This article is sponsored by our partners, lastminute.com.au. The Barossa Valley may produce a wide selection of mighty fine drops, but it's also one of the world's friendliest wine regions in the world. Wine makers will happily stop for a chat to let you in on a few of their techniques; cellar door staff don't mind helping you to distinguish your chocolate tones from your blackberry ones; and there's every chance your bed and breakfast hosts will feel like a homely aunt and uncle. What's more, the area is really accessible. Though it seems a world away, it's less than an hour's drive from Adelaide. And, to make it even easier, many of its 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries are grouped in clusters. So, in the absence of a designated driver, you can walk or cycle from one to the other without too much effort. The wine, of course, is the main attraction of the area. But the Barossa also has a range of other events and festivals. Here are five that are well worth the road trip. Barossa Film Festival For three days each spring, the Valley's wine cellars, brewery lawns and bars are transformed into mini cinemas. But don't expect your everyday blockbusters and rom coms. The Barossa Film Festival focuses on unconventional flicks: the too-often ignored yet totally brilliant creations of independent, underground and emerging filmmakers. And they're all screened free of charge. If you haven't booked your flight/train/camel yet, you'd better do so quick smart. November 28-30, Various venues in the Barossa Valley, FREE. Barossa Gourmet Weekend Held smack-bang in the middle of winter, the Barossa Gourmet Weekend is one sure-fire way to get through the colder months. Every third weekend in August, the valley is overtaken with all manner of food and wine adventures: from cooking lessons and wine masterclasses to long lunches and even longer dinners. As the weather's still nice and sunny, you'll have a while to wait for the program. Details are to be announced in mid-June. August 14-16, Various locations in the Barossa Valley, TBA. Barossa Vintage Festival Of all the wine festivals in Australia, Barossa Vintage is the biggest and longest-running. The event was first held in 1947 to celebrate the end of the grape harvest as well as the end of WWII. Since then it's become tradition; it's been around for nearly six decades. The next incarnation is promising all kinds of surprises, following the appointment of new festival manager Andrew Dundon. Adelaide Fringe-goers should know him well: he's been taking care of artists and venues there since 2011. Look out for the program announcement on December 9. April 15-19, Tanunda, FREE. Shakespeare in the Vines Quirky Melbourne theatre company Essential Theatre takes the bard on the road every year. Their tour of Australia's most beautiful gardens and wineries includes the Barossa Valley's Seppeltsfield Road, where Shakespeare in the Vines occurs on the Saturday of the Australia Day long weekend. Macbeth will be the next work to get the outdoor treatment in 2015, on January 24, 2015. Tickets are always limited to 400, so it's a good idea to book well in advance. January 24, Seppeltsfield Road, TBA. SALA Festival Even though SALA (South Australian Living Artists) Festival is a state-wide event, it takes on an especially vibrant presence in the Barossa. Sculptures, paintings, mosaics and installations are scattered around the area's rolling hills and vineyards; and there's plenty of opportunities to kick back at a gig with a nice drop of wine. SALA runs throughout August every year, so if you make it along to Barossa Gourmet Weekend, be sure to leave yourself a day or two to take in the culture. August 1-24, Various locations across South Australia, TBA. Now you've got your itinerary, book your getaway to the Barossa Valley now with lastminute.com.au.
When Emi Kamada and Marie Yokoyama headed to Japan to study with traditional chefs — and, specifically, to learn everything they needed to know about yakitori — they weren't the first to visit the country and feel inspired. But the pair did make the most of that sensation, creating Brisbane's expanding Bird's Nest Yakitori chain. The brand started in 2013 in West End, with its OG site now boasting three sibling venues — including the Portside Wharf outpost. The Hamilton spot joins Bird's Nest Yakitori's outposts in Fortitude Valley and Toowong, too, the latter just for takeaways. All four share a key focus, of course: grilled Japanese skewers. The latest Bird's Nest Yakitori has made its home in a 100-square-metre space, with getting cosy aptly on the menu. Diners can choose between indoor and al fresco dining — and if you go with the former, you'll eat while peering into the open kitchen, with the bottle-lined bar also in sight, plus under atmospheric lighting. The mood: casual but authentic and also intimate, in a place that takes its design cues from the nation that clearly holds significant influence over all things Bird's Nest Yakitori. In other words, it's an enticing place for a drink over a bite, including picking from cocktails, sake and Japanese brews. If you've been to one of the brand's other locations, you'll know what to expect food-wise. The skewers range from chicken thigh, chicken skin, chicken meatball and pork belly to zucchini, oyster mushrooms and grape tomatoes; however, that's just the start of the culinary lineup. Rice bowls are also a feature, including charcoal chicken, both katsu and karaage chicken, slow-cooked wagyu, yakiniku, teriyaki salmon and eel — while Japanese burgers, wings and gyoza are also on offer.
Tasmania might get a little dark and stormy throughout winter, but the occasional blustery conditions mean that there's an even greater focus on spending quality time with your favourite people. That good-natured spirit is particularly apparent in the state's selection of breweries — places that'll keep you and your loved ones warm and cosy, and immediately charm your souls. From waterfront industrial-chic breweries to farms that roll over the hillsides, Tasmania's brewhouses make the most of their wealth of ingredients by creating elegant drinks that travellers will want to keep sipping. So we've tracked down five perfect spots that will not only have you revelling in the winter climes but also enjoying some fantastic beers along the way. Embrace the wild weather and start planning your midwinter Tassie escape. [caption id="attachment_718803" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Crerar.[/caption] SAINT JOHN CRAFT BEER Craft beer bars might seem a dime a dozen these days, but Saint John Craft Beer would enhance any city's beer drinking scene. And when it comes to finding a toasty spot to escape Launceston's wintery streets and enjoy a lively evening with friends, there's no better spot than here. The cooler months are the perfect time to pay Saint John a visit, with a number of stouts usually featuring among the bar's tap list — offering beer-lovers a chance to sample some devilishly dark brews from local, mainland and international producers. Plus, you'll find great burgers and snacks to match, all thanks to a permanent food van serving in the spacious rear outdoor section. [caption id="attachment_718802" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hobart Brewing Co.[/caption] HOBART BREWING CO Inspired by Hobart's lengthy history of brewing, the Hobart Brewing Co set out to create a venue that welcomes beer obsessives with open arms while pouring a selection of spectacular drinks made on-site. And it's safe to say that it has achieved this goal, with the brewery ranking among Hobart's premier bars — and drawing visitors in from the cold in the droves. Set across the harbour from Salamanca Place, this industrial waterfront warehouse is an ace place to delve into a great selection of drinks, including a few nifty partnerships with other local brewers. Also on offer? Regular food trucks and live music, plus a fire pit to warm yourself by as you settle in for a few quality brews. [caption id="attachment_718485" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Two Metre Tall.[/caption] TWO METRE TALL Take a 45-minute drive from Hobart and you'll arrive at the sprawling fields of the Two Metre Tall brewery. Tucked away in the Derwent Valley, this 580-hectare property produces some of the finest farmhouse ales and ciders anywhere in Tasmania, using a production process that combines mixed and wild fermentation — which gives its brews some truly spectacular flavours. Spread out across plenty of lawn, the brewery encourages you to bring your friends, your blankets (for both sitting and rugging up) and a well-stocked picnic basket. Park yourself by one of the many onsite barbecues (there are even woodfired options) and start cooking — it's an excellent way to keep warm and toasty, too. All you've gotta do next is grab a hand-pumped tipple to perfect your luncheon. [caption id="attachment_718801" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co.[/caption] BRUNY ISLAND CHEESE AND BEER CO The Bruny Island Cheese Co has been around for years, specialising in artisan and small-batch cheeses. But when owner Nick Haddow met brewer Evan Hunter, they decided to combine their renowned talents. We're certainly glad that they did because the Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co now provides visitors with quite the range of culinary pleasures — of the edible and drinkable kind. Made with Tasmanian-grown hops and grains from neighbouring farms on the island, the beers on offer here set a very high standard. Plus, each brew is created with a sustainable mindset. All wastage is recycled and put back into the farm, whether that be wastewater being treated then used as irrigation water or beer and cheese byproducts becoming feed for the pigs at a nearby farm. For a drop that'll warm you from the inside out, opt for the hearty whey stout, made with lactose from organic cow's milk whey leftover from cheesemaking. It's a sweet, textured beverage and pairs very well with a wedge of Saint: a ooey, gooey surface-ripened soft cheese. [caption id="attachment_717038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shambles Brewery.[/caption] SHAMBLES BREWERY Since opening in 2016, Shambles Brewery has become one of the best spots to get a beer on the North Hobart strip. This large-scale chic warehouse space has been transformed into a beer drinker's utopia, featuring everything you could want — from a huge open beer hall to a roaring fire pit to concrete table tennis tables that even withstand the chilliest of winter days. Serving Tasmanian wine, cider and spirits, the Shambles Brewery's line-up of beer packs quite the punch with an offering that includes experimental pale ales, American IPA and even a robust porter that has hints of chocolate and coffee. And as for the food, it's perfectly suited for winter; think 12-hour lamb ribs, six types of burger, brisket tacos and crispy fried chicken. Top image: Saint John Craft Beer by Chris Crerar.
There's a reason conversation is referred to as an art. It's not an exact science, for starters, but when done properly it's something that can organically take on a life of its own — it can be colourful, inspiring, thought-provoking and radical. Whether you're a veritable Caravaggio of conversation or you've not quite nailed your chat game just yet, interesting — and, yes, provocative — conversation prompts can go a long way to you uncovering more about people you think you already might know so well. Inspired by our upcoming event The Slow Lounge in partnership with American Honey, we put out a call to you, our readers, to reveal your favourite conversation starters — and we're delighted to report that you did not disappoint. Sure, not all of these will be appropriate for every situation (who's your favourite Muppet? might not be a solid opener for your future mother-in-law), but here are some of your go-to catalysts for good chat. What makes you happy? Would you rather be a metre taller or a metre shorter? What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten? What's been the best part of your day so far? What is a language you love to listen to, even if you don't speak or understand it? Instead of "What's been happening?", ask "What's the most important thing happening in your life right now?" If you could go back and change one decision you've made in your life, what would it be and why? Who's your favourite Muppet? What's the most outrageous thing you've done in your life? What food best describes your personality? What song describes your life to now? Who would you least like to get stuck with in an elevator? What's your favourite cocktail? What has been the best thing about emerging out of COVID-19 hibernation? What are your three favourite vegetables? If you could be a fruit, what fruit would you be and why? What's something about you that people are surprised about when they first hear it? What is something about yourself that you love? What is your fondest live music memory? What is your favourite Arnott's biscuit? What do you want to achieve this year? What's been the best moment of your week? When was the last time you built a Lego set? What was it and what have you done with it since? If you were sent to Antarctica and could only take one person and two objects, who and what would you take? If a squirrel could talk do you think it would have a really high voice or a really low voice? Who would play you in a movie about you? For more inspo on how to create your own golden moments with mates, head to the American Honey website. Top image: Cottonbro (Pexels)
In the past few years we have seen the reputation of rum go from a rugby spectator's drink of choice to a sophisticated, essential ingredient in many an innovative cocktail. Be it white, golden, spiced or aged, rum is back in the best possible way. Here are the best places in Brisbane to give the new generation of rum drinks a try. COBBLER While this bar is crafting its reputation as a go-to for a fine single malt whisky, Cobbler's also where you'll find one of the classiest rum cocktails in town. Meet the Richard Nixon — a mix of Appleton 8yo, Oloroso Sherry, grape honey and Peychaud's Bitters, served on a sophisticated single rock of ice and dressed with an orange peel. Consider this a gateway to Don Draper-esque sophistication and you'll be discussing social politics in no time. 7 Browning Street, West End LONGTIME Rum, Frangelico, orange-strawberry juice, sesame soy honey reduction, Hellfire bitters and Thai basil. Are you with us? Good. They'll shake this bad boy up, serve it with dehydrated orange triangles, sesame meringue tea drops and more Thai basil. The only remaining question after finding out about this marvellous creation is: what are you still doing here? Run, don't walk, to Longtime on Ann Street, pronto. 610 Ann Street, Brisbane THE WALRUS CLUB At the end of the day, sometimes all you want is to sink into a fine leather couch in a dimly lit bunker and sip away on a quality drop of rum. This is the winning charms of The Walrus Club; while their cocktail list is seemingly endless and rotating, their 300 choices of rum will take you back to Prohibition-era drinking den. Why not sample the Old Fashioned with your cigar? Under the Regatta, Coronation Drive, Toowong DUTCH COURAGE OFFICERS' MESS Though garnering a name as Brisbane's go-to for gin lovers, Dutch Courage in fact offers a smattering of rum-based drinks to satisfy the thirst of the more adventurous or for those looking for something a little different. Why not try the pear and almond martini, wherein "the Empire has reached Barbados", or opt for rum muddled with orchard fruits and aromatic spices in the Sailors' Plantation? All hail the Fall Maple Sangria, where Caribbean goodness comes by the jugful. 51 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley SUBSTATION NO. 41 RUM BAR For the true rum aficionado, where better to go than Australia's largest rum bar, housed nicely in Brisbane? Substation no. 41 — an arm of the Breakfast Creek Hotel — is where it is about quality and quantity. They boast more than 500 varieties from around the globe, including one of the six bottles of Havana Club Maximo found in Australia, alongside the world's oldest, the Appleton Estate 50-year aged Jamaican Rum. Here you will decipher the the fruity from the spiced, and learn the difference between the French and British Caribbean. Breakfast Creek Hotel, Kingsford Smith Drive JUNGLE Rum can be a fitting drink for any time of the year, but the choices at Jungle in West End will have you dreaming of summer with their fresh palates. The fittingly-named Beachcombers Gold is a sweet and sultry choice with lime juice, house-crafted white grapefruit and cinnamon orgeat to give greater body to the double dash of rum. Here is where you will find a number of rum drink reinventions, with watermelon coolers, punch and daiquiris aplenty to get you in the spirit. 76 Vulture Street, Brisbane
