Been spending the first few months of 2021 pondering the future? Given the current state of affairs, that's only natural. From this weekend, however, you might want to look to the skies as well — and feast your eyes on the night sky. From around April 16–25 each year, the Lyrids Meteor Shower sets the sky ablaze. This year, it's doing just that from April 14–30. It might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but it's still very impressive. Plus, rather than only being visible every 75 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), you can catch the Lyrids annually. In 2021, the Lyrids will be at its most spectacular from April 22–23. For folk located Down Under, early on Friday, April 23 is when you'll be peering upwards. Here's how to catch a glimpse from your backyard. WHAT IS IT The Lyrids Meteor Shower is named after constellation Lyra, which is where the meteor shower appears to come from near star Vega, and is created by debris from comet Thatcher. While the comet, which takes about 415 years to orbit around the sun, won't be visible from Earth again until 2276, the Lyrids can be seen every autumn between around April 16–25. So, you can even pencil it in for next year. It's also the oldest recorded meteor shower, so there's that, too. On average, you can see up to 18 meteors per hour, but the Lyrids are also known to have outbursts of nearly 100 meteors per hour. So, while no outburst is predicted for 2021, you could get lucky. [caption id="attachment_767783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] jpstanley via Flickr.[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT In Australia, the shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Thursday, April 23 according to Time and Date, but will still able to be seen either side of those dates between April 14–30. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am. At that time, you'll be in the running to see meteors moving at about 177,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. HOW TO SEE IT When a meteor shower lights up the sky, getting as far away from light pollution as possible is the best way to get a prime view. If you can't do that, you can still take a gander from your backyard or balcony. To help locate the Lyrids, 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 have a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Lyrids. The site updates these details daily. Clouds and showers are predicted over the weekend and into next along the east coast, which could present problems in terms of visibility. Sydney is due to clear up from Monday and Brisbane from Tuesday, though — and Melburnians, fingers crossed that hopefully the weatherman is wrong. Top image: Mike Lewinski via Flickr.
If you think about it, your shadow plays an important role in your life. It follows you everywhere, keeps you company and even makes you giggle when you’re surprised by it on nights spent home alone. Pretty cool, hey? But sometimes the friendship with your shadow isn’t always smooth sailing. Thank goodness the Patch Theatre Company’s latest production deals with such tricky friendships! Entitled Me and My Shadow, the play follows the fanciful escapades of a girl as she finds a way to be friends with her shadow. It is all remarkably told using the languages of paper, light, shadow, colour, water, music, sound and words. The play is currently on at QPAC as part of their Out of the Box Festival – a week-long children’s festival that encourages learning and “serious fun”. Now is the time to take your child, your friend’s child or your inner child out to the theatre!
With a host of restaurants and eateries making a beeline for Bowen Hills, King Street has fast become Brisbane's biggest new foodie precincts. Until summer hits, it'll boast another reason to stop by: an outdoor garden dedicated to end-of-week banquets. Celebrating the warmer weather with al fresco dining in greenery-filled surroundings, King Street's Spring Garden will start blossoming on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from October 5, right through until November 25. Amidst the flora, visitors will find private booths that can seat two to 12 people, plus a menu that'll take your outdoor eating experience to the next level. Three King Street residents — Il Verde, Fat Dumpling, and The George Bar & Bistro — have whipped up three different banquet packages, each spanning multiple courses and including a cocktail on arrival. Go Italian with an antipasto platter, pizza and Nutella-filled cannoli for $69, or opt for a dumpling taster pack, crispy chicken curry or sweet soy pork belly, and peach spring rolls for $45. A charcuterie board, followed by a pick of lemon and rosemary slow-roasted lamb shoulder or fennel and citrus-roasted salmon fillet is also on offer for $55. Two sessions will be run each evening in two-hour blocks starting at 5.30pm and 8pm. Bookings are required in advance, as is payment for your chosen banquet, but additional drinks can be purchased to suit your thirst on the night.
The property bubble in Australia is officially still swelling, according to Domain's 2026 First Home Buyers Report released this morning. Despite rate cuts and public outcry for more affordable housing — Domain reports that prices of entry-level homes have risen a further 15 percent, averaging at an extra $150,000 in cities across the nation. The exact growth varies in each city, but the data points to growth across the board. In the last year, entry-level prices rose by at least 20 percent in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin — and Sydney, which saw an annual growth of 15 percent, remains the only city where an entry-level house costs seven figures, $1,150,000 to be exact. In the last five years, it's Adelaide that's seen entry-level house prices rise the most, growing by a whopping 159.2 percent to the current average price of $720,000. [caption id="attachment_1077354" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ben Goode via iStock[/caption] On the apartments front, prices rose over the last year in every city except one, with the most growth (20 percent or more) recorded in Perth, Adelaide and Darwin. The only city where entry-level unit prices actually fell was Canberra, where an entry-level unit is almost $15,300 cheaper than it was this time last year. The report also details how long it will take buyers to save the funds to meet the cost of a home, or at least a 20 percent deposit. Unsurprisingly, Sydney has the highest figure there, where a 20 percent deposit will cost buyers 7.7 years of saving, followed by Brisbane for 6.3 and Adelaide at 5.7. It averages out to 5 years across Australia, but it's lowest in Darwin, where buyers need only save for 2.7 years [caption id="attachment_877221" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] NeoPhoto via iStock[/caption] When saving for a unit deposit, it's much lower. In Sydney, that will set you back just over three years, and no longer than two years in any other capital city — a figure that's fallen over the last five years in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. If you thought prices end at the first purchase, the report also reveals that mortgage rates have risen in turn, with all capital city mortgage prices exceeding the 30 percent 'stress threshold', determined by the household income required to pay it off. In Sydney, the average repayments on an entry-level home consume 68 percent of household income, followed by Brisbane at 50 percent and Adelaide at 44 percent. Rates improved in Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra, where rates consume a mere 39 to 41 percent of household income. But, averaging all the capitals, mortgages demand 24 percent more income than they did five years ago. [caption id="attachment_984500" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council[/caption] In terms of solutions to the issue, it's not an easy fix. Domain reports that the federal government's Help to Buy scheme is an effective aid for eligible applicants (individuals earning $100,000 or less), as is the 5% Deposit Scheme, which lowers the minimum deposit for eligible first-time buyers. The main finding? Rates don't match wages, and first-home buyers are facing more constraints than ever before. Read the 2026 First Home Buyer Report in full here.
If you've ever been stuck with the job of throwing away perfectly good food at the end of a hospitality shift, it probably won't shock you that Australian retailers are turfing over three million tonnes of food each year. Or that 80 percent of it is being chucked out simply because it wasn't sold. Thankfully, folks across the country are tackling the issue of unnecessary food waste head-on, with groups like OzHarvest and SecondBite built around the concept of redistributing unused food to the needy. And now, you can help fight the issue and save money on grub simultaneously, thanks to a new locally born app called Y Waste. Currently operating in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, the app helps you locate businesses in your area that have surplus food to offload at the end of the day. You can then purchase it at a discounted price, paying via your smartphone and picking it up from the venue at the allocated time. Depending on which city you're searching in, you might find sandwiches and salads from the local cafe, unsold pastries from that nearby bakery, or even freshly made pizzas, all going cheap. The only restriction is that you have to take what's left — so if you're a picky eater or have dietary restrictions, this may not be for you. Sydney's offering includes Newtown's The Pie Tin, which is serving up a box of unsold pies for $2.90, Sol Coffee Bar in Campsie, serving up a mix of sandwiches and salads for $4, and Neutral Bay's Tonic Lane, which has mixed bags of cold and hot dishes going for $5. In Melbourne, you'll find venues like Coburg's Falafel House, serving up two falafels for $7, and Richmond's Fruscolino Pizza, with a large pizza going for only $9.90, in the lineup. In Brisbane, you can snag $5 pizzas at South Brisbane's Presto Pizza and $2.75 breads, sandwiches and muffins from 3Js Cafe in Woody Point. Now you can nab a budget-friendly feed and feel good about your efforts. The Y Waste app is available to for iOS and Android. Image: The Pie Tin, Newtown
If you’ve been to the Himalayas lately, you’ll know just how big a problem plastic water bottles are. Rubbish left by trekkers ends up in villages, where waste treatment systems are often non-existent. What’s more, about 50 billion plastic bottles are produced globally each year and, in Australia alone, 373 million or so become landfill. So, a bunch of Spain-based design students have invented a water vessel that leaves no waste behind whatsoever — because you can eat it when you’ve finished drinking. Named ‘Ooho’, it’s actually more a sphere than a bottle, and it’s made of brown algae and calcium chloride. While that might not exactly sound like a MasterChef creation, it is digestible. And there’s every chance it’s good for your teeth. The ingredients are cooked to form a double gelatinous membrane that protects the water inside, keeping it hygienic and well-sealed. "Liquid forms drops because the liquid exhibits surface tension," designers Guillaume Couche, Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez explain. “Bounded completely, or almost completely, by free surfaces. Ooho replicates this behaviour, encircling the water in an edible membrane of algae.” Spheres cost just 2 cents a pop and can be made in various sizes. None of the serious infrastructure involved in PET plastic manufacturing is necessary. In fact, the designers are pretty certain that it won’t be long before everyone will able to cook their own Oohos in their kitchen. The Ooho was one of 12 winners in the 2014 Lexus Design Award. ‘Curiosity’ was the theme, and other awarded inventions included an innovative time-telling device from India, an e-wheel from Vietnam and a den-building kit from the UK. Via Inhabitat.
Alongside its collection of Margaret Olley's works, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art is giving another exceptional Australian artist some attention until Sunday, October 13: Ben Quilty. Across a free exhibition simply entitled Quilty, more than 70 pieces will showcase his work from the early 2000s onwards — including his intimate looks at his own reflection, his time spent as an official war artist in Afghanistan, and his response to other topical events, including the last American election. Quilty's expressive portraits, both of himself and of others — such as executed Bali 9 drug smuggler Myuran Sukumaran — are quite a striking sight. His Rorschach paintings are too, unsurprisingly. And, they're designed not just to catch the eye, but to explore the dark undercurrent of violence and displacement that lurks in the Australian psyche. Including paintings inspired by his visits to Lebanon, Syria and Greece, the exhibition marks the first major survey of Quilty's artistic output in a decade. For the QAGOMA Children's Art Centre, it also features the interactive Ben Quilty: Family Portrait. Image: Ben Quilty. Australia, born 1973. Rorschach after von Guérard. 2009. Oil and synthetic polymer paint on linen (12 panels) / 230.0 x 804.0 cm (overall). Acquired 2009, TarraWarra Museum of Art. Courtesy the artist. Photograph: Jeremy Dillon.
If you've been counting down the days until you see Deadpool, Captain America and Blade's next stints on the big screen, you'll now be counting for longer: as part of a post-SAG-AFTRA strike shakeup, Marvel has pushed back some of its upcoming cinema release dates. And, by doing so, the comic-book company has created a rare situation: only one Marvel Cinematic Universe movie is set to hit cinemas in 2024 as a result. Earlier in 2023, when Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige told Entertainment Weekly that the MCU might slow down its pace, neither the writers' nor the actors' strikes had happened. Now, those words are proving true for four upcoming films. Deadpool 3, Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts and Blade will all release later than planned, with experiencing the latest in a series of shifts back. This year has seen Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Marvels hit the silver screen. In 2024, the next date with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds, Spirited) — and with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, The Son) as well — will now happen on Thursday, July 25 Down Under instead of Thursday, May 2. Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts were both slated for releases in 2024, too, but will now arrive in 2025 instead, moving from Thursday, July 25, 2024 to Thursday, February, 13, 2025 and Thursday, December 19, 2024 to Thursday, July 24, 2025, respectively. The same year, Blade will now drop on Thursday, November 6 instead of Thursday, February, 13. Obviously, while writers and actors have been striking for improved working conditions across 2023, none of Marvel's movies were being made, so these delays aren't surprising. Deadpool 3 will see both Deadpool and Wolverine enter the MCU, while Captain America: Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) with the cape and shield. Thunderbolts will be all about the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan, Dumb Money), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen, Breaking Point), John Walker (Wyatt Russell, Under the Banner of Heaven), Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus, You Hurt My Feelings), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh, Oppenheimer), Red Guardian (David Harbour, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko, Extraction II) — and the return of Blade stars Moonlight and Green Book Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. Nothing else has shifted so far, which means that yet another Fantastic Four film — with no cast revealed as yet — is due on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in a year that has four MCU flicks set to drop. After that, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars are due to follow on Thursday, April 30, 2026 and Thursday, May 6, 2027 — if they aren't also delayed in general, due to the domestic violence allegations against Jonathon Majors (Loki) or even as a result of recasting. So, yes, all these MCU movies are still happening, but not as quickly. We've said it before and we'll say it again: maybe this far in, more breaks from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will make the heart grow fonder, especially if you've been feeling more than a bit of MCU fatigue. For more information about Marvel's upcoming slate of films and TV shows, head to the company's website. Images: Disney.
