Category: LIFESTYLE

Last minute Easter travel ideas

Cairns beach Australia

With the Easter break upon us, many are scrambling for that perfect last-minute getaway. Thankfully, Skyscanner has curated a list of idyllic destinations across Australia that promise a memorable escape without the need for extensive planning or travel. Whether you’re seeking a serene countryside retreat, a beachside paradise, or a gourmet haven, Skyscanner has you covered with affordable flights and unique accommodation options. For those in New South Wales, the charming town of Orange beckons. A mere 3-hour drive from Sydney, Orange offers an oasis of tranquility with its vast vineyards, local delicacies, and stunning landscapes. Stay at the Duntryleague Guesthouse for a touch of elegance or venture to the breathtaking Printhie Wines for a tasting. Skyscanner flights from Brisbane are as low as $393 for the Easter weekend, making it an attractive option for interstate travellers. Queensland residents can discover the natural beauty of Moreton Island, easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Brisbane. This island paradise offers everything from sandy beaches and wildlife encounters to thrill-seeking activities like sandboarding and snorkeling around the Tangalooma Wrecks. Experience a unique stay with a glamping experience at Castaways Moreton Island, with flights from Melbourne priced as low as $158. For those in Victoria, the Milawa and King Valley regions await. Just a 3-hour drive from Melbourne, these destinations are a food and wine lover’s dream. Cycle between local producers, enjoy fine dining, and immerse yourself in Italian heritage. The Lancemore Milawa offers gorgeous boutique accommodations, and Brisbane residents can find Skyscanner flights for just $151…. Read More

TarraWarra Museum of Art explores the best in contemporary art

art gallery museum PeterAtkins SUPERsystems

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is on the verge of captivating art enthusiasts with three concurrent exhibitions that shine a light on the intricate dance between contemporary art and modernist principles. Set to open from 23 March to 14 July 2024, these exhibitions feature the innovative works of Melbourne-based artists Peter Atkins and Dana Harris, alongside a groundbreaking survey of Clement Meadmore’s industrial designs. Titled SUPERsystems, Atkins and Harris’s exhibition is a testament to the vibrant dialogue between new artistic visions and the foundational elements of modernism. Atkins’s readymade abstraction brings everyday imagery into the realm of high art, redefining American designer Maurice Binder’s iconic title sequence for the film Dr. No into 92 distinct abstract paintings. Harris, on the other hand, offers fancywork, a series of hand-embroidered panels that capture the desolation and beauty of Melbourne’s CBD during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Her work meticulously explores the city’s altered rhythms through intricate patterns, supported by Creative Australia. Parallelly, The Industrial Design of Clement Meadmore: The Harris/Atkins Collection grants a comprehensive look at Meadmore’s trailblazing modernist designs, curated meticulously over two and a half decades by Atkins and Harris. This exhibition encapsulates Meadmore’s innovative manipulation of basic materials into functional, yet beautifully minimal designs. Complementing these exhibitions, Systems and Structures draws from TarraWarra’s own collection to spotlight Australian artists who embody the principles of pattern, geometry, and repetition. This show underscores the common threads that link contemporary artistic practices back to the legacies of modernism. Curator Anthony Fitzpatrick regards these exhibitions as a unique opportunity to… Read More

Top restaurants open in Sydney this Easter weekend

Cirrus lobster seafood

Easter weekend in Sydney is not just a time for egg hunts and chocolate bunnies; it’s also an opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From waterfront dining with breathtaking views of the Harbour to cosy laneway eateries serving up inventive fusion cuisine, Sydney offers a plethora of dining experiences to make your Easter weekend unforgettable. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly caught seafood, authentic Italian pasta, or a modern Australian feast, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the best places to eat in Sydney this Easter weekend. Hop into Easter at The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour with a range of long lunches and exclusive Easter menus.  The Rocks Promising some of Sydney’s best Easter eats, indulge in a themed afternoon tea, signature hot cross buns and artisanal goods. More details here. Darling Harbour Elevated Easter feasts, family fun and long lunches! Darling Harbour truly is Sydney’s hub for Easter festivities, no matter what you’re looking for. More details here. Barangaroo Embrace the true essence of the Easter long weekend by indulging in long lunches, feasts and sweet treats by the water in Barangaroo. More details here.

