The Christchurch food scene is better than it has ever been. It's vibrant, quirky, sophisticated and in touch with the land. From fresh produce picked up at the local farmers' markets to the many restaurants, cafes and food trucks, there are opportunities for good eating experiences all over Christchurch. It's a place to come and enjoy food made with the best produce from the land and ocean, with respect for local farmers and producers. Christchurch's wealth of produce has made it the home of food foraging groups and ConversatioNZ, a movement initiated by chefs, restauranteurs, producers and writers in the food industry aiming to highlight the quality and vast array of spectacular food and edible resources available in New Zealand. It was hard to choose, but here are five of our favourite places to eat at in Christchurch. SUPREME SUPREME Saying something twice emphasises its meaning. This is certainly the case at Supreme Supreme, a cafe, coffee school and wholesale coffee venue within a stone's throw of Christchurch's city centre. Coffee Supreme has been producing particularly fine specialty coffee since the 1990's, first in Wellington, then moving on to Christchurch and Melbourne. Supreme Supreme is equipped with a full kitchen and bakery, offering tasty breakfast and lunch fare made from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients. The eatery arm of their venture continues their attention to detail and good taste. In past lives, the venue was a Land Rover dealership and the Hop Yick Asian Food Warehouse — the vibe now is of a futuristic and minimal diner. ROOTS RESTAURANT Whatever you do, don't forget to visit the port town of Lyttelton on a trip to Christchurch — the award-winning Roots Restaurant is only twenty minutes away, and it's not to be missed. The 2015 Restaurant of the Year is an eating adventure savoured by those who enjoy food gathered and made with commitment and love. The menu at Giulio and Christy Sturla's intimate 30-seater eatery encompasses what's fresh from the kitchen garden, nearby local growers and farmers. The five-, eight- and 12-course degustation menus showcase ingredients that reflect the seasons. Sit in the peaceful private garden or in one of two cosy dining rooms. THE LAST WORD With its Spanish Mission facades, New Regent Street has long been a favourite shopping spot for Christchurch locals. Recent times have seen a burgeoning of bars, restaurants and cafes pop up in this quirky little space. One of the standouts is definitely The Last Word. With two floors of ambient retro sophistication, this is the place to go for some quiet reflection or intimate conversation over a cocktail. Indeed, the whisky list is a veritable library collection of greats, curated with love and knowledge. Try a glass of their 19-year-old Glendronach vintage single cask; a crisp citrus twist flows through sherry poached pears and ripe yellow plums with a warming white pepper spice finish. THE MONDAY ROOM If ever there was a place to get a cocktail in Christchurch, it's at The Monday Room. Think many variations on the Bloody Mary and pages of cocktail puns. Housed in one of the oldest standing buildings in Christchurch, you'll be enveloped by the rich and opulent atmosphere whether you're there for brunch, dessert or anything in between. The locally-grown and organic-inspired menu is expertly executed by head chef Hannah Cooper-Grieve and showcases some of Canterbury's finest meat, seafood and produce. The wine list is all biodynamic and organic, and favours local vineyards, particularly those 45 minutes away in Waipara. SMASH PALACE Smash Palace started as a bus converted into a bar on Victoria Street, but it has now found more permanent digs on High Street in Christchurch. The famous beer hall, and the bus for that matter, are key factors in the success of the joint. On a sunny day the outdoor courtyard is packed with people enjoying a beverage. A family business, Smash Palace is dedicated to craft beer, local wine and the community, aiming to bring more of one to the other. They also serve some of the city's best made-from-scratch burgers in house-made buns. Maybe you've been to New Zealand's North Island, but have you ever ventured down South? Christchurch, and New Zealand's surrounding Canterbury region, is the perfect place for a quick holiday. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your itinerary with our adventure, nature and relaxation guides. Top image: Roots Restaurant.
Hair: we all have it, we all need to cut it. But for women in particular, it can also be a considerable drain on the bank balance, even if all you want is a simple trim. In Brisbane, that age-old problem is no more. A new addition to Bulimba, tucked behind Oxford Street’s bustling shopping and restaurant strip, Barber Girl offers women the solution they’ve been waiting for. As the name suggests, it’s a ladies-only cutting salon. Getting a haircut no longer cost a fortune or takes up an entire afternoon. No, you’re not dreaming. Barber Girl is the brainchild of owner Rachelle Pelecas, a veteran of the hairstyling trade at The Men’s Lounge Barber in Paddington. In her seven years running the Latrobe Terrace shop with her husband Steve, she routinely saw women seeking a cheaper, quicker alternative to the usual salon treatment. “We kept getting asked on a daily basis,” Pelecas advises. “I think women were getting a little disgruntled that there wasn’t something for them.” From that experience, an idea was born, and in January, it became a reality. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, Barber Girl offers a cut, dry and style package for all ages and styles, with no appointments necessary. “Do you accept walk-ins?” a customer asks while Concrete Playground is in the store. “We only accept walk-ins,” Pelecas answers with a smile. That policy sees cider-sipping patrons typically in and out of the shop with freshly dressed tresses in around half an hour, depending on how busy it is. Everything on the menu costs less than $50, regardless of how long your locks are, with a split enz menz, side shave or a blowdry even cheaper still. Amazingly, it’s the first place of its type in Australia — and, as Pelecas’s research has shown — possibly the world. “I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere else,” she explains, expanding that once she realised the demand was there, it was something she had to pursue. “It is something unique, something creative and something different,” she continues, and Barber Girl certainly looks the part. Everything in the store is custom-made, with much of it — the pipefittings under each sink, the wall shelving and the artwork, too – crafted by Pelecas herself. Other items, including the four pink barber’s chairs that draw the eye to the centre of the room, were modified specifically for the shop. As well as applying her talents to the interior design choices and putting her studies in fine arts to use, Pelecas was particular about the Bulimba location. An east-side local, she lives close by, worked on Oxford Street while she was at university and her brother-in-law owns George’s Barbershop around the corner. “Bulimba has such a community feel,” Pelecas notes. “This area is different in that there is more of a young presence.” Their clientele reflects the diversity of the suburb, catering for all demographics. “We’ve had a 75-year-old in here getting her first haircut for 25 years, then someone young and hip, then two-year-olds getting their first haircuts. In less than two months of trading, business has been booming, with word spreading around the city. “I’ve been quite surprised at how far some people are travelling to get here,” Pelecas advises. Those wanting a fast, affordable and flattering new hairstyle — i.e. everyone — best get in quick and join them. You'll be uploading pics of your new 'do to Instagram in no time. Find Barber Girl at Shop 9 Princess Street, Bulimba.
If you're a female chef, sommelier, waiter, restaurateur or manager — in short, if you're a woman and you work in hospo — there's a brand new not-for-profit in Australia dedicated to you. It's called WOHO and it's already attracted the support of some big names in the industry, including Christine Manfield, Danielle Alvarez and Nadine Ingram, who'll be acting as mentors. Even though 51.8 percent of Australian hospitality workers are women, only 15.4 percent of CEOs in the same industry are. So, when it comes to the top jobs, females are seriously underrepresented. WOHO will be bringing educational opportunities and forums to professionals at all stages of their careers. Members will be able to share experiences, ask questions, discuss issues, seek advice and access a supportive network. There'll be a formal mentoring program, regular events and meet-ups. "It is a very exciting time for Australian hospitality, which is now getting more recognition on the world stage," says Julia Campbell, founder and chair of WOHO. "While our forward-thinking approach to food and concepts is well-recognised, it is imperative that we face the issue of female underrepresentation at a senior level in the industry. WOHO is a vehicle for us to inspire, recruit and retain more females and to give them the confidence to support themselves and each other in their professional development." The rest of the WOHO Board is made up of Anna Pavoni (Ormeggio), Jane Hyland (4fourteen), Claire van Vuuren (Bloodwood), Michelle Maiale (A Tavola), Jane Strode (Bistrode CBD), Lisa Hobbs (Dedes Group), Lisa Margan (Margan Estate), Kerrie McCallum (delicious and Stellar) and Lyndey Milan (OAM). WOHO will launch on May 29 at 6pm at Three Blue Ducks, 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery. There'll be food by Bloodwood, 4Fourteen, Pastry Project and Bistrode CBD, and drinks by Printhie, Lisa McGuigan, Margan Estate, Young Henrys and Santa Vittoria. Tickets are $25 (members) or $30 (non members). WOHO membership is $10/month.
When Australian audiences embrace our own films, we tend to do it in a very big way. Last year, Lion had viewers everywhere in tears. In the years prior, we were turning out in droves for The Dressmaker and Mad Max: Fury Road. And, even when local efforts aren't setting the box office alight, our homegrown flicks are still tearing up cinema screens with a showcase of Aussie talent. The Babadook, Snowtown, Mystery Road, Goldstone, Tracks, These Final Hours, 52 Tuesdays, Holding the Man, Sherpa, Hounds of Love, Jasper Jones, Ali's Wedding — they're just some of the ace Australian films that've reached theatres in recent years. In 2018, they'll be joined by these ten movies you need to put on your viewing list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKBG1znk4A SWEET COUNTRY An Australian western set during the late 1920s in the Northern Territory, Sweet Country boasts plenty of well-known talent, including Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Matt Day and Ewen Leslie. It's the director behind the movie that should grab your attention, however, with his long-awaited second fictional feature absolutely essential viewing. In an impassioned race-relations drama that finds the struggles of the past painfully still relevant to Australia in the present, Samson & Delilah's Warwick Thornton crafts a searing piece of cinema about an Aboriginal stockman, a cruel station owner and the fallout when they cross paths. Make no mistake, it'll be gathering a heap of shiny trophies when Aussie awards season rolls around at the end of 2018. In cinemas January 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMrhANU1-X4 CARGO He's already played Tim from The Office, Bilbo Baggins and John Watson — and now, Martin Freeman takes on the guise of a father trying to save his baby during the apocalypse. Based on Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke's Tropfest short of the same name, the South Australian-made film plunges into dystopian sci-fi territory amidst Australia's sparse landscape, and takes locals such as Susie Porter, Anthony Hayes and David Gulpilil along for the ride. Oh, and for added thrills in what proves an involving, gorgeously shot, environmentally and Indigenously-minded addition to a well-worn genre, there's zombies as well. A hit at last year's Adelaide Film Festival, it's destined for Aussie cinemas and Netflix. Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNndmppBgwM HAVE YOU SEEN THE LISTERS? There's only one way to respond to the question posed by the title of Aussie documentary Have You Seen the Listers? The answer, of course, is yes. If you've walked along a city street in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, you've seen Anthony Lister's work at least once, even if you didn't realise it. Directed by All This Mayhem's Eddie Martin — with the same flair for an engaging story told with insight and authenticity — the film charts his graffiti and art career, and the about-face he faced in Brissie when the council that once paid him to paint decided to take him to court for vandalism. Compelling and moving in equal measure, and candidly personal too, it's a portrait of chasing a dream, finding success and then coming down the other side. In cinemas April 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY8KFlOm7qo BREATH Returning to Australia's film industry after nearly two decades, Simon Baker doesn't just feature in Breath, the adaptation of Tim Winton's best-seller of the same name. He also ventures behind the camera, making his directorial debut. In both guises, he impresses — particularly, as the feature's guiding force, in coaxing illuminating performances out of standout young stars Samson Coulter and Ben Spence. In a visually, emotionally and tonally assured effort, the pair play surf-obsessed teens who come to idolise Baker's ageing ex-professional wave-rider, and grow close to his retired skier wife (Elizabeth Debicki). In cinemas May 3. [caption id="attachment_653802" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jennifer Kent's The Babadook[/caption] THE NIGHTINGALE Don't worry, Jennifer Kent's second feature won't have you peering under beds, being scared to look in cupboards and thinking twice about pop-up books. Instead, The Babadook director is trading one kind of thrills for another, this time telling the tale of a young woman in Tasmania in the early 19th century. A quest for revenge drives the narrative, with Game of Thrones actress Aisling Franciosi, Their Finest's Sam Claflin, and Aussies Ewen Leslie and Damon Herriman helping to bring it to life. When Franciosi's 21-year-old convict witnesses the death of her family by soldiers, her vengeance begins, as does her journey through the wilderness with an Aboriginal tracker. Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u4P4Isv6Zk 1% If Sons of Anarchy was made in Perth, it might look like 1%. Diving into the depths of warring motorcycle gangs, and exploring both internal and external turf wars, it has all of the familiar elements: gritty aesthetics, violent altercations, power struggles, a clash of generations and the club's second-in-charge facing off against his veteran leader all included. And yet, with Ryan Corr and Matt Nable both putting in memorable performances, and Abbey Lee and Aaron Pedersen also among the cast, the debut feature from Stephen McCallum rides its own trail through the brutal bikie genre. Nable also wrote the script, while the film itself started doing the rounds of international festivals late last year. In cinemas August 30. HOTEL MUMBAI In 2008, Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was attacked by terrorists. At least 167 people killed. Making his first feature, Australian writer/director Anthony Maras recreates the horrific incident, which understandably proved harrowing for locals and tourists alike. And, he's doing so with a familiar face to Aussie cinemagoers, with Dev Patel helping lead a noteworthy international cast after doing such a stellar job in 2017 hit Lion. Also on screen: Red Dog: True Blue's Jason Isaacs, 52 Tuesdays' Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Call Me By Your Name's Armie Hammer. In cinemas November 22. [caption id="attachment_585206" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Filmmaker Abe Forsythe[/caption] LITTLE MONSTERS After attacking the Cronulla riots with a sense of humour that made clear the stupidity of racist thinking and hateful actions, Abe Forsythe has a zombie comedy in his sights for his next film. Yes, Aussie filmmakers really are loving the undead this year. Called Little Monsters, it follows a musician who agrees to chaperone his nephew's school excursion, the kindergarten teacher he falls for in the process, a kid's TV entertainer who forms the third part of their love triangle, and the shuffling, brain-eating masses trying to munch on the children. Down Under's Alexander England stars opposite 12 Years a Slave Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and Beauty and the Beast's Josh Gad. Release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_653812" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Undertow[/caption] UNDERTOW Slated to debut at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival as part of the fest's Premiere Fund, Undertow tussles with grief and obsession as a mourning woman begins to stress about her husband's connection with a pregnant teenager. Namechecking Black Swan and Wish You Were Here as influences on its crowdfunding page, the film is clearly stepping into the psychological thriller realm. Actress-turned-debut feature filmmaker Miranda Nation both writes and directs, and Laura Gordon (Joe Cinque's Consolation), Josh Helman (Wayward Pines) and Olivia de Jonge (Better Watch Out) star. Release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_653809" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Slam[/caption] SLAM An Australian-made and -set effort by Indian-born filmmaker Partho Sen-Gupta (Sunrise), Slam wades into complex — and all-too-topical — territory. When Ameena (Danielle Horvat), a young hijab-wearing Aussie of Palestinian origin, disappears after attending a slam poetry night, the media is quick to paint her as something more than a missing person. For her brother Ricky (Adam Bakri) and mother Rana (Darina Al Joundi), it's an expectedly tense time filled with easy labels and suspicions. Complicating matters is the personal struggle of the police inspector assigned to the case (Rachel Blake), who has just returned to work after losing her soldier son. Release date TBC.
Just four kilometres long and three kilometres wide, Hayman Island might be small, but it be fierce. In one day, you can snorkel with swirling schools of tropical fish, play Robinson Crusoe on very own private beach and trek through lush rainforest to Baraka-worthy sunsets. When you're ready to leave shore, there are uninhabited islands to explore, outer reef coral kingdoms to dive among and luxury yachts to climb aboard. Want to enjoy all this without spending a cent? Mastercard is giving away an all-expenses-paid Hayman Island adventure worth $6000 to one lucky, lucky Nemo. Jump over here to go in the running. This highly opulent prize includes flights, accommodation in a luxe suite in Hayman Island's only resort and a VIP dining experience with Neil Perry. In the meantime, start planning your itinerary with these ten tips. SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Hayman Island's busiest aquatic community is on its north-western side, at Blue Pearl Bay. Prepare to meet local resident Priscilla, an enormous Māori wrasse, among rainbow-coloured parrot fish and striped angel fish. For an off-shore escapade, catch a private boat to pocket-sized Langford Island, where you'll come across magical underwater gardens. Afterwards, you can kick back on the long, sandy spit, picnicking, swimming and lazing about. Another option is the outer reef — at the legendary giant Stepping Stones, which drop away to 40 metres. You'll be gliding among magnificent rays and scary-looking-yet-utterly-harmless reef sharks. TAKE A HIKE To get your bearings, start with a short climb to Cook Lookout, Hayman Island's highest point. At 250 metres above sea level, it gives you a bird's perspective on surrounding reef formations and the rugged shores of neighbouring Hook Island. Come late afternoon, set off for Whitsunday Lookout, from where you can see the sun setting over the Whitsunday Passage, or to Dolphin Point, Hayman Island's northernmost tip. Alternatively, for a d0-nothing day on perfect white sand, take a stroll to Blue Pearl Bay. Don't forget your swimmers and snorkelling gear. STAY IN AN ULTRA-LUXE SUITE Hayman Island is privately owned and there's but one accommodation option, appropriately named One&Only Hayman Island Resort. Fortunately for you, it's a bloody masterpiece. An array of room types are available and they're all ultra-luxe. We're talking Royal Family-level linen draped across four-poster beds, massive ensuites with separate showers and baths, dressing rooms fit for Marilyn Monroe and private balconies overlooking the resort's tropical gardens or the ocean — depending on where you are. Facilities include two pools, seven bars and restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre, for those who, inexplicably, can be bothered moving. GET PADDLING To see Hayman Island from the water, at human-powered speed, jump in a kayak or man a paddleboard. If you're a newbie — or not very brave — there's no need to travel far for beautiful views and, thanks to the island's crystalline waters, flashes of aquatic life. Meanwhile, Bear Grylls types can venture further afield, perhaps even attempting a circumnavigation. Along the way, be sure to stop by Coconut Beach, where you can regain your energy by sinking into a sun lounge, and Blue Pearl Bay. SWIM IN A 'LAGOON' SEVEN TIMES THE SIZE OF AN OLYMPIC POOL The likelihood of bumping into another guest in the One&Only Hayman Island Resort's behemoth of a pool is next to nix. It's seven times the size of your average Olympic Pool. So, whether you're lapping, synchronised swimming or simply bobbing about in between cocktails, no one's going to get in your way. There are day beds aplenty and four private cabanas. Super-keen swimmers can book a suite in the Hayman Pool wing, where the rooms open directly onto the water. Should you find yourself working up an appetite, swing by the nearby On The Rocks Restaurant and Bar. EAT DINNER WITH NEIL PERRY Even a multi-hat winning chef's gotta go troppo every now and again. So, why not join him for the ride? In July, Neil Perry AM (of Rockpool and $10 burger fame) will be cooking up a feast on Hayman Island and then hosting you while you munch your way through it. He hasn't given away any of the culinary details yet, but we imagine there'll be no shortage of seafood inspiration, as well a handpicked selection of fancy wines to match. The only catch is, the only way you can experience this hedonistic evening is by entering the comp mentioned above or by laying your card down — it's one of Mastercard's Priceless Dinners and spots are strictly limited. GET A MASSAGE FLOATING IN THE SEA No tropical holiday is complete without a massage. And, on Hayman Island, you can take yours next level by ordering it outdoors. For water babies, there's the 90-minute 'Ocean Dreaming' experience, which involves pretty much what you see in the pic above: lying on a bed, floating on still water and surrounded by clear sky. If you're more Jungle Book, book into a 'Rainforest Massage'. You'll be ushered into a private, canopy-sheltered cabana and given a massage according to your specific bodily needs. Yogis might also be interested in the 'Sun Salutation', inspired by Oriental techniques and involving acupuncture, stretching and rocking motions. LEARN TO SCUBA Yet to scuba? There's no more classic place to learn than the Great Barrier Reef. Except, of course, that it might make dives closer to home seem somewhat anti-climactic. On Hayman Island, you'll kick off with a basic coaching session, before starting your underwater explorations in the safe, shallow waters of Blue Pearl Bay. Next up is a guided tour of nearby The Maze, so named because wandering through it feels a bit like twisting and turning through a coral labyrinth. You'll then be taken to The Fish Bowl, which is absolutely teeming with diverse fish species. RIDE A SEAPLANE Many a traveller has seen the Great Barrier Reef through a snorkelling mask or from the deck of a boat, but, there's no more startling way to get your head around its extraordinary proportions than from the window of sea plane. So, if you can scrape some dosh together, make it happen. You'll soar high above the Great Barrier's 350,000 square kilometres (which is divided into 2800 separate reefs altogether) swoop down for a closer look, and even take a break for a spot of snorkelling in Hardy Lagoon. CLIMB ABOARD A LUXURY YACHT Go James Bond-style and travel to and from Hayman Island via luxury yacht. Or, while you're there, charter one and design your own Great Barrier Reef cruise. You can loll about on the deck doing not much, cruise on the bow pretending to be Kate Winslet or watch the crew in action. Needless to say, fine dining and premium beverages will be at your disposal. You're the boss, after all. Want to enjoy all this without spending a cent? Mastercard is giving away an all-expenses-paid Hayman Island adventure worth $6000 to one lucky, lucky Nemo. Jump over here to go in the running. Images: One&Only Hayman Island/Mastercard.