If we had a dollar for every time we heard someone say "it's the humidity that gets you," we'd probably have quite a nice bit of pocket money. Summer in Brisbane is no doubt a doozy but we are also lucky enough to be prepared for it here with plenty of cool, outdoor spots that are ideal for the steamy weather. We've teamed up with White Claw Hard Seltzer to help you stay refreshed and show you just how many ways you can take full advantage of those outdoor spaces all summer long with riverside dining, park hangs and even a few festivals to bring on the party. All venue trading hours and events are subject to change based on COVID-19 developments. Check with the venue for the latest details, and stay up to date with current COVID-19 restrictions by visiting Queensland Health. TAKE YOUR MEAL AL FRESCO There's nothing like stuffing yourself silly while simultaneously getting your required dose of vitamin D. Brisbane has many, many great outdoor dining options — here are just a handful of the best. Popolo, South Bank If it's an Italian summer vibe you're craving, look no further than Popolo. Dine in on pasta, pizzas and piatti piccoli (small plates) with spritzes, beer and local and Italian wine on offer. Or, order a picnic basket to takeaway to River Quay park on the restaurant's front doorstep. The picnic feeds two and includes antipasto, arancini, fries and a pizza to share. Will & Flow, Brisbane City In late 2020, the brown snake finally received the overwater hangout it deserves. Will & Flow is a cafe, restaurant and bar dishing up seafood, woodfired pizzas and bar snacks to hungry city-dwellers. If you're thirsty, there's wine, beer, cocktails and four different flavours of spritzes to choose from. Sip and snack your way through the menu during a breezy afternoon in the city. Yoko, Brisbane City Wine and dine riverside to keep cool this summer with cocktails and izakaya-style eats at Yoko Dining. Owned by Jonathan Barthelmess, the easy-going but well-executed service and food of this restaurant — along with its killer location in the middle of the action — makes it one of the best options at Howard Smith Wharves. Stop in for edamame, miso-glazed eggplant and a yuzu slushie or stay a while for an all-out Japanese-inspired feast by the water. The Gardens Club, Brisbane City It may come as no surprise to you the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is home to a cute, leafy cafe. Explore the gardens on a sunny day — or if La Niña gets in the way, a wet one for rainforest vibes — and pop in to The Gardens Club for coffee, brekkie or lunch on the terrace. The heritage-listed cottage looks out onto the gardens with a shaded patio out front, and is an excellent choice for a chilled morning among the trees. SIP SELTZERS IN A BUZZING BEER GARDEN Getting cosy in a dimly lit bar is for the cooler months. Right now, you need to take advantage of the sunshine and long afternoons that stretch into stellar sunsets. If you're finding a beer or wine too heavy-going, then you'll be pleased to know the spots listed below stock White Claw in all manner of tasty flavours. X Cargo, Fortitude Valley As far as day venues in the Valley go, X Cargo is up there with the best. This openair bar and pub is a multi-level party hub that boasts live DJs, food — like duck spring rolls, chicken karaage toasties and tempura prawn buns — and cocktails aplenty. Sundays are ideal for swinging by to sip White Claws in the beer garden with mates. Riverland, Brisbane City Take in amazing Story Bridge views, without having to worry about any summer storms rolling in, while undercover at Riverland. Here, you'll find a rotating selection of street food vendors that have set up shop inside the venue serving everything from smoked barbecue meats to Himalayan-style dumplings. The drinks list is a bit more consistent and always fun, with cocktails, 16 tap beers and ciders, and a large range of bottled and canned bevs, including White Claw. To pair with those top-notch eats and drinks, expect live tunes from 6pm on Thursdays and retro beats every Friday night. Osbourne Hotel, Fortitude Valley If the thought of an ice-cold White Claw and a pizza in a light- and plant-filled pub makes you weak at the knees, The Osbourne might be just the place for you. But sunlight and plants don't automatically mean al fresco — this place has all the charm of an outdoor space with the comfort of being indoors. The Ann Street watering hole is a haven for office lunch-goers, sports fans and big groups alike. Head there on Sunday arvos for live acoustic tunes from local musos. The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley Leafy green hanging plants, colourful pastels and crisp white picnic tables — The Prince Consort's garden bar is made for summer sessions. Grab a few mates to while away the steamy nights with trivia on Tuesdays, drag bingo, big sports games on the big screen and house music every Sunday till 3am. If you're feeling peckish, enjoy classic pub grub, like fries, woodfired pizza and inventive burgers and wash it down with a White Claw. HAVE A BOOGIE AT AN OUTDOOR GIG It almost seems too good to be true, but yes, they're back. After a pretty grim past two years, festival season upon us again, and it's time to make up for all those lost moments. Check out our recommendations for where to head for the outdoor party season. The Long Sunset As festivals finally come roaring back into summer, new events are popping up everywhere, too. The Long Sunset is one of the most recent to be announced. With the backdrop of Canungra at which to marvel, the festival is set to showcase the Scenic Rim in all its glory and some knockout local acts to boot. Catch Angus and Julia Stone, Ball Park Music, Babe Rainbow and Hatchie on February 12, 2022. For the Love Music and lifestyle festival For the Love is heading back to the Gold Coast on February 26 to bring the likes of Crooked Colours, Dom Dolla, Mallrat and Running Touch to the stage. The one-day event is being held at the breezy seaside location of Doug Jennings Park in Southport and will see beats pumping, drinks flowing and, no doubt, a lot of dancing. This That It's hard to believe they'll be able to fit all of the acts playing at This That Festival into one day. The lineup is stacked, to say the least: Client Liaison, Hayden James, Polish Club, San Cisco, Spacey Jane and The Presets (to name a few) are all on the bill. Taking place at Sandstone Point Hotel on March 5, it's the perfect way to extend summer in Brissie. Sunday Social on the Green This free South Bank ritual makes for a chilled afternoon with friends, family or a date. Pack a picnic of food and your drink of choice (BYO seltzers) and nab a spot in the shade or the sunshine as local musicians serenade you at River Quay Green. The lineup for January is looking pretty top-notch, with the likes of The New Black and Birdman Randy set to perform. [caption id="attachment_793757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City Flickr[/caption] ROLL OUT YOUR PICNIC BLANKET There are few things better than a summer park sesh, whether you're taking the dog for a walk, flying your drone or catching up with mates after a hard day's work. There's something so laconically inviting about a cheeky bev in the neighbourhood park, and Brisbane has some cracking spots where you can make that happen. Grab a few White Claws and enjoy the sunshine in our faves. New Farm Park Heaps of different spaces to choose from, gorgeous scenery and good airflow from the neighbouring river — New Farm Park is a classic for a reason. The inner-city institution is a go-to for locals and visitors alike for celebrations, catch-ups and long afternoons lounging on a picnic blanket. BYO booze, cheese, dogs and a frisbee for a day which can be as laidback or as lavish as you want it to be. Roma Street Parkland Roma Street Parkland takes up 16 hectares of prime city land, so you're bound to find a quiet spot among the greenery without having to wander too far in the summer heat. All you need to make the most of your time here is good friends, good food and good drinks to match. Pro tip: a fresh cheese like burrata or feta with a splash of vinegar and tomatoes will go swimmingly with a natural lime- or watermelon-flavoured White Claw. For more information on White Claw, head to the website. Top image: This That, Jordan Munns
Over the years, the Brisbane International Film Festival has weathered plenty of challenges. One year, early in the past decade, massive storms even threatened to knock out an entire weekend of the fest — so it has actually weathered them in a literal sense. After its 2013 event, BIFF was scrapped in favour of a different film festival, only to be resurrected a few years later. The fest has moved dates several times, and venues too, and just who puts it all together behind the scenes has changed on multiple occasions as well. But despite everything that 2020 has thrown at the world, and everything the event has endured in its on-again, off-again three-decade history, this year's BIFF is 100-percent going ahead in-person. Between Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 11, Brisbane cinephiles can head into a darkened theatre — while maintaining social distancing, naturally — and watch their way through a 70-plus film lineup. At the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinémathèque, Dendy Coorparoo, the Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, Reading in Newmarket and the State Library of Queensland, the silver screen will light up with top-notch flicks, spanning everything from powerful westerns that interrogate Australia's past to century-old wonders. Of course, that leaves movie buffs with the obvious dilemma that is choosing what to watch. To help, we've rounded up ten standouts that are well worth your time over the next week and a half. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyVfnRRotlM&feature=emb_logo BLOODY NOSE, EMPTY POCKETS Amidst its glittering lights and blocks upon blocks of glitzy casinos, Las Vegas is home to many a bar. Until recently, The Roaring 20s was one of them; however, the dive bar sat far beyond the kind of joints everyone usually thinks of when they imagine the city. That's the setup of Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets, at least. Filmmakers Bill and Turner Ross capture its last day and night of trade, as a ragtag group of devoted regulars said goodbye to their beloved spot by doing exactly what they need to — that is, sitting around, talking about anything and everything, drinking, hanging out and escaping from their normal lives. Taking an observational approach that blends fact and fiction, Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets simply watches as last drinks inches closer and closer, and spends times with the folks who make watering holes like these what they are both in front of and behind the bar. A slice-of-life experimental documentary that'll make you want to visit your own favourite neighbourhood joint, it's also a film with a local connection, courtesy of a boozy Australian wearing a Newstead Brewing Co t-shirt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXs2-TY9qok&feature=emb_logo SAINT MAUD Bumps, jumps, shocks and scares come in all different shapes and sizes and, in Saint Maud, they're a matter of faith, too. This striking, instantly unsettling feature debut by British writer/director Rose Glass follows in-home nurse Maud (Dracula and His Dark Materials' Morfydd Clark), who is devoted to three things: her religion, helping those in her care physically and trying to save them spiritually. But her latest patient, cancer-stricken ex-dancer Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), isn't too fond of Maud's obsession with her salvation. Amanda isn't fussed about Maud's strict judgements about her lifestyle either. And, despite her intensely devout fervour — and the stern but feverish way in which she pushes it upon others — Maud's own past isn't easily shaken. In a film as masterful as it is memorable, Glass evokes Hereditary and Midsommar-esque levels of dread and unease as her anti-heroine is slowly forced to reckon with her beliefs emotionally and physically. Saint Maud's powerful final shot isn't easily forgotten, but then again neither is anything in this part-religious thriller, part-body horror flick, including Clark's stunning performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcynzD5bRrA&feature=emb_logo THE WOMAN WHO RAN Alcohol. Conversation. A scene-stealing cat. Combine all three, and South Korean great Hong Sang-soo is firmly in his element. The booze flows freely as Gamhee (Hong regular Kim Min-hee, a 2017 Berlinale Best Actress winner for On the Beach at Night Alone) enjoys her first time away from her husband in five years, visiting friends around Seoul while he's off on a business trip. In the prolific director's typical fashion, much of The Woman Who Ran unfurls as his characters simply chat — about lives, hopes, dreams, problems and, with a pesky neighbour in the movie's funniest moment, about feeding stray felines. Hong's penchant for long, patient takes, playful repetition and echoes, and expertly timed crash-zooms are all used to winning effect, in a film that slots perfectly into his busy oeuvre (he's made 23 movies since 1996) and yet always feels distinctively insightful. Also, and we can't stress it enough, look out for one helluva kitty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3PcDo4YcnY BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE Before Pete Davidson played a twenty-something with a raging case of arrested development in Judd Apatow's The King of Staten Island, he stepped into very similar shoes in Big Time Adolescence. And both roles suit the Saturday Night Live comedian, who has an uncanny way of letting audiences laugh at the stereotype while revealing the pain and melancholy underneath. Here, he's 23-year-old, Zeke, who still pals around with his ex-girlfriend's 16-year-old younger brother. Said high schooler, Mo (Griffin Gluck), hangs on Zeke's every bong-toking, shit-talking word, even when the teen's gut tells him that perhaps that's not the best idea. Mo is the film's protagonist, with Big Time Adolescence charting his gradual, hard-fought and eventful coming-of-age in the shadow of an adult who never has — but this heartfelt, insightful and immensely funny movie wouldn't be the same without Davidson and his big slacker energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6OtT2xM21w PELICAN BLOOD Nina Hoss, the German actor and national treasure known for everything from Barbara and Phoenix to Homeland and Criminal, takes on the troubles of motherhood in this slow-burning, tonally seesawing but disarmingly effective thriller. Pelican Blood sometimes feels like multiple films in one, but the feature's various parts are all bound together by Hoss' simmering performance as horse trainer and single mother Wiebke. In northern Germany, she runs a ranch where the police force prepare their horses for duty. She's also a mum to an adopted nine-year-old and, after a trip to Bulgaria, welcomes a five-year-old called Raya (Katerina Lipovska) to their home as well. Alas, what initially seems like stock-standard childhood tantrums swiftly turns more sinister, with Wiebke uncertain of how to handle Raya's screaming, cruel behaviour and escalating violence. It might seem like a typical creepy 'evil kid' movie at first, but writer/director Katrin Gebbe is deeply concerned with empathy here. This is a film both disquieting and moving, and uses its premise in a way few other filmmakers would. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYhrc0AnVw THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS Northern Italy's woods are a truffle-lover's delight but, of course, someone has to find the edible fungus. The Truffle Hunters introduces viewers to multiple elderly men and their adorable dogs who do just that, with their lives revolving around roving the forest and searching out the prized food — while trying to avoid poison baits, fighting with others encroaching on their turf, typing missives about how the world has changed and, in the case of one octogenarian, sneaking out at night because his wife wants him to stop his hobby. A leisurely film that's happy to chronicle its subjects' easy-going lives, lean into their eccentricities and survey their lush surroundings, this is also an unhurried delight of a documentary. Obviously, thanks to shots of truffles being grated over food, it'll make you hungry, too. Executive produced by Call Me By Your Name filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, The Truffle Hunters also serves up a perceptive portrait of tradition versus change — because this is a feature with both great scenery and considerable substance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzYX8ZxNv74&feature=emb_logo JUMBO In Portrait of a Lady on Fire, one of the best films of 2019, Noémie Merlant played an 18th-century artist who fell in love with the betrothed woman she's commissioned to paint. In the neon-hued, loosely based-on-a-true-story Jumbo, she's once again falling head over heels — this time for an amusement park ride. Her character, fairground worker Jeanne, is shy to the point of being teased by everyone around her. While her mother (Emmanuelle Bercot) doesn't fall into that category, she does repeatedly try to push her out of her comfort zone, including setting her up with the park's new boss (Bastien Bouillon). But in Belgium-born, France-based writer/director Zoé Wittock's debut feature, nothing makes Jeanne feel the way that Jumbo, the theme park's new ride, does. It's a quirky, even whimsical concept, but both Merlant and Wittock treat Jeanne's love affair with sensitivity and enthusiasm — two traits the character isn't accustomed to receiving elsewhere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ktyokEoJi84&feature=emb_logo ELLIE & ABBIE (& ELLIE'S DEAD AUNT) As a teen rom-com about two high schoolers working through their feelings for each other as they're also trying to work out what to do with their lives, there's a purposeful and familiar sense of awkwardness about Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt). The studious Ellie (Sophie Hawkshaw) likes the far cooler, calmer and more collected Abbie (Zoe Terakes), but is struggling to stump up the courage to ask her to the school formal — even going as far as willingly getting detention to spend more time with her crush to try to muster the motivation. So far, so sweet. What lifts this Aussie film, however, is the weightiness it brings to the subject of queer romance. As the title gives away, Ellie's dead aunt Tara (Julia Billington) hovers around, giving her niece advice about following her feelings. In this thoughtful feature debut from writer/director Monica Zanetti, Tara's presence also opens the door to a deeper contemplation of Australia's historical treatment of its LGBTQIA+ community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Xy4-0cZUk&feature=emb_logo LAST AND FIRST MEN At present, every movie filled with everyday folks amassing in public, or even just hugging or shaking hands, feels more than a little like science fiction. We've said it before, and we're sure we'll say it again. And yet, while Last and First Men is an eerie and intelligent dystopian sci-fi film through and through, it doesn't feature a single person on-screen. Instead, the one and only movie directed by Oscar-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (Sicario, The Theory of Everything) before his 2018 death trains the camera at towering sculptures that prove instantly mesmerising to look at — and look, this movie does — and even a tad unsettling. The concept, as inspired by the 1930 novel of the same name, explained in lyrical waves of poetic prose spoken by Tilda Swinton, presented as a message from one of the earth's very last residents, and accompanied by a haunting score: several billion years into the future, after several leaps in evolution and drastic changes to life as we currently know it, humanity faces its extinction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcifoEG_Mkg THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF Some stories are so wild that they can only be true, and the tale told in The Painter and the Thief is one of them. The documentary's moniker gives away the overall thrust, but this is one of those films that has to be seen to be believed. When two of Barbora Kysilkova's paintings were stolen from Oslo's Gallery Nobel in 2015, the Czech artist wanted answers. And even though Karl-Bertil Nordland was arrested and charged for the crime, Kysilkova still wanted to delve deeper. If you've ever wanted to know what might happen if a painter befriended the man who pilfered her work — and what kind of obviously complicated relationship would spring — then that's what you'll find out in this deserving Sundance Film Festival prize-winner. Expect twists, turns, surprises and one strange connection, plus an intimate and unflinching insight into kindness and compassion in even the most unlikeliest of circumstances. The 2020 Brisbane International Film Festival runs from Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 11 at a variety of Brisbane venues. For further information, and to book tickets, head to the festival website.
