Clocking in at two hours and 40 minutes, Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood isn't a short movie. Like the bulk of the acclaimed writer/director's films, however, it's one that viewers would be be happy to spend even longer with. Since the hit flick premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year, Tarantino has even talked about returning to its world, revealing that he has written the scripts for five episodes of the Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio)-starring fictional TV western Bounty Law — and that he plans to make and direct them all. It might take some time for that to come to fruition, though, so a new, free documentary that peeks behind the scenes of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will just have to do in the meantime. Called Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — A Love Letter to Making Movies, the half-hour doco lives up to its title. Not only does it step through the making of Tarantino's feature, but it explores how the filmmaker's obsessive love of cinema informed everything about the movie. QT's fondness for the medium he works in isn't new news. Neither is his tendency to fill his films with references to his inspiration, or his dedicated attention to detail. But if you want to hear more about how that all plays out on this specific 19169-set flick — a movie that's, among other things, a love letter to Hollywood's heyday just as it was fading — then here's your chance. Currently available to watch on Youtube, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — A Love Letter to Making Movies features plenty of the movie's heavy-hitters, so expect to-camera chats from Tarantino — obviously — as well as DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Kurt Russell, Timothy Olyphant and the late Luke Perry. With the film industry's annual awards season currently in full swing, and with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood not only vying for ten Oscars, but hotly tipped to nab the coveted Best Picture prize —if Parasite or 1917 doesn't beat it, that is — the documentary's release is obviously extremely well-timed. Check out Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — A Love Letter to Making Movies below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AxkaueDxYM Top image: © 2018 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Ice cream fiends don't need any extra excuse to tuck into their favourite frosty treat, especially when the weather is warming up — but if you can lick your way through a scoop or two and help a great cause, your dessert just might taste extra sweet. That's what's on the menu at Ben & Jerry's, which has launched a new flavour in solidarity with Torres Strait Islanders battling the climate crisis. And, for one day only, it's giving out free ice creams for supporting climate change action, too. The brand isn't shy about making products that make a statement. When it wanted to call for action on the same topic in 2018, it stuck to its strengths, releasing a new ice cream flavour to draw attention to the subject. When it wanted to specifically target the Australian Government's support for fossil fuels in 2020, it did the same as well. And, back in 2021, it released a choc-chip cookie dough beer to support renewable energy. So, new limited-edition non-dairy flavour 'This Is Our Whirled' joins a lengthy history, but also hit shelves in collaboration with Our Islands Our Home. That campaign is spearheaded by the Traditional Owners of the Torres Strait, and is urging the Australian Federal Government to take stronger action on climate change. In September this year, as part of the push, eight Torres Strait Islanders won a ruling from the United Nations Human Rights Committee — which stated that the Australian Government had violated Torres Strait Islanders' human rights by failing to act on global warming. The ice cream itself is a vegan dessert made with sunflower butter — and we hope you like chocolate, because it's filled with chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate cookie swirls. You'll find the tubs at Woolworths, Metcash and Ben & Jerry's scoop stores Australia-wide, including for free at the latter from 5–9pm on Friday, October 14. To nab a pint of 'This Is Our Whirled' ice cream without paying a cent, you will need to sign Ben & Jerry's petition calling on stronger climate action and climate justice for Torres Strait Islanders. You can do so online via the Ben & Jerry's website, then you'll need to take a screenshot to prove it — and show that at your nearest scoop shop to score your free tub. There's a limit of one per customer, and the giveaway will only run while stocks last during the four-hour window. Still, anyone who nabs a freebie will be gain a pint with artwork from Torres Strait Islander and art activist Dylan Mooney, which is designed to celebrate Torres Strait Islanders' resilience. If you're buying a pint some other time instead, a portion of profits from every sale of the flavour are going to Our Islands Our Home to support its ongoing climate justice efforts. Ben & Jerry's has scoop stores at Newtown, Bondi Beach, Manly and Hoyts Broadway in Sydney; Flinders Lane, St Kilda, at Hoyts at Melbourne Central, Docklands, Highpoint and Chadstone in Melbourne; and South Bank and Hoyts Sunnybank in Brisbane. Ben & Jerry's 'This Is Our Whirled' ice cream is available at Woolworths, Metcash and Ben & Jerry's scoop stores Australia-wide. The chain is giving away free tubs at its scoop stores from 5–9pm on Friday, October 14. For more information, head to the Ben & Jerry's website.