This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your Lake Tekapo trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. If your mental picture of New Zealand is all lush greenery, snow-topped mountains, vast lakes and clear skies, then you'd most likely go nuts over Lake Tekapo. The place is the idealisation of pretty much everything associated with New Zealand by way of landscape: a small town surrounded by the Southern Alps and sitting on the bluest goddamn lake you've ever seen. The water in this lake is not to be understated — it's pure magic. It shimmers like it could clear your head, cure your ails and turn you into a mermaid all at the same time. Mermaids aside, Tekapo is must-see for travellers driving through the South Island (it's less than three hours from Christchurch and Queenstown), and it's an idyllic place to stay too. The lake's obvious potential for water sports and its proximity to the nearby Round Hill ski area makes it a popular destination all year round, but time your stay correctly (that is, outside of school holidays) and you'll find a small, quiet town with enough going on to keep it interesting. You could spend two days in Tekapo just gazing out over the lake, but this small township becomes an oasis in winter with plenty to eat, see, do and take in. Got two days in the area? Here's how you should spend it in Tekapo. DAY ONE Midday: Air Safaris flight Tekapo is halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, so no matter where you're coming from on the South Island, you can make an early start and arrive before noon. If the weather's clear, the first thing you'll want to do is book yourself in for an Air Safaris flight. It's a little bit pricey, but if you can do it, it's amazing as all hell to see the landscape from the vantage point of a light plane. They'll fly you over Tekapo, through the Godley Valley and right over the top of the Southern Alps. Flights depart every hour and last for around 45 minutes. It is totally dependent on the weather, so it's best to book on the day when you know you'll be able to see more than a few feet in front of you. [caption id="attachment_227858" align="alignnone" width="1024"] andrewXu via Flickr[/caption] Afternoon: The Church of the Good Shepherd The best thing about the Mackenzie region is that it has so much salmon swimming through its canal system that it's super fresh pretty much wherever you get it. Grab some salmon sashimi to go from Kohan (unsurprisingly Tekapo's only Japanese restaurant) and head over the canal to the Church of the Good Shepherd. The church is tiny, and — with that backdrop — is highly Instagrammable. It's usually open for prayer and admiration during the day if you want to head inside (just eat your salmon beforehand). [caption id="attachment_227862" align="alignnone" width="1024"] andrewXu via Flickr[/caption] Evening: Stargazing at Mt John Light pollution is one of those things you don't notice until it's gone, and at Tekapo it's practically nonexistent. Due to its isolation and terrain the area has an unusually high number of clear days and, as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the town is restricted in how much light they emit. You know what that means? You can see the stars! They're unusually bright from wherever you are in Tekapo, but the best vantage point is up at the Mt John Observatory. Access to Mt John is restricted at night, so you'll have to book a tour with Earth & Sky to get up there. On a clear night they'll point out what's up there and you'll get to look through their telescopes and pretty much geek out on astronomy. If you're really lucky, there might even be some Aurora Australis action. But, let me emphasise: really, really lucky. Night: Dinner at Rakinui Tekapo is primarily a tourist town, so there are a heap of places to stay. If you're looking for something that's fairly new, comfortable and not a hostel (it is only two nights, after all), Peppers Bluewater Resort ticks all the boxes and has some rooms that face right over the lake. If you're staying here, head to their restaurant, Rakinui, for a late post-stargazing dinner. Their homemade bread is incredible and they also have a regional tasting platter if you're keen to sample tastes of the Mackenzie region. DAY TWO Morning: Walk up Mount John A chilly morning walk might not sound like your idea of a holiday, but it will be once you get up the top of Mt John. So grab your gloves, scarf and beanie (as well as a walking trail map that you'll be able to find at your accommodation) and head outside. You can either drive to the walking track, which starts at Tekapo Springs, or just walk (it'll just add on an extra half an hour or so). From here you head up on a pretty steep track through the larch trees, which flattens out soon enough to take you around Mt John and up to the summit. On a clear morning the views are amazing — the water looks even bluer from up there and you can see all the way over the surrounding lakes and the Mackenzie Basin. This is definitely a spot where you can take an extended breather, contemplate nature, meditate etc. When you're done, you can take the same route back down (around 2 hours all up) or via the lake shore track, which is almost twice as long. Midday: Brunch at Run 77 After every good walk comes a good breakfast, which is precisely why Tekapo has Run 77. Those assuming a place like Lake Tekapo wouldn't be home to a quality cup of coffee will be pleasantly surprised, because Run 77 rocks it. The cafe doubles as a deli and food store, and dishes out a mean brunch by anyone's standards. Choose from things like their homemade muesli, fresh banana bread served with walnut jam and grilled banana and their eggs Benedict with local Aoraki hot smoked salmon. Plus, they have a cabinet full of scones, slices and muffins for your sweet tooth. Afternoon: Tekapo Springs Now you've walked uphill and had a big brunch, it's time to take off all your clothes. This might sound crazy (and it sort of is when there's snow on the ground), but sliding into the hot pools at Tekapo Springs is exactly what you never knew your body needed — you've just got to get from the change rooms and into the water in your bikini first. Sounds difficult, but what's waiting for you is three outdoor pools filled with toasty warm natural spring water at 36-40 degrees. So, don't worry, you won't be freezing your whatever off for very long. You can top this off with a skate on their outdoor ice rink, but we're more inclined to suggest a go in the sauna and possibly even a massage at their day spa. Actually, we insist on that last one. Evening: Dinner at Tin Plate After you emerge from the day spa in a daze at sunset, you probably won't be able to find you way home. Conveniently, Tekapo Springs offer a free shuttle service back into town on request, and they'll drop you wherever you like. For dinner and a glass of wine by the fire, slink into Tin Plate Kitchen & Bar. The newest addition to Tekapo's main drag, Tin Plate has only been open since the start of this year's ski season, doing pizza, pasta and piada — an Italian pita bread served open with toppings like chorizo and prawn or artichoke, capsicum and blue cheese. Wine is available by the carafe, Three Boys Pilsner is on tap and your bed is only a short walk away. That's the beauty of Tekapo.
Pinot Noir by crackling fireplaces, misty mountaintops and landscaped gardens that look straight out of Downton Abbey — Bowral is your go-to weekender when you don't have the time or cash for a mid-year trip to Europe. You'll find the 12,000-person town an easy, 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney, among the string of villages known as the Southern Highlands. Spend your stay cosying up in a 19th century hotel room staring at rolling hillsides, or get out and about, tasting wines, visiting waterfalls and feasting at hatted restaurants. However you play it, here are our tips for a couple of days in Bowral. [caption id="attachment_580846" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bendooley Vineyards.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Let's get coffee out of the way first. One of the best caffeine-hits in town is at boutique roastery Rush. Go for the house blend or take your pick of a single origin from Brazil, Sumatra or Nicaragua. Alternatively, slip into pint-sized Flour Water Salt and match your coffee with a freshly-baked, organic-flour pastry. This mini-chain is a big hit with people south of Sydney and now has three outlets — in Bowral, Milton and Kiama. Their trick, as the name suggests, is to keep things simple. Come lunch, hide away from the main street in the quiet, leafy courtyard of The Red Tree Café. Here, the agenda is classics with tasty twists. Setting yourself up for an action-packed day? Dig into the Big Red Tree Breakfast: free-range eggs, roasted tomato, mushrooms, pancetta, chipolatas and potato rosti on organic sourdough. [caption id="attachment_580847" align="alignnone" width="1280"] @biotadining.[/caption] Another option is to jump in the car and make tracks to Bendooley Estate. Not only will you land yourself a fireplace and idyllic farmlands with your meal, you're also in for a read. Bendooley is home to the Berkelouw Book Barn — Berkelouw's official headquarters — so tables are interspersed with shelves of beautifully-kept, second-hand titles. Also worth a drive is McVitty Grove, a restaurant set on an acreage, just 20 minutes from Bowral, with an emphasis on sustainability and local produce. Tuck into the chef's own beef sliders or the organic Portuguese chicken with Dauphinoise potatoes and roasted tomato. Up for a fancier adventure? Reserve a table at Biota Dining. Chef James Vile's two-hatted restaurant is another champion of eco-friendly eating. Should time be on your side, settle into a tasting menu. Otherwise, there are loads of seasonally-driven, al carte choices. And do say yes to a cocktail based on handcrafted botanicals, like the 'Autumn Leaves' (jammy persimmon, cinnamon, calvados and citrus). If you're not able to commit to a meal, you're welcome to stick to drinks and snacks in the bar (which is where you'll find the fire). [caption id="attachment_580850" align="alignnone" width="1483"] Eling Forest Estate.[/caption] DO Although we did give you permission to do absolutely nothing, we recommend a bit of an adventure. Winos should be sure to hop on the Southern Highlands wine trail. For the most part, the region is 600 metres above sea level, so cool climate varieties, like Pinot Noir and Riesling, fare well. At Tertini (one of NSW's best cellar doors), you'll be sampling a consistently excellent bunch of small-batch, boutique, multi-award winning drops. And, if you like to know your wine habit isn't killing the environment, swing by Eling Forest Estate, where the Tractorless Vineyard wines are made biodynamically. A Hampshire Down sheep breed, imported from England, takes the place of machines and pesticides, by eating the weeds around the grape vines. [caption id="attachment_580788" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bjenks[/caption] With a bottle or three under your arm, it could well be time for a waterfall-side picnic. The area's three biggest falls are Fitzroy, Belmore and Carrington, and visiting all of them makes for a fun, circular road trip. If you're keen to combine your falls with a walk, conquer the steep, two-kilometre Erith Coal Mine track in Morton National Park, which combines a disused coalmine with cascades you can stand under. Epic views of Bowral and Mittagong are on offer at the Mount Gibraltar Reserve. At 863 metres, it's the highest point between Sydney and Canberra, and there are three lookouts, each giving you unique perspectives: Bowral, Mittagong and Jellore. In need of an art fix? In the vast spaces of The Milk Factory, you'll find changing contemporary exhibitions, as well as a cute gallery shop, selling resin jewellery and blown glass. And, within the Springetts Arcade, is Ten Thousand Paces, a self-described 'hybrid shop, gallery, art projects and regional wine hub'. [caption id="attachment_580795" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Airbnb.[/caption] STAY There aren't many places in this world where you can rent out an entire 19th century former coach house, but Bowral is one of them. And you'll find it on Airbnb (where else?). This six-bedroom Italianate mansion, which was once a home for some wealthy estate owner's coachman and horses, sleeps up to 13 people, and is situated on Bowral's outskirts — within walking distance of both town and wild places. Not travelling with a big party? Leaving your Clydesdales at home? A cosier option is the Woodland Retreat Guest Studio, also an Airbnb offering. Splashed with art and run by two warm, friendly locals, it sleeps up to four and a locally-sourced breakfast is included. [caption id="attachment_580853" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Milton Park.[/caption] If you're in the market for a hotel, there's Peppers Craigieburn. For those not planning on going anywhere, there are plenty of rooms with views of the 36-hectare surrounding garden, as well as guest lounges with open fires, a billiards room, tennis courts, a restaurant and an onsite spa. Yep, pretty much everything you need to stay put. Another lush, albeit pricier option, is the Milton Park Country House and Spa. Here, you'll be lolling about in five-star decadence on the property's tucked away, forest-covered hilltop. Just how luxe you go is your call. There are rooms overlooking gardens and fountains, and suites with their very own fireplaces and jacuzzis. Meanwhile, among the grounds, you'll stumble across a heated indoor pool, floodlit tennis courts and a wellness spa. Should you ever have wondered what it's like to be an English duke or duchess, this is your chance to experiment. Top image: Bendooley Vineyards.
By now you've probably heard the news that this morning we awoke to a world a little less wondrous. After a long battle with a form of Alzheimer’s disease, beloved fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett has passed away at the age of 66. Best known for his ever-popular Discworld series, Pratchett published more than 70 books over the course of his lifetime, and won countless fans with his irreverent writing style and limitless imagination. With so much writing under his belt, there's a Pratchett line for seemingly any situation. In tribute to the well-lived author, we’ve collected some of our favourite Pratchett advice. ON OPTIMISM "There are those who, when presented with a glass that is exactly half full, say: this glass is half full. And then there are those who say: this glass is half empty. The world belongs, however, to those who can look at the glass and say: What's up with this glass? Excuse me? Excuse me? This is my glass? I don't think so. My glass was full! And it was a bigger glass!" – The Truth ON SEX “He'd noticed that sex bore some resemblance to cookery: it fascinated people, they sometimes bought books full of complicated recipes and interesting pictures, and sometimes when they were really hungry they created vast banquets in their imagination - but at the end of the day they'd settle quite happily for egg and chips.” – The Fifth Elephant. ON GENDER RELATIONS ON MARRIAGE “A marriage is always made up of two people who are prepared to swear that only the other one snores.” – The Fifth Elephant ON AMERICANS “A European says: ‘I can't understand this, what's wrong with me?’ An American says: ‘I can't understand this, what's wrong with him?’” ON DRINKING “Death: "THERE ARE BETTER THINGS IN THE WORLD THAN ALCOHOL, ALBERT." Albert: "Oh, yes, sir. But alcohol sort of compensates for not getting them.” – Death’s Domain ON FOOD “Sham Harga had run a successful eatery for many years by always smiling, never extending credit, and realizing that most of his customers wanted meals properly balanced between the four food groups: sugar, starch, grease and burnt crunchy bits.” – Men at Arms ON STYLE ON EDUCATION “Getting an education was a bit like a communicable sexual disease. It made you unsuitable for a lot of jobs and then you had the urge to pass it on.” – The Hogfather ON EXAMS “It is very important to be sober when you take an exam. Many worthwhile careers in the street- cleansing, fruit-picking and subway-guitar-playing industries have been founded on a lack of understanding of this simple fact.” – Moving Pictures ON HARD WORK “If you trust in yourself…. and believe in your dreams…. and follow your star… you’ll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren’t so lazy.” — The Wee Free Men ON GOD “God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of his own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players, to being involved in an obscure and complex version of poker in a pitch dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time.” – Good Omens ON EVIL “Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.” – I Shall Wear Midnight ON DIFFERENCE ON LOVE “‘And what would humans be without love?’ ‘RARE’, said Death.” – Sourcery ON CREATIVITY "Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one." ON GETTING OLD “Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened.” – Moving Pictures ON DEATH “It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living.” Image: Dementia Friends.
We're just days out from one of the Mornington Peninsula's most hotly anticipated launches, with the team behind Pt. Leo Estate announcing the cultural and culinary haven will open to the public on Wednesday, October 25. Gracing 134 hectares at the Peninsula's southern tip, the multifaceted family-owned property will boast a 110-seat restaurant, an enormous cellar door and a sprawling sculpture park, pegged to be the most significant of its kind in the country. With panoramic Western Port Bay views as the backdrop, the sculpture park will debut with over 50 large-scale works from both Australian and international artists and is set to evolve and grow over the years. Meanwhile, the semi-circular cellar door and restaurant is the work of acclaimed Melbourne architects Jolson, taking pride of place at the property's highest point and featuring sweeping views across the vineyard, the sculpture park and the Bay. The eatery's menus, created by Culinary Director Phil Wood (ex-Rockpool and Eleven Bridge) will centre around seasonal, regional produce, kicking off with dishes like a beetroot pancake with salmon roe and lemon curd, and a wallaby pie. Meanwhile, a central woodfired oven will work magic with quality local proteins like duck and beef. The restaurant's pitched as a comfy, casual venue, with a second more intimate dining space slated to open towards the end of the year. Pt. Leo Estate will open at 3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks, from Wednesday, October 25. For more info, visit ptleoestate.com.au. Images: Anson Smart.
