The Gold Coast has long been one of Australia's most reliable family holiday destinations, and for good reason. Few places pack in the same mix of adrenaline-pumping theme parks, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures and family-friendly accommodation. Whether you're travelling with thrill-seekers, animal lovers or kids who just want to stay by the pool, the Gold Coast makes it easy to build an itinerary that keeps everyone happy. This guide rounds up the best family-friendly deals and experiences, so you can Get Up and Gold Coast on your next holiday. [caption id="attachment_1069893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Movie World[/caption] Make Some Memories A family holiday doesn't have to mean slowing down. If your family thrives on excitement, the Gold Coast delivers it in spades. The classics include Village Roadshow Theme Parks: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet 'n' Wild, where you can enjoy five consecutive days of holiday fun for $169 per person. Australia's biggest theme park, Dreamworld, also suits families with kids of all ages. The big kids can make some memories on King Claw and Steel Taipan rollercoaster, while the little ones can have fun on the Deep Sea Dodgems and the Big Red Boat Coaster. For families looking to get more bang for their buck, you can book two-day tickets for $99 per person that offer access to Dreamworld, SkyPoint, and Whitewater World. [caption id="attachment_1069891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Timezone[/caption] If a day (or five) in the theme parks still hasn't scratched the adrenaline itch, consider iFly. Located in the heart of bustling Surfers Paradise, iFly lets kids (and brave parents) experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in a safe, controlled environment. Fly from as little as $69 per person and use the promocode EXPGC when booking the iFLY Basic or iFLY Value Package for a discount. Also in Surfers Paradise is the world's largest Timezone, a reliable hit that features arcades, laser tag, bowling, bumper cars, and glow-in-the-dark golf. Set on the water, GC Aqua Park in Southport is a unique, family-friendly experience designed for splash-filled fun, an inflatable course perfect for kids who love to jump off their energy in the Gold Coast sunshine. [caption id="attachment_1069889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] GC Aqua Park[/caption] Nature and Wildlife Adventures Water parks and thrill-seeking aside, there are a number of experiences on the Gold Coast that are rich in connection, nature, and fun. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a beloved day out for families to learn more about animals and the sanctuary's conservation efforts. Enjoy close encounters with the kids' favourite animals, shaded walking trails, and an overall educational day out. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also hosts Astra Lumina, a cosmic light and sound experience that's set in the sanctuary's bushland. Embark on an enchanted after-dark experience, and discover the wonder of the stars thanks to a projection and moving soundscape. It's a multi-sensory experience (and one that won't be forgotten quickly). Use the promo code GETCWS for $10 off day passes to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Use the code GETAL5 for $5 off Astra Lumina tickets. [caption id="attachment_1069894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Astra Lumina[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1069890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elite Holiday Homes[/caption] Where to Stay Accommodation on the Gold Coast caters exceptionally well to families, whether you want all-inclusive ease or simply a place to sleep in between adventures. Paradise Resort is made for travelling with kids, combining pools, activities and kids' clubs with dining that takes the pressure off parents. It's been voted Australia's Best Family Resort for the 15th year in a row and is packed full of activities, including an ice-skating rink, waterpark, miniature train, and more, all within metres of Surfers Paradise Beach. If you stay for three or more nights, Paradise Resort offers daily breakfast for everyone, lunch and dinner for the kids, $200 activities credit, one kids club session per child and more. For families travelling with larger groups, Elite Holiday Homes offers spacious, luxury holiday homes with family-friendly pools and Gold Coast views. If camping or cabin-style stays are more your speed, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort and Gold Coast Tourist Parks deliver an easy balance of affordability and convenience, with easy access to beaches and the Gold Coast's main attractions. If you prefer your accommodation as a central base that's close to holiday activities, look to Novotel Surfers Paradise or voco Gold Coast. Both hotels offer family-friendly discounts, such as kids eating free and, for Novotel, a $100 Timezone voucher to enjoy when staying two nights or more. Use the code LOVE and receive 30% off Elite Holiday Homes when booking for a minimum of four nights. NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort Kids stay and play free, save up to 15%* off accommodation. Free daily coffees, free pedal-kart hire and a $10 games room credit. [caption id="attachment_1069888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gold Coast Tourist Parks[/caption] On the Gold Coast, you can spend one day riding rollercoasters, the next spotting kangaroos, and the following afternoon doing absolutely nothing by the hotel pool, all without long drives or rigid itineraries. With all of these options in close proximity to one another, a family-style Gold Coast holiday is a no-brainer. Image Credit: Supplied
When a bakery has earned fame around the world from chefs and publications alike, and lines outside its stores are a common sight, it probably doesn't need to give customers any additional motivation to drop by. But Lune — home of "the croissant that should act as the prototype for all others" according to Yotam Ottolenghi, and "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" as per The New York Times — has never been one to rest on its laurels. Monthly specials, seasonal treats, a cookbook: they've all helped extend the brand's experience. Now Lune's new loyalty program is giving pastry fiends another reason to head in. The Kate Reid co-founded bakery wants you to not only keep enjoying its croissants, pains au chocolat, cruffins, morning buns and more — it wants to reward you for doing so. Enter the Lune passport, which launched on Monday, April 7, 2025, and works on zont miles. You'll collect one for every dollar that you spend on food in a Lune outpost — which are located in Armadale, Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne; South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane; and Rosebery and Martin Place in Sydney. Rack up those zont miles and you'll be eligible for discounts, with each 200 points reached giving you $10 off your next purchase. The program also gives members exclusive perks and bonuses, as well as priority access and gifts. Double days and double hours will see you earning twice as many zont miles, for instance, and you'll also score a free traditional croissant on your birthday. To sign up, you have options. Hop online, or scan the QR code at Lune's stores or on the top of your receipt if you've just made a purchase. There's no physical card, with the passport operating digitally. To use it, you just tap it at the counter when you're making an order. Everyone receives 50 zont miles for signing up and making their first purchase, plus 25 points for subscribing to Lune's newsletter. While you'll nab one point per $1 spent on dishes from the food menu, you'll get two points per $1 on Lune retail items. "We're super excited to finally announce the Lune passport loyalty program. It feels like a fitting way to reward and thank all our guests who have supported us over the years, and also a lovely way to introduce those that are brand new to Lune," said Reid, announcing the initiative. For more information about the Lune passport, head to the brand's website — or to its stores at Armadale, Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne; South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane; and Rosebery and Martin Place in Sydney. Images: Peter Dillon.
Step inside +81 Aizome Bar and the shift is immediate. The light softens, the noise disappears and suddenly you feel a long way from West End. With its minimalist design and hushed energy, the ten-seat venue channels the quiet precision of Tokyo's most revered cocktail districts, built for unhurried drinking and focused attention. The award-winning +81 Aizome Bar approaches cocktails with the same discipline usually reserved for fine dining. It's part of the broader +81 venue, which now includes the newly opened +81 Sushi Kappo next door, but +81 Aizome stands firmly on its own as a place where craft and calm lead the experience. The cocktail list is deliberately restrained. Fresh drinks arrive without garnish, stripped back to highlight balance and texture rather than decoration. Elsewhere, a collection of so-called "neo cocktails" are prepared over three to five days using freeze-integration techniques that refine flavour and mouthfeel. Even the ice is treated with reverence, shipped from Kanazawa in Japan and cut specifically for each drink. Sake plays a central role, alongside cocktails incorporating tea and a thoughtfully developed range of alcohol-free options that receive the same attention as the rest of the menu. Service is quiet, precise and unhurried, encouraging guests to slow down and engage with what's in the glass. Whether you start your night here or arrive after dinner next door, +81 Aizome Bar is best enjoyed without a timetable. Settle in, order thoughtfully and let the room do the rest.
Head to GPO's new 1920s-themed lounge bar, which is fittingly called The Gatsby, and you won't be able to miss the venue's old vault. It's a reminder of the distinctive building's history, with the structure starting its life back in 1887 as the Fortitude Valley General Post Office. It's also a symbol of GPO's reopening, which feels like reclaiming an iconic Brisbane location after a stint of safekeeping — or, to be more accurate, following the 136-year-old site's hefty $9-million revamp. The Gatbsy is a late-night, walk-in-only cocktail and whisky bar on the building's upper level. The mood here is lavish and upscale, as the name makes plain, including velvet booths, leather accents and brass features as part of the design. As well as featuring the building's original, now-restored vault, The Gatsby soundtracks the sipping with DJs and a live saxophonist. Also, as demonstrated by the 74-page menu, the bar well and truly prides itself on its drinks. Menu highlights include the chilli-infused tequila and mango gasper, a Gatsby bellini using peach tea-infused vermouth, one cocktail made with edible citrus paint, and another that can be served either hot or cold. All of the classic sips are taken care of, too, or you can build your own manhattan, negroni, martini or old fashioned — each chosen because they're the most popular concoctions of F Scott Fitzgerald's era.
UPDATE, November 20, 2020: Jumanji: The Next Level is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. History would suggest that Jumanji: The Next Level is perfectly placed to be a spectacular failure. Beyond the obvious point that sequels almost always fare poorly, there's the fact that its enjoyable predecessor, 2017's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, falls into the one-trick category — aka kids zapped into a video game and trapped in bodies different to the ones you'd expect. Then, there's the absolute deluge of publicity preceding this follow-up's release, which is generally a bad sign. On paper, the only real source of hope seems to stem from Dwayne Johnson, who rarely makes bad career decisions. But then you remember the horror show that is the Baywatch movie, and you think maybe not even that is true anymore. And yet, to its credit, Jumanji: The Next Level manages to forge new ground directly atop the old one, all thanks to an inspired twist in its tale. It doesn't quite capture lightning in a bottle again, but boy does it come damn close. Yes, the young same cast (Alex Wolff, Ser'Darius Blain, Morgan Turner and Madison Iseman) is back. Yes, they're again pulled into the video game world of Jumanji — and yes, as their in-game characters (Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack Black), they must once again find a rare jewel to secure their release. Had the sequel merely switched which avatars the four college kids landed in, the gimmick would've been over before it began, but here's where The Next Level gets clever. While the original quartet plan to enter Jumanji, it doesn't exactly work out that way. Instead, some are pulled in, but so too are curmudgeonly grandpa Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his former business partner Milo (Danny Glover). For anyone who has ever tried to explain a video game or even just a remote control to a grandparent, the struggle that ensues will be painfully and hilariously relatable — and the film exploits it beautifully. As a result of that narrative twist, returning leads Johnson, Hart, Gillan and Black all play host to new personalities, adding unexpected flavour to the already amusing gender and identity scramble of the original. Johnson and Hart are the standouts, with both offering note-perfect impressions of DeVito and Glover. It's a particular delight to see these actors play so enthusiastically against type — especially Hart, who eschews his fast-talking wisecracks to serve up the vocal equivalent of a car doing 20 kilometres per hour in an 80 zone. Johnson, too, clearly relishes the opportunity to move beyond his traditional 'good guy in a muscle suit' routine, playing someone both unlikeable and entirely out of his element. There are other key changes, too. The quest within Jumanji isn't the same as last time, meaning that even the veteran players find themselves desperately trying to make sense of it all before their three lives are spent. Like all good video games, the next level is also considerably more difficult. From the get-go, the threats are multiplied and the challenges are more complex. Whether via a flock of deadly ostriches, a bottomless ravine or a jealous lover named Switchblade, death can (and does) come at any moment — and, in this instalment, the characters get down to just one life far sooner. These action sequences are inventive in the vein of the best Pixar films, and the accompanying soundtrack evokes the kind of exhilaration and adventure usually found in an Indiana Jones picture. Then there's Spencer (Wolff), the awkward and nervous teen who previously became Johnson's Dr. Smolder Bravestone. His desire to regain the confidence that came from that transformation is what leads the gang back inside Jumanji in the first place. Once he's there, he instead finds himself sporting a new avatar: pickpocket Ming Fleetfoot, played by Awkwafina. The actor/rapper puts in a terrific performance, serving up precisely the kind of new character the film needed to build upon the original. Elsewhere, Nick Jonas and Colin Hanks also reprise their roles, while the funniest body swap involves cheerleader Bethany (Iseman) — although we'll leave just what she swaps into as a surprise. Once again directed by Jake Kasdan — who took over the Jumanji franchise from Joe Johnston, the filmmaker behind the original 1995 movie — perhaps the biggest change is the defter touch with which The Next Level handles its quieter moments. In particular, the unresolved conflict between Eddie and Milo simmers neatly below the surface throughout, and its ultimate resolution proves surprisingly tender for an action-comedy. Without ruining the ending, the film leaves it all but settled that another sequel will be in the works, which seems especially likely after The Next Level set box office records for Sony on its opening weekend in America. As long as the series can maintain the same level of inventiveness and surprise, that's not a bad thing at all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBxcF-r9Ibs
If you've locked in your pass to see teams battle it out at the Melbourne stop of the International esport tournament, Intel Extreme Masters, you're probably gearing up for a weekend of pro-level gameplay. But Melbourne doesn't power down after the final match. This is a 24-hour city that lives for the afterparty. Where dinner starts at 10pm, cocktails come with a side of performance art, and themed bars invite late-night play. If you're making the trip to Melbourne, consider this your ultimate cheat code for everything happening off-screen. From cool late-night bars to Viking banquets and kart racing, here's how to unleash your wild side and make the most of everything Australia's cultural capital has to offer. Fortress Melbourne Let's be honest, if you're into gaming, you've probably already heard about Fortress. It's a multi-level gaming venue complete with esports arenas, retro arcades, themed cocktails and a tavern that feels like it belongs inside a fantasy RPG. It's basically your digital playground brought to life. For some late-night fun, grab a drink, smash some rounds on the console setups or join in on one of the many live tournaments. [caption id="attachment_1000007" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jesse Hisco[/caption] Bodega Underground If you're looking for the best mezcal in town with low lighting and tacos, this is your spot. Bodega Underground on Little Bourke Street stays open until the early hours slinging margaritas, spicy bar snacks and some of the best micheladas in the city. It's underground in every sense of the word: location, attitude and energy. BattleKart Just over the bridge in West Footscray, BattleKart is what happens when go-karting meets video games. You're racing around a real track, but instead of just cutting corners, you're picking up power-ups and dodging digital obstacles projected onto the floor. It's part arcade, part real-world chaos and perfect for anyone who's ever dreamed of playing Mario Kart in real life. Better yet, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can kart until 11pm. [caption id="attachment_794216" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Michael Gazzola[/caption] Ballers Clubhouse This isn't your average sports bar. With locations in both the CBD and Carlton, Ballers Clubhouse brings the energy of a game night house party, if that house had neon lights, a disco ball and a cocktail list. You've got ping pong, darts, shuffleboard, karaoke and VR experiences all under one roof. It's built for banter, rematches and yes, some very Instagrammable moments. If you're with a group of mates, book out a table and settle in for an arvo of drinks and friendly competition. Flight Club If you've only ever played darts at a sticky-floored pub, prepare to be impressed. In the heart of the city, the newly opened Flight Club has flipped the game on its head, turning it into a social, high-tech experience with automatic scoring, neon-lit booths and cocktails you'd actually want to drink. It's a great after-hours hang or a cheeky way to warm up before your next IEM session. St Andrews Beach Brewery, Melbourne Park Just a short stroll from the IEM action at Rod Laver Arena, you'll find St Andrews Beach Brewery Melbourne Park, which is the inner city sibling to the Mornington Peninsula favourite. It offers a refreshing reset when you need to step away from the screens. Expect craft beers, wood-fired pizza, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor space to breathe before heading back to the chaos. It's lowkey, laidback and exactly what you want in the middle of an action-packed day. Bar Clara Tucked in Chinatown with pink neon lights and green velvet seats, Bar Clara is all about adventurous cocktails, low-lit vibes and romantic charm. Their drinks are weird and wonderful and the service always comes with a wink. Think Japanese whisky, smoke guns and unexpected ingredients you can't pronounce but will absolutely want a second round of. Mjølner For something a little more special, head to Mjølner to channel your inner warrior with a feast worthy of Valhalla. Mjølner is an underground Viking and Norse-themed bar and restaurant in Melbourne CBD where the cutlery is literal weaponry, the whisky menu is longer than your most-played Steam library, and the vibes are unbeatable. Whether you're tearing into slow-roasted meats or sipping beer from a horn, it's unapologetically theatrical and, yes, absolutely delicious. [caption id="attachment_684812" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Julia Kingma[/caption] Heartbreaker When the final match wraps and the adrenaline's still pumping, Heartbreaker is where you head next. This late-night haunt is dimly lit, loud in all the right ways and fuelled by a rock 'n' roll jukebox, whisky cocktails and slices of Connie's pizza that taste better after midnight. Whether you're dancing with strangers or dissecting game highlights with your mates, it's the kind of place where the night tends to stretch into the early hours. StoryVille This fairy tale-themed cocktail bar is anything but tame. As the clock strikes 11pm, StoryVille turns into a literal wonderland of music, drinks and entertainment. Hidden in a multi-level building with mushroom lamps, twisted bookshelves and glowing potions, Storyville's drinks menu reads like a sci-fi novel, and its crowd loves an excuse to cosplay. Naked for Satan Naked for Satan is Fitzroy's worst-kept secret: a multi-level bar dishing up infused vodkas, punchy pintxos and panoramic rooftop views of the city. Go early for golden hour, stay late when the mood shifts and the skyline becomes your backdrop for a night you probably won't be home early from. Whether you're chasing a nightcap with a twist, a hidden wine bar with a cult following, or just want to battle your mates on the kart track, Melbourne has all your nocturnal cravings sorted. For more of what makes Melbourne every bit different, visit the website. Images courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different. By Jacque Kennedy
