If you're a fan of Pedro Pascal (Gladiator II), 2025 is a busy year. The Last of Us is back for its long-awaited second season. Thanks to Materialists, he's in a rom-com from Past Lives' Celine Song. With Eddington, he's battling Joaquin Phoenix for Beau Is Afraid director Ari Aster. Then there's Pascal's leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The latter film arrives Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and sees the MCU finally get fantastic as it speeds towards notching up two decades of superhero movies and TV shows. As both the initial teaser trailer and just-dropped full sneak peek show, First Steps explores Mister Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing and The Human Torch's beginnings in the 1960s — family dinners, big life changes, the worries that come with that, facing stresses together and world-threatening foes all included. Slipping into Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm's shoes in First Steps: Pascal as stretchy group leader Richards; Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), who is bending light as one of the Storm siblings; Joseph Quinn (Gladiator II) proving fiery as the other; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), who is no one's cousin here, instead getting huge, rocky and super strong. Directed by WandaVision, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Succession's Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps pits Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach against Ralph Ineson (Nosferatu) as space god Galactus and Julia Garner (Wolf Man) as the Silver Surfer — both of which pop up in the latest trailer. Also co-starring in the film: Paul Walter Hauser (Cobra Kai), John Malkovich (Ripley), Natasha Lyonne (Fantasmas) and Sarah Niles (Fallen). Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach's characters aren't new to cinemas. Before there was a MCU, there were Fantastic Four movies. The first two to earn a big-screen release arrived in 2005 and 2007, with the latter hitting the year before Iron Man kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Deadpool and Wolverine did 2024's Deadpool and Wolverine, the Stan Lee- and Jack Kirby-created superhero quartet now join the list of characters who are being brought into the MCU fold, as has been on the cards ever since Disney bought 20th Century Fox. Pascal and company are taking over from two batches of past film takes on the superhero team. In the 2005 and 2007 flicks, Ioan Gruffudd (Bad Boys: Ride or Die), Jessica Alba (Trigger Warning), a pre-Captain America Chris Evans (Red One) and Michael Chiklis (Accused) starred. Then, in 2015, Chronicle filmmaker Josh Trank gave the group a spin — still outside of the MCU — with Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Kate Mara (Friendship), a pre-Black Panther Michael B Jordan (Sinners) and Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers). Check out the full trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below: The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and 2025 MARVEL.
The year was 2005. The album: Hold Your Colour. That's when Pendulum hit the big time, and also why. The Perth-born drum-and-bass group not only became a homegrown sensation with their debut record and its tracks 'Slam', 'Tarantula' and 'Fasten Your Seatbelts', but made it into the UK Top 40 Singles Chart as well. Now, the year is 2023. Almost two decades after that breakout album, the Perth-born electronic favourites have just announced their latest Down Under tour. Five stops, two countries, plenty of echoing arenas: that's what's in store when Pendulum play Australia and New Zealand in October. This'll be the first time that the band has performed across either country since 2021, with dates booked in Auckland, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney. At each show, Pendulum won't just be giving Hold Your Colour's tunes a whirl, but also songs from 2008's In Silico and 2010's Immersion. Expect to hear new single 'Halo' featuring Bullet for My Valentine singer Matt Tuck get a spin, too. Currently comprised of Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillien, Peredur ap Gwynedd and KJ Sawka, Pendulum heads home with experience playing huge overseas festivals such as Glastonbury, Creamfields, Coachella, Rock Am Ring, Reading and Leeds, and also recently headlining Ultra Miami. The band went on hiatus from early 2012, with Swire and McGrillien focusing on side project Knife Party, before starting to reunite in 2015. Joining Pendulum on their latest Aussie and Aotearoa tour: fellow Perth-bred drum and bass talent ShockOne, aka Karl Thomas. PENDULUM 2023 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR: Friday, October 6 — Spark Arena, Auckland Saturday, October 7 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Sunday, October 8 — RAC Arena, Perth Thursday, October 12 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, October 13 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Pendulum is touring Australia and New Zealand in October 2023 — head to the tour website for pre-sale tickets from Friday, August 4 (at 11am local time for Australian shows and 1pm NZST for Auckland), or from 11am local time on Monday, August 7 for general sales. Images: Luke Dyson.
Winter might be long, but it has its advantages — from beers by the fireside to dog sledding and snowshoeing. Then there are the whales. Between May and October, thousands of the mighty beasts swim north from the Antarctic to warmer waters to have babies. And, if you're anywhere on the Australian East Coast, you're likely to see them. But if you're on Phillip Island, you'll get even better views. To celebrate this fact, the island hosts an annual whale festival. For three happy days from Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 13, you can escape the city to gaze at humpbacks while soaking up films, talks, art and live music. This year, the heart of the event is the Festival Hub, where you can go on a scavenger hunt through interactive installations, explore underwater via virtual reality, hear from whale researchers, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a marine world. Beyond the hub, there'll be a pop-up art show at Clay & Co Studio, a creative arts station at Phillip Island Gallery (from where you can set off on an artists' trail), the 2025 Ocean Film Festival at Berninneit Theatre and, of course, plenty of chances to go whale watching — on land and at sea. Images: Island Whales
The team behind Merrymen cafe in Hampton launched into the sandwich game with its latest bayside venture Robin's Deli. Here, only eight stacked sandwiches are up for grabs (plus fries and hash browns for good measure). But don't let the small menu fool you. Robin's Deli isn't playing it safe — nor is it making things simple and easy for itself. The limited menu and smaller site give Chef Cristina Kelly the opportunity to be super creative, abandoning classic sanga combos and opting for far more fun creations. The options are divided into brekkie baps, fresh sandwiches and toasties. For an easy $10, locals can nab the breakfast muffin loaded with pork sausage, a fried egg, American cheese, chilli jam and Robin's secret sauce. Or they can start the day with a souped-up Vegemite toastie made with mozzarella, gruyere, cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Praise the cheese gods. The fresh offerings lean more into the healthy side of things, with the salad sandwich chock-full of local veg and a punchy green sauce, while the roasted chicken option is kept more classic with just a herbed aioli, pickled onion and shredded lettuce. Then we get to the four toasties. These are for those wanting a more gluttonous lunch. There's the mortadella toastie that's also filled with stracciatella, sundried tomato pesto, fermented hot honey and pistachios. And the meatball sub consists of a baguette stuffed with pork and beef meatballs, Napoli sauce, honey cumin yoghurt and chimichurri. We could go on with listing the whole menu or you could just head down to Robin's Deli in Cheltenham yourself. If you drop by for lunch, beers will be on offer. But you can also get around classic cafe staples like coffee courtesy of Inglewood Coffee Roasters, chai, juices and sodas. Bevs are kept simple at Robin's Deli. It's the sangas that really shine.
Ready to serve up some summer fun? The Canadian Club Racquet Club (CCRC) is back in full swing at Birrarung Marr for this year's Australian Open. The club will be running throughout the entire duration of the tournament and it's all free. You don't even need to book, just walk right up and enjoy the immaculate Melbourne summer vibes on the banks of our great Yarra. Celebrating a decade-long partnership with the Australian Open, Canadian Club knows a thing or two about creating a solid go-to spot for catching the matches. So go ahead and pull up a chair, relax, grab a drink, and take in the party atmosphere and stunning views. Doesn't get much better on a sunny summer arvo. This year will see the introduction of the Canadian Club AO Padel Court to the AO Hilltop at Birrarung Marr. For the uninitiated, think of padel as an off-the-wall spin on tennis and squash, played in doubles on an enclosed court. This is the first year it's open to anyone and absolutely free to participate, so if you fancy a game, hit the court at CCRC between 12pm–9pm daily. Now, let's talk launch party. On Sunday, January 14, from 5pm–9pm, the CCRC is hosting a bash with DJ Gazman on the decks. It's the perfect scene for a cheeky Sunday session with your mates. Mark it in your cal. Canadian Club Racquet Club is the place to soak in the Aus Open atmosphere free of charge. Have a hit of padel, enjoy a drink among the misting fans, chill out in the comfy bean bags, and bask in the electricity of one of the planet's biggest sporting events, right here on our doorstep.
Preston Market is back with its beloved Greek Festival in celebration of Greek Day. On Sunday, April 7, the northside market's usual facade makes way for a lively Greek-themed atmosphere. From 10am–3pm, the Manasis School of Greek Dance will present live music and dance performances featuring traditional moves paired with authentic folk costumes. Of course, specialty food stalls and merch pop-ups, including St.Gerry's Greek Donuts, Twista Bros Potato Twists and more, will also be around to further immerse you in the Greek culture. If you're planning on bringing the little ones, there will be a selection of fun activities from 11am–1pm, such as pot decorating and seed planting. The event aims to bring the community together for a day of cultural immersion and enjoyment. Preston Market has been championing multicultural communities since 1970 and extends a warm invitation to all this Sunday, April 7.
Another week, another new streaming service — or that's the way it feels, at least. By now, we all know that plenty of online platforms are constantly vying for our eyeballs, and that new ones will keep joining the fold. But, even as the list of streamers just keeps growing, we all love having options, too. We like knowing we have oh-so-many things to choose from, all at the touch of a button — because settling in for a binge-watching marathon is taking up a hefty amount of our leisure time these days. So, the fact that Australia has just scored a new streaming service — and that said platform, Paramount+, features 20,000 episodes and films — is obviously welcome news. But if you're now wondering what to watch and what'll help you fill your hours at home (whether you're in lockdown or under other COVID-19 restrictions), that's understandable. If you need some assistance, we've picked ten new and classic shows you can start binging right now. ANNE BOLEYN As an actor, Jodie Turner-Smith's resume isn't all that lengthy yet — but it will be. So far, ever since first popping up on-screen in the likes of True Blood and The Neon Demon, she has gravitated to roles that make the utmost of her presence. See: Queen & Slim, one of 2020's standout movies, and now miniseries Anne Boleyn. In the latter, Turner-Smith plays the titular character, and does so with a clear understanding of just how precarious the famed historical figure's place in her marriage to Henry VIII was. We all know how this story ends, of course. Even if you don't know that chapter of England's past inside out, this tale has played out in films and TV shows before, and will keep doing so. But Anne Boleyn's specific take on the tale draws plenty of power from its central casting, and pairs its formidable lead performance with sumptuous period details across its three-episode run. DARIA Eventually, Daria is set to get a spinoff series, focusing on the eponymous sardonic teen's classmate Jodie and following her post-college life. Until that arrives — or even once it does — the OG show is still a treasure. That'll never stop being the case, especially if you grew up watching it in the late 90s and early 00s. And, even if you didn't, it's never too late to give it a whirl. Nostalgia isn't the only reason that Daria still has a devoted following, because this a supremely savvy animated exploration of being a teenager. A high-school outsider who doesn't ever care about fitting in, and is comfortable with her sarcastic view on the world, Daria, the character, has become an icon for being herself and never wanting to be anyone else. The series overall fits the same description, and spent five seasons combining relatable adolescent angst and spot-on social satire. TWO WEEKS TO LIVE When Two Weeks to Live begins, it does so with a twenty-something woman getting into an altercation with an unpleasant stranger, and refusing to merely grin and bear it. That main character is played by Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams, so it all feels familiar, but this six-part miniseries doesn't just ask its star to follow in her own footsteps. Instead, the show's protagonist Kim Noakes has been raised to be able to fend for herself, because she has also been brought up to believe that the end is near. Most of her life has been spent off the grid with her mother Tina (Sian Clifford, Fleabag), in fact, until she decides to experience the world before it all grinds to a halt. Then, after a chance meeting in a pub, she's told by a couple of strangers that everything really is about to go kaput. That's a prank, but it sets off quite the chain of events — and lets Williams turn in a stellar performance. DETROITERS Netflix's I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson is only two seasons in, but it has already proven itself as one of most bizarre and brilliant comedies there is. It's one of the easiest to binge in one sitting, then start rewatching again straight away, too. The sketch show isn't Robinson's first amusing outing, however. He also spent a couple of seasons on Saturday Night Live, and co-starred in (and co-created and co-produced) the hilarious sitcom Detroiters. Featuring opposite Veep's Sam Richardson, Robinson plays a Detroit advertising agency creative with more than a few out-there ideas — but that term encompasses his life working beside his best pal anyway. It only spans two seasons, but the show will never stop being sidesplittingly funny. And, it also includes guest stars such as a pre-Ted Lasso Jason Sudeikis and the always-welcome Keegan-Michael Key. THE REN & STIMPY SHOW It's aimed at kids, it's just as entertaining for adults and, as it celebrates its absorbent, yellow and porous hero, it's one of the most anarchic and eccentric shows there is. We're talking about SpongeBob SquarePants and everything it has spawned — movies and musicals included — but it wouldn't exist if it wasn't for 90s cult favourite The Ren & Stimpy Show. The latter definitely isn't for very young viewers, as everyone who sat up late to watch it back when they were kids knows. That's obvious from its animation style alone, and from its gags and rich vein of all-round dark humour. In fact, plenty of the adult-friendly animated series that've graced screens over the past 30 years owe an enormous debt to this iconic effort about a chihuahua and a cat, their constant fighting, their differing emotional and mental states, and the mania of their exaggerated, acerbic and always absurd lives. KEY & PEELE These days, Jordan Peele has an Oscar to his name for Get Out, while Keegan Michael-Key has his own sitcom thanks to Schmigadoon!. But they'll always be known for their 2012–15 sketch comedy series Key & Peele, which won them some Emmys, showcased their considerable talents as comedians, actors and writers, and constantly delivered clever and ridiculously funny skits episode after episode — bits that weren't just amusing, or commented on popular culture, but tackled race relations in a perceptive and impassioned way as well. The highlights are too many to mention, although you've likely already seen the sublime aerobics sketch that's one of the very best things that hit screens of any size in the past decade. It's always worth watching again, as are all of Key & Peele's skits — from the gushing over "Liam Neesons" to President Obama's anger translator Luther. PENNY DREADFUL If you're going to make a TV series that mixes some of horror fiction's best-known and most iconic characters into the same tale, you need to do three things. Firstly, you need to treat those figures with respect and complexity, because there's a reason that the likes of Frankenstein's monster, Dorian Gray and Count Dracula have stood the test of time. Secondly, you need to embrace a gothic vibe, as that's the era that gave birth to these stories. And, you need to cast every part exceptionally well — including when you're working other characters into the tale as well. Across its initial three-season run, Penny Dreadful ticked all these boxes masterfully. It did so in an intoxicatingly lavish and smart manner, in fact. And, in its 19th-century London-set story, it gifted the world one of the great Eva Green's very best performances, plus also-excellent work from Timothy Dalton and Josh Hartnett. TWIN PEAKS It's the mind-bending small-town mystery-drama that comes with its own menu — and with plenty of thrills, laughs and weirdness. Whether you're watching Twin Peaks for the first or 31st time, you'll want to do so with plenty of damn fine coffee, fresh-made cherry pie and cinnamon-covered doughnuts to fuel your journey to this place most wonderful and strange. And, of course, David Lynch and Mark Frost's seminal TV series doesn't just serve up 90s-era oddness centred around the tragic murder of popular high-schooler Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), but returned for a mesmerising third season back in 2017 as well. There's simply never been anything on television like Twin Peaks, because no one can make movies and TV shows like Lynch. No one can play a kind and quirky FBI boss like Lynch either, or a dedicated agent like Kyle MacLachlan as Dale Cooper. THE TWILIGHT ZONE When The Twilight Zone made a return back in 2019, it did so in the best possible hands. After wowing horror movie lovers with Get Out and Us, Jordan Peele took on the task of presenting, narrating and redeveloping the legendary sci-fi anthology show for the 21st century, and did it well. Picking up where Rod Serling's original five-season 50s and 60s show left off (and short-lived versions in 1985 and 2002, too), the two season revival series blends the old with the new — both remaking previous episodes and coming up with fresh, thrilling stories. It's as entertaining as you'd rightfully expect, complete with a cast that features everyone from Adam Scott and Kumail Nanjiani to Steven Yeun and Zazie Beetz. And, because the 20 episodes might not be enough, Paramount+ is also streaming both the 50s/60s and the 80s iteration of the iconic science fiction series as well. OZ Before The Sopranos, the show that everyone thinks of when they think of HBO's early big-name dramas — and before The Wire, the other seminal series that made the US cable network a must-watch destination — there was Oz. Talk about starting out as you mean to go on, because this prison-set show is phenomenal. It's as grim as it is gripping, though, as you'd expect of a drama set inside a maximum-security state penitentiary. Across six seasons, the series follows the daily ups and downs in Oswald State Correctional Facility, spending time with prison newcomers struggling with life inside and hardened crims who've behind bars for years. The end result is an acting powerhouse, too, complete with a sea of familiar faces. If you think JK Simmons well and truly earned his Oscar for his formidable performance in Whiplash, you're right, but his work here is next-level.
