There's a new spot in town facilitating all-out luxury weekends away and lavish wellness retreats right by some of NSW's best wineries. Zensi Retreat has opened just outside of Mudgee, offering a regional oasis that's perfect for big group getaways (see: sophisticated hens parties or 30ths) and romantic couples trips, while also running one-off all-inclusive wellness weekends. If you've glanced at the photos and you're already daydreaming of a trip to Zensi, there are a few ways the accommodation functions. The first is the curated wellness retreats that the team runs semi-regularly. There are two wellness weekends scheduled over the next month: the Feminine, and the Rest and Slow Down. Both include two days and two nights of nourishing meals, spa treatments, yoga and workshops — with spots available for $660–1300 per person, depending on what section of Zensi you're looking to stay in. Whenever the property isn't being used for a bespoke retreat, it's bookable for both groups and couples across two different spaces. For getaways with the crew you can opt for The House which sleeps up to ten. This four-bedroom space includes a kitchen-dining area, sauna, plunge spa, firepit, barbecue, pool with day beds and an al fresco entertainment area — making it adaptable for both swim-filled summer trips and winter evenings around the fire. As expected, this massive all-inclusive luxury stay doesn't come cheap, but, if you can get a group of ten together, the house starts from just $125 per person for each night you stay. There are also added extras that you can splurge on including a personal chef. There's also a smaller, more intimate accommodation option called The Villa. With room for two, this space is all about secluded couples or solo stays. If you've got an anniversary or birthday coming up and you're looking to escape it all, The Villa offers a one-bedroom house set to the backdrop of the vast fields of central west NSW with a pool, firepit, living and dining room, sauna and al fresco area. All of this is set on a huge 33-acre property, with both spaces designed around natural hues, raw materials and minimal distractions so that you can switch and connect with the environment around you. Founders Ruby Chapman and Ray Tayoun say that the concept behind Zensi was: "To create an experience that immerses the body and mind, where one can find a sense of ease within a meticulously curated environment that caters to your every need." Zensi Retreat is located 173 Lowes Peak Road, St Fillans, 15 minutes from Mudgee. Head to the website to browse its upcoming wellness retreats and to book a stay at either The House or The Villa.
When The Favourite took a chapter of 18th-century history, filtered it through a witty and twisted sense of humour, and brought it all to life with lavish sets, luxurious costuming and a high-profile cast, it instantly attracted attention — and became one of the best films of 2018. Now, The Great is here to roll out the same format on the small screen, this time swapping English royalty for a famed Russian empress. And, sporting savage, satirical humour in spades, it works just as well. The moniker 'the Great' has popped up plenty of times in Russian history; however there's no doubting who it refers to in this instance: Catherine, formerly Princess Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg of Prussia. As played by Elle Fanning (The Neon Demon, Mary Shelley, Galveston), she hasn't yet ascended to greatness when The Great begins. But, by the time the show's first episode finishes, she's firmly plotting her path. Sent to Russia to marry reigning emperor Peter III (The Favourite and True History of the Kelly Gang's Nicholas Hoult) and solve her family's money troubles, the educated and idealistic Catherine arrives in her new homeland with a romantic vision of life, her nuptials, her place in the kingdom and her adopted country in general — especially its treatment of women. Alas, instead of marital bliss and being regarded as an equal, she's soon betrothed to a vain, arrogant, brattish ruler who'd rather binge-drink vodka, shoot bears, throw parties and start wars to prove his manliness than spend any real time with his new wife. He's also the kind of guy who describes himself as possessing "a gentle heart and massive cock", then pauses to make sure his ever-present entourage of ass-kissing noblemen furnish him with praise and laughs. It's no wonder, then, that when Catherine describes her hopes and dreams for a tender and ecstatic wedding night, her caustic but loyal maid Marial (The Aeronauts' Phoebe Fox) only barely manages not to roll her eyes. The reality of the royal couple's first evening together is definitely no one's fantasy, with Peter thrusting away while he chats to his best friend Grigor (Bohemian Rhapsody and Top End Wedding's Gwilym Lee) about shooting ducks. Created and written by The Favourite's Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning co-scribe Tony McNamara — and based on the Australian playwright, screenwriter and director's 2008 Sydney Theatre Company stage production of the same name — The Great serves up acerbic laughs from the outset, and doesn't let the mood drop. That means sharp, sly and thoroughly self-aware dialogue, an irreverent and cheeky tone, and having ample fun with real-life details. Indeed, The Great's title card notes upfront that the show tells "an occasionally true story". The broad strokes of Catherine's life remain in place, including her progressive plans for Russia and her quest to topple her husband in a coup; however slavish devotion to history is far, far less important than dark comedy, laugh-out-loud lines, a willingness to get silly and viewing Imperial Russia as a farce. Entertaining, engaging and very easy to binge, The Great also benefits from pitch-perfect casting. In her first comedic role, Fanning is equally luminous, intelligent and calculating, especially when she's scheming her way to the top. But, while the series isn't called Peter III (or "no Peter the Great", as he's dubbed in one episode), Hoult constantly steals the show as the demanding and impetuous frat boy emperor. Also deserving attention: the delightfully sarcastic Fox, Lodge 49's Adam Godley as the manic Archbishop, Hoult's fellow Skins alum Sebastian de Souza as Catherine's approved lover, Iron Fist's Sacha Dhawan as her chief co-conspirator and Australian actress Belinda Bromilow as Peter's offbeat aunt. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5vLgpdXz0g All ten episodes of The Great's first season are available to stream via Stan in Australia and NeonTV in New Zealand. Top image: Ollie Upton, Hulu
Not content with launching a Ritz-Carlton on the Gold Coast in 2026, the Marriott International hotel chain is bringing another of its luxe accommodation labels to the Glitter Strip: St Regis, which'll open its first-ever Australian outpost in Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise. Holidaymakers will need to wait until 2027 to soak in the brand's lavish surroundings; however, there'll be plenty to enjoy, all as part of the under-development $1.7-billion La Pélago resort and precinct. La Pélago won't be small, sprawling over 12,000 square metres, and including 5500-plus square metres of dining and drinking options, as well as shops. St Regis Gold Coast Resort won't be modest itself, featuring 185 guest rooms and suites, each with either ocean or hinterland views. Also set to feature at the new St Regis: a sky bar, pool bar and lounge, a specialty restaurant, the chain's signature St Regis Bar and a spa, turning every stay into an excuse to kick back with a drink — while looking at stunning vistas, over a splash, with a meal or before chasing your bliss. Sporting the brand's usual focus on glamour — complete with its bespoke butler service — the Gold Coast's St Regis resort will take over one of La Pélago's towers, and comes in collaboration with property development company Gurner and investment house Wingate. It's set to be the first tower to open, in fact, and joins a list of 55-plus fellow St Regis hotels and resorts worldwide since the chain's first site opened in New York in 1904. You might've heard of its Big Apple venue, and the St Regis New York King Cole Bar, thanks to a well-known tipple. It was the supposed birthplace of the bloody mary back in 1934, with the hotel brand unsurprising touting the spicy cocktail as its signature sip since then. Do genuinely expect to feel on top of the world at the St Regis Gold Coast; as part of the La Pélago design plans, all of the hotel's rooms and amenities, including the bar and restaurant, will sit above the rest of the towers in the precinct. The St Regis building itself will be 50-percent taller than any other surrounding tower, in fact. That means arriving at the porte cochère entrance, then making your way up to the second — and main — hotel lobby on level 42. "This signing for the St Regis brand in Australia is momentous for Marriott International, and a wonderful advancement for the Gold Coast. The St Regis name promises a vanguard spirit steeped in history and tradition, and is synonymous with global luxury," said Richard Crawford, Vice President Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International, announcing the news. "The St Regis Hotel brand redefined luxury when it first opened its doors in New York over 100 years ago and as such we are incredibly selective when choosing the right locations and developments to launch new St Regis Hotel sites, that are befitting of the strict requirements and expectations of the brand," Crawford continued. St Regis was initially due to make its Aussie debut in Melbourne, as announced back in 2018; however, that plan hasn't come to fruition. When the chain's Gold Coast hotel opens, it's expected to be Marriott International's fourth site in the Queensland city thanks to the existing JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, and theSheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, plus the aforementioned Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast. Start dreaming about those swanky 2027 vacations now. The St Regis Gold Coast Resort will open at the new La Pélago precinct, 112 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise sometime in 2027 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. 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.
Voila! The Four Horsemen are hitting Australia, in magical news if you like illusionists and the Now You See Me film franchise. Back in 2018, it was announced that the Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain)-, Woody Harrelson (Last Breath)-, Dave Franco (Together)- and Isla Fisher (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy)-starring cinema saga was making its way to the stage — and while that's proven the case elsewhere since, the IRL production will make its first trip to Australia before 2025 is out. Now You See Me Live doesn't feature the cast of the films, but gets real-life illusionists demonstrating their skills instead. Their Aussie stop: the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall across Friday, December 19, 2025–Saturday, January 3, 2026. Audiences will be able to see Adam Trent from the US, Enzo Weyne from France, Andrew Basso from Italy and Gabriella Lester from South Africa step into the Four Horsemen's shoes. From Trent, expect plenty of sleight of hand, while Weyne specialises in large-scale magic. Basso prefers death-defying acts and Lester is a master of Houdini's upside down straight-jacket escape. The ensemble have taken to the stage for residencies on Broadway and in Las Vegas, and also in hundreds of other cities. Now, it's Australia's turn. "Hosting an Australian-premiere season at the Opera House is always a thrill, and this show is a spectacle — perfect for anyone with an appetite to be wowed this summer. Now You See Me Live takes movie magic to a whole new level of drama in this high-stakes live experience," said Brenna Hobson, Sydney Opera House Director, Programming, announcing the shows. Added Simon Painter, the production's Creative Producer, "Now You See Me Live pushes the boundaries of stage magic to the absolute edge, making the impossible possible in front of your very eyes. Together we've created a show with truly mindblowing artistry at epic scale and we can't wait for Sydney audiences to experience the magic — live!" 2025 is a big Now You See Me year: a new movie in the franchise is on its way to cinemas, too, with Now You See Me: Now You Don't releasing in Aussie picture palaces on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Check out the trailer for Now You See Me Live below: Now You See Me Live is playing the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall across Friday, December 19, 2025–Saturday, January 3, 2026. Head to the venue website for more information — with presale tickets from 9am on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and general tickets from 9am on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
On the big screen, the Jurassic franchise keeps finding a way. After 1993's page-to-cinemas hit Jurassic Park proved such a smash, more movies were always going to follow. So spawned sequels in 1997 and 2001, then the first three Jurassic World flicks in 2015, 2018 and 2022 — and now there's a fourth of the latter on the way in 2025. But it isn't just on screens that this saga continues to pop up. Welcome to ... your latest reason to be surrounded by lifelike prehistoric creatures in 2024, Melburnians. After roaring into Sydney in 2023, and teasing a trip further south since early this year, Jurassic World: The Exhibition has opened in Brunswick. Head to The Fever Exhibition Hall from Friday, August 2 and you'll feel like you've been transported to Isla Nublar, complete with a walk through the big-screen saga's famed gates. From there, you'll mosey around themed environments featuring life-sized versions of the movie franchise's dinos, including a brachiosaurus, velociraptors — yes, get ready to say "clever girl" — and a Tyrannosaurus rex. Attendees can get roaming while staring at animatronics, including the new ankylosaurus and carnotarus. Also linking in with the animated Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous series, there's baby dinos, such as the show's Bumpy. Now, all that's left is to decide which Jurassic franchise character that you want to emulate (the best choices: Laura Dern's palaeobotanist Ellie Sattler, Sam Neill's palaeontologist Alan Grant and Jeff Goldblum's mathematician Ian Malcolm, of course). And no, when Michael Crichton penned Jurassic Park in 1990, then Steven Spielberg turned it into a 1993 film, they wouldn't have expected that this'd be the result 31 years — and five more movies — later.
If you're looking to bring some Danish-inspired design into your home, look no further than Curious Grace. With Scandi furniture pieces from designers like Henrik Pederson, Jakob Berg and Normann Copenhagen, you're bound to find a chair, cushion or cup that'll bring more hygge to your home. You'll obviously need to try before you buy, and the Clifton Hill showroom is the perfect place to sample all the cosy offerings. Spend the morning surrounded by soft throws and velvet fringed cushions before taking your new furniture home to continue your new life of hygge. Curious Grace also stocks a range of beautiful lamps, perfect to create a cosy ambience in your living room.
When it comes to sharing movies that've recently premiered at Cannes with Australian audiences, timing is kind to Sydney Film Festival. One fest is in May, the other is in June — and SFF makes the most of it. Indeed, in 2025, its main program announcement was packed with 15 films that would hit Cannes, then Sydney. Next, Eddington joined the lineup, doing the same. The event's closing-night pick Splitsville falls into that category as well. Now comes a late drop of nine additional Australian-premiere titles that'll get the Harbour City's projectors whirring, most of which have also only recently debuted in France. Both Sentimental Value and Sîrat are heading to Sydney after collecting prizes in Cannes. The first nabbed the Cannes Grand Prix for filmmaker Joachim Trier, who reunites with his The Worst Person in the World lead Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent), and also has Stellan Skarsgård (Andor) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) in his cast. The Morocco-set second film picked up a Cannes Jury Prize, and boasts Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door) as a producer. Both are playing SFF as special presentations. Or, audiences can look forward to the Dardenne brothers' (Tori and Lokita) Young Mothers, which collected Cannes' Screenplay Prize — and Cannes Queer Palme and Best Actress-recipient The Little Sister. Plus, joining Reinsve, Skarsgård and Fanning among the big-name stars on Sydney Film Festival's expanded program: Gael García Bernal (Holland) and Joel Edgerton (Dark Matter). In Magellan, which is directed by Filipino great Lav Diaz (Phantosmia), Bernal plays the title character. As for Edgerton, the Australian actor pops up in The Plague, where peer pressure at a summer camp drives the narrative. SFF has also added Two Prosecutors and Eagles of the Republic, each of which screened in competition at Cannes. Sergei Loznitsa (The Invasion) is behind Two Prosecutors, which takes place in 1937 under Stalin's rule. Tarik Saleh (Cairo Conspiracy) helms Eagles of the Republic, another of Sydney Film Festival's movies set in a complicated political climate — this time as part of a satirical thriller about an Egyptian film star. It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley debuted at Sundance 2025, not Cannes, but is also an eagerly anticipated newcomer on the lineup. That's what happens when documentarian Amy Berg (Janis: Little Boy Blue, West of Memphis) turns her attention to the late, great singer almost three decades after his tragic passing. "The festival starts in just two days, but we think its never too late to add the most-exciting new films to the festival, fresh from their international premieres," said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "From sweeping historical epics and urgent political dramas to intimate portraits and unforgettable performances, these films continue our commitment to showcasing the most exciting cinema from around the world." Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
Attention Carnivores, news is just in that Victor Churchill, the highly acclaimed butcher shop and exclusive steak restaurant in Armadale, has announced plans to open its second Melbourne location next year. Victor Churchill is set to bring its renowned butchery skills and fine dining experience to Crown Melbourne in mid-2027. The beloved butcher was established way back in 1876 in Woolhara, Sydney, and in 2009, the Puharich family changed the store's trajectory, making it the elevated brand it is today. Anthony and his father, Victor, a fourth-generation butcher, have since expanded the brand and achieved international acclaim with their signature blend of butchery, theatre, hospitality, and design. "Victor Churchill has always been about more than just meat — it's about storytelling, craft, and creating unforgettable moments," said Anthony Puharich, CEO. "We're thrilled to bring this philosophy to Crown Melbourne, where we can offer guests one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the country. This new venue will blend the heritage of Victor Churchill with the energy of a contemporary grill room, with every detail designed to feel bold, intimate, and magnetic." The new venue will mark the emergence of a partnership between Anthony and Rebecca Puharich and acclaimed chef Monty Koludrovic, who has worked in kitchens across Australia, the UK, and the United States, including at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and The Dorchester Hotel. "Anthony and I have been close friends for almost twenty years, and I am thrilled to be coming home to Australia and to be working with the Puharich family on a project of this scale and significance. We really couldn't script it any better. Victor Churchill has earned a reputation as one of our nation's most premium butchers and luxury food destinations, and I look forward to contributing to that legacy come 2027," says Koludrovic. Victor Churchill is slated to open at Crown Melbourne in mid-2027, with Ed Domingo, Crown Melbourne CEO, saying, "This exciting new partnership brings together two icons of luxury and dining in what will be an architecturally stunning space overlooking the Yarra. We can't wait for our guests to experience the distinctive theatre and exceptional quality of Victor Churchill right here on Crown Melbourne's famed riverwalk." "Crown Melbourne is more than a destination. It is an institution at the heart of Melbourne's culture and energy. To be part of its evolution and next chapter, and to introduce Victor Churchill into this iconic waterfront resort, is genuinely exciting. I have always been drawn to opportunities that allow us to think creatively and contribute meaningfully, and there is something incredibly inspiring about playing a role in a place that has long shaped Melbourne's hospitality landscape. The next chapter of Crown Melbourne promises to be extraordinary, and this partnership feels like a natural and exciting progression for Victor Churchill," says Puharich. "From our original Woollahra store to our Melbourne home in Armadale, we've reimagined what a butcher shop can be. Now, with Crown Melbourne, we're taking the next bold step: a dedicated bar and grill that will set a new benchmark for extraordinary dining. This is more than an expansion — it's an opportunity to share our craft with locals and tourists in a setting that celebrates world-class experiences. The Victor Churchill brand is ready for this moment, and we couldn't be more motivated to deliver something exceptional." Images: Kristoffer Paulsen. Victor Churchill is set to open at Crown in mid-2027, with further details around the concept and design to be released soon. If you're after a meaty meal in the meantime, check out the best steak restaurants in Melbourne.