Come summertime, there's no better way to see Australia's east coast than through the flaps in your tent. The 1600-kilometre drive between the sunny paradise of Byron Bay and the cosy bars and laneways of Melbourne is dotted with unspoiled beaches, spectacular headlands, national parks and hiking trails. Many of these places are home to campsites — from the fancy, drive-in grounds with hot showers and barbecues to the remote, walk-in pitches where you have entire stretches of sand to yourself. Except for your fellow kangaroos, that is. So grab your sleeping bag, stock up on tucker and get ready for a sun-drenched, star-speckled adventure. Here's our top ten camping spots along the way. REFLECTIONS HOLIDAYS, BYRON BAY Start (or end) your journey with a stay on the water's edge in Byron Bay. If you were in bricks-and-mortar you'd be paying hundreds of bucks a night for this stuff. But, at Reflections Holidays — Byron Bay, it's all yours for next to nothing. Byron's famously warm water and dolphins are just a stumble away, but should you feel the need for good coffee or a feast, you're close to town, too. Facilities are laid-on: you'll get toilets, showers, a camp kitchen, barbecues, a shop and free wifi. Does this even count as camping? PEBBLY BEACH CAMPGROUND, YURAYGIR NATIONAL PARK Getting to Pebbly Beach Campground is half the fun. Found about 50 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour, it's accessible by sand only. In other words, you have to drive over the beach, then cross a saltwater estuary to get there. To avoid sinking, be sure to travel at low tide. You'll be pitching just a few metres from the shore, surrounded by she-oaks and with loads of walking tails nearby. There are pitches for 60, but facilities consist of toilets only. If you're keen to light a fire, then head to the Station Creek turnoff where you'll find a stack of free firewood. Getting to Pebbly Beach is fun, but it's probably best left to the camping experts — if you have access to a decent 4wd and some genuine adventure skills (like the ability to let down your tyres and re-inflate when you get off the sand), you'll be sweet. TRIAL BAY GAOL CAMPGROUND, SOUTH WEST ROCKS Your tent gives you million dollar views when you sleep over at Trial Bay Gaol Campground, which is perched on the water at South West Rocks. End your day with a watery sunset and wake up to an immediate swim. If you're a keen diver, then you'll want to explore nearby Fish Rock Cave, considered one of the planet's best cave dives. The 116-pitch campsite gives you toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, barbecues, an onsite cafe and, just in case you have your boat with you, a launching ramp. All these bonuses mean that bookings are essential. THE RUINS, BOOTI BOOTI NATIONAL PARK This open, grassy area behind Seven Mile Beach is encircled with cabbage palms and has plenty of space for campers of all shapes and sizes. Find a secluded corner for your two-person tent or peg your party kingdom smack bang in the middle of the action. When you feel like a break from surf and sand, wander to Wallis Lake for a dip or paddle in still water, or conquer scenic Booti Hill track, which takes you to Elizabeth Beach via a couple of lookouts. Then there's the rest of Booti Booti National Park to explore, as well as cafes and shops in nearby Pacific Palms and Forster. The Ruins offers toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables and barbecues. Bookings aren't available — you get your pitch on a first come, first served basis. TALLOW BEACH, BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK, CENTRAL COAST You'll need a bit of strength and stamina for this one — it's a 1.2 kilometre walk from the car park. The effort is 100 per cent worth it, though. With just six pitches available, Tallow Beach is one of the most peaceful camping experiences on this list. If you're serious about Bear Grylls-ing it, then bring a fishing rod and catch your own dinner off the rocks. Otherwise, there's swimming, surfing and bush walking to do — try Box Head track for red gums or Flannel Flower track for coastal views. Facilities are minimal, consisting of toilets only, and there might or might not be mobile phone coverage depending on your carrier. While you're on the Central Coast, do some exploring with our local guide. NORTH ERA CAMPGROUND, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Like Tallow Beach, North Era Campground is only accessible on foot, so pack light. In fact, if you're a keen hiker, then you can make it an overnight stop on the 26-kilometre long Coast Track. Otherwise, drive to Garie Beach Picnic Area and walk from there. Either way, you're in for a magical escape from urban life. Welcome to the bliss of the land beyond mobile phone coverage, mind-blowing ocean views and a maximum of 11 other tents in your vicinity. All this means that facilities are limited to toilets. Make a booking before you leave home. GREEN PATCH, JERVIS BAY This is your chance to park your tent within a few metres of Australia's deepest and, many would argue, most beautiful, bay. Located with Booderee National Park, Green Patch is dotted with trees and you can expect to meet 'roos, wallabies and possums. Spend your time relaxing on Jervis Bay's fine white sand, dolphin spotting, snorkelling, paddling or bush walking. There's a bunch more local tips in our weekender's guide. Campsite facilities include access to fresh water, hot showers, toilets and barbecues. It's important to book your pitch online in advance. ARAGUNNU, MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK Mimosa Rocks National Park — where the forest meets the sea for miles and miles — is dotted with stunning, pristine beaches. And one of the loveliest is 500-metre long Aragunnu, found half an hour's drive south of Bermagui. The campground is separated into four areas, so choose the environment that suits you best, be that right near the waves, in the shade of towering mahogany trees or up high, overlooking the beach. Leave yourself time for the Mimosa Rocks walk, which takes in an excellent lookout. The campground comes with toilets, barbecues and a car park, so you don't have to lug in your gear. However, bookings aren't possible — turn up and try your luck. WINGAN INLET, CROAJINGALONG NATIONAL PARK Croajingalong National Park hugs Victoria's eastern coastline for over 100 kilometres, protecting heathlands, rainforests and eucalypt forests. There's a bunch of tranquil camping grounds to choose from and Wingan Inlet is one of the prettiest. It's set in a tall bloodwood forest, 36 kilometres from the Princes Highway, on the inlet's western shore. There are several day walks to keep you busy, covering river rapids, a fresh water lake, windswept headlands and fur seal colonies representing both Australia and New Zealand. Take your pick of 23 pitches, but keep in mind facilities are quite basic, offering non-flush toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. TIDAL RIVER, WILSONS PROMONTORY Any road trip between Byron Bay and Melbourne should include a diversion to Wilsons Promontory, the most southern point of the Australian mainland. Its 50,460 hectares encompass empty beaches, swathes of rainforest and rugged mountains. For access to both river and sea, take your tent to Tidal River Campground. The facilities are pretty posh, including toilets, hot showers, free gas barbecues, dishwashing stations, washing machines and device charging stations. So, if you can't bear the ol' digital detox, then you won't have to. There are 484 sites, including 20 powered ones, but bookings are essential.
Uber is making itself comfortable in the nation's capital, and soon it's going to be legal and everything. In the very same week that the NSW Government announced tough new fines and suspensions for Uber drivers caught using their vehicles as unauthorised taxis, their compadres across the border are giving UberX (the ridesharing service which lets everyday drivers give you lifts in their own Uber-approved cars) the official green light. First fireworks, then pornography, and now this? If it weren't for all the politicians, we'd seriously be considering a move. Under new reforms set to come into place at the end of next month ahead of Uber's entry into the market, UberX drivers who have passed criminal and driver history checks will be legally permitted to offer people lifts using the popular ridesharing app. Reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the changes will make the ACT the first jurisdiction in the country where Uber drivers can operate without fear of being fined — not that that's been much of a disincentive for people thus far. Further reforms, to be enacted at a later date, will reportedly address issues surrounding UberX driver registration and insurance. Interestingly, the legislation also offers an olive branch to taxi drivers, whose annual licensing fees will be reduced from $20,000 to $10,000, and then $5000, in an attempt to help them compete. UberX drivers will also be prohibited from picking up passengers who hail them on the street. "These reforms champion innovation and help taxi and hire car services remain sustainable and important modes of travel in the Territory," said Labor Chief Minister Andrew Barr in a press release that accompanied the announcement. The taxi industry hasn't exactly welcomed Uber with open arms, but at some point they're going to have to accept that the ridesharing service is here to stay. The NSW review of taxi and ride-sharing operators will unveil their findings to the government next month. Maybe now that the government itself is trying to level the playing field, it'll encourage them to up their game? Hey, it could happen. Until then, NSW UberX drivers, head for the ACT border. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, but Taylor Swift just took a massive step up in our book after coming to the rescue of a Sydney theatre production, who were told they wouldn't be allowed to use one of the pop star's songs just days before their opening night. Opening today, Belvoir Theatre Company's Seventeen stars veteran Australian actors Peter Carroll, Maggie Dence, John Godden, Genevieve Lemon, Barry Otto and Anna Volska as a group of seventeen year olds on their last day of school. The play was meant to include a scene where the cast dance to Swift's 2014 hit 'Shake It Off,' but those plans were apparently scuppered on Friday after they were denied the right to use the song. In a last-ditch effort, director Anna-Louise Sarks took to twitter and petitioned Swift directly. Hey @taylorswift13 I'm a big fan and I'm facing an artistic emergency I hope you can help with 1/7 #greygrey4taytay — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 .@taylorswift13 I'm a theatre director from Sydney, and we have a big show opening tomorrow night @belvoirst 2/7 #greygrey4taytay — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 .@taylorswift13 It's about the last day of school - only the 17yrolds are all played by 70yrolds 3/7 #greygrey4taytay pic.twitter.com/t3i1JPdZn2 — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 . @taylorswift13 (including Barry Otto from Strictly Ballroom which maybe you've seen) http://t.co/cBOHzj4vdp #greygrey4taytay — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 .@taylorswift13 there's this great moment where they Shake It Off, and they know all the words and have amazing moves 5/7 #greygrey4taytay — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 .@taylorswift13 But we've just at the last minute been told we can't have the rights to the song! 6/7 #greygrey4taytay — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 .@taylorswift13 Is there anything at all you can do?!! Thanks for reading! 7/7 #greygrey4taytay pic.twitter.com/pdL1TW1Bv9 — Anne-Louise Sarks (@annelouisesarks) August 3, 2015 She also sent tweets to Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and former federal arts minister Tony Burke in the hopes that they could help her get in touch. A number of celebrities, including Tim Minchin and Orange Is the New Black star Yael Stone also got on board, and before long the hashtag #greygrey4taytay was trending around Australia. Then, yesterday afternoon, the pop star with over 61 million followers responded. Permission granted, @BelvoirSt. Good luck with your opening night :) — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) August 4, 2015 Yes! The reaction from the cast and crew was understandably ecstatic. BuzzFeed Australia was on hand when the news came through, and later tweeted the following Vine. "WE LOVE YOU TAYLOR!" We were on hand as @taylorswift13 granted @BelvoirSt its wish http://t.co/L0szMLegFV https://t.co/QuD1aS1Kiy — BuzzFeed Australia (@BuzzFeedOz) August 4, 2015 Anyone who has ever said a bad word about Taylor Swift and/or twitter should be eating a massive slice of humble pie right now. Now let the players play. Seventeen is at Belvoir Street Theatre from August 5 – September 13. For more information, visit their website. Via BuzzFeed Australia.
When it comes to camping, it's possible to have the best of both worlds: sleeping under the stars and enjoying creature comforts. Yes, we're talking about glamping, which lets you spend an evening or two in the great outdoors but without all the less-than-luxurious elements. Like its portmanteau name suggests, it's a more glamorous kind of camping that's perfect for everyone, even those who prefer hotels and cosy bathrobes to tinned meals and singing around the campfire. It's also something that Brisbanites can experience in plenty of spots — including these, our eight favourites — whether you're after a scenic beachside stay, a secluded mountainous getaway or something in between. Rest assured, you won't be doing it rough at these Queensland glamping sites. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Hotels in Brisbane The Best Spas in Brisbane The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia Minjerribah Camping, Stradbroke Island It doesn't get much better than this: a roomy tent decked out with everything you could need, all within a stone's throw of the water on Stradbroke Island. And that's just what Minjerribah Camping has up its sleeves at its Adder Rock site at Point Lookout. You'll get cosy in a mini village of beachfront tents, with each equipped with sheets, towels, outdoor furniture and power. Plus, as well as roaming around the camping ground's communal kitchen, barbecue and picnic facilities, you can stroll up to the shops and pub — when you're not splashing around or soaking in the view, that is. Minjerribah also has glamping sites at Amity Point, Cylinder Beach and Bradbury's Beach. Sanctuary by Sirromet, Mount Cotton Not only home to grapevines as far as the eye can see, but also a restaurant with views over Moreton Bay and regular concerts, Mount Cotton's Sirromet Winery has onsite glamping within its expansive 560-acre grounds. When it opened, it was the first vineyard glamping experience in Queensland, with visitors able to get cosy in its lavish tents — or, as it calls them, pavilions. Each features a king bed, indoor day chairs, outdoor tables and seating, bathrooms with a shower and toilet, and reverse cycle air-conditioning to cope with southeast Queensland's usually warm weather. Every safari-style abode also includes a mini-bar filled with Sirromet wine, and all bookings include complimentary breakfast either at Tuscan Terrace (on weekends) or via a gourmet hamper delivered to your door (during the week). Nightfall, Lamington National Park It takes less than two hours for Brisbanites get to one of Queensland's best glamping spots — and its most exclusive. At Nightfall in Lamington National Park in the Scenic Rim, only eight guests can stay at any one time, with each of the permanent safari tents located in its own private clearing. When you're not enjoying your own space within the lush thickness of nature, everything from creekside lounging and dining to a waterfall walk and taking a dip in the swimming hole is on the agenda. Unsurprisingly, this kind of outdoorsy luxury doesn't come cheap, so expect to pay handsomely. [caption id="attachment_656608" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Moreton Island Adventures[/caption] Castaways, Moreton Island Straddie isn't the only island calling Brisbanites' names, or the only one with a glampground perfect for an outdoorsy holiday. While you won't be directly on the beach at Castaways, you may as well be — you'll just have to stroll a mere 100 metres to stick your feet in some water. Each tent comes with a queen bed, private ensuite, solar lighting, verandah and linen, with every stay also including use of the communal camp kitchen. The best part? Switching off and truly getting away from it all, because you won't find any power points in your canvas home away from home. Alure, Stanthorpe 'Go West' isn't just a catchy 70s Village People track — and 90s Pet Shop Boys cover — that you probably now have stuck in your head. It's also good advice if you're after an epic Queensland glamping experience. At Alure in Stanthorpe, you'll spend your time in a 56-square-metre tent on a timber deck, with interiors put together by a designer. With a fireplace, Netflix, a kitchen and even air-con part of the package, this is the kind of tent you stay in when you really, truly, definitely don't want to rough it. You'll be situated on 50 acres of farm, with an outdoor spa ready and waiting, right in the middle of the Granite Belt wine region. Lake Somerset Holiday Park, Somerset Everyone in Brisbane has heard of Somerset. In a city so reliant upon our dams, it pops up in the news whenever there's too much water or not enough. And, we've all heard of folks day-tripping out to the lake and even staying the night — but, knowing you can do just that and following through are completely different things. An affordable, scaled-back glamping option that'll still have you sleeping in a safari tent on a bed with your own fridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities and dining area, Lake Somerset Holiday Park is all about its location. Want to wake up metres away from the water, and spend your days frolicking about on the shore? Of course, you do. And don't forget to bring a frisbee and a fishing rod for some primo lake fun. Murphy's Creek Escape, Upper Lockyer There's glamping, and then there's glamping at Murphy's Creek Escape. Yes, not all fancy camping experiences are created equal. Or, perhaps a better way to look at it is this: getting out in nature without actually kipping on the dirt comes in many shapes and sizes. Here, you'll be located on a sandstone ridge overlooking the eponymous waterway, and you'll enjoy king beds, fluffy bathrobes and even a clawfoot bath in each tent. You will need to bring your own food, but you'll find a bar fridge, kettle, toaster, barbecue and utensils onsite — or, you could drive 25 minutes into Toowoomba to combine your trip with some eating and sightseeing. Ketchup's Bank Glamping, Boonah A secluded spot? Tick. Views of mountains and national parks that'll make you want to say goodbye to city-living forever? Tick. Mod cons, even when you're immersed in nature? Tick again. That's what's on offer at Ketchup's Bank Glamping in Boonah in the Scenic Rim. Here, going bush gets the glamorous treatment. The site's eco-tents feature everything from wifi to DVD players, while you can also get into the swing of the setting by cooking your meals in a cast iron campfire oven. Or, do both — because if glamping is about one thing, it's about picking, choosing and combining the best parts of going away and heading outdoors. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Nightfall.
Most people's reluctance to get tattooed stems from the niggling suspicion that Kermit the Frog may not be timeless. But before at least there was solace in the idea that when you died, your skin would rot away and all tattoo sins would be forgiven (unless we get that cheapo tattoo removal cream we’ve been promised). Now, as we always knew they would, tattoo artists have found a way to conquer death. Save My Ink is a tattoo preservation service that you never knew you wanted, offered by the National Association for the Preservation of Skin Art (NAPSA). And by preservation service, this is what we mean: when you die, they come and cut your tattoo off and frame it. (?_?) So here’s the deal if you want to preserve your butterfly tramp stamp to pass along to your children. The tattoo preservation service is only available to NAPSA members, which requires you to pay a sign-up fee and annual membership fee. Then, when you die, your beneficiaries (the lucky ones who will receive your decorated skin flap) will notify NAPSA who will send in their technicians to hack off your skin art. Within three to six months, your presumably still-grieving family will receive your tattoo and will be able to promptly try to clone you with the DNA therein. You can have as many tattoos preserved as you please, as long as they’re not on the face or genitals (that would be way too creepy). In all seriousness though, while this is a pretty morbid service, it kind of makes sense. Tattoos are often sentimental, unique and used to commemorate big life events, so for some it may be comforting to preserve them. And it would be an easy way to resolve the practicalities of issues like this. For more information, check out the Save My Ink website here.
Back in 2017, the Fortitude Valley watering hole formerly known as Fringe Bar and Kerbside became The Osbourne Hotel. That name isn't quite new. Instead, at this spot on the corner of Ann and Constance streets, it dates back over a century and a half. In fact, that's what the pub was called right up until 1992 — when it became The Dead Rat Hotel, and then the Rat & Parrot. To jump backwards even further, in 1864, The Osbourne Hotel was the second hotel to open in the Valley — a fact that's certain to have made it popular. All these years later, the site enjoys the benefits of a visible multimillion dollar makeover both outside and in, which restored the building to its original colourings, fittings and layout. [caption id="attachment_847140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Drag bingo at the Osbourne Hotel in Brisbane[/caption] The Osbourne Hotel features 94 taps throughout the now 800-person venue, as well as a 400-seat glass-ceiling bistro and beer garden. For those after more than a casual drink and a meal, the old boarding rooms on the first floor have been transformed into function and meeting rooms, as well as a private dining area for hire. With two bespoke copper bulkheads boasting 31 taps each — and proving the only two of their kind in the country — thirsty visitors can expect a beer-heavy drinks menu focusing on craft, local and international brews. Also a highlight is a cocktail list providing new takes on old favourites, such as blueberry Tommy's margaritas, banana bread old fashioneds and and apricot sours. The Osbourne Hotel kitchen dishes include all-day pizzas, chargrilled meat and fish tacos. Classics like beer-battered fish and chips, chicken parmigianas, steak sandwiches and salt-and-pepper calamari abound, while duck pancakes, sweet corn arancini and cured salmon pastrami also make an appearance. And if you're keen on watching a game, you'll find four HD TVs outside and four inside — plus a massive stadium screen.
Our modern obsession with packing into cities means that increasingly massive skyscrapers are inevitable. After all, if we don’t head upwards, well, there’s only so much land. One of the problems with skyscrapers, though, is that their behemoth shadows seriously shorten the day of their surroundings. Even a spacious, sunny city like Sydney can feel cold and dark when you’re wedged between towers (just look at the long shadow Barangaroo's casino is expected to cast). Now imagine how gloomy things can get in densely populated metropolises like London and New York — if you've visited, you'll know how gloomy things can get in the financial districts. But a London-based architecture company by the name of NBBJ has come up with a solution: the 'No Shadow Tower'. The concept involves two twisting skyscrapers, to be built side-by-side, which redirect sunlight to the area around their base — right where dreary shadows are usually found lurking. The idea was developed with London’s North Greenwich in mind, at the request of New London Architecture, and was first published in New London Quarterly. "The algorithm design for the tower is based on the law of reflection," the design team told Dezeen. "Our facade has varying angles of panels that distribute light over a certain area at multiple times during the day." The algorithm works by recording the sunlight's angle every single day for an entire year. With this information, the team can predict how light will play on the building at various points during the day, and then construct the skyscraper’s facade to reflect it accordingly. The use of individual panels allows reflection on a pane-by-pane basis; creating circles of light, rather than a single, extremely hot area. NBBJ was motivated by its passion for the public and their environment-determined happiness. "One of [our] principle concerns is public space and the ways the public use and interact with these spaces," the designers explained. "The No Shadow Tower places public space at the heart of the project, along with human interaction and the impact of skyscrapers at street level... The research that we have undertaken could be applied in many locations in the world, each time creating a different form that would relate to its specific context and solar conditions." Where do we sign up? Via Dezeen. Images: NBBJ.