A down-to-earth offering on Victoria Street, Factory Cafe Bar is a quiet, unpretentious eatery that'll welcome you in with the lure of very comfortable couches, and keep you with the promise of home-cooked lasagne (why don't more cafes serve lasagne?). A family affair, the owner and his mother can often be found serving together, and the quirky vintage decor will have you feeling even more at home. The food menu is simple, homely cafe fare and it's all cheap as chips. You'll find ricotta hotcakes ($13, plus $2 for extras like honeycomb butter, fruit or ice cream), classic sandwich options (which start from $11 and cap out at $16), and a heap of breakfast dishes served all day. If you're looking for somewhere to pull up a perch and get some work done, this is a good one. Enjoy the free internet and the home-baked treats, and see if you can nab the squishiest couch in the window. Images: Will Afonczenko.
Since 2024, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards doesn't just give out awards when its annual ceremony celebrating the best of the year's big- and small-screen output rolls around. When the accolades moved its night of nights to the Gold Coast, it turned the whole event into a festival, getting the folks behind — and starring in — Aussie movies and TV shows, plus homegrown talents enjoying success overseas, chatting at sessions open to the public. That's the AACTA Festival setup — and when the nation's screen academy promised that the fest would be bigger this year, it meant it. The lineup for the event from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 has just expanded again, after the initial program details were revealed in November 2024, then more highlights were added in December. One impressive new inclusion is Oscar-winning Memoir of a Snail animator Adam Elliot talking about his work and career, including his latest delight (which, fingers crossed, could be an Academy Award-nominee by then, too). Another is the return of Talk to Me filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou after they were involved in 2024, this time with ONEFOUR to discuss challenging stereotypes via both horror and drill music. AACTA Festival is also hosting Actor on Actor talks, first teaming up Lee Tiger Halley from Boy Swallows Universe with Alyla Browne from Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Sting, then getting Better Man and How to Make Gravy co-stars Kate Mulvany and Damon Herriman talking. [caption id="attachment_986977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jono Searle/Getty Images for AFI[/caption] If you're keen to find out more about Binge's upcoming The Last Anniversary, which is based on a novel from Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty and stars Teresa Palmer (The Fall Guy), the latter will be in attendance with some of the show's team — including director John Polson (Law & Order: Organised Crime) — to dig into the adaptation. Heard about snake-movie remake The Anaconda with Jack Black (Dear Santa) and Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building) that's being shot in Queensland?. US film producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (A Quiet Place: Day One) are heading along to dive into it, and the topic of bringing making blockbuster films in general. Aussie acting icon Jack Thompson (Runt) is also on the lineup, with 1975 classic Sunday Too Far Away celebrating its 50th anniversary. Thomas Horton, the VFX producer/supervisor on House of the Dragon, will explore bringing Westeros to life as well. And, as part of the screening program — and giving some love to film and TV successes in general — Wicked is receiving a free outdoor showing. The current additions join already-revealed sessions with The Invisible Man and Wolf Man writer/director Leigh Whannell, Better Man and The Greatest Showman filmmaker Michael Gracey, a live How to Make Gravy concert featuring Paul Kelly, Colin and Cameron Cairnes talking Late Night with the Devil and a behind-the-scenes look at Netflix's ripped-from-the-headlines Aussie series Apple Cider Vinegar. In still-huge news, the Working Dog team, aka Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Michael Hirsh and Rob Sitch, are coming together for an in-conversation session that's bound to touch upon everything from The Castle, Frontline, Thank God You're Here and Utopia to The Dish, The Hollowmen and Have You Been Paying Attention?. The Dish is also the screening program, and the Working Dog team will receive the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award. Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for Dune and is highly tipped for another one for Dune: Part Two, is another significant inclusion, chatting about his Hollywood work. Also in the same category: John Seale, who took home an Academy Award for The English Patient, and was nominated for Witness, Rain Man, Cold Mountain and Mad Max: Fury Road. Everyone can also look forward to authors Trent Dalton and Holly Ringland returning from 2024's lineup, talking about Boy Swallows Universe and The Lost Flowers of Alice on the small screen, respectively; a dive into the Heartbreak High soundtrack; a panel on queer storytelling with RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season two winner Spankie Jackzon and Deadloch's Nina Oyama; and a session with First Nations filmmakers. And if you're keen to watch movies, Gettin' Square followup Spit will enjoy its Queensland premiere, complete with star David Wenham (Fake) diving into the feature's journey; Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up will make its Australian debut, at Movie World, of course; and upcoming action film Homeward with Nathan Phillips (Kid Snow) and Jake Ryan (Territory) will take viewers behind the scenes. [caption id="attachment_926549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moshcam[/caption] [caption id="attachment_985262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2024[/caption] AACTA Festival will run from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. For further details, head to the fest's website.
There are plenty of ways to mark a movie milestone. Whenever one of your favourite flicks notches up five, ten, 20, 30 or more years since first hitting screens, watching it is the easiest way to celebrate, of course. That's definitely in order when the original animated version of The Lion King — not the recent live-action take — hits three decades in 2024. How to truly do justice to the Disney smash that spawned a musical, ample sequels and oh-so-much enduring affection? Seeing it show at an in-concert session with a live orchestra playing its songs and score. Yes, The Lion King in Concert is coming to Australia, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra doing the honours. The blockbuster movie-and-music performance was announced as part of MSO's just-unveiled 2024 season, and will take over The Plenary at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, February 3. This is an Aussie premiere, too, featuring Hans Zimmer's score and Elton John and Tim Rice's songs performed live as the movie once again graces a silver screen. As Nicholas Buc conducts, audiences will be feeling the love that night — and day, thanks to both 1pm and 7.30pm sessions — and celebrating the circle of life as well. Just can't wait to commemorate 30 years since the film debuted, instantly becoming an all-ages favourite? Add this chance to revisit Simba's journey to your calendar. Both John and Rice's tunes, and Zimmer's music, won Oscars. The former were nominated three times in the same field, in fact, with 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight?' winning out over 'Circle of Life' and 'Hakuna Matata'. So, yes, seeing any film as its score is played live is a rousing experience, but this one will feel particularly powerful. There's no word yet whether The Lion King in Concert will be a Melbourne exclusive in addition to being an Aussie premiere, or if it'll make the rounds of other city-based symphony orchestras. Some such shows hop around the country, as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Zimmer-focused gigs have. Others have stuck to one place, as seen with past The Princess Bride, Home Alone and Toy Story performances, and the upcoming Black Panther. Sydneysiders, Brisbanites and folks elsewhere, perhaps cross your fingers while you channel a "hakuna matata" mindset. You can always stream the sing-along version while you wait for local dates. Check out the trailer for The Lion King below: The Lion King in Concert will play The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Head to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra website for further details, and tickets from Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Since Melbourne's earliest days, St Kilda is somewhere people have flocked to for a day of leisure or a night out. And for good reason — as you won't find anything like Luna Park, St Kilda Beach and the sea baths anywhere else in the city. While the suburb is not quite the same bohemian wonderland it was known as in the 60s and 70s, you'll still find a host of trendy restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques and live music venues that continue on its tradition as one of Melbourne's liveliest areas. Highlighting many of St Kilda's greatest independent businesses, we've teamed up with American Express to give you a handy destination guide for when you next head to Melbourne's busiest coastal suburb and want to shop small. Come armed with your American Express Card and get ready to come away with not only sand between your toes, but some St Kilda souvenirs, too.
Getting excited about 2025's Melt Festival has been easy for a few months now. First, the Brisbane LGBTQIA+ event announced that Broadway icon Bernadette Peters was making the River City her only Australian stop just for the fest. Then, it also confirmed that the River Pride Parade would float its boats for another year. After that came news of 1000 Voices, uniting singers from queer and pride choirs en masse. Need more? Melt is still over four months away, but it just unveiled its initial big program drop. Reuben Kaye, the Miss First Nation drag contest, a queer wrestle party, Femme Follies Burlesque: they're all on the lineup so far as well. Whether you're a Brisbanite or keen to hit the Sunshine State for the spring queer fling, pop Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9 in your diary and get ready to be spoilt for choice. [caption id="attachment_1007544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudio Raschella[/caption] Kaye is heading to the fest to give his cabaret show enGORGEd, which'll feature Camerata — Queensland's Chamber Orchestra, its Sunshine State premiere. Shining the spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drag queens, Miss First Nation is also making a date with Brisbane for the first time, bringing the finale to the city after putting on state heats around the nation in the lead-up. The Tivoli is your go-to for Melt's high-energy queer wrestle-party, while Femme Follies Burlesque will bring its sapphic moves to The Wickham. Or, you can catch The Lucky Country, a new musical about what it means to be Australian — and the myths and contradictions that come with it — in 2025. Malacañang Made Us and Whitefella Yella Tree are also treading the boards, the first about the Filipino Australian experience and the second telling a love story. [caption id="attachment_1007548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Kelly[/caption] There's also a queer boat party on floating venue Oasis; the return of Queer PowerPoint; and a drag Scream Queen shindig with Naomi Smalls and Yvie Oddly, plus Drag Race UK's Kyran Thrax. Or, check out a heap of instruments and performers suspended by rope to pay tribute to Brisbane's punk history, Gerwyn Davies' series of portraits in collaboration with Open Doors Youth Service's trans and gender-diverse young people, and Instagram imagery given a new life in Micah Rustichelli's Demon Rhythm. Melt has more program news on the way, because this fringe-style celebration of queer arts and culture goes huge as it fills Brisbane Powerhouse and spreads further across the city. In 2024, more than 120 events popped up in 70-plus venues across southeast Queensland, complete with a Wicked-themed Halloween ball, a pool party and plenty more. [caption id="attachment_1007543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Hickey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gregory Lorenzutti[/caption] Melt Festival 2025 runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. Head to the festival website for more details.
"We are the smartest men in America. We literally have the resources to take over the world." When four tech billionaires on a snowy getaway in a sprawling mansion start talking that way, as the characters in Mountainhead do in the new film's just-dropped full trailer, no one else is likely to benefit. Other than audiences, that is, because this is the latest project from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong — and it marks his return to the screen after that huge HBO hit wrapped up in 2023. Here, the world is in chaos. Violent confrontations, atrocities, nations teetering both politically and economically: that's the situation. On a luxe weekend in icy climes, four titans of tech watch on. What could the US President have to say when he calls, then? "That your platform's inflamed a volatile situation, circulating unfalsifiable deepfakes, massive fraud, market instability" is one prediction that Mountainhead's sneak peeks have been teasing. Armstrong both writes and directs — and is still clearly in eat-the-rich mode as the ultra-wealthy quartet at the centre of his new movie respond, or don't, to an international crisis perhaps of their making. Steve Carell (Despicable Me 4), Jason Schwartzman (The Last Showgirl), Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night) and Ramy Youssef (Poor Things) play the cashed-up crew, aka Randall, Souper, Venis and Jeff, who aren't above shouting about their supposed greatness from mountaintops and writing their net-worth figures on their bare chests. Mountainhead might be Armstrong's first feature as a director, but it's a straight-to-streaming flick, hitting HBO Max in Australia on Sunday, 1 June, 2025. Co-starring alongside Carell, Schwartzman, Smith and Youssef: Hadley Robinson (Anyone But You), Andy Daly (Night Court), Ali Kinkade (Lessons in Chemistry), Daniel Oreskes (A Real Pain), David Thompson (It's What's Inside), Ami MacKenzie (Pulse) and Ava Kostia (Love Across Time). Although Armstrong is best-known for Succession — understandably so given that it has earned him seven Emmys — he's an Oscar-nominee for In the Loop's screenplay, also co-created Peep Show, was a writer on The Thick of It and Veep, co-penned Four Lions and wrote a season-one episode of Black Mirror, among other credits. Check out the full trailer for Mountainhead below: Mountainhead streams via HBO Max from Sunday, June 1, 2025. Images: Macall Polay/HBO.
It happened with The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Frozen II, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, just to name a few past Disney movies, and it's occurring again for Snow White: to immerse everyone in the world of the Mouse House's new film beyond cinemas, The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney has given itself a temporary makeover. Expect social media feeds to be filled with snaps of this enchanted garden, plus the themed dishes now on the menu for the next couple of months — and expect Harbour City locals and visitors alike to flock in. How have all things Snow White taken over? With scenery that looks like it's been transported out of the film — greenery aplenty, plus woodland creatures as well — and everything from red apple mocktails to sweet treats inspired by the movie on offer. Yes, there's a magic mirror on the wall. And also yes, you'll spot more than a few apples. You've got until Sunday, May 25, 2025 to head by, and to sip that Evil to the Core drink (made with red apple, raspberry and citrus) at The Cafe, The Garden and The Potting Shed at The Grounds of Alexandria. Food-wise, Waiting on a Wish (a toasted almond sponge with pear cream and blackberry compote) is on the menu in The Cafe and the Poison Apple for two (spiced caramelised apple, dulcey crèmeux and mascarpone cream) is available in The Potting Shed over the same period. The film in the spotlight releases in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, starring Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone) as her evil stepmother. Marc Webb (The Only Living Boy in New York, Gifted, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro) is behind the lens. Remaking Disney's 1937 animated hit, Snow White joins list of the company's cartoon classics given a live-action or photorealistic do-over. See also: The Jungle Book, Maleficent and its sequel, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo, Aladdin, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, Pinocchio, Peter Pan & Wendy and The Little Mermaid so far, with Lilo & Stitch and Moana also to come. It's been a great time to be a pop-culture fan in Down Under of late, and to take that love beyond the screen, following multiple Squid Game pop-ups, plus a Stranger Things experience on the way. Snow White at The Grounds runs at The Grounds of Alexandria, Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria, Sydney until Sunday, May 25, 2025 — head to The Grounds of Alexandria's website for further details. Images: Scott & Co.
