Thornbury Picture House - from motor service station to cinema

Year 2020 is unprecedented, unexpected, and downright crazy. Just early of the year, I was holding my baby in arms watching a film in a jam-packed cinema, enjoying a little rare mummy’s moment of blockbuster film while sipping a bottle of refreshing ice-cold cider at this cinema of the north. The next moment, we were “locked-down” with multiple restrictions imposed on where we were permitted to go and for how long. Businesses suffered, restaurants closed-down, cinemas bemoaned. Thornbury Picture House’s “Cry Baby Sessions” was one of my favourite weekly “to-do” self-care rituals before the Covid struck. It used to run on every Wednesday. Slightly before the start of the session at 11 am, you would see mummas and grannies walking in, pushing/strapping/carrying/ cradling their tiny bubs. We exchanged knowing glances, nods and smiles. Already, a small community was formed without the need of a word.

Thornbury Picture House is one of a kind. It is artistically furnished, an indie cinema belongs to the north part of inner Melbourne, setting itself apart from the rivalling large and major establishments with its quirky fixtures, attentive services and the inimitable touches of extra care. The building is difficult to be missed. Conspicuously located at the corner of the main commercial area of High Street, its white-washed walls and the catchy signs of “Motor Service Station” immediately capture the attention of curious passers-by. The cinema is stylishly converted, with a large sheltered outdoor area (previously a driveway), completes with vintage furnishings and remnants (including one antique petrol bowser), reminding us of its former status as one of Melbourne very first drive-in petrol stations in the 1910s. The selection of movies is an interesting mix of latest releases. I can still vividly remember my “Knives-Out” experience, where an Agatha-Christie-style of interrogation and crime-solving process presented before a theatre full of thriller-loving mummas and their occasional crying babes. The “Little Women” attracted a massive room of patrons eager to see the retelling of a good old classic that captivated hearts of millions for more than a-hundred years.

What makes Cry Baby Session so special is the unspoken understanding between parents who desire a break from routines of nappy-changing and milk-feeding, the “no worries” smile whenever a baby burst out screaming for no apparent reason, or that kicks and tantrums that blended into the background of each movies. No one gave any angry or annoyed stare to one another, no unpleasant exchanges, not an unkind word was uttered. We understand. The ticket is a great bargain of $12. On a day where it was not that busy, my coffee was served up in proper cafe-styled porcelain cup and saucer, together with a personal service where the drink was brought all the way into the cinema room. If you prefer something more “punchy”, there is also local craft beer, fancy cocktails and gin & tonic on the menu. There is also a great selection of foods, including classic cinema snacks such as popcorns and choc topped ice-cream!

Prams are allowed access into the theatre. The sound volume was soft enough for my Little Missy to continue her sleep without a stir, but loud enough for mummas to enjoy the film. Lights were slightly dim for a “true” cinematic experience, but bright enough for an “emergency” nappies-change (no interruption of any thrilling scene!). Change table is available in the toilet outside the cinema room, but I wish they were a few more provided as there was quite a queue right after the movie. I love the pram-friendly ramp, the Art Nouveau interior, the old-glamorous Hollywood touch, and the personable service of a small-sized, independently-run cinema. This is a quiet gem for anyone who prefers a non-mainstream cinema experience.

Us Victorians have been through a tough time (but probably not as tough as many others around the world, for that, I am grateful), but I am glad that light is at the end of tunnel. I’m hopeful that this difficult moment will soon be conquered and full freedom will be returned, hopefully globally. I am happy to see that the Cry-Baby Session is back again at the Thornbury Picture House, and this time, it would run on each Friday at 11 am.

Hot tips: Location: 802 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071 (in between Dundas St and The Thornbury Theatre. The cinema is walkable from the Thornbury train station or Stop 41 of the 86 Tram. Easy pram access. Pram is allowed into the cinema room

WEBSITE

Dino Lab at Melbourne Zoo - Ready for some ROAR!

