Chef Tom Sarafian is opening his debut restaurant, ZAREH, on Smith Street in Collingwood next week — a 40-seat ode to his grandfather Zareh, whose journey from Egypt to Melbourne sparked a multigenerational love of hospitality. Expect the warmth of Middle Eastern hosting, filtered through a sleek and moody inner-north lens. "This restaurant is a new chapter in a story that began generations ago," says Sarafian. "My grandfather set the tone for all us Sarafians to follow a career in the food world. Some tried to steer away but we've all ended up working with food in one way or another." At ZAREH, the kitchen finds the centre of the room — fully open and built around a charcoal barbecue and woodfired oven by The Brick Chef. "I've worked in too many kitchens where the chefs are hidden away in basements or behind stainless steel walls," says Sarafian. "[The kitchen is] part of the dining room, because it is central to the experience." The restaurant's menu draws on a mix of Sarafian's family heritage, his stints in renowned Melbourne and London kitchens (Cumulus Inc, Rumi, Petersham Nurseries, St John, to name just a few) and travels through North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East — but is ultimately defined as Armenian-Lebanese. Expect fresh Victorian produce seasoned with 'Mouneh' (pantry goods sourced directly from organic farms in Lebanon) like high-quality za'atar, sumac and pomegranate molasses, plus pine nuts, cedar oak honey and fermented pepper pastes. ZAREH's wine list spotlights producers from Armenia and Lebanon, alongside thoughtful local and international labels. Bartender Matt Linklater leads the cocktail program, with a focus on arak (an anise-flavoured alcohol traditionally served in Middle Eastern countries) — including Arak Farid, discovered by Sarafian and partner Jinane Bou-Assi in Lebanon and now imported to Australia for the first time. Notable drinks include the Zareh Gilda Martini, an icy martini laced with arak and finished with Sarafian's take on the classic Gilda, plus a selection of world-class Armenian brandies. The space, designed with Min Tseng and MIC Projects, channels family nostalgia and Beirut's colour palette: soft green banquettes, pink-hued limestone walls and a flowing tahini-coloured curtain, anchored by a warm timber bar wrapped around the open kitchen. There are details nodding to Sarafian's grandparents' house, too — from bar tiles to a retro glass sliding door. ZAREH will also retail Sarafian signature pantry favourites alongside authentic Lebanese mouneh — distilled waters, vinegars, honey and jams, spices, za'atar and freshly ground sumac — via a partnership with Droubna, a mother-and-daughter team in South Lebanon preserving traditional farming practices and village food culture. It's an invitation to take the flavours home with you. ZAREH will open at 368 Smith Street, Collingwood, from Wednesday next week — dinner service only to start, with lunches added in early spring. Online bookings are now open. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Located a mere 40-minute drive from Auckland CBD, Kumeu has become one of New Zealand's most versatile drinking and dining destinations. Here, you'll find lush rolling hillsides, stunning natural sights and a high concentration of family-run estates. It's also the perfect backdrop for everything from cosy winter lunches to celebratory family feeds, casual summer picnics and a slew of wine-related tastings, tours and experiences. If you're after a short break, flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand offers great everyday direct fares from all three cities. Here are our picks for where you should head for a glass (or two) once you've touched down. WEST BROOK WINERY Nestled amongst the gently undulating hillside of the Ararimu Valley, West Brook Winery is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque pit-stops on this tour of the west. Framed by row after row of glorious grape vines, the cellar door is fully equipped with a serene view out over the terraces toward a lily pond. While the tranquil grounds offer warm respite from the stresses of the working week, the real treat at West Brook must be its comprehensive menu of cellar door experiences. Designed to please every level of wine lover (from the curious to the aficionado), these packages have every budget catered for with prices between $6 and $50 per person for wine tastings, wine and cheese matches and the full monty tasting tour. Consistently applauded for its flawless production of chardonnay and riesling varieties, it's the Sparkling Crackling Rosé which has proven to be most popular with punters. And with tasting notes such as raspberry, mandarin and paprika, it's not a surprise. THE HUNTING LODGE WINERY Despite a history that stretches all the way back to 1868, current owners the Sutton family have reinvented The Hunting Lodge as one of Auckland's most exciting restaurant destinations. Positioned atop 80 acres of lush green hillside, The Hunting Lodge has a lot to offer, from the rustic cellar door and lawn bar through to the slick restaurant, olive groves, manicured gardens and family zone. You'll envisage a way to celebrate every kind of occasion. Summers here are synonymous with Mediterranean-style platters and a glass or two of dry chardonnay, yet a transition to the approaching winter should also get you excited — imagine curling up in the comfort of the homestead sampling the rich, gamey flavours of chef Des Harris' seasonal creations. Backed by a slew of industry accolades, which commend everything from the ambience to its aroma, The Hunting Lodge should skyrocket straight to the top of your 'to do' list. KUMEU RIVER WINES Winning international acclaim and the hearts of visitors far and wide, the family behind Kumeu River Wines definitely deserve some of the credit for putting New Zealand's chardonnay (and damn good pinot gris) on the map. Established in 1944 by Croatian migrants, the Brajkovich family, Kumeu River Wines may just be the most serious of the wineries on this list — but no less warm and inviting. With 40 hectares of vineyards, which bottle around 250,000 wines annually, the operation has become an international benchmark for non-Burgundy produced chardonnay. Stop in and soak up some serious wine knowledge from the incredibly informed team at the cellar door, where you taste up to five different drops for $5, while overlooking Maté's Vineyard just across the road. BABICH WINES Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's premier wine estates, Babich Wines has a distinct family history that filters into every aspect of the 103-year-old business. Managed by third generation family members, visitors to the flagship cellar door, winery and vineyard in Kumeu can expect a tender family atmosphere where nostalgia and comfort envelope you just like a hug from your nan. Arriving on the shores of Aotearoa in 1910 with a dream of gum digging in the far north, penniless Babich patriarch Josip gave the family a century's worth of family lore — anecdotes they are all too willing to share over the eight-strong tasting menu. The Babich family has traded the traditional restaurant for an easy-going picnic area — a feature which ensures the focus remains on the award-winning wines. Along with a game of petanque, guests are encouraged to bring their own nosh to be enjoyed with an impressive selection of in-house drops. Or, you can nab a spot on the sunny verandah and enjoy a glass of the East Coast Vintara while overlooking the vines. SOLJANS ESTATE Like many other successful wineries across Auckland's west, Souljans Estate Winery began and continues to thrive as a family business. From humble beginnings in 1937, it has become one of the neighbourhood's most visited wineries today. Soljan is known for producing pinot gris, chardonnay and pinotage from its picture-perfect vineyard. Plus, visitors might be surprised to find that its Fusion Sparkling Muscat is, in fact, New Zealand's most awarded sparkling wine — and an ideal accompaniment to a feast of Mediterranean bites at the adjoining restaurant. The sunny grounds are completed with a casual cage and a surprisingly decent gift store. Soljans has cemented its place in the hearts and bucket lists of wine-lovers both near and far. Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away. Plus, Vinomofo has released a case of wine featuring six delicious wines representing the diverse and unique sub-regions of Waiheke, Kumeu and Matakana. Every case has a one in 50 chance of winning return flights to Auckland (from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). T&Cs apply.
For more than eight decades, Florentino has stood as a Melbourne dining institution — weathering trends, generations and the changing city around it. When the Grossi Group took the reins in 1999, it became Grossi Florentino we know today. But this November, the venue will shed its first name as the Grossi family closes out a chapter of shaping a restaurant that defined Italian hospitality. Raise your glasses at Grossi Florentino's final dinner service — a five-course showcase of the venue's most beloved dishes, including duck and porcini tortellini with caramelised pear and a family recipe of lamb with polenta. The meal will end, fittingly, with a Florentino chocolate soufflé.
When it comes to creating smash-hit venues, legendary chef Andrew McConnell knows what's what. He's the mind behind favourites like Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal and Marion, to name a few. And now, Melbourne is about to score another, with McConnell opening a new cocktail bar and restaurant in the 1920s heritage Cavendish House building at 33 Russell Street in the CBD this July. It'll be his first new project in five years. Sydney-based architecture and design studio Acme is heading up the build, which sees this historic building filled black and gold marble bars, leather booths, geometric tiles and honeycomb chandeliers inspired by famed Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. Considering the studio is responsible for highly Instagrammed venues like The Grounds Of Alexandria, Charlie Parker's and Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, you can expect it to be very impressive. Split into four spaces — a cocktail bar, an elegant clothed-table restaurant on the upper level, a 12-person private dining area and a more casual space on the lower level — the restaurant feels very elegant French bistro. And the food echoes this. Designed by Andrew McConnell together with Head Chef Allan Doert Eccles (Cutler & Co), the menu makes its way from escargot and and crab toast with sea urchin through to dry-aged duck cooked in a wood oven. But, it's certainly not all French. Flounder comes with pil-pil (a boldly flavoured Basque sauce), potatoes are roasted with taleggio and dessert includes gelati. Eccles says the food is "leaning on Europe and America, a bit of old world mixed with new world sensibility" — and, like the space, it's also a little bit indulgent. Expect caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty. [caption id="attachment_773819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sharyn Cairns[/caption] To start, Gimlet is opening for a series of preview events from June 30, with dinner on offer first, followed by lunch from July 3. But, from July 14, the team will be plating up food, pouring wine and playing sauve tunes from midday every weekday, and from 9am for brunch on weekends The building — which was previously a fancy flagship for Bang & Olufsen — is located on the corner of Flinders Lane and Russell Street, only a short walk from McConnell's Supernormal and in the middle of the Flinders Lane dining action. Gimlet at Cavendish House is opening at 33 Russell Street, Melbourne from July 14. It will also be open for a series of preview events, with dinner ($85 set menu) from Tuesday–Sunday from Tuesday, June 30 and lunch ($70 menu) from Friday–Sunday from Friday, July 3. To book, call (03) 9277 9777. Images: Sharyn Cairns
Even in 2020, the most unpredictable of years, the end of November marks two things: the shift to warm summer weather and an influx of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. While we may not celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some outrageous deals in the lead-up to the holiday season. To help you sort through all the emails and Facebook ads you're being served up right now, we've collected a few of this year's biggest sales in one place for you — so you can pick up between 20 and 70 percent off a new gym outfit, mattress or reusable cup.
Long-time local favourites in Fitzroy North, Moroccan Soup Bar has been providing hungry crowds with plates of Moroccan food for years. Sans a menu — it's only given verbally — the restaurant serves up a standout chickpea bake (as well as other comforting, yet nourishing, vegetarian dishes) which has become the stuff of legends, with crowds often lining up for takeaway with their plastic containers at the ready. To deal with the influx of chickpea-cravers, Moroccan Soup Bar has opened a second joint just down the road from the original: Moroccan Soup Bar Two Go. With an emphasis on online ordering and takeaway dining, Two Go is open for dine-in lunch from 11am–3pm, and for takeaway between 11am–3pm and 5.30pm–9.30pm. You can order online here. As well as your requisite chickpea dinner to get you through the rest of the winter nights, expect Moroccan pizzas, or marrakizzas ($15), and the same lunch and dinner packs you've been snapping up from the first Moroccan Soup Bar. Like the chickpea bake, the packs will set you back a casual $12.50, and there are vegan and gluten free options, too. Also expect to be refunded $2 if you BYO Tupperware to take your food away in — it pays to come prepared. Find Moroccan Soup Bar Two Go at 316 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North — or the original Moroccan Soup Bar at 183 St Georges Road.
Alasya sits in the midlands of Sydney Road, in Brunswick, and has been kicking around in Melbourne since the '70s. Owned and operated still by the same family, it does good, solid Turkish food right up until 5am nightly. The menu reduces late-night so you might be out of luck for dips or salads, but if it's a plate of meat you're dreaming of, Alasya's got you. Next time you're strolling down Sydney Road with a hankering for a kebab, pop in here – get a chicken doner ($16), a lamb sis kebab ($16), or let your hair down and try some mixed meat shenanigans ($17). While the restaurant closes up at 10pm, you can still get takeaway till 5am, seven days a week.
We've all been there: watching our favourite Studio Ghibli movies, seeing how closely they combine wondrous fantasies and reality, and finding ourselves wondering what things would be like if life actually was that darn magical. Let this cute little clip help satisfy your imagination. Made by Kojer, aka a director in South Korea, it takes all of the Ghibli characters that you know and love, and places them in real-life settings. Think Spirited Away's Chihiro and No-Face on an actual train, My Neighbour Totoro's cute creature in the greenery of a real park, the abode that gives Howl's Moving Castle its name flying above cities, and the titular character from Kiki's Delivery Service floating through non-animated clouds. And yes, it really is as delightful as it sounds. In the absence of any new Studio Ghibli films on the horizon any time soon (although we're still crossing our fingers that their TV show will make it to Australia), it's just the dose of animated enchantment everyone needs. Plus, those keen on seeing just how it was done can also watch two behind-the-scenes videos, one stepping through the techniques used, and the other detailing the actual locations.
Wrap up the working week or kick-start the weekend festivities at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, as the upmarket hotel presents the Friday Nights Living Grand Buffet every week. Served in the hotel's signature Collins Kitchen restaurant, this indulgent affair offers abundant cuisine, no matter your tastes. Offering a sprawling selection of local, seasonal produce, the Living Grand Buffet features a tantalising seafood lineup, including blue swimmer crab and oysters. Then head over to the Japanese bar to find freshly made sashimi and nigiri that rival the best bite-sized portions from the cuisine's homeland. Moving from one food station to the next, don't skip the stir-fry from the Asian Kitchen. You're also invited to explore a myriad of meats and dips from the delicatessen, like grilled lamb rump and smoky chorizo. There's a good chance your plate is stacked high by now, but there's still at least one more stop to make. At the Pastry Counter, guests will find abundant sweet treats, from a decadent dark chocolate fountain to scoops of gelato and made-to-order waffles. Given its luxe surroundings, it's no surprise that Collins Kitchen has proved a hit. Specialising in the art of cooking over smoke and flame, extra care is taken to source fine ingredients from local makers and producers. Priced at $139 per person, the Friday Night Living Grand Buffet is certainly extravagant, yet you can trust that the cuisine on offer isn't your standard hotel fare. Decked out with wall-to-wall culinary excellence, expect a post-working-week feast where the options are almost limitless. The Friday Night Living Grand Buffet is served from 6pm–10pm at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
But with the inclusion of occasional live music and the small cinema out back, LongPlay delivers spectacular first date conditions in which to enjoy either intense political debate or eyelash-batting and footsies. To take pressure off the situation, busy yourselves by nibbling on offerings from the European-inspired bar snack menu, which features restrained, but contemporary constructions of risotto, salad and tapas. If conversation isn't flowing, a few rounds of the relatively affordable cocktails should make time go by more rapidly. A neighbourhood favourite for Fitzroy North dwellers, the bar is best avoided if you're already a local. If not, it's the perfect place for an anonymous rendezvous.
