With September comes some much-needed spring and — to build on the beers in the sun you've no doubt been raring for — so too comes Oktoberfest. The famous German beer drinking festival runs for three weeks, kicking off before actual October, and it's a big deal in Munich. It's certainly not a small deal here, either, with Hofbräuhaus Melbourne leading the fray in the festivities in this part of the world. It's one of the oldest German restaurants in the country and has been celebrating Oktoberfest for fifty years — so, coming right up this year is a particularly big birthday bonanza. Starting on Saturday, September 22 and running for five weeks, the opening party will bring huge steins of bier, obviously, as well as live entertainment, stein carrying comps (it's even harder than it looks) and Bavarian feasting. The winner of the competitions can get themselves a whole year of free Hofbräuhaus bier, so it's worth doing a few arm days at the gym between now and then. The day will start with a traditional keg tapping in the restaurant at noon, with the party kicking on from 5pm in the 'bierhall'. If huge biers and German comfort food are your things, then it's time to crack out the lederhosen or dirndl and prepare yourself for easily the rowdiest 50th birthday you'll attend this year. Table bookings are necessary — book here or over the phone.
In good news for anyone who has ever run out of grog mid-party (or just anyone who sucks at planning), Lygon Street bottle store and off-license bar Bahama Gold has launched Bahama Litres, a wine delivery service that will get wine to your door within the hour of order for any orders placed before 2pm. There's one caveat: you must live within a 15-kilometre radius of Brunswick in order to qualify — because, well, lightspeed travel hasn't been invented yet. The bottles go for $22 a pop, or you can nab three for $59. You can choose from Koerner red light blend 'Bright Red', Koerner 'Rizza' (riesling), and 'Little Reddie' Skinzies (pinot gris). Oh, and delivery will be free. The organic wines are sustainably farmed and produced exclusively with Adelaide winemaker Damon Koerner and Barossa's Koen Janssens. The wine is also packaged in Bahama Gold's branded bottles, which means you can bring them back to Bahama Gold to be refilled at a discounted price of $20. Love that for us (and the planet). Bahama Litres are also available to buy in-store, or you can head to the Bahama Gold website to order a delivery. With Christmas around the corner, this might just be the perfect — and quick — gift. Find Bahama Gold at 135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, and head to its website to order online.
The Taste Riverina Festival sees the region's producers come together in a month-long celebration of local food from October 1 through 31. The curated program spans agricultural tours, cooking demonstrations, food treks and beer and wine tastings, along with your requisite degustation dinners, farmers markets and cafe specials available around town. Riverina is know for its diverse range of local produce, including rice, citrus, olive oil, lamb and beer — to name a few. The region's plentiful vineyards will be offering up cellar door tastings paired with music and food to boot. There will be whole meals dedicated to salami and the Ploughman's Lunch, along with a food and art fusion exhibition. Bush tucker tours, pool parties and pub crawls round out the jam-packed program that is sure to leave your belly satisfied.
Fiji has cemented its ongoing status as one of the go-to island holiday destinations for Australian travellers. It's a little further abroad than local spots like The Whitsundays and Bali, but the beaches and rainforests of the South Pacific are magical enough to warrant the extra miles. While you may have spotted honeymooners and influencers paddling about luxury bungalows on stilts in the middle of a private bay (and wished to join) you don't have to empty the bank account to enjoy some of these 300 islands. Instead, you can island hop at your own pace and budget, finding the best hidden beaches and reefs within the archipelago. Here are some of our favourite spots to help you start planning your next Fiji trip. [caption id="attachment_877268" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Fiji[/caption] YASAWA ISLANDS This group of 20 volcanic islands is known for being accessible to people on just about any budget. Within small villages, you can find family-run hostels and hotels as well as larger luxury resorts. But one of the most appealing parts of visiting the Yasawa Islands is the culture. Here, you are significantly more likely to come across locals living a traditional island life, running small eateries and fishing off the shores. Unlike the privately owned islands, these haven't been paved and manicured for tourists. Getting around the islands is also super easy. You can arrive here by ferry and island hop using their Bula Pass — it's essentially a hop-on, hop-off boat pass for the local islands. No need to get a helicopter or private boat to see the best of these authentic parts of the country. [caption id="attachment_877285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Get Lost[/caption] KADAVU ISLAND Kadavu is Fiji's fourth largest island and perfect for travellers looking for adventure. The island has been purposely kept wild, letting nature do its thing. Head to Kadavu Island for hikes up into dense vine-covered forests to find hidden waterfalls and natural springs. Or take to the water on sea kayak tours, paddling from lagoon to lagoon, stopping off at small coral reefs and local villages along the way. You can also take longer treks out to The Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, for more snorkelling and incredible bucket list scuba diving. Despite being just a 50-minute flight from Nadi (where international flights arrive and depart), this island feels far off the beaten path. The stress and hustle of the big city grind will seem a million miles away while you explore this tropical wilderness. [caption id="attachment_877276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kokomo Private Island[/caption] MAMANUCA ISLANDS These famous islands are more orderly and landscaped than the previously mentioned destinations but they're far from being a Joni Mitchell song: they haven't totally paved this paradise yet. You'll find some of most beautiful white sand beaches in these parts alongside a smattering of resorts and private beach clubs. Spend your days island hopping by boat, jet ski or kayak to explore some of the 20 picturesque islands. Great surf breaks are also a starring feature in these parts, with the famous heart-shaped Tiny Tavurua and Namotu island resorts being perfectly situated for any activities involving stellar waves. Another big drawcard for the Mamanuca Islands, is the ease at which you can get here. It takes about 20 minutes to get here from Nadi via ferry. And, thanks to its popularity, it's also simple to organise trips around the islands — either ask your accommodation to recommend a good one or find your favourite guide hawking their tours on the beach. Editor's tip: book a romantic seven-night holiday at an adult's only resort here (which includes all transfers, a couple's massage and a dolphin safari tour). [caption id="attachment_877272" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Malamala Beach Club by Brook Sabin[/caption] VANUA LEVU If you're truly wanting to get away from the tourist crowds head to Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji. Here, you'll find just one paved road which connects the two main towns of Labasa and Savusavu (as well as plenty of dirt tracks where the buses and cars will still traverse). Explore the rambling countryside, hike up into the hills and hit up some of the peaceful beaches. When staying here, make sure you also visit the neighbouring island of Taveuni. It's another of Fiji's forgotten islands (at least when it comes to international travellers), but boasts the stunning Bouma National Heritage Park — a haven for hikers and bird watchers, and home to the famous Tavoro Falls and pools. [caption id="attachment_877286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Grafton[/caption] LOMAIVITI ISLANDS A collection of 16 islands make up this region to the east of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, and they are significantly less touristy than the Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands. The inner islands of this group are relatively developed and welcome a small number of tourists regularly. But, as soon as you get to those on the outer islands and the even-further-afield Lau islands, you find yourselves significantly more isolated. It's a lot harder to travel these parts, with only the most patient and well-prepared travellers heading beyond — to be well rewarded for their efforts. When visiting the Lomaiviti Islands, we recommend you stay on Ovalau or one of its nearby islands which are all connected by colourful coral reefs. Come here to get away from the crowds and experience a more chill island life. [caption id="attachment_877270" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Fiji[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Top images: Turtle Island Resort
Daft Punk have never been averse to some commercial collaboration, and now they've teamed up with perhaps the biggest and most recognised soft drink company in the world. It's just been announced that Coke will release two limited edition bottles in silver and gold, entitled 'Club Coke,' as a tribute to the French electro duo's robot helmets. The bottles will begin production in March 2011, and will be coupled with the launch of the Daft Coke website. Naturally, the bottles will almost solely be available in clubs, where shiney things are always the best things, and will no doubt be the source of many a French hipster's pick-up line. They'll also be sold at the very chic, high-end store Colette in Paris as a collector's box set (although how long can you keep Coke for? Or is Coke like baked beans, and strong enough to survive nuclear holocaust?). Daft Punk have previously collaborated with Adidas and The Gap to sell stuff, so the Coke venture doesn't come as much of a surprise. But surely the real question, and one that everyone seems to be ignoring, is: does it taste like Daft Punk? https://youtube.com/watch?v=86vQMkR9raI
It's been just over six months since Melbourne scored its last offering from renowned chef Jessi Singh. Last June, he opened colourful, unconventional Indian joint Daughter In Law and, the year before that, his eatery Don't Tell Aunty landed in Sydney's Surry Hills. Now, the restaurateur — who originally co-founded other hits including Horn Please, Kyneton's Dhaba at The Mill and Babu Ji in Melbourne and NYC — has opened a new wine bar and boutique booze store on Flinders Lane. Sticking with the family theme, this latest venue has been named Mrs Singh. It feels a little more grown up than its siblings — but it just as playful. Sporting a mix of textures and colours, diners are met with a heady vision of orange panelling, blue marbled flooring, rich reds, green velvet, a terrazzo-topped bar and striking gold accents throughout the 65-seat space. Singh fans will be familiar with the soundtrack of party jams and rotation of retro Bollywood flicks projected on the wall. [caption id="attachment_759088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Coco Bunny[/caption] Drinks are the main game here, led by a 300-strong wine list from award-winning sommelier Dheeraj Bhatia (Sydney's Est.). A produce-driven cocktail lineup stars sips like the signature Mrs Singh — a fusion of mezcal, beetroot, Aperol, agave, lime and black salt — and the Coco Bunny which, with carrot juice, turmeric, ginger and gin, is basically boozy breakfast juice. A roving champagne trolley amps up the luxury and there's even a retail selection of beers and wines available to take home, complete with suggested picks. On weekdays, the bar is open for lunch, serving a simple menu of two $25 thalis: one vegetarian and one with butter chicken, rogan josh and goat curry. After work, though, the menu opens up to a longer list of drinking-optimised plates after-hours. You might find yourself tucking into flaky paratha bread with mango, chilli and 15-month comté, a lobster roll teamed with curry chips, or some sweet and spicy cauliflower. Scallop ceviche is done with lashings of coconut and chilli, and the tandoor oven pumps out serves of chicken, prawn and paneer. Or you can always settle in with the chef's selection menu for an easy $75 per person and free up more time to spend on that drinks list. Images: Peter Tarasiuk.