Everyone that's ever bought a piece of furniture knows the usual IKEA experience. You block out as much time as possible, wander through its cavernous halls, dream about everything you'd like to do to your house or apartment, spend too long filling a bag or trolley, then go home with plenty of new things to find places for (and a hefty wishlist for next time). But the Swedish retailer has been shaking up that routine in 2022, courtesy of a few new initiatives — including its just-announced Australian-first Sustainable Living Shops. Already this year, IKEA has started an online marketplace for ex-display, pre-loved and discontinued products in Australia, and also launched its first Australian Plan and Order Point location in Melbourne — a concept store at Highpoint Shopping Centre where you can chat to someone one-on-one about kitchen makeovers and wardrobe organisation, then order right there. The Sustainable Living Shops will take you back to the brand's usual locations, though, offering a store-within-a-store setup that's all about helping customers make eco-friendly choices. Inside, shoppers will find products to assist with reducing your climate footprint at home — so things that'll aid you in using less energy and creating less waste. LED lightbulbs that last 25,000 hours, energy-saving light control systems, rechargeable batteries, blinds that trap heat, cooling pads, mattress protectors that help control the temperature while you sleep: they're all on the shelves here. So are energy-efficient induction cooktops, home solar systems and water-saving showerheads. IKEA clearly wants to do the environment a solid, and do its part to help its customers to — and it's positioning the new sections as a cost-of-living boost, too. Plenty of the products in the Sustainable Living Shops are designed to bring about savings, like not having to buy lightbulbs as often, or batteries, or run heating and cooling systems. In total, the brand is setting up ten locations within its existing stores, with IKEA's Rhodes, Marsden Park, Canberra, Springvale and Perth sites already home to their own Sustainable Living Shops. Next comes Adelaide by December 4, then Tempe by December 18 and Logan by December 25. Then, Richmond will join the list sometime in January 2023, followed by North Lakes in April 2023. IKEA's Sustainable Living Shops have started to open around Australia, including at the chain's Rhodes, Marsden Park, Canberra, Springvale and Perth stores already, with further sites to come by April 2023. Keep an eye on the IKEA website for further details.
It's been 12 years since the Red Hot Chili Peppers last made a headline tour of Australia. And they're finally on their way back down under. In February and March 2019, the LA-based rockers will play all over the country, including a one-off A Day on the Green and their first-ever show in Tassie. To catch them on the Green, get yourself to Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, on Saturday, March 2. You can expect to hear tunes from the Peppers' new (and eleventh) studio album, The Getaway, as well as old hits, like 'Californication', 'By The Way' and 'Under The Bridge'. Since making their first release — a self-titled EP — in 1984, the band has sold more than 60 million albums, won five Grammys and entered the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Outside of its one-off A Day on the Green appearance — an Aussie-wide festival that is also playing host to our own Kyle Minogue — the Peppers will also be playing headline shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and a smaller show out on Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley. If you fancy a trip down south, or are maybe hanging around after Mona Foma, the Peppers are heading to Tasmania for the first time ever, to perform at a rare intimate show — with a capacity of just 1290. Supports acts for all shows will be announced soon. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2019 DATES Tasmania — Derwent Entertainment Centre, February 17 Sydney — Qudos Bank Arena, February 19 Hunter Valley — Hope Estate, February 23 Brisbane — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, February 25 Melbourne — Rod Laver Arena, February 28 Geelong — A Day on the Green, Mt Duneed Estate, March 2 Perth — NIB Stadium, March 5 Pre-sale tickets for A Day on the Green will be released at 10am on Wednesday, November 22, with all other Live Nation pre-sales going live at midday on Thursday, November 23. All shows go on sale to the public at midday on Monday, November 26. Image: Steve Keros.