In news that won't surprise Melburnians, the city has been ranked Australia's number one night-time economy hotspot. From Fitzroy's buzzing bars to the fine dining restaurants in the CBD, Melbourne is doing its part for the economy by enjoying life after dark. This is according to the Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, venues open and even the amount of nightworkers boosting the economy after dark. Trailing just behind Melbourne is Sydney's CBD, which came in with a night-time Vibe Score of 74.3. So close. [caption id="attachment_1029745" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Martin Vlnas[/caption] The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, reveals that the Victorian capital is dining out at restaurants more frequently than other cities after dark. The report surveyed 2,009 Australians to learn how we spend our evenings (and how much cash we splash on a night out). [caption id="attachment_912072" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Nick & Nora's[/caption] Who's going out after dark? While Australians may be proponents of morning run clubs and coffee catch-ups pre-work, it turns out that there are a few of us who still make the most of the evenings. According to the report, nearly half of Australians are going out at night at least once a week, with an average of 5.8 night-time outings per month. Not bad. Gen Z is at the head of the pack, with 73 per cent of the demographic making it out at least once a week. Millennials are right behind their younger siblings with an average of 7.2 nights out per month. Melbourne and Sydney may be leading the night-time charge, but other cities aren't glued to their couches all week. People in Wollongong and the Gold Coast are keeping the night alive, with an average of 6.3 nights out per month, followed closely by Brisbane at 6.1 nights a month. [caption id="attachment_868653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] What are we up to on a night out? In good news for business owners, the majority of nights out are spent in our world-class restaurants. While most Australians prefer to keep their dining local, Gen Z is maintaining its adventurous reputation by being the demographic more likely to try cuisine in a new suburb. Outside of restaurants, 46 per cent of Australians are heading to the cinema to watch a movie after dark, with night markets and bars and pubs also ranking high on our evening activities. How much are we spending? With so many Aussies enjoying a night out with friends, the report finds that the majority of us are factoring evening activities into our spending. More than half of Gen Z actually consider spending after dark an essential part of their budgets. According to the report, the average we're forking out for an evening on the town is $120 or less per person. On the other hand, 66 per cent of respondents reported that cost is one of the main barriers to heading out for the evening. Feeling safe is also a major factor in shaping how, when and where Australians go out. [caption id="attachment_1026041" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] The future of the evening economy Sadly, many Australians feel their local nightlife isn't as vibrant as it could be—and want to see councils and businesses invest in making it better. Whether it's the after-effects and behavioural changes post-pandemic or the cost of living crisis, the report shows that nearly half of Australians believe their local nightlife needs investment to feel more vibrant. The report notes that Australians are asking for more night markets and festivals, affordable night-time options, and safer public spaces over the next two to five years. Despite Australians' reputation for being morning people, it's clear we're doing our bit for the economy by seeing our friends for a meal out, sipping on a pet nat in a Collingwood wine bar and enjoying the night markets in Sydney. So, consider this your sign to do your part and book an after-dark experience this weekend. Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: Getty/ Prasit Photo
Sorry Sydney. Melbourne is getting the country's first-ever 67 Pall Mall outpost, due to launch some time in mid-2025. This incredibly luxe, global private members club is set up exclusively for wine lovers who want to sample the very best drops out there. It's not for those of us hunting down $15 bottles of ok wine at the local bottle shop; it's for top-tier wine drinkers who are willing to spend big. The joining fee is $3500 per person (being waived for a limited time!) and the current discounted yearly fee for members who sign up early is $2300 on top of that. If this is beyond your spending limits, perhaps shoot this article over to your rich sister or that well-to-do mate who always shouts the good drinks — because they might be able to bring you in as a guest. [caption id="attachment_942250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 67 Pall Mall Singapore[/caption] So what's the deal with 67 Pall Mall? Memberships for 67 Pall Mall are highly sought after around the world. The group has sites in Singapore, London, Switzerland, France and Hong Kong. The venues are known for being some of the most incredibly designed spaces, filled with the world's greatest wines that are served and chosen by accredited master sommeliers. A huge selling point for wine connoisseurs is the fact that 67 Pall Mall offers an unmatched selection of wines by-the-glass to members — 1000 to be exact — and sells them with very minimal markup. Most of these drops are never offered by the glass so it presents a rare opportunity. What's in store for Australia's first club? The first Australian site is touted for Melbourne's Spring Street. Spread across the top three floors of the 16-story building, the private members club will let folks sip on fine wines while taking in views across the Treasury Gardens, MCG and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Floor 14 will boast a wine bar and all-day dining room with impressive 270-degree views of the surrounding area. One level up, members will get access to private rooms and semi-formal dining experiences. And the top floor will feature an extensive champagne menu, a raw bar, open air balconies, and a secluded whisky bar. This is top-end luxury stuff that's hard to come by in Australia. 67 Pall Mall's CEO Grant Ashton says, "Melbourne was chosen above all other cities as our first outpost in Australia due to its close connection to independent and outstanding wine producers, allowing us to engage with a passionate wine culture and a knowledgeable collector community." Peter Gago, chief winemaker of Penfolds, whose wines are poured in 67 Pall Mall Clubs across the globe, also commented: "From London to Singapore, 67 Pall Mall has evolved into the world's premier wine Members' Club. Now, expanding to a prime site overlooking the MCG in Melbourne, it's truly remarkable. "Melbourne, a strategic gastronomic hub, with Yarra Valley vineyards and Mornington Peninsula nearby, will soon boast 67 Pall Mall as a wine mecca. It'll attract wine enthusiasts and curious minds alike, continuing the Club's tradition." 67 Pall Mall is set to open in mid-2025 at 85 Spring Street and is currently taking applications for new members (at heavily discounted prices). For more information, head to the club's website here.
Woolloongabba's South City Square keeps spending some of its Friday nights hosting market-fuelled food festivals. Haven't made it along to past events? Give its European Food Safari, the site's next pop-up, a visit. On Friday, May 16, heading to the Logan Road spot after work means eating dishes from a selection of Brisbane's European food stalls while listening to live tunes. From 5–9pm, the culinary spread will include German and Hungarian cuisine — and that's just for starters. Alongside music for a soundtrack, there'll be face painting for the kids and other all-ages activities. Entry is free, as is onsite parking for two hours. You'll obviously need your wallet for whatever you're eating and drinking. Keen to see a movie as well while you're there? That isn't part of the European Food Safari, but South City Square is home to Brisbane's — and Australia's — only Angelika Film Centre.
Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway or drive 30 minutes inland from Cairns to visit the eclectic rainforest village of Kuranda. Here you'll find a plethora of artists and street performers roaming around town as you explore the town's quirky art shops and market stalls. If you're lucky, you might even be able to catch a live show at the much-loved Kuranda Amphitheatre. Also in Kuranda is the Rainforestation Nature Park showcasing the very best of the tropics. Want to gain in depth knowledge of the region? We recommend taking a guided walk with the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Djabugay People, via the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Next time that someone hands you a $100 note, you can be forgiven for thinking that it looks a little different — because a new range of the green-hued currency will be released into circulation from Thursday, October 29. Australia's banknotes have been getting a makeover since September 2016, when a different $5 note started doing the rounds. It was followed by a revamped $10 in 2017, a sparkling fresh $50 in 2018 and a brand new $20 in 2019. For the upgraded $100 note, the design still celebrates engineer, soldier and civic leader Sir John Monash, as well as internationally famed soprano Dame Nellie Melba. They're both recognised in several ways on the new notes, with not only their portraits displayed prominently, but with microprint featuring excerpts of a letter written by Monash, as well as text from Melba's autobiography Melodies and Memories. As well as changed artwork (albeit keeping the same colour scheme as old notes), the new $100 boasts the same improved security features as the revamped $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes, which are largely aimed to stop counterfeiting. A clear window running from top to bottom is the most obvious, and contains a number of features such as a reversing number and flying bird. As mentioned above, the note also includes microprint, plus a patch with rolling colour. And, in great news for the vision-impaired, the new series of legal tender has a tactile feature to help distinguish between different denominations. As happened with the other denominations, the rollout will happen gradually. The existing $100 banknotes are still considered legal tender, so you can still keep using them. Australia's new $100 notes will start circulating from Thursday, October 29. For more information about the banknotes, head to the Reserve Bank of Australia website. Images: Reserve Bank of Australia.
On years ending in four in even-numbered decades, we watch new Mean Girls films. So goes the 21st century so far, as the hit 2004 teen comedy about high-school hierarchies returns to the big screen in 2024 as a musical, after breaking out the singing and dancing onstage first. Just like donning pink every Wednesday because Regina George (Reneé Rapp, The Sex Lives of College Girls) demands it, there's a dutifulness about the repeat Mean Girls. Tina Fey, writing the script for the third time — basing her first on Rosalind Wiseman's 2002 non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabes — seems to fear the consequences for breaking the rules, too. Cue a Mean Girls movie musical that truly plays out as those four words lead viewers to expect: largely the same down to most lines and jokes, just with songs. Anyone looking at the longer running time in advance and chalking up the jump from 97 to 112 minutes to the tunes is 100-percent spot on. The latest Mean Girls also resembles protagonist Cady Heron (Angourie Rice, The Last Thing He Told Me): eager to fit into its new surroundings after being perfectly happy and comfortable elsewhere. That causes some awkwardness, sometimes trying to break the mould, but largely assimilating. Penning her first film script since the OG Mean Girls was her very first, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Mr Mayor creator Fey revises details and gags that were always going to need revising. Social media, the internet and mobile phones are all worked in, necessarily so, as is sex positivity. Mean Girls 2024 is primarily dedicated to making Mean Girls 2024 happen, though; here as well, it's exactly as those three words have audiences anticipating. Scrap the songs and choreography (other than the Winter Talent Show performances, of course), and directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez (Quarter Life Poetry: Poems for the Young, Broke & Hangry) would've just remade the first film two decades later. There's a message in the Means Girls cycle, as the initial movie closed with. No matter how many obnoxious and angsty young women learn to cope with their ire and embrace kindness, more will follow the same journey, then more again. Accordingly, Mean Girls could easily be restaged every generation with nothing but era-appropriate changes and the tale would still ring true, as proves the case with its second cinema telling — plus the musical angle. That's a testament to the strength of and insights in Fey's foundational screenplay. It's also a sad truth about human nature. But like Gretchen Wieners (Bebe Wood, Love, Victor) yearning for a life and acceptance that doesn't involve everything that Regina decrees, viewers can be forgiven for wanting more from each Mean Girls iteration. While this is a winking, nudging, self-referential take that's forcefully trying to get playful with its devotion to its source material, Regina herself might call it an obsession. Once more, Cady swaps the savannahs of Africa for Evanston, Illinois, then homeschooling for North Shore High School, entering a savage teenage jungle in the process. With talented artist Janis (Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Moana) and the "almost too gay to function" Damian (Jaquel Spivey, a 2022 Tony-nominee for A Strange Loop) to steer her, she joins the world of cliquery, where the Plastics — Regina, plus Gretchen and fellow entourage member Karen Shetty (Avantika, also The Sex Lives of College Girls) — rule the school. Befriending the in-crowd is meant to be a social experiment. Cady's mum (Jenna Fischer, Splitting Up Together) is a zoologist, after all. But after Cady gets a maths class-sparked crush on Regina's ex Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney, The Summer I Turned Pretty), the newcomer's stint at the popular lunch table morphs into a vengeance mission. Opening with the Cravalho- and Spivey-sung 'A Cautionary Tale' — Janis and Damien are viewers' guides, too — the Mean Girls movie musical uses songs in place of the original's voiceover, and to plumb the characters' emotional and psychological depths. Composer Jeff Richmond (Girls5eva) and lyricist Nell Benjamin (The Sea Beast, and another Tony-nominee) rework their tunes from the stage production that debuted in 2018, then was locked in for a film adaptation in 2020, with additions and exclusions; rarely are they the most memorable parts of the movie. Collaborating with YouTube-famous choreographer Kyle Hanagami (Red, White & Royal Blue), Jayne and Perez opt for a more-is-more vibe; however, the musical numbers ape the overall feature in miniature. Some aspects shine, such as the pure energy of the plan-setting 'Revenge Party' and the sincerity in Gretchen's 'What's Wrong with Me?'. Others are catchy but perfunctory, like the Rice-crooned 'Stupid with Love', plus Cravalho and Spivey again with 'Apex Predator'. Karen's ditty 'Sexy' is an entertaining social-media riff. And whenever Rapp sings, she's electric, but better than the material. Rapp was always destined to be one of the new Mean Girls' highlights. She's been here before, stepping into Regina's shoes again after wearing them on Broadway (Only Murders in the Building's Ashley Park also returns from the theatre after originating the role of Gretchen, but as a teacher). In a film so infrequently willing to switch up anything substantial, Rapp's interpretation of Regina is one of its biggest alterations: where Rachel McAdams (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret) was icily piercing, the IRL pop singer is fiendishly ferocious. That fits today's times where the entire online realm is a burn book, making nastiness virtually the status quo, and it's never one-note. Among her co-stars, Rice, Cravalho, Spivey, Wood and Avantika all ensure that no one is desperately pining for Lindsay Lohan (Falling for Christmas), Lizzy Caplan (Fatal Attraction), Daniel Franzese (Not So Straight in Silver Lake), Lacey Chabert (A Merry Scottish Christmas) and Amanda Seyfried (The Crowded Room) as their characters instead — with Cravalho making the second-biggest impression, and screaming for more non-voicework parts. Fey returning as Ms Norbury, Tim Meadows (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson) similarly back as Principal Duvall, Busy Phillips (also Girls5eva) taking over from Amy Poehler (Moxie) as Regina's mother: they're all grool touches. It almost wouldn't be a Fey comedy without Jon Hamm (Fargo) popping up, although he's given little to do — but scrapping Coach Carr's sex scandals was among the essential updatings. Mean Girls has always known that striving to conform is a clunky task, though it didn't need to live it. While this isn't the first movie to become a stage musical and then return to film also as a musical (see: Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Hairspray and Everybody's Talking About Jamie) and won't be the last (the new The Color Purple will follow it into cinemas Down Under, for example), it's firmly an example of being too committed to doing what's expected to have enough of its own fun.
Getting into the festive mood? Prefer to do your shopping while the big day is still a few weeks away? Hate leaving your Christmas preparations until the last minute? Then pencil one of the year's must-attend Yuletide markets into your calendar: the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets. Formerly known as Christmas on Cribb, this is the Milton Markets' seasonal shindig, and it's taking place on Saturday, November 30 from 4–10pm in 2024. And sure, you've been to markets before; however, his festive event boasts plenty to get excited about. Here, you'll get your food and gift plans sorted, and lap up music and entertainment while you're there. This Cribbmas, you can also enjoy everything from gourmet food to artisanal wares thanks to the 150-plus stalls that are setting up shop. Grab bites you'll want to eat on the night, produce for your big feast, and presents for your loved ones (and yourself). Plus, there'll be a pop-up bar onsite in case you need a break from the browsing and buying — or an extra excuse to feel merry. Entry costs $3 at the gate, and you can pay $2 more for VIP parking.
School's back — and so is the escalating battle between humans and folks with superpowers, no shortage of chaos and gore, and nothing being quite what it seems at Godolkin University. Also returning at the centre of all of the above, as seen in the just-dropped full trailer for Gen V season two: the blood-bending Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair, Please Baby Please), her size-changing roomate Emma Meyer (Lizze Broadway, Kinda Pregnant), gender-shifting Jordan Li (Never Have I Ever's London Thor and Shining Vale's Derek Luh), the persuasive Cate Dunlap (Maddie Phillips, Overcompensating), super-strong Sam Riordan (Asa Germann, Monsters) and superhero Polarity (Sean Patrick Thomas, High Potential). This college-set spinoff from The Boys — which takes the latter's caped-crusader satirising to the next generation — first debuted in 2023 and was quickly renewed for a second run. Season four of The Boys arrived in 2024, and now it's time for Gen V's comeback from Wednesday, September 17, 2025, ahead of the Vought Cinematic Universe's OG series wrapping up with its upcoming fifth and final season. What if dealing with possessing superpowers turned higher learning into absolute mayhem? That's one of the concepts at the heart of Gen V — although the impact of part of the population having extraordinary abilities has always been at the core of the entire franchise. As the VCU's characters cope with the fallout from Homelander's (Antony Starr, G20) actions in The Boys, what if the Godolkin gang could rival him in strength? That's where Gen V is heading, too, the new sneak peek teases. As also seen in an earlier teaser for season two, there's a new uni head, Cipher (Hamish Linklater, Nickel Boys), on the scene with a far-from-trustworthy vibe. Indeed, he wants his pupils to be more powerful than ever. Marie's stint at the Elmira Adult Rehabilitation Centre, her home since the events of season one — and for some of her friends, too — comes to an end as well; however, going back to class isn't the same as it once was, including in a "Make America Super Again" world. Then there's the discovery of a secret program dating back to God U's founding. For those who missed Gen V 's initial season, Godolkin University is the college for superheroes that's meant to help prepare the best of the best for caped-crusader life — until exploding classmates, creepy secret facilities and unnerving professors complicate matters, that is. Season one spent its time with Marie, who knows that attending God U is a pivotal opportunity. After a traumatic experience when her powers kicked in, this is her chance to completely change her life, as well as achieve her dream of becoming the first Black woman in The Seven. Then, nothing turns out as planned. Also, things on campus (and underneath it) get shady, fast. The pair of glimpses at season two so far also dive into how the show is addressing an off-screen tragedy, after season-one talent Chance Perdomo (After Everything), who portrayed the magnetic Andre Anderson, passed away in 2024. Familiar faces from across the franchise feature in the new footage as well, alongside Ethan Slater (Wicked) joining the cast as Thomas Godolkin. Check out the full trailer for Gen V season two below: Gen V streams via Prime Video, with season two releasing from Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Read our review of season one.