Summer might be over for another year, but chasing endless sunny days, sandy spots and crashing waves is a rather easy pastime in Australia. The country is girt by sea, after all, and boasts thousands of beaches — including Western Australia's Cable Beach, which has just been named one of the best coastal spots in the world for 2023, plus the absolute top beach in the South Pacific for this year as well. The scenic Broome locale nabbed those honours thanks to Tripadvisor, which unveils a lineup of top beaches each year. Among the international plaudits, Cable Beach came in third behind Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha in Brazil and Eagle Beach in Aruba in The Caribbean. It also ranked higher than spots in Iceland, Turks and Caicos, Portugal, India, Sicily, Cuba and Hawaii. Yes, that's mighty fine company to keep. [caption id="attachment_891596" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cable Beach[/caption] In the South Pacific rundown, Cable Beach beat six other Aussie locations and one from New Zealand. Also getting some love locally: Sydney's Manly Beach in second place, Emily Bay on Norfolk Island in third and Mooloolaba Beach in fourth spot. Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas and Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island adding two more Queensland locations to the list at sixth and seventh place, while Turquoise Bay in Exmouth in WA came in ninth after topping the South Pacific spots in 2022. Across the ditch, Tahunanui Beach in Nelson sits at eighth place, too. The two beaches deemed the best in the South Pacific that aren't from Down Under? Matira Beach on Society Island in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, which sits fifth and Natadola Beach in Sigatoka, Fiji, at tenth. If it's an overseas beach holiday you're after this year, you now know where to head. [caption id="attachment_891589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Beach[/caption] Back to the worldwide list, it spans 25 places, with Manly coming in 13th there ahead of locations in Grand Cayman, San Sebastian, Bali, Costa Rica, Rio de Janeiro and more. Across both the worldwide and South Pacific rankings, winners were chosen as part of Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice awards, which is based on millions of reviews and ratings left on the online platform across 2022. [caption id="attachment_891592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach[/caption] TOP TEN BEACHES IN THE WORLD FOR 2023: Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil Eagle Beach, Aruba, The Caribbean Cable Beach, Broome, Australia Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos, The Caribbean Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India Spiaggia dei Conigli, Sicily, Italy Varadero Beach, Cuba, The Caribbean Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii TOP TEN BEACHES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC FOR 2023: Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia, Australia Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Emily Bay, Norfolk Island, Australia Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia Matira Beach, Society Island, Bora Bora, French Polynesia Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia Tahunanui Beach, Nelson, New Zealand Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Western Australia, Australia Natadola Beach, Sigatoka, Fiji [caption id="attachment_891590" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matira Beach[/caption] To check out the full list of top beaches for 2023, head to Tripadvisor. Images: Getty Images / Tripadvisor. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Byron Bay's Bluesfest has lost another name from its 2023 lineup, with acclaimed rapper Sampa the Great pulling out of this year's festival. Just over six weeks out from the Easter long-weekend fest, Bluesfest today announced its playing times for the five-day music program and a revised lineup, both of which were missing Sampa. A member from Sampa's team confirmed to Concrete Playground that Zambian hip hop trailblazer will not be performing at the festival. US supergroup The Soul Rebels & Friends with special guests Talib Kweli, GZA and Big Freedia also appears missing from the set times and revised lineup, however, there's been no confirmation of the group's removal from the lineup. Bluesfest was reached out to for comment on both Sampa and The Soul Rebels, but did not respond before publication. [caption id="attachment_811633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sampa the Great, Lucian Coman[/caption] The lineup change follows Monday's announcement that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard had also removed themselves from the program. The band's decision to withdraw from the festival was kept reasonably vague but, in a statement, the Melbourne psych-rock group cited the festival's decision to book content that conflicts with their values as the reason they won't be appearing. "As a band and as human beings, we stand against misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence," King Giz's statement reads. "Surprised and saddened to see Bluesfest commit to presenting content that is in complete opposition to these values." "Given this decision by the festival, we have decided to cancel our appearance at Bluesfest," continues the statement. "We are deeply disappointed to be in this position but sometimes you need to be willing to make sacrifices to stand up for your values. This is, unfortunately, one of those moments." Controversy began brewing around this year's Bluesfest after the unveiling of its sixth artist announcement which featured the band Sticky Fingers. The booking of Sticky Fingers received online backlash from others in the music industry including Jaguar Jonze and Camp Cope's Sarah Thompson. Dylan Frost, Sticky Fingers' frontman, has been the subject of serious allegations which include physically threatening First Nations singer Thelma Plum and harassing a transgender woman at a Sydney pub. Frost and bassist Paddy Cornwall were also caught in an alleged brawl with each other in 2019 which saw Cornwall charged with affray. Bluesfest previously faced controversy after festival director Peter Noble compared a Jewish woman to a Nazi for commenting on the gender imbalance present on the first announcement of the festival's 2018 lineup. The festival will continue without King Giz and Sampa the Great from Thursday, April 6 until Monday, April 10 with headliners including Gang of Youths, Paolo Nutini, Tash Sultana, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers and Beck. [caption id="attachment_876098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jason Galea[/caption] Bluesfest 2023 will run from Thursday, April 6–Monday, April 10 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. For the most up-to-date lineup, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Jordan Munns.
You are cordially invited to Relief on the Runway, where fashion meets charity. In celebration of Glory Box’s first birthday, they will be hosting a fashion parade with all proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery. Hitting the runway will be some of Glory Box’s finest garments, artwork from local artists up for sale, burlesque performances and live music. Glory Box is an independent seller of new and vintage fashions, so you can do your part for charity while also planning your next fashion fix. Tickets include entry into a prize draw and a night filled with entertainment, a licensed bar and dumplings. However, if you cannot attend but would still like to contribute, you can do so via the charity website. Remember: all ticket purchases and donations are tax deductible.
Finding greatness in Bong Joon-ho's Parasite isn't difficult. The perceptive class-clash and eat-the-rich story, the array of pitch-perfect performances, the acclaimed director's stunning mastery of tone, the insightful and revealing production design: they're all examples in this Oscar- and Cannes-winning South Korean masterpiece. Another instance comes courtesy of composer Jung Jae-il's score, which soundtracks the film with tunes both disquieting and baroque. It's no wonder that accolades came Jung's way, too, including from his homeland's Grand Bell Awards. Hearing Jung's contribution echoing as Parasite screens is the best way to appreciate it, of course — and watching him perform it live in Australia with Orchestra Victoria will dial what's already a spectacular experience up a few notches. For the first time, the composer is heading Down Under, all thanks to 2025's Melbourne International Film Festival. The event's commitment to honouring the art of screen composition via screenings that pair live tunes and movies is continuing, and two Parasite in Concert sessions are set to be among this year's fest highlights. At 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, August 23 at Hamer Hall in the Victorian capital, Jung will take to the keys. He'll also be conducting Orchestra Victoria as he plays. Seeing Parasite on a big screen is already a treat, no matter how many times you've watched it before; however, giving the picture the concert treatment is something extra special. It's only happening in Melbourne, if you're located elsewhere in Australia and needed more motivation — beyond the 26 films the fest has already announced for 2025 — to attend this year's MIFF. Jung isn't just known for Parasite. If you've felt the tension emanating from Squid Game's score across its two seasons so far — with the third arriving before June 2025 is out — then you've also appreciated the composer's efforts. Prior to Parasite, Jung collaborated with Bong on Okja, then did so again afterwards on this year's Mickey 17. The tunes in Hirokazu Kore-eda's Broker hail from him as well, as does the score for MIFF 2025 title Twinless. "Composing the score of Parasite for director Bong Joon Ho was a life-changing experience for me, and it's a work I'm incredibly proud of. I'm so excited to conduct and perform this original score live in concert for the first time in Australia with the talented Orchestra Victoria as part of Melbourne International Film Festival," said Jung about MIFF's Parasite in Concert events. "This isn't just a film with live music, it's something far more rare. To see Jung Jae-il perform and conduct his own score, live, brings an intimacy and immediacy you can't replicate," added Melbourne International Film Festival Artistic Director Al Cossar. "It's exactly the kind of experience that belongs on a festival stage. In collaboration with Orchestra Victoria, we're proud to present something that speaks directly to MIFF's mission to bring audiences the story of the world through unforgettable screen experiences," Cossar continued. Parasite in Concert joins two sessions of almost-100-year-old masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc with a new score by Julia Holter on the music-and-movies side of Melbourne International Film Festival's 2025 program so far. As for what else they'll have for company beyond the already-revealed titles, the fest's full lineup is unveiled on Thursday, July 10. Check out the trailer for Parasite below: Parasite Live in Concert takes place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank — with tickets on sale from 11am on Thursday, June 12, 2025 via the venue website. The 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, including the full program from Thursday, July 10, visit the MIFF website.
Perhaps you're fond of crusty sourdough with your breakfast or brunch. Maybe you have a sweet tooth for cakes, muffins and brownies. Either way, with everyone presently spending more time at home — and zero time eating out at bakeries and cafes — we're betting that you've probably cranked up your oven and put your baking skills to the test in recent weeks. Next time you get creative in the kitchen, however, you don't just have to stick to a packet mix or try out the recipe on the back of your packet of flour. And if you've been craving treats from one of Brisbane's favourite spots for tasty baked goods, you don't have to miss out. Adapting to the current situation, Jocelyn's Provisions is now selling 'take & bake' kits, which'll let you whip up some of its wares yourself. For folks who can't resist the smell of baking cookies wafting through the house, the choc chip cookie dough kit ($18.50) features 500 grams of ready-to-bake cookie dough — which is enough to make 24 cookies. And for those who are fine with leaving the baking to the experts, but would love to get crafty with icing, the cupcake decorating kit ($22.50) comes with six vanilla cupcakes, piping bags filled with raspberry and vanilla icing, and edible pink and gold decorations. Both kits are available for pick up only — with orders taken online, and collection available from Jocelyn's Provisions' stores on Sandgate Road in Albion, James Street in New Farm and Samuel Street in Camp Hill. Jocelyn's is also selling its regular range for takeaway and delivery, as well as a weekly selection of take home meals — with the current menu, at the time of writing, featuring cacio e pepe spaghetti and tomato and bacon pasta for two ($16.90 each); minestrone soup with a mini garlic bread, which also serves two ($23.50); garlic, fresh herb and parmesan sourdough that'll cater for between four and six ($18.50); and a four-person classic beef lasagne ($48.50). For more information about Jocelyn's Provisions' 'take & bake' kits — or to order one — visit the store's website. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Sydney WorldPride is bringing the party to town. Not only will it see our country's best gay clubs, bars and party spaces come to life but the celebrations will flow throughout galleries and art spaces, museums (hello Pride Shark!), boutiques, public parks, rainbow roads, and the sails of the Opera House. Our editors have picked their favourite Sydney WorldPride events but we've also enlisted a few locals to share some of the less obvious spots to celebrate. Enter Alex Greenwich. The Independent MP is a proud gay man and has used his public platform to push for equality and LGBTQIA+ rights throughout his career. For WorldPride, he's swapped his signature casual suit and shirt for a tuxedo exploding with green tulle in an installation hosted in the hallowed halls of the QVB. Alex is among a lineup of queer Australian legends currently being honoured for their contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community. The retail centre is temporarily changing up its name from the Queen Victoria Building to reflect each of these contemporary queens with a set of fabulous portraits befitting of any royalty on display shot by photographer Dream Syndicator. The queens in focus are trans icon and cabaret star Carlotta, queer activist Ken Davis (a member of the original Mardi Gras 78ers), Indigenous drag queen Felicia Foxx, and Alex along with Janine Middleton who, together, co-chaired Australian Equality and successfully fought for and helped achieve marriage equality in Australia. Who better than MP Greenwich — whose office is literally in the middle of Oxford Street — to give a few tips on where to go during Sydney WorldPride? And if you bump into him in a bar, he'll take a tequila and soda, thanks darl. What do you think about Sydney hosting WorldPride this year? "Sydney hosting WorldPride is such a great opportunity to showcase our city and diverse community to the whole world. During covid Sydney missed the world and the world missed Sydney and Sydney WorldPride is a nice way to welcome back the rest of the world. Sydney has the most beautiful and diverse welcoming LGBTQIA+ community and I'm grateful to be part of that community. I'm also grateful to have the opportunity to represent that community in parliament." If someone spies Alex Greenwich at a club or bar (and WorldPride is bringing to life some of the best), what drink should they buy you? (And what topic should they NEVER bring up?) "If I'm in a club, tequila and soda will probably be the drink of choice. I don't know about a topic that I wouldn't want some to bring up... I'll talk about any topic." What are the best queer venues in Sydney in your opinion? "I think there's such a great variety of queer venues in Sydney. I love Stonewall. The re-opening of ARQ is awesome. POOF DOOF at Kinsella's and smaller venues like Dulcies in the Cross." [caption id="attachment_679716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The iconic Stonewall on Oxford Street[/caption] What are some of the best spots where an international visitor should go on a first-date during Pride? "There's so many great spots in Sydney to choose from. What I would say is to go to a swimming hole like the new cove in Barangaroo, grab food from a mini deli like Darlinghurst Deli and stop by a bottle shop, and go for a picnic and a swim." Where do you like having a late-night dinner or snack? "Chinatown is always a great destination for a late night dinner." Which local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses do you like to support? The great thing with Sydney is there are so many LGBTQIA+ owned businesses to support. I try to support them all but Claire's Kitchen on Oxford Street is an iconic dinner destination. What events are you most excited about for Mardi Gras and WorldPride? And what are the events you would say are not-to-be-missed? "I'm most excited for the Pride March Harbour Bridge Crossing . It will be historic and an opportunity to send a strong message about supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. I'm also looking forward to the Mardi Gras parade and marching in it again, the First Nations Gala at the Opera House, and the Opening Ceremony." [caption id="attachment_892180" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miss First Nations perform at the First Nations Gala[/caption] Finally, Alex: how important is Kylie Minogue? "Kylie is obviously an icon of Australia and a strong supporter of the community and it's so wonderful that she is joining us for the celebration." For more inspiration for how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration head to our events guide on the best of Sydney WorldPride.
