Explore Peru while it’s closer than you think
The Australian Museum is about to whisk you away on an epic journey to the ancient world of Peru, without you even leaving the city.
FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Category: CITIES
Sebastian beach bar and deck has your name on it
Ah, summer in Melbourne—the sun is out, the beaches are calling, and the expansive deck at Williamstown’s Sebastian is officially open for the season. If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, this seaside gem is the talk of the town, and with good reason. Nestled on the vibrant Williamstown Beach, Sebastian offers a beachside retreat just a stone’s throw from the city, where the only thing you’re required to do is kick back, sip on a cocktail, and let your worries drift away with the tide. Once upon a time, this spot was the heritage-listed Williamstown Bathing Pavilion, a local treasure dating back to the 1930s. Fast forward to today, and it’s been transformed by co-owners Dave Parker, Alex Brawn, and Kelly Brawn into a lively venue inspired by none other than San Sebastián’s famous culinary scene. Think pintxos bars, delicious Spanish-inspired dishes, and a vibe that’s as relaxed as it is vibrant. It’s like having a bit of the Basque coast right here in Melbourne. To mark their sixth year—and the start of what promises to be a fabulous summer—Sebastian is throwing a deck party on Saturday, 23 November. Expect an evening of live music, a sunset DJ setting the mood, and some delightful specials to keep everyone entertained. We’re talking $6 sangrias, $2 oysters, buckets of beer, and even choc tops for the sweet tooths among us. It’s a day out at the beach, but with flair! As for the menu, prepare to indulge. On the deck, you can savour elevated Spanish classics… Read More
Pet lovers meet art at the NGV
Art lovers, gather ’round! If you’ve ever had a soft spot for our furry companions—or just enjoy the occasional tail wag or purr—then you’re in for a treat. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is set to unveil ‘Cats & Dogs’, an exhibition that’s bound to have you barking mad with excitement or purring in delight. This showcase, opening on 1 November 2024, dives headfirst into the delightful world of our beloved pets through the lens of over 250 artworks. From cattle dogs hard at work to the mysterious allure of black cats, this exhibition is a cross-cultural romp through the ages. Spanning all periods and media, it uncovers our age-old connection with cats and dogs, revealing how these loyal creatures have been a canvas for human expression, from ancient times to the present day. The exhibition boasts an impressive roster of artists, both historical and contemporary. Expect to see the likes of Rembrandt van Rijn and Francisco de Goya rubbing shoulders with modern icons like Atong Atem and Jeff Koons. It’s a star-studded affair, with works from Australian talents such as Claudia Moodoonuthi and Trevor Turbo Brown adding a local flavour. Presented thematically, the exhibition splits our four-legged friends into two camps—dogs on one side and cats on the other. These themes delve into everything from working animals and mythology to the heights of popular culture. It’s a fascinating exploration of how these creatures have been woven into the fabric of our societies, symbolising everything from superstition to spirituality. Among the highlights is the… Read More
Art is a serious subject: the UK campaign to reignite the study of creativity
The value of art in our schools is immeasurable. Urgently, we need to bring it back. Yes, times are hard and budgets are tight. But that’s not why art is drying up in our schools. The truth is more complicated. Over time, our school curriculum (both primary and secondary) has been re-structured to focus on core subjects and tests at the expense of everything else. The knock-on effects of these changes are damaging art education in the UK. Schools are measured – and judged – on what’s tested, so teachers have to focus their time and energy on those subjects. On top of that, teachers don’t get proper training in art education, while those who are trained are leaving the profession. No art teachers. No art rooms. No art lessons. And none of the mind-expanding, question-prompting, wild creativity and confidence art brings to the classroom. It’s all going, going… Each one of these changes is hard to reverse. You can’t magic up art teachers and art rooms once they’re gone. It’s time to fight for them. The ‘easy option’ has never been harder “Art education has rarely been taken as seriously as other subjects in schools, and studying art is all too often understood to be an ‘easy option’”. Vanessa Jackson RA. Yet art teaches children to question. It wakes up imaginations. It builds confidence. It encourages children to see the world differently and to make their mark. But making and studying art in our classrooms is getting harder and harder. A curriculum that focuses… Read More
Masterpieces of French Impressionism return to Melbourne at NGV
In a world where art speaks louder than words, the 2025 presentation of the French Impressionism exhibition at the NGV is set to be an unmissable event for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Originally unveiled in 2021 but quickly shuttered by the pandemic, this exhibition offers Australians a second chance to dive into an ocean of artistic rebellion and beauty, featuring one of the most significant collections of French Impressionism ever to grace our shores. On loan from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, this collection charts the daring trajectory of the late-nineteenth-century movement that shook the art world to its core. These French Impressionists had a flair for the dramatic, boldly rejecting the rigid conventions of the state-sponsored Salon to showcase their ‘impressionistic’ masterpieces independently. This exhibition captures that spirit of defiance and innovation, inviting visitors to explore the thoughts and musings of the artists themselves, preserved in letters, journals, and articles. Through their words, the exhibition reveals the intricate web of social connections, artistic inspirations, and personal rivalries that united this band of creative mavericks. The exhibition design is nothing short of a masterpiece itself—an immersive experience that transports audiences into the vibrant world of Impressionism. With its distinctive brushwork, striking use of colour, and unique perspectives, the exhibition takes you on a visual journey to the beloved locales of the artists, such as the bustling streets of Paris, the serene Fontainebleau Forest, and the idyllic gardens of Giverny. It’s like strolling through a gallery, except the gallery is alive with… Read More
