When it first launched in New South Wales back 2022, Slim's Quality Burger combined two trends in one: Australia's undying love of burgers and the current affection for all things nostalgic. Started by a trio with knowledge of the burg business, with Michael Tripp, Nik Rollison and David Hales all boasting past ties to the Noosa-born Betty's Burgers and Concrete Co, this chain adores kicking it old school. Think: 50s- and 60s-inspired decor, a throwback vibe like it's operating in America seven decades back, plus classic meat-and-bread combos paired with ice cream sundaes. While Queensland isn't short on places to enjoy burgers, this Aussie brand was always planning on going national — and now it's Brisbane's turn. Head to Kippa-Ring and you'll find the chain's Sunshine State debut, its first drive-in and drive-thru diner, and its first to offer a breakfast menu. Adding a meals-on-wheels component is the latest step in Slim's ode to Americana, as already splashed through its vintage-leaning aesthetic, with features banquettes in cherry read, neon signage, chequerboard flooring and classic light fixtures. On Elizabeth Avenue, customers will find nose-in parking surrounding the eateries — and views into the open kitchen from your vehicle, too. You can also order from behind the wheel via QR code. Hanging out in the carpark afterwards like this is Grease? That's up to you. This chain is all about a lean menu of options made with simple but quality ingredients. Burger-wise, customers can choose between original, cheeseburger, a double and a triple, plus 'the works' burgs, all made with angus beef — and variations of the above with bacon. There's also four different chicken varieties, including with crispy fried or grilled chook, and a veggie option using a plant-based patty. Sides focus on fries either with sea salt, loaded with cheese and grilled onion, or also featuring maple-smoked bacon. As for those sundaes, they come in hot fudge, salted caramel and strawberry flavours. And to wash it all down, there are spiders — because plonking a scoop of ice cream in some soft drink never gets old — plus post-mix soda from the fountain, and chocolate, vanilla and strawberry thickshakes. For those keen on an early-morning Slim's fix, the breakfast offering spans bacon and sausage burgs, steak and egg burgs, fried chicken burgs, works burgs, veggie egg and cheese burgs, hash browns, chia pudding with strawberries and nut-free granola, a full coffee lineup, freshly squeezed orange juice and more.
Colourful seating, umbrellas as decor and palm tree murals set the scene at Mika Airlie Beach. With a menu that spotlights Mexican favourites, it's an easy choice for a day spent hanging out on the Esplanade. Fresh, local ingredients meet classic recipes. There are chips and dips (guac and queso) to snack on, as well as fresh ceviche made with locally caught fish. Fajitas and tacos are filled with tender steak, marinated chicken or roast lamb. If you can't decide, there's share plates that spotlight some of the best bits of the menu – and make room to show off plenty of Aussie seafood. The drinks menu echoes the tropical atmosphere, with margs, mojitos and sours made to order. The "Frozen Fiesta" section caters to particularly hot days – a pina colada, strawberry daiquiri or mango spliced are equal parts drink and dessert. If you're in the mood for something sweet, cinnamon churros, which are deep-fried and dusted in cinnamon sugar, can be served with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. Music and events that tap into Mexican culture bring even more atmosphere to the space, which looks over the water right in the heart of Airlie Beach.
Brisbane has already scored one new green bridge in 2024 — and by the time that the year is out, the city's pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the river via another. Launching Breakfast Creek's Yowoggera green bridge opened the year. Getting folks strolling and rolling across Kangaroo Point's counterpart is set to close it. Only the latter comes with its own restaurant, bar and cafe, however. Brisbane City Council has announced that the final span of the new 460-metre bridge that's connecting Alice Street and Edward streets in the CBD to Scott Street in Kangaroo Point has just been placed. That means that the project is now 85-percent done. There's still more work to underway, but Brisbanites can expect to be moseying over it sooner rather than later — although no exact opening date, other than late 2024, has been announced. Also now in place: the stay cables supporting the bridge's main 182.7-metre span. Workers are currently concreting the bridge deck; adding the structure's balustrades, as well as its seating and lighting; and installing the covered pedestrian walkway, which will help power the bridge via solar panels. Stairs to Scott Street and a lift up to the bridge deck from CT White Park are also still in the works. And if you're wondering about overwater restaurant Stilts, the steel framework is in place and the roof is being installed. On the CBD side of the bridge, construction of riverside cafe Mulga Bill's is also ongoing. The complete bridge, a single-mast cable stayed structure with minimum width of 6.8 metres, will feature dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths across its expanse. On either side, viewing platforms will give visitors a 360-degree view of the city. It was back in 2021 that Brisbane learned of the structure's plan to become a destination for eating and drinking as well, viaan overwater venue and a cafe in its plaza area. Then, in 2023, Brisbane City Council revealed a heap more details, including that two dining spots will open in 2024 — and that Tassis Group, the hospitality crew with Fatcow on James St, Longwang, Fosh Restaurant & Bar, Opa Bar + Mezze, Yamas Greek + Drink, Rich & Rare, and Massimo Restaurant and Bar to its name, is behind them. Tassis will open restaurant and bar Stilts — which was formerly going to be called Bombora — for bites and drinks ten metres above the Brisbane River, plus the Mulga Bill's cafe to take care of bridge visitors' caffeine fix. Neither have exact launch dates at present. Views are clearly a big highlight at Stilts, which will feature vistas spanning over the Brisbane River, CBD, Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point cliffs. Nothing has been unveiled about the menu yet, but the venue's design will take its perch to heart, evoking moving water in a homage to its above-the-river spot. As for Mulga Bill's, it'll sit by the river in the new urban plaza that's being created on the corner of Edward and Alice streets. The cafe is pitched as a stopover spot for frequent bridge users, which it'll reflect in its bicycle-themed decor. And, food-wise, it'll serve up wood-fired pizzas, steak and seafood to eat in, plus pastries and picnic boxes to grab and go. Both venues are expected to score ample foot traffic. Indeed, more than 6000 pedestrians, cyclists and e-mobility riders are forecast to be using the bridge every day by 2036. The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is set to open by late 2024, stretching from Alice Street and Edward streets in the CBD to Scott Street in Kangaroo Point. We'll update you with exact launch dates when they're announced. Head to the Brisbane City Council website for more details in the interim. Images: Brisbane City Council.
Brisbane will never get tired of finding things to do near, around, in or on its very own river, including hitting up overwater bars and hiring picnic boats. If there's one thing that the Sunshine State capital particularly loves when it comes to the Old Brown Snake, however, it's party vessels cruising down the waterway while pairing views, tunes and drinks. Now floating out of the City Botanic Gardens River Hub each weekend, Oasis is the latest — and your new excuse to temporarily say goodbye to dry land. Announced back in April, launching later that same month and currently boasting a stacked roster of weekend shindigs locked in until the end of June, Oasis follows in The Island, Seadeck and Yot Club's slipstream. For this stint of ditching the shore for a watery jaunt, Brisbanites can hop onboard a $10-million steel-hull catamaran. And the soundtrack? It comes via DJ-backed gatherings by both day and night. Oasis isn't small, stretching to 35 metres in length and accommodating 500 people across three levels. And, it's sticking around permanently, rather than cruising in and out seasonally. Oasis was also custom-designed for Brisbane's windy waterway, with Alex Zabotto-Bentley — who also did the honours for Seadeck and Sydney's Glass Island — taking care of the hues, fixtures and fittings. The aim: to immerse partygoers in a Sicily and Capri vibe. Thanks to The White Lotus' second season, nodding to Italian islands is quite the vibe right now. Taking to the water for weekly Saturday and Sunday festivities — and the occasional Friday-night special event — Oasis lets its passengers rove its trio of floors, each of which is decked out in its own way and provides a different experiences. They all come with their own bar, sound system, standing areas, and seating including VIP tables — but, the lower floor goes with copper, dark tones and a pressed tin ceiling, and the middle deck with greenery and wood aplenty. Up on top, pink and white stripes are a feature, alongside tropical plants. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oasis Brisbane (@oasisbrisbane) "Brisbane is famous for its energised spirit, its youthful vitality, its vibrant love of the outdoors and its love of celebration, and Oasis has been designed to amplify this," said founder Dave Auld back when Oasis was first announced. "As we look forward to the Olympics in 2032, Brisbane will become one of the hottest cities in the world, and the Brisbane River one of the hottest pieces of real estate — and that's where Oasis calls home!" The boat's lineup of DJs and artists rotates weekly, and Oasis also serves up sips and bites to eat. And, if you want to book the whole place out for your own soirée, that's available Monday–Friday. Upcoming events include Boatbreaks on Saturday, June 3, headlined by the USA's Dr Fresch and the UK's Georgie Riot; Planet of the Breaks on Friday, June 16, where breaks, drum and bass, and jungle tunes will echo thanks to A.Skillz and Krafty Kuts; and queer boat party Splash Out on Saturday, June 24. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oasis Brisbane (@oasisbrisbane) Oasis departs from City Botanic Gardens River Hub, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City. Head to the vessel's website for bookings and further details.
Back in 2021, McDonald's marked a massive milestone: 50 years since the fast food chain first started serving burgs in Australia. To celebrate, it splashed its golden arches all around the place, including on Macca's PJs. And, while that sleepwear was a limited-edition range, McDonald's has teamed up with Peter Alexander on a new line for 2023. Obviously, you'll be lovin' them. Once again, this collection features burgers, fries, golden arches, the chain's red and yellow colour scheme, and its famous figures such as Ronald, Grimace, Birdie and the Hamburglar. Do people wearing burger-covered pyjamas dream of Big Macs? That's the question you can now put to the test — again. You can clearly expect a big dose of nostalgia as well and, thanks to Ronald and company's presence, to have a fierce hankering for happy meals. Given that McDonald's opened here in the 70s, there's a huge retro feel to the entire range. If, while wearing them, you wake up and start watching cartoons, that's understandable. Thirty-seven different items arrive on Wednesday, June 14 at Peter Alexander stores and via the sleepwear brand's website until stocks last — including PJ pants and sweaters for men and women, various matching sets, and even Macca's sleepwear for dogs. That range includes a Big Mac tee, a smiling Grimace jumper and slippers embedded with the golden arches, as well as patchwork-style sets and a Macca's doggy jumper. The new McDonald's x Peter Alexander sleepwear collection goes on sale from Wednesday, June 14 via Peter Alexander stores and the sleepwear brand's website.
After adding German-themed drinking spots to Chermside, South Bank and Bowen Hills, Rockpool isn't done with its new mission to spread steins and schnitzels across the city. Brisbanites can now enjoy all of the above at The Bavarian The Barracks, with the hospitality group expanding its footprint and one of its brands. Situated the top of Petrie Terrace, on the edge of the Barracks complex, the site is no stranger to hearty meals paired with hefty brews — for 26 years, up until April 2018, it was home to the city's most prominent Hog's Breath Cafe. With The Bavarian taking over the premises, the two-level spot is now a huge restaurant and beer hall that can accommodate 600 people. It also features a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, including in its 300-seater, string-lit beer garden. Visitors to any of Rockpool's other Bavarian joints — on Eagle Street, at Broadbeach and Coomera, and on the Sunshine Coast — will know what they're in for. As well as a range of 20 Australian, German and international brews on tap (and served in one-litre steins), plus a sizeable schnapps selection, the menu spans pretzels, pork knuckles, sausages and platters piled with meat. Picking a particular night of the week to head by is recommended, with different specials offered on various evenings, such as a two-for-one schnitzel deal on Tuesdays. Fancy stopping by for an afternoon brew and bite? The chain's Royal Snack Hour promotion, which offers up free gourmet sausage rolls, sloppy fries and popcorn chicken with a drink purchase between 4–6pm, also applies here. And if you're in the vicinity for lunch from Monday–Thursdays, there's also a $10 daytime deal. Decor-wise, think bright but rustic, including stone walls with timber finishes, communal wood tables and plenty of noticeable flourishes — including a beer barrel wall, and a chandelier made out of more than 500 steins. Greenery can be seen both inside and out, and, in a nod to the beer hall's location, so can 12 large-screen TVs playing sports. Indeed, although it might seem as if The Bavarian's latest outpost is rather close to its sibling venues in the CBD and just over the river in South Brisbane, setting up shop on Petrie Terrace is a smart move. The inner-city area is already home to more than a couple of watering holes, with two pubs and a burger brew bar just along Caxton Street; however, the proximity to Suncorp Stadium means that there are always plenty of hungry, thirsty Brisbanites in close range. Find The Bavarian The Barracks at 5 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, open from 11am Monday–Sunday.
Dinner and a movie now has an entire cinema dedicated to it: FoMo Cinemas. The brand's name isn't about fearing missing out; instead, it refers to its blend of food and movies. Every one of the six screens in the new Melbourne picture palace is all about watching a film while having a meal. You'll pick between blockbuster, arthouse and retro flicks on the program, plus pizzas, burgers and deli sandwiches on the chef-designed menu. Before you take your seat, you'll also hit up the neon-lit Blade Runner-inspired bar. First announced in 2023, the 392-seat dine-in FoMo Cinemas opens its doors on Thursday, January 18 at East Brunswick Village — and adds something new not just to Melbourne's but to Australia's cinema scene. Co-owners Natalie Miller AO and Barry Peak, who co-founded Carlton's Cinema Nova, have taken their cues from two famed names in the global business: the Alamo Drafthouse chain across the US, plus Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn. "Barry and I have been partners in the Nova for 32 years, and Barry's always looking for new ideas and new ventures. And he was very anxious to do a cinema with food and movies based on the Nighthawk and the Alamo in America. So he went out on a survey over there and come back with all the ideas," Miller, who also spent 17 years running South Yarra's old Longford Cinema, tells Concrete Playground. "What very much appeals is the fact that people are time-poor and we are trying to encourage people to come 20 minutes earlier, sit down, they can order their food off an app and then the movie will start. Or if they want to, they can do it during the film. But the idea is to let people have their meal and their film together," Miller continues. "It's not a totally new concept because there's gold class and platinum and all those other cinemas, but ours are at standard ticket prices. So you can come at a standard ticket price and order your meal accordingly." As designed by Head Chef Darren Collier, food choices also include cheese and antipasto platters, as well as desserts — and, when it comes time to deliver your bites and drinks as the movie plays, the focus is on discreet service that doesn't disrupt the viewing experience. As is a drawcard at Alamo Drafthouse, all films are preceded by a pre-show presentation. Expect trivia, interactive quizzes and clips celebrating classic movie moments — and trailers, but no ads. The idea is that you peruse the menu while the pre-show plays, and that it's all part of the experience. And the films? Although Cinema Nova is known for its arthouse selections — and Miller is behind film distributor Sharmill Films, which has brought movies such as Triangle of Sadness and Compartment No. 6 to Australian screens in recent years — FoMo is combining those kinds of flicks with broader fare. So, in its opening weeks, you can see the Mean Girls musical, Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, Michael Mann's Ferrari, Golden Globe-winner The Holdovers, wrestling biopic The Iron Claw and Jason Statham in The Beekeeper. Among repertory titles, both Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 will have a date with the venue, as will Chef — all befitting the picture palace's look and focus. Specs-wise, two of FoMo's cinemas have a 3D setup, and the 114-seat biggest theatre with a screen that ten-metres-plus wide boasts 4K resolution. While the newly opened East Brunswick Village is the site of the first-ever FoMo, it won't be the last if the debut location proves a success. "If you ask Barry Peak that question, he'd say absolutely yes," Miller advises about the possibility of expanding the chain across Melbourne and even nationally. "We'll test it out and we'll see how it works. We feel that Brunswick's such a growing area with such a young population and student population, and probably a cross-section of the community. And we'll see how it works, and then take it from there." Find FoMo Cinemas at East Brunswick Village, 133 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick from Thursday, January 18.
When is a hotel not really a hotel? When it's a hotel-themed bar that decks out its interiors like somewhere you can stay — taking a few cues from Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shining's Overlook Hotel, in fact — but doesn't actually include slumbering in its rooms. When is an escape room bar not at all an escape room bar? When it takes the escape room concept of theming different spaces — those aforementioned hotel-style rooms — and decks them out with challenges instead. Yes, the premise behind Hijinx Hotel needs a bit of explaining. It also gleans inspiration from all those supremely Instagrammable pop-up installations that include ball pits, but this one is sticking around in one spot permanently. Plus, it jams in three different bars for multiple cocktail-sipping opportunities, nods to New York hotels in its facade, and ensures that each one of its rooms pays homage to either a movie or a board game from the 80s and 90s. First announced back in mid-April, and now opening its doors in Sydney on Friday, June 17, Hijinx Hotel is basically an OTT nostalgia bomb — and something that Willy Wonka would've been proud to dream up if the fictional character branched out beyond making chocolate and candy. It hails from a team that know a few things about indulgent kidulting experiences, with Funlab also behind venues such as Strike, Holey Moley, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and B Lucky and Sons. And, Hijinx Hotel also sits next to a brand-new 27-hole Holey Moley, too, with the boozy mini-golf spot's latest venue going big on Alice in Wonderland vibes. Escapism is clearly the name of the game here, and partying like you would've before you were old enough to drink alcohol — but with the hard stuff definitely on offer. Wondering what that entails? Yes, it's as chaotic as it all sounds. Firstly, you enter via the faux hotel lobby bar that's full of colour and surrealist touches. You won't miss the purple unicorn in the centre of the bar, for instance. Instead of merely checking in, though, you'll down cocktails in the neon-lit space — including a particularly potent Red Bull number that's served in a golden owl-shaped vessel, multiple types of margaritas, and the bubble-topped Bubble and Pop (made with tequila, white chocolate, passionfruit, lemon and egg white, and that scented bubble) — and hang out in booths. As for the not-quite-hotel rooms themselves, there's 15 of them, with ten opening at launch and five more unveiling their wonders in the weeks afterwards. To gain access, you do need to head to reception t0 pick up a swipe card. Next, you'll follow the concierge's instructions to the red elevator — without a river of blood flowing out of it, thankfully. Inside the rooms, prepare to play games inspired by Twister, Scrabble and Tetris — here called Poke A Dot, Scrambled and Shape'n Up — in separate spaces. Or, Tom Hanks fans can live out their Big dreams in the piano room, which features a giant keyboard across the floor, and requires you to play it with your feet. Prefer Titanic? Then make a date with the Draw Me Like One Of Your French Girls room, which is designed to make you feel like you're in the middle of a sinking ship. Other highlights include a pastel ball pit that resembles a huge bowl of cereal, a room that releases balls from the top of the wall like you're in a life-sized pinball machine, and another that's all about shooting hoops. In each, you'll need to complete a challenge within a set time — with set packages spanning five rooms starting at $25 per adult for 30 minutes. As well as that already-mentioned lobby bar, there are two other places in quench your thirst — and you can snack on bites such as fries, pizzas and two-cheese toasted sandwiches. Whether you're a Sydneysider scoping out your next boozy bit of fun, or you live elsewhere and you're making plans for a trip to the Harbour City, you now have somewhere new to head to. And, as well as that new Holey Moley, there's also an Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in the same complex. Usually, Funlab launches its new concepts in one city, then shares the love across other east coast capitals. So Melburnians and Brisbanites, cross your fingers that more Hijinx Hotels will eventually pop up closer to home. Find Hijinx Hotel at 75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria, Sydney, from Friday, June 17. For further information or to make a booking, head to the venue's website.