They're taking the hobbits to Isengard at Dendy Coorparoo this summer, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for two sittings of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations — on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King, this cave troll of a marathon clocks in at 558 minutes, and will run in full on both days. Pick which date to block out, then start the journey at midday, with five-minute breaks between each movie (for breakfast and second breakfast, if you will). If you make it to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest Coorparoo resident on your way home (note: do not actually screech at the residents). Without a ticket, expect at least one overenthusiastic cinema staff member to make an example of you, thundering "you shall not pass!" to raucous applause. So buy a ticket, precious, for $42 — with this all-day marathon taking place in Dendy's Premium Lounge. And, to help ramp up your excitement, watch the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_WZxJpHzEE
Once, getting festive in Brisbane didn't involve taking to the greens to putt your way through Christmas trees, decorations and all things seasonal under twinkling lights. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case in the River City for years. When the end of the year hits, Victoria Park's mini-golf course marks the occasion in the best possible way: by giving itself a jolly makeover. Victoria Park's Halloween course is going strong now, but festive cheer, bells, bows and more will be taking its place from Friday, November 7, 2025–Friday, January 2, 2026. This is the excuse that you need to swap the backyard cricket for 18 holes this summer — and to battle your loved ones for supremacy in a different kind of sport when the holidays hit. The seasonal makeover will deck the course with merriment all round. In past years, the course has sported holly, giant candy canes, gingerbread houses, elves, toy soldiers, polar bears, snowmen and everything else festive that it can think of. Reindeers and Santa are usually involved, too, and different sections of the 18-hole site tend to be designed around ideas like Chrissy Down Under, Santa's mailroom and Christmas morning — plus there's even been a festive feast fairway, The North Pole and a 'deck the halls' hole. If you drop by post-6pm, you'll take to the green beneath Christmas lights, naturally. If you're not feeling the Christmas spirit, book out a Sip and Swing bay in the driving range for up to groups of six — where the drinks are flowing and no one will call you the Grinch.
Every December, fans of sparkling sights are gifted a luminous feast for their eyes. No, we're not talking about Christmas lights. Regardless of whether you're bathing in a festive glow or hardly fond of all the merriment, 'tis the season for the Geminids meteor shower to soar through the sky — starting on Monday, December 4 and finishing for 2023 on Wednesday, December 20. Even better: Down Under, it's at its peak on the evening of Thursday, December 14 and the morning of Friday, December 15. If you have a telescope at hand, it's clearly a great time to put it to use. Eager to catch a glimpse, even from just your backyard or balcony? Here's everything you need to know. [caption id="attachment_754955" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A composite of 163 photos taken over 90 minutes during the Geminids by Jeff Smallwood for Flickr.[/caption] WHAT IS IT? Lighting up the end-of-year skies, the Geminids meteor shower is considered the most spectacular meteor shower of the year. Again, Christmas lights aren't the only spectacle worth peering at this month. The Geminids is caused by a stream of debris, left by an asteroid dubbed the 3200 Phaethon, burning up in Earth's atmosphere — and it was first observed in 1862. Some years, you can catch as many as 150 meteors every 60 minutes, so this definitely isn't just any old meteor shower. [caption id="attachment_699423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Jeff Dai.[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT The 2023 shower kicks off on Monday, December 4, running through till Wednesday, December 20. As with every year, it's expected to be at its peak in Australia overnight mid-month — between Thursday, December 14–Friday, December 15, specifically. If you fancy a stint of stargazing, the best time to look up is on Thursday, December 14 from around 9pm in Brisbane, 10pm in Perth, 11pm in Sydney, 11.30pm in Adelaide and 12am in Melbourne. The best time to catch an eyeful will be after midnight, when the moon has set and its light will not interfere, but before sunrise. [caption id="attachment_882304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ESO/G. Lombardi via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] HOW TO SEE IT For your best chances, it's worth getting as far away from bright lights as possible. This could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. To see the meteors, you'll need to give your eyes around 15–30 minutes to adapt to the dark (so try to avoid checking your phone) and look to the northeast. The shower's name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Gemini. So that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Gemini, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Geminids. The Geminids meteor shower runs from Monday, December 4–Wednesday, December 20, and will be at its peak during the night on Thursday, December 14–Friday, December 15. For further details, head to Time and Date. Top image: A composite of 88 photos taken over 60 minutes during the Geminids by Paul Balfe via Flickr.
The huge dose of nostalgia that Milan Ring's latest release 'Are Your Friends Alright?' generates is only partially intentional. The Sydney-based artist and producer explains that she drew inspiration from parties she had been to throughout her teens and twenties where gatecrashers or uninvited people brought negative energy. "I was playing with the idea of not allowing that to make your night with your friends a bad vibe." It's an idea that most people could relate to. But, with the very notion of socialising and partying with mates seeming quaint and far away right now, the song strikes an even deeper chord. It's about focusing on the good things and channelling positive energy. Produced in collaboration with Sydney-based artist Blessed, 'Are Your Friends Alright?' is a charged track, packed with sensual vocals, soulful harmonies and a funky bassline. It's a prime example of why Ring was chosen as one of the visionary artists to collaborate with Miller Design Lab, the home of creativity and self-expression built by Australia's leading minds in design, art, technology and fashion. The platform is a celebration of our nightlife and its impact on culture to deliver exceptional moments to you and your home. To that end, we spoke with the Sydney-based talent to talk about life as an artist — from having a flexible process to seeking inspiration from her city and collaborating with some of the best in the biz. Artist is a broad term, but it's an important distinction when referring to someone like Milan Ring — she can't be pigeon-holed into one category. Throughout her teens, she spent time jamming on guitar and experimenting on an analogue drum machine, before getting a diploma in sound engineering and technical production. She started performing professionally in her twenties, first as a guitarist in bands and then progressively as a backup vocalist. Now, not only does she write and compose all of her music, but she also produces and mixes it all — and masters some of it, too. And most of that magic happens in her studio, which she built in a Marrickville warehouse with her best friend two years ago. This loaded skillset affords Ring a lot of flexibility in her creative process. "There are times when I just want to create, do something fresh and improvise. And then there are times I just want to fix things and do all the technical stuff. I listen to myself. Sometimes I go in with the intent to create a new song. I start and I'm like 'I'm not really feeling it', so then I'll pull up a song to finish the mix." Though Ring admits that she mostly works alone, she also places enormous value in teaming up with other artists and producers, including Blessed and American band The Social Experiment (who in turn have worked with Chance the Rapper). "It's down to finding the right collaborators, but you don't know until you try. Every collaboration, even if it doesn't end up with a song that's released — there's something to take away from that and something to learn." And, for Ring, there's a direct relationship between collaborating and customisation. "The way I interpret customisation would be drawing inspiration from something and making it your own. Someone like BLESSED might send me some beats and then I'll use this, change this sound, delete that, move that over here and then record it. Therefore, I've customised, added to and changed his initial concept into something else". The idea of customisation is also evident in the stitching together of Ring's various sources of inspiration. Her music is known for sampling from various genres — she specifically mentions Latin, Afro-Cuban and American-style jazz and soul music, which she spent a lot of time listening to growing up. But when it comes to lyrical content, Ring looks to her community in Sydney's inner west. "I'm definitely inspired by the area I grew up in and different people I know or have met and their stories. Things I've observed or had people tell me their story, I've written about it and taken the essence of the story and then gone off on a tangent." Ring specifically mentions a number of places around her studio in Marrickville that she frequents for inspiration, including cafes like Matinee, West Juliett and Two Chaps, the cluster of craft breweries and a handful of pubs like The Henson, The Vic on the Park and The Marrickville Hotel. And even just going and sitting Enmore Park. "It is nice being surrounded by people even if you're not talking to them. That's one of the things that I've been missing in this time [during lockdown] is just being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyone's lives." Speaking to this hiatus period due to COVID-19, which resulted in Ring cancelling her national tour Switch Off, Milan explains, "I haven't been as inspired to go into the studio and hustle. With everything that's going on, I'm not particularly pushing myself — it's a bit of a respite." Instead, she is spending quality time with her dog, cooking and collaborating with a friend on a kids' play-along book. And she's been working her way through a Stevie Wonder songbook on the guitar. "I'm trying to get back into my jazz theory, which I put on the back foot as I've been working on being the best producer and mixer I can be. It's been quite therapeutic for me." But there's no doubt that once lockdown is over, she'll be back out there making the most of Sydney's nightlife. "Being out with friends, going to restaurants, then going to bars and then going to a show — it about being part of culture and the community and feeling connected to all these people. Even though you don't know who they are, you're all there for the same reason." For more, check out Milan Ring's collaboration with Miller Genuine Draft here. For more ways to celebrate your city's nightlife and recreate its energy in your own space, head this way. Images: Reuben Gibbes
For everyone who has ever had a cringeworthy boss, annoying co-worker or soul-crushing office job, one sitcom franchise has understood for more than two decades now. It was back in 2001 that the original UK version of The Office arrived, introducing the world to the literally paper-pushing David Brent. And, in 2005, an American series featuring the also-awkward Michael Scott hit the small screen as well. More international takes on the show have followed, including an in-the-works Australian series that'll mark the 13th iteration beyond Britain to-date. Next, so might a big return, with the US version reportedly set to score a reboot. Might, could, apparently, rumoured, possibly, hopefully: they all fit this news, which Puck dropped in the wake of Hollywood's current writers' strike looking like it is nearing its end. "Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of The Office," the publication noted in its wrap-up of where things stand now that the Writers Guild of America has reached a provisional deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. That sentence, naming the US version of The Office's creator (who has also been behind Space Force and Upload), is all there is to go on for now; however, it hails from an outlet that's all about insider conversation in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Washington. As for how a restocked take on the Dunder Mifflin-set The Office might work, who'd star, if any of the OG cast will return, if it'll still feature Scranton in Pennsylvania, how many desk supplies might get put in jelly and all the other burning questions that everyone has right now, there's no answers as yet. On its first go-around, the American The Office proved one of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original. It was also immensely easy to just keep rewatching, as fans have known since the 2005–13 show finished its run. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Asteroid City), John Krasinski (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Jenna Fischer (Splitting Up Together), Rainn Wilson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Mindy Kaling (Velma), Ed Helms (Rutherford Falls), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners), Craig Robinson (Killing It) and more in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. As for The Office Australia — which comes after everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland have similarly given the idea a go — it's on its way in 2024 thanks to Prime Video. In the Aussie series, it will be Hannah Howard's turn to become the manager that no one wants but everyone has worked for. Played by actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Wakefield), she'll oversee a packaging company called Flinley Craddick. And, when she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch — with everyone working from home instead — she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office Australia. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani (House Husbands). There's no sneak peek yet at whatever the US reboot of The Office pans out to be, and no trailer yet for The Office Australia, either. But, in the interim, you can check out a couple clips from the US version below: The rumoured reboot of the US version of The Office doesn't have a release date yet — we'll update you with more information when it is announced. The Office Australia will stream via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.
If you’re the type of person who thinks of Sir Walter at the mention of grass, you might find it difficult to relate to Liam Pieper’s life. Born to bohemian parents who saw little harm in the occasional puff, Liam spent his early teen years with a fledging drug habit and as the local mule with aid of a trusty pushbike. Through his life he had highs – financial, chemical and otherwise – and dangerous lows, but now he’s managed to pen it all on paper, and ipso facto we have his Feel-Good Hit of The Year. To show off this bound memoir - as anyone who writes a whole entire book deserves to – Liam will be trotting over to Avid Reader this Tuesday for a reading and chat. He’ll even be doing a signing after, so bring a copy of the book or buy one there. For now though, do yourself a favour and get a taste for his work if you haven’t already. He has some stellar stuff in The Saturday Paper, Lifted Brow and Meanjin that will have your heart breaking, lips laughing, and literary intellect falling a little in love.
How many times can you listen to Toto's 'Africa' in one sitting? Not sure? Well, you're about to find out — again. For the second year in a row, drums will echo and quiet conversation will be whispered at Black Bear Lodge's entire evening dedicated to appreciating the 35-year-old song. And yes, the rains will be blessed. It's gonna take a lot to take anyone away from a whole night focused on Toto's finest moment, even though the American band actually had some other catchy tracks. You'd expect that you won't be hearing 'Rosanna', which is commonly assumed to refer to actress Rosanna Arquette. Or 'Hold the Line', the tune that first put them on the map. Instead, it's 'Africa' all the way from 7pm on January 10, and there's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do to stop it. If you think you might find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies, think again. But, as sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti, we're betting that somewhere there'll be a screen playing the music video on repeat as well.