Airports are a necessary part of the international travel experience. They're hardly most people's favourite place or anyone's ultimate destination, but you can't fly overseas without visiting them. Next time you're jetting abroad, however, you might want to add a visit to Singapore's Changi Airport to your trip. Nothing breaks up a long-haul journey like a 40-metre tall indoor waterfall, after all. After hosting a short-term immersive Harry Potter-themed world over the Christmas period, the Asian transit point has now launched a new permanent addition — the 137,000-square-metre Jewel Changi complex, under a glass-and-steel dome, that's jam-packed with shops, dining options, greenery, activities and one massive water feature. Designed by Safdie Architects, it takes over ten storeys, including five above the ground and five below, as part of the airport's terminal one expansion project. If it's the cascading attraction that you're most interested in, it's called the Rain Vortex. As the name suggests, it uses water collected from above. Running from 8am–12.30am, it's also the world's tallest indoor waterfall, and also provides the backdrop for a light show. Surrounding the Rain Vortex is the Shiseido Forest Valley, which is home to over 2000 trees and palms, as well as more than 100,000 shrubs, all across five storeys. To allow visitors to really soak in the natural splendour, the manicured garden features a number of walking trails that take around half an hour each to complete — and they're open 24/7. Although the waterfall and garden have been welcoming travellers since Wednesday, April 17 — as has Jewel Changi in general, its new onsite IMAX theatre and YOTELAIR Hotel, plus Nike, Marks & Spencer, Muji, Zara and Uniqlo stores as part of 280 retailers and eateries overall — there's also more to come. From June 10, the site will mark the opening of its fifth-level Canopy Park, which'll bring with it a heap more adventurous activities. Specifically, visitors will be able to walk along a bridge suspended 23 metres above the ground, and even see through the glass floor to the garden below. You'll also be able to bounce along a 250-metre span of sky nets, wander through both a hedge maze and a mirror maze, and slip down the slide-filled sculptural playground. Forget just killing time on a layover, searching for a phone charger or suffering in uncomfortable chairs while you're waiting for your flight home. Here, you might have to remind yourself that you're actually at an airport. For further details, visit the Jewel Changi Airport website.
There's been a flurry of Mornington Peninsula haunts scoring top-to-toe makeovers as the balmy summer season draws close; from the multi-faceted Continental Sorrento, to nearby all-day eatery Stringers. And another to join the club is Mornington's Bay Hotel, now sporting a major refurb courtesy of new owner Liam Ganley (Ganley Group's Angus & Bon, Freddie Wimpole's). Housed in a 133-year-old former bank building on Main Street, the historic pub has been smartly reimagined at the hands of Studio Y, its new look even nabbing a couple of spots on this year's Eat Drink Design Awards shortlist. [caption id="attachment_869364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Geer Architectural[/caption] The interiors are fitted out in a nod to the Aussie pubs of yesteryear, with an added splash of Irish charm thanks to Ganley's own heritage. There's chequered floors surrounding the bar, exposed brick and old-school timber panelling on the walls, and a private dining room nestled within the old bank vault, complete with bar access via a secret hatch. With this latest project, Ganley set out to deliver an 'every person' kind of pub; one where you can catch a gig, grab a feed and sip pints in front of the footy, too. [caption id="attachment_869365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Executive Chef and Texan native Jeremy Sutphin (Angus & Bon) is heading up the food offering, mingling Aussie pub favourites with the classics of his homeland. Down the snacky end, you'll find bites like Mount Martha mussels with prosciutto and a lemon butter sauce, southern fried chicken with fermented chilli and garlic aioli, and kingfish sashimi elevated with oyster cream, karkalla (pigface) and saltbush. A chicken parma and signature cheeseburger sit alongside the likes of crispy-skinned barramundi with Japanese-style slaw; blue swimmer crab linguine; and the bangers and mash, featuring caramelised onion, potato purée and beef jus. Hop in on Sunday to check out the rotating weekend roast special. [caption id="attachment_869366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] The Bay's tap-list showcases drops from locals like St Andrews Beach Brewery, Jetty Road and Banks Brewing; similarly, Mornington Peninsula pours headline the wine offering, including goodies from Quealy, Kerri Greens and Trofeo Estate. And if you're in the mood for sipping cocktails, you'll find a roll-call of classics, from an old fashioned crafted on Aussie whisky, to an espresso martini made with salted caramel and coffee from nearby Commonfolk. Venture upstairs to catch sport on the big screens, and hit the bandroom for live gigs to soundtrack your weekend — you'll find upcoming shows listed on the website. [caption id="attachment_869372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_869362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Geer Architectural[/caption] Find The Bay Hotel at 62 Main St, Mornington, Victoria. It's open 12pm–late Wednesday to Sunday. Top Images: James Geer Architectural and Eugene Hyland
Located in the heart of Melbourne's southeast, Murrumbeena Wine Bar is the kind of top-quality neighbourhood joint you wish was your local. And you've just scored a stack of new reasons to pay a visit, as the venue kicks off its fresh series of artisan-led Sunday sessions. Soulful Sundays are all about local makers and producers — not just celebrating them, but also inviting punters along for an in-depth exploration of what they're doing. On select Sundays, the doors will be closed to the public and the entire venue thrown over to a different local business for an immersive afternoon of artisan appreciation. The lineup is diverse, spanning winemakers, distillers, artists, cheesemakers and a whole lot more. And there'll be plenty of opportunity to unleash your own creative spark, too. Coming up on April 23, you've got Seaford distillery That Spirited Lot with a guided tasting and cocktail soireé, while a Mother's Day session on May 14 will see you creating a masterpiece at a paint-and-sip session led by a local artist. On May 28, Mrs. Baker's Stillhouse hosts a hands-on gin-blending class, and on June 4 and August 20, indoor plant boutique The Plant Whisperer will teach you the art of creating decorative terrariums. Also on the bill: cheese tastings, candle-making workshops, jewellery-making, speed-dating and more — check out the website to see what's coming up next.
If you're a true seafood lover who's keen on a long-haul road trip down the coast, this one's for you. The annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns to Mallacoota from Friday, April 26, to Sunday, April 28, and it's the perfect excuse to squeeze in a weekend getaway. This year's festivities are set to deliver a jam-packed celebration of top local produce, community and history. One of the main events is a huge seafood market on Saturday featuring food stalls, local booze pop-ups and a stack of local producers showcasing their finest ocean-fresh hauls, with abalone, sea urchin, prawns and many (many) oysters all on offer. Elsewhere, you'll have the chance to jump aboard a Mallacoota lake cruise to watch the sunset with bubbles, beer and brilliant seafood in hand, or take a daytime jaunt aboard the historic M.V Loch-Ard to learn all about estuary health and the tasty sea creatures that live just beneath the water's surface. The stacked lineup of events at this year's Wild Harvest Seafood Festival also includes a night-time lantern festival, paella picnic, sand sculpting competition and bush food walk with Budawang Elder from the Yuin Nation Noel Butler. Images: Destination Gippsland
The Meat and Wine Co has three outlets across town — one in the CBD, one in South Yarra, and one in Hawthorn — so you need not miss out when it comes to hump day lunches. If you've beer and meat in your sights, head in for their lunch special: two courses ($39) or three ($49) which includes a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink. Or, just pick an animal and go to town with ribs, steak and chicken breast all available. Images: Giulia Morlando.
One of the greats of the Aussie comedy industry, Josh Thomas, has graced our eyes and ears with his two television series Please Like Me and Everything's Gonna Be Okay, his podcast Josh Thomas and Friend and his standout standup career. Said standup career is returning to our lives with his newly announced 2024 national tour Let's Tidy Up. In this show, Josh tidies up, which isn't usually particularly gripping entertainment. Unless it's difficult, and for Josh, it's supposedly impossible, akin to defying gravity and reversing the tides. But he also promises more topics — like gardening, gophers and a love story. The tour starts in Sydney at the Sydney Opera House from Wednesday, January 31 to Sunday, February 18. Then Josh will move on to visit Canberra, Hobart and Newcastle for one-night-only shows in late February. He'll set up shop at Adelaide Fringe Festival from March 5—10, then hit Cairns and Perth for one-night-only shows in March and April. There'll be several shows at Melbourne Comedy Festival from April 9—21, a one-night-only show in Toowoomba on Wednesday, May 1 and finally the Brisbane Comedy Festival from May 2—5. And as a special offer for you, dear reader, you can get 20% off your tickets with this limited time offer to select shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 'Let's Tidy Up' is playing at the Sydney Opera House from Wednesday, January 31 to Sunday, February 18. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website.