2023 isn't even here yet, or any of the hundreds of films that it'll unleash upon big screens around Australia and New Zealand. That hasn't stopped 2024's most-anticipated movie from unveiling its first sneak peak before 2022 is out, though. That flick: Mickey 17, which oozes sci-fi intrigue from its name alone, and in its very brief initial trailer. But it's the fact that this is the first film from Korean director Bong Joon-ho since Parasite that's the most exciting part. At the time of writing, it has been three years since twisty thriller Parasite became the film of 2019, winning almost everything it could — such as the Palme d'Or at Cannes; the Sydney Film Festival Prize; and four Oscars, including becoming the first film in a language other than English to win Best Picture. When 2024 hits, half a decade will have passed since that cinematic triumph. But any new Bong Joon-ho movie is worth the wait, as his impressive cinematic resume attests. He is also the filmmaker behind stunning crime procedural Memories of Murder, creature feature The Host, dystopian thriller Snowpiercer and the offbeat Okja, after all. Directed, scripted and produced by Bong, Mickey 17 looks set to mark his third movie mostly in English after Snowpiercer and Okja, with Robert Pattinson (The Batman) leading a cast that also includes Steven Yeun (Nope), Naomi Ackie (Small Axe), Toni Collette (Nightmare Alley) and Mark Ruffalo (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law). Story-wise, it adapts Edward Ashton's book Mickey 7 — and no, why the title has added ten to its number isn't revealed in the debut trailer. The novel follows an 'expendable' being sent to colonise an ice world, who doesn't want to let his replacement take his place. On the page, the lead character is the seventh clone trying to fend off the eighth, but Bong has clearly upped that to the 17th version of his lead character. [caption id="attachment_706462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] High Life[/caption] Science-fiction fans will spot that the premise alone gives off big Moon, Sunshine and Voyagers vibes — and brings High Life, RPatz's last exceptional sci-fi flick, to mind. That said, Bong isn't a filmmaker to follow in anyone else's footsteps. How he makes this concept his own will be a treat to see. In the US, Mickey 17 arrives at the end of March 2024. No exact date Down Under has been locked in as yet, but you can reasonably expect the film to drop locally around the same time. Check out the first trailer for Mickey 17 below: Mickey 17 releases on March 29, 2024 in the US, and doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you with local details when they're announced.
Perhaps this is the legacy of being brought up an only child, but half the time I'm walking down the street I'm involved in elaborate daydreams soundtracked by my iPod. This is why audio guides have always held a certain attraction for me, because they have the potential to give you the daydream pre-packaged. Now the French Institute Alliance Française's annual New York-based festival piece Crossing the Line has taken the idea to a completely different level, transforming your run of the mill walking tour into an intrepid adventure merging fact and fiction, with the help of conceptual sound collective, Soundwalk. Crossing the Line leads listeners on an hour and a half's merry journey down New York's Museum Mile. Five writers devised narratives for the new and improved audio guides, inspired by landmarks, objects or the neighbourhood around 5th Avenue, combining authentic and imaginary stories which all aim to answer the question "what do we rely on to determine the truth from fiction?" The tour begins at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, winds its way through the Neue Gallerie and the Guggenheim, and finishes up in Central Park. The narratives are combined with experimental sounds to frame the stories, making the distinction between fiction and reality even more blurry. Available in both French and English, the audio guides can be downloaded individually or as a set from the Soundwalk website. The festival runs through until October 16, but for those of us who have neither the time nor the cash to go for a casual meander through the streets of Manhattan, you can download the audio guides or listen online at the Soundwalk website for a vicarious walking tour aided by the magic of Google Maps. [Via Cool Hunting]
If you had a childhood fear of swimming at the beach, tried to get your bicycle to fly, dreamed of becoming an archeologist or begged your parents to take you to a dinosaur-filled theme park, then we're betting you grew up watching movies made by one man. That's just the impact Steven Spielberg's films had on kids of the '80s and '90s. Now, decades later, your youthful obsession is about to come in handy in the most important way possible. First, gather your similarly fanatical friends. Then, head on over to Shady Palms to strut your stuff at their Spielberg trivia night. Yes, Steven Spielberg (not to be mistaken for Senor Spielbergo) is in the spotlight at the next Man vs Bear-hosted battle of knowledge, which is good news for everyone who wore out their family VCR or DVD player watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial or Jurassic Park over and over again. Questions about everything from Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Schindler's List to Saving Private Ryan and War of the Worlds are bound to pop up — and, if you emerge victorious, you'll probably be crowned the next JJ Abrams. If you've seen Super 8, you already know that the Lost creator and Force Awakens director is the world's number one Spielberg expert.
Planning a Mardi Gras extravaganza is a rite of passage — the only issue is you have to get there first. For those who want to get immersed in the rainbow-coloured fun before they even touch down in Sydney, Virgin Australia is bringing back its glitter-filled Pride Flight for a sixth year, this time with a new theme to boot. Taking off with a disco-meets-western vibe for the first time, bright and colourful flights depart from Brisbane and Melbourne to Sydney on Friday, February 27. Serving up disco balls, plenty of rhinestone-studded denim and more than a few yee-haws at 38,000 feet, this is your chance to giddy up for the Disco Rodeo Pride Flight. In fact, the party kicks off before you even step onto the plane. No more boring wait at the gate staring at your phone. Instead, the Departure Party turns the lounge into a hoedown. Then, once you reach cruising altitude, this rainbow rodeo sparks into life, with DJ beats and line dancing scooting down the aisle. After hitting the tarmac, the neon saloon session continues at The Beresford in Surry Hills. And if your night rolls into kick-ons, consider buying a separate ticket for the Pride Flight Recovery Lunch at Ovolo Woolloomooloo. Featuring a much-needed feed and two hours of bottomless cocktails for $99, it won't be long until you climb back into your cowboy boots.
It is no easy decision to name something the best of them all, but with the case of Kotobuki we're feeling confident that they top the list. Serving up some of the best Japanese sushi in Brisbane, with their bowls not far behind, Kotobuki haters are only those who haven't tried it. Situated on Lytton Road in the unsuspecting suburb of East Brisbane and tucked down an alleyway behind a couple of other food stores, chances are the first thing you will see is the queue. Fortunately it moves fast, and besides, this gives you time to peruse the menu. Kotobuki is in the basket with Little Greek Taverna – cheap, cheerful, no fuss, great staff, good vibe. The venue is nothing special, which actually adds to the charm. Staff are warm, welcoming and somehow attentive for such a busy venue. Tables are cleared, fresh chopsticks are brought out and even chilled water is provided. Sushi at Kotobuki is all made-to-order – guaranteeing delicious freshness. Don't walk past the Crunch Chicken ($8) this fusion double roll is filled with a generous serve of (usually warm) fresh crumbed chicken and thinly sliced cabbage, seaweed on the inside, rice on the outside and like icing on the cake, it is dressed with a tempura crumb and served with a sweet soy. If you're feeling more adventurous than chicken, try the Lion King ($9). Also a fusion double roll, this crab stick, avocado and cucumber filled morsel is topped with fresh salmon, kewpie mayo and cheese sauce before being taken to with a flambe torch. Smokey heaven. While the double roll fusion sushi has all the glitz and glam, Kotobuki's menu is stacked with plenty of choice and the more friends you take, the more you can try. Sushi makes up half of the extensive menu with everything from traditional cone-shaped hand rolls (temaki), to uramaki, norimaki, nigiri, ships and hosomaki varieties all well under the $5 mark. As for sides, you can't go wrong the grilled gyoza, yakitori chicken skewers or seaweed salad. Kotobuki are also BYO so take your wine and enjoy a feast. Pro tip: call up and order ahead if you're in a rush.
If there's anything freakier than trying to make your way across the Toowong Roundabout in peak hour, it's the heritage-listed necropolis next door. Ladies and gents, guys and ghouls — it's ghost tour time. Toowong Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Queensland and the burial place of 120,000 people. Give yourself a fright and learn some history at the same time as you tour the massive graveyard. On the Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour you'll hear 13 tales of real haunted graves – think dead governors, murderers and black widows. Image: Commander Keane via Wikimedia Commons.
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Now, get ready for the Weekend of Tartness — the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the newcomer cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over two days, the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. There’s also the promise of fluoro. Make of that what you will.
"Like Fishbowl but with fruit." That's the phrase adorning a door at Fruitbowl, and it couldn't sum up the eatery's concept better. When the craving for vegetable-filled bowls strikes, Fishbowl has the answer, launching in Brisbane in 2022 six years after opening its first-ever store in Sydney. Now, since mid-2023 next door to its original Queensland venue at Gasworks in Newstead, its sibling Fruitbowl is doing the same with another healthy food group. On the menu here: fruit, obviously, as topping acai and froyo. Like its neighbour, Fruitbowl is all about building your own dishes, starting with your pick of base — or both if you like — then whichever fruit and toppings that you'd like. If you're after granola, that's homemade and roasted in-house. With the fruit range, obviously the freshest produce reigns supreme. And the vibe and ethos mirror Fishbowl, including the bright but casual setting and a focus on sustainability. The idea is that you'll head to Fishbowl for a meal, then to Fruitbowl for dessert, although no one will know if you skip the former. New to all things Fishbowl? Before it branched out into fruit, the chain began by heroing fast but healthy vegetable-filled bowls, all revolving around its range of house favourites.
Struggling to pay the electricity bill this month? What would you say to jumping rope instead? Innovative technology-with-a-conscience company Uncharted Play has come up with PULSE, a skipping rope that harvests energy with every single jump. That’s energy that can later be used to power electronic devices — including smartphones — and lights. Made of strong, resilient plastic, the device features 3D-printed handles which store the kinetic energy created by each spin. It’s converted to electricity via an adaptor. One hundred PULSEs, priced at US$129 each, comprise the first run. But Uncharted Play’s higher goal is to make the invention accessible to individuals and communities in the developing world, where electricity can be insanely expensive and resorting to high-risk alternatives such as kerosene is often the only option. If the initial distribution takes off, the company will start looking at ways to bring the price down. Previous Uncharted Play successes include the SOCCKET — an energy-harvesting soccer ball connected to an LED lamp — and a foldable, sustainable, recyclable, eco-friendly water bottle. All sales proceeds go towards providing SOCCKETs to disadvantaged children and lifting educational standards in remote areas. Via Springwise.
