One’s life is not complete until they have read Joan Didion. Let Me Tell You What I Mean is a collection of 12 essays from the early stages of Didion’s writing career. The sharp read exposes the thought process behind one of the most influential literary minds, touching on topics of politics, gender and Didion’s self-doubt.
THE ODYSSEY Lara Williams
Ingrid is a gift shop clerk on a luxury cruise ship liner, bored and restless and totally avoiding the real world.The Odyssey is a wickedly satirical look at modern life, capitalism and bad jobs – and how to find your way home, even if you don’t want to.
SUNSET Jessie Clave
Meet Ruth and Hannah: sisters who are polar opposite. One is wild and carefree, and the other is structured and bright. When a summer holiday unravels, Ruth excludes herself from the world. Sunset is a bittersweet story navigating the nexus between love, grief and forgiveness – and how important sisterhood and second chances are.
THE LOST DAUGHTER Elena Ferrante
Middle-aged divorceé Leda is vacationing alone along theIonian Coast when she meetsNina, a young mother, and her daughter. Nina’s relationship with her child forces Leda to confront the decisions she made as a mother in The Lost Daughter, a poignant story that shatters the perfect illusion of motherhood.
WILDFLOWERS Peggy Frew
A trio of sisters take a trip to Far North Queensland to help one of them overcome their addiction.Nina, Meg and Amber were once close, but as they rehabilitate Amber, the depth of their love and responsibility are tested. Wildflowers is a compassionate, fast paced read about the fragility of the human condition. This is book is a must-read.
ONE DAY David Nicholls
One Day is a comforting, yet heartbreaking read, observing main characters Emma and Dexter, the ebb and flow of their relationship and their inability to commit to one another across twenty years. That is, until it’s too late. One Day is a page-turner, hard to put down and impossible to get over
WineTime is back at Summertown Studio this Friday! Listen to some of the best local jazz, funk and soul music while sipping on South Australian wine at the suburban shop and haunt. The WineTime sessions are the perfect way to slip into weekend mode, so gather your mates, soak up the remainder of March’s balmy evenings and enjoy some great SA music.
Missy Sippy is hosting its first street party, taking over the beloved east end for a sunny Saturday session. Shutting down Vardon Avenue, the South Australian-based vodka brand is opening a pop-up cocktail bar, mixing drinks and serving its famed lime seltzers to afternoon crowds. Live DJs will soundtrack the street party festivities, with the fun kicking off at 4pm.
Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media | Until May 14
Running in conjunction with the Adelaide Festival, Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media is an SA-exclusive exhibition hosted at the Art Gallery of South Australia that explores the acclaimed artist’s lifelong obsession with taking photos. Through 250 works, the showcase comprises private images, pop art (including the famed Marilyn Monroe print) and pieces by Warhol’s contemporaries and friends.
Connect with the wider Adelaide community at the One Planet Market, the local event hosted in Payneham on the third Sunday of each month. Peruse stalls selling artisan goods, green produce and vintage fashion or swap your fresh produce with the local community garden collective. There’ll be live music, plenty of coffee and fun. The market starts at 9am at the Payneham Community Centre.
Festival season has descended upon the city, with WOMADelaide making a return for its 31st year. The world music festival is one of the city’s most beloved events, with incredible global artists, activations and activities across the four-day program. This year, see renowned international musicians Florence and the Machine and Bon Iver or visit the immersive installations across the Botanic Park festival grounds. Single-day tickets are on sale.
Adelaide Arcade After-Hours Cocktail Bar | March 11
A new, pop-up cocktail bar has opened in Adelaide Arcade to celebrate Rundle Mall’s extended Saturday shopping hours. Hosted by Adelaide’s plant-based American diner, Two Bit Villains, in conjunction with MallFest, enjoy an evening of cocktails, housemade sodas and live entertainment – plus the venue’s tasty vegan food. The cocktail bar opens at 5pm every Saturday during March.
Celebrate the most stylish day in SA’s racing calendar, with the Adelaide Cup taking place at Morphettville Racecourse this March 13. From thrilling trackside action to live DJs, outdoor entertainment, and boutique hospitality packages, there’s something for everyone this Adelaide Cup. Of course, there’ll be plenty of trackside fashion, with the Croser Fashions on the Field taking place at the racecourse’s lush event space, Flourish. Tickets on sale now!
The Adelaide Festival is back for its annual celebration of art, live performance and creativity. Mixing highbrow theatre with experimental showcases, the 2023 program is expansive, eclectic and impressive. This weekend, our top picks include the Australian Dance Theatre performance of Tracker, a dystopic reimagination of a popular fairy tale, Hans & Gret, and the Art Gallery of South Australia exhibition, Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media.