Nobody in their right mind could fault a café that tops its cappuccinos with real grated chocolate. That alone would be reason enough to love Moray Café, but luckily for locals, there are plenty of other reasons as well. Nestled into the greenery of riverside New Farm, the Moray Café feels like it's a million miles away from the hubbub of Fortitude Valley. The indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Moray Street and Merthyr Road is the perfect spot to enjoy a late start to the day. But let's get back to that coffee. Moray Café roasts its own own blend—Reverends Fine Coffee—on site. As for that grated chocolate… well, it pushes a good coffee into amazing territory, so be sure to order a cappuccino. The breakfast menu at the Moray Café is a welcome change to the standard bacon and eggs you will find elsewhere in town. Asian-influenced dishes such as the sweet Japanese omelette with salmon and pickled carrot ($15), the Vietnamese coconut crepes with pork and egg ($16), and the Indonesian sambal tofu ($15.50) are light options flavoured with fresh herbs. For a Mexican vibe, try the chipotle scrambled eggs with black bean and corn salsa ($15) – a bold breakfast best enjoyed with generous hits of lime and coriander. And of course, if you are a bacon and eggs devotee, you can get them (with Turkish toast and relish) for $12. Best of all, breakfast is served until 3pm for those late risers.
An emotion-dripping tale of love, loneliness and yearning against a backdrop of festering societal tension — as shot with swoon-worthy red-hued imagery, too — Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love isn't easily forgotten. And, for the past 20 years, anyone who has seen the 1960s Hong Kong-set romantic drama hasn't wanted to. Based on their new live performance, that includes Rainbow Chan, Eugene Choi and Marcus Whale. With In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong, the trio join forces to pay tribute to this 2000 movie masterpiece — and to take inspiration from it. As streamed live at 9pm AEST on Saturday, September 26 from the Sydney Opera House's Joan Sutherland Theatre, they're serving up a moody, dreamy new song cycle that ponders and responds to In the Mood for Love's parting words: "that era is past, nothing that belonged to it exists anymore". As well as new music by Chan and Whale, plus narration from Choi, this world-premiere performance will feature a set that'll look like it has been plucked from the movie, 60s-style costumes, a bossa nova dance and new renditions of the film's soundtrack — with plenty of sax. And, it'll also pair all of the above with visuals that are meant to ponder what Wong's feature would look like if it was made today. Basically, viewers are set for an ode and a re-interpretation, with the latter firmly relevant to the lockdown era. If you can't watch along live, In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong will also be available to stream on-demand from Saturday, September 26 . [caption id="attachment_783477" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] In the Mood — A Love Letter to Wong Kar-Wai & Hong Kong streams at 9pm AEST on Saturday, September 26 — and will be available to watch on-demand afterwards. Top image: Daniel Boud.
Since being formed in 2001, Melbourne nine-piece The Bamboos have released more than five acclaimed albums, placed songs in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Underbelly and worked on the soundtrack for a multi-platinum Nintendo game. But frontman and periodic electronic producer Lance Ferguson isn't one to let the band rest on its smooth, funk-born laurels. Over the years he's injected new flavours into the band by collaborating with other artists, fusing elements of hip hop and psych, and constantly shaking up the lineup. In 2012 The Bamboos joined up with Tim Rogers of You Am I for the Triple J-championed track 'I Got Burned'. An addictive combo of the band's rhythmic grooves and the singer's distinctive howl, the track featured on The Bamboos latest album Medicine Man — their biggest release to date. This year they're taking the alliance live with The Rock n Soul Medicine Show. We caught up with Lance before the tour to talk about collaborating, staying current and the frustrations of being pidgeonholed. You guys have been pretty busy over 2012 did you manage to get a break over Christmas? I did, I had a week in Lorne in January, which was really good. It feels like a distant memory now though. You did Falls Festival didn't you? That's right. So how did you come to team up with Tim Rogers for 'Burned'? I first met Tim when I was playing guitar in Washington and we were playing the BDO tour. It was a few years back now, and I met him backstage and we hit it off. Just musical nerd talk of old records and stuff. We seemed to connect on that level, and on a personal level as well, and even at that point we talked about collaborating together — way before anything actually happened. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hZEN_l4j6mY Is collaborating with other artists an important thing for you? You've also got Aloe Blacc and Daniel Merriweather on the album too. Yeah it definitely is, and The Bamboos have often had guests involved with different records. Most of the collaborations have stemmed from some kind of friendship and the whole collaboration evolved organically rather than me on the phone to my manager going, "get me this guy." Most of these things have happened in nice natural and sincere progression. I do prefer that, because getting complete strangers in the studio can be weird if you're trying to connect musically. It is such an intimate thing, writing a song with someone, for me, so I do prefer it to stem from some kind of friendship I guess. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_4G96KbQ4SI What about Syl Johnson? Yeah well we toured with him twice, pretty much as his backing band. Both times were incredibly valuable. The last time unfortunately he had a heart attack when we were playing with him in Brisbane, which was just a terrible turn of events. And then he spent some time in hospital, bounced back and did a show in Melbourne after that, which was incredible. So yeah, such a cool guy actually. Going back to the ARIAS and the recent popularity of acts like Saskwatch and Chet Faker, what do you think it is about soul music now that has people taking notice? Do you think the music has changed or are we just becoming more receptive? Well it's been such a battle with this music, from my perspective. I recently put out a compilation called The Soul Of Melbourne with a friend of mine Chris Gill — a compilation of soulful Melbourne acts — so it was great to put that together, and you can see how the scene has crystallised. But I think what's happened is that there's a younger generation of fans and music lovers who are maybe in their late teens or early twenties now, and who came up through their teens hearing Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones. I think that has created a sort of hotbed of people who know that music through being exposed to it. So now that they're at the age of going to gigs and going to festivals that music just seems sort of natural to them, like "oh it's a soul music band, we know what that is and we like it." So there's definitely the element of generational acceptance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pxBnzQtdHdM You made the Triple J Hottest 100, which is a pretty big deal for a funk/soul-driven group. Yeah, I mean as much as that's a cool thing I do sort of battle with The Bamboos to not be such a genre-driven band. [Funk and soul] is definitely where we've come from and where we've started, and it's ostensibly what we do in terms of the sounds we create, but for me I just really don't think of The Bamboos as a band of any genre now. I just try to think of it as, "We're The Bamboos and we're just going to make some music." It could have some psych rock elements, it could be a blues tune, it could be anything — it could incorporate a whole bunch of influences now. So I definitely have tried to break the band out of just being like a soul/funk band. I'm not saying that to have a go at you, by the way! Well that's what's so unique about your music is that it incorporates so many unexpected sounds. Your electronic project, Lanu — do you think that influences The Bamboos music at all? I don't know if it influences but it's another avenue for me as a songwriter. I think anything I write separately from The Bamboos though, even if unconsciously, I reckon it must inform it. Whether it's just different forms or different ways of looking at putting a song together... So yeah, I reckon it does influence our music actually. What about other local acts — anyone in particular you been listening to heavily? My vocalist for The Bamboos, Ella Thompson, has a band called Axolotl, who do this sort of dreamy, electronic, indie stuff. I'm really into them, they supported us on our last national tour. There's another band Hiatus Kaiyote that defies genre labels, and is doing some amazing things internationally as well. They just won the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards for Break-Though Act, so they're really being flagged internationally. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Iae6LmWTXPw Obviously live performance is a massive part of The Bamboos appeal, and Melbourne has a very healthy live music scene. Do you think about that when making songs? I look at the studio thing and the live thing as two very separate entities, and we started out as a live act before we ever recorded anything. [The live show] has been something I've tried to improve on and tweak and be progressive with. Now we come out and basically play our songs, which sounds really obvious — but I think the lineup we've had the last year and a half is possibly the strongest, best and most solid lineup in the history of the band. For me it's an exciting time to play live. How do you see the band's sound developing over the next year or so? There were some thing in that album that were real bubblegum pop things, and I think with the next recording that things might become a little more muscular again. A bit darker. That's what I'm feeling at the moment. Is there anything else you want to say about the upcoming tour and what we can expect from it? Not really, just that it's The Bamboos and Tim Rogers rather than The Bamboos featuring Tim Rogers, so I'm really working with Tim on some new originals and we're picking out a bunch of whole new covers. There's going to be a whole new music for the band to play, which is always good for keeping us on our toes. Tim Rogers & The Bamboos Rock 'n' Soul Medicine Show: Saturday 23 Feb - Perth Festival, Perth, WA Thursday 28 Feb - QPAC, Brisbane, QLD Friday 1 March - Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne, VIC Saturday 2 March - Leongatha Memorial Hall, VIC Thursday 7 March - The HiFi, Sydney, NSW Friday 8 March - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW Saturday 9 March - Uni Bar, Wollongong, NSW Sunday 10 March - Womadelaide, Adelaide, SA
When HBO managed to get the cast of Friends back on the same couch and chatting to camera about their time on the hit sitcom, the US cable network clearly found itself a new niche. That'd be big reunion specials that reteam the stars of beloved pop culture favourites to talk about their experiences — so it's going down the same route with the Harry Potter franchise. If you've been chanting "accio more Harry Potter" to yourself for the past decade since the eight-film series wrapped up, it seems that your wishes have finally come true. Like the Friends special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts won't feature anyone in-character — but, if you're a fan, spending more time with the movies' stars still promises to be magical. There'd be no point going ahead if Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson weren't all involved, so they're definitely on the lineup. So is filmmaker Chris Columbus, who directed the franchise's first two movies. Joining them is a huge list of other actors from across the movie series' history, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman and Tom Felton, plus James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart. You'll spot some missing names — Maggie Smith and Robert Pattinson, for instance, to name just two — but clearly there'll be a whole lot of HP cast members reminiscing about their time in the wizarding world. As the special's name makes plain, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is popping up to celebrate 20 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first reached cinemas back in 2001. That said, whether you're a muggle, a wannabe wizard and witch, or someone who spent far too much of their childhood reading the books and watching the flicks, you'll actually be checking out the new special in 2022. In the US, it'll stream on January 1 on HBO Max. Viewing options Down Under haven't yet been revealed, so there's something to start trying to summon sooner rather than later. Check out the teaser trailer for the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special below: HBO's Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special will be available to stream in the US on January 1, 2022 — we'll update you with viewing details Down Under when they're announced.
Do you have a whole shrine filled with gin? A shelf? A decent section of your liquor cabinet? If so, it's likely that many of those bottles hail from Australia's own Four Pillars. And, thanks to the gin-making superstars' next two tipples, you might be about to add to them. The latest additions to the award-winning brand's range both play with its original gin — and one that has quite the following. So, if you've sipped Four Pillars' Rare Dry Gin, you'll want to try its new Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin. The first is made with yuzu, the second features bergamot, and obviously no one stretched themselves too much thinking of these gins' names. Still citrus-heavy like the OG tipple, Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin came about after the Four Pillars' team discovered some locally grown yellow yuzu and green bergamot — and then started tinkering. Where the Rare Dry Gin uses nine botanicals in the pot and oranges in the vapour basket that sits above the pot, these two newbies swap in their different types of citrus. That's it, that's the change. While Four Pillars still recommends that you drink the original in G&Ts, it's suggesting that these two newcomers also suit the cocktail — or you can add the Rarer Dry Gin to a gin and soda highball if you're after something different. Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin will be available from Saturday, September 11 from the distillery's website, costing $75 each per bottle. And, because Four Pillars likes to put the bi-products from the distillation process to good use, this time it has whipped up a Made from Gin Yuzu & Bergamot Shred Marmalade that'll be available for $12 for a 160-gram jar. For more information about Four Pillars' Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin, or to buy them from Saturday, September 11, head to the distillery's website.