There are plenty of ways to mark a movie milestone. Whenever one of your favourite flicks notches up five, ten, 20, 30 or more years since first hitting screens, watching it is the easiest way to celebrate, of course. That's definitely in order when the original animated version of The Lion King — not the recent live-action take — hits three decades in 2024. How to truly do justice to the Disney smash that spawned a musical, ample sequels and oh-so-much enduring affection? Seeing it show at an in-concert session with a live orchestra playing its songs and score. Yes, The Lion King in Concert is coming to Australia, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra doing the honours. The blockbuster movie-and-music performance was announced as part of MSO's just-unveiled 2024 season, and will take over The Plenary at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, February 3. This is an Aussie premiere, too, featuring Hans Zimmer's score and Elton John and Tim Rice's songs performed live as the movie once again graces a silver screen. As Nicholas Buc conducts, audiences will be feeling the love that night — and day, thanks to both 1pm and 7.30pm sessions — and celebrating the circle of life as well. Just can't wait to commemorate 30 years since the film debuted, instantly becoming an all-ages favourite? Add this chance to revisit Simba's journey to your calendar. Both John and Rice's tunes, and Zimmer's music, won Oscars. The former were nominated three times in the same field, in fact, with 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight?' winning out over 'Circle of Life' and 'Hakuna Matata'. So, yes, seeing any film as its score is played live is a rousing experience, but this one will feel particularly powerful. There's no word yet whether The Lion King in Concert will be a Melbourne exclusive in addition to being an Aussie premiere, or if it'll make the rounds of other city-based symphony orchestras. Some such shows hop around the country, as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Zimmer-focused gigs have. Others have stuck to one place, as seen with past The Princess Bride, Home Alone and Toy Story performances, and the upcoming Black Panther. Sydneysiders, Brisbanites and folks elsewhere, perhaps cross your fingers while you channel a "hakuna matata" mindset. You can always stream the sing-along version while you wait for local dates. Check out the trailer for The Lion King below: The Lion King in Concert will play The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Head to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra website for further details, and tickets from Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
For nearly two centuries, everyone has known the Artful Dodger's story. Charles Dickens wrote the character, aka Jack Dawkins, to life in 1838's Oliver Twist — and readers have thumbed through the pickpocket's part of the famous tale ever since. But what happened once the book's narrative ended? What if Fagin's light-fingered apprentice is on the straight and narrow 15 years later, living in 1850s Australia? What if he is a navy-trained surgeon now plying his trade while living on the other side of the world from London, and great at it? What if Fagin is still alive despite Dickens' words on the page, too? In fact, what if the thieving ringleader is the latest convict arrival to the penal colony, crossing paths with his old pal with a plan that cares little about Dodge's new upstanding reputation? If you're wondering how the Aussie-set The Artful Dodger can exist, that's how: by sinking into the above scenario. Australian-made as well, with Jeffrey Walker (The Clearing), Corrie Chen (Bad Behaviour) and Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) directing, the Disney+ series that arrived on Wednesday, November 29 is not an origin story — it's an after story. Getting caught with a silver snuff box might've wrapped up Jack's exploits for the author who created him, but the latest iteration of the figure lives on from there for The Artful Dodger creators James McNamara (also one of the show's writers), David Maher (The Commons) and David Taylor (Bloom). Their take also turns its antics in the fictional Port Victory into a riff on The Knick, plus a romance. Two decades on from Love Actually, Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Queen's Gambit) plays the show's namesake, joining a long line of actors who've done the same — many musicians, including Davy Jones from The Monkees onstage in the 60s, earning a Tony Award nomination; Phil Collins, also in the theatre in the same era; and Rita Ora in 2021's worth-avoiding crime-drama movie Twist. As in his big Christmas-movie break, Brodie-Sangster is again concerned with affairs of the heart, with The Artful Dodger's lead casting benefiting from bringing its star's best-known role to mind. In the festive rom-com, he was a kid cutely grappling with adult emotions. Here, he spiritedly steps into the shoes of an all-grown-up figure who acted wiser than his years when he was a child, too-large attire to match. Although no one saw Brodie-Sangster as the Oliver Twist version of Dodge, imagining it is easy because remembering him as a 13-year-old is that instantaneous. Also similar from Love Actually: Brodie-Sangster's character having an older guiding hand by his side, albeit with mischief and scheming this time. David Thewlis (Landscapers) gets wily — one of his finest on-screen traits — as Jack's former mentor, who isn't willing to let their links fade away. The Artful Dodger isn't a two-hander, but its biggest international names make a lively and engaging pair. Thewlis' Fagin isn't the villain, either, with both the script and the Fargo, Macbeth and I'm Thinking of Ending Things talent's performance expanding the part beyond the scoundrel — even if much of the criminal mastermind's focus is on convincing Dodge that his illicit know-how shouldn't be retired. This eight-part series also enlists a hefty lineup of Aussies, from Damon Herriman (The Portable Door), Miranda Tapsell (Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe), Susie Porter (Mercy Road) and Tim Minchin (Upright) to Damien Garvey (Troppo), Jessica De Gouw (C*A*U*G*H*T) and Kym Gyngell (Black Snow). Chief among the homegrown cohort is Maia Mitchell (Good Trouble) as Lady Belle Fox, daughter of the Governor (Garvey) and an aspiring doctor herself — not that a female surgeon is approved of in the show's period. Familiar Australian faces aren't the only constant reminder that this is a local production. Beginning with Wolfmother's 'Joker and the Thief', the anachronistic soundtrack spins on average one Aussie track per episode, including from Spiderbait, Jet, INXS and The Living End. Playfulness abounds, then, in a series that's a caper as well. Narrative-wise, Dodge endeavours to keep on the up and up, despite a shady gambling debt to pay to crooked harbourmaster Darius Cracksworth (Minchin) on penalty of losing a hand. Given that he needs his two mitts to continue his line of work, his devotion to staying legit is quickly tested. Fagin is officially his servant, but is really the devilish force whispering in his ear — in-between ample gloating about how his pilfering instructions all that time back helped his protégé earn his new calling, teaching him the dexterity required as a cutpurse. Complicating the already chaotic situation is the ever-present Captain Gaines (Herriman), who loves nothing more than sending whoever he can to the noose. Once he becomes certain that Jack and Fagin have more than a few reasons to take the drop, he's relentless. Jack is the colony's best doctor, repeatedly besting the drunken professor (Gyngell) in charge of the hospital and his chosen successor Rainsford Sneed (Nicholas Burton, Safe Home). Accordingly, it's only in Belle that he meets his professional match. She's deeply uninterested in just finding a husband no matter what's expected of her. She's also an avid subscriber to and reader of medical journals. So springs an arrangement where her booksmarts help Jack with his patients — the very concept of germs and their role in causing infections isn't on anyone's radar until she mentions it — and he lets her put her self-taught skills to practical use. So flies sparks, too, amid an evident class clash, bloody surgeries with a live audience, Jack and Fagin trying to avoid the hangman, and a pilfering bushranger (Tapsell) drawing attention their way. As its fondness for Aussie rock makes plain, The Artful Dodger is energetically told, and also anything but an old-school period piece. Walker, Chen and Otto take the same cues visually and in the show's fast pacing, making for rollicking and always entertaining viewing. Wanting more comes swiftly, primarily thanks to Brodie-Sangster, Thewlis and Mitchell, however. While everything about the series knows that this is a lark, its key trio not only sell it but give it depth — no bait-and-switch required. Check out the trailer for The Artful Dodger below: The Artful Dodger streams via Disney+.
The 'art world' is a concept just as tricky to define as 'art' itself. Opinions on what distinguishes 'good' from 'poor', 'high-brow' from 'low-brow', 'contemporary' from plain bizarre are essentially endless. No one seems quite sure what qualifies an 'artist' to be labeled as such. And what is this 'world', this community, they belong in? One thing all artists and art enthusiasts cannot dispute, however, is a cold, hard fact. The Art Newspaper serves up an annual batch of exhibit attendance figures to reveal which exhibitions were best attended. No matter what your taste or opinions, 2011 brought an eclectic jumble to the forefront; here are 10 of the most attended exhibits. 1. The Magical World of Escher Where: The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Visitors per day: 9,677 This exhibition brought together the best-known trippy drawings and prints by the Dutch artist. 2. Kukai’s World: the Arts of Esoteric Buddhism Where: The Tokyo National Museum Visitors per day: 9,108 Featuring 99 items - some certified national treasures - related to Kukai, the famous Japanese Buddhist priest, this exhibit celebrates 'Esoteric Buddhism'. Kukai brought the practice with him from China during the early 9th century. 3. Landscape Reunited Where: The National Palace Museum Visitors per day: 8,828 Reuniting the two halves of Huang Gongwang's Chinese scroll painting Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, this exhibit pieced together the 660-year-old work from the sections formerly split between China and Taiwan. The piece, considered one of the most important in Chinese painting, has not been exhibited in its entirety since 1940. 4. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art Visitors per day: 8,025 The Costume Institute's posthumous tribute to Alexander McQueen featured his groundbreaking works of fashion. 5. Claude Monet (1840-1926) Where: The Grand Palais Visitors per day: 7,609 The likes of this exhibit had been MIA in Paris for years, making this collection of over 200 impressionist Monet works even more of a must-see. 6. Photoquai Where: Musée Quai Branly Visitors per day: 7,304 A free, outdoor celebration of non-Western photography, Photoquai held its third edition in 2011. 7. Mariko Mori: Oneness Where: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Visitors per day: 6,991 Toyko-born, New York-raised Mariko Mori designed this contemporary exhibit to be interactive, with some pieces visually interpreting attendees brainwaves, and others lighting up when touched. 8. Monumenta: Anish Kapoor Where: The Grand Palais Visitors per day: 6,967 Kapoor's temporary, site-specific installation challenged the confines of the Grand Palais belle epoque exhibition hall. 9. Laurie Anderson Where: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Visitors per day: 6,934 For her first solo show in Brazil, Anderson chose to feature 31 works that "told stories". 10. The Prado Museum Where: The Hermitage Visitors per day: 6,649 Madrid's Prado Museum created its own little 66-piece museum inside of St. Petersburg's State Hermitage Museum as the first of a two-part exhibition exchange. The Hermitage Museum will be featured at the Prado through March 2012. [via Flavorwire]
It's one of southeast Queensland's two spots on the World Heritage List, it's the world's largest sand island and it's a place that every Brisbanite — and every Australian — should visit at least once. It's also a location that's been known by several names, but only one will stick moving forward: K'gari, which is what the original Butchulla people called the island. The Queensland Government has announced that the 122-kilometre coastal locale that's been known as Fraser Island will revert to its original Indigenous name, and that the moniker will apply across the entire island — covering the World Heritage Area within Great Sandy National Park which is centred on Fraser Island, as well as the surrounding waters and parts of the nearby mainland. Back in 2017, the island's national park was renamed the K'gari (Fraser Island) section of the Great Sandy National Park; however, this new move clearly goes a step further. "The Butchulla people have been campaigning for years to change the name," said Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Jade Gould in a statement. "The name Fraser Island is a tribute to Eliza Fraser — a woman whose narrative directly lead to the massacre and dispossession of the Butchulla people," Gould continued. "A word meaning paradise in Butchulla language is a much more fitting name for such an iconic place." The World Heritage Committee officially adopted the name change at its recent 44th session. In Queensland, the government will now work through the formal steps required to enact the change, in conjunction with the Butchulla people, stakeholders and the community. [caption id="attachment_743610" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] K'gari isn't just the biggest sand island in the world; it's made up of 184,000 hectares of the stuff, in 72 colours and mostly in the form of magnificent dunes, much of which are covered in rainforest. It's also home to more than 100 freshwater lakes, including the crystal-clear waters of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), a perched lake made up of rainwater and soft silica sand. For more information about K'gari's change of name, head to the Queensland Government website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland.
Some films about playthings are adorable and heartwarming, as Pixar so convincingly proved with its Toy Story franchise. Others are unsettling and nightmarish, a fact both the Child's Play and Annabelle movies have tried to capitalise upon — and now Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor is following in their footsteps. Dolls and plenty of them feature in the show's first teaser trailer, which introduces the streaming platform's follow-up to its 2018 hit The Haunting of Hill House. Obviously, an eerie abode also plays a very prominent part as well, because that's this anthology saga's gambit — but every horror fan knows that an unnerving home and terrifying toys make quite the combination. Once again created and co-directed by filmmaker Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep), The Haunting of Bly Manor adapts Henry James' 1898 horror novella The Turn of the Screw, which means that it heads into gothic chiller and even romance territory. As set in 1980s England, the show's narrative kicks off when Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas, Stargirl) hires an American nanny (Victoria Pedretti, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) to look after his orphaned niece Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) and nephew Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth). Her employment follows the death of an au pair, and her arrival at Bly Manor exposes the estate's centuries of secrets. As The Haunting of Hill House fans will have spotted, both Thomas and Pedretti return from that series, as do The Invisible Man's Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Gerald's Game's Kate Siegel — all playing different characters this time around. And, if you'd been wondering what you'll be watching to celebrate the spookiest month of the year — October, obviously — The Haunting of Bly Manor has you covered, as it'll drop on Friday, October 9. Check out the teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxeiY2W03Mc The Haunting of Bly Manor will hit Netflix on Friday, October 9. Top image: Eike Schroter/Netflix.
How do two filmmaking siblings follow up one of the biggest Australian comedies of the 21st century? With a much bleaker slice of comic action. In the 12 years between Kenny and Brothers' Nest, Shane Jacobson hasn't been far from screens. In fact, he's graced local cinemas in the awful trio of Guardians of the Tomb, The BBQ and That's Not My Dog! just this year alone. But making another film with his brother, actor-director Clayton Jacobson, has taken much, much longer than it'd take Kenny to plumb most of the country's toilets. While Brothers' Nest is as far removed from the Jacobsons' toilet-fixing mockumentary as you can get, it's mostly worth the wait — an attempt to meld grimy psychological thrills with black comedy that doesn't break the mould, but delivers exactly what it promises. Shane and Clayton co-star as a luckless and unhappy duo intent on securing what's rightfully theirs and willing to do whatever it takes to get it, even resorting to planning the perfect murder. Their cancer-stricken mum (Lynette Curran) is dying and, to their dismay, she's just changed her will to leave everything to their stepfather Rodger (Kim Gyngell). With the family home in country Victoria on the line, no-nonsense elder sibling Jeff (Clayton Jacobson) quickly convinces his kindlier younger brother Terry (Shane Jacobson) that homicide is the only option to reclaim their inheritance. It's with a wry smile that Brothers' Nest begins with its titular pair cycling up to their childhood abode, donning orange jumpsuits and hospital booties, and starting to enact Jeff's meticulous plan. Visually, the picture is soaked in fog and grey, befitting a sombre mood — but the moment Jeff and Terry start preparing for their grisly task, humour cracks the grim facade. Indeed, Clayton Jacobson and writers Jaime Browne (The Mule) and Chris Pahlow manage a delicate balancing act for the first two-thirds of the film, milking the business of knocking off a family member, and dealing with deep-seeded woes, for both drama and laughs. Still, there comes a point where brothers' banter can't bring cheer to this tale, with their bickering — often sparked by Jeff's pedantic determination to stick to his detailed to-do list — only going so far as the movie veers into more tragic territory. That said, much of the film's success stems from the Jacobsons' performances, with the pair pretending to be other, more desperate siblings. Fleshing out a fraught picture of brotherly love in the process, it's clearly not a case of art imitating life, but the authentic connection between their characters runs deeper than if the actors weren't related. For Shane, as the unsurprisingly more affable of the two, it's a more interesting and challenging big-screen role than he's had in some time, although his 'loveable larrikin' public persona softens Terry's quiet sadness. For Clayton, taking the sterner, more brittle part — and eventually, the more unhinged as well — it's a welcome reminder that his talents don't just reside behind the camera. Wielding that lens, Clayton's efforts are effective. Viewers never forget that this is a low-budget affair, particularly given that it's confined to one setting, but many rousing thrillers have been. A hefty smattering of inventive shots catch the eye, while the short but definitely not sweet film is well-paced, with Clayton also co-editing. Sadly the supporting cast are all noticeably underused, although Curran, Gyngell and Sarah Snook each make their marks. Of course, you don't go to a dark, murderous comedy called Brothers' Nest for something other than siblings getting kill-happy, and this taut, claustrophobic account of blood, money and double-crossing does what it needs to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdo5oiBQOgs
Time for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Don't settle for an experience that might better be described as "once-in-a-while." Fortunately, there's no such problem when it comes to Legendary Journeys – Ultimate Private Experience by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand. Delivered in partnership with Bucketlist Xperiences, this ultra-luxe 17-night itinerary spans Singapore, India, Rwanda, Kenya, Greece, Morocco and London, departing Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and shaped for those seeking a truly unparalleled escape. Flying on a private VIP airliner customised for luxury travel, up to 58 passengers will relish an epicurean experience, with an in-flight chef serving gourmet cuisine alongside curated wines and spirits. Meanwhile, the trip is taken to the next level with seamless transfers, private airport access, luggage concierge and personalised gifts. Throughout the itinerary, a 17-member service team will oversee every detail, no matter how small. Oh, and a professional photographer and videographer will be on hand to document every leg of the journey. With non-stop highlights over three weeks, this exclusive experience begins in Singapore with a two-night stay overlooking Marina Bay. Expect sunset cocktails on the roof and a welcome celebration perched above the waterfront. Then, this trip is bound for Jaipur, India, where guests will stay amid palatial splendour in Rajasthan before taking VIP excursions to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and the City Palace. Africa awaits next, with guests headed to Kigali, Rwanda, for a two-night visit. Staying at the newly opened Mövenpick Kigali, guests are welcomed with a private reception hosted by President Kagame (yes, really). The following day, climb into a helicopter to soar above the Virunga Mountains, then trek through Volcanoes National Park to catch a glimpse of local gorilla populations. The wildlife experience continues in Kenya, where guests sleep in luxury safari tents as they embark on thrilling Big Five game drives between sunrise hot-air balloon flights and champagne breakfasts served deep in remote plains. Trading in dry and dusty conditions for Aegean coastal bliss, the journey soon touches down in Santorini, Greece, with guests relishing the Oia cliffside. Soak up a sunset sailing adventure, then sip on rare Assyrtiko vintages native to the region. Onwards to Marrakech, Morocco, guests will head into the medina for some local shopping, with time to spare unwinding in a traditional hammam. Rounding out this extravagant adventure is a final stop in London, with guests delighting in the world's first super boutique hotel — The Londoner. So, what does it cost to experience this genuinely once-in-a-lifetime holiday? Just a cool $133,500 USD per person. Sure, that's not the kind of money most of us can find down the back of the couch. But if you're a high-flying traveller with the means to make it happen, look no further for the vacation of your dreams. "Our mission has always been to connect travellers with the world's most remarkable independent hotels and destinations in ways that are both unforgettable and transformative," says Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Legendary Journeys – Ultimate Private Experience by Preferred Hotels & Resorts takes place from Tuesday, October 6—Friday, October 23, 2026. Head to the website for more information.