There are dozens of exciting Fringe time activations on right now, and with the busy East End streets closed down, there’s never been a better time to explore the local area. Some of our favourites include the Familiar pop-up outside Hellbound Wine Bar, headed up by Africola Canteen’s Joel Tisato; the Grey Goose and Gofalafull stall at Distill; and the NOLA Laneway series. Or, head to gluttony to the Comida pop-up restaurant, where you can enjoy lakeside scenes and wood-fired treats.
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival and the biggest party kicks off this weekend, transforming Adelaide into a glittery performance hub for a splendid 30 days. From international circus acts to loved local performers and celebrity comedians (think Tommy Little, Dave Hughes and Rove McManus), there’s more than 1200 shows for you to choose from this Fringe season. Our top picks for the opening weekend? Maho Magic Bar, Rouge and the Adelaide premiere of Silence!
The East End is turning into one gigantic street party this weekend, with late-night activation East End Unleashed returning for more summer balmy nights this Fringe season. During the Fringe, Rundle Street and its surrounds will shut down so local vendors can spill outside, and punters can enjoy a glass of wine, dinner or a cheeky cocktail al fresco. There’ll be pop-up bars, buskers, roving entertainment and plenty of Fringe energy too!
Enjoy a G+T while you drift down the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri this Friday night, with Popeye and Prohibition Liquor Co collaborating for a post-work boozy gin masterclass on board the iconic boat. Taste the award-winning gin, mix your drinks and learn about the boutique gin brand while cruising through the heart of the city. The masterclass lasts for 90 minutes, with Popeye departing from Elder Park.
Adelaide is known for two things: good wine and tiny bars. The Urban Wine Walk combines both of these in this wine-fuelled weekend walking tour. Meander the CBD’s laneways in a self-guided trail that’ll take you to the city’s hottest haunts (think Leigh Street Luggage, Paloma Bar and Jennie Wine Bar). There, you’ll meet some of SA’s best local winemakers behind labels like Hither & Yon, Unico Zelo and Forage Supply Co before enjoying a complimentary tasting. The Urban Wine Walk fun kicks off at midday.
Roll up your sleeves and learn how to make homemade Passata with a four-hour intensive course, hosted by beloved Italian delicatessen Mercato. Mercato’s co-founders Imma and Mario, as well as the Caporaso crew, are welcoming Adelaide to one of the biggest events in the Italo-Australian calendar. Discover the secrets of Caporaso’s sacred sauce, and make your own Passata using the freshest ripe tomatoes. And all your hard work will be rewarded with a seasonal lunch – paired with wines – prepared by Mercato’s head chef for you to enjoy afterwards!
The Twilight sessions at Chalk Hill are the winery’s ode to Friday knock-offs. Soak up the sundown magic as you and your friends welcome the weekend in style. Indulge in glasses of wine or gin and listen to live music, all while overlooking the rolling McLaren Vale vista. The award-winning winery will also be slinging pizzas until late from Cucina di Strada. What a way to start the weekend!
Adelaide’s east end laneways will come alive this weekend, with the Ebenezer Night Markets setting up for one of the city’s coolest artisan experiences. Meander the market stalls along Ebenezer Place and shop locally-made fashion, jewellery and homewares. Refuel with a drink and bite to eat at the pop-up ‘Market Bar’, listen to live music and soak up the city vibes.
Barossa-based Small Victories Wine Co and Seppeltsfield Road Distillers are continuing the summer celebrations this weekend, collaborating to bring guests an afternoon of gin, wine and cocktails at Blush + Bloom. Sprawl out on the sun-drenched lawns and spend the afternoon enjoying boozy drinks from the two producers, all while listening to a specially curated playlist. There’ll be lawn games and food from Forage Supply Co, too!
Edward Albee’s The Goat or Who is Sylvia? | Until February 25
Edward Albee’s Tony award-winning play, The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? is a tragicomedy underpinned by desire and betrayal. With a secret threatening to upturn the perfect life of protagonist Martin, watch life’s turbulence unfolds in a performance that’ll leave you questioning everything. Renowned Australian actors Claudia Karvan and Nathan Page lead the cast performing at the Dunstan Playhouse. Opening night is February 10.
The summer vibes will be at an all-time high along the Fleurieu coastline this weekend, with the Encore Summer Series Tipi Gin Bar pop-up pouring boutique booze to the locale. Settle under the tipi and treat yourself to tipples of local wine, gin, beer and soft drinks. Based at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, the stunning set-up is a must-visit this summer.
Terra + Sol has cemented its place in the heart of Glenelg.
