two Las Vegas-based drone pilots (Aaron Paul and Phoebe Fox) looking on with their fingers on the trigger. But when a nine-year-old girl (Aisha Takow) wanders into the target zone, Powell is forced to seek advice from her superiors, including the supportive Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) and a raft of indecisive politicians worried about the potential ramifications. The mechanics and morality of war are the movie's main concerns — and while many a cinematic dissection of conflict has probed the same topic, director Gavin Hood (Ender's Game) has crafted a film that's purely a product of its time. Technology is key, both in the way the story unfolds for the characters, and the way it is presented to the audience. Powell and the majority of her colleagues observe matters from the safety of their own countries, yet can take lives at the press of a button. Viewers share the same position, and see the same intercut spy cam, drone and satellite footage — though they can only watch on with a combination of horror, anxiety and flabbergasted amusement, unable to intervene or do more. Indeed, Eye in the Sky is designed to inspire many a question, and leave everyone pondering the various troubling answers. That it succeeds isn't simply a result of the film's intelligent approach to its subject, but of its tone: part military thriller, part bureaucratic farce. Viewers will find themselves inching towards the edge of their seats, even as they chuckle grimly as yet another person in power tries to avoid making a hard decision. There's no ducking the films more heavy-handed elements, including an intrusive score, conveniently increasing stakes, and the blatant attempt to evoke an emotional reaction by placing a child in peril. But there's also no avoiding its effectiveness, both in contemplating a difficult subject and constructing an exercise in tension. The considered mood Mirren brings to her pivotal role proves the perfect weathervane for the film's fortunes, and of the way in which it achieves its aims. She's the movie's robust centre, brimming with as much texture as toughness. Among the rest of the cast, Paul plays his part with the right amount of worry and uncertainty, while the late Rickman's trademark wry charm gets a fitting final outing. Given the intensity of the situation that surrounds them, that they provide the complex feature with convincing portrayals is no small feat.
When Hercule Poirot returned to cinema screens in Murder on the Orient Express, the infamous Agatha Christie-penned sleuth was always going to hang around. Hollywood loves a franchise, and, on the page, the fictional Belgian detective has featured in more than 80 tales. Accordingly, a sequel to the Kenneth Branagh-starring and directed movie was always inevitable. A recreation on a train? Well, that wasn't quite as expected. Finnish Railways aren't just ushering eager puzzle-solvers into a carriage for a few hours of escape room fun, however. They're getting them onboard for a 13-hour, 800-kilometre-plus trip from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, complete with a 14-room setup built by Finland's InsideOut Escape Games. As the passengers journey towards the capital of Lapland, they'll navigate mysteries, scour the train for clues and put themselves in Poirot's shoes — all while the game is live-streamed, with the viewing audience also able to influence the action as it's happening. Before you go searching for your monocle and pipe, clearing your calendar for December 13 and setting off for Scandinavia, seats on the Escape Train will be filled via a competition that's only open to Finnish residents. If you don't fall into that category and you'd rather solve puzzles somewhere warmer, start crossing your fingers that something similar happens for the next Poirot flick, Death on the Nile. Via Lonely Planet.
Quentin Tarantino's latest star-studded masterpiece, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, is one of the most anticipated films of 2019 — and it hits Australian cinemas imminently. To celebrate, we're giving eight lucky Playgrounders (and their mates) free Palace Platinum tickets to see it on the big screen — and treat them to dinner and drinks beforehand, too. It's called Culture Club. We've teamed up with Palace Cinemas to curate a (free!) evening of food, drinks, film and conversation — and the inaugural club meeting will take place this month, on Wednesday, August 21. Kicking off at 6pm, you'll be treated to dinner at Chapel Street's moody cocktail bar and restaurant Lover. Expect a cocktail on arrival followed by a four-course feast and endless pours of wine. Geeky film chat with your fellow VIPs is encouraged. Once you've finished wining and dining, you'll be picked up and whisked away to South Yarra's Palace Cinema Como to watch the movie at 8pm. Plus, movie snacks (a drink and a platinum choctop platter) will be provided — if you're not too full from dinner, that is. These aren't just any ordinary tickets though, you'll be living it up with Palace Platinum in a fully reclining leather seat (footrest included) and with service just a call-button away. Then just kick back, relax and enjoy the film. That's two hours and 45 minutes of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie. If you're keen to nab free tickets to Culture Club, enter your details below to be in the running. [competition]736079[/competition]
Part of Victoria's road system is about to get a little bit greener, under a new Victorian Government trial that'll see a stretch of the Hume Freeway rebuilt using material made from recycled waste products. A massive haul of plastic bags, glass bottles, printer cartridges and reclaimed asphalt will be converted into more than 2100 tonnes of road product and then used to redo an 850-metre section of the freeway's southbound lane. The stretch of road is located at Balmattum in the state's northeast, near Euroa and about two hours out of Melbourne. Not only is the recycled road material better for the planet, but it supposedly works even better than the regular stuff, with testing showing the new product is longer lasting, more durable and more resistant to cracks. Clocking in at $845,000, this particular project should save the equivalent of around one million glass bottles, 746,000 plastic bags and 21,800 printer cartridges from otherwise heading to landfill. The new trial comes three years after an Aussie-first project helmed by Hume City Council saw a similar mix of waste products recycled into 250 tonnes of asphalt and used to construct a road in Craigieburn, in Melbourne's north. Victoria's war on waste has been ramping up considerably in recent years — with the state's ban on single-use plastic bags coming into effect in 2019, a container refund scheme in the works, and single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers, plus polystyrene food and drink containers, all set to be banned from 2023. You can read more about the Victoria's use of recycled materials on the Hume Freeway on the government's website.
The King has risen. Head out to Parkes in January and you would be forgiven for thinking you're in Graceland — if there's anything this town is known for (apart from the iconic Dish, of course) it's the Parkes Elvis Festival. Pull on your blue suede shoes and get ready to find yourself a hunk, a hunk of burning love. The festival takes place over five days during the second week of January to coincide with the King's birthday (January 8, as if you didn't already know). Over 25,000 visitors flock to the town to see international and national Elvis tribute artists battle it out to be named the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. There's also a Miss Priscilla competition, rock 'n' roll dancing, busking, a midnight show and a finale concert. The Parkes Elvis Festival is officially endorsed by the King's estate, Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., so you know it's legit. Stop talking about it, and just do it this year. A little less conversation, a little more action.
Come April, the eyes of the sporting world will turn towards the Gold Coast, with the Queensland city hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games. That's great news if you're a fan of athletes and nations vying for glory — and, while it might not initially seem like it, it's great news for arts and culture lovers too. As well as the expected competitive endeavours, the event will also feature a huge multi-arts festival, called Festival 2018. First announced last year, Festival 2018 mightn't boast the most exciting name, but it does promise a plethora of exciting programming across 12 days. Taking place from April 4 to 15, the fest will feature more than 1000 arts and cultural experiences, complete with 1440 artists from 50 countries, and including 35 world premieres and 15 Australian premieres. From the just-revealed full program, highlights include the inflatable labyrinth that is Arboria, which will take over Broadbeach's Kurrawa Park; plus Circa's world-first take on The Rite of Spring, but in circus form; and Dancenorth's 360-degree dance performance Surge. Elsewhere, Yothu Yindi and The Treaty Project will kick off the music offerings, while an evening of African tunes will mark what would've been Nelson Mandela's 100th year, and Courtney Act will host a celebration of LGBTQI pride. Also on the bill is the Gold Coast's own Amy Shark; the all-female Electric Lady, bringing together Aussie female-fronted acts; Hot Dub Time Machine 's latest stint; the seven-metre-wide, floating moon sculpture that is Museum of the Moon; and Holoscenes, the performance artwork which comes to Australia for the first time after wowing crowds in New York City's Times Square. Or, attendees can take part in a participatory dance performance featuring hundreds of people; and sing karaoke as they've never experienced it before — via a field of microphones on Surfers Paradise beach. Other standouts include a Champagne party, an extensive food program at Helensvale's NightQuarter, a silent disco tour, a seaside meditation zone and open-air short film screenings showcasing talent from across the Commonwealth. As previously announced, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Jungle Giants and Mau Power will also feature, as part of a lineup of art, music, theatre, dance and more spanning from from Coomera to Coolangatta. To deliver the massive event, The Festival has joined forces with the existing Bleach* Festival — and will also include satellite events held across the state. For Brisbanites not heading to the Goldie, that includes free music from Regurgitator, The Preatures, Bob Evans, Kev Carmody, Cheap Fakes, Airling, Major Leagues and more at South Bank's Cultural Centre Forecourt, a screening of Warwick Thornton's Aussie flag-focused doco We Don't Need a Map and the return of La Boite's refugee production The Village. Festival 2018 takes place from April 4 to 15 across the Gold Coast and other parts of Queensland. Visit the festival website for further details. Image: Dancenorth, Amber Haines
Mondays tend to be a day of rest for most restaurants in the Los Angeles area. But for friends Aliza Miner, Savita Ostendorf and Marjory Garrison it's the busiest night of the week. A few months ago the three girls combined their skills as a chef, graphic designer and PR activist for non-profits, respectively, to create Closed on Mondays, a business that hosts fundraiser dinners for charity at empty restaurants on Monday nights. They offer a fixed price menu at $35, hire waitstaff from the host restaurant and serve customers on a first come, first serve basis from 5 to 9p.m. The profits go directly to local food initiatives or community projects. They don't force-feed their guests with information about the charities, they just want people to come and eat. Better yet, the dishes offered will leave your taste-buds begging for more, with choices like Yucatan pulled pork, wild Mexican shrimp with pumpkin seed sauce and stuffed poblanos, kabocha squash and chihuahua cheese in romesco (each served with homemade tortillas). Yum. The first three dinners were hosted at L.A's Canele, which raised $7000 for the Micheltorena School Garden community project in Silver Lake. Although the girls realize that they still have a long way to go to build up the non-profit, other chefs in the area have already approached them about bringing Closed on Mondays to their restaurants. Mondays are soon to be the biggest night out of the week for good food and a good cause.
