Another year, another collaboration between two big cinema names who keep making stellar films together. With Bugonia, Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos combine for their fourth joint feature, following 2018's The Favourite, 2023's Poor Things and 2024's Kinds of Kindness. The first of the bunch earned them both Oscar nominations. The second scored Stone her second Academy Award and made Lanthimos a contender again. The latest? It's a remake of a South Korean sci-fi comedy. If you've seen Save the Green Planet!, then you'll know the story. If you haven't, get ready for Lanthimos' take on it. Either way, the Greek filmmaker's new movie is all about a CEO of a major company, two men obsessed with conspiracies, the belief that said head honcho is an alien who'll destroy earth and, as a result, a kidnapping plot — as the just-dropped initial teaser trailer illustrates. Stone (Fantasmas) is the CEO. Doing the abducting to the sounds of Green Day's 'Basket Case' in the flick's debut glimpse: Jesse Plemons — who also worked with Lanthimos on Kinds of Kindness, and won the Best Actor Award at Cannes for his efforts — plus feature first-timer Aidan Delbis. And the mindset that sparks the kidnapping? "It all starts with something magnificent: a flower, then a honey bee. The workers gather pollen for the queen," explains Plemons' character. "But the bees, they're dying. And that's the way they planned it — to make us the same as the bees. But it is not in control anymore. We are." Bugonia's cast also spans Stavros Halkias (Tires) and Alicia Silverstone (Y2K). Behind the camera, while Lanthimos directs, Will Tracy (The Menu) adapted the screenplay from Jang Joon-hwan's 2003 film. Stone is one of Bugonia's producers, too — and so is her Eddington director Ari Aster (Beau Is Afraid). The movie has a date with cinemas Down Under from Thursday, October 30, 2025, but you can probably expect to hear more about it before then if you follow international film festival news — premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, where Poor Things did and won the Golden Lion, seems more than likely. Check out the trailer for Bugonia below: Bugonia releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Come 2026, seven years will have passed since the last Avengers movie, with Endgame releasing in 2019. If you've been counting down the days until the next huge Marvel team-up flick — as 2025's Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* have all been laying the groundwork for — then you'll still be seeing it next year. Instead of checking it out in autumn Down Under, however, you'll need to put it on your viewing list for December. Disney has announced that the two upcoming Avengers movies, 2026's Doomsday and 2027's Secret Wars, have postponed their release dates by more than half a year each. Instead of arriving in April 2026 and May 2027, respectively, they'll now start screening in cinemas on Thursday, December 17, 2026 and Thursday, December 16, 2027. [caption id="attachment_996596" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney[/caption] If you want to consider this a new Christmas gift two years running, then, you can. Doomsday's cast is certainly stacked higher than a pile of presents, continuing to enlist just about every famous actor ever to suit up for a Marvel movie — or to do so again. Set to be the 38th Marvel Cinematic Universe entry — following the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which releases in July 2025 — Avengers: Doomsday boasts Robert Downey Jr (The Sympathizer) rejoining the franchise, a few folks who've been in past Avengers films, recent additions to the fold, familiar X-Men faces and more. Downey Jr's return comes fresh from him becoming an Oscar-winner thanks to Oppenheimer. While the last time that he was in an Avengers picture, he played Tony Stark aka Iron Man — a role he portrayed in ten MCU movies — this time he's stepping into Victor von Doom's shoes. [caption id="attachment_973924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.[/caption] It's a massive list from there, starting with Chris Hemsworth (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki), alongside Anthony Mackie (Twisted Metal), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice), Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building), Letitia Wright (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Winston Duke (The Fall Guy) among those with prior Avengers experience. Also, Wyatt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters), Florence Pugh (We Live in Time), David Harbour (A Working Man), Hannah John-Kamen (Breaking Point) and Lewis Pullman (Salem's Lot) are hopping from Thunderbolts* to Doomsday. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) are doing the same from The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Simu Liu (Last Breath) returns from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Danny Ramirez from Captain America: Brave New World and Tenoch Huerta Mejia from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Channing Tatum (Blink Twice) was in Deadpool and Wolverine, and will keep adding to his MCU resume. As Beast from the X-Men movies, Kelsey Grammer (Paper Empire) joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Marvels, while Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard) brought Professor Charles Xavier to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — and they're back again now. [caption id="attachment_989732" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.[/caption] Ian McKellen (The Critic), Alan Cumming (Drive Back Home), Rebecca Romijn (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), James Marsden (Paradise): they're on the list of X-Men stars — actors who were bringing Marvel comics to the screen before the MCU even existed, but in films that were their own franchise until now — that are also part of Doomsday. Now that Disney owns Fox, which previously was behind the Deadpool, X-Men and Fantastic Four flicks, it's moving characters from all of the above into its ever-sprawling screen saga. After helming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo (The Electric State) are back as well, directing both Doomsday and Secret Wars. And character-wise, yes that's Thor, Loki, Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Ant-Man, Shuri, M'Baku, John Walker, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, Robert Reynolds, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm, Shang-Chi, Joaquin Torres, Namor, Gambit, Beast, Professor X, Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique and Cyclops covered. Check out the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement video below: Avengers: Doomsday releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 17, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on Thursday, December 16, 2027. Via Variety / The Hollywood Reporter. Top images: photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
When Raymond Tan got the keys to his soon-to-be CBD bakery in October last year, he never anticipated his cake shop creations would be delivered by hand from door to door around Melbourne as a result of a stage four lockdown. Yet, this turn of events has led to weekly sell-outs for the accounting graduate-turned-baker. He has now been successfully trialling at-home kits packed with Malaysian-inspired sweet and savoury treats for over a month. "The change has been good and bad," Tan told Concrete Playground. "I started as an at-home baker four or five years ago and it's always been a dream to have a bake shop in Melbourne." With multiple 'care packs' on offer, selections include grazing boxes such as the 'afternoon tea kit' ($45) filled with a slice of unbelievably fluffy chiffon cake, giant crumbly matcha cookies and scones. For something bigger, the impressive 'Raya at home kit' ($60) showcases the bakery's flaky shortcrust pies, scones, pandan and Thai tea-flavoured cakes — plus, a sweet spinach and yoghurt cake, which is Tan's take on a popular Turkish vegetable dessert. There's also kueh included in the kit. A sticky, gluttonous dessert popular in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, it's made with ingredients like peanut, kaya custard and coconut. "In the 'Raya at home kit', people get to taste it all," explains Tan. "It's great when people try my kueh, inspired by my Malaysian background. They're tedious to make but I've had a chance to learn thanks to being in [isolation] and my store is one of the only places to buy them in Melbourne, so I get lots of orders from people missing home." [caption id="attachment_781299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] To drink, you'll find hojicha tea and matcha from Zen Wonders in North Melbourne, which are included with kits or available to add on. There's bottled black and milk coffee, too, brewed from the two coffee blends roasted by Tan's neighbour-turned-friend. "Coffee is important, and luckily this coffee roaster [Come Back to Earth] lives right below my apartment, so we quickly became friends and developed these blends together," says Tan. "There's an O blend espresso coffee, inspired by the Malaysian kopi o, as well as a C blend, after kopi c, a coffee with sugar and milk." For the foreseeable future, Raya is offering weekly deliveries within 20 kilometres of the CBD shop on Saturdays for preorders placed on its website by Wednesday midnight prior. Pickup is available for anyone within the five-kilometre radius of the bake shop. "There's lots of changes that have happened and we are adapting weekly," says Tan. "We don't just offer kits but everything else on the menu can be delivered, including whole cakes to order. We're looking to continue rotating our specials as much as possible, too, so there's always something new to try." Find Raya at Shop 2, 61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open for takeaway from 9am–3pm Thursday–Sunday and preorders via the website are open from 6pm Monday to midnight on Wednesday for delivery on Saturday from 10am–4pm. Images: Julia Sansone
If you're a Melburnian looking for a new staycation destination, you'll can now add the first Victorian venue from hotel chain W Hotel to your must-stay list. And if you're from elsewhere in Australia and you're planning a trip to the city, you can pair your next visit with drinks in a laneway bar, a dip in a sky-high pool and striking views. First announced in 2020, and now up and running as of February 2021, W Melbourne has opened in Flinders Lane, with 294 guest rooms and 29 suites. Following W Brisbane's ten-gallon baths, the Melbourne digs are no less indulgent — including an 'Extreme Wow Suite', which has its own 40-square-metre balcony with views of the Yarra, a jukebox and cocktail bar. Designed by local architect and interior design firm Hachem, W Melbourne also houses a 14th-floor spa, gym and a heated indoor pool with a gold-adorned roof, as well as a poolside bar and DJ decks. And, for those needing function space, W has a heap of it — a 830-square metre space for conferences, meetings, weddings or holding lush balls. On the food and drinks front, the site will eventually boast four in-house venues to choose from — with two up and running now. Already pouring drinks is bar Curious, which you'll find down a laneway and through a secret entrance. It's designed to look like a cocoon, and comes fitted out with dark hues, moody lighting and quite a display of wooden beams overhead. On the menu: cocktails inspired by Melbourne's love of coffee, art and fashion; plus oysters, charcuterie, cheese, and cold and hot small bites. Or, you can opt for a meal at Lollo, with the all-day dining venue under the direction of chef Adam D'Sylva. For breakfast, its range spans the likes of brekky pizza and Indian-style eggs, while duck lasagne, asparagus tortellini, grilled octopus and steak tartare feature on the menu throughout the rest of the day. Come May, the 30-seat Warabi will be your go-to for Japanese fine dining, with the intimate space also featuring a private space for ten. And, Culprit will flip from a cafe during the day to a wine bar at night — complete with a floor-to-ceiling charcuterie display and a vermouth tasting tray. Design-wise, the hotel goes heavy on Victorian bluestone tiles, glass and wood, and celebrates the city it calls home. So, you can expect to see a lenticular art installation by local artist Rus Kitchin, which creates a canopy of Australian flora and fauna; in-room wall graphics featuring fairy wrens, which are native to our shores; and design details inspired by Melbourne's street-level newspaper kiosks. W Melbourne is now open at 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
In case you were wondering if the IKEA/Airbnb experiment was actually any good, their guests were woken up in the most painfully adorable way possible. After a night staying in the IKEA showrooms, three families were woken up with breakfast in bed, live classical orchestras and tiny, tiny, extra fluffy puppies. But we don't care, not even, shut up, we're not jealous, you're jealous, whatevs. Just a couple of weeks ago, IKEA became the latest registered accommodation on Airbnb, offering Sydneysiders the opportunity to stay the night instore at the furniture giant's Tempe store in Sydney. For free. Setting up their room displays as so-called quirky accommodation, IKEA let three winning families snuggle in to their fake homes for one epic slumber party on Sunday, August 31. After a Sydney-wide competition, IKEA selected three young families to take the three temporary stays — leaving the unwashed, debaucherous rest of us to wait for some kind of bad review with crossed fingers. After the three winning families were to a big communal dinner feast (featuring dem meatballs), the lucky ducks had Playstations to take the slumber party vibe next level. Airbnb put on a whole bunch of sessions with top notch hoster Claire Ferguson on how to make your home better equipped to become an Airbnb hosting (there's the branding exercise). Before all those rotten customers rolled in for the day, IKEA woke up the three families in three pretty kickass ways (even though, you know, you're snuggled in with your parents and surrounded by flashing cameras, no biggie). Awkward strings: Sweet, sweet breakfast in bed with your parents: AND ADORABLE FLUFFBALLS: Plus, they got to keep their sheets. So. Have a great sheetless, puppyless day.
One big patch of Collingwood is about to look a whole lot different, with the suburb's old technical college site getting a big revamp. Beginning its launch to the public in March, the Johnston Street space is now home to Collingwood Yards, a new contemporary arts precinct that'll house creatives in music, visual arts, performance and digital media across three buildings. Opening in stages across 2021, starting with big opening day celebrations on Saturday, March 13, Collingwood Yards spreads across 6500 square metres — and that space will be getting mighty busy. The aim is to turn the precinct into a bustling inner-city community of artists, while also functioning as an incubator. [caption id="attachment_801197" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Stefan Postles[/caption] It has taken two years to transform the heritage-listed TAFE site, which includes a sprawling courtyard filled with trees that'll host concerts, festivals, markets and community events. Collingwood Yards' trio of buildings will also span retail and hospitality tenants, rooftop and basement bars, galleries, and workshop and performance spaces. And, it includes Keith Haring's eye-catching 1984 mural, which has been restored. While the precinct won't be up and running in its full glory straight away, you will be able to get a significant taste of what's in store at the open day. Beneath Haring's mural, youth music organisation and record label The Push will highlight Melbourne up-and-comers, while fellow Collingwood Yards tenants Bad Apples Music, Play On, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Hope Street Radio will also curate a live lineup. PBS106.7FM hasn't moved in yet, but it'll be providing DJs, while the Centre for Projection Art will be doing exactly what its name suggests. [caption id="attachment_801194" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Natalie Jurrijen[/caption] Attendees will also be able to check out tenants such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned fashion, jewellery and textiles business Blak Voltron, and music-focused gallery and print publisher Reverb Prints — and wander around an art and design market, watch screenings and drop into workshops. The open day will be held under COVID-safe protocols, with the site able to host more than 1200 people at once. Collingwood Yards opens at 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood on Saturday, March 13 — which is when its big open day celebrations will take place. For further details, head to the precinct's website. Images: Peter Clarke, Natalie Jurrijens and Stefan Postles.