Once a year, Gelato Messina gives Australia's dessert fiends the chance to fill their freezers with its coveted frosty wares. While anyone can walk into the chain's stores on any day and leave with a stockpile of gelato thanks to its take-home packs, being able to choose from Messina's greatest hits is a special treat. Can't live without tubs of Robert Blondie Jnr (white chocolate gelato, blondie and white chocolate fudge sauce) at hand? Adore You Cannoli Live Twice (chocolate crème patisserie gelato with chocolate hazelnut fudge, candied hazelnuts, and crushed cannoli shells) so much that it's all you'd eat if you could? This is your annual time to shine. In the two decades that Messina has been in dessert business, more than 4000 special flavours have made their way through the chain's gelato cabinets around the country. Each year, it releases 260 specials, in fact. Yes, that's a lot of scoops. To celebrate some of these oldies but goodies, the chain brings a selection of these flavours back every now and then — and also occasionally busts out its entire top 40 greatest hits. That's happening again this winter, based on the past year's top flavours. Lucky folks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide will be able to treat themselves to a treasure trove of limited-edition gelato varieties. Originally, the greatest hits specials were a buy-in-shop-only deal, but the chain went with preordered tubs in 2020, so no one had to worry about long queues and empty cabinets. In 2024, Messina is splitting the difference, meaning that year's run will be a little different. Only 20 of the 40 flavours will be available for preorder, then 20 more will be spread across its weekly specials for a month. So, gelato fiends can initially preorder 473-millilitre tubs of 20 flavours from Monday, July 22. You'll then need to pick them up from Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Norwest, Brighton Le Sands and Rosebery stores; Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne; South Brisbane in Brisbane; Braddon in Canberra; Highgate in Perth; and Kent Town in Adelaide — all between Friday, August 2–Sunday, August 4. Individual tubs are filled with just one flavour and will set you back $19, or you can get three for $54, six for $100, nine for $135 or — if you have the freezer space — 20 for $280. After that, head by your local Messina weekly from Tuesday, July 23 to see which other 20 adored varieties temporarily rejoin the menu. For the first batch, Messina has unveiled the list of faves making a comeback. As always, it's stacked with deliciousness, just like your freezer will be. Get Baked (with baked caramel cheesecake gelato with dulce de leche and smashed baked cheesecake), Have a Gay Old Time (caramel and milk chocolate gelato with chocolate-covered biscuit crumbs) and Cinnamon Cone Crunch (cinnamon cereal milk gelato with waffle cone crunch) are all among the choices. Good luck trying to pick just one, or even a mere few. The first 20 of Gelato Messina's 2024 Greatest Hits will be available to preorder on Monday, July 22 with pick up between Friday, August 2–Sunday, August 4 from Perth's Highgate store (orders from 11am AWST); Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne, South Brisbane in Brisbane and Braddon in Canberra (orders from 12pm AEST); Sydney's Bondi, Norwest and Rosebery outposts (orders from 12.15pm AEST); Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Darlinghurst and, Brighton Le Sands venues (orders from 12.30pm AEST); and Kent Town in Adelaide (orders from 12.30pm ACST). The remaining 20 will drop in-store from Tuesday, July 23 across a month.
Over Easter, KFC spread some paschal cheer — and some of its finger lickin' good fried chicken — with free delivery. This weekend mightn't be a special occasion or include any public holidays, but now it's McDonald's turn to share the fast food love. If you're craving a Quarter Pounder or a box of chicken McNuggets and you don't fancy leaving the house, Maccas is offering free home delivery on orders over $25 via UberEats. The limited-time offer is available nationwide and runs until Sunday, April 19. To get your hands on a burg, some fries, a Happy Meal, McFlurry or a hot fudge sundae — or anything else on the chain's regular menu — with no extra delivery cost, head to UberEats' website or use the UberEats app and enter the code MACCASWEEKEND. The entire transaction will be contact-free, including when it hits your doorstep. And, if you're after a few household staples, Maccas is also delivering milk, plus six-packs of English muffins and its gourmet buns. Or, of course, you can ignore whatever time of day it is and go straight for a McMuffin, hash brown and some hot cakes. McDonalds is offering free delivery across Australia on orders over $25 made via UberEats, with the special available until Sunday, April 19. To order, head here and use the code MACCASWEEKEND. Images: McDonalds.
Renowned chef Shane Delia has transformed his OG Biggie Smalls kebab store on Smith Street into an elegant meze and cocktail bar. Named Maha North (formerly Maha Bar), this spot has swapped out its playful diner-style decor, fried chicken and hip hop for warm timber panelling, clever cocktails and Middle Eastern plates. Where Delia's long-running CBD fine diner Maha is pushing the creative envelope, Maha North is the more classic-leaning, smart-yet-casual counterpart. It has similar vibrant flavours, but with a menu that beckons you to sit down and settle in for some good old-fashioned feasting. The menu starts with drinking snacks and works its way up to heartier dishes, offering plenty of vegan goodness along the way. Grab a drink and tuck into bites like crispy buns stuffed with spiced beef or eggplant and creamy hummus paired and a medley of maple-roasted carrots. Grilled market fish comes matched with capers, green olives and a burnt butter sauce, while a dish of Macedon Ranges duck breast features pomegranate and a crispy bastilla. And if decisions aren't your thing, you'll find soufra or 'feed me' menus for both vegans and carnivores. Behind the bar, a range of house-infused raki and arak takes centre stage alongside a strong collection of cocktails. You'll find drinks like a raki sazerac, a turkish delight martini and four negroni styles including a chocolate and orange riff made with whisky and amaro. A smart curation of wine and boutique brews is also on offer, while on Mondays and Tuesdays, punters are allowed to BYO wine. Images: Julia Sansone
These days, we're all on the hunt for cheap eats in Melbourne. And Brunswick East is already home to plenty of damn good spots — CDMX, Wild Life Bakery, Mankoushe, Nico's Sandwich Deli and Thaila Thai. But there's always room for more. Enter Tawooq, the new Lebanese street food spot on Brunswick East's booming Lygon Street. Here, just nine menu items are up for grabs, each costing less than $15. The Lebanese wraps come stuffed with either falafels, beef shawarma, fries or the signature chicken tawooqs (grilled chicken covered in a creamy yogurt-based marinade). Baguettes are loaded with small spicy sausages (makanek or sujuk), tomatoes, pickles and sauces, as well as asbe (grilled chicken livers). But don't get turned off by the idea of liver, because this baguette is one of the most succulent of all the meat-filled bites. Nonetheless, those wanting something more western can order the classic fried chicken or beef burger. These look great, but you really should go to Tawooq for the Lebanese eats. Pair your lunch or late-night meal (Tawooq is open till 2am on Friday and Saturday nights) with soft drinks or order some fresh smoothies from its sister brand Laiimoon. Located within the same space, you can get its traditional Lebanese sahlab (milk pudding) or one of its smoothies packed with fresh fruit. It's a small selection of food and drink, but you've only got to master a few to become a true food destination in Melbourne. You'll find Tawooq at 109 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, open 11am–11pm Sunday–Thursday, and 11am–2am on Friday and Saturday. For more details, head to the venue's website.
There's a reason conversation is referred to as an art. It's not an exact science, for starters, but when done properly it's something that can organically take on a life of its own — it can be colourful, inspiring, thought-provoking and radical. Whether you're a veritable Caravaggio of conversation or you've not quite nailed your chat game just yet, interesting — and, yes, provocative — conversation prompts can go a long way to you uncovering more about people you think you already might know so well. Inspired by our upcoming event The Slow Lounge in partnership with American Honey, we put out a call to you, our readers, to reveal your favourite conversation starters — and we're delighted to report that you did not disappoint. Sure, not all of these will be appropriate for every situation (who's your favourite Muppet? might not be a solid opener for your future mother-in-law), but here are some of your go-to catalysts for good chat. What makes you happy? Would you rather be a metre taller or a metre shorter? What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten? What's been the best part of your day so far? What is a language you love to listen to, even if you don't speak or understand it? Instead of "What's been happening?", ask "What's the most important thing happening in your life right now?" If you could go back and change one decision you've made in your life, what would it be and why? Who's your favourite Muppet? What's the most outrageous thing you've done in your life? What food best describes your personality? What song describes your life to now? Who would you least like to get stuck with in an elevator? What's your favourite cocktail? What has been the best thing about emerging out of COVID-19 hibernation? What are your three favourite vegetables? If you could be a fruit, what fruit would you be and why? What's something about you that people are surprised about when they first hear it? What is something about yourself that you love? What is your fondest live music memory? What is your favourite Arnott's biscuit? What do you want to achieve this year? What's been the best moment of your week? When was the last time you built a Lego set? What was it and what have you done with it since? If you were sent to Antarctica and could only take one person and two objects, who and what would you take? If a squirrel could talk do you think it would have a really high voice or a really low voice? Who would play you in a movie about you? For more inspo on how to create your own golden moments with mates, head to the American Honey website. Top image: Cottonbro (Pexels)
No trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to Shinjuku's Godzilla head, which towers down on the popular district from Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. If you're a fan of the King of the Monsters, you'll now need to add another stop to your next Japanese itinerary: amusement park Nijigen no Mori, on Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture. From a yet-to-be-finalised date in mid-2020, the theme park will be home to a life-sized version of the scaly creature — even if Godzilla's actual size has changed over the course of its 65-year history. The kaiju was 50 metres tall in the 1954 Japanese classic that started the long-running monster franchise, and measured nearly 120 metres in the most recent US film. In 2017's animated Netflix flick Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, it even spanned a whopping 300 metres. At Nijigen no Mori, good ol' Zilly will measure 120 metres according to Japan Times, and that's in length. Godzilla will be lying down, mouth open and presumably roaring, with amusement park patrons able to zipline into it. Usually folks are trying to avoid the huge creature and his fire-breathing gob, but that's obviously not going to be the case here. Called Godzilla Interception Operation, the attraction will dedicate a 5000-square-metre zone to the famed critter, asking attendees to take on the role of island scientists. In that guise, the ziplining occurs in the name of science, because the huge beast has become trapped in the earth. Shooting games are also part of the Godzilla zone and, naturally, so is Zilly-themed food and merchandise. Also, if you're wondering which Zilly this one will resemble — Godzilla's appearance has often changed from film to film, too — it's the version of the lizard-style gargantuan from 2016 Japanese movie Shin Godzilla. For more information about Godzilla Interception Operation, which is due to open in mid-2020, visit the Nijigen no Mori website. Via Nijigen no Mori / Japan Times. Images: Nijigen no Mori.
Back in 2020, which now seems a lifetime ago, Laneway Festival celebrated 15 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio first decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes. The beloved fest marked that milestone with a characteristically jam-packed lineup that made its way to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, as well as Auckland — but since then, it's been quiet thanks to the pandemic. First, the bad news: no one will be raising a plastic cup at the fest in 2022, Laneway organisers have confirmed. Now, the great news: the event is gearing up to finally make a comeback in 2023. In a social media announcement, the Laneway crew noted that right now it'd usually "be sailing the Laneway cruise liner into Australia/NZ, docking at Adelaide." That's clearly not happening at the moment, and "for obvious reasons we have decided to sit out again this year but rest assured, we are busy bees preparing for Laneway '23," the post continued. Dates, cities and venues for 2023 haven't been announced yet, but the Laneway team also noted that they're quite advanced in the planning for next year. "It's unusual for us to have booked so many acts so early on but that is what we can confirm we have done for Laneway 23, and it's already feeling like one of those very special Laneway lineups... there are so many exciting ideas and dreams coming into the picture and we look forward to sharing them with you into the new normal," organisers revealed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Jerome's Laneway Festival (@lanewayfest) If you're now already looking forward to next year, that's understandable. If you're now speculating on who might be on the bill, that's perfectly natural, too. Laneway's news comes after restrictions eased in both New South Wales and Victoria on Friday, February 18, allowing dancing again — with NSW's ban on dancing at music festivals set to lift this week as well. Laneway Festival will return in 2023. We'll update you with further details, including dates, venues and lineups, when they're announced. Top image: Anthony Smith.
If your end-of-month plans included a trip to the Gold Coast to see Travis Scott, Logic, Chvrches and Carly Rae Jepsen, then we have bad news: Sandtunes, the new festival with all three leading the lineup, has been cancelled. The event has endured a tumultuous run since it was first announced in July, when it was billed as a two-day seaside music fest at Coolangatta Beach. In September, "after listening to responses from the local community", organisers moved the festival to the definitely not-by-the-shore Metricon Stadium. But it seems that patrons weren't impressed with the change of venue, even when ticket prices were slashed to help reignite interest. As the event notes, "without sand between our punters' toes, the very notion of the beachside festival in a stadium meant low sales". As a result, the debut fest won't be going ahead — on its scheduled dates of Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, or at all. https://www.facebook.com/SandTunesFestival/photos/a.352133325459956/410100329663255/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARApmpGdy5jXx8Xi-9m6RCcZxSnRhY1fQxz9d-ZUZpM7EGPBFrtO1wf-gOYL8tJ0qZ-nxEwmhqno3z-rlZM-1sSPnoKyC5l7CHaq6J3pSmrLQJIrBQeGrziAYhbHJ5qYUVDLaE9HMU8sR6BvffsvLOyKj-cqCrTvjyqnZ0tgaCJJGEe_A9cL_17b23XlTQ3vUg5ZYjn2tqg7MInBAQmSmgVc84QzoHWNgXd7QloG2ER7vWs4JS7GH35iCwI9kS34Fj6jcSGwONORmWpmiUJbF3zmmzzTifplLQWUUoq4rAk-chmpA1emaWuC3FsBe-MsT0GUvOHyEE1oq0wZH3r3dGU&__tn__=-R That also means that the fest's plans not just to run this year, but to become an annual part of southeast Queensland's event calendar, have fallen by the wayside. "This whole concept started with bringing a great music festival to the beach which we see happening the world over in major locations like Spain (Barcelona Beach Festival) and Alabama (Hangout Music Festival). I'm disappointed because I believed this could have grown year-on-year into something really big but unfortunately, we weren't even able to get it off the ground here," said Paul Dainty, president and CEO of promoters TEG Dainty. While it's hardly surprising that the change of location away from the beach dampened music fans' enthusiasm, Sandtunes' timing in general wasn't fantastic, with the fest's dates overlapping with part of Schoolies. The rest of event's lineup was also slated to feature Juice WRLD, Dean Lewis, Sampa the Great, Tkay Maidza, Cub Sport, Kait, Kwame, WAAX, Kian, Alice Ivy, Genesis Owusu and Saint Lane. For folks keen to see Scott, it's especially unwelcome news — Sandtunes would've been the Texas-born rapper's only Australian performance this year. It seems that Carly Rae Jepsen's Aussie tour will still go head, just not in Queensland, with tickets for her Sydney and Melbourne shows still on sale at the time of writing. As for Logic, Sydney and Melbourne ticket sales have "been postponed while we work through some tour logistics", although co-presenter Triple J reports that his visit won't be going head. Sandtunes ticketholders who purchased by credit or debit card will receive refunds automatically within ten working days, while those who purchased in an agency will be contacted by phone with a fortnight to make refund arrangements. For more information about Sandtunes' cancellation, visit the festival website.