Most visitors to Fitzroy's Vegie Bar would be more than familiar with the eatery's luscious sweet creations, which beckon from that cabinet beside the till every time you go to pay. Well, now those treats have become the stars of their own show, with owners Mark Price and Laki Papadopoulos launching a new dessert bar in the adjoining Brunswick Street space. Plant-based goodness is the name of the game at this sweet-tooth haven, with the menu at Girls & Boys full of vegan delights running from the virtuous to the downright decadent, and offering a hearty array of gluten- and refined sugar-free options. You'll be ready to beat the summer heat when shlepping up Brunswick Street with a range of house-spiced mylks, smoothies, thickshakes, and cold-pressed juices, alongside an impressive rotation of vegan desserts. With gems like a matcha almond tart, a maca fudge bar, and the signature Caramisu, we can't imagine you'll be missing those animal products in the slightest. They're also doing a slew of vegan gelato flavours, including blood orange and yuzu, and caramel and miso, along with a pretty epic vegan baklava soft serve. With both Vegie Bar and Transformer next door and Smith & Deli just down the road, to say vegans are well-catered for in Fitzroy is an understatement.
Quietly emerging out of the city's latest lockdown, Sarah Sands Hotel wasted no time in throwing open its doors on Saturday, June 12. The latest new watering hole on Sydney Road has been reimagined by the Australian Venue Co (The Smith, State of Grace, Fargo & Co) as part of a $3 million makeover. While the building has been reunited with its original name from 1854, its interiors have been pulled into a whole new era. Local architects Studio Y have created a contemporary space infused with nostalgic touches. The familiar corner site was once home to Brunswick's Bridie O'Reilly's, but now, timber panelling and exposed brick walls are played against brass accents and leafy greenery. Downstairs is home to a modern public bar, restaurant space and private dining room, or you can head one floor up to find a second bar and sunny atrium decorated with a bold mural by Loretta Lizzio. The kitchen delivers a new-school riff on the classic local pub offering, complete with a strong spread of vegetarian options and native ingredients incorporated throughout the menu. After-work pints will be matched by snacks like pink pepper calamari with smoked paprika mayo and saltbush, and buttermilk fried chicken finished with native mountain pepper and tamarind yoghurt. There's a trio of steaks, and a slew of pizzas featuring toppings like kipflers with rosemary and blue cheese. Meanwhile, a lineup of counter meals includes the likes of a beetroot and goat cheese salad, steak and ale pie with mushy peas, a cheeseburger, and classic chicken and eggplant parmas. In a nod to the good old pub days, you'll find weekly food specials, happy hours and trivia nights (kicking off from July 1), as well as a revamped meat tray raffle gifting one lucky winner a fresh fruit and veg box every Friday. All ticket proceeds will be heading to support local not-for-profit QueerSpace, with the first edition drawn on June 18. At the bar, a 10-strong tap list will be backed by a hefty range of tinnies and bottles sourced from near and far. And classic cocktails sit alongside a run of fruity spritzes and signature sips; from the Davidson Plum Sour made on Four Pillars Shiraz Gin, to a wattleseed-infused espresso martini. The Sarah Sands Hotel is welcoming new locals and regulars with a series of tasty Welcome Weekend specials from June 25–June 27. Head in from 5–7pm to enjoy complimentary snacks with your first drink purchase, and book a table of four or more for dinner to receive a round of desserts on the house. Find the Sarah Sands Hotel at 29 Sydney Road, Brunswick, from June 12. It'll open 12–11pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 12pm–late on Fridays and Saturdays.
Planning a trip to the Red Centre for NAIDOC Week? The Ayers Rock Resort celebrates the occasion with '50 Years of NAIDOC' — a feast for the senses, where vibrant cuisine and captivating storytelling combine with art, culture and more. Running from Sunday, July 6–Sunday, July 13, Indigenous chef Mark Olive, aka 'The Black Olive', headlines the experience, taking over the resort's Arnguli Grill & Restaurant with a three-course set menu brimming with native bush foods and Indigenous wines. Olive will also host an intimate dinner on Wednesday, July 9, with guests invited to enjoy the exclusive menu sat alongside Olive, who'll recount stories and insights behind each dish and the ingredients' significance. Meanwhile, Olive will also present a complimentary Bushfood Masterclass, where culinary tradition, technique and storytelling blend across various sessions in the Gallery of Central Australia's outdoor amphitheatre. Beyond these gastronomic encounters, the Ayers Rock Resort has also produced a series of art experiences and cultural activities. Aṉangu artists Billy and Lulu Cooley will present their wood-carving talent in the Town Square Circle of Sand. Plus, the Sunrise Journeys encounter sees guests connect to Country at dawn, as three local Aṉangu artists bring the desert landscape to life each day using laser projection, music and the natural environment. On Wednesday, July 9, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park's Cultural Centre Inma Ground offers insight into traditional working tools and ceremonial song and dance, while the Town Square Lawns features the NAIDOC Markets, teeming with community, culture and cuisine on Sunday, July 6. For cinephiles, the Arkani Theatre will host the Indigenous Film Festival, screening free films throughout the week, including Charlie's Country and Bran Nue Day. Images: Carly Earl / Matt Lambley.
One of the stranger reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic was the panic buying of toilet paper. If you didn't stock up early, you were probably left scouring the shelves for the last roll of TP — and never want to be that person again. Luckily, you don't have to be. How We Roll is delivering bulk boxes of toilet paper to homes across Australia, so you can finally lay your TP nightmares to rest. And the company is worth supporting for less selfish reasons, too. How We Roll offers 100 percent biodegradable and recycled TP — so it's good for the planet, not just good for you (and your pipes). If you haven't yet jumped on the recycled TP train yet, it's time to get on it. Regular toilet paper production sees a whopping 27,000 trees cut down daily. Plus, the How We Roll partners with One Tree Planted, a non-profit which has planted over 15-million trees to date. For every box of How We Roll TP sold, one tree is planted in an Australian bushfire-affected area. During the devastating bushfires that ravaged the country earlier this year, 12.6 million hectares were burned — so regrowing the country's flora is important. At How We Roll, you have two TP options: first there are the three-ply, double-length classic rolls, made from 100 percent recycled paper pulp; then, there's the luxe bamboo rolls, which are sustainably sourced, naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and stronger than paper. You can bulk order 24 or 48 rolls ($28–58) and get them delivered to you in as little as one-to-two business days. Along with all that TP, you can also add compostable bin liners, paper towels and tissues to your order. If you subscribe — to fortnightly, monthly, six-week or three-month deliveries — you'll save 10 percent, too. To find out more about How We Roll and purchase some sustainable bog roll, head over over here.
Long before we were all forced to indulge our international wanderlust through a screen — and only though a screen — the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival was projecting France's wonders into Australian cinemas. For the past 31 years, the annual event has let Aussie movie buffs see the European nation's newest, best and brightest flicks. And when you're watching French features, you're often watching films set against Paris' busy streets, the country's greenery-filled countryside or along its scenic coastline. As it always does, the 2021 festival traverses plenty of France through its big-screen lineup. City-set dramas, suburban comedies, beachside romances: they're all on this year's bill. In total, 37 films are hitting cinemas Down Under throughout March and April, in a touring program that's making its way around the nation. Wondering what to check out? We've planned your movie-watching itinerary for you, all thanks to our ten must-see picks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYCyYJofeEE SUMMER OF 85 Nothing is ever simple in a film by François Ozon, as the likes of 8 Women, Swimming Pool, In the House and By the Grace of God has already made plain across his 19-feature resume. So, when Summer of 85 makes viewers swoon over its blossoming seaside love story — and makes teenager Alexis (Félix Lefebvre, School's Out) fall for the slightly older David (Benjamin Voisin, Moving On) when the latter rescues the former after capsizing in a sailboat — no one should get comfortable or cosy, or think that a complication-free romance will float easily and effortlessly across the screen. Alexis falls hard for his new friend, who is one of the only people he has connected with since moving to Normandy. But, unfolding across two timelines as the 16-year-old looks back on his time with David, this becomes a knotty tale of love, heartbreak and forging one's identity out of defining moments. Writing as well as directing, Ozon adapts Aidan Chambers' 1982 novel Dance on My Grave with his usual swelling mood and command of detail — and from the pitch-perfect period fashions to the coastal setting, Summer of 85 catches the eye as much as it demands the audience's emotional investment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7GvHwRzjz0 SKIES OF LEBANON Heartfelt and hauntingly evocative, Skies of Lebanon starts its story in the 50s, when Alice (Alba Rohrwacher, Happy as Lazzaro) departs Switzerland for Beirut. Never feeling as if she belongs in her homeland, she jumps at the chance to work abroad, where she quickly meets, falls for and starts a family with astrophysicist Joseph (Wajdi Mouawad, Still Burning). That part of the tale happens quickly, because this isn't the kind of romance where a couple simply lives happily ever after. Indeed, once the Lebanese Civil War begins, the ebbs and flows of Alice and Joseph's existence are wholly dictated by the combat, which instantly changes the mood of the entire city. Making a stunningly affecting feature debut, writer/director Chloé Mazlo plunges into the reality of having everything you hold dear touched by conflict, with her narrative drawn from her grandmother's recollections from the time. The always-exceptional Rohrwacher conveys Alice's internal struggle in a quietly expressive performance, while Mazlo's jumps into playful animation and striking use of stylised sets gives the film the air of a memory, helping an already moving feature to keep landing stirring blows. THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SKIN Back in 2017, when The Square clawed through the commercialisation and commodification of the art world, it won the Cannes Film Festival's coveted Palme d'Or for its efforts. Fellow satire The Man Who Sold His Skin doesn't have the same accolade to its name, but it's just as savagely entertaining as it rips into the same topic. The man of the movie's title is Sam Ali (Yahya Mahayni, Opium). A Syrian refugee in Lebanon, he accepts a strange offer from an acclaimed, controversy-provoking artist (Koen De Bouw, Torpedo) to have Europe's Schengen visa tattooed on his back. He'll also receive assistance to obtain the real thing, as long as he agrees to sit in art galleries as a living exhibition whenever he's asked. If that last part sounds familiar, Wim Delvoye's Tim, which is live-streaming at Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art, provided writer/director Kaouther Ben Hania (Beauty And The Dogs) with inspiration for The Man Who Sold His Skin. That said, this whip-smart and wild movie takes its own ride. The great Monica Bellucci (Twin Peaks) also pops up, but a film this vivid, clever and ferocious about art, money, freedom, borders and the way the world treats asylum seekers doesn't need a star to stand out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM3J6INVpcw THE GODMOTHER With the inimitable Isabelle Huppert at its centre, and a premise that owes a debt to Weeds and Breaking Bad, The Godmother strikes a crafty balance between comedy, drama and thrills. The Greta and Happy End star (and Elle Oscar-nominee) plays Patience Portefeux, a translator who works with the Paris police on narcotics cases. During a routine job listening to wiretapped phones, she decides to prevent the big bust that'd make her boyfriend Philippe's (Hippolyte Girardot, Marseille) career, steal the enormous stash of hash after redirecting the cops' attention and take up a side hustle as a wholesaler to street-level dealers. Her motivation: money, with the long-widowed mother of two attempting to secure her financial future in a world that's hardly accommodating to single, middle-aged women. Adapted from Hannelore Cayre's book of the same name by the author with director Jean-Paul Salomé (Playing Dead, Female Agents), The Godmother is unsurprisingly lifted by Huppert, as everything she stars in is. Still, this lively and engaging crime caper is helmed with a light touch, as well as a keen awareness of the material's deeper moments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puzzh3wowd8 DELETE HISTORY Following three French suburbanites who are each intensely unimpressed with today's always-online times, Delete History is a satire for anyone that's ever felt tired of social media's hold on their lives; of the likes, favourites and ratings that now dictate much of human interaction; and of the fact that every word, text, video and action can last forever in the digital world. All residents of the same masterplanned community, the recently separated Marie (Blanche Gardin, #Iamhere) is being blackmailed over a sex tape she can't remember starring in, widower Bertrand (Denis Podalydes, La Belle Époque) keeps writing letters to Facebook over his teenage daughter's cyberbullying, and ride share driver Christine (Corinne Masiero, Invisibles) can't seem to amass more than a single star from her customers. Banding together in a film that's always purposefully odd and absurd, and yet also clearly grounded in relatable situations and emotions as well, this trio decide to take matters into their own hands in increasingly offbeat ways. Writer/director duo Benoit Delepine and Gustave Kervern (I Feel Good) don't deliver an earth-shattering insights about modern-day life, but in a quickly memorable movie, they do serve up a wealth of wry laughs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqEjJW059TA IBRAHIM An on-screen presence in everything from TV's Spiral and The Returned to films such as In the Name of the Land and The Transporter Refuelled, actor Samir Guesmi makes his feature directing and screenwriting debut with the sensitive and moving Ibrahim. He also co-stars, playing waiter and single father Ahmed Bougaoui; however, the movie's real point of focus is the titular teenager (Abdel Bendaher, How to Make Out), his character's son. After sliding into shoplifting with his friend Achille (Rabah Nait Oufella, Nocturama), getting caught and leaving his dad with a sizeable debt, Ibrahim is torn in two directions. He's determined to make things right for his already-struggling father, even if that means further flirting with crime. With Ahmed sternly condemning of Ibrahim's new direction, the latter is also a ball of pain, uncertainty and unhappiness. Both Guesmi and Bendaher turn in exquisitely layered performances as a father and son weighed down by life's disappointments but, despite their hurt and heated feelings, always tied together. And, as a filmmaker, Guesmi tackles the coming-of-age genre with naturalistic flair — visually, and in exploring his intricate characters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuSlIPZZFRc CALAMITY, A CHILDHOOD OF MARTHA JANE CANNARY If you've ever watched Deadwood, as everyone should've, then you've already seen one version of Martha Jane Cannary on-screen. The American frontierswoman better known as Calamity Jane has been immortalised on television and in film many times, including in the 1950s Doris Day-starring musical that shares her nickname — but Calamity, A Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary steps back to the real-life figure's formative years. While telling her tale through gorgeous minimalistic animation filled with deep and vibrant blues, greens and purples (and with breathtaking renderings of America's sprawling landscape, too), this all-ages gem does't pretend to stick to the facts. Instead, it spins Cannary's youth into an 1860s-era adventure set on and around the Oregon Trail. Director and co-writer Rémi Chayé already has 2015's Long Way North to his name, and also worked on 2009's The Secret Life Of Kells, so he's no stranger to eye-catching animation. Here, he teams spectacular imagery with a spirited narrative, and the delightful end result won him the Best Feature Film award at the 2020 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z56cG1ULGi0 NIGHT SHIFT In Lupin, playing the titular master thief, Omar Sy continually skirts the law. In Night Shift, he stands on the other side, as one of three cops assigned to escort asylum-seeker Tohirov (Payman Maadi, The Night Of) to the airport — to be deported back to Tajikistan, where further torture and worse likely await. A tense drama that delves into topical subject matter, Night Shift splits its attention between Sy's Aristide and his fellow officers Virginie (Virginie Efira, Bye Bye Morons) and Erik (Grégory Gadebois, An Officer and a Spy). Each has their own story, took their own path to their present situation and deals with the demands of the job in their own fashion. With their current task, and the fate their prisoner is expected to face, each copes in their own way as well. Adapting Hugo Boris' novel Police, it's a testament to director and co-writer Anne Fontaine (The Innocents) that little here feels as straightforward as it sounds, even if it primarily remains in familiar territory. The top-notch cast assist considerably, with Efira pushed to the fore in a rare cop movie that noticeably values a female perspective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij-SxVU5P3g MISS When Misbehaviour thrust beauty pageants into the cinematic spotlight in 2020, it recreated real-life events from 1970 to call attention to the fight for equality — a battle that became worldwide news half a century ago, as covered in the film, but still hasn't been won in the 21st century. Because movies on similar themes often arrive in pairs, Miss also explores the industry, this time pondering gender identity and the norms that society has long ascribed to femininity. Since childhood, Alex (Alexandre Wetter, Emily in Paris) has dreamed of becoming Miss France. Uttering that goal as a boy earned laughs, and pursuing it as a twentysomething requires navigating a wealth of expectations, preconceptions and judgement. Playing a character that's confident in their heart but still learning to show the same assurance externally, Wetter brings grace, poise, texture and complexity to the central part, while filmmaker Ruben Alves (The Gilded Cage) ensures that Miss is rousing, charming and never as by-the-numbers as its feel-good premise signals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRGs--e32Sc MANDIBLES In Mandibles, friends Manu (Grégoire Ludig, Bye Bye Morons) and Jean-Gab (David Marsais, The Nobodies) stumble across a giant fly. Freeing it from a car boot, they decide that they can train it, then profit. Yes, that's what this OTT film is about. Yes, it comes straight from the mind of Quentin Dupieux, because it really couldn't spring from anywhere else. The French filmmaker has already made movies about psychotic tyres and alluring jackets — in 2010's Rubber and 2019's Deerskin, respectively — so adding a big insect flick to his resume hardly comes as a surprise. His sense of humour is that absurd and distinctive and, if the film-viewing world is lucky, he'll keep reminding us of that fact with every new movie he makes. Dupieux's work isn't to everyone's taste, as you've either gathered by watching or just by reading the above right now; however, if you're on his out-there, surreal and often incredibly silly yet also disarmingly astute wavelength, it's a delight. And sure, multiple versions of The Fly already exist, but they're bound to look positively sensible compared to this. The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia from March 2–April 22, screening at Sydney's Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne from March 2–April 5; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, Astor Theatre, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema from March 3–April 5; Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Windsor Cinema, Luna on SX and Camelot Outdoor Cinema from March 10–April 11; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from March 17–April 15; and Adelaide's Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas from March 23–April 22. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the AFFFF website.