There are some gigantic, ferocious, scary-looking dinosaurs “roaming” around the Melbourne Zoo at the moment, and the last I heard, they’re “not leaving anytime soon”. The Dino Lab at Melbourne Zoo is one exciting adventure for the kids. Yes, seeing real animals in action is cool and amazing, but watching extinct dinosaurs “come to life” in close distance? That’s surreal.

Located opposite of where you would usually find the lemurs, each person is given a (disinfected) lanyard with a swipe card before we begin our expedition to hunt for the lost creatures. Now how long a neck can a diplodocus goes? And how badass can those triangular iconic plates look at the back of our media-favourite stegosaurus? The T-Rex is as usual, attention grabbing, showing-off its large and wide jaw, all ready to chomp down some bony and meaty meals of its next victim. We love those animatronic huge monsters moving in slow-motion, the occasional roar, that “what’s-you-looking-at” deathly stares. All the dinosaurs are realistically modelled but “kids-friendly” enough to generate giggles and amazement.

The special swipe cards provide access to knowledge: there are information stations scattered around the Dino precinct, spewing interesting fun facts about the majestic beasts, while linking them to the importance of preserving our present-day endangered species. There were also dinosaurs eggs and baby dinosaurs basking at leisure in their own little sanctuary amidst the greens. Game to be a junior palaeontologist? Walk over to the Dino Dig (aka sandpit) area, and discover the ginormous skeletons and fossils concealed beneath the great white sand. On the day of my visit, no kids were seen hanging around the excavation area, because you see, the Aussie scorching and super hot summer is not for the faint-hearted! There were also incubation station with a mind-boggling breeding program undergoing, and an “inactive” Dino Field Research Station that could not go on full-swing owing to the current pandemic situation.

On the way out of the enclosed dinosaur habitat, we left behind our lanyards but brought away some awe-inspiring photographs and information about the lost world. We could see a new round of disinfection being done on the scanning cards and lanyards as part of the covid-prevention measures. Dino Lab experience is included and is part of the attractions of a Melbourne Zoo’s entry. There are apparently some simultaneous dinosaurs exhibitions going-on in its sister zoos in Werribee and Healesville at the moment.

For Covid-19 access and pre-booking, please visit the Melbourne Zoo website.

Kryal Castle- The One And Only Aussie's Castle

Here comes Lady Eleanor, wielding her forceful lance full of vigour and power, charging against the Lord of another wild land. The crowd roared and cheered, stomping their feet to the tempo of the galloping horses across the tournament arena, whilst witnessing the thrilling actions of knights in shiny armours glittered beneath the glaring sunlight. At the other end of the town, a wizard silently stirred and mumbled; Spells uttered, puffing green smoke rose, a secret potion is conjured.

Familiar as these might sound, these are not scenes from the sensational, long-gone series of Game of Thrones. Our family went to Kryal Castle during the recent summer break with our two kiddos to experience the excitement of jousting knights and medieval princesses. The experience is surreal, hilarious, fun-filled and we can’t wait for another visit back to this amazing and probably, often under-valued holiday spot. Based on our conversations with local and foreign friends, not many have heard of this one and only "castle" in Australia; but those who had, remember it fondly as a childhood dreamland. The entrance was a classic castle facade with cobblestoned steps leading to the elevated doorway, where a drawbridge spanned over a moat and overlooked two red and blue Kryal banners and flags. The mood of medieval dream started from here.

Next up was the dark and a little-scary dragon’s labyrinth, where guests went through narrow passages in search of the mystical white majestic beast, formidably guarding the castle’s treasure trove. Our younger kids preferred the more child-friendly option of Dragon’s Eggs Garden, where we found cute little green baby dragons popped out from their little hatched eggshells, greeting the young ones with adorable grins. We tried our luck to pull the sword out from the “legendary” stone (alas there wasn’t anyone we met so far who was meant to be the destined King). Our baby girl got extremely excited listening to the cockadoo calls of the roosters from the animal nursery. Further up, it was the Knights Tower and Throne Room where we sheepishly posed like true king and queen sitting on the bright red seats of golden rims. The huge round table reminded me of those warring-plans devised by the Lannister and all the clan’s hidden, unspeakable scandals.