If you've spent more than a few weeks in southeast Queensland, then you've heard someone wax lyrical about their last trip to Noosa. The Sunshine Coast may be filled with coastal towns and suburbs perfect for short and long stays, however, there's just something about the region around the Noosa River and Noosa National Park that continues to lure visitors in. Perhaps it's the siren's song that is Hastings Street, with its strip of shops and cafes located just a stone's throw from the beach (and no, we're not exaggerating). Perhaps it's the choose your own adventure factor of this vibrant, multifaceted area, which doesn't just offer up the more touristy experience seen in the main drag. Head to the North Shore, and you're in sand dune and bushland territory. Hop over to the other side of the river, and you may as well be in a sleepy little place with a much, much smaller population. Or, maybe it's the just fact that at 138 kilometres north of Brisbane, Noosa is far enough away to feel like you've been on a decent road trip, but still close enough to conquer in a couple of hours — exactly what you need to make a weekend of it. So, just what should you do after trekking up the Bruce Highway on a Friday evening? Here's how to spend a few days and nights there. EAT/DRINK Any place that boasts its own chocolate factory is all right in our books. Alas, the Noosa Chocolate Factory doesn't actually have a store in town — and while its factory can be found in Noosaville, that's not open to the public. Don't despair: there's plenty of other tasty things to eat, so you're never going to be hungry. Trust us, you'll forget all about your desire to relive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in no time. In fact, run — don't walk — to Wasabi. The Japanese eatery whips local ingredients, as plucked from the owner's farm, into the kind of taste explosion that'll have you spending too long trying to pick from the menu. Luckily, they also have just the option for eager but indecisive diners: omakase, or 'let the chef decide'. Over your choice of seven or nine courses with optional matching wines, you'll discover the absolute best dishes the restaurant has to offer. We also recommend keeping an eye on their calendar of bespoke events for one-off offerings like sake brewing and ceramic-plated degustation. Of course, if you're hanging out near Hastings, you'll have no shortage of food options. In fact, you could spend your whole weekend eating your way along the street, one restaurant and meal at a time. Make sure beachfront haunt Sails is on your agenda if you're after a fancy bite with a fantastic view (plus the best potato bread you're likely to munch on). If you're a seafood fan, keep treating yo'self at Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita, while Locale has Italian-style feasts covered. Bistro C is an ideal brekkie spot, complete with the mouthwatering Yaddah's Breakfast of walnut and pomegranate hummus, olives, goats cheese, muhammara, boiled egg, heritage tomatoes and sesame crackers. And if you want something a bit greasier, you can't go past Betty's Burgers. It's not just the titular bundles of meat and bread that's the attraction here, but their Shake Shack-style frozen custard desserts known as 'concretes', which are available in everything from apple pie to strawberry doughnut to banana peanut butter cup flavours. So, that's your stomach taken care of, but what about your hankering for cheeky weekend beverage? If the salty sea air is making you thirsty, then Noosa Boathouse's Sunset Bar serves up $9 Noosa River Slings — and yes, it's a 'when in Noosa' kind of thing, obviously. Village Bicycle on Noosa Drive is your go-to low-key haunt, particularly if you want to pair a beer with some pub food, while just trying not to spend a whole boozy afternoon perusing the hefty beverage list at Noosville's Flux Lounge is pretty much impossible. But, if whiskey is your tipple of choice, there's only one place to drop into. That'd be Whisky Boy. Yep, this kitchen and bar delivers exactly what it promises. DO Seriously, where do we start? Or, perhaps the better question is: what kind of a weekend trip are you after? Let's kick off with the outdoors activities everyone heads to a beach spot for. Basically, in Noosa, you can select any stretch of sand and find something going on (or a form of water toy to hire), or just pick a nice patch to put out your towel, catch some rays and marvel at that deep blue sea. Or, given that Noosa is one of the country's national surfing reserves, take some surfing lessons and be on your way to pretending you're Keanu in Point Break in no time. Plus, if you time your stay just right, you might just get to see a pack of pooches do the same at the annual Surfing Dog Spectacular. Surefire golden memories come from making your own destiny, rather than following a prescribed plan, which is why just cruising around by foot, 4WD or boat really is the ideal way to spend a day or so here. Hikers should head to the coastal track in Noosa National Park, where you'll come across secluded swimming spots and perhaps even spy a few pods of dolphins or whales. Whether you've brought your own or you need to rent one, driving along North Shore's dunes in a 4WD is probably the closest you're ever going to get to feeling like you're in an action movie, with the added bonus of stunning scenery. And if you'd prefer to take to the water, we heartily recommend hiring a boat — the kind you don't need a license for, don't stress — and pottering around the Noosa River. It's the perfect way to go fishing and see scenic sights at the same time. Plus, most come with barbecues, so you can cook what you catch (maybe bring some lunch along with you, just in case). If you're an indoorsy type or just after something not so strenuous, you can still expect to have a heap of fun. Peruse galleries galore, both in Noosa itself and within the surrounding area. Making a Saturday morning trip to the famous Original Eumundi Markets may as well be compulsory if you're travelling by car — and it's a place where you can grab tasty food to take home with you, plus browse for all the arty trinkets your heart desires. And while we won't list all the other touristy activities on offer up and down the Sunshine Coast, we will nudge you in the direction of the Majestic Theatre in nearby Pomona. It's Queensland's longest-operating picture theatre, and it now dedicates its screens to showing silent movies. STAY Expect all types of accommodation in Noosa; it is one of the region's biggest tourist drawcards, after all. If you're happy living it up in the great outdoors, then embrace the experience that is camping at Noosa North Shore Campground. You really can't get much closer to nature than this — but make sure you book well in advance. Need more mod cons? That's okay, we understand. Keep in the thick of it by picking one of the many hotels on Hastings Street. Plenty of the options will test your bank balance, but hey, who doesn't want to stay in luxury on the beachfront every once in a while? On the Beach offers penthouses and suites with private balconies and spa baths, so that's as good a reason to check in there as any. Seahaven includes three heated pools in case it's too cold for a dip in the neighbouring ocean. And at the more affordable end of the scale, there's the cute, newly refurbished 10 Hastings Boutique Motel & Cafe. Yes, you can eat there as well. [caption id="attachment_580701" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flickr.[/caption] ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS Noosa is a 90-minute drive north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. Trains from Brisbane stop at Nambour and Cooroy, with connecting buses available. Anyone looking to hop on a plane up from New South Wales or Victoria should book a flight to Sunshine Coast Airport, which is located 30 minutes away. Top image: Daisy R.
You don't have to go to Tokyo to enjoy an immersive Japanese experience. You can, of course, and you should at some point, because there's really nowhere else in the world like it. But if you're eager to eat like you're already there, watch performances and take part in cultural activities, you can save yourself the airfare at the Matsuri Japanese Festival. Your bank account will thank you, and you'll take care of that nagging travel envy for an afternoon. A one-day celebration that's taking place at Whites Hill State College in Camp Hill in 2024 — the date: Saturday, September 7 — this is Brisbane's own ode to the country that brought us sushi, katsu, yakitori, sake, matcha lattes and more. Expect to find more than a few things from that list on offer, and plenty of things to see and do as well. Admission is free and, like every great cultural festival, you can expect a little bit of everything that makes Japan so ace.
Are Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally comedy's funniest couple? Both together and apart, their resumes make a strong case for it. Here's another way to make that call: catching them live onstage together in Australia in their first-ever shared in-conversation session. It's a one-night-only date for the Parks and Recreation co-stars, happening to close out Vivid Sydney 2025. If you're as obsessed with one of the best American sitcoms of the 21st century as everyone should be, you will have spotted a trend at Vivid in the past two years. At 2024's festival, Amy Poehler was on the lineup, also getting chatting. Fingers crossed for Adam Scott or Rob Lowe in 2026. Yes, you should get the bacon and whisky ready for Offerman and Mullally. You should also prepare your ears for some high-pitched laughter. Making your own canoe? If you can, that's an appropriate way to celebrate, too. Taking place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney, Offerman and Mullally's exclusive Vivid show is called Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally, and falls into the Harbour City event's Global Storyteller series — which is also bringing Martha Stewart to the New South Wales capital in 2025, was why Poehler was on 2024's lineup, and has also seen The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, filmmakers Baz Luhrmann (Elvis) and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods), and Australia singer Troye Sivan get talking in past years. Parks and Recreation's on-screen Ron and Tammy Swanson were meant to tour to Australia together in 2016, but Mullally had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict, so Offerman came solo. When they finally make the trip by each other's side, the husband-and-wife duo have everything from their multi-hyphenate individual careers to collaborating as creative and real-life partners to dig into, alongside their LGBTQIA+ and environmental activism. "Megan and I are powerfully chuffed to get back to town for Vivid Sydney, but also to reprise our lovemaking session atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Once we have recharged those particular batteries, we'll be thrilled to transfer our slatternly energies to the Vivid Sydney audience," said Offerman, announcing Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally. "Come for the anecdotes and the burlesque lust in our every turn of phrase, then get stretched out before you get home, because there's gonna be some canoodlin'." "We couldn't let Vivid Sydney take place this year without treating visitors to a masterclass in comedy. Nick and Megan are one of the funniest couples alive, and this conversation is set to be equal parts unpredictable and hilarious. Bolstering Vivid Sydney 2025's lineup alongside lifestyle icon Martha Stewart and the formidable Nigella Lawson, there really is something for everyone," added Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. Offerman and Mullally have also appeared on Will & Grace, Childrens Hospital, Smashed, Somebody Up There Likes Me, The Kings of Summer, Bob's Burgers, The Great North and Party Down together, to name just a few of their shared credits. The Last of Us, Civil War and the upcoming Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning are some of Offerman's recent other projects, while Dicks: The Musical, The Righteous Gemstones and Reservation Dogs are among Mullally's. Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney, with tickets on sale on sale at 9am on Friday, May 9 via the festival website — and presales from 9am on Thursday, May 8 for Stan subscribers Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information. Top image: Emily Schur.
If September weather still isn't hitting compared to a tropical holiday, then maybe it's time to book a short-haul flight with Virgin Australia's happy hour sale. From now until 11pm today (AEST), score international flights for as little as $419 return. But be quick, because you've only got until 11pm tonight to nab these deals. Travel anywhere from Queenstown and Vanuatu to Bali, Samoa and Fiji, to make the most of this limited-time offer. Deals include a Melbourne to Bali flight for as little as $419 return, or Sydney to Fiji from $489 return. Book your economy flights between October 22, 2025 and March 31, 2026, to be eligible for these red-hot deals. If you're a Velocity Frequent Flyer, then these deals are even better, because sale fares still go towards your Velocity Points and Status Credits. Just make sure to pack light, as these fares do not include baggage and seat reservations. For more information about Virgin Australia's Happy Hour Flights Sale, head to the website. Images: iStock
In the rainforest at the back of Cairns, you'll find locals cooling off at much-loved swimming hole Stoney Creek. Whether you want a quick dip not too far from town or to hike your way to a waterfall further afield, this series of private swimming holes has all your swim cravings covered. It's just a short walk from the carpark in Barron Gorge National Park to the first pool perched underneath a small footbridge. Swim here or continue down the left side of the creek adjacent track past a series of swimming spots before reaching the spilling waters at Old Weir Falls. If you're keen for even more mountain action, head back to the footbridge after a swim at the falls and take the right side track up to Glacier Rock. [caption id="attachment_832593" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption]
It's a movie no film-lover has forgotten over the past 12 years — and wouldn't even if their memories were erased, we're pretty certain. Soon, however, fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won't just have to give their DVDs a workout to get their mind-bending romance fix. Like so many other big screen hits of late, the Michel Gondry-directed, Charlie Kaufman-written, Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey-starring effort is making its way to television. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that a TV remake is in the works, from one of the folks who produced the original film. Of course, the project is in its very, very early stages, so little other information is available as yet — although one of the writers of spy series Chuck is reportedly in talks to write the script. He'll have big shoes to fill; the original screenplay won Gondry, Kaufman and their co-scribe Pierre Bismuth an Oscar, a BAFTA and a Writer's Guild of America award, among other gongs. That trio won't be involved in the new series, and we're guessing Winslet, Carrey and co-stars Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood and Mark Ruffalo won't either — but the show is being made by the company behind True Detective and Mr. Robot. And if the small screen version of Eternal Sunshine doesn't work out, we can just hope that eradicating bad memories really does become a reality. Basically, it's a good time to be a film fan and a TV viewer, given how frequently television takes on movie classics are being announced. Just last week, we learned that What We Do in the Shadows is getting a NZ TV spinoff. Because everyone loves nostalgia, other flicks either currently getting or slated to receive the TV treatment include (get comfy, it's a long list): The Lost Boys, Varsity Blues, Let the Right One In, Heathers, She's Gotta Have It, The Departed, Snatch, Get Shorty, Jack Ryan, Taken, Underworld, Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, Lethal Weapon, The Exorcist, Westworld, and even Aussie efforts Wake in Fright and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
It happened with The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Frozen II, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, just to name a few past Disney movies, and it's occurring again for Snow White: to immerse everyone in the world of the Mouse House's new film beyond cinemas, The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney has given itself a temporary makeover. Expect social media feeds to be filled with snaps of this enchanted garden, plus the themed dishes now on the menu for the next couple of months — and expect Harbour City locals and visitors alike to flock in. How have all things Snow White taken over? With scenery that looks like it's been transported out of the film — greenery aplenty, plus woodland creatures as well — and everything from red apple mocktails to sweet treats inspired by the movie on offer. Yes, there's a magic mirror on the wall. And also yes, you'll spot more than a few apples. You've got until Sunday, May 25, 2025 to head by, and to sip that Evil to the Core drink (made with red apple, raspberry and citrus) at The Cafe, The Garden and The Potting Shed at The Grounds of Alexandria. Food-wise, Waiting on a Wish (a toasted almond sponge with pear cream and blackberry compote) is on the menu in The Cafe and the Poison Apple for two (spiced caramelised apple, dulcey crèmeux and mascarpone cream) is available in The Potting Shed over the same period. The film in the spotlight releases in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, starring Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone) as her evil stepmother. Marc Webb (The Only Living Boy in New York, Gifted, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro) is behind the lens. Remaking Disney's 1937 animated hit, Snow White joins list of the company's cartoon classics given a live-action or photorealistic do-over. See also: The Jungle Book, Maleficent and its sequel, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo, Aladdin, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, Pinocchio, Peter Pan & Wendy and The Little Mermaid so far, with Lilo & Stitch and Moana also to come. It's been a great time to be a pop-culture fan in Down Under of late, and to take that love beyond the screen, following multiple Squid Game pop-ups, plus a Stranger Things experience on the way. Snow White at The Grounds runs at The Grounds of Alexandria, Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria, Sydney until Sunday, May 25, 2025 — head to The Grounds of Alexandria's website for further details. Images: Scott & Co.