After 2019's One Night Stand, music lovers in regional Australia waited till 2024 for the event to return. Thankfully, there's no five-year delay between festivals this time. The Triple J initiative is back in 2025, returning this autumn and boasting Spacey Jane as its headliner. You'll have to hang out a little bit longer to find out where it's taking place, however. As well as Spacey Jane, 2025's lineup includes LUUDE, Ruby Fields, 3%, Blusher and Velvet Trip. There'll also be a Triple J Unearthed winner, although exactly who is still to be announced. Whichever talent rounds out the bill, the full roster of acts is taking to the stage somewhere in Australia on Saturday, May 24. [caption id="attachment_996056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Barash[/caption] With that May date, One Night Stand is returning just over eight months since 2024's festival, which took place in the Victorian town of Warrnambool in September with G Flip, Ruel, What So Not and Thelma Plum leading the lineup. The Aussie location doing the honours this time will be revealed on Thursday, March 27. While Victoria hosted the most-recent One Night Stand and also the first — 21 years ago, Triple J gave the town of Natimuk a day to remember when the spot 300 kilometres out of Melbourne welcomed its very own major music fest — it has been known to spread the love around destination-wise. When the ABC radio station put on the festival every year between 2004–2014, then again from 2016–2019, it hopped around states. Ayr, Dalby and Mt Isa in Queensland; Port Pirie, Tumby Bay and Lucindale in South Australia; Cowra and Dubbo in New South Wales; Collie and Geraldton in Western Australia; Sale and Mildura back in Victoria; Alice Springs in the Northern Territory; and St Helens in Tasmania: they've all enjoyed the One Night Stand experience. There's no prizes for guessing why One Night Stand pressed pause from 2020–23. It was true in 2024 and it remains the case in 2025: the all-ages event is returning at time when the Australian live music scene has been suffering, and after a spate of festivals have been cancelling or saying farewell forever, including both Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo sitting out 2024 and 2025. Tickets for 2025's One Night Stand will cost $15 plus booking fee, and all proceeds will be donated to charity. One Night Stand Lineup 2025 Spacey Jane LUUDE Ruby Fields 3% Blusher Velvet Trip Triple J Unearthed winner to be announced [caption id="attachment_996060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Savitri Wendt[/caption] 2025's triple j One Night Stand will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with the town playing host set to be announced from 3.30pm AEDT on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Tickets will go on sale from 5pm AEDT on Thursday, March 27, 2025. For more information, head to the radio station's website. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
Glen Waverley has long been a hub for food, thanks to a myriad of Asian grocers and small but tasty dumpling places on Kingsway. The last few years have also seen neighbouring shopping centre The Glen undertake a flashy development, extending the retail options to include the likes of Huxtaburger and a new fresh food market hall, and evolving the overall look of the place. The latest in this revamp is the news that the top floor of the centre will become a huge 4000-square-metre sky garden. The new space will be part of a new residential development named — you guessed it — Sky Garden. As well as topping off The Glen with some natural goodness and adding a bit of life to what can otherwise be a sterile environment, the garden will also be the bottom floor of a huge new residential complex of 555 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that will be built above the centre. The garden will be designed by Aspect Studios and is another move towards utilising industrial space for a more natural and eco-friendly focus. According to developers the Golden Age Group, the 4000-square-metre space will feature "outdoor dining and entertainment amenities". And, as well as green views to the Dandenong Ranges in the east and the bay in the south, the garden will extend up the new apartment structure too — each apartment will come with a balcony with vertical greenery. Unfortunately, the gardens will only be accessible to residents of the new apartments. So, if you manage snag one, lucky you — but the rest of us will have to be happy knowing the city has received another much-needed injection of flora and chlorophyll. It follows in the wake of the news that Melbourne's south will soon see a 2000-square-metre rooftop farm and restaurant as part of the new Burwood Brickworks development, a sustainable shopping centre designed by eco-designer Joost Bakker. This one will be open to the public. There are big changes afoot over here — the apartment block and the new developments at The Glen are expected to cost $450 million and construction is expected to commence in late 2019. But don't panic: the dumplings on Kingsway are safe for now.
Richmond sometimes feels like a sneaky little devil. It has more than its fair share of hidden gems, but doesn't yell too loud about it. Wine bars, cafes and more pubs than anyone really needs. If you're a fan of Richmond and pubs you've probably heard of Public House, found on the not-so-glamorous corner of Swan and Church Streets. It is a pub — yes indeed — but while they have steak nights and burger nights, they also hold nights for cocktails and share platters. A mature pub, one might say. But for us, the real draw card is the rooftop bar. Again a sneaky one, this roof isn't trying to make any 'Top Rooftop Bars' lists, but it's cute and is open to the air. And that's all you need, really. The menu is doing pretty well for itself as well. Share plates see duck spring rolls served with wasabi, ginger, ponzu and palm sugar dip ($12 for three pieces) while the corn pop chicken bites served with roasted garlic and parmesan aioli ($9) are like grown up chicken nuggets in all the right ways. If you're looking for something a little heartier — or perhaps you're just opposed to sharing — go for the cauliflower gnocchi served with peas, parsley, parmesan and sherry cream ($21), or whole baby snapper served with cherry tomatoes, lemongrass and chilli broth ($27). For the drinkers among us, cocktails like the cinnamon spiced sangria come in jug form ($30), or else there is the Gin Squiz – lemon juice, rosemary, blueberry jam, gin and St. Germain elderflower liqueur ($18) — for those drinking alone. If you're steering clear of spirits, start with a glass of the NV Petaluma Croser from the Adelaide Hills ($12 glass) or perhaps a White Rabbit Dark Ale from Healesville ($9.50). An Australian-heavy wine list and a rather international beer selection rounds things off. Well done Richmond. You seem to have one this round, yet again. Images: Giulia Morlando.
Heading to the snow is an experience many of us spend the long winter days at work daydreaming about. But a trip to the snow-covered mountains should be about so much more than just clipping on your skis or snowboard. With a multi-day trip to Victoria's Alpine Resorts, you can take your snow trip to new heights — literally and figuratively — with an array of elevated adventures. Whether you're a snow-sport aficionado, want to soak up the picturesque scenery from lush, on-mountain accommodation, or are hankering to see the sights from above, Victoria's alpine region has you covered. From Mt Hotham to Falls Creek, Mt Buller to Dinner Plain and Mt Stirling, here are our picks for turning your mid-year winter break into a bucket-list trip to remember. See the Sights on a Snowshoeing Adventure While shredding your heart out on the slopes is a staple for most snow trips, there are some other incredible (and somewhat underrated) ways to get up close and personal with Mother Nature, like snowshoeing. If you want something that's low impact on your body but high impact on views, snowshoeing could be your new favourite alpine activity. Dinner Plain has a bunch of trails to suit a range of fitness levels, including shorter walks on the edge of town through to longer treks over mountain ridges for the more intrepid travellers. You can take a guided snowshoe tour in Mt Stirling or Mt Buller, or DIY on a self-guided stroll in Falls Creek. To take things even further, you can have the time of your life on a Snowshoe to Cheese Fondue experience in Mt Hotham. Here, you'll wind through breathtaking snow gums at sunset before tucking into an unforgettable three-course dinner, complete with gooey cheese fondue and Glühwein in a hidden eco-village. Hit the Slopes for Some Skiing or Snowboarding Okay, so we said a snow trip is about more than clipping on your snow-sport gear, but that doesn't mean you should skip it altogether. Classics are classics for a reason, right? If you've only ever stuck to either skiing or snowboarding, consider this your sign to step out of your comfort zone and try the alternative sport. There are amazing runs at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Dinner Plain to suit all levels. You'll just need to let go of your ego when you have to return to the green runs. Never skied or snowboarded before? You're in for a real treat. With expert guidance from knowledgeable instructors, you'll be carving up the slopes in no time. Take Flight to See the Sights Soaring above the rugged alpine peaks really is an experience like no other. With a bird's-eye view, you can soak in the spectacular sights of Victoria's High Country from new heights and zoom out from the world for a moment in time. Take a scenic helicopter flight between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham and be captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views as you glide above the snowy summits. Or take the opportunity to see the region from above with a helicopter ride over the ridges and valleys of Mt Stirling and Mt Buller to tick off this bucket-list experience. Hang Out with Huskies A husky sled tour might seem like something you only see in the movies, but in Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain, you can live out your Hollywood fantasy in real life. Let a team of alpine huskies whisk you away into the magical scenery of Mt Hotham's and Dinner Plain's backcountry trails with Howling Huskys, or let Australian Sled Dog Tours take you on a trip of a lifetime in Mt Buller. Try Out a New Angle with Cross-Country Skiing If you're a seasoned skier and want to level up your on-slope action, adding a cross-country skiing session to your trip is a must. If you're feeling super adventurous, try exploring the wild and sprawling cross-country trails on Mt Stirling, where there are over 60 kilometres of trails to discover. Falls Creek has loads of patrolled tracks ideal for newcomers, while Dinner Plain has paths that snake around the Alpine Village so you can get a taste of the action without venturing too far from home. Refuel at Incredible On-Mountain Food and Drink Venues After all that time on the slopes, you're guaranteed to work up an appetite. And thankfully, the food and drink scene in Victoria's Alpine Resorts delivers, no matter where you choose to base yourself. From ambient wine bars in Dinner Plain to new great counter meals in Falls Creek, there's an eating and drinking option to please all palates. If you head to Mt Buller, make sure you grab some fresh waffles for breakfast or low-and-slow smoked goodies for lunch at the on-mountain restaurant Spurs Smokehouse. In Mt Hotham, it's the raclette lunch that has us salivating. Here, you'll scrape melted French cheese onto baked potatoes and enjoy them alongside a spread of charcuterie, smoked meats and a selection of curated booze. Rest Your Head at Spectacular On-Mountain Accommodation In Victoria's High Country, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to stellar accommodation. As far as choosing where to stay, we recommend going all in on your snow trip and cosying up in some on-mountain accommodation if you really want your trip to soar. That way, you get to be close to all the action without having to faff about with draining logistics. There's alpine accommodation to suit a range of group sizes and budgets. For a touch of luxury, Mt Buller's Breathtaker Hotel will hit the spot after a long day on the slopes. If you're after something a little more adventurous, glamping in the snow might be more your style. There are also charming lodges, chalets and resorts to recharge in — many with sweeping views of the pristine mountains. Get away from it all with an adventure at Victoria's Alpine Resorts. For more information and to start planning, visit the website.
In an age in which we spend more time looking at screens than we do looking at each other, the organisers of a monthly public meet-up are trying to encourage a little old-school human connection. Held once a month in cities around the world, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Eye Gazing is exactly what it sounds like: a group of strangers meet in a public place in order to create a silent bond. The events are run by The Human Connection Movement, a group that aims to change the way that people interact for the better. "We're here to empower people to stay open and lead with an open heart whilst maintaining authenticity, courage and awareness," reads a description on the event page for the group's upcoming Melbourne meet. It's set to take place in Fitzroy Gardens on Saturday, January 7. It's free to attend, although you will need to register online. Image: The Human Connection Movement/YouTube.
There's only one thing that's wrong with The Soul Trembles, the Chiharu Shiota exhibition that's now sprawling across the entire ground floor of Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art until Monday, October 3: it isn't happening in Tokyo, at an art museum towering 53 levels above the busy streets, and against the inimitable backdrop that is the Japanese capital's twinkling skyline. That isn't a criticism of GOMA, its South Bank berth next to the Brisbane River, or the otherworldly display now gracing its halls and walls. But when this enchanting and entrancing Shiota showcase first debuted back in 2019, it did so in quite the striking Tokyo spot. The background now differs, but the art itself remains just as impressive — and as eager to live up to the exhibition's name. Japan-born, Berlin-based artist Shiota crafts works that force everyone who sees them to take in their place in the world, all while musing on their own inner worlds in the process. Her art skews existential in both a big and an intimate sense. The macro and micro alike lingers piece by piece, and through The Soul Trembles as a whole. That's all there in the masses of string, the wall of miniatures and the detached body parts. It also dwells in the dangling suitcases and the compilation of window frames, and in the paper cascading upwards — aka the GOMA exhibition's major new commission. [caption id="attachment_859135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] Indeed, when you peer at Shiota's mazes of inky-black wool, including when they're woven around chairs and pianos, it's impossible not to think about infinity, mortality, obliteration, the darkness that awaits us all, the fragility of life and the fact that all things eventually turn to ash. When you take in her labyrinths of blood-red yarn instead, it's equally difficult not to ponder the crimson stuff pumping through our veins, all that makes our bodies work and function, and the reality that being alive is so physically complex, emotionally tangled and tangibly fragile. Also inescapable: that, just as one exhibition after the next proves in any gallery's ongoing calendar, humanity's very existence is oh-so-fleeting. Comprised of over 100 works from across 25 years of Shiota's career, and marking her largest exhibition to-date, The Soul Trembles is unsurprisingly a deeply gorgeous and wondrous showcase — and a deeply contemplative one. It's a ruminative artistic landscape to get lost in, and to think about who you really are and what you want out of life while you're standing within it. For Brisbanites now eager to do exactly that — plus interstate art-lovers keen to make the trip north to see the Australian-exclusive exhibition — here are eight pieces to look out for. [caption id="attachment_859136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] UNCERTAIN JOURNEY Every exhibition that settles into GOMA makes a splash in its main gallery hallway. The venue's presentations fill plenty of its other spaces, but the South Bank spot loves a bold entrance. When Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection was on display, a Skywhale-like balloon did the honours. During David Lynch: Between Two Worlds, a mini cinema inside a cube sat in the foyer, offering attendees a complication of music clips from his movies. Yayoi Kusama: Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow boasted yellow polka-dotted orbs, while Water featured suspended rings that you could climb through. At The Soul Trembles, Shiota's Uncertain Journey is no less spectacular — or memorable. Dating back to 2016, it features a series of metallic frames shaped like boats, all strung together by red thread. They're linked in a giant woven mass that spreads from wall to wall, making a wool canopy for a ceiling, and includes cavernous tunnels within the flame-hued strands. As far as welcoming you into Shiota's mindset, and making sure you're in the right headspace yourself, it's a perfect opening piece. Wanting to simply stand and stare comes with the territory. [caption id="attachment_859137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] WHERE ARE WE GOING? Much about The Soul Trembles deals in contrasts: life and death, big and small, red and black, and beginnings and endings. But this is also an exhibition about the here and now, as well as the journeys that life takes us on from one extreme to another. That idea is plain in many of the artwork names, such as the aforementioned Uncertain Journey and now Where Are We Going?. And, in both, it's evident in Shiota's frequent use of vessel-shaped structures — all either encased in or hanging via threads. Dangling its wire boats from the ceiling, Where Are We Going? uses a monochrome colour scheme — letting the white wool of the ships' bodies clash with the black rope suspending them in mid-air. The installation sits just inside a doorway, but expect that passage to be clogged; just try not to stop immediately as soon as you lock eyes on the piece. That's a fitting reaction that speaks volumes about what strikes us in life, and where existence's bottlenecks reside. Still, thanks to its size and scale, you'll also want to take a minute to walk around Where Are We Going? as well. [caption id="attachment_859138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] IN SILENCE When Shiota was nine years old, the house next door to her home burned down. The following morning, a piano remained — scorched black, and drawing Shiota in with both its appearance and its quiet. In Silence responds to that event, and to the memory of it that still lingers. It muses on the things that tangibly remain, as well as those that haunt without a physical presence. It's also one of The Soul Trembles' most vivid sights. Visitors to GOMA have to walk through a few rooms to get to In Silence, which dates back to 2008. In the process, you'll take in installations, photos, paintings and videos first. But when this piece appears, filling a room with black thread — and wrapping up a piano, as well as chairs ready for an invisible audience, within all those fibres — it's as arresting as the exhibition gets. While it screams with physicality, it's also a ghostly vision. And, among everything else, its interplay of light and shadows is ethereal. [caption id="attachment_859134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] REFLECTION OF SPACE AND TIME The Soul Trembles isn't focused on fashion, but it does feature two eye-catching dresses in one black cube. Like much within the exhibition, they're trapped within Shiota's beloved black yarn. A mirror also sits in the centre of the steel frame, dividing the space. Accordingly, as well as the items themselves, viewers also spy their reflections — and the setup is designed to make you merge the real and the illusory in your mind. It isn't by accident that, with her ever-present threads, Shiota covers an object that's already designed as a covering. With her mirrors, she also muddies the lines between what exists to touch — not that GOMA visitors can — and what only exists to the eye. A piece about skins and illusions, Reflection of Space and Time thinks big, as its name makes clear. It's a compact work compared to Shiota's installations, confined as it is to its cube, but it's also both stunning and weighty. [caption id="attachment_859140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] INSIDE — OUTSIDE Eyes may be the windows to the soul — one that trembles, or not — but windows themselves are revelatory in Inside — Outside. This installation nods to Shiota's adopted home of Berlin, which she moved to in 1996. Attached together to form a barrier that fences off one corner, this piece takes inspiration from one of the German capital's most infamous structures: the Berlin Wall, obviously. Shiota has crafted Inside — Outside out of discarded Berlin windows, in fact, all gathered from construction sites in the mid-2000s when the city was being redeveloped extensively. The structure sits adjacent to images of the city, with the combination sparking thoughts about separation, destruction and renewal, boundaries, and open and closed-off spaces. It's another work that makes gorgeous use of light, too. [caption id="attachment_859139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] CONNECTING SMALL MEMORIES When wool stretches across vast hallways and fills rooms, The Soul Trembles is immense. It can be tiny, too, though. That said, the feeling that emanates when you see Connecting Small Memories and its array of miniatures is definitely voluminous. Big things can make an impact and leave an imprint, as plenty of Shiota's works do — and their minuscule counterparts can as well, including when arranged together along an entire wall. It features items you won't see elsewhere in GOMA — ironing boards, rocking horses, tables, beds, chests of drawers, curtains, cupboards and more, all looking like something out of Honey I Shrunk the Kids — but Connecting Small Memories also resembles The Soul Trembles made pocket-sized. Red threads link its pieces, doing what the artwork's moniker promises. [caption id="attachment_859132" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] A QUESTION OF SPACE AND TIME The Soul Trembles comes to Brisbane from Japan, where Shiota was born. It features a piece made about Berlin, where she has lived for decades. The exhibition also has a strong and vivid link to Australia, too, in the form of newly commissioned work A Question of Space and Time. Shiota spent part of the 90s Down Under, studying at the Canberra School of Art from 1993–94 and travelling — including visit Uluru, which this installation contemplates. Yes, string is once again a feature. Strands of black rope hang from the ceiling, taking up an entire room. Within it, items of found furniture sit within the middle. A Question of Space and Time then tops that desk and chair with hundreds of suspended pieces of ordinary 80gsm paper, all leaping upwards like someone has just thrown an entire ream into the air. The result: a work that's mysterious and mesmerising, and another piece that's worth viewing from multiple angles. [caption id="attachment_859141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] ACCUMULATION — SEARCHING FOR A DESTINATION If you're a frequent GOMA attendee, you'll remember what once filled the gallery where Accumulation — Searching for a Destination now hangs. Over the summer of 2019–20, the room was piled with 100 tonnes of rocks, recreating an Icelandic stream. That Olafur Eliasson piece was phenomenal. So is the unrelated installation that now calls the same space home. They feel like mirror images: Accumulation slopes from left to right, affixed to the roof, where Riverbed reached right to left from the floor up. Experiencing both, even three years apart, is something special. Accumulation suspends hundreds of suitcases on red thread, all jostling in the air. This isn't a new work, and it wasn't a response to the pandemic and the barriers to travel it sparked, but it's easy to muse on both while standing in front of it. This is another of The Soul Trembles' pieces about journeys, of course, and also about valuing minutiae. What is a suitcase if not a receptacle for all we see fit to keep with us when we venture away from home, and a physical item to which we attach our fondest travel memories? Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles displays at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from Saturday, June 18–Monday, October 3, 2022. For further details, visit the GOMA website. Images: installation views: Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2022 © Chiharu Shiota. Photography: Natasha Harth / Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA.