During this last week of April there's been a bit of good news about Australia's battle to contain coronavirus. Queensland and NSW both announced the easing of some restrictions from this Friday, May 1, South Australia has had seven days in a row of no new cases and the ACT, as of today, has zero active cases. Also unveiled today was the Northern Territory's Roadmap to the New Normal, which includes the reopening of restaurants, bars and cafes — in just two weeks. Announced today by Chief Minister Michael Gunner, the roadmap is broken into three parts. From midday tomorrow, May 1, some "simple and safe" outdoor activities are allowed — including weddings and funerals, outdoor sports where physical distancing can be maintained (so tennis is OK, but not basketball) and fishing, boating and sailing with other people — and public swimming pools, water parks, playgrounds and campgrounds (outside biosecurity areas) can open. Stage two, set to start from midday on Friday, May 15, allows "safer" indoor activities for "less than two hours". Places of worship, public libraries, gyms, beauty therapy salons (for non-facial services), shopping centre food courts and restaurants, cafes and bars can all have customers for short bursts. So, you can go and have a couple of pints at a bar or a bowl of pasta and a wine, but not sit down for an eight-course degustation. The venues wanting to reopen as part of this second round of eased restrictions must submit a "simple COVID-19 safety plan checklist" to prove they're operating within physical distancing and hygiene guidelines, but these do not need to be approved. At present, the Chief Minister has not outlined exactly what these physical distancing guidelines are, but the checklist will be made public on May 5. [caption id="attachment_714483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney's Cantina OK is currently closed. Image by Kimberley Low.[/caption] If the guidelines include the Federal Government's previous one person-per-four-square-metre limit, it's possible it won't be viable for all hospitality venues to reopen. When this restriction was first introduced back in March 20, many hospitality spots — including tiny Sydney mezcal bar Cantina OK — chose to close. Some closed even earlier, when the government introduced a ban on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people. Part three of the NT government's plan is set to be rolled out on June 5, and includes the removal of the two-hour limit and the commencement of more indoor and outdoor activities, such as going to a football game and the opening of cinemas, theatres, concert halls, nightclubs and entertainment venues (in an "approved configuration"). The territory's 14-day forced quarantine rules for all non-essential interstate travellers does not have an end date as part of the plan — so, no, don't expect to go on a holiday to the Top End anytime soon. The NT has had significantly less cases compared to other states and territories, with a total of 27 — as of 6am on April 30 — compared with 1034 in Queensland, 1354 in Victoria and 3016 in New South Wales. But the two-month plan could be an example of what the road out might look like for the rest of the country, albeit a little later on. You can find out more about the Northern Territory's Roadmap to the New Normal here.
To really get a feel for a country, you have to experience its cuisine. And that doesn't just mean eating in nice restaurants—it means learning about the history, stories, sources, recipes and love that goes into creating dishes that have endured for centuries. If you're seeking inspiration for experiences like that, we've teamed up with Intrepid Travel and picked out eight of the best culinary holidays Asia has to offer. You get the best of both worlds: sightsee like a tourist but live and eat like a local. South Korea When thinking of South Korea, do you think of fried chicken, bibimbap, Korean barbecue and, of course, kimchi? You can get the chance to explore all these tasty treats on an eight-day loop of the country. Start in Seoul with a trip to Gwangjang Market (as seen on Netflix's Street Food) before attending a kimchi-making session in Jeonju. Other highlights include a dive into the burgeoning microbrewery scene, a home-cooked meal in Busan and a celebratory barbecue experience back in Seoul. South Korea's rich and diverse food scene offers much to explore, and this tour is an ideal taster of what the country has to offer. Sri Lanka The beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka is known for both its culture and its food, and you can experience the best of both on this twelve-day tour. Be part of the action at the famous Negombo fish market, tuck into traditional curries and dosas cooked by Tamil families and enjoy a local snack of buffalo curd and treacle. While the food isn't to be missed, there's much to do besides. Lion Rock is a picturesque climb with ancient frescoes, and the journey from Kandy to Bandarawela is a breathtaking scenic train ride. For the grand finish, you'll hit Colombo, the country's capital, where you can take in the city buzz and enjoy a meal celebrating the area's Dutch heritage. Thailand You probably enjoy a pad Thai now and again, and there's a decent chance you can whip up a fairly decent Thai curry (if armed with a jar of paste and a tin of coconut milk), but have you ever experienced a khan tok dinner? A Northern Thailand speciality, this eleven-dish meal has long been a traditional welcome, and the opportunity to prepare, cook and eat this customary feast is arguably the highlight of Intrepid's eight-day excursion to Thailand. Elsewhere, there are trips to Chiang Mai temples, an overnight train ride across the country, and a visit to Tha Kha Floating Market. You'll be blown away by the vibrancy and beauty at every turn. India Far too often, we make the mistake of thinking of Indian food as one single cuisine while, in reality, it's one of the most rich and varied food cultures on the planet. That's why you need half a month for a trip stretching all the way from Delhi to Goa. The itinerary reads like a spice lover's dream. You'll hit the 'Lane of Parathas' in Delhi, a chaat crawl in Agra, Rajasthani desserts in Jaipur, thali in Udaipur, a street crawl in Mumbai, and a cooking class in Goa. That's without even mentioning the Taj Mahal, Sikh temples and the Bollywood movie experience that will punctuate your time away from everyday life. [caption id="attachment_970029" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Yana Tatevosian via iStock[/caption] Georgia Located on the edge of Asia on the banks of the Black Sea is the gateway to Europe: Georgia. Australia may be pretty good for overseas cuisine these days, but you'd struggle on these shores to find dishes like nigvziani badrijani (eggplant and walnuts), zhizhig galnash (noodles and lamb) or khinkali (traditional Georgian dumplings). All these dishes and more are available on this circuit of the country, starting in the capital, Tbilisi, and also taking in Telavi, the Pankisi Valley and Gudauri. And it's not just food. There's also the opportunity to hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church and catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi, a glacier that stands over 5,000m tall. Vietnam Banh mi, pho and bao are high-street staples here in Australia, but there's nothing like the real thing. You'll get to sample the genuine article on this tour of Vietnam, which also includes a cooking class in Hoi An that's preceded by a trip to the local market to find ingredients. There's also plenty of travelling and a bunch to see as part of this itinerary. There are two overnight train journeys, boat cruises, picturesque drives and even a sightseeing trip aboard a motorbike. This holiday comes to an end in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can soak up the atmosphere of the busy markets and marvel at the incredible produce on offer. Japan The Land of the Rising Sun has something for everyone, from skiing and sightseeing to cherry blossoms and huge city metropolises. But what we're talking about here is food and, more accurately, damn good food. Sushi is obviously a must, and in this Tokyo tour you'll be schooled in the art of sushi — which includes its history, how to choose the best cuts and, of course, how to prepare it. Additionally, there's a home cooking class in Kanazawa on the north coast, a visit to a green tea farm in Uji, a sake tasting in Kyoto, and more besides. Cambodia This diverse southeast Asian country has a rich heritage and vibrant food culture. This organised trip will show you the best this gem of a country has to offer. You'll see where reportedly the world's finest pepper is grown and taste pepper ice cream. You'll get to experience a traditional Khmer cookery class in Phnom Penh. You'll even get the chance to make cocktails in Siem Reap using local fruits and herbs. There's also plenty of opportunity for sightseeing, and you'll come away from your trip feeling like you've got to know Cambodia and perhaps even planning your next trip back. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Beloved local drinking destination Lulie Tavern has taken things up a level — quite literally. The rock 'n' roll boozer has transformed the space above its Johnston Street digs into a rooftop bar. Dubbed Full Moon Fever in honour of music icon (and Lulie idol) Tom Petty, it's every bit as lively and laidback as its downstairs counterpart, with an equally impressive collection of memorabilia lining the walls. The all-weather, indoor-outdoor space is sporting a retractable roof and wood fire (take that, Melbourne), its warm, breezy look taking cues from the desert bars of California via natural-hued stone, brickwork and timber panelling. Oh, and the odd cactus, of course. Just as the rooftop works as an extension to the goings on downstairs, so too does its menu rock a distinctly Lulie vibe. On the burger lineup, you've got options like the fried chicken-starring Dead Ringer, along with a vegan fried chook number, a double cheeseburger and the Meatlovers — a cheesy assembly of double beef, bacon, crispy onions and jalapenos ($18). Snacks might run to the likes of southern-fried buffalo wings, vegan chicken tenders, and hot chips matched with gravy and spring onion. The drinks offering is both easygoing and considered, with just a handful of Aussie reds, oranges and whites, plus a trio of magnums for those lingering group situations. You'll find a familiar lineup of brews — including options from neighbour Bodriggy — as well as a crop of cocktails featuring both classics and saloon-inspired sips. Get set for summer sessions on the roof, knocking back creations like the Tommy's margarita, the pear- and agave-infused Johnny Pash, or maybe a Dazed & Confused — a gutsy fusion of mezcal, Mexican chilli liqueur, quandong and grapefruit. Images: Jake Roden
There's every chance you've forgotten what a dance floor even looks like but the folks at Untitled Group — the same minds behind Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts and Ability Fest — are here to get you reacquainted. They've just revealed a huge all-Aussie lineup for the 2021–22 edition of live music series For The Love, heading to Wollongong, Perth, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Across three dates, festival staples including Dom Dolla, Crooked Colours and Mallrat will help Australia dust off the cobwebs and rediscover its groove. The local instalment in the party series is due to hit St Kilda's Catani Gardens on Saturday, March 5. The waterfront precinct will be transformed with live sounds from favourites like Running Touch and Allday, along with Telanova, Boo Seeka, George Maple and Ebony Boadu. Punters will also have the opportunity to kick back in style in one of For The Love's VIP lounges, presented by Aussie streetwear label Nana Judy. FOR THE LOVE 2022 LINEUP: Dom Dolla Crooked Colours Mallrat Allday Running Touch Boo Seeka George Maple Telenova Ebony Boadu