If you're looking to send a little something to a loved one (for Valentine's Day, perhaps) or yourself (always appropriate) but don't want to do the same old, you're in luck — LVLY is here. The same-day gift delivery service has expanded its operations from Melbourne and Sydney to offer its cheeky selection to Brisbanites. LVLY wants to buck cliches with its floral gift range featuring seasonal posies in their trademark 'You LVLY F*cker' floral jars (with non-sweary options available for Mum-bound gifts). There's also succulents to combat a drab desk or body care items like the Soft Hands Strong Hearts hand cream if self-gifting is your thing — which it absolutely should be. Things get a bit saucy in the chocolate section thanks to Tall Dark and Handsome and Dreamy and Creamy dark chocolate. Gifts often sneak in a life affirming message — take the You Da Bomb ginger cookie or You LVLY Hottie canvas beauty bag, for example. LVLY also packages gifts in bundles, as seen in the Day Maker (with flowers, chocolate and hand cream), the Desk (with flowers, a candle and a notebook), and the espresso martini-laden Pick-Me Up. And, making a great service even better, they often partner with local businesses for limited-edition gifts — Melbourne was treated to a Short Stop Donuts collaboration, so keep your fingers crossed for Brisbane-based goodies. Originally housemates, co-founders Hannah Spilva and Verity Tuck are excited to bring the service home after growing its base out of their kitchen in Melbourne. Hannah says the gifts are designed help you celebrate the good days, bad days and everything in between. Gifts start at $39, and you can select same day delivery if ordering before 1pm (it'll get to its recipient by 6pm) or pre-order for a future date. The delivery zone spans from Chermside to Sunnybank to Cleveland and beyond. Delivery prices differ based on suburb so plug in your postcode to check what's what, with shipping free for orders over $99. To send a delivery or for more info, head to lvly.com.au.
Hoping for something cold, creamy and scrumptious this Christmas? Well, you're in luck. While Gelato Messina's bricks-and-mortar Brisbane store is now slated to open in early 2017 rather than late this year, they do have a gift for the city's ice cream lovers: a two-day festive pop-up. Messina is coming to town as part of the Milton Markets' yuletide shindig, aka Christmas on Cribb. On December 15 and 16, they'll be dishing out scoops of salted caramel and white chocolate, milk chocolate peanut fudge, and salted coconut and mango frosty goodness, plus a few other yet-to-be-confirmed flavours. We've got our fingers crossed they'll roll out their Mincing Tart (brandy custard gelato with Messina fruit mince tarts), Hansel He's So Hot Right Now (gingerbread gelato smashed with gingerbread cake) and their pavlova concoction. Christmas on Cribb will also feature pop-up bars, other guest stalls, all the seasonal foods you can dream of, artisan gifts and two stages of live entertainment, in case you need something to keep you occupied between servings of ice cream. A tip: don't forget that Messina also sell take-home packs. If you can manage to stop yourself from eating a whole tub full of their chilly deliciousness for ten days, you'll go down in Christmas dessert history. Find Gelato Messina at Christmas on Cribb, Cribb Street, Milton on December 15 and 16. Visit the event's Facebook page for more information.
Last-minute shopping, over-indulging at celebratory shindigs, and pretending not to be annoyed about receiving another pair of socks: they’re each part of every Christmas. For kids and adults alike, so is many a seasonal-themed movie. If it has Santa or Christmas in the title, it is optimal viewing at this time of year. The folks at South Bank certainly think so, and have thrown together a Christmas Cinema Series brimming with festive spirit. These free films aren’t just for families. Any Yuletide movie held under Brisbane’s starry skies and on the shores of Streets Beach at this summery time of the season is perfect for, well, everyone. Pack a picnic, bring your beach towel, and enjoy everything from Jingle All the Way’s ‘90s stylings to the classic treat that is Miracle on 34th Street. That’s not all, with The Muppets Christmas Carol, Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Home Alone and more among a positively jovial and jolly selection of childhood classics gracing the waterside big screen.