Pizza fiends will find a lot to love about this debut restaurant venture from Paul Kasten (Host Dining), Kate Paterson (Good Beer Week), Kyle Campbell (Beermash) and Rasmus Gundel, but they're certainly not the only ones. Located just off Brunswick Street, Deep End Pizza is proving it's got more than a few tricks up its sleeve — pizza might be the headliner, but it's supported by a primo menu of snacks and share plates, and one heck of a craft beer lineup. Three different styles of pizza feature a slew of classic and creative toppings between them. There's a New York-inspired thin-crust number — perhaps crowned with artichoke, roast capsicum and gorgonzola ($28), or whole clams and bacon ($40) — and a Detroit-style square pizza akin to a puffy focaccia with crispy cheese rim (from $26). Meanwhile, the huge Chicago-style stuffed deep dish creation treads the line between pizza, pie and lasagne (from $42). There's a 30-minute bake time on one of these bad boys and you'll need a crew of mates to help you conquer it. Kasten's fine dining background is even more apparent in the offering of clever small plates — think, saucy limoncello chicken wings ($16), whipped taleggio with charred spring onion ($18) and roasted marrow served in the bone ($15). There's a caesar salad reimagined with miso dressing ($15) and a chicken liver parfait brulée ($18). Local craft beer rules the drinks list, featuring the likes of Deeds' hazy pale ($10) and a farmhouse sour from Molly Rose ($13). Or, you can team your pizza with an interesting vino or signature cocktail like the Lion's Tail, made on bourbon and an allspice dram ($20). Deep End also boasts a lunch-only pizza window, slinging those Detroit-style pies by the slice.
From Maha's elegant cocktail bar Bar Jayda comes a desert oasis-inspired night of live music and performances. For one night only, you can delight in the spice-infused cocktails and snacks that Bar Jayda is known for, while being entertained by a live band, roaming belly dancers and henna artists. Tucked away on Bond Street in Melbourne's CBD, the cocktail bar features European cigar lounges with plush velvet sofas and low tables. Sitting underneath the glowing lights, it won't take much to convince you that you're in a desert dream. Try duck and apricot kibbeh, slow-roasted lamb with green olive tabouleh, and aged basmati pilaf with cashew and parsley. Then, finish with Turkish delight donuts, dark chocolate, pomegranate and mint cake. Pair these bites with the Golden Bazaar cocktail, infused with cachaça, spiced calamansi sherbert, apricot and ginger. Or, tantalise your palate with the Marksman, made with Maker's Mark bourbon, Christian Drouin calvados, arak and applewood. Bar Jayda is one of Shane Delia's many restaurants, bars and eateries that have taken over Melbourne. Since the launch of Maha in 2008, Delia has introduced Middle Eastern and Maltese flavours to the city's fine-dining scene. Oasis After Dark is open for intimate sittings from 5pm, so make sure to book ahead for this multi-sensory dining experience.
Any chance to see Yayoi Kusama's work in Australia is huge news, and reason to make a date — including travel plans, if needed — to get immersed in the Japanese icon's infinity rooms, and also be surrounded by pumpkins and dots. So when the National Gallery of Victoria announced that its big summer 2024–25 showcase would be dedicated to the artist, that was enough to make the resulting exhibition a firm must-see. Adding Friday-night parties to the mix is the cherry on top, then. How many ways can Melbourne go dotty for Kusama? It's time to find out from the exhibition's opening on Sunday, December 15, 2024, although answers have been arriving in advance. Kusama's five-metre-tall dot-covered Dancing Pumpkin sculpture has made NGV International's Federation Court its home first. Then came the revelation that the showcase will feature a world record-breaking number of infinity rooms and other immersive installations. And, outside the gallery on St Kilda Road, Kusama's Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees has wrapped the trunks of more than 60 trees in pink-and-white polka-dotted material. NGV Friday Nights often forms part of the venue's high-profile exhibitions, so it should come as no surprise that the event series is back for Yayoi Kusama. The after-hours parties kick off on Friday, December 20, 2024 for some pre-Christmas fun, then run for 18 weeks until Friday, April 18, 2025. Come quittin' time for the week, Melburnians can add spots to their late-night shenanigans. If you're making a visit from interstate, you'll want to ensure you time it to hit one of the soirees on your trip. Seeing art is obviously on the NGV Friday Nights itinerary, but so is music and culinary experiences. The NGV's Great Hall will welcome live DJ sets, including from Dijok, Small FRY, Elle Shimada, Tanzer and more. In the NGV Garden Restaurant, acclaimed chefs Martin Benn is doing a residency for the exhibition's duration, serving up Asian-inspired dishes using Australian produce, Attendees can also look forward to other dining and drinking options, such as the Moët & Chandon champagne bar, Four Pillars gin bar, Yering Station wine bar and Häagen-Dazs ice cream cart — so there's sparkling, G&Ts, wine flights and frozen treats covered — plus a Japanese-inspired menu from the Great Hall and Gallery Kitchen. Gracing NGV International's walls until Monday, April 21, 2025, Yayoi Kusama features over 180 works, in the largest Kusama retrospective that Australia has ever seen — as well as one of the most-comprehensive retrospectives devoted to the artist to be staged globally, not to mention the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving the country. Images: Michael Pham / Tobias Titz.
Once known as New Buffalo, Sally Seltmann's collaborated with Feist, Beth Orton, Jim White (Dirty Three), Holly Throsby, Sarah Blasko and hubby Darren Seltmann (The Avalanches). And now the singer-songwriter can add another feat to her CV — her fourth full-length album. Out on February 28 through Caroline Label Services, Hey Daydreamer will coincide with a round of Australian tour dates. The intimate performances will see the Sydney muso return from her new home in LA to play alongside multi-instrumentalist Bree van Reyk, and opening act Wintercoats, Melbourne's orchestral pop pedlars. Check out the mesmerising animated video for 'Catch of the Day', the first single from Hey Daydreamer, below. Running all through April, Seltmann's tour will reach Kincumber, Sydney, Katoomba, Brisbane and Melbourne. Tickets available through each venue. Sally Seltmann's 2014 Tour Dates: Thursday April 3 – Lizottes, Kincumber Friday April 4 – The Vanguard, Sydney Saturday April 5 – The Clarendon Hotel, Katoomba Thursday April 10 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane Friday April 11 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh, Melbourne Sunday April 13 – Kelvin Club, Melbourne https://youtube.com/watch?v=aeYWAuHsMEQ
Team bonding aside, the EOFY is the perfect excuse to reflect on the year that was and celebrate all those hard-earned wins with a couple of bevvies. And what could make this better than hitting a pub with no minimum spend for your function? If you work in the Melbourne CBD or nearby, we've narrowed down the top CBD and inner city spots where you can book EOFY drinks. And, each venue we've chosen has no minimum spend for EOFY functions, so you can celebrate the way you like without the stress of blowing a budget on bookings alone. With a little help from The Pass, an app that allows you to order food and drinks, earn points and redeem rewards at over 190 pubs, bars and restaurants, we're here to help make sure you and the team have a good night. Garden State Hotel, Flinders Lane The EOFY will be going off at the Garden State Hotel. You'll find a mix of different spaces at this classic greenery-packed Melbourne pub. With a beer garden, an observatory with stunning city views, and a Rose Garden, there's a spot for every type of team. Simply take your pick and celebrate your team's wins with a beverage or two. The Duke of Wellington, Flinders Street If your team follows the 'work hard, play hard' mentality, then a trip to The Duke in Melbourne's CBD will not go amiss. This historic pub offers a range of private and semi-private spaces, plus a rooftop with views of the Forum, Fed Square and Flinders Street. 'Nuff said. Imperial Bourke St Do EOFY right at the Imperial Bourke Street. Offering equal parts city views and good vibes in the heart of Melbourne, hosting your team here is a no-brainer. Depending on the mood, choose from an intimate team lunch, casual after-work cocktails or a full-blown rooftop party. There are also customisable function packages to make the whole process even more seamless. Melbourne Public, South Wharf Melbourne Public offers a range of event spaces perfect for an EOFY blow-out. From intimate dining rooms to a stunning open terrace, the pub delivers fully serviced events featuring a seasonal menu and delicious drinks. Its prime location near the edge of the Yarra River's scenery in the heart of South Wharf is the cherry on top. State of Grace, King Street Got a whole host of completed KPIs to say cheers to this end of financial year? Do it at State of Grace. Located on King Street, the luxe spot gives hidden speakeasy vibes. This means it's the perfect backdrop for all the kinds of out-of-office antics to be expected at EOFY drinks. The bar offers tailored packages, bespoke cocktails, and a range of spaces. Public House, Richmond Perhaps the most well-known rooftop in Richmond, Public House offers good food, great vibes, and plenty of different spaces — and the best bit? No minimum spend on group bookings. Choose from the rooftop garden, VIP lounges and outdoor courtyards. The options are endless. This is an inner city spot where you can book EOFY drinks for the whole team and feel confident you will have a good time. Prince Alfred, Richmond With a range of private and semi-private function spaces, Prince Alfred is one of Richmond's most sought-after function venues. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or an all-out blowout with the team, Prince Alfred has you sorted. You can book the elegant function room for an air of sensibility or settle in the beer garden with a pint for a more casual vibe. Yarra Botanica, Southbank Fancy celebrating the EOFY at a two-level floating bar and eatery on the Yarra River? The Yarra Botanica is just that: it serves up a seasonal food and drink menu, local produce, and unbeatable city views. Plus, the riverside spot has a range of flexible packages to suit every kind of team. The Prince, St Kilda At The Prince, EOFY bevvies never looked so good. The much-loved art deco hotel is a popular go-to for events and functions in Melbourne. And for good reason, too. With ample space, floor-to-ceiling windows and a large timber deck to soak up the sea breeze and panoramic views, we can't think of a much better backdrop for EOFY celebrations. The Espy, St Kilda Just a stone's throw away is the Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda, more fondly known as The Espy, another great CBD and inner city spot where you can book EOFY drinks for the whole team. With six levels and a range of unique spaces to choose from, you can opt for the sunroom, the balcony bar, a Cantonese-inspired dining room, a private bar with a baby piano or Louey's Bar & Kitchen, The Espy's main dining venue, perfect for casual gatherings. Enquire now at https://thepassapp.com.au/. Images: Supplied.
Winter might be all about staying in doors, rugging up and avoiding the frosty weather, but if you want to see a trio of meteor showers this week, you'll want to head outdoors. Not one, not two, but three celestial events will be visible in Australia's skies: the Southern Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids and Piscis Austrinids. Arriving in the thick of winter, the Southern Delta Aquariids may not be quite as famous or frenetic as other meteor showers, but it's still considered a strong one, with around 15–25 meteors hurtling across the heavens per hour during its peak. In good news for those Down Under, it's also typically best seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Caused by the breakup of the Machholz comet, the shower is visible each year from around July 12–August 23 — so now. But the ideal time to catch it is between July 28–July 30, aka from Thursday–Saturday this week. And, like many astronomical shows, catching an eyeful around midnight is recommended — when the moon has set and its light will not interfere. [caption id="attachment_862773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mike Lewinski via Flickr[/caption] Also soaring through the skies at the moment: the Alpha Capricornids, which tends to run from around July 7–August 15. Yes, that means that you can peer up at night and catch a glimpse now, too, but it tends to peak around July 30–31 — so Saturday and Sunday this week. This one comes from the comet 169P/NEAT, and was discovered in 1871. It's known for its bright meteors and even fireballs, although they're infrequent, at around two-to-nine per hour. Then there's the Piscis Austrinids, giving stargazers yet another reason to look up. It usually runs between July 15–August 10, and peaks around July 28 — so on Thursday this week. As for the speed of its meteors, they're even slower than the Alpha Capricornids. For your best chances of getting a glimpse at all three, the usual advice applies. Get as far away from bright lights as possible — this could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. The Delta Aquariids' name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Aquarius. Accordingly, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. For the Piscis Austrinids, you're looking for the Piscis Austrinus constellation. And for Alpha Capricornids, the Capricornus constellation. To locate them all, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky, and is also a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night. The Delta Aquariids, Piscis Austrinids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers will peak between Thursday, July 28–Sunday, July 31. Top image: Mike Lewinski via Flickr.