Champagne, cognac and caviar. This is what Melburnians can expect from a new cocktail bar that's headed for the CBD next month named Nick & Nora's. Originally slated for March 27, the cocktail bar's opening was stalled by COVID–19 lockdowns (a familiar story). But now it's ready to unveil its incredibly opulent digs on Thursday, July 2. How do we know it will be opulent? Well, the bar is brainchild of the Speakeasy Group — the owners of cocktail classic Eau de Vie, Viking luxe bar Mjolner and whisky-serving Boilermaker House — for one. Secondly, like Mjolner, Nick & Nora's will be a Sydney import — the group opened its first Nick & Nora's in Sydney in October 2018 Like its Sydney counterpart, the venue is inspired by Dashiell Hammett's novel The Thin Man and its fictional crime-solving team Nick and Nora Charles. If you're not familiar with the book, expect a roaring 30s vibe befitting a most glamorous party — the sprawling venue will have five distinct spaces (a main bar, salon, champagne parlour and a VIP lounge), three balconies, green marble, gold and dark wood finishes and a whopping 400 bottles of champagne on display. The latter will be housed in a five-metre-long climate-controlled display case and feature rare vintages alongside bubbles by the glass. For cocktails, the manual is organised by taste — a Speakeasy Group signature — but with venue-themed list names like The Femme Fatal, The Hollywood Starlet and The Snitch. Think martinis, champagne cocktails and sours aplenty. Nick & Nora's will be located in the high-end restaurant precinct within the 80 Collins Street building. It's shaping up to house some big hospitality names, with a highly anticipated new venue from Sepia's Vicki Wild and Martin Benn and a rooftop restaurant and urban farm from Pastuso's Alejandro Saravia already locked in. The giant 80 Collins development is going up on the site of the heritage-listed Le Louvre building, on the corner of Collins and Exhibition Streets. The high-rise, along with a newly refurbished commercial tower on the same block, will boast a futuristic new office tower, a 255-room boutique hotel and a luxury retail offering alongside the hospitality precinct. The Speakeasy Group — led by owners Sven Almenning and Greg Sanderson — is also doing things a little differently this time around. Instead of raising equity for future venues through private investors, the group started a Birchal crowdfunding campaign for public investors — and raised over $1.3 million. Nick & Nora's Melbourne will open at 11 Benson Walk (enter via Little Collins Street), 80 Collins Street, Melbourne on July 2. It'll be open from 5pm–1am Wednesday–Saturday.
Go dotty about the world, and it'll go dotty about you: that's the Yayoi Kusama story. For seven decades, the Japanese artist has thrust polka dots to the centre of her paintings, collages and installations, making her a contemporary art favourite — and all of those years of circular creativity are now coming to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. From 4 November 2017 to 11 February 2018, GOMA will host Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, a major showcase of her lengthy and prolific career since the 1950s. Co-curated with the National Gallery Singapore, where the exhibition is currently on display until September, it will boast than 70 of her pieces — featuring 24 works from her recent My Eternal Soul series, which has been ongoing since 2009, and currently comprises 500 canvases in total. Kusama's early painterly experiments, a multi-decade presentation of her 'net' paintings, soft-sculpture and assemblage will also grace the gallery's spaces, as will performance documents and large-scale installations. With the celebrated artist no stranger to the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA, a number of her iconic pieces will be making a return. Two artworks commissioned for the gallery's 2002 Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art will feature, including Narcissus garden in the QAG Watermall. Of course, the beloved interactive experience that is The Obliteration Room will also be brightening up GOMA's Children's Art Centre for the first time since summer 2014-2015. Fans of plastering a white room full of coloured dot-shaped stickers, rejoice. Fans of Kusama's bright riot of dots and hues, rejoice as well. Images: Anwyn Howarth.
It's more than alright to live above your means occasionally and embrace your more pretentious desires — in fact, it's good for your soul and your mental health (just maybe not your wallet). Perhaps for you it's doing a yoga class in a fancy-smelling studio, paying full price for avocados at the organic grocers, or buying the non-house red wine. Or going out for a 'light dinner' and then spending your rent money on wheels of triple-cream brie. Together with American Express, we want to help you treat the part of you that wants to get monthly massages but maybe doesn't touch on your Myki all that often. With this list, we will guide you through realising your Champagne dreams on your beer budget with some guidance on where you can whip your Amex out, wave it, promptly forget, and then not get too much of a fright the next day upon looking at your bank account. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
With spring now sprung, it's time to get acquainted with some fresh talent. So, clear some room on your wine rack and make space on your bar cart, because the Builders Arms Hotel is coming at you with a one-day celebration of Victorian winemakers, growers and producers that's brimming with new things for you to sip, try and buy. On Sunday, October 16, Bloom will see some of the pub's current favourites gathered together for a special showcase of local tipples in the bistro and public bar. You'll spend the afternoon meeting the makers as you sample their wares — including Lucy Kendall from Gippsland's Allevare Wines, Edge Brewing's Michelle Vanspall, Dervilla McGowan from Anther Distillery, Little Frances Wines' Erin Pooley, the family duo behind T.I.N.A. (This Is Not Alcohol) and more. Nab a $25 ticket and you'll score five tasting tokens to spend on sips while listening to tunes by Georgia Bird and DJ Sarah. More tokens are available from the bar and there'll be a curation of Bloom pours starring on the day's drinks list, too. Further tasty things will be coming from the kitchen, thanks to a guest appearance from chef Trisha Greentree of Sydney's Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William Street. She'll be whipping up a menu of bar snacks and share plates for the downstairs crowd, as well as hosting a four-course lunch feast ($150 with matched wines) in the upstairs function space. [caption id="attachment_872113" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harvard Wang[/caption]
We don't recommend taking regularly life advice from cartoon characters, but ever since an animated crab sang about the joys of living under the sea, it's an idea that's been lodged in everyone's minds. Nearly three decades after The Little Mermaid told us "darling it's better down where it's wetter", you can now experience the underwater life for yourself. If you've ever wanted to make like Ariel and slumber surrounded by sea life, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has made that dream a reality by building a lavish underwater hotel suite. Now open and welcoming guests, the US$15 million space is being called the world's "first undersea residence" — and while a series of submerged villas in Dubai and a room at an African hotel might beg to differ, this still looks and sounds mighty impressive. Named The Muraka, which means coral in Dhivehi, the Maldives' local language, it's a two-level apartment that comes complete with sleeping and living quarters both above and five metres below the waterline. While the top floor boasts two bedrooms and bathrooms, including one with an ocean-facing tub; a powder room, gym, living room, kitchen, bar and dining area; two separate decks facing directly towards the sunrise and sunset; an infinity pool; and even butler's and private security quarters (with staff on hand 24 hours a day), it's the lower level that's the main attraction. Let's face it — you know that's exactly where everyone will head first. Down a spiral staircase, guests will find a king size bedroom, living area and bathroom, all surrounded by 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean's marine inhabitants. In total, the suite sleeps nine, making it a luxe destination for travelling groups with plenty of cash. And we do mean plenty, with Architectural Digest reporting that a stay costs around US$50,000 per night. That's not the only underwater experience on offer at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island — for the past 13 years, the resort has also been home to an undersea restaurant, so you can eat beneath the ocean's surface as well. Images: Justin Nicholas. 2018 Hilton.
Come on Barbie fans, let's go party — under the stars, in costume, while watching the biggest movie of 2023 and not thinking about dying. Moonlight Cinema is returning for 2023–24, with its November–December lineup celebrating Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie's pink-hued big-screen comedy. The openair cinema season is throwing Barbie-themed shindigs where wearing pink, rose or similar shades is encouraged while watching the film beneath the evening sky. That's just one of the highlights of this summer's (and late spring and early autumn's) date with Moonlight Cinema, which kicks off in Melbourne on Friday, December 1, 2023 and runs till Saturday, March 30, 2023 in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Also worth getting excited about: festive flicks ('tis the season), nostalgic sessions of Jurassic Park and The Mighty Ducks, The Hunger Games prequel Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Sydney-shot Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria)-starring rom-com Anyone But You. If nothing says Christmas to you like catching a festive film under the heavens, ideally while kicking back on bean beds and eating a picnic, then you're in luck as usual. When the beloved Australian outdoor movie-viewing setup returns, it'll again show some of the merriest pictures that it can find. On the list: Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Die Hard, Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf — so, the usual selection, not that these jolly pictures ever get old. Movie lovers can also look forward to seeing preview screenings of Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, plus the Natalie Portman- (Thor: Love and Thunder) and Julianne Moore (Sharper)-led May December. Throw in the animated Trolls Band Together, plus everything from Dumb Money and Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One to Asteroid City, and there's already a heap of titles on the bill. If you're wondering what else Moonlight will screen across its full season, it now drops its program month by month. The films and the setting are just two parts of the Moonlight Cinema experience. Also on offer: an official Aperol spritz bar, which is new for 2023–24. Nosh-wise, the event will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. A beauty cart will be handing out samples, too. And, dogs are welcome — there's even special doggo bean beds, and a snack menu for pooches.