If you haven't been to Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) — or it's been a while — it's time to get (re)acquainted. Emanating a fresh urban energy, Auckland is buzzing with bar and restaurant openings, thought-provoking exhibitions, and thrilling outdoor adventures — all while honouring its unique cultural legacy. If you play it right, Auckland feels more like a creative playground than a city — you just need to know what mood you're in. Whether you're feeling adventurous, romantic or indulgent, here's how to nail your next Auckland visit. What To Do When You Feel Like… A Hit Of Adrenaline Need a healthy rush? It's not every day you can jump off a country's highest landmark but Auckland's Sky Tower offers you the chance to do just that. Described as base jumping by wire, SkyJump is an 11-second freefall from 192 metres high. Reach speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour before coming to a smooth landing at the base — so enjoy the view up there. Too fast? Scale the Auckland Harbour Bridge with a two-hour guided tour right to the top. Soak up 360-degree views of the city, embark on a sunset tour, or double down on the adrenaline by bungee jumping off the bridge instead. Auckland's Waiheke Island is home to an array of zip lines guaranteed to get your heart racing. EcoZip Adventures offers a three-hour zipline journey through the treetops, soaring high above lush, native forest, while the Man O' War Forest Flight allows you to comfortably zip at your own pace across three 200-metre ziplines and boardwalks, ending at Man O' War's magnificent winery for a tasting. What To Do When You Feel Like… Indulging In Some 'Me Time' While a holiday is generally considered 'me time', jam-packed itineraries and travelling with others can sometimes leave us craving a solo outing. Luckily, Auckland boasts many indulgent treatments to help you find solace. Treat yourself to spa treatments at Chuan Spa in the city. Offering luxurious experiences that blend traditional Chinese medicine with modern wellness, you can expect a satisfying menu of treatments and facilities, including massages, facials, saunas, herbal steam rooms, and a heated rooftop pool. They also won spa of the year, so you know you're in good hands. Abstract Hotel's in-house award-winning Sa-Ni Spa offers affordable treatments in the city's heart. Devoted to holistic healing and wellness, Sa-Ni Spa incorporates ancient techniques and traditional aromatherapy throughout its offerings. Our top pick? Deep Sleep Therapy. A signature massage that calms your nervous system, inducing the most peaceful sleep you've ever had. While an escape to Auckland can bring a world of calm, a visit to East Day Spa at the Grand by Sky City will deepen your relaxation even further. Promising an oasis of healing with a no-phone policy so you can switch off from the world, East Day Spa boasts 11 treatment rooms — including four double suites, zen heat experiences, and a relaxation atrium. What To Do When You Feel Like… You're Overstimulated and Need To Zen One of the best antidotes to burnout? Immersing yourself in Mother Nature or moving your body — combining the two is even better. And you're certainly spoiled for choice in Auckland. Craving zen? Roll out a yoga mat in one of the coolest settings: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Immerse yourself in the calming, meditative practice of Hatha yoga while surrounded by magnificent, historic artworks and sculptures. Classes run for an hour every Sunday and Tuesday evening. If you'd rather be outdoors, swap the mat for a picnic rug among beautiful plants and lush gardens. Wander through Auckland Domain's impressive Wintergarden—an ever-changing trove of rare plants, including the Amorphophallus titanum (corpse flower) — and follow a trail of captivating outdoor sculptures. Alternatively, hop over to the city's southern side and explore Auckland's Botanic Gardens filled with aromatic flowers and a picturesque lake. It's an idyllic slice of stillness in Auckland. The best part? It's free. Speaking of picturesque, Waiheke Island offers you a hike for every mood, whether after a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek. If you're eager to take it easy and slow, we recommend the Whakanewha Loop. The two-hour, grade four hike is through Nikau forest and native bush with cascades along the way. But, if you're up for something that's a little more challenging, set out on the Mokemoke Pā headland walk — a two-hour, grade seven walking loop that hugs Waiheke's stunning coastline. What To Do When You Feel Like… A Fancy Snack Auckland's vibrant food scene offers plenty of gourmet bites, share-worthy small plates, and indulgent treats perfect for a snack-filled day of exploring. If you're in the mood for a taste of Italy, head to pocket-sized Pici, where its signature cacio e pepe pasta is a must-try. For a twist on Mediterranean classics, Lebanese favourite Gemmayze Street serves up heavenly homemade hummus, which you can even take home to keep the flavour lingering. For high-brow fancy snacks, look no further than Bar Magda. Here, Filipino-inspired plates like tuna on toast with mayo, anchovy, and flying fish caviar bring a refreshing take on bar snacks. Alternatively, visit local favourite Atelier, where French-style tapas and freshly shucked oysters await, alongside a curated selection of local and international cheeses — or, if you're on the hunt for incredible vegetarian bites, swing by Hatted restaurant Forest in Mount Eden. Think small plates like seaweed-dusted fries with toasted chilli goop and crunchy crudités dunked in creamy garlic pine nut dip. If you're near the CBD, Auckland's snack scene has you covered. Darling On Drake offers a sprawling terrace where you can sample saucy prawn rolls or short rib nuggets with mustard mayo. For something sweet, Giapo is a must-visit. Known for its world-famous hokey pokey ice cream, it isn't your average ice creamery. Its inventive flavours — like velvet cake with cream cheese or pumpkin seed praline are as much of an experience as they are a treat. Craving luxury? Miann Chocolate Factory is a dream dessert boutique. From fairytale-like mousse mushroom cakes to imaginative tiramisu treats, each dessert is meticulously detailed and (almost) too beautiful to eat. What To Do When You Feel Like… Learning Something New Auckland is the perfect destination for those who crave fresh experiences and the thrill of learning something new. Whether you're exploring your creative side or honing a new skill, the city offers plenty of opportunities to expand your horizons. Get your green thumb wagging at Babylon, Auckland's beloved plant store. Learn how to create a Japanese Kokedama or build a vibrant terrarium. Plus, for the most heinous indoor plant killers, Babylon offers courses on how to nurture your own plant babies. If you're in the mood to get your hands dirty, The Clay Centre in Mt Wellington runs creative workshops, including its popular "wheel and wine" class. It's a great way to unwind while learning the art of pottery. For a quieter but equally rewarding experience, try its Saturday morning coffee-and-clay sessions. To refine your artistic skills, Studio One Toi Tū in Grey Lynn offers a variety of classes, from life drawing to knotting macramé bracelets. They even offer specialised workshops like traditional Māori jewellery carving. Don't forget to check out one of the exhibitions at the studio, which showcases local and international talent. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, why not learn to surf at Muriwai Beach? Set against dramatic dunes and cliffs, the beach is about 40 minutes north-west of Auckland and is an idyllic spot to learn the basics of surfing (or advanced technical skills if you've surfed for years). And don't worry about the cold — winter wetsuits are included, so you can stay warm while soaking up the stunning coastal views. Just a short flight away, Auckland is the perfect long weekend destination for travellers seeking urban energy and unexpected natural gems. Find out more here. By Jacque Kennedy
If you want a trip to remember full of endless sunshine, tuk tuk rides and temples (but you don't fancy the idea of going within sniffing distance of Denpasar) then Cambodia might be the place for you. The Kingdom of Cambodia is home to a generous and open people, incredible and fragrant food, staggering temples, and a truly incredibly history. When you combine all of this with 24-hour action, scooters piled high with chooks and kids, and a country still in recovery from recent turmoil, you get a formidable destination for the fearless. Cambodia has been steadily building a reputation as both a place to immerse yourself in history and culture — and, more recently, as a place to party. It's a place of highs and lows. Your first glimpse of the formidable Angkor Wat will leave you in no doubt as to its status as one of the most incredible feats of ancient architecture on the face of the Earth; your last glimpse of the party beaches of Koh Rong Island will remind you of why your liver is hurting. But when you've had your fill of temples and you're sick of the endless party scene in Sihanoukville, you should make for the peaceful riverside town of Kampot. Steeped in French Colonial history — but without the big-names of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — this beautiful and fascinating spot in southwest Cambodia is well worth a stay, especially when some R&R from constant travel is required. Need some help on how to fill your days? Here's ten things to do while kicking it in Kampot. [caption id="attachment_578323" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aram Visser via Flickr.[/caption] VISIT AN ABANDONED LUXURY RESORT This remote and once-grandiose luxury resort was dreamed up by colonial French settlers in 1922. Now abandoned, Bokor Hill Station's buildings are still standing (no mean feat, given that this spot was one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s) and make for an eerie day trip. The best way to get out there is to jump on a scooter and ride out yourself — but if you're not confident on a bike, there will be a tour or ten being spruiked in town. Cap your visit off with a drink in the creepy and almost completely patronless, brand spanking new casino which has been curiously constructed on a very out-of-the-way hilltop. Not weirded out enough? Check out the abandoned Catholic church, which is complete with a still-standing altar. WATCH A FILM AT A ROOM SERVICE BED CINEMA So we know you can do this anywhere in the world, but sometimes you just want to take five and watch a film in a foreign country. Watching a film on your laptop will suffice — but watching one in a private bed cinema is approximately one million times better. At Ecran Movie House, you get to splay out over a massive bed in your own private viewing room with air-conditioning, room service drinks and on-demand dumplings from the adjoining noodle joint. Can Hoyts take cues from this? EAT VEGO NOSH BY THE RIVER AT BANTEAY SREY SPA Travelling around Cambodia is tough. Reward yourself with a soothing oil massage or a facial. Banteay Srey Spa is women-only — with the exception of yoga in the morning — and is a great place to enjoy a spa treatment, as well as a swim in the river and some vegetarian and vegan food afterwards. Didn't bring your swimmers? No problem. The spa provides traditional Khmer wraps, which perfect for taking a dip. [caption id="attachment_578321" align="alignnone" width="1280"] James Antrobus via Flickr.[/caption] VISIT THE GIANT DURIAN Surely this one needs no more explanation. The giant fruit sits in the middle of a roundabout in the centre of town and is something of a spiky statue sister to our own Big Pineapple. Plus, there's no smell. [caption id="attachment_578349" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Blake Wheeler.[/caption] ROPE SWING INTO THE RIVER Like swinging off ropes into the river? Great. Get thee to Arcadia Backpackers for the highest of rope swings, the best tower jumps and one of the busiest backpackers in Kampot. If you're looking for a travel buddy as well as a bit of adrenalin, you'll find one here. [caption id="attachment_578333" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oliver Townend via Flickr.[/caption] EAT PEPPER CRAB AT KEP Unless you're on a secluded romantic vacation (or don't mind everything being a bit of a drive away), don't bother staying in Kep. Head there on a day trip instead. You'll be able to feast on the famous pepper crab, which is local Kep crab served with Kampot green pepper. It's only forty-five minutes away by tuk tuk, so you can be back at your riverside bungalow in Kampot by sundown. EXPLORE KAMPOT'S CAVES Craving caving? Visit the guys at Climbodia. They'll lead you into a dark abyss of limestone caves, and then lead you back out again into the light. No experience needed — just a willingness to explore Kampot and enter dark spaces. [caption id="attachment_578337" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marie via Flickr.[/caption] TASTE THE BEST PEPPER IN THE WORLD Fun fact: Kampot is the pepper capital of the world. Khmer people have been cultivating the spice in the area from as early as the 13th century — and up until the Khmer Rouge occupation from 1975, there wasn't a hatted restaurant in Paris worth their salt that wasn't using this piquant spice. If you want to try the best pepper in the world, straight from the source, head to one of Kampot's pepper farms for an insight into the industry. [caption id="attachment_578339" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marie via Flickr.[/caption] WATCH THE FISHING BOATS ON KAMPOT RIVER This massive gulf of water is home to an abundance of fish, and is basically life for the Khmer people in Kampot. Sit by the river at sunset and watch the stream of green fishing boats puttering out to sea for the night. [caption id="attachment_578340" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ruben I via Flickr.[/caption] HAGGLE AT THE NIGHT MARKETS These markets start from about 4pm down near the durian roundabout and are worth a look — although, be warned, they're super dense and truly packed. Haggle hard, people. Top image: P W via Flickr.