When Sleater-Kinney, aka Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, take to the stage Down Under in May 2024, they won't just be touring their latest album. And they aren't simply making their first trip this way in eight years, since 2016, either. Started under the riot grrrl movement, the group will also celebrate 30 years since forming, plus just as long since they recorded their self-titled first record in a single night in Australia. That album has been followed by ten more studio releases, with Little Rope their latest. That gives the duo — after Janet Weiss left the band in 2019 — plenty to play through on a five-city visit to Australia and New Zealand. The tour commences in Auckland, then heads to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, hitting up theatre-sized venues. "For all intents and purposes, Sleater-Kinney got its start in Australia. We recorded our first album and played our first-ever shows there," said Brownstein, announcing the Down Under leg of the tour. "Because of that, Australia feels like one of the band's spiritual homes, and returning there always feels like a homecoming, a reunion." [caption id="attachment_941986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Sleater-Kinney have a stack of US dates locked in before hitting Australia and New Zealand, and will then make their way around Europe in August. Everywhere they play, fans can expect tunes from Little Rope — including singles 'Hell' and 'Say It Like You Mean It' — likely alongside past tracks such as 'One More Hour', 'Worry with You' and 'Jumpers'. As well as their three decades together — with a hiatus between 2007–13, between 2005's exceptional The Woods and 2015's No Cities to Love — Tucker has stints with Heavens to Betsy, Cadallaca, The Corin Tucker Band and Filthy Friends to her name, while Brownstein co-created and co-starred in Portlandia. Carol, Transparent, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Irma Vep are also on Brownstein's filmography. [caption id="attachment_941987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Sleater-Kinney Little Rope Australian and New Zealand Tour 2o24: Wednesday, May 15 — Powerstation, Auckland Friday, May 17 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Sunday, May 19 — Forum, Melbourne Tuesday, May 21 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Thursday, May 23 — Metropolis, Fremantle Sleater-Kinney are touring Australia and New Zealand in May 2024, with ticket pre-sales from 10am local time on Wednesday, February 21 and general sales from 10am local time on Friday, February 23. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Justin Higuchi via Wikimedia Commons.
In the heart of Fitzroy, The Rochester Hotel (better known as the Rochey, these days) is a favourite among locals, and for good reason. On top of the roaring fire and welcoming atmosphere, the place serves up delicious and authentic pub grub with Australian wines, craft beers and tasty cocktails, and everything is as ethically and locally sourced as possible. If you're looking for somewhere to make your local, and not just during footy finals, this might be the friendly neighbourhood joint for you. Its menu includes entrees such as Pacific oysters, charred baby eggplant with pumpkin seed dukka, crispy fried squid and fried fish bites. For mains, think classics such as cheeseburgers, schnitzels, fish and chips and spaghetti and meatballs. Cap it all off with a hot apple pie for dessert, and you've had yourself a damn fine meal. You'll probably want a drink or three while you're there, and its cocktail menu does not disappoint. Think classics such as spicy margaritas, Long Island ice teas and espresso martinis, while there's an approachable wine list and more tap beers than you deserve. One of the highlights of the Rochey, along with the food, is the regular comedy night it hosts every Thursday in the beer garden. Hosted by local legend Eddie Duffield, the show is free and kicks off at 8pm sharp. The Rochester Hotel also has a trivia night every Wednesday from 7:30pm and hosts DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. IN THE HEIGHTS Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't the first lyricist to pen tunes so catchy that they get stuck in your head for years (yes, years), but his rhythmic tracks and thoughtful lines always stand out. Miranda's songs are melodic and snappy, as anyone who has seen Hamilton onstage or via streaming definitely knows. The multi-talented songwriter's lyrics also pinball around your brain because they resonate with such feeling — and because they're usually about something substantial. The musical that made his name before his date with US history, In the Heights echoes with affection for its eponymous Latinx New York neighbourhood. Now that it's reverberating through cinemas, its sentiments about community, culture, facing change and fighting prejudice all seem stronger, too. To watch the film's characters sing about their daily lives and deepest dreams in Washington Heights is to understand what it's like to feel as if you truly belong in your patch of the city, to navigate your everyday routine with high hopes shining in your heart, and to weather every blow that tries to take that turf and those wishes away. That's what great show tunes do, whisking the audience off on both a narrative and an emotional journey. Miranda sets his words to hip hop beats, but make no mistake: he writes barnstorming songs that are just as rousing and moving, and that've earned their place among the very best stage and screen ditties as a result. Watching In the Heights, it's hard not to think about all those stirring tracks that've graced previous musicals. That isn't a sign of derivation here, though. Directing with dazzling flair and a joyous mood, Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker Jon M Chu nods to cinema's lengthy love affair with musicals in all the right ways. His song-and-dance numbers are clearly influenced by fellow filmic fare, and yet they recall their predecessors only because they slide in so seamlessly alongside them. Take his staging of the tune '96000', for instance. It's about winning the lottery, after word filters around that bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos, a Hamilton alum) has sold a lucky ticket. Due to the sweltering summer heat, the whole neighbourhood is at the public pool, which is where Chu captures a colourful sea of performers expressing their feelings through exuberantly shot, staged and choreographed music and movement — and it's as touching and glorious as anything that's ever graced celluloid. Of course, $96,000 won't set anyone up for life, but it'd make an enormous difference to Usnavi, In the Heights' protagonist and narrator. It'd also help absolutely everyone he loves. As he explains long before anyone even hears about the winning ticket, or buys it, every Heights local has their own sueñitos — little dreams they're chasing, such as his determination to relocate to the Dominican Republic. And that's what this intoxicating, invigorating, impassioned and infectious captures with vibrant aplomb. Read our full review. TALL POPPY — A SKATER'S STORY When skateboarding makes its debut as an Olympic sport in Tokyo this winter, it'll do so with Poppy Starr Olsen flying the flag for Australia. A world champion since her teens, she first hit the Bondi Skate Park at the age of eight, and proclaimed at the time that she'd like to spend her adult life carving, ollieing, flipping and grinding — one of those childhood wishes that, in this case, has proven more than just a kid's outlandish fantasy. Audiences know about this youthful exclamation because it was caught on camera. Yes, Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story belongs in the camp of documentaries that are inescapably blessed by the constant lens through which many of our lives have been captured since video cameras became a household gadget and then a standard mobile phone feature. Accordingly, making her first feature-length doco, filmmaker Justine Moyle has ample material to draw upon as she weaves together a portrait of Olsen's life from pint-sized bowl-rider to Australia's best female skater, the fourth best woman on a board in the world and an Olympian, all by the age of 21. This isn't just a film compiled from home videos, though, although the feature. In front of Dane Howell's (Without a Tracey) lens as she has grown up, Olsen is candid, open and relaxed as she literally comes of age before the camera, and her skateboarding skills are just as riveting to watch. You can tell much about Olsen by just seeing her in the bowl or on the park, no matter her age, wherever she happens to be at the time, or if she's competing, practicing or just skating for fun. It hardly comes as a surprise that she takes to the pastime because it feels so freeing; as she rolls up and down in Bondi after first giving skateboarding a try, she may as well be flying. Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story captures the rollercoaster ride from there, as she's eager and enthusiastic at both local and international competitions, visibly nervous at her first X Games, and also a little disillusioned once she's put on an Olympic path. She's a teenager, in other words, and her emotional ups and downs mirror those on the board. This is a film about resilience, perseverance and taking on the world on your own terms, however, as Olsen works out who she wants to be and how that ripples through in her skateboarding. She's already a role model, whether or not you want to follow in her footsteps. Here, she's doubly so for her personal ebbs and flows, including through COVID-19, as much as her professional achievements. Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story is an affectionate movie, of course. Its release is also impeccably timed, it's as deservedly loving towards female skaters as the fictional Skate Kitchen and its TV spinoff Betty, and it shows the beauty in every commonplace and exceptional skateboarding trick. But Olsen's presence, passion and prowess drive this rousing documentary above all else. THREE SUMMERS Not to be confused with the 2017 Ben Elton-directed Australian rom-com of the same name, Brazilian drama Three Summers takes its title literally: in writer/director Sandra Kogut's (Campo Grande) film, the action takes place across a trio of consecutive Decembers. In the first chapter, set in 2015, the lively Madá (Regina Casé, The Second Mother) flits around the opulent condominium that she oversees on behalf of the wealthy Edgar (Otávio Müller, Silence of the Rain) and his wife Marta (Gisele Fróes, Edge of Desire) — a space that's soon a hive of activity due to the family's Christmas party. She keeps her staff bustling as her employers, their relatives and their friends relax, all so that she can work towards her own dream of opening a roadside kiosk. For the latter, she needs Edgar, who agrees to buy her the land she needs. He's also more interested than anyone should be in her out-of-date pre-paid mobile phone, which ties into the changed state of play come summer 2016. By then, the family has fallen from grace. Only Edgar's elderly and kindly father Lira (Rogério Fróes, Magnífica 70) remains alongside Madá, her staff, and the police who show up to search the house in the wake of a corruption scandal. Next, in 2017, the housekeeper has adapted to the new normality, teaming up with Lira to rent out the condo on Airbnb. Largely confining the action to her chosen setting, Kogut hasn't quite made a savage eat the rich-style indictment of Brazil's class disparities — but she does have a probing eye for what the country's chasms between the haves and the have nots means for the latter. Madá goes from being reminded that she couldn't pay for the condo's decor in a lifetime to hustling to turn the space to her advantage; in a world where everyone is either striving to make more money or just enough, trying to make the most of every opportunity is as much the domain of the working class as the well-to-do. For those just attempting to get by, it's a necessity, though. For their bosses, it's all about greed, power and status. Three Summers saves its sympathies for Madá and her colleagues, and never for Edgar and his family, although it doesn't always have the bite the story, subject matter and real-life situations it parallels call for. Still, this is an involving character study of a woman continually placed at the mercy of others, and just as constantly battling to retain what control she can over her own destiny. And, as she was in The Second Mother, Casé is superb, this time playing a talkative, determined but haunted everywoman who is always trying to make the best of whatever she's saddled with. THE HITMAN'S WIFE'S BODYGUARD Someone involved with The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard must really love paperwork; that's the only reason anyone could've given its script the go-ahead. Perhaps Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, who also directed 2017's The Hitman's Bodyguard, likes nothing more than keeping his documents in order. Maybe returning screenwriter Tom O'Connor (The Courier) falls into that category, or his debuting co-scribes Phillip and Brandon Murphy — they all made the subject the focus of their screenplay, after all. Whoever fits the bill, their attempt to force audiences to care about bodyguard licensing falls flat. So does the misguided idea that the certification someone might need to unleash their inner Kevin Costner would ever fuel an entire movie. Instead, what was already a needless sequel to a terrible action-comedy becomes even more of a dull and pointless slog, with this by-the-numbers follow-up showing zero signs that anyone spent more than a few seconds contemplating the story. A significant plot point here: that Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds, The Croods: A New Age) has lost his official tick of approval. He's no longer triple A-rated after a mishap in the line of duty, and he isn't coping well. To be fair, no one watching The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard will handle that news swimmingly either, but only because they're made to hear about it over