A series of summer program lined up throughout the day, ensuring all guests were truly entertained within the castle compound. A funny Rapunzel tale was retold in front of the replica of David’s statue. The acting was first-class comedy. Kids and adults laughed and gasped and screamed watching the damsel in tower outsmarted an evil witch and a vain prince. The kids then gathered around at the Wizard Workroom to learn some lessons of “potion-making” from a hilarious bearded wizard, who cooked-up a mixture using goblin’s wee, Phoenix ashes, and I’m not too sure what else.

A Queenly Croquet Match took place beside the Bravehearts Playground where Alice, the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit did their best to please the outrageous Queen of Heart in her silly game with flamingo sticks. Knights and warhorses competed in challenge that tested out the skills of sword, lance and spear; this was followed by another funny “boo-ing” episode against the notoriously sly sheriff in a live play involving the world-famous Robin Hood. Next up was a “dragon” show, and the performances line-up ended with a 7pm highlight of the day - the Royal Joust.

We watched all the performances as our boy didn’t want to miss a single one. In between the “breaks”, we watched a few junior knights trained-up their skills of knighthood with sword and shield. There were also axe-throwing for the older kids, and archery-art training with real bow and arrow for the adults. We admired a good old church organ in the quiet chapel, bought some icy poles at the Tooth Fairy Lolly shop, purchased two $2 each balloon swords from the village traders, did a mini family's maze race, watched a blacksmith in-action, and tried out some authentic wood-fired pizzas from the Ale House (with reasonable prices).

There was also a Torture Dungeon and Museum that we purposely missed as I’m not a fan of anything involving infliction of pain (I wish the “torture” part was being presented as a more serious historical subject minus the "entertaining" photograph poses. From online review, the dungeon is creepy and is suitable for age 13 and above). We also didn’t do the Royal Photographs, but we had a sneak peek of some of the photograph samples in display which seem kind of cool. Overall, this is a great trip and we know we will return again. Kryal Castle is highly recommended for adults and kids of all ages as there is always something special and dear-to-the-heart for each medieval castle lover. We are hoping for an overnight stay in the castle-inspired room next round, although the accommodation booking does run out pretty quickly notoriously.

Website: https://www.kryalcastle.com.au/ Location: 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352 (8km east of Ballarat, and around 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Melbourne City)

East Melbourne Library - where elegance and books met

Hidden gem. Cliche as it may sound, I can’t think of two better words to describe the East Melbourne Library more perfectly. Dare I say, this is the prettiest contemporary-designed library in Melbourne (or perhaps, almost on par with the Library at the Dock), with the most secretive location (you won’t see it unless you purposely look for it). The facade of the building reminds me of an elegant, sophisticated and modern lady that pushes boundary, not afraid to be seen, but not in a frantic mood to demand any limelight.

You will be captured by the fluidity and transparency of its glass material. The diamond-quilted panels matches well with the slightly angular structure and that not quite symmetrical exterior view. A spacious verandah sets itself apart from the quiet residential terraced houses. Benches, bike racks, and the surrounding greenery of plants, shrubs and trees. It’s welcoming, and no doubt, irresistibly attractive. Step in, and you would be greeted by the echoing acoustic and an inviting amount of natural light. It’s quiet, with very few people. It feels “under used” (just like the Library at the Dock). There is a lovely space for children with books that look too new for a public library standard. You would also find a basket filled to the brink with interesting costumes of princesses, wizards, bumble bee and many more. Also available, a computer with educative games, and kid-sized tables for colouring fun. But other that, not many toys around (unlike the Kathleen Syme Library).