The name might not ring a bell, but his creations would certainly be familiar. Yoram Gross is the man behind classic cartoons such as Blinky Bill and Dot and the Kangaroo. Now, rather than telling the tale of a mischievous koala, he is publishing his own memoirs. As is often the case, fact can be more interesting than fiction. As a Jewish boy in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, Gross was forced to move between over 70 hideouts, even passing himself off as a séance host. After the war he settled in Israel, where he became an award-winning film maker, and in 1968 he was on the move again, this time heading to Australia with his family where he would eventually create some of the country’s most iconic cartoon characters. Looking back on the films — if you need a recap Blinky Bill has his peaceful bush home destroyed by invading humans and must rescue his mother from captivity, Dot is lost in the bush and must rely on her new animal friends to find her way home — it is enlightening to see the stories with adult eyes, recognising that the light-hearted adventures that entertained us as children have much more serious layers with their roots in Gross’ own experiences. As his life, and his films show, you can always make the best of a bad situation. And you should enjoy the kangaroo rides while you can! My Animated Life is published by Brandl & Schlesinger.
Ever convinced yourself that you needed something from Bunnings on a Saturday morning just so that you could down a snag in bread? If you answered no to that question, we don't quite believe you. The hardware chain's sausage sizzles are a beloved Australian weekend ritual, and we all missed them when they were put on hiatus during lockdowns. Come Saturday, July 23, however, they'll cost an extra $1. The price increase marks the first change in 15 years, and will see snags in bread go up from $2.50 to $3.50. And if you're quick to blame inflation, you're right, but it's worth remembering that the whole point of the sausage sizzles is to raise money for community groups. With the price of just about everything going up over the past few months, the community groups, not-for-profit organisations and charities that host the weekend barbecues have asked Bunnings to up the price so that their fundraising activities aren't impacted. When sausages, bread, onions, sauce and oil costs more for them to buy, that's less cash they're making after those snags have been sizzled, then sold to hardware-shopping customers. The entire price increase — the whole price for each snag, in fact — still goes directly to the community group running the barbie. So, while you'll be out an extra dollar, you'll also still be doing an ace deed. Drinks will remain $1.50, which means that you can grab a bite and a beverage for a fiver. On average, each Bunnings sausage sizzle brings in around $800–900, with more than 155,000 held at Bunnings outlets across Australia in the past five years alone — raising more than $140 million in that period. Bunnings' sausage sizzle prices will increase to $3.50 per snag from Saturday, July 23. For more information about the hardware chain, head to its website.
Everyone has a New York bucket list, filled with must-visit places throughout the busy city. And, we're betting that The Metropolitan Museum of Art features on most of them. Founded in 1870, presenting over 5,000 years of art from around the world and considered one of the top museums in the world, it's a iconic site for many reasons, including the pieces within its walls, its exhibitions and its annual gala. Another reason The Met is a favourite for visitors? For the past 50 years, a pay-as-you-wish scheme operates regarding the entry price. The suggested admission for adults is $25, but walking through the door for free is perfectly acceptable. That'll change on March 1, but it'll only impact folks who aren't New York State residents or students from New Jersey and Connecticut. In short, if you're from anywhere else in the world and you're keen to wander through The Met, you'll now pay the $25 fee. The mandatory full-priced admission tickets will be honoured for three days at the museum's three locations, however, so out-of-towners can make the most of their money. The news comes after The Met welcomed over seven million visitors in 2017, and put on 60 exhibitions. In a statement on the museum's website, Met president Daniel Weiss said the change was needed "in order to sustain its mission for future generations and to remain an accessible source of inspiration to all." It's expected that mandatory admissions will affect around 31 percent of their annual visitors. Image: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This heritage-listed green space is one of St Kilda's most instantly recognisable landmarks, and it plays an important role connecting the suburb's streets to its seaside esplanade. Catani Gardens is probably best known for its meandering gravel pathways lined by Canary Island palm trees, which create many a shady spot for a picnic. It's also a popular spot for events and concerts, with a year-round roster of things to see and do on the grounds. Images: Visit Victoria
Earlier this year, the Newtown legends at Young Henrys took the sustainable brewing game to the next level. The beer brand added a glowing bioreactor among its tanks, with the plan to drastically reduce the brewery's carbon emissions. The 400-litre bioreactor is filled with microalgae, which consumes carbon dioxide (one of the main byproducts of the brewing process) and produces as much oxygen as one hectare of Australian forest. Now, as part of National Science Week, Young Henrys has teamed up with the UTS Deep Green Biotech Hub to host Beer & Algae: Brewing a Greener Future. The free online event will take place on Thursday, August 20 from 5.30–7pm. It'll begin with a virtual tour of the brewery, hosted by YH Co-Founder and Director Oscar McMahon and UTS Research Associate Dr Janice McCauley. Then an interactive panel discussion will take over and explore practical steps toward sustainability in various industries — including urban farming, fashion and, of course, brewing. Moderated by Triple J's Lucy Smith, the panel will include Professor Peter Ralph (Executive Director of the Climate Change Cluster (C3) and Founder of the Deep Green Biotech Hub) alongside YH Head Brewer Jesse Seals, Pocket City Farms Founder Emma Bowen and Fashion Designer Dr Mark Liu. While the live streamed event is free, registration is a must.
The top end of the Northern Territory is postcard-perfect Australia — World Heritage-listed national parks, islands, wetlands, pristine beaches and off-the-beaten-track (and croc-free) swimming holes are all within its borders. And Darwin is its gateway. Darwin is Australia's only tropical capital city. With hot, balmy summers and dry, sunny winters, it feels worlds away from the inner-city hustle of our nation's other capitals. On top of its incredible natural beauty, there are plenty of action-packed adventures to be had. From a helicopter pub crawl around the Darwin region to an outdoor deckchair cinema and a music festival right on the beach, the city is the perfect launchpad. Really, it's the perfect summer getaway for when it's cold everywhere else and it's right on our doorstep. Go on, get acquainted with Australia's Top End. SAIL INTO THE SUNSET Darwin is a city known for its harbour and close proximity to the crystal-clear Timor Sea, so kicking back on a cruise is a must when it comes to exploring. Grab a beer and sail into the sunset. You won't have a care in the world with that balmy breeze and endless ocean as far as the eye can see. There's a variety of sailing tours available from Darwin Harbour, lasting from a few hours to adventurous overnight and multi-day trips. But if you're just after a relaxing mini jaunt, the sunset harbour cruise is a winner. Operated by local company Darwin Harbour Cruises, you can choose to either just jump on board and see the sites or indulge in a sunset buffet dinner while being ferried around. Darwin Harbour Cruises sunset tours typically run between April and December, from 6–8.30pm daily. For more information and online bookings, visit the website. SWIM WITH CROCS No trip to Darwin is complete without saying hello to a few crocodiles. Get up close and personal with the prehistoric beasts at Crocosaurus Cove — a croc and reptile haven in the heart of Darwin. It houses the world's largest display of Australian reptiles and is home to Australia's only crocodile dive for the Steve Irwin enthusiasts among us. If the Cage of Death is too far out of your comfort zone, there's a bevvy of other scale-studded attractions like the aforementioned reptile house, croc feeding shows — where you'll see Burt (the star of iconic Australian film Crocodile Dundee) — a freshwater aquarium, a swimming pool and a chance to hold a baby croc. Better to see a croc here than while sunning yourself at the beach. Visit the website for more details and bookings. BOOGIE ON THE BEACH Going to music festivals isn't strictly a summer activity — at least, not in Darwin. Mid-May sees the return of Darwin's huge one-day music shindig, the People's Choice BASSINTHEGRASS festival. This year's lineup features a stack of ace musicians, including Hilltop Hoods, Nick Murphy FKA Chet Faker, Amy Shark, Broods, Meg Mac, PNAU and more. Plus, for the first time in its 17 years, BASSINTHEGRASS will take place at Mindil Beach. So, in between catching your favourite artists, you can gaze out at the Timor Sea and forget that winter is waiting for you back home, as you soak up bucketloads of Top End sunshine. BASSINTHEGRASS 2019 will take place from 11am–11pm on Saturday, May 18. For the full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit the website. WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Run by the local not-for-profit film society, Darwin's Deckchair Cinema grew from the desire to screen films that were not otherwise available in the city. Since it began in the 90s, it has become a go-to activity for locals and passersby alike, hosting an eclectic mix of films in a beautiful outdoor setting. Based on the edge of the harbour, Deckchair Cinema is decorated with fairy lights, artworks by local artists and, of course, deckchairs. There's also a licensed bar and food by local caterers, plus complimentary cushions and (very mandatory) bug repellent. It's the ideal balmy evening activity. Deckchair Cinema runs from mid-April to mid-November with daily screenings. Visit the website for more information and the current program. VISIT DARWIN'S MASSIVE WATERFRONT PRECINCT Darwin Convention Centre, shopping, restaurants, a park, swimming lagoons and a wave pool are all part of the mammoth precinct along Darwin's harbour. The lagoons and wave pool are notable drawcards, offering croc-and-stinger-free cooldowns in the Top End heat. Plus, it's home to some of Darwin's top eateries, including casual Vietnamese eatery CHOW!, Il Lido and the luxe Oyster Bar, which boasts waterfront views and some of the best seafood in town. For more information on the Waterfront Precinct, visit the website here. WANDER THROUGH MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKETS Held every Thursday and Sunday night from late-April to October, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are undoubtedly Darwin's largest and most popular markets. Alongside arts, crafts, and entertainment stalls, there are over 60 food vendors offering up cuisines from almost every international corner — Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Sri Lanka, South America, North Africa, India and across South East Asia. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, then check out what the jewellers, tarot readers, indigenous artists, tailors and leatherworkers have on offer. Oh, and expect street theatre, magicians and plenty of musicians to keep you entertained while you peruse. For more information, visit the website here. [caption id="attachment_718143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emma Pritchett[/caption] EXPLORE KAKADU NATIONAL PARK AND STAY IN A LUXURY SAFARI LODGE If you're planning a visit to Darwin without venturing to one of its surrounding national parks — Litchfield, Mary River and Kakadu — you're really missing a trick. Australia's Top End is abundant with wildlife, exotic flora, rock art, waterfalls, floodplains, colossal termite mounds and swimming holes — it's some of the most diverse terrains in the country. World-Heritage-listed Kakadu, the largest national park in Australia, is 253 kilometres east of Darwin. Cruise down the remarkable Yellow Waters, visit Nourlangie Rock — famed for its indigenous rock art — and see some crocs and Australia's most diverse bird population. Be sure to fit in a visit to Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and dive into a few of the croc-free swimming holes, too. While day tours from Darwin exist, we recommend going all out and staying at Bamurru Plains — Australia's version of an upscale safari lodge — situated on the Mary River floodplains on the edge of Kakadu. Nine bungalows, artfully kitted out in timber and corrugated iron, are enclosed in mesh that offers sheer views over the wetlands. Be warned though — it'll set you back a cool $1360 per night. Visit Kakadu National Park's website for more information. For bookings and more information on Bamurru Plains go here. GO ON A HELICOPTER PUB CRAWL Being a tourist is thirsty work. Luckily, Airborne Solutions has got you with its helicopter pub crawl, which stops at some of the region's more remote watering holes. While up in the air, you'll see unparalleled views of the Top End's natural beauty, covering Darwin, its harbour and coastlines, eucalypt woodlands, termite mounds, billabongs and mangroves. Offered as both a half-day and full-day tour, this pub crawl is sure to get you rubbing shoulders with some quintessentially Aussie characters. You'll visit The Lodge of Dundee, Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern and Goat Island Lodge, before deciding between Humpty Doo Hotel and Noonamah Tavern for your final stop. Although the tours don't come cheap — $795 each for a half-day and $975 a pop for the full Monty — it's a pretty fair dinkum deal for a chopper ride and a beer (or few). For more information and bookings visit the website. To help get you to Darwin this season, and BASSINTHEGRASS festival, Northern Territory Major Events has partnered with Virgin Australia to release a bunch of discounted holiday packages. For more information and to book a flight and accommodation package, head this way. Top Image: Emma Pritchett.
When International Dog Day rolls around on August 26 each year, there are a few acceptable ways to spend it. All of them involve oh-so-adorable doggos, obviously. If you don't have a pet pooch in your life, looking at cute canine videos and photos is perfectly acceptable. Yes, that's what the internet is for. And if you do have a four-legged, barking companion — or several — you really should be spoiling them as much as you can all day long. Here's a question for this glorious occasion: would your dog look better wearing a bandana? You can apply the same query to your friend's pupper, or your parents', or whichever canine you like to pretend is yours if you need to get your pet joys vicariously. Obviously it's a trick question, because the answer is always yes. Find us a dog that wouldn't look dapper with a bandana and you will have found nothing because it's just not possible. The team at Australian activewear label The Upside clearly agrees, so it has released a doggo bandana for International Dog Day. The name: The Pupside, naturally. And this is a piece of canine fashion that also helps dogs and other animals in need, because all of the proceeds from each $19.99 item are being donated to RSPCA NSW. Blue in colour, covered in a paisley print, lined with soft grey marle jersey and suitable for pooches of all sizes, the bandanas went on sale today — because today is August 26, aka the dog-focused day in question — and they're made from recycled fabric offcuts, so The Upside is doing the environment a solid as well. The brand is aiming to not just support RSPCA NSW, but also to encourage people to adopt animals — including dogs, of course — in need. And if you need more motivation to deck out Fido with some new threads, just look at the brand's images of bandana-wearing pooches. Go on. We'll also remind you that, for NSW residents in lockdown, RSPCA NSW has moved its adoption process online again. The Pupside bandanas ship nationally, though, so dogs across the country can spruce up their outfits. The Pupside bandanas are available for $19.99 via The Upside website.
Some think summer arrives when the mercury finally soars past 30 degrees, others are convinced it's the day you muster the courage to throw yourself in the ocean but, if you ask us, summer starts the moment you know Rooftop Cinema is cranking back into gear. Gather your sunnies and start dreaming of twilight Pimms — the new Rooftop program has finally arrived. As always, there's plenty to look forward to. The cinema programmers have perfectly nailed the balance between big new releases, old classics and super relevant tie-ins with other events. They'll even be screening Nas' new music doco to coincide with his totally unprecedented appearance at Sugar Mountain next January. The first instalment of the program will kick off on Saturday, December 6 with David Fincher's controversial conversation starter Gone Girl. Continuing along with the theme of much-hyped blockbusters they'll also be screening Guardians of the Galaxy, Interstellar and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. If big action flicks just ain't your thing, feel free to regress into your childhood instead. Not only are Rooftop offering the usual Christmas fare of Home Alone and Elf, they're also giving you the rare chance to see Labyrinth, Hook and the late great Rik Mayal's gross-out cult legacy Drop Dead Fred. Indie fare will get its usual run too with co-presented sessions run with Speakeasy and Deja View Cinema — the latter are even hosting a Christopher Walken Appreciation Night (probably the highlight of the whole thing). In what may be a program first, there doesn't seem to be any Bill Murray lined up! But don't fret just yet — we're sure they'll be throwing the iconic Ghostbuster's new film St Vincent in for the program's second instalment. If you can't wait until December, Rooftop will also be holding some advance screenings as part of Melbourne Music Week. If you ask us, there's no better way to spend a hot summer's night than hanging out with Nick Cave and The National on a rooftop. For more information about Rooftop Cinema including the full December-January program, see here. The February-April program will be announced at the end of January. Grab your tickets here.
War on Waste, the ABC documentary series presented by The Chaser's Craig Reucassel, brought some shocking statistics into lounge rooms all over the country earlier this year. 1.6-million viewers discovered that Aussies use more than ten million plastic bags per day and chuck out 3.3 million tonnes of food waste per year. The good news is that the show seems to have triggered some action. In mid-July, Woolworths and Coles announced that, over the next twelve months, they'll be phasing out plastic bags. And, a few days ago, the City of Sydney pledged funding for the Responsible Cafes campaign, which is helping local cafes to get rid of disposable cups. Meanwhile, the City of Melbourne is running a project that transforms cigarette butts into plastic products. Every week, the council collects more than 200,000 butts from 367 dedicated bins across Melbourne. "[It's] litter that may otherwise end up being washed down drains and into the Yarra River," said Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC. Unfortunately, cigarette butts are not biodegradable and take ages to break down. So, in collaboration with Enviropoles (who does the collecting) and TerraCycle (who does the recycling), the City is ensuring the butts are turned into usable items, including plastic furniture and shipping pallets. Funding comes from the Victorian Government, via the Litter Hotspots program. "[So far], we have collected 1.2-million butts from around Melbourne's universities and hospitals and busy CBD locations that can be repurposed," Lord Mayor Doyle said. To draw attention to the project, there's a Perspex box filled with cigarette butts in Queensbridge Square, on the banks of the Yarra. The initiative follows the lead of Vancouver, Canada, and New Orleans in the US. "Cities around the world are looking for new ways to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill," said Councillor Cathy Oke, Chair of the City of Melbourne's Environment portfolio. Photo via City of Melbourne.
Across one big spring weekend, Werribee Park's Victoria State Rose Garden blooms bright for the annual State Rose & Garden Show. But this is a whole lot more than just a festival of flowers. While the sprawling six acres of rose gardens come alive with a riot of colour and over 5000 different floral displays, there'll also be pop-up nursery stalls selling a wide range of plants, pots and homewares. You can even hone your green thumb with a program of guided tours and plant care demonstrations. In between exploring the blooms, you'll be treated to live tunes, eats and drinks, courtesy of a couple of brand-new State Rose & Garden Show pop-ups. On Saturday, head to the beer garden for American-style smokehouse fare from Bluebonnet Barbecue and sweet treats from the Scone Sampler, matched with a selection of wine, craft beer, cider and Chirping Bird Wines' spritzers. Sunday follows with a rose-inspired high tea from the High Tea Mistress. You'll need to book into a 60-minute session at 10.30am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm (for either $30 or $45) if you're keen. Expect, refreshing sips from Mrs Bakers Gin and the Prosecco Van, cushy vintage lounges and a parade of sweet and savoury bites, all enjoyed al fresco. Entry is free to the rose show, though any gold coin donation goes to supporting the garden's hard-working volunteers. State Rose & Garden Show is open from 10am–4pm.