There are 8222 islands within Australia's watery borders. You could spend your entire life hopping from one Aussie island to another and never quite make them all (well, unless you're very, very quick). So, we thought we'd save you some time by teaming up with Jim Beam and handpicking 12 of the best islands in Australia. That should at least get you started. Next time you start imagining you and your best mates on a white-sanded beach with quokkas close by, sea lions in the distance and your desks a few hundred kilometres away, these are the spots to catch a boat, plane, or ferry to. Remember: an adventure like this is best enjoyed together. Right? Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Beaches in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia [caption id="attachment_688591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coral Coast Tourism[/caption] Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia The Houtman Abrolhos isn't just an island, it's an archipelago. 122 isles make up the marvel, more or less clustered in three groups across 100 kilometres. They lie 60 kilometres off the Coral Coast, west of Geraldton, which is four hours north of Perth. Lose yourself snorkelling or diving among colourful coral, spotting Australian sea lions and looking out for more than 90 species of seabirds, including majestic white-breasted sea eagles. For mind-blowing views, jump aboard a scenic flight and see the best Australian island from a bird's eye view. [caption id="attachment_688571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Ewart for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] North Stradbroke Island, Queensland Located 25 minutes by ferry off the Queensland coast, Stradbroke Island is an easy day trip from Brisbane. It's the second biggest sand island in the world after K'gari (more on that Australian island later). For swimming in gentle waves, head to idyllic Cylinder Beach; for wilder surf, make your destination the 38-kilometre-long Main Beach. Overnight stays include beach camping, as well as an array of cottages, hotels and B&Bs. Just north of Straddie is Moreton Island, a wonderland of long beaches, clear lakes and a national park. Consider sleeping over at Tangalooma, an eco-friendly resort where you can hand-feed wild dolphins and swim around a shipwreck. [caption id="attachment_773788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Archer, Destination NSW[/caption] Lord Howe Island, New South Wales Just 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Lord Howe, a two-hour flight east of Sydney, is explorable within a few days. Whenever you travel on this top Australian island, you won't have to fear tourist crowds: only 400 visitors are permitted at any one time and the population is just 382. Prepare to have pretty beaches, spectacular diving sites and rugged terrain all to yourself. Among the best adventures are the Mount Gower Trail, a steep, eight-hour trek that carries you 875 metres above sea level, and Erscott's Hole, a natural wonder where you can snorkel among staghorn coral, bluefish and double-headed wrasse. With all this natural beauty, it's easy to see why it made our list of the best islands in Australia and best overall places to visit in Australia. [caption id="attachment_770035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Bruny Island, Tasmania Bruny feels completely remote, yet it's just a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast and, with driving time added, 50 minutes from Hobart. The beauty of this proximity to the city is that, despite all the wilderness, you can find some top nosh: for fish and chips head to Jetty Cafe; for pub grub swing by Hotel Bruny; for cheese visit Bruny Island Cheese Company; and for a tipple, there's the Bruny Island House of Whisky. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find white wallabies at Inala Nature Reserve, windswept headlands at Cape Bruny Lighthouse and head-clearing watery views at Cloudy Bay. [caption id="attachment_688568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khy Orchard for Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Magnetic Island, Queensland There are hundreds of islands in the Great Barrier Reef area, offering everything from secluded campsites to five-star luxury resorts. But, for convenience, outdoor adventures and, most importantly, koala spotting, Magnetic Island is hard to go past — found just 20 minutes from Townsville. Get active with sea kayaking tours and yoga classes, get artsy at beachside markets and galleries or relax at stunning beaches like Horseshoe Bay. If you're keen to venture further, jump aboard a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, diving or sightseeing tour. [caption id="attachment_688400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Isaac Forman for SA Tourism Commission[/caption] Kangaroo Island, South Australia With a whopping 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island could have you exploring for weeks. To get there, take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula — around 100 kilometres south of Adelaide. Then gear up to share your holiday with sea lions, fur seals, little penguins, echidnas, koalas and, you guessed it, kangaroos. The Australian island is a haven for creatures who've struggled to survive elsewhere, especially local sea lions, who were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are numerous national parks and conservation areas, and the almost 5000-strong population is big on food and wine. You also can't talk about this Aussie island without mentioning the spectacular beaches — our favourite being the one and only Stoke's Bay. [caption id="attachment_874908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Marques (Unsplash)[/caption] The Whitsundays, Queensland In total, The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands. It's hard to choose the best, especially as each depends on what kind of holiday you're after. You can go camping on the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, live it up at The InterContinental Resort on Hayman Island or even escape to an adults-only oasis like Elysian Retreat on Long Island — one of the best adults-only accommodations in The Whitsundays. From any of these small islands in Australia, you can easily get to the Great Barrier Reef and countless other stunning natural landscapes. This region is also one of Australia's national parks, so it will continue to be preserved for many years to come — even if the reef itself does die off. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] Rottnest Island, Western Australia Rottnest Island is a 90-minute ferry ride from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, or 25 minutes from Fremantle. Like Kangaroo Island, Rottnest has given a big dose of much-needed love to Australia's wild creatures, particularly quokkas, which now number 12,000 or so. Dedicate some time to spotting them (though please don't go touching, patting or feeding) before visiting pristine beaches, such as The Basin, where you'll find an underwater playground, and Little Parakeet Bay, backdropped by striking rock formations. The best way to explore the Aussie island is by bike, but we are also big fans of getting on a sea kayak for the arvo as well. Prefer to stay here longer than a day? We recommend spending a few nights in Discovery Rottnest Island's luxe glamping tents by the beach. Phillip Island, Victoria Phillip Island's biggest drawcard is its penguin parade. Every night, at sunset, the island's resident little penguins return to their terrestrial homes, having spent the day out and about fishing. Beyond wildlife watching, go wine and craft beer tasting, bliss out with a massage or spa treatment or conquer a trail on foot, such as the Cape Woolamai Walk, which traverses dramatic clifftops along Phillip's southernmost point. Follow the links for suggestions on where to eat and drink and the best outdoor activities on Phillip Island. Unlike most of the other Australian islands on this list, you can reach this one by road: it's around 90 minutes' drive south of Melbourne, making it one of the most accessible islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_911608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort[/caption] K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) is the biggest sand island in the world. There are 184,000 hectares of the stuff, made up of 72 colours and mostly in the form of magnificent dunes, much of which are covered in rainforest. If you've time on your hands, take on the Great Walk, an eight-day epic that visits many of K'gari's 100 freshwater lakes. If not, jump aboard a 4WD and cruise along 75 Mile Beach (one of our favourite adventure experiences in Australia), take a dip at Champagne Pools along the way and pay a visit to awe-inspiring Boorangoora(Lake McKenzie), a perched lake made up of rainwater and soft silica sand. [caption id="attachment_688583" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Wilson for Tourism Tasmania[/caption] King Island, Tasmania You might have no idea where King Island is, but may have seen its cheese at the supermarket. King Island Dairy's decadent triple cream brie is an Aussie gourmet staple. But it's far from the only treat you'll be sampling in this lush place, which lies in the Bass Strait, halfway between Victoria and Tassie. Count, too, on super-fresh seafood, flavourful beef and a cornucopia of produce from local growers. When you're finished feasting, stroll along the white sands of Disappointment Bay, visit a 7000-year-old calcified forest and go horse riding by the sea. This under-the-radar travel destination is undoubtedly one of the best islands in Australia. [caption id="attachment_856441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Bribie Island, Queensland Bribie Island isn't that far from Brisbane (a little over one and a half hours), but is a haven for local wildlife. That's because this Australian island is home to the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park where you'll find dugongs, turtles, dolphins and a diverse range of birdlife. All the classic Aussie land animals will be found all over the island, too. And, of course, the beaches are just stupidly beautiful. Whether you're a local or tourist, this island offers all the quintessential Australian sites you must see. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: K'gari Island, courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
As the end of the year ramps up, the thought of spending your precious free time in the kitchen isn't so appealing. Fortunately, DoorDash is helping out as we close in on the silly season, launching one of its biggest giveaways ever. Running from Wednesday, November 26–Saturday, November 29, you can make more space in your calendar with 60,000 free items up for grabs. Kicking off at 4pm AEST daily, 15,000 burgers, burritos, pizzas and meal deals are available on consecutive days. While the complete list of included restaurants won't be revealed under the promo launches, just know that much-loved local and national brands like Guzman Y Gomez, Betty's Burgers and Grill'd are getting in on the action. Open to both new and existing DoorDash customers via the app, service and delivery fees still apply to orders. However, this time- and money-saving deal is sure to give you the fuel to brave the shops or adorn your lawn with festive decorations.
Sprawling over volcanic hills and boasting not one, but two harbours, Auckland may be New Zealand's largest city, but it still offers hidden corners to get away, without having to hit the highway. With lush native rainforests and black sand beaches in the west, sheltered golden sand beaches in the east, and a cultural hub of a CBD packed with eclectic eateries, it's hard to find a dull moment Tāmaki Makaurau. Visiting is truly a rare experience — one moment, you're hiking through rugged bush, staring across stunning sea-views, and an hour later, you can be strolling through Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki or having a cocktail at a lively inner-city bar. There really is something for everyone in this picturesque and culturally diverse city. So, whether you're travelling from across the pond in Australia, or you're a Kiwi yearning for a staycation, we've pulled together ten of the most unique stays for your next break. Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in New Zealand The Best Places to Go Glamping in Australia The Most Unique Stays You Can Book Around New Zealand The Most Unique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island NZ Summer House, Riverhead This one bedroom pool house is situated on a equestrian lifestyle property 30 minutes from Auckland's CBD. Close to vineyards, award-winning restaurants, West Coast beaches and popular bush-walking spot Riverhead Forest, it's the perfect place to park up for a mix of adventure and relaxation. From $271 a night, sleeps two. Piha Hut, Piha This newly built one bedroom house is nestled amongst Nīkau palms in Piha, a seaside spot known for great surf, rugged scenery and nearby waterfalls. The sheltered deck looks onto Lion Rock, a volcanic monolith with Māori carvings and war memorials. From $118 a night, sleeps two. Piha Retreat, Auckland Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Chris Tate, this retreat house is perched amongst native rainforest and boasts some of the area's most epic views of Lion Rock. Watch the sun go down from the outdoor bath, while your companion cooks up dinner on the deck's barbecue. From $248 a night, sleeps four. NYC Style Loft, Auckland If you're after a chic urban stay a stone's throw to restaurants and bars abounds, this industrial warehouse style apartment may be your next city getaway spot. From $135 a night, sleeps four. Luxury Piha Escape, Piha This architecturally designed abode with sweeping sea views is perfectly positioned on Piha, Auckland's world famous surf beach. With two bedrooms, an open plan living room and a massive timber deck, it's a perfect oasis for a beach getaway with friends. From $769 a night, sleeps eight. Relaxing Coastal Retreat, Manukau Heads Live out your castaway dreams at this coastal cabin positioned on a small farm. If the driftwood fence isn't enough to get you excited, the outdoor bathtub, sea-views and close proximity to a winery and golf club just might. From $190 a night, sleeps two. Alfriston Stables, Alfriston Transformed from unused stables to a jaw-dropping industrial-style loft, this country escape has everything you need for rural R&R. Perched at the end of a tree-lined lane, with moody renovated interiors, a large swimming pool and a desk for your leisure. From $124 a night, sleeps two. Blackpool House, Waiheke Island This secluded home set amongst the magnificent Taraire trees is an architectural wonder. The spacious structure melds a contemporary sensibility with a retro interior that makes for a warm and inviting stay. Be sure to take full advantage of the naturally lit mezzanine library that looks out on Te Huruhi Bay. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Te Kouma Heights Glamping, Manaia Find luxury off the grid in this tent for two with endless ocean and farmland views. Enjoy fully equipped solar power, a king bed and two claw-foot outdoor tubs facing the glittering Coromandel Harbour. From $330 a night, sleeps two. Coastal Acres Escape, Āwhitu Journey through rolling green pastures and whites sans at this home on the Tasman sea. Just an hour and a half outside the Auckland CBD and tucked between towering dunes, your worries will was away in these double claw foot baths with perfect views for a sunset soak. From $207 a night, sleeps six. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The Kook is a short film made on a small budget that's taking the US independent film festivals by storm (and walking away with all the awards too). Already given the Official Selection title at a number of festivals, including Austin, New Orleans, Riverrun and Slamdance, the film is set to screen at several others in the US and Europe too. The film's story follows Fa, a gentle and unassuming member of an eccentric religious sect, as she inadvertently discovers an unsettling truth about the cult's leader. It's a dark comedy that plays with the realisation that everything Fa has ever believed in is fake, but it's not just The Kook's universal themes of truth and deception that has won audiences over. Although the cult's yellow jogging suits and dark bowl-cut hairdos probably make a lasting impression for many of the film's audiences, it's an 18-minute film that feels like nod to '80s soft-focus cinematography and the creation of a kooky world that's, worryingly, not too unlike our own. Actress T. Sahara Meer, who plays the naive Fa, recently received an award for best actress at a comedy festival in LA and, just a few days ago, the film's directors - New Yorkers Gregory Mitnick and Nat Livingston Johnson - took home the Audience Award at LES Film Festival in Manhattan. It looks like it'll be a big year for this little film. Now we just need to convince them to show it off down under. https://youtube.com/watch?v=t8u284szuk4
Leaning into Coorparoo's love of community is Maude. This family-friendly cafe and restaurant is owned and run by local husband and wife duo, Brandon and Caity Hemmings. Here, guests are treated to breakfast and lunch every day of the week with a broad range of healthy, indulgent and simple dishes on offer. Classics like the breakfast burger, pancakes and calamari sit beside fresh takes on dishes such as broccoli fritters, bacon-wrapped bangers and mash, and charred octopus. The drinks menu covers coffee, smoothies and wine, plus some pimped up sparkling waters that are a must-try — think combinations like vanilla bean and passionfruit, rosella and raspberry and lavender and elderflower. And you can add in a shot of your favourite spirit to make it into a cocktail if you're in the mood for something cheeky. Images: Kiel Wode
Think there's just one Hottest 100 in January? Think again. The second important countdown of the month actually goes rather well with the music poll that just proclaimed The Wiggles' cover of Tame Impala's 'Elephant' as the nation's best track of 2021. In fact, while you were listening to the hottest songs of the past year, you might've been sipping some of these other winners. That'd be the great brews in the spotlight on the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers list, which does for yeasty tipples what Triple J's poll does for bangers. And, just like its music counterpart, a worthy victor has come out on top. That'd be Bentspoke Brewing Co, with the Canberra brewery taking out the top spot with its Crankshaft American IPA for the second year in a row. In doing so, it bested 2017 and 2018 winner Balter Brewing Company, which came in second with its Balter XPA; Your Mates Brewing Co, which took third spot with its Larry pale ale; and Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale, the winner of the 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2019 polls, and 2020's second-place getter, which nabbed fourth position this year. As it did in 2020, Bentspoke had five beers in the 2021 top 100 list in total, which is clearly something to toast to — also coming in 12th for its Barley Griffin Australian Pale Ale, 41st for its Sprocket American IPA, 45th for its Cluster 8 Imperial IPA and 91st for its Red Nut Red IPA. Run by GABS — or the annual festival also known as the 'Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular' — the countdown is a people's-choice poll decided by booze-lovers around the country. Now in its 14th year, it saw a huge 2238 beers nominated this time around, hailing from 281 breweries. Still playing the numbers game, 58 beermakers nabbed a spot on the 2021 list — and, states-wise, Queensland emerged victorious with 30 brews on the full rundown of 100 beers, followed by Victoria with 22, New South Wales with 20, the Australian Capital Territory with 12, and South Australia and Western Australia with eight apiece. 2021 was also a big year for new brews, with 37 beers making their GABS Hottest 100 debut. And, low- and no-alcohol tipples also made a splash, including Heaps Normal's Quiet XPA debuting at 20 and Sobah Beverages' zero-alcohol Pepperberry IPA taking 69th place. If you're thinking "less background, more beer", here's what you've been waiting for: the rundown of the best beverages from the past year that just keep tempting tastebuds. Black Hops, Better Beer, Capital (with two showings), Ballistic and Young Henrys round out the top ten, while Coopers, Bridge Road, Pirate Life, Gage Roads, Kaiju!, Heads of Noosa, Brick Lane, Moon Dog, 4 Pines, Philter, Stomping Ground, Grifter, Hawke's and Mountain Goat and are among the other brands featured. Working your way through the whole 100 isn't just a great way to show your appreciation for locally made brews, either — consider it research for the 2022 countdown. GABS HOTTEST 100 AUSSIE CRAFT BEERS OF 2021: BentSpoke Brewing Co — Crankshaft IPA Balter Brewing — Balter XPA Your Mates Brewing Co — Larry Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Pacific Ale Black Hops Brewery — G.O.A.T. Better Beer — Better Beer Zero Carb Capital Brewing Co — Capital XPA Ballistic Beer Co — Hawaiian Haze Capital Brewing Co — Coast Ale Young Henrys — Newtowner Coopers Brewery — Original Pale Ale BentSpoke Brewing Co — Barley Griffin Balter Brewing — Balter Hazy Bridge Road Brewers — Beechworth Pale Ale Beerfarm — Royal Haze Pirate Life Brewing — South Coast Pale Ale Gage Roads Brewing Co — Single Fin KAIJU! Beer — KRUSH! Tropical Pale Ale Black Hops Brewery — East Coast Haze Heaps Normal — Quiet XPA Heads Of Noosa Brewing Co — Japanese Lager Brick Lane Brewing Co — One Love Pale Ale Little Creatures — Little Creatures Pale Ale Moon Dog Craft Brewery — Old Mate Philter Brewing — Philter XPA Mountain Goat Beer — GOAT Very Enjoyable Beer Feral Brewing Co — Biggie Juice Brookvale Union — Ginger Beer 4 Pines Brewing Co — 4 Pines Pacific Ale Big Shed Brewing Concern — Boozy Fruit Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Patio Pale Bright Brewery — Alpine Lager Grifter Brewing Co — Pale Blackflag Brewing — Rage Juicy Pale Green Beacon Brewing Co — Wayfarer Stomping Ground Brewing Co — Gipps St Pale Ale Akasha Brewing Co — Hopsmith IPA Dainton Beer — Blood Orange NEIPA Revel Brewing Co — Strawberries & Cream Sour Ale Coopers Brewery — Sparkling Ale BentSpoke Brewing Co — Sprocket Capital Brewing Co — Hang Loose Juice Blood Orange NEIPA Coopers Brewery — Coopers XPA Your Mates Brewing Co — Sally BentSpoke Brewing Co — Cluster 8 Black Hops Brewery — Neverland Balter Brewing — Eazy Hazy Ballistic Beer Co — Hawaiian Haze IPA Capital Brewing Co West Coast NEIPA — Mountain Culture Collab Coopers Brewery — Coopers Pacific Pale Ale Bodriggy Brewing Co — Speccy Juice Colonial Brewing Co — Colonial Pale Ale Grifter Brewing Co — Serpents Kiss Sunday Road Brewing — Cryotherapy Deeds Brewing — Juice Train 10 Toes Brewery — Pipeline Pale Burleigh Brewing Co — Bighead No-carb Lager Hop Nation Brewing Co — J-Juice Range Brewing Co — Lights + Music Black Hops Brewery — Hop Swap Black Hops Brewery — Black Hops Pale Ale Your Mates Brewing Co — Macca Balter Brewing — Captain Sensible Capital Brewing Co — Trail Pale Ale Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Lager Burleigh Brewing Co — Twisted Palm One Drop Brewing Co — Double Vanilla Custard Pancake Imperial Nitro Thickshake IPA Cronulla Beer Co — Next Level XPA Sobah Beverages — Pepperberry IPA Jetty Road Brewery — Jetty Road Pale Ale Brouhaha Brewery — Strawberry Rhubarb Sour Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Cloud Catcher Blackman's Brewery — Juicy Banger 4 Pines Brewing Co — 4 Pines Pale Ale Brick Lane Brewing Co — Sidewinder Hazy Pale Hop Nation Brewing Co — Rattenhund Sunday Road Brewing — Enigma Ale Otherside Brewing Co — Anthem IPA Bad Shepherd Brewing Co — Peanut Butter Porter Ballistic Beer Co — Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout Black Hops Brewery — Hornet Little Creatures — Pacific Ale Your Mates Brewing Co — Eddie Dainton Beer — Jungle Juice Bodriggy Brewing Co — Utropia Pale Ale Young Henrys — The Unifier Hawkers Beer — West Coast IPA Mismatch Brewing Co — Mismatch Session Ale Gage Roads Brewing Co — Side Track All Day XPA Little Bang Brewing Co — Face Inverter BentSpoke Brewing Co — Red Nut Tumut River Brewing Co — Ginja Ninja Eumundi Brewery — Eumundi Alcoholic Ginger Beer Deeds Brewing — Once More Into the Fray Akasha Brewing Co — Mosaic IPA Ballistic Beer Co — Low Ha Capital Brewing Co — Rock Hopper IPA Wayward Brewing Co — Raspberry Berliner Weisse Willie The Boatman — Nectar Of The Hops Balter Brewing — CryoHaze For more information about the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2021, head to the GABS website.
The house where the Kerrigan family came to enjoy the serenity in the 1997 Australian film The Castle is now up for sale. While there's no pool room, the two-bedroom fibro shack boasts an open-plan kitchen, bathroom, laundry and combined dining and living area which opens onto the verandah, complete with original mozzie zapper. In recent years, the property has been used as a rental home, attracting city dwellers who want to reconnect with nature, family, and the vibe. Located 2.5 hours drive north-east of Melbourne on the banks of Lake Eildon, the beloved Bonnie Doon is a waterfront haven for those who love water sports, carp fishing and the smell of a two-stroke engine. https://youtube.com/watch?v=PmlMv5givwQ The property is enhanced by a magnificent set of power lines adjacent to the property, which stand as an important reminder of man's ability to generate electricity. It's also flanked by a vacant plot, so there's lots of spare ground if you want to dig a hole or practise kickboxing. As well as the property, the buyer will also be the proud owner of other pieces of memorabilia from the film, including Tracey Kerrigan's diploma of hairdressing from Sunshine TAFE, as well as a set of jousting sticks – a must-have for all family holidays. Sydneysider Richard Moseley first bought the property in 2006 for $170,000. It went on the market again in 2011 with an asking price of $195,000 but failed to sell and now it's set to hit the market again next week for $240,000. The last time it went to sale, the real estate agent was bombarded with calls from people who would ask the price — only to be followed with "You're dreamin!" and a dial tone. It apparently began to wear thin quite quickly. Via Domain.