UPDATE, April 24, 2021: Parasite is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When writer-director Bong Joon-ho lets two families roam around and unleash their best and worst in an opulent South Korean mansion, he couldn't have placed them in a better spot. The kind of house that anyone would dream of living in, Parasite's main setting is a multi-storey playground filled with wide-open spaces, gleaming surfaces and modernist decor, all opening out onto a grassy, leafy backyard. A real estate agent's fantasy as well, this not-so-humble abode is the bricks-and-mortar pinnacle of success and wealth. As created by production designer Lee Ha-jun to meet Bong's specific vision (a real house that matched the filmmaker's needs simply didn't exist), the labyrinthine structure is a puzzle box, too. Within its walls, mysteries linger. Here, anything and everything could happen. Parasite proves exceptional in every single frame and detail that it flicks onto the screen — but the way that this sprawling central home encapsulates the movie's very essence is a towering feat. Already lauded and applauded, not to mention awarded the top prizes at both the Cannes and Sydney film festivals, Parasite isn't short on achievements. Internationally renowned and beloved as the auteur behind The Host, Snowpiercer and Okja, Bong has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it. Parasite possesses a pitch-perfect cast of both veteran and up-and-coming actors, all playing their parts with devastating precision. It's scripted, with Okja assistant director turned first-time co-writer Han Jin-won, to tease, mesmerise, infuriate, satirise and amuse in equal measures. And its look and pace, courtesy of the finessed work of cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo (Bong's Mother) and editor Yang Jin-mo (Bong's Okja), is as polished and probing as its all-important setting. When viewers first meet Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), his wife Chung-sook (Chang Hyae-jin), and their young but grown-up children Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and Ki-jung (Park So-dam), they're dwelling in a damp, cockroach-infested basement apartment. They're also all out of work. Piggybacking whichever unlocked wi-fi network they can find keeps them going — and, when the streets outside are being fumigated, the family isn't opposed to keeping the windows open to take advantage of the free pest control (health consequences be damned). Combined, their only regular source of income comes from folding pizza boxes, with zero other prospects on the horizon. Then Ki-woo's former classmate Min (Park Seo-joon) asks if he'll fill in at a lucrative private tutoring gig. While Ki-woo doesn't have the requisite university degree such a position usually needs, it's easy to manufacture thanks to Ki-jung's impressive photoshop skills. Taking plenty of cues from this early bit of subterfuge, Parasite could be dubbed the ultimate 'fake it till you make it' movie. Stepping foot inside the film's main setting, Ki-Woo wows not only his new, quickly love-struck teenage pupil Da-hye (Jung Ziso), but her flighty mother Yeon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong) too. He's soon part of the household, which also includes tech entrepreneur patriarch Park (Lee Sun-kyun), pre-adolescent son Da-song (Jung Hyeon-jun) and their housekeeper (Lee Jeong-eun). With Ki-woo eager to bring his own family into this rich, luxurious orbit, an underhanded plan emerges. Without spoiling any specifics from this narrative juncture onwards, Bong was inspired to write Parasite after spotting a smudge on his pants. This intriguing tidbit gives very little away, although corrupting an otherwise pristine environment — and pondering whether a splatter of disarray makes supposed perfection and privilege better or worse — is the film's thematic stomping ground. The movie's lush locale draws viewers in, all so that it can shatter the allure. Slippery performances, with seemingly clear-cut characters becoming anything but, do the same. So too does Bong and his crew's exacting craftsmanship, which keeps audiences both immersed and guessing. Add shifting tones and changing genres to the fold as well, because evolution and elusiveness are among the movie's most crucial tools. Indeed, from sets and actors to framing and mood, every element of Parasite is weaponised. More than that, it's all calibrated and wielded for maximum impact. This isn't just a killer picture on all of the standard levels, however. Contemplating society's growing class collisions and inequities, Parasite also makes a killer statement. It shouldn't escape attention that three of the past year's absolute best and most astute works, all from South Korean or Japanese filmmakers, have taken aim at the increasing gap between the haves and the have nots. Or, looking to America as well, that one of 2019's great horror releases plays in the same terrain while also bringing race into the equation. Parasite shares its grifting, struggling family with Hirokazu Kore-eda's Shoplifters, its tonal flips and wiliness with Lee Chang-dong's Burning, and its malevolent tone with Jordan Peele's Us, adding to a blossoming field of urgent, intense and diverse cinema that interrogates the societal status quo with a rightfully scathing eye. That said, there's no mistaking Bong's dark, devious and delightful thriller for any other film — or for anything but a hands-down masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc
Whether you're buying for your mother, partner or sister, we've rounded up some of the top gifts for her, with a little bit of help from Amazon to help you out. We've sought out goodies for foodies, fashionistas, fitness-lovers and beauty queens. Plus, if you've left gifts to the last minute, Amazon has some of the latest delivery days out there, which is good news for those of us who tend to resort to last-minute Christmas shopping. 1. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life This book by authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles is all about how to live a happy, healthy and long life, and who doesn't want to learn how to do that? The word Ikigai is the Japanese word for 'a reason to live' or 'a reason to jump out of bed in the morning'. This book will help you work out what your ikigai is and how to change your life for the better. A great read for anyone you know who's looking for a certain spark or loves learning about concepts from other cultures. 2. Asēdos Floral Vanilla Eau De Parfum You can never go wrong with gifting a new perfume. This spray from Asēdos is the perfect subtle and sweet option to gift to a woman like your mother-in-law, who has been non-specific about what scent they prefer. The top notes are pear, coffee, lemon and bergamot, while the middle notes are jasmine sambac and orange blossom. Scents of patchouli, cedar and musk round it out. 3. Gym Bag Perfect for the gym, yoga, the beach or even as a weekend bag (that fits for carry-on luggage), this duffle bag for women from VNPONV is roomy, practical and looks good. The bag comes in beige, black or grey and features a zippered waterproof PVC-lined pocket for wet clothes or towels and swimsuits, an extra-small makeup bag for easy storage and a separate shoe compartment with vents. Plus, it is made with durable and water-resistant nylon to protect your items. 4. Design Lives Here This one's for all the design lovers out there. Design Lives Here: Australian interiors, furniture and lighting is a hardcover coffee table book detailing the ins and outs of Australian design and is the perfect gift for anyone you know who spends hours watching Grand Designs re-runs. The book showcases the best of Australian residential architecture and interiors, featuring many homes from local designers and makers. 5. Bracelet Watch The Anne Klein Women's Genuine Diamond Dial Bracelet Watch is so gorgeous to look at. It's hard to imagine anyone would be disappointed finding this under the Christmas tree this year. The intricate watch features a mineral crystal lens with a green sunray dial with rose gold-tone hands and markers. The allure doesn't stop there – a rose gold-tone adjustable link bracelet, jewellery clasp and extender paired with Japanese quartz movement are the perfect finishing touches. 6. Bamboo Bathtub Tray The ultimate gift for the women out there who don't take any time to relax, this Wooden Bath Caddy Tray is perfect for long, relaxing baths with a book and a glass of wine. Its extendable design means you can adjust the tray to fit your tub with slots, so when you slide the wine glass into the slot, it won't tip over. Its sleek bamboo design is also perfect for elevating the overall bathroom aesthetic. 7. Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love Another gem from the massively popular cook Ottolenghi, The Ottolenghi Test Kitchen is all about creating inspired recipes using humble ingredients. Whether you're buying for a newbie in the kitchen or for a seasoned cook who sometimes wants to keep things simple and easy, this book is a godsend. Expect dishes like a one-pan route to confit tandoori chickpeas and a tomato salad, just to name a few. 8. Ceramic Bowl Set A great gift for the women in your life who have an obsession with ceramics and homewares or for someone who just moved house, this set of six bowls from HUIRUMM is the perfect colourful addition to any kitchen. The bowls are safe for dishwashers, microwaves, ovens and freezers and the perfect size for cereals, soups, ice cream and side salads. 9. Louis Vuitton Catwalk If you know a lady who loves fashion, then this hardcover book by Jo Ellison may be the perfect gift. The book details the story of luxury brand Louis Vuitton, opening with a concise history of the house, followed by brief biographical profiles of Marc Jacobs, the first creative director, and Nicolas Ghesquière, who helms the brand today, before exploring the collections themselves, organised chronologically. Even if they don't read it, having this perched on the bookshelf is almost as fashionable as the clothes from the brand itself. 10. Ceramic Jewelry Tray Dish Have you noticed your girlfriend or sister's jewellery strewn all over the house? Enter the BIGPIPI Ceramic Jewelry Tray Dish. Designed in a cloud shape, this tray features a smooth, ceramic surface and will help organise and protect jewellery and other items you reach for daily, like keys, skincare and makeup. Plus, it also makes a nice decoration on the bedside table. Images: Supplied. This article contains affiliate links, Concrete Playground may earn a commission when you make a purchase through links on our site.
This year Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Sara Landry and Dominic Fike are headlining a nearly sold out Spilt Milk alongside a roster of insane acts like ScHoolboy Q, Sombr, Nessa Barrett and more. Of course, Jim Beam are back at Spilt Milk again helping to deliver on one of the year's best festival experiences to bring you and your mates together. If you missed out on tickets when they dropped in May, Jim Beam have got you covered. [caption id="attachment_1040567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] We have four sets of two VIP tickets up for grabs (for your nearest Spilt Milk location) with a Top Shelf upgrade, plus a money can't buy side of stage experience*. You can use the tickets at your closest Spilt Milk stop and even bring your mate along. To enter, just complete the form below. And, the good times keep rolling. If you've got tickets to Canberra and Ballarat, you can also crash the Jim Beam Mates Confessional and score a whole host of prizes. To free you from the guilt for past flaky friend discretions, simply step into the confession booth hosted by Will Gibb and drop the lore of the most diabolical reason you have ever flaked on your mates. Will will hear you out and determine what prize you're up for. You could be looking at VIP upgrades, merch and more. To get involved, look out for the Jim Beam Mates Confessional and bar at Spilt Milk Ballarat or Canberra from 2 - 5pm. Don't worry, that leaves you plenty of time to confess your flakiest excuses, score a prize, and catch the headliners. [competition]1040682[/competition] *Side of stage access is dependent on availability. Best enjoyed together, visit Jim Beam's website for more information.
When you book an Airbnb, a set of rules normally greets you when it comes time to check in. We know one that'll be on list at the platform's latest stay: don't say "Beetlejuice" three times. Just to be safe, you mightn't even want to say it twice in a row, even if the spot that you'll be visiting is all about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Adding to its Icons category, aka the pop culture-themed abodes that you wouldn't be able to step inside without Airbnb making them a reality, the service now has the Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice house on its books. The latter movie hit cinemas in September and is available to watch at home on digital now, ready to inspire a whole new round of Halloween costumes — and get you primed for a vacation like the ghost with the most this November. The Deetz residence has been at the heart of both of Tim Burton's (Dumbo) Beetlejuice flicks, starting back in 1988 when Michael Keaton (The Flash) first began sporting black-and-white suits on-screen. In the initial movie, Barbara and Adam Maitland (GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin) met an untimely end, found themselves haunting their own abode with a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in their ghostly hands, weren't thrilled about the new family who moved in and called upon a certain bio-exorcist for assistance. Those new occupants: the Deetz crew, of course, including Schitt's Creek's great Catherine O'Hara (Argylle) as matriarch Delia and Winona Ryder (Stranger Things) as her daughter Lydia, plus Jenna Ortega (Miller's Girl) as the latter's daughter Astrid in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. If you've seen one or both films, you'll recognise the home, complete with the black mourning veil it sported in the second picture after the death of the Deetz family patriarch. You'll also spot plenty of familiar bits and pieces inside, including artwork and the portal to the afterlife. Delia is listed as the listing's host. "Now that my work is posthumously appreciating in value and recognition, it's only fair that artistic souls be invited to my magnificent home," the character said in a statement. "So, come admire my life's work and Create with a Capital C in the first-ever art class from beyond the grave. Just watch out for that pesky trickster in the attic!" Until 5.59pm AEST on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, ten bookings are on offer for visits between Saturday, November 16–Wednesday, November 27, 2024; however, there is a difference with this Icons spot compared to the others. This time, you'll only be there for three hours, nor overnight. There is still a stay involved, though, just at an Airbnb listing in Princeton, New Jersey at no additional cost. Upon arrival at the Beetlejuice house, you and up to five friends will get to wander around checking out Delia's work, plus the Maitlands' model of Winter River — the town that the Beetlejuice movies are set in, even though you'll be physically heading to Hillsborough Township, New Jersey — in the attic. Although saying a certain name isn't recommended, naturally everyone is going to utter it, which is how you get to the afterlife. Yes, the glowing green light, the waiting room and the disorienting hallway are all there. Then an art class is on the agenda, before you head to where you're bunking down for the evening — all if you nab one of the bookings. As always, your travel there and home (including to and from the US from Down Under) is at your own expense. It was back in May that Airbnb announced that it was doing things a little differently in 2024 with these once-in-a-lifetime listings. The platform is no stranger to giving travellers dream vacation options — see: Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton, to name just a few — which it previously announced at random, with no advance warning. Now, it has created the Airbnb Icons category, grouping them all together but also still unveiling surprises along the way, like this one. In the past, Airbnb has also featured the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay. Its Airbnb Icons category has also made sleeping at the Purple Rain mansion, the Up house, Inside Out 2's headquarters, the X-Mansion from X-Men '97 and the Ferrari Museum a reality, as well as stays hosted by Doja Cat, Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and Kevin Hart. For more information about the Beetlejuice house on Airbnb, or to book it until 5.59pm AEST on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for visits between Saturday, November 16–Wednesday, November 27, 2024, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Emily Shur, Damien Maloney and Randy Slavin. 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.
Across just four episodes so far, Wednesday's second season has filled its frames with everything from serial killers, multiple stalkers, zombies and vengeance plots to new characters and extra time around Nevermore Academy for familiar faces. There's more to come, and soon, with the season's second half dropping in September 2025. Wondering what else is in store? Lady Gaga (Joker: Folie à Deux) joining the cast, for starters — and a surprise return. In the just-revealed trailer for the second part of season two, a new spirit guide becomes part of Wednesday's experience. A voice whispers "beware — there will be a price to pay", too. The former comes courtesy of Gwendoline Christie (Severance) returning as Larissa Weems, with the character making a comeback from beyond the grave. As for the latter, Little Monsters will spot who's speaking. Tim Burton's (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) TV dive into the world of the Addams Family unveiled the initial half of season two on Wednesday, August 6. The Netflix hit will close out its season with the final round of episodes on Wednesday, September 3. However the show's second stint pans out, there's even more on the way — Wednesday was renewed for season three before any part of season two even began streaming In the current run of the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky favourite, its namesake (Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn) is back at Nevermore Academy and being heralded as a hero thanks to her efforts in season one. Wednesday is characteristically unimpressed by the attention. Swiftly, her focus is elsewhere, though, due to a premonition of her roommate Enid (Emma Myers, A Minecraft Movie) coming to a grave end, with Wednesday determined to do whatever she can to stop that from happening. Joanna Lumley (Amandaland), Steve Buscemi (The Studio), Billie Piper (Kaos) and Thandiwe Newton (Mufasa: The Lion King) are among the season two's other new cast additions. So are Evie Templeton (Criminal Record), Owen Painter (Tiny Beautiful Things), Noah B Taylor (Law & Order: Organised Crime), Frances O'Connor (The Twelve), Haley Joel Osment (Blink Twice), Heather Matarazzo (Paint) and Joonas Suotamo (The Acolyte) — plus Christopher Lloyd (Hacks), following Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) among the stars of the 90s Addams Family films popping up in Wednesday. Fred Armisen (Fallout) remains Wednesday's take on Uncle Fester, however — one that Netflix is so keen on that there's been talk of a spinoff about the character. And Catherine Zeta-Jones (National Treasure: Edge of History) as Morticia, Luis Guzmán (Justified: City Primeval) as Gomez, Isaac Ordonez (Color Box) as Pugsley and Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (Dreamers) as Deputy Ritchie Santiago all have meatier parts than in season one. The trailer for season two's second part dropped just as Ortega, Myers and Burton arrived in Australia — along with Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who created the show in the spotlight (and wrote the screenplay to 2024's Burton-helmed, Ortega-starring Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) — as well. They were all expected ahead of Wednesday Island on Saturday, August 16, which is turning Cockatoo Island / Wareamah in Sydney Harbour into a Wednesday haven for one day. Not anticipated: Christie joining them for a surprise appearance. Check out the trailer for Wednesday season two part two below: Part one of Wednesday season two is streaming now, and part two arrives on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 — both via Netflix. Read our full review of Wednesday season one. Images: Helen Sloan and Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025.