Richmond's National Hotel invites you to swap your classic Australia Day feast for an Asian street food party, as it ditches the kitchen in favour of an outdoor BBQ to celebrate the public holiday eve this Thursday, January 25. The pub will be firing up the long weekend with an al fresco session in its lantern-lit beer garden, complete with a grilling station serving Japanese binchōtan-style charcoal BBQ, and a menu filled with pan-Asian street eats. There'll be sizzling skewers featuring combinations like caramelised pork belly, cucumber and chilli vinegar, alongside a tempting veggie dish of crisp carrot and radish cakes with chilli jam and kewpie mayo. Matched to a tidy assortment of drink specials — think $6 Hanoi beers and $12 lychee mojitos — and tunes from resident DJ Loz Newy, this is one way to get the year's first long weekend off to a very solid start.
With 2020's Soul and 2023's Elemental, Pixar took a few cues from its gorgeous 2015 hit Inside Out, but the animated studio isn't done with emotions having emotions. After the original Oscar-winning film spent time inside an 11-year-old's head, seeing how joy, fear, sadness, anger and disgust bounce around her mind, Inside Out 2 will reach cinemas in June 2024 to explore the feelings coursing through the now-teenage Riley. As the just-dropped first teaser trailer shows, she has a newcomer in anxiety. Like Riley herself (who was voiced by Transmission's Kaitlyn Dias in the first movie), the emotions that she's experiencing aren't just sensations — they're characters trying to guide their human in the best way they can. And when Anxiety (Maya Hawke, Stranger Things) shows up, Joy (Amy Poehler, Moxie), Fear (Tony Hale, Quiz Lady), Sadness (Phyllis Smith, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), Anger (Lewis Black, The Last Laugh) and Disgust (Liza Lapira, The Equalizer) aren't quite sure how to react. The first sneak peek at Inside Out 2 hints at more emotions joining the fold, too, although exactly what they'll be — and who'll voice them — hasn't been announced. The poster for the film shows three other new figures trying to burst through alongside the orange-hued Anxiety, but without enough detail to reveal who they are. Everyone who has been a teenager knows the whirlwind of feelings that can spring, however, and therefore why Riley's mind is about to get crowded. And, you'll also recognise that Anxiety isn't about to just become a barely seen sidekick. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pixar (@pixar) Fans of the first Inside Out will also spot that Hale and Lapira are new additions to the voice cast, replacing Bill Hader (Barry) and Mindy Kaling (The Morning Show) respectively. As Inside Out 2 charts big changes for Joy and the gang — and for Riley — first-time feature director Kelsey Mann (who has a story credit on The Good Dinosaur) directs, while Meg LeFauve (Captain Marvel) wrote the screenplay, as she did with Inside Out. Check out the first teaser trailer for Inside Out 2 below: Inside Out 2 releases in cinemas Down Under on June 13, 2024. Images: © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Through an outsider's eye, Melbourne might be known for its stunning museums, the historic Flinders Street Station, delicious coffee and killer nightlife. And while all that is true, there's more to this diverse city than you might think. International tourists and out-of-towners typically gravitate towards exploring the CBD, where most of our city's big-ticket attractions are conveniently located. With that being said, the inner south is where the action is at. If you want to go beyond the free-tram zone, we've partnered with the City of Port Phillip to curate a guide to the city's breathtaking inner south. 7AM: MORNING SWIM AT ST KILDA SEA BATHS Beat the summer heat by taking a morning dip at St Kilda Sea Baths. Filled with natural seawater — which provides healing properties like relieving muscle soreness, injuries and skin ailments, as well as restoring energy — the 25-metre pool is an ideal place get your laps in as well as your cardio kick for the day. For something more laidback, the beachside establishment also features a hydrotherapy spa pool, a unisex aromatherapy steam room and a lounge area that boasts stunning views of the bay. [caption id="attachment_699200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff[/caption] 9AM: BRUNCH AT LENNY, ALBERT PARK After getting your morning endorphins, head on over to Lenny in Albert Park and refuel with a hearty brunch. You obviously can't go wrong with a classic smashed avo toast or eggs benedict; however, if you're feeling adventurous, do try out the banoffee pie french toast or the prawn omelette. For a boozy brunch experience, opt for a mimosa, Aperol spritz or a gin and orange Mediterranean-style tonic. Keeping it low key? Lenny's list of coffee, tea and smoothie offerings are a fab way to complete your meal. [caption id="attachment_703883" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff[/caption] 10AM: EXPLORE ARTISAN WARES AT SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET Tourists might flock to the Queen Victoria Market, but Melbourne locals know that the South Melbourne Market is where it's really at. Open from 8am every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the expansive indoor market boasts a slew of stalls housing everything from butchers, fishmongers and fresh produce to secondhand books, delis and homewares. The artisan wares in particular are worthy of attention and come in different shapes, forms and colours. While you're here, don't miss out on one of the city's best croissants from Agathé. A recent favourite has been the pandan croissant, which sells out pretty quickly. Be warned, there can be quite a queue — but it is certainly worth the wait. 12PM: HAVE LUNCH AT THE LEFT-HANDED CHEF The Left-Handed Chef is just a short stroll from South Melbourne Market and a great spot to try out Jerusalem-style street food. You can dine al fresco or enjoy the rustic interior of the restaurant as you devour popular dishes like lamb cigars served with tahini, harissa and schug, the mushroom kibbeh, chatzilim hummus served with fried eggplant slices and chraime and barramundi fillets cooked in Moroccan red sauce. Don't forget dessert — the Nutella malawach comes with a flaky fried pastry topped with Nutella and icing sugar. 3PM: REFUEL WITH AN ARVO COFFEE AT ST ALI At this time of the day you're probably feeling a little worn out. So, now's your chance to refuel and grab a cup of coffee from the legendary St Ali. You can play it safe and order a flat white, batch brew or pourover. But you could also try the café's signature creations such as the Espresso Shake, made of St Ali espresso, Jock's vanilla ice cream and milk, or the Tonic Sunrise, a mix of Strangelove tonic and Feels Good double espresso served over ice. 5:30PM: HAVE A PRE-DINNER TIPPLE AT STARWARD The time is now drink-o-clock, so head to Port Melbourne's award-winning Starward Whisky Distillery. The Tasting Flights section of the menu includes five options, each of which allows to try either try some of Starward's house-distilled whiskeys or classic cocktails. You could also try one of the inventive cocktails like the Rosella Spritz (featuring Starward's Two-Fold Double Grain Whiskey, mint, amaro, soda and red wine) or Trinity Sour (a mix of Starward's Fortis single malt, bitters, sour orange, clove and cardamom orgeat). Pair your drink with bites like a cheese board, pulled pork toastie or beetroot-cure salmon. 7PM: TAKE A SUNSET STROLL FROM PORT MELBOURNE TO ST KILDA Soak up the last rays of the day with a beachside stroll from Port Melbourne to St Kilda. It might be a bit of a walk, but the views of Port Phillip Bay more than make up for it. Once you get to St Kilda, pay Pink Flake a visit and treat yourself to some of the city's best fish and chips. [caption id="attachment_758267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] 9PM: DRINKS AT THE PRINCE PUBLIC BAR End your day with a stylish nightcap at The Prince Public Bar. This legendary Fitzroy Street spot offers 30 beers on tap as well as a fine selection of wine and classic cocktails. If you're still looking for some grub, bar snacks are served all day — the woodfired pumpkin hummus, chicken liver parfait, grass-fed beef tartare and mozzarella and spring onion croquettes are perfect pairings for your drink. To discover more ways to experience the southside, head to What's On: St Kilda and Surrounds.
Melbourne's famed floating bar has returned to the Yarra a lot earlier this year — instead of launching just before the start of summer, it has opened its doors today, Thursday, September 27 — just in time for the long weekend. And this time, it's bigger and better than ever before. Arbory Afloat, which made its debut in 2015, has reclaimed its prime position in front of on-shore sister venue Arbory Bar & Eatery on the Yarra. But this year it has gained a considerable extra 19 metres in length — that's on top of the 50 metres and 407-person capacity it had last year. The temporary bar and restaurant has again been designed by Lucienne Hemmingway of Curious by Design, and is inspired by train trips through the Cinque Terre, where the beaches and cliffs are surrounded by citrus and fig trees. And real citrus and fig trees you will find on the floating bar, nestled amongst lush garden beds, white furnishings and pops of green and orange. Chef Nick Bennett has again designed the menu, too, which is also inspired by the seaside villages on the Italian Riviera. A woodfired pizza oven, taking pride of place in the open kitchen, will be pumping out Neapolitan-style pizzas, including the Suina topped with buffalo mozzarella, porchetta and crackling, and the Lele with cime di rapa, prawns and chilli. You'll also find lots of seafood, pasta, light salads and sandwiches stuffed with cured meats and cheeses on the menu. Would it be a visit to seaside Italy without spritzes? We think not. And luckily, there'll be plenty. Blood orange and Aperol spritzes will be on tap, sitting pretty on the drinks menu alongside less-Italian cocktails such as piña coladas and watermelon sangria. Those wanting something simpler can choose from one of eight different G&Ts. Find Arbory Afloat at Flinders Landing. It's open from 11am–1am daily. Images: Simon Shiff
When we heard the Melbourne Recital Centre was turning a vacant lot in Southbank into a music festival for four weekends during summer, our ears pricked up. The Garden Party will, like the centre itself, be home to artists across countless genres and, we are hoping, many a warm summer evening. Tim and Alix Design had the giant task of taking the space behind the recital centre and making it Garden Party ready. While it started very sterile and cold, it is promising to be reminiscent of long summer days spent on tree-lined streets running through sprinklers. It's an homage to summer in the 'burbs, and that ain't bad. Each night — Friday through Sunday — will feature a number of bands and DJs from Australian and international shores. Expect indie, electro, and soul, with some of the headlining acts including The Bamboos, Van She, Art of Sleeping, Husky, Jonti, Jens Lekman, and many more. If you want to sip a tipple while you dance, there will be a bar onsite where you can buy drinks in exchange for tokens (available inside), and Soul Kitchen, Gumbo, and Yogadiction will be serving up food to the masses. The Garden Party opens Friday, January 25, with headliners The Bamboos, and they will be throwing a free Australia Day party on Saturday, January 26.