In 2019, The Mulberry Group (founders and past owners of The Kettle Black, Top Paddock and Higher Ground) gifted Melbourne with four stunning venues: Liminal in the CBD, Geelong's road trip-worthy Common Ground Project, and contemporary inner-city diner Hazel with its late-night basement sibling Dessous. Hazel graces two levels of the 1920s T&G Building at 164 Flinders Lane, with a kitchen helmed by chefs Brianna Smith (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Spice Temple) and Oliver Edwards (The Builders Arms, Cumulus Inc), who are cooking with a woodfired grill and oven both fuelled by Australian-grown ironbark. [caption id="attachment_745963" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Expect small bites like pig's head croquettes ($7) and whole duck pate en croute with quince mustard ($24), alongside larger plates like the wood-grilled seafood stew ($45) and a wood-roasted pork chop with cumquat ($46). Scotch fillet might be teamed with wakame butter ($58), house-made halloumi is served with fennel pollen ($16) and brussels sprouts are brought to life with preserved lemon cream and hazelnuts ($24). There are myriad things to tempt snackers and feasters alike. With over 120 bottles, the wine selection has decidedly broad appeal and is backed by a lineup of local brews and an unfussy handful of cocktails. Try the bergamot negroni ($24), a davidson plum-infused spritz ($19) and the Black Forest Milk Punch ($22). Meanwhile, the light-filled space is also primed for lingering — award-winning interior design firm The Stella Collective has left its mark with a restrained but elegant mix of gentle curves, natural linens and polished floors. And, after you're done with dinner, you can head downstairs to Dessous for a nightcap — it's open until 11pm. [caption id="attachment_868653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_745961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Top Images: Pete Dillon. Updated Friday, September 9, 2022. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023
From revamped gastropubs to enduring relics of a bygone time, country pubs are often the heart and soul of many regional communities. Sure, there are plenty here in Melbourne that offer up hearty feeds, but regional Victoria has pubs aplenty that are worth the road trip just for the food alone. And if ever there were a time to jump in the car and head to the country for a feed, winter is the time to do it. Because at the other end of your journey, you'll find roaring fireplaces to sit by, warm hospitality and really good food for even better prices. When the time comes, leave the city behind for a winter warming getaway and head to some of these welcoming eateries. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within Victoria are allowed from May 31, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_722317" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TINAMBA HOTEL Situated in Gippsland's east, Tinamba is just a speck on the map with a population of around just 500 people. But locals are likely to consider themselves pretty lucky with the local Tinamba Hotel offering up some great pub food — some of Victoria's best, in fact. Most of the pubs in the surrounding area offer a more ridgy-didge atmosphere but Tinamba Hotel is where you can get a more refined feed without fear of straying into pretentiousness. Plus, it's located just over halfway along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, making it an excellent pit stop to refuel if you're planning a cycling excursion. Menus change frequently, often highlighting locally grown produce, including fresh herbs and vegetables straight from the hotel garden, through dishes that take your pub classics to elevated heights. For dinner, there are freshly shucked oysters to start, while the braised ox cheek makes for a good winter dish. For those hunting for a bargain, the lunch menu offers incredible value with two courses for $35 or three courses for $45. 4-6 Tinamba-Seaton Rd, Tinamba [caption id="attachment_722322" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL With years of experience under their belts, restaurateur veterans Melissa Macfarlane and Frank Moylan ensure that the Royal George Hotel's legacy is kept in safe hands. The venue may be the oldest pub in Kyneton, but the duo behind it have set about offering something a little different to your standard pub fare. Having previously owned the pub back in the early 2000s, Macfarlane and Moylan are back in town and now bring a distinctly European flair to the menu. Order a bunch of plates to share, like stracciatella with 'nduja, kransky with sauerkraut and taramasalata with crisps and zaatar. Or, you can opt for one of the next-level toasties — think garlic prawn jaffle with chipotle mayo, beef brisket or roast pumpkin with sage, chilli honey and parmesan. Once lunch is complete, consider taking the short drive out of town to the Hanging Rock, where you can get some outstanding views across the wintry landscape. Or, have a poke around the shops along Piper Street — you'll find everything from quirky homewares stores to Animus Distillery, a small-batch handcrafted gin distillery. 24 Piper St, Kyneton ROYAL MAIL HOTEL Found in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, the Royal Mail Hotel is Dunkeld's headline dining destination. Home to Australia's largest working restaurant kitchen garden and a sprawling cellar that houses 28,000 high-quality bottles of wine, the Royal Mail Hotel is a countryside dream for gastronomes. Choose from two elegant spaces — the fancier, two-hatted Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel or the more laidback Parker Street Project. If you have the opportunity to break the bank, the former setting offers you a full dining experience with a seven-course degustation — something of a lavish undertaking. The entire venue is spectacular, with contemporary decor and floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. 98 Parker St, Dunkeld [caption id="attachment_724049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] FARMERS ARMS HOTEL A pub that has long remained central to its community, the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford may not have all the bells and whistles like some (ahem, Royal Mail) but it has cosy allure in spades. Built in 1857, the pub has gone through a number of iterations throughout its history, but even today it still manages to engender a quaint old-world charm. Seasonal ingredients make up the regularly changing menu but one particular belly-warmer is the eye fillet mignon, served wrapped in pancetta alongside mash, beans, garlic spinach and red wine jus. From counter seating and communal tables to cushioned booths and rustic beer garden, the Farmers Arms is one of the toastiest public houses around. And, for those who are planning an overnight stay at Daylesford, the Farmers Arms Hotel features some art-inspired suites with an array of plush furnishings. Located two kilometres from Lake Daylesford, the pub provides a charming base to explore the region. 1 East St, Daylesford [caption id="attachment_771084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL Only a 70-minute drive from Melbourne, Trentham is easy enough to get to — yet it's still most definitely a country town. At the heart of it all is The Cosmopolitan Hotel, with its 150-year history making it a chance for you to step back into the past. Renowned for serving up robust Australian pub classics, the pub's timber-clad building is perfect for a wintertime jaunt. The Cosmopolitan works with some of the region's top producers, including the highly respected Sher Wagyu, which supplies the pub's beef from the nearby community of Ballan. There's also a woodfired pizza menu, and you can end the meal with a cheese plate loaded with fruit loaf, quince paste and muscatels. If you're staying in the area, make sure you take a short hike up to Victoria's highest waterfall — Trentham Falls — which should be flowing heavily come wintertime. 21 High St, Trentham THE WANDI PUB Following years spent on the other side of the world from each other, friends Tim and Paddy had a chance encounter at The Wandi Pub — and almost instantly knew that they would run the place together. Acquiring the place in late-2015, the boys transformed the old-school pub into a bustling joint with cocktails, craft beers and, of course, some pretty tasty nosh. It's a regional pub with just a hint of city appeal. Inside, keep warm by the roaring fireplace or, if in the massive beer garden, cosy up to one of the fire pits dotted throughout while still getting that fresh country air. With nine beer taps available to choose from and frequent gigs, The Wandi is ideal for those wanting to escape the big smoke but still want their beer extra hoppy and their food mighty tasty. Afterwards, you can walk off your feed on the two-kilometre Diggings Walk, which takes you through former goldfields and across a Chinese-style swing bridge. Then, head to Nightingale Bros to pick up some alpine cider and seasonal produce — think chestnuts and persimmons. 580 Morses Creek Rd, Wandiligong [caption id="attachment_722359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miranda Stokkel[/caption] THE AVOCA HOTEL First established during the 1850s gold rush, The Avoca Hotel — nestled in the Pyrenees wine region — relaunched in 2010 and embarked upon a new dynasty. Now widely recognised for its extensive wine list from the region's vineyards and the pub's subsequent support of its local community, The Avoca proudly wears a stream of accolades for its wines, hospitality and food. If you're not a wine person, there's also a huge range of local, regional and hard-to-find imported brews — and by no means is the food here an afterthought. Working closely with a wealth of local farmers and growers, The Avoca champions the region's produce while its kitchen garden also supplies several of the herbs and vegetables that make their way onto your plate. There are plenty of traditional food options but, for the adventurous eaters out there, it's not uncommon to see hares, eels, kidneys or even brains highlighted on the menu. After your feed, take that well-lined stomach on a cellar door tour of the region's wineries, including Blue Pyrenees Estate, Taltarni, Mount Avoca and more. 115 High St, Avoca Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Cosmopolitan Hotel via Visit Victoria.
Ah, Sydney. The pearl of the Australian east coast, known for its glittering harbour, awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking natural beauty. Unfortunately, it's also known for its hefty price tag. Sydney is expensive, we won't beat around the bush – but fortunately, there are plenty of ways around it. To give you the best of Sydney on a shoestring budget, we've teamed up with YHA Australia to bring you the best tips on how to see, eat and drink your way through the city on the cheap — starting with where to stay. Sydney Central YHA makes for an ace home base; with a rooftop pool and sauna, it's a well-situated spot to chill out after a day of traipsing around. There are frequent rooftop parties, $5 wine and cheese on Friday nights, $1 sausage sizzles on Mondays and Thursdays and even a new bar below the hostel pouring $8 pints. [caption id="attachment_728171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Central YHA rooftop pool.[/caption] Plus, the hostel offers private ensuite rooms, as well as exclusive use of multi-share rooms if you're travelling with a group. So if you're up for the conviviality of staying at a hostel but not for sharing your sleeping space, you can get the best of both worlds. Now that you know how to stay in the heart of Sydney without clearing out your bank account, read on to discover some more penny-pinching tips for eating, drinking and playing your way around the city. [caption id="attachment_557477" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Coogee to Bondi Walk.[/caption] LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS FOR A WALKING TOUR — FREE You don't have to spend a fortune to appreciate Sydney's manmade glories; you get the best views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from a distance. Walking tours are the best way to not only see the city but also to learn about the history and culture the present-day city was born from. I'm Free Walking Tours has a thorough Sydney Sights amble through the heart of the city, covering everything from colonial history to the best shopping districts. It's free, but you are expected to tip what you think the guide was worth when the tour concludes. Sydney Central YHA also runs a city walk at 10.15am and 2.15pm on Monday and Wednesday, and if you're craving that salty breeze, a Coogee to Bondi Beach walk at 11am on Thursdays. [caption id="attachment_652632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spice Alley via Destination NSW.[/caption] TAKE TO THE BACKSTREETS TO FIND AUTHENTIC STREET FOOD — VARIES Sydney Central YHA is perfect walking distance to some of the best street food Sydney's Chinatown has to offer. Chinese Noodle House on Quay Street is a solid favourite with students and city workers alike due to its BYO status and delicious but oh so cheap dumplings. Order the classic: the pork and chive pan-friend dumplings, and don't forget the sticky special-braised eggplant. Another local gem is the spicy white cut chicken at Two Sticks, Sydney's first Yunnan-style Chinese restaurant. The chicken and rice dish is a steal at $6.20 and will fill you up for an afternoon of exploring. Then there's Spice Alley just a few paces from the hostel. Also BYO, this hidden strip is full of eats from across Asia — from Vietnam to Malaysia, Singapore to Japan. [caption id="attachment_671381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Botany View Hotel.[/caption] VISIT LOCAL WATERING HOLES ON A DIY PUB CRAWL — VARIES There's no better way to get to know a city and its people than to learn what — and how — they drink. And with pub-lined suburbs like Newtown, Surry Hills and Paddington, you'll have no issues finding a few pubs to help you do as the locals do. From Sydney Central YHA, we suggest heading to The Lansdowne to start a crawl from Chippendale to Newtown. With live music and a pizzeria inside, this pub will set a festive mood for the rest of your trek. From there, you'll encounter The Rose (just off City Road on Cleveland Street), then following City Road as it becomes King Street, you'll find a pocket of pubs, including the Newtown Hotel, The Courthouse, The Bank, The Union and Sydney Park Hotel at the end of King Street (get the fried chicken burger) — and that's not naming all of them. Plus, you could veer down Enmore Road after The Bank instead to find even more watering holes like The Duke and The Warren View. And while a lot of these inner west pubs pour many a local craft beer, Newtown is the gateway to the city's independent breweries. So, you could skip the pubs and go straight to the source on a DIY brewery crawl to the likes of Young Henrys, The Grifter and Batch Brewing. [caption id="attachment_693163" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Surry Hills Market by Letícia Almeida.[/caption] EXPLORE THE MANY OUTDOOR MARKETS OF SYDNEY — VARIES Weekends in Sydney are made for strolling through its many, many markets. You could very well spend an entire weekend going from one to the next. Kicking off on Friday, The Rocks holds a 'foodie' market featuring cuisines from all over — from arepas to gozleme to okonomiyaki. Then Haymarket follows suit with a weekly Friday night market on Dixon Street where you can bounce from one hawker-style stall to the next, feasting on dumplings, takoyaki (octopus balls) and the famous (and super cheap) custard puffs at Emperor's Garden. On Saturday morning, there's a whole slew of markets you can hit. Go for vintage finds at Surry Hills Market (held every first Saturday of the month), snag souvenirs at the weekly Glebe Markets, seek out fashionable threads at Paddington Markets and grab goods for a gourmet picnic at Carriageworks Farmers Market, also both weekly. And on Sunday, make tracks to Bondi where you'll find wares from local designers and craftspeople right next to the beach every week. [caption id="attachment_698082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Gardens.[/caption] STROLL THROUGH A WORLD OF FLORA AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS — FREE No matter what time of year you visit, you should plan some outdoor R&R at Sydney's beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Over 200 years old and Australia's oldest scientific institution, the gardens begin in the heart of the city and stretch to the harbourfront. One moment you're admiring the diverse range of cacti, roses, native flora and even carnivorous plants, next you've stumbled upon the harbour. Time it well, and you may experience one of the city's stunning sunsets backdropping the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If you're interested in learning the history of the gardens and how thousands of agricultural species came to be on our island continent, join one of the free guided walks that run daily. Or learn about the heritage and culture of the Cadigal people — the original owners of the city land — on the Aboriginal Heritage Tour. [caption id="attachment_701146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hubert by Daniel Boud.[/caption] SEEK OUT AN APERITIVO HOUR — FROM $5 You may be travelling on a shoestring, but that doesn't mean you can't eat well. If you want to hit a top eatery but don't want to fork out top dollar, make tracks to an aperitivo hour. While dinner at Sydney's beloved Hubert may remain on your bucket list for a splashier trip, you can still get a taste of the French bistro between the hours of 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Grab a seat at the bar and order from the apéritif menu, offering very affordable $5 croque monsieurs, $5 chicken liver parfait, $10 burgers, $10 negronis and $5 wine, beer, sake and G&Ts. At The Dolphin Hotel's wine room, every Sunday to Thursday from 5–7pm, you can sip wine and beer and eat Italian-inspired snacks for just $5–7. And keeping with the Italian theme, Maybe Frank in Surry Hills offers $10 cocktails and $10 mini pizzas Wednesday to Sunday till 6.30pm. Then there are the oyster happy hours you'll find throughout Sydney. Oysters may seem like a wallet-busting item, but several spots serve 'em fresh from just $1 each including The Morrison in the CBD, The Roosevelt in Potts Point and Gunther's Dining Room in Redfern. [caption id="attachment_612072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D_O_T, 2016. Galerie Pompom.[/caption] VISIT SOME NEIGHBOURHOOD GALLERIES — FREE Yes, the Art Gallery of NSW and MCA are free and a treat to stroll through, but they aren't the only free art galleries worth a visit. Tucked away in the backstreets of Chippendale, you'll find many a small gallery featuring works by local and international artists. One of the most notable is the White Rabbit Gallery, housing the biggest collection of contemporary Chinese art in the southern hemisphere. It focuses on work designed after the year 2000 — and isn't for the faint-hearted. Exhibitions can be confronting, but all the while thought-provoking. After, walk a few blocks in any direction, and you'll find several small galleries featuring Australian and international works in several media, including Galerie Pompom, Nanda\Hobbs, Harrington Street Gallery and Goodspace Gallery at The Lord Gladstone pub. [caption id="attachment_726628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jorge Láscar.[/caption] HAVE A CLOSE-UP GEEZE AT THE OLD COATHANGER — $10 WITH YHA AUSTRALIA Translation: feast your eyes upon the nuts and bolts of Sydney Harbour Bridge and get one of the best viewpoints in the city. From the Pylon Lookout, you can see the iconic bridge from above as well as catch sweeping views of the city, the surrounding harbour and out toward the headlands. Plus, these high-up sights cost a fraction of the price of climbing the bridge itself. And with YHA Australia, you can take in a 360-degree view of the city for just $10. At the Pylon Lookout, you can take your own camera and visit the museum, where you'll learn about the bridge, its nine-year construction and the engineers, designers and construction workers who brought it to life. Let YHA Australia help you explore more of Australia without breaking the bank. Plan a trip to Sydney (or Melbourne or Brisbane) and book a stay right in the middle of the city with YHA Australia. Top image: Royal Botanic Gardens via Destination NSW.