When it comes to festivals, 2023 is gearing up to be a non-stop party all across the Sunshine State, right up to the year's end. We're looking at a jam-packed calendar of cultural events, from long-running festivals to exciting newcomers and immersive experiences. Whether you're into classical, country or blues, or folk and rock 'n' roll — or you simply want to discover the hottest emerging artists in the country — there's a good chance you'll find a fest that hits your chosen genre (or lets you delight in something new). And there's more than just tunes on offer. There's cultural spotlights and event programs highlighting fantastically unique communities, as well as activities bringing together artists and performers across different media forms for thought-provoking creative collabs. Plus, these festivals are in some pretty amazing locations, from the desert to the forest, seaside or sprawled across a vibrant city suburb — ideal for an adventure that mixes music with some travel. It's time to make space in the calendar, culture vultures — Queensland calls. [caption id="attachment_878012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] CMC ROCKS QLD Now in its 16th year, CMC Rocks QLD is a pilgrimage for every country-lovin' cowpoke. From March 17–19, the biggest country acts (and fans) will descend on Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich — just a short drive from Brisbane — for a three-day hoedown. The lineup this year features some real heavy hitters, plus Zac Brown Band's only Australian show. There's big representation from US artists, including Kip Moore and Morgan Wallen, as well as a truly standout suite of homegrown talent. While the 2023 edition is sold out, this red-hot event is one to keep on your music bucket list. Hopefully you can mosey on up in the future for three days of tunes, local markets and fully stocked food stalls and bars. Go enjoy some good old country hospitality. CMC Rocks QLD, Friday, March 17 till Sunday, March 19, 2023 BLUES ON BROADBEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL From May 18–21, Broadbeach is taken over by one of the biggest free, all-ages music festivals in the country. Blues on Broadbeach is in its 22nd year, and this celebration of blues and blues-inspired sound has some true legends hitting the stage — including two-time Grammy nominated acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame-er Don Walker, and acclaimed act Emma Donovan and The Putbacks. There's blues straight outta Memphis as well as a solid contingent of all-Aussie performers dominating the impressive roll call. The sprawling festival boasts multiple stages and venues around Broadbeach, so you can easily check out the local bars and restaurants between gigs. Blues on Broadbeach, Thursday, May 18 till Sunday, May 21, 2023 BIRDSVILLE BIG RED BASH Run away from the cold this winter and hit the desert. Birdsville Big Red Bash has been going strong for a decade, drawing folks from all over out to the Simpson Desert. At 35km from Birdsville, it's the most remote music festival in the world. From Tuesday, July 4 till Thursday, July 6, this little patch of desert will become Bashville, the home of concerts, campsites and a festival community all beneath the Big Red Dune. The team have even got the nifty Bash App to help you navigate the massive site, epic lineup and vast array of food trucks and activities. This year's festival features headliners Icehouse, John Williamson, Hoodoo Gurus, Pete Murray and Kate Ceberano. As well as being an all-ages event, it's also dog-friendly and BYO friendly. Nice one. Birdsville Big Red Bash, Tuesday, July 4 till Thursday, July 6 AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC A festival for the classical connoisseurs, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a massive 10-day celebration of the genre — and it just so happens to take place in the gloriously idyllic tropics. From Friday, July 28 till Sunday, August 6, performers and composers from all over the world join Australia's finest chamber musicians in Townsville-Gurambilbarra. The celebration covers a broad range of chamber music — from full orchestras performing classic pieces to beachside acoustic sessions, solo singers, quartets, concert pianists and more. Stimulate your intellect and be stirred by old works, new commissions and collaborations, which explore many stories and themes, both modern and timeless. All that right by the beautiful northern beaches of Queensland? Perfect. Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Friday, July 28 till Sunday, August 6 GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER Penned as the "festival in the forest", this gathering has been going strong since 1982. And excitingly, after being on hold for 2020 and 2021, the Muster returned last year with a bang (and a hoot 'n' holler). This year, over four days and six venues, more than 100 artists, including country legends Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand and Troy Cassar-Daley, will perform in Amamoor State Forest on Kabi Kabi country. They're part of a huge lineup covering country, blues, folk and rock, which includes workshops and bush poetry too. This here is real country — proper bush — so bring your tent and your true-blue music passion and get in on this unmissable forest party. Gympie Music Muster, Thursday, August 24 till Sunday, August 27 [caption id="attachment_809942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas, Kymie at BIGSOUND 2019[/caption] BIGSOUND Here it is: a mid-week music fest right in the heart of the big city. More than 180 exciting emerging artists will perform across 23 stages in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley from Tuesday, September 5 till Friday, September 8. Well-known up-and-comers like Budjerah, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans lead the way, but there are also so many fresh acts to discover across all genres. There's everything from indie pop, R&B, soul and electronic to heavy rock, country and an Auslan-incorporated performance from Alter Boy. There's a full First Nations program, with music, workshops, talks and gatherings, and a special After Midnight program of late night performances and parties. The festival runs alongside the BIGSOUND conference, which is the biggest music industry gathering in the southern hemisphere. Discover the future of Aussie music — the next big sound starts here. BIGSOUND, Tuesday, September 5 till Friday, September 8 [caption id="attachment_892555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cynthia Lee[/caption] CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL A huge three days of "sun, surf and soul", the Caloundra Music Festival is a diverse showcase of the Aussie music industry that celebrates homegrown talent at the seaside Kings Beach Amphitheatre. Last year saw some of Australia's hottest acts, including Baker Boy and Client Liaison, and long-time faves Ben Lee and Missy Higgins, take to the stage, and this year's artists are sure to be just as impressive — keep your eyes peeled for the announcement. Both family friendly and not for profit, this festival has real heart, prioritising the support of all things local and welcoming excited festival-goers from all over Australia. Come for the music, stay to experience the unique Caloundra community and environment, from its natural beauty to its local vendors, makers and creative spirit. It's a one-of-a-kind weekend and well worth a visit. Caloundra Music Festival, Friday, September 29 till Sunday, October 1 [caption id="attachment_892225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Troy Cassar-Daley performing at Savannah in the Round[/caption] SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND From Friday, October 6 till Sunday, October 8, Savannah in the Round brings three days and nights of rootin' tootin' country music to tropical north Queensland's Mareeba, in the Cairns Hinterland. Although this is one of the newer festivals on the scene, it's already making its mark. In 2022, it brought in big names from overseas, including Brad Paisley, as well as local acts like Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins and The Waifs. The lineup for 2023 is yet to be announced, but promises to be packed with world-class country, rock and pop acts. What we can tell you is that music on the main stage kicks off late on Friday arvo, but the two support stages (Big Top Music Hall and Bull Bar) start in the morning and finish late. There's also plenty of art and cultural activities running over the long weekend. Expect a chockers First Nations-led cultural program complete with hands-on workshops, art installations, dance performances and storytelling. For your thrills, you can hit the fun fair's Ferris wheel and carnival games; and if you're a foodie, the paddock-to-plate experience will serve you the best of the region. Once you're there, you'll be just a moment from the gorgeous beaches and towering rainforests of the tropics — so it's well worth taking a few extra days to explore en route to the rodeo. Savannah in the Round, Friday, October 6 till Sunday, October 8 [caption id="attachment_891347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Throw on your cowboy hat and tropical shirt, you're goin' to where the country meets the sea for three days this October. Each year, this award-winning three-day event delivers free live music via an exceptional mix of performers from all over. Whether you prefer traditional country, rock or laid-back acoustic sessions, you'll find it on the beachside main stage or other venues around Broadbeach's stunning locale. This seaside hoedown has something for everybody, including markets, food stalls and fairground rides, with a big focus on celebrating the local community and spotlighting everything that makes it unique. Groundwater Country Music Festival, Friday, October 20 till Sunday, October 22 WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL This immersive, magical — and quite frankly, iconic — festival is the perfect way to close out the year. Over 25,000 people gather annually in the temporary village of Woodfordia, on regenerated native habitat, to experience music, art, culture, craft and convivial camping in an eco-friendly setting. It's a massive event, with more than 2000 performers from around Australia and abroad bringing high vibes — as well as writer's talks, circus arts, parades, an environmental program, a children's festival and workshops where you have the chance to flex your own creative muscles. Woodfordia itself becomes a thriving little community, complete with cafes and bars, with activities all day and into the night. Woodford Folk Festival, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 till Monday, January 1, 2024 To explore more arts and culture events taking over Queensland in 2023, head to the website. Top images: Andrew Rankin (third); Matt Williams (fourth); Jess Gleeson (fifth).
It's a great privilege to experience the homelands of Traditional Owners — and it's even more exceptional when you have a local to guide you along the way. Tropical North Queensland is blessed with many experiences that'll allow you the opportunity to connect and learn from Traditional Custodians as they generously share their art, food, dancing and customs. We've teamed up with Tropical North Queensland to share one-of-a-kind experiences to add to your hit list if you're passionate about travelling consciously. By supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses like those mentioned below, you're helping to preserve sacred practices that have been passed down for thousands of years. SEEK OUT SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL INDIGENOUS ART This year, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will be held from July 6–10. This annual festival attracts thousands of local and international visitors to the city to celebrate Indigenous artists and their latest works. The program includes a visual feast of artwork and performances, alongside fashion shows, workshops and symposiums. While it honours Indigenous culture and traditions, the event also provides economic and personal development opportunities for the artists. Some artworks are acquired by private collectors, while others are purchased for display across the world. Previous years have seen impressive buyers representing the Harvard University Art Museum and the National Gallery of Canada. TAKE A THREE-DAY 4WD TOUR THROUGH THE REGION The team at Culture Connect prides itself on providing visitors with authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences from Cairns to Cooktown. The small tour group sizes allow for an intimate opportunity to explore the region, with local Aboriginal guides who are passionate about their homeland and history. Experiences range in length from half-day nature walks to a full-day scenic flight adventure. There's also a three-day 4WD tour on offer with meals and accommodation included. Guests have the opportunity to explore ancient rock art galleries, learn traditional coastal survival skills or or learn to paint from an acclaimed local Indigenous artist. [caption id="attachment_846219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Island Stars Cultural Experience[/caption] EXPLORE THE REGION WITH THE HELP OF AN INDIGENOUS GUIDE Hundreds of islands make up the Torres Strait region and just 17 are currently inhabited. Touring this area without local knowledge is tricky, which is where Strait Experience steps in to help. This Torres Strait-owned business offers incredible opportunities to explore remote destinations such as Thursday Island and Horn Island. Strait Experience connects visitors with exclusive accommodation options, unique beachside activities and tours focusing on historical sites and ancient traditions on some of the islands in the Torres Strait. And, if you time it just right, you might even be lucky enough to observe turtles nesting on the beach. TAKE A BOAT TOUR TO A TRADITIONAL SMOKING CEREMONY The traditional lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People cover an impressive 10,000 hectares, which allowed ancient ancestors to develop an impressive range of survival and conservation skills. Just a short river cruise with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours will transport you thousands of years back in time. Departing from Cairns Marlin Marina, a 15-minute boat journey will take you from Trinity Inlet to Hills Creek. Once arriving at the destination, guests are welcomed with a traditional cleansing smoking ceremony. Other tour options include eco walks, overnight camping expeditions and dance performances. The famous 'Deadly Dinners' give you the opportunity to sample delicious local ingredients such as kangaroo, crocodile and mud crab. [caption id="attachment_829657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] WANDER THROUGH THE WONDERS OF KUKU YALANJI COUNTRY Did you know that two World Heritage-listed sites meet in Tropical North Queensland? Yep, in Kuku Yalanji Country, you'll see where the epic Daintree Rainforest juts up against the iconic Great Barrier Reef. And you can explore all the wonders of this area on a half- or full-day tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. This 100-percent First Nations-owned and operated cultural tour company offers you the opportunity to learn about this unique environment and the foods and medicines that are produced here. You'll get to sample bush tucker, swim in freshwater streams and maybe even try spear and boomerang throwing. Your tour guide takes care of everything — all you need to do is wear comfy shoes. [caption id="attachment_830381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] PLUNGE INTO THE DEEP BLUE Experiencing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is an irrefutable addition to any TNQ itinerary. But doing so with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of this natural beauty and the connection that local First Nations people have with it. Across a five-hour tour, you'll get to hear the creation story of the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel or dive in two outer reef sites, sample native bush food and be entertained by a traditional dance. The tours are run by First Nations sea rangers whose passion for reef preservation and sustainable tourism is evident. TAKE A DIP IN AN OUTBACK POOL Update: Talaroo Hot Springs 2022 season will run from April 1-October 31. It may take about 4.5 hours to drive from Cairns to this outback pool in the heart of Ewamian Country. But boy, oh, boy is it worth it. The hot springs here formed millions of years ago with the water seeping from underground and heated by granite rocks along the way. When it reaches the pools, it's a whopping 68 degrees celsius and cools as it flows across the rippled travertine terraces. You can't directly enter the natural hot springs, but you can take a dip in one of the site's private soaking pools which can be accessed via a timber boardwalk on a First Nations-led tour. Talaroo Hot Springs also has an outback caravan park and campground if you'd like to stay a little longer (and we wouldn't blame you if you did). [caption id="attachment_842421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF THE TROPICS Located in Burketown, Yagurli Tours is a First Nations-owned and operated tour company. With local Gangalidda and Garawa guides, these experiences offer a unique opportunity to learn about Gulf Savannah country from the Traditional Custodians of the land. Yagurli Tours offer five different immersive adventures, like Yaliya's Stories (Stargazing) on Australia's largest salt pans and the Gambumanda Sunset Cruise with dinner and drinks. Also on offer is the Marrija 4WD Cultural Tour and Aloft Hot Air Balloon flights showcasing the Albert River, salts pans and the Arafura Sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria. [caption id="attachment_845212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] DISCOVER HISTORY THROUGH MAGNIFICENT ROCK ART Jarramali Rock Art Tours are perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and experience an intimate and rugged adventure. This authentic Aboriginal cultural experience will commence with either a 4WD drive with a Traditional Owner or a scenic helicopter flight depending on if you want a day trip or would rather embark on an overnight stay. We suggest an overnight stay where you will camp in an exclusive location, only accessible to Jarramali guests. Discover the history of the Kuku Yalanji people through magnificent Quinkan Rock Art. Traditional Owners will guide you through the 20,000 year old art found among sandstone escarpments near Laura in North Queensland. You will gain a deeper understanding of Australia's Indigenous history while soaking in the beauty of the remote wilderness - making this definitely, a once in a lifetime experience. [caption id="attachment_844022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] FLEX YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLES WITH AN INDIGENOUS PAINTING WORKSHOP Owned by renowned First Nations artist Brian 'Binna' Swindley, Janbal Gallery offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling experiences. Binna is a local Kuku Yalanji man from Mossman and the gallery is lovingly named after his late mother. Binna hosts painting workshops on weekdays, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Choose from either a small boomerang or canvas to paint, with all paints and tools supplied. An impressive range of Aboriginal artwork is on display at the gallery, with items available for purchase, too. Ready to plan a trip to the tropics? For more information visit the Tropical North Queensland website.