What I love most are the outdoor seats at the rear of the building. That’s the place where we get to have a little peaceful “alfresco dining” with our pre-packed snacks. It’s an awesome ground for my four-year-old boy and his mates to run-around (many times, in their dressed-up costumes) when we have our occasional weekend playdates. East Melbourne Library is probably not as exciting, vibrant, and loud as many of its Melbourne counterparts. It’s for those who want to enjoy an undisturbed afternoon of reading pleasure. It’s also for the architectural lovers who want to learn more about sustainability, ESD strategies, clever urban planning, renewable energy adoption, recyclable fit-outs and design (the building won the 2007 IDEA awards for sustainability).

And if you prefer the magic of sweet-smelling new books that feel almost untouched, look no further, this is the library for you.

Useful tips: Address: 122 George Street East Melbourne VIC 3002 Opening time: Due to the Covid-19 situation, the library opening times may vary. Latest updates can be found HERE. Nearest train station: Jolimont Station (300 metres, around 5 minutes walk) Nearest tram stop: Stop 12 by routes 48 or 75 Located further east of Fitzroy Garden, 1 minute walk away.

South Melbourne Market- a market too surreally perfect

The glamorous Prahran Market is famed for its upscale status and classy products; Queen Victoria Market is unparalleled in its heritage significance, its vastness, its unbeatable number of stalls, and the abundance of selections. The South Melbourne Market is the middle child: medium-sized space, quality products with affordable (but not dirt cheap) price, beautiful gourmet products (but not to the extent of untouchable grandeur).

Some might argue that its extreme neatness renders the place lacking the messy character essential to a market. The people in the market are too polite and friendly. Stall keeper hands out organic raisins for sampling with a smile too gentle and sincere, the free cinnamon-laced hot cross bun bits for all to taste is too good to be true, the seafood bar area is too sparkling clean, and the generous space between each stall makes our walk too comfortable. In short, everything in South Melbourne Market is picture-perfect. It is as if the market is at a constant standby for strict enforcement and supervisory inspections: not one spot nor blemish is allowed to surface. There is not much haggling or bargaining occurred. No angry or impatient voices from vendors nor the customers can be heard. No garbage, dirty water wastage or stinky odour can be detected. South Melbourne Market is proper, admirably spotless, classily hippie and easily approachable.

Upon entry, we were immediately charmed by the bright red lobsters and the juicily fresh oysters from the South Melbourne Seafood (the stall that prides itself of its sustainable- emphasis when it comes to sourcing of fish). Opposite, the attractive array of tea containers forms a captivating rainbow wall for the Teadrop stall, an unmissable place for passionate tea-lover eager for a cup of finest brew from a choice of over 100 blends. Further on, we saw a lovely pop-up stall from Joy Cupcakes with its mouth-watering little cakes sprinkled with the most natural of ingredients. South Melbourne Market is also the place of origin of the world famous circular-sized Chinese dumpling known affectionately by the Australians as "Dim Sim", served deep fried or steamed (South Melbourne Market Dim Sims, trading since 1949).

This is a market to find $1 oyster treat (Aptus), nostalgic teddy bears and dolls (Clare's Bears and Wares), fresh free range eggs (Willow Zen Farm), delightful Spanish foods (Simply Spanish), and the very village-feel, Melbourne's best fruit and vegetables' winner Georgie's Harvest.

There are just so much more to explore, and my meagre list in this post does not do half the justice to this awesome market. It's not surprising that this place has become many (if not most of) Melbournians' favourite market. This is the market to go if you wish to avoid incessant throng of tourists or to get your weekly groceries done with fair and reasonable price.

Where:
Coventry St & Cecil Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205

Opening Days and Times:
Saturday: 8am- 4 pm
Sunday: 8am- 4pm
Wednesday: 8am- 4pm
Friday: 8am- 5pm

Website: https://southmelbournemarket.com.au/

Former Denton Hat Mills- the nostalgic red bricks and chimney stack

Red-bricked wall and chimney stack always remind me of some fairy tales and fables; three little pigs and the big bad wolf, Charles Dickens's novels about the poor and rich, and the animal barns in George Orwell's literature. I am pretty sure houses of similar kind appear somewhere in one of those illustrations accompanying those stories. This Victorian-style three-storey building (with a huge chimney that can probably fit three Santa Clauses) housed a former hat mills in Abbotsford.