Every season has its fashions and fads. This past summer, there was only one thing we spotted more in our favourite bar haunts than hot dogs: cider. While a glass of sweet, delicious cider is undoubtedly on trend, we suspect that it will last a little longer than most. Concrete Playground speaks to Rich Coombes of Batlow Premium Cider, Brittany Kinter from Moonshine, Hotel Steyne's dedicated cider and rum bar, and Michael Capaldo from Schwartz Brewery, the creator of Sydney Cider, to find out why cider is here to stay. Why has it taken Sydney so long to catch on to cider? Why is the cider revolution only hitting now? RC: There was really a lack of quality cider widely available, but now we're seeing an abundance of quality ciders in a range of styles. The category was re-invigorated in the UK recently through a significant increase in marketing activities by major brands, and that had a positive knock-on effect into other markets like Australia. Consumers are also seeking out more from their drinking and dining experiences; they appear to be looking for alternatives to their regular beer or wine selections, and cider provides a versatile option. Michael, Schwartz Brewery has had the beers under the belt for a while, but what prompted you to move into cider? MC: Our marketing manager Richard actually came up with the brand years ago. Richard presented the idea of making a cider for Sydneysiders to Dr. Schwartz and the brewing team, and we loved it. Did you have much experience with cider before embarking on Sydney Cider? MC: I had made a few batches at home and had produced a range of ciders with my previous employer. Saying that, cider is a very different beast to beer. From a technical point of view it behaves much more like a wine than a beer, so it is a whole new world for us brewers to get used to. Rich, we all know Batlow Apples but how did Batlow Cider come about? RC: It was the product of great timing. Batlow Apples were looking at ways of realising value for fruit that may not make the grade for the supermarket shelf and had previously made cider. So when we (my brother Sam and I) approached Batlow Apples looking for a source of top quality apples to make cider, it was complementary to their own plans. Sam and I had spent a fair amount of time in the UK drinking cider, and we realised there was an opportunity to make a locally-made, premium cider using the best cider-making practices. When we shared our cider plans with Batlow Apples, they liked the idea of partnering up and launching a Batlow-branded cider collaboratively. We were on the same page from day one about what we wanted to create and the rest is history. Can you take us through your processes of making cider? What's the story behind the bottle? RC: Our cider begins with the apples – and we only use Batlow apples. Through some experimenting, we came up with a varietal mix to give the best balance in terms of acidity and sweetness. We grow, pick and press apples in Batlow and then, the same day, transport the juice to our cidery. There, we ferment, clean filter and bottle. No concentrates, no added sugar, no artificial preservatives and no pasteurisation of the bottle. Our 'minimal intervention' approach means we retain as much of the goodness of the apples as possible and ensures there are about three and a half Batlow apples in each bottle. MC: We decided that if we were going to make a cider, it had to be refreshing and all natural. We have a fantastic juice supplier who grows cold climate apples, which are perfect for a crisp cider. We use a very unusual yeast imported from France that is actually a champagne yeast. As yeast is the only living ingredient in cider, every strain will produce different flavours. In the case of our yeast, you can certainly assimilate it with the citrusy, tart flavours found in champagne. We then soften up the cider with more fresh apple juice and are left with a beautiful balance of medium sweet fruit on the nose and pallet, which is counterbalanced by subtle acidity. Rich, for those who are yet to partake, what's the appeal of Batlow Cider? RC: Our cider has the freshness of a crunchy Batlow apple. The flavour gives a complex mix of green and red apples, with a hint of earthiness. It's crisp, clean and has just the right amount of sweetness. We only press apples as we make the cider, which ensures that we retain as much of the natural aromas and flavours of the Batlow apples as possible. We don't add any sugar, concentrates or flavourings like some other ciders on the market, and it's also gluten free for our coeliac friends. Continuing with the education, what qualities make a great cider? RC: Great ciders are judged on their aroma and taste. Great cider will produce a delightful aroma of apples – depending on the style of cider, this may be fresh apples or even over-ripe apples. A great cider will offer depth of