If you're a diehard snorkelling fan, jump onboard Calypso Reef Cruises for an unforgettable and environmentally friendly experience off the coast of Port Douglas. Relax on Calypso's dedicated snorkelling vessel, offering comfortable day beds and spacious decks, before popping on your gear and meeting some of the most exquisite marine life in the world. The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life at Opal Reef are visible within a couple of metres from the water surface making it accessible for most levels of swimming skill. The trickiest part will be keeping count of how many giant clams, stingrays, green turtles and clownfish you'll spot.
With so many fantastic places to visit around the world, it's often hard to decide where to possibly go. A covetable experience wherever you go, is to see something so breathtakingly beautiful, it almost feels surreal. As hard as you may try, no description is quite adequate and you lock this memory away for times when you desire a happy moment and can revel in the images in your mind. With so many websites and travel books available today, it's hard to know where to start looking or whose opinion to take as gospel. We listen to total strangers on TripAdvisor, Thorn Tree and Expedia, look at friend's photos on Facebook (with smart phones we can see it at almost the same time they do), use the good old Lonely Planet, or go for guides that are catered to the stylish individual, like Wallpaper. There is one authority that doesn't follow the fashion or try to sell you heavy tomes. The very first authority on beauty and travel I ever heard about, when I was still a litte'un at school, and the ultimate title to wear - the Miss World of destinations if you will - is the Seven Wonders of the World, or the New7Wonders as it's called on the web. The process of creating the most recent list has been going on since 2007, during which time anyone could suggest sites they thought were natural wonders. Then the choices were voted on, and more than a million were tallied to cut the list of more than 440 contenders in over 220 countries to a shortlist of 77. It was then cut to 28 by a panel of experts. The provisional list of the final seven is below. Check them out and dream of holidays until the final results are announced early in 2012. Halong Bay, Vietnam Iguazu Falls, Argentina Jeju Island, South Korea Komodo, Indonesia Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines The Amazon rainforest Table Mountain, South Africa
Stressful day? Need a break from the 9–5? Looking to unwind? Forget meditation, soothing music or whatever your usual relaxation routine entails — it's ping pong time. Until Friday, September 13, if you're handy with a bat and in the vicinity of Brisbane Quarter, there's nothing a free game of table tennis can't fix. That's what you'll find at The Bat Lounge at 300 George Street from 9am–8pm daily, as well as tables, bats, balls and the telltale sounds of games in action. That's all there is to it — that, and the cathartic release that comes from letting off steam while hitting a lightweight sphere back and forth. Yes, it's more effective than it sounds. There's also the chance to show off your skills, hone them even further if you need a bit of practice, and to just have a friendly game with your mates, of course. Image: Claudia Baxter
Travelling across Japan via train is a bucket list experience: everyone wants to do it, and for good reason. There's nothing like taking in the country via locomotive, but if you haven't hit their railways yet, you might want to update your plans. You might want to start saving too. The Train Suite Shiki-shima is the type of train that would make all other vehicles quiver with jealousy if we were living in a certain popular children's cartoon series or a car-focused Pixar franchise. Forget whatever glamorous locomotive setups you've seen in old movies — they've got nothing on this. It was designed by man also responsible for luxury cars such as the Ferrari Enzo, the Porsche AG and the Maserati Quattroporte, after all. Venturing between Tokyo and Hokkaido, the ten-car train can accommodate 24 passengers in its 17 opulent suites, with some rooms decked out with baths and fireplaces. Other features include front and rear glass-walled observatory cars, a lounge with a piano, and a dining room. In the latter, the seasonal ingredients cooked up — from a menu by a Michelin-starred chef — change according to the region the train is passing through. In good news, the Shiki-shima is has been riding the rails since May 1, with one-, two- and three-night journeys available. In not-so-good news, due to demand, applications have already closed for trips up until March 2018. When bookings are accepted again, they'll set you back between 450,000 and 1,050,000 yen — or between AU$5,500 and $13,000 — but doesn't it just look and sound worth it? Via Travel and Leisure. Images: Train Suite Shiki-shima
If your seaside memories are painted with velvet pine trees, striped umbrellas and sand yellowed with rose-tinted glasses, look no further than Avoca for your next foray out of the city. Despite becoming a hot spot for tourists chasing great coffee, food, surf and adventure, it's managed to keep a firm hold on that laidback, they-all-must-be-locals ambience by not becoming overdeveloped. Situated just 95km north of the Sydney CBD, Avoca makes a perfect day trip or weekend away, even when a winter wind blows across the beach. Just pull your cable knit around you, stare meaningfully into the sea and then snuggle into the area's characterful cafes, eateries and shops. SEE AND DO Your first priority in Avoca is obviously to visit the beach — a 1km stretch of golden sand protected by headlands and dotted with beach chairs, umbrellas and surfboards. It's a great swimming beach, popular with families, and has patrol flags at each end and a safe shallow kiddie pool by the Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). Scramble around the rocks at the south head to find a platform of stunning rock pools and anglers taking advantage of the abundant sea below. Avoca is known for its surf and has great waves for beginners and advanced surfers. The Central Coast Surf School offers group and private lessons as well as two-day courses for all ages. Old hands can rent a board at Three Points Surf on Avoca Drive. If paddle boarding or paddle boating is more your speed, head to Avoca Lake beach behind the Avoca shopping village (or follow the lake's inlet from the centre of the beach), where you can hire a board from Aquafun for just $4, as well as kayaks, canoes and boats. Visiting scuba divers of all levels can explore the ex-HMAS Adelaide just 1.8 kilometres off Avoca Beach. The naval warship was sunk in 2011 creating an artificial reef, now teaming with life. Terrigal Dive run six dives a day to the site on weekends, as well as a number of other dives. Those who want to get off the beaten track should take a short drive down the coast to Bouddi National Park. The 8 kilometre coastal walk is broken into bite-sized sections with bays and spectacular whale-watching lookouts. The beach of Maitland Bay is the gem of the journey and can be accessed via the first leg of the costal track from Putty Beach (3km) or a (steep!) paved track from the car park (1.5km). For a change of pace, wander around the Avoca village on Avoca Drive and indulge in a spot of shopping at Avoca Beach Antiques. The 31-year-old store has the Central Coast's largest collection of antique jewellery, sure to see you part with some cold hard ones. Also not to be missed is the adorable Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, located behind the SLSC on Avoca Drive. The fourth-generation family business, which opened on the Hunter family's front garden in 1948, was named in the BBC's Top 20 Cinemas Of The World in 2014 and has also won awards for its highly curated programming. If the weather is coaxing you to stay outdoors, at least pop in to see the antique decor inside. EAT AND DRINK In the last two years, Avoca has bucked the beach-town trend of revolving seasonal eateries and has developed a stable foodie scene of its own. For the best coffee in town, visit Becker & Co. owned by Dale Hunter, formerly of Bird & Bear Boathouse in Elizabeth Bay. Have your day brightened by the typographic inspirations on the walls while you chow down on a bacon and egg breakfast slider with chilli jam. Oomph Cafe & Food Store, the little sister to popular Oomph Cafe & Foodstore in East Gosford, has an extensive menu featuring specialty products from their store. Their gourmet burgers, the best in town, will force you back into the water to wash the juice from your elbows. If raw, organic or vegan is your jam, see the super-friendly staff at Wise Food Cafe. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu, but their array of sweet health treats is second to none in town. Like Minds, lakeside and slightly back from main drag, is another popular hang with a creative-space vibe. Sit outside with strangers on a garden table or admire the work of local artists on the walls inside, also available for purchase. The best dinner in town goes to Bombini, a modern Italian fine dining restaurant with a seasonal four-course menu of sustainable and local produce- some from it's own 2-acre kitchen garden. Those just after a place to drink can settle into a veranda booth with their choice of French, Italian and Australian wines and cocktails. They also have lunch and brunch on weekends and a pantry store selling their fresh bread baked daily. For a quiet night, dine in or takeaway from All Malay Malaysian Restaurant. Don't be surprised by its popularity night after night; the beef rendang and salt and pepper soft shell crab are exceptional. It's BYO, so pick up a drop from the BWS across the road on your way. If you can't move from the beach, not even for food, never mind. The Surf Life Saving Club kiosk serves Allpress Espresso, takeaway meals and the ever important ice-block. For beachside fish and chips head to Avoca Beach Seafoods. It's BYO and open till 8pm. When it's time for an afternoon beverage, check out Mojito Joe's above the Avoca Sands Cafe. It's known for its punchy rum-based cocktails and Pacific island-inspired share dishes. The Avoca Beach Hotel is the pub of choice, with live music every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. It's also the best spot in town to watch the footy. Any footy. Words and images by Annabel Campbell.
Summer isn't over just yet, and what better way to ring out the warmer months than with a beach party? If you agree, the Out 2 Lunch Festival with Vodafone may be what you've been waiting for. The festivities will be taking over Surfer's Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast over the Queensland Labour Day Weekend from Saturday, May 3 to Sunday, May 4, and it's set to be a goodie. With the lineup that's been announced, you'll want to get in quick and lock in a ticket. Your best shot at securing one is to get onboard the presale that's exclusive to Vodafone customers before general admission tickets go on sale the next day. For the 2025 edition, the party is curated and headlined by international superstar artist FISHER. If you're one of the lucky ones to snag tickets, expect a double headline slot from FISHER, alongside a lineup of international heavyweights including Chris Lake, Patrick Topping, DJ Boring, and Noizu. Some locals will also be taking the stage – Hayden James, Little Fritter, Shimmy Jand ake Smith, just to name a few. The Vodafone presale goes live on Tuesday, February 25 from 9am and runs until midday Wednesday, February 26. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public Wednesday, February 26 at 1pm. A limited number of VIP packages and single-day tickets will also be available. Go to the Vodafone website to get your tickets. For event information, visit out2lunchfestival.com and teglive.com.au.
A film festival dedicated to American films? Bear with us here. Sure, Hollywood pumps out most of the movies that reach our screens, but don't expect to see superheroes battling for supremacy, transforming robotic cars saving the world or an endless parade of sequels at Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now. Instead, the brand new event is dedicated to the types of US flicks that don't usually make it to our shores. Here, smaller titles and character-driven fare share the spotlight with experimental efforts, intriguing docos and the kind of classics that you won't find on every retro lineup. Think revisionist westerns featuring gun-slinging gals and explorations of important American artists, plus the chance to see early work by the Coen brothers, Kathryn Bigelow, Richard Linklater and Sofia Coppola in a cinema. It's a real celebration of the other side of American filmmaking, and the source of the usual festival dilemma: choosing what to see. If you're having a tough time picking the best of the bunch, we're here to help. Here's our five top films you won't want to miss. THE FITS Fleet footwork might feature prominently, but The Fits isn't just another dance movie. And, while it chronicles an 11-year-old girl's attempt to find her way in the world, it isn't the usual coming-of-age effort either. Instead, the striking debut from emerging talent Anna Rose Holmer blends both — as well as an intimate look at housing estate living, an understanding of the struggles of being a tomboy approaching womanhood, and an enigmatic mystery — into one unique package. If the sensitive story at the centre of the film doesn't win you over, then Holmer's fluid yet fresh style of filmmaking will. THE KEEPING ROOM Since first coming into prominence in low-key sci-fi effort Another Earth, Brit Marling has proven one of the American indie scene's most intriguing figures. Audiences either love her or don't quite know what to make of her — but whether she's co-writing and starring in Sound of My Voice and The East, or featuring in I, Origins, she's always interesting. The Keeping Room provides her latest fascinating role, this time pairing up with Pitch Perfect 2's Hailee Steinfeld and rising star Muna Otaru. Together, they explore the plight of women left behind during the American civil war, and offer up a female-centric take on one of the most masculine of movie genres. (T)ERROR True crime fans, rejoice. And then prepare to be thrilled, shocked and even a little horrified. (T)ERROR is the first documentary to thrust audiences right into the thick of the action, with filmmakers Lyric R. Cabral and David Felix Sutcliffe on the ground with the FBI during an active counterterrorism operation. Yes, it's as tense as it sounds — but it is also equally revelatory. The informant at the centre doesn't just let viewers in on secret phone calls and meetings, but exposes the murky procedures followed and questionable decisions made in the name of security. SIXTY SIX Making an animated movie is a massive task; however it doesn't normally take 13 years. But that's how long Lewis Klahr spent crafting Sixty Six — and evidence of his hard work is obvious in every image. Using bits and pieces from '50s and '60s comic books, advertising and pulp novels to tell stories steeped in Greek mythology, the end result looks like an art film in every sense of the word. Unravelling over 12 episodes, it's a true collage of sound and vision, a portrait of a time period and a bit of a road trip. It's the kind of experimental feature that really doesn't come around very often. RIVER OF GRASS Before Kelly Reichardt explored the companionship only a pet can bring in Wendy and Lucy, delved into the western genre in Meek's Cutoff and contemplated eco-activism in Night Moves — and brought Michelle Williams, Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart together for her recent Sundance hit Certain Women, too — she spun a story of social isolation and disconnection in the Florida suburbs. More than two decades later, her debut feature River of Glass has been gloriously restored for all the world to see. If you only see one retrospective title at this year's festival, make it this one. Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now runs from May 17 to June 8, and will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. For the full program, visit the festival website.