East London Shakespeare Festival announces Much Ado

SIX Musical women theatre singing

The East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF), under the imaginative steersmanship of Ursula Early and Rosie Ward, co-artistic directors and the creative force behind the company, is poised to bring a fresh breeze of dramatic art to the parks and open spaces of East London this summer. Their adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing not only promises to be a visual delight set against a modern, summery Messina backdrop but also aims to strike a chord with audiences through its contemporary approach to Shakespeare’s work. The choice of the play speaks volumes about ELSF’s commitment to delivering performances that resonate with love, laughter, and the complexities of human relationships, drawing a direct line to the comedic heart of Shakespeare’s timeless narratives. This summer’s production is not just a retelling but a reimagining, infused with modern romantic comedy elements, promising an engaging blend of Shakespeare’s classic wit with the allure of contemporary romance narratives. The decision to integrate the character of Margaret as Messina’s resident lounge singer, thereby incorporating the Balthasar role, is a testament to ELSF’s innovative approach to adapting Shakespeare for modern audiences. This inventive twist not only adds a unique flavour to the production but also sets the stage for a truly immersive experience, underscored by music and the Mediterranean ambiance. Furthermore, ELSF’s ambition to make Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience, particularly to the residents of East London, reflects in their extensive community engagement program designed to run alongside the tour. By offering a plethora of activities and engaging directly with… Read More

You can now see SIX the Musical in Australia

SIX Musical women theatre singing

SIX the Musical, a global sensation that has wowed audiences worldwide, is making its triumphant return to Australia! Having enjoyed record-breaking seasons across the country, the Tony Award-winning musical is back by popular demand. Tickets are now available for this electrifying show that brings to life the stories of the six wives of King Henry VIII through breathtaking song and dance. Secure your spot to see it at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from August 2024, the Theatre Royal Sydney from October 2024, and at QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from January 2025. Visit SIXTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU to book your tickets today! Since its explosive debut in 2017 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, SIX has been redefining what audiences expect from musical theatre. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the show presents a modern, pop-infused retelling of the lives of Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. These historical figures are reimagined as pop stars, each reclaiming their story with power and sass that resonates with today’s audiences. With its catchy tunes, empowering narrative, and infectious energy, SIX has not only received widespread critical acclaim but has also built a vibrant online community, affectionately known as the ‘Queendom’. Having captured the hearts of over 3.5 million people worldwide each year and exploding on social media platforms like TikTok, where it has received over 32 million views, SIX is more than just a musical. It’s a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions to celebrate the power and resilience of women. With over 35 major… Read More

All about Palmer’s multi-targeting Skin Success Range

Palmers skin

Celebrating over 180 years of excellence in skincare, Palmer’s continues to stand out with its Skin Success range, a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovative, targeted solutions for uneven skin tone and pigmentation issues. Known globally for the iconic Cocoa Butter Formula, Palmer’s roots actually trace back to 1840, focusing on targeted skin treatments. The Skin Success range, marking a significant milestone, remains a favourite among skin experts and customers alike for its efficacy and affordability. With a unique formula aimed at addressing age spots, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, the Skin Success range works not just on the surface but penetrates deeper layers of the skin, supporting the skin rejuvenation process. Remarkably, 98% of women reported visible results within just four weeks of usage, a testimonial to the range’s effectiveness. Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs, a renowned dermatologist based in Sydney, highlights the importance of the unique blend of ingredients, including Niacinamide, Retinol, Vitamin C, E, and Songyi Mushroom, in combating pigmentation and improving skin tone. “The synergy between these key ingredients maximizes the skin benefits, offering a comprehensive solution to pigmentation,” she explains. Pigmentation issues are widespread, affecting individuals across various ethnicities, ages, and life stages. Dr Dawes-Higgs touches on the commonality of pigmentation in Australia, exacerbated by the nation’s high UV levels, hormonal changes, and ageing. Interestingly, recent studies have indicated that skin discolouration is a more perceivable sign of ageing than wrinkles, making effective treatment all the more critical. Palmer’s Skin Success range not only addresses the concerns of those seeking… Read More

The Ultimate Culinary Experience: Good Food & Wine Show 2024

food van JA GFWS Sydney2023 Friday 155

The diary of every food and wine connoisseur in the nation is marked with anticipation for the return of the beloved Good Food & Wine Show, now announcing its grand 2024 circuit. Celebrating its 23rd year, this hallmark event continues to be the beating heart of the country’s food and wine culture, inviting over 100,000 enthusiasts annually. With the promise of an even richer array of offerings, the 2024 iteration takes a leap forward, focusing on “affordable luxuries and indulgences” that ensure a spectrum of delightful take-home treats and gourmet ideas suited to every budget. At the core of the event is the cherished Cooking Main Stage, anticipated to dazzle with a lineup of celebrity chefs unveiling their culinary secrets. It’s a space where inspiration meets entertainment, with visitors poised to leave armed with innovative recipe ideas. The introduction of The Australian Eggs Flip It Cooking Stage sees culinary luminaries like Dani Venn and Jane de Graaff demonstrating elevated, nourishing dishes live. Additionally, a luxuriant tea experience awaits at The Art of Luxury Tea with Dilmah 85 Reserve, while the RIEDEL Drinks Lab and Wine Selectors Tasting Room promise to expand palates with expert-guided wine tastings from diverse Australian terroirs. Exclusivity takes form in the Singapore Airlines VIP Lounge, offering a premium respite with gourmet menus and select beverages for Business Class ticket holders. The Loire Valley Wine Experience and the fun DrinkWise tasting tracker scratchie card further enrich the event, ensuring immersive wine education and responsible enjoyment. Not to forget, the introduction of two… Read More