Today, Eric Bana is a world-renowned film and TV star with a resume that spans Australian and Hollywood fare. Black Hawk Down, Hulk, Troy, Munich, Star Trek, Hanna, Aaron Falk movies The Dry and Force of Nature: The Dry 2, US television shows Dirty John and Untamed: they're all on the Aussie actor's resume. At the beginning of 2000, however, he had a part in The Castle as his sole big-screen appearance, alongside his small-screen sketch comedy work in the likes Full Frontal, plus a few episodes of medical drama All Saints. Then came Chopper. Ever since Bana portrayed Mark 'Chopper' Read in the exceptional Andrew Dominik (Blonde)-directed flick, it's been one of the first roles that springs to mind whenever anyone thinks about the Australian talent. Well-deserved accolades came his way, including Best Actor at the Australian Film Institute Awards (which have since become the AACTAs). If you need a reminder of why his performance demanded such praise — and the film, too — catching a 25th-anniversary cinema screening of the iconic feature will do the job. To celebrate a quarter of a century since Chopper first hit Aussie picture palaces, the film is returning to local big screens for a limited season from Thursday, August 21, 2025. As well as the movie itself — one of the finest Australian entries in the true-crime genre, and a stunning feature debut from Dominik — audiences will also see 13 minutes of bonus behind-the-scenes footage, chats with Bana, Dominik and Read among them. How does Bana look back on the role that made him an international movie star, and tells one of the most-infamous crime tales in Aussie history? "Chopper was an incredibly unique and distinctive character. Getting the chance to play someone like him is rare. It's always a treat if a film holds up over time, and I'm proud of its space in the Australian film landscape," he advises. This isn't Chopper's first return to the big screen — it also enjoyed 20th-anniversary sessions, pops up on retrospective programs and received the Hear My Eyes treatment at MIFF 2022 — but it's always worth watching in cinemas. Marking the leap from making music videos to features, the movie also helped catapult Dominik's career, too, with The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Killing Them Softly and Blonde all following, plus episodes of Mindhunter, and Nick Cave-focused documentaries One More Time with Feeling and This Much I Know to Be True. Check out the 25th-anniversary trailer for Chopper below: Chopper is returning to Australian cinemas from Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Everyone remembers studying ancient Egyptian history in school. Pyramids, pharaohs, boy kings, mummification: they aren't easily forgotten. Your next chance to explore this chapter of the past will get you walking through works from centuries ago, covering the time of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Nefertari, Khufu and even Alexander the Great, all as part of an impressive exhibition at Melbourne's NGV International called Pharaoh. Meet the venue's midyear blockbuster for 2024, which will fall into Victoria's annual Melbourne Winter Masterpieces season. Following on from 2023's Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi, this middle-of-the-calendar spectacular will run from Friday, June 14–Sunday, October 6 and feature items from the British Museum. That loan is quite significant, too, with Pharaoh including the venue's biggest-ever borrowing of ancient Egyptian jewellery, as well as pieces that previously haven't been shown. In total, more than 500 works will be on display as the NGV peers back at Egypt from the 1st Dynasty to the Roman era — so, from around 3000 BCE to the 4th century CE. Expect to see plenty of gleaming artefacts given that focus on ancient Egyptian jewellery. The exhibition will also span coffins and other funerary items, as well as examples of architecture spanning tombs, temples, and also massive monuments and sculptures. [caption id="attachment_918945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Plaque of Amenemhat IV, Probably Byblos, Lebanon, 12th Dynasty, reign of Amenemhat IV, about 1808- 1799 BC, Gold, H 2.9 cm, W 3.1 cm, D 0.1 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Among the specific highlights, a hefty wall from a 2.5-metre-high, three-metre-wide limestone wall from a mastaba tomb dating back to the Old Kingdom is one of them — complete with hieroglyphic texts carved into the surface. Also going big: a huge fist made of stone from a statue of Ramses II that hails from Memphis, in the temple of Ptah, and weighs in at almost 1.5 tonnes. Still on that particular ruler, Pharaoh will feature an enormous limestone statue of Ramses II that shows him as a high priest. Visitors will also be able to see a seated statue of Sety II, Ramses II's grandson, which is also notable for being one of the most complete sculptures that still exist from the time. Or, check out Pharaoh's oldest item, a five-centimetre-wide ivory label that shows the 1st Dynasty's King Den. Jumping forward, a green siltstone head of the 18th Dynasty's Tuthmose III wearing the cobra headdress will also feature. Among the gold, silver and gemstone-studded jewellery, everything from rings and necklaces to collars and girdles will be on display — and as sourced from tombs, so will amulets that were placed to protect the deceased, to examine the role that adorning bodies played in ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife. Pharaoh won't just focus on jewels used after death, however, with pieces from places such as Akhenaten's royal city Amarna also part of the exhibition as it examines everyday life. Still on royals, the showcase will boast objects from Deir el-Medina, where the craftspeople who were responsible for carving and decking out the Valley of the Kings' royal tombs resided. Here, attendees will see letters, notes, sketches and poems carved on limestone fragments. [caption id="attachment_918948" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Statue of Ramses II as a high-priest, Abydos, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramses II, about 1279-1213 BC, Limestone, H 171cm, W 71.5cm, D 98cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Top image: Shabti of Pharaoh Sety I, Tomb of Sety I, Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Sety I, about 1294-1279 BC, Blue faience, H 22.8 cm, W 9.6 cm, D 9.6 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.
Next time you have a great idea while making a cup of coffee, it could spark a hit comedy flick. That's what happened to Jackie van Beek, New Zealand comedian and one half of the writing/directing/acting duo behind The Breaker Upperers. "I was literally just wandering aimlessly around my kitchen, and I was just thinking about all those conversations that we've all had with friends about that horrible moment when you realise that you have to break up with your partner, and that feeling of dread," she explains. "And I just thought, "gosh, how much money would somebody pay to not have to do that themselves?". And I thought it'd be quite a lot of money, and I know a lot of people that would pay to get out of that responsibility." To answer the obvious question, van Beek never considered setting up a business to end other people's relationships for cash. Instead, she called fellow NZ comedian and actress Madeline Sami, and they started working on what would become 2018's best comedy. That was back in 2013. The script took years to perfect between other jobs, and the film shot across 22 days in 2017, with a cast that included Boy's James Rolleston and Rosehaven's Celia Pacquola. This year, The Breaker Upperers premiered its tale of best friends Jen (van Beek) and Mel (Sami), their love-busting business, their various life woes and their Celine Dion karaoke singalong at SXSW, and then opened the Sydney Film Festival. "It has been a whirlwind few months," Sami observes. "I didn't really have any expectations on how it would do. You spend so long editing the film, making it, and then you're just kind of relieved to have finished it. Then it comes out, and then all of these other people see it and take it into their hearts, and it's just overwhelmingly lovely." Indeed, while The Breaker Upperers is all about helping others when love has faded, there's plenty of love blossoming for this smart, funny film, with audiences both overseas, in New Zealand and in Australia reacting warmly. With the movie now releasing around Australia, we sat down with van Beek and Sami to chat about real-life break-ups, smashing rom-com conventions and working collaboratively in a Kiwi comedy scene that also includes the film's executive producer, Taika Waititi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-phMlkRiWIg ON CREATING ROLES FOR THEMSELVES THAT DIDN'T EXIST OTHERWISE Sami: "We wanted to write characters that were fucked up women in their thirties, and that didn't have to settle down. That was the big, big point for us. Otherwise it's so unrealistic and so much pressure for women, and I hate that." van Beek: "And so exclusive. We've of course got so many friends that are single, in their early forties and are not going to have a baby now. What about happy endings for those guys? So it was very important that — we love rom-coms, but it was very important for us that we buck the convention and that we didn't end with a double church wedding with two women and two men tying the knot and talking about children." Sami: "We definitely thought about it in drafts and played with the idea, and it just never sat right. And we were just like, this is really a story about being okay with who they are, and accepting that and not having to bow to society's expectations — and the movies' expectations — of what your life should be like. It's really the movies. The movies tell us that we need to have all this shit together, especially for women. I think the pressure on women in movies — just the damsel in distress thing, it goes right back to Snow White. Or in all the Disney stuff. There's a princess who's stuck in a tower or she's in a coma, which is fucking dark, and she needs to be saved. And that same thing is in rom-coms today — a woman who's…" van Beek: "All befuddled." Sami: "And needs to be saved. And it's like, no we don't. We're cool. Just chill." van Beek: "We can figure out our own mess. It doesn't have to involve a man." Sami: "And also, a happy ending doesn't have to be what we've always been told what a happy ending is. It doesn't always have to be that conventional, settle down thing. It can just be 'well you're just not as dark and fucked up as you were at the beginning of the movie'." ON DECIDING TO NOT ONLY WRITE AND STAR IN THE BREAKER UPPERERS, BUT TO DIRECT IT, TOO van Beek: "It was always on the table." Sami: "We were scared." van Beek: "Were we scared? I wasn't scared." Sami: "There was a fear that it would take the fun away from the acting, which is what the whole reason we wanted to do it. It wasn't like scared to do it — it was just whether we were going to give ourselves too much of a workload." van Beek: "Yeah that's right. We knew that if we got too stressed, and we're on screen doing improvised comedy, it's just not going to be fun for us or the audience — so the stakes were quite high in making that decision." Sami: "And then we just like, we can't think of anyone who could fulfil this vision for us that we are planning in our own heads, so why don't we just do it? Take the gamble, and make sure we surround ourselves with really talented, experienced people so that we're supported. And that's what we did." van Beek: "People who are confident at improvisation, so we could all get there. And Taika was helpful." Sami: "Taika, we've worked with a lot — and he would've been a wonderful director for this film. But we knew that we were never going to get Taika because he was on Thor and was committed to that for years. But he shares our sensibility, we've worked with him — he directed the first series of a TV show that I'd made in New Zealand called Super City, and we had a lovely time when we worked together in that way. And he'd definitely get it. But he wasn't available, so we were the ones." van Beek: "But we got Jemaine Clement, who is an old friend of ours as well, he came up for three or four days of pre-production when we wanted to stand up and start exploring the characters ourselves. He'd come into the rehearsal room, and we'd do rewrites with him, and so it was all really..." Sami: "Collaborative." van Beek: "Supportive." Sami: "We've got so much amazing talent around us in New Zealand. There's so many amazing comedians coming up, and writers, that it was just really important for us to be energised by them. So we'd just keep them around us all the time, just everyone 'come in, add a joke in here if you want, yeah that's a good idea.' Just keep it fresh for ourselves, especially because we'd been writing for four-five years, so at a lot of points in that time, when you're right in it — especially towards the end, towards pre-production — you can't see. You're really close to it." ON SEEING NEW ZEALAND COMEDY FINALLY GET RECOGNITION OVERSEAS van Beek: "With Taika's films, and Flight of the Conchords and Rhys Darby having done so well internationally — we were over at SXSW with our film, and people were saying after the screening 'that's New Zealand' humour. They were identifying it. 'We love New Zealand humour! We love you guys.' It was quite exciting that people identify it, and many thanks to Taika who brought that New Zealand comedy voice into the mainstream with Thor." Sami: "When there's a bunch of people, and when there's support — the New Zealand Film Commission have really made an effort to get in behind New Zealand comedy over the last ten years probably. And because we've had success internationally, then there's more support back home. And it's kind of like with the Danish thrillers. All of a sudden the world loves Danish thrillers, and it's just the people making them are making them really well. I guess coming out of New Zealand right now, we've got a lot of great comedy, and it's just a time where it's just being recognised for what it is." van Beek: "Long may it last." Sami: "It's exciting. It's really just, I think, the world getting to know that New Zealand comedy a bit — and it started with Flight of the Conchords. There's an awkwardness to the comedy we make. So yeah, who knows how long that will last. But it's exciting that we don't have to explain our accent any more. People can start to tell the difference a little bit [between Australian and New Zealand accents]. We'll see Americanss try to do a Kiwi accent rather than just going 'oh, I can do a Kiwi accent — g'day mate'." van Beek: "Now they do Flight of the Conchords." Sami: "Yeah, 'Brett'. Or they do, 'oh hi, I'm Korg,' [from Thor: Ragnarok] or stuff like that. They're showing that they know the difference." van Beek: "By mocking us in a different way." Sami: "I loved being mocked." ON FINDING INSPIRATION FOR THE FILM'S MANY BREAK-UP SCENES Sami: "I've never been two-timed by someone, and then found out that... aah, I think I have." van Beek: "You have?" Sami: "Maybe I have." van Beek: "There's always going to be a bit of crossover." Sami: "There's just a bit of subconscious stuff — for me, the break up scenarios, everything you see in the film, nothing is specific to anything but everything is influenced by stories we've heard or things we've experienced. But there's no one like, 'yeah, I had this terrible breakup and this is exactly how the story went'." van Beek: "Or 'yeah, my boyfriend pretended to be in a coma and then died.' That all came from our imagination, but it was more like — definitely I've been through phases in my life when I've been a bit more like Jen, and just been in denial. I've been heartbroken and not wanting to grow up." Sami: "We did have a lot more scenarios and they got a lot more extreme. Obviously some were cut for time, and we didn't shoot all of them — a lot of them we just weren't going to be able to. To shoot someone falling off a speedboat in the middle of Auckland of harbour and taking an underwater scuba to an island and then sailing off, that would've been the whole budget of our film probably, just for that one day." van Beek: "We spent a bit of time writing it though." Sami: "It was a lot of fun writing and thinking out the ways people might choose to break up with each other." The Breaker Upperers is now screening in Australian cinemas.
At Suntory, the spirit of "Yatte Minahare" — "You never know until you try" — remains as strong now, as it did 126 years ago. It has led to the creation of Japan's first whisky distillery, the reimagining of classic cocktails like the highball, and it now houses some of the world's finest brands –Yamazaki, Hakushu, Toki Whisky, Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, -196 and BOSS Coffee to name a few. As Suntory looks to the future, let's travel back 126 years to the very beginning, when Shinjiro Torii, Suntory's first Master Blender, saw an opportunity and "went for it." Where it All Started Over a century ago, in a small store in Osaka, Japan, Shinjiro Torii had a dream: to create an authentic whisky in Japan. Having saved enough from his early Akadama Port Wine successes, Torii, with much resistance from family and colleagues, invested his whole fortune into the establishment of the Yamazaki Distillery in 1923. He didn't know it then, but this uncharted move transformed the spirits industry in Japan and changed the whisky-drinking world. Since then – despite some challenges along the way – the brand has grown into a global leader of drinks, with products found in countless venues across Australia and the world. Shaping how Japan drinks and what the global community knows about flavour and innovation. Successive leaders have carried forward Torii's legacy, future-proofing Torii's vision while staying true to the company's founding values of Yatte Minahare: Giving Back to Society and Growing for Good. The Recipe for Success Suntory's ability to innovate while staying grounded in its Japanese roots is a testament to the brand's vision. Take Suntory Whisky Kabukin, for example. Launched in 1937, it was Japan's first big foray into the whisky business, helping to cement Suntory's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. The whisky's signature square bottle (Kakubin means "square bottle") became an enduring icon, and today, it remains a beloved part of Japanese drinking culture — particularly in the form of the highball, a whisky-soda cocktail that Suntory helped popularise. But Suntory's innovation continued beyond whisky. In 1992, the brand launched BOSS Coffee, a flash-brewed cold coffee in a can designed to keep Japan's workforce fuelled. This product quickly became a hit, and even today, BOSS Coffee remains a go-to drink for coffee lovers (and tradies) seeking convenience without sacrificing quality. The company's relentless pursuit of innovation led to another groundbreaking product with -196 — a vodka based ready-to-drink beverage that's taken the world by storm with its flavour and the bold process by which it's made. The 'Freeze Crush Technology' involves freezing and pulverising whole fruits in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C. While Suntory has a significant global presence, its inspiration remains true to its founding philosophy: to inspire the brilliance of life. From the pristine water used at its distilleries to the careful selection of ingredients for its products, Suntory's emphasis on nature and tradition flows through everything it creates. The House of Suntory line, which includes celebrated names like Suntory Whisky, Toki, Roku Gin, and Haku Vodka, exemplifies this approach and its connection to nature. Each product in the collection pays homage to something unique from Japan's rich cultural heritage. For Roku Gin, this is done by using six carefully selected Japanese botanicals, while Haku Vodka is crafted from 100 percent Japanese white rice for an exceptionally smooth finish. [caption id="attachment_1017676" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jiwon Kim[/caption] The Spirit of Suntory in a Glass If you've walked down the bar-lined streets of Japan or even visited one of Australia's top whisky bars, you would have encountered the highball cocktail. A balanced combination of whisky and soda (and a wedge of lemon), it has long been a fixture of Japanese drinking culture, and Suntory has played a vital role in its revival. While the highball originated in the UK, Suntory perfected the drink, rolling out Tory's Bars in the 1950s, where patrons could sip highballs after a long day at work. Today, the highball is trending. Sipped by young folk in bars, paired and reimagined by the best bartenders in the world. Celebrating 126 Years As Suntory celebrates its 126th anniversary, it remains deeply rooted in the values that Shinjiro Torii instilled over a century ago. "We have grown from our roots in Japan to become a truly global company," says Greg Hughes, president and CEO of Suntory Global Spirits. [caption id="attachment_1017677" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jiwon Kim[/caption] From the first drops of Akadama Port Wine to the pioneering Japanese whisky and beyond, Suntory's history is marked by a continuous drive to innovate. Whether perfecting the highball or creating products like Minus 196, the company's story is one of bold experimentation, guided by a deep respect for tradition. As Suntory moves into the future, one thing is clear: it will continue to shape how the world drinks, one glass at a time. The best time to sample Suntory's work will be when Suntory Bar takes over Whisky Thief inside Sydney's Prefecture 48. Running from Friday, August 8 to Saturday, November 8, Suntory will be serving refreshing highballs and signature Suntory and experimental cocktails alongside select snacks for three months. Find out more about Suntory's legacy and full range of products at the website.