Gigs and shows are well and truly back, and a series of affordable gigs is bringing a collection of beloved local acts to concert venues for just $10. The Live At Last Tour was unveiled by Jack Daniel's and Secret Sounds last year as a way of placing fan-favourite bands back on stages during the pandemic, offering free gigs in intimate venues around the country like Frankie's Pizza and The Triffid. Now, it's back, taking to larger venues this time in order to raise money for Support Act. This year's iteration of the tour will see Triple J and festival circuit favourites play on stage for the very affordable price of $10. The bands in question are Pond, San Cisco, Ruby Fields and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets — each of which will take to one city on the tour. You can catch Pond in the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday, April 12; Psychedelic Porn Crumpets in Sydney on Thursday, April 21; San Cisco in Brisbane on Sunday, April 24; and Ruby Fields in Melbourne on Thursday, April 28. All the acts on the lineup will be joined by yet-to-be announced special guests. Tickets to the gigs are on sale now, and with the $10 price tag, they're sure to be snatched up quickly. If you want to head along you can find all the venues and ticketing information on Secret Sounds' website. Best of all, the whole thing is supporting a good cause. Support Act has been a massive driving force of positivity in the music industry over the last two years. The not-for-profit assists musicians through tough times, whether that be financially or personally, by providing crisis relief grants, mental health workshops, online resources and funeral assistance among a host of other things to people in the music industry. [caption id="attachment_814499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pond, Matsu[/caption] LIVE AT LAST TOUR DATES Pond — Tuesday, April 22 at SolBar, Sunshine Coast Psychedelic Porn Crumpets — Thursday, April 21 at Factory Theatre, Sydney San Cisco — Sunday, April 24 at Fortitude Music Hall Ruby Fields — Sunday, April 24 at The Espy, Melbourne Live At Last is set to kick off on Tuesday, April 12. Tickets are on sale now via the Secret Sounds website. Top image: Vincent Shaw
Instragram has launched their first official account dedicated to music and musicians. The new, internally-run @music account will post on a variety of music-related content, and feature profiles of emerging and established musicians from all around the world. The move marks an interesting new direction for the photo-sharing service, which for the first time appears to be actively cultivating a community based on the specific interests of its users. Operated by Instagram music editor Alex Suskind, the newly-minted account will post six times a week, with content divided between a series of designated hashtags. #LocallySourced will shine the spotlight on unsigned acts, #DoubleTrack will cover musician’s interests outside of music, and #15SecondLessons will feature video tutorials on "everything from riffs to drumbeats". Posts so far include brief interviews with social media-fiend DJ Questlove and up-and-coming Japanese rock band Tricot. The account will also feature the work of music photographers, album illustrators, instrument makers and fans. An official music account does seem like a good fit for the service, with many of its most popular accounts belonging to famous musicians. According to a statement by Instagram founder and CEO Kevin Systrom, "For the past four years, we have become the home for artists big and small — a place where people across the musical spectrum come to share stories, reveal their creativity and connect directly with fans." Assuming the account is successful — and 27,000 followers in less than a day suggests that it might be — it could potentially open the door for a whole range of official channels covering things like food, movies, fashion and of course, cat photos. It also seems like a smart way for the service to attract targeted advertising — although according to coverage at TechCrunch, there are currently no plans to include ads in the @music account.
It is impossible to call yourself a movie buff without having seen at LEAST one Alfred Hitchcock movie, otherwise you’re just kidding yourself. His talent has far exceeded his lifetime and I’m 99.9% sure that every single one of you has either heard of one of his films, or been witness to something that was directly influenced by him. For instance, the recent movie Disturbia, was based on Mr Hitchcock’s original feature Rear Window. Maybe you have a fear of birds but can’t work out why? Perhaps you subconsciously heard about the evil variety that exists in Mr Hitchcock’s world. Finally, and most importantly, the shower scene from Psycho still remains today as his most remembered work; a game changer for the horror genre and something that still gets re-enacted today. If you’re unlucky enough to be unacquainted with Mr Hitchcock and his fabulous realm, cheer up because GoMA and the Australian Cinémathèque are putting on an entirely all-encompassing retrospective and screening all of his 56 films and 17 television shows. As with all GoMA productions, there are always accompanying positives and in this case there are two outstanding offerings. The musicians-in-residence are being kind enough to accompany the silent movies every Sunday, creating highly special viewings. There will also be the Hitchcock Lounge erected every Friday night with drinks, supper and live music to set the scene for a Hitchcock night out. Full movie schedules are available on the GoMA website.
Sky-watchers across Australia are in for a bright few months, with the first of this year's three supermoons — the October "harvest moon" — rising tonight. The moon will appear at its fullest on Tuesday, October 7, though it will remain spectacular on Wednesday when it reaches its closest point to Earth. Unlike most celestial events, there's no special equipment needed — as long as the skies are clear, it'll be visible rising in the east at sunset and setting in the west at sunrise. [caption id="attachment_1031874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2016's supermoon over the Sydney Opera House[/caption] A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the point in its orbit where it's closest to Earth, known as its perigee. Because the Moon's orbit is slightly oval-shaped, its distance from Earth changes each month — and sometimes several full moons in a row fall near that closest point. "When the full moon is closest to the Earth, the full moon before and the full moon after are still a fair bit closer to the Earth than average," University of Southern Queensland astronomer Jonti Horner told the ABC. Horner explained that while the size and brightness differences are measurable — supermoons can appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter — they're often subtle to the naked eye. "It would be obvious if you put the two next to each other," he said, "but it's not a wow, leap-out-of-your-seats type thing." Australia will see follow-up supermoons on November 5 and December 4, with some astronomers also including the January 3 full moon in the series. The biggest and brightest of the lot is expected in November. [caption id="attachment_1031875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] May 2021's supermoon[/caption] And if the view alone isn't enough, the Moon's close approach will also slightly intensify tides — known as "perigean spring tides" or king tides — as its stronger gravitational pull interacts with Earth's oceans. This trio of supermoons marks the start of a lively period for stargazers. Beyond the lunar events, the Orionids meteor shower will peak later in October, and in March 2026, Australians will be treated to a total lunar eclipse — a blood-red moon lighting up the night sky. Want to get a good look? Here are our favourite places to stargaze around Australia. Images: Getty Images
Picture this: a perfectly portioned entree of beautiful flavour combinations followed by a deliciously tasty main course and a light and sweet dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Got it? Now picture this: it's only $30. Yes, you read correctly. The Eatery (the in-house restaurant at Brisbane's newly constructed CBD hotel Four Points by Sheraton) is ticking all the boxes when it comes to weekday dining options. This hidden gem, situated on level two of the hotel on Mary Street, is seriously worth stepping off the main road for. Patrons are treated to a three-course Market Express Lunch for only $30 or two courses for $24.95, the usual all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets and, on Friday and Saturday nights, a fresh seafood buffet for only $55. The menu showcases wonderful fresh and seasonal Queensland produce but takes your tastebuds around the world, drawing inspiration from Asia, America and Italy. Think entrees of wild mushroom risotto with portobellos, mascarpone, preserved lemon and shaved pecorino or five-hour slow-roasted pork belly with cauliflower puree, sous vide mustard apple balls and a sticky Cumberland sauce. For mains, diners have the choice of dishes like the chef-made saffron fettuccine, Thai green curry, pan-fried prawns in Napoli sauce or spice rub chicken with house-made corn bread and mint and coriander relish. If you have enough room for dessert (it's highly recommended that you do), you'll have the choice of light and fruity — a vacherin of fresh fruit with meringue, ice cream and smoked apple jelly — or something a bit more decadent, tiramisu with a shot of espresso and chocolate soil. For the savoury fans, there is also the cheese plate of epic proportions that could easily be shared between three. The Eatery is a perfect venue for a city business lunch or grazing for a few hours catching up with friends. With three courses for only $30, you really can't put a foot wrong.
There aren't many better places around Australia for a time-out than Noosa, with its breezy beachfront vibe and year-round warmth making it the ideal escape. While there's no shortage of luxury stays made for an indulgent visit, one more is now on the list for you to consider. That's Allawah Noosa's latest property, Designer Sanctuary, a three-bedroom apartment tucked into an exclusive resort enclave above Noosa Drive. Recently secured, the property has undergone an interior upgrade, bringing the standard up to scratch with the rest of Allawah's upscale coastal portfolio. "Securing special properties in Noosa is incredibly competitive, and this one stood out immediately for its elevated position and iconic views," says Allawah founder and director, Kirstie Klein-Hunter. "We worked closely with the owners to reimagine the space, updating the interiors that enhance the natural outlook while creating a calm, contemporary coastal retreat." Now accommodating up to six guests, this airy retreat features a spacious open-plan living area, complete with all the premium finishes you'd expect. At the same time, a north-facing terrace is ripe for al fresco dining. Plus, guests have access to resort-style amenities including pools, a spa, sauna and a tennis court. And if you want to head to town, you can stroll there via a private rainforest boardwalk. That means guests are a convenient walking distance from Hastings Street — Noosa's upmarket shopping and dining strip — and Noosa National Park, where coastal hiking tracks, idyllic rockpools and stunning coastal views combine. From this lush location, experiencing the best of the area is made easy. For most, it won't take long to get fully immersed in Noosa's growing culinary scene, with the likes of Cibara Noosa and Misschu Upstairs ready to impress. "With Allawah managing the property, guests can now experience one of Noosa's most spectacular outlooks with the comfort, service and attention to detail that defines our stays," says Klein-Hunter. Allawah Noosa's Designer Sanctuary is now available for bookings at 37 Noosa Drive, Noosa. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
When Sofia Coppola won this year's best director prize at Cannes, it was only the second time a woman had claimed the category in the festival's 71 outings. Nominated for the same award at the 2003 Oscars, she became only the third female to even get a nod (Kathryn Bigelow's history-making win for The Hurt Locker was still six years away). As a female filmmaker – even one who is part of a Hollywood dynasty – Coppola exists a world where women are trapped by circumstances beyond their control, but remain determined to break free of their confines. It's little wonder that her movies concern characters doing the same, depicting their struggles in astute, impassioned, eye-catching fashion. Inquisitive minds and longing hearts striving to shatter gilded cages: this is Coppola's cinematic specialty. It proved true with The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette, Somewhere and The Bling Ring – indeed, if someone once told Coppola to show what she knows, it would appear that she took their advice and ran with it. With The Beguiled, she adds the inhabitants of a civil war-era girls school to her growing squad of ladies seeking something other than the life they've been saddled with. To her resume, she adds a handsome period piece that doubles as a scathing satire. In the second big screen version of Thomas P. Cullinan's novel A Painted Devil (following a 1971 Clint Eastwood vehicle), the violence of the civil war finds the women of Miss Farnsworth's Seminary for Young Ladies left to their own devices. Headmistress Martha (Nicole Kidman) runs a tight ship, with teacher Edwina Morrow (Kirsten Dunst) assisting, giving pupils such as Amy (Oona Laurence), Jane (Angourie Rice) and Alicia (Elle Fanning) life and needlework lessons. Then wounded Union soldier Corporal John McBurney (Colin Farrell) wanders into the school grounds, forcing the group to reluctantly do the Christian thing by letting him rest and recuperate before they turn him in. The expression "a fox in the henhouse" might seem to apply here, as stereotype-reinforcing as it can be. But Coppola doesn't let a predator loose; rather, she uses an outsider as a catalyst to show just what lurks inside her dollhouse. That said, the eyebrow-arching Kidman, yearning Dunst and flirtatious Fanning are much, much more than mere playthings for the film and their gentleman guest, although that doesn't stop him from trying to worm his way into their hearts and nightgowns. Beneath the school's meticulous veneer, the women react to the sudden male presence in their midst, with desire cutting both ways (sometimes literally). The result is a smart, savvy exploration of lust and power in the long-running battle of the sexes. It's also a film that refuses to conform to expectations, just like its protagonists. While every inch the Coppola movie (complete with music by Phoenix), The Beguiled is as much a genre flick about the interplay of sex and violence as it is a nuanced drama about restraint, a textured character study of its fenced-in figures, and a razor-sharp comedy of manners. Within her candle-lit, painterly frames springs a feature that couldn't be more alluring yet tenacious and rebellious, nor more appropriately so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxUXvbqgdN0