flavour and complexity, like a wine, offering a fine balance of apple sweetness and acidity. More traditional styles of cider will also display good tannin structure, given cider apples are relatively high in tannin content compared to eating apples. Striking the right balance of sweetness, acidity and tannin is the art to great cider-making. While Batlow obviously focuses on apple cider, what different kinds of cider are available? RC: There are now many styles of cider available: from very sweet to very dry, carbonated to still. By definition, cider is made from the fermentation of apple or pear juice and, whilst there are an increasing amount of flavour twists hitting the shelves, the purists would argue these are really getting away from true 'cider'. That said, different regions of the world produce very different ciders. It's worth seeking out some foreign styles, such as French ciders, which offer a completely different drinking experience to more commonly consumed ciders. How would you describe your cider, Michael? What makes it stand out from the pack? MC: It certainly sits in the medium sweet category. This means that it has pronounced apple flavours, but their sweetness is balanced by the acidity produced from the yeast. I think in terms of drinkability and versatility, it is one of the best ciders going around. It drinks best neat, and we try to discourage people from drinking it with ice as this can mask the beautiful natural flavours. While you're obviously a lover of beer as well, what does cider offer that beer doesn't? MC: From a technical point of view cider has a much lower pH than beer, around 3.3 as opposed to 4, which means its flavours are generally sharper and bitier. I think cider suits the Australian palate very well as we like dry, highly carbonated drinks that refresh on a hot day. Britt, putting a bar specialising in cider (and rum) in Hotel Steyne – a classic 'pub' pub – is a bit of a brave move. How did this come about? BK: The cider bar concept originated from our publican Ged. Since he married an Irish girl, he's become familiar with the explosion of cider in Europe, particularly in Celtic countries. With sixty six beer taps downstairs, Ged saw the cider bar as a strategic point of difference for the hotel. He believes that the Australian climate is made for cider. Plus, the 'alco pop' tax is making cider more accessible and affordable. What is the concept behind Moonshine? Could you describe the look and feel of this bar? BK: The bar is themed 'seaside grit', with reused old dockside timber bars and weather leather chesterfield booths. It's a seaside, shanty shack atmosphere. There's images of old school, sea man tattoos, bottles from nights passed, and retired seafaring craft from the years gone by. Plus the associated ocean smells and sounds provided naturally and free from the coast just beyond the doors! The bar should see you through the whole weekend, with a hundred rums to try and a folk rock gig to see on a Thursday, to a reggae gig on a Sunday afternoon, whilst sipping on one of the sixteen ciders on tap. Tell us a bit about the ciders you're serving up. What's your pick? BK: Our ciders range from sugary sweet to bittersweet, and mildly dry to a smoky dry. My personal fav. at the moment is the Batlow cider. The high quality, delicious taste and attractive branding has captured my attention, along with that of our patrons. What has the reaction from punters been? Have people taken you up on the offer? BK: Positive, that's for sure. Young people are looking for the experience and variety that cider has to offer. We constantly get visits from strictly beer drinkers who have yet to jump on the cider wagon but do want to see what all the buzz is about. Before you know it, these 'strict beer drinkers' are frequenting the bar and have a favourite cider. Plus, we're finding that Australians are returning home after time abroad with a liking for cider that they developed on their travels. Here in Manly, we witness the multicultural mix of people firsthand, so there's also nostalgic travellers frequenting the pub in search of recognisable beverages from their home countries. And finally, to end on a controversial note, what does cider have over the great Australian favourite, beer? RC: The advantage of cider is that it offers a completely different drinking experience to beer. Some people choose cider because it's a lighter more refreshing alternative to beer or even because it's gluten free. Increasingly we are seeing cider matched with foods in place of craft beer or wine, so it's really quite versatile. We're still a beer-drinking nation, but it's nice to see an ever-growing appreciation of quality cider. BK: Sydney has the perfect climate for the cider market. There's just something about sitting on the deck, lounging in the sun with your mates, with a cool refreshing cider in hand.