From breakfast and brunch to full-service dining and cocktails as the sun goes down, after opening its doors just two years ago, mid-pandemic, this urban-style eatery has enjoyed unprecedented growth thanks to its mouth-watering menu, modern, earthy aesthetic and stand-out location a stone’s throw from the sand. But now, the addition of the Bay’s first-ever garden bar and a spacious new function space is set to shake things up even further.
“Entertainment will be a big focus for us in the garden,” says owner Brock Meuris, with live music acts adding to the relaxed summer vibe. Also on offer will be a wide range of food, wine, beer and cocktails. The recent renovation also includes a new function space, housed in the adjacent building and accessible via a passageway that connects the two buildings. The new space allows for gatherings of up to 100 people.
Of course, premium food is still on the menu at Terra + Sol, with smoked wagyu rump, roasted potatoes, citrus asparagus and wagyu jus just one of the must-try dishes from the new menu. If you’re after something lighter, the crispy chicken sandwich with mango salsa and pickled onion are a summertime favourite.
It’s this delicious, locally sourced menu, along with the Insta-worthy interior (think neutral tones, blonde timber and terrazzo) and handy location (right next to the tram stop on Jetty Road) that first put this seaside eatery on the map, but now, thanks to these two new functional spaces, it’s set to get the attention of a whole new crowd of food and music-loving locals.
Terra + Sol 18 Jetty Road, Glenelg 08 7006 2332 terraandsol.com.au @terraandsol_
Award-winning South Australian jeweller Gerard McCabe is hosting an event at its boutique Adelaide Arcade store to celebrate the arrival of some of the world’s most sought-after Argyle Pink Diamond pieces in-store for one day only. Guests can view, try on and purchase ready-to-wear designs starring the coveted gem alongside other premium pink diamond jewellery. Sip sparkling wine and tasty pink treats while admiring the dazzling display of rare diamonds. Book a consultation today!
Cellar Door Fest is back, hosting dozens of boutique producers at the Adelaide Convention Centre for a wine-fuelled weekend. From Maxwell Wines to Threefold Distilling, the gourmet weekend puts South Australia’s unrivalled wine, spirit and food industry in the spotlight. Indulge in long lunches and sensory experiences, let loose in a gin and yoga class or meander amongst some 150 producer stalls popping up across the three days. Tickets and weekend-long packages available now.
As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit, Rundle Mall is hosting an all-day celebration for the Lunar New Year. See the vibrant traditional Chinese lion dances weave their way down the Mall, with the performers dancing, twirling and doing talented tricks. Take a break under the festoon lanterns illuminating Gawler Place, or seek out the God of Fortune handing out red envelopes filled with gold coins and vouchers. The Year of the Rabbit symbolises peace and prosperity, with 2023 seen as a year of hope.
Soak up the sunshine and spectacular views of the McLaren Vale with a summer session at Paxton Wines. The biodynamic winery has re-opened its pop-up bar to celebrate the warmer weather, welcoming guests to enjoy a glass of award-winning wine on the cellar door lawns. Listen to live acoustic music, chow down on gourmet wood-fired pizza, and enjoy an afternoon with friends. Pups and pooches are welcome too!
This Sunday, treat yourself to an evening of live jazz, southern inspired snacks, and boutique spirits at east end haunt, Nola. Wander upstairs to the cosy Mezzanine and catch the bar’s artist-in-residence, Lachlan McGargill and his jazz quartet jamming out on stage. The intimate gig is the perfect way to wind down your weekend and a good excuse for a G+T with your girlfriends.
Howard Vineyard’s Rosé and Dumpling Festival is back! Spread over two sunny days, the Adelaide Hills winery is inviting guests to kick back on the lawns and enjoy a day of good wine, good food and good music. Indulge in tipples of award-winning Rosé and tasty dumplings – handmade by Howard’s Head Chef Cookie – as well as Korean Fried Chicken, Bao Buns and more.
Riot Bar is the latest trendy wine nook to join the ever-growing collection of venues on Gilbert Street. But now, the new neighbourhood wine bar has expanded its offerings to include a Sunday bottomless brunch. Chefs Trent Lymn and Ceci Teigerio have imagined an inspired brunch menu to accompany the boozy brunch. Indulge in crab mousse tarts and prawn cocktails, corn and hominy croquettes and a soaked, mini rum baba doughnut while sipping on Riot Wine Co’s famed spritz on tap. The bottomless brunch runs for two hours between 11am and 1pm, and costs $69.