The late 19 century is the stylish era where a hat could be a symbol of status, a command for respectability, and a token of fashion. I can almost imagine the scene of a busy manufacturing mill with grey smoke flowing out from the conspicuous chimney stack constantly. Wool, fur, feathers, felt and leather. Dust, noise, repetitive movements and mechanized plants. All crammed in the squalid industry area along the Yarra River, dotted around and mushroomed with factories and workers and entrepreneurs. Denton Hat Mills prides itself as the first steamed-powered hat factory in Australia. The size of the factory grew drastically from 12 employees in 1874 to 208 employees in 1887, with a turnover of over 30,000 pounds (probably around GBP11 million in today's value (I stand corrected)).

The former factory is registered in the Victorian Heritage Register and is a National Trust building. Its architectural significance is prominent, being one of the many works of William Pitt (the designer of Princess Theatre, Rialto and Olderfleet). William Pitt had apparently been involved in the later design stages and contributed to certain additions to the building in the 20th century.

Today, the imposing building houses a mix of excitement: the famous cafe Three Bags Full (you would have read all about it in various Melbourne coffee guide books or recommended cafe web pages), residential apartment and offices. Its impressive red-bricked facade is preserved carefully, and still retained that hint of nostalgia from the Victorian time. The hat factory survived at the site till 1971.

Where:
48-60 Nicholson Street Abbotsford

New Wall Murals in the Melbourne Zoo- wildly awesome

The newly opened Carnivores' Trail of the Melbourne Zoo promises snow leopards, South American coati, Sumatran tiger, Tasmanian Devil, and the African wild dog. We have been to the zoo twice since the official unveiling of the new exhibit that costs $9 million, but we had no luck spotting the powerful snow leopards and Sumatran tiger on both occasions.

While walking along the trail from one enclosure to the next, we heard people expressing their disappointment and unhappiness (some complained loudly. Some tried to pacify their grumpy kids with soothing voice). The vast and empty enclosed areas left many visitors bewildered and puzzled.

But I guess that's exactly what makes the Melbourne zoo so great.

You see, instead of succumbing to public pressure and forcing the new animals to appear before the full view of the very large crowd of visitors (school holiday period is definitely not helping with the number of them!), the zoo decided to adopt a more humane approach so that the new comers can slowly adjust to the glamorous surroundings on their own pace. The enclosures are spacious and specially designed to simulate the actual natural habitat of the wild predators. The new inhabitants are given choices and certain free will: they can either meet and greet the visitors by stepping out onto the open platforms, or retain their privacy by hiding under or behind the covered areas, away from the scrutiny of human beings.

Yes, it will be really nice if we can get at least a glimpse of these beautiful carnivores and admire their impressive agility, but these should never come at the expense of distressing the animals. Instead of satisfying the temporary curiosity of the general public, the zoo is more concerned about the permanent adjustment of lives of these precious new residents.

So pending the animals settling into their new home environment, may I suggest we shift our attention to the very awesome large scale "street arts" splattered along the very well designed Carnivores' Trail. These wall murals are outright stunning and make superb backgrounds for group photographs.

The magnificent art pieces were created by our very own talented Melbourne street artists Adnate, Makatron, Dvate and Andrew J Bourke, who have helped adorning the public walls of Melbourne city for some good many years with their well-recognized painting styles. We love them all. The arts give a fabulous local touch to the new animals trail, and definitely make a splendid addition to the new wildlife home.