and over, all as Bryce rekindles his begrudging association with assassin Darius Kincaid (Samuel L Jackson, Spiral: From the Book of Saw) and the latter's con artist wife Sonia (Salma Hayek, Bliss). When Darius gets snatched up by nefarious folks during his belated honeymoon with Sonia, only Bryce can help — or so says the angry Mrs Kincaid. She interrupts the latter's vacation with swearing, shouting and shootouts, because that's the kind of feisty Mexican wife that Hayek plays. From there, Reynolds primarily complains, Hayek sticks with stereotypes and Jackson attempts to exude his usual brand of couldn't-care-less cool; however, even more than in Spiral: From the Book of Saw, he's on autopilot. As also seen in Jackson's last big-screen appearance, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard insists on reminding its audience about its stars' better movies. You don't cast both Hayek and Antonio Banderas (who plays a European tycoon plotting the world's demise) if you don't want to bring Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico to mind (and Frida and even Spy Kids 3, too). Thinking about the pair's shared past highlights is far more enjoyable than enduring their current collaboration, unsurprisingly. Making fun of accents is considered the height of comedy here, women can only be hot-headed nags and manchild daddy issues get almost as much love as paperwork. The jokes aren't just scattershot; they're non-existent. The messy, incoherent and over-edited action scenes fare just as badly. None of the above is likely to save us from a third movie, though, which'll probably be called The Hitman's Wife's Baby's Bodyguard's Lost Birth Certificate. BUCKLEY'S CHANCE When a film saddles Bill Nighy with an Aussie twang and has him threaten to throw someone into a billabong, it isn't a great sign. When the same movie makes a big deal about a kangaroo less than three minutes in and stresses the dangers of dingoes just as quickly, it's clear that it has only been made with overseas viewers in mind. The dingoes don't eat anyone's babies, but it must've taken quite the self-restraint on Canadian writer/ director Tim Brown (Treasure Hounds) and screenwriter Willem Wennekers' (From the Vine) parts to leave that plot development out. They definitely haven't held back on the hackneyed and banal inclusions otherwise, though. The pair seems to have seen the Crocodile Dundee movies, The Simpsons' much-mocked Australian episode and the Red Dog films, then decided that they had all the tools they needed to make a outback adventure-thriller in the mould of Wake in Fright, Razorback and every other flick about overseas arrivals confronting the Great Southern Land's vast expanse — but in family-friendly packaging. From that dubious starting point, Brown and Wennekers are only interested in trading in Aussie cliches. In other words, they're only making a Down Under-set flick for audiences anywhere but here. That's why Nighy is stuck struggling with an unconvincing accent and roaming around in the dust: he's a recognisable, big-name star known the world over who'll help entice eyeballs, and he's also an outsider who wouldn't instantly grimace at every overdone stereotype. Here, the title has it — because there really is Buckley's chance that local viewers, even children, will find much to enjoy. Relocating to the titular property with his recently widowed mother Gloria (Victoria Hill, The Secrets We Keep), 13-year-old New Yorker Ridley (feature first-timer Milan Burch) doesn't think he'll discover much to his liking either. He certainly doesn't warm to his grandfather Spencer (Nighy, Minamata), even before he's forced to accompany the no-nonsense station owner on an overnight wander through the surrounding outback. That camping trip does see the boy save and befriend a dingo, at least. And, when he's later lost in the desert after spying a couple of dimwitted locals (Top of the Lake's Ben Wood and Packed to the Rafters' Anthony Gooley) trying to burn down his grandpa's property over a land feud — and then hides in the back of their ute, gets caught and is forced to escape their bumbling clutches — said canine becomes Ridley's trusty offsider. Every turn that Buckley's Chance takes steers it into been-there, done-that territory. Every film this stale retread resembles did it better, too, including last year's crims-and-kids comedy A Sunburnt Christmas. The one shining light, in a movie with few high points and largely monotonous performances: Kelton Pell (The Heights). Playing Spencer's righthand man, he's the only actor who plays anything approximating an engaging character, even in his brief screentime. RHAPSODY OF LOVE Her best friend Ben (Benjamin Hanly, Janet King) is getting married, she's the best man, and she's running late — so much so that she's doing her hair and makeup while chatting on the phone with her sister Jade (Joy Hopwood, also the film's writer and director). She also finishes getting dressed in the car to the ceremony, too, while asking her driver to get her there as speedily as possible. That's how Rhapsody of Love introduces Sydneysider Jess Flowers (Kathy Luu, The Script of Life), in one of those pure rom-com scenes that aims to make all the chaos seem charming and whimsical rather than disorganised and messy. Indulging in romantic comedy tropes is this film's glue, and it pastes those well-worn cliches around everywhere it can. At the wedding, the stereotypically bubbly Jess meets photographer Justin (Damien Sato, At First Hello), and of course sparks fly over awkward then flirty banter. The PR whiz also finds a new friend and client in baker Victoria (Lily Stewart, Ascendant), who has whipped up the cake for Ben and his bride Natasha (Jessica Niven, Dirt Music), and is also instantly attracted to waiter Hugh (Tom Jackson, Bloom). Unbeknownst to Jess, though, Victoria happens to be Justin's long-term girlfriend — resulting in several waves of personal and professional pandemonium. In a tongue-in-cheek scene partway through the film, the Flowers sisters try to pick a rom-com to watch one evening. They're both fans, obviously. Among the DVDs scattered across Jade's floor: the wholly fictional Sleepless in Sydney and Crazy Middle Class Asians. Even from just their monikers, those two faux flicks say plenty about Rhapsody of Love — that's exactly how it pitches itself, after all, and with more enthusiasm than the over-the-top zeal oozing from Luu's performance. Adding an Asian Australian focus to the nation's small and hardly diverse collection of romantic comedies is a welcome and important feat. Leaning on all the genre's hallmarks, especially when sporting a tone that oscillates between winking and earnest, tempers the film's impact, though. Even when a formulaic new entry in an overpopulated genre splashes much-needed diversity across the screen, coats on its eagerness just as thick and is visibly warm to look at, there's no escaping the by-the-numbers air. Rhapsody of Love's wooden performances don't do it any favours, either, and neither does the rote dialogue, or the predictable complications that blight not only Jess and Justin's path to true love, but Ben and Natasha's, Victoria and Hugh's, and Jade and her new trainer Phil's (Khan Chittenden, Book Week) as well. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11, February 18 and February 25; March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25; and April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29; May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27; and June 3, June 10 and June 17. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters, The Little Things, Chaos Walking, Raya and the Last Dragon, Max Richter's Sleep, Judas and the Black Messiah, Girls Can't Surf, French Exit, Saint Maud, Godzilla vs Kong, The Painter and the Thief, Nobody, The Father, Willy's Wonderland, Collective, Voyagers, Gunda, Supernova, The Dissident, The United States vs Billie Holiday, First Cow, Wrath of Man, Locked Down, The Perfect Candidate, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Spiral: From the Book of Saw, Ema, A Quiet Place Part II, Cruella, My Name Is Gulpilil, Lapsis, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Fast and Furious 9 and Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks.
As demonstrated by various creative ventures around the world — like Chicago's recent Saved by the Bell-themed pop-up diner and New York's summer museum dedicated to ice cream — people love niche. The internet loves niche. We all die over niche. The latest art show to pop up in London was also pretty niche — so niche that it couldn't even physically be enjoyed by humans. It's an interactive exhibition for dogs. Running for two days last week in London, Play More was the world's first interactive exhibition purely for canines — and, needless to say, the ultimate puppy porn situation. Designed by British artist and inventor Dominic Wilcox, the show was a collection of contemporary paintings, multimedia pieces and installations with which the dogs could interact. There was a massive dog bowl-shaped ball pit (filled with brown balls that resemble dog bikkies), a digital frisbee game and — our favourite — an open car window simulator that recreates the feeling of riding with the window down while a fan wafts happy dog smells like raw meat and old shoes into their adorable windswept faces. Some of Wilcox's own work was on display, along with other artists' creations. Was this made purely for the internet? Well, yes. The exhibition is actually an activation for UK insurance company More Than, who commissioned Wilcox to create a collection of works that would encourage their owner to spend more time with their pups. Either way, we're sad to have missed this glorious doggo day out. Via Dezeen.
The Grace Darling has been a staple of Smith Street for a long, long time — built in 1854, it's apparently the second oldest pub in the city. Regulars will have clocked plenty of hours knocking back drinks in the footpath beer garden out front, but when it's cold, we'd rather be indoors near one of the two blazing fires. The food is classic pub fare on the fancy side, while the candlelit bar has a dozen local draughts on tap. Add to that an atrium restaurant out back plus two separate bandrooms, and it's clear why the Grace Darling Hotel is still standing after all this time. If you're swinging by for a feed, its menu is divided up into six sections. Snacks include the likes of smoked avo guac with vegetable crisps, fried vegan mozzarella sticks, a charcuterie board with house terrine, salami and pickles, as well as crispy chicken tenders and slow braised lamb ribs. There are two parmas on the menu — chicken and eggplant with vegan cheese. Elsewhere, you'll find burgers, salads and desserts, as well as mains, including everything from pan-fried potato gnocchi to 300-gram scotch fillets with red wine jus. For drinks, it's got 13 beers on tap and a good two dozen in cans, while the wine list is approachable and well-curated with a good selection of oranges thrown in, including the Margaret River Skin Contact Jumping Juice. If you're keen to rock out, there are regular gigs at the Grace Darling, as well as a monthly Soap Box comedy night featuring local talent and a life drawing session on Tuesday evenings from 7pm–9pm. Top image: Julia Sansone
Chocolate. Glorious in all its forms, shapes and sizes. Whether it's the item you reach for to fix foul moods, the pieces you share (or alternatively, have all on your own) when that pesky chocolate craving hits, there's no other replacement. Melbourne seems to agree too — we've got chocolate shops, chocolate-filled menus and even a dedicated hot chocolate cafe. After coffee, cocoa is our favourite bean. You don't have to wait for Easter to fill that chocolate-sized hole in your heart. And for the occasion — or just pure pleasure and indulgence — we've put together a list of the best ten places in Melbourne to get your traditional (and not so traditional) chocolate fix. So go forth, and get these bad treats in your belly.
When head chef and co-owner Harry Dhanjal teamed up with business partner Brij Patel to create Atta in Albert Park in 2015, they set out to reframe Indian dining in Melbourne. Now, ten years later, Atta celebrates achieving their goal of being instrumental to redefining Indian cuisine and opening Melburnian's eyes to the complexities of Indian cuisine. With an elegant and sophisticated interior, featuring polished cement floors and large arched windows, Atta is the kind of Indian restaurant to enjoy fine dining without the posturing of stuffy waiters and an intimidating menu. As they say themselves, they combine fun with fine, while not slacking off on either front. Combining centuries-old recipes from all corners of India, they add subtle yet modern twists that set the place apart from the more traditional Indian restaurants that are common around Australia. There are the essentials, of course, such as tandoori chicken and pappadums, samosas and korma, but the menu is also dotted with less expected ingredients that elevate the experience. There's slow-cooked black lentils with cashew gravy and coriander butter, and a smoked tandoori cottage cheese with asparagus, daikon and wild Australian tomato gels. To celebrate the 10-year milestone, the chefs have created a special à la carte menu that showcases signature dishes from the past decade, which will be availble until December. You'll get to taste Harry's take on butter chicken with a saffron-infused cashew gravy, samosas with sweet yoghurt and tamarind chutney, lamb sous vide for eight hours, and cottage cheese dumplings finished with carrot oil, cream and almonds. The menu will also feature new celebratory dishes, including a sous vide duck with smoked cauliflower puree and tempura zucchini flower, and chicken mince seekh kebabs. With a creative wine list highlighting local Victorian drops and a fitting selection of beers, a stylish interior, and a classic yet modern menu, Atta is a true highlight among the burgeoning Indian dining scene in Melbourne. "We are all slaves to the clock," says Harry, "but at Atta, we want people to enjoy the moment — to remove the boundaries and forget about time." Images: Supplied.