They brighten up our days, and our gardens and houses. They make any home, table or shelf feel cheerier. They're a treat to pick, and the fact that they don't last forever offers a colourful reminder that life is both gorgeous and fleeting. But, floral fans, you can be forgiven for adoring flowers and wanting to fill surround yourself with blooms that'll stand the test of time. One solution: fake blossoms. Another: Lego's eye-catching floral kits. At the beginning of 2021, Lego unleashed its new Botanical Collection — part of its growing range for adults, because we're all well past pretending that Lego is just for kids. Back then, it boasted a flower bouquet and a bonsai, letting you add both to your home without worry about care, water, wilting or the expiry date that always comes with cut florals. Or, they made great presents to your nearest and dearest for all of the same reasons. Since then, the toy brand has kept adding to its floral range. In 2022, it came out with succulents and orchids as well, and has also released roses, tulips, sunflowers and a bird of paradise. To start 2023, the company is expanding the collection again, and going big — with another bouquet, this time of wildflowers, and also a centrepiece. If you've got a shiny vase that needs filling — and some spare time to pack with Lego-building — the 939-piece wildflower kit includes eight species, all with adjustable stems. These blooms are inspired by cornflowers, lavender, Welsh poppies, cow parsley, leatherleaf ferns, gerbera daisies, larkspurs and lupins. You make them, then arrange however you like. And, you can combine them with the previous bouquet as well for one large bunch of petals. The 812-piece centrepiece set is designed for tables, obviously, and opts for a dried flower look. So, the colours here are calmer, and you'll see — and construct — a gebera and a rose as its focal point. Lego also suggests that it can be hung on a wall, or paired with two other identical kits on your surface of choice. Terrible at keeping greenery alive? Don't know the first thing about maintaining dried flowers? These are ideal for you, then. As well as looking adorable and adding some splashes of green to your decor, Lego's newest products are designed to help you destress and get mindful — something that the brand has been promoting for adults for a few years now. Both kits cost $99.99 each in Australia, and $99.99 for the bouquet and $109.99 for the centrepiece each in New Zealand — and go on sale on Wednesday, February 1. And yes, they'd make a cute Valentine's Day present, or a gift (including to yourself) just because. For more information about Lego's Botanical Collection, including the wildflower bouquet and flower centrepiece, head to the company's website.
If a horror movie sports a killer premise, more films are always likely to follow. So, when A Quiet Place gifted cinemas just that back in 2018, giving it a sequel and then a spinoff didn't come as a surprise. Neither does the latest news about this hit saga: after 2020's A Quiet Place Part II and 2024 prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, A Quiet Place Part III has officially been locked in. You'll be watching the next flick about trying to survive post-apocalyptic times by being as silent as possible — because the extra-terrestrials that've invaded the earth get brutal when they hear a noise — in 2027. And, you'll be viewing a film with John Krasinski (IF) behind the lens again. The actor-turned-director helmed both the OG A Quiet Place and Part II, and is returning for Part III after Michael Sarnoski (Pig) did the honours on Day One. So far, all that's known about A Quiet Place Part III is a release date — Thursday, July 8, 2027 Down Under — and that Krasinski is directing, writing and producing, as per Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. So, just what the narrative will chart and which characters will be the focus haven't yet been revealed. Also unknown so far: if there'll be any familiar faces, including whether Emily Blunt (The Fall Guy), Millicent Simmonds (Wonderstruck) and Noah Jupe (Lady in the Lake) will be back. So far, after life as we know it ended thanks to aliens that leap upon any and every sound, audiences have already seen what happened on day 89, days 471–7 and, in a couple of different ways, on the day that started it all. Add when A Quiet Place Part III is set to the list of details that haven't yet been advised, however. When the first A Quiet Place made its way to the big screen, it did excellent things with its mostly dialogue-free premise and gave films about otherworldly attackers a creative spin, quickly proving a box-office sensation as a result. Again, more movies building upon that success was to be expected. So are more sequels now, given that we're living in busy horror franchise times — as 28 Years Later, Final Destination Bloodlines, I Know What You Did Last Summer and M3GAN 2.0 can help attest in 2025 so far, and as Black Phone 2, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, The Conjuring: Last Rites and The Strangers: Chapter 2 are also set to demonstrate this year. There's obviously no trailer for Quiet Place Part III yet, but check out the trailers for A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II and A Quiet Place: Day One below: A Quiet Place Part III is set to release on Thursday, July 8, 2027 Down Under. Read our reviews of A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II and A Quiet Place: Day One. Via Variety / The Hollywood Reporter.
Sydney's best experiences aren't always hidden down laneways or reserved for those in the know. Sometimes, the city's most enduring attractions stick around because they continue to deliver year after year. Whether you're heading to Sydney for the first time as a tourist or are rediscovering your own city, these four Sydney attractions are worth experiencing at least once. And, they're all located in the easy-to-access heart of the city. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offers a front-row seat to Australia's underwater ecosystems. Home to thousands of marine creatures, the aquarium takes you beneath the surface through immersive tunnels, coral reef displays and close encounters with sharks, rays and a dugong. Walk beneath glass tunnels as grey nurse sharks glide overhead in Shark Valley, find a world of colour and wonder in the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, meet Dottie the rescue turtle, and get close to a penguin colony with the Penguin Exhibition Boat Ride. For locals, it's the perfect weekend or school holiday experience with the kids. For visitors, it's an introduction to Australia's marine life — no wetsuit required. Madame Tussauds Sydney If you're a pop culture fan, you have to take a trip to Madame Tussauds Sydney in Darling Harbour. Discover a magical world of unrivalled ancient craftsmanship where the Madame Tussauds team combines time-honoured wax techniques with cutting-edge technology. It takes more than 500 exact measurements and 150 images to create each celebrity figure, with the sculpting process taking months and costing as much as $220,000 per icon. At the Sydney venue, you and your friends can pose with global superstars, take selfies with Australian legends, and step into immersive sets that let you feel a part of the action. Whether you're popping in with friends or entertaining interstate visitors, Madame Tussauds Sydney makes for a fun city activity that'll have you walking out with plenty of memories and a full camera roll. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo If you've ever told overseas friends they'll see kangaroos and koalas "at some point," WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo makes good on that promise, all without leaving the CBD. See kangaroos lounging in the sunlight, koalas napping in Eucalyptus trees, and even come face-to-face with the endangered Tasmanian Devil. There are ten interactive zones for you to wander through, where you can learn more about Australia's beloved animals and the zoo's conservation efforts. Be sure to get your photo snapped with the cuddly koalas (a classic tourist moment) and, if you really want to make a day of it, book in a private group dining experience. Here, you'll receive exclusive after-hours access to the zoo and its exhibitions, a three-course dinner and beverage package as well as the opportunity of a self-guided tour of the surrounds. Sydney Tower Eye There's seeing Sydney, and then there's seeing Sydney from 250 metres above ground. Sydney Tower Eye is a highlight in the city's recognisable skyline and offers visitors 360-degree views that stretch from the Harbour Bridge to the Blue Mountains (on a clear day). For first-time visitors, the observation deck is a breathtaking way to get your bearings. For locals, it's an opportunity to step back and appreciate just how spectacular (and sprawling) the city really is. Watch ferries on the harbour, spot familiar neighbourhoods from a new perspective, and time your visit for sunset to see the city come alive at night. Want to take your trip up a level? The SKYWALK experience takes things one step further, with an outdoor walk around the tower's edge. It's an open-air adventure for those who want to see Sydney from brand-new heights. Book your tickets to these Sydney attractions online now. Image credit: Supplied
So you've started a business and it seems to be a success. People have been flocking to try something new and different, and the feedback is largely positive. But once the initial hype dies down, how do you keep customers coming back time and again? Surry Hills neighbours Paramount Coffee Project (PCP) and Butter have been serving the community for 11 and eight years respectively. Though their offerings differ — PCP slings contemporary brunch fare and top-notch coffee, while Butter dishes out fried chicken and tipples in a sneaker store — both venues know a thing or two about building customer loyalty. In partnership with Square, we asked the two industry mainstays how they managed to build customer loyalty, how they balance consistency and change, and what changes they've made to improve the customer experience. Paramount Coffee Project on Customer Service For Operations Manager Michelle Galloway, loyalty stems from how you treat your customers and whether you can foster a sense of trust. "Friendly and consistent customer service is most important when it comes to customer retention. One bad experience with a rude waitress is enough for a customer to completely dismiss your cafe, even if you have great food or coffee," shared Galloway. "It's important to acknowledge all customers that walk through the door with a friendly 'good morning'. We treat our regulars more like our friends than customers. Small things like getting to know your customers, friendly banter and remembering their names and coffee order is essential for any cafe," said Galloway. "There's lots of ways to create a memorable experience, but we focus on three main points: laidback, friendly customer service, a unique food menu and great coffee." For that reason, it's crucial to have a strong team that can construct a rapport with customers. "Staff play the most crucial role in building relationships with customers as they are the face of the company. They are the ones that can build a sense of community with our customers." Galloway continued, "Having good staff retention and good training systems means having strong, well-trained staff at all times that are ready to take on all your customers." As a cafe that's constantly updating its menu, how does PCP strike a balance between new offerings and classic menu favourites? "Keeping staples on the menu to build familiarity is important, but we're always on the hunt to add interesting items to both our food and drinks menu based on what's in season, what's popular and what's trending in Sydney." Either way, consistency is key for all menu items. "We pride ourselves on ensuring all products follow a strict recipe to ensure top quality and consistency. There's nothing worse than spending your money on a drink you ordered and loved last week, only for it to taste completely different the next time," explained Galloway. "All our drinks have a recipe that states how many grams of each ingredient goes in each drink." Butter on Technological Updates and Unique Offerings For owner, COO and Executive Chef Julian Cincotta, a small change that made an impact on customer retention was "implementing a digital loyalty program that connects with our POS system, website and EDM list — which is all Square." He continued, "By rewarding repeat visits and offering exclusive deals to regular customers, we've fostered a stronger connection and encouraged more frequent returns." Digital tools have allowed customers to be rewarded for returning to Butter, as well as allowing them the freedom to engage with the venue on their terms. "They [digital tools] have been instrumental in our customer retention," said Cincotta. "Our loyalty system rewards repeat customers, fostering a sense of appreciation and exclusivity." "Online booking has made it more convenient for customers to visit us, reducing barriers and enhancing their overall experience, whilst being able to spread the word of events, specials, collabs and media activations," he explained. "We also allow flexibility in our ordering — from having QR table ordering to bar ordering and table service — all depending on how the customer wants to interact with us." These tech updates have also allowed for greater customer satisfaction. "Streamlining our ordering process by integrating an efficient POS system has reduced wait times and minimised errors. This allows our staff to focus more on customer engagement rather than administrative tasks, enhancing the overall dining experience," Cincotta shared. Although helpful, these upgrades would be useless without an effective team and one-of-a-kind offerings. "Our staff are the heartbeat of Butter. They go beyond serving food; they engage with customers, remember their preferences, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Their genuine interactions and personalised service are key in building trust and long-term relationships with our wonderful customers." Cincotta went on to say, "At Butter, we focus on delivering a unique and immersive experience by combining exceptional food with elements of music and street culture. Our aim is to engage all the senses — from the taste of our dishes to the ambiance created by our curated playlists — making each visit memorable for our guests." That said, taking on feedback and keeping an open mind are also vital in appealing to customers. "We've incorporated customer feedback to introduce new dietary options, such as vegetarian and vegan dishes, catering to a wider audience," revealed Cincotta. Find out how Square can kickstart your business at squareup.com.
Fashion isn't the first industry that most rugby stars choose post-retirement. For Lewi Brown, however, it was a chance to channel his creative streak into a self-run project. Earls Collection is an elevated menswear label that creates nostalgic and sport-inspired looks. Now in its sixth year, the brand is going from strength to strength with new collections and its Paddington brick-and-mortar store. We caught up with founder Lewi Brown in Sydney to learn more about Earls Collection and why it's helping him find the community he lost after leaving the NRL. Founded just days after retiring from the NRL in 2018, Earls Collection represents a strong family connection for the Māori creative director. Lewi grew up as the child of a single mother and used his creativity to get by. While it would be decades until he explored the fashion world seriously, Lewi always had a creative streak, crediting skaters as his ultimate sport and style inspiration. "I had to get creative with what we had," he says. "We didn't have much money so I wasn't wearing designer stuff. Half the time I was wearing my aunty's skate shoes, my sister's skate shoes, just to try and piece things together. As I grew up, I started to embrace the creativity of dressing." The name also ties to Lewi's family legacy. Earls is the middle name of Lewi, as well as his father and grandfather, both of whom passed by suicide. "This brand is built off mental health [awareness]." Now, Lewi is channelling a whole new community using the creativity he didn't know he had as a child. Through working with creative collaborators on shoots or via the face-to-face relationships built in the Paddington store, Earls Collection is helping foster a sense of community that can often be lost when leaving an institution such as the sporting world. [caption id="attachment_1028531" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] "When I played rugby league, community was huge. You had your community within the boys at training each day, then the wider community, then the fans." As a business owner, the founder and creative director has to wear many hats, but Lewi loves the juggle and credits tools such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 to his creative drive and success. From booking meetings on the fly to campaign photoshoots and helping make styling and business decisions, the phone is supercharged by Google Gemini*, making it even easier to run his self-made brand. "I always knew it would be a challenge. Some days I'm logistics, some days I'm designing, some days I'm in the warehouse packing orders. When you love something, and you're so passionate you'd do anything for it," he says. In addition to his familial and community inspiration, Lewi often looks to vintage stores and clothes to help inspire Earls Collection's aesthetic. During our catch-up, Lewi takes us to the consignment store SWOP Darlinghurst. "The most beautiful thing about vintage wear is that you can't emulate that. The textures of the fabrics [get] better with age and time and patience. That's the beauty about thrift shopping." While many celebrity ambassadors take on similar projects to chase fame and money, it's clear that the sporting community spirit is at the heart of Earls Collection. "I'm not just here for money or fame or to have a profile. I'm really passionate about clothing." Explore more at Samsung. Images by Declan May If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please contact Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for help and support. *Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
Is the Avatar franchise set to win its third Academy Award for Best Visual Effects? With its characteristically rich and stunning visuals, the just-dropped first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash makes that case. The latest film in the sci-fi saga is set to arrive three years after Avatar: The Way of Water, and 13 years after all things Avatar initially hit cinemas with what's still the world's biggest box-office blockbuster. Get ready to return to Pandora: come December 2025, James Cameron will usher viewers back to the Na'vi-inhabited moon, and into the middle chapter in the director's planned five-film series. In past entries, forests and reefs have proven home to the franchise's blue-hued residents, but volcanic plains join in this time around. So, meet: the Ash People. Oona Chaplin (Treason) portrays Varang, the new clan's leader. Her message in the sneak peek: "your goddess has no dominion here". When Avatar: Fire and Ash plays in picture palaces Down Under from Thursday, December 18, viewers will also see Michelle Yeoh (Star Trek: Section 31) and David Thewlis (Sherlock & Daughter) among the cast. Leading the ensemble, Sam Worthington (Relay) and Emilia Pérez Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana (Elio) are back as Jake Sully and his warrior wife Neytiri, alongside fellow returnees Sigourney Weaver (The Gorge), Stephen Lang (House of David), Cliff Curtis (Invincible), Britain Dalton (Dark Harvest), Trinity Bliss (The Life of Chuck), Jack Champion (Everything's Going to Be Great), Bailey Bass (Interview with the Vampire) and Kate Winslet (Lee). Cameron once again directs, and co-wrote the screenplay with the also-returning Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Mulan). Since the first Avatar in 2009, the filmmaker behind it has only helmed movies in the franchise. If getting excited about one new Avatar film isn't enough, the two final flicks that are set to follow Avatar: Fire and Ash are slated for release in 2029 and 2031, respectively. Check out the Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer below: Avatar: Fire and Ash releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 18, 2025 Images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
There are many reasons to thank Mike White, creator and writer of The White Lotus, for bringing the hit HBO series to our screens. He's responsible for one of the best TV shows of both 2021 and 2022 — a program that has weaponised luxurious settings, helped set travel itineraries, thoroughly eaten the rich, spun twisty murder-mysteries, and kept viewers guessing throughout each and every episode of both season one and season two. He's also helped shower affection and attention upon the one and only Jennifer Coolidge, a screen icon who always deserves such love. Indeed, if it wasn't for White and The White Lotus, the world wouldn't have had the joy that is Coolidge's various awards speeches for playing Tanya McQuoid. For folks in Sydney on Saturday, June 10, worshipping the White-and-Coolidge pairing — hearing Coolidge talk about her time on The White Lotus, too — won't just involve checking out Emmy and Golden Globe clips. In huge news in general, and for the Vivid Sydney lineup, the duo is coming to the Harbour City for what's set to be the biggest in-conversation session of the 23-day, 300-plus-event festival. [caption id="attachment_891047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HBO[/caption] While Vivid dropped its program back in March, it has been making additions since, including literally underground light and laser show Dark Spectrum and now this. Unsurprisingly, the Vivid team has dubbed its latest addition one of the biggest announcements in the festival's 13-year history — which is no small feat for an event that's seen everyone from The Cure to Robert Pattinson and Spike Lee grace its bill in past years. Coolidge and White won't just chat about The White Lotus, McQuoid's utter lack of luck in love and a certain fateful boat ride — and, on White's part, likely skirt around answering where the third season will be set (the word so far: Thailand). They'll also discuss their full careers, and both have plenty to dive into. Coolidge has been a screen presence for years, thanks to parts in everything from American Pie, Best in Show and the Legally Blonde franchise through to Party Down's original run, Joey and Promising Young Woman. As for White, he's written the screenplay for School of Rock, and acted in it — and given the TV-watching world the Laura Dern-starring Enlightened, which he also appeared on. He has Year of the Dog and Brad's Status on his directing resume as well, and penned and produced episodes of Dawson's Creek and Freaks and Geeks. Also, he was famously an Amazing Race and Survivor contestant. Benjamin Law will be asking the questions at this in-conversation event, which takes place at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney. Tickets are on sale now — and they'll get snapped up quicker than McQuoid falls in love. "We're thrilled to share that The White Lotus creator Mike White and star of the series Jennifer Coolidge will join this year's Vivid Sydney lineup. Securing these huge megastars cements Vivid Sydney 2023 as the biggest and most culturally relevant program yet," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini, announcing the addition to the fest's program. "This exclusive event will allow audiences to see behind the curtain on what has become a massive cultural zeitgeist and hear from two of the hottest figures in the creative industries right now." Vivid Sydney 2023 will run from Friday, May 26–Saturday, June 17, with Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation taking place on Saturday, June 10 at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney. For further information and tickets, head to the event's website. Top image: HBO.
