What’s hip this March

No, not the replacement surgery type of ‘hip’. It’s a selection of on-trend snippets that could include places to dine, travel destinations, where to shop, what to see and visit, as well as what to watch, read and listen to, so you can stay up to date with family, friends and neighbours of all ages.

Back in the day …

WE MAY take it for granted, to some extent, but it’s impossible to look out from Circular Quay, The Rocks or other parts of our most famous harbour and not feel a sense of pride in seeing the Sydney Opera House. A worldwide competition for the design of the project was won by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. His ingenious design envisaged soaring roofs reminiscent of the sails that dot the harbour, making the most of its prominent Bennelong Point position. On March 2, 1959, a crowd gathered under umbrellas in the rain for the ceremony marking the start of construction. After well-documented problems, Sydney Opera House was completed in 1973 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II. It is among Australia’s top tourist drawcards – an architectural triumph of the 20th century.

What to watch

WE FIRST met the then Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) and Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) in our lounge rooms in 2014. Now it is time to say goodbye to their epic love story, that has literally spanned centuries, when Outlander Season 8 launches this month. The historical fantasy romance series, based on the series of books by Diana Gabaldon, was brought to the small screen by Ronald D Moore. It began with the English former World War II military nurse being transported back in time to 1743 through standing stones near Inverness, Scotland, while visiting with her husband Frank. Since then, we’ve been on a roller-coaster of emotions, and have welcomed history lessons from Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites to the American War of Independence. In the final season, Claire and Jamie are back in Fraser’s Ridge, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, amid a still raging Revolutionary War, with new issues to face and a future still to be determined. The first of 10 episodes will premiere on March 7 on Binge and Foxtel.

Where to play

IF YOU’VE ever camped under clear skies, you’ll appreciate how lucky we are in Southeast Queensland to enjoy minimal air and light pollution – especially in our hinterland and country areas. The more than 100 billion stars of our Milky Way Galaxy really know how to put on a show. Sunshine Coast Council has proposed a 900sqkm Dark Sky Reserve. And now Mystic Mountain Tours has a special astronomy tour that allows us to learn more about stargazing. The business recently launched a regular Night Sky Journeys (weather permitting) with local experts which takes guests to the best Sunshine Coast hinterland vantage points to soak up the shimmering skies, with included guided live viewing through state-of-the-art telescopes. The Night Sky Journeys run from May to October – prime stargazing times in the region. Visit mysticmountaintours.com.au

What to book

THEY are four of Australia’s most popular artists, coming together on the one stage to present timeless classics from beloved musicals and opera. Marina Prior, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino and Michael Cormick have captured hearts with voices that have been heard from the Sydney Opera House, to the world’s most popular musicals and Carols by Candlelight. Their show, Ovation, will relive hits from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as well as operatic masterpieces including La bohème. Ovation tour dates include: Saturday, March 28, at 3pm at The Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday, May 9, at 2.30pm at QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane; and Sunday, May 10, at 2.30pm at Twin Towns, Gold Coast. For tickets, go to ovation.net.au

What to devour

IF YOU’RE a lover of oysters, here’s an unforgettable farm-to-plate experience on our doorsteps. In the spirit of the original Sydney oyster farm tours, Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours invites you to visit a newly established, working oyster farm on Moreton Island. For the 3.5-hour Immerse Yourself tour, the adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across Moreton Bay to the oyster farm leases. Take part in a behind-the-scenes look at how oysters are farmed before learning to shuck 18 fresh oysters per person. In waterproof waders, you’ll be guided to your own private, in-water tasting table to enjoy the freshly opened oysters. Book at brisbaneoystertours.com