What happens when a 20th-century pizza delivery guy gets cryogenically frozen for a thousand years, defrosting when 2999 is flicking over to the year 3000? Futurama has been telling that tale for a quarter of a century now. The animated series hasn't spent the full 25 years since its 1999 debut on-screen, weathering a chaotic run; however, it's been back again, baby, since 2023. The latest comeback's second season — dubbed the show's 12th overall — arrives from Monday, July 29, 2024, and it has a trailer. As always, shut up and take our money. This time, viewers can expect robot villages, a world dedicated to coffee and the survival of Earth under threat. Birthday party games to the death, AI proving both friendly and villainous, cute beanbags, the Planet Express team's usual interplanetary antics: they'll all feature, too, when Futurama returns to Disney+ Down Under. The Matt Groening-created show about life in the 31st century was in vintage form when it dropped its ten-episode 11th season, which embraced the fact that anything and everything can and will happen as it always has. When Futurama's return was first announced in 2022, it was for a 20-episode run, so season 12 was always going to follow. Then in 2023, the show was also renewed for two more seasons beyond that, so season 13 and season 14 are also on the way — taking viewers back to the future for even longer. Both soon and in years to come, get ready for more time with Philip J Fry (voiced by Billy West, Spitting Image), distant uncle to Planet Express cargo company Professor Hubert J Farnsworth (also voiced by West), plus the rest of the outfit's crew: one-eyed ship captain Turanga Leela (Katey Sagal, Dead to Me); fellow employees Hermes Conrad (Phil LaMarr, Craig of the Creek), Amy Wong (Lauren Tom, Dragons: The Nine Realms) and Zoidberg (also West); and everyone from self-obsessed starship captain Zapp Brannigan (West again) and his amphibious 4th Lieutenant Kif Kroker (Maurice LaMarche, Rick and Morty) through to scheming corporation owner Mom (Tress MacNeille, The Simpsons). Bender Bending Rodríguez is causing more mayhem as well, with John DiMaggio (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) also back with the cast when season 11 arrived. When the revival was first announced, that wasn't the case — but it wouldn't be Futurama without its constantly sauced robot exclaiming "bite my shiny metal ass!". You can put a beloved show into suspended animation, but someone is going to thaw it out one day — and more than once, as fans have experienced for decades now. Initially airing from 1999–2003, the futuristic series then returned from 2008–2013, before now being given another run. Check out the trailer for Futurama season 12 below: Futurama streams Down Under via Disney+, with season 12 arriving from Monday, July 29, 2024. Read our review of season 11.
When autumn starts winding down, end the season with a bit of sunshine. When winter kicks in, begin it with beaming rays, too. Virgin wants you to book in a Queensland getaway across May and June 2025, so much so that it's putting on a big flight sale. Fares start at $45, and you've got three days to nab a bargain. Also, your efforts will help the Sunshine State's tourism industry after the weather hasn't been kind to it so far this year. This round of specials is available until 11.59pm AEST on Saturday, March 29 — unless sold out earlier — and covers destinations from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. You have two months to head away, between Thursday, May 1–Monday, June 30, 2025, although dates vary per route. While the sale is firmly focused on one part of the country, you still have options in terms of departure points and destinations. Within Queensland, you can leave or arrive in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Mt Isa and Proserpine. And, around the rest of the country, flights to and from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Uluru are available. The cheapest price, $45, will get you between Sydney and either the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. For $55, Brisbane–Proserpine and Melbourne–Gold Coast fares are on offer. From there, $79 covers Sydney–Cairns and Sydney–Hamilton Island, while Brisbane–Hamilton Island is $85 and Melbourne–Cairns is $99 — and the list goes on. The sale has the backing of the Queensland government, to assist the Sunshine State's recovery after the weather events of the past few months — and thousands of seats have been discounted. Only select fares cover seat choice and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing back in 2021 that it now splits its economy flights into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. Virgin's 72hr Queensland sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Saturday, March 29 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
We should all be well aware of the vast benefits that recycling brings to us individually, to our communities, and, of course, to the environment, and many of us make an effort to contribute as much as we can to this vital movement. Yet, some more than others have taken this dedication to reusing and recycling to an entirely new level. Artists and architects around the world have, over recent years, come up with ingenious creations made completely from recycled paper and cardboard. Buildings constructed using recycled paper are not only incredibly environmentally friendly but also cheap, lightweight, and easy to assemble. The structures can also be particularly distinguishable and aesthetically pleasing thanks to the creative methods needed to make use of the renewable materials. Here are seven of the most eco-friendly and remarkable structures made entirely from recycled paper. Dratz&Dratz Architekten's Office After passing by a recycling station and being inspired by the unexpected durability and functionality of recycled paper, Ben and Daniel Dratz of Berlin constructed this unique 2045 square foot workspace made from 550 bales of compressed recycled paper. The duo funded the project through a $200,000 grant from Essen's Zollverein School of Management and Design to build this pioneering 'paper house' on the grounds of a former mining complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The duo stacked and designed the building so that it could withstand several days of rain and then dry in the sun. Not only is this a wondrous architectural feat but it is also a mysterious construction with countless scraps of information and hidden secrets embedded deep within its walls. Shigeru Ban's Takatori Catholic Church One of the most famous paper structures from one of the world's most famous paper architects, the Takatori Catholic Church is not only an unfathomable achievement in architectural design, but it is also an incredibly important construction, which helped rebuild the spirit and unity of the Takatori community following the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Paper tubes were used as the structural elements of the rescue base and church — hence its nickname, 'Paper Dome' — and in 2005 these were then transferred to Taiwan to help the victims from the 921 Earthquake before being reused as a place of worship. Mode:lina Architekci's TRIWA Pop-up Store Nine hundred cardboard tubes were required to pull off this distinctive store for the up-market Swedish watch brand TRIWA. Aside from wanting to gain an alternative edge over their competitors, the company wanted low-cost, renewable materials that could quickly and easily be erected and which would increase their global brand awareness. The store is located in Poznan Plaza Shopping Mall in Poznan, Poland and consists of cabinets made from chunky chipboard panels, placed upon stacks of cardboard tubes made from OSB wood panels. Zouk Architect's Paper Tube Office Zouk Architects decided to adopt some eco-friendly methods for the construction of their very own open-plan office. Rather than simply discarding the unwanted moving waste when relocating their office, they decided to take full advantage of the cheap and highly structural materials to create an avant-garde office with a modern and renewable twist. Sumer Erek's Newspaper House In 2007, artist Sumer Erek made a call-out to the people of London to collate the newspapers lying inside their homes and scattered on the streets and add them to his creation, made entirely of 120,000 rolled newspapers. The transformative art- and think-piece is aimed to alter the perceptions of how Londonites, and everyone the world over, view rubbish and the mess we all contribute to. In an attempt to address the growing issue of free papers littering the streets of England, Erek wanted to reinforce the idea of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' and make the public realise that everyone is part of the problem, as well as the solution. Erek's expressive project was revealed in March 2008 and has since toured around England and various parts of Europe. Masahiro Chatani's Origamic Architecture On a slightly smaller scale, Masahiro Chatani's origamic architecture demonstrates the ways reused paper can be (re)used to create amazingly detailed and accurate depictions of famous buildings from around the world. Chatani invented the art of cutting paper simply using a knife to produce complex and beautiful paper structures in 1981 and since then many other artists have taken up the trend and added their own flair to it. Shigeru Ban's Tea House This tea house made entirely from recycled paper is another awe-inspiring creation from the hands of Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, yet with a slightly more commercial edge. Ban wants to send out a message to the world, as many of these architects do, to stress the importance of reusing and recycling in order to save our planet from the heavy burdens we place upon it through the never-ending mounds of waste we continually create. Following true Japanese tradition, this 5-metre-long construction is complete with a table and four chairs as well as a waiting area with a bench — the perfect environmentally friendly location to sit back and enjoy a rejuvenating green tea.
Whether it's launching yourself off a snow-covered mountain when the stars are out, diving headfirst into a gorge on a bungee jump, exploring the depths of a cave network, or taking in the sights from a balloon in the sky, Aotearoa New Zealand is packed with experiences guaranteed to get your heart racing and adrenaline flowing. You can experience the country's most breathtaking settings on foot, by air, or in a balloon, to name just a few. We've teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to help you seek out some of the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping activities — plus the best time to experience them — so that your next adventure in New Zealand is one for the memory books. Flick the switch for seasonal adventures waiting for you in autumn, winter and spring. Jump to switcher
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. From the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from November. NEW STUFF TO WATCH NOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7QpnvmMmag&feature=emb_logo PALM SPRINGS It wasn't the first movie to play with temporal trickery; however, Groundhog Day has a lot to answer for. Films about folks stuck in a loop, repeating the same day or events over and over, now almost comprise their own genre — but, wearing its allegiance to the aforementioned Bill Murray-starring comedy on its sleeves, Palm Springs is one of the best of them. Here, Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Andy Samberg plays Nyles, who has ventured to the titular location with his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner, Brightburn) to attend a friend's nuptials. He gets drunk, makes a speech and a scene, befriends fellow wedding guest Sarah (Cristin Milioti, Modern Love) and disappears into a cave, warning the latter not to follow. When dawn breaks, it's the same day again. Then variations on the same events happen once more, and they just keep repeating over and over. Also featuring an initially intense JK Simmons (21 Bridges) as another ceremony attendee, Palm Springs has a wealth of fun with its concept, and becomes one of the year's most enjoyable movies in the process. Produced by Samberg alongside his Lonely Island colleagues Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, directed by feature first-timer Max Barbakow and written by Lodge 49's Andy Siara, it also finds its own way to grapple with the time-loop genre's usual elements — the repetition that feels like being stuck in purgatory, and the existential malaise that comes with it — in a smart and funny rom-com that boasts particularly great performances from Samberg and Milioti. Palm Springs is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv-Mb4vTxj0 WE ARE WHO WE ARE Two on-screen tales about American teenagers in Italy. Two floppy-haired male leads oozing with uncertainty and yearning. One filmmaker. After Call Me By Your Name, Luca Guadagnino returns to familiar territory with HBO miniseries We Are Who We Are — and if its star Jack Dylan Grazer reminds you of the now ultra-famous Timothée Chalamet, that's completely unsurprising; in 2018's Beautiful Boy (not directed by Guadagnino), the former even played a younger version of the latter's character. But don't go mistaking Guadagnino's eight-part TV show for a mere or lazy rehash of the director's past work. Following two neighbouring 14-year-olds who live on a US army base with their enlisted parents, including Grazer's newly arrived loner, We Are Who We Are once again taps into universal themes about finding one's own identity and place in the world, and navigating affairs of the heart as well, but it definitely has its own story to tell. Also starring first-timer Jordan Kristine Seamón, plus Chloë Sevigny (Queen & Slim), Alice Braga (The New Mutants), Scott Mescudi (aka Bill & Ted Face the Music's Kid Cudi), Francesca Scorsese (daughter of iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese) and Tom Mercier (Synonyms), this patient yet involving series once again boasts Guadagnino's eye for gorgeous and revealing imagery, though, with every intoxicating shot (and every camera angle and placement used for each shot) luring viewers in. We Are Who We Are is available to stream via SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVoYKwTc4E AUNTY DONNA'S BIG OL' HOUSE OF FUN 2019's I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson was the best sketch comedy of that year. In 2020, the equivalent title goes to Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun. If you're familiar with Australian comedy troupe Aunty Donna, then you'll know what to expect. Writers and performers Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, director and writer Sam Lingham, filmmaker Max Miller and composer Tom Armstrong have been treating audiences to absurdist gags, satire, wordplay and songs since forming in 2011 — but now the group has channelled all of its silliness and surreal gags, and its astute ability to make fun of daily life in a smart yet ridiculous way, into a six-part Netflix series. Bonanno, Kelly and Ruane star as themselves, and housemates. Each episode revolves around a theme, starting with the search for a fourth member of their household when they decide to turf their annoying talking dishwasher (voiced by Flight of the Conchords' Kristen Schaal). There's nothing too over-the-top for Aunty Donna, or too trivial, including treasure hunts, an out-there recreation of Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, a pitch-perfect takedown of trendy barber shops to a parody of male posturing when the guys turn their house into a bar. And there's little on offer in the extremely binge-able show that doesn't deliver just the dose of side-splitting absurdity that this hectic year needs. Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun is available to stream via Netflix. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5FXjdKxgrA LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST First, a word to the wise: if you haven't already seen The Exorcist, you'll want to give it a whirl before checking out this new Shudder documentary. And even if you've watched the iconic horror movie so many times that you've memorised every crucifix and spinning head, revisiting it is never a bad idea; this in-depth examination of the 1973 hit by the filmmaker behind it will certainly make you want to as soon as possible. Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist is as straightforward as its title intimates. For the movie's 104-minute running time, the director also responsible for The French Connection, Sorcerer and Killer Joe chats through the feature he's best known for, explaining both behind-the-scenes and on-screen details. Expect an insight into the battles to even get The Exorcist to the screen, anecdotes about the quest to find the exact right stars for this unsettling tale of demon possession and insider recollections about the now-85-year-old Friedkin's wide-ranging career in general. Indeed, it's impressive just how wide a range of topics and themes this doco covers, proving absolute catnip for cinephiles. Leap of Faith's own filmmaker Alexandre O Philippe is known for diving deep into great screen works, as seen in 78/52 (about Psycho) and Memory: The Origins of Alien (about, well, Alien), after all. Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist is available to stream via Shudder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEv0xy7p5Rg GANGS OF LONDON When crime kingpin Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney, Seberg) is killed unexpectedly after a 20-year reign over London's illicit dealings, the city's underworld is forced to react. The first order of business: find out who ordered the assassination, which is Finn's brooding, grieving and quick-to-react son Sean's (Joe Cole, One of These Days) only priority, and one he's determined to pursue at any cost. At first, it seems as if Gangs of London's nine-episode debut season is simply charting familiar territory — because many a movie and TV show about mobsters has focused on shock hits, succession scrambles and bloody fights over turf. But this British series has a particular strength that none of its genre compatriots can boast, aka filmmaker Gareth Evans. He's the director behind The Raid and its 2014 sequel The Raid 2: Berandal. If you've seen those two movies, that should be all you need to know. Here, Evans' penchant for balletic brutality and exquisitely shot and choreographed action scenes is on full display once again. He doesn't just rely upon intense, ultra-violent fights to keep viewers interested in this contemporary-set gang epic, though, plotting out an intricate world filled with meaningful, memorable and menacing characters (and just as impressive performances). Gangs of London's first season is available to stream via Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrieqwSdgI THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT In much of The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon sits at a chessboard. As a child (Isla Johnston), she demands that orphanage janitor Mr Shaibel (Bill Camp, The Outsider) teach her the game. As a teenager (Anya Taylor-Joy, Radioactive), she earns a reputation as a chess prodigy. As her confidence and fame grows, she demonstrates her prowess at tournaments around America and the globe, while also spending her spare time hunched over knights, rooks, bishops and pawns studying moves and tactics. None of the above sounds like innately thrilling television unless you're a chess grandmaster, but this seven-part miniseries proves that you should never judge a show by its brief description. Based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, written and directed by Oscar-nominee Scott Frank (Out of Sight, Logan), and dripping with lavish 50s and 60s decor and costuming to reflect its period setting, The Queen's Gambit doesn't expect that all its viewers will be chess aficionados; however, it's made with a canny awareness that anything can be tense, suspenseful and involving — and that every different type of game there is says much about its players and devotees. The series doesn't lack in creative and inventive ways to depict chess on-screen. It knows when to hang on every single move of a pivotal game, and when to focus on the bigger story surrounding a particular match or Beth path through the chess world in general. And it's especially astute at illustrating how a pastime based on precision and strategy offers an orphaned girl a way to control one lone aspect of her tumultuous and constantly changing life. The Queen's Gambit is available to stream via Netflix. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4X9fQsiAOQ FIREBALL: VISITORS FROM DARKER WORLDS Werner Herzog could make a documentary about absolutely any topic and, as long as the great filmmaker narrated it himself in his inimitable tones and with his lyrical, observational prose, it'd be worth checking out. As his on-screen acting roles in the likes of Jack Reacher, Parks and Recreation and The Mandalorian have shown, listening to his voice is one of life's purest joys — and, in Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds, he spends his time talking about a riveting topic. Reuniting with University of Cambridge professor Clive Oppenheimer, who he worked with on the volcano-focused Into the Inferno, Herzog turns his attention to meteors. As well as searching for sites where they've fallen from the sky and made a literal impact, his new doco surveys experts from around the world, explores meteors in both ancient and recent times, and looks at the subject from a scientific, historical, archaeological and anthropological basis as well. From the Norwegian jazz musician who collects micrometeorites to the way that rocks descending from the heavens have played a part in Indigenous Australian culture, Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds is never anything less than fascinating. And, it also sees Herzog describe one part of the globe as "so godforsaken it makes you want to cry", which just might be one of his best turns of phrase yet. Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds is available to stream via Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYY0QJhlXjc HIS HOUSE Stories about fleeing persecution are innately horrifying, but His House makes viewers confront the scenario in a visceral and purposefully confronting way. That's what happens when you pair an unsettling real-world situation that's distressingly common with the horror genre — using the latter to augment and emphasise the terror of the former, as His House does commandingly. The first feature from writer/director Remi Weekes, this British-set movie follows Bol (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, the aforementioned Gangs of London) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku, Lovecraft Country) from war-torn South Sudan, across the Mediterranean by boat, into detention in the UK and finally to a home on the edge of London. They're thrilled to have made the journey safely, albeit at a significant personal cost that neither can shake, and they're initially excited to have a place to call their own. But, after their case worker Mark (Matt Smith, Official Secrets) gives them the keys, the couple's new abode turns into a nightmare. It doesn't help that Bol is certain that they need to farewell everything about their own culture to show the government that they deserve to stay, while Rial is rightly resistant to that idea. The pair are quite literally haunted, though, as Weekes manifests in eerie detail in a movie that cleverly and compellingly (and creepily, too) interrogates the refugee experience. His House is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfiH_526qhY THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN Never let anyone tell you that SpongeBob SquarePants is just for kids. The long-running show about the absorbent, yellow and porous sea critter has always proved otherwise, but his big-screen adventures wholeheartedly make the case — because when you have Keanu Reeves playing a talking sage tumbleweed that's also a sage that dispenses wisdom, that pitch-perfect piece of casting is 100-percent aimed at adults. Yes, that's something that happens in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, and more often than you might expect. Yes, it's delightful. There are more surreal and absurd gags where that came from, too, which has always been SpongeBob's appeal for older viewers. Story-wise, the movie — SpongeBob's third, after 2004's The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and 2015's The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water — sees everyone's favourite Bikini Bottom resident leave his pineapple under the sea in search of his kidnapped pet snail Gary, with the vain King Poseidon (as voiced by What We Do in the Shadows star and Sponge Out of Water alum Matt Berry) the culprit. It's silly, it's sweet, it's chaotic and, although the flashbacks to SpongeBob's childhood are just a blatant way to promote a new TV spinoff, it's supremely entertaining. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is available to stream via Netflix. CULT CLASSICS TO REVISIT AND REDISCOVER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0xENt3xZqA THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR Add this show about a west Philadelphia teen's life-changing move to Los Angeles to the list of classic series making a comeback in 2020. The Will Smith-starring sitcom hasn't returned in the proper sense. It is actually getting a reboot, in a darker, more dramatic form, because everything old is new again, but that was just announced a few months back and hasn't arrived just yet. Still, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's surviving original cast members have all come together for a brand new reunion special — which Stan now has available to stream alongside each and every one of the 148 episodes that initially aired between 1990–96. Accordingly, if you'd like to while away more than a few hours, days and weeks seeing where Smith's on-screen career kicked off, laughing at The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's fish-out-of-water premise and feeling mighty nostalgic for times gone by, now you can. You'll obviously be treated to a hefty array of 90s fashions, because that comes with the territory. And, you'll be certain to get the series' famed theme tune stuck in your head (if you haven't already while reading this paragraph, that is). Every season of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is available to stream via Stan. Top images: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, Paramount Animation; The Queen's Gambit, Phil Bray/Netflix; His House, Aidan Monaghan/Netflix.