In this age of seemingly endless streaming platforms, there's never a shortage of things to watch. New movies hit the likes of Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and DocPlay all the time, as well as the plethora of other online viewing services that just keep popping up, especially in 2020 — and they're all ready to be viewed and enjoyed by your ravenous eyeballs. With such an ongoing onslaught of content fighting for everyone's attention, there's always a new highlight. This year has been full of them, in fact, and we've been rounding up the best streaming standouts each and every month. But, with 2020 now almost at a close, we're in reflective mode — so, from a 12-month period that saw us all glued to our screens at home far more than we ever dreamed of back in January, we've picked the 12 very best straight-to-streaming flicks from the past year. These movies didn't play in local cinemas, even for just a short period, but they're all absolute must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcqItifbNUA SMALL AXE British filmmaker Steve McQueen hasn't directed a bad movie — and, dropping five new features as part of the Small Axe anthology, that isn't changing now. The director of Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave and Widows gifts viewers a quintet of films that are as exceptional as anything he's ever made, with every entry in this new series taking place in England, in the 60s, 70s and 80s, with London's West Indian community at its centre. The first, Mangrove, tells an infuriating true tale about a police campaign to target a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill. From there, Lovers Rock spends time at a house party as two attendees dance into each other's orbits, and Red, White and Blue follows a young forensic scientist who decides to join the force to change it from the inside. Next, Alex Wheatle explores the life of the award-winning writer of the same name, while Education unpacks unofficial moves to segregate children of colour in schools. There's no weak link here — only stunning, stirring, standout cinema that tells blistering tales about Black London residents doing everything it takes to resist their racist treatment. Every film is sumptuously shot, too, thanks to cinematographer Shabier Kirchner (Bull), and the cast spans everyone from Lost in Space's Shaun Parkes and Black Panther's Letitia Wright to Star Wars' John Boyega. All five Small Axe films are available to stream via Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Chadwick Boseman, Oscar-winner. That combination of words is very likely to become a posthumous reality for the late, great actor, thanks to his last screen role. Boseman is just that phenomenal in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He has earned that term before in Get on Up, Black Panther and Da 5 Bloods, but his performance in this stage-to-screen production is such a powerhouse effort that it's like watching a cascading waterfall drown out almost everything around it. He plays trumpeter Levee Green, who is part of the eponymous Ma Rainey's (Viola Davis, Widows) band. On a 1920s day, the always-nattering, big-dreaming musician joins Ma — who isn't just a fictional character, and was known as the Mother of Blues — and the rest of his colleagues for a recording session. Temperatures and tempers rise in tandem in the Chicago studio, with Levee and Ma rarely seeing eye to eye on any topic. Davis is in thundering, hot-blooded form, while Colman Domingo (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Glynn Turman (Fargo) also leave a firm impression. It's impossible take your eyes off of the slinkily magnetic Boseman though, as would prove the case even if he was still alive to see the film's release. Adapting the play of the same name by August Wilson (Fences), director George C. Wolfe (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) lets Boseman farewell the screen with one helluva bang. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTfJp2Ts9X8 UNCUT GEMS The best film of 2020, based on Australian release dates, might only screen on Netflix on our shores. That might seem a big call, but the anxiety-dripping, riveting Uncut Gems is a stone-cold masterpiece, complete with one of the greatest performances of Adam Sandler's career (alongside Punch-Drunk Love and The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)). Far, far removed from his Netflix comedies of late, the actor is all hustle and bustle as Jewish American diamond-district jeweller Howard Ratner. A compulsive gambler who is deeply in debt, about to get divorced and being shaken down by a loan shark (Eric Bogosian) he's related to by marriage, he's always trying to lure in high-profile clientele. When he comes into possession of a rare black opal — the uncut gem of the title — basketballer Kevin Garnett becomes interested, sparking a wild chain of events. Writer/directors Josh and Benny Safdie last worked their gritty, vivid and relentlessly tense magic with the Robert Pattinson-starring Good Time to exhilarating and mesmerising effect, and this uncompromisingly chaotic thriller and all-round exceptional character study is even better. Uncut Gems is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5RDTPfsLAI DA 5 BLOODS A fiery examination of both the Vietnam War and US race relations, Da 5 Bloods is a Spike Lee film through and through. It nods liberally to its influences, such as Apocalypse Now, but only the acclaimed Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman filmmaker could've made a war movie this affecting, incisive, entertaining and politically astute — especially given its focus on African American men expected to fight and die for the same country that still struggles to treat them equally. Plot-wise, the part combat drama, part heist thriller, part history lesson follows four ex-soldiers (Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and Isiah Whitlock Jr) who make the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City decades after the conflict. They're searching for buried gold, as well as for the remains of their beloved squad leader (Chadwick Boseman, as seen in flashbacks). In Lee's hands, and with Lindo taking charge as a PTSD-afflicted, MAGA hat-wearing veteran, the results are energetic, passionate, and both intellectually and emotionally stunning. Da 5 Bloods is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7X0O9lZ_jQ WOLFWALKERS From FernGully: the Last Rainforest to Moana — and including everything from Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko and Princess Mononoke to Pixar's Wall-E, too — many an animated movie has combined eye-catching frames with an important message about the environment. Irish film Wolfwalkers joins the pile and rockets to the top, thanks to one of the most visually and emotionally enchanting features of the year. Story-wise, it follows young wannabe hunter Robyn Goodfellowe (Honor Kneafsey, The Bookshop). In a tale set centuries ago, she moves to Ireland with her father Bill (Sean Bean, Snowpiercer) when he's hired to eradicate the last wolf pack lurking in the woods. The locals, as overseen by an English Lord Protector (Simon McBurney, The Loudest Voice), want to wipe out the wolves so that they can tear down the forest in the name of progress. But, after sneaking out to go exploring, Robyn befriends a girl called Mebh (feature first-timer Eva Whittaker) who just might be a member of a mythical tribe that's able to shapeshift into the creatures while they're dreaming. As well as a rousing eco-conscious narrative, Wolfwalkers delivers distinctive and delightful animation. Expect earthy, natural colours, with greens, browns, oranges and yellows dancing across the screen. Expect a line-heavy visual style, too, which is almost reminiscent of woodblock prints. And, expect another all-round beauty from co-director Tomm Moore, who also helmed the Oscar-nominated and equally beautiful duo The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. Wolfwalkers is available to stream via Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs--6c7Hn_A SOUL Released earlier in 2020, Onward definitely wasn't Pixar's best film — but Soul, its straight-to-streaming latest movie, instantly contends for the title. The beloved animation studio has always excelled when it takes big leaps. Especially now, 25 years into its filmmaking tenure, its features prove particularly enchanting when they're filled with surprises (viewers have become accustomed to seeing toys, fish, rats and robots have feelings, after all). On paper, Soul initially seems similar to Inside Out, but switching in souls for emotions. It swaps in voice work by Tina Fey for Amy Poehler, too, and both movies are helmed by director Peter Docter, so there's more than one reason for the comparison. But to the delight of viewers of all ages, Soul is a smart, tender and contemplative piece of stunning filmmaking all on its own terms. It's Pixar at its most existential, and with a strikingly percussive soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to further help it stand out. At its centre sits aspiring jazz musician-turned-music teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy). Just as he's about to get his big break, he falls down a manhole, his soul leaves his body, and he's desperate to get back to chase his dreams. But that's not how things work, and he's saddled with mentoring apathetic and cynical soul 22 (the always hilarious Fey) in his quest to reclaim his life. Soul is available to stream via Disney+ from Friday, December 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAveuCPBYSw I'M YOUR WOMAN Normally, when a criminal's latest job takes a turn for the worst for whatever reason, the film that tells their tale follows their part in the aftermath. I'm Your Woman isn't that movie. It looks like that kind of feature. It resembles one with exacting precision. But that isn't the narrative that's on offer here, and refreshingly so. Directed and co-written by Julia Hart (Fast Colour) with such a supreme handling of style, story and genre, this is a 70s-esque crime affair, but it focuses on Jean (Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), the wife of a thief who has gone missing after a big score goes south. The aggrieved gangsters chasing her husband are also unlikely to be kind to Jean and her baby, so she's whisked off into hiding in the middle of the night with zero notice. That's a drastic change that she's unprepared to cope with — but, with help from the her spouse's ex-acquaintance Cal (Arinzé Kene, How to Build a Girl), she also discovers that she's far more resilient than she thinks. Compelling from the moment it opens with Jean clad in a magenta robe, add I'm Your Woman to the pile of movies that serves up a big shift in a familiar genre (see also: Sylvie's Love below), and does so in a spectacular fashion. I'm Your Woman is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDTg62vsV4U I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS For much of I'm Thinking of Ending Things two-hour-plus running time, the film's characters sit and talk as discomfort fills the space around them. The movie's protagonist (Wild Rose's Jessie Buckley) and her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) awkwardly chat as they drive through the snow to the Oklahoma farm where the latter grew up. They both endure several seesawing conversations with Jake's erratic and eccentric mother (Toni Collette) and father (David Thewlis) once they arrive. And, steam-of-consciousness narration also provides a soundtrack. But given this feature is written and directed by Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, it was never going to be a straightforward flick about meeting the parents. Instead, it's a purposely ambiguous and complex exploration of identity, choice and the very nature of human existence — complete with sudden ballet dances, strange overnight stops at deserted dessert stands and flashes to an unhappy janitor (Guy Boyd) — and it's a fascinating, challenging, visually stunning trip the entire way. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSCKfXpAGHc HAMILTON If you haven't been lucky enough to catch Hamilton on the stage — and, let's face it, most of us haven't — a filmed "live capture" version of the popular hip hop musical here to fill the gap. The story, for those who aren't intimately acquainted with US revolutionary history, chronicles the Caribbean-born eponymous "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" from his arrival in New York in the early 1770s. As the informative opening number explains, Alexander Hamilton will go on to become "the ten-dollar Founding Father without a father", with the production charting how he "got a lot farther by working a lot harder, by being a lot smarter and by being a self-starter". And, as shot on Broadway back in 2016, the results really are as phenomenal as we've all been hearing for the past five years. The entire cast, including not only creator, writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda but Tony-winners Daveed Diggs (Snowpiercer) and Leslie Odom Jr (Murder on the Orient Express), Mindhunter's Jonathan Groff and Waves' Renee Elise Goldsberry, is superb, as is every element of the production. Infectiously exuberant from its first moments, and not only lively but frequently funny, Miranda's rich, dense but always accessible words and songs interrogate US history with passion, intelligence and energy. They'll also become firmly lodged in your head, too, so don't say we didn't warn you. The filmed version of Hamilton is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7QpnvmMmag&feature=emb_logo PALM SPRINGS It wasn't the first movie to play with temporal trickery; however, Groundhog Day has a lot to answer for. Films about folks stuck in a loop, repeating the same day or events over and over, now almost comprise their own genre — but, wearing its allegiance to the aforementioned Bill Murray-starring comedy on its sleeves, Palm Springs is one of the best of them. Here, Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Andy Samberg plays Nyles, who has ventured to the titular location with his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner, Brightburn) to attend a friend's nuptials. He gets drunk, makes a speech and a scene, befriends fellow wedding guest Sarah (Cristin Milioti, Modern Love) and disappears into a cave, warning the latter not to follow. When dawn breaks, it's the same day again. Then variations on the same events happen once more, and they just keep repeating over and over. Also featuring an initially intense JK Simmons (21 Bridges) as another ceremony attendee, Palm Springs has a wealth of fun with its concept, and becomes one of the year's most enjoyable movies in the process. Produced by Samberg alongside his Lonely Island colleagues Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, directed by feature first-timer Max Barbakow and written by Lodge 49's Andy Siara, it also finds its own way to grapple with the time-loop genre's usual elements — the repetition that feels like being stuck in purgatory, and the existential malaise that comes with it — in a smart and funny rom-com that boasts particularly great performances from Samberg and Milioti. Palm Springs is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfTmT6C5DnM DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD Mortality is no one's favourite subject. Confronting the certainty of our own demise is so difficult, we all just generally carry on as though it won't happen. And the reality that everyone we know and love will die, including our parents, is just as tough to deal with. Facing not only the fact that her father is advancing in age, but that he's suffering dementia — meaning that she'll lose him mentally before he passes away physically — cinematographer and documentarian Kirsten Johnson (Cameraperson) conjured up a playful and poignant project. In Dick Johnson Is Dead, she stages her dad's death over and over. He's very much alive and he takes part, with the father-daughter duo bonding during what time they have left together in the process. While it might sound morbid, this moving movie is anything but. As well as the scenes that give the film its title, it also provides an insightful chronicle of the Johnsons' lives. Tender, thoughtful, personal and intimate, and driven by both Dick and Kirsten's presence, the result is perhaps the most affecting feature of the year — and a very worth winner of the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-Fiction Storytelling at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Dick Johnson Is Dead is available to stream now via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGvYFB6GHRY SPACESHIP EARTH When it premiered at Sundance in January this year, Spaceship Earth wouldn't and couldn't have seemed as topical as it does at present. The documentary's subject: Biosphere 2, the biodome in the Arizona desert that played host to eight inhabitants for two years in the early 90s — all isolating themselves from the world by choice, in the name of science, to see if a closed-off, fully self-sustaining vivarium could work if/when humanity ever ventures beyond the earth. It sounds like pure sci-fi, but this is 100-percent reality. With the help of a treasure trove of archival material as well as present-day interviews from many of the folks involved at the time, filmmaker Matt Wolf takes viewers through the unusual and fascinating experiment. While it would've been very easy to play up the outlandishness of the whole project (indeed, as seen in media clips from the time, many an onlooker did), this doco approaches Biosphere 2 and the passionate people who made it happen with thoughtfulness and appreciation, in what proves a supremely mesmerising, engaging and intelligent film. Spaceship Earth is available to stream via DocPlay.
Right now, the culinary name on everyone's lips in Melbourne is Rosheen Kaul. The chef made a name for herself when turning Brunswick East's Etta into one of the city's best restaurants and publishing her hugely successful cookbook Chinese-ish: Home cooking, not quite authentic, 100% delicious. Kaul has made it to the big leagues, but still doesn't feel like she's fully cooked — "I will not say I've reached my final form as yet," she shares with Concrete Playground. To get closer to that final form, Kaul decided to leave Etta and throw herself back into the wild. She's now writing a new cookbook, collaborating with chefs all over Australia and judging the upcoming S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition — alongside the likes of Josh Niland, Jake Kellie, Brigitte Hafner and Brent Savage. Kaul has already played a great part in helping develop what contemporary Australian cuisine is and can be, but she has plenty more to give. We also spoke with her about her future plans — both for herself and the country's culinary landscape — as well as the best advice that she has ever received and how it helped her become so successful. On Joining the Big Leagues in Melbourne's Food Scene "There is an incredible responsibility that comes with being a more-prominent face in the Melbourne food scene. I am acutely aware that I represent a demographic that is only now seeing representation in food media, and I am both honoured and empowered to have a platform to share my experiences as a female chef and as an Asian Australian." On What Kaul Has Been Up to Since Leaving Etta "I had planned to take a break when I left Etta, but I definitely underestimated how bored I'd be without the high energy and stimulation of kitchen life. I'm nearly at the finish line with the manuscript for my next cookbook, and I'm spending the rest of the year travelling around Australia cooking with some of my amazing friends and peers in their venues interstate. It's a brilliant way to keep myself in the kitchen, and frequently put myself well out of my comfort zone. Cooking my food in different spaces and running different types of services is really helping me zone in on the core of my style of cooking. Beyond the woodfire, beyond a specific style of service, I've had to figure out precisely what makes my food 'me' — that can be applied to say a breakfast pop-up, a charcuterie pop-up, a rural pub takeover or a completely lo-fi open fire in the bush. I'm excited to see all of the different forms my food takes around Australia." [caption id="attachment_962874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Annika Kafcaloudis[/caption] On Kaul's Upcoming Cookbook "I'm incredibly excited about this next book. I can't reveal the title as yet, and it will be published with the same publisher as Chinese-ish — so it will be fantastic. After the international success of Chinese-ish, I didn't think I would write another one as I felt like I couldn't possibly top the first, but inspiration comes from all sorts of places, and I was hit with an absolute bullet train of inspiration one day and I knew I had to get it all out in a book. See, the thing is I wrote Chinese-ish before Etta, and still didn't quite know who I was as a chef, nor had I really zoned in on my style of cooking as yet. Writing Chinese-ish gave me an incredible insight to my own identity as a person straddling multiple worlds and cultures, and my time at Etta gave me the platform to put that on a plate and the time to refine my ideas. I will not say I've reached my final form as yet, but I am miles away from the chef I was when I wrote my first book. There was no need for me to reach into my past for recipes this time — rather, each of the 160-odd recipes are Rosheen originals born from the confidence and self-awareness I've gained over the past few years. Vibrant, colourful, delicious and bold — it's a book of sauces, condiments and dressings as wildly cross-cultural as I am. I can't wait to share it with you all next year." On Judging at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year Academy Competition with Some Huge Names in Food "Big names indeed, and I'm honoured to be counted among them. Josh Niland, particularly, is a chef whose work I've followed for many years, and learned so many techniques from that I've applied in my own kitchens and taught my own chefs. Brigitte curates one of the most incredible, immersive dining experiences in the country with such a generous style of cooking and I've had the privilege of dining at Tedesca Osteria twice. Brent Savage's restaurants are legendary, and some of the most pitch-perfect dining experiences I've had in Sydney were at Bentley and Cirrus. And Jake Kellie, I've admired for many years during his time at Burnt Ends, and I'm thrilled to be cooking with him at Arkhe in August." On the Importance of Celebrating and Supporting Young Chefs "Australia doesn't share the same long history of haute cuisine as other countries, and it is only now that we are beginning to articulate what 'Australian cuisine' is, was and can be — encompassing native and traditional ingredients and influence from waves of immigration, and reflective of where we are as a nation. It's hugely important to support our young chefs in Australia on that journey to define who we are, and to have more chefs that thrive on the world stage. For Australia, we're at the precipice of our culinary journey, and we have to see the ideas of the current industry taken to the next level by the next generation of chefs." [caption id="attachment_962876" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Etta by Annika Kafcaloudis.[/caption] On How Melbourne's Food Scene Stacks Up Against Other World-Leading Culinary Cities "I'm originally from Singapore, and I can say with certainty that the dining scene in Melbourne is well up there with cities like London and Paris. Not as saturated, sure, but the fresh ideas, breadth of styles and respect for ingredients coupled with incredibly strong skills puts this city firmly in the same calibre. Melbourne did host the World's 50 Best a few years ago for a reason, so I certainly am not biased in this opinion. What I do love about cooking in Melbourne is the freedom. We have sensational produce, young farmers serious about healing our topsoil — growing truly delicious ingredients — and such a wealth of cultures and histories to be inspired by. It's an incredible time to be a chef in Melbourne." On the Best Advice That Kaul Has Ever Received "I've been told a few things in my life that have focused and sharpened my trajectory, the major one being to be a sponge: learn anything and everything from the people around you. Everyone is good at something, and whether it be a Demi-Chef or a Head Chef training you, there is always something to learn, whether you agree with them or not. The more talking you're doing, the less you're learning. When I was working at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Chef Ashley Palmer-Watts once said 'the moment you lose your temper, you've lost control of the situation'. I held that statement close when I started running my first kitchen. If you stay calm, calculated, and ready for any and all possibilities, you'll never be taken by surprise. Three steps ahead, always." And Some Advice for Young Chefs Looking to Succeed in the Industry "Leave your ego at the door. You also have to continually challenge yourself — don't ever be the smartest person in the room — because complacency is akin to failure, and there were times when I was feeling a little too comfortable at Etta. The best thing I could do for myself as a 31-year-old chef was to throw myself out into the world again and seek new challenges. It's a scary thing, defending your credibility, but I know I can be more, and it is worth every bit of fear and discomfort." Top image: Kristoffer Paulsen.