Jeff Koons is anything but coy. We know that. His oeuvre consists of enormous neon balloon animals, nightmarish cartoon characters, and graphic sexual acts; sometimes a single artwork will feature all three. He's a middle-aged multi-millionaire who employs hundreds of assistants to make his works, he was married to an Italian porn star, and was once described by Stephen Colbert as "the world's most expensive birthday clown". With all that in mind, his bare butt being plastered across the pages of Vanity Fair shouldn't be much of a surprise. And yet you can never really prepare yourself to see a nude 59-year-old man splayed across what can only be described as a torture apparatus. Nor should you ever have to. But, part of a larger feature (yet to go online) about an upcoming Koons retrospective at the Whitney Museum in New York, an unforgettable image of Koons naked presumably comes as proof of the artist's determination and commitment to his craft. "Koons, at 59, has already begun a strict exercise-and-diet regimen," reads the article. "[Now] he will have a shot at working undiminished into his 80s, as Picasso did." Though it's an admirable crusade, we can't help but get creepy Patrick Bateman vibes off the whole thing. It's suspiciously easy to imagine this well-established neo-pop artist waking up in his silk sheets each morning and reciting the following mantra. "I live in a townhouse on the Upper East Side with my wife and six children. My name is Jeff Koons. I'm 59 years old. I believe in taking care of myself with a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine, but more than that I believe in giant inflatable rabbits." Aside from Picasso and fictional serial killers, Jeff Koons is compared to many great artists in this latest feature. Courbet, Duchamp, and Brecht all get a mention, and of course the founding father of pop art himself, Andy Warhol. Though Koons is undoubtedly as well-known as many of these artists, he's equally as controversial. Both praised and criticised for his kitsch and mass-produced work, Koons has a troubled history with the art world despite his widespread commercial success. Hopefully this feature and forthcoming exhibition do him some favours in the popularity stakes. Now readers will see he's just like them! He works out naked and loves Pink Panther erotica just as much as the next guy. Via Huffington Post and Gallerist.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay which you can book right now via Concrete Playground Trips. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? An underrated gem of the Pacific, Fiji offers visitors pristine water, flavour-packed local produce and unmatched positive energy from the locals. All of this comes together at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, a five-star stay spread across a sandy peninsular just outside of the city of Nadi. The dreamy waterfront resort boasts lagoon views from every room, multiple top-notch restaurants, endless swim spots and a rejuvenating spa. THE ROOMS There are several ways you can approach a stay at Momi Bay. For an unadulterated dose of luxury, the standout accommodation option is the adults-only over-water bungalows. These truly next-level rooms sit on top of the resort's lagoon, providing direct access to the water from your balcony, as well as all of the premium amenities you could ask for — including an in-room espresso machine so that you can enjoy a morning coffee over the water. Elsewhere in the resort, you'll find 250 spacious rooms ranging from deluxe beachfront duplexes right on the sand to more classic hotel-style suites. No matter what level of luxury you opt for, each room provides views of the glistening blue water and the expected amenities like 24-hour room service, high-speed internet and climate-control air con for those humid Fiji days. FOOD AND DRINK Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay offers not one, not two, but five different drinking and dining areas. Goji Kitchen and Bar is a one-stop shop all-day diner with nightly themed dinners and a swim-up bar connected to one of the resort's pools, and the lagoon bar and lounge is the perfect spot to grab a moreish snack and a cocktail between larger meals. ' The real standout, however, is Fish Bar. Located next to the hotel's adults-only infinity pool, this lavish waterfront restaurant specialises in dishes that spotlight locally sourced Fijian seafood. You can expect catch-of-the-day fish and rock lobster alongside the cream of scallop soup, herb and nut-encrusted lamb rack and refreshing cocktails. Australia's own Matt Moran recently hosted a one-off dinner at Fish Bar, with a limited-time dish from the dinner — the kingfish ceviche — available at the restaurant until the end of August. THE LOCAL AREA Located about an hour's drive from the international airport in Nadi, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is hidden among the lush hilly southwest coastline of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. It's a holidaymaker's dream where you can take in views of the surrounding mountains from the white-sand beach of the resort. Momi Bay is somewhat of a singular stopover for tourists looking to stay at the resort, however, it is located just a couple hours' drive from plenty of the Viti Levu highlights including both the Koroyanitu and Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Parks. THE EXTRAS Momi Bay's biggest drawcard is the variety of swim spots you'll stumble across throughout the accommodation. There are two pools, a family-friendly main pool with a swim-up bar, and an adults-only infinity pool. Life doesn't get much better than nabbing a spot on the edge of the infinity pool as the sun sets over the ocean. And, on top of all of this, there's also the lagoon where you'll find the overwater accommodation, boasting white sand and crystal blue water. Outside of your swim time, you can visit Quan Spa, the resort's luxurious day spa that offers relaxing massages and rejuvenating beauty treatments. Plus, there's a 24-fitness centre accessible to all guests and an outdoor tennis court with equipment hire available if you ever get tired of relaxing (unlikely) and need to stretch your legs. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Vietnam is a traveller's absolute dream. From bustling and sensory-captivating city life to beautiful beaches, rivers and expanses of rice fields. It's a country rich in experiences for every type of traveller – including those on a budget. Knowing that the must-do and "eh, you can skip it" experiences are key to planning any vacay, so to save your precious time, we've collated five must-do experiences to help you make the most of your time in this Southeast Asian gem. It's a special country with a rich culture and warm people — so get out your map and start planning. Or, if you want the plans made for you, check out this amazing eight-day experience that'll give you a taste of some of the best sights of Vietnam as you unlock your love for the country. STARTING FROM THE TOP… THE ANCIENT TEMPLES OF HANOI Let's start with a little geography, shall we? Vietnam is located on the easternmost side of Southeast Asia, which means it has a long and lovely coastline. At the top of this coastline (well, it's a little in from the coastline) sits its capital city, Hanoi. Hanoi is more of a 'river city', sitting in the Red River Delta, and you may recognise its beauty and cityscape from films like The Quiet American. With colonial footprints of China and France, the city's architecture, food and religious sites are influenced by multiple cultures. However, the country's dominant religion is Buddhism, with ancient temples like the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, and Trấn Quốc Pagoda — Hanoi's oldest temple, which is over 1500 years old. Both spiritual attractions represent a rich part of Vietnamese culture. At both temples, you can learn about cultural practices, including the significance of incense and monks. OVERNIGHT CRUISE ON HALONG BAY When it's time to make your way south from Hanoi, there is no better way to travel than cruising along Halong Bay. A drive-thru to the Red River Delta and out to the coastline will take you by the beautiful layered rice paddy fields, where you can see farmers taking part in the ancient farming tradition. Then, hop aboard a Junk Boat, the name anglicised from the Malay adjong, which means ship or vessel. As these boats glide across the water, you can witness Vietnam's exquisite coastline and rock formations, enjoying the mod cons of contemporary holiday luxury alongside the experience of centuries-old aquatic travel. HOI AN, AN ANCIENT TOWN If ancient towns and canals are your thing, look no further than Hoi An. Along the central coast of Vietnam, this beautiful city enjoys the best of coast and canal life. Its architecture is splendid to the eye, with a colourful mix of French colonial style blended with Chinese shophouses and Vietnamese tube houses. Get lost in the history of the place as you explore on foot or by bike, and learn why it's a UNESCO World Heritage-protected site. BẾN THÀNH MARKET IN HO CHI MINH CITY Known as "the soul and symbol of Saigon", Bến Thành Market operates from early morning into the evening. With over 1500 stalls, there are endless selections of artisanal edible goods to take with you, as well as beautiful art and ceramic products. Taste the best of local cuisine at stalls selling traditional Vietnamese meals like pho and banh mi. It's a must to rub shoulders with the locals as they go about their day and to experience an institution that's stood the test of time for over a century. MEKONG DELTA BOAT RIDE In Southern Vietnam, you'll experience part of the Mekong Delta, which is a network of rivers that flow through Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and the Himalayas. Bến Tre boat rides are a wonderful educational adventure. You can travel down the coconut canal and learn about the many creative ways coconuts are used, as well as experience local hand-made mat weaving and more. Immerse yourself in cultural traditions and beautiful scenery and get to truly understand the unique crafts of the Mekong locals. There are so many incredible experiences you can have in Vietnam, and these five are just the beginning. Find out more in this curated eight-day experience that'll show you the best the country has to offer. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
Oxford Street in Collingwood is not exactly buzzing with decent cafes. Look a little closer, however, and you'll find South of Johnston, err, just south of Johnston Street. Here you have a converted factory that's big enough for the masses of Melburnians who have taken fancy to the place. South of Johnston is the first solo project from Stuart McKenzie, one of the owners of Mart 130 in Middle Park. With more room to move, McKenzie has created a space where you want to be. With couches out back, free Wi-Fi and many a uni student in sight, we're going to dub this one a great coffice. For those of you a little pun slow, coffee shop office is what we mean. One of our menu favourites is the French toast, which they serve with organic brioche, caramelised banana, chopped walnuts and jocks gingerbread ice cream, or with grilled bacon and real maple syrup ($14.9). We'll let you in on a little secret: you'll get the whole bottle, yes the whole bottle of maple syrup to yourself, regardless of what way you order it. Not a fan of the aforementioned sugar overdose? You can't go wrong with the corn fritters with coriander, tomato relish, sour cream and grilled bacon ($15.9). Perfect portion size and they really pack some flavour. You will also find your regular Melbourne breakfast items like Bircher muesli with poached seasonal fruit, crunchy granola and vanilla bean infused yoghurt ($9.9) and sourdough with goat's cheese, crushed avocado, parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice ($8.9). Sitting for hours on end is welcomed here, and if you find yourself there for lunch try the herbed and crumbed chicken rolled in flatbread with salad and lemon infused mayonnaise ($19.0), or if you're in the mood for something hearty try the home made potato gnocchi with porcini, field and Swiss brown mushrooms, blue cheese and roquette ($17.9). South of Johnston packs some serious cafe punch in its wholesome brekkie offerings and is an accommodating fixture in the Collingwood traps.
Boozy things are great and all — but it's the low- and no-alcohol sips that are in soaring high demand these days. Melbourne's already home to Australia's first permanent booze-free bar and bottle shop, and it also played host to a zero-alcohol pop-up bar by Dan Murphy's earlier this year. Heck, we've even had local rockstars launching their own signature no-alc bevs. And now, we're getting the country's first-ever, major low- and no-booze drinks festival. Coming at us courtesy of Revel — the same minds behind Pinot Palooza and cheese fest Mould — Picolo is set to make its debut on Saturday, February 11, 2023, transforming Port Melbourne's Timber Yard into a drinks showcase of not-so-boozy proportions. It's out to spotlight all the hottest new drops making a splash on Australia and New Zealand's 'no-low' drinks scene; from craft beer and vino, to spirits-style creations and alcohol-free cocktails. Across two sessions (12pm, 5pm), guests will be able to sip their way through goodies from 30 different producers, with big flavours and innovation the main order of the day. Expect pours from familiar names like Lyres, Heaps Normal, Four Pillars, NON, Sobah, Banks Botanicals, Giesen and Better Beer, with plenty more to be announced. Also on the day's drinks list: a live cocktail competition featuring bartenders from some of Melbourne's best-loved cocktail haunts, including HER, Pearl Diver and more. Competitors will each whip up their own signature cocktail using products showcased on the day, to be judged by beverage experts including 2022 Australian Bartender Nick Tesar (Bar Liberty), Swill Magazine editor Myffy Rigby and drinks writer Mike Bennie. In between sips, you can enjoy artisan bites from the Mould Cheese Collective stand, DJ tunes, a roller-skating rink (courtesy of booze-free bev company T.I.N.A.), food pop-ups, giveaways and games — including Heaps Normal's 'beersketball' challenge. Tickets to Picolo will clock in at $35, which gets you all your tastings and a Revel wine glass to keep. And of course, there's no need to rein it in since there'll be absolutely no hangover awaiting you the next morning. Catch Picolo at The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, on February 11, 2023. Tickets are on sale from 9am on November 17 — find them online.
An escape to New Zealand's Waiheke Island feels miles away from the bustle of central Auckland, though it's only a quick ferry ride from downtown. It's an island of varying landscape, with the turquoise-blue waters of the coast giving way to rolling green hills inland. This gives visitors endless options, too — from bushwalks and beaches to art galleries and, most notably, the plentiful wineries on offer. The whole island is easily explored by bus or bike, and trips from the vines of one winery to the next take only a traipse through the vineyard. You could spend a week here and still not hit all of the artisanal producers dotting the island. Join an art walking tour, try your hand at archery or distil your own bespoke gin, just to name a few things waiting for you on this wine island. Here's how to spend your days on Waiheke — what to taste, what to do and where to stay on the island. [caption id="attachment_663060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julian Apse.[/caption] DRINK Thanks to the microclimate on Waiheke, there are close to 30 wineries and cellar doors dotted around the island. Wine excursions are one of the most popular attractions, and cellar doors can be enjoyed both with a guide or by simply following your own nose on public transport. Perched on a hill and a 30-minute walk from the ferry terminal is Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant. With its stunning panoramic views, the spot has always been a popular location for proposals, weddings or special weekend visits via helicopter. Wine tastings are available from the cellar door seven days a week, where you'll be guided through four of the winery's varietals across 30 minutes. [caption id="attachment_642965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mudbrick.[/caption] Go deeper into the island, all the way to the far side, and you'll reach Man O' War. This picture-perfect winery is an excellent spot to while away an afternoon sampling flagship and single vineyard drops. When you've settled on your varietal of choice, find a spot on the grass and enjoy a casual game of lawn cricket with views across to the Coromandel Peninsula. If you're after something away from the tourist trail wineries of the island, head to Te Motu. Continue past big brother winery Stonyridge, and you'll be presented with a shed that has been transformed into a five-star restaurant where you can sample five aged red wines in the tasting room — drops that are not typically available by the glass. Other cellar doors worth checking out while you're roaming the island include Obsidian, Passage Rock, Tantalus Estate, Goldie Estate, Peacock Sky and Cable Bay. And for something entirely different, head to Rangihoua Estate for a lesson in olive oil tasting. [caption id="attachment_663061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthew Crawford.[/caption] EAT While the Island of Wine is its official moniker, Waiheke has an equal measure of exceptional restaurants. Casita Miro is a glasshouse-like structure located on a rolling, Spanish-influenced vineyard. Here, order one of their Spanish wines alongside the tapas and raciones sharing menu featuring fine Iberian meats and cheeses. You can also top off the meal with a good range of Spanish sherry. The outdoor area keeps the Spanish theme going, featuring an evolving mosaic inspired by Gaudi's infamous Parc Guell. [caption id="attachment_663048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Poderi Crisci.[/caption] Off the beaten track and on to another European country, you'll find award-winning Italian eatery Poderi Crisci. With a setting that welcomes comparisons to the Tuscan countryside, the restaurant-vineyard is owned by Antonio Crisci, the founding father of Auckland's famed metre-long pizzeria Toto's and Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza — a regular contender for the best Italian in Auckland. As well as a rustic a la carte menu, the restaurant is known for its Sunday long lunch. Set aside a good five hours for this one. [caption id="attachment_629210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Oyster Inn.[/caption] Just up from the ferry and with a large sun-soaked balcony, The Oyster Inn has a roadside allure that draws you upstairs even if you're not in the business of having lunch. A table outside is the quintessential dining position to take in views over Oneroa village and make the most of the seafood-led menu. Not feeling seafood? Down the road, Dragonfired serves up wood-fired street food from its small black trailer. Spending most of its time sitting in the car park by Little Oneroa Beach, the food truck keeps a bustling trade through summer and is widely thought of as the best takeaway spot on the island. The pizzas, calzones and pocket breads are best enjoyed right on the beach and with a bottle of island red, of course. Other eateries to add to the list include the ever-popular Island Gelato, Ringawera artisan bakery for fresh baked goods and the Te Mataku Bay Shop for freshly shucked local oysters. [caption id="attachment_663072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christian Nicolson: Barebottomland; photographed by Russell Street.[/caption] DO Adventurers, art lovers and foodies can equally feel at home on Waiheke. For a bit of everything, Wild on Waiheke offers an unusual combination of archery and clay bird shooting mixed with a vineyard and craft brewery — plus, a beanbag dotted-lawn, beer garden and regular live music to boot. On the artsy side of things, the ideal way to see it all is with the Waiheke Island Art Walk. The four-hour walk begins at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery in Oneroa and proceeds through artist collectives, galleries and studios, with the tour including an artisan glassmaker, shoemaker and goldsmith. For lunch, the tour makes a stop at the home and studio of artist Gabriella Lewenz, Church Bay Studio, which boasts stunning views over the bay. Finish off among nature with the walk back along the Atawhai-Whenua Forest and Bird Reserve — just one of several walking tracks on offer throughout the island. After your epic culture walk, unwind back in town at the Waiheke Community Cinema. The 16-seat cinema consists of comfy couches rather than theatre seats and shows a mix of new and cult classic films. For a boozier way to relax, book into one of The Botanical Distillery's events that allows visitors to create their own botanical gin and handcrafted tonic, which will be distilled for you during the experience. [caption id="attachment_647794" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flamingo Pier.[/caption] If you're looking for an extra reason to visit, there are several events throughout the year worthy of a trip over. In February, nab a doubleheader by checking out Sculpture on the Gulf coastal art exhibition and attending the Flamingo Pier annual music festival — which only takes place in London and on Waiheke each year. Over Easter long weekend, there's the Waiheke Jazz Festival; in November you can participate in the Waiheke Walking Festival; and in December, Sculpt Oneroa kicks off its ten-week art display. [caption id="attachment_605870" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Fossil Bay Lodge.[/caption] STAY From boutique hotels to cottages, vineyard stays to glamping tents, there is an overwhelming number of accommodation options to choose from on Waiheke — and a lot of them exist at many of the places you'll be venturing to already. If you're after boutique vibes, The Oyster Inn also holds three hotel rooms along with its breezy restaurant. Plus, they offer complimentary pickup from the Matiatia ferry. For wine lovers, Mudbrick's cottages offer a luxurious stay within their rolling vineyard and cellar door. The charming, two-bedroom cottages include a kitchenette and washer-dryer, plus a private barbecue and even a private spa pool. An easy walk to Oneroa, it's an ideal stay for someone who wants access to both. Getting there may be the best part of all — you can take a helicopter that lands directly on the Mudbrick estate, with three 'heli-partners' to choose from. More rustic types should opt for Fossil Bay Lodge, which offers simple cottages along with a range of glamping tents for $100–$120 per night. You won't quite be roughing it, however — each tent includes a private ensuite with hot shower, queen-sized beds, wooden floors and even a phone battery pack, as well as share facilities like a fully-equipped kitchen, lounge area and free wifi. LET'S DO THIS, HOW DO I GET THERE? Flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand flies direct from all three cities and offers accessible fares. Once you arrive in Auckland, Waiheke Island is only a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown. Fullers ferries provide the most regular option, leaving about every 30 minutes, with a return adult ticket costing $38. Or, if you're looking for something a bit swankier and have the cash to spare, you can hop on an Auckland Seaplane and make the trip by sky instead of water, catching all of that breathtaking coast along the way ($400 return). Head over here to check out all of the options to reach the island. https://youtu.be/9hTMc9qm_1g Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away.