Brisbane's BlackMilk Clothing is well known for its pop culture-themed attire, releasing everything from Star Wars outfits to Harry Potter activewear in the past. Unsurprisingly, anything designed around the Boy Who Lived always proves popular — so much so that the company is launching another collection, this time specifically inspired by Hogwarts' houses. Whether you're keen to deck yourself out in red Gryffindor tartan pants, don a Slytherin letterman jacket with a snake embroidered on the back or pop on some blue Ravenclaw leggings, you'll be able to do just that. You'll be able to opt for some gold-hued Hufflepuff pieces, too, of course. Spanning trousers, dresses, leggings, crop tops and coats — including pants for both men and women, sports jersey-style shirts and hoodies as well, and overalls adorned with Harry Potter-themed patterns — it's a fresh treasure trove of items for wizarding fans to spend their galleons on. It's the real, official deal, with the School's Out range also featuring other pieces that won't make you feel like you're in training for the Triwizard Tournament, such as sheer and skater tunics in appropriately enchanting prints. A full preview of the collection is available on the BlackMilk website, with the magical selection going on sale at 7am on Tuesday, August 20. Items are available until sold out — and, yes, that often happens quickly. For more information about BlackMilk Clothing's Harry Potter School's Out range, head to their website.
Australia's hot springs fiends and bathing connoisseurs have a lot to be excited about — if a trip to Victoria is in your future, or will be now. First, we learned the much-loved Peninsula Hot Springs crew was planning a new wellness and bathing precinct for East Gippsland, the Metung Hot Springs. Then, a proposal for a 900-kilometre trail linking the state's hot springs and other bathing spots was unveiled. And now, it's time to actually start planning those Gippsland-based bathing adventures, because the Metung Hot Springs has announced an initial launch date, with bookings to open in a matter of days. The first phase of the $100-million precinct's long-awaited grand opening is slated for Saturday, October 29 — and you can jump online to book a visit from Monday, September 19. Much like its Mornington Peninsula sibling, the Gippsland site is set to be one giant haven of wellness and indulgence, nestled on 25 acres surrounded by coastal bushland and located within strolling distance of the quaint lakeside village of Metung. Guests will be able to soak in cliff-top barrels overlooking Lake King, let off steam in various architecturally designed saunas (including a floating one), pamper themselves at the day spa and rejuvenate while bathing in pools filled with geothermal water. There'll be bush walks to wander, plunge pools to get your blood pumping, and all-day dining options to refuel in between dips, too. Located four hours out of Melbourne, Metung Hot Springs will also feature onsite accommodation, including safari-style glamping tents each decked out with its own private balcony and geothermal bathing barrel. As announced earlier, the bathing precinct is also joining forces with — and renovating — the nearby former Kings Cove Golf Course, soon to relaunch as the Metung Country Club. It'll have its own resort-style accommodation and facilities, and a revamped clubhouse and restaurant, with 'stay, bathe and golf' packages on offer across the two sites. [caption id="attachment_869322" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Metung Hot Springs glamping[/caption] Meanwhile, those looking to indulge in some 'me' time can immerse themselves in the offerings of the onsite day spa, centred on authentic Larn'wa Aboriginal Lore wellness rituals incorporating native botanical spa products. The hot springs project is being brought to life with the help of $1.5 million in funding courtesy of the Victorian Government's Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package, as well as an additional $1.5 million from the federal and state governments' Local Economic Recovery Program In other related news, Victoria's proposed bathing and hot springs trail is set to start taking shape over the coming summer months, with the latest map and venue updates available to scope out online. Keen on multiple trips south to hit the hot springs? Back on the Mornington Peninsula, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is on track to open its own doors in a matter of weeks, now taking spa and bathing bookings from September 26 onwards. Metung Hot Springs will open to customers from Saturday, October 29 at 73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung, Victoria. Online bookings are open from Thursday, September 19.
Oh god, it's happened. We knew it would. Ever since we first tried to make a 'beer spider' by heaping some vanilla bean into our third or fourth pint, we knew it was a possibility. The method just needed some work. Unsurprisingly, adding dairy to beer was never the answer. Now the Japanese legends at Kirin have perfected the recipe for the ultimate beer slushie, and are selling a home version of the machine that makes it. Here's the kicker: the drink is actually super tasty. The slushie portion of this frozen treat is made with frozen beer instead of ice cream so instead of clogging your brew with curdled milk, it just keeps the whole thing freezing cold. The machine has been floating around as a promo tool in Japan and the USA since 2012, but — because it's basically a pure form of liquid happiness — it's stuck around until now. The machine is currently available for purchase via the Japan Trend Shop online, however it does come with some drawbacks. For instance, although the initial cost of the product is only US$67, you'll have to add another US$47 on for shipping. Also, it only runs off C batteries (for some reason) and all of the instructions are in Japanese. Eek. Of course this won't stop the hardcore enthusiasts, but if you consider yourself a more casual beer slushie drinker, head out to Harajuku Gyoza to try it first. The Japanese gyoza and beer restaurant in Potts Point and Fortitude Valley are currently one of the only (if not the only) place serving it in Australia. Bon appétit! Via Thrillist and Hospitality Magazine. Images via Kirin USA Facebook.
It's time to splash out on a new collar and tell that fur baby of yours to kiss their FOMO goodbye — Chapel Street is now the first permanently pet-friendly shopping precinct in Australia. The busy area is now officially a haven for four-legged friends, with a huge selection of its stores, cafes, bars, gyms and even health clinics welcoming pets with open arms. At the moment, over 300 Chapel Street venues boast pet-friendly status and they're now even easier to spot following the introduction of special 'paw-on-the-door' window decals. The stickers will be displayed by any venue where pets are welcomed, making it a breeze to head out for a day of shopping, wining and dining, all with your best mate in tow. They'll get to indulge in some fashionable strutting and, who knows, with a few #DogsOfChapelStreet tags — or #CatsofChapelStreet, if you want to kick that off — under their belt a career as a fur-shionable style icon could be in the works. [caption id="attachment_738199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leo's by the Slice by Kate Shanasy.[/caption] If you want to plan your stops before you head out, the Chapel Street Precinct website also lists all of the pet-friendly businesses. It's a diverse lineup that includes the likes of fashion boutique Tibbs & Bones, beauty salon Bat Your Lash, eyewear store Oscar Wylee, hot dog joint Massive Wieners, St Edmonds cafe and NY-inspired all-day diner Gramercy Social. There's even a dog-friendly hotel, the Quest Prahran, in case you're planning a getaway or staycation with your bestie. As Australia's health regulations prevent pets from entering supermarkets or being within ten metres of food consumption or prep areas, a heap of food spots have created specific dog-friendly areas (many of them outside), including Leo's by the Slice, Leonard's House of Love, Hawker Hall, Tokyo Tina and Betty's Burgers. With research showing Aussies have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with a hefty 62 percent of households owning a fur-baby, we're pretty sure Chapel Street is about to get a whole lot busier. To check out the full list of pet-friendly spots on Chapel Street, head to the website. Top image: St Edmonds
Icons teaming up with icons: when documentary series Pretend It's a City hit Netflix in 2021, that's what it served up. Earning attention: Fran Lebowitz, with Martin Scorsese directing. The focus: the acclaimed writer, humorist and social commentator chatting about her life for the legendary filmmaker, following on from Scorsese's Lebowitz-focused 2010 feature-length doco Public Speaking. Of course, Lebowitz doesn't need to be nattering with Scorsese, or in front of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Irishman helmer's lens, to prove a must-watch figure. Her sharp opinions and deadpan humour have made her famous for more than five decades now, and over a career spanning magazine columns, books, working with Andy Warhol, notable late-night talkshow appearances and public-speaking tours. It's the latter that's bringing her back to Australia in 2024 — getting talking along the east coast. [caption id="attachment_912247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harrison Dilts[/caption] "Ever since Pretend It's a City exploded on our screens, we have wanted to bring Fran Lebowitz back to the Sydney Opera House. In this special event, we all get to take on the role of Marty Scorsese and ask her what she thinks about absolutely anything in our puzzling, frustrating, sometimes maddening world," said Sydney Opera House Head of Talks & Ideas Chip Rolley, with Lebowitz's Harbour City stop presented in conjunction with the venue's talk-focused programming strand. "It's then our job to sit back, relax and laugh until we can no longer. Sydney should prepare itself for a banner night out with one of the world's great cultural satirists." [caption id="attachment_912248" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lia Clay Miller[/caption] Melbourne and Brisbane should also prepare accordingly, with Lebowitz also taking to the stage at Hamer Hall in the Victorian capital and QPAC in the Sunshine State in February. Will she chat about attending the Succession season four premiere party? Her role as a judge in the Law & Order franchise (and The Wolf of Wall Street)? Saturday Night Live's parody of Pretend It's a City? Being a columnist for Warhol's Interview mag? Growing up in New Jersey? New York in the 70s? Topics such as race, gender, media and politics? Anything that vexes her? Everything? At least some will earn an unfiltered mention — including at the audience Q&As. AN EVENING WITH FRAN LEBOWITZ: Tuesday, February 13 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Thursday, February 15 — QPAC, Brisbane Sunday, February 18 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne An Evening with Fran Lebowitz hits Australia in February 2024. Head to the Sydney Opera House, QPAC and Arts Centre Melbourne websites for tickets — with pre sales from Tuesday, August 8 and general sales from Thursday, August 10 — and further details. Top image: Bill Hayes.