The laughs started with an opening monologue that had Jimmy Kimmel exclaim "Ryan, you're so hot. Let's go camping together and not tell our wives". The cheers began with Messi, the Palm Dog-winning pooch from Anatomy of a Fall, being spotted sitting in the audience. And the tears commenced not with Da'Vine Joy Randolph's Best Supporting Actress speech — where she said that she really didn't think that she was supposed to be doing this as a career, which did indeed inspire waterworks — but before that, with Lupita Nyong'o's introductory tribute to The Holdovers' actor. That's how the 96th Oscars kicked off — already five minutes over, as Kimmel noted, because Hollywood's night of nights doesn't quite believe in time — on Monday, March 11, Down Under. From there, the highlights kept coming. The Boy and the Heron winning Best Animated Feature was another big standout. So were Mstyslav Chernov wishing that he'd never had to make Best Documentary-winner 20 Days in Mariupol, which nabbed Ukraine's first Oscar; Godzilla Minus One taking out Best Visual Effects for a team who went up on the stage holding Godzilla figurines; American Fiction writer/director Cord Jefferson's plea for more support for films that don't cost $200 million when he won Best Adapted Screenplay; and Poor Things' stunning look and lead performance getting so much love. The awards' big winner: Oppenheimer as predicted, picking up seven awards. But it took until almost 90 minutes in for Christopher Nolan's J Robert Oppenheimer biopic to collect any gongs, ensuring that other movies earned recognition, too. When it was the film's time to shine, it resulted in a dedication to the peacemakers everywhere from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr thanking his terrible childhood. Yes, Barbie won best song, for 'What Was I Made For?'. Yes, Gosling's performance of 'I'm Just Ken' was a showstopper, complete with Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and America Ferrara singing along from the audience. And yes, everything from Wes Anderson nabbing his first-ever Oscar for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar to starting the In Memoriam tribute with footage from Navalny also happened. Kimmel calling out the fact that Gerwig wasn't nominated, Kate McKinnon thinking that the Jurassic Park movies are documentaries, The Fall Guy's Gosling and Emily Blunt bickering while paying tribute to stunt performers, John Cena appearing almost naked, and Twins and Junior co-stars (and past Batman villains) Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger co-presenting: that all occurred as well. That's how the ceremony panned out — with much to celebrate, plenty of banter and, as always among the films that go home empty-handed, disappointments as well. Killers of the Flower Moon, Past Lives and Perfect Days are all still excellent pictures, for instance, and can always call themselves Oscar-nominees. (It's always worth remembering that a plethora of stellar films don't even get nominations, which doesn't make them any lesser flicks, either.) Now that the Academy Awards are all done and dusted for 2024, here's the full rundown: who won and what else was in the running, that is. You can also check out what we predicted would and should win, nine winners that you can and should watch right now in Australia and New Zealand, and our full lists of where most of this year's contenders are screening or streaming in both Australia and New Zealand. Oscar Winners and Nominees 2024: Best Motion Picture American Fiction Anatomy of a Fall Barbie The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer — WINNER Past Lives Poor Things The Zone of Interest Best Director Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer — WINNER Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall Carey Mulligan, Maestro Emma Stone, Poor Things — WINNER Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Bradley Cooper, Maestro Colman Domingo, Rustin Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer — WINNER Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple America Ferrera, Barbie Jodie Foster, Nyad Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers — WINNER Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Sterling K Brown, American Fiction Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer — WINNER Ryan Gosling, Barbie Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things Best Original Screenplay Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari — WINNER The Holdovers, David Hemingson Maestro, Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer May December, Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik Past Lives, Celine Song Best Adapted Screenplay American Fiction, Cord Jefferson — WINNER Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan Poor Things, Tony McNamara The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer Best International Feature Film Io Capitano, Italy Perfect Days, Japan Society of the Snow, Spain The Teachers' Lounge, Germany The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom — WINNER Best Animated Feature The Boy and the Heron — WINNER Elemental Nimona Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Best Documentary Feature Bobi Wine: The People's President The Eternal Memory Four Daughters To Kill a Tiger 20 Days in Mariupol — WINNER Best Original Score American Fiction, Laura Karpman Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, John Williams Killers of the Flower Moon, Robbie Robertson Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson — WINNER Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Best Original Song 'The Fire Inside', Flamin' Hot, Diane Warren 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt 'It Never Went Away', American Symphony, Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson 'Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)', Killers of the Flower Moon, Scott George 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell — WINNER Best Cinematography El Conde, Edward Lachman Killers of the Flower Moon, Rodrigo Prieto Maestro, Matthew Libatique Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema — WINNER Poor Things, Robbie Ryan Best Film Editing Anatomy of a Fall, Laurent Sénéchal The Holdovers, Kevin Tent Killers of the Flower Moon, Thelma Schoonmaker Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame — WINNER Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Best Production Design Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Napoleon Oppenheimer Poor Things — WINNER Best Visual Effects The Creator Godzilla Minus One — WINNER Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Napoleon Best Costume Design Barbie, Jacqueline Durran Killers of the Flower Moon, Jacqueline West Napoleon, Janty Yates and Dave Crossman Oppenheimer, Ellen Mirojnick Poor Things, Holly Waddington — WINNER Best Makeup and Hairstyling Golda Maestro Oppenheimer Poor Things — WINNER Society of the Snow Best Sound The Creator Maestro Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Oppenheimer The Zone of Interest — WINNER Best Documentary Short Subject The ABCs of Book Banning The Barber of Little Rock Island in Between The Last Repair Shop — WINNER Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó Best Animated Short Film Letter to a Pig Ninety-Five Senses Our Uniform Pachyderme WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko — WINNER Best Live-Action Short Film The After Invincible Knight of Fortune Red, White and Blue The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar — WINNER The 2024 Oscars will be announced on Monday, March 11, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website.
Yayoi Kusama's dots, obliteration rooms and pumpkins are rarely far Australia's shores, whether via kaleidoscopic solo exhibitions, pieces in other showcases, infinity rooms popping up in multiple places or documentaries about the Japanese artist. Your next way to get your Kusama fix on home soil is going big. Huge, in fact. Towering, even. And it's putting one of her giant pumpkin sculptures in the best place possible: a garden. When this gourd is normally found among the greenery, it doesn't usually measure three metres in length. Pumpkins aren't typically red, either, or covered in black spots. The Kusama Red and Black Pumpkin that's joining Pt Leo Estate is all of those things, however, as well as a massive new drawcard for the Victorian venue. "I am very pleased to showcase my work in such a wonderful place. The magical fusion of nature and my work is something special that can only be seen in each location," said Kusama about one of her pumpkins taking up permanent residence on the Mornington Peninsula. "At three metres wide, the monumental work is much larger than Kusama's iconic Naoshima sculpture and enjoys a spectacular Victorian coastal vista as backdrop," added Pt Leo Sculpture Park Consultant Curator Geoffrey Edwards. The Naoshima pumpkin has attracted a crowd to the Japanese art island since being installed in 1994, but was washed out to sea in a 2021 typhoon. A new piece that keeps with the same yellow and black design joined the site in 2022, and still gets tourists flocking. Or, you can now head to Victoria. Kusama's Red and Black Pumpkin is made out of bronze and stainless steel, and covered with Kusama's beloved dots, a recurring motif across her work. She's been making pumpkins for decades to nod to her childhood experience on a small farm. Art lovers around the world have been feasting their eyes on the results ever since. At Pt Leo Estate, Kusama's giant and colourful work joins more than 50 fellow works across the grounds, including pieces by KAWS, Jaume Plensa, Inge King and Reko Rennie. When you're not peering at art while wandering around the 134-hectare estate, you can enjoy a meal at the Pt Leo Estate Restaurant, fine-diner Laura and the Wine Terrace, plus some vino from the cellar door and wine shop. Find Pt Leo Estate at 3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks, with Yayoi Kusama's Red and Black Pumpkin available to see from Saturday, November 25. Head to the venue's website for further information. Images: Chris McConville.
Cafe Disco is a tempting beacon of late mornings done right. The cheery yellow exterior of this 40-seater mingles with retro touches such as bottle-green finishings and striking red houndstooth booths. A cacophony of sizzle and spice wafts from the kitchen, mixing in with a vinyl soundtrack. The brunch menu is imbued with the flavours of owner Tasfeen Hassan's Bangladeshi heritage. Every item is inspired primarily by Hassan's memories of his grandma's cooking. Gloriously messy, the veggie brekkie roll comes with fiery kecap manis (Indonesian soy sauce) and a refreshing raita, while the chilli scramble is topped with a gremolata of Thai green chillies. The diner is vegetarian-friendly, but omnivores can indulge in the lamb meatball congee and some fresh kofta in house-baked pita. A revolving line-up of sweets includes pandan and coconut cream puffs — an ideal sidecar for Northgate's Passport Coffee brews. Cafe Disco only opens until 2pm, but the drinks are flowing. The short and sweet list of Aussie wines — plus four cocktails — makes the diner a top-shelf stop on an afternoon bar crawl in the West End.
The Witcher wasn't Freya Allan's first acting role. But within a mere two years of her debut on-screen credit, she was in a streaming smash. The Netflix series arrived just as Game of Thrones ended, falling into the big wave of fantasy efforts endeavouring to capitalise upon the genre's Westeros-fuelled renewed TV popularity. It did just that, sparking two more seasons that've already aired, a fourth in the works — to be co-led by Liam Hemsworth (Land of Bad), who takes over from Henry Cavill (Argylle) — and both animated and live-action spinoffs. The Witcher also thrust Allan, the show's Crown Princess Cirilla of Cintra and one of its three central characters, to fame in a huge way. The English actor isn't done with her time as Ciri yet, but she's now added a new first to her resume: her first lead film part. In fact, Baghead is only her second movie stint, after co-starring in 2021's Gunpowder Milkshake. One thing remains familiar, as it did when she appeared in miniseries The Third Day as well: Allan and the supernatural keep being linked. While that connection isn't purposeful on her part, the two-time Saturn Award-nominee — the accolades handed out by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, with Allan twice in contention for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series — can see why it keeps happening. "I think once you show a certain thing, people go 'oh, she's the girl that can do that'. And it's harder to break out of a certain box," Allan tells Concrete Playground. "But it's always a work in progress." [caption id="attachment_944097" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Susie Allnutt, Netflix[/caption] Baghead tasks her with getting otherworldly by talking to the dead in an eerie pub. Iris Lark, Allan's character, inherits the Berlin watering hole when her estranged father Owen (Peter Mullan, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) passes away. She didn't know about the bar's existence otherwise but, as encouraged by a disquieting solicitor (Ned Dennehy, The Peripheral), she's soon signing up to take it over. Inside, the run-down inn offers more than anyone could ever bargain for. In its basement exists an entity that can give patrons quite the deal: for two minutes, it will gift whoever sits in a chair opposite it the chance to spend time with a loved one that they've lost. It boasts Talk to Me vibes, but the premise initially fuelled Alberto Corredor's 2017 short that's also called Baghead. The full-length version is the director's feature debut. At the movie's centre sits two key elements: the "what would you do?" question, as part of its grappling with grief; plus Allan as the twentysomething woman tussling with that very query — which Iris only learns about after the mourning Neil (Jeremy Irvine, Benediction) arrives with cash for his own date with the pub's other inhabitant — and then experiencing the consequences. Taking the horror heroine route to the silver screen is a tried-and-tested path. After Baghead, however, Allan will next hit picture palaces in 2024 in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the fourth film in the latest Planet of the Apes franchise. "Apes for me is my proudest project I've done so far. I just think that everyone involved is just superb at what they do. All the actors, I watched most of the film the other day, and they just killed it. So I feel very proud of it and I'm just excited for people to see it, and I hope that they can appreciate everyone's hard work," Allan advises. We also chatted with Allan about her response to Baghead's setup, what she'd do in the same situation, how she chooses projects, her relationship with horror and taking on her first lead part — and The Witcher, of course. On How Allan Would React If She Was Given the Chance to Talk to the Dead for Two Minutes "I would. Well, I wouldn't in this film, because there's a lot of risk factors involved. But in general, if I could talk to my grandparents, I definitely would. It was two years ago we shot it, but I'm sure we must have had a conversation about it at some point while shooting. I feel like it's the inevitable question." On Allan's Initial Response to Baghead's Premise — and How She Prepared for the Part "My first response as Freya, I was drawn to that element. I think grief is such a topic that everyone can really associate to and has experienced. And so I think that's immediately something that's very easy to connect to, and is such a prevalent part of life. You can't really escape it. So I think that's profound. I just came up with a backstory and made sure I had all the details I needed, and all the questions answered that I needed. And in regards to when she lost her parents, and understanding a bit more about peoples' experience in the foster-care system where she's come from. And having just lots of conversations with people and their experiences around grief as well, even talking to my mum about it, and Alberto and the other cast as well — just having those constant conversations." On the Challenge of Taking on Her First Leading Film Role "It doesn't necessarily feel totally different to The Witcher in terms of the pressure. I think I have the same pressure on every job I do. It never really goes, whether you have a smaller part or a larger part. And also, it very much felt like I was a part of a team with Ruby [Barker, from Bridgerton] and Jeremy, who played Katie [Iris' best friend] and Neil. So, it felt like we were there to support each other." On What Appeals to Allan About New Projects — Including Baghead "It depends. I think I definitely was at a place of still wanting to learn. I mean, I want to learn on every job I do, obviously — it's just a natural part of leaving a job, you always feel like you've learned even more for the next job. I saw this as a great opportunity for that. It was my first lead in a feature and it was a great ground to learn in order to go into other projects with more experience. And I would say from here, I love to do some stuff which is completely stripped back and has no supernatural at all." On Starring in a Horror Movie But Not Being an Obsessive Horror Fan "I feel like it's an inevitability for every actor. You can't really be an actor and not have done a horror film — and actually it's, like I say, a great ground for learning a lot of things, because a lot of it actually does really revolve around physicality and building a heart rate. And you begin to realise how much physicality plays into being an actor. That really helped me for for other things. But no, I'm not immediately a horror fan — I don't know everything about horror films, but I definitely have had great experiences of watching certain horror movies. I really do think that they can be the perfect film for cinema, to go and have a have a real experience with your friends, and be scared and have a snack." [caption id="attachment_944098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Susie Allnutt, Netflix[/caption] On Allan's Journey with The Witcher So Far "When I got that role, that was huge for me and it was so exciting. That character is always going to be hold a very dear place in my heart, and I feel very lucky to have specifically played her. I think she really gets to have such an arc throughout the whole show by the end. But obviously, you do begin to want to do new things as well. So I think when it comes to an end, it will be a bittersweet thing of saying goodbye to a character that I'm hugely grateful for, but also being excited to do new things." Baghead opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 22. Read our review.
A skating session that's all about exercise — and sometimes rolling freely — Rollerfit finally arrived in Brisbane a few years back. It's still going strong in 2025, and it still wants you to go for a spin. Once a week, you can hit the rink at the PCYC Lang Park at Suncorp Stadium in Milton, including if you're a beginner just learning to skate. If this is the first time you've ever even thought about living out your Whip It or Xanadu dreams, don't worry — you're covered. The all-levels classes take place on Sundays from 1–2pm. Rollerfit also operates at New Farm State School, hosting dedicated beginners sessions at 4pm on Sundays. Dropping in costs $28, or you can take that down to $20 if you plan to visit regularly and sign up for a 20-class bundle. Five- and ten-class passes are also on offer. If you don't have your own wheels, you can rent them for an extra $5 per session. Rental covers sizes 5–13, and it's a first-come, first-served kind of deal. Images: Susie Yang.