UPDATE: APRIL 28, 2020 — Mix and match stinky, blue and hard cheeses with boutique wines, boozy gelato and crackers from this Fitzroy Street fromagerie, which is offering free same-day delivery seven days a week. You can order over here. Stocking more than 180 different varieties of cheese from around the globe, Milk the Cow is a haven for those who know what a turophile is. That's a fancy word for a lover of cheese, if you were wondering — and here, each one is chosen by a resident cheesemonger. While you can get cheese to take away, it's best to have a bit to dine-in, as well. That way you can enjoy stellar fromage over a wine, beer, cider or a cocktail. Or even as part of one of the bar's tasty (and affordable) cheese and drink flights that change month-to-month. There is another Milk the Cow in Carlton, but this is the original — it's been on Fitzroy Street since 2012.
It was true in The Witch, The Lighthouse and The Northman: Robert Eggers knows how to unnerve. So, what happens when the acclaimed filmmaker directs his attention to the second-most famous name there is in vampire tales for his fourth feature? If the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Nosferatu is anything to go by, embracing a twist on Bram Stoker's Dracula is about to turn out chillingly. More than a century has passed since the initial Nosferatu flickered across the big screen, a German Expressionist great that adapted Stoker's story with zero authorisation, hence changes such as its count being named Orlok. The film has been remade before, with Werner Herzog (The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft) giving viewers 1979's Nosferatu the Vampyre. Now, Eggers is sinking his teeth in — and visibly loving it. The new Orlok: Bill Skarsgård, fresh from action-star mode in Boy Kills World but pivoting back to creepy villains, just swapping IT and IT: Chapter Two's Pennywise for another insidious pop-culture figure. In the first look at Eggers' Nosferatu, the writer/director plays coy with his monster, but not with Orlok's impact. "My dreams grow darker," cries Lily-Rose Depp, trading the nightmare of The Idol for the gothic horror kind, as Ellen Hutter. Eggers' movie is being pitched as a tale of obsession, where Orlok is infatuated, Ellen haunted and nothing good springs. The teaser is teeming with fire and shadows, screaming and blood, and the type of unease that gets under your skin — so, exactly what the man behind it has made his calling card over the past decade. Joining Skarsgård and Depp is a stacked cast of fellow big names, including Willem Dafoe enjoying another stint in gothic mode after Poor Things and returning to Nosferatu after his Oscar-nominated performance in 2000's Shadow of a Vampire, where he played Max Schreck, the IRL actor who played Orlok back in 1922. Nicholas Hoult jumps from dancing with Dracula in Renfield to more undead eeriness, and Emma Corrin (A Murder at the End of the World), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy) and Ralph Ineson (The First Omen) all also feature. In the US, audiences have a silver-screen date with Nosferatu on Christmas — "succumb to the darkness Christmas 2024," the trailer asks — but viewers Down Under will see the film from Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Check out the trailer for Nosferatu below: Nosferatu releases in cinemas Down Under on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Attenzione! Fitzroy's beloved Italian sandwich bar Rocco's Bologna Discoteca has opened a new upstairs bar. Vince's Bar, named after the father of one of the owners, is a more relaxed and intimate space than downstairs, and boasts a focus on cocktails and snacks. Open since early September, the bar operates from 6pm till late every Friday and Saturday, and has a varied drinks menu featuring a selection of wines and cocktails. The cocktail menu features a mix of classic and modern, heroing Italian ingredients. Some of the highlights include the pandan negroni, made with gin, vermouth and pandan syrup; Vince's martini, which whips together vodka, grapefruit bitters and chamomile oil; and the Spaghetti Western No. 2, which uses mezcal, mango, rose vermouth, bitters and prosecco. The snack menu is also Italian-inspired, with small plates like oysters, mortadella mousse tartlets, and crescetina with Cantabrian anchovies and goat ricotta. As the weather only continues to get nicer (grazie Dio), Vince's Bar, with its cute patio, has timed its opening perfectly. Walk-ins are welcome, so if you find yourself strolling down Gertrude Street on a balmy Friday or Saturday evening, pop in and say ciao. Find Vince's Bar above Rocco's Bologna Discoteca at 15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy — open from 6pm–late every Friday and Saturday.
Whether you're a Maha regular or have yet to experience the Melbourne icon, Shane Delia's Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant has a lunchtime special bound to prompt a visit. Just extended until October 31, a rotating lineup of $15 'Bowls of Goodness' hits the menu every week, perfect for an affordable lunch or high-end takeaway option. Returning after a successful debut in 2024, the special is bigger and better than ever before, now with nine more options to explore dine-in or takeaway. With each bowl crafted by a Maha kitchen team member, the series showcases each chef's gastronomic inspiration, from varied regional cuisine and travel experiences to personal memories. "The response to our $15 Bowls of Goodness lunchtime specials has been incredible yet again this year, so we're keeping them running until the end of October," says Delia. "We've brought back some of last year's most-loved dishes, the crowd-pleasers our guests just couldn't stop talking about! We're excited to continue to serve high-quality, flavour-packed lunches to dine-in or takeaway customers." In the weeks ahead, the Bond Street restaurant is serving up delights like biryani rice with tandoori chicken and cucumber raita; creamy navy beans with burnt tomatoes, winter vegetables and wagyu meatballs; and grilled Balinese chicken with fragrant rice and sambal matah. Stacked with creative combinations and seasonal flavours, organise a lunchtime trip to Maha this spring.
Fuel up for a tough day's work without spending a cent, as Chargrill Charlie's celebrates National Tradie Day with a hard yakka giveaway. Up for grabs from 9am on Friday, September 19, the first 50 tradies at each store location dressed in hi-vis or work gear will score a free roll of their choice, alongside regular chips and a 600ml drink. There's just one catch — you have to say "Tools Down. Rolls Up." So, whether you're a dunny diver, a chippy or a brickie, skip the servo pie and iced coffee for something a little more filling. With Chargrill Charlie's locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane involved, this one-time freebie is your chance to be rewarded for your dedication to the tools.