Over the past few years, almost every pub in Brisbane has undergone a revamp — or that's how it feels, at least. Many of those makeovers have come courtesy of Australian Venue Co, which has been renovating a heap of its watering holes around and near the River City. Brighton Hotel is the latest, getting a new lease of life in the northside coastal suburb. Cue a new beer garden, a new bistro and a new sports bar for the spot on Brighton Terrace. AVC has also rolled out the remodelling crew to The Wickham, the Cleveland Sands, Salisbury Hotel, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche, Royal Hotel in Nundah, Bribie Island Hotel and Capalaba's Koala Tavern since 2021; yes, the company has been busy. At Brighton Hotel, which is freshly reopened as at the beginning of May 2024, sprucing up the place took five months — and now patrons can reap the benefits. In the beer garden, picnic-style seats await, as does festoon lighting — plus, because the pub has relaunched just as the weather gets cooler, heaters as well. You won't miss the outdoor area, as it is the first part of the venue upon arrival. Expect it to be particularly busy when spring and summer roll back around. Two skylights brighten up the bistro, which also features greenery. Sit down for a meal and you'll have chargrilled Australian king prawns with confit garlic butter, buffalo cauliflower tacos, beef and pork rissoles, wagyu beef burgers, chicken schnitzels and chicken parmigianas, and roast of the day among your options. From the grill, four steak choices range from 180-gram eye fillets to 500-gram rumps. And for dessert, baked custard tarts, plus the candied ginger and sticky date pudding, should tempt tastebuds. Visiting the sports bar means choosing between booth and high-table seating, and having whatever game happens to be on as either a drawcard or a backdrop on the big-screen LED TVs. Also, because the venue is also a motel — so, if you want to turn the trip 20 minutes from Brisbane into an overnight stay, you can — its rooms have had a makeover as well. Whatever day you head by, you can take advantage of menu specials. Happy hour runs from 3–5pm Monday–Thursday with selected schooners and house wines costing $6, $10 cocktails are on offer between the same times on Saturdays and Sundays, $20 steaks and trivia are available on Tuesday evenings you can tuck into a $19 roast on Wednesdays, for instance.
The country music craze has made its mark on Fortitude Valley – Honky Tonks on Wickham Street raises the bar with its Southern-inspired cocktail menu. Here, mixologists shake and serve concoctions like the Bubble O' Bob – an Aperol, gin and strawberry concoction – Campfire PB&J, Pineapple Prairie and Southern Spice (the house take on a fiery marg). There's cups of fresh peanuts to snack on while you sip your drink and take in the atmosphere. Live music plays every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with sets usually at 6pm and 9:30pm. A DJ closes out the night after local and international country artists have taken the stage. Sometimes the set lists lean a little more crooner, with rhythm and soul beats. Other times, it's classic country storytelling with banjos, fiddles and pedal steel guitars taking the stage. The common denominator is a good time had by all. Neon-lit signs, leather seats and old-timey touches set the scene for Brisbane's country music fans to gather and enjoy a boot scootin' time. Revellers might dress the part in Stetson's and spurs – but everyone is welcome to come and try their hand at a two-step.
There are few places in Brisbane that you can order dark chocolate waffles. In fact, we can only be certain of one place that serves them, and that is Kettle & Tin. Served with a raspberry and blueberry compote and vanilla ice cream, this a the breakfast indulgence to break you new-year-resolution - and only two weeks into 2014. #sorrynotsorry Waffles are god's gift to sauce lovers - a vessel created with optimal liquid-holding pockets, and a morsel coveted for its soft yet crunchy design. Kettle & Tin realise waffles are a superior and underrated option and will serve them any way they can - sweet with passionfruit ice cream or savoury - think sweet potato waffles with jamon, corn relish and a poached egg. The problem with making a new years resolution is that in telling yourself you can't have something means you simply want it more. Though, resolving to eat waffles once a month is a resolution we could get behind, and probably achieve. Set in one of those charming Queenslanders Paddington is so well known for, Kettle & Tin, however, do more than waffles and a mean eggs benedict. Pop in after dark when the relaxed day-time crowd start to get rowdy as beer and cocktails creep onto the menu (well, admittedly you can order alcohol from 10am). Just 18 months young, this venue is already proving a classic in Brisbane's dining market and it is not hard to see why. Offering an array or craft beer, cocktail punches and quality food at night, they specialise in a relaxed style dining to be shared with friends. If the venue itself weren't already cool enough, it must be noted that they have a herb garden out the back and a bee hive on the roof - we'll drink to that. A final note to Kettle & Tin: If you remove those aforementioned dark chocolate waffles, you will break hearts and we may break you. Much love, CP.
First, Boy Swallows Universe was a must-read book by Trent Dalton, spinning a tale about a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. Then, the Brisbane-set story became one of 2021's stage hits, earning admirers new and old while treading the boards. Next, it's about to become your next must-binge homegrown show, with Netflix announcing a streaming adaptation of the award-winning book earlier in 2022. If you've been wondering since how the latter might turn out, the platform has just dropped more details — and some behind-the-scenes photos. You can stop your fan casting, because unveiling which famous faces are taking on the novel's characters is Netflix's new news. It's a hefty list, with the eight-part limited series set to star Travis Fimmel (Raised by Wolves) as Lyle Orlik, Simon Baker (Blaze) as Robert Bell and Phoebe Tonkin (Bloom) as Frances Bell — as well as Felix Cameron (Penguin Bloom) as Eli Bell, plus Lee Tiger Halley (The Heights) as Gus Bell. Also nabbing parts: Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) as Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia (Nitram) as Tytus Broz, and Sophie Wilde (Eden) as Caitlyn Spies, plus Christopher James Baker (Ozark) as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le (Back to the Rafters) as Bich Dang and Deborah Mailman (Total Control) as Poppy Birkbeck. And, you'll see Ben O'Toole (Barons) as Teddy, Zachary Wan (Never Too Late) as Darren Dang, and Millie Donaldson and Eloise Rothfield as Shelley Huffman (aged 17 and 13, respectively). Exactly when the series will hit your queue still hasn't yet been revealed, but it's scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai), and the show's executive producers include Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao's Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard's End, Chimerica), Kerry Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased), and Aussie actor and filmmaker Joel Edgerton (The Underground Railroad, The Green Knight). On directing duties: Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas), Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket). On the page, Boy Swallows Universe has snagged a slew of local awards, including Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards. The novel, which has sold a hefty amount of copies in Australia alone — 160,000 in 2019, when the play was announced — was also longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin Award. And, while bringing Boy Swallows Universe to the screen has been in the works for some time — with Harper Collins selling the television rights to the novel back in 2019, and Edgerton set to produce the show since then — if you've been waiting to actually lock your eyes on a Boy Swallows Universe series, now it's finally happening. Boy Swallows Universe will hit Netflix as an eight-part series sometime in the near future. We'll update you with further information, including a release date, when it's announced. Images: Netflix.
On the big screen, Beetlejuice is making a comeback, with a sequel currently in the works. The original 1988 film is rarely far from cinemas anyway, proving a staple at retrospective screenings. But watching the ghost with the most sing and dance onstage? That's a brand-new experience for Australian theatre audiences. Start chanting three times: seeing the Beetlejuice musical Down Under will become a reality in 2025. Penned by the nation's own Eddie Perfect and debuting on Broadway in 2019, this take on Beetlejuice still focuses on the character from Tim Burton's beloved 80s flick, of course — just with songs and dance routines. Cinema's famous 'bio-exorcist' will start haunting Melbourne's Regent Theatre sometime in April 2025, in what'll be its Aussie-premiere run. "While Beetlejuice began on stage in America, this show has a macabre sensibility and twisted humour that Australians will delight in," said Perfect, announcing the Aussie premiere. "I always hoped it would have a life here at some point and I am thrilled that moment has finally arrived. I can't wait to share it with a home crowd for the first time." "Australian fans were some of the loudest begging us to bring Beetlejuice to Australia. We listened and we can't wait to expand our community of Netherlings down under. We are thrilled to bring this hilarious and remarkably touching show to a whole new place and share the electrifying experience that audiences on Broadway, and now throughout North America, have fallen in love with," added Mark Kaufman, Beetlejuice Executive Producer and Executive Vice President of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. You don't need a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in your ghostly hands to head along, but you will spend time with a couple with one: Barbara and Adam Maitland. And, you'll see what happens when they start to suspect that they're no longer alive, a new family moves into their house and they decide they need that bio-exorcist. When Beetlejuice first burst into picture palaces, it did so with The Flash's Michael Keaton, Stranger Things' Winona Ryder, Schitt's Creek's Catherine O'Hara, GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin all starring. Who'll follow in their footsteps in Melbourne is yet to be revealed. No matter which actors take to the stage in the Beetlejuice musical's Aussie debut, audiences are in for an acclaimed production directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), and with a book by Emmy-nominee Anthony King (Broad City) and Scott Brown (Sharp Objects) — plus Perfect's Tony-nominated original score, of course. The show picked up a whopping eight Tony nominations in 2019, and won Timbers a Drama League Award for Excellence in Directing, plus both Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nods for set design. The Beetlejuice musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, from April 2025 — head to the production's website for further information and to join the ticket waitlist. Images: Matthew Murphy, 2022.
Get set to jump up, jump up and get down, just go ahead and jump, or get jumpin' jumpin at Samford until April 15. Whichever jump-themed song you now have stuck in your head, it's appropriate. We are talking about a pop-up inflatable theme park, after all. Setting up shop at the Samford Netball Club over the school holidays, The Inflatable Factory is fun for kids and kidults alike, boasting quite the range of blow-up bouncy attractions. On-site you'll find a 12-metre-high slide, a Zorb ball ramp and a 20-metre-long wild west obstacle course — plus a bubble soccer arena, and more. Tickets cost $17 for as much jumping around as you can fit into two hours — which, let's face it, is probably just about the right amount of time. If you do want to stay longer, you can purchase an extra hour for $7. There's also coffee and snacks available as well.
Whether you're an early riser, work crazy hours or just happen to need a place to go for breakfast at 6am on Friday, it is always a good idea to have some early-opening cafes in your repertoire. All cafes on this list are open before 7am on weekdays, serve hot food and have ample seating. Enjoy! Stomp espresso Stomp espresso is open from 5.30am on weekdays, for which they deserve a pat on the back. Add another one for their excellent coffee. 109 Holland Road, Holland Park Java Coast Cafe Make the most of the inner city oasis that is Java Coast Cafe by enjoying your coffee in the privacy of their shady courtyard. 340 George Street, Brisbane Double Shot espresso Early birds may be lucky enough to beat the breakfast rush at Double Shot espresso. Late risers are looked after too, with the all-day breakfast. 125 Oxlade Drive, New Farm Brother Espresso At Brother Espresso on sunny tree-lined Riding Road, the food is to be grabbed and gulped but the coffee is to be savoured. 358 Riding Road, Bulimba Esher St Cafe and Deli Esher St Cafe and Deli has it all — an Italian-inspired menu with all-day breakfasts, locally roasted coffee, deli goods, gifts and trinkets, as well as hampers. 46 Esher Street, Tarragindi Hansel & Gretel espresso and Breakfast Bar Follow the trail of happy and satiated customers to Hansel & Gretel, where your food choices are endless. Corner Samford Road and Pickering Street, Gaythorne Foxy Bean Southside breakfast favourite, Foxy Bean, has been causing a stir in Woolloongabba for the past three years and has become somewhat of a go-to for guaranteed good food, good service and good vibes. 896 Stanley Street East, Woolloongabba Jacu espresso All-day breakfasts, cold press coffees and an ever changing lineup of blends make Jacu espresso an easy choice for Norman Park locals. 172 Bennetts Road, Norman Park Little Corner Cafe This Wooloowin favourite is known for its sunny setup and friendly service, and for the espresso smoothie with honey and yoghurt. 86 Dickson Street, Wooloowin Strauss Strauss has generated some serious buzz among caffeine lovers since its inception. You’ll find this cosy nook in a little laneway on Elizabeth Street. 189 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane Moose & Gibson Around the corner from everyone’s favourite antique precinct, Woolloongabba's Moose & Gibson welcomes breakfasters with simple, tasty fare. 77 Jurgens Street, Woolloongabba Tall Short Espresso Once in the form of a roaming red Kombi, Tall Short Espresso now comes with a place for customers to sit when they sip their coffee and nibble on a bagel. Shop3, 244 Given Terrace, Paddington Pourboy espresso Much loved amongst city workers, Pourboy espresso has really honed the craft of coffee and breakfast. However you like yours, the folks at Pourboy, under head barista Sebastian Butler-White, have the brew for you. 26 Wharf Street, Brisbane Samson & Sophie There are some very tasty-sounding breakfast dishes here. Case in point: the slow-cooked ham hock and beans in a rich tomato blend with two poached eggs and organic sourdough. Shop 1, 2 Macquarie Street, Newstead Slinky Espresso Come here for a welcoming atmosphere and well-priced, tasty food. 3/190 Fairfield Road, Fairfield First Pour First Pour Brisbane at Veneziano Coffee Roasters in West End has some tasty-looking breakfast treats which are not to be ignored. That said, you come here for the coffee. 369 Montague Road, West End Blackbird Espresso Despite the minimal kitchen setup at this Coorparoo cafe, they offer a few hot breakfast items, including savoury mince and cheddar cheese jaffles and pancakes with bacon, ice-cream and maple syrup. 1/4 Newman Avenue, Camp Hill Atticus Finch Bring along your pet to this new Paddington haunt. Get a serious cup of coffee or perhaps some toast with satay chilli paste, tamarind and coriander. 83 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington Cafe O-Mai The Vietnamese and Vietnamese-inspired dishes here are a breath of fresh air to jaded (or perhaps just spoilt) Brisbane breakfast enthusiasts. The baby pho (starting at $7) is the ideal morning meal: warm, restorative and laden with wholesome ingredients and starchy carbohydrates. 15 Cracknell Road, Annerley Dot Espresso On your way to or through the Southbank Parklands? Head to Dot Espresso for a cup of joe and enjoy the view of the sheep. Little Stanley Plaza, South Brisbane
When Michael Crichton put pen to paper and conjured up a modern-day dinosaur-filled amusement park, he couldn't have known exactly what he'd done. The author easily imagined the story making its way to the big screen, because the Jurassic Park novel started out as a screenplay. He could've also perceived that a whole film and TV franchise could follow, and that folks would be quoting the movies for decades. And yet, we're guessing that he didn't predict the latest development: a recreation of the Jurassic World movies, which started with the fourth flick in the series back in 2015, made completely out of Lego. Jurassic World by Brickman first popped up in Melbourne in 2021, then Sydney in 2022. Brisbanites can wander through it, too — and peer at more than 50 dinosaurs, props and scenes from the Jurassic World movies that have all been fashioned out of the popular plastic bricks in the process. That's all on display at Queensland Museum from Friday, December 8, 2023–Sunday, July 28, 2024 as the exhibition keeps touring the country (including extending its Brissie dates for an extra two weeks, after it was initially due to close on Sunday, July 14). More than six million Lego blocks have been used in Jurassic World by Brickman, each brick stacked together to create the four-metre-tall park gates, the lab where the dinosaurs are genetically engineered, those instantly recognisable jeeps, a heap of creatures and more. Welcome to... your Lego Jurassic World fantasy, basically. Lego dinosaurs are clearly the main attraction and, yes, this event has gone big. There's a life-sized brachiosaurus that weighs more than two tonnes, a huge tyrannosaurus rex, two life-sized velociraptors (Blue and Delta), and everything from a stegosaurus to a triceratops, too. Plus, you'll see some prehistoric creatures in the baby dinosaur enclosure, encounter more on the loose and learn how to track them over the exhibition's recreation of Isla Nublar (while using your imagination a whole heap, obviously). If it all sounds rather sizeable, that's because Jurassic World by Brickman is the largest Lego exhibition in Australia. It also lets Lego aficionados get building while they're there, with 2.5 million bricks to play with. This is a family-friendly affair, too, so expect to have plenty of small dinosaur fans for company. Images: Anna Kucera. Updated Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
The sun is shining, your out of office is on and you've already spent a good amount of time curled up streaming TV shows. Now's the chance to catch up on your reading — so, find a shady spot on a beach, next to a pool or by a waterfall and start making your way through our favourite ten books of 2019. It's a mixed bag this year — we've been turning the pages of a novel about a debaucherous secret society, the latest Booker Prize winner (no, not The Testaments), devastating nonfiction works about Australian bushfires and a heartwarming page-turner combining politics, royalty and queer history. Some of them are immersive, some of them knotty and uncomfortable, which makes them perfect for mulling over during the holidays, and provide flavourful fodder for dinner conversations. Take your pick. LANNY BY MAX PORTER In 2016, Max Porter won the Dylan Thomas Prize for his debut novel Grief Is the Thing With Feathers — a story in which a trickster-babysitter crow visits two grieving children. This year, Porter delivered another poetic and daring tale, this time centring on a creative and mysterious boy called Lanny. There's a rhythm to Porter's writing; he illustrates one of his most exciting characters through a scrawling, italicised font that seems to slip and slide off the page. Dead Papa Toothwort is a shapeshifting spirit that feeds on the life and grime of Lanny's village in the English countryside — one with gossip at the school gates, nosy but well-meaning neighbours, and a woodland where children like to build treehouses. Reliable old Pete is Lanny's good friend. He's an older man, an artist, and one of the more likeable characters. What starts as an eerie, but largely quiet, tale of village life gathers speed towards the end, when Lanny is missing and the village mob starts pointing fingers. SUPPER CLUB BY LARA WILLIAMS Lara Williams' novel about a secret society of women who meet after dark to feast is superb. At the centre of the novel is Roberta, and the novel jumps back and forth between her days at university, where she teaches herself to cook and dates a lecturer, and the present day, where her and her wild, intense friend Stevie start the supper club. Over bowls of pasta, slabs of meatloaf, messy bouillabaisse and gallons of wine, the women gorge themselves and behave in an incredibly 'unladylike' manner in rebellion of their oppression by men. They throw food at each other, vomit, dance topless and go wild with debauchery. Intelligent and boldly written, Williams' story is less about food and more about the characters' appetites to acquit themselves of their everyday lives. Easy to read, you'll smash it quicket than your avocado on toast. RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE BY CASEY MCQUISTON It might be questionable of us to include a book that would certainly not be considered literary, and falls firmly in the romance and new adult categories. But Casey McQuiston's debut novel Red, White & Royal Blue is so joyous and hopeful that it makes you want to throw away any pretence of trying to appear cool. Incorporating, and elevating, all the best cheesy rom-com tropes — enemies to friends to lovers, fake friendships, a secret relationship and an email scandal — McQuiston's writing is heartwarming, funny and intelligent as she blends politics, royalty and queer history into a big ball of happiness. I challenge you not to fall in love with this book's diverse cast of characters: Alex, the obliviously bisexual Mexican-American son of the first woman president of the United States; Henry, the compassionate, quietly homosexual prince of England with a scholarly interest in queer history; Pez, the prince's dastardly attractive Nigerian best friend; Zahra, the president's fierce and frightening chief of staff; Amy, a transwoman and former marine-turned-secret service agent who likes embroidery. Would recommend to anyone looking for a book so firmly placed in the now — but a better one than the one we've got. If it were possible, it would make your heart smile. ON EARTH WE'RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS BY OCEAN VUONG Ocean Vuong's debut novel found itself on a host of nominee lists for literary prizes his year, earning reviews describing it as shattering, tender, haunting and stunning. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to a mother, tracking a family history back to its roots in war-torn Vietnam and forward to the son's experiences as a queer, biracial American, and telling a story trapped between the worlds of trauma and compassion. Vuong's poetry background makes for prose that is fluid, raw and earnest, in an intimate exploration of race, class, grief and masculinity. SALT BY BRUCE PASCOE Likely already on the radar of fans of his work, Salt offers an insight into the range and depth of influential Indigenous Australian historian Bruce Pascoe. This collection of stories and essays from the award-winning author of Dark Emu includes some of his most revered work and previously unpublished pieces of fiction — tender stories exploring country, nature and identity — just waiting to be discovered. For those with a short attention span or looking for an introduction to Pascoe's works, this is an ideal read for afternoons on the beach, and a poignant reminder of our nation's history. BEAUTY BY BRI LEE Beauty marks the second book by Bri Lee in as many years to make it onto our Summer Reading List, so she must be doing something right. Once again imbuing her words with a brutal candour, Lee explores our obsession with thinness and beauty, in a world that has made huge strides against the patriarchy, yet still finds us holding ourselves to an impossible and unattainable standard of physical 'perfection'. Readers are invited into Lee's world in a 150-page essay on her battle with eating disorders and her final rejection of society's punishing ideals. For anyone that loved Eggshell Skull — and pretty much everyone else, too. THE ARSONIST: A MIND ON FIRE BY CHLOE HOOPER Published in October 2018, this novel isn't a 2019 book. But, with catastrophic bushfires currently burning across Australia, its content couldn't be timelier. Following the trial of the man charged with lighting the Latrobe Valley fires, part of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that killed 173 people in regional Victoria and burnt over 450,000 hectares, Chloe Hooper's The Arsonist: A Mind on Fire is devastating and haunting. It includes harrowing accounts from those injured in the fires and fascinating details from the investigation, all delivered with captivating and lyrical prose. And, while it's a work of nonfiction, it reads like a thriller — and it's impossible to put down. GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER BY BERNARDINE EVARISTO Two books won this year's Booker Prize: Margaret Atwood's 34-year follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale, called The Testaments; and Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo. We're recommending you read the latter. Following the interconnected lives of 12 characters, mostly Black British women, from different generations, religions and social classes, it's a joyous, poetic read. You'll meet lesbian playwrights, investment bankers and farmers, all battling everyday problems and larger social issues, such as race and sexuality. As well as being a collection of 12 separate, intimate portraits, the book successfully paints a polyphonic picture of modern-day Britain. FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE BY TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER A renowned celebrity profiler — if you haven't already, we suggest you read her New York Times Magazine piece on Gwyneth Paltrow ASAP — Taffy Brodesser-Akner first dipped her toe into fiction this year with the release of her debut novel Fleishman Is in Trouble. And Fleishman, a recently divorced, now-single dad navigating the world of dating apps, sexts and raising two children, really is in trouble. As is our narrator: stay-at-home mum Libby. And Fleishman's ex-wife, Rachel. While the bulk of the novel is dedicated to Fleishman and his struggles, it also cleverly explores how women's stories are often over-looked and sidelined. Its ending more-than rewards readers for pushing through some of the less-gripping sections, too BELOVED BY TONI MORRISON The first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, Toni Morrison passed away in August at the age of 88. Her novel Beloved wasn't published this year — in fact, it was published way back in 1987 — but we think this summer is the perfect time to revisit it, or pick it up for the first time. Arguably Morrison's best-known novel, Beloved follows an escaped enslaved woman who is haunted by decisions and trauma from her past. It's not an easy read, nor should it be. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has had far-reaching cultural influence since its publication, including on Jordan Peele's 2019 horror flick Us. If you'd like to explore this connection further, we suggest listening to this episode from The New York Times podcast Still Processing. Words by Aimee Sics, Emma Joyce, Leisha Kapor and Samantha Teague.