Halloween has been and gone for 2024, but Australia isn't done with peering at pumpkins yet. One of the most stunning sights to see in the country right now, and on an ongoing basis, is a giant gourd that stands five metres tall. The fact that it's yellow and black, and also covered in polka dots, explains why this is such a spectacular piece of art: it's one of Yayoi Kusama's famous pumpkin sculptures. Back in April, Melbourne's NGV International promised that the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 would be filled with spots and gourds when it announced Yayoi Kusama, its big summer blockbuster exhibition. Featuring 180-plus works from the Japanese artist, the retrospective opens on Sunday, December 15, displaying until Monday, April 21. Ahead of that launch, however, Dancing Pumpkin has already arrived — and been unveiled for gallery visitors to enjoy. Open to the public since Saturday, November 8, 2024 in NGV International's Federation Court, the 2020 piece is making its Australian debut. Until now, only two editions of it had been seen anywhere on the planet, initially in 2021 at the New York Botanical Garden and then in 2022–3 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar. Yayoi Kusama itself is also a first, as a world-premiere that Aussie art lovers can only check out in the Victorian capital. Gourds and dots are among Kusama's trademarks, with Dancing Pumpkin combining the two in one of her biggest pumpkin sculptures of her career. Its towering height and legs in various poses — hence the name — means that visitors literally look up at the artwork. You can also wander beneath it. While checking out not just Dancing Pumpkin but the Yayoi Kusama exhibition overall is a summer must, the former is sticking around, with the piece acquired by the NGV. "We're delighted to unveil Yayoi Kusama's breathtaking Dancing Pumpkin sculpture ahead of our major exhibition surveying the artist's groundbreaking career. The newly acquired work, supported through the generosity of the Loti & Victor Smorgon Fund, will leave a defining impact on the NGV Collection and will be available for all Victorians to enjoy for many years to come," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. When we say that this Kusama showcase, is big, we mean it. While the Japanese artist's work is no stranger to Aussie shores — and was the focus of a comprehensive showcase at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art back in 2017–18 — NGV International's ode to the iconic talent is the largest that the country has ever seen. Among its highlights is another of Kusama's usual fascinations: kaleidoscopic reflections. Visitors will also be able to scope out the world-premiere showing of a brand-new infinity mirror. The NGV has curated Yayoi Kusama with input from Kusama, with the end result stepping through the 95-year-old artist's eight decades of making art via a thematic chronology. Some pieces hail from her childhood. Some are recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s: they'll all appear. Half of the exhibition is devoted to the past four decades — so, pumpkins galore; giant paintings; and an impressive and expansive range of room installations, complete with her very first infinity room from 1965, plus creative interpretations since from the 80s onwards. Again, this is a hefty exhibition. It's one of the most-comprehensive Kusama retrospectives ever staged globally (and the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving Australia). Basically, wherever you look across NGV International's ground level, Kusama works will be waiting, spanning paintings, installations, sketches, drawings, collages and sculptures, as well as videos and clothing. For the first time in the country, 2019's THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE will unleash its six-metre-high tentacles — as also speckled with yellow-and-black polka dots. One section of the gallery will replicate Kusama's New York studio. Over 20 experimental fashion designs by the artist will also demand attention. Infinity Net paintings from the 50s and 60s, Accumulation sculptures and textiles from the 60s and 70s, and a Kusama for Kids offshoot with all-ages interactivity (fingers crossed for an obliteration room) are also on their way. Almost six decades since first debuting at 1966's Venice Biennale — unofficially — Narcissus Garden will be a part of Yayoi Kusama, too, in a new version made of 1400 30-centimetre-diameter stainless silver balls. Now that's how you open an exhibition, as this will. NGV's Waterwall is also scoring a Kusama artwork specific to the space, while the Great Hall will be filled with the giant balloons of Dots Obsession floating overhead. [caption id="attachment_950480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama, 2022 © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] Dancing Pumpkin is on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until Monday, April 21, 2025. Yayoi Kusama runs from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Images: Yayoi Kusama's Dancing Pumpkin 2020 now on display for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: Sean Fennessy.
If you've been looking for an excuse to book a Perth trip this year, RAC Arena is making a very strong case for it. The 2026 calendar is stacked with major music, comedy and live-event dates, giving east-coast visitors plenty of reasons to turn a night out into a full weekend away. While there's a lot happening at the venue across the year, this hit list leans into the headline acts most worth planning around — whether you're after a huge pop night, a long-awaited hometown set or a comedy show that fully justifies a flight west. There's even room for something a little different, because the best arena lineups are never just one-note. It helps that Perth is an easy city to build a mini break around once the tickets are sorted. You can pair your RAC Arena night with beach time, a day in Fremantle, a wander through Kings Park or a trip to Swan Valley for a winery lunch before heading back into the city. So if you're keen to make a westbound trip feel bigger than a fly-in, fly-out show, start with the dates below. These are the RAC Arena picks worth locking into the calendar now, in the order they're landing across 2026. Machine Gun Kelly — April 8 Machine Gun Kelly is kicking off the Australian and New Zealand leg of his Lost Americana tour in Perth, bringing his genre-blurring mix of rap, rock and alt-pop to RAC Arena. With a reputation for high-energy live shows and a huge global following behind him, this one looks set to be a big way to start the arena run. Jimmy Carr — April 21–22 If razor-sharp one-liners and properly dark humour are your thing, Jimmy Carr's Perth return should be high on your list. Demand has already been strong enough to add a second show, so this is clearly one of the comedy dates to lock in early. Harlem Globetrotters — June 20 Not every RAC Arena highlight this year is strictly a concert, and the Harlem Globetrotters' 100 Year Tour is a good example of that. Expect big tricks, huge energy and plenty of family-friendly spectacle from one of the most iconic names in live sports entertainment. Laufey — July 25 Two years after her last Australian visit, Laufey is bringing her A Matter of Time Tour to Perth in late July. Supposedly her biggest tour yet, her unique blend of jazz and classically infused pop will be sweeping the nation, and the hearts of everyone at RAC Arena (for one night only). Jim Jefferies — July 30 Jim Jefferies is bringing his Son of a Carpenter tour to Perth, with the Australian comic promising a night of brutally honest stories, biting commentary and absolutely no soft edges. For anyone planning a comedy-led trip west, this is one of the sharpest names on the bill. Urzila Carlson — July 31 Urzila Carlson follows close behind with Fatty On a Yacht, a new show built around not fitting in, standing out and laughing through the awkwardness of it all. Her deadpan delivery and fan-favourite status make this an easy pick for anyone keen to line up back-to-back comedy nights at RAC Arena. Alex Warren — September 12 Feel stuck in the ordinary? The chart-topping sounds of Alex Warren might be just the thing you need. If you missed him last year, or need another dose of his uplifting music to keep you topped up in these dark times, the megastar is bringing his global Finding Friends on the Road tour to Perth this September. Tame Impala — October 24–25 Tame Impala's hometown return is one of the biggest RAC Arena moments of the year, with Kevin Parker bringing new album Deadbeat back to Perth for a massive two-night run. A second show has already been added, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about how quickly these tickets are moving. Lily Allen — November 1 Lily Allen rounds out the run with what's being billed as the biggest headline tour of her career, arriving in Perth with her new live show Lily Allen performs West End Girl. She'll play the new album in full, while also bringing the same sharp, candid pop voice that made her one of the defining artists of the 2000s. Head to RAC Arena's What's On page to see the full 2026 lineup and snap up tickets. This article is produced by Concrete Playground in partnership with RAC Arena. Image credit: Supplied/RAC Arena.
From agrarian restaurants and picturesque wineries to après-ski drinks, a foraging and cooking class, a farmers' market and even an oyster festival, Aotearoa New Zealand has a multitude of culinary experiences across every season. New Zealand's hospitality scene is known for using seasonal produce that's locally sourced or foraged, paired with drinks by local winemakers, brewers and distillers. To really take advantage of this mindful approach, time your visit with the epicurean experiences you want to sample or partake in, so you can savour the seasonal ingredients and admire the creative ways they're used. The beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand really starts to come to life through the different seasons. Cooler temperatures mean cosying up with award-winning cool-climate wines against views of the changing foliage and snowfall, while the warmer days of spring bring about al fresco dining, outdoor adventures and fresh seasonal produce. No matter when you visit, you're sure to be well looked after with a warm welcome and sense of manaakitanga, as locals share their knowledge and passion for the land. We teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to highlight some delectable drinking and dining destinations around New Zealand for each season, so you can plan your trip based on the time of year that most appeals to you. Flick the switch for seasonal dining experiences in autumn, winter and spring. Jump to switcher
Most lunchtimes, Semi-Semi is hard to miss thanks to the line of West End workers ordering gourmet sandwiches and tea. Those with more time on their hands can be spotted seated with a smile and a spoon, digging into a bright stack bingsu, served here in a wide range of flavours. First documented in the 14th century CE, the fluffy Korean-style shaved ice dessert was traditionally served with sweet red bean (pat-bingsu) or fresh fruit. After American candy arrived in Korea during the Korean War, bingsu evolved, and is now just as commonly topped with ingredients like ice cream, flavoured syrups, condensed milk and more — a tradition Semi-Semi continues by combining classic and modern flavours. Those who eat with their eyes best prepare for a feast. Shaped like a snow-capped green hill, Forest is a matcha-based bingsu with pearls and red beans served on the side. Coconut, cocoa and earl grey also feature in their own creations, with add-ons including rainbow jelly, lychee popping balls and even granola. The never-boring sandwich menu starts at $14 with options for every appetite, from lighter meat-free stacks to heartier toasties with fillings like spicy pulled beef and cheesy truffle mushroom. Practice caution with the monthly specials — don't get too attached to limited-time items like a chicken katsu curry, only to find it gone the next month. That's a pain only two bowls of bingsu can cure. Images: Supplied.
Decking out your house with budget-friendly homewares and furnishing your abode with meaningful items aren't mutually exclusive. A case in point: Kmart's First Nations program. The retailer highlights Indigenous talents by creating collections in collaboration with artists — and, crucially, making their work accessible en masse. The latest creative teaming up with the brand: Dharug and Darkinjung artist Kyralee Shields. As Wiradjuri artist Judith Young did in 2023, Shields has overseen her own range with the department store, which hits shelves — and online — on Thursday, April 4. Called Mudyin Ngurrawa, it takes its name from the Dharug term for "family on Country". As featured on bedding, candles, servingware, candles, wall art and more, the theme comes through in the designs, the use of colour and the tales told via her art. One pink-, green- and brown-heavy pattern spans bottlebrush and gum leaves, native flowers and yam daisies, and representations of the tides and mountains. Another splashes a pale pink hue around prominently, using circles, arcs, dots and drawings of message sticks to link to Shields' ancestors, her maternal grandmother in particular, her mother and her three children, and also represent the space between Shields and The Dreaming. Clearly, when Shields makes art, she's taking her cues from her Indigenous heritage while conveying her own identity, and also aiming to both express and inspire cultural pride. Her pieces tell a story, then, including about her family and her mother's experience as part of the Stolen Generations, with Shields working closely with Kmart's design team in Melbourne to ensure that it came through authentically and accurately in the Mudyin Ngurrawa collection. To witness the results, and fill your home with them, you can shop the range's 13 items, with prices starting at $5. For that amount, you can get a four-pack of napkins. From there, a two-pack of Mudyin Ngurrawa mugs costs $10, while $12 gets you a three-pack of tea towels, a plant pot or a serving board. A tablecloth costs $14 — as do two types of candle, a mountains and a wildflowers version, as sold separately. Or, opt for the enamel bowl for $18 or enamel tray for $25. The quilt set comes in two sizes, queen and king, for $20 and $24, respectively. And, a canvas to hang is priced at $29. "Collaborating with Kmart is a dream come true. It's allowed me to work with a brand I grew up with who provide quality, on-trend products that are accessible to a wide demographic. It has enabled me to share my art with a wider audience while working with a forward-thinking chain," said Shields about the range. "Having a brand like Kmart support First Nations artists provides broad exposure to our culture and heritage through art and storylines within the evolving contemporary style, which is important to me," she continued. "It's been so gratifying to work on this project with such a wonderful team of people. It's also been enlightening to see all the different aspects that took my original painting through to the completion of this incredible range that now line Kmart's shelves." Kmart and Kyralee Shields' Mudyin Ngurrawa collection is on sale online and in-store from Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Hollywood loves an awards ceremony, and boasts a regular lineup of statuette-bestowing occasions to prove it. Stellar television shows and the folks who make them can win everything from an Emmy and a Golden Globe to a Screen Actors Guild Award and a BAFTA — and more — because cinema isn't the only screen format that likes rewarding its best and brightest at glitzy occasions with lengthy speeches and shiny trophies. Awards ceremonies are also a handy source of information for TV fans. They're fun to watch, but they can also help you work out what else you should be watching. So many television shows vie for everyone's eyeballs each year, so knowing that something has scored a few gongs (or even more than a few) might help rocket it to the top of your must-see list. Streaming platform Binge features quite a number of award-winners in its catalogue, for example, if you're not quite sure what you should marathon your way through next. In collaboration with the service, we've taken a look and picked five of our accolade-receiving favourites that you can check out now — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
Do you remember when you lost at something as a kid and your parents told you that it didn't matter? "Winning isn't everything" and "It isn't winning that matters, it is about taking part" were lines bandied around regularly by our mums and dads in order to shelter us from the truth: winning does matter. Who wants to be Buzz Aldrin when you can be Neil Armstrong? Nothing wants to come second, especially nations. Global politics is the most competitive arena on this planet. It has led to world wars and bloody competition for resources. Thankfully, though, the world can now sleep easy as the peacemakers over at Doghouse Diaries have created a light-hearted infographic titled What Each Country Leads The World In that allows every country to be a winner. Whilst some titles will be unwanted, including Ethiopia leading the way in employing children and Yemen's crowning as the ruler of the gender gap, some will be celebrated. Norway can enjoy its position atop the summit of democracy and Ireland can bask in its quality of life. Of course, the best discoveries are the statistics that appear tongue-in-cheek. Greenland leads the way in personal space and my favourite, Antarctica has the most penguins. Explore the world in our gallery below and be surprised at what many countries lead the world in. Via Fast Co.Create.
Over the past six months, Fleabag picked up six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, becoming the most-acclaimed TV comedy of the past year. Sadly, that isn't enough to inspire Phoebe Waller-Bridge to make more episodes of the hit show — but for everyone lamenting the Fleabag-sized hole in their lives, the multi-talented Brit has a new project landing soon. She has a couple, actually. Waller-Bridge helped write the script for delayed Bond flick No Time to Die, which is no small feat. If you're keen to see her on-screen, however, then you'll want to add Run to your must-watch pile. Waller-Bridge executive produces and pops up among the cast, with Vicky Jones — the director of her Fleabag stage show, and a script editor on Fleabag's first TV season — writing and producing the series. Hitting HBO in the US in mid-April and Foxtel in Australia around the same time, Run spends time with ex-lovers Ruby Richardson (Unbelievable's Merritt Wever) and Billy Johnson (Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker's Domhnall Gleeson). They dated in college and, 17 years ago, they made a pact. First, one of them has to text the word 'run' whenever they feel like it. Next, the other has to respond the same way. After that, they both have to drop everything, step away from their everyday lives and meet at Grand Central Station, then travel across the America together. For Ruby, that means escaping her monotonous existence and leaving her husband (Mad Men's Rich Sommer) at home. As for what happens next, while last month's first teaser gave a bit of a glimpse, the just-released full trailer provides more of a sneak peek. Expect plenty of chatty train trips, as well as both tension and laughs — with HBO badging the series as a romantic-comedy thriller. And if you're wondering about Waller-Bridge, she plays Laurel, a woman who Ruby and Billy meet on their journey. Check out the full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9TjitrfeMo Run starts streaming on Foxtel Now and screening on Foxtel Showcase in Australia, Thursdays at 8.30pm from May 7. Image: Ken Woroner/HBO. UPDATE: MAY 7, 2020 — Run was initially meant to hit Foxtel back in April, but it was postponed till May 7. The above copy has been updated to reflect this.