Fret no more about a frigid office or a sweltering apartment building. CrowdComfort, a new Boston-based startup, has come up with a web-based application that lets users input how they feel about the temperature of the area they are located, working out the hopefully happy medium. CrowdComfort bills itself as the first crowd-sourced thermostat. The app is installed on users' smartphones, where they can choose from five options (very hot, hot, just right, cold, freezing) about the temperature level in the particular space they are occupying. The responses are culled together and analysed, and a temperature recommended for each floor. The app's purpose is not solely to make building occupants more comfortable, though. The developers' larger goal is to reduce energy wastefulness through user feedback. Building maintenance can reduce costs and wastefulness while also providing more comfort to those in the building. CrowdComfort follows in the trend of recent cleanweb applications. Cleanweb refers to web applications and technology startups with the goal of improving productivity and efficiency while reducing energy consumption and waste. "Think of it as a gateway drug used to hook people on energy consumption awareness," said project leader Galen Nelson in a pitch meeting at VERGE Boston. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bk7QafAg7HM Story via Fast Company. Image via garrettc via photopin cc.
Working with only the finest quality meats, Berties Butchers is the spot to get your hands on some delicious cuts that'll take your Saturday afternoon barbecue to even greater heights. Standing out among other butchers in the area, Berties works with whole animal carcasses, meaning that you get exactly what you want, its fresh and nothing goes to waste. The team operates on a paddock-to-plate philosophy, personally sourcing each animal directly from a small selection of free-range and organic farmers. The shop's shelves are packed full of complementary products like sauces, dips and cured meats, and out the back you'll find Little Berties BBQ and Cafe, where you can hang out near the smoker and munch down a tasty sandwich or salad. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
Following its local premiere last year, Love Actually? The Musical Parody is set for an encore run — with dates confirmed for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The NSW premiere lands first at Sydney's Darling Quarter Theatre from November 27, before the production heads south to Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre from December 5, then up to Brisbane Showgrounds from December 11. The show, based on the famous hit 2003 Christmas film, will return to Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre from December 5, after its NSW premiere at Sydney's Darling Quarter Theatre from November 27, and a Queensland premiere season playing at Brisbane Showgrounds from December 11. The musical follows "nine quirky couples seeking love across the pond, the cheeky show delivers all the awkward meet-cutes, over-the-top grand gestures, and side splitting moments that fans crave." "This show is like Christmas dinner after a few too many champagnes — loud, ridiculous, and way too much fun. Whether you're obsessed with Love Actually, love to hate it, or just want some musical theatre laughs, Love Actually? The Musical Parody is pure festive chaos: outrageous jokes, over-the-top romance, and songs that'll have you humming into New Year," promoter Ashley Tickell said. "It takes all the bits you secretly giggle at in the movie and dials them up to 100. Grab your mates, a date, or your mum — this is a night out that you'll actually love! It's like wrapping yourself in tinsel and good vibes." Love Actually? The Musical Parody will boast all local casts, with auditions already underway. Tickets are on sale now. Images: Supplied.
If you spent Melbourne's sixth lockdown wondering when it'd end, well, of course you did. If you filled your time dreaming about when you might be able to venture not only around the city, throughout Victoria and across Australia, but also overseas, that's also understandable. So today, Friday, October 22, brings two doses of good news. Not only have stay-at-home conditions now ended (as every Melburnian well and truly knows), but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has just announced the end of quarantine for international travellers who've had both their COVID-19 vaccinations. That change will kick in on Monday, November 1, meaning that double-vaxxed folks entering Victoria from overseas won't need to spend 14 days in hotel quarantine from that point onwards. Plus, the cap on double-jabbed returning Aussies arriving in Victoria will also be scrapped. Anyone heading to the state from another country will need to show their vaccination status upon arrival, of course, with Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration recognising the Pfizer (Comirnaty), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Moderna (Spikevax), COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (Johnson and Johnson), Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) jabs. You'll also need to test negative to COVID-19 within 72 hours of departing, and then take another test within 24 hours of arriving in Victoria. While this'll obviously apply to Aussies who've been overseas during the pandemic and are now coming home, it'll also cover Victorians going on overseas holidays — because, as previously announced, that's permitted by the Federal Government from Monday, November 1 as well. At this early stage, the international border will open for double-jabbed Aussies heading outwards and coming back, plus permanent residents and citizens and their families, but not for international travellers and international students. Your suitcase does look mighty tempting now, we know. And, the list of places that Australians can fly to keeps growing — Qantas has just brought forward some of its planned international flights, in fact. If you do head off, then come back and test positive for COVID-19 once you're back in Victoria, you'll need to isolate at home like as any other case in the community. And, for the unvaxxed, the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine remains in place for international travellers — and there'll be a weekly cap of 250 unvaccinated folks allowed into the state from overseas. For further information about Victoria's international travel quarantine plans, head to the Victorian Government's website.
Breaking down a classic tale best known as an opera, rebuilding it as a lovers-on-the-run drama set across the US–Mexico border and making every moment burst with emotion, Benjamin Millepied's Carmen is a movie that moves. While its director is a feature debutant, his background as a dancer and choreographer — he did both on Black Swan, the latter on Vox Lux as well, then designed the latest Dune films' sandwalk — perhaps means that the former New York City Ballet principal and Paris Opera Ballet Director of Dance was fated to helm rhythmic, fluid and rousing cinema. His loose take on Georges Bizet's singing-driven show and Prosper Mérimée's novella before it, plus Alexander Pushkin's poem The Gypsies that the first is thought to be based on, is evocative and sensual. It's sumptuous and a swirl of feelings, too, as aided in no small part by its penchant for dance. And, it pirouettes with swoon-inducing strength with help from its stunningly cast leads: Scream queen and In the Heights star Melissa Barrera, plus Normal People breakout and Aftersun Oscar-nominee Paul Mescal. When Mescal earned the world's attention in streaming's initial Sally Rooney adaptation, he had viewers dreaming of fleeing somewhere — Ireland or anywhere — with him. Carmen's namesake (Barrera) absconds first, then has PTSD-afflicted Marine Aidan (Mescal) join her attempt to escape to Los Angeles. Carmen runs after her mother Zilah (flamenco dancer Marina Tamayo) greets the cartel with thunderous footwork, but can't stave off their violence. Aidan enters the story once Carmen is smuggled stateside, where he's a reluctant volunteer border guard in Texas alongside the trigger-happy Mike (Benedict Hardie, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson). As the picture's central pair soon hurtle towards California, to Zilah's lifelong friend Masilda's (Rossy de Palma, Parallel Mothers) bar, they try to fly to whatever safety and security they can find. That may be fleeting, however, and might also be in each other's arms. Mérimée's 1845 work told of blistering passion, as did Bizet's 1875 aria-filled version that's become the first Carmen that usually springs to mind. Indeed, ardour and intensity are among this tale's key traits no matter what format it's in — see also: iconic French filmmaker's 1983 effort First Name: Carmen; the Beyoncé-starring, 2001-released Carmen: A Hip Hopera; and everything prior and since. Millepied, who co-wrote the script with Alexander Dinelaris (an Oscar-winner for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)) and Loïc Barrere (President Alphonse), doesn't buck the trend. Heat and energy beat through his iteration as kinetically as Zilah's heartbeat-mimicking opening number, with the same burning that blazes in Barrera's eyes and as swelteringly as the movie's desert setting (Australia, specifically Broken Hill, standing in for the other side of the world when the film was shot in early 2021 while the pandemic was still wreaking havoc with international borders). Millepied isn't afraid to be bold with Carmen, clearly. Neither are his collaborators on- and off-screen. Barrera, Mescal and de Palma anchor the former — which also includes Elsa Pataky (Interceptor), Tara Morice (who came to fame with Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom three decades back) and rapper The DOC (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) — with such force that to witness them swish through the feature is to feel like you're in their shoes. Barrera and Mescal's chemistry simmers, pivotally. Together and apart alike, each convincingly unpacks the woes and worries paving their characters' struggles in their physicality as much as their words. Enlisting Pedro Almodóvar favourite de Palma is a spectacular coup, of course, and one that makes the La Sombra Poderosa nightclub stretches glimmer and glide with extra zest and potency. This Carmen doesn't just move — it transports, all while pulsating with emotions usually belted out with gusto in song. The movie's destination: the yearning that pushes Carmen and Aidan's flights towards different lives, the sorrow and desperation that refuses to remain buried in their hearts, the determination to fight and the lusty whirlwind that is their time together. Milliped knows how to immerse his audience in these sensations via his frames, which are so strikingly lensed by Jörg Widmer — a cinematographer with past credits that couldn't better sum up the look and tone of Carmen. Back in 2011, Widmer held the same role on Wim Wenders' big-screen Pina Bausch ode Pina. In 2019, he aided Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life in appearing as visually lyrical as the Badlands and The Tree of Life director's work gets. Carmen is that enamoured with the expressive nature of dance, and with imagery as its own haunting form of poetry. That Carmen means ode and poem in Latin is even verbally mentioned within the feature's dialogue. To peer at, Carmen is arresting, too, with its backdrop more than a minor reason. The arid expanse that's long made Broken Hill a popular filming destination has previously graced Wake in Fright, Mad Max II, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Mission: Impossible II, yet demands fresh eyes as Barrera and Mescal twirl over it with longing. In one particularly stirring scene, the duo cavort and embrace, their bodies as feverish as the golden hues evident in both the soil and sky. Carmen and Aidan come together in a desolate existence, finding — even making — what rays they can, but their romance is as jagged as the rocky, scrubby stretch around them. That Mescal's steps can't quite match Barrera's also feels all the more apt given the locale; it's visibly imperfect, so is his dancing and, of course, Carmen and Aidan's intertwined thrust for a new destiny earns that exact description. Similarly vivid touches: seeing Carmen's characters unleash such telling body language against such a still background, and the film's rich costumes gleaming against the ochre earth. The camera spies it all, yet never just lingers and passively observes. Rather, the cinematography flows — never more than in that sashaying against the dirt, plus a glowing fairground interlude that plays like a dream, in Masilda's clu,b and also a late boxing sequence that's as throbbing as anything on a makeshift or genuine dance floor. Singing is still a part of this Carmen, spiritedly and affectingly so, but this is a drama with carefully placed songs worked into the narrative rather than a traditional musical. To be more accurate, it's a drama with dance and sometimes lyrics, with the grandly ambitious and layered score by Nicholas Britell (Succession) getting intoxicatingly stormy to match the sea of movement that keeps washing through like waves.
There's something very human about pulling up a chair to watch a sports final with cold drinks and hot food in hand until the last siren. Come grand final season (the best time of year), it's easy to watch the game at home, but squeezing the whole group onto one couch and keeping them happy with chips and party pies isn't what you want. Instead, why not venture out across town? These venues around Melbourne have unmissable offerings for the AFL Grand Final weekend. Head to any of the venues to watch any of the final matches or snag a booking to catch the big game on Saturday, September 28. If you can afford to be picky, pick The Terminus Hotel in Abbotsford. As always, the Terminus team is abandoning the classic grand final specials in favour of something bolder with the return of the annual AFL Grand Final Block Party. Flockhart Street will be closed for the day to play host to big-screen broadcasts, bottomless drinks, roaming canapés and live music before and after the game itself from $109pp. If you're a bit of a footy diehard, former Collingwood player Dane Swan will be visiting Imperial Hotel on Bourke Street for a breakfast meet and greet. Tickets are $95pp and include a breakfast package and guaranteed seats for the game later in the day. If the game is just part of the day for you, Garden State Hotel will offer a beverage package for $135pp that includes the game and live music until 3am (whether you're celebrating a win or recovering from a loss). Across the river, Hopscotch is offering a siren-to-siren beverage and share plates package for $109pp. The offerings continue all across town. The Espy will have the game screening in the Gerswhin Room alongside three hours of drinks and snacks for $110pp. Middle Park Hotel has a similar offer with its VIP package: a drink on entry, roaming canapés and premium reserved seating for $49pp. The Prince Alfred Hotel is making a whole long weekend out of the occasion — with live music and a DJ on Thursday the 26th from 4pm until late and an extended happy hour from 3–7pm on Thursday. Come Saturday, a DJ will follow the big game until late, and there's even live music from 2–5pm on Sunday the 29th. Finally, the Victoria Hotel in Yarraville will have the game playing on screens big and small throughout the beer garden and sports bar, perfect for enjoying the prime seating, welcome snack and complimentary beer included in the $45pp VIP package. The Local in Port Melbourne will be offering live music from 3pm on Friday, then a footy raffle entry and live music after the game on Saturday included in your $30pp ticket. If you find yourself in Melbourne's north on game day, our pick would be Brewdog Pentridge, where you can catch the game live and loud when it takes over the beer garden from 11am. For more information on any of these venues, visit the Australian Venue Co. website and download The Pass app to start exploring and claim exclusive rewards across these venues.