Cake sadly can't fix all the world's troubles, but it can provide a mighty fine temporary dose of sweetness. And if you like your baked treats by the jarful whenever the craving strikes — including when you're out and about — then The Mason Baker has just the thing for you throughout February. The Brisbane-based company is known for its mason jars filled with cakes, including salted caramel, strawberries and cream, blueberry and lemons, chocolate ganache and sticky date pudding varieties. From Friday, February 5, though, it isn't just selling them and delivering them to your door — it's vending them out of a pink-hued ATM that'll be stationed at 6 Warner Street in Fortitude Valley. You already know how vending machines work, of course, so you know how to get your hands on however many jarcakes your tastebuds demand. You'll just have to head by on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, in February — and after 5pm — because that's when the ATM will be up and running throughout the month. Yes, that means that you can grab an after-work cake snack, some dessert post-dinner or something sweet while you're bar-hopping late at night. And, while the Valley ATM will only be around for a month, The Mason Baker is hoping to pop up at other locations throughout the rest of the year. When the company last brought its wares to Brissie's streets back in October last year, it did so via emergency boxes that folks had to spot around town, then break open — with the cakes inside available for free. This time, however, you will need to pay for your goodies. You'll still be tucking into a heap of cake in a jar, though, and making your inner dessert fiend rather happy. Find The Mason Baker's cupcake ATM at 6 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley, from Friday, February 5 — operating from 5pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday in February.
When looking to spruce up your home with antique furniture or second-hand knickknacks, there are many routes you can take. For some, the first port of call may be the local Salvos or Vinnies followed by a tour of the biggest and best charity shop distribution centres. Hands-on types will head to dedicated stockers of industrial cast-offs looking for materials to be repurposed and upcycled. However, if you'd prefer to take some of the work out of refurbishing your home with vintage finds (and don't mind paying a little extra for doing so), then there are plenty of places in Brisbane packed with expertly curated pieces in ready-to-use condition. Here are our picks for ten of the best vintage homewares stores in Brisbane, in no particular order. 1. Paddington Antique Centre Little needs to be said of this Brisbane stalwart. Housed in the Heritage-listed former Plaza Theatre, the Paddington Antique Centre is a local favourite. It's home to 50 dealers who collect, restore and repurpose a range of vintage items, so you are sure to find something of interest. 167 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington; 07 3369 8088; www.paddingtonantiquecentre.com.au 2. addVintage Self-avowed specialists in Danish and Eames-era furniture and collectibles, addVintage is filled with mid-century furniture and bric-a-brac (including items from Australian furniture designers Fler and Chiswell). Definitely worth a look if your tastes are a little more modern. 318 Ipswich Road, Annerley, 07 3161 6335; http://www.addvintage.com.au/ 3. Southside Antiques Centre Established in 1983, the Southside Antiques Centre has built up a significant collection of dealers and items. Its two floors are jam packed, segregated roughly into objets d'art and fashion upstairs and furniture downstairs. As well as the usual antique store wares, the Centre also has a notable selection of banknotes and coins as well as Russian silver. 484 Ipswich Road, Annerley; 07 3892 1299; www.southsideantiques.com.au 4. Estelle's Antiques & Collectibles At Estelle's, just up the road from the Paddington Antique Centre, the focus is very much on furniture. Though there are a few different bits and bobs in each connecting room, casual browsers may find less to keep them occupied. However, for those seeking to invest, there is a range of quality wood items that are wonderfully upkept. 173 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 3357 5. Vintage Kitchen & Vintage Closet This Coorparoo second-hand store/cafe is particularly suitable for those just testing the waters of vintage buying. Order a coffee and take a seat, and you are effectively auditioning a prospective purchase – just about everything is for sale. Racks of clothing and shelves of knickknacks line the walls, and there is even a Sega Master System for those so inclined. 313 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo; 07 3397 3461; www.vintagecloset.com.au/ 6. Hobohemia Down the road from Retro Metro, Hobohemia is a relative newcomer to the Brisbane vintage scene. There are a lot of vintage garments here, not much in the way of furniture, but many oddities and curiousities. Alongside feather hats and the ubiquitous glomesh purses are old signs, disused farming equipment and other articles that once served some industrial or agricultural purpose. 285A Given Terrace, Paddington; 0401 846 318; www.hobohemia.com.au 7. Can You Keep a Secret? This charming shop is housed in an old Queenslander, the upper level rooms of which are dedicated to pretty dresses, home decor items, kitchenalia and the like. The downstairs area (which doubles as a night-time event space) is full of reasonably priced retro furniture. 653 Logan Road, Greenslopes; 07 3847 2956; www.facebook.com/canukeepasecret 8. Woolloongabba Antique Centre There is a youthful exuberance about the Woolloongabba Antique Centre, where kitsch collectibles, retro homewares, vintage fashion, antique furniture, militaria, Americana, Australiana and other odds and ends abound. The '50s style diner has benches and milkshakes at the ready if you need a break from browsing. Depending on the day, you may stumble across genuine Eames chairs, Crown Ducal ceramics or a cast iron pot belly stove. 22 Wellington Road, Woolloongabba; 07 3392 1114; www.woolloongabbaantiquecentre.com/ 9. Anne’s Second Hand Shop In stark contrast to some of the hyper-organised stores on this list, this Oxford Street shop is a hoarder's treasure trove. Single file is essential at all times. Piles upon piles of preloved items — including crockery, photo frames, statuettes, cutlery and books — are perched precariously atop each other. A single misstep or wayward elbow and half the shop could come tumbling down. Searching can be difficult, but if you're willing to painstakingly wade through the mountains of stuff, you may be rewarded. 143 Oxford Street, Bulimba; 07 3395 6624 10. Commercial Road Antiques and Decorative Arts Unassuming and inviting, Commercial Road Antiques and Decorative Arts (formerly the New Farm Antique Centre) is an easy place to spend an afternoon. Staff are happy to let you browse for as long as you like, whether or not you intend to make a purchase (a sign outside states as much). Prices are surprisingly reasonable, and the cultural range is impressive, especially when compared to the Eurocentricity of other antique stores. Korean fruitwood cabinets, Papua New Guinean wood carvings, Chinese silk screens and ceramics are just some of the items on display. 85 Commercial Road, Newstead; 07 3252 9295
Fancy enjoying a taste of Paris without paying for the plane fare? Brisbanites, the CBD's newest cafe has you covered. Freshly arrived on Edward Street, Lait Noir is here to help break up the nine-to-five grind with French-inspired surroundings, a menu packed with pastries and toasties, and plenty of coffee. First announced at the beginning of March and now trading Monday–Friday, Lait Noir aims to give the River City the Parisian vibes it's missing — it's "Brisbane's first Parisian-style dining with guests able to watch the hustle and bustle go by from their seat," explains Charlotte Bourguignon, the cafe's Operations Manager. On the menu at Lait Noir: a hefty range of baked goods pumped out of Queensland's first Unox Speed-X oven. Lemon muffins, raspberry almond coconut tarts, apple tarts and mini French doughnuts sit among the sweet bites, while croissants, quiches, frittatas and beef bourguignon pie are highlights from the savoury range. And, from a dessert-focused lineup, lemon meringue tarts, passionfruit tarts, choc-fudge caramel brownies and carrot cake are sure to tempt tastebuds. Lait Noir also does salads, including a roasted vegetable option, plus sandwiches, toasties and wraps. And yes, the cheesy egg and bacon croque toastie instantly sounds like a must-try. The cafe now sits in the space that was previously home to Roll'd Vietnamese, and takes its cues from French cafes design-wise — complete with luxe $450,000 fitout overseen by Outkast. That means getting a caffeinated brew beneath seven-metre-high ceilings and over A-grade marble bench tops. If you happen to work in the building, it's also planning to do a concierge service for tenants.
If it's a challenge you seek, try travelling the depths of Scandinavia on a budget. Many are deterred from visiting the region based on how expensive it's known to be, but we're here to tell you that even the most frugal person who dreams of traversing these extrafjordinary countries can make it happen. And it's hella worth it. Travelling through Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland is never going to be as budget-friendly as backpacking around Southeast Asia, but there are always ways to cut down on expenditure — whether it's kayaking down a fjord, teaching yourself Swedish or eating Norwegian hot dogs for every meal. Here are our top tips. [caption id="attachment_604853" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Holbergsgade, Copenhagen, Denmark. Image: Tony Webster via Flickr.[/caption] GET ON YER BIKE Well, someone else's bike. Public transport tickets in Scandinavian countries pummel the wallet. A two-hour bus ticket in Oslo or Copenhagen will cost you about AUD$20. Instead, hire a bike. You can find them for as low as AUD$40 a day. These cities are seriously built for cycling; in Copenhagen bikes outnumber cars, and it's unrivalled as the world's best city for cycling, with endless and impeccable bike lanes and parking. If you're staying in an Airbnb, don't be afraid to ask if your host has a bike you can borrow — just give them a little extra cash for it. [caption id="attachment_604839" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Svolvær, Lotofen Islands, Norway.[/caption] LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION Most of the time, hostels are more expensive than renting an Airbnb. Even the cheapest of Airbnb's are great alternatives — Scandinavians have an embedded sense of style, so most apartments are a pleasure to stay in. From our experience, they're often decked out with chic furniture and kitchen utensils you never knew existed. If staying in an actual building is too mainstream for you, try a 'botel' (a boat converted into a hotel). The canals of Stockholm's Södermalm are lined with long budget-friendly botels such as The Red Boat and Mälardrottningen. [caption id="attachment_604830" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tjuvholmen, Oslo, Norway.[/caption] MAKE USE OF THE NATURAL WATERWAYS Mother Nature favoured Scandinavia with plunging fjords and glistening lakes — and they're totally free to swim in. You don't need to be in the countryside to find these either — salvation by H20 can also be found in the big cities. Stockholm's canals, amazingly, are clean enough to swim in. Notable spots include Långholmen and Liljeholmsviken. Oslo's city centre has a fjord at its doorstep, and in the summer people flock to Tjuvholmen, a small beach located near the Opera House for their dose of refreshment. [caption id="attachment_604841" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aurland, Norway.[/caption] WHEN IN NORWAY, GO COUNTRY To travel to the fjord-packed lands of Norway ignites something in everyone. Don't be surprised if you spot seven waterfalls at once, or are startled by a gang of elk galloping by. Getting to the countryside may not be cheap, but you'll find yourself immediately inspired. Even if you're not usually a hiker, you'll get into it here. Norway, Sweden and Finland also have this nifty little law known as 'the freedom to roam', which guarantees everyone's right to access uncultivated lands. This means you can virtually camp anywhere that isn't classified as private property. So buy yourself a tent and get going. [caption id="attachment_604831" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Triangeln Station, Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] BOOK TRANSPORT TICKETS IN THE COUNTRY'S NATIVE LANGUAGE Sure, this is a little risky. But if you book a ticket in English, chances are the price will rise. It's the equivalent to waving your arms around screaming 'hi, I'm a tourist, exploit me!'. For instance, booking an overnight ferry on Hurtigruten from Norway's iconic Lofoten Islands up to the northern city of Tromsø will cost you about $350 if you book in English. Ain't no one got money like that for one night in a pitch black cabin with no window — even Jack had it better on the Titanic. Book in Norwegian, and you'll save about $150. You'll find that Scandinavian languages have some level of mutual intelligibility with English. But if you're still not 100 percent sure, ask a local to assist you. [caption id="attachment_604855" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Chris Street via Flickr.[/caption] CHOOSE A KAYAK OVER A DAY CRUISE Kayaking is significantly cheaper than day cruises of fjords and canals. You'll see the same thing — and arguably more — on a kayak. Plus, it's an opportunity to work off all that softis (an addictive Norwegian soft serve ice-cream) you guzzled down the day before. [caption id="attachment_604859" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: David Blangstrup via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE SUPERMARKETS YOUR BEST FRIEND Food in these countries is notoriously expensive, and if you're eating out, it adds up quickly. And while you should save some moolah to tuck into a few local delicacies — Swedish meatballs, anyone? — native food isn't really the region's strong point, so you won't be missing out on too much. Cook at every chance you get. Aldi, Rema 1000, Coop and Netto are a few supermarkets look out for. Speaking of groceries, buy them in Denmark and take them overseas. 'Don't leave without going to the supermarket!' is a common phrase for Danish people leaving the country to hear. Denmark's goods are significantly cheaper than anywhere else, so stock up before moving on. [caption id="attachment_604846" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] GO TO MALMÖ Malmö is Sweden's cosmopolitan underdog. It's the country's third largest city and has too much to offer. Firstly, going there after spending some time in Stockholm is totally relieving on the money front. Secondly, it's plump with modern museums, medieval buildings and stunning parks — you'll never be bored. And thirdly, the city is made up of 150 ethnicities, meaning the variety of cuisines on offer is extensive. You'll find Middle Eastern wraps almost every 300 metres, as well as your breakfast croissants and baguettes. It's also a great point of access to Copenhagen. All it takes is a 25-minute train ride over the Øresund Bridge to cross countries. [caption id="attachment_604857" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Ruocaled via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE USE OF IKEA Yes, we're serious. Among the many amazing things to come out of Sweden is the glorious adult's playground, IKEA. The store offers a free shuttle bus from Stockholm's city centre, where you can indulge in a meal of Swedish meatballs topped with lingonberry, gravy and complemented with mash potato, all for a whopping AUD$6. [caption id="attachment_604851" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Francisco Antunes via Flickr.[/caption] EAT HOTDOGS Cheap, tasty, everywhere. Top it with some sprøstekt løk (Norwegian dried onion flakes) and you'll be laughing. And totally satisfied. [caption id="attachment_604832" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oslo Opera House, Norway.[/caption] FIND FREE ACTIVITIES (YES, THERE ARE SOME) Scandinavia has no shortage of insane buildings — there's enough to impress the biggest design aficionado you know, right down to those with no interest in architecture at all. You could spend hours waltzing around Oslo's iconic Opera House, or visiting Holmenkollen, one of the city's old ski jumps that has been converted into a museum. That's among endless design, naval, and Viking museums scattered around each country. [caption id="attachment_604850" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Danish Design Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark.[/caption] SEEK OUT STUDENT DISCOUNTS The joys of being a student. If you're lucky enough to still be one, you can get discounts on selected transport tickets, museum tickets and more. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will be accepted at most places, but others will accept your university student card if you're lucky. Caterina Hrysomallis is a food and travel writer based in Melbourne, and is pretty nifty with a budget. All photos are her own unless otherwise stated.