The phrase "stand and deliver" gets stuck in your head quickly while watching The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, thanks to both its theme tune and its dialogue. That's to be expected with a show about a real-life highwayman — albeit a highly fictionalised version, and a series that's definitely a comedy. Those pivotal three words also apply to Apple TV+'s approach to the program's future. After the initial season tickled funny bones with The Mighty Boosh's Noel Fielding in the titular role, the streaming platform has announced that it's standing up and delivering a second season. Take a historical figure, but someone from several centuries back who isn't a worldwide household name. Use them as the basis for a comedy series that doesn't promise to stick to the facts for a second. And, enlist famous hilarity-inspiring folks to tell the tale. The above description summed up Our Flag Means Death, which has sadly departed the streaming seas after being cancelled following a two-season run. Now, since March 2024, it also fits The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. Where Our Flag Means Death's Stede Bonnet was an 18th-century pirate, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin's namesake stuck to land in the same era as a highwayman. You can look up how his story turned out, or you can enjoy how the series gives it the absurdist comic treatment as it follows Turpin and his gang of fellow rogues — across its already-available first season and, although no release date has been revealed so far, soon also in its second. Working in plenty of dick jokes — well, it is the show's main character's moniker — is high on The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin's agenda. So is Fielding in his usual comic mode, as seen on The Great British Bake Off and Never Mind the Buzzcocks as well. Turpin's quest: to evade the corrupt Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey: A New Era), who fancies himself as a thief-taker, and just generally stay alive. And if you're wondering what kind of antics that inspires, Fielding is also one of the series' writers, so anything and everything can and does happen. Wild costume changes were always going to be a given. So was Fielding playing charming but chaotic. "I know what you're thinking: who is this guy with the incredible cheek bones? Where does he get his hair done? One day, I'll be the most-famous highway man in all of England," Turpin tells a crowd to start of the show's season-one trailer — only for it to be revealed that he's standing on a gallows, about to be hanged. Joining Fielding in the cast: Ellie White (Wonka), Marc Wootton (High & Dry), Duayne Boachie (You Don't Know Me), Tamsin Greig (Sexy Beast), Asim Chaudhry (Barbie), Dolly Wells (The Outlaws) and Joe Wilkinson (Sex Education) — and also Noel's brother Michael (also The Mighty Boosh) and his Never Mind the Buzzcocks host Greg Davies (The Cleaner). There's obviously no trailer for season two of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin yet, but check out the trailer for season one below: The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin streams via Apple TV+ We'll update you with a release date for season two when one is announced. Read our review of season one.
God or the atom. Science versus faith. It's one of the great ongoing debates in human history; a conflict inextricably connected with the meaning of life itself. It's also the foundation for the tedious new film by writer-director Mike Cahill. Contrived and pretentious from title card to end credits, watching I Origins is like being trapped in a room full of undergrad philosophy students. It's got no shortage of interesting ideas; it just lacks the maturity to see them develop. At his best when playing on the fringes of insanity, actor Michael Pitt is uncharacteristically stiff as bow-tied hipster biologist Ian Gray. An unreserved atheist, Ian believes he can disprove religious doctrine through his research into the evolution of the human eye. Against all odds, he also finds himself caught up in a whirlwind romance with the more spiritually inclined Sofi, played by French actress Astrid Berges-Frisbey. It's a pretty unconvincing pairing to be honest, one that feels more like the result of a screenwriter's scribbling than it does proof of the adage that opposites attract. In any case, the bulk of the film's thematic conflict — at least initially — plays out in arguments between the two. However thin their romantic connection, the roots of the film's problems lie more in Cahill's dialogue, which is a fatal combination of self-important and dumb. "I believe in proof," says Ian, condescendingly. "Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there," Sofi responds. Cahill is obviously aiming for a sense of intellectual and spiritual ambiguity. Instead, his characters just sound like children, and fairly annoying ones at that. A couple of unexpected plot turns see Ian's faith in reason start to falter, as the film shifts from relationship drama to pseudo-scientific thriller. The second half of I Origins is a hell of a lot more engaging than the first, even if it's built on a string of ridiculous coincidences. Or hey, maybe it's divine intervention? Again, the problem isn't so much the narrative mechanics, but the painfully pompous manner in which they're presented. Plot bombs meant to blow the audience's minds are far more likely to result in groans, or possibly sniggers. Of course, that's assuming you haven't already been put to sleep. https://youtube.com/watch?v=sEGppIgwKf0
Chin Chin's Chris Lucas strikes again with plans to open his second Flinders Lane haunt. It may not yet have a name, but the three-storey, three-kitchen Japanese restaurant is certainly in motion and set to open at 175 Flinders Lane — opposite Supernormal and just down the road from the forever-heaving Chin Chin — in March 2017. According to Good Food, Head Chef Shaun Presland has been lured away from his Sydney digs at Sake (which has also just opened on Flinders Lane) to run this new venture, which is a coup for The Lucas Group. Presland is clearly the man for the job — Japanese cuisine has been his focus for decades, from cheffing in Japan in the '90s (and subsequently becoming fluent in the language), to setting up Sushi e for the Merivale Group back in 2000 and even getting headhunted by Nobu in 2005. The food will aim at high-end without being exclusive — a very Lucas-esqe concept — and the three levels will be distinct and self-contained. At street level will be a 150-seater split-level main dining room with a "serious" sushi bar (sans the train) and a "hot kitchen" in the basement. But we're most excited for the top floor: an eight-seat, omakase-style bar offering traditional kaiseki, which is a delicate and extravagant multi-course display of skill and technique. On the drinks side of things, the restaurant's new wine connoisseur Philip Rich (ex-Prince Wine Store) is flying to Japan in November to create an impeccable Japanese wine, beer and sake list, and the hiring of a "sake master" is also in the works. The building itself is still far from restaurant-ready and, as it currently stands, is part office, part "reptile shop". Luckily, Wood Marsh Architecture (the architects behind ACCA) is on the case. The next twelve months will be a busy one for The Lucas Group, who has also announced a Sydney location of Chin Chin and secretive plans for their recently acquired Smith Street location. This is of course in addition to their other Melbourne eateries, which include the aforementioned Chin Chin, Kong BBQ, Baby Pizzeria and Hawker Hall. Via Good Food. Top image: Chin Chin via The Lucas Group.
Garlic bread — representing the holy trinity of bread, garlic, and butter — is something created by the gluten gods to make us mortals (sans coeliacs) very, very happy. Welcome to Thornbury is aware of this, as demonstrated by its whole day devoted to your fave carbohydrate situation: the Garlic Bread Festival. But Saturday, April 6 is not just for standard garlic bread, as you'll also find genius hybrids such as garlic bread burgers and garlic bread gozleme as the High Street digs. So prepare thy tummy — appearances from Mr Burger, Chef Calamari, Dr Sous, Pizza Pony, Gozleme Station and the Nothin' but Garlic Bread truck are also on the cards. So are garlic ice cream and savoury cocktails. There is an ATM on-site for emergency carb top-ups. Kids are welcome from noon until 8pm, doggos are welcome all day and all night, and both will probably lose their minds over the tasty scraps. Praise be to wheat.