When it opened in West End in December 2024, +81 Aizome Bar was billed as something of an entrée before the metaphorical main course. To wit: the +81 precinct would also soon welcome a refined kappo-style restaurant alongside the intimate, Ginza-inspired ten-seat bar. And while Aizome has since become an award-winning destination in its own right, the team is now ready to unveil that next chapter — +81 Sushi Kappo, a 12-seat omakase restaurant opening next door. Set to open in February, Sushi Kappo echoes the restraint and precision of Aizome's cocktail program through a tightly choreographed dining experience. 'Kappo' translates to 'cut and cook', a format that places both the chef and the ingredients at the heart of the experience. Each course is prepared at the counter and served in sequence, bringing a sense of quiet theatre to the meal without tipping into performance. At the helm is Executive Chef Ikuo Kobayashi, who has garnered decades of experience at some of Tokyo's most influential sushi kitchens. Kobayashi trained at prestigious Ginza institution Kyubey before joining the founding team at Sushi Kanesaka and working alongside the masters behind Sushi Saito and Sushi Iwa. At Sushi Kappo, he pairs this classical training with a deep understanding of regional craftsmanship and seasonality, shaped by a self-led culinary pilgrimage across Japan. The dining journey unfolds as a multi-course, seafood-focused omakase beginning at $450 per person, evolving with local micro-seasons and complemented by select specialty ingredients from Japan. A standout is Kobayashi's signature sushi rice, or shari — served in only one other venue globally — which strips away sugar, mirin and salt and appears here in two expressions: a charcoal variety and a vivid blue spirulina-enriched version. Much like the culinary philosophy, the setting itself is deliberately pared back. Dark neutral tones, soft metals and gentle lighting create a quietly immersive space that keeps the focus firmly on the counter, and what's being prepared on it. A considered beverage program completes the offering, anchored by an extensive sake list spanning producers from Hokkaido to Fukuoka, alongside premium Japanese whisky, champagne and a tight wine edit. An adjoining lounge welcomes diners for an elegant nightcap following their omakase — and of course, with one of Brisbane's very best bars right next door, the evening doesn't need to end there. +81 Sushi Kappo opens on Thursday, February 5, at 259 Montague Street, West End. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Markus Ravik.
If you're looking for a weekend of relaxation, heading to the coast and zoning out by the beach is up there with the best options around. Throw in Queensland's sunny tropical weather and you have a recipe for a perfect warm-weather vacay. Whether you're looking for a lavish waterfront mansion, a quaint beachside cabin or an eco-friendly floating houseboat, there's a spot for everyone around southern coastlines of Queensland. Check out these twenty charming spots — then check your calendar and book in your next getaway. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly-Stays in Queensland The Best Places to Go Glamping in Queensland The Best Hotels in Brisbane The Best Island Stays in Queensland The River House, Noosa Heads It doesn't get much more summery than this waterfront house. Step out your front door to palm trees, white sand and a private jetty, or enjoy a drink and the dusk breeze from the expansive al fresco area. $1057 a night, sleeps six. Quirky Black Shack, Burnett Heads If you're looking to be consumed by the sounds and sights of the ocean, this unique three-bedroom beach house will set you up nicely with panoramic views of the beach from the laid-back front porch. $490 a night, sleeps six. The Lake Shack, Weyba Downs As the name suggests, this lush natural haven is closer to a lake house than a beach house, sitting on the banks of Lake Weyba. It's still only a short drive from multiple white-sand beaches, and the renovated fisherman's cottage comes decked out with a pool, outdoor bathtub and fire pit. $390 a night, sleeps two. Sophisticated Coastal Sanctum, Noosa Heads You'll find views of the Noosa river system, Mount Cooroy and Mount Tinbeerwah from this expansive three-storey house. You'll never run out of new reading spots here, with multiple expansive living areas both inside and out. $950 a night, sleeps eight. Floating Oasis, Noosa Heads This dreamy part-house boat, part-eco-friendly tiny house promises morning views and tranquil relaxation like no other. $589 a night, sleeps two. Bicentennial Oasis, Agnes Water You can find this quiet stay resting among the trees, just one kilometre from a dog-friendly beach and less than three kilometres from Agnes Water's main beach. Sit around the fire pit and enjoy watching the local kangaroos that wander the property. $100 a night, sleeps eight. Arkaba Views, Noosa Heads With a seven-metre pool, air hockey table and smart TV, this Noosa Heads house is a perfect group getaway. The sleek architectural style, abundance of light and picturesque views will have you slipping into complete holiday mode on arrival. From $1494 a night, sleeps eight. Mango Lodge, River Heads If you're looking for a relaxing home base before jetting off on day trips, try this bushland property. The wheelchair-accessible house is located just three minutes from the Fraser Island ferry and a short drive from Hervey Bay. $225 a night, sleeps four. Waterfront Resort, Banksia Beach This five-bedroom waterfront house sits on the banks of a pontoon, and comes fitted with a home theatre, pool, kayaks and outdoor barbecue. $550 a night, sleeps 14. Decked Out Holiday Home, Woorim Park yourself in this sleepy beachside town and enjoy a relaxation-filled stay at this leafy coastal house with shaded front and back decks. From $297 a night, sleeps six. Eclectic Oasis, Doonan An abundance of trees overrun this sunny coastal stay. The two-bedroom space comes with everything you need for a wholesome, nature-filled holiday including hammocks, board games and stars aplenty once night rolls around. $400 a night, sleeps four. Glass on Glasshouse, Glass House Mountains While this glass-walled house is less beachy than other stays on this list, what it lacks in direct access to the surf it makes up for with its picturesque location on Glass House Mountains. Plus, it's still less than 30 minutes to multiple bodies of water, including Golden Beach and the Bribie Island waterways. $494 a night, sleeps three. 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. All photos supplied by Airbnb.
When Princess Mononoke marked its 25th anniversary in 2022, the Studio Ghibli gem returned to cinemas. Because Hayao Miyazaki's movies should never be far from a picture palace, one his most-stunning features is making another big-screen comeback three years later. There's no milestone to celebrate this time, just an exceptional flick from a beloved Japanese animation house just because — as well as the fact that Princess Mononoke is getting both the 4K and IMAX treatment. This is also the first time ever that the 1997 film is being released in IMAX. So, no matter how many times you've seen it before, you haven't seen it like this. The date for your diary: Thursday, August 21, 2025. Language-wise, two versions of the movie are playing in both Australia and New Zealand: the original Japanese version, which is the one that every Ghibli fan should be flocking to, and the English-dubbed version as well. If you're a newcomer to this delight by the one and only Miyazaki — a film that only ranks behind Spirited Away and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind among the director's greats — get ready for a picture that makes a clear ecological statement. The iconic filmmaker has never shied away from doing just that; however, Princess Mononoke might just send his most forceful message about humanity's impact upon the earth. As set in Japan's Muromachi period (from the 14th to 16th centuries), the involving fantasy takes place among humans, animals and gods, all of which have been living in harmony until the movie starts. From there, the film charts the paths of a young prince with a curse and a young woman raised by wolves, as well as the conflict between a modernising town and the forest it's destroying. Every Studio Ghibli film is worth seeing — the animation house hasn't ever made a bad one, even if a few sit below the rest — but Princess Mononoke is a stone-cold classic. The highest-grossing Japanese feature of 1997, it's also the picture that helped bring the company's wonderful flicks to western audiences. If you do catch the English-dubbed version, the voice cast includes Gillian Anderson (The Salt Path), Claire Danes (Full Circle), Billy Crudup (The Morning Show), Minnie Driver (The Assessment), Jada Pinkett Smith (The Equalizer) and Billy Bob Thorton (Landman). Check out the trailer for Princess Mononoke below: Princess Mononoke returns to Australian and New Zealand cinemas from Thursday, August 21, 2025. For more information, head to the Crunchyroll website.
Each winter Vivid draws Sydney out of hibernation with a festival of light installations, talks, workshops and performances. Now in its tenth year, the festival is bigger and brighter than ever. From the illumination of major city landmarks to international acts and challenging ideas, there's a lot to pack into the 23 nights. With the help of our friends at YHA Australia, we've put together a rundown to help you navigate the festival. From what to see and do and to where best to eat and drink. [caption id="attachment_670002" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sydney Harbour YHA rooftop[/caption] STAY With so much to see and do during Vivid, you'll want to be close to the action. Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks is the perfect home base; it's just a stone's throw away from the installations in The Rocks and walking distance to Circular Quay and the Botanic Gardens. It's also right in the thick of some of the most historic pubs in Sydney. The building combines modern comfort with the heritage of the area — it's set above archaeological remains of colonial Sydney. Choose from private or dorm rooms and head to the rooftop balcony to treat yourself to one of the best views in Sydney. From this bird's eye vantage point, you'll have an uninterrupted view stretching from the Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, Customs House and city buildings, all lit up for the festival. Grab a drink and settle in to soak it all up. If you'd prefer to stay a touch further away from the heaving Circular Quay, YHA also has locations in Sydney Central and Railway Square. Here, you'll be in walking distance of Haymarket (and its many dumplings, noodles and 30c cream puffs), Spice Alley and Darling Harbour's stunning light installations. All three YHAs are offering 20-percent-off during Vivid, too. [caption id="attachment_625341" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bodhi Liggett.[/caption] EAT You'll need to keep your energy levels up in order to fit in everything in during the festival. Luckily, there are heaps of great food options around. Start the day with quality coffee and a beautiful, picturesque breakfast at The Grounds of the City. If you're short on time, though, you can grab a cup of joe and a brekkie burger, bowl or muffin from the takeaway window. For lunchtime refuelling, head to La Renaissance Patisserie for house-made pies, baguette sandwiches and pastries. The tree covered courtyard is a sweet little place to retreat from the crowds for a little while. In The Rocks Centre behind Kendall Lane, you'll also find the Fine Food Store serving up sandwiches, salads and winter warmers like soups and stews. When the sun goes down, check out the new Bar Patrón by Rockpool for authentic Mexican eats, margaritas and views of the Vivid lights. Alternatively, head to The Morrison, located between The Rocks and Wynyard, for a mean sirloin steak or the $1 oyster happy hour from 6–7pm each Wednesday. And if you've really got cash to splash and a burning desire for views with some top eats, head to Cafe Sydney. Found above Customs House (which will be covered in a Snugglepot and Cuddlepie light show), this place serves up Australian haute-cuisine with a killer view. The restaurant also has a dedicated vegan menu for those looking for some fine dining that considers their dietaries. For another prime spot with more casual eats, head next door to Gateway — home to Neil Perry's Burger Project, Din Tai Fung, Four Frogs Creperie and Gelato Messina. DRINK The Rocks area is heaving with pubs — in fact, two of them, The Lord Nelson and The Fortune of War, lay claim to being Sydney's oldest. The best way to fit them all in is to head on a pub crawl — starting at The Lord Nelson, making tracks to the potentially haunted Hero of Waterloo, heading up to The Glenmore rooftop for excellent harbour views, passing by The Fortune of War and finishing up at the newly refurbished Orient. If you're after something more sedate and refined, hit Henry Deane, the rooftop bar at Hotel Palisade which boasts incredible views of the harbour and the lights of Vivid. Otherwise, check out Bulletin Place for intricately crafted cocktails, or cosy up at The Doss House, a new underground whisky bar set in an incredible heritage building in The Rocks. [caption id="attachment_624496" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan.[/caption] SEE The projections onto the Sydney Opera House have been the crowning glory of the Vivid light display since the festival's inception. This year the sails will feature the work of artist Jonathan Zawada, blending everyday objects with the pictures inspired by the Australian environment. Meanwhile, Skylark makes use of the high rises around Circular Quay, featuring a custom-built laser atop the Harbour Bridge projecting onto buildings in a stunning light show every half hour. The Southern Pylon of the bridge will be lit with Bangarra Dance Company's Dark Emu, melding dance and art and paying homage to the agricultural knowledge of Indigenous Australians. [caption id="attachment_623212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan.[/caption] See bacteria writ large at Beautiful and Dangerous in The Rocks. The work takes you under a neon microscope to explore some of the deadliest diseases facing mankind and what's being done to curb them. While you're in the area, look skyward and see A Little Birdie Told Me — a work depicting the threat to many of our native bird species. The festival of light also makes full use of the glorious Botanic Gardens, with installations dotted throughout. Impressions shows a time-lapse of flora captured from the garden throughout the day, displayed across five huge canvases. Check out The Bloom, a giant metallic flower covered in LED pixels. And hanging in a canopy of trees is Hyperweb, a giant web combining light and soundscape. DO With so many artists and thinkers in town, you might want to extend your stay to fit more in. Top of the ticket is Solange, performing at the Sydney Opera House. Her shows are sold out, but festival organisers recommend checking the website daily for last-minute releases. Also in town are Grammy award-winning singer St Vincent and legendary rapper Ice Cube. There are heaps of local acts to check out too, including No Mono, Middle Kids and Stonefield. For one night only Heaps Gay will host a fabulous, not-to-be-missed fancy dress party, Qweens Ball, at Town Hall. Plus for a change of pace, this year's festival also includes a jazz series for the first time. [caption id="attachment_574541" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bodhi Liggett.[/caption] Vivid Ideas will get your mind bubbling about the big issues. There are talks on everything from building a sustainable future and the threat to democracy to the art of creativity and understanding consciousness. For podcast nerds, the Audiocraft Podcast Festival features a line-up of industry heavyweights in a series of talks and workshops. If you're headed to Vivid this year, YHA is offering 20% off stays for Concrete Playground readers during the festival. The offer applies to all rooms (private and multi-share) at Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney Central YHA and Railway Square YHA. Use the code VIVID to claim the discount when you book online, valid Sunday to Thursday between Sunday, May 27 and Friday, June 15. More info about the offer and other weekend discounts here. Image: Destination NSW.
When one venue closes, another one usually opens. That's a unshakeable fact in the hospitality realm — in general, and also right here in Brisbane. Take the pile of containers set up on MacLachlan Street in Fortitude Valley, for instance. The site's original inhabitant, bar X Cargo, has now shut down; however, newcomer Summa House has just taken over its boozy setup. Here, you'll still find those metal boxes stacked high, grass sprawling out between them, and big beer garden vibes — all under the Brissie sun and, by night, beneath the stars as well. You'll also find fairy lights, couches, picnic tables, striped umbrellas and a giant flamingo mural. Oh, and cocktails to sip, pub-style food to tuck into and parties to dance through, too, with the latter taking over once evening hits. In total, there's also 14 event spaces — and the venue can host 1200 people. When you're not getting comfy on the ground level amid the gardens, you can literally take your hangout session up a level, and also peer at the city thanks to the venue's 360-degree vistas. If it's drinks you're after, the beverage menu spans reds, whites, sparkling, rosé, a range of beer on tap — including Balter, Byron Bay, James Squire and XXXX, and also Brookvale ginger beer — and summery-themed share jugs. There's an eight-option roster of cocktails for one, too, with names such as 'Tidal Wave' and 'Summasalt'. Bound to be a hit: Summa House's choc espresso martini. That pub grub-esque food lineup includes chicken parmigiana, beer-battered barramundi, steaks and lamb cutlets with sides like truffle mash and chat potatoes, as well as four types of burgers. For something light, there's spring rolls, tempura cauliflower, barbecue corn ribs and buffalo wings, too. And, on weekdays, you can grab a $15 lunch special, which features a choice between tacos, schnitzels, rumps and cheeseburgers (with a beer or wine costing $5 extra). X Cargo was known for its boozy weekend brunches, so Summa House is also doing its own version from 12–3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This time, you'll get a tapas spread for two hours, and either cocktail jugs, beer and wine (for $55 per person), or menu cocktails, brews, vino and spirits (for $99). Entertainment-wise, Summa House plans to host music events year-round, leaning into Brissie's endless summer vibes (well, other than the recent cold spell). That'll include DJs spinning tunes, with Peking Duk's Reuben Styles hitting the venue on Saturday, July 16 with his side project Y.O.G.A. (You're Only Great Always) Find Summa House at 43 MacLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley — open 12pm–12am Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and 12pm–1am Friday–Saturday.
With the impact of COVID-19 continuing to be felt worldwide — including in Australia, where mass gatherings of over 500 people will be banned from Monday, March 16 — everyone could use a little light in their lives at present. It won't be coming from the usually radiant Vivid Sydney, however, with with luminous annual festival cancelling its 2020 event. In a short statement, the festival advised that "unfortunately, Vivid Sydney 2020 has been cancelled on the recommendations of the Australian Government and health authorities regarding non-essential, organised gatherings of more than 500 people". On Facebook, it provided further details, explaining that "the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. Vivid Sydney must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of attendees and everyone involved with the event". https://www.facebook.com/vividsydney/posts/10157962724233397?__xts__[0]=68.ARDCG3xavDcAqXRBAMsOQFLAELmPpU30KHOxyVUHdZu89RSXER3aX4D_3zDac5pbbNJl2ZTc_VaqfYBHQYNSiDtRBAUl28cnDPxalb0vo7lHb9UB8aNWiuTYoISPxaze2CONivIjqSCbEkHHseUClqUPfeEIXcv7Q30mBjMhERyy_eDWaXZhMGiEBrJ3TKXs8LpKZxmKEFNPTzijXwphkPsnYnbncLeJq42WBnYHuMClxpyYjJ-2FDUiweW4A-NokSf41hQacoQCUdBhzgAbXSrKx4ydI1kNRXQ_u6ny9g5npB7qpXBU2uJdKSuWGgWHAC9iQzufm7x38A&__tn__=-R The 2020 event was slated to take place from Friday, May 22–Saturday, June 13, and had already announced its first headliner for the year: US neo-soul singer and poet Jill Scott. Vivid was due to release its full lineup of gigs, installations, light shows and other cultural events this month. Last year, the event attracted more than two million attendees, so its cancellation in the current circumstances doesn't come as a surprise — especially as other events are doing the same both locally and globally. Vivid joins a growing list of scrapped events and closed venues, with large swathes of cinemas shutting across Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and theme parks doing the same in Asia, Europe and the US as well. We've also seen the cancellation of Texan music and film festival South by Southwest and postponement of Coachella. More locally, both the Grand Prix in Melbourne and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Tasmania's Dark Mofo and the Sydney Royal Easter Show have all been cancelled. Vivid Live 2020 will no longer take place from Friday, May 22–Saturday, June 13. For more information, visit the event's website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Hamilton Lund.