As Melbourne's art scene restarts after what has felt like an incredibly long hibernation, what better time than summer to get out and appreciate the many opportunities to experience art in person? In partnership with Bombay Sapphire, we've handpicked eight galleries to get you started — as well as some nearby watering holes that'll help you make the most of your day. [caption id="attachment_830446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Ross[/caption] NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA It's an obvious choice, but don't leave the NGV off your list. While there's always something to see at this leading cultural institution, a show by French-born, Berlin-based sculptor Camille Henrot is top of our list this summer. Is Today Tomorrow, on until January 23, brings together sculpture, drawing, video and installation. It's a space to linger and consider the artist's ideas around influences including self-help, online secondhand marketplaces, cultural anthropology, literature, psychoanalysis and social media. Where to go afterwards: Before you head back across the river, visit Left Bank. It offers a selection of dishes and cocktails (and good people-watching) next to the water in Southbank. Keep it simple with snacks like thick-cut chips and aioli, or choose from classic or kilpatrick oysters, inventive vegan options like pulled jackfruit pizza, or the French decadence of a confit duck leg. Planning on heading to NGV Friday Nights? Left Bank's supper menu is available from 10.30pm until late. [caption id="attachment_775611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] State Library of Victoria redevelopment. Photo: Trevor Mein[/caption] STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA Aside from its impressive collection, the State Library is a chance to escape the hustle, bustle and heat outside and slow down. It's also home to an impressive art collection and a year-round series of free exhibitions. Whether you pull up a chair in the reading room first or not, you might like to check out its exhibition on — what else — books. It features some of the rarest works from the Library's collection that date as far back as the Middle Ages, including pirated editions of James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Sylvia Plath, Bob Dylan and Philip Roth, as well as artist responses to Dante's iconic Divine Comedy. Where to go afterwards: Afterwards, Beneath Driver Lane is ready to welcome you for refreshments. In an underground space that used to be the money order office for the General Post Office, choose from French bistro-style bar food favourites like steak frites, a homemade terrine and a selection of cheeses. It's all complemented by beers, boilermakers, a seasonal cocktail menu and a 500-strong spirits list, as well as a regular lineup of live blues acts to really set the mood. LINDEN NEW ART Housed in a Victorian mansion in St Kilda, Linden New Art's annual exhibition program features work by artists from near and far, with a focus on showing "brave new art" by mid-career artists. Showing this summer is Confined, a group show that brings together the work of three artists working with textiles to explore the lockdown experience. Where to go afterwards: Amble down Acland Street and head upstairs to the Prince Public Bar's lovely open dining room for a drink with a view, as well as some fresh sea air to complement your meal. Decide between a selection from the grill or an elevated take on a pub classic. Or, head downstairs to Little Prince Wine for antipasti and a bottle of something delicious – and something to take home with you. [caption id="attachment_840155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penelope Davis, Plastic, exhibition at MARS 2021, phototgraphy by Simon Strong[/caption] MARS GALLERY Windsor's MARS Gallery has a wide-ranging program spanning sculpture, dance, video, painting and those works that are often our favourites – the ones that can't be put into neat categories. In February, MARS presents new work by three artists from Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association from the Tiwi Islands' Milikapiti. The exhibition brings together an artist painting with natural earth pigments sourced from Melville Island, a celebrated dancer now also maintaining a painting practice and an artist working with Jilamara (Tiwi body paint design) to create contemporary representations of Murrakupupuni (Country) and the artist's relationship to it. Where to go afterwards: Jungle Boy, the self-described "worst kept secret" in Windsor, is a sure bet for a drink afterwards. Hidden behind a Chapel Street sandwich shop, this lounge and a beer garden offers somewhere to escape the busy streets and relax among foliage with a drink in hand. [caption id="attachment_839250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY Also known as CCP, the Centre for Contemporary Photography is a must-visit on any Melbourne art tour. Here, emerging artists are represented alongside established photographers – watch out for the ILFORD CCP Salon in January, Australia's largest open-entry photomedia exhibition and competition. The gallery also hosts regular artist talks and hands-on workshops, which offers budding photographers a chance to develop their skills under the guidance of established artists. Where to go afterwards: Right near the corner of Johnston and Brunswick Streets, you'll find Black Pearl, one of Australia's most celebrated bars that's about to enter its third decade of trade. It's walk-ins only, so pop in after your art tour and find a table downstairs, settle into a comfortable couch, or pull up at the bar. Don't feel like you need to rush, either — the venue is open until 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. AUSTRALIAN GALLERIES Australian Galleries has enjoyed considerable success since it was established in 1956. Swing by the Collingwood space to find works by contemporary Australian artists among its monthly exhibition program and stock gallery. This summer, you can catch group exhibition Vivid, as well as solo shows by John Anderson and Jörg Schmeisser. Where to go afterwards: One of our favourite spots for wine, Marion has stiff competition on Gertrude Street but more than holds its own. See if you can score a table out the front if it's a balmy night and ask the waiter to recommend your next glass. Plan to eat here, too – why wouldn't you when dishes like gnochetti sardi, stuffed piquillo peppers and fig leaf panna cotta appear on its menu? [caption id="attachment_809706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] COUNIHAN GALLERY IN BRUNSWICK Set in the heart of Brunswick is Counihan Gallery, the City of Moreland's public art space. It is focused on presenting contemporary shows. Its permanent collection includes works by the gallery's namesake Noel Counihan, Angela Cavalieri, Maree Clarke, Graham Drendel, and Fiona Foley. There is also program of shows intended to recognise artists who live, work and contribute to the local community. Where to go afterwards: Keep the good times rolling at Howler, where the summer programming gives you a chance to support homegrown live music. The front bar is a perfect spot to catch up with friends before and after gigs, while the beer garden out the back might just be one of our favourites in town. [caption id="attachment_839110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Graeme Jones (Flickr)[/caption] GEELONG GALLERY Now that you've explored Melbourne's gallery scene, it might be time to venture a little further. And as Australia's only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is home to a number of excellent creative institutions. At Geelong Gallery, you'll find a mix of contemporary and historical Australian and international work. Right now, you'll find a Frederick McCubbin exhibition, an Archibald Prize retrospective, and Kerrie Poliness's site-specific 'Blue Wall Drawing #2'. Where to go afterwards: Head across Johnstone Park to Frankie for a delicious cocktail or to sample some of Geelong's best local produce from its seasonal menu of pan-Asian fare. Catering to all dietary requirements, this Geelong local isn't far away from the waterfront if you feel like a stroll afterwards, too. For more summer inspo, head to the Bombay Sapphire website. Top image: Unsplash
In Encanto, the Madrigal family might not talk about Bruno, but they sure do sing about him — and, thanks to that earworm of a Lin-Manuel Miranda-composed track, everyone watching soon does, too. Just try to catch the Golden Globe-winning, Oscar nominated animated hit without getting that song stuck in your head for weeks. No matter what you do, it's impossible. In fact, even mentioning the tune in this very paragraph will cause the same result. Yes, we know that everyone reading this now has 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' burrowed into their brains again — and there's absolutely nothing that we can do about it. But when a ditty takes up residence inside your skull and won't leave, you may as well lean in. And, over at Disney+, you can stream a sing-along version of Encanto that'll get you crooning with the movie from your couch. No longer solely the domain of special cinema screenings, Disney's sing-along takes on its famous musicals are heading to its streaming service. It was always bound to happen, and the Mouse House has started with the movie of the moment. As you watch, lyrics will dance across your TV screen when it's time to belt out ballads — so if you don't know all the words yet (or if you're viewing with someone who thinks they do, but inserts their own mistaken lyrics), they'll all be there for you. While Encanto is the first flick to get the sing-along Disney+ treatment among the company's popular musicals — and it hit the service back on Friday, March 18, so it's there to watch and warble along to now — it obviously won't be the last. The Mouse House has plenty of other tune-filled movies to its name, after all, and it's planning to build up a catalogue of them on its streaming service. Accordingly, before 2022 is out, Frozen, Frozen 2, and both the animated and live-action versions of Beauty and the Beast are all set to make their way to the platform. Exact dates haven't yet been revealed, but at least you now know there'll be other chances to get different Disney tunes stuck in your head — or 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' will just have 'Let It Go' and 'Be Our Guest' for company. The sing-along version of Encanto is available to stream via Disney+ now, with Frozen, Frozen 2, and both the animated and live-action versions of Beauty and the Beast set to hit the platform throughout 2022.
If you're keen to surround yourself with art in the most-immersive fashion on offer and you haven't yet visited The Lume, Australia's digital art gallery, then you'd better get organised: the Melbourne venue will close up on Sunday, June 1, 2025. News that the site was set to say farewell was first revealed in 2024, but with a January 2026 end date; however, those plans have now moved forward. Accordingly, The Lume will shut up shop when its present Vincent van Gogh showcase finishes. Art exhibitions are fleeting, of course, gracing walls and halls for just days, weeks or months at a time, then moving elsewhere or never being seen again. But when The Lume opened in 2021, you can be forgiven for thinking that it wouldn't be such a brief addition to Australia's cultural scene. The closure comes after Grande Experiences, the company behind it, decided not to extend its lease at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Whether you're an art lover based in the Victorian capital or elsewhere around the country, a last trip to the site means enjoying van Gogh delights, complete with The Starry Night projected large, taking over an entire room; the immersive Sunflower room, where golden petals stretch as far as the eye can see; VR experience Finding Vincent; a cafe inspired by the artist's Café Terrace at Night; and more. The Lume actually launched with the same exhibition. Also wowing audiences at the gallery since its opening: a celebration of Monet and his contemporaries, a huge showcase dedicated to First Nations artists and all things Leonardo da Vinci. Across its four-year run, The Lume has unsurprisingly proven popular, with 1.5-million visitors heading by to-date. "The Lume Melbourne has been a defining chapter in Australia's cultural landscape — a place where art, innovation and imagination came to life for millions of visitors. We are deeply grateful to our team, our partners and every guest who stepped through our doors," said Grande Experiences Founder and Chair, and The Lume Melbourne CEO, Bruce Peterson. "As we look to the future, we see an opportunity to once again redefine immersive storytelling. Rather than simply continuing, we are choosing to evolve — embracing new technologies that will take cultural experiences to even greater heights." "This was not a decision we made lightly, but one rooted in our ambition to push the boundaries of cultural storytelling even further. The landscape of immersive experiences is evolving rapidly, and we are seizing this moment to lead that evolution on a global scale. Our focus is now on creating even more groundbreaking, transformative stories through innovative new technology," Peterson continued. Melbourne's The Lume is one of two worldwide, with the other in Indianapolis in US, which is remaining open. Even as its only Australian site confirms its farewell, Grande Experiences hasn't ruled out more Aussie venues, advising that other states have flagged their interest in hosting the gallery — but nothing has been locked in so far. The Lume Melbourne will close at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Van Gogh at The Lume displays until then. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Grande Experiences.
Thornbury locals will know Pastificio Sandro well. The Italian grocer fills its cabinets with its own handmade pasta and ready-made meals, along with stacks of local and imported produce. To enjoy Sandro's cooking prowess in its full glory, you used to have to buy its pasta and sauces separately (or its excellent meat lasagne) and cook it all up at home. But there's now another way. Every Friday and Saturday night, diners who book a seat online can head around the back alleyway and find the entrance to its new secret restaurant p r o v a. Here, you'll either sit at the large table where they make the very pasta you'll be eating or at one of the smaller tables by the pasta cabinet, and tuck into a six-course feast ($125). Head Chef Adrian Bressanutti (ex-Stokehouse and Tipo 00) has created a menu of contemporary Italian eats — of course, featuring plenty of pasta. Bressanutti has worked at some of the best pasta spots in Melbourne, so we have very high expectations. We're also hoping the team's limoncello tiramisu and cannoli make their way onto the plates. Diners can also add wine pairings to the whole experience, curated by Andrew Barry (ex-Gingerboy and Anchovy), or just order as they please from the small selection of wine and beer. And don't worry too much if you can't get one of the 14 seats. You can always settle on Pastificio Sandro's fresh pastas, sauces and desserts while you wait for availabilities. You can find p r o v a at the rear of Pastificio Sandro, located at 822 High Street, Thornbury. It's open from 6pm–late on Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Set on a serene peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, the Queenstown Gardens boasts stunning lake and alpine views as well as a beautiful collection of blooms. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the gardens' tranquil setting is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. As the gardens are conveniently located a short walk from downtown Queenstown, many community activities are held within the grounds. We suggest taking a rug, a picnic and some friends, kicking back and enjoy the views of the lake through the Douglas Firs. Once you're sufficiently relaxed, stretch your legs and take a stroll around the beautiful lawns. Be sure to check out the water feature and rose garden for an added bit of pretty.
You probably know NYC's High Line or Paris' Promenade Plantée; now get ready for the arrival of Melbourne's Greenline. The first of a five-site rejuvenation project has just been completed, bringing loads more green space and scenic boardwalks to the Yarra River – Birrarung. Stretching for 450 metres between Batman Avenue and the eastern edge of Federation Square, this reimagined spot is now ready to be explored by the public, launching just in time to offer even more stellar vantage points for the New Year's Eve fireworks. Yet this project's benefits extend far beyond just a single night of fun. Visitors will now encounter 70 new native trees, over 25,000 native plants and 900 square metres of lawn, garden beds, seats and shaded resting areas, levelling up this central part of town. Meanwhile, this initial stage of the Greenline also features a 200-metre boardwalk, ideal for a riverside jog as the sun rises or a quiet spot for a lunch break. Complemented by a six-metre-wide promenade, there's no shortage of space to experience the river from a new perspective. "Hundreds of thousands of people will soon enjoy one of the most beautiful walks in all of Melbourne, with the transformed Birrarung Marr boasting breathtaking scenery from every angle," said Councillor Rafael Camillo, Deputy Portfolio Head for Infrastructure, Safety and Cleaning. With the first major milestone of the Greenline project now wrapped up, locals can look ahead to the arrival of future sections. When all five sites are complete — tentatively pencilled in for 2030 — the Greenline will provide a four-kilometre continuous green pathway from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge. Site 1 of the Greenline is now open, located from Batman Avenue to the eastern edge of Federation Square. Head to the website for more information. Images: City of Melbourne.
One of Richmond's many drinking institutions, the Bridge Hotel brings the outside in with a unique design and a great atmosphere. Split in two by a 50-metre-long cobblestone path, it's a traditional Victorian pub combined with individual spaces that have been themed as the types of bars and venues you might find in a typical CBD laneway. There are five themed areas plus an additional loft space that becomes a bustling dance floor on busy nights of the week. Maintaining its robust roots, Carlton Draught is still the drink of choice at the Bridge, but there's a broader selection of beer, cider, wine and spirits for those looking to branch out. Happy hours happen every weekday from 5–7pm, with $4 pots, $7 pints and $7 house spirits. And on Fridays, espresso martinis are available for $13 all day, too. What better place to kick off the weekend while creating some questionable memories with your colleagues?
It's the northeastern suburbs' go-to for retail therapy, but come next year, Westfield Doncaster shopping centre will have a whole lot more to offer in terms of food, when it unveils a $30 million upgrade to its Level 2 food and entertainment hub. Developers have announced that work on the makeover is already underway, as they set out to create a contemporary and lush new rooftop precinct. An assortment of indoor and outdoor areas will complement the existing Village Cinemas site, boasting up to 14 new restaurants and eateries once complete. While the exact retailers are under wraps for now, we're told to expect a mix of "much-loved favourites" and "new culinary experiences". Other plans for the space include a sunny central courtyard accessed via a series of laneways and pathways, as well as a sculpture garden, a foliage-filled lobby area, a conservatory and a variety of leafy communal spaces. Best of all, the new rooftop precinct will be open day and night — perfect for those pre- or post-movie hangs. The space should be up and running by some time in 2020. The $30 million upgrade is separate to (but coincides with) the centre's proposed $500 million masterplan redevelopment, which was given the green light from the state government earlier this year. This half-a-billion redevelopment, which is still awaiting further approvals, includes the addition of a 14-storey tower, as extra 43,000 square metres of retail offerings and 18,000 of office space. We'll let you know when there are anymore updates on that. Westfield Doncaster's new-look level 2 food and entertainment is slated for completion in 2020. We'll let you know when the retailers are announced.