If you thought seafood was best suited to sultry days, then Aussie-born chain Kickin' Inn hears you. It started in New South Wales in 2018, then hit up Melbourne when it first branched out interstate last year, and now it's headed Brisbane's way. This town of ours is home to warm weather basically all year round, after all — aka the perfect climate to eat the ocean's finest whenever you feel like it. From Thursday, April 14, you'll find Kickin' Inn at 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill — and its signature offering of seafood tossed through punchy house-made 'Kajun' sauces as well. For the uninitiated, Kickin' Inn offers an all-in, bibs-and-gloves experience, where diners do away with cutlery and get their hands messy with bags full of prawns, mud crab, pipis and shellfish using only the tools that Jesus gave you. The Cajun-inspired house sauces — here, dubbed 'Kajun' — are more than mere support acts, with the venue boasting five flavour-charged secret recipes. If feasting is on the agenda, you'll find an abundance of snacks to kick things off including battered squid tentacles, jalapeno cheese bites, freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters and wings. After that, you've got some big decisions to make. Choose your main event from a slew of ocean-fresh goodies including whole lobster, pounds of peeled prawns, a pile of baby octopus, blue swimmer crab pieces, or a mess of mussels and pipis. Pick a matching sauce, whack in some additions like corn or chorizo, and dial up the heat level as high as you dare — keeping in mind the 'inferno' option is only just over halfway up the scale. Meanwhile, a separate lunch menu features more solo-friendly feeds from a prawn spaghetti to peeled prawns served with rice. Kickin' Inn Spring Hill is launching with a few opening specials this Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15, too — so, for two days only, you can enjoy free signature shrimp martinis when you book a table, and win prizes. Find Kickin' Inn at 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, from Thursday, April 14.
It's never too cold for ice cream, right? Thankfully, that's certainly the case in Brisbane. Here, a new gelato place can open in the middle of winter and no one bats an eyelid. Where else but Queensland indeed. Nom Nom Natural Gelato is the family-owned store in question, bringing 18 flavours of deliciousness to Oxford Street — and that's just the beginning. Those fond of sweet, frozen dairy treats best flock to Bulimba for the latest taste sensation — and if their menu is anything to go by, it's a trip worth making. Combining Maleny dairy milk and cream with the best ingredients, the nomworthy range includes all the usual suspects. Think Belgium chocolate with or without orange or coffee, Madagascar vanilla bean plus optional salted caramel sauce, as well as fruity servings of blueberry and strawberry. But it's the not-so-usual flavours that should get gelato lovers excited, courtesy of a few housemade blends. First, there's the pistachio, almond and cashew concoctions made with 100 percent real nut paste. Then there's the cheesecake, apple pie and gingerbread varieties. And don't forget fresh mint with chocolate chips, green tea and fresh lemon, banana and cinnamon, and coconut with shreds, too. Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegetarian recipes are still to come, so those with dietary requirements can soon join in the fun. And for anyone in need of a caffeine fix with their sugar hit, Nom Nom Natural Gelato also boasts a variety of Abrisca cold presses. They're garnering nom noms in more ways than one.
Star Wars fandom has taken over the galaxy, from concert screenings and battle parties to boozy cantinas and saucy burlesque shows. Loving the George Lucas-created space opera isn't just about heading out to see multiple interpretations of the hit franchise, however — you can also wear your affection thanks to BlackMilk Clothing's new Star Wars collection. Pop culture-themed apparel is far from new, of course, and neither is Star Wars clothing. BlackMilk first took inspiration from jedis, rebels, siths and wookiees back in 2012, as its very first licensed collection, to massive sell outs. Now it's doing it all over again, unleashing the range for the third time. But in this collection, everything from leggings to dresses to swimsuits draws upon both the film series' beloved classic characters and on newcomers such as Daisy Ridley's Rey. If you're keen on a R2-D2 one-piece just in time to hit the pool this summer, fancy a pair of cuffed pants filled with droits and sentients that you are actually looking for, or need to get comfy in a big t-shirt adorned with Chewie and a few porgs, you'll find them all here. In total, the range spans 22 pieces, and they all go on sale from 9am on Tuesday, September 18. Unsurprisingly, the clothing items are expected to be popular — this is the company that turned exercise into something magical with its Harry Potter activewear, after all. BlackMilk Clothing's new Star Wars range goes on sale at 9am on Tuesday, September 18. For more information, head to the brand's website.
I love Neil and Tim Finn, and I wish wish wish they were Australian so we could claim them as our own. But I do think the Aussie love affair with those boys has really had a fantastic impact on Australian/New Zealand relations. Really, it’s most likely the only reason we are still allies. It seems a lot of other Australians are head over heels for Neil and Tim as well, even some pretty fabulous musical Australians. In fact, a whole raft of them created two fantastic albums titled She Will Have Her Way (released in 2005) and He Will Have His Way (released in 2010) a tribute to the songs of the Finn Brothers. Obviously the ‘She’ album features lady musicians and the ‘He’ album has the blokes. Both albums are totally great with the likes of Clare Bowditch, Missy Higgins, Boy and Bear, Lior and many more playing their favourite songs by Neil and/or Tim Finn. This includes the oldies from Split Enz through to Crowded House, and their more recent solo and duo efforts - all totally beautiful and fabulous. Now these songs will be performed live with a raft of lovely Aussie musicians (Clare Bowditch, Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann, Holly Throsby, Paul Dempsey, Lior and Alexander Gow) strutting the sounds of Neil and Tim on stage at QPAC. There really is no need to spruik this, it will be amazing, and you should go.
If you've been making an effort to be kinder to the planet, chances are your daily coffee habits have had a bit of a shakeup of late. Maybe you've said farewell to your last takeaway coffee cup, switched to drinking only fair-trade beans, ditched environmentally harmful coffee pods, or all of the above. Well, now local company Pod & Parcel could just see you change up your coffee game once again. The start-up is the brainchild of three Melbourne business consultants, Ben Goodman, Elliott Haralambous and Jai Felinksi, who wanted to combine the ease of a coffee pod with the quality of specialty coffee — without leaving a nasty impact on the planet. The trio developed a special plant-based pod that is fully biodegradable and compostable, taking just six months to break down, as opposed to the 500 years of its competitors. With an estimated two-to-three million coffee pods consumed daily in Australia alone, that's a whole lot of reasons to switch. Another is the coffee itself. Far from skimping on quality, the trio has collaborated with local coffee roasters to develop its product, so you can enjoy that cafe-level cuppa from the comfort of your home. Choose from a single-origin Guatemalan — with notes of creamy vanilla and blood orange — or a toffee-noted blend of Colombian and Tanzanian beans, among many others. Because it's specialty-grade arabica coffee, it has a back-story, too. Consumers can find out where it came from, how it travelled and exactly when it was roasted. Consider this a budget-friendly alternative to those exxy brews from your local specialty coffee shop, that also challenges big name pod manufacturers like Nespresso. Pod & Parcel's creations come in a swag of different flavours and intensities, available online from around 86 cents per pod. If you fancy saving even more, you can sign up to its Coffee Club, which delivers pods straight to your door.
First, Brisbane was set to get a Harry Potter-themed brunch. Now, we're getting a wizarding dinner. If the boy who lived's flicks were still gracing cinemas, exploring his adult life, we're certain he'd be keen on this magical meal. Whether you're still not over Harry or you just wish you'd had the chance to attend Hogwarts because you know you're destined to be in Gryffindor (and to be seeker on the quidditch team, obviously), you'll want to make a date with this event. You'll dine in the Great Hall-like space that is St John's Cathedral, matching your meal (Pixie Puffs, please) with 'magic' potions (aka beer and wine). And you can bet the menu will include every Potter pun you can think of. Tickets are available now for dinners on both Friday, January 18 and Saturday, January 19 — and as for how many galleons you'll have to spend, it doesn't come cheap. Adult tickets cost $205 + booking fee, and are available for both evenings. If you're taking someone under-18 along, they're welcome to attend on the Friday for $185 + booking fee. From the Sydney event held earlier this year, you can expect long tables topped with candles, goblets filled with wine and Harry Potter characters mingling with attendees. This video should get the vibe across: Folks in costumes pretending to be Hermione, Dumbledore and others isn't really our idea of a magical HP experience, but perhaps a few firewhiskys will get you in the right mood. And if not, you can just talk about the next Fantastic Beasts film that'll release this November, or sit tight for the Cursed Child stage show to hit Australia.
Stampeding wildlife, giant apes swinging through the trees, ancient mummies brought back from the dead: these are some of the wonders that cinema can deliver. The list goes on, and not only includes the kind of sights you don't usually see in everyday life, but places that mightn't be on your travel itinerary. And if the latter is true now, imagine how accurate it was when the medium of movies was in its infancy. Nearly a century ago, a trip to the cinema took audiences on adventures they could only dream of otherwise — and filmmakers capitalised upon the possibilities their chosen art form provided. It's evident when King Kong unleashes his mighty roar, as first seen in the 1933 classic, and in the likes of romance Morocco, the Singapore-set film noir The Letter and the colonial cautionary tale White Shadows in the South Seas, as the Gallery of Modern Art's Exotic Hollywood program explores. Catch all of the above, plus The Mummy long before Tom Cruise was involved, Tabu: Story of the South Seas featuring a cast of non-professional French Polynesian actors and more, all screening at the Australian Cinematheque from February 4 to 24. The main lineup is free, including a chat about the escapist narratives on offer by associate curator Amanda Slack-Smith, as well as a screening of desert fantasy The Sheik with a live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. Or, head along to see Tarzan and His Mate with a glass of champagne in hand, in a session that's free for members and $10 otherwise.
It's the garden gift that keeps on giving — and one you can give to anyone, even your plant-killing pals or your mates with not-so-green thumbs. And, it's just the thing that the folks at The Succy Bunch specialise in. When they're not helping you send a spiky surprise across Brisbane, they're hosting a one-day market so you can drop by and pick up a few in person. Whether you're going natural for all of your festive presents, or want to spruce up your own house with a spate of self-gifting, you'll want to stop by The Succy Bunch's Christmas Succulent, Cacti and Gift Pop-Up on December 9. As well as a hefty array of plants, there'll also terrariums, soy candles, photographs and prints available for sale from a variety of stallholders. Oh, and coffee from Third Wheel Espresso, in case you need some extra shopping energy.
Before there was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and Minority Report, there was Close Encounters of the Third Kind. With the writer/director riding high off of Jaws, Steven Spielberg's 1977 science-fiction flick again showed his skills with genre filmmaking — and, the movie swiftly became one of the all-time sci-fi greats in the process. If you've seen a movie about aliens and unidentified flying objects in the past four decades, odds are it owes Spielberg's classic a debt of gratitude. The eight-time Oscar nominee tells the tale of an ordinary lineman (Richard Dreyfuss) who becomes obsessed with UFOs after his own close encounter. He's drawn to others with similar tales, and to a place called Devil's Tower in Wyoming to find answers. It's smart, sharp, intriguing and immersive sci-fi and its best, and it is coming to Brisbane on March 24 as it never has before. In a world-premiere performance, the film will play with a 85-piece orchestra and 60-voice choir recreating John Williams' Academy Award-winning score. Expect true movie and music magic from Queensland Festival Philharmonic, the Resonance of Birralee choir and conductor Nicholas Buc, with Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Concert part of the 2018 World Science Festival Brisbane.
Among cinema's many wonders, its ability to explore other worlds really can't be underestimated. Behind every superhero story or alien invasion effort are real fears and worries begging to be examined — and, in the case of Shin Godzilla, Doctor Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb and Hiroshima Mon Amour, specific concerns about nuclear power. Screening at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art from March 2 to 18, Two Minutes to Midnight: Nuclear Cinema steps through a series of films with that very topic at their centre, including Them!, La Jetee and On the Beach as well. Overall, the program aims to demonstrate how the globe's filmmakers have approached the topic across various stories, styles and genres. Stepping into this cinematic dystopia is free, with an illustrated talk about atomic fears and their lingering presence after the Second World War among its highlights. And if you're wondering about the name, it's derived from the very real Doomsday Clock, which represents the world's proximity to nuclear war. Just as it did when the device was introduced back in 1953, it currently sits and two minutes to midnight.
It's that time again, Francophiles: time to get your fix of the European nation's best music. Every year, So Frenchy So Chic heads to Brisbane Powerhouse with a stellar act to knock your French-loving socks off. And this year, they've gone big. Consider yourself a fan of all things from the country in question, plus 80s new wave music and bossa nova? Then, consider yourself a fan of Nouvelle Vague. The beloved performers return to Australia to unleash their chilled out covers — and you can return for a dose of Gallic music bliss. They came to Brissie a few years back, but they're back with more of their French pop tunes to celebrate their 15th anniversary. If you're keen on French cinema, you might've noticed that the group's name actually means new wave; spanning sources of inspiration of both the screen and sound kind, they're certainly dedicated to their cause. Highlights of their career output to date include their own takes on Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', Echo & The Bunnymen's 'The Killing Moon', Blondie's 'Heart of Glass' and Violent Femmes' 'Blister in the Sun'.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2019 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 26 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Bunbury on Saturday, May 11. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Jack River, G Flip and Haiku Hands right through to recent Hottest 100 top tenner Billie Eilish, Aussie favourites Nick Murphy and Thelma Plum, Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods and rockers Regurgitator. International talent like Coolio — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Gangsta's Paradise' — Danish pop singer MØ and American rapper A$AP Twelvyy will make their way to the Moo, too. After hosting Australia's first ever pill testing trial in Canberra last year, Groovin the Moo is moving its ACT festival to Exhibition Park for the first time. Pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country with five people recently dying from suspected overdoses in as many months. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 LINEUP A$AP Twelvyy (USA) Angie McMahon Aurora (Nor) Billie Eilish Carmouflage Rose Coolio (USA) Crooked Colours DMA's Duckwrth Fisher Flosstradamus (USA) G Flip Haiku Hands Hermitude Hilltop Hoods Holy Holy Jack River Just a Gent MØ (Dnk) Nick Murphy Nicole Millar Regurgitator Rejjie Snow (Irl) Sofi Tukker Spinderella Thelma Plum TOKiMONSTA (USA) Trophy Eyes GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 26 — Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 27 – Maitland (NSW) Sunday, April 28 — Canberra (ACT) Saturday, May 4 — Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 5 – Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 11 — Bunbury (WA) Tickets for GTM in Wayville, Maitland and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 31, and Bendigo, Bunbury and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Friday, February 1. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Images: Jack Toohey.