If you've got a hard-earned thirst for some spiffy beer merch, the folks at Victoria Bitter have you covered, and that's been the case for a couple of years. Already decked out most of your wardrobe with VB gear, but still looking for something to splash around in at the beach? Then you'll be pleased to discover that the famed Carlton & United Breweries beer has just joined forces with Budgy Smuggler on a new range of swimwear. Available via Budgy Smuggler's website, the Victoria Bitter collection includes briefs for men — budgie smugglers, obviously — plus one-piece swimmers for women, with both types available in multiple designs. If you're keen to have the classic beer logo emblazoned across your body, you can choose between green and white backgrounds. You can also opt for a 'sticker bomb' design, which features multiple different VB logos, or pick one with cartoon beers as well. Whether you're a beachgoer or you prefer lazing around a pool, you'll need a towel, too, with four different types available with the same imagery. They'll set you back $55 each, while the mens' bathers cost $65 and womens' togs cost $100. If you're keen on other VB-themed items as well, you can still head to the brand's site to check out its retro-styled collection, which nods firmly to the brew's lengthy history quenching the thirst of hardworking Aussies. There are crewneck jumpers, t-shirts, hoodies, beanies and caps, all emblazoned with that instantly recognisable logo. Alongside all the clothes, you'll also find VB jigsaw puzzles — plus glasses, water bottles, coolers, speakers, bar mats and even fridges. And, as part of its ever-expanding range of merch, don't forget that VB also has its own scent now, too. The Victoria Bitter Collection is available to purchase from Budgy Smuggler's website. Top image: VB.
Over the past month, Arnott's has been unveiling a new recipe for one of its famed bikkies every week. As part of the snack expert's Big Recipe Release, it has unveiled its Monte Carlo, four-ingredient Scotch Finger and Iced VoVo recipes, as well as a twist on its Tim Tam: a salted almond Tim Tam brownie. This week, it's thrown us another curveball. The recipe isn't for one of its sweet snacks; instead, like the Tim Tam brownie, it uses one of its sweet snacks. The key ingredient this time is Nice biscuits, which you'll use as a sugar-dusted base for a silky but classic cheesecake. Obviously, the new recipe still ticks another very important box: giving everyone currently working from home — or just spending more time indoors than usual — something different to bake. Australia's oldest baker will continue to release a new recipe for one of its famous biscuits every week until social distancing regulations are lifted. Next up, will it be the Mint Slice? Pizza Shapes? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, here's the classic Nice cheesecake recipe: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAeYW1GgwSs/ CLASSIC NICE CHEESECAKE 1 250 gram packet of Arnott's Nice biscuits 125 grams melted butter 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 250 gram packets of cream cheese, at room temperature 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup caster sugar Method BASE: Preheat the oven to 150°C. Grease a 20 centimetre (base measurement) springform tin. Place Arnott's Nice biscuits and cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor, then process until biscuits are finely crushed. Add melted butter, then process until combined. Transfer mixture to the prepared tin — and, using the back of a spoon, press over the base and up the sides of the tin until it is spread evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until needed, to ensure a firm crust. FILLING: Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, then beat until well mixed. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Pour mixture over the biscuit base. Bake for 50 minutes, or until set. Turn the oven off, but leave the cheesecake in the oven with door ajar until it has completely cooled — as this will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking. TIPS: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to your cream cheese mixture for extra flavour. Replace the cinnamon with mixed spice for a twist. Serve with your favourite berries and double cream. If you don't have a food processor, you can crush the biscuits it the old-fashioned way — by placing them in a zip lock bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Top image: Arnott's
Every sweet treat needs a matching beverage to go with it — and if doughnuts that are actually good for you are your idea of the former, then a cold-pressed juice probably takes care of the latter. Nodo Donuts and Pressed Juices are certainly hoping that's the case. The two brands have banded together to open their own one-stop healthy snack shop on Elizabeth Street, after all. It's news sure to delight CBD workers in search of a tasty afternoon tea alternative, as well as anyone with a hankering for something nutritious while they're passing through the city. Yes, your 3pm attack of the munchies can now involve naturally gluten-free, artisanal, baked or raw orbs of goodness in flavours such as pumpkin maple and 'Cha Cha Chai', and sips of liquid fruitiness of the zesty and earthy variety. And you only have to go to one place to get them. The joint venture continues an exciting year for Nodo, who've already evolved from selling their wares at cafes and markets to opening their own Newstead bakery. And yes, their banana, maple cream cheese and caramelised pecan breakfast doughnuts are on the menu at their inner-city digs. Stopping by multiple times a day is completely acceptable.
When Barbie and Oppenheimer both released in cinemas on the same July 2023 day, they didn't take attention away from each other. Instead, Barbenheimer had everyone flocking to picture palaces to see both. Among the just-announced 2024 Golden Globe nominations, a similar phenomenon is occurring. Since these gongs split the bulk of the awards into dramas and musicals/comedies, Barbie and Oppenheimer have both scored a heap of love largely without competing. Greta Gerwig's take on the toy doll topped the list among the number of nods given to this year's contenders, nabbing nine overall. Christopher Nolan's latest was only one behind with eight. The two do face off in a few fields: Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (with Ryan Gosling and Robert Downey Jr nominated), and the brand-new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement accolade that's clearly designed to give a shiny trophy to a blockbuster (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, John Wick: Chapter 4, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Super Mario Bros Movie and Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour are also in the running). Now boasting six competitors per category, the Golden Globes will anoint its latest round of winners on Monday, January 8 Australian and New Zealand time, with Killers of the Flower Moon (with seven), Poor Things (also seven) and Past Lives (with five) also joining the movie-loving party. TV earns affection at these awards as well, with Succession garnering nine nominations, followed by The Bear and Only Murders in the Building with five each. Among the other cinema highlights: Celine Song's debut feature doing so well; Greta Gerwig finally being recognised in the Best Director camp after missing out for Lady Bird and Little Women; Lily Gladstone, always; The Boy and the Heron in the Best Animation field; Suzume doing the same; not one, not two, but three Best Song nominations for Barbie, including for earworm 'I'm Just Ken'; Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest notching up nods beyond the Non-English Language category; and Barry Keoghan's Saltburn and Andrew Scott's All of Us Strangers noms. Also stellar: Emma Stone getting attention for two absolutely stunning performances on screens big and small, aka Poor Things and The Curse. From the TV contenders, The Last of Us, Barry, Beef and Fargo all thoroughly deserve their nominations. So do Elle Fanning for The Great, Natasha Lyonne for Poker Face, Rachel Weisz for Dead Ringers and Christina Ricci for Yellowjackets, even if the shows they're each in sadly didn't get enough attention overall. The television fields also completely ignored Reservation Dogs and The Other Two, two of the best shows of the year, both of which wrapped up after their third seasons. Australian actors picked up three nominations, with Margot Robbie receiving the nod for Barbie, Sarah Snook for Succession and Elizabeth Debicki for The Crown. If you're wondering what else is in the running, here's the full list of nominations: GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEES: BEST MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA Anatomy of a Fall Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer Past Lives The Zone of Interest BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall Greta Lee, Past Lives Carey Mulligan, Maestro Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA Bradley Cooper, Maestro Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon Colman Domingo, Rustin Barry Keoghan, Saltburn Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Andrew Scott, All of Us Strangers BEST MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Air American Fiction Barbie The Holdovers May December Poor Things BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple Jennifer Lawrence, No Hard Feelings Natalie Portman, May December Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves Margot Robbie, Barbie Emma Stone, Poor Things BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Joaquin Phoenix, Beau Is Afraid Matt Damon, Air Nicolas Cage, Dream Scenario Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Timothée Chalamet, Wonka BEST MOTION PICTURE — ANIMATED The Boy and the Heron Elemental Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Super Mario Bros Movie Suzume Wish BEST MOTION PICTURE — NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE Anatomy of a Fall Fallen Leaves Io Capitano Past Lives Society of the Snow The Zone of Interest BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer Jodie Foster, Nyad Julianne Moore, May December Rosamund Pike, Saltburn BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE Charles Melton, May December Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer Ryan Gosling, Barbie Willem Dafoe, Poor Things BEST DIRECTOR — MOTION PICTURE Bradley Cooper, Maestro Greta Gerwig, Barbie Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Martin Scorsese, Killers of The Flower Moon Celine Song, Past Lives BEST SCREENPLAY — MOTION PICTURE Anatomy of a Fall Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Past Lives Poor Things BEST ORIGINAL SCORE — MOTION PICTURE The Boy and the Heron Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Poor Things Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Zone of Interest BEST ORIGINAL SONG — MOTION PICTURE Bruce Springsteen, 'Addicted to Romance', She Came to Me Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Dua Lipa and Caroline Ailin, 'Dance the Night', Barbie Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond and John Spiker, 'Peaches', The Super Mario Bros Movie Lenny Kravitz, 'Road to Freedom', Rustin Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell, 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie CINEMATIC AND BOX OFFICE ACHIEVEMENT Barbie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 John Wick: Chapter 4 Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Oppenheimer Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Super Mario Bros. Movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour BEST TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA 1923 The Crown The Diplomat The Last of Us The Morning Show Succession BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us Emma Stone, The Curse Helen Mirren, 1923 Imelda Staunton, The Crown Keri Russell, The Diplomat Sarah Snook, Succession BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA Brian Cox, Succession Kieran Culkin, Succession Gary Oldman, Slow Horses Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us Jeremy Strong, Succession Dominic West, The Crown BEST TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Ted Lasso Abbott Elementary The Bear Barry Only Murders in the Building Jury Duty BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Elle Fanning, The Great Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building Natasha Lyonne, Poker Face BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Bill Hader, Barry Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building Jason Segel, Shrinking Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso Jeremy Allen White, The Bear BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION All the Light We Cannot See Beef Daisy Jones & The Six Fargo Fellow Travellers Lessons in Chemistry BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION Ali Wong, Beef Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry Elizabeth Olsen, Love & Death Juno Temple, Fargo Rachel Weisz, Dead Ringers Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & the Six BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION David Oyelowo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves Jon Hamm, Fargo Matt Bomer, Fellow Travellers Sam Claflin, Daisy Jones & the Six Steven Yeun, Beef Woody Harrelson, White House Plumbers BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ON TELEVISION Abby Elliott, The Bear Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso J. Smith-Cameron, Succession Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ON TELEVISION Alan Ruck, Succession Alexander Skarsgård, Succession Billy Crudup, The Morning Show Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear James Marsden, Jury Duty Matthew Macfadyen, Succession BEST PERFORMANCE IN STANDUP COMEDY ON TELEVISION Ricky Gervais: Armageddon Trevor Noah: Where Was I Chris Rock: Selective Outrage Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love Wanda Sykes: I'm an Entertainer The 2023 Golden Globes will be announced on Monday, January 8, Australian and New Zealand time, streaming on Stan in Australia. For further details, head to the awards' website.
Call it a cost-of-living-crisis miracle: Australia has a new streaming platform vying for your eyeballs, but this one won't cost you anything to watch. There's no sign-up fee, no monthly or annual subscription, and no pay-per-view purchases with Brollie. Instead, there's ads — but also 300-plus films and TV shows to enjoy for free. First announced earlier in November and now streaming as at Thursday, November 23, Brollie hails from independent Australian and New Zealand distributor Umbrella Entertainment. Accordingly, its focus is on homegrown fare. Whether you're after an early Nicole Kidman (Special Ops: Lioness)-starring movie such as BMX Bandits or Bush Christmas, the scares of The Babadook, Kylie Minogue in Cut, or documentaries such as Servant or Slave and Ablaze, you'll find them here. Other Aussie highlights include Rose Byrne (Physical) featuring opposite Heath Ledger in Two Hands, Hugh Jackman (The Son) in Erskineville Kings, and the David Gulpilil-starring like Walkabout and Storm Boy. Or, there's also a young Claudia Karvan (The Clearing) and Ben Mendelsohn (Secret Invasion) in The Big Steal — and Karvan and Jackman in Dating the Enemy. The Furnace, Girl Asleep, Head On, the Daniel Radcliffe (Miracle Workers)-led Jungle, The Last Wave, Mad Dog Morgan, Love Serenade, Puberty Blues, Sirens, Tanna, The Tracker: add them to your queue as well. An Angel at My Table, one of Oscar-winner Jane Campion's (The Power of the Dog) early films, is also available. So is fellow New Zealand effort Coming Home in the Dark. Brollie's lineup clearly isn't just about Aussie efforts, then. So, get excited about Nicolas Cage milking an alpaca in Color Out of Space, Joaquin Phoenix (Beau Is Afraid)-led masterpiece You Were Never Really Here, the live-action OG Super Mario Bros, 80s favourite Heathers, and mind-bender Vivarium with Jesse Eisenberg (Fleishman Is in Trouble) and Imogen Poots (Outer Range) among the international titles. Even 2023's Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey is there. You can say cheers to Mads Mikkelsen (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) in both Another Round and Arctic, too, or give fantasy space western After Blue (Dirty Paradise) a whirl. Takashi Miike's (First Love) Audition, the Brian Cox (Succession)-starring The Autopsy of Jane Doe, South Korean standout A Bittersweet Life, George A Romero's Night of the Living Dead and Day of the Dead, and absurdist comedy Deerskin also pop up. So do sci-fi mind-bender The Endless, LA noir Under the Silver Lake, supernatural comedy Extra Ordinary, several Re-Animator and Hellraiser flicks, and the original Suspiria. And, for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans, the three live-action 90s movies are all on offer. The list goes on, complete with The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid's Tale) in Her Smell, Japanese animation In This Corner of the World, a number of Bruce Lee titles, and Harry Dean Stanton (Twin Peaks) turning in one of his best performances in Lucky with David Lynch also acting by his side. Speaking of exceptional on-screen efforts, the David Bowie-led Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence also falls into that category. Everyone needs to have seen once-forgotten film Miami Connection once, but because it's an out-there martial arts movie that really has to be seen to be believed — and definitely not due to its acting. From the docos, You Don't Nomi pairs perfectly with Showgirls, which is also on the platform; We Were Once Kids explores the making of Kids, which again is similarly available to watch; and Zappa, The Go-Betweens: Right Here and Buena Vista Social Club all put their subjects in their names. Not Quite Hollywood's dive through Ozploitation history is obviously a perfect fit for the streamer, while the vastly dissimilar Honeyland was nominated for two Academy Awards. The television selection is currently small, with 15 titles. More Ledger in TV series Sweat, a small-screen version of Dune, the first season of Skippy and sitcom All Together Now all feature. Viewers can watch along via Apple TV, Google TV, Android TV, Chromecast with Google TV and on your browser. Whichever you pick, just don't forget that ads will appear while you're viewing — aka the tradeoff for Brollie not bothering your bank account. To help viewers sort through the Brollie collection, the service's team is highlighting its best-of picks twice monthly, and also heroing Aussie horror via an Australian Nightmares collection. At present, the latter includes The Babadook (of course), as well as Lake Mungo, The Tunnel, Razorback, Dark Age, the original Patrick and 1989 must-see Celia, among others. Brollie launched on Thursday, November 23 — head to the streaming platform's website to subscribe and for further details.