Bringing together the work of over 50 Australian and international designers, NGV's latest exhibition explores how everyday objects can be transformed to enhance our lives and the planet. From fashion and food to health and technology, Making Good examines the tangible ways design is evolving to bring about a better humanity. Throughout the exhibition, you'll find trailblazing innovations like flushable, plastic-free pregnancy tests, as well as microbiome-safe, prebiotic-infused lubricant made in Melbourne. To tackle waste, check out Good-Edi's edible coffee cups and Loliware's seaweed-based biodegradable straws. Other standout designs include a leather alternative made from seafood waste and mushrooms by TômTex. And for those who keep saying they'll start running but never do, then eco-conscious running shoes designed to disperse seeds with every step might be the motivation you need. While Gush, a Singapore-based paint brand, offers a science-backed formula that actively purifies the air. There's even the Light Phone III, a minimalist smartphone offering only the essentials. Plus, Besley & Spresser's Oyster Terrazzo is a terrazzo-style building material created from Sydney Rock Oyster shells, recycled marble and local ochres. "The innovations presented in Making Good reflect a pivotal moment in how designers are conceptualising their work, going beyond function to consider the social and environmental impact of products," says NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday opens on Friday, August 29, at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Entry is free, but make sure you check out this innovative exhibition before it ends on February 1, 2026.
2023 marks a mere five years since Netflix released its first-ever Australian original series, with Tidelands hitting the streaming service three years after it officially launched Down Under. That supernatural drama didn't usher in a non-stop influx of new Aussie content. While older local titles sit among the platform's catalogue, freshly commissioned fare such as Heartbreak High and Wellmania is still fairly rare. But Netflix's small pool of homegrown Australian projects has locked in a few more additions, with four just-announced newcomers on their way. The novel-to-screen adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe is also in the works, but that was initially revealed almost 18 months back. Following it to your queue will be another book-to-TV effort, an outback family-feud tale and two movies — one starring Delta Goodrem and the other a documentary about ONEFOUR. First, your future binges: The Survivors and Desert King (although they're just working titles, so those monikers might change). The first is heading to Netflix from the pages of Jane Harper's text of the same name, while the second sounds like it wants to give Succession-meets-Yellowstone a Top End spin. Neither have casts as yet, or release dates. [caption id="attachment_905971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Force of Nature, Narelle Portanier[/caption] Yes, Australia's screen industry currently loves bringing Harper's works to the screen. The Dry proved a massive smash, after all, and that flick's sequel Force of Nature will hit cinemas when Hollywood's actors' strike is over. The Survivors isn't linked to either movie by anything but author, so there's no Aaron Falk this time. Instead, the Tasmanian-set story follows families still coping with the loss caused by a massive storm in their seaside town 15 years earlier, then faced with a new murder. As for Desert King, it will be set on the world's largest cattle station, which the Lawson family runs. When the property is left without a firm successor, the fights start — and everyone from billionaire miners and desert gangsters to Indigenous elders and other cattle barons get involved. Netflix will get bonus points from audiences if they manage to get Sarah Snook to star. [caption id="attachment_914014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2023[/caption] With the streamer's upcoming Aussie movies, Goodrem has been born to give her acting chops another try, this time in a romance called Love Is in the Air. There's no word on whether the film will feature Delta singing John Paul Young's Aussie song of the same name, which first released in the 70s and became a hit again in the 90s thanks to Strictly Ballroom. What is known, however, is that the flick is about a seaplane pilot who falls for the man who's meant to be tanking her business — and that it'll be filmed in the Whitsundays. ONEFOUR: Against All Odds will tell its namesake's story, including the drill rap group's huge popularity and the police taskforce attempting to stop them performing. "The story of ONEFOUR is one of the most significant cultural moments in recent Australian history. It's about the changing face of this country and who gets to have a voice in it," said writer/director Gabriel Gasparinatos. "Australia markets this sunkissed image of itself and it's so important to show it's not all like that, and that there is another side to this country the world is only just starting to see. I'm so grateful to ONEFOUR for trusting us with their story and to Netflix for bringing it to the global audience it deserves." Announced previously, Netflix is also making a second season of its Heartbreak High revival, as well as Surviving Summer. The former is due in 2024 and the latter this September. And, for kids, Eddie's Lil Homies is on its way, based on childrens' books by former AFL superstar Eddie Betts, and following an eight-year-old Eddie and his friends. Netflix's just-announced new Australian projects don't yet have release dates — we'll update you when more information is announced. Top image: The Dry.
It has been a while coming, but Australia will finally see the opening of a long-awaited Ace Hotel in May 2022 — with the first look inside the Surry Hills-based outpost unveiled at last to reveal gorgeously sleek, modernist lodgings for Sydney-based travellers or staycationers. Melbourne-based architecture and design studio Flack Studio was responsible for creating the spaces, which balance warm minimalist designs, earthy tones that feel lifted straight from the Australian landscape, and the heritage of the site housed in the historic Tyne House brick factory on Commonwealth Street. Says Flack Studio founder, David Flack, "Surry Hills has been home to so many culturally important movements and people, and has always been a home for creatives and migrating cultures. We wanted to preserve the creative, slightly renegade energy of the space since its origins as one of Australia's early brickworks." We do love a renegade energy! This will mark the first Southern Hemisphere address for the American hotel chain - a favourite among the global creative set (and hilariously parodied in the Portlandia episode "Blunderbuss"). And while specific details are being kept on the downlow, we do know that Sydney's Ace will feature a ground floor restaurant, bar and cafe in the lobby and a restaurant and bar on the rooftop. Each of the hotel's 264 rooms are either doubles or twin doubles for four guests. Reservations are now open for booking for when the Ace opens from 1 May 2022. Ace Hotel is located at 47 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. Images: Anson Smart
Australian fashion house and boutique store Aje is officially branching out with a new sub-brand of activewear called Aje Athletica. Launching with a line of sportswear featuring everything from sports bras to shoes, Aje Athletica promises high-performance activewear with a focus on sustainability. 70 percent of the material used in the debut sportswear line is consciously sourced, including a 100 percent recycled material puffer jacket. The commitment to sustainable practices is clear, with consciously sourced products across the line made from a mix of recycled, organic and eco-friendly materials. "With a respect of our environment, Aje Athletica embraces sustainable practices and local expertise to deliver quality product[s] with a minimal footprint. Informing the design process with 70 percent conscious fabrications from the ground up, impacting the foundations at elemental phase – has been very fulfilling," Co-founder Edwina Forest said. Edwina Forest started Aje in 2008 with her friend Adrian Norris as a women's clothing line all about effortless style. Norris brings an artistic background from his time at Liceo Artistico Venezia, and Forest brings her knowledge of fashion publishing from her time at RUSSH magazine. Head to Aje Athletica's website to browse the range of leggings, sweatpants, tees, tanks, socks and windbreakers, all designed for both your trips to the gym and your days hanging around the house. The products are designed to fit a wide range of women, with sizes available in Australian four through 18. Aje Athletica is available as of Wednesday, May 26 throughout Australia and New Zealand online and in-store. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
When the original UK version of The Office turned workplace awkwardness, cringeworthy bosses and frustrating coworkers into a huge comedic success two decades ago, it found humour in parts of the 9-to-5 grind that we all recognise. When the hit show inspired the hugely popular American series, the mere fact that it sparked a spinoff also spoke to another employment truth: that office chaos, overbearing managers and unpleasant colleagues aren't a mere product of one place, company or country. It's no wonder that more iterations have kept following, with everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland serving up their takes. Next, marking the franchise's 13th adaptation, comes Australia's own The Office — and it now has a trailer. It's time to clock on: come Friday, October 18, The Office is reopening, this time Down Under. Back in 2023, Prime Video announced that it was making an Aussie version of the sitcom, featuring actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Time Bandits) as Flinley Craddick Managing Director Hannah Howard. This is also the first take worldwide with a female boss. Move over David Brent, and also Michael Scott — it's now Howard's turn to become the manager that no one wants but everyone has worked for. She oversees a packaging company. When she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch, with everyone working from home instead, she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously, that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office's Aussie stint. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit (The Pledge), Zoe Terakes (Talk to Me) and Claude Jabbour (Last King of the Cross). Also featuring: Susie Youssef (Deadloch), Justin Rosniak (Colin From Accounts), Carlo Ritchie (A Beginner's Guide to Grief), Rick Donald (Population: 11), and Chris Bunton (Wolf Like Me). Viewers will be able to binge Ward and company's antics, with the entire eight-episode first season of the The Office dropping at once — so get your staplers in jelly ready. Check out the trailer for the Australian version of The Office below: The Australian version of The Office streams via Prime Video from Friday, October 18, 2024. Images: John Platt and Prime Video, © BBCS and Bunya Entertainment.
Only in Melbourne would you find a simple, neighbourhood sandwich shop staffed and run by a cadre of the city's finest chefs. Hector's Deli, now open on Buckingham Street in Richmond, is just that. Co-founded by two former Stokehouse chefs, Dom Wilton and Jason Barratt, the shop is the result of a lot of time and a little planning, and the eternal search for the simplicity of exceptional sandwiches. Hector's hits a refreshing balance of local corner store and Italian deli, with none of the pretension you might expect from these hospitality guns. "We're waiting around to open a restaurant [in about a year] and in in the meantime, we decided to open a sandwich store — there's no deep meaning behind it," says Wilton. The 'we' he's referring are the duo's other business partners, Edward Ring and barista Zac Kelly. "We have a group of really well-trained, high-quality staff with a depth of experience in hospitality, waiting around for this [new venture] to open. There's so much bullshit out there. We didn't want to over complicate things." They haven't. The menu is simple: six sandwich offerings, five savoury and one sweet, all made with quality ingredients. A ham and cheese toastie with mortadella, provolone and tomato chutney. An eggplant parma sandie. A smoked trout bagel with caviar and cream cheese. A sweet brioche bun filled with Nutella and ice cream. It's a sandwich lover's dream. "At the moment we're just doing sandwiches; we're not doing any avocado toast, or any sides, or deconstructed breakfasts, just keeping everything in a sandwich press or toaster," says Wilton. In the near future, they'll be expanding their deli offering to sliced meats, cheese boards, and booze (liquor license pending). This no-BS philosophy has echoed throughout the rest of the venture, too. It took the team three months from ideation to opening and it was probably so quick because they weren't messing around with interior designers. "We went in and painted it ourselves and kept it really minimal" says Wilton. "We got our chairs from a dude who owned a Laundromat. Everything was done quickly and DIY, it wasn't a thought-out, arduous process." When you chuck in some sleek but nostalgic branding by Tristan Ceddia and Never Now, the result is straightforward and effortless. It's just some locals doing what they love and, subscribing to Liz Lemon's world view: all anyone wants in this life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich. Hector's Deli is located at 1/94 Buckingham Street, Richmond. Open Wednesday through Friday from 7.30am to 3.30pm and Saturday through Sunday from 8am to 3pm. For more info, visit hectorsdeli.com.au.
Plans for the renewal of Fishermans Bend have been in the works for a while now, but just exactly what it is all going to look like has been uncertain. However, the Victorian Government has just released a new framework for the new suburb, and it provides the most fleshed-out vision for it yet. If you're not familiar with Fishermans Bend, that's because you probably haven't had much reason to give it a visit. As you can see from the map below, it's the space of land below South Melbourne and sandwiched between Port Melbourne and the Yarra. To the south, it's accessible from Yarraville over the West Gate. At the moment, it's largely industrial — but the Andrews Government plans to turn the 480-hectare site into a brand new suburb, complete with residential housing, commercial buildings, new schools, community centres and plenty of green open space by 2050. According to the Government's newly released Fishermans Bend Framework, when developed, 80,000 people will live in the suburb and the same amount will work there. Labor is calling it Australia's largest urban renewal project. This new framework completely reworks the previous Liberal Government's rezoning of the area, capping building heights in an attempt to stop the suburb from becoming overdeveloped. To complement this, the Andrews Government has worked a considerable amount of parks and public spaces into its plan — apparently the open space will add up to the equivalent of 60 MCGs. It will also require all new builds to include at least six percent of affordable housing. The plan is for the suburb to be largely car-free, with residents and workers using bike lanes, walking tracks and public transport instead. While the framework does mention future tram and train connections, these don't appear to be fully worked in with current transport plans yet. For this all to go ahead, the Andrews Government will have to win at next month's state election. If it does, it will then work with the community and council to develop precinct plans, with the view for the first drafts to be released to the public in the first half of 2019. You can find all the documents and more info — and have your say on the renewal — here.
When looking for the perfect (or just good enough, depending on how desperate you are) Airbnb it's important to tick off the basics: walls, roof, bed, running water, no undisclosed housemates that will appear halfway through your stay etc. Then you can get to the extras. Perhaps the house comes with gratis Corn Flakes and milk, has a rooftop or has a sweet recycling system in place. While we can't be sure of the cereal situation, this Airbnb on the Brazilian island of Florianópolis certainly ticks off the last criteria. And it doesn't just feature a reclaimed piece of furniture or two — it's made almost entirely of recycled materials. Uruguayan visual artist (and, evidently, handy carpenter) Jaime has built the incredible home — dubbed 'Cabana Floripa' — from scraps he collected from homes demolished in the area. The walls are mostly built from reclaimed glass and bottles, along with other bits of 'garbage' like pieces of wood, ceramics and mirror. And not only does it looks amazing from the outside, the inside is just as (if not more) ridiculously colourful and mismatched. The home is close to the beach, can sleep you and six of your mates and comes with a loft bed, air conditioning, a kitchen, bathroom and all the basics. Jaime, who's lived on the island for 30 years, also lives on the property (although in another house), so he'll no doubt be able to show you 'round and tell you where all the bits and pieces have come from. You can book the Cabana Floripa here for around $80AUD a night. Via Inhabitat.