Wine lovers of Australia, rejoice: picking your next bottle of plonk just got a whole lot easier. In fact, you don't even need to choose — or leave the house — thanks to top Melbourne sommelier Virginia Selleck and her new, curated online wine shop. Joining the ever-growing ranks of wine delivery options, Magnum + Queens promises a rotating array of specially selected stock brought to your door Australia-wide, with each month's offerings following a different theme. To celebrate their launch, May's batch has been dubbed The New Guard. Customers can opt for small, medium or large packs of three, six or 12 bottles, then enjoy Selleck's favourites from around the globe. Individual bottles are also available, and folks that sign up for a subscription will get access to specials, rare vintages and other hard to find drops. Not your usual online bottle-o, but not a traditional wine service either, Magnum + Queens wants to expand your wine-drinking remit; expect industry stalwarts among their wares, but also expect grape-based goodness from tiny wineries, family-run outfits, new brands, innovative winemakers as well. That could include varieties from France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and our local efforts, and even Spanish sherry and Japanese sake. "Our aim is to introduce customers to carefully selected, quality wines from all over the globe, and specifically from small, sustainable, craft producers that focus on new varietal wines that are interesting and delicious," says Selleck. A joint venture with photographer Kirsten Dickie, Magnum + Queens arrives at what's proving a busy time for the sommelier — after working at Melbourne's Cumulus, Inc, Rockpool Bar & Grill, The Stokehouse and Prince Wine Store, she's now the wine director at Wilson & Market. Find Magnum + Queens at www.magnumandqueenswine.com.
When St Kilda's Prince Public Bar reopened its doors in January, showing off an impressive, multi-faceted makeover, its adjoining boutique wine bar Little Prince Wine was expected to follow suit and launch fairly soon afterwards. Of course, that was before 2020 did its thing, putting plans on hold and serving up roadblocks left, right and centre. But now, this final piece of The Prince Hotel's four-year refurbishment has finally made its proper debut. After operating as a takeaway coffee bar, grocer and wine store during lockdown 2.0, Little Prince Wine is now living its best life, as a sophisticated wine bar and cellar with a European edge. Look for the bright green awning on Acland Street and enter to find a chic space filled with custom zinc-and-timber communal tables and bottles from a 4000-strong wine collection lining the walls. Curated over the space of a decade by The Prince Hotel sommelier Laurent Rospars, it's an impressive range featuring plenty of rare and hard-to-find drops sourced from both near and far. [caption id="attachment_789778" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jana Langhorst[/caption] The snacking situation is equally grand, headlined by a deli cabinet heaving with cheese and charcuterie options. There is a menu of Euro-style small bites and drinking fare for grazing as you sip your way through the wine list. And one floor down, a moody underground cellar space is available to book out for private dinners. Little Prince Wine's lockdown-era bottle shop and grocery offering will remain, with a range of booze, deli items, gourmet groceries and ready-to-heat meals available both for takeaway and delivery through Providoor. Find Little Prince Wine at 2 Acland Street, St Kilda. It's open from 11am until late daily Images: Jana Langhorst
Fancy Free, the new cocktail bar from Black Pearl alumni Matt Stirling, Rob Libecans and Ryan Noreiks, might only be sticking around for six months, but it's certainly starting off strong. When the CBD venue launches later this month, it'll do so with some pretty special mates in tow, handing over its opening kitchen residency slot to famed Sydney burger joint Mary's. The two-month stint will mark Mary's first proper pop-up in Melbourne and it's promising one heck of a food and drink lineup to christen Fancy Free's new digs. If you've sampled the goods at the ever-popular Newtown restaurant, or perhaps during brief local appearances for the likes of Download and Laneway festivals and a one-day takeover of South Yarra's Leonards House of Love, you'll know this is one not to miss. [caption id="attachment_684208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marys, Sydney.[/caption] Mary's own Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham will be venturing south to bring Melbourne a taste of their smash-hit fare, the menu featuring the duo's signature mushroom burger, cheeseburger, mash and gravy, fried chicken and of course, the legendary Mary's burger. To match, expect a cracker starting lineup of both alcoholic and booze-free cocktails from the acclaimed Fancy Free crew, pouring alongside a rotation of local beers and interesting vino. Fancy Free will open on Wednesday, February 13 at 381 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.
When Jetstar launched a hefty domestic flight sale last June, it sold 70,000 seats in just five hours, with Australians keen to travel when and where they can in these pandemic-afflicted times. Unsurprisingly, discounted airline tickets have become a common occurrence since travel around Australia restarted — and the airline has just kicked off another sale. The latest Return for Free sale is already running, with discounted fares available until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, March 7 — if it doesn't sell out prior. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights across a heap routes from destinations right across the country. And, as the name suggests, it's doing return flights for free. So, you buy your ticket to your destination and then Jetstar will cover your trip home. There are a few caveats, as there always is. You have to depart and leave from the same airports and, if you need to make changes down the line to your flight dates, you will have to pay change fees and any difference in fare. The discounted flights don't include checked baggage, either — so you'll need to travel super light, or pay extra to take a suitcase. [caption id="attachment_785574" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Now that you know some of the things you'll need to take into consideration, here's where you can go. Sydneysiders can snag return tickets to Victoria for $65, Launceston for $89, Brisbane from $92, the Sunshine Coast for $96 and Hamilton Island for $151. Melburnians can book trips to Uluru for $185 and Darwin for $184, and to Hobart from $84, the Gold Coast from $107, and Ballina and Byron Bay from $116. And Brisbanites can head to the Whitsundays for $91, Cairns from $115 and Adelaide from $141. Yes, the list goes on. Tickets in the sale are for trips from April–December 2021, with exact dates varying in each region. If you're keen to get away, book some now and start planning. And, as always, keeping an eye on interstate border requirements is recommended. Jetstar's Return for Free sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, March 7, or until sold out.
If you'd like to kick-start your year partying amongst the farm animals, you'll want to get a moo-ve on and nab tickets to Melbourne's freshest New Year's Eve fest. From the folks behind Carlton nightclub Colour and rooftop bar Runner Up, When Pigs Fly is the new one-day music party set to take over Collingwood Children's Farm on Saturday, December 31. In a grassy farm setting that feels miles further from the city than it actually is, the festival will be sending out the old year with the help of 14 local and international acts, working their magic across two stages. [caption id="attachment_871568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Black Jesus Experience[/caption] You'll be grooving to the likes of Chicago house sensation Sadar Bahar, funk and hip-hop nine-piece Black Jesus Experience, psychedelic-jazz outfit Mildlife and the genre-blending Close Counters. Plus, the likes of Emma Volard, MzRizk, Zepherin Saint and Feign Jima, carrying you through until 1am. Meanwhile, you'll be fuelled by food from Polly's, and sips by Bodriggy and Iggy Seltzer. [caption id="attachment_871569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mz Rizk[/caption]
It seems like only yesterday that we were freaking out over their Indiegogo campaign. Now, Australia's first cat cafe has officially stolen the hearts of the nation, raised sufficient funds, and set up a home on Queen Street, Melbourne ahead of their launch early next month. If a week or two is simply too long to wait, here's a teaser of what's to come. Meet Sherlock, Lotti, Lynx, Lopez, Waldo, and Braveheart — aka your new furry best friends. All adopted from the Geelong Animal Welfare Society, these beautiful bundles of pure happiness are the first cats to call the cafe home. Having only been in the city a mere day or two, Cat Cafe Melbourne have posted a little information about each on Facebook ahead of their upcoming launch. Pictured above is the youngest — and in our opinion, best named — kitten Braveheart. Not only is he the cutest little thing we've ever seen, he's also a bit of a battler. At just five months old, he's already suffered a bad infection that led to his right eye being removed. As the cat cafe owners rightfully point out, at least now "he gives a great wink!" From youngest to eldest, this is Lynx. A sedate seven-year-old, he's the type to snuggle up and relax with after a big ol' lunch. "He won't put up with the young ones," the Cat Cafe claim. "If you pick him up beware! He gives a big hug and smooches your face. You may require help to remove him." Then there's Lotti. Though she looks a whole lot like Braveheart, she's a little older and apparently gets a bit jealous of the attention afforded to others. "She is very demanding for affection ... and has an amazing purr that will melt your heart," the owners say. Of course the best thing about this place is that there's just too many cats to keep track of. Lopez, Waldo and Sherlock are the rest of the bunch that are currently slinking around the unopened space, but you won't know too much about them 'til you meet. Cat Cafe Melbourne doesn't have an official opening date yet, though the owners have stated it will be sometime in early July. The cats will also be separated from the official cafe space due to food safety regulations — no one wants a hairball in their latte, after all. If you want to jump in and have a play after your coffee, it'll cost you $10 for the first hour, then $5 for every additional 30 minutes. Stay tuned for an update on their opening, it's bound to be the purrfect cure to your winter blues. All photos via Cat Cafe Melbourne.