As most visitors to the city will notice, Tokyo is home to many unique and wonderful quirks, from specialised bars to subcultures within subcultures. Tokyo's food scene is no different; however one of the city's most interesting dining experiences actually comes from Australia. Meet OUT, the concept restaurant that was conceived in Australia, inspired by Italy and executed in Japan. Built with the aim to create a carefully curated moment of complete gastronomic and sensory satisfaction, OUT is a truffle and pasta bar that serves one dish of buttery truffle covered pasta, one type of red wine and plays music by one artist, Led Zeppelin. This full-body culinary experience was created by Melbourne restaurateur David Mackintosh, entrepreneur Tom Crago and Tokyo-based gastronomic consultant Sarah Crago. "The idea started as a joke during a boozy dinner party back in Melbourne," says Sarah, who decided to take the gag one step further. Now, just a few years later, she finds herself running the popular Tokyo dining spot. https://www.instagram.com/p/BWuQw82Addy/?taken-by=outrestaurant Why choose Tokyo out of every city in the world? Given the sheer ubiquity of high-quality eating establishments already scattered throughout the city, it seems like a competitive scene. "We could only do something like this in Tokyo," Sarah explains. "Tokyo is all about pursuing true craftsmanship and perfecting technique." Opening in Shibuya in June this year, and seating 13, the restaurant has already welcomed a wide range clientele interested in trying the OUT experience. "We get all different people in," says Sarah, "but we do have regulars." As the seasonal ingredients change, many of them notice the subtle differences. "Some of them even noticed when we changed the shape of our pasta." "I moved to Japan two and a half years ago to start the project and it's been hard," Sarah shares. "Because we're completely independent, we don't have any Japanese companies propping us up, so everything has been a lot more difficult." That hard work has paid off, and lucky patrons can now find the eatery up and running six nights a week until late. If you find yourself in Tokyo, it's a fascinating way to dine. Find OUT at 〒150-0002 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Shibuya, 2 Chome−7−14, Vort Aoyama 103, Japan or visit www.out.restaurant.
Before SXSW made its way Down Under, Australia was already home to an annual event filled with live tunes, plus musicians and industry experts chatting about the business. In 2025, BIGSOUND marks 24 years of serving up that exact combination, and also of making Brisbane the centre of the Aussie music scene for a spring week in the process. How is it celebrating nearing its quarter-century milestone? With quite the hefty lineup. Briggs, Tash Sultana and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree are just some of the talents on the program — and that's just at BIGSOUND's conference. There are two key strands to this Sunshine State event: getting an array of people talking about all things music, and enlisting as many Brissie sites as possible in turning the River City into a multi-venue festival heaving with gigs. The first part is where well-known names usually come in. The second is where discovering your next favourite act is on the agenda. In 2025, you can enjoy both across Tuesday, September 2–Friday, September 5. Yorta Yorta rapper and Bad Apples Music founder Briggs will be in conversation with Gomeroi musician Kobie Dee, digging into their journeys, while Sultana is on the bill fresh from releasing her Return to the Roots EP. As for keynote speaker Rowntree, he heads to Brisbane just as he releases his new photography book No One You Know, which is filled with behind-the-scenes snaps taken by the man himself. Also among the folks on the conference lineup: Mallrat, Elly-May Barnes and Josh Pyke, adding to the musos picking up the microphone in a different way; Darcus Beese, aka the first Black President of a UK major label and the executive who signed Amy Winehouse at Island Records UK; Music Supervisor Anne Booty, who has worked on Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness; plus SXSW Music Festival Director Dev Sherlock, Reeperbahn Festival's Senior Partnerships Manager Robin Werner and The Great Escape's Head of Music Adam Ryan. So far, the list of musicians among the 120-plus acts that will play 18 Brisbane stages includes WAFIA, KAIIT, Inkabee, Azure Ryder, The Southern River Band, Hatchie and plenty more — all following in the footsteps of Sultana, Flume, Courtney Barnett, Baker Boy, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard and others at past BIGSOUND festivals. "BIGSOUND is about taking stock of where we are and imagining where we want to go next. At a time of rapid transformation in the music sector — across tech, touring, sustainability, and artist income — we want to amplify the value of meaningful connection. Between creators and audiences, between industry peers, and artists and the people who can take their careers to the next level. Whether it's onstage or over coffee, BIGSOUND is where new ideas and partnerships begin," said QMusic and BIGSOUND CEO Kris Stewart about 2025's lineup so far. "Curating this year's program has been such a joy — the artists we've selected reflect the incredible depth of talent in Australia, and each one is doing truly exciting things with their music. We're so proud of this group and can't wait to see them bring the Fortitude Valley to life in September," added BIGSOUND Co-Programmers Casey O'Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne. [caption id="attachment_907796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_851424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_907800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simone Gorman-Clark[/caption] BIGSOUND 2025 takes place between Tuesday, September 2–Friday, September 5 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website.
You can encounter the weird and wonderful within the crisp white walls of one of Melbourne's major galleries, but the Melbourne Fringe Festival's open program is where the city's art scene truly gets down and dirty. Just announced, this year's massive lineup is brimming with fearless, independent shows, from one-on-one encounters to large-scale outdoor spectacles that take pleasure in the experimental and unusual. Running from Tuesday, September 30–Sunday, October 19, the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025 offers more than 500 events. Presented in theatres, laneways, living rooms, beaches and carparks, nowhere is too strange to stumble upon a stage. Stacked with local and international talent, expect three weeks of singing, dancing, comedy and circus — often at the same time — performed in fascinating ways. [caption id="attachment_1019290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: Carlin and Camera[/caption] As always, theatre is a rousing highlight, with two shows exploring Australian identity at this year's festival. Award-winning comic and broadcaster Sammy J presents Fiasco: A Burke & Wills Musical, a satirical reimagining of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition as a raucous live concert. Meanwhile, The Lucky Country sees director Sonya Suares explore what it means to belong through an original score paying tribute to Aussie musical greats, from Jimmy Barnes to Baker Boy. Of course, live music is also a major focus. Making the journey from NYC, the iconic basement piano bar, Marie's Crisis, is popping up for three nights only at Trades Hall, with Broadway pianists Adam Tilford and Kenney Green-Tilford leading showtune sing-alongs. Lung Swara is another must-see, featuring renowned Indonesian artist Cahwati Sugiarto and local experimental musicians Aviva Endean and Matthias Schack-Arnott, as they blend Javanese song and dance with visceral sonic textures. [caption id="attachment_1019293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: NickMickPics[/caption] There are also genre-defying works that refuse expectations. Comedian Tom Ballard returns to Melbourne Fringe Festival with Jks: A comedy? — taking audiences behind the scenes on the bizarre night a comedy legend died. Plus, celebrated Hawaiian-Australian performer Lilikoi Kaos presents Too Much, a one-woman cabaret show blending circus, comedy and storytelling that details her life growing up in the circus, her Pasifika heritage and the contradiction of being too much, but not enough. "Melbourne Fringe Festival is the city's creative playground, a place where anyone can share their art, from first-time makers to some of Australia's most celebrated artists," says Melbourne Fringe Creative Director and CEO Simon Abrahams. "It's democracy in action: no invitation needed, no permission required. This is Melbourne's independent arts scene in all its bold, brilliant, messy glory." [caption id="attachment_1019292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: Duncographic[/caption] Melbourne Fringe Festival is happening from Tuesday, September 30–Sunday, October 19, across multiple venues and locations. Head to the website for more information. Top image: Max Roux.
A great bar isn't just about the tap count, but that figure can be a sign of a more-the-merrier situation for beer lovers. When the number is hefty, usually so are your drinks choices, including trying tipples that you mightn't have had a chance to otherwise. So when a 120-tap bar awaits, it really is a case of imagining the possibilities. The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular, aka GABS, loves getting creative with beers — and loves letting attendees at its annual festivals sip and sample over 100 different varieties each year. In 2025, when the fest returns to Melbourne in April, it'll set up that 120-tap bar, all in a straight line. Exactly 100 of those taps will pour beers, and the weirder and wilder the flavours, the better. The other 20 will feature spirits, cocktails and other beverages. For many of the brews on offer at GABS, this is either the first time or the only place that you can taste them. Think: sushi beer, cookie stouts and lollipop sours, which have featured in the past. Think of a foodstuff — peanut butter, coffee, earl grey tea, chicken salt, pizza, fairy floss, bubblegum, doughnuts, red frogs and sour gummy bears, for instance — and there's likely been a brew made to taste exactly the same at GABS. This year, GABS is hosting two-day fests, including at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday, April 4–Saturday, April 5. If you're a newcomer to GABS, it started off as a Melbourne-only celebration of ales, lagers, ciders and more. Then it began spreading along Australia's east coast capitals, as well as to New Zealand. The event surveys both Australian and New Zealand breweries, plus sometimes some guests from further afield — Schlenkerla and Weihenstephan, both from Germany, are the first names on the list in 2025 — with more than 60 normally showcasing their wares annually. Also on the bill: other tipples, including non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, whiskey, gin, cocktails and wines. GABS is known for dishing up a hefty lineup of activities to accompanying all that sipping, too, which usually spans a silent disco, roaming bands, circus and sideshow performers, games and panels with industry leaders, plus local food trucks and vendors to line your stomach. And you might just find a ferris wheel or a mullet bar — yes, dispensing the haircuts — as well, as they've popped up in the past.
It was already flying the flag for India, China, and Peru, now, the cobbled stretch of Duckboard Place and ACDC Lane has added a Danish offering to its multicultural collection of eateries. Melbourne's A Hereford Beefstouw is Australia's second iteration of the Danish steakhouse, and marks a second joint venture between local dry aged beef producer Tim Burvill and Danish restaurateur Lars Damgaard. The pair launched Adelaide's A Hereford Beefstouw back in 2011, while the Damgaard family owns 14 of the restaurants, sprinkled throughout Scandinavia. The new laneway restaurant oozes Nordic sophistication, with the smart, Danish designed fitout proof of some serious attention to detail. A Danish contingent of chippies was flown over to help with the build, while elements like cutlery, plates and furniture were designed and crafted exclusively for this dining room. It's all there to best showcase the seasonal food offering, which sees head chef Daniel Groom celebrating top-quality beef from the group's own South Australian farm, and nods to Burvill's reputation as a dry aged beef specialist. Simply handled steaks are the stars of the show, while the rest of the menu offers a modern reworking of some classic Danish flavours. "Our own dry aged beef will be the hero, raised on grass in the 'Green Triangle' of South West Victoria and South East South Australia, including Herefords from our family farm near Lucindale in South Australia's Coonawarra region," says Burvill. "Choice cuts are dry aged for between 40 to 100 days in our state of the art facility in the Adelaide Hills, then cooked simply and with restraint by our chefs." Find A Hereford Beefstouw at 22 Duckboard Place, off Flinders Lane, adjoining ACDC Lane, Melbourne CBD. Open Monday-Thursday 11.30am-2pm and 5.30 pm-11.30pm, Friday 11.30am - 11.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 5.30pm - 11.30pm.
Whether it's launching yourself off a snow-covered mountain when the stars are out, diving headfirst into a gorge on a bungee jump, exploring the depths of a cave network, or taking in the sights from a balloon in the sky, Aotearoa New Zealand is packed with experiences guaranteed to get your heart racing and adrenaline flowing. You can experience the country's most breathtaking settings on foot, by air, or in a balloon, to name just a few. We've teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to help you seek out some of the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping activities — plus the best time to experience them — so that your next adventure in New Zealand is one for the memory books. Flick the switch for seasonal adventures waiting for you in autumn, winter and spring. Jump to switcher
In the US, The Bear releases each summer. When winter comes Down Under, however, so does another chance to feast on one of TV's best current series. The above was true in 2022, when the Jeremy Allen White (The Iron Claw)-, Ayo Edebiri (Inside Out 2)- and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Hold Your Breath)-led show premiered. It remained the case in 2023 and 2024 as well. 2025 is continuing the trend, with The Bear locked in for a June release. The date in America: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, which makes it Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Australia and New Zealand. As in past years, The Bear will be available for binge-viewing ASAP, dropping its entire season — ten episodes this time — in one hefty helping to continue streaming's tastiest southern-hemisphere winter tradition. Season four of the series has been in locked in since before season three even aired, and will continue to chart what happens when a sandwich diner levels up in a big way, becoming a fine-diner that's angling for a spot among Chicago's very best restaurants. So far in the show's narrative, White's Carmy, Edebiri's Sydney, Moss-Bachrach's Richie and their friends and colleagues initially focused on getting their beef-slinging eatery (where season one's action took place) running smoothly, then switched their attention to transforming the site into an upscale fine-diner (with that process fuelling season two) and ensuring that, too, worked as it should (as seen in season three). If you need more details about The Bear to date, its debut season jumped into the mayhem when Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, The Accountant 2) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Then, in season two and three, Carmy worked to turn the space into an upmarket addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty team — including a roster of talent also spans Abby Elliott (Cheaper by the Dozen) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar, plus Lionel Boyce (Shell), Liza Colón-Zayas (Cat Person), Edwin Lee Gibson (Unprisoned) and IRL chef Matty Matheson among the other staff. Season four will throw new challenges at The Bear crew, continuing to raise that perennial question along the way: what should you cling to when you're chasing greatness, and in life in general? Also popping up in the series so far: everyone from Jamie Lee Curtis (The Last Showgirl), Molly Gordon (Theatre Camp), Will Poulter (Warfare), Olivia Colman (Paddington in Peru) and Bob Odenkirk (Lucky Hank) to John Mulaney (Poker Face), Joel McHale (Yellowjackets), John Cena (Jackpot!), Josh Hartnett (Trap) and Noma's René Redzepi. There's no trailer yet for The Bear season four, but check out the trailers for seasons one, two and three below: The Bear season four will stream via Disney+ in Australia from Thursday, June 26, 2025. Read our reviews of seasons one, two and three. Via Variety. Images: FX / Disney+.