Early in 2024, Dave Parker (San Telmo Group and Sebastian), and Kelly and Alex Brawn (Sebastian) opened the ground-floor all-day dining venue Caffé Amatrice (pronounced ah-muh-tree-chay) in one of Cremorne's buzzing backstreets. And come November 24', a sibling entered the fray. Now, navigating the streets of a suburb like this, it can be easy to miss the front door for one of the most elevated Italian spots in town. Elevated in more ways than one (we're talking quality and altitude), Amatrice Rooftop is ready and waiting to knock your socks off with sizeable plates of Italian fare and 180º of rooftop views and vibes. While the downstairs sandwiches are one of the favourites of the local Concrete Playground team, the rooftop is something really special. Entering, the aesthetics are clear and appealing. Credit is due to interior designer Brahman Perera, who has crafted a space that swaps the lobby's black and grey for red velvet-upholstered banquette seating and imported maroon marble tables, setting the stage for a seriously spectacular feed. Indoor bookings are treated to a skyline city view, while outdoor diners can take in the distant Dandenong Ranges. Head Chef Vincenzo Di Giovanniello (Bar Carolina, Osteria Ilaria) is running the food front, which traipses across various Italian regions. Pasta, however, is the star of the show at Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant. The menu is split between egg pasta dishes paired with classic sauces and Roman-style non-egg pasta — choose from either spaghetti or mezze maniche and then add one of the sauces available on the day. The team sources ingredients from across Italy, but the egg pasta is the star of the show — sourced from the village of Campofilone and boasting the highest egg ratio of any pasta, Di Giovanniello considers it "the champagne of pasta". For a little bit of everything, order as we did: start small with hot and earthy mushroom croquettes and moreish lasagna bites, move on to larger serves of pasta (the cacio e pepe is one of the best we've ever had) and grab a hearty main like the veal cotoletta, marinated half chicken or Murray cod. Don't forget to save some room for dessert. The tiramisu is unconventional in appearance but delicious all the same. The drinks are inspired by the Northern Italian travels of co-owner Dave Parker and lea right into the increasingly popular aperitivo style of sipping. The menu stars a healthy variety of house-made cocktails, Aussie-sourced bitters and imported Italian wines. From classics like amaretto sours and limoncello spritzes to signatures like the Amatrice Airlines, the cocktail list alone will keep you busy as the courses keep on coming.
Open up your eager eyes, Australia and New Zealand: The Killers are headed our way. With international tours starting back up again, the Las Vegas-born rockers will hit up a heap of arenas Down Under in November and December 2022 — and a few Aussie wineries, too, if you're keen on sipping vino while singing along to 'Mr Brightside'. Destiny is calling you to shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne in Australia, plus winery gigs in the Barossa Valley, Geelong and the Hunter Valley, with most of the latter taking place as part of next year's A Day on the Green tour. In NZ, you'll be doing just fine at Auckland and Christchurch concerts — and no, there won't be any sick lullabies to swim through. Given the band's lengthy back catalogue, Brandon Flowers and company won't just be playing 'Mr Brightside' on repeat, but will be making a hot fuss over plenty of their hits — including tracks from their 2020 album Imploding the Mirage. The tour is named after that record, even though they released another one, Pressure Machine, this year. That's what happens when live gigs get put on hold during a pandemic, clearly. Remember: somebody told you that you'll be dancing along to 'Somebody Told Me', 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'When You Were Young', 'Bones', 'Human' and 'The Man' as well. While the Aussie leg of The Killers' 2022 tour includes plenty of outdoor venues, the timing means that they won't be repeating their AFL Grand Final berth after stealing the show back in 2017. [caption id="attachment_831494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] THE KILLERS 2022 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES Auckland — Monday, November 21, Spark Arena Christchurch — Friday, November 25, Christchurch Arena Brisbane — Tuesday, November 29, Brisbane Entertainment Centre Barossa Valley — Saturday, December 3, A Day on the Green at Peter Lehmann Perth — Tuesday, December 6, RAC Arena Geelong — Saturday, December 10, A Day on the Green at Mt Duneed Estate Melbourne — Tuesday, December 13, Rod Laver Arena Hunter Valley — Saturday, December 17, Hope Estate Sydney — Monday, December 19, Qudos Bank Arena The Killers will tour Australia and New Zealand in November and December 2022. Pre-sale tickets go on sale at staggered times on Thursday, November 11, with general tickets on sale on Monday, November 15. For further details, head to the tour and A Day on the Green websites.
After opening in 2016, AREA Studio has quickly established itself as one of Australia's leading hair studios. Located in Melbourne's CBD, this industrial space is also home to an innovative haircutting academy and a digital media agency. First and foremost, AREA Studio focuses on premium haircutting services and cutting edge techniques, boasting a hefty collection of awards as proof. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays, the space transforms into educational space, AREA Academy, where experts share their modern approach to haircutting with emerging barbers and professionals looking to up-skill. You can check out the Studio from Wednesday to Saturday for a premium salon experience. Expect great service with limited products. The AREA team use only what they believe to be truly top-tier products such as Dyson and Motion Lab. Whether you want to transform your look with a modern cut or you're happy to stick to something you already love, AREA Studio has you covered.
Melbourne fashion lovers sticking to a budget, rejoice — the biannual Magic Designer Sale is back for its first sale event of 2017. For one weekend from February 24–26, a massive amount of end-of-season stock and samples will be available from local designers such as Pageant, Witu, Verner, Kuwaii, Handsom, Seb Brown and Dress Up. With reductions running across the three days, your purchases are guaranteed to be investments. So cancel your weekend plans, empty your piggy bank and race over to Johnson Street. We suggest getting there early for the good stuff. The Magic Designer Sale will run from 9am till 6pm on Friday, 10am till 6pm on Saturday, and 11am till 4pm on Sunday. Image: Hannah Morgan.
Fancy a refreshing beverage to cool down this summer... on the house? Well, if you're in Victoria, you're in luck – these bars and pubs are offering a complimentary garden spritz on arrival on Friday, February 28. From beachside bars and pubs to inner-city drinking holes, enjoy a (refreshingly free) Chandon Spritz, and your summer will never be over. Chandon's Garden Spritz is a natural ready-to-serve blend of sparkling wine handcrafted with navel and blood oranges, dried orange peel and natural herbs and spices. All the way from the Yarra Valley, it's not too bitter, but not too sweet and has half the sugar of most spritzes thanks to its natural ingredients. For the perfect serve, just add ice and an orange slice, and top with a sprig of rosemary if you're feeling fancy. Republica St Kilda It's hard not to feel like a spritz when you're in St Kilda. With the ocean as your backdrop, sand on your feet and good vibes all around, it's always spritz o'clock at Republica St Kilda Beach. With endless views out towards the water, live music and classic pub feeds, the only thing to make your time here better is a complimentary spritz in hand. [caption id="attachment_817250" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] The Fifth Province, St Kilda Also in St Kilda, The Fifth Province Irish Bar & Restaurant brings a touch of Irish charm to the waterfront. But unlike Galway and the hearty dark ales, a Chandon Spritz wouldn't go astray. The menu is also a standout, with the likes of beef and Guinness stew or the roast chicken, leek, and mushroom pie also hitting the spot. The Bay Hotel, Mornington Only an hour from Melbourne's CBD, Mornington is a calm, beachside haunt that's perfect for those days you need to escape the hustle and bustle. And once you arrive, one of the best spots in town has to be The Bay Hotel. With its waterfront location, heritage facade and killer menu, serving up pub classics and seafood, you can't get much better than this. Perch at the bar or grab a table and order yourself a complimentary spritz for the ultimate summer arvo. [caption id="attachment_680532" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Giulia Morlando[/caption] Emerson, South Yarra Two words. Rooftop bar. This ritzy South Yarra institution is a club and cocktail bar with private booths and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views over the city. This is definitely the place to come if you want a dance and a good time. Plus, there's a selection of yummy little bites to keep you going all night long, along with drink options including cocktails, beer and (free) Chandon Garden Spritzes, of course. Baby, Richmond Richmond's neighbourhood Italian restaurant, Baby, is a laid-back spot perfect for indulging in wood-fired pizzas and pasta any time of the day. And no matter what time of the day those Italian cravings strike, there's always a good vibe here—Baby is never not buzzing with people. There is also a quaint outdoor area ideal for enjoying a Spritz or two. Half Moon Set on busy Church Street, Half Moon is a much-loved pub that has been pouring pints for Brighton locals since the 1960s. And now you can enjoy a spritz here too. Head to the beer garden or grab a spot at the rustic bar and enjoy some of the very best the beachside locale has to offer. Head into these venues around Australia on the last day of summer to receive a complimentary Chandon Spritz on arrival. First in best dressed and T&C's apply. Enjoy Chandon Responsibly. Images: Supplied.
Healthy eating is so in vogue right now. People are activating almonds, eating raw lasagna, and drinking green things for breakfast. And sometimes you just want to give it a damn good go, right? Well, The Nutrition Bar is just the place. Located on Richmond's Swan Street, the bar has opened its doors to a very small, but virtuous spot for us to all get our healthy on. The Nutrition Bar serves nothing but the good stuff. Those afraid of gluten, dairy, and anything cooked are taken care of. The offering is tight and covers smoothies, juices, pre-made salads, acai and breakfast bowls, as well as raw, gluten free, vegan treats that are worth the trip alone. The juice and smoothie section of the morning can be overwhelming. The menu is huge and any supplement can be added. Some are executed better than others. A health nuts' version of iced coffee, Liquid Gold is one of the good ones. With chocolate almond milk, espresso, avocado and agave syrup ($7), it is like a thickshake that makes you feel good and fed rather than bad and bloated. If the smoothies are the entrees, the acai and breakfast bowls are the main event. An acai bowl made with frozen acai (a nutrition-filled South American berry) and coconut water, topped with bananas, blueberries and caramelised buckinis ($12), is a sweet and cold breakfast of champions. You can choose your liquids, fruits and toppings. When it comes to the sweet treats, they are as guilt free as the salads. A mix of nuts, cinnamon, dates and vanilla protein powder is rolled into a delicious ball and coated in coconut ($3), while raw carrots cakes, lemon slices and cacao cheesecakes rotate through the fridges. The Nutrition Bar is the perfect spot when you're looking for a healthy breakfast or lunch spot. You'll feel pretty smug drinking your Liquid Gold. Images by Lois Romer.
Classic cocktails are called classics for a reason. They've stood the test of time, they're easy to whip up anywhere and — perhaps most importantly — they're almost impossible to mess up. But what if the recipes were a little more…nutty? Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is here to throw a curveball into your bar cart staples. There's no shortage of novelty spirits on the shelf, but this one has done it right. Created by husband-and-wife team Steve Yeng and Brittany Merrill Yeng in California, this flavoured liqueur blends American whiskey with natural peanut butter flavour, resulting in a spirit that's sweet, smooth and nutty. When used right, it can unlock a completely different kind of cocktail. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or just partial to a decent drink after work, swapping in this whiskey gives old favourites an edge that's unexpected, yet weirdly spot-on. Don't believe us? Here are seven classic cocktails that get even better with a peanut butter twist. Old Fashioned The old fashioned is simple: whiskey, sugar, bitters, ice. No garnish, unless you really feel like showing off. Swap in Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and you're still staying true to that formula, just with a bit more flavour. The roasted peanuts round out the sweetness and soften the citrus in the bitters. So, you get a richer, smoother version of the drink you already know. Serve it with a big ice cube and a twist of orange peel for a fresh take on the old school, without losing any of the ritual. Get the recipe here. Manhattan This one's a little wild, but it works. Strong, slightly sweet and built for sipping, the manhattan is a go-to for good reason. A hint of peanut butter doesn't mess with its DNA, but it does add to it. This recipe keeps the bones of the original but trades out sweet vermouth for Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and a splash of amaro. The result is a silky, peanutty drink you can garnish with a cherry and orange twist. Get the recipe here. [caption id="attachment_1014576" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] iStock[/caption] Mudslide A classic mudslide should taste like a milkshake with an extra kick. And this one doesn't disappoint. The Skrewball version blends peanut butter whiskey with equal parts Irish cream liqueur and coffee liqueur, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served with a chocolate syrup drizzle. You could sip this slowly, but let's be honest — it'll be gone in minutes. Get the recipe here. Irish Coffee Peanut butter and coffee are a match made in heaven, which makes the classic Irish Coffee another cocktail worth reinventing. This cold-weather go-to gets an upgrade by swapping out traditional Irish whiskey for a hit of peanut butter and hot black coffee. Enjoy it as is, or top with whipped cream and dust it with chocolate powder for a little sweetness. Get the recipe here. Espresso Martini While we're on the coffee bandwagon, here's another classic twist: the espresso martini. Strong, bitter and full of peanut flavour, this espresso martini remix skips vodka in favour of the richer and smoother, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. Shake it with coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso and ice, then strain into a martini glass with a couple of espresso beans to garnish. Yum. Get the recipe here. Paloma The Paloma is usually a tequila-heavy spritz, but this version dials up the fun with a peanut butter backbone and a splash of grapefruit juice. It's still refreshing and citrusy with tequila and Aperol, but that nutty flavour turns it into something you'll start to crave when the sun's out. To make, simply pour Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, tequila, sour mix and pineapple juice over ice and garnish with lemon. Get the recipe here. Margarita This one sounds wrong on paper, until you try it. An extreme riff on the classic margarita, here tequila and lime take a backseat to Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and pineapple juice. It's fruity but not sugary, and sharp but not tart. If you're the kind of person who likes to experiment with strange flavour combos, this is your moment. Get the recipe here. Adding peanut butter whiskey to your favourite classic cocktails may not be the obvious choice — but once you've tried it in one, you'll want to remake them all. Explore more Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey cocktail recipes on the website.