Woodford Folk Festival is a veritable smorgasbord of all things music, performance, creativity and so much more, with this year's lineup boasting over 400 events and 2000 performers over six days that straddle this year and the next. With artists making the trek to the small town of Woodford from all over the world, the festival presents the best that Australia and the world have to offer in the broad category of folk. The town of Woodford, about 70km north of Brisbane, boasts a population of just over two and a half thousand people, so rather than blow that number out of the water for a few days every year, the festival is held about five minutes out of Woodford, on the 500-acre headquarters of Woodfordia, a not-for-profit organisation that produces the festival. The region is a quiet, rural area, nestled in some truly beautiful surroundings and not too far from the beaches at Moreton Bay. With that in mind, why not take a detour from your routine, and build an itinerary that includes the festival, as well as a few other side quests that you wouldn't normally set out on. We've teamed up with our pals at Mazda3 to get your ideas going for where to stay, what to eat and what to do while you're in town. [caption id="attachment_642063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image credit: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK While at the festival, you'd be mad to not gorge yourself on the slew of food on offer within the festival itself. Far from your classic dagwood dog and can of Fanta combo, the streets of the festival village are filled with the scents of cuisine from all over the world. From Mexican to Indian, German to Vietnamese, you can get your fix for any hankering in the festival's boundaries. There are cafes for the mornings and bars for the evening, so whatever your poison, the Festival of Food's got you covered. For the remainder of your stay, however, it's worth taking a few trips off the beaten track to find somewhere more unique to eat and, with rugged mountains providing the stunning backdrop to the areas surrounding Woodford, there's no harm in chasing a good view to wash it down with. Perched atop Mount Mee and enjoying views that range from farms to beaches, Birches Restaurant serves classic bistro food with an emphasis on seafood, a trait not uncommon throughout the region. A little further south, in Ocean View, you'll also find Ocean View Estates, a local winery with a cellar door and restaurant thrown in for good measure. As well as a menu drawing influence from Japan and French cuisines, the winery also added craft beer to their acumen only last year, so it's a just chance to check out the local brews, too. Given that Woodford and its neighbours ride the boundary line between inland rural and coastal beaches, it's not surprising that the region is home to some excellent country pubs. Not that inner-city-bar-pretending-to-be-a-country-pub sort of pub, but an actual pub in the country where the aesthetic is legitimate. So, if the winery hasn't slaked your thirst, sit yourself down at the nearest local and blow the froth off a couple. The Village Garden Bar & Grill in Woodford Village Hotel, for example, provides exactly what it says on the label, dishing out pub grub and beverages in a lovely beer garden. DO The Woodford Folk Festival is more than just a few bands performing over a few days. It's more like a Mary Poppins bag bursting with workshops, comedy, cabaret, talks and debates, a film festival, art, meditation, dance, circus and a whole manner of sins. As well as live musical acts like Sampa the Great, Husky, Montaigne, Kate Miller-Heidke, John Butler and Rising Appalachia, the full program offers a million ways to explore the festival. Brisbane-based slam poet Anisa Nandaula will be in attendance, discussing her own brand of political lyricism, and executive director of the Climate Foundation Dr Brian von Herzen will be discussing a range of issues — and potential solutions to them — facing marine life. From the Circadia circus workshops to 80s dance workshops, Chenda Melam's traditional music from southern India to Kim Kirman and Brian Martin with the Seraphim Baroque ensemble, there's never a dull moment, drinking in traditional folk culture from around the world. And, if you feel like getting out of the throng and into the calm embrace of Mother Nature, there's even the option of an organised walk to check out the local mushrooms. [caption id="attachment_642064" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] D'aguilar National Park, Troy Bell via Flickr.[/caption] Beyond the festival, it would be a sin to pass up the abundant bushlands and national parks that run through Woodford and the surrounding towns. It's a quick drive from town into the D'Aguilar National Park that runs almost all the way south to Brisbane. In addition to a spot of bushwalking, the park also allows four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, and horse riding. The Somerset Trail, which crawls up Mount Mee, is perfect for pretty much everyone who might be down to see the diverse ecology of the area and is pretty close to Woodford. It's an easy track that takes about three to four hours, so if you've brought kids along for the trip, they'll be able to handle it, no worries. The trail takes you through scribbly gum groves, rainforests and ultimately to a lookout that gives an incredible view over the whole Moreton Bay region. STAY With such a huge swathe of land available for the festival, camping is, of course, the traditional method of experiencing the festival. If you're the kind of person who already owns camping stuff, you can bring that along, and the General Store in town will have most things you might not have. Alternatively, there's the option of the Tent Motel, where you can just rent out a pre-erected tent for the duration of your stay. Shower facilities are available for all campers because even though we're sleeping outside, we don't have to be animals. If, however, you're the kind of person who prefers to sleep in a bed, in a room, in a building, there are still places to rest your weary head around the area. The nearby town of D'Aguilar is home to the freshly renovated Dag Pub and Motel, for example, with reasonably priced rooms and a bar and bistro with solid eats and a penchant for memorabilia. If you're making the road trip, it's always good for a city kid to dive into some greener scenery, and a trip to the Moreton Bay area is the perfect opportunity to do just that. With so many national parks such a short drive away, perhaps an unwinding couple of nights at Conondale's Eco Retreat might get you a little bit more in touch with nature. But, if you're looking to get even closer to the trees and the mountains, a stay at Glass on Glasshouse might be the ticket, where your accommodation is a cabin made of floor-to-ceiling windows, snug among the rainforest itself. Woodford Folk Festival takes place at Woodfordia from December 27 to January 1. Top image: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr. Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.
Premium dining is not just for the inner city, and this is proven by the former Nobu and Saké chefs in the kitchen at Katóri in Box Hill. The Japanese yakiniku restaurant combines traditional methods, seasonal Australian ingredients and the creativity and skill of the chefs to sophisticated success. High quality wagyu beef, seafood from local fishmongers, and seasonal veggies are cooked on a charcoal barbecue grill — in the kitchen or by you at your own personal grill, built into the tables — and served alongside a selection of signature dishes, sushi, sashimi and salads. Desserts are creative and delicate, fusing Eastern and Western flavours, to be enjoyed with cocktails championing Japanese whisky, as well as wine, sake and tea. The dining room itself is dark, luxurious and welcoming, a pretty great example of casual fine dining.
Let's face it: plastic is a major problem. A petroleum-based, entirely man-made substance, plastic is the super-villain extraordinaire in the fight against pollution. Despite our recycling efforts, a lot of plastic tends to end up in the ocean, causing enormous wastelands such as the Great Garbage Patch in the Pacific where plastic to marine life ratios have reached 6:1. You'd think by now we'd have come up with an alternative. In 2009, Coca Cola released a sustainable plastic bottle of which a ground-breaking 30% was made with raw bio materials. Not good enough for PepsiCo, who announced yesterday the successful development of a 100% plant-based bottle. The prototype is made of switch grass, pine bark and corn husks, and the company plans to use orange peel, oat hulls and potato in future versions. The bottle retains a similar molecular structure to plastic, meaning it looks and feels the same – minus the environmental impact. It's a major step forward in the future of sustainable packaging. Pepsi plans to test the logistics of mass-producing the bottle in 2012, and if all goes well they'll make the switch. Let's hope they share the idea so the phase-out of plastic production can begin. [Via Fast Company]
They're the masters of immersive thrills, such as smash-hit shipping container installations Seance, Coma and Flight — also known as the Darkfield series. But not even the folks at Realscape Productions are immune to the realities of pandemic life. After spending much of the year locked down with the rest of Melbourne, the team put their nerve-jangling real-life projects on hiatus and whipped up a series of brand-new audio experiences. All of Realscape's recent collaborations with UK creators Darkfield have been designed for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes, such as Double and Visitors — and they've been geared to be every bit as creepy and unsettling as their IRL predecessors. But the next addition to the series, Eternal, promises something extra special. It is inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula, aka one of the best horror novels ever written (and certainly the best vampire novel), after all. Available until Sunday, January 31, Eternal is presented via the producers' new digital project Darkfield Radio. Like its siblings, it plunges participants deep into an immersive experience by perplexing the senses — with the use of a 360-degree binaural sound, played through your own headphones. But while this year's other shows were aimed at groups of two, this one is made for listening to solo, at home, while you're alone in bed. Originally commissioned by Ireland's Bram Stoker Festival, the 20-minute-long Eternal explores the allure of living forever — and will get you pondering what you'd willingly do to avoid death. The uneasiness everyone feels when they hear something go bump in the night also plays a part, because that's just the kind of sensation the production aims to conjure up. To listen along, you'll need an $11.40 ticket, and to book a spot a late-night spot — with the show available at select times Thursday–Sunday (with exact slots depending on the day, but 9.30pm, 10pm, 12.30am and 1am times, all ADST, on offer). And if you haven't yet given Double and Visitors a listen, they're still available as well. Yep, you can make it a triple feature if you'd like to get especially eerie one night.
Just a few short weeks ago, when we were craving comedies to watch, we noted an important fact: that Parks and Recreation's Leslie Knope knows how to handle herself in a pandemic. She's already done so once, in a fifth-season episode of the beloved sitcom — and, while the show came to an end in 2015, viewers are about to see how the Pawnee, Indiana resident copes with the coronavirus. In a one-off special to raise money for US charity Feeding America, the cast of Parks and Recreation are reuniting to tackle COVID-19. And, more importantly, they'll be showing the world how their adored characters are managing at the moment. Adding another scripted instalment to the series, the show's stars will be resuming their on-screen alter egos, courtesy of a brand new episode that follows Leslie's (Amy Poehler) efforts to keep in touch with her friends while everyone is social distancing. The whole gang will be back, including not only Poehler as Leslie and her Making It co-host Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, but Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate-Dwyer, Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer, Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, Jim O'Heir as Jerry/Garry/Larry/Terry Gergich and Retta as Donna Meagle. Although Rashida Jones' Ann Perkins and Rob Lowe's Chris Traeger left the series halfway through its sixth season, they'll be back as well, Variety reports — and you can also expect a few other yet-to-be-revealed guest stars from the show's original run, too. https://twitter.com/parksandrecnbc/status/1253461556102197251 As Poehler reveals in the above video announcing the news, it was all filmed individually from each cast member's home. That means that when this Parks and Rec special hits US screens on Thursday, April 30 (with an airdate Down Under yet to be announced), it'll look a little different to the show's usual episodes. Of course, no Parks fan will mind. Indeed, if you fall into that category, a new episode is literally the best news you could receive right now — so start making waffles, gather all the bacon and eggs you have, and make sure you've got plenty of whisky on hand. A Parks and Recreation Special airs on Thursday, April 30 in the US. There's no word yet about screening details Down Under, but we'll update you when they come to hand. Via Variety.