Seafood is a true treasure of Aotearoa — and there may be no better place to sample some of the freshest than in the South Island. The South doesn't tend to do fine dining, preferring informal eating spots that emphasise ingredients, comfort and making you feel well and truly looked after. The wines are some of the best in the country, and the views? Incredible. Here's your guide to finding the truly unmissable seafood experiences of Te Waipounamu (the South Island). Whether you're eating with a knife and fork or deep-diving to the bottom of a newspaper parcel sitting on a beach, it's all ka pai (great). SHARE A POT OF GREEN-LIPPED MUSSELS AT THE MUSSEL POT Havelock is a little blip on the road between Picton and Nelson in the northeastern Marlborough region — blink, and you'll nearly miss it. But clamber out of the car, stretch your legs and go for a walk around the sleepy little marina where you'll find The Mussel Pot on the main road. Marlborough produces 80 percent of New Zealand's mussel exports. You will not find fresher. The Mussel Pot's menu dedicates the majority of its repertoire to these little green-lipped marvels. Order a kilogram of fresh mussels in cream, white wine, garlic and herbs ($20.50), or coriander, ginger, chilli and coconut cream ($20.50). It also serves battered mussels ($21.50) or grilled on the half shell ($21.50) and whip up a mussel platter ($47.60) if you can't decide which way you like them. 73 Main Road, Havelock, Marlborough. [caption id="attachment_686918" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boatshed Cafe.[/caption] EAT OYSTERS PERCHED OVER THE SEA AT THE BOAT SHED CAFE IN NELSON The Boat Shed Cafe is a genuinely lovely eating spot in a beautiful old boat shed on the waterfront in Nelson, in the north of the South Island. It will win you over with plates of fresh food, many of which star locally caught seafood — think beautiful Bluff oysters served naturally with just a squeeze of lemon ($5.50 each) and roasted whole sand flounder with paprika and lime ($27). You can also choose the Trust the Chef banquet ($70 per person). This is food to share with people you love, watching the sun set over the sea with a cold glass of chardonnay (Neudorf is the local choice). New Zealand eating doesn't get much better than this. 350 Wakefield Quay, Nelson. [caption id="attachment_687366" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Graeme Murray.[/caption] SHARE A CRAY BESIDE THE OCEAN (OR HAVE ONE TO YOURSELF) AT NIN'S BIN This third-generation roadside eatery has served fresh seafood from its blue and white cray caravan since 1977 and has become an icon on the drive down the east coast. Shuttered for a long time after the Kaikoura earthquake, Nin's is now back up and running. Fishing quotas mean that Nin's opening hours vary, so check its Facebook page for updates, or give 'em a call before you head in for the hot crayfish, mussels and chips in newspaper. On the days you catch it open, your heart will sing as you drive around the corner and see the steam rising from the caravan hatch and the happy patrons tucking into their feast beside the sea. State Highway 1, Half Moon Bay. EAT FISH AND CHIPS ON THE BEACH IN AKAROA A lovely day trip, Akaroa is a sleepy little French colonial town beside the sea, over the hills from Christchurch. Head out in the morning from Christchurch and wander around town, go for a swim, have a long lunch at Rona's and finish the evening eating fish and chips on the beach or on the hill overlooking the harbour. The food is simple. The experience is a classic. There's not much more to say. Every South Islander knows it, and you should partake, too. Just don't forget the rip n dip. 59 Beach Road, Akaroa. [caption id="attachment_687223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rodney F.[/caption] SIT DOWN AT FLEUR'S PLACE IN MOERAKI Fleur's Place feels like it has sat at the edge of the jetty in Moeraki, near Dunedin since forever. The elements of the day's menu are literally purchased off the back of the fishing boats and carried a few metres to the kitchen. At the heart of the operation is Fleur Sullivan, a chef who has a firm place in Aotearoa's food heritage. She centres the menu around local, organic produce and seafood like blue cod, John Dory, moki, bluenose, gurnard, sole, flounder, groper and crayfish. Fleur's is also one of the best spots to try local titi, or muttonbird. The wines largely come from central Otago, which is world-renowned for its pinot varieties and fruity white varietals. Take a seat and watch the seals on the foreshore, the fishing boats pottering in and out and parcels of fresh fish being brought into the restaurant or smokehouse. 169 Haven Street, on the jetty at Moeraki. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
Running parallel to the Queen Street Mall and Adelaide Street between Albert and George streets, Burnett Lane is Brisbane's oldest working laneway. For two jam-packed nights in July and August, it's also the latest place to throw a party. At Burnett Lane: Art Landing, a heap of street artists will show off their skills, while local talent will provide the soundtrack. Expect plenty of paint, colour and light, plus beats as well. Food and drinks-wise, when you're feeling hungry or thirsty, you'll be in the right spot. The laneway has welcomed quite a few new additions this year, such as Death & Taxes, Alba Bar & Deli and El Matador — and, if you're not heading into one of those three spots, there's also Super Whatnot, Pho City, and Funny Funny. The free shindig will take over the lane on two Fridays, so drop by from 4pm on July 26 and August 30.
After a few years off, Groovin the Moo is getting ready to make a grand return in 2026...in a slightly scaled down fashion. Earlier this month when announcing the change to a single stage format, the organisers said "Starting with a single stage and single-day show allows the festival to rebuild with care, while staying true to its regional foundations." Don't let the fact that this year's festival is a one-off gig in Lismore put you off, because the just-released lineup more than makes up for a smaller setting. The legendary Denzel Curry is in the top headliner spot, returning to the Moo after previously headlining in 2023. The hybrid chart-topper artist seemingly can't get enough of his Australian fans. [caption id="attachment_935948" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] Curry is going to lead a killer group of Australian talents, including Ninajirachi, Matt Corby, The Chats, Dope Lemon (Angus Stone), Baker Boy, The Terrys, Tones and I, and up-and-comer Maple's Pet Dinosaur. Lismore locals The Colliflowers and 17-year-old Angel White will also take the stage. Groovin the Moo has also teamed up with local music retailer Planet Music to run a competition for one more artist to get a slot – see here for details. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Groovin the Moo (@groovinthemoo) Groovin the Moo 2026 will take place at Lismore's Oakes Oval, kicking off at 11am and running into the night. The festival is an all-ages event, with tickets going on sale on March 3rd. Lismore locals will have access to the Homegrown Groovers presale at 9am (AEDT), before a wider presale kicks off at 10am (AEDT). General on sale tickets will be available from 12pm (AEDT). Sign up for presale here. Tickets start from $125 (+BF) for 18+, with under 12s free and ages 12-17 just $90 (+BF) when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian. Information regarding camping and shuttle information is also now available – see here. [caption id="attachment_935943" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] Groovin was a highlight of Australia's festival calendar for years, bringing big names to regional towns across the country. Past lineups included Billie Eilish, Angie McMahon, Flight Facilities, The Preatures, Amy Shark, Violent Soho, The Wombats, The Veronicas, WAAX, Gang of Youths, and many more. Traditionally held in March, it has also served as a launchpad for local talent including Confidence Man, Ecca Vandal, Alex Lahey, while being a staple for fans of indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more. The festival is presented by Great Southern Nights, with support from the NSW Government and Destination NSW, in partnership with ARIA. This article first appeared on 'Rolling Stone AU/NZ'
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, everyone's favourite friendly neighbourhood web-slinger still does whatever a spider can. (Don't expect the catchy cartoon theme song, though.) To be precise, Spidey's latest outing — starring Tom Holland (Chaos Walking), as every live-action film in the ever-sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe that's featured the superhero has — sees him do whatever spider-men have for decades. The masked crusader shoots webs, flings them about New York and swings around the city. He helps people, battles crime, literally hangs out with his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya, Dune) and saves the world, too. As the movie's trailers revealed, Spider-Man also fights whoever his on-screen predecessors fought. The twist that isn't a twist because it's part of the flick's marketing: that villains from Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's stints as Spidey show up here. Those familiar faces, including Willem Dafoe (The Card Counter) as the Green Goblin, Alfred Molina (Promising Young Woman) as Doctor Octopus and Jamie Foxx (Soul) as Electro, aren't Peter Parker's initial problem, as viewers of 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming and 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home will already know. No Way Home picks up immediately after the latter, after Spidey's secret identity has been blasted across the internet by online conspiracist J Jonah Jameson (JK Simmons, Ride the Eagle). The media swiftly make Peter "the most famous person in the world", the public get hostile and his college prospects — and MJ and Ned's (Jacob Batalon, Let It Snow) as well — take a hit. The only solution he can see: asking Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog) to cast a spell to make everyone forget who he is. With drastic magic comes drastic consequences, hence those recognisable nefarious folks who know Spidey — and definitely know that he's Peter Parker — yet don't recognise the MCU's version. Marvel's next flick after this one is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so the franchise is about to go big on alternate worlds, but No Way Home still doesn't actually jump into that domain first. It's a curious choice on the whole huge saga's part to take cues from the animated delight that is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which relished having multiple spider-realms, got inventive with both its concept and visuals, won an Oscar and is easily the best spider-flick to-date, all without sitting within the MCU itself. Indeed, the live-action franchise's third stand-alone Spider-Man movie can't shake the feeling that it's playing catch-up. Directed by Jon Watts, as all three recent web-slinging films have been, No Way Home does more than give flesh, blood and spandex to an ace idea already brought to the screen a mere three years back. It also delivers the heftiest helping of fan service that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever dished up. The franchise has long enjoyed hitting all the obvious crowd-pleasing notes, but Martin Scorsese's 2019 comment that compared MCU fare to theme parks rings particularly true here — unsurprisingly given this Spider-Man outing wants to elicit the loudest of screams and shouts from its audience. Buy the ticket, take the cinematic ride, ooh and aah over every clear spin and foreseeable twirl: amid the stock-standard CGI-packed action scenes and triple-layered Spidey nods to iterations past, not all that long ago and present, that's what No Way Home seeks from its viewers. And, it takes the rollercoaster approach to evoking that reaction, rolling its story down the most glaring of tracks. You can anticipate each jolt and shake on any given amusement ride, see every up and down coming, and still relish the experience — and that's what No Way Home is hoping for. It wants to be the fun flick that gleefully makes Spidey fans' dreams come true, and to coast on the buzz of all those fantasies fulfilled. That's all busy and nostalgic and undemandingly entertaining but, even though No Way Home isn't short on twists that haven't been laid out in the trailers, this is one of the least surprising MCU films yet. Three-time Spider-Man screenwriters Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna make every expected move they can with this greatest hits package, both within the usual Marvel formula and with the parts of their script that are meant to startle and astonish. As a result, No Way Home's best moments swing in one of two directions: weighty or silly. Much of the movie hovers in the middle, resembling the empty space between an arachnid's silky threads, but when it either burrows deep or keeps things goofy, there's enough that sticks. Pondering the cost of being Spider-Man, the film doesn't fling itself into new territory — and yet it manages to add extra strands to the 'being a superhero is tough' scenario by recognising how such woes keep recurring. Finding laughs in the whole situation isn't unique either, and No Way Home isn't as funny or as loose as Homecoming or Far From Home. Still, that's the vibe that suits Holland; in his stretch in the red-and-blue suit, he's always played Peter like an excited, awkward and overwhelmed teen who's daffily grappling with what it all means, which is particularly pivotal here. There is one brief glorious moment during No Way Home's climax — a trio of shots, all edited together rapidly and framed to match each other — that perfects what Watts is aiming for overall. It's astute, amusing, enjoyable and, although still undeniably obvious, thoughtfully taps into the existential Spidey struggle while simultaneously proving loving and playful. It's the full web, even spanning just seconds, but that term doesn't fit the bulk of the feature that sprawls around it. No Way Home isn't without its charms — Holland and Zendaya's chemistry still sparkles, it's a definite treat to see Dafoe and Molina back in the fold, and, as blasts from the pasts keep popping up, Watts cleverly juggles the varying tones of all three different web-slinging franchises — but this spider-sequel is always happiest when it's trying to catch the audience's claps and cheers just like flies.
Drawing inspiration from contemporary melancholic-surrealists David Lynch and Edward Hopper, American photographer Gregory Crewdson explores elements of human alienation and transcendence in his new exhibition, In a Lonely Place. The show, which features works from three different photography series, include large-scale photographs that blend high-detail, cinematic techniques with emotionally charged atmospherics to create a truly engrossing body of work. In a Lonely Place is a joint project between Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art and Melbourne’s Centre for Contemporary Photography. In a Lonely Place will be launched at IMA on a special opening night on Saturday, March 16, which also heralds the start of Luke Fowler's exhibition, All Divided Selves. Both exhibits will be running until mid-May.
What do candles, lip balm, lube and body wash all have in common? Here's the tastiest answer: buy a particular kind and they'll get you a-hankering for dessert. Because Gelato Messina adores ice cream-flavoured everything and it also adores collaborations, the sweet treat chain has spent the past few years teaming up with Maison Balzac, Lanolips, Standard Procedure and now Sundae Body — with the latest partnership serving up gelato-flavoured shower foams. Launching on Tuesday, April 11, and only available via Priceline and Messina and Sundae Body's websites, this new range lets Messina fans get their fix in body wash form. Get ready to get lathering in four flavours: strawberries and cream, lemon meringue pie, raspberry sorbet and lamington. Messina's affection for the humble lamington clearly knows no bounds, and nor should it — after the brand turned the coconut-covered cake into gelato, then sticky scrolls, chocolates and gelato bars, before now this. As its growing range of merchandise and other non-edible items shows, it's just as dedicated to spreading the ice cream love in as many forms as possible. And, to getting your tastebuds craving its gelato when you're scenting your home, protecting your smackers, slipping between the sheets and bathing. The limited-edition Sundae x Messina collection is made in Australia, featuring vegan and cruelty-free formulas based on Messina's gelatos, and also free from parabens and sulphates. Each shower foam comes in a container inspired by the dessert chain's waffle cones, too. And, if you'd like to try all four, Sundae Body is selling bundles featuring one of each for $68. "It's not every day you can take Messina into the shower and come out sparkling clean. We've loved creating four gelato-flavoured body washes and can't wait to get these into your hands to enjoy," said the Messina team. "Sundae Body is all about serving you delicious-smelling and fun everyday products and we couldn't think of a better brand to align with than Gelato Messina," advised Sundae Body co-founder Lizzie Waley. The Sundae x Messina collection is available from Priceline stores, the Messina website and Sundae Body's website from Tuesday, April 11.
Considering a road trip to the nation's capital? From feeding lions and conquering epic hikes to treating yo'self in palaces of rejuvenation, Canberra isn't short on activities that'll make any mini-break extra memorable. Of course, after visiting the city's museums and galleries and exploring the surrounding wineries and national parks, you'll need somewhere to rest your head at the end of the day. And, you'll want it to tick every box you're looking for — whether you'd prefer a plush glamping bed hidden among the vineyards or a luxurious city nest within stumbling distance of the top-notch nightlife. To help ensure you make the most of your trip to Canberra, we've found seven places to stay that'll tickle the fancy of every type of adventurer there is. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Getting Nigella Lawson's tick of approval is no small deal. For Sushi Room, that dream came true earlier in 2024 when the British celebrity chef brought her latest live speaking tour to Brisbane. No one needed that endorsement to know that the James Street spot is one of the River City's best restaurants — Japanese or otherwise — however. In fact, patrons have been showing the fine-diner inside The Calile Hotel so much love in the two years since it opened that the eatery is now expanding. One of STK Group's four restaurants on James Street — Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster and Sunshine are the others — Sushi Room launched in June 2022 with a levelled-up sushi experience, befitting its location inside one of Brisbane's (and Australia's) most-acclaimed hotels. The focus: simple ingredients, sophisticated dishes and traditional preparation, all while turning the act of making its meals into an experience. Another aim: immersing diners in a luxe vibe complete with retro-inspired decor and theatrical presentation around its central 9.3-metre solid Japanese hinoki timber counter. With its atmosphere and look, it wasn't hard to predict that Sushi Room would be a hit even before tasting anything from Head Chef Shimpei Raikuni's menu. Now, due to that unsurprising demand, it's taking over the neighbouring tenancy, with the extension works starting back in June 2024 for a planned completion by this spring. Patrons can still enjoy a meal at the restaurant in the interim, as Sushi Room is remaining open. Soon, however, more folks will be able to soak in the top-notch Japanese experience. "This expansion will create a much more desirable space and entry. It is the perfect time for us to expand and is how I imagined Sushi Room to be from the outset — however, we had to wait for the space to became available," said restaurateur and owner Simon Gloftis. "The expansion will also allow for a wider variety of dining options. Once open, our full menu will now be available at the bar, allowing more flexibility for our guests and choice as to where they prefer to sit." It'll only be in the final weeks of construction that you might notice the renovations under way, as that's when internal walls will be removed to join Sushi Room's current digs with its expanded site. When the extension is complete, you'll be able to head inside via the new formal entrance on Doggett Street, which is where the new bar will sit. In the existing space, the old bar will be converted into more dining. Yes, there'll be more booths: two of them. Original architects Richards and Spence are again leading the charge, continuing the restaurant's nods to mid-century Japanese pop culture and 60s neo-futurism, with natural stone, timber and paper featuring heavily. Sushi Room's inviting aesthetics and mood have always been matched by the real star: the menu. Go a la carte and you have oysters with ponzu, caviar toro toro, wagyu skewers, and a range of sushi rolls, sashimi and nigiri to choose from — as well as grilled duck and toothfish among the yakimono dishes, plus lobster tempura and other battered bites. Alongside four different sets, omakase and enkai options are on offer if you'd prefer the chef to choose, with an omakase experience getting you dining at the counter across two hours. Drinks-wise, sake pairings span from light to rich flavours, the international wine list is hefty — as is the range of spirits — and choosing a cocktail means selecting from tipples made with caviar, miso, yuzu, sencha and wasabi. [caption id="attachment_877412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joshua Maguire[/caption] Find Sushi Room inside The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley — open from 5.30pm Tuesday–Thursday for dinner, and from 12pm Friday–Saturday for lunch and dinner. Head to the restaurant's website for bookings and further details.