Next time that someone hands you a $50 note, you can be forgiven for thinking that it looks a little different — a new range of pineapples have just been released into circulation. Australia's banknotes have been getting a makeover since September 2016, when a different $5 note started doing the rounds. It was followed by a revamped $10 in 2017 and now a sparkling fresh $50, which hit the streets on Thursday, October 18. The upgraded design celebrates inventor David Unaipon, who was also the country's first published Aboriginal author, as well as Edith Cowan, Australia's first female member of parliament. They're both recognised in several ways on the new notes, with not only their portraits displayed prominently, but with microprint featuring excerpts of Unaipon's book Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines, plus Cowan's maiden speech to the Western Australian Parliament. [caption id="attachment_694389" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Reserve Bank of Australia via Flickr[/caption] As well as changed artwork (albeit keeping the same colour scheme as old notes), the new $50 boast the same improved security features as the new $5 and $10 notes, which are largely aimed to stop counterfeiting. A clear window running from top to bottom is the most obvious, and contains a number of features such as a reversing number and flying bird. The note also includes microprint, as well as a patch with rolling colour. And, in great news for the vision-impaired, the new series of legal tender has a tactile feature to help distinguish between different denominations. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the $50 is the most widely circulated Aussie note, so expect to see quite a bit of this shiny pineapple. As happened with the other denominations, the rollout will happen gradually, as will the withdrawal of old $50s — which you can obviously still keep using. While some issues occurred when the new $5 and $10 note hit, particularly with cash-handling machines like ATMs, the RBA has consulted with banknote equipment manufacturers, retail organisations and financial institutions to minimise problems. And as for the other two values of Aussie banknotes, the revamped $20 is due in 2019 and then the new $100 in 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci9SMlO3Sow
As the federal government continues to drag its feet resettling refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict (Australia had managed about 6000 by last November. Canada by comparison, was at well over 30,000), it falls once more to the non-political professions to show the government where the hands go on the humanitarian clock. This time, it's hospitality's turn. On February 27, UNICEF Australia will partner with ten of the country's best chefs for a charity dinner celebrating Syria's strong culinary tradition. Three Blue Ducks in Roseberry will host the posse of gastronomers as they prepare a banquet comprising their signature dishes with a few Syrian flourishes. If you've never been at the mercy of za'atar, pomegranate, Aleppo pepper or tamarind, this could well be a revelation. Tickets are a steep $320 per person (plus booking fee), which includes canapés, cocktails on arrival, a shared Syrian-inspired feast and wine. It may seem on the surface like you're paying for the food, but ten professional chefs jammed into a single kitchen also suggests a night of great theatre. Bennelong's Pete Gilmore, Long Chim's David Thompson and The Bridge Room's Ross Lusted will be in the fray, with Paul Carmichael from Momofuku Seiobo and Ester's Matt Lindsay contending for next use of the colander with equal ferocity. If you've ever wanted to see Kylie Kwong trying to slice potato with steel wool or fighting a pitched battle for the top shelf of the oven, this could well be your chance. While the top guns will have their turn on February 27, UNICEF Australia is encouraging anyone with passing knowledge of an oven to contribute. Restaurants and cafes can produce a limited edition 'Syria' version of a favourite dish, of which a portion of the proceeds will go to UNICEF. For those who deal in culinary delight on a slightly smaller scale, bakes sales are your recommended course. While you're waiting for the oven to pre-heat, there's more information here.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 7, 2020 — The end is nigh for Rocco's Bologna Discoteca, but it's not all doom and gloom. The pop-up will be replaced by the more permanent Poodle and it's going out with a bang thanks to a three-day Bunga Bunga Party. Running from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, the party will see some of Melbourne's best chefs take over the menu. There'll be a croissant toastie with kimchi and cheese from Ramblr's Nick Stanton and Christ Watson from Meatsmith will whip up a pepperoni pizza melt. Also on the lineup: The Grandissimo. By Rocco's Josh Fry this giant focaccia features layers of salami, mortadella, coppa, cime de rapa, eggplant, pickles and cheese. Check it out below. First launching back in lockdown 1.0, Rocco's Bologna Discoteca was meant to close for good when two-storey bistro and bar Poodle took over the space in July. But with the return of stay-at-home orders, comes the return of Rocco's. Run by Chef Josh Fry (Marion and Cumulus Inc), the unapologetically kitsch pop-up on Gertrude Street has an epic lineup of sangas. There's a saucy NY-style meatball sub ($17); Rocco's Originario Bologna ($15.50) with fried bologna, green olives and plenty of cheese; the spicy Picante ($16.50), featuring fried bologna, pickles and provolone; a vegetarian crumbed eggplant one ($14.50); and the Bobby Baccala ($18), which is a salted cod melt. Other dishes include bone marrow garlic bread ($12), antipasto platters ($30), rocket salad ($8), fries ($8) and tiramisu ($12). You can either pop down to pick up the goods in person if you're a local or you can get them delivered via via Doordash and Deliveroo. You can check out the full menu and order via Rocco's website or call 0435 236 115. Rocco's is open from 12–8pm Friday–Saturday and 12–6pm Sunday and is available via Doordash and Deliveroo.
If you're feeling a tad jealous of seeing half the people you know living their European dream holiday (where do these people get the money?), you're in luck. The Europa Night Market is making its much-anticipated to Queen Victoria Market for 2023, brightening up Wednesdays from September 27–October 25. Bellissimo. The market will host a vibrant Euro-style bazaar that will teleport you to a different European destination each week, with food, drinks, entertainment and market stalls to match. Kicking things off on Wednesday, September 27, the market will be saying 'ciao' to the flavours and sounds of Italy, with bites like Sicilian-style fried arancini, woodfired 400 Gradi pizza and homemade panzerotti. Wednesday, October 4 will see the market transform into a little Oktoberfest for Bavarian night. Then, Wednesday, October 11 will be a celebration of all things French with an evening of oozy raclette and decadent traditional French crepes — with your choice of fillings including Nutella and Biscoff. Oh, and keep an eye out for the French mime artists. The Iberian Peninsula gets a look-in on Wednesday, October 18, with paella and Portuguese street food from Portuguese Churrasqueira BBQ complete with entertainment by Spanish and Portuguese flamenco dancers. Wrapping things up on Wednesday, October 25 is a celebration of all things Mediterranean, with melodies of Greek folk songs acting as the perfect soundtrack for sipping a Greek Blue Spritz from Spritz Bar (made from ouzo and spiced rum). Partner that with a souvlaki from Greek Trojan Yiros and the late spring air and you may as well really be on a Greek Island somewhere on the Aegean Sea.
Each February, there's an easy way to find out what's hitting cinemas in the months ahead. When American football's biggest event of the year arrives, so does a heap of big-name movie trailers. In 2025, the week leading up to the Super Bowl has seen everything from Fantastic Four: First Steps to Jurassic World Rebirth debut sneak peeks. Also capitalising on prime timing: F1. The Formula 1 racing thriller already unveiled a sneak peek in 2024, but now another look has dropped linked to the Super Bowl. In it, Brad Pitt (Wolfs) feels the need for speed as a former driver who returns to the track. Filmmaker Joseph Kosinski clearly experiences the same sensation, too, given that this is his latest flick heading to cinemas after 2022 smash Top Gun: Maverick. "Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston and now McLaren all have a speed on the straights. Our shot is battling in the turns. We need to build our car for combat," said Pitt as Hayes in 2024's teaser trailer — if you're wondering how competitive the storyline will get. Zooming onto the silver screen at the end of June 2025, F1 focuses on fictional team APXGP, with Pitt as Sonny Hayes and Damson Idris (Snowfall) as his colleague Joshua Pearce. Also featuring on-screen: Kerry Condon (Skeleton Crew) and Javier Bardem (Dune: Part Two), giving the movie a recent Oscar-nominee (for The Banshees of Inisherin), plus another winner (for No Country for Old Men) alongside Pitt — and also Tobias Menzies (Manhunt), Sarah Niles (Fallen), Kim Bodnia (Nefarious) and Samson Kayo (House of the Dragon). If Kosinski's feats with his Top Gun sequel didn't already bode well for F1's racetrack action — and they do, and Top Gun: Maverick screenwriter Ehren Kruger (Dumbo) is also onboard here as well — then the fact that the movie shot during actual Grand Prix weekends should, too. F1's racing pedigree includes seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton's involvement, courtesy of his Dawn Apollo Films production company. The feature is also being badged as a collaboration with the Formula 1 community, spanning its teams, drivers and promoters. Check out the trailers for F1 below: F1 releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Everyone knows the protocol. You walk into the carriage, give everyone a passing acknowledgement as you look for a seat, then promptly settle in with your iPhone for the journey ahead. It doesn't matter if you don't have anyone to text. Your number one priority here is avoiding eye contact and blocking out the obnoxious, stinking presence of your fellow passengers. Now researchers in Queensland are seeking to undo all these social codes we've carefully put in place. Prepare yourself — they want us to actually talk to each other. Currently in its initial trials Train Yarn is a texting app developed by Tiago Camacho from the Queensland University of Technology. Using your phone's GPS data, the app only works on Brisbane's train network, and seeks to randomly connect you with your fellow passengers. With each user staying relatively anonymous, the app works in a similar way to Chatroulette: the infamous go-to platform for strangers' genitals on demand. Admittedly, the app developers have thought of these possible downfalls and maintain faith that the anonymity of the service will keep the messages clean (for some reason we can't totally figure out). However, it does help that the platform only supports text. At the very least we'll be saved from the dick pic the teenage boy vandalising the back of your seat was invariably going to send. Similar projects have been carried out around the world with mixed success. Last year, Virgin America implemented an online chat system for use on its domestic flights. Identified by seat number, passengers could chat to each other or send out messages to the whole plane. According to the Daily Mail it had some pretty amazing outcomes. It's hard to say if the same technology will take off on trains. After all, planes are the only mode of transport where we're cut off from our smartphones — in a way we're forced to interact with each other. Nonetheless the makers of Train Yarn stay optimistic. "Research has shown that while most people think they would rather sit in solitary than talk with a stranger, when tested, people who conversed with someone had a more positive experience than those who kept to themselves," said lead researcher Tiago Camacho. It's a nice, if not somewhat utopian vision that's definitely worth a go either way. The app is available for free download now, but beware — QUT will be watching your conversations for research purposes from July 3-16. We know it's hard, but try to fill it with something other than sexts and complaints. Via Brisbane Times.