What has Jedi, Wookiees, a spate of deaths, and a new villain swinging around a red lightsaber and wearing a zipper-faced black mask? According to the first trailer from back in March and the new sneak peek that's just dropped for May the fourth, The Acolyte does. Star Wars, but make it a murder-mystery thriller? If that's your dream for a galaxy far, far away, it's looks like it's coming true in the sixth live-action series in the George Lucas-started sprawling saga to hit Disney+. This eight-episode effort will plunge into a grim spree — someone is killing Jedi — when it joins your streaming queue this winter, debuting its first two instalments on Tuesday, June 4. The Acolyte follows a Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae, Squid Game) who is forced to face a mysterious warrior (Amandla Stenberg, Bodies Bodies Bodies) from his past when bodies start piling up. Also in the stacked cast: Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Jodie Turner-Smith (Sex Education) and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix Resurrections). Rebecca Henderson (You Hurt My Feelings), Dean-Charles Chapman (Game of Thrones) and Joonas Suotamo (who played Chewbacca in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) also co-star. It was true in the first trailer and it remains that way now: the vibe in these two first glimpses is deeply moody, leaning into the dark side and filled with confrontation. Visually, there's a gloomier look to much of the trailers as well, with creator Leslye Headland (Russian Doll) adding something distinctive to the ever-expanding space-opera franchise. Also different is the fact that The Acolyte takes place during High Republic era, which means that its events precede Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace by a century. Don't go expecting a heap of familiar faces popping up, then, whether Stenberg's assassin is attempting to slay Moss' Jedi, lightsabers are being swung, or a Wookiee or a never-bef0re-seen Sith are making an appearance. On the small screen, The Acolyte slips into the Star Wars realm after The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor and Ahsoka, all of which have arrived since 2019. Both Andor and Ahsoka also have second seasons on the way. Only one film in the saga has been released in that period, with The Rise of Skywalker closing out the third big-screen trilogy in the franchise just a month after The Mandalorian premiered. The next movie expected: The Mandalorian spinoff The Mandalorian & Grogu. Check out the new trailer for The Acolyte below: The Acolyte will stream via Disney+ from Tuesday, June 4, 2o24. Images: ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Like karaoke? Fond of singing along to well-known songs, whether you're solo or in a group? Happy to belt out a tune from your couch? If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then it's time to up your crooning game during Australia's Biggest Singalong. If you love singing when you're in a pub with a beer in your hand, too, then you'll want to join in as well. Since early 2017 in Brisbane, Pub Choir has been amassing brew-loving music fans in venues around the city. The regular event asks its attendees to learn a particular song in three-part harmonies, with talented professionals on hand each time to show everyone the ropes and lead the way. Every evening then culminates in a big boozy singing session, with the event making its way to bigger Brissie locations over the years, as well venturing around the country. Now, it's heading to television. Set to air on SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand at 8.30pm AEST on Saturday, June 5, Australia's Biggest Singalong transports the Pub Choir format to TV — with a few adjustments, obviously. While still feeling like a far more organised version of exactly what happens whenever someone puts 'Wonderwall' or 'Weather With You' on the pub jukebox, it'll have big-name hosts in Julia Zemiro and Miranda Tapsell — and it's asking for viewers at home to record their own videos in advance, upload them and hope they'll be screened during the two-hour-long special. Multiple songs will be covered, but Hunters and Collectors' 'Throw You Arms Around Me' is the big track that eager crooners can film themselves singing in advance. Entries close on Monday, May 17, with all of the details available on the Couch Choir website — which belongs to Pub Choir's pandemic-era spinoff from last year, as you might already be aware. Hunters and Collectors lead singer Mark Seymour will be part of the broadcast, and Pub Choir co-founder and choirmaster Astrid Jorgensen will be guiding the singing, too. So, you just need to decide whether you're fine to take part from home while pouring yourself something cold from your own fridge, or if you'd rather head to the pub and sing with your mates during the show. Pub Choir's IRL events are mighty popular, with tickets getting snapped up very quickly each time, so that's something you don't have to worry about in this format. Australia's Biggest Singalong will screen on SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand at 8.30pm AEST on Saturday, June 5, Australia's Biggest Singalong. For more information, head to the SBS website. To upload your own video before Monday, May 17, visit the Couch Choir website. Images: Jacob Morrison.
Movie World might've badged itself as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, but it's no longer the only big tourist attraction giving visitors to southeast Queensland — and locals as well — a chance to explore their on-screen favourites IRL. Come November 2024, Brisbane will welcome Bluey's World. Get ready to hear "wackadoo!" constantly, and "for real life", too, at this immersive installation that lets you step inside one of the River City's and Australia's biggest hits of the past six years. Yes, that'd be the award-winning animated favourite that is Bluey. Missed out on staying in a replica of the Bluey house when it was temporarily up for rent in the Queensland capital in 2022? The home of the family-friendly animated phenomenon is now getting a Bluey attraction so that you have another chance to experience the global sensation beyond the TV. Announced in 2023, originally to open this August, but now launching on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Bluey's World will get you walking around life-sized sets that recreate the beloved series. The Heeler house and yard are part of the setup — and as seen in just-released images of the new attraction, they look the part perfectly. Maybe you'll be taking your little ones along, or your nieces and nephews. Perhaps you know that appreciating the adorable Aussie show about a family of blue heelers isn't just for kids. Either way, this is big — including literally. Opening at Northshore Pavilion in Northshore Brisbane, the space itself is sizeable, spanning across 4000 square metres. When Airbnb listed its Bluey abode in 2022, the response was massive. Expect the reaction to Bluey's World to be the same. Already, it has extended its season, sticking around until September 2025. Once you take the stairs up to the family's porch and enter through the front door, the Heeler home awaits, including the living room. So do recreations of recognisable scenes, characters and even games from the show. And yes, as seen in the series, you can arrive via CityCat. Visitors can expect to spend 70 minutes bounding through the experience — and will also find a playground and a cafe onsite, with interactive play a focus, taking cues from Bluey episodes in the process. There's a soundscape to match, plus a gift shop, all in a purpose-built venue. And, for big Bluey birthday celebrations, the site is hosting parties as well. Bluey's World is exclusive to Brisbane, making it a tourist attraction to fans not only locally and nationally but worldwide. Unsurprisingly, that's a big part of the push from both the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, who are supporting the BBC Studios- and HVK Productions-produced experience. Bluey's World opens at Northshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Northshore Brisbane on Thursday, November 7, 2024 — head to the attraction's website for more information and tickets.
Watch a Mark Wahlberg-starring movie, tuck into a burg from Wahlberg's burger chain Wahlburgers, get the words 'burger' and 'Wahlberg' stuck in your head for days: that's now on the menu in Australia. After first announcing plans to open Down Under back in 2021, Wahlburgers has just launched its first Aussie store — so, Sydneysiders, it's time to pair a burger with some Sunkist. Because there's a reality TV show for everything, you've probably heard of the chain thanks to the 2014–9 series Wahlburgers, which turned its lens on the burger joints owned by the actor formerly known as Marky Mark and his brothers. Now — in Sydney from Thursday, February 17, at least — you can also eat the Wahlburgers' fast-food fare, rather than just watch a show about it. As also announced last year, Wahlburgers has now made its home at Sydney's Circular Quay, with its first Aussie outpost joining more than 50 stores in the US, Canada and Germany. Folks in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane can all look forward to munching on the brand's bites to eat, too — and in New Zealand as well — with the chain expected to launch 20 stores across Australia and NZ. On the menu: burgers, obviously, including a meat-free Impossible burg that's been dubbed 'Mark's choice', plus a barbecue bacon burger that bears his fellow actor brother (and ex-New Kids on the Block member) Donnie's tick of approval. There are 13 burg options to choose from in total, with two types of chicken schnitzel burger, a crispy fish option, and a truffle burger — which pairs a beef patty with truffle aioli — also available. Or, you can opt for salads, sides that span everything from French fries and sweet potato fries to onion rings and bacon mac 'n' cheese, and loaded versions of your favourite fries and potato gems. There's also a breakfast menu, complete with avocado on toast, granola, pancake stacks, breakfast burgers and French toast sticks. And, for dessert, you can pick from fried dough — yes, that's what the menu says — and three types of lamington from Tokyo Lamington. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wahlburgers Australia (@wahlburgersau) To answer the most important question, at least if you happen to remember that Mark Wahlberg was in the music business before he started acting and, as part of his hip hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, he released the 1991 single 'Good Vibrations': yes, Wahlburgers serves Sunkist, as referenced in that track's lyrics. Drinks-wise, there's also other soft drinks, coffees, shakes and spiders in both boozy and booze-free varieties, 17 types of cocktails, a small wine list, and beers that include Wahlbrewskis, the chain's signature beer. If the Wahlberg name has you thinking about movies — with Mark starring in everything from Boogie Nights to Joe Bell, and co-owner Donnie also featuring in The Sixth Sense and the Saw franchise — then that won't change with Wahlburgers' Aussie jaunt. In fact, the chain's entire venture Down Under is a collaboration with United Cinemas, and some of the former's sites will be located within the latter's picture palaces. United Cinemas now operates the cinema at Opera Quays that used to be a Dendy, for instance. The picture palace brand also currently runs venues at Narellan, Collaroy, Warriewood and Avalon in Sydney, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, Craigieburn in Melbourne, Indooroopilly in Brisbane and Rockingham in Perth, so that's where you might be getting your Walhburger fix in the future, too — but Walhburgers will be opening stand-alone stores as well. Just when the chain will launch more locations around Australia and NZ hasn't yet been revealed. Wahlburgers is also co-owned by chef Paul Wahlberg — another Wahlberg sibling — and, given its name, the chain decks out its sites with photos and memorabilia from the brothers' lives. Wahlburgers is is now open at Opera Quays, 18a/7 Macquarie Street, Sydney, operating from 7am–10pm Sunday–Wednesday and 7am–11pm Thursday–Saturday. Further stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and New Zealand are also set to open in the future — we'll update you with exact locations and dates when they're announced, and you can keep an eye on the chain's website and Facebook page in the interim. Top image: Michael Rivera via Wikimedia Commons.
Melburnians, get set to jump up, jump up and get down, just go ahead and jump, or get jumpin' jumpin' between Saturday, December 19–Sunday, January 31. Whichever jump-themed song you now have stuck in your head, it's definitely appropriate. We are talking about a pop-up inflatable theme park, after all. Returning for another summer holidays in Dandenong South, Inflatable Fun Park is fun for kids and kidults alike, boasting quite the range of blow-up bouncy attractions. Onsite, you'll find a huge inflatable pool for a dip, inflatable water slides, an inflatable sports zone, inflatable trampolines, an inflatable water obstacle course and an inflatable climbing wall. There's also a sprawling inflatable maze — and a silent disco, mini-golf and paddle boats as well. Tickets cost $32 for as much jumping around as you can fit into a day, with the park open from 12–4pm daily. Let's face it, that's probably just about the right amount of time to bounce, leap, bound and flip out. There's also coffee and snacks available as well.