Ah, Sydney. The pearl of the Australian east coast, known for its glittering harbour, awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking natural beauty. Unfortunately, it's also known for its hefty price tag. Sydney is expensive, we won't beat around the bush – but fortunately, there are plenty of ways around it. To give you the best of Sydney on a shoestring budget, we've teamed up with YHA Australia to bring you the best tips on how to see, eat and drink your way through the city on the cheap — starting with where to stay. Sydney Central YHA makes for an ace home base; with a rooftop pool and sauna, it's a well-situated spot to chill out after a day of traipsing around. There are frequent rooftop parties, $5 wine and cheese on Friday nights, $1 sausage sizzles on Mondays and Thursdays and even a new bar below the hostel pouring $8 pints. [caption id="attachment_728171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Central YHA rooftop pool.[/caption] Plus, the hostel offers private ensuite rooms, as well as exclusive use of multi-share rooms if you're travelling with a group. So if you're up for the conviviality of staying at a hostel but not for sharing your sleeping space, you can get the best of both worlds. Now that you know how to stay in the heart of Sydney without clearing out your bank account, read on to discover some more penny-pinching tips for eating, drinking and playing your way around the city. [caption id="attachment_557477" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Coogee to Bondi Walk.[/caption] LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS FOR A WALKING TOUR — FREE You don't have to spend a fortune to appreciate Sydney's manmade glories; you get the best views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from a distance. Walking tours are the best way to not only see the city but also to learn about the history and culture the present-day city was born from. I'm Free Walking Tours has a thorough Sydney Sights amble through the heart of the city, covering everything from colonial history to the best shopping districts. It's free, but you are expected to tip what you think the guide was worth when the tour concludes. Sydney Central YHA also runs a city walk at 10.15am and 2.15pm on Monday and Wednesday, and if you're craving that salty breeze, a Coogee to Bondi Beach walk at 11am on Thursdays. [caption id="attachment_652632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spice Alley via Destination NSW.[/caption] TAKE TO THE BACKSTREETS TO FIND AUTHENTIC STREET FOOD — VARIES Sydney Central YHA is perfect walking distance to some of the best street food Sydney's Chinatown has to offer. Chinese Noodle House on Quay Street is a solid favourite with students and city workers alike due to its BYO status and delicious but oh so cheap dumplings. Order the classic: the pork and chive pan-friend dumplings, and don't forget the sticky special-braised eggplant. Another local gem is the spicy white cut chicken at Two Sticks, Sydney's first Yunnan-style Chinese restaurant. The chicken and rice dish is a steal at $6.20 and will fill you up for an afternoon of exploring. Then there's Spice Alley just a few paces from the hostel. Also BYO, this hidden strip is full of eats from across Asia — from Vietnam to Malaysia, Singapore to Japan. [caption id="attachment_671381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Botany View Hotel.[/caption] VISIT LOCAL WATERING HOLES ON A DIY PUB CRAWL — VARIES There's no better way to get to know a city and its people than to learn what — and how — they drink. And with pub-lined suburbs like Newtown, Surry Hills and Paddington, you'll have no issues finding a few pubs to help you do as the locals do. From Sydney Central YHA, we suggest heading to The Lansdowne to start a crawl from Chippendale to Newtown. With live music and a pizzeria inside, this pub will set a festive mood for the rest of your trek. From there, you'll encounter The Rose (just off City Road on Cleveland Street), then following City Road as it becomes King Street, you'll find a pocket of pubs, including the Newtown Hotel, The Courthouse, The Bank, The Union and Sydney Park Hotel at the end of King Street (get the fried chicken burger) — and that's not naming all of them. Plus, you could veer down Enmore Road after The Bank instead to find even more watering holes like The Duke and The Warren View. And while a lot of these inner west pubs pour many a local craft beer, Newtown is the gateway to the city's independent breweries. So, you could skip the pubs and go straight to the source on a DIY brewery crawl to the likes of Young Henrys, The Grifter and Batch Brewing. [caption id="attachment_693163" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Surry Hills Market by Letícia Almeida.[/caption] EXPLORE THE MANY OUTDOOR MARKETS OF SYDNEY — VARIES Weekends in Sydney are made for strolling through its many, many markets. You could very well spend an entire weekend going from one to the next. Kicking off on Friday, The Rocks holds a 'foodie' market featuring cuisines from all over — from arepas to gozleme to okonomiyaki. Then Haymarket follows suit with a weekly Friday night market on Dixon Street where you can bounce from one hawker-style stall to the next, feasting on dumplings, takoyaki (octopus balls) and the famous (and super cheap) custard puffs at Emperor's Garden. On Saturday morning, there's a whole slew of markets you can hit. Go for vintage finds at Surry Hills Market (held every first Saturday of the month), snag souvenirs at the weekly Glebe Markets, seek out fashionable threads at Paddington Markets and grab goods for a gourmet picnic at Carriageworks Farmers Market, also both weekly. And on Sunday, make tracks to Bondi where you'll find wares from local designers and craftspeople right next to the beach every week. [caption id="attachment_698082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Gardens.[/caption] STROLL THROUGH A WORLD OF FLORA AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS — FREE No matter what time of year you visit, you should plan some outdoor R&R at Sydney's beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Over 200 years old and Australia's oldest scientific institution, the gardens begin in the heart of the city and stretch to the harbourfront. One moment you're admiring the diverse range of cacti, roses, native flora and even carnivorous plants, next you've stumbled upon the harbour. Time it well, and you may experience one of the city's stunning sunsets backdropping the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If you're interested in learning the history of the gardens and how thousands of agricultural species came to be on our island continent, join one of the free guided walks that run daily. Or learn about the heritage and culture of the Cadigal people — the original owners of the city land — on the Aboriginal Heritage Tour. [caption id="attachment_701146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hubert by Daniel Boud.[/caption] SEEK OUT AN APERITIVO HOUR — FROM $5 You may be travelling on a shoestring, but that doesn't mean you can't eat well. If you want to hit a top eatery but don't want to fork out top dollar, make tracks to an aperitivo hour. While dinner at Sydney's beloved Hubert may remain on your bucket list for a splashier trip, you can still get a taste of the French bistro between the hours of 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Grab a seat at the bar and order from the apéritif menu, offering very affordable $5 croque monsieurs, $5 chicken liver parfait, $10 burgers, $10 negronis and $5 wine, beer, sake and G&Ts. At The Dolphin Hotel's wine room, every Sunday to Thursday from 5–7pm, you can sip wine and beer and eat Italian-inspired snacks for just $5–7. And keeping with the Italian theme, Maybe Frank in Surry Hills offers $10 cocktails and $10 mini pizzas Wednesday to Sunday till 6.30pm. Then there are the oyster happy hours you'll find throughout Sydney. Oysters may seem like a wallet-busting item, but several spots serve 'em fresh from just $1 each including The Morrison in the CBD, The Roosevelt in Potts Point and Gunther's Dining Room in Redfern. [caption id="attachment_612072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D_O_T, 2016. Galerie Pompom.[/caption] VISIT SOME NEIGHBOURHOOD GALLERIES — FREE Yes, the Art Gallery of NSW and MCA are free and a treat to stroll through, but they aren't the only free art galleries worth a visit. Tucked away in the backstreets of Chippendale, you'll find many a small gallery featuring works by local and international artists. One of the most notable is the White Rabbit Gallery, housing the biggest collection of contemporary Chinese art in the southern hemisphere. It focuses on work designed after the year 2000 — and isn't for the faint-hearted. Exhibitions can be confronting, but all the while thought-provoking. After, walk a few blocks in any direction, and you'll find several small galleries featuring Australian and international works in several media, including Galerie Pompom, Nanda\Hobbs, Harrington Street Gallery and Goodspace Gallery at The Lord Gladstone pub. [caption id="attachment_726628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jorge Láscar.[/caption] HAVE A CLOSE-UP GEEZE AT THE OLD COATHANGER — $10 WITH YHA AUSTRALIA Translation: feast your eyes upon the nuts and bolts of Sydney Harbour Bridge and get one of the best viewpoints in the city. From the Pylon Lookout, you can see the iconic bridge from above as well as catch sweeping views of the city, the surrounding harbour and out toward the headlands. Plus, these high-up sights cost a fraction of the price of climbing the bridge itself. And with YHA Australia, you can take in a 360-degree view of the city for just $10. At the Pylon Lookout, you can take your own camera and visit the museum, where you'll learn about the bridge, its nine-year construction and the engineers, designers and construction workers who brought it to life. Let YHA Australia help you explore more of Australia without breaking the bank. Plan a trip to Sydney (or Melbourne or Brisbane) and book a stay right in the middle of the city with YHA Australia. Top image: Royal Botanic Gardens via Destination NSW.
There's no shortage of Aussies trying to become global social media stars. If that's your goal too, a first-of-its-kind experience will give your influencing career a significant boost, as Australia's first TikTok content house launches in Adelaide. Known as The Party Games House, this $10 million beachfront mansion in Moana is officially on the lookout for five more influencers keen to live, create and party for free for a minimum of seven days up to two months. The brainchild of Adelaide-based entrepreneur Shane Yeend, a self-made multimillionaire who made his fortune in party games, this extravagant property already has its first tenant, Frida Khalife, a 23-year-old real estate and hospitality worker from Adelaide. With the decision still to be made on who else will be moving into this luxe home, there's still time for influencers of all stripes to submit their applications. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," says Yeend. "We are looking for Australia's next social superstars. Huge global names like Alex Warren and Addison Rae began in content houses just like this one, and now they have billions of views, brand deals, and are selling out arenas. We believe we will find the next generation of stars right here in Australia." It's not Yeend's first venture into viral escapades. He got his start in 2001 — before most even understood the concept — by creating the official Big Brother Board Game. Becoming an overnight hit, pallets of board games were craned over the Big Brother house wall for housemates to autograph. Now Yeend is returning to the world of virality, this time targeting the Gen Z wave of influencers. "In 2026, anyone with a social media presence should be able to make $1 million a year from social commerce. There's no better time or place to get started than the Games House this summer," says Yeend. Set against the backdrop of Moana Beach, the lucky few who call The Party Games House home will have access to a private chef, a massive pool and a dedicated production team, ensuring each TikTok post does massive numbers. Best of all, influencers living in the house retain full ownership of their channels and commercial activity, with any deals made during their stay theirs to keep. Applications to live in The Party Games House are now open. Head to the website for more information. Images: Benjamin Liew.
2025 has been waiting for this: by the time that March is out, Brisbane will be home to a new restaurant from Melbourne-based chef and restaurateur Shane Delia. News arrived in 2024 that the high-profile culinary figure was heading north, opening his first Brissie — and Queensland — eatery. Now, that soon-to-launch dining spot has a name: Layla. Delia joins the list of well-known hospitality folks setting up shop in Queensland, after Adrian Richardson launched BŌS, and Andrew McConnell opened both Supernormal and Bar Miette. While that trio of venues all made a beeline to Brisbane's CBD, Layla is settling into West End as part of the Thomas Dixon Centre, Queensland Ballet's base. [caption id="attachment_979995" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Angharad Gladding[/caption] The opening date: Friday, March 28. When Delia's newcomer joins Delia Group's roster of venues alongside the Victorian capital's Maha, Maha North, Maha East and Jayda, diners can expect Delia's focus on Middle Eastern flavours and rich, bold, spice-fuelled dishes — plus an evolving menu. The venture is a partnership with Queensland Ballet, with Delia Group teaming up with the former's hospitality partner VenuesLive. Delia has appointed Simon Palmer (ex-Black Hide by Gambaro, -Urbane, -Gerard's Bistro, -E'cco Bistro) as Layla's Head Chef, with the pair working together on the menu, which will be on offer for both lunch and dinner. For seating options, whether you're heading in before a show, for a date or to celebrate an occasion, patrons will be able to choose from the main dining room and an outdoor courtyard. "It has always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant in Brisbane. I'm super excited by the opportunity to contribute to the dining landscape here, taking guests through an unrestricted spice journey with Layla," said Delia. "All of my venues have a Middle Eastern overlay, which will still be a part of Layla. Opening a restaurant in an entirely different climate, I'm excited to do something different and draw inspiration from other parts of the world, working with incredible fresh Queensland produce," adds Shane. The eatery will anchor the Thomas Dixon Centre's dining options, not only adding to the performing arts precinct but helping it become a new arts and hospitality hub. [caption id="attachment_972449" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maha East[/caption] [caption id="attachment_893063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maha North, Pete Dillon[/caption] Layla will open at the Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End on Friday, March 28, 2025. Head to the venue's website for more details and reservations.Top image: Angharad Gladding.
For the second year in a row, one of Australia's filmmaking icons has joined the Sydney Film Festival's program: George Miller, the director responsible for all things Mad Max and Furiosa. In 2024, he hit the Harbour City festival to chat about his work, including the dystopian saga that he has gifted Aussie cinema, but his 2025 discussion will span further. Not only is Miller taking to the stage, but he'll be joined by Hideo Kojima. One is the man responsible not just for a big Australian movie franchise, but for the big Australian movie franchise. He's also followed a pig in the city, made penguins dance, gotten witchy and granted wishes, too. The other is the creator of both the DEATH STRANDING and Metal Gear Solid video-game series, and heads to Sydney just before DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH releases at the end of June. This is a world-exclusive in-conversation session, taking place on Saturday, June 14 at Sydney Town Hall's Centennial Hall — so consider it one of the ace ways to help see out this year's cinema celebration, which runs from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. Miller and Kojima will not only dig into how they each approach their fields, plus their respective visionary approaches, but also explore how movies and video games overlap, alongside cinematic storytelling in gaming. Greats in their own rights, the duo are also recent collaborators — Miller portrays himself in the Australia-set DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH. "This is a rare and exciting meeting of two creative minds who have reshaped their respective industries. Kojima and Miller's shared love of cinema and storytelling will make for an unforgettable conversation at this year's festival," said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley, announcing the fest's latest addition. On the fest's guest list, Miller and Kojima are joined by Free Solo filmmaker Jimmy Chin, Together director Michael Shanks, music icon Warren Ellis and plenty more — so along with putting 201 movies on your must-watch list, it's adding a heap of must-see talents to your June as well. The George Miller and Hideo Kojima in-conversation session is happening on Saturday, June 14 at Sydney Town Hall. Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Read our interview with George Miller, Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth about Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,.
If you haven't been to Barrington Tops, a lush NSW getaway spot four hours north of Sydney, then lose no time in making it your next vacay spot. Verdant greenery, intrepid trails to explore, beautiful native flora and fauna, and plenty of adventurous activities make Barrington Tops the ultimate underrated getaway spot, whether you're going with your significant other, your whole family or a big group of mates. Okay, so we know we're spoiling it a bit by writing about it, but we just couldn't keep this one to ourselves. To help streamline the plethora of awesome things to see and do in the region, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to bring you a few of our faves. [caption id="attachment_843191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MidCoast Water (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A BUSH WALK THROUGH THE WORLD HERITAGE-LISTED BARRINGTON TOPS NATIONAL PARK You simply cannot go to this part of the world without checking out the massive national park for which it is perhaps best known. There's a lot of ground to cover — literally — so we recommend doing an overnight hike to explore this diverse terrain. The best way to see as much as you can is to start on the Gloucester River walking track, where you'll see the majestic namesake river (pictured above), gullies and impressive views as well as all manner of native wildlife. Make sure you pack lunch and something to swim in, as you'll have access to idyllic spots for riverside picnics and river swims along the way, too. Spend the night surrounded by ancient rainforest in the Gloucester River campground and set off the next morning on the Sharpes Creek walking track, where you can spot platypus and eastern water dragons. If you're pressed for time (or don't love the idea of camping overnight in the bush), then there are a number of tracks you can easily complete in the space of a day or less. [caption id="attachment_843945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] CHALLENGE YOURSELF ON THE CORKER TRAIL If you fancy yourself a bit more of an adventurer, tackle the Corker trail, a challenging walking track recommended for experienced bushwalkers only that runs all the way from the Lagoon Pinch picnic area right across to Careys Peak on the Barrington Plateau. Be warned, it's not called the Corker for nothing, so expect a pretty tough slog through challenging terrain. It's well worth it at the end, though, as you'll be rewarded with a scenic lookout over the snow gums, swamps and wide open grass plains of the Barrington Plateau for a view that will leave you as breathless as the hike did, if not more. The hike will also take you by Wombat Creek campground, a perfect spot to set up camp and spend a night under the stars. [caption id="attachment_843943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE A 4WD TRIP TO THE REMOTE GUMMI FALLS CAMPGROUND High in the sub-alpine region you'll find the remote Gummi Falls Campground, which is well and truly out there in the wild. You'll need to take a 4WD to access this untamed, natural bit of country, but don't worry, there are barbecue facilities and toilets once you're there. Spend your day mountain biking or horse riding through the many trails that surround the bewitchingly beautiful region, and try to spot elusive native fauna like the long-nosed potoroo, spotted-tail quoll and powerful owl. If you fancy a different angle, drop a line in the crystal clear Manning River, known for its abundant supply of freshwater bass. [caption id="attachment_843187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Doug Beckers (Flickr)[/caption] MOUNTAIN BIKE ALONG THE BARRINGTON TRAIL If you've read this far, you may have already surmised that Barrington Tops is a great spot for mountain biking — and the vast array of rugged terrain and beautiful scenery are arguably even better experienced on two wheels. While you're spoilt for choice in terms of which path to take, we recommend starting with the Barrington trail, a well traversed dirt and gravel road spanning nearly 15 kilometres and, running from Mount Barrington past Brumlow Top and on to Polblue Mountain. On this trail, you'll have access to incredible views, a diverse spread of forest habitats and perfect mountain air. [caption id="attachment_843949" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TACKLE THE BLUE GUM LOOP TRAIL, AND COOL OFF WITH A DIP IN A SECLUDED RIVER AFTERWARDS The idyllic Blue Gum Loop trail runs alongside a pristine river and showcases some of the region's finest plant life — the trail is named for the towering blue gum trees that dominate the landscape here and bestow this place with an ethereal beauty. Immerse yourself in their majesty on a leisurely 3.5-kilometre looped trail, which will give you a bird's-eye view of the cascades of the stunning Williamson River from a high steel span bridge, easily accessible from the walk. There's a great spot to stop for a picnic at Fern Creek cascades, and, if you're feeling a bit hot after all that walking, wander down one of the many short detours to find a secluded spot by the riverbank to cool off with a refreshing dip. [caption id="attachment_843198" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MidCoast Water (Flickr)[/caption] GO WHITE WATER KAYAKING ON THE BARRINGTON RIVER RAPIDS If you're chasing more of a thrill from nature, check out the white water kayaking along the surging rapids of the mighty Barrington River. Fed by the pristine, fresh waters that run from Barrington Tops, these rapids rush after periods of heavy rainfall, when the river swells to cover ground it ordinarily wouldn't. Kayaking and rafting tours are readily available, but are subject to rainfall prior, so keep an eye on the weather and get booking when the rain falls. [caption id="attachment_843189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE IT ALL IN FROM ONE OF THE REGION'S MANY LOOKOUTS With all of this natural beauty surrounding you, it can be hard to get a sense of the region as a whole. So it's definitely worth your while to check out one, if not several, of the many scenic lookouts that offer an all-encompassing view of this stunning landscape. Devils Hole lookout sits at an altitude of 1400 metres and offers breathtaking views of the dense forestry and undulating mountains beyond. The nearby, and epically titled, Thunderbolts lookout showcases the gorgeous plateau region between Scone and Gloucester, dense with Antarctic beech trees and moss-covered forest floors. Elsewhere, Careys Peak is at the end of an invigorating walking track that will take you through heavily wooded country before giving way to a peak in the Williams Range, where you can survey the ground you've just traversed from a cracking lookout spot. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Russell Street (Flickr)