Try The Backyard pub in Melbourne this summer
Ah, Melbourne in the summer. The city comes alive with its cultural tapestry weaving together the best of art, music, and, of course, a good pint. Just when you thought Melbourne’s summer scene couldn’t get any better, along comes The Backyard – a new outdoor pop-up venue that’s set to become your summer obsession. Located in the heart of Eastland’s Town Square, The Backyard is a collaboration between two legends of Melbourne’s hospitality scene: The Suburban and Mountain Culture Beer Co. This dynamic duo has come together to create a space that screams good vibes and great stories. Picture this: a courtyard with a laidback urban atmosphere, heritage-listed street art as your backdrop, and the hypnotic hum of live music filling the air. It’s like walking into a friend’s backyard, if your friend happened to be an artistic genius who threw epic parties. This pop-up isn’t just about the looks; it’s got substance too. With Mountain Culture Beer Co. bringing their award-winning craft beers to the taps, you’re guaranteed a taste sensation. These guys have been voted the best in the business at the GABS Hottest 100 for the past two years, so they definitely know their hops from their malts. And if you’re more of a wine or cocktail aficionado, The Backyard’s got you covered with a selection of local wines and expertly crafted cocktails. “We are pumped to be able to show off this incredible outdoor space,” says Andy Croucher, director of The Suburban. It’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the… Read More
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s UK tour in 2025
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is set to light up the UK music scene with her biggest headline tour yet, bringing disco fever to fans across the country in May and June 2025. Known for her captivating live performances and a career that’s as glittering as a disco ball, Sophie will kick off her tour in Glasgow on 24th May, making stops in 15 cities, including Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, and Bristol. The tour will conclude with a grand finale at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London on 12th June. Sophie is bubbling with excitement about the upcoming shows, saying, “This year has been full of amazing tour dates around the world, and it has been so much fun. I absolutely love performing live, but it’s always an extra treat to be able to tour at home and I can’t wait to play my biggest dates in the UK yet next May and June. It will be wonderful to bring the disco fun to everyone! Headlining The Royal Albert Hall in London is a bit of a dream and it’s going to be very special.” Adding to the buzz, Sophie’s new single, ‘Freedom of the Night’, is set to premiere its dazzling video at 6pm tomorrow. This disco-pop anthem marks a confident return to her iconic sound and has fans tapping their feet in anticipation. The video, filmed at the legendary Rivoli Ballroom, promises a nostalgic yet refreshing vibe under the direction of her long-time collaborator, Sophie Muller. Tickets for this must-see tour will be available through artist… Read More
Why you should revisit Aria on Sydney Harbour next date night
After a quarter-century of dazzling Sydney’s fine dining scene, Aria is shaking things up with a fresh approach to dining that’s as bold as a kangaroo on caffeine. This iconic restaurant, helmed by culinary maestro Matt Moran and the Solotel group, is renowned for its contemporary Australian flair, and it’s now embracing a new chapter with a dynamic menu that promises to keep diners on their toes. Gone are the days of the prescriptive seasonal menu. Instead, Aria is rolling out a flexible array of dining options that cater to both the casual lunch crowd and the full-blown gastronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re popping in for a two-course lunch or gearing up for an eight-course culinary marathon, Aria’s new offerings are designed to accommodate any appetite. The choices are varied: a two-course menu at $120 per person for a quick yet sumptuous bite, a three-course at $180 for a more rounded experience, or dive into the five-course ($240) and eight-course ($290) tasting menus for a complete sensory journey. Restaurateur Matt Moran shared his excitement about this evolution, saying, “Aria was created with the vision of bringing an exceptional dining experience to Sydney; 25 years on and we are still creating unforgettable experiences for those who dine with us. The eight-course menu will include a few surprises that do not feature on the main menu, providing a true taste of our team’s talent.” A significant shift also sees Aria’s kitchen aligning with Australia’s top producers, ensuring the freshest hyper-seasonal produce graces their plates. This means more frequent… Read More
National Gallery London offers chance to see magnificent Carracci cartoons
Next spring, art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to witness the magnificent Carracci cartoons up close at the National Gallery. Displayed in Room 1, these extraordinary works, created around 1599, are not just impressive in size—nearly four metres wide and two metres tall—but also in their delicate execution using charcoal and white chalk. Given their fragility and grandeur, these masterpieces are seldom exhibited, making this a truly special occasion. The Carracci cartoons entered the National Gallery’s collection in 1837, thanks to a generous gift from Lord Francis Egerton. Before that, they belonged to the esteemed artist Sir Thomas Lawrence. Originally, these grand drawings were crafted as preparatory works for the painted ceiling in the gallery of Palazzo Farnese, one of Rome’s Renaissance treasures, now housing the French Embassy. The commission was initiated by Odoardo Farnese, a cardinal and the younger son of the Duke of Parma. In 1594, he enlisted the talented Carracci brothers from Bologna to adorn his family palace with artistic splendour. Upon their arrival in Rome, Annibale and Agostino Carracci drew from the grandeur of antique sculptures and the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael to conjure an idealised vision of the classical world, celebrating the loves of the gods. The resulting ‘Galleria Farnese’ became a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists. The two cartoons on display are largely the work of Agostino, though Annibale is believed to have contributed to their creation. They depict scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses—stories of transformation that were integral to the frescoed ceiling in the Farnese… Read More
Drinks on Melbourne rooftops: where to go this summer
We rounded some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Melbourne for your enjoyment this summer.