Coronavirus Australia: All the cool stuff we couldn’t do before being quarantined

Welcome to the world of self-isolation: where the socialising options are slim but the virtual alternatives are endless. These are the pick of the things we couldn’t do before quarantining at home.

Going a bit stir crazy in isolation? You’re not alone.

But maybe it’s time to take advantage of all the amazing things we can now do from the comfort of our own homes (thank you, technology).

With the need for life (and leisure) to go on despite the pandemic, we’ve seen some pretty creative solutions coming out of the arts, fitness and entertainment industries in this difficult time.

These all the rad things we weren’t able to do previously, and can now do virtually thanks to COVID-19.

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Who said isolation can’t be fun? Picture: istock.

NETFLIX PARTIES

COVID-19 has killed everyone’s Netflix and chill game, but it hasn’t killed movie nights.

Enter: the free Google Chrome browser extension, Netflix Party.

With over a million users already, the extension lets you start, stop and pause a Netflix movie or show so you can watch it at the same time as a group of friends and family, without the hard work of trying to synchronise everyone. ("Three, two, one … play!")

There's also a side chat bar where you and your friends can discuss what's going on in the movie – much like you would if you were sitting together on the couch.

Looking for things to pass the time? The best shows to watch, the funniest videos, the best hacks? Find it all at our Life (goes on) in Lockdown section.

Plus, it negates the overpriced movie tickets and subs in a snack range you actually like (unlike your typical movie cinema).

To install everyone will need to download the Netflix Party extension. Visit netflixparty.com in your Google Chrome browser to start the process.

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Who needs house parties when you can have Netflix parties in iso? Picture: Olivier Douliery/AFP.

ONLINE BOOK TOURS

Amid the coronavirus crisis, cancelled events have become a given across the country. Aussie writer Kirsten Krauth created a Facebook group for authors whose book launches were hanging in the balance. Avid readers can now support their favourite writers from the couch via the Writers Go Forth. Launch. Promote. Party group.

“It's always tough making a living as a writer and it’s been challenging times as all our events and speaking gigs are cancelled. So hurray (sic) for Zoom!!” one author posted, thrilled that authors still have a platform to reach readers.

The group is quickly gaining traction as a one-stop shop for authors announcing the details of virtual Q & As and readings through Facebook and Instagram Live.

Books and bevvies in bed? Um, yes please. Picture: istock.

BRINGING THE ZOO TO YOU

Without the usual crowds of families and kids who’d be flocking through the gates come school holidays, Australia’s best known zoo has gone online.

"Taronga TV" promises viewers a close up shot of the animals they’d be used to seeing from outside enclosures. Tiger, elephant and seal cams are running 24-7, as zookeepers allow those in iso to take a sneak peek into their world. And viewers can tune in at feeding times if they really want to see some action.

And unlike the zoo’s passes – the cheapest family pass will set you back just under $100 – viewers can watch their favourite furry friends whenever they want, for free.

And Taronga aren’t the only ones keeping self-isolators in the loop. Zoos Victoria has also launched Animal House, offering viewers four live feeds from its animal enclosures in Melbourne and Werribee zoos. While there’s no shortage of lions lazing about in the sun and cheeky penguin feedings, the snow leopard cubs are the real showstoppers at the moment.

NEVER MISS A SERVICE

With the PM recently announcing that places of worship will be considered “workplaces”, parishioners have been advised to tune into their local parish via live stream. A number of churches across the country including Hillsong, St Mary’s Cathedral and the Uniting Church Australia have already begun live-streaming at mass times. Select Buddhist societies have followed suit, offering guided meditation via Youtube.

A similar adaptation has been made in mosques, with many imams ministering over video conferencing and social media.

MUSICIANS PERFORM FREE, ONLINE CONCERTS

Normally, something like would set you back hundreds of dollars, but we live in a different world now. A world that has become mostly virtual.

As the coronavirus crisis continues, creatives and cultural organisations are moving their work online, not only to keep their music alive, but to keep people sane while in self isolation.

With venues and bars on lockdown across the country, there are plenty of things you can watch from the safety of your couch.

WE'RE BACK FOR ROUND 3! 💚🧴💦 #isolaidfestival pic.twitter.com/LlqDJU8pNq

— emily ulman (@millylala) April 3, 2020

Only last weekend a bunch of Aussie musicians banded together for a “socially (media) distanced music festival” called “Isol-Aid” where they live-streamed themselves playing a 20-minute gig on Instagram as part of an effort to raise funds for those in the country’s coronavirus-hit music scene.

And they’re back again this weekend after the success of their previous two shows.

Artists include John Butler, Katie Noonan and Ella Hooper.

While access to the performances are free, viewers are encouraged to purchase music or merchandise from the artists involved or donate to a fundraiser set up for SupportAct, a charity providing relief services to people in the music industry facing hardship.

There is also “Stay At Home Festival” where all concerts will be streamed live at the given time from the personal Instagram accounts of different artists from around the world.

The Australian arts industry has seen an estimated loss of $325 million in revenue, according to I Lost My Gig, a website that has been tracking event cancellations and postponements. 

The 2020 APRA Music awards will still go ahead in late May, moving from Sydney’s ICC to a worldwide live stream. Full details are yet to be released, but the awards will stick to a format of presenters, winners and live performances, curated by the music director Kate Miller-Heidke.

TikTok has also launched its first live stream series, #HappyAtHome, which takes place at 11am AEDT each day and will feature names like Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks, Jason DeRulo, Dr Phil and Bill Nye.

WORLD OF FITNESS GOES ONLINE, FOR FREE

It’s times like this when you really understand the importance of fitness and to help us through these challenging times, gyms, personal trainers and some of your favourite fitness stars have begun to offer their services for free.

To make it even easier, some fitness venues/influencers are doing Instagram/ Facebook live sessions, so all you need to do is log on at the required time and no membership or fees are involved.

FITNESS — WHAT’S ON OFFER:

• Barrys Bootcamp Australia — a gruelling fitness program adopted from the US and adored by Hollywood’s finest celebs — recently held its first Instagram live session with over 350 people participating in its 30 minute body weight workout

• Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth is one of many trying to help us remain active during these tough times by giving free access to workouts on his health and fitness program, Centr.com. He also just announced that he will be recording a series of meditations to help children aged four to 10 years who feeling stressed and anxious during isolation

• In the gym world, F45 Australia, has fast-tracked the release of its at-home program, which can be accessed via the F45 Challenge app and website

• Jetts Fitness has also just launched its online home-based service, Jetts at Home, offering members with training tips, workouts nutritional ideas and overall advice to support wellbeing.

• Fitness celebrity trainers Tiffiny Hall and Sam Wood have made adjustments to their at-home programs by offering more equipment-free workouts, while other fitness stars reveal their top tips to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during these challenging times

• Television personality and professional dancer Sonia Kruger has just dropped a free dance workout for all those who are currently self isolating via her dance-based fitness and nutritional program, StrictlyYou

• Aussie fitness models Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, behind the wellness app Keep It Cleaner will be offering workouts on KIC’s Facebook and Instagram Live every Wednesday and Friday morning at 7am.

• Smaller boutiques such as two Sydney martial arts studios, PTJ Muaythai gym and 8 Limbs Combat and Conditioning have its trainers conducting free, online kickboxing classes via Instagram and Facebook