Did you know there are more pets in Australia than there are people? And yet, when you think of road trips, you might not immediately think of dogs — that's not very fair. How would you feel if you always got left behind while all your bipedal mates grabbed their cars and drove away to have the time of their lives without you? It's time to change that, it's time to start bringing more dogs on road trips. So grab your car and your furry pal, and strap in for one of this country's most popular road trips: Sydney to Brisbane. And no stress if you don't have a car, because SIXT offers stress-free pet-friendly car rentals from a bunch of locations across Sydney and Brisbane — so you can worry less about logistics and focus on making memories. NEW MATES AT NEWCASTLE The journey begins in Newcastle, where the golden sands and rolling waves of Horseshoe Beach make the perfect first pit stop for some off-leash fun. The beach is a mecca for local dogs and dogs passing through alike — it's the only dog beach in central Newcastle, so your little pal can expect to make a lot of mates during this visit. You'll find it tucked beneath Nobby's Breakwall. Other off-leash areas worth exploring are Carrington Foreshore along Throsby Creek, and King Edward Park, which offers stunning views of Newcastle. Islington Dog Park is also worth a visit while you're near Throsby Creek, but it's not the only dog park in town — Acacia Avenue Reserve offers a massive 1.5-hectares of grassy paradise for dogs to run around in. It is also the first enclosed dog park in the Hunter to offer separate areas for big and small dogs, which is pretty neat if your little pal feels anxious around bigger ones. Once you and your pup are sufficiently adventured out, head to Cafe Inu — 'Inu' means dog in Japanese, so to say this cafe is dog-friendly would be an understatement. Fill up on craft coffee and Japanese fast food fare while your furry pal has their choice of puppychinos, puppy ice cream or puppy treats (or all three), which are all on the menu. Yep, there's a dedicated dog section — how cute. [caption id="attachment_913208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samantha Zoratto[/caption] FIND PEACE AT CROWDY HEAD As you continue north towards Port Macquarie, make a quick (or not so quick) stop at Crowdy Head. This quiet coastal spot is anything but crowded. In fact, it's kind of a hidden gem — so keep this between us, capisce? While you're around, check out the cute lighthouse that overlooks Harrington Beach. Your dog will love it — dogs love lighthouses, didn't you know? You'll also get a kick out of it too, given it's been fully operational since 1878. If waves aren't your little mate's thing, Harrington Lagoon offers all the fun of water and sand, sans the surf — for this reason, it's a popular spot for families with kids and little furry pals alike. [caption id="attachment_831355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindsay Moller Productions[/caption] DON'T WORRY AT PORT MACQUARIE Port Macquarie offers an array of dog-friendly activities. Explore the natural wonders of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park or enjoy a splash at the dog-friendly Nobbys Beach. Other dog-friendly beaches include Rocky Beach and Oxley Beach — though keep in mind dogs need to be on leash at Oxley. Feeling hungry? Little Fish Cafe and Cassegrain Wines are both dog-friendly, with the latter welcoming dogs on the deck of the restaurant. Little Shack is also a great dog-friendly option for all times of day, from morning coffee to lunch by the water to a cheeky evening cocktail. Once you're ready to retire, check out NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, a dog-friendly holiday park with powered and unpowered sites. [caption id="attachment_913209" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samantha Zoratto[/caption] CATCH WORLD-CLASS WAVES AT CRESCENT HEAD Known for its consistent waves and stunning coastline, Crescent Head is a paradise for surfers and their furry mates as the beach is dog friendly. It even has a dog swimming area if your dog wants to brush up on its dog paddle while you perfect your… human paddle? [caption id="attachment_913218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bailey Rytenskild via Unsplash[/caption] ENDLESS ADVENTURE AT EVANS HEAD Nestled between river and sea, Evans Head offers a mix of river adventures and oceanic exploration. Enjoy the calm waters of the Evans River with your dog or take a beach walk — or run if you really wanna stretch those legs. Or why not take advantage of the off-leash area and play some fetch, or have a beach 4WD adventure detour? FIND YOURSELVES IN BYRON BAY Ahh, Byron Bay — the ultimate destination for every dog that aspires to be spiritually awakened. Embark on the iconic lighthouse walk, where you and your furry mate can both ponder the meaning of life while marvelling at the vast expanse of stunning ocean, tourist selfies, and crystals as far as the eye can see. Belongil Beach, Tallow Beach, Seven Mile Beach, and Brunswick Heads Beach are all dog-friendly, so you'll have plenty to do in the surf and sun while you're in town. Byron also offers a plethora of dog parks to explore if you prefer more inland adventure. After all that frolicking, treat yourself at Stone & Wood, Pickled Pig, or Byron Bay breweries, all of which welcome dogs with open arms. GOLD COAST (GO ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO) Forget surfers, the Goldy (we're sorry) truly is a pet's paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the esplanade, visit the absolutely stunning and vast off-leash area at The Spit, or explore the dog-friendly parks the city has to offer — Tallebudgera Offleash Dog Beach, Cabana Offleash Dog Area, and Pizzey Offleash Dog Area are particularly nice. If you happen to be around on a Sunday, head to one of the many dog-friendly markets which pop up every weekend all around the Gold Coast, with Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, and Paradise Point markets being particularly pet-friendly. If you're after a caffeine hit, Elk Espresso, Daymaker Espresso, BSKT Cafe, and Daark Espresso are all dog lovers. Or, you could also head to Wild Flower Gin in Varsity Lakes for dog-friendly dining and relaxation, and if you're lucky you might even meet Ghost, the resident Great Dane cross Bull Arab. Once it's time to rest, check out the lovely NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, which has a number of pet-friendly options including powered and unpowered camp and caravan sites, as well as dog-friendly cabins. BEAUTIFUL BRISSIE Congrats, you made it. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, where you'll find the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Loop — a fun inner-city adventure for humans and canines alike. Or if you're up for more of a challenge, head to the Kokoda Track Loop for a ten-kilometre heart-pumper, located just 20 kilometres out of Brisbane. Once you're ready to relax, check out the various dog-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants. Also, it's been a long journey, so you've earned a treat. Stay at The Ovolo in Fortitude Valley, which is more than happy to welcome your pooch in its pet-friendly rooms. Lastly, if you're wanting to do this road trip in reverse, there are some excellent dog-friendly bars, restaurants and cafes just waiting for your tired legs to perch up. And when it's time to pack up for the night, you'll be spoilt for choice as Sydney is arguably Australia's best spot for dog-friendly hotels. Looking for a pet-friendly rental to take you and your best furry mate on the road trip of a lifetime (or looking for a bigger car to fit your furry mate)? Check out SIXT, which welcomes customers to bring their family and furmily along for the ride, so no one gets left behind. Auto club members including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RACT, RAC and AANT will receive 15% off SIXT's daily rates. Click here to book now
No one makes social satires like Boots Riley. Late in I'm a Virgo, when a character proclaims that "all art is propaganda", these words may as well be coming from The Coup frontman-turned-filmmaker's very own lips. In only his second screen project after the equally impassioned, intelligent, energetic, anarchic and exceptional 2018 film Sorry to Bother You, Riley doesn't have his latest struggling and striving hero utter this sentiment, however. Rather, it springs from the billionaire technology mogul also known as The Hero (Walton Goggins, George & Tammy), who's gleefully made himself the nemesis of 13-foot-tall series protagonist Cootie (Jharrel Jerome, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse). Played with intensity by the inimitable Goggins, this head of "a modern computational instruments fortune" also publishes comic books about The Hero. In character, he dons a helicopter backpack to roam the skies and scour the streets for lawbreakers. He's also reminiscent of both Iron Man and Batman, and makes a target out of Cootie, his biggest fan, from the moment that the shy Black teen takes his first steps in the broader world at the age of 19. And, as he chats about creativity and its choices always being commentary, The Hero helps Riley stress a pivotal point. Knowing that all stories make a statement isn't just the domain of activists fighting for better futures for the masses, like himself, and he wants to ensure that his audience knows it. Streaming via Prime Video from Friday, June 23, with all seven episodes dropping at once, I'm a Virgo is a show with something to say, and forcefully. On the big screen, Sorry to Bother You was the same. They both share more than just a creator, purpose and stunning outcome, which Riley also wants viewers to notice. Again, he sets his scene in a science fiction-infused alternate version of Oakland. Once more, he takes aim at capitalism — and savagely — alongside the prevailing status quo around race, class and wealth. Crying out for justice and equality, he remains concerned about the way that corporations and their ultra-rich overseers wield their power, influence and fortunes to control everyday lives. Riley is angry again, too, and wants everyone giving him their time to be bothered — and he still isn't sorry for a second. With Jerome as well-cast a lead as Atlanta's Lakeith Stanfield was, I'm a Virgo also hinges upon a surreal central detail: instead of a Black telemarketer discovering the impact of his "white voice", it hones in on the oversized Cootie. When it comes to assimilation, consider this series Sorry to Bother You's flipside, because there's no way that a young Black man that's more than double the tallest average height is passing for anyone but himself. Riley knows that Black men are too often seen as threats and targets regardless of their stature anyway. He's read the research showing that white folks can perceive Black boys as older and less innocent. There isn't a single aspect of I'm a Virgo that doesn't convey Riley's ire at the state of the world — that doesn't virtually scream about it, actually — with this series going big and bold over and over. How does someone so towering exist for nearly two decades without attracting attention? Via a massive effort by his cautious uncle Martisse (Mike Epps, You People) and aunt LaFrancine (Carmen Ejogo, Your Honor). They've brought Cootie up in secrecy, promising that he can venture out when he turns 21, and endeavouring to instil a wariness about how the world will treat him because he's black and preternaturally lofty. "People are always afraid, and you are a 13-foot-tall Black man," says LaFrancine. "People are gonna try to figure out how to use you and, when they can't use you no more, they're gonna try to get rid of you," Martisse warns. But, like anyone that's only ever experienced life beyond their own four walls and canopy-hidden backyard through windows and television, Cootie is curious and sick of being cooped up. Thanks to TV ads, he also desperately wants a Bing-Bang burger. The first time he sneaks out, he's nicknamed "twamp monster" and goes viral. Next, he finds pals by reaching over the fence for a joint: the car-worshipping Felix (Brett Gray, Star Trek: Prodigy), laidback Scat (Allius Barnes, Cruel Summer) and fierce activist Jones (Kara Young, The Staircase). When Cootie finally tastes one of those coveted burgs, he swoons over Flora (Olivia Washington, Breaking), who works behind the counter and stands out with The Flash-esque super speed. Friends, fast food, falling in love: that's the coming-of-age path that I'm a Virgo charts, with the horoscope-abiding Cootie chasing adventure and attempting to work out who he is. Of course, most tales about teenagers discovering themselves don't also span giants, vigilantes, cults, streetwear modelling campaigns, shrunk-down people, stoner cartoons that incite existential malaise, odes to bass and rebellions for fair treatment, all while tearing into myths by spinning one, but Riley couldn't tell most tales even if he wanted to. What Riley can and does craft is potent, probing, playful and piercing — a wild and wonderful series that has everything on its mind, too, and is determined to be unlike anything else that's streaming. This may be another story about heroes and villains, aka popular culture's prevailing type of narrative at present. And, it might sit on the same platform as The Boys. And yet, it couldn't be further from the onslaught of caped-crusader universes that frequently fill screens. As it contemplates and agitates, I'm a Virgo eschews slickness for authenticity visually as well. Practical effects are everywhere, with forced perspective getting a heavy workout and sets boasting a handmade feel. Puppetry, miniatures, animation that'd look at home on Adult Swim: they're also part of the series' experience. Imagination reigns supreme in every image, and the lack of dull CGI is a genuine sight for sore eyes. Advocating for thinking and seeing differently is a task that I'm a Virgo adopts with the utmost seriousness, clearly, even as it constantly proves eagerly eccentric and sharply amusing. In other words, Riley is back doing what he does impeccably, but no one could ever accuse him of repeating himself. From racism and conformity to social hierarchies and capitalist domination, the parts of life that he's challenging demand continual scrutiny. Including exploited workers, violent policing and America's money-driven healthcare system that seems to regard living as a right only afforded those who can afford it, the distressing art-apes-life elements of I'm a Virgo's dystopian realm need interrogating in as many ways as possible. This won't be the last time that the filmmaker brings them to the screen, or champions a different way forward. Here's hoping that everything that follows — be it a second season of this or whatever Riley plies his talents on next — is as glorious and essential. Check out the trailer for I'm a Virgo below: I'm a Virgo streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 23.
Do you usually leave your gift purchasing until the last minute? Have you vowed to finally do better this year? Do you have a heap of friends and family members celebrating birthdays in the second half of 2022 — and zero idea of what you'll get them? Enter Etsy, which is hitting Brisbane IRL this winter to lend a hand with your shopping — and give you an excuse to treat yo'self. Whichever fits, including if you're keen to get a jump on Christmas, you'll have plenty to browse and buy. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So, whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. The market will take place in the Exhibition Building at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 4.30–9pm on Friday, July 22 and 9am–4pm on Saturday, July 23, spreading across two days. Because it focuses on the best local talent, every market is filled with different stallholders and unique creations, but there'll be more than 100 makers, designers, artists and creators at this one. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer gift for your loved ones is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your shopping sorted. Entry costs $2 — and, the whole thing will be cashless, so don't forget your cards. There'll also be food trucks slinging bites to eat, and plenty of places to get caffeinated.
For the person who's always between flights, cities or Airbnb check-ins, the best gifts are the ones that make travelling smoother, smarter and a little more stylish. This edit rounds up the essentials they'll actually use — sleek luggage upgrades, smart tech organisers, compact beauty kits and design-minded accessories that hold up to life on the move. Whether they're a habitual weekender or the friend who treats their home like a pit stop, these thoughtful picks blend function with good looks — and won't add unnecessary bulk to their suitcase. Shopping for someone who lives for movies, marathons and home cinema setups? Explore our guide to the best gifts for screen addicts. LED Light Therapy Face Mask, Nanoleaf A travel-friendly LED mask designed for in-flight skincare and on-the-go routines, Nanoleaf's model delivers stronger and more even coverage than others in its price range thanks to triple the LEDs. With multiple clinically backed light modes — from wrinkle-reducing red to inflammation-calming yellow — it's a compact wellness upgrade for frequent travellers. Shop now. Meridian Tote Bag, State of Escape A lightweight and structured fabric tote with rope handles and a detachable shoulder strap. It's the perfect balance between style and function — roomy enough for all the travel essentials and polished enough to match any outfit. Shop now. Heartbreaker Jewellery Case, Status Anxiety A portable pebble leather system to keep precious pieces organised and safe, perfect for jet-setters who never leave the house without their accessories. Shop now. Handheld Steamer, Philips A sleek 1400W steamer that smooths wrinkles on cotton, linen or other delicate fabrics that don't travel well. This bad boy fires up within 35 seconds — ideal for a quick outfit refresh. Shop now. Fujifilm X-T30 III, Fujifilm An uber compact yet powerful camera that comes with 20 film-like colour profiles. Our editor's verdict: it just might replace your digicam. Shop now. Avedon Dark Havana Sunglasses, P. Johnson An artsy tortoiseshell frame, handmade in Italy. Essential for brooding mysteriously at the airport. Shop now. Tech Kit, Bellroy A recycled ripstop pouch where all your wires, chargers and tech bits can live neatly — so nothing gets tangled or lost in a jam-packed carry. Shop now. LM Workroom Hat, Lee Matthews A soft, structured cotton bucket hat that takes up minimal packing room. Ideal for the loved one who disappears to warmer shores during winter. Shop now. Isla Round Luggage Tag, The Daily Edited A luggage tag for the frequent flyer might be on the nose, but a monogrammed leather one can be a luxe surprise. Shop now. Expandable Checked Bag, July If your mate's luggage is on its last legs, upgrade them with something that's built to last. This one's got a compression system and a built-in laundry bag that makes packing feel a little less chaotic. Shop now. The Watch Roll, Maison De Sabre A must-have for those who are serious about wristwear: a full-grain leather case that keeps timepieces scratch-free on the road. Shop now. Airbnb Gift Cards, Airbnb An Airbnb gift card is basically a ticket to anywhere. Perfect for the friend who always "need a break", whether they're dreaming of a beachside villa, city loft or countryside cabin. Shop now. Ceramic Reusable Bottle, Frank Green Any water bottle from Frank Green beats overpriced, single-use water bottles from the airport, but this design's triple insulation and ceramic lining help water stay cool and fresh. Shop now. Rio Passport Holder, Wolff Studios Three card slots, two passport pockets and a boarding pass sleeve – all in one buttery soft, RFID-secure leather piece. Shop now. Universal Strap, Rikka Save a pal the 'where's my phone?!' panic with this candy-coloured phone strap that attaches to any phone. Shop now. The Signature Pouch, Ouvert A plush cherry pouch that holds every serum, cream and lippie you need – with waterproof lining to keep mishaps contained. Shop now. The Christmas Ginger Shampoo Gift Bundle, Cooki Housed in travel-friendly metal tins and tucked into a chic woven bag of natural fibres, this ginger-infused haircare duo offers stylish, zero-waste hair washes on the go. Shop now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
A huge 1908 entries were submitted for the the 2022 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes. From that hefty number, 52 works were shortlisted for the Archibald, 34 for the Wynne and 29 for the Sulman. But only one artwork in each category can be named the winner of these three prestigious Australian art awards each year — and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the prizes' hosts, has just unveiled the 2022 recipients today, Friday, May 13. All three decisions were unanimous, and they provide an impressive snapshot of the Aussie art scene right now. Taking the big gong, the Archibald Prize — which is Australia's most prestigious portrait award, has now reached its 101st year and hands out $100,000 to its annual winner — is Blak Douglas' Moby Dickens. The painting depicts Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, who lives on Bundjalung Country in Lismore, and is designed as a metaphor for northern NSW town's floods earlier in 2022. And yes, the title references Moby Dick. Douglas — a Sydney-based artist with Dhungatti heritage, who was born Adam Hill — made history, too, as the first New South Wales First Nations artist to win with a painting of a New South Wales First Nations artist. "I'm elated," he said, accepting the award. "It's a major historic win." Douglas has been an Archibald Prize finalist in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, all with portraits of Aboriginal sitters. "I'm making up for lost ground in the failure to memorialise First Nations people," he said, accepting the 2022 award. 'In the past I've considered each entry to the Archibald Prize a memorial to that individual and that's why I only paint First Nations people." Measuring three metres by two metres, Moby Dickens stands out in another way, too: it's the largest Archibald painting in this year's exhibition. [caption id="attachment_853908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.[/caption] Also picking up some love from the Archibald's judges: Jude Rae, who was highly commended for The big switch, a portrait of scientist, engineer and inventor Dr Saul Griffith. For the Sir John Sulman Prize, 491 works were submitted, with Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro winning for Raiko and Shuten-dōji. The first collaborative duo to do so to win the award — which is presented to the best mural, subject or genre painting — they nabbed the prize for their rendering of the battle between the warrior and the demon that gives the colourful piece its title. [caption id="attachment_853910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Sulman Prize 2022, Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro. Raiko and Shuten-dōji, acrylic gouache, jute and tape on helicopter shell, 159.5 x 120 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] With the Wynne Prize — which recognises the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture — Nicholas Harding emerged victorious from 601 entries with painting Eora. The artist has a long history with the awards, being shortlisted for the Wynne nine times, and also for the Archibald 19 times, including winning the latter in 2001. Two artists were highly commended among the Wynne Prize finalists, too: Lucy Culliton for painting Mooresprings, a good season, and Juz Kitson for sculpture An unwavering truth. She walks in beauty, of the night and all that's best of dark and bright. In memory of the wildfires. And, the Roberts Family Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prize — an annual prize of $10,000 awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist who is a finalist in the Wynne Prize — went to Sally Scales for Wati Tjakura. [caption id="attachment_853909" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Wynne Prize 2022, Nicholas Harding. Eora, oil on linen, 196.5 x 374.8 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] Also a winner, but announced last week, on Thursday, May 5: Sydney-based artist Claus Stangl, who picked up this year's Packing Room Prize. He won for a portrait of the one and only Taika Waititi, because there really is nothing that the Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok filmmaker can't do. The winning portraits and finalists will now be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from Saturday, May 14, up until Sunday, August 28. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, July 27. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2022 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — May 14–August 28, 2022 Bunjil Place, Melbourne, Victoria — September 2–October 16, 2022 Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, NSW — October 22—December 4, 2022 Grafton Regional Gallery, NSW — 17 December, 2022–29 January, 2023 Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, NSW — 10 February–26 March, 2023 Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, NSW — 8 April–21 May, 2023 Western Plains Cultural Centre, NSW — 3 June–30 July, 2023 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Excerpt of winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.