When it's hot and humid you'll find us hurling ourselves into the nearest water source to take the heat off. And after the past couple of years we've all had, we're pretty keen to cool off somewhere extra special in 2022. One place that is overflowing with waterfalls and crystal clear freshwater swimming holes is Tropical North Queensland. Autumn is the perfect time to see the rainforest and its waterfalls truly thrive thanks to higher rainfall. From natural rock waterslides to rope swings in the Daintree, there's no shortage of incredible ways to make a splash and extend your summer in the north this year. Just make sure you always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and steer clear of out of bounds zones, flooded waters or dangerous areas so you're always swimming safely. [caption id="attachment_830046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SLIDE DOWN A NATURAL WATERSLIDE AT JOSEPHINE FALLS When you drive 75 kilometres south of Cairns to Josephine Falls, you'll quickly realise why this picturesque playground is so popular among locals and tourists. Located in Wooroonooran National Park, which is home to the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon people, this incredible waterfall cascades through World Heritage-listed rainforest near Queensland's highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere. From the carpark, you'll wander 600 metres through lush rainforest before reaching the viewing decks that overlook the falls. Here, you can take a few snaps of the incredible view before making your way down to the water peppered with smooth boulders for you to perch on — then it's time to get wet. If you're feeling adventurous, have a crack at the natural waterslide in the main pool. Or, if you like to take your swimming at a slower pace, there's plenty of space to float about in the rejuvenating water fresh from the mountain. [caption id="attachment_830048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] HIKE THROUGH AN INCREDIBLE NATIONAL PARK TO CLAMSHELL FALLS If you want to get properly warmed up before jumping into fresh rainforest water, take the track through Behana Gorge to discover the impressive swimming spot that is Clamshell Falls. Situated 30 minutes drive south of Cairns, the track winds its way alongside a babbling creek for 3.5 kilometres before opening up to a dreamy dip destination. The waterfall itself acts as an active backdrop to the gentler swimming hole that sits below. The incline of the walk can be challenging in parts which means it's likely there won't be too many people around. Just make sure you take all your essential items with you as there are no amenities when you're this deep into the jungle. [caption id="attachment_830044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET UNDERNEATH THRIVING FALLS IN THE ATHERTON TABLELANDS If seeing one waterfall in a day isn't enough, head to the highlands to experience the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit. With a bunch of tumbling waterfalls and vast crater lakes to explore, the trip up the mountain range to these rainforest delights is essential Tropical North Queensland travel. Take the Gillies Highway from Cairns to Crater Lakes National Park to dive into Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham. Unlike their explosive origins, these water-filled volcanic craters are ideal for a serene morning float. Next, drive to the nearby town of Millaa Millaa to find out why its eponymously named falls are one of the most photographed cascades in the country. Have a soak in the swimming hole at the base of Millaa Millaa Falls or get underneath its 18-metre drop to have your very own rainforest shower. And, if more waterfall action is what your heart desires, visit nearby Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls to round out the circuit. [caption id="attachment_830047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SWING INTO THE PRISTINE WATERS OF THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST Willing to head off the beaten track to find a quality swimming hole? Then head a couple of hours north of Cairns to beat the heat at Emmagen Creek. You'll bounce down an unsealed road to reach this picturesque pool located five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park. From the carpark, head toward the Emmagen Creek road crossing and take the track on the left-hand side to the swimming section of the creek located a few hundred metres upstream. If the water is high, consider plonking yourself in the clear rainforest water via the rope swing. Or, clamber down the twisting tree roots to enter the freshwater swimming hole slowly and try to spot a cassowary from the creek. [caption id="attachment_830054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] BE SPOILED FOR CHOICE AT CRYSTAL CASCADES When you want to get wet on a whim in Tropical North Queensland, head to Crystal Cascades. This stunning swimming spot is a popular place for locals to plunge and it's located only a 20-minute drive from the Cairns CBD. Crystal Cascades boasts a series of swimming holes and waterfalls that tumble down the mountain in a section of Freshwater Creek. If you don't feel like walking far, cool off in one of the cascade's lower pools. Or, if you're keen for a longer stroll, head to the top to take a dip at the larger waterfall at the track's end. The arching rainforest canopy provides for shady swimming and the granite boulder-filled creek helps to keep the pools cool year-round. There are picnic tables and barbecue facilities available too, so pack yourself some seasonal tropical fruit to refuel after all your waterfall exploration. [caption id="attachment_830049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SPEND THE NIGHT CAMPING AT DAVIES CREEK Drifting off to sleep to the sound of falling water doesn't have to be created through a mindfulness app and your imagination when you're in Tropical North Queensland. If you head to Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park, you can listen to the sounds of an actual babbling creek situated right next to your campsite. To get there, drive an hour west of Cairns and then pitch a tent at either the Lower Davies Creek or Upper Davies Creek campsites. Then, spend a couple of days exploring the hikes, mountain bike trails and waterfalls throughout the neighbouring parks. Just make sure you book your campsite in advance as there are only eight spots available at each campground. [caption id="attachment_832593" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] EXPLORE THE JUNGLE AT STONEY CREEK In the rainforest at the back of Cairns, you'll find locals cooling off at much-loved swimming hole Stoney Creek. Whether you want a quick dip not too far from town or to hike your way to a waterfall further afield, this series of private swimming holes has all your swim cravings covered. It's just a short walk from the carpark in Barron Gorge National Park to the first pool perched underneath a small footbridge. Swim here or continue down the left side of the creek adjacent track past a series of swimming spots before reaching the spilling waters at Old Weir Falls. If you're keen for even more mountain action, head back to the footbridge after a swim at the falls and take the right side track up to Glacier Rock. [caption id="attachment_832594" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] DIVE INTO THE MAGIC OF FAIRY FALLS If you make your way to Crystal Cascades, it's worth checking out its little sister swimming spot located close by, too. Tucked away in the dense rainforest next door to the cascades, you'll soon realise what's so magical about Fairy Falls. Take the track to the left of the carpark at Crystal Cascades to make your way to the mystical falls a 15-minute walk away. The narrow waterfall shoots into a clear blue swimming hole and the log wedged in the centre of its stream makes it easy to imagine fairies frolicking in this picture-perfect rainforest pool. Just make sure you follow the path along the creek when you're trying to find this veiled treasure — the alternative track at the fork won't lead you to the magical place you're seeking. [caption id="attachment_832597" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raging Thunder Adventures[/caption] FLOAT DOWN THE TULLY RIVER TO PONYTAIL FALLS A couple of hours south of Cairns is where you'll find the spectacular sights of Tully Gorge National Park. The Tully River churns its way down the mountain creating rapids and world-class white water rafting throughout this stunning gorge. But it's not all rough and tumble in at every turn along this river. You have two options to find Ponytail Falls — by car or by raft with Raging Thunder Adventures. For drivers, follow signs to Cardstone Weir until you spot the number 11 painted on the road. Then, take a short stroll through the rainforest to uncover the hair-like spout that spills into pale blue water below. Or, if you want to see the falls from a raft, sign up to a white water rafting adventure and a guide will take you there via wet and wild rapids. Ready to extend your summer by soaking up waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes in Tropical North Queensland? For more information and to book your holiday in the tropics, visit the website. Top images: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Sick of looking at the walls of your house? Feel like a change of decor will be as good as a holiday? The solution is simple: go green. We're not talking about anything drastic, so don't worry if you can't paint the walls or afford a new couch. Thankfully, rustling up the cash for a few leafy plants is much more affordable — and much easier. Find greenery aplenty at Little Urban Oasis' Indoor Plant Pop-Up Shop, which is taking over the Woolloongabba Substation on Saturday, November 17. From 10am–1pm, you'll find a huge range of plants, including harder-to-find varieties, as well as the pots to put them in. Buy them together, all ready to place on your shelves — or buy them separately, with handmade ceramics on offer from Sleek And Who. You can also get your new plants potted onsite at the Little Urban Oasis potting station. And, because all that plant pondering and purchasing is hungry work, the Baby It's Cold Outside food truck will be on the premises to provide sustenance. Enjoy a coffee, frappe, smoothie or fruit-filled ice cream while you're mulling over the selection. Remember: you can never have too much greenery.
It's been 25 years since the first episode, but people are still obsessed with Grand Designs. Sure, the futuristic and downright ridiculous homes are captivating. Yet many of us are tuning in to see how the insanely optimistic budgets, disappearing timelines and inevitable pregnancy announcement resolve themselves. Through it all, host Kevin McCloud is on hand to deliver a supportive quip or dire prophecy. Now you can hear McCloud's infectious energy in person with his old mate and self-confessed architecture nerd, Tim Ross, as the pair tour the country for Live in Interesting Places. On the back of a new podcast series, Tim and Kev's Big Design Adventure, they'll regale audiences with tales of modernist marvels, utopian visions and design-fuelled banter. And, as the name suggests, McCloud and Ross will come together in five architecturally significant venues throughout Australia. [caption id="attachment_1050527" align="alignnone" width="1920"] St George's Performing Arts Centre. Credit: Scott Burrows.[/caption] Presented across multiple dates from Thursday, February 5–Sunday, February 15, 2026, the tour kicks off in Perth at the University of Western Australia's Octagon Theatre. Onwards to Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra, audiences will gather in Brutalist theatres, heritage-listed churches and much-loved public buildings, from St George's Performing Arts Centre to the Lindfield Learning Village, fascinated by the duo's big design ideas. Several years in the making — the pair haven't appeared together since two sold-out Sydney Opera House shows in 2019 — get insight from these great thinkers and perhaps reconsider that intricate building project you had in mind. "These shows are going to be entertaining and edifying," says Kevin. "And full of surprises — you won't believe where our nerdy curiosity will take you," adds Tim. [caption id="attachment_1050526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindfield Learning Village. Credit: Alex Mayes.[/caption]
Sweet news: this spring and summer, your lips can taste like Gelato Messina no matter what you're eating. We can't all devour ice cream all day and night, sadly, but we can all slather our smackers with Messina's Lanolips collaboration — especially now that it comes in a dulce de leche version. Back in 2021, Messina and Lanolips first teamed up on their debut gelato-flavoured balm — a salted coconut and mango sorbet number that, yes, was always going to give you a constant craving for a few scoops. The pair have brought that popular version back in 2022, too, as well as the new dulce de leche balm. We said it a year ago and we'll say it again now: if you start eating more gelato as a result, you'll know why. How do you make a dulce de leche balm? It takes its cues from Messina's signature in-house Argentinean caramelised milk gelato flavour, and was inspired by a gelato-tasting session, naturally. As for the salted coconut and mango sorbet flavour, it still nods to Messina's most popular coconut milk sorbet — a flavour that features Murray River salt and Australian Kensington Pride mango salsa. In balm form, the two Aussie-made products are infused with lanolin from local sheep's wool, as well as coconut oil, vitamin E and natural flavour. You'll find the lip-smacking products in all Messina stores, Messina's online store, at Lanolips' website and at Mecca. And, while they're perfect for that obvious purpose, Messina and and Lanolips also advise that the multi-balms have one hundred other uses. Head to Messina to pick some up today, on Tuesday, September 27 — or buy one from Messina's website — and you'll also nab a free scoop while stocks last. For more information about Gelato Messina's new Lanolips balm — and to buy some — head to the chain's website.
Following in the footsteps of previous instalments of the Expressions series, Chapter IV brings another night of cultural diversity to The Powerhouse. Featuring dance, music and poetry from a wide range of artists, Chapter IV hopes to raise awareness for world issues and even to provide some monetary support for good causes through donations. Chapter IV will display works of performance art on social issues in countries like Nepal, Rwanda, Colombia, Tibet and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Donations taken at Chapter IV will be used to support the Children’s Welfare Organisation of Nepal. The Expressions series is run by the UnMute movement, who raise awareness of social issues through performance art and expression.
After hosting a sellout weekender in 2024 to celebrate its 15th birthday, Strawberry Fields is turning sweet 16 in 2025 with another three-day festival filled with impressive acts hitting the decks and the stage, all on the banks of the Murray River. When you're not catching Detroit Love featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann, Gilles Peterson, Chaos in the CBD and Interplanetary Criminal at Tocumwal in regional New South Wales this November, you'll be seeing Tommy Holohan, Malugi, Lady Shaka and ISAbella. They're a mere few of the 80-plus DJs and live acts on the just-dropped lineup. Other names on the bill across Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23 include KOKOROKO, WITCH, and Circle of Live featuring Albrecht La'Brooy, Move D and Sebastian Mullaert — plus Dita, Wax'o Paradiso and Horse Meat Disco. Or, for more than three hours, Mama Snake, DJ Scorpion and Andy Garvey will play B3B. Aurora Halal, DJ Sweet6teen, Fafi Abdel Nour, DJ PGZ B2B Yikes and Karen Nyame KG are on the roster, too. Strawberry Fields is among the Australian music festivals that aren't just about who's providing the soundtrack, even though it clearly doesn't skimp on talent. This fest boasts a setup and setting worth spending a weekend enjoying no matter which acts are on the bill, with its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. Having multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, and also a bush spa for a soak between sets, will do that. Festivalgoers clearly agree. As was the case in 2024, 95 percent of Strawberry Fields' tickets were already snapped up before the lineup dropped. If you were waiting to see who was on the bill first, though, more are going on sale from 9am on Friday, July 11. Folks lucky enough to nab a ticket can look forward to epsom salt baths, plunge pool sessions and sauna trips, then, plus hanging out in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, and hitting up an expanded range of workshops and talks — alongside onsite glamping and camping. Strawberry Fields' commitment to sustainability remains strong, too, with its rewash revolution system diverting over 300,000 single-use plastics from landfill so far, renewable energy powering the entire fest and all carbon emissions offset via Treecreds. Strawberry Fields 2025 Lineup DJ Afrodisiac Anu Aurora Halal Ayebatonye Baby J Bella Claxton Chaos In The Cbd Dameeeela Detroit Love (featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann) Dita DJ Friday B2B Sweetie Zamora DJ Pgz B2B Yikes DJ Sure DJ Sweet6teen Fafi Abdel Nour Gene On Earth Gilles Peterson Horse Meat Disco Interplanetary Criminal ISAbella Jenny Cara Josh Caffé Karen Nyame Kg Kirollus Kuzco B2B Quicksticks Kyle Hall Lady Shaka Malugi Mama Snake B3B DJ Scorpion B3B Andy Garvey Mazzacles Messie Mismeg Move D Myles Mac B2B DJ Possum Naycab Neptunes Trident Poli Pearl Regularfantasy Roka Sampology B2B Frank Booker Slothboogie Super Flu THC Tommy Holohan Toni Yotzi Vanna Wax'o Paradiso Wolters B2B Ned Bennett Zalina Live Asanti Beats Becca Hatch Bumpy Circle of Live (featuring Albrecht La Brooy, Move D, Sebastian Mullaert) Close Counters Corto.Alto D.D. Mirage Devaura Drifting Clouds Drmngnow / Bricky B Ella Haber Ella Thompson Empress Ferrari Party Flewnt Inkabee Jerome Thomas Juman Kokoroko Mathew Jonson Minyerra Moontide No News Rodriguez Jr. Serebii The Pro-Teens (MF Doom Tribute) Waari Wilson Tanner Witch Wrong Way Up Xpress Point Strawberry Fields 2025 takes place at Tocumwal, New South Wales, from Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23. The final release of tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, July 11. Head to the festival website for further details. Images: Duncographic / Will Hamilton-Coates / Max Roux.
If any part of Brisbane was screaming out for a gastropub, it's Teneriffe. A stone's throw from the river, surrounded by heritage-listed buildings given a second lease on life — yep, that's where you want to hang out for a few hours, tuck into a tasty meal and grab a couple of drinks. In the site that formerly hosted the Ice Bar and the Liquid Bar, the Dalgety Public House is making that dream a reality — and nodding to both the past and the future of the trendy area as well. Their name recognises the first pastoral company to move into suburb more than a century ago, their menu offers up hearty pub fare, and their décor combines timber, concrete and metal. Think of it as a blend of not only then and now, but of city and country. Whichever way you look at it, think of it as the best of both worlds. Think of it as the kind of place where you can share a warm cob loaf, munch on fish tacos, keep it classic with a chicken parmigiana or feast on a steak, too. Yes, variety really is the spice of life here, as the drinks list also attests. One of the 26 types of beers might seem the obvious choice, but keep an eye on the cocktail list. You won't find the likes of a tomatini with vodka, white balsamic, lemon, black pepper and cherry tomato, or a salted caramel espresso martini, just anywhere, after all.