Since late March, Australians haven't been permitted to leave the country. For much of the past few months, we haven't been allowed to travel much further than our own homes, either. But, while one of those situations won't be changing anytime soon — other than the possible implementation of a travel bubble with New Zealand — the other is starting to ease in many Aussie states and territories. Despite the political rhetoric of recent months, opening Australia back up to Australian residents isn't as easy as it sounds. Indeed, with Victoria's COVID-19 case numbers increasing drastically in late June and early July, resulting in the reimplementation of stay-at-home requirements for all of metropolitan Melbourne for at least six weeks, relaxing interstate borders is proving particularly complex. Just where you can travel to depends on where you normally live and where you'd like to head — and if you're wondering what it means for your next road trip or local holiday, we've broken down the current restrictions for you state by state. Details in this article are correct as at Friday, July 17, and will be updated as new information is announced. [caption id="attachment_775040" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Port Stephens by Destination NSW[/caption] NEW SOUTH WALES Throughout Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to-date, New South Wales was one of only two states that didn't impose any border restrictions upon domestic travellers — until now. Due to the rising case numbers in Victoria, NSW has closed the border between the two states for the first time in more than 100 years (the last time was in 1919 during the Spanish Flu). Effective since midnight on Tuesday, July 7, NSW has only closed its border with Victoria. Its borders remain open with all other Australian states and territories. Victorians wishing to enter NSW must apply for a border permit to travel from Victoria to NSW. To obtain a permit — which is valid for 14 days — you need to fall into a number of set categories, such as cross-border residents, students or those employed to provide critical services. Also, permits are not available to Victorian residents who are prevented from travelling due to public health restrictions, which means everyone living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. Even with a permit, anyone who has been in Victoria in the 14 days before entering NSW will need to self-isolate for 14 days. You can do so at home — and the quarantine requirements apply not only to Victorians, but to NSW residents returning home. [caption id="attachment_751687" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lean Timms for Visit Canberra[/caption] AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY In the Australian Capital Territory, the border has also been closed to anyone travelling to the ACT from Victoria — unless you have an exemption. The closure came into effect at the same time as NSW's similar border restrictions. ACT residents can return home from Victoria, and must quarantine for 14 days; however, for everyone else, exemptions only apply in select circumstances: visiting a immediate family member who is critically ill or in palliative care, undertaking essential services work, attending a funeral of an immediate family member, providing urgent care to an immediate family member, receiving urgent medical care, and if you've left Victoria by air after transiting from another jurisdiction, but you did not leave the airport. The ACT does not have any restrictions in place for travellers from other Australian states and territories. VICTORIA Like NSW, Victorian has not closed its borders throughout Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to-date. And, while other states and territories are closing off from Victoria, the state's borders are actually still open. That said, leaders of Australia's other states and territories have strongly advised that no one should be travelling to Victoria at present — and if you do, you may be required to quarantine on return to your home state. For Victorians looking to venture interstate, you aren't just restricted by the rules of whichever state or territory you'd like to travel to, but — if you live in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire — by Victoria's public health restrictions. As part of the reintroduced stay-at-home limits in place from 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 8, Victorians in these areas are only allowed to leave home for one of four reasons: for work or school (if you can't do this from home), for care or care giving, for daily exercise or for food and other essentials. Going on a holiday anywhere — locally, regionally in Victoria or interstate — is definitely not permitted. [caption id="attachment_743607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach by Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] QUEENSLAND From Friday, July 10, after much debate and discussion over the past few months, Queensland officially reopened its borders to interstate visitors from all states and territories — except Victoria, which is considered a COVID-19 hotspot. On Tuesday, July 14, the state added the Campbelltown City and Liverpool City local government areas in New South Wales to its hotspot list, too, which means anyone who has been in Victoria or those two NSW areas in the past 14 days cannot enter Queensland. People visiting from South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and other parts of NSW need to complete a border declaration form to obtain a Queensland border declaration pass. On it, you need to certify that you haven't travelled to Victoria or the aforementioned NSW spots in past 14 days — and the government has advised it'll be checking these statements, and that making a false statement will be an offence. And, you will need to agree to get tested for COVID-19 if you develop any symptoms within 14 days of arriving in Queensland. With the Queensland border closing back in March, the state has had a permit in place for some time for those wishing to cross the border; however previous permits issued before noon on Friday, July 3 are now invalid. Instead, everyone wanting to enter the state must apply for the aforementioned Queensland border declaration pass. If you have been in Victoria or the Campbelltown City and Liverpool City local government areas in New South Wales in the past 14 days, the state government advises that you should not come to Queensland. In general, you are not allowed to access or quarantine in the state, and you will be turned away at the border. Whether you live in the above areas or have visited them in the last fortnight, you'll only be allowed into Queensland if you receive an exemption "for essential specialist workers, as well as for health, legal or compassionate grounds", but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advises that "very few exemptions will be granted". If you do receive an exemption, you will be required to go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, at your own expense. Queenslanders returning from Victoria, or the Campbelltown City and Liverpool City local government areas, will still be able to come home, but will also be required to go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, at your own expense. [caption id="attachment_743719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism WA[/caption] WESTERN AUSTRALIA At the height of Western Australia's COVID-19 restrictions, WA not only implemented a statewide border lockdown with the rest of the country, but internal travel restrictions within the state, barring travel from region to region. The latter have now largely been lifted for WA residents, who can mostly travel freely within the state — other than entering remote Aboriginal regions. Western Australia's statewide border lockdown is still in effect, however, with residents of all other states and territories banned from entering WA unless they fall into an exemption category, apply for a G2G Pass and, if approved, then self-isolate for 14 days. WA's roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions is currently in phase four — and, while removing the state's hard border was originally under consideration for phase six, which doesn't yet have a date, that plan was scrapped due to the situation in Victoria. At present, WA advises that "when an indicative date [for ending the border lockdown] is set in the future, it will be contingent on locally acquired infection rates in the eastern states. The WA hard border will only be removed when the WA Chief Health Officer is confident the spread of infection is controlled in the eastern states". [caption id="attachment_679107" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SATC[/caption] SOUTH AUSTRALIA After initially announcing in mid-June that it'd allow travellers from all interstate locations back in from Monday, July 20, South Australia has amended its plans in response to the situation in Victoria. As of midnight on Wednesday, July 8, it implemented a hard border with Victoria — only allowing Victorian residents to enter SA if they fall into the "essential traveller" category and agree to quarantine for 14 days. SA residents returning home from Victoria are still be permitted to enter the state, but also need to self-isolate for 14 days. Travel to SA from four Australian states and territories — Queensland, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia — is already unrestricted and doesn't require a period of quarantine, although all visitors must receive pre-approval by completing the online Cross Border Travel Registration form. Travel to SA from New South Wales and the ACT is currently permitted, but only if travellers quarantine for a mandatory 14 days of self-isolation. All visitors must receive pre-approval by completing the online Cross Border Travel Registration form, too. [caption id="attachment_722075" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thalia Haven for Tourism Tasmania.[/caption] TASMANIA All non-essential visitors to Tasmania are already required to quarantine for 14 days at a Tasmanian government accommodation facility — and, before travel, to complete a Tasmanian Arrivals Form. Exemptions are available on compassionate or medical grounds. Tasmania has not advised when these restrictions will come to an end. New rules also came into effect from 12am, Thursday, July 9, for people travelling from Victoria. A hard border has been implemented, and "any visitors who have spent time in Victoria in the 14 days prior to travel are not permitted to travel to Tasmania. If visitors come from Victoria to Tasmania, they will be turned back". Exemptions apply for essential travellers and for compassionate reasons. Tasmanian residents who have spent time in Victoria in the 14 days prior returning to the state will also be required to quarantine in government-provided accommodation for 14 days, too. [caption id="attachment_769946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] NORTHERN TERRITORY In mid-June, the Northern Territory announced that it would end all mandatory quarantine arrangements for travellers from interstate from Friday, July 17; however, as has proven the case in other states, the NT has adapted its plans in response to the situation in Victoria and some areas of NSW. Anyone travelling to the territory from an identified COVID-19 hotspot — if you live in one, or have been to or travelled through one in the past 14 days — must still undertake 14 days mandatory supervised quarantine at your own cost. All Australians from other states, and other areas in NSW, can visit without going into mandatory quarantine for 14 days. All travellers must complete a pre-arrival border crossing application form up to 72 hours before you arrive, regardless of where you're visiting from. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Great Barrier Reef by Tourism and Events Queensland
For local whisky lovers, Christmas has come early, as CBD bar Whisky & Alement cracks open its prized cellar for the public to shop — for the first time in eight years. Featuring a mind-blowing collection of rare and covetable whiskies, this treasure trove is the result of years of careful scouting by owners Brooke Hayman and Julian White. And now it's ripe for the picking, open to the public by request in the lead-up to Christmas. It'll complement the already hefty selection of single malts available from the Whisky & Alement bottle shop, with White on-hand during weekdays offering his expert guidance. The lineup runs to hard-to-find drops, discontinued product and bottles not normally available outside of the distilleries where they were made. Some of the most exciting stuff includes a super rare 2013 Japanese number called Ichiro's Malt Port Pipe, and a 24-year-old single cask iteration from the since demolished North Port distillery in Brechin. Find the ultimate Christmas pressie for the whisky fiend in your life, or treat your own damn self to something a bit special for the festive season. Best get in quick though. Whisky & Alement is open from 4pm every day (except for Saturdays, when it opens at 7pm) at 270 Russell Street, Melbourne. For more information, visit the Facebook page.
The six seats that make up Yugen's omakase counter are some of the hottest in town, with places selling out within minutes of becoming available. So, it goes without saying that a new and more-accessible version of Yugen, located just above the coolest-kid-in-school-popular South Yarra venue, is welcome news. The second omakase experience, dubbed Nidaime, launched on Wednesday, August 30 in the restaurant's upstairs tea bar — serviceably named Yugen Tea Bar. Nidaime ("second" in Japanese) is a more casual and affordable alternative to Yugen's existing omakase offering, which currently costs $285 per person. The new experience at Nidaime will cost $175 per person, dishing up a shorter menu of 16–18 courses. "Nidaime is the perfect way for us to give diners who have missed out on a seat at Yugen omakase another opportunity to try Yugen's exciting and creative food," says Yugen's Culinary Director and CEO Stephen Nairn. "Yet don't expect a carbon copy of the happenings downstairs — Nidaime will be a more laidback entity, where our chefs will experiment with exciting new ideas to craft a shorter menu at a lower price point." The dishes on the Nidaime menu will be prepared by the same team as downstairs, but will be more experimental. The menu at Nidaime will change regularly, but diners can expect to sample dishes such as local oysters, tako, kingfish sashimi and unagi tamago — to name just a few. And, of course, each will be prepared in front of guests with the same spectacle and theatre that's become synonymous with Yugen. Nidaime is the latest in a number of new omakase experiences to hit Melbourne in recent months. With Yakikami, Aoi Tsuki and Oshan, to name a few standouts, it's clear the city's dining scene has seen a growing demand for the Japanese tasting menu. Translating to "I leave it up to you" in Japanese, omakase allows diners to put their trust in the chef to create a meal tailored to their individual tastes — and Melbourne, it seems, can't get enough. With Nidaime, Yugen (which only opened in late 2022) hopes to tap into this demand as well as lessen the impact on your wallet. Plus, it's not a bad one to experience while you wait for those hallowed Yugen omakase seats. Don't lose hope — you'll get lucky one day. Nidaime is served above Yugen at Yugen Tea Bar, 605 Chapel Street, South Yarra — from Wednesday–Sunday, with two sittings per night at 6–8pm and 8.30–10.30pm — with bookings essential.
Think you've seen all the beaches Australia has to offer? Maybe you have, but never like this (unless you're an Aquabumps fan). Shot from doorless helicopters, American photographer Gray Malin has captured your weekend days on the beach, from above. Feast your eyes upon the white sand dotted with colourful towels and big umbrellas. Malin has combined the beauty of Australian people, Australian beaches, culture and even ocean pools to make creative and interesting shots of a relatively ordinary day. These photos represent the perfect Australian summer day at the beach. Bondi Beach Swimmers Bondi Beach Bronte Beach Pool Gordons Bay Maroubra Beach Surfers
If you're one of millions of people worldwide watching American TV series Breaking Bad religiously and needing to avoid spoilers — or perhaps you're just sick of hearing friends rave about the show on social media — then your (#firstworld) problems can now be put to ease. Popular internet streaming website Netflix has debuted a new app that can block Breaking Bad spoilers from social media feeds. Spoiler Foiler is programmed to black out "danger" words (namely, words related to plot) from your Twitter feed, maintaining the mystery and suspense of plot developments for the wildly popular television series. Once fans have caught up with the episode, they can then safely return to their regular feed with the ability to read everything people had to say. Sure, this isn’t the first solution we’ve seen to the issue of social media killjoys. But at the moment it is certainly the most effective. Browser/hashtag-filtering is time consuming and not always foolproof. And abstinence from social media? Well that's just way too extreme. The Netflix app can be easily activated by logging into the Spoiler Foiler website using your Twitter account. Surely it'll just be a matter of time before this concept is extended to other popular series. Until then, rant away! We just won’t be listening. Via PSFK.
UPDATE Thursday, June 17: Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Check out the latest information regarding travel to Tasmania over at the Tasmanian Government's website. Melbourne's current 25-kilometre travel cap lifts at 11.59pm tonight, June 17. Victorians can find information on local restrictions over on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. Winter is an area where Tasmania truly excels. While the rest of the country might shiver through a mild chill or a few rainy, foggy months, the island has the full snow-and-frost experience, the kind you can properly bundle up for in your thickest of woollen socks and jumpers. Enjoy the clear, sharp bite of winter on your skin during a brisk walk with soul-stirring views then thaw by a crackling fireplace with a dram of whisky in hand — Tassie is the perfect spot for getting toasty. So, we've compiled a guide for making your southern winter jaunt a heart-warming and cosy one. There's something for everyone — from the irrepressibly outdoorsy to the decidedly indoorsy folks who crave the convivial warmth of a great big gathering. Whether you prefer to get rosy-cheeked by getting your blood pumping or rely on good old fashioned firewater to do the job, Tasmania is an island of winter-warming opportunities. [caption id="attachment_721394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eagles Nest Retreat and Summer Rain Photography.[/caption] STAY SOMEWHERE WITH AN OUTDOOR HOT TUB Stripping down to your birthday suit in the great outdoors may not sound like an ideal way to get warm, but hear us out. You can luxuriate comfortably in an openair spa bath at your own private retreat while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. A steaming, saltwater timber hot tub on the wilderness deck at Aerie Retreat offers a secluded view over Bruny Island and Storm Bay — perfect for eagle-spotting — plus, sauna and a firepit. Those looking for a little luxury (and seclusion) will find it at Thalia Haven, which has outdoor bathtubs overlooking Great Oyster Bay. If you yearn for mountain vistas instead, book one of the 'nests' at Eagles Nest Retreat near Cradle Mountain or head to Pumphouse Point, an adults-only wilderness retreat nearby. (Re)treat yourself this winter and make your hot-tubbing a little wilder. [caption id="attachment_619649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo festival.[/caption] PARTY AT A WINTER FESTIVAL Nothing's warmer than the collective heat of an enthusiastic crowd, so get yourself to one of Tasmania's great winter festivals. First up is Dark Mofo (June 16–22), the annual revelry of fire, feasting, music and challenging new art that takes over MONA and the city of Hobart is making its triumphant post-pandemic return. Catch world-class performers and avante garde acts or brave the naked solstice swim. The Festival of Voices (June 30–July 11) in Hobart is Australia's most significant choral festival, complete with performances, workshops and a huge bonfire sing-along in Salamanca. Plus in July, there's the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest, celebrating the depths of winter with costumes, warm apple cider and plenty of convivial gatherings. And finally, for lovers of firewater, Tasmanian Whisky Week (August 9–15) gives you a behind-the-scenes look, with distilleries opening their doors for tours and events, sharing their stories and offering exclusive tastings. [caption id="attachment_719392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rocky Cape Circuit Track, Rocky Cape National Park by Jess Bonde.[/caption] HIKE YOUR WAY WARM IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you can't sit still inside and need to sweat out the cabin fever, there are winter-appropriate walking routes throughout Tasmania. The Three Capes Track is a three-day journey with well-appointed, insulated shared cabins along the way, so you don't have to haul along all your camping gear. Guided track walks can also take in the Port Arthur Historic Site, while Rocky Cape National Park has a number of short walks with varying levels of difficulty, taking you along the majestic, sweeping coastline overlooking Bass Strait. For Hobart daytrippers, it's worth heading to the Hastings Caves State Reserve to experience the misty winter forest, bathe in natural thermal springs and explore dolomite caves for a different adventure out of the weather. Because of the pandemic, some of the tracks require bookings, so check the website before you head out. HEAD INDOORS FOR A COCKTAIL OR WINE One of the special joys of winter is getting properly toasty, cosy and rugged up and popping into bars for a soul-warming cocktail or wine. And, happily, Tasmania has plenty of them. In Hobart, you can pop into Tom McHugo's for fun things (like confit albacore and zucchini) on toast and a locally made beer, to Dier Makr or sibling bar Lucinda for minimal intervention wines and to Sonny for a bowl of prawn paccheri and acoustic entertainment in the form of spinning vinyls. Just out of the city in New Norfolk, you'll find some of the country's best potato cakes (or scallops, if that's your preferred name for them) and a menu of other delicious locally grown produce, plus plenty of wine, at The Agrarian Kitchen. Over in Launceston, we suggest you head straight for Geromino and order a plate of cacio e pepe croquettes and a warming cherry-tinted manhattan. [caption id="attachment_719391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shene Estate and Distillery's roadside stall by Samuel Shelley.[/caption] STOP BY A DISTILLERY FOR A TIPPLE TO SIP LATER Nothing puts a fire in your belly quite like a dram, and when it comes to spirituous liquors, Tasmania has some of the finest. The historic Shene Estate may channel old-world aristocracy with neo-gothic architecture and polo games, but it also welcomes visitors for tours and tastings of its award-winning spirits — including Poltergeist gin and Mackey single malt whisky. Southern Wild Distillery produces Dasher + Fisher gin from the snowmelt rivers that pass by to create their Mountain, Meadow and Ocean varieties with uniquely local flavours. For some country-style cooking to go with your whisky, head to Old Kempton Distillery for a cellar door experience in a heritage 19th-century coaching inn. Top image: Dark Mofo's Winter Feast, shot by Rémi Chauvin.