Hundreds of movies grace Sydney Film Festival's lineup each and every year. Even if you're among the most dedicated of cinephiles, you can't see them all during the event's 12-day annual run. Here's something that you can do, however: add four extra days to your fest experience in 2025, plus a heap of flicks along with it, because SFF is sticking around after its official closing night. When Splitsville wraps up the festival's standard Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 dates for this year on Sunday, June 15, the Harbour City's major annual cinema celebration won't be saying farewell until 2026 just yet. Extending the movie-watching fun into the following week is a SFF tradition. So, it's adding 16 sessions at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. These screenings have been dubbed SFF 2025 Back By Popular Demand, which explains right there in the name why the films on the lineup have been picked. Putting on a bonus session of 2025 Palme d'Or-winner It Was Just an Accident from Iranian writer/director Jafar Panahi comes after the filmmaker was revealed as a surprise SFF 2025 guest at opening night. Also picking up new screenings after hitting Sydney straight from Cannes: The Mastermind, which sees Josh O'Connor (Challengers) and Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza) in a 70s-set heist thriller for director Kelly Reichardt (Showing Up) — and Ari Aster's Eddington, starring his Beau Is Afraid lead Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) opposite Emma Stone (Kinds of Kindness ), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) and Austin Butler (The Bikeriders). Then there's The Secret Agent, as led by Wagner Moura (Dope Thief) for filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho (a Sydney Film Festival Prize-winner for Aquarius); Vie Privée with Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country); and Raoul Peck's (I Am Not Your Negro)'s Orwell: 2+2=5. The SFF 2025 Back By Popular Demand program also includes Berlin's Golden Bear-winner Dreams (Sex Love), the near-future Tokyo-set Happyend and Venice award-winning documentary Mistress Dispeller, alongside stepping inside the World Porridge Making Championship in The Golden Spurtle, exploring a music genre's origins via Move Ya Body: The Birth of House and Mr Nobody Against Putin's look at propaganda. Aussie effort Death of an Undertaker, the directorial debut of actor Christian Byers (Bump) — which uses an IRL Leichhardt funeral parlour as its setting — is among the titles scoring encore sessions, too. [caption id="attachment_1008444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sundance Institute | photo by Vince Lawrence.[/caption] Sydney Film Festival's 2025 Back By Popular Demand bonus screenings hit Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
Every two years, Sydney turns into one big art trail as the Biennale of Sydney rolls out exhibitions at major museums across the city, tied together by a thoughtful theme. Heading into its 25th edition, the 2026 biennale will spotlight the stories that have slipped through the cracks — either erased, overlooked or untold. In the 2024 edition, the biennale turned its gaze to the sun for the Ten Thousand Suns program. For its 2026 run, it's taken inspiration from a literary idol: in Toni Morrison's novel Beloved, the idea of 'rememory' describes how the past persists to be experienced again and again. The program will explore what it means to remember – and what it means when certain stories are forgotten— by bringing marginalised and diasporic narratives to the surface. [caption id="attachment_1049218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Barbara Moore, CEO of the Biennale of Sydney, says, "The Biennale of Sydney is a platform for art and ideas that inspire, challenge and connect us. In this moment, more than ever, we need opportunities that invite us to step beyond our own perspectives [and] encounter experiences different from our own, to reflect on what binds us together, and to celebrate what makes us human." International names on the lineup include Nikesha Breeze, Dread Scott, Nahom Teklehaimanot, Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn, Joe Namy and Sandra Monterroso. Closer to home, the program features local talent such as Abdul Abdullah, Dennis Golding, Helen Grace, Wendy Hubert, Richard Bell, Merilyn Fairskye and Michiel Dolk. [caption id="attachment_1053037" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Daniel Boud[/caption] The biennale has also partnered with Cartier's Paris-based art arm, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain. The foundation has commissioned 15 First Nations artists to create new works of art in collaboration with its First Nations Curatorial Fellow Bruce Johnson McLean, who is also a Wierdi person of the Birri Gubba Nation. Indigenous artists globally have hopped onto the initiative, including: Native American interdisciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger; sculptor Rose B. Simpson from the Santa Clara Pueblo tribe in New Mexico; acclaimed Yolngu artist Gunybi Ganambarr; and Tongan artist Benjamin Work, who is slated to present a sculptural tribute to the fusion of traditional Tongan dress with Western clothing. Exhibitions will dominate five arts institutions around Sydney, spanning the Arts Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Penrith Regional Gallery, Chau Chak Wing Museum, and White Bay Power Station (the once-sleepy industrial site that was turned into an arts hub by the 2024 Biennale of Sydney). Space out your art crawls with a jam-packed public program of evening gigs, crafty workshops and talks. We've compiled a handy guide of exhibitions and events to help you plan your route through the Biennale of Sydney 2026. White Bay Power Station [caption id="attachment_996125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] The biennale kicks off on March 13 with an opening party at White Bay Power Station, soundtracked to beats from local DJ INBRAZA Baile, First Nations-fronted Hand to Earth and Baltimore-born Nourished by Time. Keep an eye out for the car blasting music — it's part of 'Automobile', an elaborate sound installation by Lebanese artist and musician Joe Namy where he gathers local cars outfitted with tricked-out stereo systems that double up as instruments. Two landmark exhibitions will span the venue. One is Nikesha Breeza's 'Living Histories', an archive of stories from enslaved African Americans in the Antebellum South, set in a maze of floor-to-ceiling fabric columns that mimic the African Baobab tree. Another is a striking mural by Garrwa-Yanyuwa painter Nancy Yukuwal McDinny, capturing the post-colonial voices of the traditional custodians of the Gulf of Carpentaria. [caption id="attachment_1049220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] On Friday evenings, White Bay Power Station lights up with Arts After Dark. Three music lineups are locked in so far: March 20 brings ethereal melodies from celebrated Japanese experimental pop artist and composer Tujiko Noriko and a viola-meets-electronic-music set by Sydney-based composer Mara Schwerdtfeger; an electronic commentary by Kashmiri sound artist Ruhail Qaisar and local genre-defying musician Marcus Whale on March 27; and a strings-leaning night with Gomeroi guitarist Liam Keenan and Yorta Yorta bassist Allara Briggs-Pattison on April 3. The heritage-listed site will host a slate of Inner West Council events during the biennale. Attend talks curated by local storyteller Lillian Ahenkan, known by her stage name FlexMami, on March 28. Then on 11 and 12 April, a collection of six performance artworks by Amrita Hepi, Charlotte Farrell, Emma Maye Gibson, Jacqui O'Reilly, Lauren Brincat, Lulu Barkell, Theodore Carroll and Red Rey will take the venue by storm. Redfern [caption id="attachment_638226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Redfern locals are in for something special. The Block has long been the beating heart of Indigenous communities in Sydney, and artist Dennis Golding will translate his memories of growing up there into a mini festival. Expect a beaded jewellery making workshop on May 10, where some of the beads are 3D printed from the bricks of the iconic Aboriginal Flag mural that once stood over The Block. Then, on April 9, enter a First Nations-led bingo night inspired by community games that used to be held regularly in one of the vacant Eveleigh Street terraces. Plus, there will be three monthly strolls around Redfern with long-time resident Aunty Donna Ingram, who will dive into the area's Aboriginal history. Art Gallery of New South Wales [caption id="attachment_1049224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Iwan Baan[/caption] Known for his collage-style canvases, internationally reowned Eritrean artist Nahom Teklehaimanot presents a trio of new large-scale canvases at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Encapsulated by its title, This is My Silence You Name the Sound, the collection reflects on the complexities of refugees' lives. The 15-year-old Kulata Tjuta Project is also making a stop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Kulata Tjuta means 'many spears', a literal nod to the thousands of hand-carved spears (and counting) that make up the contemporary work. Anangu artist Frank Young started the project within the Amata community in the remote regions of South Australia in 2010 — it's since expanded to involve over 100 Aṉangu men spanning over three generations of spear-makers. Penrith Regional Gallery [caption id="attachment_1049221" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Lyndal Irons[/caption] Just an hour from the city, Penrith Regional Gallery is an intimate homestead with a charming heritage garden. Settle in for a yarn on the grounds, now a sprawling native plant sanctuary nurtured by Yindjibarndi Elder Wendy Hubert. The living showcase of ancestral knowledge features native plants that are used for food, healing, and ceremony. Inside the home-studio-turned-gallery, Monica Rani-Rudhar draws on her lineage to stage a poignant multi-channel video installation that explores how two traces of colonialism — trauma and resistance — are inherited through generations. Campbelltown Arts Centre [caption id="attachment_1049223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by Nikki To[/caption] Located in the creative hub of Campbelltown, the Campbelltown Arts Centre is shaping up to be an unmissable stop for film lovers during the Sydney Biennale. When riots erupt in youth detention centres, it's officially labelled a Code Black/Riot. It's also the name of a large-scale collaborative project that aims to amplify the voices of incarcerated Indigenous youths, spearheaded by documentary filmmaker Hoda Afshar. The collective bagged the 2025 National Photographic Prize, and is now making an appearance at the Biennale of Sydney 2026, with Behrouz Boochani, Hoda Afshar and Vernon Ah Kee presenting a multi-channel video exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Another highlight is the multimedia work of Lebanese filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, which follows a circle of friends who are setting off to Christmas Island. Their journey unfolds alongside the annual red crab migration, where a mass of crabs swarm from the forest to the ocean. The result? An immersive installation that interlaces movement, migration and imagined utopias. Chau Chak Wing Museum [caption id="attachment_1049222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image by David James[/caption] The much-loved museum at the University of Sydney will be home to two contrasting sculptures. One of them hails from Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, where artist Benjamin Work has created a celebratory tribute to the endurance of Indigenous culture, sparked by the 19th century fusion of Western influence with traditional Tongan attire. The other takes a critical approach, examining how Australian arts institutions have preserved Indigenous cultural material. Visit the Biennale of Sydney website for more information.
If you Google 'Michael Jackson's legacy', you'll find the following pearls of pop culture wisdom: he made R&B the sound of pop, he made music videos an 'event', he made dancing a prerequisite to any occasion, he was instrumental (no pun intended) in developing the celebrity charitable-industrial complex, and his 1977 book The World Guide to Beer created the modern concept of beer styles that underpins the craft beer movement to this day. That last fact may come as a surprise to devoted fans of the King of Pop, but probably not to craft beer aficionados who are well aware that there's more than one Michael Jackson in the firmament. When it comes to craft beer, the 'real' Michael Jackson was an English writer, journalist and TV presenter, and not a moonwalking, anti-gravity-leaning, crotch-grabbing singer. Although it's easy to see how confusion could arise. The book explored the wide and wonderful world of craft beer styles — from porter to pilsener and everything in between. It elucidated their history, discerned their characteristics and uncovered unique (and decidedly roguish) facts about each type. Almost 40 years on, thanks to the work of Michael Jackson and other craft beer evangelists like James Smith, more people are aware of the beer varieties available to them. But what do the different styles mean and how does sampling them introduce you to a whole world full of flavour? Let us explain. Porter Brewed from brown and dark coloured malts, this moderately hopped beer became popular in 18th century London. Sharing similarities with stout, it descended from brown ale. Expect a complex, interesting beer with flavours of chocolate and coffee. Many tall tales have been told about the origins of this style of beer. No one can be certain which is true, which only adds to the porter's mystique and appeal. India Pale Ale (IPA) Also originating in the 18th century, this strong, hoppy (yet also light, bright and sparkling) beer was brewed specifically to last the journey from England to India in the days of the British Raj, so that the thousands of ex-pats living there could still enjoy their creature comforts. On arrival in India, IPA was said to be watered down before being given to the rank and file British troops, meaning only the officers got to enjoy it in all its glory. American-style Pale Ale Typified by strong citrus and fruity hop aromas, American pale ales were developed in the 1980s and take their name from the use of American hops such as Cascade. The style has since been adapted to embrace hops from around the world, while retaining the key taste characteristics and a good balance of malt and hops. Anchor Liberty Ale is regarded as the first modern American pale ale. It was first brewed in 1975 to mark the start of the American War of Independence, when the US colonies effectively said 'up yours' to their British overlords. Golden Ale Combining elements of pilsners and wheat beers, golden ales are technically part of the broader pale ale family. Noted for their alluring colour, golden ales are light, refreshing and highly drinkable, with a restrained bitterness and dry finish. Often called 'summer ales', this is the fastest-growing style of beer in the UK, charming drinkers away from the heavily promoted lager brands. Pale Ale Originating in northern England (Burton upon Trent, to be precise, a town blessed with plenty of rich, hard water, which helps with clarity and enhancing the hop bitterness), the term stems from the practice of using coke to dry-roast malts, resulting in a lighter-coloured beer. Pale ales tend to be fruity and hoppy, and can vary in colour from amber to golden. Craft beer fans around the world have innovative chemist CW Vincent to thank for identifying the calcium sulphate content in the Burton water that first allowed for hoppy beers to be brewed. The act of adding gypsum to water is now known as 'Burtonisation' and now allows the likes of the Malt Shovel Brewery (home to the James Squire craft beer range) to bring out the flavours of the hops. Copper Ale Named after their distinctive colour (which perhaps isn't the most creative approach, but at least you know what you're getting), copper ales can vary in taste from mild to bitter. In the US, copper ales are classed as American amber ales and originated on the West Coast, home to various counter culture movements and alternative, individualistic approaches. Amber Ale Another member of the pale ale family, and another named after its colour, amber ales tend to be balanced, rich and effortlessly flavoursome. Coloured malts such as Crystal are used to create the rich amber colour. Amber ale was the first craft beer brewed in the James Squire range. Now known as Nine Tales Amber Ale, it tells James Squire's remarkable life story in a toffee-caramel nutshell. Pilsner Also (and more correctly) spelt pilsener, this pale lager takes its name from the Bohemian city of Plzen (or Pilsen) where it was first brewed. There are now three main styles of pilsner: Czech — golden, earthy and bitter; German — colourful, light and foamy, European (mainly Dutch and Belgian) — sweeter. Josef Groll, the brewer who invented pilsner, was a Bohemian in every sense of the word, from his revolutionary approach to brewing to the manner of his death — of natural causes while happily telling stories at the regulars' table in his favourite pub. Australian lager Synonymous with Australian beer, lagers are European in origin (the word comes from lagern, meaning 'to store' in German). The fundamental difference to ales comes from the type of yeast used (bottom-fermenting as opposed to top). Lagers tend to be clean and crisp, and often have grassy characteristics. In the US, lagers brewed before Prohibition were often crafted with a high percentage of corn. Coincidentally, James Squire also brewed beer from corn in Australia's earliest days — which perhaps makes 'necessity is the mother of invention' the rogue's motto. Photo credits: Daveybot, Jaryl Cabuco | Fitted.Life, Keithius, Claudio Brisighello, Speed-Light, Matthew Black, blondinrikard, and martingarri via photopin cc.
The touring country music festival, Strummingbird, has announced the lineup for its 2026 return, with dates and acts earmarked for shows in Ballarat, Newcastle and the Sunshine Coast this October. At the top of the bill is pop-turned country star Post Malone, who's joined by the likes of Bailey Zimmerman, Cooper Alan, Stella Lefty, Dexter & the Moonrocks and many more. Post Malone, returning to Aussie stages for the first time since sold-out Spilt Milk headline slot in 2023, is bringing his catalogue of modern classics like "Sunflower", "Circles" and "Rockstar," as well as plenty of tracks from his Grammy-nominated Nashville-style album F-1 Trillion, which featured country icons like Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll. Bailey Zimmerman is similarly associated with the rising stars of country music, a multi-platinum artist whose 2025 album Different Night Same Rodeo saw him land a spot at Stagecoach, where he performed a cover of Miley Cyrus' "The Climb". Elsewhere on the lineup is more up-and-coming talent, including Nashville's Cooper Alan, who made his start in the honky tonk scene, feel-good songstress Stella Lefty and Western Grunge band Dexter & The Moonrocks — both of whom are currently ranking on the Billboard 100 chart. On the local front, the lineup includes Brad Cox, best known for his singles "Lake House" and "Give me Tonight" and album Endemic Intelligence in Multiple Dimensions. There's also Sydney's own globally touring multi-genre outfit Sons of the East, Brisbane local and 2026 Countrytown Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee Briana Dinsdale, outback-born artist Sarah Berki, CMAA Female Artist of the Year Max Jackson and Queensland cattlehand-turned global star Mack Geiger. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Strummingbird (@strummingbirdfestival) Each city that Strummingbird stops in will welcome local artists, too. Ballarat will see the rising folk-country and modern pop infusions of Lewis Love, Newcastle will welcome Gamilaraay artist Loren Ryan and the Sunshine Coast rounds out the tour with Sammy White. Strummingbird will open its 2026 tour on Saturday, October 10 in Ballarat's Victoria Park, then up to Newcastle foreshore on Saturday, October 17 and rounding out the tour at the Sunshine Coast's Kawana Sports Precinct on Sunday, October 18. Ticket presale begins on Wednesday, May 13 at 10am for the Sunshine coast, 11am for Newcastle and 12pm for Ballarat. General ticket sales open at 10am local time on Thursday, May 14. Visit the website for more info or to get your tickets.
There's never been a show on TV quite like Kevin Can F**k Himself — or on streaming, where the series is now available in Australia via Amazon Prime Video. But, there have sadly been far too many programs over the years that resemble one half of this clever and cutting dark comedy. Even if you aren't a fan of the fare this newcomer riffs on, you know the type. For too long, screens have been littered with sitcoms about families, and about specific kinds of couples and their kids. Accordingly, a different one probably springs to mind for each of us. You might've started thinking about Home Improvement, or Everybody Loves Raymond — or, thanks to Kevin Can F**k Himself's title, you could've just remembered all the shows starring Kevin James. Kevin Can F**k Himself's moniker does indeed conjure up the words many of us have thought to ourselves after stumbling across awful sitcoms led by James. Here, Kevin McRoberts (Eric Petersen, Sydney to the Max) is the obnoxious manchild of a husband, while Allison (Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek) is his put-upon wife — and whenever they're together, generally at home, she's clearly in a sitcom. The lights glow brightly, her house resembles every other cosy abode in similar shows about comparable characters, and multiple cameras capture their lives. Also, canned laughter chuckles whenever something apparently amusing (but usually just cringeworthy) occurs. And, that source of terrible humour tends to be Kevin, who skates through his days with the arrogance and obliviousness of a white thirty-something man who has always been told he can do no wrong. Helping to reinforce that mindset, he always has his ever dimwitted best pal and neighbour Neil (Alex Bonifer, Superstore) by his side, gushing over his every move. Also frequently hovering around: Neil's one-of-the-guys sister Patty (Mary Hollis Inboden, The Righteous Gemstones) and Kevin's own ever-present dad (Brian Howe, Chicago Fire). We've all seen this setup before, and Kevin Can F**k Himself's creator Valerie Armstrong — who also worked on the excellent, underrated, cancelled-too-soon Lodge 49 — definitely knows it. She isn't trying to recreate these abysmal sitcoms for fun, though. Instead, she knows that Allison and the women who've been in her place are devastatingly miserable, and she's determined to give them their time in the spotlight and explore what happens when they're not supporting player to a man they don't even want to be with. That's where the twist comes in, and it's oh-so-savvily handled. (It's also laid bare in the show's first episode, because it's that important to the series' premise.) So, whenever Kevin Can F**k Himself's leading lady is blissfully free of her horrible hubby, her life becomes a premium cable drama. Murkier tones and a much more realistic vibe kick in, just one camera films her struggles, and no one is giggling. Also, Allison starts trying to do something about her soul-crushing marriage. The visual and tonal contrast between the show's two halves is big, stark and obvious. It hits you over the head. It's meant to. On paper, the creative decisions behind Kevin Can F**k Himself stem from a high-concept gimmick, and purposefully so — but the show's central idea is also exceptionally smart. This series needs to be as blatant as it is in contrasting Allison's time with Kevin with her experiences whenever he's not around. It needs to make flagrant moves to illustrate how the world still sees marriages like theirs as bright and inviting, even when Allison endures a grim struggle. Subtlety isn't usually the best way to make a statement, after all, and that applies when you're calling out how an entire genre of TV has long treated women; that its instantly recognisable toxic tropes have become not just accepted, but imitated; and that real-life relationships based on this dynamic aren't healthy or happy. These notions bubble away throughout Kevin Can F**k Himself, including when over-lit scenes of Allison putting up with Kevin segue into dark-hued shots as soon as she's out of his presence. Usually, the change kicks in because she's walked into the kitchen and left him on the couch with his pals, or she's gone to work while he gets up to standard sitcom-style hijinks; however, Allison is desperate to make a permanent change. The series follows not just her efforts to leave Kevin, but her quest to ensure that she'll be free of him forever. You could say that she breaks bad, but she's doing good — just for herself for once. Allison's path forward is messy, naturally, and only gets more chaotic the more she commits to achieving her Kevin-free new life. Her high-school crush Sam (Raymond Lee, Made for Love) moves back to town, too, while Patty becomes an unexpected ally. Soon, the two women have a police detective (Candice Coke, Indemnity) snooping around their lives as well. Everything Allison faces could've easily fuelled a drama that didn't include sitcom-savaging segments, but the show is all the better for embracing its gimmickry. It pulls back the curtain on the glossy way that its protagonist's existence is presented to the world, exposes the reality and finds ample ways to interrogate why this sitcom fantasy has proliferated for so long. Thanks to weighty key performances by Murphy and Inboden, it also dives deep into the internalised miseries that women who've been caught in the orbit of men like Kevin keep navigating — and, episode by episode, it grows and fleshes out the pair's complicated friendship as well, and unpacks the "cool girl" archetype Patty initially represents. In the process, amidst all of its layers and switches, Kevin Can F**k Himself quickly becomes one of the best new shows of 2021. Thankfully, it has already been renewed for a second season, too, so more of its incisive charms and astute social commentary — and Murphy and Inboden's stellar work — awaits. Check out the trailer for Kevin Can F**k Himself below: The first four episodes of Kevin Can F**k Himself's first season are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Images: Jojo Whilden/AMC.