D.O.C Espresso has sat in the same spot on Lygon Street for 20 years, playing a big part in Melbourne's contemporary Italian restaurant renaissance — which saw a more modern style of Italian dining take over the city. After so many years of business, the crew thought the space needed a little love, and so shut up shop for renovations back in August this year. But the team didn't just redo the interiors during this break. The chefs also redesigned the menu and the owners renamed the venue D.O.C Osteria. It reopened on Thursday, October 24, and is already welcoming old regulars back to see what they think of the changes. The new fitout sees the space gain a little more glamour — while still holding onto its semi-casual charm — with the inclusion of gold finishes, luxe red marble countertops and banquette seating. The weatherproof streetside dining area and courtyard out back also got a little revamp, plus the team expanded the kitchen to help the chefs make more fresh pasta onsite. As it was with D.O.C Espresso, Osteria has a strong focus on pasta — keeping a few dishes from the previous menu while reworking others and creating a smattering of new creations. Regulars will be glad to see that the famed lasagne remains — as does the funghi pasta, but in a slightly different form. We will admit that we preferred the original version, but this porcini and portobello number is still worth ordering. The mixed seafood linguine, though, is an absolute banger. Packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and rockling, and dowsed in garlic and chilli, it is more or less a must-order. The small bites have also been given a heap of love, helping D.O.C become a great destination for sipping and snacking — either alone, on a date or with a few mates. Get around the trio of cicchetti, its succulent marbled Rangers Vallery black Angus skewer, and a moreish crochetta — a crumbed and deep-fried cube of bucatini pasta, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese and black pepper. The playful take on a classic panzanella salad is also a huge win, made with ox heart tomatoes, grilled focaccia, cucumber sauce and a balsamic crunch. There's a really good blend of simple comfort food and more elevated interpretations of classics — letting diners choose their own kind of Italian dining adventure. There are also plans to renovate the D.O.C Delicatessen & Espresso next door soon, helping it transition into a specialty grocer, paninoteca and cafe. D.O.C Osteria is open from 12pm every day of the week, and is located at 326 Lygon Street, Carlton. For more details, you can check out the venue's website.
You'll know Untitled Group best as the crew behind hit music events such as Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts and Grapevine Gathering. But as it turns out, these guys have some chops when it comes to making top-notch booze, too. They've gone and launched their own vodka brand, Ugly — a new Australian-made spirit crafted from imperfect apples that would otherwise be headed straight to landfill. Made in Melbourne in collaboration with the pre-batched cocktail experts at 80proof Liquor, the new drop is distilled five times to create an extra smooth sip without any residual apple flavour. It uses unwanted fruit sourced from the Goulburn Valley, with the apples containing a starch extract that works similarly to the potatoes in regular vodka. An innovative response to the issue of food wastage, Ugly gives new life to imperfect fruit that would otherwise be chucked out, having not made the cut to end up in the neat piles of good-looking apples at the supermarket. This preference for perfection contributes a huge amount of food waste to landfill, which leads to hefty CO2 emissions. After 80proof co-founder Danny Grant witnessed the impacts first-hand while on his research trips and talking to farmers, he was inspired to create a new drink that would help undo some of the damage. An initial limited-run batch of Ugly has hit shelves, having rescued an estimated 20 tonnes of unwanted apples from heading to landfill. Ugly Vodka clocks in at 40% ABV and is priced at $64.99 RRP. You can grab a bottle online. Images: Michael Woods
The Mornington Peninsula has temporarily lost one of its most celebrated wineries and cellar doors, after Pt Leo Estate suffered a minor fire on Friday, May 20. The venue took to Instagram over the weekend to share the news, confirming the site's restaurants, cellar door and sculpture park would be shut until further notice. Fortunately, it seems no one was injured in the blaze, with the post stating: "Our guests and team are safe and well." It goes on to confirm that all existing dining reservations from May 21 onwards have been cancelled, encouraging people to get in touch via email if they need any more information. [caption id="attachment_822391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pt Leo Estate, by Chris McConville[/caption] The team hasn't yet shared word on how much damage was incurred, nor how long the estate might be out of action. They did, however, thank their customers, saying: "We appreciate your understanding and support and hope to welcome you back soon." The Pt Leo Estate fire comes four years after Main Ridge winery Ten Minutes by Tractor had its restaurant gutted by flames in the middle of service, and was forced to close its doors for over 18 months to rebuild. Fingers crossed that this latest fire is a whole lot less devastating and that long lunches at Laura will be back on the menu in no time. Pt Leo Estate will remain shut until further notice. For updates, see the website. Top Image: by Anson Smart
A free and confronting exhibition that explores the merging of human and animal. In part celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, My Monster: The Human Animal Hybrid will illuminate how we as a society still fear, yet are fascinated, by human-animal hybrids. Through the work of over thirty artists, the exhibition will ask the question of what a hybrid future might look like for animals and humans, given recent biotechnological developments. Just like the monster in Shelley's book, the hybrid is unnatural, an outsider — a monster that blurs the lines between the human and animal realms. The exhibition's aim is also to remind us that we are all, really, still animals, so get ready to feel a sense of disquiet upon seeing the exhibition. And a word of warning: some parts are considered confronting, so beware. Top image: Kate Clark, 'And She Meant It'
Finding a food truck in Melbourne is like a cryptic little treasure hunt. First, you must do the research: following your favourite foodie on Twitter and deciphering covert announcements of their location. Then, you must painstakingly track down said truck through Google Maps, ducking and parkouring through alleyways and parks as if the eventual tacos are some prestigious prize for those with the best detective skills. Fast food has never been so difficult. That is until now. After a ban was lifted by the City of Melbourne this week, today marks the first day food trucks have been allowed into the CBD. As part of a three month trial period, 12 local favourites will be permitted to operate in the main city grid over seven allotted locations. The participating vendors include a selection of Melbourne's best: Taco Truck, Gumbo Kitchen, Happy Camper Pizza, Mr Burger and Banh Mi Boys among others. It's a daring move for Melbourne City Council — one that's bound to irritate city food vendors. A few months ago, they only had novelty parachutes of molten cheese to compete with, now they have a dozen established eateries. In fact, food trucks have already caused a headache for local merchants in Docklands and some of the inner suburbs. Due to mounting pressure, Yarra City Council even made a ruling last year that the trucks are not allowed to operate within 100 metres of existing businesses. But fans of food trucks are used to walking 100 metres to get their fill. This new ruling will put an end to burger-hunting in the back streets of Brunswick and Richmond. No longer does a bowl of nachos necessitate a full-scale search squad. From now until early August, you may just stumble across your favourite meals on wheels after exiting the NGV. Food trucks will operate on a rotating roster at the following locations: Outside National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road On the east side of St Kilda Road, near the Floral Clock and adjacent to Walkers Fountain; opposite the Victorian College of the Arts Boathouse Drive, Melbourne, east of the bollards Birdwood Avenue, near Shrine of Remembrance Landsdowne Street, 50m north of Wellington Parade Linlithgow Ave, adjacent to the King George V Memorial East side of Birdwood Ave, outside Gate D of the Royal Botanic Gardens Via Good Food. Photo credit: avlxyz via photopin cc.
The days are long and drenched with sunlight, and you've got time on your hands to lie on the sand or in the grass and while it away with a book into the late summer hours. But you want the hours to be worthwhile, and sometimes it's really difficult to make a decision or to know where to start. Moreover, you want something enjoyable and easy to read that isn't going to turn your brain to marshmallow. So to help you out, Concrete Playground has come up with some suggestions for the best books to read over your summer. We've got new stuff and old stuff. Books you've never heard of and books everybody's heard of. Romances, mysteries, high quality smut, and stories both sweet and weird and wonderful. Compiled lovingly by somebody who's found the first legitimate use for her English major, we hope that these books delight you and make summer all the more wonderful. The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano If you've spent time in inner-city bookshops over the past couple of years, you've probably noticed a slow infiltration of the name Roberto Bolano onto every 'Recommended' shelf around. It's been a long time since an author has taken on cult status quite like Bolano has. When once asked what me might have done had he not become a writer, Bolano answered "a homicide detective. I would have been the sort of person who comes back alone to the scene of a crime by night, unafraid of ghosts." He said that just a few months before his untimely death in 2003, and ever since Bolano's ghost has been figuratively haunting international literature. The Savage Detectives is one of his greatest works. Divided into three sections, the novel is ostensibly about the adventures of two young Mexican poets from the 1970s until the turn of the twentieth century, as they drink, have sex, travel the world, and argue long and loud, narrated solely by the people they come into contact with. Written in luminous, ferocious prose, you have never read anything like The Savage Detectives before. If you read nothing else this summer but for the newspaper and the labels on bottles of cider, please, we implore you, read this. Citrus County by John Brandon John Brandon is one of 'those McSweeney’s guys'. Trumpeted by Dave Eggers, amongst others, as a kind of modern-day Catcher In The Rye (but then, isn’t everything?), Citrus County pulses with the heat and humidity of the backwaters of Florida. Combining your standard narrative of lonesome adolescence with the most sinister kind of crime novel, Citrus County has become something of an underground literary sensation. The story follows Toby, a fourteen year old with a case of minor delinquency, and his tentative relationship with Shelby, the new girl in his class. The catch is that Toby has kidnapped Shelby's four-year-old sister Kaley and hidden her in a bunker in the woods. The story emerges out of the sluggish apathy of the swamps and sun and hits you like a slap in the face, completely subverting your expectations about what novels are 'supposed' to do. It is at once 'easy to read' when it's too hot to think too hard, while also being a very, very good book. Axolotl Roadkill by Helene Hegemann Axolotl Roadkill, both when it was published in its original German two years ago and then translated into English earlier this year, was smothered in hype, like so many chips soaking in a puddle of cheap pub gravy. For one thing, the book was written by a seventeen-year-old girl, a filmmaker from Berlin who comes across as both bone-achingly cool and distressingly talented. For another, it's a bit like the first season of <em>Skins</em> in novel form. One effusive reviewer aptly praised Hegemann for "conjuring dialogue like David Mamet, romanticising the afterlife like Jack Kerouac and hallucinating as sadistically as the Marquis de Sade." That just about sums it up. Axolotl Roadkill is at once a portrait of a young girl so emotionally stunted there’s no hope for a happy ending or any kind of redemption, and also a broader critique of a society which prefers to float along on the surface of things, refusing to grow up or to ever really care about anything too deeply. The novel isn’t perfect – and got waylaid with nasty accusations of plagiarism which Hegemann, playing semantics, termed 'mixing' – but it is savage, and raw, and completely worth reading, regardless of the suffocating hype. Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy Cormac McCarthy has the uncanny ability to render both horrific and beautiful descriptions from the same bloody, violent subject matter, in all of his novels. The sentences are long, heartwrenching rambling things which read as though a desert mystic is spinning them out of the threads of the dark universe around him. For that is very much the image of Cormac McCarthy, arguably the world's most adored misanthrope. While his more well-known novels are those that have been adapted to cinema, like The Road and No Country For Old Men, Outer Dark, his second novel, is worthy of just as much rapturous attention. Set somewhere in the deep south at the turn of the century, Rinthy gives birth to her brother Culla's baby, who abandons the baby in the woods. The novel follows the two of them, wandering separately, looking for the baby and attempting to assuage the sin. The world of Outer Dark is one abandoned by God, with no causality, and where human beings are indistinguishable from animals. It may be disturbing and unsettling, but Outer Dark is one of the finest things you could read over the next few stifling months. The Heart is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers Regularly included in lists of the top 100 English language novels of the 20th century, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter was a sensation when it was published in the 1940s, propelling Carson McCullers, a waif-like twenty three year-old in androgynous clothing, into the throes of the literary spotlight. The novel centres on a deaf man, John Singer, in a Southern small town during the depression. Four characters - one an alcoholic labourer, another the owner of a diner, a black doctor and a young, idealistic teenage girl - all flock to him, each believing that he is the only person in the world who can truly understand them, despite not being able to hear a single word they say. No matter the heartache each character expresses, one thing comes across: the bitter loneliness and isolation that plagues the lives of the most disparate people, who cannot connect. Office Girl by Joe Meno In some senses Office Girl is a little like a Zooey Deschanel movie. It's a little bit twee, but not in an un-endearing sense. The semi-experimental novel published by Joe Meno earlier this year is the story of two former art-school kids in late '90s Chicago. Both ride around the city on their bikes, Jack recording the sounds of everyday life, while Odile defaces public advertisements with pictures of hairy genitalia. Often a little absurd and self-conscious, the novel is also an affectionate portrait of what it's like to be creative and lost in your twenties. Appropriately enough for a novel about people who want to change the world through art, the novel comes complete with photographs by Todd Baxter and illustrations by Cody Hudson. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell Cloud Atlas was published almost nine years ago, so it's hardly a new phenomenon, but given that the film version has just been released, there has never been a more apt time to read the book before you go to sit in a cinema and gaze adoringly at Ben Whishaw while appreciating the sheer moxy of the Wachowskis and Tom Twyker in adapting such a profoundly unadaptable book. The novel is composed of six different story lines, structured in a pattern very similar to Italo Calvino's If on a winter’s night a traveller, but with the added feature of a 'mirror' effect. Stretching from the nineteenth century into a post-apocalyptic future, and dabbling in genres as various as crime, science fiction and South Pacific adventure, each narrative ends abruptly at a moment of suspense, only to be returned to in the second half of the book. Completely original and endlessly entertaining, Cloud Atlas is definitely worth toting around with you to the beach until the pages get logged with sand. Blindness by Jose Saramago Saramago won the Nobel Prize for literature back in 1998 and remains one of the only Nobel laureates whose work is truly enjoyable to read. Blindness is one of his best-known works. In an unnamed city at an unnamed time, an epidemic of blindness begins to sweep through the population, an infection seemingly spread from just looking upon a blind person. For the safety of the rest of the city, the government locks up those afflicted in an abandoned mental asylum in the middle of the forest, fighting an increasingly hopeless battle and leaving them at the mercy of themselves. Eventually conditions degenerate, and the inmates are left to roam the devastated city trying to survive. On the most simplistic level, the blindness is allegorical of lack of sight, from a man who lived through dictatorship, and revolution. In this world it is the small heroisms of individuals that count. NW by Zadie Smith Although nothing Zadie Smith has written, arguably, has equalled her debut novel <em>White Teeth</em>, her books are reliably excellent. NW is all about roots, specifically about what it's like to be from North West London, where with its halal butchers, African hairdressers and housing estate blocks, seems a world away from the clean white avenues of central London. The novel follows four people now in the their mid 30s, all raised on the same housing estate, over the summer of 2010. Like the streets of North West London itself, the things which happen in the story are fractured and volatile, and there are only tentative conclusions. Seen across the complexities of race and class, NW is also about the kind of angst and disillusionment of people who are told they're supposed to be happy, yet can't feel it, let alone see it. Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan Pulphead is a collection of long essays, which, when you say it just like that, doesn’t sound like a particularly riotous thing to read. But the essays in Pulphead are those of a man styling himself as a next generation David Foster Wallace, Jon Ronson or even Hunter S. Thompson. They are, in short, brilliant. With a wit and energy rarely present in journalism, Sullivan takes us to a Christian rock festival and Tea Party rallies. He races across the south in search of obscure lost blues musicians and nineteenth century botanists and then a few pages later we find him pondering the origins of Axl Rose and Michael Jackson. The stories in Pulphead form a journey through the back roads and badlands, with John Jeremiah Sullivan, a journalist previously published in The Paris Review and The New York Time, undertaking a quest for some kind of enlightenment in the parts of America we rarely see or even acknowledge.
Political art can often feel too blunt or on the nose. Nicholas Mangan's creation of an operational coconut-oil refinery accompanied by copper etching replicas of photographs and newspapers might seem obscure at first, but a cursory glance over Progress In Action's historical context reveals the direct nature of Mangan's exhibit. Therein lies the beauty of the work — propelled to ask what coconut oil and copper have to with anything, the viewer moved to do some investigating of their own will unravel a story of greed, murder and civil war just a stone's throw away from Australian shores. Progress In Action centres around a fascinating moment in history: the establishment in 1964 of the Panguna mine in Bouganville, a small autonomous country within Papua New Guinea. The digging of the mine was an enormous economic investment by Australian mining company Rio Tinto, as the copper-rich island yielded enough profit to make up over 20% of the nation's total GDP. Interesting, then, that the local population saw only 0.5% of those profits. By the late '80s Bouganville's local population, who had long been protesting the mine's devastating environmental impact as well as its extreme social implications (a state of Apartheid was imposed on the island, separating white workers from the native citizens) militarised into the Bouguanville Revolutionary Army (BRA) and began to wreak havoc upon the mine. In response, the PNG government sent in its own troops and in a diabolical move, completely blockaded the island, sealing the BRA in with the mine and shutting them off from medical supplies and food imports. With all external resources denied them, the Bouganvillian population resourcefully improvised various tactics to survive, the most ingenius of which was to use coconuts as fuel. With no petroleum available, they instead refined coconut meat to power generators and engines, running their cars and power systems off the island's plentiful natural resource. They continued to fight back and the mine was eventually shut down in 1989. This is where outsider Mangan enters the scene. Through Progress In Action, Mangan has replicated the MacGyvered oil refinery system, producing enough coconut fuel to power a video artwork about the continuing environmental struggles in Bouganville. Progress in Action may lack much in the way of striking spacial composition and breathtaking craft, but the exhibition's simply and effectively communicated, compelling back story makes it difficult to fault as a political arts experience. It's so rare to find visual art that inspires and encourages the viewer to further explore and research its subject, but Mangan provides an exception that shows us how art can be more than just a pretty picture. Image credit Nicholas Mangan, Progress In Action
Stir up your future at The StandardX, as the boutique hotel hosts another instalment of its monthly Tarot & Tinis series. Hosted in The Loft from 7–9pm on Tuesday, September 2, the crew has teamed up with a couple of local legends to make this experience even more divine. Giving a voice to your inner conflicts, Leah Musch, aka Radical Self, will turn the cards on the night, helping guests connect with their intuition and uncover inner feelings. At the same time, Clifton Hill's Darling Distillery is serving a specially curated martini menu. Distilled just a suburb away, the team is pouring a trio of sublime cocktails, including the Salt N Peppa Gin Martini and the Breakfast Martini — a tasty non-alc option. If you're keen to try all three, mini martini flights are available on the night. With tarot card readings on the house with your drink across this two-hour celestial event, you're welcome to indulge in more cocktails until close. Meanwhile, take the chance to head to the rooftop bar for another glimpse of the cosmos.