The best picnic fare and snack selections, both sweet and savory

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The arrival of warmer weather and picnic season is now guaranteed. These are our best choices for picnic dishes and munchies – why not already for the upcoming Easter? Everybody is experiencing daily stress, which the Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine defines as boresome inconveniences, tensions, or inconveniences linked to the routine daily tasks and activities of everyday life. We use a variety of methods to decompress, like shopping online or in person, binge-watching TV shows, gambling occasionally at the best Australian casino sites in 2024—as determined by TopCasinoExpert—watching sporting events either on TV or at a stadium, and so forth. However, nothing compares to spending time in the outdoors. It has been demonstrated that time spent outside lowers anxiety levels and activity in brain regions linked to mental illness. Family time spent in the sun is also linked to happier moods and lower stress levels. There must be plenty of lovely picnic areas in your city to accommodate any kind of gathering—couples, families, or solo adventures. Everywhere you go, whether it’s to national parks, rocky sea, river or lake coasts, or well-kept gardens, you’ll want to bring along a rug, a basket, and some delectable snacks. A picnic shouldn’t require excessive stress or financial investment to prepare for. Simple meal options are all that are needed for a picnic; traditional, healthful, and sweet nibbles will satisfy everyone in the group and meet a range of dietary needs and interests. Remember that you don’t want to have to carry a lot of pots to your picnic… Read More

Explore the ultimate ‘Cheese your own adventure’

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Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of cheese and the allure of fine wines? Look no further than Melbourne’s beloved Maker & Monger, where an extraordinary ‘Cheese Your Own Adventure’ dine-in experience awaits. Nestled within the vibrant Prahran Market, Maker & Monger invites you to indulge in an unparalleled selection of exquisite cheeses and exceptional wines, all while basking in the infectious ambiance of this iconic marketplace. Crafting Your Bespoke Cheese Board At Maker & Monger, the ‘Cheese Your Own Adventure’ experience is nothing short of enchanting. Picture this: you have the opportunity to engage with expert wine buyers and cheesemongers, guiding you through the process of crafting your very own bespoke cheese board. The journey begins with selecting your desired weight of cheese, each offering a distinct and tantalizing flavor profile. Then, for a mere $15 per cheese board, delight in the array of accoutrements carefully curated to elevate your sensory experience – think luscious crackers, succulent dried fruits, and more. Unveiling Extraordinary Wines As you savor the delectable cheeses, prepare to be captivated by a selection of left-of-centre, biodynamic wines sourced from renowned vineyards such as Cobaw Ridge in Victoria, Gentle Folk in Adelaide, and Mosse from the Loire Valley. What’s more, these exceptional wines are available at retail prices, ensuring an extraordinary value that’s at least half of what you’d typically pay at a restaurant. Plus, with the option to take your bottle home if unfinished, the allure of these remarkable wines extends far beyond… Read More

Daniel Ricciardo drives a Ford SuperVan for the F1 Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo driver

In a thrilling display of innovation and speed, the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024 commenced in Melbourne on Thursday, 21 March 2024, with Ford Australia taking centre stage. The event was electrified by the Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2, a record-breaking, all-electric van as it tore through the Albert Park Circuit under the expert control of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Driver, Daniel Ricciardo. This marked a significant moment as Ricciardo expertly handled the 2,000hp beast, showcasing its capabilities on one of Australia’s most challenging race tracks. The SuperVan 4.2, a highlight of Ford Performance’s EV Demonstrator Program, has been buzzing through Australian motorsport events for the past month, leaving its mark with an unparalleled performance at Bathurst’s Mount Panorama and the Adelaide Motorsport Festival. Its astonishing lap at Bathurst, clocking in at 1:56.3247, set records as the fastest lap by a closed-wheel vehicle, an electric vehicle, and a commercial vehicle. This feat is especially noteworthy considering the SuperVan 4.2, based on the Ford E-Transit, significantly deviates from traditional racing vehicles. Ford Performance’s initiative with the SuperVan 4.2 in Australia goes beyond mere spectacle; it spearheads the development and testing of technologies destined for future road cars. Motorsport’s rigours provide the perfect testbed for new parts and technology, facilitating their refinement for eventual consumer use. The program also aligns with Australia’s high demand for performance cars, allowing Ford to meet and surpass Australian expectations with their future electric vehicles.