The iconic Penfold’s Magill Cellar Door and Estate are basking in the warmer weather and hosting several events for their Summer Series. Soak up the sunshine on the outdoor wine terrace or indulge in champagne and oysters while overlooking the vines. There’s also opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich history of the winery, with a super blend class in the underground cellars and a twilight experience in the heart of the original cellar. The Summer Series is running until February 26.
A slew of cafes, bars, restaurants and venues have opened across Adelaide and in the CBD – and with the sunny weather sticking around, there’s never been a better time to eat, drink and play your way through the city and surrounds. Our top three picks? Dolly, a new cocktail bar in Unley; Our Boy Roy,a deli and cute coffee in Clarence Park; and The Light Room, an immersive bar, gallery and studio open at Light ADL.
Peggy Byrne is the new-ish owner of Bowerbird, Adelaide’s leading design event. We chat to the passionate local about her exciting plans to take the artisan event to new heights
You purchased Bowerbird just before COVID hit. What was it that initially sparked your interest?
My husband and I are both creative and appreciate artisanal products, so we were familiar with Bowerbird. At the end of 2019, I was looking for greater satisfaction in my work life and Bowerbird was the perfect fit to use my skills in marketing and events. I love that I am running a small business focused on supporting other small businesses.
A global pandemic wasn’t the start you would have been hoping for, how did you navigate that time?
I’ll admit there were a few times you may have found me rocking in a corner, but what I want to remember about that time is the incredibly steep learning curve the situation forced me to take. I had to understand the logistics of the event quickly because I had to adapt it to the situation. Still, more importantly, I realised how essential Bowerbird and events like Bowerbird are to the survival of many of these small businesses. COVID forced the cancellation of similar eastern state events in 2020 and most of 2021, which meant makers lost up to 80 percent of their regular income. Our November event in 2020 was also cancelled but we rebounded and moved it out by a few weeks. It ran with only 80 designers, less than half our usual showcase, but our suppliers and venue supported us. The event made such a difference to so many makers and the support from our customers was overwhelming. Overcoming the early challenges gave us the energy to push through the hurdles that came later and that still impact us today.
There is such an influx of creative talent currently coming out of South Australia and Bowerbird is an incredible starting block for many of these artisans. Why is this so important to you, and what else can be done to nurture and extend this talent?
South Australia has always had a unique creative talent pool and, having lived overseas for some time, I know it is also a place where small businesses can thrive. South Australians are receptive to new ideas and welcome the interstate designers that make the trip to each event. Bowerbird welcomes emerging designers to present their creations to our audience at each event. Face-to-face events provide direct feedback on what works and doesn’t and allows makers to hear what customers really want. The beauty of being a maker is that you can take it up at any time in your life. While many of our craftsmen and women start early, intending to make a career of their craft, many have found their talent and passion later in life.
Have you ever been inspired to give pottery or jewellery making or anything else artistic a go yourself?
I have always loved making things! In my twenties, I used to paint and sew all the time. I tried stone sculpture in London, which I loved, and I’ve also done a silver jewellery making course. I have recently restored some beautiful dining chairs, but my passion is wheel throwing and ceramics. I dabble enough to appreciate the talent of those who make a living out of their craft!
Bowerbird is a great supporter of small business, and your Exploring the Craft video series is further shining the light on these talented craftspeople. Can you tell us a bit about this?
It’s something I have wanted to produce for a while. I recall a customer talking to a ceramicist about a set of mugs she wanted to buy, but the seller only had three. It was a Saturday afternoon and she asked him if he could make another one overnight if she returned on Sunday. He had to explain why that wasn’t possible – it would take him three days to make her another mug. While she didn’t get the full set right then, she left with a better appreciation of what she was purchasing. We are trying to achieve this with our video series, and we hope people will better appreciate the work they are seeing and enjoy a more meaningful experience when they visit Bowerbird.
Luxurious ocean-front villas and white sandy beaches for as far as the eye can see – adventure and indulgence await in Fiji.
From overwater bungalows and adult-only retreats to the adventure-packed Yasawa Islands, world-class reefs and family-friendly set-ups complete with nannies, kids’ clubs and activities that will keep little ones entertained for hours, there is literally something for everybody in picture perfect Fiji.
Image: Tourism Fiji
For Nature Lovers:
Where to go:
Head north to Taveuni, Fiji’s ‘Garden Isle’, for the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
What to do:
Waterfalls and coral reefs mean this place is popular with dive enthusiasts who are eager to take in the world-famous Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall in the Somosomo Strait. Nature-lovers will also want to check out the Bouma National Heritage Park – it takes up more than a third of the island and is home to the spectacular Bouma Falls. Swim at the base of the first fall (Lower Bouma Falls) and enjoy the view from the double-barrelled Upper Bouma Falls.