Legendary architectural historian and photographer, Richard Nickel, once famously said that "great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men". Private developers, whom are often viewed as the modern equivalent to the Biblical tax collector, seem to sit fairly squarely in this latter category. Derided and debased by society, private developers are seen as men who value profitability above productivity, men who look at an architectural treasure and only see it's potential for money-making and who with one foul swoop of a wrecking ball can reduce cultural icons into rubble and dust. While this characterisation may not be entirely fair, these photographs commemorate the destruction wreaked by private developers. They provide a vision of beautiful buildings being demolished and the modern monstrosities that are often left in their wake. Here are seven stories of stunning theatres transformed into multi-storey carparks, modernist masterpieces replaced with multi-lane highways, and sandstone sanctuaries turned into apartment blocks. Have a closer look at these fascinating photographs and the stories behind them to see how the price of "progress" often appears to be the destruction of a rich and beautiful architectural history. Garrick Theatre - Chicago, Illinois Formerly known as the Schiller Theatre Building, the Garrick Theatre was one of the tallest buildings in Chicago upon its completion in 1892. Despite quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the city's premiere cultural centres, housing everything from German operas to traveling theatre productions to television studios in its 68-year-history, the theatre was demolished in 1960 after a long battle with Chicago residents and preservationists. While Richard Nickel attempted to honour the theatre's legacy by hording and collecting hundreds of artifacts and ornaments that adorned the iconic building, the site now plays home to a car parking facility. The Wabash Terminal - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The demolition of the Wabash Terminal provides a snapshot into the incredible destruction that was Pittsburgh's post-WWII urban development project. 1,500 businesses were forced to relocate, more than 5,000 families were uprooted and more than 3,700 buildings were razed. The Wabash Terminal was one of the centrepieces of robber baron, Jay Gould's elaborate (and ultimately failed) plans to construct a transcontinental railroad empire at the turn of the 20th Century. Its demolition, beginning in late 1953, was a long and brutal process with workmen armed with crowbars and sledgehammers taking down the building brick by brick. Biltmore Hotel - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma These images, taken from a live video broadcast in 1977, played a significant role in sparking public outrage and subsequently bringing to an end the "Urban Renewal program" in post-war America. The 26-story, 300-room Biltmore Hotel was one of the largest buildings to be demolished in this nationwide program to eliminate urban slums. These startling images, for many Americans, brought into sharp focus what terms like "redevelopment" and "restruturing" actually meant: widespread and often indiscriminate destruction of major cities. Before and after shots of the US Post Office - Boston, Massachusetts The majestic US Post Office was located in the heart of Boston and was an architectural centrepiece of the city upon its opening in 1870. Only half a century later, the building fell victim to the wrecking ball with very little explanation given as to why this beautiful building was seen as requiring demolition. Pennsylvania Station - New York, New York On July 14, 1966 Pulitzer Prize-winning architectural critic, Ada Louise Huxtable wrote this "obituary" of New York's iconic Pennsylvania Station in the New York Times: “Pennsylvania Station succumbed to progress this week at the age of 56, after a lingering decline. The building’s one remaining facade was shorn of eagles and ornament yesterday, preparatory to leveling the last wall. It went not with a bang, or a whimper, but to the rustle of real estate stock shares. The passing of Penn Station is more than the end of a landmark. It makes the priority of real estate values over preservation conclusively clear. It confirms the demise of an age of opulent elegance, of conspicuous, magnificent spaces, rich and enduring materials, the monumental civic gesture, and extravagant expenditure for esthetic ends.” Pruitt-Igoe Public Housing Complex – St. Louis, Missouri Depending on who you speak to, the demolition of this massive 33-building public housing complex designed by George Hellmuth and World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki represents either the death knell of Modernist architecture or the rebirth of St Louis as a modern metropolis. Initially built to combat the problem of St Louis' ever-growing slums, the buildings experienced a rapid and dramatic deterioration upon its unveiling in 1956. By the late 1960s the overcrowded complex became a hotbed for gang violence and crime and Pruitt-Igoe, St Louis' shining example of the wonders of urban renewal, was a national embarrassment and a global symbol of American poverty, crime and racial tensions. When it was torn down in the mid-1970s, St Louis may have been able to say goodbye to an embarrassing icon, this was little consolation for the thousands of poor and disadvantaged Americans who woke up one morning to find they were now homeless. Astor House - New York, New York Through much of the 1800s Astor House was considered to be America's most luxurious 5-star hotel, with the likes of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Abraham Lincoln (on his way to his inauguration no-less) frequenting the iconic Broadway hotel. By the early 20th Century however Astor House gained a reputation as an "old-fashioned" establishment and in 1913 the building began its long drawn-out demolition, with subway constructions and a transportation building eventually replacing the decadent hotel.
"Those books were around at the time and they were just incredibly funny. And they had scenes in them. It just seemed like the kind of thing that could get done," explains Andrew Dominik. "It seemed to express a particular aspect of the Australian character that everyone recognised. The books were just really funny, and it was that kind of larrikin — I mean, Chopper always had the perfect line for any occasion, and he'd make you laugh." A stack of tomes penned by Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read about his underworld life, criminal activities and incarceration. A director embarking upon his first feature. From there, an Australian classic sprung. Of course Chopper took its own path. Indeed, there's far more to the film than just bringing the eponymous figure to the screen; however, it began with filmmaker Dominik (Bono: Stories of Surrender) taking inspiration from Read's own words, then being pointed towards more detail for a deeper interrogation by the very same. "When I started working on it, I think the first draft very much just took the books verbatim — I took them as though they were real, and there was something about it, it just felt a bit thin. So I started to do a bit of research into his life," the writer/director tells Concrete Playground. "I basically went through, he had his arrest docket in the back of one of the books, so we just rang up every cop that arrested him." "There were these two cops that he accused of corruption and, as a result of that, they'd done an inquiry into these two policemen. And because of that, they had to account for Mark's life for every day for a six-month period that he was out of jail. And it was extraordinary. One of them still had the hand-up brief and it was like 4000 pages. Sitting through and reading that, a very different picture of a person emerged," Dominik advises. "So all of the stuff from the books at that point just became the fireworks, if you like — his style of presentation, how he handled dialogue, basically. But the behaviour that's in the film largely comes from that, trying to make sense of this person who would shoot someone and drive them to the hospital. Like, what's going on there?" "And that's when it got really interesting. And at that point, I don't know, you just sort of muddled through it. I had to teach myself how to write when I was writing Chopper, because I'd never really written anything before. It took a while." [caption id="attachment_1019038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alessandro Levati/Getty Images[/caption] There's no sign of Dominik merely getting by in the finished film. Evident in every frame of the Eric Bana (Untamed)-starring crime dramedy — its guiding force considers it a comedy — is proof that this is one of Australian cinema's very best movies. Chopper kickstarted Dominik's feature career as a result, transformed Bana's from its Full Frontal and The Castle beginnings, and set the standard for every plunge into the Aussie underbelly that's followed. Twenty-five years on, it's still as much of a must-see as it was when it initially reached cinemas. The balancing act that the now-The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Killing Them Softly, One More Time with Feeling, This Much I Know to Be True and Blonde filmmaker had to manage — one the one hand, boasting a wealth of material from Read himself to draw upon; on the other, also knowing how much of a grain of salt to take Chopper's own words with — is one of the reasons that it is the movie it is. How do you approach attempting to unpack someone as a character when they are, very famously and prolifically, spinning their own story about themselves as a character? And when they're really performing that character themselves? While we all tell, unfurl and consume narratives to make sense of the world, how do you dig into that when someone relays tales in such a dedicated, almost larger-than-life way, as Read did? Wrestling with these questions was also Dominik's task. Casting a lead actor that Read himself suggested, the impact of meeting Chopper's central figure on both the feature and Bana's performance, embracing the comic side, exploring human nature via a film about someone who was such a bundle of contradictions: these are all baked into Chopper's story, too, on its route to becoming an Australian classic. With the film back in Australian theatres since Thursday, August 21, 2025 to mark its 25th anniversary, we also chatted with Dominik about the above, whether there was ever anyone else in mind to play Read, digging into well-known figures across the filmmaker's career since — see: Jesse James and Robert Ford, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, Marilyn Monroe, Bono, Mindhunter's serial killers — and what you learn when you make a feature like Chopper, plus more. On Balancing Read's Fondness for Storytelling — Including About Himself — with Reality and an Outside Perspective "Well, he's presented as somebody who has a passing relationship to truth anyway, that's a fantasist, in the film. I think most of the incidents in the film have some sort of counterpart in real life. There might be different people in them, but as far as the behaviour, it's all pretty —it doesn't come from nowhere. It's not made up in the sense that you might think. Even stuff like the dialogue between him and Jimmy Loughnan [Simon Lyndon, Troppo] in the courtroom is straight out of the court transcripts. And the stabbing is straight out of all of the statements that were taken at the time. So a lot of stuff is pretty accurate." [caption id="attachment_857753" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scanned by Oscans Imaging in July 2021 on authority of Michele Bennett[/caption] On How Crucial Meeting with Read, After He Initially Declined, Was to the Film "It was amazing. It was kind of like I'd been dealing with something that was completely theoretical. I'd seen videotape of him. I'd exchanged letters with him. But to actually see the man himself and get a sense of him, and to get a sense of his emotional forcefield, if you like, it changed everything. It became a flesh and blood thing. And that first time I met him, I think I got more out of that conversation, Michelle and I went to Risdon Prison, and I just got more out of that than — it was extraordinary. That was where it really came to life, I think." On Whether It Was Always the Intention for Chopper to Have a Sense of Humour "I think of Chopper as a comedy. It's just that sort of thing of a human being a release valve is closer to the knuckle in Chopper, maybe. But he is, he's hilarious. I had a videotape of him from when Eric and I went and met him in Tasmania just before we started shooting, and it was about four hours long. And I remember I would put it in for people. They'd say 'what was it like?'. I'd say 'I'll show you'. And I'd just put it in for them, thinking 'okay, they're going to watch a few minutes of it' — and people would just sit there riveted for four hours watching the guy. He was such a great storyteller and so fucking hilarious. The stuff he would say. So it's just who he was. He can't help it. But even when you read police reports and stuff, the cops would be writing about how it was difficult to keep a straight face, 'he was hilarious as usual', that kind of thing." On Whether Dominik Had Anyone Else in Mind to Play Read, Apart From Chopper's Own Suggestion of Eric Bana "Not really. We must have seen over 300 people for the part. And there were a lot of actors who came in that were great and they could do a good performance and all that sort of stuff, but they weren't Mark. You needed somebody who could do the sort of anthropological aspects of character, too. And it was Mark who suggested him. I don't know what it was. He must have been watching Full Frontal or something, and thought 'maybe that guy could do me?'. And it just seemed like a ridiculous idea, like suggesting casting Martin Short or something. But Eric came in. We got him to come in: 'fuck it, we'll give it a go'. And the film, you could see it now. You could see it with him. He was very still. And Eric understood that he needed to create this person. It wasn't about doing a scene well, which is what all the other actors come in and want to do — a good job acting. Eric was creating a person that we could see, that we knew. By this stage, Mark was a public figure. There were various notorious interviews and stuff that he'd done." On Whether It Felt Like a Risk Casting Bana at the Time "I remember telling people that I was casting Eric Bana in the movie and they'd just look at you and feel embarrassed for you little bit. That, I guess, conjured up a picture of what the film was going to be based on what he'd done. But I'm always surprised with the actors I end up with. I didn't think I'd make a movie with Eric Bana and Vince Colosimo [The Family Next Door]. Vince, I just knew from like Street Hero. But he walked in the door and started talking, and it was just obvious. So I try not to be too — if anything, it just taught me to forget your expectations, just to take each person as you find them." On If There's Something That Draws Dominik to Digging Into Well-Known Figures "Well, I think so. I like people who are extreme, that seem to express something about human nature. But it's hard to say. I think that the real lure of a film is its emotional underpinning. The thing with Chopper was that he did stuff and felt bad about it. He seemed to be stuck in this kind of weird cycle of explosion and remorse, like he was trying to work some internal problem out. And I think the real attraction to it was just to show somebody being violent and then all of a sudden being conciliatory — and the conciliatory part is more alarming than the violence. I remember the first time seeing Chopper with an audience, and when he tries to give Keithy George [David Field, Spit] a cigarette after he stabbed him, you could really feel the bottom drop out of the room. The audience just didn't know where they were. And that's how I felt when I read about it. And that to me was just fascinating. And it's not intellectual ‚ it's a kind of a feeling. So with everything that I've done, there's always been some kind of — it gives me a feeling that I wanted to see if I can make manifest when you watch the film." On Getting Across the Film's Juxtaposition of Emotions — and Read's Contradictions "You shoot it until you believe it. He goes through such a wide range of emotions in that sequence [the Keithy George scene]. He's furious, and then he's upset with himself, and then he's looking for some kind of absolution or forgiveness from Keithy. And then he's just cracking jokes. Then he's completely callous about it, and just puts the whole thing away. It was just fascinating to watch it, to watch somebody in that state. But there's beats. You understand 'it's got to be like this and it's got to turn into that, and it's got to turn into this' — and it's all got to happen in a way that surprises you. So you shoot it and you come up with different ways of — when you're dealing with an actor, you come up with different jobs for them to try with each take until you get the one that works. But that was the whole process of making Chopper, it was that: how to bring it to life." [caption id="attachment_963203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] On What Dominik Learned From Making Chopper "I think you always want to be dealing with something that you don't know what you're doing, you don't know how you're doing it. Once you start playing to your strengths, then all of the energy goes out of the thing. So it's not like I have a set process about how to approach something. I'm always looking to stretch, if you like, or to be dealing with something that I don't know how to do it. It seems to me that when I do something that scares me or I'm not sure how I'm going to pull it off, that something much more interesting happens than when I'm doing something where I feel like I know what I'm doing. So I used to have various methodologies about how to approach shooting something or how to approach a performance or how I think should be. It was a very interesting thing when I started doing the documentaries, with Nick. It was the first time I went to work and I had no idea what I was going to do, because it's documentary — you turn up and you've got to make something happen. And I started to really follow my instincts, because there was no choice. I had to do something. So I just did whatever seemed right at the time. And what I discovered was that those instincts actually added up to something. Even if you couldn't see where it was going at the time, if you just kept following them to their logical conclusion, they would take you somewhere. And that really changed my approach to filmmaking. I used to be somebody who would do take after take after take, and the camerawork was very controlled, and there was a definite plan as to how the thing was going to be put together. And now I prefer to work faster, and I'm less interested in doing it well. I just want to do it. And there's a certain energy that comes from that that I really like, where I feel like the thing is more its own thing, and it's less an extension of me. It sort of gives back more — the process gives to me more than me just giving to the process." Chopper reopened in Australian cinemas for its 25th anniversary on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The Finders Keepers Design Market is making its spring return to the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12. This time, the market is debuting a first-of-its-kind showcase with Australian furniture and lighting brand Dowel Jones. Curated by Dale Hardiman (Dowel Jones) in partnership with Craft Victoria, The Museum of Modern Craft (MoMC) will spotlight Australian makers in an ode to vessels and vases, adding an entirely new dimension to the market's already stacked lineup. Expect the usual Finders Keepers energy of more than 260 stalls brimming with homewares, art, fashion, jewellery, ceramics and unique gifts. There'll also be live music, DJs and an expanded outdoor picnic ground serving wine from Fin Wines, brews and spritzes from Molly Rose, caffeine hits by Coffee Supreme and Matcha Mate, and pies from Ballarat's Mrs Browne Bakes (a 2025 award-winner). Market favourites are returning too, including the Mindfulness Mural, Eleonora Arosio's sell-out three-minute portraits and fresh editions from independent makers like Everyday Normal, Find Your Treasures, Little Greeneryy, and Danny Boy Distillery. The Design Files is also dropping issue three of its magazine exclusively at the market. Tickets for the Finders Keepers Design Market are on sale now and range from $5 to $36, depending on the ticket type. To find out more, head to the event website.
Hipster Santa has come to Sydney Central. He's sporting a red beanie, skinny jeans and an elaborate beard. He's traded Rudolph in for a vintage Citroën. And he's probably far more interested in a Bonsoy latte than a mince pie. If you've been good this year, head along to Central at Central Park between noon and 1pm to take a selfie with Hipster Santa. Please note: no sitting on his knee — that's, like, so cliched. If ironic selfies aren't your thing, maybe you'll want to partake in the activities in Hipster Santa's workshop — or hipster grotto, if you will. From Thursday to Sunday between 4-6pm you can do some gift-wrapping and decoration making. There's hula hooping classes and classic movie nights. Hipster Santa will even be performing his spin on traditional Christmas carols with his band, The Real Deers. Those in need of a giggle should check out Hipster Santa's blog on Tumblr. Apparently Santa's more interested in good vibes than good spelling. He’s also on Instagram @instahipstersanta and you can follow him on Twitter @hipster_santa to get details on ‘hipster hang nights’ or receive some hilarious (and potentially misspelt) hipster ramblings. We have to hand it to him, though, the man can dress.