Less than an hour's drive from Geelong is the magnificent You Yangs Regional Park. Known for its distinctive granite peaks and panoramic views of Melbourne and Geelong, the park also boasts over 50 kilometres of purpose-built mountain biking trails for all levels, walking paths (you can even book into a Parks Victoria volunteer-led walk) and three dedicated horse riding tracks. Speaking of animals, the You Yangs is a great spot for wildlife spotting — over 200 species of birds have been recorded here, while native Australian flora and fauna are also supported by the park.
New year, new vacation season, new gorgeous destination — and new round of chaos at HBO's favourite luxury resort chain, too. After proving not only a huge hit but the best new show on TV in 2021, The White Lotus is returning for a second spin from the end of October. And, as happened in the show's first run, holidaying at the titular chain comes with a whole heap of mayhem for the new batch of guests. Trust Tanya McQuoid-Hunt, aka the character that newly minted Emmy-winner Jennifer Coolidge was born to play, to sum it up in the just-dropped trailer for season two: "it's just been a series of very bad decisions." She's the only main figure on this new getaway, and she's travelling to the just-as-exclusive White Lotus hotel in Sicily with her husband Greg (Jon Gries, Dream Corp LLC) and assistant Portia (Haley Lu Richardson, After Yang) — however the former isn't happy that the latter is with them. Also, Tanya thinks that Greg might be cheating. While the Hawaii-set first season of The White Lotus also starred Murray Bartlett (Physical), Connie Britton (Bombshell), Steve Zahn (Where'd You Go, Bernadette), Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria), Fred Hechinger (Fear Street), Brittany O'Grady (Little Voice), Kekoa Kekumano (Aquaman), Alexandra Daddario (Songbird), Jake Lacy (Mrs America) and Natasha Rothwell (Insecure), a new cast of faces is joining Coolidge and Gries this time around — all with their own vacation issues. Checking into season two: F Murray Abraham (Mythic Quest), Michael Imperioli (The Many Saints of Newark) and Adam DiMarco (The Order) as three generations of one family; Aubrey Plaza (Best Sellers) and Will Sharpe (Defending the Guilty) as a newly wealthy couple vacationing with pals played by Theo James (The Time Traveller's Wife) and Meghann Fahy (The Bold Type); Tom Hollander (The King's Man) as an English expat away with Leo Woodall (Cherry) as his nephew; Beatrice Grannò (Security) and Simona Tabasco (The Ties) as locals; and Sabrina Impacciatore (Across the River and Into the Trees) as this White Lotus' manager. Mark Monday, October 31 in your diary, as that's when HBO's biting satire will return for its second season, including via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Yes, we know that that's the same date as Halloween, but prepare for something twistier, more scathing and more playful than trick-or-treating — at least based on The White Lotus' exceptional first go-around, which just swept Hollywood's TV night of nights in September. Once again, creator/writer/director Mike White (Brad's Status) is behind the series — and also once again, the social satire will follow a week in the lives of titular resort's guests and employees. Season two will span seven episodes, however, prolonging the holiday fun/mess. Check out the trailer for The White Lotus season two below: The second season of The White Lotus will be available to stream Down Under via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand from Monday, October 31. Read our review of season one.
In the ultimate girl-power move, Australia has just scored a new contemporary art gallery dedicated entirely to female and female-identifying artists. The groundbreaking Finkelstein Gallery has made its home in Windsor The brainchild of renowned art consultant and advocate Lisa Fehily, the gallery is set to showcase works from a broad bill of emerging and established artists, including the likes of Cigdem Aydemir, Louise Paramor, Deborah Kelly, Coady, Lisa Roet and Kate Baker. On the international lineup, you'll find names such as South Africa's Kim Lieberman and London-based visual artist Sonal Kantaria. Its creation was spurred by the underrepresentation of women across Australia's art collections. According to recent figures released by The Countess Report, a project and online resource on gender equality in the Australian art sector, show that national commercial galleries show just 40 percent women artists, while state museums are at an even lower 34 percent. It'll debut with all-woman exhibition Finkelstein Gallery presents, running from Thursday, August 29 until Saturday, September 28. "I have selected an exclusive group of talented female artists, whose unique voices combine their incredible insight into contemporary society, life as a female, cultural and historical understanding, together with extraordinary skills with concepts and mediums as artists," explained Fehily in a statement. Finkelstein Gallery is set to deliver a broad range of talent, from an array of disciplines. Catch playful pop culture from emerging artist Coady, some socially and politically engaging performance art pieces from the award-winning Cigdem Aydemir, and Lisa Roet's stunning visual exploration of the relationships between humans and primates, to name just a few. The gallery is only the second of its kind in Australia, and the only existing one, with Canberra's Australian Girls Own Gallery representing exclusively women artists from 1989 until it closed in 1998. Find Finkelstein Gallery at Basement 2, 1 Victoria Street, Windsor. Finkelstein Gallery presents will run from Thursday, August 29–Thursday, September 26.
It took a while but summer is finally here and the warm westerly breezes are infused with sweet juniper, bitter tonic and a hint of lemon. That's right, it's gin season and we couldn't be happier about it. The long, scorching days and gloriously warm, fragrant nights demand to be paired with gin. To make sure you don't miss a sight, sound or sip this summer, we've partnered with Tanqueray to bring you an itinerary of gin-based activities to get into this summer. Welcome to the season of balmy rooftop bars, lazy picnics and cultural richness. [caption id="attachment_700220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff.[/caption] DISCOVER A NEW SUMMER HANGOUT Melburnians know that when those late-30s, early-40s scorching days roll in, the best place to be isn't on the beach, roasting in the sun. It's adjacent to the beach, in the shade, sipping something cool. And the new Espy in St Kilda is the perfect oasis for days when all bets are off. Head over for lunch and grab a cool spot inside, among the emerald green booths, or head for the sunny atrium or balcony. The Espy is the kind of place where you can while the day away, flitting from one room to the next to discover the incredibly designed 12 bars, two restaurants and three live music stages it holds. The new venue has also introduced an arts program, so keep an eye out for creative happenings throughout the summer. Grab a house-bottled, barrel-aged negroni made with Tanqueray and settle in for a day of exploring — and taking in the waterside views. WANDER THE BOTANIC GARDENS WITH POETRY AS YOUR GUIDE Connect with the season by immersing yourself in nature poetry at the park. Throughout summer, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Red Room Poetry run an amazing initiative called New Shoots: A Garden of Poems. The self-guided tour will take you meandering around the gardens, reading the poetry that was written specifically for the ground you're standing on and the environment you're seeing. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to Richmond a few suburbs over and prepare for a summery feast. The Palm Royale do a mean gin and tonic. Pull up a chair to reflect on the poetry over a G&T, and if the mood strikes, decide to submit your own poetry about the day to the New Shoots program. SIP A SUMMER SPRITZ WHILE WATCHING SHAKESPEARE Shakespeare was a man of the people and we suspect he'd be tickled pink to see a crowd of lazy picnickers, drink in one hand and a hunk of brie in the other, reclining in the park and watching his plays under the stars. This summer, two of his most entertaining works are showing in the openair theatre in the Botanic Gardens. For an evening of dramatic twists, book in for Macbeth, or for something a bit more light-hearted (and for any She's the Man fans), there's Twelfth Night. Pack a rug and picnic basket (complete with all the ingredients you need for a summer spritz), and settle in as the sun sets over Billy's classic hits. GO BACK IN TIME TO SEE HOW TABLEWARE HAS EVOLVED Tableware may not be something you've ever given a seconds thought, but you'd be amazed by the vast and intricate history of the tableware industry. Head over to the NGV to check out A Modern Life, its free exhibition on the evolution of everything tableside: a history wrapped up in politics, feminism, war and economic machinations. If the unexpected spiciness of tableware has you parched, jump on the 86 tram from Bourke Street and head to The Everleigh in Fitzroy for a digestif cocktail. It's a truly atmospheric venue that will transport you back to the glamour of yore (tableware and all). We recommend ordering the Debutante for a little sugar hit. It's Tanqueray gin, pomegranate, lime and orange bitters and will go down a treat. [caption id="attachment_697481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Westoby.[/caption] EXPERIENCE THE MESMERISING CLOCK The last exhibition to hit ACMI before its renovations, Christian Marclay's internationally renowned film exhibition The Clock is showing at ACMI between January 23 and March 10 and it's definitely worth your time. To paraphrase, it's a collection of iconic moving image snippets of timepieces that run for a whopping 24 hours (don't worry though, you don't have to stay the whole time). Head over and enjoy ACMI (and it's powerful AC) one last time before it closes up shop for renovations. And once you're ready to clock out, head north on Swanston for a few blocks and turn right into Bourke Street, direction Madame Brussels. Climb the stairs and grab a table on the rooftop terrace; it's time to discuss what you've just seen at ACMI. Order a Gin Garden cocktail and watch the hot, balmy city pass by below you. Celebrate the return of summer with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city. Top image: The Espy, Alex Drewnik..