Winter has officially begun, and in true form, Melbourne has wasted no time in getting down to business. With chilly winds, rain and an impending sense of that Melbourne gloom, all we can do is band together, and hand over our hard-earned cash in exchange for a comfy chair by the fire. And perhaps a glass of something — maybe red wine, whiskey, or something piping hot — to warm us from the inside out. To help you through the dark winter months, we've compiled a list of the best spots with open fires north of the river. It should help you survive winter with a smile — or at least without frozen feet.
The hustle and bustle of the silly season is undoubtedly joyous but also sort of stressful. The biblical epic that is trying to make plans for a group of four or more is the hallmark of the month of December, and there's only so much we can help with — but damned if we're not going to try. The least we can do is provide some inspo, but we must leave the booking up to you. Our recommendation? Hit up one of these standout venues for a bottomless booking that the group won't resist.
Eyes to the sky, Australia — it's time to catch one of the year's most impressive meteor showers. Each autumn Down Under, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower sets the sky ablaze. And yes, it's happening right now. This vibrant astronomical vision starts in April every year, but is at its peak in early May. In 2023, that suits stargazers nicely. Last month was all about not looking directly at the solar eclipse, so now it's the night sky's turn to shine again. The best date to mark in your diary: the early hours of Sunday, May 7, which is when the shower will be at its most spectacular. If you're eager to catch a glimpse, even from just your backyard or balcony, here's what you need to know. [caption id="attachment_769233" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] WHAT IS IT The Eta Aquarids might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but the shower is actually a distant relation — because the bits and pieces you see flying around were on Halley's path a really, really long time ago. And, rather than only being visible every 76 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), the Eta Aquarids come around every year, usually between April 19–May 28 every year. The shower's name comes from the star from which they appear to come Eta Aquarii, which is part of the Aquarius constellation. So, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. Luckily, being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world. On average, you can see up to 20–40 meteors per hour. WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Sunday, May 7, but will still be able to be seen for a few days on either side. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am — but between 2am–7am is also recommended. At that time, you'll be in the running to see as many as 50 meteors every 60 minutes. Each will be moving at about 225,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. HOW TO SEE IT Usually, when a meteor shower lights up the sky, we'd tell city-dwellers to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the best view. If you can't venture out of town at the moment, you can still take a gander from your backyard or balcony. To help locate the shower, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Eta Aquarids. It has been updating this daily. The weather might get in the way of your viewing, though, depending on where you live. Melbourne is set for showers until next Tuesday, and Adelaide is as well on and off until Monday — although Sunday's forecast is just partly cloudy. There's also expected to be a shower or two in Perth from Saturday onwards, and showers are also meant to start in Sydney on Sunday. In Brisbane, however, mostly sunny conditions await.
Stonnington's four-legged residents are set to take centre stage this month when the annual Pets in the Park celebration returns for its 22nd edition. On Sunday, March 24, Malvern East's Central Park will host a family-friendly celebration of pets — and it's your furry mate's time to shine. Head along from 11am to catch live entertainment, food vendors, competitions and a range of market stalls with the latest and greatest pet-centric goodies. Learning more about your dog is a big part of Pets in the Park, too. Head to the stages for an interactive health check presentation by Dr Melissa Meehan, trick training demonstrations from the Melbourne Canine Freestyle crew and a talk about de-stressing your pets by Lara Shannon from Channel 10's Pooches at Play. Guide Dogs Australia will also be sending down some experts and pups to give visitors tips on how to raise puppies. But it isn't only about the canine crew. Dr Caroline Cook will be decoding our feline friends with '10 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy' and Conservationists WildlifeXposure returns to host some native animal encounters, highlighting the threats faced by many of our endangered Australian species. Pop by to check out snakes, lizards and other scaly animals and learn how we can all play our part in protecting native species. And if you know a star in the making, get them set for the Superstar Pet Competition, which'll have the day's four-legged guests battling it out for titles like Best Trick and Best Dressed.
We love a spontaneous adventure as much as the next person, but sometimes it pays to plan ahead. Case in point: Canberra. Sure, there are plenty of excellent ways to fill an impromptu jaunt to the capital — from hiking and mountain biking to blowing a few weeks' income in the Braddon boutiques. But if you're willing to do a little forward planning, you can secure your spot on some tours and take that trip to the next level. On such adventures, not only will you get to meet some locals (both humans and animals) and uncover some of the city's hidden gems, but you'll also avoid spending the entire time staring at Google Maps trying to navigate your way around. And, in the interest of saving you time now — and to save you from any internet rabbit holes — we've picked seven unexpected experiences you can have on your next Canberra vacay. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Australia and New Zealand, you're getting more chances to dance the night away: Dua Lipa's already-huge Radical Optimism tour has expanded its trip Down Under. When it was first announced, there were three shows on the itinerary. Due to demand — and before general tickets even go on sale — the tour has been expanded to nine gigs. It's still only playing three cities, however. Accordingly, Dua Lipa fans will still need to head to Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland to catch the Grammy-winner's live shows. She's now doing three gigs in the New South Wales capital, four in the Victorian capital and two in Aotearoan city. Dua Lipa last travelled this way to bring her Future Nostalgia tour Down Under in 2022, and hit the stage at the post-parade party at the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras before that. The Radical Optimism gigs kick off in November 2024 across Asia, with concerts in Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Seoul. Fans in Australia and Aotearoa get their turn to find the star under lights and turning the rhythm up in March and April 2025, thanks to shows at Rod Laver Arena, Qudos Bank Arena and Spark Arena. [caption id="attachment_963582" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Raph_PH[/caption] 2024 has been a huge year for the 'Don't Start Now', 'Physical', 'Break My Heart', 'Cold Heart' and 'Houdini' singer, with her third studio album Radical Optimism releasing in May and then the artist headlining Glastonbury. She also popped up in Argylle in cinemas. 2023 was no slouch, either, given that 'Dance the Night' graced the Barbie soundtrack and Dua Lipa featured in the film as a Barbie. The Aussie and NZ leg will restart the Radical Optimism tour in 2025, with dates also locked in across Europe in May and June next year, and in North America in September and October afterwards. As well as Radical Optimism and Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa has tracks from her self-titled 2017 debut record to bust out, including 'Be the One', 'Hotter Than Hell', 'Lost in Your Light', 'New Rules', 'IDGAF' and 'Blow Your Mind'. [caption id="attachment_972947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tyrone Lebon[/caption] Dua Lipa Radical Optimism Tour 2025 Australia and New Zealand Dates Wednesday, March 19–Thursday, March 20 + Saturday, March 22–Sunday, March 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Wednesday, March 26 + Friday, March 28–Saturday, March 29 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, April 2 + Friday, April 4 — Spark Arena, Auckland Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism tour heads Down Under in March and April 2025, with general ticket sales from 1pm local time on Friday, September 20. Head to Dua Lipa's website for more details. Live images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
As summer draws nearer we all feel that urge to GTFO of the city, and when the weather heats up sometimes all we want to do is eat oysters on the Great Ocean Road or blast out summery tunes on the way to a three-day music festival. The list of cool, boutique festivals seems to get longer and more varied, so we've picked out seven regional festivals that we think are worth the drive not only for the main event, but also for the cute country towns and rolling vineyards they inhabit — from grape harvests in the Granite Belt of Queensland to family-friendly music festivals in country New South Wales. Before you head out on a long drive, make sure you're doing it in comfort. MG's new limited-edition MG3S hatchback has ample luggage space (perfect for three-day camping festivals), rear camera and parking sensors (to help you nab that last parking spot) and an AppleCarPlay system (for that podcast binge). Start planning your journey to these seven events below.
The month of May looks bright as another host of must-see art exhibitions take place across Melbourne and beyond. Head to MUMA to catch a rare exhibition by one of Australia's leading contemporary Indigenous artists, say goodbye to a Fitzroy art institution, and take in 31 highlights of Australian architecture by our pioneering practitioners. With twists on age-old mediums, contemporary works, photography, architecture and more, these eight exhibitions will more than satiate your art cravings this month. Drop by a gallery after work or make a day of it and visit a regional exhibition on the weekend — there's great art happening everywhere from the Mornington Peninsula to Shepparton.
There's never been a better time to get acquainted with the top-notch wineries located right here in Melbourne's own backyard. And that's especially the case given that a slew of Macedon Ranges-based cellar doors are coming together to showcase their finest drops for the next edition of the Summertime Fling Festival. From Friday, January 3–Monday, January 27, wineries right across this cool-climate wine-growing region will throw open their doors to deliver a jam-packed program of wine, food and music events for all palates. You can also expect masterclasses, tours, feasts and tastings among this broad-ranging lineup. It seems the Macedon Ranges might be just the fling you're looking for this summer.