Degustation dining requires a lot of commitment. On the part of the diner, it's often the cost associated with the time required to fully appreciate the flavours on offer, and the money to fully surrender to a service where you aren't exactly sure what's going to end up on your plate. For the chef, it's an act of painstaking development and concentration in the kitchen to present an effortless array of thoughtful work that is hopefully well received. Amaru is the latest project from chef Clinton McIver, and is an exercise in beautiful restraint. Located on a sleepy section of High Street, Armadale, it's the kind of place you wouldn't know about unless you were a local; such is its intimate and unassuming manner. With a minimal fit-out that features rendered cement walls, dark timber detailing and Ross Didier custom tables, a hint of neon on the ceiling incites a spark in the eyes of those privy to McIver's exclusive 34 seats. Amaru is a degustation-only restaurant. Their 'sensory' menu ($120) is a progression of anywhere form nine to 14 small dishes reflective of contemporary Australian cuisine. In preferring to not subscribe to any particular trends, diners' imaginations are evoked by careful technique (a nod to McIver's days at Vue de Monde) and attention to flavour and texture. The resultant dishes are challenging yet poised, created with sensitivity, and intelligently matched with each other. Standouts include delicate hen egg, salt baked celeriac, sea butter and mussel dish, and kingfish set alongside roasted wallaby tail and puffed pigs ears. Above all, the dessert end of the degustation features an impressive sheeps' milk yogurt, mandarin, honeycomb and sorrel combination that is at once cleansing and delicious. Adding to the experience are specially designed serving plates from North Carlton Ceramics, which are pieces of art in themselves. In a space that is designed to feel like a living room, Amaru's bar and kitchen are on full display – but even with this, service remains tight, composed and attentive. Amaru is the sum of its parts, but ultimately, its warmth will be left lingering with you long after the experience ends.
Young Henrys have teamed up with Brisbane boys Dune Rats and have given a beautiful birth to the Dunies Lager, which the band calls, "A can so cold it'll cool ya house." The brand new brew, like most great inventions, came from a pub bet. "We hung out with our mates Young Henrys one arvo and it came up that we were gunning for number one when our new album dropped," the band says. "The fellas said if you get the top spot we'll brew you your own beer." So when the Dune Rats' second album, The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit, unsurprisingly made its debut on the ARIA charts at numero uno, the lads at Young Henrys stuck to their word and knocked up a batch of crisp lager to honour the bet. Behold, the bet winners: And let's face it, the equally-as-happy-looking bet losers: The Dunies Lager is sold in tinnies, either in the six pack or by the case, with a Dune Rats-yellow design by artist Lee McConnell. On top of that, a select few venues around Sydney will be treated to a keg or two, so there'll be the chance to whet your whistle with the draft stuff. Now, you can't release the product of a beautiful union like Young Henrys and Dune Rats without throwing a big ol' party to celebrate, and the Dunies Lager won't be an exception. There's a shindig going down this Sunday, February 26 in Darlinghurst. Tickets are free, but there are only 200 available here, so best to get in quick. Mary's will be onsite with food available to purchase and and everyone through the door before 8pm will get a free drink on arrival. The combination of bands and booze isn't a new one. It's not even Young Henrys first foray, having created the Pils 'N' Thrills with DZ Deathrays last year. However, a brand new beer from a brewery and a band like Young Henrys and Dune Rats is nothing to shake a stick at, so check out the Young Henrys website for further instructions on how the blow the froth off a few cold ones.
If you're all about that low-key life, then look away now, because you're not going to find it at Pop Masters: Art From the Mugrabi Collection, New York. Instead, the art exhibition — which will be residing in the Gold Coast's HOTA (Home of the Arts) until Sunday, June 4, 2023 — is a vibe of everything bold, beautiful and even a little brash, making it a perfect addition to the locale literally known as The Glitter Strip. The show, which takes its name from the private collection of art collector Jose Mugrabi, will bring Big Apple cool to Queensland's coastal capital. On display in this world-exclusive, first-time-in-Australia exhibition are pieces by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat (pictured below), as well as a crew of contemporaries like Katherine Bernhardt, Kwesi Botchway, George Condo, Damien Hirst, Kaws, Joel Mesler, Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Julian Schnabel, Mickalene Thomas and Tom Wesselmann. [caption id="attachment_880980" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jean-Michel Basquiat 1985 ©️ Lizzie Himmel. Artwork ©️ Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.[/caption] Does this add a mustn't-miss arty vibe to the state of sunshine, shopping strips and soaring roller coasters? Absolutely. However, if you're concerned about wasting precious beach time, you'll be happy to hear that HOTA is also offering an after-hours event. Held on Friday May 19, from 6.30–10pm, Up Late will give guests the chance to enjoy the exhibition in a whole new light (well, technically dark). Completing the concrete jungle experience, expect an evening of DJs spinning old-school Brooklyn-influenced hip hop, pop-up performances and delish food and drinks — specifically, hot dogs, pretzels, standout cocktails and even a five-course dinner, all inspired by the Empire State. Pop Masters: Art From the Mugrabi Collection, New York is on at HOTA until Sunday, June 4. For further details and to book tickets, head to the website.
Has every famous actor ever popped up in a Marvel movie at one point or another? With Captain America: Brave New World marking the saga's 35th film — and with entry 36 on its way via Thunderbolts*, then flick 37 courtesy of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, all before July 2025 is out — it can feel that way. So when the comic-book company-turned-cinema powerhouse announces the cast for one of its Avengers movies, there's plenty of talent to call upon. The ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday has just been revealed, and it's a stacked bunch. Set to be the 38th Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, Avengers: Doomsday will hit the big screen in autumn 2026 — Thursday, April 30 Down Under — which means that it's still over a year away. But expect Robert Downey Jr (The Sympathizer) rejoining the franchise, a few folks who've been in past Avengers films, recent additions to the fold and familiar X-Men faces, and more. [caption id="attachment_866265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel advised Downey Jr's return, fresh from him becoming an Oscar-winner thanks to Oppenheimer. Although 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. That, fans already knew before the rest of the Avengers: Doomsday cast was unveiled. It's a big 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 Avengers experience. [caption id="attachment_877485" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.[/caption] Get ready to see a number of faces a couple of times over the next year, given that 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) will hop from Thunderbolts* to Doomsday. Pedro Pascal (Gladiator II), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) will do 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_973924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 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 bring 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 bringing characters from all of the above into its ever-sprawling screen saga. So, 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. 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 not just Avengers: Doomsday but also 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars. Check out the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement video below: Avengers: Doomsday releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Top images: photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney // Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © 2025 MARVEL. // Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
Have you ever wondered what happens to beautiful, archaic train stations after the trains that run through them halt for good? Take a look at the some of the most gorgeous abandoned train stations from the around the globe to admire their classic beauty and discover some of the many secrets and stories hidden within their walls. Abkhazia The abandoned railway station in Abkhazia, Russia, is a historical relic of the former Soviet Union. A 185km railway line connected Russia’s North Caucasus Railway with Georgian Railways but was severed in 1992 following the war in Abkhazia. 54km of the railway was repaired in 2008, however, the operation was purely humanitarian and so this stunning structure remains untouched and hauntingly beautiful. Michigan Central Station Depot At the time of its construction in 1913, the Michigan Central Station Depot was the tallest rail station in the world. Located in the Corktown district of Detroit, this now abandoned station survived heavy military use during World War II and was almost closed for good in the '60s after maintenance costs became too high for the decreasing passenger volume. It was reopened in 1975 when Amtrak took over and initiated an enormous renovation program, however, the last train puffed past in 1988. Montzen Gare Montzen-Gare is located on the Eastern borders of Belgium and has become a hotspot for photographers wanting to capture the alluring beauty of its rusting trains, tracks and decaying rooms. The station was built by Russian prisoners of the First World War for the German Army but had to be rebuilt after a heavy bombing in 1944. The station also became available for passenger transport following the war, however it was abandoned for good in 1998. Mapocho Station Now used as an art gallery, the cavernous space of the Mapocho Station in Santiago, Chile was constructed between 1905 and 1912, and was once the heart and soul of Chile’s massive railway network. The grand building had its last train shudder to a stop in 1987, but it was restored to its former charm in the '90s. Today the station serves as the cultural nucleus of the nation with its spacious interior providing the perfect location for exhibitions, performances and many other cultural festivities. Manchester Mayfield Manchester's Mayfield station served as both a passenger and a goods station in its time and, since its demise in 2005, the abandoned space has been been slated for development into a city centre district, a National Express Coach Station or a super campus for civil servants. The space was originally constructed in August 1910 for suburban services and met its tragic end after the roadside building was guttered by a fire. Croix Rouge The unused station of Croix Rouge is an infamous Parisian phantom station, the only one which remains as it was when it was closed. Put into service as a terminus for line 10 in 1923, the station was amongst the non-essential stations closed in 1939 due to the mobilisation of Paris metro employees for the Second World War. The advertisements, seats and even station masters booth can still be seen on the platform. City Hall Subway Stop The City Hall Station in Manhattan was the original southern terminal of the first New York City Subway opened in 1904. The station lies beneath the public area in front of City Hall and was designed to be the showpiece of the new subway. The elegant architecture, coloured glass tiles and brass chandeliers meant that it was considered to be one of the most beautiful subway stations in the system. The passenger service came to a close in 1945. Buffalo Central Terminal A station designed to accommodate up to 3,200 passengers per hour (or 200 trains per day) is sure to be an impressive and eye-catching structure. And the Buffalo Central Terminal certainly doesn’t disappoint. The complex consists of a 17 storey office tower, four storey baggage building, a two storey mail building and the main concourse. It was opened to the public in 1929 and the terminal closed in 1979. Now in the hands of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, a huge campaign is being undertaken to preserve and restore the terminal to its former glory. Anhalter Bahnhof The oldest of the abandoned stations in the list is the Anhalter Bahnhof station in Berlin, born in 1841. Starting from humble beginnings, the station developed to become one of Berlin’s biggest and finest, with its trains departing to Prague and Vienna. The station is not without its history as the it was involved in the deportation of about a third of the city’s Jewish population between 1941 and 1945. [Via Flavorwire]
Worry not if you didn't manage to get a European summer this year, for the Afloat crew has brought a slice of it to Melbourne — this time modelling its floating bar after Italian beach clubs. This is Afloat's ninth iteration, having drawn inspiration from Mexico in 2023, the Balearic Islands in 2022 and Turkey's Turquoise Coast in 2021. As it was with these past versions, the new Afloat Capri has an entirely new look, food and drink lineup, and music and entertainment program. Now, drop by to find yellow and white striped umbrellas, lemon trees, colourful ceramic planters, terracotta tiled roofs, rosemary plants and sorbet-hued walls covered in hand-painted illustrations. This is clearly one of the top destinations for spritz-sippers in Melbourne this summer. And that's not only because of its new design and watertop location. The drinks menu is sure to hit all the right spots as well, thanks to HQ Group's Head of Cocktails Tom Younger. He has spent many a month dreaming up the new Italian-inspired beverage menu, pumping it full of 25 citrus- and aperitif-driven cocktails. Most of these are said to be "smashable", including the six spritz options — think Aperol, limoncello, pink gin, elderflower, Montenegro and berry. There's even a few special Pidapipo gelato-based cocktails, like the Sgroppino Sour (on tap) made with gin, lemon sorbet and prosecco, and boozy ice cream floats (better known as spiders to many of us). The food menu is also stacked with crowd-pleasing dishes, from pasta and pizza (Neapolitan-style pizza and focaccia-like Sicilian pizzettes) to seafood platters and antipasti medleys. DJs will also be playing tunes every day down by the river, plus the Afloat crew will even be hosting mozzarella-making and pizza-making parties later in the year. Like always, the Arbory crew is opening the floating bar in stages. Right now, the main area of Afloat is free to enjoy, while the Aperol Pool Bar & Deck, and second-storey Peroni Capri Upper Terrazza will open in the coming months. If you want to get the full effect, you might want to wait a little longer — or just keep returning throughout the summer. Images: Kim Canales-Ascui.