Where: 
Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Ave, Parkville VIC 3052

The Great Melbourne Star- and its not-so-great past

This giant Ferris wheel can be seen from afar around the vicinity of Docklands. It prides itself as the only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, with a unique and distinguished design of a seven-pointed star symbolizes the Australian flag. Surrounded by joyful carousel, tea cups ride and colorful circus train, the marvelous Melbourne Star is (supposedly) a representative of all things fun and whimsical. Its 21 air-conditioned cabins carry visitors for a 30-minute "tour" to see the best views of Melbourne, day and night, both modern skyscrapers and natural skylines.

Yet beneath that glorious facade, things were far from being a bed of roses. Initially known as the Southern Star, this massive structure doesn't appear to be able to attract the necessary visitors flow to the very silent Docklands town. The original construction ran 2 years behind schedule. When the wheel was finally unveiled in December 2008, it was compelled to shut down 40 days later when major cracks were discovered by a LED lighting installation contractor. Some serious structural defects (details unknown) were later identified. The original wheel was scrapped and sold, but the main support columns and passenger cabins were salvaged and reused.

Further issues arose. A worker suffered minor injury when the wheel broke free during the reconstruction process. After numerous hiccups and bumps and delays, the great wheel was reopened on 23 December 2013 (after 5 years since the shut down). But lo and behold, a cracked window was discovered within the third day. Thankfully, this time, the damage was said to be a "minor cosmetic issue", and really there was nothing to be alarmed about.

The wheel still turns and runs today. From reported news, there are quite a few pending law suits from various parties (either directly or indirectly) related to this observation wheel of a dramatic past.

It's a real shame that the Melbourne Star could not achieve the same popularity and acclaimed status as the London Eye or the Las Vegas High Roller. Nevertheless, the Melbourne Star is a beautiful structure with a one-of-its-kind design that sets itself apart from its worldwide counterparts. We wish the wheel all the best, and hopefully one day, it will be given more attention and a better reputation than it deserves.

Where:
101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008

Opening Days:
Open 7 days a week

Website: 
https://www.melbournestar.com/

Lentil As Anything- awesome food without a specified price

There is no free lunch in this world-  a wise universal truth. Yet there is a place in Abbotsford, an inner Melbourne suburb just 4km away from the city centre that serves awesome vegetarian and vegan food without specified prices. Customers get to enjoy their breakfast, lunch or dinner, served on scrumptious buffet-style on a "pay as you feel" basis, sometimes with the accompaniment of live hippie reggae music or cool guitar strumming.

The food is varied, multicultural, and rarely disappoints. Depending on the day of visit or occasion, customers get to have a taste of Sri Lankan Kothu Roti, Tibetan momo (steamed vegetable dumplings), heartily rich lentil tomato soup, masala spiced potatoes with bright orange pumpkins, Mexican-style slowed cook mushroom, capsicum and beans, and piping hot and creamy vegetarian lasagna. Patrons also get to complete their meals with desserts (usually a really nice piece of simple cake) and a cup of good-old strong coffee of your choice (full cream milk or soy milk).

The queue for food is consistently long, and the atmosphere around is always jolly good and lively. The restaurant operates on an honourable code that everyone deserves a place at the dining table, regardless of your financial status or bank balance. Hence the customers' types are as varied as the options of foods, and we get to sit side by side sometimes with the homeless, the not so well-to-do, casual tourists, the hippies, the rich or family with kids that just did their tour at the adjacent Collingwood Children's Farm. A unique business structure like this is almost bound to experience occasional (if not frequent) cash flow issues and financial roughness. A simple Google search on the establishment will lead us to news and web pages talking about how the system has been exploited by certain patrons who use the place as a way to gain free meals without fear of judgment.

It's rare to see such an interesting not-for-profit organization focuses on serving and doing its best, but relies entirely on the good will and integrity of its customers for its continued survival. Even if we are not in a charitable mood, the great food itself deserves a good decent pay from an honest customer.

Where: 

Abbotsford Convent, 1/3 Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067

[Updated: This place has now closed its door permanently from Feb 2022]