Alone is a performance art installation. No, scratch that — it's a psychological experiment. Created by Los Angeles-based artist Devon Paulson and film producer Lawrence T. Lewis, it hurls participants into a city-wide, 'haunted house'-style scenario. And, it's coming to Australia. Aided by a crowd of actors, the hour-long walkthrough will see participants transported around Melbourne, into inexplicable, scary or hilarious situations that are designed to mess with their sanity. Participants must sign a waiver beforehand and be in good physical and mental health, which just might says something about what the night will involve. They're then taken to a secret location to begin their terrifying abduction. No mobile phones are allowed and it's likely that your clothes will get dirty. "Alone explores the complex folds of the human psyche and the human condition, from the inside out," says Paulson. "The truth is that one needs to experience Alone to understand it." According to the website, "your body may be aggressively touched and moved or tenderly embraced or utterly left displaced and alone." Despite having organised the event 18 times over the last six years, the creators refuse to reveal details of previous stints. "What I can say is that the situations will cause participants to traverse the spectrum of human emotion," says Paulson. "But the crucial goal is to dislocate you, from the world, from others, from comfort, from self." And yes, it begins on Valentine's Day — but it's a completely solitary journey, so don't think about bringing your date. "Some experiences you may find yourself in a group situation, but as in life, you will eventually find yourself to be alone," reads a hard-hitting FAQ on the Alone website. Alone runs from February 14–27. Head to the website for tickets and more details.
We've all got that one friend whose media diet exists solely of documentaries. They're usually, to be honest, the most interesting of us all wielding their accumulated eccentric knowledge. However, documentaries and doco-style films have long become mainstream and the capitalist marketplace has heard our hungry cries for more. Introducing DocPlay, the new Netflix for docos. It's an Australian and New Zealand-based service that lets you stream documentaries directly. Their libraries are stuffed full of all the big names — Blackfish, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Advanced Style — complemented by some niche Aussie and international titles with a big emphasis on music. A premium member fee of $6.95 a month (or $69.95 a year) will grant you access to their ever-growing library. And if sign up to a free account, you'll get access to their rotating selection of docos. This week features Annie Leibovitz: Life Through A Lens, Academy Award winner The Cove, Ai Wewei: Never Sorry, and A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures amongst others. Not bad, not bad at all. If you don't want to cough up though, you can expect ads aplenty. It's still a pretty fresh service and can only get better with time. But anything that enables us to while away a Sunday watching back-to-back docos can only be good thing.
When you find the coming together of good coffee and a good conscience, great things usually follow. Fest of Merit, the newest venture from youth social enterprise YGAP, proves this to be true. Found in an open space on Swan Street in Richmond, they haven't held back on the interior. It's raw, exposed and perfectly executed. Hanging lights and plants finish the look perfectly (as do the handsome wait staff, but that's a whole other story). As YGAP's newest project, Feast of Merit donates all of their profits to youth education and youth leadership in Malawi, Ghana, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Australia. On top of this they focus on seasonal produce, raw foods and locally sourced drinks. Local, ethical and sustainable food is served up with a distinct Middle Eastern flavour. The breakfast menu caters to a range of tastes with the sweeter side of things looking like Bircher muesli, coconut water, apricot, pistachios, and hung yoghurt ($11.50) and a bowl of backyard fruits, chia seeds, orange blossom, yoghurt ice and smoked almonds ($12.50). For those going down the savoury path, you can opt for the young asparagus, ricotta and avocado with harissa toast and a soft egg ($16) or the beetroot (pickled, raw and roasted) with wild rice, candied walnuts, salted ricotta and za'atar spice ($13.50). Lunch is a 'choose your own adventure' experience with three salads available with three optional proteins for a more hearty meal. You might see a roasted Dutch carrot, mint, pistachio, currant, freekeh, harissa and preserved lemon salad topped with roasted Milawa chicken. Job done. Smoothies, juices, and digestives dominate the drinks list with a raw almond milk creation calling out our name. Warning: raw treats may tempt you as you're paying the cheque. But don't worry — your money is going to a good cause.
For most of us, the uncomfortable feeling that creeps in when you share a social justice status (linking a petition or an article, or writing a strongly-worded open letter, as is the fashion) is accompanied by the thought: is this enough? Am I keyboard warrior? How can I effect real change? The couple behind this Richmond cafe might be able to help you out with that. Jane and Francois Marx are the husband and wife team from Long Street Coffee and their aim is to bring you coffee and bring jobs to refugees. But making the transition from social justice keyboard warrior to real-life warrior is not an easy feat, nor is it cheap. Long Street Coffee is the product of a three-year long journey. They've been the worthy recipients of an Australian Women's Weekly grant, successful Pozible campaign and generous community donations from everyone from photographers to stonemasons to get them on their feet. The community response to the enterprise, which trains refugees over a six-month period and helps them find ongoing work, has been overwhelmingly positive — and a breath of fresh air in the face of Australia's refugee laws. "I think that we're seeing the backlash against the hostility towards refugees," says Jane. "We are part of a larger movement that opposes the overwhelming hostility from the media and punitive measures from the government. In the face of all that, there's a movement of people saying you are not representing us as a nation; we want to be a place that welcomes refugees." Jane says that while there's a big risk in setting up any small business, and particularly in employing untrained staff, Long Street Coffee is not a charity. Jane and Francois have 20 years combined experience in the industry and understand what it means to be a competitive small business. The cafe is a hybrid: part social justice enterprise and part booming small business with its finger on the pulse. "Part of the mission with Long Street was to be able to employ people with a refugee background who wouldn't otherwise be able to get jobs. And part of the scaremongering that comes from the government and the media is coming from ignorance. People don't actually know refugees but if they were able to see the people in the boats as oppose to the boat itself… If you could go to place that and be served coffee by a refugee and hear their stories, you would see that they are people. We want to break down the stigma. We didn't see that 'fair go' being extended to the refugee community. It is only a fair if it applies to everyone. Everyone who lives here should be able to fulfil their potential and realise their dreams." Get down to Long Street Coffee and do your part in showing these total legends some hard-earned support.
The best time to enjoy Victoria's High Country isn't only when the snow is falling. In the summer months the ski slopes transform into bucolic hiking trails. Alongside top-notch dining, cultural events and mountain accommodation, Mount Buller and its surrounds provide a brilliant summer escape. In collaboration with Victoria's High Country, we're highlighting just some of the top reasons to explore Mount Buller this summer and reconnect with nature in one of the most stunning settings Victoria has to offer. [caption id="attachment_833255" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] EXPLORE AN AUSTRALIAN FILM ICON AT CRAIG'S HUT Consider yourself a bit of an Aussie cinema buff? Head to the High Country this summer and explore Craig's Hut — the iconic setting featured in The Man From Snowy River. Since being built for the film, this landmark has become a popular waystation for people navigating the inland wilderness during the warmer months. As well as the chance to see one of our nation's defining cinematic settings, a visit to Craig's Hut also offers endless countryside vistas thanks to its prime position atop Clear Hills. Whether you drive, hike, mountain bike or — like the titular film character — ride a horse to the hut, you'll want to pack a picnic to soak up the views. Don't want to carry your lunch with you? Then, book a spot on a local tour to hear mountain tales over a catered dinner. [caption id="attachment_832800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] TAKE A STROLL TO BINDAREE FALLS As the weather heats up, a visit to Bindaree Falls becomes increasingly appealing. Tucked deep in dense bushland, this scenic waterfall provides the perfect pitstop on a hot summer's day. After a short stroll to a viewing platform conveniently placed behind the cascades, you can cool off with a refreshing spray of fresh water. With access limited for much of the year, the warmer months ensure adventurers can drive to within a 10-minute walk of the falls. And thanks to its setting within Mansfield State Forest, Bindaree Falls is an ideal place to pause during a forested hike or walk between historic mountain huts in the surrounding area. [caption id="attachment_833256" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] HIKE THE HIGH COUNTRY Criss-crossing Mount Buller's slopes is an incredible experience in wintertime. But the euphoria is just the same when you undertake a stunning summer hike through the region. Although there are numerous paths to choose from, the Summit Nature Walk is an easygoing way to enjoy the alpine flora and fauna. Time your walk with sunset to see the sky and surrounding scenery slowly change colour. Elsewhere, the Little Mount Buller trail is a slightly more undulating seven-kilometre circuit that sees you wander through a plain of snow gums before being treated to some striking mountain views. For an even tougher but no less spectacular challenge, the Delatite River Trail Walk features a dozen log bridge river crossings over its nearly ten kilometres. SIT BACK AND RELAX AT ABOM BISTRO For a laidback meal at the heart of the mountain make a stop into ABOM Bistro. Located along Athlete's Walk in the middle of Mount Buller's bustling village, this long-standing Buller go-to is the place to grab a tasty lunch or dinner in cosy, chalet-inspired surrounds. And although the mulled wine has been replaced by chilled beers, you and your holiday crew will enjoy this popular après-ski destination. ABOM Bistro also offers great accommodation so you can take your time and stay overnight, then explore the hills even more the next day. OR, REFUEL IN STYLE AT BIRDCAGE If you're looking for somewhere a little fancier, Birdcage has you covered. Just a few doors down from ABOM Bistro, you'll be presented with outstanding food, coffee and cocktails that provide a buzzy metropolitan vibe on the mountainside. Open from breakfast, find favourites like smashed avo and truffle scrambled eggs. As the kitchen roars into life later in the day, head along to feast on heartier options like chicken ribs, wagyu beef burgers, and prawn and ginger dumplings. Stop in for happy hour and split a refreshing gin and elderflower cocktail jug with your crew to round out the experience. [caption id="attachment_832801" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria's High Country[/caption] HAVE A PICNIC AT THE SUMMIT The idea of a sunset picnic at the summit of Mount Buller might sound more appealing than spending your afternoon in the bar. And with genuinely awe-inspiring perspectives to uncover across every side of the mountain, who could blame you? Drop into the well-stocked Buller Grocer to find everything from fresh fruit and deli meats to wine and spirits — including an excellent range of local produce from nearby growers — take your swag up to the peak for a delightful al fresco session. UNWIND AT MT BULLER CHALET Spending a few days exploring the High Country is a heavenly idea. But you're going to need somewhere cosy to rest your head after all those activities. The Mt Buller Chalet is our pick, thanks to its range of well-appointed rooms and suites that are backdropped by impressive views of the mountain range outside. Its ideal location in the heart of the village also makes it the perfect place from which to set off on your adventures. Need a bit of R&R? Head to the on-site spa, sauna or indoor pool for some me time, or get the blood flowing with a workout in the fully equipped gym. [caption id="attachment_841127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarritos Mexican Soda (Unsplash)[/caption] ENJOY A MEXICAN FIESTA WITH A VIEW You're invited to indulge in some of Mount Buller's best local producers, growers and foodie delights at Long Lunch, a regular event series showcasing the region's diverse culinary landscape. The upcoming long lunch takes place on 5 March, and will see the much-loved winter go-to Bullrun Cantina turned into a high-altitude fiesta. There'll be a wide range of Mexican fare on offer — think slow-smoked meats, tostadas, fresh chilli, salsa, mole and more — as well as an excellent selection of tequila, all of which can be enjoyed with sweeping views of the high country beyond and a live soundtrack provided by the talented Blues Roulette ensemble. If you're looking for an excuse to eat, drink and dance the day away with spectacular views to boot, make sure you get yourself a ticket before they're all sold out. For more information on things to see and do at Mount Buller this summer, head to the Victoria's High Country website. Plan and book your activities and accommodation at the Mount Buller website. Top image: Victoria's High Country
When it comes to finger-licking, napkin-required fried chicken in Melbourne, it's hard to pick a favourite. Are you partial to a brined and crispy American-style bird or one that's sticky with Korean sauce? Whatever your fried chook fancy, Melbourne's got a version to suit, with an array of local restaurants out to make this famed dish their own. If you weren't already craving some juicy chicken coated in special seasonings, sauces and other crushed snacks, you sure will be after reading this. Here's where to find Melbourne's best fried chicken joints. Recommended reads: The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne The Best Burgers in Melbourne The Best Steaks in Melbourne The Best Pizza in Melbourne