Brisbanites, prepare to start feeling a big dose of deja vu. In response to the new local cluster of COVID-19 cases in Brisbane, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that the entire Greater Brisbane region — spanning the Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands local government areas — is going into lockdown again for three days. The shutdown will start at 5pm on Monday, March 29 and run through until 5pm on Thursday, April 1. "We now have significant community transmission and significant numbers of venues of concern all through Brisbane," the Premier said at her daily press conference today, Monday, March 29. "And we know that people have moved from Brisbane out into the broader community, which is why I have advised that we need to ask people who live in greater Brisbane — those five local government areas that make up greater Brisbane — to stay home for the next three days until we can work out how much community transmission there has been and we can contact all of the contacts who have been in these many, many venues. That's critical," she continued. The Greater Brisbane region will return to the rules in place during January's lockdown, and also in March 2020. So, that means you're only allowed to leave the house for four reasons — to head out for work or education if you can't do that at home, for essential shopping, for exercise in your local area, and for health care or to provide support for a vulnerable person. The lockdown comes as a result of four more people being diagnosed with local cases of COVID-19, joining the two men who have already been diagnosed since Friday, March 26. Two of the cases have also travelled to Byron Bay during their infectious period, and one was in Gladstone for three days from March 26–28. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1376311897624956929 "This is a protective measure but it's absolutely the right thing to do based on the health advice," the Premier said. "We do not take these measures lightly. These are very, very difficult decisions, but they are done to keep Queenslanders safe. They are done to protect everybody and to make sure that we stop the spread of this UK variant." As part of the lockdown, there is a limit of two visitors in homes. Masks are also compulsory for the three days of lockdown, and are required to be worn everywhere in Greater Brisbane's local government areas, other than if you're at your own home. Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues will all close, as will places of worship, while cafes, pubs and restaurants are only allowed to open for takeaway service. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1376303010880479237 Also, folks who decide to come to the Greater Brisbane region during the lockdown will be bound by the same restrictions, although travel is discouraged — and no one should leave Greater Brisbane during this period. The government strongly encourages non-residents currently in Greater Brisbane to remain until the end of the lockdown. And, if you've been in the Greater Brisbane area since March 20 but you're now elsewhere, you still must quarantine wherever you are. You'll also need to wear a mask when you leave your home — for one of the permitted reasons. Queensland Health is maintaining an active register of locations that have been visited by positive COVID-19 cases, which you can check out on its website. Extra testing clinics have been set up, and you can find a rundown of clinic locations online as well. The Greater Brisbane area will go into lockdown from 5pm on Monday, March 29 until 5pm on Thursday, April 1. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. More details about the lockdown and associated restrictions can also be found on the Queensland Health website.
In just a couple of years time, Brisbanites will have another way to cross from the CBD to Kangaroo Point, with a new bridge between the two locations set to join the city's growing collection of river crossings. This one will be a green bridge, so it'll be completely car-free. It'll also boast something that even its fellow pedestrian, bus and bicycle-only structures don't have: an overwater bar and restaurant. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has revealed that the Connect Brisbane consortium, led by BESIX Watpac, has been awarded the contract to design and construct the bridge — and that their vision for the structure includes places to stop for a drink and a bite to eat. While this town of ours has more than a few eateries and watering holes either perched over the river or next to it (including plenty adjacent to river crossings), the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will mark a first for the city, because no other bridges have built-in bars and restaurants. "The final design of the city-shaping project showed not only would the bridge deliver a much-anticipated crossing for pedestrians and active transport users, but it would also offer recreational opportunities unique in Brisbane," said the Lord Mayor. "The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will be more than an active travel bridge; it will become a must-visit destination for residents and visitors to our great city." Exactly what kind of restaurant and bar will call the structure home hasn't yet been revealed; however, the bridge's overwater area could also include an event space — and has a cafe in its plaza area, and other small food and beverage outlets all earmarked, too. Also part of the design: viewing platforms, so that you can stop and scope out the scenery while you're making the 460-metre walk across the river. Due to start construction this year, with a 2023 opening date targeted, the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will stretch between the corner of Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD over to Scott Street at Kangaroo Point. Dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths are a big feature, with the bridge spanning a minimum width of 6.8 metres — and the design features a single-mast cable stayed structure, if you're wondering what it'll look like. The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is one of four that the Brisbane City Council currently has in the works — down from the five that were announced back in 2019. The other bridges still forging ahead include two in West End, linking to both Toowong and St Lucia, and one from Albion to Newstead at Breakfast Creek. A fifth crossing from Bellbowrie to Wacol has been scrapped following community feedback. And yes, Brisbane is clearly a city of bridges. Our governments can't get enough of them, it seems. In the CBD alone, we already have the Go Between Bridge, which caters for vehicles, cyclists and walkers between West End and Milton; the William Jolly Bridge that links Grey Street with North Quay; the foot traffic-only Kurilpa Bridge that runs from the Gallery of Modern Art over to Tank Street; the Victoria Bridge from QPAC to George Street; and the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge that spans from the southern end of South Bank over to the Queensland University of Technology. And, the Neville Bonner Bridge from the new Queen's Wharf precinct to the Cultural Centre Forecourt is currently under construction as well. Images: Brisbane City Council.