Japan has a knack for turning something simple into an elite experience and its snack game is no exception. Whether you've experienced the joys of a Tokyo konbini (convenience store) for yourself or you've only seen the hauls all over social media, the sheer volume of unique and delicious treats can be mind-boggling. So, in partnership with Suntory -196, we've hand-picked our ultimate favourites — from a satisfying savoury bite to the sweet candies to stash in your desk drawer — and found the top spots around Australia to get your hands on them. Happy snacking. [caption id="attachment_820994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sandoitchi, Leigh Griffiths[/caption] Sandos Grab-and-go food chains have never really taken off in Australia like they have in other parts of the world so actively seeking out a convenience store sandwich when in Tokyo can be a hard concept to grasp. But one bite of a tamago sando (Japanese egg sandwich) will smash through any preconceptions. Made with fluffy crustless milk bread (shokupan) and a rich, buttery egg filling, these decadent bites are beautiful in their simplicity and can be found in pretty much every one of the 50,000 konbini across Japan. Back in Australia, we'd recommend sticking to the dedicated cafes like Saint Dreux in Melbourne CBD which coats an egg slab with a nori (seaweed) sheet and panko breadcrumbs; Supernova, in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, truffle-laced version served with a curry dipping sauce; or new-kid-on-the-Darlo-block Punpun in Sydney where the chefs steam the eggs into a custard-like consistency before slathering them with chive mayo. Once you've tried the cult classic, venture out to the other iterations, like the pork katsu sando or the fruit sando, stuffed with seasonal fruit and whipped cream — both are done to perfection by the legends at Sydney favourite Sandoitchi. Suntory -196 Japan may be nicknamed the Land of the Rising Sun but the major cities really come alive at night. From walking down neon-lit streets to chatting with locals at intimate vinyl bars and belting out your best rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On' at a karaoke joint, many of the iconic experiences travellers seek out in Japan happen after dark. And many of them happen with a Strong Zero in hand — the cult Japanese premixed drink, made with a blend of shochu, vodka and soda, available in 7-Elevens, Lawsons and Family Marts across the nation. When you're looking to capture a little of that Japanese spirit (both literally and figuratively) ahead of your next night out, pop to your local bottle-o to grab some Suntory -196s, brought to Australia by Suntory in honour of their number one premix in Japan. There are now three exceptional flavours to try — the zesty yet crisp OG Double Lemon; the sweet 'n' sour Double Grape and the oh-so-juicy Double Peach (Double Peach was released just last year and we can't wait to see what new stuff they've got in store for 2025). All three are made using Suntory's patented Freeze Crush Infusion Technology, which involves the flash freezing of real fruit at -196 degrees Celsius before crushing and infusing the fruits into spirits to intensify the flavour profile for double the fruity hit. Can't decide which one to go for? Opt for a variety ten-pack from all major bottle shops, including Dan Murphy's, and slowly sip your way through to find your favourite. Melonpan What happens when two classic comfort foods — bread and cookies — join forces? It creates the ultimate little snack to satisfy those 3pm sugar cravings. Featuring fluffy sweetbread covered by a crunchy cookie crust, melonpan is a slightly sturdier version of the famous Hong Kong pineapple bun and is named for its resemblance to rockmelon. Sydney's Azuki Bakery (Newtown and Wolli Creek) has gained a following for its melonpan — while you're there, grab the best-selling curry pan, a savoury doughnut filled with beef curry. In Melbourne, head to Japanese-inspired bakery and cafe Fuumi Fuumi in South Yarra for its flavoured versions (think matcha, strawberry or chocolate) straight from the oven. Brisbane's well-loved French patisserie Le Boulangerie Amour Fou, with locations in Sunnybank, Indooroopilly, Woollongabba and more, offers its own take on the treat in mocha and mango flavours. Kororo Gummy Candy File this one under 'there's nothing quite like it'. These colourful little gummies are popular across Japan as much for the affordability and novelty as they are for the actual taste — a pack will usually only set you back the equivalent of about AUD$1 and they somewhat resemble a grape, right down to the wrinkly skin that you can (but don't need to) peel off. Inside, the gummy is soft, chewy and bursting with flavour. The most popular flavours are grape, muscat (green) grape and white peach. Owing to these little gems going viral on TikTok a while ago, most Japanese grocery stores in Australia now stock these so check out Maruyu and Amami Mart in Sydney and Fuji Mart in Brisbane and Melbourne. Mochi This traditional rice cake snack comes in so many forms it could have its own article — you can get them stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean paste, fresh cream and fruit or tiny scoops of ice cream; in soup; toasted into a waffle; or transformed into a chewy doughnut. They're so popular that they're not very hard to find in Australia anymore — even the major supermarkets sell them — but quality can vary wildly. Seek out authentic, freshly made mochi at Torori Warabi Mochi in Haymarket, Sydney, in classic flavours like matcha, hojicha and Hokkaido milk. A Melbourne store is due to open later this year. In Brisbane, Sonder Dessert in Sunnybank has been the go-to for years, serving its version coated in roasted soy bean powder with a brown sugar dipping sauce. [caption id="attachment_988373" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 15cenchi[/caption] Japanese Cheesecake Many nations lay claim to having the best cheesecake. There's the New York-style version (uncooked cream cheese with a crumbled cookie base) and the bittersweet yet creamy burnt Basque-style option. But the Japanese version, a soufflé-esque concoction that is wobbly and oh-so-light, must not be overlooked. Uncle Tetsu takes the (literal) cake for bringing this masterpiece to the Aussie masses with stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and both cities now boast cult-favourite LeTAO, too. Meanwhile, Mountain River Patisserie in Runcorn has a good take on the treat for Brisbanites. If you're a ride-or-die basque cheesecake fan, make tracks to Sydney's lockdown darling, 15 cenchi, for the ultimate hybrid. Named for the '15 centimetres of happiness' it promises customers, 15cenchi offers Japanese-style basque desserts in innovative flavours like salted grapefruit and lychee or yuzu. Kit Kats Japanese Kit Kats have been the hot-ticket Japan souvenir for years. Every colleague that has ever been to Tokyo has returned to work with a stash of them. It's a small win for mandatory office days but the bad news? They almost always opt for the same flavours: matcha and strawberry. They're both delicious but it's a true shame when you learn there are over 300 flavours in the range in Japan — you could be treating your palette to a seasonal chocolate smorgasbord with flavours like wasabi, sakura, salt lychee and sweet potato. The next time you're at your local Japanese grocery store, keep an eye out and see what's available. Onigiri Considering how popular premade sushi rolls are here, it's a little surprising that onigiri hasn't had the same impact on Aussie lunchtime culture — until now. Otherwise known as Japanese rice balls, onigiri features steamed rice formed into a triangle and wrapped in a nori sheet. Just like its Japanese counterpart, 7-Eleven Australia has started stocking these portable snacks in three classic flavours: cooked spicy tuna, sweet chilli salmon and chicken teriyaki. If you want to try more unique takes, opt for one of the many hole-in-the-wall joints that have popped up recently. In Sydney, we're big fans of the one stuffed with an onsen egg at Mogu Mogu, the chashu (braised pork belly) and chilli from Parami (a collab with the iconic Chaco Ramen) and the plum kombu from Domo39. In Melbourne, West Melbourne's 279 offers traditional fillings like takana (mustard greens) or cured cod roe while Tokyo Lamington in Carlton gets a bit more experimental with the likes of miso eggplant, bacon and egg or chicken curry. Finally, Brisbane joined the trend a few months ago with the arrival of Shiro where onigiri comes packed with miso pork or salted seaweed. Babystar Crispy Ramen If Mamee Monster Noodle Snacks were a lunchbox staple for you growing up, it's time to graduate to Baby Star Ramen. This raw noodle snack has been around since the 1950s and is so well-loved it even has its own theme park, Oyatsu Town, in Tsu City, Japan. Available in flavours like tonkotsu, garlic, chicken or yakisoba, these noodle strands are salty, crunchy and incredibly moreish — don't be surprised if you finish the entire bag in just a few minutes. You can find them at most Japanese grocery stores around Australia and via JFC Online. Level up your next summer snack sesh by pairing Suntory -196 with any of these top-tier Japanese snacks. Head to Dan Murphy's to pick up a limited-edition 'Suntory -196 Variety Pack' featuring all three epic flavours: Double Lemon, Double Grape and Double Peach.
Aussie-made electronic dance trio RÜFÜS DU SOL is gearing up to embark on a massive tour on home turf. But for those who missed out on tickets, or simply want to add a euphoric encore to their experience, the group is set to play an exclusive DJ set at Melbourne's The Wool Store on Friday, November 28. Set to be an immersive and deeply connected experience, this sprawling industrial space in West Footscray will serve as the ideal venue for this one-night-only encounter. Featuring founding members Jon George and James Hunt, the duo will get behind the decks to offer up a club-focused counterpart to their enormous stadium tour. Pegged as the group's only DJ set going down during this return home, fans can expect a high-energy celebration spanning the deeper edges of RÜFÜS DU SOL's sonic identity. Taking the audience on a journey through their wide-ranging influences, underground roots will combine with euphoric mainstage bangers throughout a transformative experience. Shaping this deep day-to-night event, the lineup will also feature SG Lewis, a renowned British producer and songwriter. Alongside joining RÜFÜS DU SOL on every date of their national tour, while making time for a pair of solo shows, he'll also bring his groove-driven DJ set, blending disco, house and electronica to The Wool Store. Plus, rising talent Samantha Loveridge will set the tone with her melodic house soundscapes, having just released her debut EP on RÜFÜS DU SOL's Rose Avenue Records label imprint. Basked in rhythm and atmosphere, her tracks will prove the perfect appetiser to the main event. With the entire lineup channelling the raw, communal spirit that has made RÜFÜS DU SOL a global name in electronic music, this DJ set is your chance to catch one of Australia's most captivating acts as they round out another hypnotic year on the dance floor. RÜFÜS DU SOL (DJ Set) is happening on Friday, November 28 at The Wool Store, 47-61 Sunshine Rd, West Footscray. Tickets go on presale at 12pm on Tuesday, November 11, with the general sale starting at 12pm on Wednesday, November 12. Head to the website for more information.
In the sleepy suburb of Lower Plenty, a chef with Michelin-star pedigree has quietly opened a refined bistro and diner. Head chef and owner Paul Cooper snagged the venue earlier this year, which is tucked into a leafy block on a Lower Plenty hillside. Stix Restaurant and Bar embraces the art of charcoal grilling, with a custom-built woodfired grill for smoking vegetables, seafood and meat. The Euro-leaning offering is a nod to Cooper's culinary exploits, spanning London's modern French restaurant Pied à Terre, Barcelona's contemporary hotspot Àbac and Paris' Bras. "I'm very passionate about woodfired cooking. It's very romantic to cook over wood and coals. There's a primitive element in using something so old to create something so beautiful — to me it's a wonderful thing," Cooper says. Hyper-local produce selection at Stix Restaurant and Bar sits alongside a mindful approach to nose-to-tail cooking. Broccoli stalks might be tossed on the grill and lathered in kasundi, or ethically-sourced pork may be smoked and served up throughout the week, then reimagined as croquettes. A recent favourite featuring cheesecake with beer jelly also made clever use of excess beer from the bar. Alongside rotating specials, there's an all-day menu featuring handmade pasta, woodfired steak and bistro classic including a chicken parma and a pan-fried barramundi number, served with red pepper piperade and salsa verde. An expertly curated cocktail menu and elegant wine lineup also means you can wash down your feed with some top-notch drops. "It's a place where people come and enjoy themselves— where we can produce a product that we're so proud of in a little suburban restaurant. I'm pretty excited that we can showcase this food at the price point it is," Cooper says. Stix Restaurant and Bar is now open at 410 Main Rd, Lower Plenty. It's open from 12–9pm Wednesdays–Thursdays, 12–10pm Fridays–Saturdays, and from 12–9pm Sundays. Images: supplied.
Fitzroy has welcomed a new haven of 70s disco dazzle, as The Lame Duck arrives to heat things up this summer. Behind a glittering gold door and up a flight of stairs on the corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets, this newbie's rocking a retro pool room aesthetic with a definite disco edge. Cementing those old-school party vibes, expect a healthy dose of wood panelling, a shrine to the one and only Cher, a working photo booth for late-night happy snaps, and a Billy Bass presiding happily over the room. A vintage purple pool table snookers all the others in town, and enormous booths — decked out in hot pink palm trees, no less — are primed for group festivities. With a nifty 4am licence, and a couple of hospitality veterans at the helm, it's a place where letting your hair down is most certainly encouraged. The cocktail offering is embracing the very best of eras past, slinging new-school takes on some of the 70s' best-known daggy drinks. There's the daring Mezcal Sunrise ($18) with pink grapefruit juice, a piña colada-margarita mash-up ($18) and the signature Lame Fluffy Duck ($18) — a gin and Aperol sour. More retro classics pepper the snacks menu; you'll find yourself stepping back in time with bites like pickled onions, hot dogs and an oozy baked camembert fondue. Meanwhile, the DJ tunes will be spinning nightly, with residents like JNETT and Capt'n Shergz throwing down a hearty mix of disco, funk and soul jams. Be sure to bring your party shoes — dancing on the tables is a-ok at The Lame Duck. At least for the time being. Find The Lame Duck at 1/247 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. It's open 4pm–late Tuesday–Thursday, 3pm-late Friday, and 2pm–late Saturday and Sunday. Images: Jess Middleton.
With all this time indoors, we're sure you've had your fair share of at-home raves by now. You've got to let your hair down after a week of WFH, after all. And, now that you can have five friends around with sensible social distancing in place, you can make it a real party, too. Luckily, if you're looking for your next excuse to cut some serious shapes, look no further because there's a new one-off party with pumping tunes and bad fashion is hitting screens across the country on Saturday, May 23. Canadian Club's annual Bad Sweater Party is going virtual. So, cancel whatever non-event plans you had, push your furniture aside and start a makeshift dance floor with five of your nearest and dearest. Bringing the dance-inducing tunes in spades will be Hot Dub Time Machine. For about a decade, he's been ripping up stages the world over with his rolling crossfades of pop music from the last six decades. And during lockdown he's been bringing the good times to your living room. Expect everything from 50s rock 'n' roll tunes to disco hits like ABBA's 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' and Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'. Once you hit the more recent decades, there's often glam rock, a bit of 90s grunge, Darude's epic 'Sandstorm' and 'Toxic' by Britney. You get the idea — it's nonstop bangers all night long. Hang on, a Bad Sweater Party? The major point of difference for this party is that you've got a dress code. Don an ugly jumper — it's OK, you're partying at home. And, yes, you'll get pretty sweaty with all those killer moves you'll be busting. Kicking off at 7pm, the event will be live streamed via Hot Dub's Twitch account, with a live chat going so you can socialise with other partygoers. You may want to dust off that disco ball and find that old lava lamp, too. As you'll working up a sweat as you dance your way through the decades (in a sweater, remember), you'll want some cold ones on hand. To really get in the spirit of things, mix up some CC 'n' drys. Or save yourself the trouble and grab a case of the stuff. Canadian Club's Bad Sweater Party is going down on Saturday, May 23, from 7–9pm. You can tune in here — just don't forget your ugly jumper.
Keen for a sneak-peek at tracks from The Strokes' new album, 'Angles'? Not due for release until March 22, you cynically reply? Think again. Thanks to a glitch in the iTunes UK store, 30-second previews of every track from the album were prematurely uploaded. They've since been taken down, but not before being ripped by fans eager to hear what the band have been up to for the last couple of years. 'Angles' has been five years in the making. Check out snippets of the new songs, compiled conveniently into one YouTube video. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hjyIxgiryHo [Via Addict Music]
There are lots of ways you can throw your support behind native wildlife conservation, but there's no doubt which one is the tastiest. That would be the new Koala Choc Caramel ice cream the team at Paddle Pop has created in collaboration with wildlife rescue organisation WIRES. Hitting shelves today, Monday, September 7, the koala-shaped frozen treat marks the start of an ongoing partnership between the two groups, which aims to help raise awareness for koala conservation projects across the country. The themed ice cream features a blend of chocolate and caramel, made with all-Aussie dairy products. It's debuting at convenience and petrol stores from this week, scheduled to hit Coles and IGA stores later this month. If you're in NSW, you can pick one up from Sydney Zoo, which, throughout September and October, is also donating ten percent of all Koala Paddle Pop sales to WIRES. It's fitting timing for both the ice cream launch and the announcement of the new joint venture, as Australia today celebrates National Threatened Species Day. Paddle Pop's two-year partnership with WIRES also launches at an important time, with a report released by the NSW government estimating that 5000 koalas — a third of the state's population — were wiped up by last summer's devastating bushfires. The Streets ice cream brand will help support three of WIRES' key initiatives, including the Water Drinkers Project — which aims to install 800 animal water drinkers in drought- and bushfire-impacted areas — and the Koala Rehabilitation Facilities program, planning new facilities to help a variety of native species. It'll also support the Koala Health Hub at the University of Sydney, backing its research, management and education efforts. Find the new Koala Choc Caramel Paddle Pop at convenience and petrol stores, as well as at Sydney Zoo, from September 7. It'll hit shelves at your local Coles and IGA stores later this month.
The house where the Kerrigan family came to enjoy the serenity in the 1997 Australian film The Castle is now up for sale. While there's no pool room, the two-bedroom fibro shack boasts an open-plan kitchen, bathroom, laundry and combined dining and living area which opens onto the verandah, complete with original mozzie zapper. In recent years, the property has been used as a rental home, attracting city dwellers who want to reconnect with nature, family, and the vibe. Located 2.5 hours drive north-east of Melbourne on the banks of Lake Eildon, the beloved Bonnie Doon is a waterfront haven for those who love water sports, carp fishing and the smell of a two-stroke engine. https://youtube.com/watch?v=PmlMv5givwQ The property is enhanced by a magnificent set of power lines adjacent to the property, which stand as an important reminder of man's ability to generate electricity. It's also flanked by a vacant plot, so there's lots of spare ground if you want to dig a hole or practise kickboxing. As well as the property, the buyer will also be the proud owner of other pieces of memorabilia from the film, including Tracey Kerrigan's diploma of hairdressing from Sunshine TAFE, as well as a set of jousting sticks – a must-have for all family holidays. Sydneysider Richard Moseley first bought the property in 2006 for $170,000. It went on the market again in 2011 with an asking price of $195,000 but failed to sell and now it's set to hit the market again next week for $240,000. The last time it went to sale, the real estate agent was bombarded with calls from people who would ask the price — only to be followed with "You're dreamin!" and a dial tone. It apparently began to wear thin quite quickly. Via Domain.