If you prefer to take in the beauty of Fiji closer to the comfort of your resort, guests staying at Vomo in the Mamanuca Island group can take part in daily yoga on the deck on Mt Vomo on the eastern side of the island.
The Remote ResortJean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Where to Stay:
Awarded Australasia’s Most Romantic Resort by the World Travel Awards and Trip Advisors Top Small Hotel in Fiji, The Remote Resort is a great choice for those wanting a luxe stay – off the beaten track. It’s exclusive too, there are just eight villas on an impressive 64 acres and each villa boasts its own private plunge pool and stunning views overlooking the spectacular Rainbow Reef.
If you’re after a five-star stay, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusava, Vanua Levu, is award-winning eco-luxe. Overlooking the picturesque Savusavu Bay, there are25 luxurious bures, each taking in the quintessential Fiji Island beauty. This one is a great family option – their children’s program is complimentary and educational.
For Thrill Seekers:
Where To Go:
The Yasawa Islands, an archipelago of 20 volcanic islands on Fiji’s north western side, is a haven for adventurous travellers.
Image: Tourism Fiji
What To Do:
The long stretches of white sandy beaches make this place a sun-lovers paradise, but it’s what’s under the crystal-clear waters that will really impress avid divers and snorkellers. Fiji is one of the only places in the world where you can swim, snorkel or dive with the majestic manta rays; for manta encounters it’s best to visit between Mayand October.
Venture to the Yasawa Islands and visit the sensational Sawa-i-Lau Caves. The series of limestone caves are the result of hundreds of years of water wear, carving out the unique formations, some of which are only accessible by swimming through narrow waterways.
Where To Stay:
Located on the northern tip of the Yasawa Islands (not too far from Sawa-i-Lau Caves) is Oarsman’s Bay Lodge, one off our resorts on the Island of Nacula (the third largest of the Yasawa Island chain). The Beachfront Bures are a popular choice for those wanting to take in the pristine views; if you’re after a bit of culture you can visit an authentic Fijian school or village.
For Indulgence:
Mana Island, Tourism FIji
Where To Go:
There are countless options when it comes to luxe Fijian getaways, so whether you want a remote, private escape or prefer to be based mainland, there is the perfect over-water bure or ocean-front villa with your name on it.
What To Do:
Indulge in one of Fiji’s many luxury spas or while the day (or night) away with a beachside Fijian feast at one of the many five-star resort restaurants. If relaxation is on the cards, soak up the sun poolside or unwind at one of the many luxury villas –private butler included.
Where To Stay:
Tokoriki Island Resort
There is a long list of premium accommodation options in Fiji – for couples looking fora child-free escape and for families who like the finer things in life.
Voted Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Top 15 Resorts, the exclusive adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort features 36 freestanding beachfront villas – unwind poolside by your infinity edge private pool or on your own double day bed. Another stand-out adults’-only option is the exclusive Royal Davui Island resort, located at the beautiful Beqa Lagoon. With only a handful of guests at any one time, you can expect inundated service.
For high-end family getaways, VOMO, with its famous Kids Village is a popular choice.
For Families
Where To Go:
The mainland is home to many family-friendly resorts but that doesn’t mean the islands are off-limits.
What To Do:
There are daily catamaran trips to the islands, where you can book your own private cabana (at Malamala Beach Club) and snorkel straight off the beach, or have a go at stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking. Staying on Denarau? Hop on the Bula Bus and check out the Big Bula Waterpark – the kids will love the giant water slides and surfing the big waves.
Some of the best family-friendly resorts are on the mainland and come with nannies, kids’ clubs, kids’ pools, activities and everything you can imagine to keep little ones occupied!
The Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa has just under gone a huge renovation – there area selection of new dining experiences (including an adults’-only poolside dining experience), as well as a new kids’ club and Teen Zone.
If the islands are still calling, the Shangri-Lais situated on the private Yanuca Island, mere metres from the mainland and accessible via a causeway. It’s a stand-out for its inflatable waterpark – the only one on the Coral Coast – and water sports. For mums and dads who are after some kid-free time The Shangri-La also has adult-only pools and restaurants, as does the idyllic Malola Island Resort in the Mamanucas.
Getting There:
Image: Tourism Fiji
There are direct flights twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) from Adelaide to Nadi, Fiji, with Fiji Airways. Once you’re there, getting around is easy –there are express bus services or you can hire a car or a driver. If you’re staying on the islands, daily passenger ferries offer transport to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, alternatively water taxis departing from Port Denarau Marina will get you to where you’re going.
For further information on where to stay and what to do in Fiji visit fiji.travel