Christmas means many things: chaos in the shops, carols invading your brain, and a focus on all things red and green. In Brisbane, it also means Queensland Ballet's final production for the season, with The Nutcracker brightening up the QPAC stage every year. Whether you've experienced the Tchaikovsky-scored two-act performance about sentient toys, dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy before, or you're joining little Clara on her Christmas Eve journey for the first time, you're certain to get swept up in the show's magic. And if you don't already have a ticket, don't delay — selling out is also an annual tradition. Queensland Ballet's The Nutcracker dances across the Lyric Theatre from Friday, December 14 to Saturday, December 22. Image: David Kelly.
Australia's most prestigious portrait award is almost upon us for another year, with the paintings vying for the 2021 Archibald Prize just announced. Ahead of anointing the winner on Friday, June 4, 52 portraits have just been shortlisted for the coveted gong — and, for the first time in its now 100-year history, an equal number of male and female artists have made the cut. More of this year's portraits depict women than men, too, although that isn't a first. Among the highlights: Kirsty Neilson's Making Noise, a portrait of Grace Tame — and Oliver Watts' Dorian Gray (Eryn Jean Norville). Other finalists include Matthew Clarke's Del Kathryn Barton is a good listener; Rachel by Thea Anamara Perkins, which depicts the latter's aunt and Jasper Jones filmmaker Rachel Perkins; and Natasha Bieniek's image of actor Rachel Griffiths. Mirra Whale's Repose, which features fellow artist Ben Quilty, has been shortlisted as well — as has Jonathan Dalton's portrait of artist Ramesh Nithiyendran. Kathrin Longhurst's Kate is in the running, and has also taken out the coveted 2021 Archibald Packing Room Prize, which is chosen by the packing room team. The portrait depicts singer and songwriter Kate Ceberano. [caption id="attachment_813770" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2021 finalist. Kathrin Longhurst, 'Kate'. Oil on linen, 122 x 122 cm. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Jenni Carte.[/caption] Also spanning Sally M Nangala Mulda's Two town camp stories, Eunice Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu's Me and my sisters, Peter Berner's Stop pouting, you've had your turn and Kim by Kim Leutwyler — all self-portraits — the 52 shortlisted works are all in contention for the Archibald's $100,000 prize. Speculation about who will be awarded the coveted prize — and, more often than not, the Archibald winner itself — usually causes much-heated debate. From 2018's five-time Archibald finalist Yvette Coppersmith's first win to Tony Costa's win with his painting of fellow artist Lindy Lee — the first portrait of an Asian Australian to pick up the prize — it's hard a win to pick. All that's really assured is that it'll be a portrait of a person by an Australian. In 2020, Vincent Namatjira's portrait of Adam Goodes did the honours, and also marked the first the award has gone to an Indigenous artist. [caption id="attachment_813771" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2021 finalist. Oliver Watts, 'Dorian Gray (Eryn Jean Norvill)'. Acrylic on canvas, 213.5 x 137.5 cm. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Jenni Carte[/caption] Held at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW every year, the Archibald runs in conjunction with the Wynne and Sulman Prizes — recognising the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture, and the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project, respectively. This year, 2021's winning works and finalists will be on display from Saturday, June 4–Sunday, September 26. And if it feels like all of this just happened recently, that's because 2020's Archibald Prize happened later in the year due to the pandemic. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, September 1. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2021 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — June 4–September 26, 2021 Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, Victoria — October 8–November 21, 2021 Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Art Centre, Gymea, NSW — December 3–January 16, 2022 Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland, NSW — January 23–March 6, 2022 Cowra Regional Art Gallery, Cowra, NSW — March 18–June 22, 2022 Manning Regional Art Gallery, Taree, NSW — July 8–August 21, 2022 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Archibald Prize 2021 finalist. Kirsty Neilson, 'Making noise'. Oil on linen, 50.1 x 60.1 cm, © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Felicity Jenkins
When there's all that vino to drink, no one really needs another reason to book in a holiday to the Barossa. Still, a towering new six-star hotel smack bang in the middle of the vineyard is certain to catapult the South Australian wine region to the top of your must-visit list. That's what's coming to the famed Seppeltsfield winery, as first announced back in 2020 — and the $50-million, 12-storey spot has just gotten the official tick of approval. Given that the Oscar Seppeltsfield has only just received that planning go-ahead after a period of community consultation, don't go backing your bags just yet — it isn't set to open until 2024. But it'll make one helluva impressive spot to visit when it does start welcoming in wine-loving guests, and also give the Barossa a new landmark. Named after winemaker Oscar Benno Seppelt, the hotel will be surrounded by century-old bush vines — and every room will feature a private balcony so that you can soak up that view. Speaking of spots to slumber, there'll be 71 rooms in total, including penthouses and suites. Also included: a fine-dining restaurant, private dining room, boardroom, fitness studio, day spa and infinity pool. And, to literally cap it all off, a top-floor viewing deck with 360-degree views over the region will sit on the highest level. Just think, after hitting up a bunch of cellar doors, sipping local vinos and eating lots of cheese, you can come back and have a dip in the pool, peer out over the vines from a great height, then sit down for more wine and a white-tablecloth dinner. If you're looking for indulgence, this is it. Designed by Adelaide-based firm Intro Architecture, the towering 12-storey design was inspired by wine barrels and is set to bring a modern edge to Seppeltstfield, which is one of Australia's oldest wineries and was lauded as one of the top 50 vineyards in the world in 2019. The new hotel also looks a lot like La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, also one of the world's most prestigious wine destinations. Construction on the Oscar is expected to start this year. And yes, it's destined to become a tourist attraction. It's anticipated that the hotel will bring in an extra $90 million in tourism dollars, and also drive an increase in both Aussie and international visitors, within the first five years of opening alone. "The Oscar Seppeltsfield will complete the grand vision of our tourism master plan — to be the most desirable epicurean destination for tourists worldwide. A national icon for South Australia, a Sydney Opera House for the Barossa," said Seppeltsfield proprietor and Executive Chairman Warren Randall. Oscar Seppeltsfield is slated to open at Seppeltsfield Winery's Great Terraced Vineyard, Barossa Valley, South Australia, in 2024. For more information, head to the winery's website.
Here's a jolly good way to spend your summer: hitting up a regency era-inspired, spritz-slinging English garden at Lutwyche's Crown Hotel. Right up until the end of February, the recently revamped pub is giving itself a makeover, complete with wisteria and ivy — and you can spend Brisbane's sultriest days hanging out there. The Spritz Garden Pop-Up is a collaboration with French vodka label Grey Goose, so that's obviously what you'll be sipping. Head by any day you like to scope out the decor and the drinks menu — or, you can make a beeline to two specific events. Thanks to bottomless garden brunch sessions at 12–2pm on Saturdays, your weekend plans now involve 90 minutes of non-stop spritz teapot cocktails, plus a brunch dish — think: black truffle toasties, croque madams, prawn rolls, yellowtail kingfish topped with caviar, and confit duck — for $69 per person for a 90-minute sitting. And, on select dates — next at 1pm on Saturday, December 10 — there's also freshwater pearl jewellery-making classes — with tickets costing $65 per person to make one piece of jewellery, $85 for two pieces and $105 for three. Clearly, it's all very much influenced by Netflix's Bridgerton, and by the current regencycore trend. So if that's your thing, this'll be bliss.
Launceston's Cataract Gorge is no stranger to dazzling displays, especially when Mona Foma rolls around. But when the Museum of Old and New Art's (MONA) key summer event returns in January 2022, the natural landmark will host something particularly spectacular: a 2.4-tonne sculpted block of ice that'll hang over the gorge. If you're after jaw-dropping displays that make a statement, THAW by Legs On the Wall is it. When it's dangling between Friday, January 21–Sunday, January 23, it'll task one daring performer with standing atop that big chunk of ice for eight hours a day, all as the frozen block of water melts. The installation comes to Tasmania after hitting up Sydney Festival first, and it's certain to be a stunning sight in both locations. That's not all that Mona Foma has in store for its next fest, with MONA announcing a jam-packed program that'll run in Launceston across those aforementioned dates, and then arrive in Hobart from Friday, January 28–Sunday, January 30 — after the event confirmed back in November that it was definitely going ahead in 2022. On the bill across the whole lineup: lasers, monster trucks, Midnight Oil, sonic sculptures, the return of the festival's beloved morning meditations and more. While Launceston gets ice, Hobart will see lasers blast over the city thanks to Beacon by Robin Fox. At 2021's Mona Foma, the audio-visual artist lit up Cataract Gorge; however, this time Hobart attendees will be treated to a beaming lights display — plus an audio accompaniment that you'll listen to via an app — that'll be able to be spied anywhere in the greater Hobart and Clarence area. [caption id="attachment_835605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beacon, Robin Fox. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.[/caption] Other highlights from the entire two-weekend program include Midnight Oil's shows in both cities — as part of the band's final-ever tour — and cement mixers turned into monster trucks that'll rove around the two locales. Also, Kartanya Maynard will collaborate with Vernon Ah Kee on site-specific text and sound installations in each spot, pondering assimilation, displacement and Tasmanian Aboriginal protests. Plus, the Mofo Sessions will host nightly concerts in Launceston's Royal Park and on the Mona Lawns, with Gwenno, Mo'Ju, The Chills, Danny Healy Quartet, DENNI and Jason Whatley Quartet all on the bill. And, if you've ever wanted to see two dancers on a brutalist pile of concrete for more than four hours, that'll be part of Fertile Ground. In Launceston, musicians Karlin Love and Jon Addison will play tunes inspired by Cataract Gorge's ecosystems in the gorge itself; the Midland Highway will host Trawlwoolway artist, writer and curator Julie Gough's The Missing, which muses on the area's colonial history and treatment of Indigenous Australians; video work Pacific Sun by German artist Thomas Demand will take over the National Theatre; and Quandamooka artist Megan Cope will create sonic sculptures out of discarded mining relics, geological samples and piano strings that'll be used in live performances. Plus, Tin Camp Studio will provide a pop-up performance space that's modelled after Aboriginal-built tin camps, and organist Calvin Bowman will play every one of JS Bach's organ works in an 18-hour session. [caption id="attachment_835606" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atrium, Alicia Frankovich. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.[/caption] And, in Hobart, you can also check out AQI2020, which sees New Zealand performance and installation artist Alicia Frankovich turn a transparent sulfur-hazed box into a live show. It'll house performers, mimic the look and atmosphere from Australia's 2019–20 bushfire season and, unsurprisingly, comment on climate change. Or, attendees can also see 70s-era organs rescued from the tip and given a last whirl in DJ TR!P and Scot Cotterell's Organ Donor; check out a huge, loss-inspired, computer-generated work by Albanian artist Anri Sala at Princes Wharf 1; and witness a series of pieces that pay tribute to and farewell Australia's video shops. If you're keen for a weekend trip this summer, Tasmania is reopening its borders to double-jabbed visitors from Wednesday, December 15. Mona Foma will take place from January 21–23, 2022 in Launceston, and from January 28–30, 2022 in Hobart. Head to the festival website for the full lineup and to buy tickets. Top image: THAW. Photo credit: Shane Rozario. Image courtesy of the artists and Mona Foma.
Each year, the esteemed World's 50 Best Restaurants awards do exactly what's on the box: names the top eateries around the world. Actually, the accolades go a step further, doubling that number thanks to a 51–100 longlist. That's 100 top-notch restaurants singled out every year, giving diners globally plenty of places for their culinary bucket lists. For 2023, the results are now in, as announced on Tuesday, June 20 in Valencia in Spain. In number one spot: Central, with chefs Virgilio Martinez and Pía León taking the honours for their restaurant in Lima, Peru. It earned the prestigious top ranking from 2022's winner Geranium, after coming in second to the Copenhagen venue last year. Perhaps helping its fortunes: the fact that Geranium isn't named in this year's list at all because it's been elevated to the Best of the Best hall of fame, which means that it's no longer in the running for the regular rankings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants (@theworlds50best) This who's who of worldwide restaurants does lack one big thing in 2023, however, and on both its 1–50 and 51–100 rankings. In 2022, only Andrew McConnell's Melbourne diner Gimlet at Cavendish House earned a place on either list from Australia, coming in at 84 for its World's 50 Best debut. This year, neither it nor any other Aussie venues got the nod. Australia's hospitality scene hasn't ever dominated the World's 50 Best Restaurants gongs, but not placing at all for 2023 hasn't escaped attention. Just two Aussie restaurants claimed spots in 2021's awards, both of them Victorian, with Dan Hunter's Brae placing 57th and Ben Shewry's Ripponlea fine diner Attica coming in at number 97. There were no awards in 2020, but Brae and Attica also placed in the longlist in 2019. In 2018, Attica came in 20th and Brae 58th. Australia has had up to four restaurants in the top 50 before, including three when the awards debuted in 2002. [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gimlet, Earl Carter[/caption] The World's 50 Best awards are chosen by a panel of over 1000 culinary experts, guided by a strict voting procedure. They're now hosted by a different country each year, with Melbourne playing host city back in 2017. Alongside Central, 2023's picks included Disfrutar in Barcelona in second, Diverxo in Madrid in third, Atxondo's Asador Etxebarri in fourth and Copenhagen's Alchemist in fifth. Next came Maido in Lima, Lido 84 in the Gardone Riviera, Atomix in New York, Quintonil in Mexico City and Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris to round out the top ten. [caption id="attachment_906576" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Central, Winedirector via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Geranium joins El Bulli, The French Laundry, The Fat Duck, Noma's original and current location, El Celler de Can Roca, Osteria Francescana, Eleven Madison Park and Mirazur in the Best of the Best hall of fame, so you won't see any of them on the main lists. Wondering about the best places to eat Down Under, even if Australia has been snubbed by the World's 50 Best Restaurants? Check out our picks for the best Sydney and best Melbourne restaurants. [caption id="attachment_884417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Noma[/caption] To check out the full World's 50 Best Restaurants Top 50 and 100 lists, head to the awards' website. Top image: Alchemist, City Foodsters via Wikimedia Commons.