From six nominations, Sydney Theatre Company's Sarah Snook (Memoir of a Snail)-starring international production of The Picture of Dorian Gray is now the winner of two Tony awards. At American theatre's night of nights for 2025, the Broadway take of the show earned its leading lady another accolade, after she also won a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for its London version. Also adding a Tony to her mantle alongside her past Olivier Award: Marg Horwell, who emerged victorious for Best Costume Design of a Play, just as she did for The Picture of Dorian Gray's London season. "This means so much for a little Australian girl to be here on Broadway," said Snook in her acceptance speech, as the Australian Succession star nabbed another huge accolade. On the small screen, her turn as Shiv Roy sparked an Emmy, two Golden Globes and a pair of Screen Actors Guild Awards. "It is billed as a one-person show, but I don't feel alone on any night that I do this show. There are so may people onstage making it work, and so many people behind the stage making it work — in particular, a huge thank you to Kip Williams, who is incredible to create this." When the Tony nominations were announced, The Picture of Dorian Gray already made history before the winners were revealed. Becoming the most-nominated solo production in the awards' history will do that. While Snook was the only actor from the production to earn recognition because she's the show's sole cast member, Horwell was also up for Best Scenic Design of a Play with David Bergman, while helmer Kip Williams was nominated for Best Direction of a Play, Nick Schlieper for Best Lighting Design of a Play and Clemence Williams for Best Sound Design of a Play. Before The Picture of Dorian Gray saw Snook score a Tony and make her Broadway debut playing all 26 of the play's parts, it was a smash in Australia with Eryn Jean Norvill (Love Me) in the lead. When it made the leap to the UK starring Snook, it became the talk of West End. It's also been picked up by Cate Blanchett's (Disclaimer) production company Dirty Films to get the film treatment. Not only does the show feature just one performer playing every single character but, to make that happen, it uses video to help. The work of writer/director Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning accolades. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is also exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, which the Tonys clearly appreciate. "Sarah Snook's Tony Award win is a deeply deserved honour. Her performance has captivated audiences night after night, and this recognition is a celebration of her extraordinary artistry," said Michael Cassel, producer of both the West End and Broadway productions. "It is also a proud moment for our entire creative team, whose vision and talent have also been recognised tonight. From its beginnings in Sydney to standing ovations on the West End and Broadway, the journey of this show has been nothing short of phenomenal. This accolade is not only a testament to the brilliance of everyone involved, but also to the courage of Sydney Theatre Company and Kip Williams, whose creative genius, ambition and innovation made this groundbreaking piece of theatre possible. I am so proud to be a part of Australian theatre being shared on the global stage." Williams' Dracula is the next Sydney Theatre Company hit that's heading abroad, with 2025 Tony Awards host and Wicked Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo set to star when the also one-performer-show heads to London from early 2026. Check out the trailer for the Broadway season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The 78th Tony Awards took place on Monday, June 9, 2025 Australian time — head to the accolades' website for more details and winners. The Picture of Dorian Gray has been playing Broadway in New York since March 2025 — for more information and to join the waitlist for tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
Ponch Hawkes is not just a lady with a cool name; she’s also a Melbourne-based photographer with a show at the Brisbane Powerhouse this month, called More Seeing Is Not Understanding. It’s a series of photos that act as a permanent record for fleeting moments – moments that leave your periphery before they’ve truly entered. Hawkes calls this ‘the realm of glimpsing’, and for More Seeing she’s drawn on memories and reconstructed them in print. These aren’t grainy images captured on a hastily whipped out iPhone, but clear and rich in colour as if you were seeing the situations play out through your own eyes. There’s a wide range of situations to absorb – a man skipping rope at a drive-through bottle, a couple ballroom dancing in a deserted arcade. The pieces beg for an accompanying narrative – a who, when, where, why and how – but Hawkes prefers to keep the viewer guessing. In the fast-paced nature of urban sprawl, you don’t always get a second glance at the things happening around you. More Seeing is an opportunity to do just that.