The Harbour City doesn't lack art highlights all year, every year, but every two years the New South Wales capital plays host to the Biennale of Sydney. 2024 will be one such year, with a hefty lineup in store under the theme Ten Thousand Suns. Wondering where you'll be going, which artists will be providing works and what events you'll be hitting up? March might still be almost half a year away, but the Biennale has unveiled more 2024 details. Art fans had already learned that everything will revolve around Ten Thousand Suns next year. The first 39 artists that'll be reflecting on the topic had been named as well, and the fact that White Bay Power Station will open to the public for the first time in over a century for the Biennale had similarly been announced. Now comes more creatives, places and specific events, all taking over Sydney — and for free — from Saturday, March 9–Monday, June 10, 2024. [caption id="attachment_910495" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr. Cuddles Under the Eave (2021). Trevor Yeung. Pachiras, straps, 7 x 8 x 8m. Photography: South Ho. Courtesy the artist and Blindspot Gallery, Hong Kong.[/caption] Contributing pieces: 88 artists and collectives from 47 countries. Australia is represented, of course, as is everywhere from Aotearoa New Zealand, Indonesia, India and Japan to Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, the UK and the US. International talents include Andrew Thomas Huang, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Pacific Sisters, Martin Wong, Frank Moore, Maru Yacco and Anne Samat. Among the Aussies: Gordon Hookey, Tracey Moffatt, Serwah Attafuah, William Yang, VNS Matrix, Kirtika Kain, Joel Sherwood Spring and Juan Davila. Also, 14 First Nations artists have been commissioned by Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, one of the Biennale's partners, to make new works just for the event: Mangala Bai Maravi, Doreen Chapman, Megan Cope, Cristina Flores Pescorán, Freddy Mamani and Dylan Mooney, as well as Orquideas Barrileteras, John Pule, Eric-Paul Riege, Darrell Sibosado, Kaylene Whiskey, Yangamini, and Nikau Hindin in collaboration with Ebonie Fifita-Laufilitoga-Maka, Hina Puamohala Kneubuhl, Hinatea Colombani, Kesaia Biuvanua and Rongomai Gbric-Hoskins. [caption id="attachment_924219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethics, 2021. Oil on canvas. Triptych: 244 x 183 cm; 120 x 120 cm; 244 x 183 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Milani Gallery, Meeanjin / Brisbane. Photography credit: Carl Warner.[/caption] Expect to enjoy Mooney's mural tribute to Malcolm Cole, the queer queer First Nations dancer and activist who created history by leading the first-ever Aboriginal float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in 1988 — and also Sibosado's riji (aka pearl shell) designs in neon. Both will feature at White Bay Power Station, as will VNS Matrix's exploration of women and technology via banners. Chau Chak Wing Museum joins the Biennale of Sydney footprint for the first time, which is where Mangala Bai Maravi and Wong will feature pieces — one continuing to preserve tattooing patterns used by her people, India's Baiga group; the other being celebrated posthumously with nine paintings that focus on queer sexuality, as well ethnic and racial identities. At White Bay Power Station and Artspace, Indigenous weaving and jewellery making will be in the spotlight via Riege. Also at the latter venue, Gbadebo will display new ceramic works that continue her interrogation of her family's past and America's history of slavery. And over at the Art Gallery of NSW, Hookey and Yacco will have works on offer. The lineup also spreads over to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, which is where pieces by Moore and Kain will feature — and to UNSW Galleries, where Sherwood and Elyas Alavi will be found. Whoever is showcased where, they'll be pondering heat, power, light, summer, joy, strength, the changing climate and everything else that the sun brings to mind. And, they'll be part of a lineup that also includes artist talks, art tours, workshops and more. Kicking off the 2024 Biennale of Sydney: Lights On, a concert at White Bay Power Station on Friday, March 8, with the Phoenix Central Park team curating an outdoor stage headlined by Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul. Vv Pete, UTILITY & Friends and DJ HALFQUEEN also feature on the bill, while roving performers will do the rounds and there'll be an indoor dance floor that uses a traditional Colombian picó sound system called El Gran Mono. [caption id="attachment_910498" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cannot Be Broken and Won't Live Unspoken (2022) [installation view]. Anne Samat. Rattan sticks, kitchen and garden utensils, beads, ceramic, metal and plastic ornaments. Wall panel: 365.75 x 731.5 x 61 cm. Floor: 609.5 x 609.5 cm. Commissioned by the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Photographer: Anne Samat. Courtesy of the artist and Marc Straus, New York.[/caption]"Ten Thousand Suns departs from an acknowledgement of a multiplicity of perspectives, cosmologies and ways of life that have always woven together the world under the sun. A multiplicity of suns conveys ambiguous images. It evokes a scorching world, both in several cosmological visions and very much in our moment of climate emergency," said 2024 Biennale of Sydney Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero about the program. "But it also conveys the joy of cultural multiplicities affirmed, of First Nations understandings of the cosmos brought to the fore, and of carnivals as forms of resistance in contexts that have surpassed colonial oppression." "The 24th Biennale of Sydney works with these different layers of meaning, acknowledging the deep ecological crises derived from colonial and capitalist exploitation while refusing to concede to an apocalyptic vision of the future. The 24th Biennale of Sydney proposes instead solar and radiant forms of resistance that affirm collective possibilities around a future that is not only possible, but necessary to be lived in joy and plenitude," Costinaș and Guerrero continued. BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 2024 — ARTIST LINEUP: Adebunmi Gbadebo (USA) Agnieszka Kurant (Poland / USA) Agnieszka Polska (Poland / Germany) Alberto Pitta (Brazil) Andrew Thomas Huang (USA) Anne Samat (Malaysia / USA) Barrileteros Almas del Viento (Guatemala) Bonita Ely (Australia) Breda Lynch (Ireland) Candice Lin (USA) Chitra Ganesh (USA) Choy Ka Fai (Singapore / Germany) Christopher Myers (USA) Christopher Pease (Minang/Wardandi/Bibbulmun, Australia) Citra Sasmita (Indonesia) Cristina Flores Pescorán (Perú / Netherlands / USA) Darrell Sibosado (Bard/Noongar, Australia) Destiny Deacon (KuKu (Cape York) & Erub/Mer (Torres Strait), Australia) Dhopiya Yunupiŋu (Gumatj/Yolŋu nation, Australia) Diane Burns (Anishinaabe/Chemehuevi, USA) Doreen Chapman (Manyjilyjarra, Australia) Dumb Type (Japan) Dylan Mooney (Yuwi/Meriam Mir/South Sea Islander, Australia) Eisa Jocson (Philippines) El Gran Mono (Colombia / Australia) Elyas Alavi (Hazara, Afghanistan / Australia) with Hussein Shirzad (Afghanistan / Australia); Jimmy Hintons (Australia); John Hintons (Australia) and Alibaba Awrang (Afghanistan / USA) Eric-Paul Riege (Diné/Navajo, USA) Felix de Rooy (Curaçao / Netherlands) Francisco Toledo (Mexico) Frank Bowling (UK / Guyana) Frank Moore (USA) Freddy Mamani (The Plurinational State of Bolivia) Gordon Hookey (Waanyi, Australia) Hayv Kahraman (Iraq / Sweden / USA) I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih (Murni) (Indonesia) Idas Losin (Truku/Atayal, Taiwan) Irene Chou (Hong Kong / Australia) James Eseli (Kala Lagaw Ya/Badhulaig, Torres Strait Islands, Australia) Li Jiun-Yang (Taiwan) Joel Sherwood Spring (Wiradjuri, Australia) John Pule (Niue / Aotearoa New Zealand) Josh Kline (USA) Juan Davila (Chile / Australia) Júlia Côta (Portugal) Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara, Australia) Kirtika Kain (India / Australia) Köken Ergun (Turkey / Germany) Kubra Khademi (Afghanistan / France) Lawrence Lek (Malaysia / UK) Leila el Rayes (Australia) Mangala Bai Maravi (India) Mariana Castillo Deball (Mexico / Germany) Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien (France) Martin Wong (USA) Maru Yacco (Japan) Mauroof Jameel & Hamsha Hussain (Maldives) Megan Cope (Ngugi/Noonuccal, Quandamooka, Australia) Ming Wong (Singapore / Germany) Monira Al Qadiri (Kuwait / Germany) Nádia Taquary (Brazil) Nikau Hindin (Te Rarawa/Ngāpuhi, Aotearoa New Zealand), Ebonie Fifita-Laufilitoga-Maka (Fungamapitoa, Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand), Hina Puamohala Kneubuhl (Kihalaupoe, Maui, Hawai'i), Hinatea Colombani (Arioi, Tahiti), Kesaia Biuvanua (Moce, Lau, Fiji), Rongomai Gbric-Hoskins (Te Rarawa/Ngāpuhi, Aotearoa New Zealand) Niño de Elche & Pedro G. Romero (Spain) Orquideas Barrileteras (Guatemala) Özgür Kar (Turkey / Netherlands) Pacific Sisters (Aotearoa New Zealand) Pauletta Kerinauia (Miyartuwi (Pandanus), Tiwi Islands, Australia) Petrit Halilaj (Kosovo / Germany) & Alvaro Urbano (Spain / Germany) Robert Campbell Jnr (Ngaku/Dunghutti, Australia) Rover Joolama Thomas (Kukatja/Wangkajunga, Australia) Sachiko Kazama (Japan) Sana Shahmuradova Tanska (Ukraine) Satch Hoyt (UK / Jamaica) Saule Dyussenbina (Kazakhstan) Segar Passi (Meriam Mir/Dauareb, Torres Strait Islands, Australia Sergey Parajanov (Armenia / Georgia) Serwah Attafuah (Ashanti, Australia) Simon Soon (Malaysia) Tarryn Gill (Australia) Te Whā a Huna (Tūwharetoa, Aotearoa New Zealand) Tracey Moffatt (Australia) Trevor Yeung (China / Hong Kong) Udeido Collective (West Papua) VNS Matrix (Australia) Weaver Hawkins (England / Australia) Wendy Hubert (Guruma/Yindjibarndi, Australia) William Strutt (UK) William Yang (Australia) Yangamini (Tiwi; Gulumirrgin; Warlpiri; Kunwinjku; Yolŋu; Wardaman; Karajarri; Gurindji; Burarra, Australia) The 24th Biennale of Sydney will run from Saturday, March 9–Monday, June 10, 2024. Entry will be free, as always. We'll keep you posted on the whole artist lineup and exhibition program when they're announced. Top image: Ngarrgidj Morr (the proper path to follow), 2022. Darrell Sibosado. Powder-coated steel, LED tubes, fittings, electrical component. 300 x 245 x 8 cm (each panel). Collection of The National Gallery of Australia. Photographer: TheNational Gallery of Australia. © Darrell Sibosado.
As we inch closer and closer to Christmas, it not only means that work is nearly out for the year, but also that the summer festival season is about to begin. After a short hiatus in 2024, Spilt Milk is back and better than ever this year. The lineup is positively jam-packed and there's a whole lot of fun pop-ups, giveaways and bars setting up for each leg of the festival. The festival has a legacy of kicking off Australia's summer with huge lineups, large-scale art exhibitions, and a slick lineup of food and boutique bar experiences. As usual, Jim Beam will be back at Spilt Milk helping to make sure you and your mates have this year's best festival experience. To make sure you don't miss a second of fun, we've teamed up with Jim Beam to pull together absolutely everything you need to know about Spilt Milk 2025. [caption id="attachment_1008775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gregory Shamus via Getty Images[/caption] Who's Headlining Spilt Milk 2025? This year's lineup is one for the ages. On the bill, you've got Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Sara Landry, and Dominic Fike headlining. You can also catch ScHoolboy Q, Nessa Barrett, Skin on Skin, Sombr, Rebecca Black, The Dreggs and more. Kendrick's last tour of Australia was in 2022, and, if his now iconic Super Bowl performance is anything to go by, his set simply can't be missed. Expect bell-bottoms and a bunch of shade thrown Drake's way. Fresh off her Grammy win for Best Rap Album this year, Doechii is another headliner we can't wait to see live. If her hit 'Anxiety' hasn't been in your head all year, it will be now. ARIA Award-winning Aussie Genesis Owusu has also just been added to the lineup. Owusu brings his unique blend of hip hop, funk, punk, and soul to the already stacked event. His track 'PIRATE RADIO' took over our playlists at the top of the year and even earned triple j's most played for back-to-back days. [caption id="attachment_1002003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] What Are the Set Times for Spilt Milk 2025? With a lineup this good, you can't just show up and hope for the best. You really need to map out your plan for the day. We've done the hard work and collated all of the set times for you so you can plan when to drop by the Jim Beam Container Bar to slip into their Confessional Booth, snag some prizes, and still have enough time to make it to Kendrick. Of the headliners, Kendrick will take the stage at 9:35pm, Sara Landry at 8:35pm, Doechii at 8:05pm, Dominic Fike at 6:50pm all on the Angove Stage. You can catch the full list of set times in the Spilt Milk app. [caption id="attachment_1040567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Where's the Best Place to Hang Out Between Sets? Alongside one of the best festival lineups, the on-ground experiences at Spilt Milk are shaping up to be this summer's moment. Expect the kind of music, vibes, and memories that will define the year for you and your mates. Head to the Jim Beam Container Bar between sets or to kick off your day at Spilt Milk Ballarat and Canberra. Of course, you'll find a bar stocked with ice-cold Jim Beam drinks, like Ginger Beer, limited edition Vanilla Cola, and the classic Jim Beam & Cola. But, beyond just icy drinks, you'll find the best place to hang out and seek shade during the festival. This year, the Jim Beam setup will feature a container bar area, plenty of shade, and huge loungers to cool off on with your mates. Plus, there's a rooftop bar section atop the container with a view out across the whole festival. [caption id="attachment_1001754" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Billy Zammit[/caption] To free you from the guilt of past flaky friend discretion, you can step into the confession booth hosted by Will Gibb. Simply drop the lore of the most diabolical reason you have ever flaked on your mates, Will will hear you out and then determine what prize you're up for. It could be VIP upgrades for you and your mates' tickets, Jim Beam merch like a slick new cap, or even a disposable film camera to capture your day. The Jim Beam Mates Confessional will be open from 2–5pm in Canberra and Ballarat. That means you'll have plenty of time to confess your sins, nab a prize, and still catch the headliners. But, it's not just partying, you'll also find art exhibitions curated in collaboration with socially conscious art studios. This year, Spilt Milk has collaborated with Studio A, an art studio focused on empowering artists with disability, and Victoria Park Art's initiative that supports the same cause, for outdoor exhibitions you can peruse between sets. Best enjoyed together, visit Jim Beam's website for more information.
Which cravings will Wonka inspire? Chocolate, of course, and also an appetite for more of filmmaker Paul King's blend of the inventive, warm-hearted and surreal. The British writer/director's chocolatier origin story is a sweet treat from its first taste, and firmly popped from the same box as his last two movie delights: Paddington and Paddington 2. Has the helmer used a similar recipe to his talking-bear pictures? Yes. Was it divine with that double dip in marmalade, and now equally so with creative confectionery and the man behind it? Yes again. While it'd be nice to see King and his regular writing partner Simon Farnaby (also an actor, complete with an appearance here) make an original tale again, as they last did with 2009's superb and sublime Bunny and the Bull, watching them cast their spell on childhood favourites dishes up as effervescent an experience as sipping fizzy lifting drinks. It's as uplifting as munching on hover chocs, too, aka the debut creation that Wonka's namesake unveils in his attempt to unleash his chocolates upon the world. Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet, Bones and All) has everlasting gobstobbers, golden tickets and a whole factory pumping out a sugary rush in his future, as Roald Dahl first shared in 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then cinemagoers initially saw in 1971's Gene Wilder-starring all-timer Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Wonka churns up the story before that story, and technically before 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Tim Burton (Wednesday) as led by Johnny Depp (Minamata) — but the less remembered about that most-recent adaptation, the better. There's no on-the-page precedent for this flick, then. Rather, King and Farnaby use pure imagination, plus what they know works for them, to delectable results. What they welcomely avoid is endeavouring to melt down Dahl's bag of tricks and remould it, and also eschew packing in references to past Chocolate Factory flicks like a cookie that's more chocolate chips than biscuit. Wonka is a prequel devoted to telling its own tale — and deliciously — instead of stretching itself like over-chewed bubblegum to stick again and again to all that precedes it. The nods are there, including in the type of villains that Dahl could've penned, and the turns of phrase. Visual minutiae harks backwards, top hat and all, while 'Pure Imagination' and the Ooompa-Loompa flute whistle get more than a single spin. In the worst of the throwbacks, obesity is used as a gag once more like over half a century hasn't passed since Willy Wonka was conjured up. But they're all the feature's sprinkles, not its main ingredients. Come to Wonka and you'll be viewing a film that values its own narrative, magic, whimsy and wonders by the bucketful. Swimming in its river of hopes, aspirations, enchantment and earnestness brings Barbie to mind, in fact, in how to bake something new and flavoursome from pre-existing intellectual property. The trailers largely hide it; however, Wonka is as much of a musical as pop culture's greatest sweet tooth's prior dances across the screen, opening with him singing as he sails to the unnamed European locale that's home to the Galeries Gourmet. Once back on land, he's soon spent his 12 silver sovereigns before a day has passed and his introductory number is over, but the eccentric's hat full of dreams — a Mary Poppins-esque item that contains all manner of physical marvels, too — hasn't come close to running out. Mere minutes in, Chalamet shows how magnificently he's been cast as the wide-eyed, eternally optimistic, crooning-with-cheer young Wonka, wearing sincerity as closely and comfortably as his character's go-to purple suits. He's a daydream made tangible, whether beaming with enthusiasm about every chance that comes Willy's way, speaking in sing-song rhymes or frolicking with a waved-around cane. Never trying to be previous versions of Wonka (no one can replicate Wilder, and no one should want to ape Depp), he's a pleasure at getting goofy as well, sans even a dash of the exquisitely played moodiness, vulnerability and cool that's served him so well in Call Me By Your Name, Lady Bird, Little Women and Dune. At Willy's new home, three shops run by Slugworth (Paterson Joseph, Boat Story), Prodnose (Matt Lucas, DC's Legends of Tomorrow) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton, Ghosts) monopolise the sweets trade, but he wants to be the mall's next candyman. The chocolate cartel doesn't take kindly to newcomers, though, or making treats affordable to the masses. With assistance from a corrupt cleric (Rowan Atkinson, Man vs Bee) and chocoholic chief of police (Keegan-Michael Key, The Super Mario Bros Movie), the core trio has the power and influence to send their unwanted competitor's life's wish down the drain before it even gets a chance to set. Finding a place to stay at a washhouse run by Mrs Scrubbit (Olivia Colman, Heartstopper) and her offsider Bleacher (Tom Davis, Romantic Getaway), then getting landed with a debt that'll take 27 years of labour to pay off for just a night's slumber, also threatens to give his quest a sour taste. Then there's the orange-skinned, green-haired Oompa-Loompa (Hugh Grant, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves) stealing Wonka's cocoa morsels out of revenge. All innocence, charm, buoyancy and tenderness just like a certain Peruvian mammal, Chalamet's star turn is the acting equivalent of having dessert for dinner and relishing every second. That said, there's nothing insubstantial about the fellow talents that surround him, with King's knack for filling parts big and small getting another scrumptious whirl. If the filmmaker wants to continue providing Grant with the scene-stealing comedic supporting roles of his life, audiences will devour his presence. Bringing Sally Hawkins over from the Paddington films to play Wonka's mother in flashbacks is a joyously touching move. Joseph, Lucas and Bayton make entertainingly haughty villains, while Key, Colman and Davis (also a Paddington 2 alum) are all having a ball. Farnaby turns a silhouetted moment as a security guard feasting on Willy's big night out truffle into a gem. And among Scrubbit and Bleacher's other indentured workers, Calah Lane (This Is Us) invests feeling and pluck in the orphaned Noodle, with Jim Carter (Downton Abbey: A New Era), Rakhee Thakrar (Sex Education), Natasha Rothwell (Sonic the Hedgehog 2) and Rich Fulcher (Black Mirror) engagingly rounding out the rag-tag laundry crew. Fulcher's involvement, like Farnaby's, nods to another jewel that King helped gift the world: The Mighty Boosh. The director helmed all 20 episodes, plus the comedy troupe's live Future Sailors Tour special — and its phantasmagorical and heightened vibe, as well as its winning wit, offbeat humour, fondness for silliness and textured details, live on in the filmmaker's big-screen efforts so far. Much is made in Wonka of Willy's compendium of components for his ingenious chocolate, such as giraffe's milk, salty tears from a Russian clown and liquid sunshine. King crafts his own irresistible confection in the same way, with heapings of gorgeous spectacle via its lavish cinematography (by the OG Oldboy's Chung-hoon Chung), production design (Nathan Crowley, Tenet) and costuming (Paddington franchise returnee Lindy Hemming); everything that his actors splash in; and also the memorable score (Joby Talbot, Sing 2) and tunes (Talbot and Neil Hannon, who were both in Northern Ireland-born band The Divine Comedy). And the banding together to bring down capitalist bigwigs dotted in the plot? What a cherry on top it proves.