2022 marks 90 years since the ABC first started broadcasting in Australia, beginning as a public radio service all that time ago. Over the decades, it has also made the leap of television, and been a source of news, entertainment, after-school kids shows, oh-so-much Doctor Who and late-night music videos to keep you occupied after a few drinks. And, it's home to Spicks and Specks, the Aussie music quiz show that no one can get enough of. So, it's fitting that as part of the network's celebrations for its big birthday, it has confirmed that Spicks and Specks will return again this year for a new ten-episode season. What's better than watching a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about music? Watching them do all of the above while answering questions, competing for points and just generally being funny, too. Yes, that's the concept behind Spicks and Specks. It takes a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pits Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. It was a weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011 — and, as it keeps being resurrected. As fans will already know, Spicks and Specks has been enjoying more comebacks than John Farnham of late, although that has meant different things over the years. When the program was first revived back in 2014, it did so with a new host and team captains, for instance. And when it started to make a return with its original lineup of Adam Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough, it first did so via a one-off reunion special. That 2018 comeback proved more than a little popular. It became the ABC's most-watched show of that year, in fact. So, the broadcaster then decided to drop four new Spicks and Specks specials across 2019–20 and, for 2021, to bring back Spicks and Specks in its regular format. In 2022, ten more new episodes await. It's expected that Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough will settle back into their old chairs — new eps, same stars has been a big focus in recent years, of course — but plenty about 2022's run has yet to be confirmed. That includes exactly when it'll start airing, and who'll be hitting buzzers among the program's guests. Still, you can add playing along with the show from your couch — again — to your plans before 2022 is out. Spicks and Specks will return to ABC TV for ten episodes sometime in 2022. You'll also be able to stream the series via ABC iView. We'll update you when an exact release date is announced.
Hitting the ski slopes this season? If you're quick, you can be among the first to book a stay in the just-opened Numbananga Lodge — a self-contained, ski-in ski-out snow lodge in Smiggin Holes, with easy access to all the fun of Perisher. With room to sleep six, this cosy, newly renovated pad could be an ideal base for that group snow trip you've been planning. Just keep in mind that you'll need a cool $1500 per night (during peak season) to book it — which works out to $250 each, if you can find five friends. The lodge is perched only a five-minute drive from Perisher Valley, though many will be tempted to take the scenic route: travelling by skis right from the front door, or on the nearby Link T-Bar. The lodge is available to hire out year round, and summertime at Numbananga has plenty of drawcards of its own, boasting primo views and endless opportunities for fishing, bike riding and bush walking in the nearby Kosciuszko National Park. It also costs significantly less to hire out in the off-season, dropping to as little as $350 a night. Owned and operated by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the nature-based accomodation is a pretty rare gem, as the only publicly available, free-standing, self-contained lodge in the area. Book your Numbananga Lodge stay via the National Parks NSW website.
One of 2013's best album covers, Pennsylvanian Kurt Vile's LP Waking On a Pretty Daze featured a specially commissioned mural by Steve "ESPO" Powers in Philadelphia. Now the bright, purely inoffensive mural — which controversially features a rampaging dancing snowflake, threateningly adorable postbox and a terribly welcoming couch surround by a love heart and the words "There's a place for all my friends." — has been painted over by local man DJ Lee Mayjahs, according to Philadelphian radio station WXPN. Why? Apparently the mural was "attracting graffiti to the neighbourhood." WARNING: Vile fans, this photo hurts a little. Philadelphia journalist Leah Kaufmann spoke to Mayjahs, turns out he really didn't know what he was doing when he took to the mural with white paint. Mayjahs is apparently horrified by his actions and has offered every sincere apology. "I got home and started doing research on my computer. I can't believe what I had done ad I wrote a letter to Kurt Vile apologising," he said. "I wrote a letter to the artist Espo apologising, telling them that I would pay Espo to come down and repaint it. I also wrote a letter to the mural arts apologising. Apparently it wasn't official. Even though it wasn't official I'm sorry for everything I did. I would do whatever I could do to make it right. I really am sorry. I don't know what I was doing. I literally lost my mind and took it out which was the dumbest thing I've ever done in my entire life." "I live in that neighbourhood. I've lived there for 15 years. I'm always cleaning up the streets and alleyways. I don't know… for some reason I feel like ever since that piece has been there it's attracted more and more graffiti to that neighbourhood, he said. "Every time I paint over illegal graffiti I was blaming it on it (the mural) and I didn't realise the people in the neighbourhood love it, I've never really sat and looked at it. I never did any research on it and then I just snapped." "I didn't think anything through and acted false pretence. I didn't think about the consequences of my actions. I'm sorry about that, I love Philadelphia, I love my neighbourhood and I love the arts. I'm a big supporter of the arts and so for me to do something that offends all of these people is completely out of character for me. Anybody who knows me will tell you the exact same thing. I'm sorry about it." Vile's rep has confirmed to that ESPO will head back to the mural and repaint it. The building's owner and the attached restaurant are apparently fans, seeing no reason to fear a graffiti influx to their Philadelphian streets because of it. Check out the mini-doco about the creation of the mural and just stare forlornly at the Waking On a Pretty Daze album cover for consolation: https://youtube.com/watch?v=I4RlljcBKg0 Via Pitchfork, Metro and WXPN.
Across 2021's cooler months, locations around Australia will transform into winter wonderlands, celebrating the chilly season in all of its frosty glory. From May through until September, The Winter Village is returning after its debut run in Melbourne two years back — and this time it's dropping by several other cities as well. Modelled on your typically picturesque European winter market — and giving Aussies a taste of a winter experience that we don't really have otherwise — The Winter Village comes complete with an ice rink, an igloo village, daily snow showers, and a food and drink lineup. Think of it as your quaint wintery escape in the very heart of Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Parramatta. Melbourne is the pop-up's first stop again, with The Winter Village bringing its frosty fun to Skyline Terrace at Federation Square (aka the top of the carpark) from Thursday, May 13–Sunday, August 29. But this event is actually running concurrently around the nation, rather than making its other destinations wait their turn. So, it'll set up at Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide from Friday, May 14–Sunday, September 5; at Northshore's Riverfront event site in Brisbane from Thursday, June 3–Sunday, August 29; and at Northbridge's Ice Cream Factory in Perth from Friday, May 28–Sunday, September 19. A Parramatta stopover is also listed on The Winter Village's website, although no dates or locations have been provided as yet. So Sydneysiders had best cross their fingers that the event will make its way to the city. Attendees will be able to dust off their skates and hit the ice, and hire a private igloo where you can wine and dine in cosy solace — either with up to five people in a smaller space, or in a six-metre-wide igloo that can cater for 14. Folks spending their time in The Winter Village's igloos will feast on grazing plates of chips, dips, mini pretzels, cured meats, fried chicken bites, mac 'n' cheese croquettes and more, drink their choice of wine or beer, and tuck into a chocolate ice cream sandwich for dessert. That's the $49 package, with the $69 option including espresso martini-flavoured chocolate fudge dipping sauce, berries, brownies, marshmallows, cookies and your choice of an Aperol spritz, espresso martini, wine or beer. Or, get festive over brunch instead — which includes a 45-minute skate session and a meal afterwards for $35. There'll also be pop-up bars and outdoor seating throughout the village, should you be keen on heading along without spending time in an igloo. The latest venture from hospitality group Australian Venue Co, the frozen oasis will be open daily and free to enter. That said, ice skating, igloo hire and a couple of winter warming beverages will come at a cost. The Winter Village will head to Skyline Terrace at Federation Square in Melbourne from Thursday, May 13–Sunday, August 29; Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide from Friday, May 14–Sunday, September 5; Northshore's Riverfront event site in Brisbane from Thursday, June 3–Sunday, August 29; and Northbridge's Ice Cream Factory in Perth from Friday, May 28–Sunday, September 19 — and with details of its Parramatta visit still to be revealed. Head to the event's website to book igloos and skating sessions. Top images: Mazloum J.
If you're a fan of Gelato Messina and its sweet treats, the past couple of years have just kept on giving. That saying doesn't apply to much at all during the pandemic, but it definitely fits in this situation. The dessert chain has released all manner of one-off specials, launched a new range of chocolate-covered ice cream bars in supermarkets, dropped a merchandise line and brought back its Christmas trifle, for starters — and, as it did in 2021, too, it's also doing Easter cocktails. A collaboration with Cocktail Porter, Messina's DIY drinks kits let you whip up your own boozy beverages — and, because it's that time of year, you'll be doing so inside an Easter egg. Yes, you read that correctly. What's the point of being an adult at Easter if you can't combine sweet treats with alcohol? Basically, these kits answer a familiar dilemma, especially at this time of year. No one likes choosing between tucking into an orb of chocolate and having another beverage, after all. Flavour-wise, get ready to sip and eat a whole heap of salted caramel. These packs come with Messina's popular dulce de leche topping, as well as Baileys, cold-drip coffee and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur. You'll also receive chocolate Easter eggs, obviously, which you'll pour your mixed liquids into — as well as pieces of salted caramel popcorn to pop on top. You can pick between two different-sized packs, with the small kit costing $80 and making five drinks, and the large costing $145 and making 12. Fancy drinking Easter cocktails out of rabbit-shaped mounds of chocolate? That's on the menu as well. This kit doesn't actually feature Messina products, but espresso martinis served out Lindt milk chocolate bunnies should still tempt your boozy tastebuds. This one also comes with vodka, cold-drip coffee, sugar syrup and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, and the prices for both small and large batches are the same as the salted caramel kits. Cocktail Porter delivers Australia-wide, if that's your Easter drinking plans sorted. It's now doing pre-orders for both packs, which'll start shipping from mid-March. To order Cocktail Porter's Easter cocktail kits, head to the Cocktail Porter website.