It’s cold out there. It’s cold out there every day. Though Australia is lucky enough to avoid a Groundhog Day style winter, there is no doubt that the cooler temperatures drive us toward comforting beverages. Before you reach for that bottle of red or heart-warming bourbon, don’t forget that your favourite summer cooler also comes with a serious dark side. When the cold lagers of summer lose their appeal, your favourite brewers turn their craft to an entirely different beast. From nutty to chocolatey and often with a creamy finish, dark beers are the perfect tonic on a wintery night. And while dark brews have been historically underappreciated in Australia’s generally mild climate, you could find yourself becoming the best of friends. Here are some tips to enjoying dark beer this winter, with help from our local brewers. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Generally heavier and more filling, dark beers must be considered with this golden rule across the spectrum. According to the Shenanigans Brewing Company duo, “When we think winter beers, we think higher-alcohol, malt-driven beers, with a bit more residual sweetness.” The malty porters are undeniably sweet and, like rich desserts, are delicious but best in moderation. Porters and milk stouts are typically nitro beers (made with nitrogen rather than CO2), which adds to the creamy effect and further increases its similarity to a dessert. At the other side of the dark beer profile, the strong imperial stouts are high in alcohol content (many upward of 9 or 10 percent) and will knock you off your rocker if you attempt too many in one sitting. Often brewed in whisky or wine barrels, these stouts contain a more alcoholic flavour, and the barrel ageing process adds depth and complexity to the beer. With bold flavours and lingering sweetness, it's best to stick to a few to get the most enjoyment out of these brews. WINTER WINNERS: DARK BEER VS RED WINE That glass of red isn’t the only thing that will keep you warm on a winter’s night. Rich and smooth with deep fruity notes, dark beers have more in common with red wine than with lager. This is especially true of the barrel-aged stouts, which are often brewed in used sherry casks and take on a wine-like flavour. Many brewers also add spices like cinnamon, vanilla and even chilli, warming you from the inside out. The best advice we’ve received from a bartender on dark beers is to “give your beer a little cuddle” before you drink it. Dark beers should typically be served at room temperature, like a good red, to fully enjoy the taste and flavour. Also like a red, you should never drink dark beer (or any beer, for that matter) from the bottle. But before you go crazy dropping your pay cheque on glassware, many dark beers, including porters and stouts, are best served in a standard pint or oversized wine glass. Similar to its red wine rival, darks beers are something you want to savour. The 750ml bottles are perfect to share with friends. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMFORT FOOD In winter, we crave carbs, carbs, and more carbs. In turn, we need a big beer that can stand up to those heartier foods. The rich, smooth taste makes dark beer the liquid version of a Sunday roast or steamy meat pie. With any great food and drink pairing, it is important to have balance. 3 Ravens Dark Ale made with smoked malts is one of those well-paired with the savoury comfort foods of winter. Instead of going for a port with your dessert, try a porter. The James Squire Jack of Spades Porter, with heavily roasted malts, coffee notes and a sweet finish goes perfectly with dark chocolate, caramel and other rich desserts. BALANCING SUNNY DAYS AND WINTERY NIGHTS While the temperatures may drop, the Aussie east coast is no winter wonderland, so it is worth finding the right beers for day versus night. Think a beer you would want to drink next to an outdoor heater at your favourite beer garden, then one you’d want to drink while curled up on your couch under several blankets. The Batch Brewing Big Kahuna coconut brown ale is a session beer that will remind you of summer while helping you brave the chilly days. For night, try an imperial stout to get your blood flowing. This season, Modus Operandi is releasing Total Eclipse, a Russian imperial stout of 10% ABV aged in Lark Whisky barrels for six months. Once you’ve warmed up with a big brew and have your beer coat on, you won’t need that extra layer when venturing out into the cold. HANG OUT AT YOUR LOCAL BREWERIES The best way to learn more about the beers of winter is to stop by your local brewery, where they are more than happy to guide you through the many profiles of dark beer. There is no better company to keep; your local brewers are like your fairy godmothers of beer, planning months ahead of time on how to keep you warm this winter. Many breweries will also hold winter events, including food pairing dinners. This is the best time to try the full spectrum of dark beers and figure out which best suits your winter drinking needs. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
Throughout cinematic history, it's been pretty common for filmmakers to take a normal situation and hype it up to the extreme. It's why the phrase 'based on a true story' exists — realistic experiences often aren't dramatic enough for the big screen. But, when it comes to tackling complex topics — like that of psychological manipulation — overdramatising isn't the most effective or the most responsible way to portray them on-screen. Modern filmmakers seem to be more aware of this than ever before, taking more care to represent victims (and perpetrators) of psychological abuse, manipulation and gaslighting accurately, rather than relying on stereotyped characters and the assumptions society often makes about these fraught situations. More and more, filmmakers are taking on the responsibility to do away with these problematic stereotypes, and talk about themes and nuances of manipulation in a way that doesn't place blame or loathing on the victim. Berlin Syndrome, the new feature from Somersault director Cate Shortland, is the latest film to do just that. It follows Australian photographer Clare (Teresa Palmer) as she explores the streets of Germany, which is where she meets a handsome, charming local teacher Andi (Max Riemelt). But this is not your run-of-the-mill holiday romance — things escalate quickly, and it soon becomes clear that Clare is not able to leave Andi's apartment at her will. She is being kept captive. To say this is a complicated situation would be an understatement. While being kept prisoner by Andi over an extended period of time, Clare finds herself grappling between her desire to escape and her emotions towards Andi. As the name of the film and her behaviour would suggest, Clare starts to experience Stockholm syndrome, a condition where a hostage feels empathy or affection towards their captor. But, unlike many archetypal female characters, Clare is never portrayed as weak — even when she appears to succumb to Andi. This type of psychological manipulation, to a lesser extent, is unfortunately pretty common in real-life abusive relationships. According to a 2012 Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey, one in four women and one in seven men have experienced emotional abuse by a partner. Emotional abuse is rarely portrayed in an accurate way on-screen. Historically, cinema's hostage and kidnap thrillers have painted the perpetrator as overtly villainous — think the Brie Larson-starring 2016 Oscar-winner Room, as a recent example — or as a literal beast, as is the case in Beauty and the Beast (although that's another problem altogether). Often characters that are being manipulated, or stuck in abusive relationships, are portrayed as weak and blamed for not recognising what's happening around them. Berlin Syndrome may be the latest film to portray the victim of abuse as strong, but it seems to be following a pattern of films being more thoughtful in their approach. Last year's Girl on the Train highlighted gaslighting, and how Rachel's husband used her drinking habits to continually manipulate and confuse her, and Netflix's Jessica Jones threw the model on its head, portraying the victim of abuse not only as strong, but with super-human strength. Manipulative situations are never clear-cut. It's possible to still have feelings for someone who treats you badly — to go back and forth between feelings of love, hate and protectiveness. Cinema has shown us that time and time again. In Berlin Syndrome, Shortland makes the situation relatable and, like the examples above, shows that even the 'strong' and 'normal' can be affected by psychological manipulation. But it's easy to see why filmmakers exaggerate these themes — manipulation in its most dramatic form (guns, suicide, violence) can form a compelling narrative. But it's important for us to realise that often it appears in real life in a much more subtle form. In the past, it seemed like filmmakers thought that we wouldn't understand psychological manipulation unless it was shoved in our face. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Berlin Syndrome is now showing in cinemas across the country — read our review and watch the trailer here. Words: Kelly Pigram and Sarah Ward.
There's no doubt we're a bunch of fierce lovers of the whole fabulous RuPaul's Drag Race franchise — you only need to look at the success of Drag Race Down Under to know just how much. Well, Drag Race fans across Australia and Aotearoa, we've got great news: your 2023 plans just got better — and brighter, bolder and sassier, too. Several of the biggest names from past US seasons are heading for our shores for a new, aptly named Legends tour in May 2023. Icons Trinity The Tuck (Drag Race season 9, All Stars season 4 and All Stars season 7), Monét X Change (Drag Race season 10, All Stars season 4 and All Stars season 7) and double winner Jinkx Monsoon (Drag Race season 5 and All Stars season 7) will be travelling across Australia and New Zealand in May 2023, treating fans to their one-hour show filled with all the dazzling high jinks and cabaret campery we've come to know and love through our screens. Across nine Australasian cities, the trio will be performing a mammoth 11 shows — including a one-hour performance during the opening night of Sydney's Drag Expo. They'll also have their own expo booths so fans can get autographs, photos and merchandise. The Legends tour kicks off in New Zealand with an all-ages show at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal on May 3, before the queens make their way up to Auckland and Wellington for a couple of R18 performances. They'll then head across the ditch to Hobart for an all-ages show on May 9, before delighting fans with shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Lucky Sydneysiders get several opportunities to see the queens — including an hour's R18 performance at the Drag Expo opening concert, before two all-ages shows that weekend. Finally, they'll finish things off with an R18 show in Perth before making their way home. If you're a true fan you'll probably want to save your pennies and fork out for one of the extremely limited VIP ticks — these include an extended meet and greet with Trinity, Monét, and Jinkx, and a personal photo moment. Start planning those photo 'fits now. It's a huge tour but if the hunger fans down under have for the show is anything to go by, we'd recommend getting in early for tickets — they're on sale now at itdevents.com. The full Legends 2023 schedule: Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, NZ All ages, seated Friday, May 5, 2023: Studio, Auckland, NZ Restricted 18+, standing Saturday, May 6, 2023: The Hunger Lounge, Wellington, NZ Restricted 18+, standing Tuesday, May 9, 2023: Odeon Theatre, Hobart, TAS All ages, seated Friday, May 12, 2023: Plenary 2 (MCEC), Melbourne, VIC All ages, seated Saturday, May 13, 2023: The Princess Theatre, Brisbane, QLD All ages, seated/standing Wednesday, May 17, 2023: The Great hall, Adelaide, SA All ages, seated/standing Friday, May 19, 2023: Drag Expo opening concert at Home The Venue, Sydney, NSW Restricted 18, standing Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 2023: Drag Expo, Sydney All Ages Tuesday, May 23, 2023: The Rechabite, Perth Restricted 18+, standing The Legends tour starring Trinity The Tuck, Monét X Change and Jinkx Monsoon will be touring Australia and New Zealand in May 2023. Tickets are on sale now.
Melbourne's southside is undoubtedly one of the most stylish parts of the city. And when it comes to men's fashion, there's a pretty good chance that Robinson Man has something to do with the most up-to-the-minute looks hitting the streets. The brand focuses on high-quality men's knitwear, with its fine hand-combed cashmere coming all the way to Prahran's High Street from the steppes of Mongolia. Robinson Man's architecturally designed space also features a host of like-minded brands that produce similarly stunning menswear, so you can quickly level-up your style game.
Head south of Melbourne by approximately 90 kilometres and you'll find yourself on the Bellarine Peninsula. You'll also find yourself in Oakdene Vineyards' backyard. This boutique outfit grows grapes in Mannerim and Wallington, operates a cellar door at the latter, and has been part of the local landscape since 2001. If you know anything about the area, you'll know that the weather is cool. Oakdene makes the most of it, with its grapes the product of a long growing season. Yes, it focuses on wine varieties that suit the area and climate, too, such as handcrafted chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc, as well as pinot noir and shiraz — although you'll also find merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon on its lineup. At Wallington, at the aforementioned cellar door, you'll also sip wine in quite the interesting digs. Designed by owner Elizabeth Hooley, Oakdene is based in an upside-down A-frame house that looks like it has been blown over by a strong breeze. You'll definitely remember your visit, that's for sure.
Ready for it? Whether you danced in the aisles at your local cinema or you haven't yet seen the concert film version of one of the biggest music tours currently traversing the globe, you'll be able to enjoy Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour at home from Thursday, December 14. Swifties, you'll be able to celebrate the pop star and newly crowned TIME Person of the Year's blockbuster film to celebrate the singer-songwriter's birthday. That falls on Wednesday, December 13 in 2023; however, with the time difference, Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is hitting digital on the Thursday in Australia and New Zealand. If your wildest dreams have been about getting in on Taylor Swift's Eras tour since it was first announced, then the pop superstar comes bearing gorgeous and enchanted news, clearly — including while the movie is still in cinemas. Missed out on tickets to see Swift when she plays Melbourne and Sydney in early 2024? Consider this the next best thing. Look what the world made Swift do: turn her current massive tour into a movie that's also proven a smash, taking in almost $250 million at the worldwide box office since releasing in October, ranking it in the top 20 for takings so far this year. While fans have been able to experience a money-can't-buy view of the 'Shake It Off', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Bad Blood' musician's gig — working through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular — on the big screen, the extended version is coming to digital. Accordingly, donning your friendship bracelets at home means seeing three songs performed that aren't in the theatrical cut. The IRL Eras Tour kicked off in March in the US, then headed to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Next on the list: Japan, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, a return to the US and, of course, Australia, all in 2024. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is still in cinemas, and will be available to rent on digital from Thursday, December 14 in Australia and New Zealand. Read our review.
If you're a regular at The Orrong Hotel, Marquis of Lorne, Union House or Mount Erica Hotel, this one will come as good news for you. Melbourne publican Matt Vero, best known for his involvement in the redevelopment of these Melbourne favourites, is teaming up with barista Matt Ward to open Highett's newest venue: Railway Wine Bar. The pair of Matt's first met back in 2010, later teaming up to open venues in Malvern and Highett, including Teo's Pizza which sits next door to Railway Wine Bar. While a curated selection of cheese and charcuterie is available at Railway Wine Bar, hungrier patrons coming through for a tipple have the option of ordering hot woodfired pizza from neighbouring Teo's. Turn to the list of wines by the bottle or glass for a jaunt through a selection of international and local favourites, with a particular focus on Australian vineyards and minimal intervention wines. Wines from Spain, France and Italy are peppered through the selective menu, plus an Argentinian Malbec. "Maison soleil, a McLaren Vale Pinot Noir has been a fan favourite so far," co-owner Matt Ward says. "There are no pure wine bars in Highett so we jumped on the opportunity to create a space where Highett locals could perch for a drink, rather than having to venture Hampton or Sandringham." Railway Wine Bar is now open from 4pm-late from Tuesdays to Thursdays; 3pm-late on Fridays and 2pm-late on the weekend.
An ideal summer arvo of sipping should be two things: refreshing and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's a grassy backyard or sunshine-soaked dining room, lo-fi picnic or no-expense-spared soirée, there are more than a few ways to elevate your summer cocktail hour, be it for yourself or if you're inviting all your faves. Well versed in adding fizz and flavour to a party is CAPI, the family-owned and -run Victoria-based bev company that works creatively and passionately to deliver liquids that hit the mark on flavour with all natural ingredients and locally sourced water. Its latest release? Three summery cocktail mixers, bottled beautifully and only awaiting a few shots of your preferred liquor. With a ready-to-go cocktails in the fridge, your friends on the way (or the next chapter of your book at the ready) and some of these aesthetically pleasing recs locked down, your at-home cocktail hour will be a true summer delight. START WITH THE SIPS Your afternoon drinks menu is looking persuasive thanks to CAPI's new cocktail mixers. A charred pineapple daiquiri, perhaps? With the tropical sweetness balanced with slightly charred caramel notes and the cocktail's signature squeeze of lime, all there's room for is ice, rum and summer thirst. Can't go past a marg? We get it. But when you're leaning into an arvo with good company, you don't want to be hitting pause on the fun to shake your libation. This margarita mix is almost certainly lower in sugar than your local's pour, and combines Aussie limes, a lick of orange and the sweet kick of agave. Like it hot? The best people do. The spicy watermelon margarita mix beckons for your bottle of tequila, slices of the melon alongside and a chilli-salted rim. Each eight-serve bottle is a fully recyclable (like each and every item in CAPI's lineup of more than 20), but that's just the start of the brand's sustainability specs: bottles are freighted aboard mostly electric vehicles, are made from a minimum of 40% recycled glass (and are then 100% recyclable) and the company partners exclusively with freight providers who are committed to reducing carbon emissions — we're into it. SERVE UP WITH A SIDE OF COLOUR Don't think properly plating up changes the flavour of your food? Well, it certainly doesn't hurt. This is something the glassware gurus at Fazeek can attest to. Its range is bright, bold, architectural and a treat to look at (and dine off). For a lo-fi touch, pre-prepare your cocktail of choice and house it in the Vice Versa Carafe, then nab the Pearl Platter and pile it high with pickled veggies, a hunk of hard cheese and some rough-cut focaccia. Serve a salad in style and grab some of the delightfully different vessels — think rippled coupes or highballs — in differing shades. Expecting to host well into the night? Keep it bright with these striped candles and structured holders, and lean back to enjoy the golden glow of a balmy summer evening. [caption id="attachment_878061" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Javi Trapero[/caption] SNACK SENSIBLY We're calling it, it's going to be the summer of snacks: the salty and delicious gilda (pictured above) is finding its way onto many a menu, we're looking to long share-style meals that allow us to try it all and our tendency to finish a weekend with a pot-luck picnic is a nice tag-along to daylight savings. If you've got guests, ensure you're all fuelled by requesting they bring a plate of bite-sized morsels. Suggest the aforementioned gildas, a briny pintxo classic that sees an olive meet the salty hit of an anchovy and a pickled pepper. Or take the reins and grab your jarred goods, skewers and a funky plate, and lean in to the Mediterranean art of grazing away the daylight hours. Crusty bread alongside is a non-negotiable. [caption id="attachment_877977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @handsshopau[/caption] ADORN YOUR TABLE Flirty and fruity — everything you want your cocktail arvo to be. After you get one of your five-a-day from your cocktail, get another from your table accessories. This woven pear placemat is an attention-demanding balance of on-trend and kitsch. Grab enough for all and set your table, or nab just one and use it at centrepiece. There are crabs and cakes, yellow pears and apples — all available from the cuter-than-cute Hands Shop, which brings the wares of local and international makers to Newtown's Australia Street. [caption id="attachment_878038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @kane_lehanneur[/caption] CREATE SHADE No one has the time (or desire) for burnt skin, so ensure you've got pockets of shade while you while away your arvo. If you're outside, opt for an expertly, sturdily crafted — and delightfully artful — umbrella. This one sees Basil Bangs join forces with Kane Lehanneur, the Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist known for his fluid, large-scale floral works. Lehanneur created the print exclusively for the shade-slinging Northern Beaches brand, delivering an aesthetically pleasing way to dodge the rays with a cocktail in hand. CURATE SOME BOPS Last yet absolutely not least, you'll want to elevate the vibes of your summer sipping with a playlist chock-full of bouncy beats. If you're looking for a goodie, wrap your ears around funk-lords Groove Therapy's Mood Booster playlist. Or if you're after something slightly more ambient (with some dancy undertones), chuck on Spotify's Pollen playlist for guaranteed good vibes. Take your summer sips to the next level with CAPI cocktail mixers. Head to the website to have your bottles delivered, or find them in your nearest Dan Murphy's or Coles.
At this time of year, it is easy to feel a bit out of sorts: the winter chill is setting in, the days are shorter, and hoards of pals are jetting off to amazing locations all around the world. However, there's plenty of fun to be had right here, no matter how dreary it is outside. That's right, Melbourne has other plans for you. There are spectacular shows exclusive to Melbourne — like & Juliet, the rollicking piece of theatre powered by bona fide bangers at the Regent Theatre until the end of July — local haunts with stellar drink lists and weekly trivia, and even a cast of penguins making a regular pilgrimage to the sand. There's lots to delight in, Melburnians. Start your planning with our eight-strong list.