If you've been to see a blockbuster on the big screen this year, odds are that you've been to see a Disney movie. The Mouse House is responsible for Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin, Toy Story 4 and The Lion King, after all — and it still has both Frozen 2 and Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker to come before the year is out. And now, the huge entertainment company is set to loom large over your streaming viewing, too. This morning — Tuesday, November 19 — it launched its new Disney+ platform Down Under. The service features a heap of content that spans its hugely popular brands, including Disney classics, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic. On Disney+ you'll find over 600 films and 7000 episodes of TV, so it's basically everything your Disney dreams are made of (and there's a free trial to get you started). From previous announcements, we already knew we'd be watching Star Wars series The Mandalorian, the awkwardly named High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, animated Toy Story spinoff Forky Asks a Question and factual series The World According to Jeff Goldblum. And, along with the platform launch, the live-action Lady and the Tramp has also dropped along with the Anna Kendrick-starring Christmas flick Noelle. Disney has also previously unveiled a lengthy list of upcoming shows that'll hit the platform over the next few years, so prepare for multiple Marvel series about Loki, Hawkeye, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and the Scarlet Witch and Vision; a Lizzie McGuire revival; and Star Wars shows about Obi-Wan Kenobi (featuring Ewan McGregor as the beloved jedi) and Rogue One's Cassian Andor as well — although none of the above have release dates as yet. What's noteworthy, too, is the array of classic fare that's now available to stream. Disney has amassed a hefty library over the years and, after merging with Fox earlier this year, it picked up plenty of other films and TV shows. That means that you can stream Marvel Cinematic Universe flicks, Pixar hits, Star Wars movies and all your old favourite Disney animated films, naturally. Home Alone, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Muppets, TRON, Avatar, Sister Act, Hocus Pocus, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, Turner and Hooch and The Sound of Music. Boy Meets World, Duck Tales and The Simpsons also rank among a very sizeable pool of titles, as Disney+'s new Instagram video shows. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5BWValA0I8/ A bunch of National Geographic docos can also be found on the platform, including rock climbing nail-biter Free Solo, the touching Jane Goodall film that makes great use of archival footage and Leo DiCaprio's 2016 climate cahnge interrogation Before the Flood. The complete list of titles — which you can browse here — confirms what Aussie audiences will able to watch upon launch. Different local rights deals with other platforms have meant that Australian fans couldn't necessarily just assume that their favourite flicks would automatically be available on Disney+ straight away. For example, until recently, Stan had plenty of Disney content available to stream. Of course, it seems that turning Disney+ into a one-stop shop for the company's movies and series is the ultimate aim. On that note, viewers can expect all of the company's aforementioned big 2019 movies to hit the platform, too, as well as its entire film slate from 2020 onwards. If you want to try out the new service before committing to a subscription, you can sign up for a free one-week trial over here. Disney+ is now live, with subscriptions costing AU$8.99 per month or AU$89.99 per year. You can sign-up for a free seven-day trial here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
When someone tells you to try to put yourself in another person's shoes to understand how they feel, it isn't meant literally. In the Freaky Friday franchise, however, the Coleman family keep taking that idea to the extreme, albeit not by choice. In 2003's mother-daughter body-swapping comedy, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan, Our Little Secret) found themselves switching places courtesy of a fortune cookie. In 2025's sequel Freakier Friday, their lives and the circumstances have changed, but waking up as someone else is back on the agenda. It was back in 2023 that word arrived about a follow-up to the 00s version of Freaky Friday. Audiences will see the results on the big screen this winter Down Under, with Freakier Friday locking in a Thursday, August 7, 2025 release date. As for what's in store this time around for the Colemans, the sequel's just-dropped first teaser trailer promises more chaos, plenty of nods to its predecessor — a nostalgic favourite — and taking the identity-crisis scenario up a few notches. Story-wise, Anna has a daughter herself and is about to gain a stepdaughter, with the process of merging families happening just as a familiar scenario pops up. At the beginning of the debut sneak peek, Anna and Tess are told by a fortune teller (Vanessa Bayer, No Good Deed) that they've "walked in each other's paths" and "learned a lesson — a lesson that may serve you again". Cue the ground rumbling once more, plus quite the shock the next morning. When it was revealed in 2024 that the new film would feature "a multigenerational twist", we wondered if there'd be multiple swaps and if the kids would be trading places with their grandmother — and yes, the trailer has the answers. Also returning alongside Curtis and Lohan from Freaky Friday: Mark Harmon (NCIS: Origins), Chad Michael Murray (Sullivan's Crossing), Christina Vidal Mitchell (The Terminal List), Haley Hudson (Queen Gorya), Lucille Soong (Raya and the Last Dragon), Stephen Tobolowsky (The Madness) and Rosalind Chao (3 Body Problem). For more company, Julia Butters (The Fabelmans), Sophia Hammons (The Absence of Eden), Manny Jacinto (The Acolyte) and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever) join the cast. Behind the lens, Nisha Ganatra (The High Note, Late Night) is directing, with Curtis and Lohan among the executive producers, all on a movie that keeps building on the Freaky Friday name. The first Curtis and Lohan team-up didn't start the franchise, of course. Instead, it began with the 1972 book by Mary Rodgers, then the 1976 Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country)-starring first movie adaptation, and also a 1995 remake with Gaby Hoffmann (Zero Day). After 2003's beloved Curtis- and Lohan-led take, horror flick Freaky also gave the idea a spin in 2020. Check out the first teaser trailer for Freakier Friday below: Freakier Friday releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Images: Glen Wilson © 2024/2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The new happiest place on earth is mere months away from opening, with Studio Ghibli's very own theme park welcoming in animation lovers when November 1 arrives. Long in the works, Ghibli Park has had animation lovers waiting to wander its 200-hectare expanse in Nagoya's Aichi Prefecture, around a three-hour train trip from Tokyo, since back in 2017. And wondering exactly how magical it will look for just as long, too. The answer? Supremely enchanting; yes, getting spirited away will be easy here. Ghibli has been dropping early glimpses, even if its recent Hayao Miyazaki-directed cat train trailer was solely animated (but still wonderful). Now, it has just unveiled a treasure trove of new sneak peeks at the upcoming venue. The park will open in phases, but the first won't be short on highlights, including what's been dubbed Ghibli's Great Warehouse — aka its main area. Think of it like a fair within the overall attraction, featuring a video exhibition room, three special exhibition rooms, plus shops and cafes all in one space. Many movie lovers' first stop will be Orionza, a cinema that'll seat 170 patrons and screen ten Ghibli shorts — all of which have only previously been seen at the studio's existing Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, a city on the western outskirts Tokyo. The easy highlight: the 13-minute-long sequel to My Neighbour Totoro, which is an absolute delight, unsurprisingly. Fancy entering one of Ghibli's films? The park also includes recreations of 13 famous scenes from the company's cinematic catalogue that you can step into, including becoming Spirited Away's Chihiro by sitting next to Kaonashi on a mysterious train by the sea. Or, another exhibition focuses on Ghibli's knack for drawing delicious-looking food, and is certain to make you hungry. And, if you're curious how Ghibli's works — such as posters, videos, music and books — appear overseas, there's an exhibition about that as well. Because you'll want souvenirs, the Ghibli's warehouse store will sell Ghibli goodies galore, including items specific to the park. Expect two things: to want to purchase everything, so much so that you'll contemplate whether it's worth getting another suitcase to take home with you; and plenty of company while you're browsing and buying. For a bite or a drink, the Great Warehouse's cafe and milk stand will both take their cues The Wind Rises. One will sling sandwiches and pizzas, while the other focuses on sips to drink — and a sweet made of red bean paste between two pieces of castella, as seen in the movie. Yes, it all truly does resemble the Japanese animation house's glorious frames in real life — as that aforementioned Studio Ghibli museum already does as well. Also slated to feature across the whole park: a life-sized version of Howl's Moving Castle, the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart, Kiki's home from Kiki's Delivery Service and a village area that pays tribute to Princess Mononoke. The Aichi Prefecture Expo Park spot is already home to a replica of Satsuki and Mei's house from My Neighbour Totoro, and Totoro still features heavily in the expanded setup — with the site even initially described as having a My Neighbour Totoro focus. Or, you can check out nods to the cat from Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns, buildings with design elements that take their cues from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, and a super-sized garden that'll make you feel like you're one of the tiny characters in Arrietty. Expect more nods to Ghibli's various features to follow, recreating other aspects from its three-decade-old body of work (and possibly its most recent movie, Earwig and the Witch). The animation house also released a new short video with added glimpses at the park, because there's no such thing as too many sneak peeks at something this entrancing pic.twitter.com/oZUKE36Jeg — スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) September 15, 2022 If you're now planning a Ghibli-centric holiday, Japan's changed its border rules in September to let overseas tourists enter the country without booking guided tours. At the time of writing, you do still need to be travelling on a package tour, however — through a travel agency, even if it just covers your flights and accommodation. Fingers crossed that changes soon. Ghibli Park will open on November 1, 2022. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: © Studio Ghibli.
Bathhouses certainly aren't novel in Melbourne's inner streets, but it does feel like the pace of new openings has quickly picked up steam. Well, add one more to the list, as else Bathhouse has announced a mid-2026 arrival in South Melbourne. Where some bathhouses are increasingly intertwining wellness with our social lives, else is maintaining a ritualistic approach, where stillness remains sacred and the simple act of bathing can be transformative. Rising to that aspiration is no mean feat, but else's impressive location won't do its prospects any harm. Settled into Emerald Hill, one of Melbourne's oldest suburbs, the bathhouse will reimagine its century-old building. Formally home to a wool trader and a Croft's Store — a once-thriving grocery chain — the three-level space is carefully being reworked to integrate a serene sense of calm within its historic context. "We wanted to offer something that would help people unwind and take care of themselves, a peaceful space woven into the rhythm of local life. Bringing else to South Melbourne felt natural," says else founder Paul Absalom. Serving as an architectural reminder of Melbourne's past, the building is flooded with natural light while being framed by exposed brick, timber beams, wool bale pulleys and an old-world lift shaft. That's a storied setting for a curated wellness journey, with guests invited to move through thermal baths, cold plunges, saunas, tranquil lounges and a mud and steam room. Plus, openair rooftop pools provide a sweeping view of the not-too-distant skyline. While this first else Bathhouse is plenty ambitious, the team has already announced a second location. Trading an urban oasis for the High Country, wellness enthusiasts will soon encounter a peaceful outpost in the scenic mountain town of Bright. Meanwhile, plans are also underway for future Melbourne locations, with hopes to redefine wellness across the region. Although the modern wellness space is constantly evolving, else is looking to rewind a little. Rather than viewing itself as a day spa, a recovery centre or a social club, it aims to revive the tradition of communal bathing, where a shared sanctuary offers pure relaxation. Say Absalom: "Else is about presence, it's about slowing down and stepping away from the noise of everyday life." Else Bathhouse is expected to open in April 2026 on Bank Street, South Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
It was an incredibly sad day when iconic St Kilda venue Stokehouse burned down in 2014. Now, after a two and a half year hiatus, it's finally coming back, renovated and designated into a 'precinct' of multiple bars and restaurants, set to dominate that seaside like only Stokehouse can. Over the past few months, the Van Haandel Group have opened the first two stages of the beachside precinct. Fish and chip kiosk Paper Fish was first back in October, followed by ground floor venue Pontoon in mid-November. But while the 400-capacity casual beachside bar and eatery was an exciting opening, it was certainly no match for the hardcore anticipation that has surrounded the relaunch of the one and only Stokehouse Restaurant, which will finally open tomorrow, Friday, December 9. While details (and photos) about the soon-to-be revealed restaurant are scant, this is what we know so far. The new building has been designed by architect Robert Simeoni which, as well as having a five Green Star rating for sustainability, looks pretty epic due to half of it being covered by a sand dune. After doing a stellar job on Stokehouse's previous 2010 refurbishment, Pascale Gomes McNabb has returned to fit out the new restaurant space, which will include a 12.5-metre oval bar and room for 130 diners. Chef Ollie Hansford will be on the pans, who you might have heard of from his stint at the short-lived Stokehouse City. This is what it's looking like: Hello Stokehouse terrace 🙌🏻 A photo posted by Stokehouse St Kilda Beach (@stokehousestkilda) on Dec 5, 2016 at 11:12pm PST Can't wait to check it out? Well, you might have to sit tight. The restaurant opened up bookings a few weeks ago, and they're already booked out until March 2017. Keep an eye on their Instagram for when they open up the next lot of bookings. Stokehouse Restaurant will open on Friday, December 8 on Level 1, 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. For more info, visit stokehouse.com.au. By Imogen Baker and Lauren Vadnjal. Top image: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Party with petunias and watch a circus amongst the cleomes at Tesselaar's Kabloom Festival of Flowers — where millions of blooms will serve as a backdrop for daily circus performances, photoshoots for social media influencers and lunchtime picnics. Running from Saturday, March 23–Sunday, April 21, the Dandenong Ranges festival will feature acres of colourful flowers and whimsical performances by Circus Oz. The main circus will run each day for the duration of the festival, featuring magical woodland creatures and awe-inspiring stunts. Throughout the day, the fairies and sprites will have a variety of other acts, including tightrope walking over flowers, juggling, hula hooping and contortion. Other festival attractions include food and market stalls — yes, including a flower market — for the adults. There are also a variety of activities for children's entertainment, including circus and drumming workshops, face painting, interactive storytelling sessions and garden games. On Easter long weekend, there will also be an Easter rabbit hunt where you search the fields for rabbits instead of eggs, and go in the running to win some prizes. Visitors can also take a tractor train tour of the farm to view the flowers and learn more about how they are planted and cared for. Some activities require prior registration. Tickets start at $23.50 for adults, $19.50 for concessions, and children under 16 can enter the event for free. You can also bring your pooch along with you as long as you keep them on a lead. Water bowls will be dotted around the grounds to keep them happy and hydrated.
