What’s hip this November

What to book

RARELY do you find such a decadent getaway combo so close to home … Spicers Peak Lodge at Maryvale on the Scenic Rim will host the Shaw + Smith exclusive wine weekend on December 6-8. Guests can explore the retreat through immersive experiences and participate in a wine masterclass led by renowned winemaker Adam Wadewitz. Executive chef Gareth Newburn also will present a degustation menu, with Shaw + Smith wines. At $5450 per suite, the luxury package won’t be for everyone. But if you’ve always wanted to stay at Spicers Peak Lodge or are a big fan of the wines, perhaps make this an early Christmas gift. Call 1300 253 103, or visit spicersretreats.com/offer/shaw-smith-wine-weekend/.

Where to visit

HERE’S an easy way to learn more
about Indigenous culture and bush tucker. Maleny Botanic Gardens and
Bird World has partnered with some of the region’s Traditional Owners, the Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation, and local cultivators Brush Turkey Enterprises to create new Bush Tucker gardens. Two separate areas of the expansive gardens have been planted with Indigenous plants used traditionally in cooking and medicine by the Jinibara Peoples. Plant descriptions outlining their use in Indigenous culture have been created to educate visitors about the wide variety of uses. Plants include Davidson’s plum, emu foot, aniseed myrtle, lemon myrtle, a variety of native mints, quandong, native raspberry and the remarkable lemon sherbet coleus, so-named because of the lemon
sherbet aroma the plant exudes when touched. For more details, visit malenybotanicgardens.com.au

IMAGE: Jeff Busby

How to relive the memories

GREASE is the word – and always will be. And now it’s back, in an all-new, multi-million dollar production starring Patti Newton as the much-loved Miss Lynch, Bobby Fox as Vince Fontaine and the incomparable Marcia Hines as Teen Angel. One of the world’s most-loved musicals takes us all back to Rydell High with Danny, Sandy, Kenickie, Rizzo and the whole gang and a medley of unforgettable hits that defined a generation: Summer Nights, Sandy, Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin’ and Grease is the Word.  Visit qpac.com.au

Back in the day…

NOVEMBER 1979 is significant in the life of baby boomers – and not just because the Class of ’79 was about to graduate high school (I can’t believe that is 45 years ago!).

The month marks the release of the Walkman cassette/radio: an invention that changed the way people listened to music and other audio. High fidelity went mobile for the first time, allowing people to ‘silently’ listen to their favourite tracks on the train, in the car, rollerskating down the street and in the library as if they were sitting alone in their lounge rooms.

Covering both ears and being lightweight were key. And it started a trend that continues with today’s earbuds, earphones and noise-cancelling headphones. And no doubt on high rotation were some of 1979’s biggest hits: My Sharona – The Knack; Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Rod Stewart; Heart of Glass – Blondie; Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson; Heartache Tonight – The Eagles; and Tragedy – Bee Gees.

What to experience

WHETHER you’re a ‘believer’ or not, there’s no denying they’re crowd-pullers. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the Two Psychics and A Medium National Tour kicks off in Brisbane on March 12 next year. The tour will showcase the extraordinary skills of three of Australia’s gifted psychics and a world-renowned medium: Annette Boyle, Anthony Grzelka and Julia Cartagena. Audiences will be treated to a one-of-a-kind live show that explores the mysteries of the spirit world. Two Psychics and A Medium promises to deliver an intimate and emotionally charged evening of spiritual connection, psychic readings and what they call messages from beyond. For more information and tickets, visit twopsychicsandamedium.com.au