Those currently working from home have probably seen two major changes to their routine: less shoes and more snacks. To help with the latter, Australia's much-loved biscuit maker Arnott's has been opening its vault and releasing some of its coveted recipes — for the first time in history. So far as part of the snack expert's Big Recipe Release, it has unveiled its Monte Carlo, four-ingredient Scotch Finger and Iced VoVo recipes. Next up is a decadent twist on everyone's favourite chocolate-coated bikkie: the Tim Tam. While the company hasn't revealed exactly how to make the beloved biscuit, it is sharing how you can whip up salted almond Tim Tam brownies — aka the kind of snack you probably didn't know that you were craving until right now. This recipe has been put together for home bakers by Arnott's Master Baker Vanessa Horton, and timed to celebrate a very apt occasion: World Baking Day, which falls on this Sunday, May 17. Of course, while that's a great excuse to make Tim Tam-flavoured brownies, you can obviously cook them up whenever you like — and however often, too. As you'd expect, you do, in fact, need flour to make Tim Tam brownies, but we've rounded up some of the spots selling the essential ingredient across the country, which aren't supermarkets. Australia's oldest baker will continue to release a new recipe for one of its famous biscuits every week until social distancing regulations are lifted. Next up, will it be the Mint Slice? Pizza Shapes? Tim Tams themselves? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, here's the Tim Tam Brownie recipe: SALTED ALMOND TIM TAM BROWNIES Melted butter, to grease 120 grams dark chocolate, chopped 120 grams butter 1 1/2 cups (400 grams) caster sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup (120 grams) plain flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 200 gram packet of Arnott's original Tim Tam, chopped 1/2 cup almonds, chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea-salt flakes Method Preheat oven to 180ᵒC (or 160°C fan forced). Grease a square cake tin (20 x 20 centimetre) and line with baking paper. Place chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then stir until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Stir sugar into the chocolate mixture, then add the eggs one at a time — stirring well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa powder and baking powder in a small bowl. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture. Stir until just combined. Stir through Tim Tam pieces. Pour batter into prepared tin. Spreading evenly, sprinkle with almonds and sea salt flakes. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm. Set aside to cool completely. Cut into pieces and serve.
With warm weather fast approaching, now is the perfect time to plan your next getaway out of the city. These 16 Victorian stays all radiate tranquil energy, so you can escape the city for a holiday surrounded by vast fields, leafy bushland or lush rainforests. Recommended reads: The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Glamping Sites in Victoria The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels, B&Bs and Self-Contained Getaways in Victoria The Best Places to Stay on the Great Ocean Road Luxury Spa Cabin, Wilsons Promontory Located in the expansive Wilsons Promontory National Park, this deluxe cabin offers the opportunity to catch Aurora Australis if you're lucky, as well as a range of wildlife including koalas, alpacas and whales at the nearby beach. From $344 a night, sleeps two. Manta Ray One, Skenes Creek With stunning ocean views from its floor-to-ceiling windows, this unique property radiates sun and summer all year round. Wake to the sights and sounds of the beach before walking down for a morning dip. From $403 a night, sleeps seven. Wild Orchard Cottage, Olinda Hidden within the Dandenong Ranges, this private cottage may look quirky from the outside, but it houses a lush renovated living space and a cosy fireplace. From $350 a night, sleeps two. Lake View Private Retreat, Port Fairy Yambuk Located next to Lake Yambuk and its neighbouring beach, this homely stay promises serenity and relaxation. Keep an eye out for the local peacock who is known to come and visit the property. From $210 a night, sleeps four. Spring House, Apollo Bay Here, as the living room opens onto the deck, you're in for stunning natural ocean views. Feel the sea breeze as you relax in this one-bedroom pavilion-style home located southwest of Melbourne, just outside Great Otway National Park. From $425 a night, sleeps two. Jeraboam Eco Lodge, Moyston This environmentally friendly house in the Grampians National Park exists off-the-grid, aiming to be completely self-sufficient in energy and water. Feel good about your sustainable holiday whilst enjoying tranquil bushwalks and visits to the nearby wineries. From $140 a night, sleeps six. The Newstead Haven, Newstead Unwind in this cosy, private country home under the stars. The property's seclusion provides breathtaking views of the Milky Way. From $220 a night, sleeps six. Romantic Studio Cottage, Bright This unique two-storey cabin is engulfed in greenery from every side. Primed for relaxation, it even has an in-bedroom spa bath looking out over the trees. From $254 a night, sleeps two. Rivernook Cottage, Johanna A classic coastal Australian home with modern furnishings, ocean views and a heated indoor swimming pool. From $374 a night, sleeps four. Tranquil Getaway, Yea Designed and built by a local architect, this quaint cabin looks out over the area's reserves and mountain ranges. Bask in the serenity with the convenience of still only being a 15-minute walk from town. From $259 a night, sleeps two. Avalon House, Harrietville Featuring original timber wall panelling dating back to 1889, this beautifully-restored cabin is charming, pet-friendly and rich in historic detail. From $207 a night, sleeps two. Studio Apartment, Saint Andrews Beach Find the perfect balance of fun and relaxing at this peaceful private studio located close to a beach, brewery, wineries and several golf courses. From $165 a night, sleeps two. Coorabell, Mount Dandenong A comfy converted barn set amongst the trees. Relax in this peaceful space complete with a log fire and a spa bath looking out onto the bushland. From $450 a night, sleeps two. The Farm on One Tree Hill, Smiths Gully This stylish, modern two-storey cabin is set on 18 acres of kangaroo, horse and goat-filled fields. The pet-friendly property is located by the Yarra Valley wine region, near Kinglake Mountain Ranges and just 50 minutes from Melbourne Airport. From $230 a night, sleeps four. Avalon Spa Villa, Elevated Plains With both an indoor and an outdoor spa (that's right, two spas) overlooking lush bushland, this villa is primed for a romantic weekend of relaxation. From $260 a night, sleeps two. Cottage by the Lake, Cobaw Surrounded by lakes and gardens, this cottage sits on 50 acres of bucolic farmland. You'll feel like you're in a children's book as you cruise out onto the water in the rowboats supplied with the house. From $300 a night, sleeps eight. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Airbnb
Charles Entertainment Cheese is heading Down Under, ready to delight kids, families and Australian adults who've always wanted the Chuck E Cheese experience. Adding to the growing list of US food chains that have already brought or are set to bring their wares to our shores — such as Taco Bell, Wahlburgers, Five Guys and Wendy's — the American restaurant-slash-entertainment centre brand has announced plans for Aussie eateries. Where and when is yet to be revealed, but the children's birthday-party go-to is indeed coming. Royale Hospitality Group has signed a master franchise partnership for Australia's Chuck E Cheese venture, adding to a stable that also includes Outback Jack's and Milky Lane. It'll help extend the brand as it closes in on five decades of existence — launching in 1977 — and as Asia and Europe also become a global focus. On offer: the place to eat slices, play games and watch animatronics that's been parodied in the likes of Five Nights at Freddy's and Willy's Wonderland, but obviously without the horror. And yes, that spans the company's characters. Yes, Charles Entertainment Cheese is Chuck E Cheese's mouse mascot's full name. "We are thrilled to bring the magic of Chuck E Cheese to Australia and to collaborate with the Royale Hospitality Group, a partner that shares our commitment to delivering exceptional family experiences," said Chuck E Cheese International Chief Operating Officer Mario Centola, announcing the Aussie expansion. "We look forward to crafting the Chuck E Cheese brand for the Australian market. This is a momentous step towards establishing Chuck E Cheese as the premier destination for families seeking an unparalleled kid-centric entertainment and dining experience," added Royale Hospitality Managing Director Ray Strauss. "I am thrilled, along with my dedicated team, to embark on this exciting journey, taking Chuck E Cheese to the next level throughout all of Australia." Your nieces and nephews, who we're betting you'll want to take to Chuck E Cheese when it opens locally, will also be thrilled. Chuck E Cheese is set to open in Australia, but exactly when and where hasn't yet been revealed — keep an eye on the chain's website, and we'll update you with more details when they're announced.
Fancy teeing off at mini golf over a few drinks — while playing your way through over-the-top, pop culture-themed holes — but don't feel like venturing from the Brisbane CBD to Fortitude Valley? From Friday, November 29, you can now grab a club and start swinging at the city's second Holey Moley, which has opened its doors in the Wintergarden shopping centre. First announced last month, the location is hardly surprising, as it's where Strike Bowling — which is also run by the same company as Holey Moley — has been operating for well over a decade. Lucky for us, Funlab has decided to double the Queen Street Mall fun, meaning that you can now knock down a few pins and then get tap, tap, tapping (or vice versa, if you'd prefer). Inner-city dwellers can work their way around a nine-hole course that features a Ferris Bueller's Day Off-inspired hole, a replica of Vincent van Gogh's bedroom and a room filled with flying cash. Among the other themed holes, there's one paying tribute to Steve Irwin, another featuring King Kong, a Forrest Gump-style hole and yet another ramping up the wizarding antics — it's called Hole 9 & 3/4, naturally. Fancy breaking up your time on the green — not that Holey Moley's holes are typically green — with a stint of singing? Earlier in the year, the chain added karaoke to its Fortitude Valley digs, and it's on offer in the Wintergarden as well. Don't worry, you'll be doing your crooning in private rooms, so only your mini-golf pals will hear your vocal stylings. Booze and food are also part of Holey Moley's lineup, including plenty of cocktails. When you're not downing drinks with names like Austin Sours and The Sugar Caddy, you can sip an alcoholic concoction from a tiny bath tub that even has rubber ducks floating in it — or opt for wine, beer, spirits or a mocktail. As for snacks, choose between pizzas, hot dogs and extravagant burgers (such as The Dirty Birdie, which combines southern fried chicken, lettuce, bacon, slaw, guacamole and chilli mayo). Or, enjoy chicken wings, mac 'n' cheese bites, and five types of potato dishes (spanning normal fries, loaded fries, waffle fries, tater tots and sweet potato fries). If you're vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free, you'll find something on Holey Moley's menu, too.
If you're already thinking ahead to summer, here's three trends that'll be shining in Australia: spots, gourds and kaleidoscopic reflections. You'll see them all over your social feeds. You'll spy them in exhibition merchandise sported by anyone who visits NGV International. And, most excitingly, you'll be surrounded by the trio at the Melbourne art gallery, which will be hosting a huge Yayoi Kusama retrospective as its summer blockbuster. When we say that Yayoi Kusama, the exhibition, is big, we mean it. While the Japanese artist's work is no stranger to Aussie shores — and was the focus of a comprehensive showcase at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art back in 2017–18 — NGV International's ode to the iconic talent will be the largest that country has ever seen. When it displays from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025, more than 180 works will feature, the world-premiere showing of a brand-new infinity mirror room among them. It's a massive endeavour for the NGV, too. "It's the largest space that's been given a living contemporary artist, across the entire ground floor," Wayne Crothers, NGV's Senior Curator of Asian Art, tells Concrete Playground. [caption id="attachment_950475" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Yayoi Kusama's Chandelier of grief 2016/18 at Tate Modern, London, © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] The NGV has curated Yayoi Kusama with input from Kusama, with the end result stepping through the 95-year-old artist's eight decades of making art via a thematic chronology. Some pieces hail from her childhood. Some are recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s: they'll all appear. Half of the exhibition will be devoted to the past four decades — so, pumpkins galore; giant paintings; and an impressive and expansive range of room installations, complete with her very first infinity room from 1965, plus creative interpretations since from the 80s onwards. Again, this is a hefty exhibition. It's one of the most-comprehensive Kusama retrospectives ever staged globally (and the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving Australia). "We've been wanting to do a major exhibition with this artist for a long time. We're very focused on contemporary art. We're very focused on Asian art. And Kusama hasn't had a big solo show in in Australia for some time — and she's still very active. So there's past works, but also some contemporary works being produced right at the moment," continues Crothers. [caption id="attachment_950477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin 1981, Collection of Daisuke Miyatsu © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] If you're keen to be one of the first people in the world to be wowed by Kusama's new infinity room, it'll be as immersive as such spaces always are when she's behind them. Even the NGV team don't know the full details of the piece that's being produced especially for the exhibition, so it'll be a surprise to everyone. It'll be complemented by the aforementioned array of rooms, which is "one of the largest displays, for our audience, of those immersive rooms that have ever been assembled globally," Crothers advises. Eager to see a five-metre-tall bronze sculpture of a pumpkin? 2020's Dancing Pumpkin, which has just been acquired by the NGV, will feature. And, for the first time in Australia, 2019's THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE will unleash its six-metre-high tentacles — as speckled with yellow-and-black polka dots, of course. Almost six decades since first debuting at 1966's Venice Biennale — unofficially — Narcissus Garden will be a part of Yayoi Kusama in a new version made of 1400 30-centimetre-diameter stainless silver balls. Now that's how you open an exhibition, as this will. NGV's Waterwall is also scoring a Kusama artwork specific to the space, while the Great Hall will be filled with the giant balloons of Dots Obsession floating overhead. [caption id="attachment_950474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Yayoi Kusama's Flower Obsession 2017 on display in NGV Triennial from 15 December 2017 – 15 April 2018 at NGV International Melbourne. Image courtesy of NGV[/caption] Basically, wherever you look across NGV International's ground level, Kusama works will be waiting, spanning paintings, installations, sketches, drawings, collages and sculptures, as well as videos and clothing. Dots will obviously be inescapable. One section of the gallery will replicate Kusama's New York studio. Over 20 experimental fashion designs by the artist will also demand attention. Infinity Net paintings from the 50s and 60s, Accumulation sculptures and textiles from the 60s and 70s, and a Kusama for Kids offshoot with all-ages interactivity (fingers crossed for an obliteration room) are also on their way. The must-see exhibition for Melbourne locals and travel-worthy event for art lovers located outside of the Victorian capital will benefit from pieces from the artist's own personal collection — and rarely seen photos, letters (including to and from fellow artist eorgia O'Keefe), posters, magazines, teen sketch books and films — while others will be sourced from Japanese and Australian institutions. [caption id="attachment_950473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama. The obliteration room 2002–present. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] "Kusama's imagery has become part of the general common visual vernacular of the society," notes Crothers. "And I think our role in the exhibition, or what I've really taken on, is to introduce how profound the journey has been that's led her to this point of global visual recognition, going right back to a very ambitious teenager in rural Japan, and then the letter correspondence and New York, and delving into a lot of archival material." "There are few artists working today with the global presence of Yayoi Kusama. This world-premiere NGV-exclusive exhibition allows local audiences and visitors alike the chance to experience Kusama's practice in deeper and more profound ways than ever before," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM in the summer showcase's official announcement. "We are indebted to Yayoi Kusama for her passion and collaboration on this special project. Without the artist's personal dedication to this exhibition — and excitement to share her worldview with Australian audiences — none of this would be possible." [caption id="attachment_950480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama, 2022 © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_950479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Portrait of Yayoi Kusama c. 1939 © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_950478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Yayoi Kusama's Infinity mirror room – Phall's Field 1965 at the Castellane Gallery, New York © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] Yayoi Kusama displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Top image: excerpt of Yayoi Kusama, 2022 © YAYOI KUSAMA.
If you thought seafood was best suited to sultry days, then Aussie-born chain Kickin' Inn hears you. It started in New South Wales in 2018, then hit up Melbourne when it first branched out interstate last year, and now it has landed in Brisbane. This town of ours is home to warm weather basically all year round, after all — aka the perfect climate to eat the ocean's finest whenever you feel like it. Brisbanites will now find Kickin' Inn at 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill — and its signature offering of seafood tossed through punchy house-made 'Kajun' sauces as well. For the uninitiated, Kickin' Inn offers an all-in, bibs-and-gloves experience, where diners do away with cutlery and get their hands messy with bags full of prawns, mud crab, pipis and shellfish using only the tools that Jesus gave you. The Cajun-inspired house sauces — here, dubbed 'Kajun' — are more than mere support acts, with the venue boasting five flavour-charged secret recipes. If feasting is on the agenda, you'll find an abundance of snacks to kick things off including battered squid tentacles, jalapeno cheese bites, freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters and wings. After that, you've got some big decisions to make. Choose your main event from a slew of ocean-fresh goodies including whole lobster, pounds of peeled prawns, a pile of baby octopus, blue swimmer crab pieces, or a mess of mussels and pipis. Pick a matching sauce, whack in some additions like corn or chorizo, and dial up the heat level as high as you dare — keeping in mind the 'inferno' option is only just over halfway up the scale. Meanwhile, a separate lunch menu features more solo-friendly feeds from a prawn spaghetti to peeled prawns served with rice.