After famed fine diner Montrachet upped and moved on from its original home of 224 Given Terrace, it left room for the far more accessible but always very good Nota. From ex-Moda duo Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort, the philosphy behind Nota is "simple yet satisfying meals", according to de Kort. The menu of modern Euro fare aims to be uncomplicated and approachable while still highlighting quality ingredients and big flavours, with a mix of dishes that veer between the traditional and the unexpected. [caption id="attachment_854188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] Kick things off with the superb tempura fish sandwich, beef carpaccio or warm confit duck salad with hazelnuts and grilled fig, before exploring the mains that take you from Italy with the chilli and garlic laced prawn casarecce to the east of France with the luxurious beef bourguignon. The tight, well-considered list of wine from across Europe, Australia and NZ makes choosing your evening's drinks a breeze. Dining at Nota is a reliably lovely experience that is equally appropriate for weeknight dates or a lengthy dinner party with friends. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Brisbane
Taking its name from the New York street where dimly lit dive bars are a dime a dozen, The Bowery channels the warm and eclectic style of its namesake. Hidden between the flashing lights of surrounding nightclubs in the Valley, The Bowery is a slice of downtown New York waiting to welcome you with a warm hug and a Mojito. It is one of those unassuming bars that can be easily overlooked, but that's the way its regular patrons like it. While the cool and cosy surroundings make for an ideal night out, the real reason people come here is for the cocktails. During the week this is a great place to enjoy a drink and listen to some live jazz bands after work. On the weekends The Bowery buzzes with crowds sipping drinks and dancing to a funky mix of music including live soul bands and mash-up DJs. The bar boasts a slew of awards, so the extensive drink menu aids as good encouragement for patrons to try something different. Take advantage of the wealth of experience behind the bar and have them create a drink for you based on the flavours you like.
Japan's skiing and snowboarding season is coming. Each year from December to March, people hit to the slopes in search of some of the lightest and deepest powder in the world. But you don't only come to these mountain ranges to speed down the pistes. The best of Japanese culture is at every turn up around these regions. Your après ski activities will include soaking in onsen spas, sushi tastings and omakase experiences as well as seeing local art, fashion and snow monkeys. Head to any of these resorts and mountaintop villages for the ultimate winter escape — or better yet book now. RUSUTSU You will find some of the deepest snow in the world up in Rusutsu. It's on Japan's northern island where most of the famous resorts are found, but it remains a bit less hectic than most — a big win for those who want a little more space on the slopes. As this is a quieter region, you won't find much nightlife here — those wanting to party should look elsewhere. Instead, this is for those who want to ski and ride hard during the day, and chill at night. This resort also boasts some of the most luxurious natural hot spring baths, so stay an extra day to soak your sore muscles and fully relax surrounded by stunning views. [caption id="attachment_876946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Delphine Ducaruge[/caption] HAKUBA This terrain is great for every kind of snow sport enthusiast. You'll find super steep runs, a series of jumps, tons of dry powder, half pipes, terrain parks and a few beginner pistes — whatever your snow-loving heart so desires. And if you really can't get enough mountain action, nighttime skiing is also an option at the Goryu Snow Resort. Hakuba is also close to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch these entertaining creatures hang out in hot thermal pools like furry little mountain kings. You can also find a whole series of onsen pools around here (which are thankfully monkey-free). Editor's tip: right now, you can book the ultimate Hakuba ski and snowboarding getaway here (including a 5-day Hakuba lift pass with full access to 9 mountains in the region). [caption id="attachment_876941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marek Okon[/caption] NISEKO Niseko has got to be the most popular ski resort in all of Japan. And this title brings both the good and the bad with it. First off, the good. Getting here is super easy thanks to the great transport connections and it's the most English-speaking-friendly place to ski and snowboard in Japan. The slopes are also immaculately maintained (made for skiers and snowboarders at all experience levels). But the increasing fame and popularity has, inevitably, brought crowds in huge numbers. And catering to Western travellers has meant the resort has lost some of its distinct Japanese culture and charm. Affordable accommodation is also challenging to come by — you'll need to book way in advance if you want to find a budget-friendly place to stay. If you do like to balance your mountain action during the day with proper partying after dark, the nightlife here is booming. Restaurants and bars will cater to most of your tastes — from udon shops to high-end dining and bars — and you can find parties taking place every night of the week. MADARAO Located just one hour out of Nagano City, Madarao is known for punching above its weight. It's a smaller resort but has a great reputation among those in the know. It's a battler. One of the most appealing features is that this resort actively encourages people going off-piste. It is banned at most skiing and snowboarding resorts in Japan, so Madarao is made for the true powder hounds. Another popular winter activity is snowmobiling in the Yakebitaiyama ski fields (known colloquially as ' Yakebi'). You'll feel like James Bond in a chase scene when cruising around on your own snowmobile. It' also one of the best ways to see the incredible scenery of area. From Madarao it's easy to head down into Nagano City and Toyama (known for having some of the best seafood in Japan). Trains will even take you into Tokyo in a few hours. Editor's tip: book a week-long skiing adventure up in Madarao and Hakuna here (including all transfers, accommodation and lift passes). [caption id="attachment_876944" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JNTO[/caption] KIRORO Kiroro is great for those wanting a really authentic Japanese skiing and snowboarding holiday. This smaller resort has huge snowfall but much smaller crowds throughout the season. This does mean that English speakers will need to crack open the phrase book to communicate with the locals — but that's what travelling abroad is all about. Immerse yourself in Japanese ski culture up here, hitting the many long runs and traversing the stunning backcountry. It's also really well designed for those who want to ski right down the pistes and directly up to the local restaurants, bars and hotels. The non-skiing options also offer up big wins for the family, if you're taking a whole crew. They have heaps of space dedicated to tubing and the equal parts fun and terrifying activity of snow zorbing (rolling around in a Snow Bubble Ball). [caption id="attachment_876945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JNTO[/caption] FURANO Furano is another of the more famous ski and snowboarding resorts in Japan but has retained much of its unique charm. You will get spectacular views, very reliable snowfall and huge variety of slopes. It's also caters really well to English-speaking travellers. And one of its best qualities is its proximity to the city of Furano. Take a 6km drive down the mountain to find locals and tourists kicking back at restaurants and bars, galleries and idyllic onsen spas. It's also a hugely popular region during spring and summer, when the rolling hills come alive with the colours of blooming lavender, poppies, lilies and sunflowers. This area is a nature-lover's paradise. [caption id="attachment_878190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JNTO[/caption] KAGURA This spot is mostly unknown to the international snow sport world — which is actually one of its biggest drawcards. Come here for really honest skiing without a bunch of egos tearing up the slopes at breakneck speed. It also has some of the best backcountry for exploring and experiencing a powder-filled wilderness. Take your time going off-piste here, feeling as if you're the only person on the mountain. Kagura is also a surprisingly budget-friendly to stay, with food and drinks priced quite a bit more affordably than other resorts in Japan. You'll also get more authentic dining experiences (they won't be changing their menus for Western pallets). But be prepared for super freezing temperatures as this resort is located at higher altitude. Pack your warmest ski gear and load up on the quality thermals when heading to Kagura. [caption id="attachment_876942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Su[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips at destinations all over the world. Top images: Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
When the full trailer for Squid Game season three kicks off, the competitors hear words that are inevitable in this series: "the game will begin momentarily". But new rounds of the show's life-or-death contest aren't just starting this time around. This is the Netflix hit's third and final season, so these deadly matches are also coming to an end — with pleas, big reveals and truths, mazes, jumping rope and more. Squid Game is dropping its last batch of episodes on Friday, June 27, 2025 — and as the days count down until that huge streaming moment, Netflix has revealed its biggest sneak peek at what's to come yet. The complete trailer arrives just under a month after season three's teaser, which made it clear that it's set to play one last time, that Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) is back in the game, that the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven) makes a return, and that a huge gumball machine with red and blue balls pops up. Competitors in green tracksuits, pink guards signalling plenty that's ominous: they're all accounted for as well. After season two's cliffhanger, Player 456 isn't thrilled, either, in the latest sneak peek. "Why did you keep me alive?" is just one of the questions that he's seen and heard shouting. By now, everyone knows the Squid Game concept: in this award-winning series, trying to win 45.6 billion won means battling 455 other players to the death. Fans will also know that Player 456 went back in the game with new fellow competitors for company in season two, then found himself closer to the person pulling the strings than he knew. However his efforts pan out this time around, the show's last run will feature a finale written and directed by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. In Squid Game's second season, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returned as the man in the suit, aka the person who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place — and so did Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho. That said, a series about a deadly contest comes with a hefty bodycount, so new faces were always going to be essential. That's where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all came in. If you've somehow missed all things Squid Game until now, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. Check out the full trailer for Squid Game season three below: Squid Game season three streams via Netflix from Friday, June 27, 2025. Season one and two are available to stream now. Images: Netflix.
Why Solar Whisper? This solar electric vessel — the only zero-emissions boat on the Daintree River (Julaymba) — is whisper-quiet, letting you encounter tropical wildlife with minimal disturbance. The family-run Daintree River wildlife and croc-spotting cruises are led by experienced guides. And, while the company can't absolutely guarantee you see crocs, there's a good chance you will spot these remarkable creatures either above water or via the croc cam below as you cruise along. Crocs aside, there's a spectacular ecosystem of unique wildlife to be explored through the expert guidance. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
A Tasmanian distiller by the name of John Hyslop has created a Willy Wonka version of the mighty whisky. The newly established Deviant Distillery has just released Anthology, a drop they claim tastes like a ten-year-old spirit, yet was made in just ten weeks. Hyslop achieved this wonder by studying what happens when you place whisky in a barrel for a decade. Then he created an environment in which this process was accelerated by manipulating physical elements governing oxidation, esterification and evaporation. The only catch is that, legally, the resulting product cannot be called whisky. It's hand-distilled in a copper pot still with the usual four ingredients — barley, water, yeast and oak — and without any additives, but the lack of conventional ageing process means that only the label "single malt spirit" can apply. "Other than the ageing process, everything about our spirits is what you would expect from an ultra-premium craft whisky — we just can't call it that," Hyslop says. "I explain it like this: instead of putting a supercharged engine into a car and racing it to the finish line, we just remove all the obstacles in its way and let it become what it wants to be." Hyslop sees two major advantages in speeding up whisky making. Firstly, it enables frequent experimentation with various flavour profiles. "With the traditional distilling model, what is bottled today was barrelled 10 years ago," he says. "But now, in theory, we can conduct several centuries' worth of flavour tests and arrive at an ultra-premium drink that no single generation ever could before." Secondly, he considers it greener. On average, when whisky ages, between 30 to 50 percent of the spirit evaporates. However, Hyslop loses only four percent to the air, meaning the distillery uses much less water and ingredients. In addition to this, the distillery produces minimal waste and is working towards carbon neutrality. Right now, the whole operation takes place in Hyslop's mum's garage in Somerset, where he produces about 120 bottles per month. He's hoping to move to bigger, commercial premises in Hobart by early 2018. While Hyslop claims the spirit tastes like an aged whiskey, we're keen to give it test it out ourselves. Anthology is available online for $86 from today and in selected bottle shops in Tassie.
Do you like doughnuts? Of course you do. And even though you think your love is peak right now, you're probably going to like them a whole lot more when you taste what Doughnut Time has to offer. That's right — one of Queensland's favourite sources of doughy deliciousness is heading down south. A Doughnut Time pop-up has just opened in Topshop in Sydney's Market Street, which is just the start of their interstate venture. New stores in Newtown, Bondi and Chippendale will soon be serving up the likes of the Cate Blanchett (with milk and dark chocolate glaze, Tim Tams and white chocolate curls) and the Wake Me Up Before You Vovo: a doughy with a light strawberry glaze, jam and coconut marshmallows. After that, a couple of Melbourne-based pop-ups and standalone shops in Fitzroy and Hawthorn will follow suit. So pretty. A photo posted by DOUGHNUT TIME (@doughnut_time) on Oct 29, 2015 at 4:01pm PDT Of course, the full rotating range of delectable iced, filled bites will be on offer, so prepare to devour the Melon Degeneres with watermelon and sour green glaze, the pretzel-topped George Costanza and the Fruit Loop-laden Cereal Killer, among others. Picking something based on its name alone is completely acceptable. Branching into New South Wales and Victoria caps off what has already been a massive year for Doughnut Time — they only started trading in Queensland earlier in 2015, after all. Since that first Fortitude Valley store opened its doors to lines down the street, three other Brisbane outlets have been added to the mix, plus two on the Gold Coast and a roving Doughnut Time van. Yes, it's a good time to love those damn fine orbs of pastry goodness. For the moment, you can find Doughnut Time's pop-up at Topshop at 45 Market Street, Sydney. For more information about their upcoming openings in Sydney and Melbourne, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Via Good Food.