When is a dance film more than just a dance film? When it brings a celebrated real-life performance to the cinema, fills its frames with dream-like visuals, and dives into the indigenous Australian experience. That's the case with Spear, which — its sublime showcase of fancy footwork and smooth moves aside — bears little other resemblance to the bulk of the dance film genre. Saturday Night Fever, Footloose and Step Up, this is not. Indeed, in an effort concerned with origins and evolution, understanding the movie's own leap from dance piece to film is pivotal. Spear blossoms out of a Bangarra Dance Theatre presentation first staged in 2000, and marks the feature filmmaking debut of Stephen Page, the company's artistic head. His close connection with the material is evident from the outset, and not just because his son, Hunter Page-Lochard, plays the lead character and his brother, David Page composed the accompanying music. Prior to this, Page's only credits are on a segment of The Turning and choreography work on Bran Nue Dae and The Sapphires. Nonetheless, his expressive offering demonstrates what all directors hope for: the strong imprint of a distinctive guiding hand. Given that the production relies upon imagery and movement much more than words and narrative, the importance of Page's task cannot be underestimated. In fact, as Spear cycles between rocky seaside cliffs, dusty outback plains and gritty urban locations, the feature's primary aim isn't to tell a story, but to convey a feeling and channel a sense of spirituality. Enter Djali (Page-Lochard), an Aboriginal youth trying to understand his heritage, and the audience's on-screen surrogate. As the film takes him through the past and present experiences of his people, sometimes accompanied by an Old Man (Demala Wunungmurra) or interacting with Suicide Man (Aaron Pedersen), its rhythmic sights and sounds wash over him — and over the watching viewer, too. Think of Spear as a series of exquisite dance routines, each fusing the traditional and the contemporary, and representing a plethora of issues: discrimination, marginalisation, violence, homelessness, abuse, and forced assimilation among them. Think of it as a process of layering, as well. Each individual section proves an intricate, intimate and distinctive creation in its own right, as well as a crucial piece of a bigger thematic and artistic puzzle. If it sounds unique, that's because it is. In fact, with its combination of exceptional physical feats, evocative presentation and somewhat abstract content, Spear is unlike any film most audiences will have seen. It's a stunning achievement, as well as a memorable one. The end result doesn't simply engage the brain but assaults the senses — so much so that it almost feels as though the movie could dance from the screen back into reality at any moment. To celebrate Black History Month, Spear screens at QPAC's Cremorne Theatre at 6.30pm on Thursday, July 5 — with tickets just $5, and a Q&A session held after the film.
Last chance, Swifties: just days away from Taylor Swift's first Eras gigs in Melbourne, more tickets to the entire Australia leg of the singer's tour are going on sale. If you missed out when her Aussie visit was first announced, then when extra shows were added and also when the first batch of new tickets were released, you'll be wishing on your friendship bracelets that your luck comes through now. The additional ticket drop comes as setting up Swifts shows is underway, meaning that exactly which seats are spare has been worked out. Some have restricted views, and will cost only $65.90. There's tickets available for all shows, going on sale on today, Tuesday, February 13. Folks eager to attend this weekend's shows at the MCG in Melbourne — which take place between Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18 — will want to try to grab tickets at 2pm AEDT on Tuesday, February 13. In Sydney, for dates across Friday, February 23–Monday, February 26 at Accor Stadium, you'll be getting clicking at 4pm AEDT on Tuesday, February 13. [caption id="attachment_940473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Perhaps it won't be a cruel summer after all for Swift fans who've haven't nabbed tickets so far. When Sydney and Melbourne stops for Swift's career-spanning showcase were announced in June 2023, it sparked a rush for seats. Indeed, before general sales even started, the 'We Are Never Getting Back Together', 'Shake It Off' and 'Bad Blood' musician had announced an extra gig in both cities. And, the Victorian Government even declared her Melbourne stint a major event so that anti-scalping legislation would apply to tickets. It's Swift's world and we're just living in it at the moment. She was a major feature of this year's Super Bowl. Melbourne is getting a pop-up offsite merch store ahead of her MCG concerts. Both Aussie stadiums hosting her tour are doing presales on merchandise in advance. And the Victorian capital is also extending its free tram zone to the MCG to help the 86,000 people expected each night to get to the shows. If you manage to snap up a ticket in the new drop and fill that blank space in your calendar, you'll see Swift working through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular. This is Swift's first tour Down Under since 2018, when she brought her Reputation shows to not only Sydney and Melbourne, but Brisbane and Perth, too. And if you're wondering what's in store, then you clearly haven't seen Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour as a movie, aka a concert film of her latest shows that hit cinemas Down Under last October, digital in December and is on its way to Disney+ in March. [caption id="attachment_906254" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Australian Dates 2024: Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18 — Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Friday, February 23–Monday, February 26 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Taylor Swift is bringing The Eras Tour to Australia from Friday, February 16–Monday, February 26. Additional seats will go on sale on Tuesday, February 13 — at 2pm AEDT for Melbourne shows and 4pm AEDT for Sydney shows. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.
Most kids love a school camp — the sense of camaraderie, having a giant sleepover with your best friends and doing fun things that you wouldn't experience at home. But these feelings are usually captured between the ages of ten and 17, and can be hard to replicate once you're an adult with responsibilities. Thankfully, Snow Machine is here to flip that idea on its head. Snow Machine is a five-day extravaganza dedicated to playing hard and partying harder, with the New Zealand leg set across the mountains of picturesque Queenstown. Here, adventure- and music-loving folks ski all day and party all night. What was 2023's fest like between Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10? And why is Snow Machine more than just another festival? Here's everything that you need to know. WHAT IS SNOW MACHINE? Snow Machine is so much more than a multi-day concert. Instead, it creates an institution of fun that has punters returning year after year. The sense of community is something that the team behind Snow Machine are experts at, and is incredibly important to festival creator Chris 'Muz' Murray and fellow director Quentin Nolan. There's nothing that Muz loves more than a serious hat, fun costumes and bringing people together, and he's combined these three passions in the Machine festival series. Snow Machine takes place in Queenstown and Japan, Dream Machine in Bali and Wine Machine throughout Australia. Muz's personal goal for each Machine is to "exhaust" his patrons in a good way, with the five-day schedule jam-packed with everything that Queenstown and a fest has to offer — whether it be skiing down The Remarkables half-naked, indulging in a Fergburger or zipping around Shotover River on a speedboat, festivalgoers can choose to do as much or as little as they like. For Snow Machine 2023, tickets started at $929, which covered the bulk of an attendee's expenses — including accommodation (which is available in different tiers), a five-day ski pass at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, access to the party areas on each mountain, and a ticket to the main Snow Machine arena each night. These are just the basics, with patrons able to add any of the other experiences that Snow Machine has to offer, such as after parties in Queenstown clubs, a VIP long lunch halfway up Coronet Peak and a recovery cruise at the end of the week to top it all off. FIVE DAYS AT THE MACHINE Snow Machine's 2023 Queenstown schedule started small and built up throughout the week, with each day busier than the previous. The festival officially kicked off on Tuesday, September 5 with an opening party at Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Local DJs took to the decks as punters got the week started with a dose of adrenaline — and one guy set the tone for the upcoming days by taking the plunge in his birthday suit. Wednesday, September 6 was the first day up the mountain for many of the patrons, as DJs and artists started their rotation of sets throughout both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, with each mountain having two stages. That night was the first of many side parties at Canyon Brewing, a brewery just outside of Queenstown with stunning views across the Shotover River. These side parties continued each night, with after parties taking over three Queenstown nightclubs. The next two days were the most jam-packed of them all, with the main festival arena swinging into action and the infamous Polar Bare (emphasis on bare) taking place. As you may be able to glean from the title, this is a ski run like no other, as punters strip off to ski down The Remarkables wearing anything from a brightly coloured bikini, a mankini or even some fancy lingerie. Just one rule rang out over the loudspeaker on the day: "the lifties will not let you on if you're naked". Friday saw one of the more exclusive events take place, a VIP long lunch. Before 2023, it had never been open to the public — and this year's sold out instantly. The ski-in, ski-out experience featured a three-course meal and endless rosé thanks to Whispering Angel wines, as enjoyed at long tables adorned with pink decor and lined with fur-covered seats. SNOW MACHINE'S MAIN ARENA The main arena, assembled near Queenstown Airport, was open for business as of Thursday night, with Hilltop Hoods and Shapeshifter drawing the biggest crowds. For those who wanted a little more luxury in their festival experience, Snow Machine offered VIP tickets, which included access to an impressive two-storey marquee with rustic fake fires, comfy couches and — perhaps most importantly in a festival environment — very fancy toilets. Everyone's favourite social media lads The Inspired Unemployed were on the scene to oversee their Better Beer pop-up, a lager that they launched in New Zealand in 2022 and were shilling successfully to their adoring fans, with Red Bull vodkas and Odd Company RTDs joining the drink selection. To soak it all up, festivalgoers had multiple food trucks to choose from, with options including pizzas, kebabs, Chinese savoury pancakes and dumplings. That evening was even bigger than the last, with New Zealand's national treasure Benee owning the night with her set, and almost getting lost in the crowd when she attempted to crowdsurf in the middle of a song. Peking Duk closed out night two, with the Aussie duo always ready for a party and bringing the crowd along with them, screaming at the audience to get on each other's shoulders despite security being vehemently against it the previous night. WHY SHOULD I GO? Muz's message of bringing people together doesn't just include the patrons themselves, but the crew who puts it all together. This huge group of fun, like-minded and kind people are doing it all just to make sure that people have a good time — and, wandering around the festival grounds and up the mountain, you can see that they've passed that test with flying colours. There's no doubt that nostalgic sense of camaraderie has been achieved, as festivalgoers run into each other on the ski chairlift and the mosh pit, surrounded by their party people all week. That feeling is why so many of the punters are repeat guests, because that vibe is hard to appreciate before seeing and feeling it for yourself. Snow Machine Queenstown 2023 ran from Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Head to the Snow Machine website for information about Snow Machine Japan, and keep your eye out for early-bird registration to Snow Machine Queenstown 2024. Images: Chris Kay / Pat Stevenson / Han Lowther / Daniel Hilderbrand.
Cult favourite Aussie basics label Bassike is hosting a big online warehouse sale this month, selling its items from both its past season collections and its archive at significant discounts off the regular price — with pieces starting at $30. Both men's and women's fashion will be up for grabs for five days from 8am on Thursday, July 9 till midnight on Monday, July 13. Expect to find everything from swimwear and footwear to accessories, denim, cotton jersey pieces and lots of quality basics. If you're struggling with the winter cold, you'll (thankfully) be able to find warm clothing here, too. While exact prices have not yet been announced, previously physical warehouse sales have seen denim from $90, tees from $30 and jackets for $120 — no, these aren't basement bargains, but they are reasonable prices for these fine organic pieces. Spend more than $100, and you'll score free shipping, too. Bassike's online warehouse sale will run from 8am on Thursday, July 9 till midnight on Monday, July 13.
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy the next best thing: cronuts. The craze has swept New Yorkers off their feet in a bad romance of demand outweighing supply. The sweet and innocent pastry has turned nasty, becoming a lucrative black market good. And who doesn't love a bad boy? Since Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC's Soho district gave birth ti the cronut in May, foodies worldwide have been flocking to his store. Customers are known to arrive anytime from 3am, five hours before the store opens, onwards to secure one of Ansel's mini-masterpieces. Not one to be left behind, Brisbane favourite Flour & Chocolate were quick to jump on the bandwagon - and Brisbanites are not complaining. Fast-tracking the idea from the US, they have made this morsel their own and turned the locals-only southside patisserie into a hot Brisbane destination. But what on earth is a cronut? Like a caboodle only edible, the cronut is a hybrid breed of the pastry world. Ansel allegedly wanted to invent a pastry both instantly recognisable to French and American food culture. The cronut is a ring of tasty croissant pastry layered and topped with flavours better-known in donut land - cinnamon sugar, chocolate and salted caramel at Flour & Chocolate. But unlike a donut, the crunchy treat flakes upon impact before your teeth sink into its light pastry layers and soft custard cream. This is what heaven probably tastes like. We'll break the bad news first, our friends at Flour & Chocolate only make cronuts on Wednesdays and Thursdays. But fear not, if you miss out grab a European donut filled with custard, jam, jaffa, salted caramel or sour cherry. These fluffy and sugary rounds of delight also hit the sweet spot. And for the good news, Flour & Chocolate are not the typical suburban bakery. They are artisans of pastry and everything good in the world. If you miss donut days, join them for bagel and brownie Friday. They also do a delicious range of authentic sourdough, their glass cases are constantly full with croissants, brioche, cakes and baguettes, and their window display is likely to be covered in a thin film of drool. Everything is baked using 100 percent organic flour, and for those with an intolerance — some brownies are flourless and the authentic sourdough means it is yeast free. The store also doubles as a fine foods grocer, selling beautiful jams, honey and fresh baked cookies. Flour & Chocolate is a decadent taste of France closer to home. We wish you luck taking home just one treat, I mean surely you'll need one for later anyway, right?
First, the sad news: as HBO fans in Australia and New Zealand already know, viewers Down Under can't watch HBO Max, the prestige US cable network's standalone streaming platform. Now, the great news: AMC, one of the other ace American stations behind plenty of top-notch TV shows in recent years — Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and The Walking Dead included — is now available via its own service in our neck of the woods. In Australia, this development might spark a bout of déjà vu, because AMC+ — as AMC's streamer offshoot is called — originally launched here a year back. But it made its debut in 2021 as a streaming bundle, rather than its own service. Instead of initially existing as a separate platform, it was an add-on that you had to access via the Apple TV channels on the Apple TV app and, also through Prime Video channels if you were a Prime member. Now, however, AMC+ is its own platform — with its own app and all — and is also available in New Zealand. And while you might be thinking about the fact that this is yet another subscription to sign up for, it also includes access to horror platform Shudder and the British TV-focused Acorn TV at no extra cost. Top-notch new television shows, horror flicks aplenty and indulging your British obsession? Yes, you can now find them all in the one place. That said, a heap of AMC's best-known past shows actually sit on other platforms due to past rights deals before it made its first foray Down Under. Still, AMC+ will be the future home of The Walking Dead universe in both Australia and Aotearoa, including the upcoming The Walking Dead: Dead City and fellow future spinoffs. Right now, viewers can also catch the new TV version of Interview with the Vampire, which starts a new Anne Rice franchise, with Mayfair Witches set to follow next year. AMC+ also currently includes animated series Pantheon, the clearly crime-focused True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here, and the latest series of doco satire Documentary Now! among its recent releases. Or, there's also a back catalogue that also includes Mad Men, Portlandia, Halt and Catch Fire, TURN: Washington's Spies, Hell on Wheels, Riviera and Aussie outback-set vampire series Firebite. Thanks to IFC Films, the service includes independent movies and documentaries, too. To access AMC+, you'll want to head to the platform's Australian and New Zealand websites, or you can sign up via Apple, Android and Amazon Fire devices in Australia — and Apple and Android devices in NZ. AMC+ costs $8.99 per month in Oz and $9.99 per month in Aotearoa, and new subscriptions come with a seven-day free trial first. For more information about AMC+, or to sign up, head to the platform's Australian and New Zealand websites.