Buckets of sunshine, adrenaline-inducing thrills in the heart of the city, plus dreamy white-sand islands and lush rainforests on its doorstep... Brisbane and its surrounds are a wonderland for outdoor adventurers. There's the iconic Brisbane River where you can captain your own eco-friendly boat or abseil down 230 million-year-old rock formations at sunset. Or, further afield you can find the epic sand islands of Bribie, Moreton and North Stradbroke/Minjerribah, hugged by crystal clear waters, covered in national park and packed with wildlife — from green sea turtles and dolphins to wallabies and koalas. Then there's the Lamington National Park that provides nature lovers and enthusiastic hikers with magnificent waterfalls or the chance to kick back in a spa overlooking ancient rainforest. Read on for seven unmissable outdoor adventures in and around Brisbane for your next adventure. [caption id="attachment_856015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] River to Bay Tour at Moreton Island. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] TAKE A RIVER TO BAY TOUR Just east of Brisbane you can find islands galore to explore. The easiest way to experience them? Book in a day trip with River to Bay. For snorkelling among tropical fish and green sea turtles at the picturesque Tangalooma Wrecks, spotting koalas among tall trees and wandering around the haunted ruins of Queensland's first penal colony, take the Moreton Island Bay Tour. Alternatively, go for incredible swimming beaches, spectacular scenery and boutique cafes in a historical village on the Stradbroke Island Tour. Another tempting option is the Champagne and Oyster Tour, which involves sipping bubbly and sampling oysters fresh from the ocean while watching the sun set. GO ABSEILING WITH RIVERLIFE For an adrenalin rush, go abseiling with Riverlife. On the Day Abseil, you'll complete a 90-minute ascent and descent of the 20-metre high Brisbane Kangaroo Point Cliffs. They're heritage-listed formations of 230 million-year-old volcanic rock which flank the Brisbane River, just a stone's throw from the CBD. Once you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Brisbane City and its surrounding waterways. For an even more magical experience, book a Twilight Abseil Tour. And if you're a nervous abseiler, don't worry. Riverlife is all about helping you overcoming your fears. [caption id="attachment_807856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Go Boat Brisbane. Image by Lean Timms.[/caption] JUMP ON A GO BOAT One of the newest additions to the adventure scene is Go Boat. Founded in Copenhagen in 2014, it was launched in Brisbane to make the most of the city's glorious weather and winding river. For up to three dreamy hours, you'll captain a blissfully silent electric boat made of recycled PET bottles transformed into fibreglass. Pack a cheeseboard, a bottle of bubbly and up to seven mates, and see Brisbane from a whole new perspective on the water. Pets are welcome. By the way, there's no need for a boating licence, as the Go Boat crew will show you what to do before waving you off on your adventure. [caption id="attachment_856018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hot Air Ballooning Brisbane. Image by Sam Lindsay/Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] GO HOT AIR BALLOONING WITH FLOATING IMAGES Once you've seen Brisbane from the water, the next logical step is to see it from the sky. You can do just that with Floating Images. Their sunrise flight takes you up where the air is clear for 60 glorious minutes. Prepare for incredible views of the Brisbane city skyline, backdropped by the Great Diving Range, the Scenic Rim and the countryside of Somerset. Afterwards, you'll be treated to a breakfast fit for royalty at a local restaurant. Chief pilot Graeme has flown air balloons for three decades on three continents, so you can relax knowing you're in safe hands. TAKE AN ADVENTURE TOUR WITH G'DAY Another spot on the must-see list for visitors to Brisbane is Bribie Island, the fourth largest sand island in the world. It, in itself, is an outdoor adventurer's kingdom packed with national parks, wild surf beaches, idyllic coves for swimming and the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park home to dolphins, turtles and dugongs. To get amongst it, take a tour with G'Day Adventure Tours. Their frolics range from the three-hour 4WD beach and bunker tour to the two-day, one-night Camping Adventure, which sees you kayaking through Norfolk lagoon, swimming in Mermaid lagoon, toasting marshmallows around a campfire and meeting wallabies. [caption id="attachment_856009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] RETREAT INTO THE RAINFOREST AT O'REILLY'S Another of Brisbane's drawcards is its proximity to lush ancient rainforests. One way to immerse yourself is a visit to O'Reilly's, an eco-retreat overlooking the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Visitors have been escaping here for nearly 100 years. There's a bunch of activities to try, including an adventure trek to the Thunder and Lightning Falls, indulgent treatments in the Lost World Day Spa, a glow worm experience and e-bike tours. To fit them all in you'll want to stay overnight, either at the campground with your own tent or go a little more luxe with a variety of studios and villas. [caption id="attachment_856007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] North Gorge Walk at North Stradbroke Island. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] VISIT NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND / MINJERRIBAH If beaches are your thing, then you'll want to put North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah on your itinerary. It's the world's second largest sand island, which means there are beaches for surfers, swimmers and sun-soakers of all kinds. For stunning views (especially at sunset) hit Flinders Beach (Point Lookout). For a long seaside walk try a stretch of sand across the 33km-long Main Beach. For amazing surfing (not for beginners) get some epic swell off Frenchmans Beach or Cylinder Beach. For solitude make your way to Toompany Beach and for laidback swimming in gentle crystal-clear waters visit Amity Beach. And, since you can't pack all that paradise into one day, you should definitely stay for a night (or three). Ready to plan a trip to Brisbane and its surrounds? Learn more at the Visit Brisbane website.
Whether you are on the search for a new dinner spot in the city or crave the bold, spicy flavours of authentic northern Thai cooking, Isan Soul offers a culinary and culture experience that temporarily transports you to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Named after the country's northeastern region of Isan, this buzzing venue welcomes patrons with a visual feast of knick-knacks hanging from the ceiling, walls and nestled into shelves. Woven baskets, timber, vintage posters, gumball machines and colourful tuk-tuks have all been imported from Thailand to replicate the country's buzzing street food stalls. "We went to old markets, museums and street vendors around Thailand to find and import everything you see here," said Isan Soul Manager Nas Prasertklinsakul. "Even the timber you see on the walls we recycled from an old school in Thailand." The Thai objects don't stop at the decor either — order the kai yang (grilled chicken) and it'll arrive on bamboo skewers that have also been shipped over. Also on menu, crafted entirely by Head Chef Ben Kunchairattana, are som tum (papaya salad), red duck curry, wok-fried soft shell crab served in a creamy curry sauce and a range of crispy pork dishes made with tamarind, sugar and fish sauces. Although the feel of the restaurant is distinctively Thai, the dishes draw their inspiration from across Southeast Asia. "Many Isan provinces share borders with Laos and Cambodia, making our food different to the sweet Thai cuisine you'd know from areas like Bangkok," explains Prasertklinsakul. "Our dishes are often spicy, sour and served with sticky rice — which the region is known for." These intense flavours are best paired with the restaurant's house-made Thai milk tea or butterfly pea tea, which is made from ternatea flowers and changes colour when you add a squeeze of lime. Isan Soul looks complete — and full — but there is further expansion in the pipeline. Prasertklinsakul and the team plan to open the venue's third level upstairs, too, offering a variation of Thai-style hot-pot, and to start using their fully operational tuk-tuk downstairs as a bar for quick takeaway options at lunchtime. Images: Julia Sansone.
They've been making ace threads for almost two decades, and now they're making a spot in Sydney their own. Jumping from the shelves of other stores to their bricks-and-mortar outlet, denim label Ksubi has set up shop in Paddington. While they've dabbled in their own retail outlets in the past, the new digs mark the brand's only current stand-alone store in the world. Opening its doors at 130 Oxford Street as part of the designer boutique-filled The Intersection shopping precinct, the new Ksubi store turns 250 square metres into a minimalist, monochromatic space for their full clothing collection, plus YSL frames and Henson jewellery. On the shelves, think distressed denim jeans, jackets, cut-off shorts and skirts aplenty, obviously. Interior design-wise, think industrial-esque touches that evoke Ksubi's unfussy style. Indeed, inside eager shoppers will find white neon lighting, flat black fixtures, raw concrete floors, and an array of very memorable magenta change rooms complete with defaced doors. Plus, Ksubi's new digs also feature a number of permanent installations by commissioned artists. Find Ksubi at 130 Oxford Street, Paddington, or head to their website for further information.
What happens when one of Australia's best-loved chocolate brands teams up with one of the country's premier fine diners? Well, you can find out for yourself — if you manage to snap up one of the limited-edition chocolate degustation boxes from Ben Shewry's legendary restaurant Attica and the choc connoisseurs at Koko Black, that is. Yep, it's the boundary-pushing food collaboration your sweet tooth has been waiting for — a box of ten innovative new chocolate creations inspired by Attica's most iconic dishes. You're in for handcrafted bites like the umami-rich Benmite and Crackers, the Plight of the Bees with its spotted gum honey cream and dark chocolate coating, and a reimagining of Attica's Secret Baked Cheesecake. Each degustation comes housed in a bespoke box with chocolates for two people, plus a Dinosaur Designs serving plate, and a custom Marlux pepper mill filled with a black pepper and ant mix designed to garnish one of the chocolates. A super limited number of the degustation boxes are available now to pre-order online, coming in at $449. They'll be handmade to order, and delivered between November and December. [caption id="attachment_868857" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Plight of the Bees'[/caption]
With its snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and long, starry nights, Tasmania experiences winter more intensely than any other state in Australia. If you've been dreaming of a spot where you can settle in front of a crackling fireplace and sip a whisky after a day of exploring some rugged Aussie landscapes, a trip to Tassie will do just the trick. There are stacks of toasty places to stay — from luxe pavilions with mind-blowing views to 19th-century country manors to cosy, off-grid studios. So we've scoped out seven of the most divine spots to book this winter. At each of these extraordinary abodes, you'll find yourself snuggled up and relaxing in total comfort. Spend your entire time inside — basking in luxury – or get out and about exploring, safe in the knowledge that a super-warm hideaway awaits your return. [caption id="attachment_718979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Gibson.[/caption] PUMPHOUSE POINT, LAKE ST CLAIR Even if you've never been to Tasmania, you've probably seen Pumphouse Point. Set on the deepest lake in Australia and encircled by heritage-listed Tasmanian wilderness, this retreat is an Instagram star. And the most famous building is The Pumphouse itself, a converted hydroelectric station that lies at the end of a 250-metre-long jetty. Inside, you'll feel like you're floating on the water. Back on land, there's the art deco-inspired Shorehouse and The Retreat, a timber-rich studio with floor-to-ceiling glass aplenty, so you can still get those stellar views of snowy Lake St Clair while staying toasty by the fire. Plus, to make your stay extra luxe, you can settle into the outdoor tub for a soak beneath the stars. [caption id="attachment_718981" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Saffire Freycinet.[/caption] SAFFIRE FREYCINET, COLES BAY The decadent Saffire Freycinet afford views over some of Tasmania's most renowned landmarks, including the Hazards mountain range, Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay. If you're keen to splurge, book a private pavilion. It comes with a courtyard featuring a plunge pool that's set at 30 degrees all winter long (though you can adjust the temperature to whatever warmth you prefer). Plus there's the option to have a chef come to cook you dinner. What's more, you can take things to the next level this winter with a 'Double the Luxury' experience. A seaplane or helicopter will greet you in Hobart and fly you over Wineglass Bay to your accommodation. You can then return the same way, or you can casually travel back in a premium sports car instead. [caption id="attachment_718987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Piermont.[/caption] PIERMONT, SWANSEA This eco-friendly, luxurious stay is quite the rustic experience set among the trees. Surrounding the 180-year-old homestead, there are 15 sustainable cottages to stay in, each designed and built to blend seamlessly with nature. Set on the pristine shores of Great Oyster Bay, the tranquil abode is dotted with she-oaks, gum trees and dune grasses, which is arguably even more beautiful when blanketed in snow. Expect expansive spa bathrooms overlooking the surrounding winter wonderland, outdoor decks and log fires. There's also an onsite restaurant, where you can feast on some of the freshest seasonal organic produce. What should you expect in the cooler months? Think local cheeses, sesame-roasted quail with a fermented shiraz and chilli dressing and Wild Clover lamb served with a salsa of Piermont olives, fresh herbs, blue gum-smoked oysters and seasonal greens. [caption id="attachment_718978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prospect House Private Hotel.[/caption] PROSPECT HOUSE PRIVATE HOTEL, RICHMOND Built in the 1830s as a two-storey Georgian mansion, this grand hotel, surrounded by landscaped gardens and rolling hills, will transport you straight to the 19th century. Take your pick of one of ten high-ceilinged rooms overlooking the courtyard, or opt for the epic grand suite. Whichever you choose, you'll be greeted with a drink on arrival, treated to afternoon tea and, in the mornings, cooked a farmhouse breakfast. The stately Prospect House lies a 30-minute drive northeast of Hobart, on the edge of the picturesque Coal River Valley wine region, so you can knock on some neighbouring cellar doors on your way. After a day of sampling local vinos, come back and get cosy by the large open fireplace (perfect for marshmallow toasting). [caption id="attachment_718977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Walter Pavilion.[/caption] MONA PAVILIONS, HOBART Don't just see MONA. Stay there, at one of the dazzling MONA Pavilions. The eight beauties are each dedicated to an Australian artist or architect and contain artworks from the MONA collection. The stays range from Sidney, a cosy studio devoted to Sidney Nolan, to Roy, an expansive three-bedroom penthouse inspired by Roy Grounds with a stunning outdoor spa. All offer breathtaking views of the River Derwent, plus there's a heated infinity lap pool, sauna, gym and winery. What's more, MONA and its more than 1900 artworks are right next door and, if you're staying from June 6–23, you'll be in the thick of Australia's biggest winter festival — Dark Mofo. [caption id="attachment_718976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Magnolia Garden Pavilion. Courtesy of Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.[/caption] HATHERLEY BIRRELL COLLECTION, LAUNCESTON Take two multi-award winning designers, a bunch of contemporary artworks and a heritage-listed Italianate mansion, and you get the Hatherley Birrell Collection. Found in Launceston, this property has been transformed into four unique stays each as luxurious as the next. Sleepover in The Ballroom, a lavish suite with a translucent glass bathroom, marble fireplace and balcony overlooking Ben Lomond Mountain. Or, laze away at the Magnolia Garden Pavilion, where you can soak in the outdoor bath in the company of a 150-year-old magnolia tree. [caption id="attachment_718984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rocky Hills Retreat.[/caption] ROCKY HILLS RETREAT, SWANSEA Surrender yourself to nature at Rocky Hills Retreat, a spectacular, glass-walled studio designed by Australian architect Craig Rosevear. 90 minutes northeast of Hobart and set atop 250 acres of bushland, this escape affords incredible views over Great Oyster Bay and Maria Island on Tasmania's east coast. In Tasmania's cooler months, the vistas are a snowy wonderland. As soon as you get there, start filling the Huon pine bath on the outdoor deck. That way, it'll be ready by sunset for you to soak in the (very) crisp Tassie air among some spectacular rugged surrounds. Pro tip: tee up a glass or two of sparkling wine to go with your soak. Feel like getting creative? Head to the well-stocked private art studio, where you can draw, paint, sculpt and knit — all perfect indoor activities on a cold winter's day. Top image: The Retreat at Pumphouse Point by Jarrad Seng.