While many of us wish we were jumping on a plane for a week of relaxing at a beachside resort in Saint-Tropez or hopping over to the Cinque Terre for many bowls of pasta and spritzes, the reality is international travel can be a time-consuming and expensive hassle. But, that doesn't mean a glamorous waterfront getaway is completely unattainable. About an hour's drive north of Sydney, you'll find Pittwater, which is surrounded by hundreds of secluded beach houses, charming cabins set right on the water and serene retreats that'll transport you miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To save you hours of scrolling, we've rounded up a list of the most stunning — and most secluded — Airbnbs located by the water around Sydney's northern beaches. So, book a spot, pack your togs and get ready to escape the city for a weekend of relaxing. Recommended Reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in NSW The Best Tiny Houses You Can Book Around NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains The Boathouse, Scotland Island This cosy coastal cabin is the ideal destination for couples wanting to unwind, beachside. It's got character aplenty, with sparkling water views to match. From $440 a night, sleeps two. Boathouse on the Waterfront, Avalon Beach A cheery couples' hideout perched right on the shores of Careel Bay, where just a few steps connect open-plan living with a waterfront jetty. From $995 a night, sleeps two. Secluded Waterfront Cottage, Lovett Bay It doesn't get much more secluded than this bayside retreat for two, which backs onto a lush national park and has water-only access. From $399 a night, sleeps two. Retreat at Coasters, Coasters Retreat Treat your flock to some downtime at this family-style retreat, enveloped by pristine bushland and set just metres from the shore. From $444 a night, sleeps four. The Secret Palm Beach Getaway, Palm Beach At this breezy Palm Beach cottage, the open-plan living space, sprawling deck and infinity pool all boast the same covetable water views. From $700 a night, sleeps two. Sandstone Cottage, Great Mackerel Beach One of Mackerel Beach's original sandstone cottages is now a secluded six-person hideaway with spectacular sunrises to match. From $1100 a night, sleeps six. Cape Mackerel Cabin, Great Mackerel Beach Secure your own patch of Great Mackerel beachfront, boasting an entertainer's dream deck and views that stretch from Palm Beach to the Central Coast. From $635 a night, sleeps six. Tides Reach Boathouse, McCarrs Creek Accessible only by water, this modern nautical cottage feels worlds away from reality. Fresh white interiors and a sun-drenched waterfront deck round out the holiday vibes. From $700 a night, sleeps eight. The Boathouse Retreat, Elvina Bay This peaceful hideaway nestled on the edge of Ku-ring-gai National Park offers stunning views of Pittwater and that cosy tiny home feel without compromising comfort. From $360 a night, sleeps two. The Oyster Shed, Lovett Bay Accessed only by water, this rustic studio on the bay is perfect romantic getaway. This nautical boathouse comes complete with a fire pit, private dock and cosy vibes to spare. From $369 a night. Sleeps two. Top image: Waterfront Boathouse FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Got a greasy pizza box that you can't recycle? Hold on to it, as you'll soon have a chance to put it to good use. That's because Pizza Hut is hosting its first-ever nationwide free pizza exchange, taking over stores across the country from 4–7pm on Friday, November 21, and celebrating the launch of their garlic and cheddar golden stuffed crust. Representing the latest evolution in Pizza Hut's ever-popular crust upgrade, this brand-new offering features a generous blend of cheddar cheese combined with signature hot dust garlic seasoning. Making for a golden, crispy finish that adds a whole new element to your slice, expect serious cheese pulls with every bite. With the prospect of free pizza almost impossible to resist, this fun-loving exchange will be up and running in four states. In NSW, head to Pizza Hut Surry Hills and Pizza Hut Waterloo, whereas QLD fans can visit Pizza Hut Forest Lake and Pizza Hut Runaway Bay. Meanwhile, Victorians can visit Pizza Hut South Melbourne, as those in WA are invited to complete the swap at Pizza Hut Morley. "Pizza Hut has always been about fun, flavour and innovation, and we wanted to give Aussies a reason to fall back in love with our crusts," says Pizza Hut Australia's Chief Marketing Officer, Wendy Leung. "The new Golden Stuffed Crust delivers on all three." If you decide to swing by your nearest exchange, the equation is simple. Just hand over a pizza box from any rival brand and walk out with a steaming hot Pizza Hut Golden Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. Why a rival? Well, the idea is that Pizza Hut is the only place to get the real deal when it comes to stuffed crust pizza that never misses the mark. Says Leung: "The Get Stuffed Free Pizza Exchange brings that spirit to life by giving people the chance to trade in their pizza frustrations for something they'll actually love." The Pizza Hut Get Stuffed Free Pizza Exchange is happening at various store locations around Australia from 4–7pm on Friday, November 21. Head to the website for more information. Images: supplied
There's something uniquely satisfying about successfully growing your own produce. Keeping a living thing alive for a prolonged period of time? Achievement! Keeping a living thing alive that, in turn, helps keep you alive? Well, that's circularity at its peak. For a novice green thumb, kicking off a gardening endeavour can be intimidating. As with any living thing, the responsibility of nurturing and growing it can unleash your neuroses — particularly if you've ever been defeated by a pot of cursed basil. Luckily, Lee Sullivan is here to help. Sullivan is the green thumb behind Urban Veggie Patch — an ever-blooming Instagram blog where she documents her incredibly bountiful garden. And while the size of her carrot harvest suggests a lifetime of gardening nous (or the fictional effects of gamma radiation), it's been less than six years that she's been planting and eating homegrown organic produce. "I started gardening shortly after the birth of my first child," Sullivan told Concrete Playground. "I became very interested in health and sustainability and, after some research, decided that the best way to live a more sustainable life, to truly know what was on the food we were eating and where it was grown, was to grow it in our own backyard. So we set up a garden." "At the same time, I was experiencing mild postnatal depression and, unexpectedly, growing and gardening helped me to heal from that. Growing my own food has been a truly beautiful journey for me and has become one of my greatest passions... It's also incredibly beneficial to my mental health and I love that it has created a space for me to relax and recharge." Sullivan shared with us some of her top gardening tips for anyone looking to grow their own fruits, veggies and edible plants, as part of our partnership with VegKit. So ready your patch of earth and prepare to get your hands dirty — while you get your mind clear. [caption id="attachment_840173" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jonathan Hanna (Unsplash)[/caption] PLACEMENT IS CRUCIAL "Placement is one of the crucial elements that you need to get right if you want to have a thriving garden. Your vegetables need SUN! When deciding on the location of your garden you want to pick somewhere that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Basically, find the sunniest spot in your yard and put your vegetable garden there. The more sun your vegetables can get the better." [caption id="attachment_840175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Spiske (Unsplash)[/caption] START SMALL "A big mistake people make when starting their own vegetable garden is biting off more than they can chew. At the beginning, your garden needs to be small and manageable. Statistics show that many people who attempt to grow their own food give up because of failure [editor's note: that cursed basil!], so you want to do everything you can to ensure your own success! But also remember that failure is just an opportunity to learn and do things differently next time! So, when planning your garden, don't go overboard with the size. By all means create it so that you can keep adding to it, but start small." "I started my garden with five 90-centimetre x 60-centimetre raised garden beds. When I realised how much I loved growing my own food I added eight more. In my opinion, a garden bed that is five-metres x three-metres is ideal and will easily allow you to grow enough vegetables for your family while keeping things at a manageable level." [caption id="attachment_840184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artem Podrez (Pexels)[/caption] APARTMENT LIVING? ADAPT ACCORDINGLY. "If you are limited with space there are still lots of things you can grow and lots of ways to increase your growing potential. When we started our first garden, we were living in a townhouse with a 40-square-metre cement courtyard, so I definitely know what it's like to not have a huge amount of space. I can confidently say that you can grow something no matter how much space you have." "Pots on a balcony or windowsill are an excellent option for people who don't have a yard. Herbs and micro herbs will do particularly well in a sunny indoor spot. If you have a small garden, vertical gardens, trellises or arches are also great as they can help to add more growing area by growing up rather than out." PLANT SEASONALLY AND GROW WHAT YOU LOVE TO EAT "Choosing productive plants that are easy to grow is a great option for first-time gardeners. It is also important to be aware of growing seasons and what grows well in your climate at any given point in time. It may seem obvious, but plant what you eat. Think about the things you buy most at the supermarket and plant those. Growing what your family loves to eat is an excellent place to start." [caption id="attachment_840186" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sandie Clarke (Unsplash)[/caption] SOIL QUALITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE "The soil you use in your garden beds will have a direct effect on whether your vegetables thrive. It can be tempting to go and buy cheap bags of soil to save money but please don't. Buying good quality soil full of organic matter is an investment into the future of your garden." [caption id="attachment_840209" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Karolina Grabowska (Pexels)[/caption] ENJOY THE JOURNEY AND DON'T LET FAILURE DISCOURAGE YOU "One thing I can guarantee is that you will fail — we all do. Failure in gardening is a huge part of the learning process so don't be discouraged when something doesn't work. Look at it as one step closer to mastering that particular vegetable. I still have vegetables [that] I struggle to get results on years down the track. Gardening is a lifelong journey of discovery and should be enjoyed! Spend time just being in your garden, enjoying nature and appreciating the little things." If you're a major plant enthusiast, find out what some top Australian chefs love about plant-based eating or try our picks of the best date spots with plant-based menus in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. To discover even more plant-based dining and recipe inspiration, head to the VegKit website. Top image provided by Lee Sullivan.
Sometimes in The Whitsundays, sometimes outside the Sydney Opera House, sometimes in the rooftop carpark of a Melbourne Woolworths, thousands of people have disrobed for Spencer Tunick. The New York-based artist stages naked installations in public places that also become nude photography works. He's filled Bondi beach, Federation Square, Munich's Bavarian State Opera, a patch of the Nevada desert and many more places with folks sans clothes, too — and, in both 2023 and 2024, he's turned his attention to Brisbane as well. Tunick first hit the Sunshine State last November for a piece called TIDE by the Brisbane River, which formed part of 2023's queer arts and culture-focused Melt Festival. On a spring Saturday, more than 100 participants shed their attire for the camera by the water. Before that installation even took place, it was revealed that he'd back in 2024 for an installation now called RISING TIDE. It too is part of the same fest, and it also involves another Brisbane landmark: the Story Bridge. [caption id="attachment_973212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TIDE, Spencer Tunick[/caption] On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the famous river crossing will welcome thousands of naked volunteers. Accordingly, it isn't just traffic that will bring the structure to a standstill this spring. For the shoot, the stretch across the water is closing to cars. If you're keen to get your kit off for the camera — and be part of history — there's no limit to the number of people who can take part. RISING TIDE is just one way to engage with Tunick's art in Brisbane this year, however. The other: the just-announced TIDE Exhibition, featuring images from his debut in the River City. It'll display at Brisbane Powerhouse from Saturday, September 28–Sunday, November 10, also falling into Melt, featuring projected video from the installation. [caption id="attachment_970675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane, Spencer Tunick[/caption] The TIDE Exhibition marks a few firsts for Tunick as he celebrates 30 years of making his style of art, over which period he's staged more than 100 installations. This is his first-ever Australian exhibition, and it's the first time that his work will be on display for the public. The single-channel video at the heart of the TIDE Exhibition not only includes imagery from the shoot by the Brisbane River, but also stories from participants. "Creating TIDE was a very special experience, and I hope the exhibition will speak to diverse groups of people. It is a privilege to be making art that centres around the LGBTQIA+ community with all its beauty and vibrance," advised Tunick. When RISING TIDE was announced, the artist said that "the series will hopefully speak to diverse groups of people, and everyone navigating their way through the difficult challenges of our current world". "This challenging work on the Story Bridge marks the second in my two-part series in Brisbane scheduled one year apart, in 2023 then 2024. It is the first time I have ever worked on installations with the same institution for an extended two-year project. This will allow me to deeply explore the city, its light, environment and its people." [caption id="attachment_973211" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney, Spencer Tunick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_973210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Barcelona, Spencer Tunick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gateshead, Newcastle, England by Spencer Tunick.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_874950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dublin, Spencer Tunick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jay Cull[/caption] Spencer Tunick's TIDE exhibition displays from Saturday, September 28–Sunday, November 10 at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. Spencer Tunick's 2024 Story Bridge installation RISING TIDE takes place on Sunday, October 27, 2024 during Melt Festival. Head to the festival website to register to take part. Top image: Spencer Tunick.
Naldham House is back — and the building that began its life as a shipping office isn't content with giving Brisbane just a single venue. This is now a three-in-one hangout, with the first two spaces opening in July 2024. If it's late-night drinks you're after, Club Félix is your destination. Head upstairs after 4pm Wednesday–Saturday and you'll be greeted by an oak timber bar that came with the building, a big focus on blue, a French-heavy menu, a covetable champagne list, and capacity for 150 standing and 110 seated. Club Felix is taking the fun into the night with midnight closing time — and the space can also be used for weddings and parties. Here, small plates and charcuterie accompany the libations, so snacking on salumi with gnocco fritto, a jamon and comte toastie, wagyu cheeseburgers, fried whiting sandwich fingers, salted cod and potato croquettes, and caramel profiteroles will line your stomach. Then, beverage-wise, expect rich tastes from the cognac- and Madeira-based Brulee Flip with chocolate bitters and grated chocolate, and from the Raspberry Tea Julep with black tea-infused bourbon — among other cocktails. French wines, including dessert tipples, are also a drawcard. Images: Dexter Kim.
From futuristic Supertrees to idyllic beaches and tropical gardens, Singapore weaves leafy stretches of nature throughout its bustling urban landscape. But reconnecting with nature doesn't have to mean trekking through forests or sleeping in a tent — it can also be farm-to-table dining with local produce, urban parks and luxe hotels with verdant spaces. In partnership with Singapore Tourism, we've pulled together a few imaginative ways to eat, stay and play in nature around Singapore, without straying too far from the middle of the city. [caption id="attachment_976861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marklin Ang[/caption] Play Known as the Garden City, Singapore is home to both hidden pockets and wide expanses of greenery, even in the middle of the city. Take the iconic Gardens by the Bay, which boasts temperature-controlled conservatories filled with exotic plants and flowers from around the world, towering Supertrees, freshwater wetlands and a Japanese zen garden. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens is equally impressive with a more classic slant — think elegant swans, a heritage museum and bandstand, and a national orchid garden with over 1000 species. [caption id="attachment_980992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Santos[/caption] For a dose of history on your outdoor adventure, head to Fort Canning Park to explore nine historical gardens, a spice garden dating back to 1822, two informative galleries and various colonial monuments. Fort Canning was home to the palatial resorts of Malay kings during the 14th century, before it was used by the British as military headquarters until WWII. As you exit to Penang Road near Dhoby Ghaut station, be sure to admire the sunlight and foliage streaming in from the top of the Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel. If you're looking to get out of the city for a day, hop on a 15-minute ferry ride to Pulau Ubin from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. One of Singapore's former kampongs (villages), the island still retains some of the landmarks from its rich history, including a model kampong house, Fo Shan Ting Da Bo Gong Temple and the German Girl Shrine. For wildlife lovers, Pulau Ubin is home to a diverse range of native plants, birds and animals, many of which cannot be found on the mainland. Discover these critters at sites such as Butterfly Hill, Chek Jawa Wetlands and Sensory Trail Pond on foot or by bike. Eat and Drink You don't have to venture out to get a taste of the great outdoors. Sample fresh local produce while paying respect to the land at these sustainability-driven restaurants. Located a short distance from Orchard Road, Open Farm Community's menu focuses on produce sourced from its very own urban farm, along with local suppliers. Visitors are welcome to join in on a farm tour before enjoying farm-to-table fare with locally inspired flavours. Kaarla also boasts its own urban farm — at 51 stories high, the 1-Arden Food Forest is the tallest urban farm in the world. The restaurant prepares Australian cuisine on a wood-fired grill, with produce sourced from the surrounding farm, as well as Singaporean and Australian producers. Helmed by chef LG Han, Labyrinth's new Singaporean cuisine and sustainable efforts have been rewarded with a Michelin Star and the Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award. Han takes inspiration from hawker fare and traditional Singapore flavours to create his innovative dishes, using locally sourced ingredients and carefully utilising all parts of the produce. Influenced by Danish principles of sustainability, FURA is a sleek cocktail bar that uses environmentally friendly ingredients with a low carbon footprint, such as insect proteins, invasive species or produce that is widely available throughout Asia. For a picturesque dining experience among the trees, look no further than 1-Flowerhill. The elegant chateau houses three restaurants — Camille, Wildseed Cafe, and Wildseed Bar and Grill — and sits atop Sentosa's Imbiah Hill with views across the island. Stay Bring nature to you at one of these luxe hotels in the heart of Singapore, which champion sustainability and integrate greenery into their design. Aptly named, the ParkRoyal Collection hotels in Pickering and Marina Bay incorporate environmentally conscious processes, including solar panels, filtered water systems, biodegradable amenities and rooftop urban farms. Similarly, The Pan Pacific Orchard adopts sustainable practices throughout the hotel, such as energy-saving glass, motion sensors and integrated energy, water and waste systems. The hotel also features four nature-inspired terraces — the Forest, Beach, Garden and Cloud Terraces — with abundant tropical foliage. You can't miss Oasia Downtown amongst the Singapore skyline — the 27-storey building is wrapped in over 20 species of plants woven throughout the aluminium mesh exterior. As the plants continue to grow across the building, they provide shade and a cooling effect throughout the building. The greenery continues inside, with 33 species of plants in communal areas such as the lobby, rooftop pools and Sky Terrace. A short stroll from the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Singapore Edition is a tranquil retreat with lush tropical plants, a rooftop pool and trendy bars. The hotel's eco-friendly initiatives include using carbon-neutral and biodegradable room keys, recycled materials and green cement. The hotel restaurant, Fysh, is also acclaimed Australian chef Josh Niland's first international foray, with an emphasis on sustainable seafood and responsibly sourced produce. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre. All images courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board.
When a clown ponders its final farewell, what does it see? Cirque du Soleil's Corteo has the answer. When this production first hit the stage in Montreal in 2005, it won over audiences by setting its acrobatic feats within a funeral procession imagined by a jester — a carnival-like parade that muses on humanity's strengths and vulnerabilities — in a space between heaven and earth. Two decades later, it's one of the troupe's most-beloved shows. Celebrating that milestone, Corteo is heading Down Under for a six-city tour in the second half of 2025. In Australia, the hit production will debut at Perth Arena from Friday, August 8, before playing at Melbourne's John Cain Arena the same month, then Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and Brisbane Entertainment Centre in September. Come October, Adelaide Entertainment Centre will host the spectacle, as will Spark Arena in Auckland. One of the tricks that's helped make Corteo such a success, with over 12-million audience members in 30 countries on four continents seeing it so far, is its unique stage setup. Watching this show means also watching your fellow viewers, because the action takes place in the middle of the arena, splitting it in half and causing patrons to face each other. This is Cirque du Soleil's first production with this layout. As its clown protagonist conjures up the festive parade that ushers him from this world, attendees will witness a poetic yet playful performance — one where the acrobatics are unique, too, and where angels watch over. "Corteo was the first Cirque du Soleil show created by Daniele Finzi Pasca, the same director who brought us LUZIA. Corteo is a real celebration of life that blends comedy and never-seen-before acrobatics into a unique staging arrangement," said Mike Newquist, Chief Revenue Officer of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, announcing the show's Australian and New Zealand tour. "Australians who fell in love with the breathtaking artistry and storytelling of LUZIA will be equally captivated by Corteo." LUZIA was the last Cirque du Soleil production that bounded this way, kicking off in 2024 — and notching up another first as the Montreal-based company company's debut touring show to feature rain in its acrobatic and artistic scenes. Before that, 2023 saw Cirque du Soleil bring CRYSTAL, its first-ever ice production on ice, Down Under. Cirque du Soleil's Corteo — Australia and New Zealand Tour 2025 Friday, August 8–Sunday, August 10 — Perth Arena, Perth Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Thursday, September 4–Sunday, September 7 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Thursday, September 18–Sunday, September 21 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, October 2–Sunday, October 5 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Thursday, October 30–Sunday, November 2 — Spark Arena, Auckland Cirque du Soleil's Corteo tours Australia and New Zealand from August 2025. For more information, or to buy tickets — with presales from 11am on Tuesday, February 18 and general sales from 12pm on Monday, February 14 — head to the show's website. Images: Maja Prgomet, Johan Persson and Aldo Arguello.
The shock of unkempt hair, the Irish brogue, the misanthropic attitude: there's no mistaking Dylan Moran for anyone else. It was true in beloved British sitcom Black Books, when his on-screen alter ego abhorred mornings, ate coasters and claimed that his oven could cook anything (even belts). And it's definitely true of the comedian's acerbically hilarious live shows. Moran is no stranger to Australia and New Zealand, but if you haven't guffawed at his bleak wit live, he's coming back in 2023 to give you another chance. As always, expect the kind of deadpan gags, wine-soaked insights and blisteringly sharp one-liners that've kept him in the spotlight since 1996, when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Edinburgh Fringe's Perrier Award. [caption id="attachment_729089" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andy Hollingworth[/caption] From mid-April to late May, Moran will tour Down Under with his latest show We Got This, bringing his grumpily lyrical musings on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life to 11 Aussie cities and four spots in NZ. Kicking off in Hobart and ending up in Auckland, this marks his first full standup show since 2019's Dr Cosmos, which also came our way — and was available to stream earlier in the pandemic, too. Given this tour's title, it's hardly surprising that Moran will be reflecting upon these chaotic times. That might sound like a standard comedy gig these days, but nothing about Moran's comedy is ever standard. "We are bruised. We are fucked up. We are all sore," he said, announcing the tour. "It's not just the pandemic. It's the times and how we've got through it." As well as his stint as the world's worst bookshop owner in Black Books, Moran has popped up in films such as Notting Hill and Shaun of the Dead, should you been keen to get watching (or rewatching) before his new gigs. Nabbing tickets early is recommended — his shows usually sell out quickly. DYLAN MORAN 'WE GOT THIS' 2023 DATES Wednesday, April 19 — Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart Thursday, April 20 — Princess Theatre, Launceston Friday, April 21 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne Tuesday, April 25 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Thursday, April 27–Friday, April 28 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra Saturday, April 29 — Civic Theatre, Newcastle Tuesday, May 2 — HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Thursday, May 4–Friday, May 5 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane Monday, May 8 — Perth Concert Hall, Perth Thursday, May 11 + Monday, May 15 — State Theatre, Sydney Saturday, May 13 — Town Hall, Wollongong Saturday, May 20 — Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch Monday, May 22 — Regent Theatre, Dunedin Tuesday, May 23 — St James Theatre, Wellington Thursday, May 25 — Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Dylan Moran's 'We Got This' tour will head around Australia and New Zealand in April and May 2023. Ticket pre-sales start at 11am on Thursday, October 13, with general sales from 9am on Tuesday, October 18. For more information, head to the tour website. Updated November 25.