This July, it's time to deck your halls with boughs of whichever greenery you'd like. Yes, we know it's not Christmas yet. Winter in Australia means pretending 'tis the season — but early — and VEND's Virginia marketplace is doing just that with a huge Christmas in July Twilight Market. There'll be more than just succulents, cacti and indoor-friendly plants on offer; however, given that the northside spot is home to its own indoor greenhouse — aptly called the Greenhouse, naturally — that's definitely a big drawcard. Between 4–9pm on Saturday, July 22, you'll also be able to get festive at VEND's 130-plus shops, and at the array of pop-up stalls that it's setting up outside. Food trucks will keep your stomach satisfied, and there'll be a pop-up cocktail bar serving boozy beverages. Christmas dinner will be on the menu as well. Also, VEND is also doggo-friendly — should you want to bring your four-legged pal with you for a stint of Christmas in July fun. There's also a competition for dressing the part, with a $100 voucher up for grabs. That's a good enough reason to bust out your jolliest outfit — whether it's a red-and-green number or a festive costume. And yes, getting your Christmas shopping early is also a huge motivator. Just think how smug/good you'll feel come December, when everyone else is rushing about. Images: VEND Marketplace.
The super-adorable Finders Keepers Markets have been home to Brisbane's most creative and quirky designers for more than six years. The independent hip-fest is returning to their home at The Old Museum in November for two days. The biannual, designer-centric, come-one-come-all mini-festival has managed to bridge the gap between local market and exclusive exhibition, creating a space for independent designers to engage with the wider community. You'll be able to nab some marvellous treats difficult to find anywhere else. From bespoke leather goods to bespoke stationary, upcycled journals to upcycled bicycle reflectors, every stall will be a unique shopping experience that combines innovative design with grassroots feel-goodery. As usual, there will be live music, a cafe, a bar and thousands of other Brisbanites celebrating independent art and design. Finder Keepers is open 9am-4pm on both days.
With intrastate travel now allowed in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, many of us are already planning (a long list of) road trips. Those without a car have probably also been comparing car rental companies — and, now, there's a new player in the game: Uber. The global ride-sharing company is branching out and trialling car rental in Australia as a world first. Rolling out in Brisbane today, then in the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide next week, Uber Rent will only be available to 50 percent of app users in its initial phase. So, you'll need to cross your fingers you get it. If you do land in the lucky half of users, this is how it'll work: update your app to the latest version, select the 'Rentals' option and you'll be able to choose from a selection of cars from Cartrawler and punch in your pick up date and location. Cartrawler is a global company that's connected to a heap car rental suppliers, as well airline companies and online travel retailers, that does just what it says on the packet: trawls through the existing sites to bring you what's available at the times and locations you want it — so you don't have to spend too long doing your own comparisons. The connection to Uber helps make it a little more convenient, with the ability to book through the one app — and score Uber Rewards, if that's something you do. [caption id="attachment_583987" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Great Ocean Road[/caption] Cars start from around $40 a day (for a small car) and $76 for an SUV, with prices getting a little cheaper the longer you book. A Hyundai Accent, for example, will cost around $150 for seven days, with pick up and drop off at Melbourne Airport. If the trial is a success, it'll be rolled out nationally as a permanent option on the app. So, you can plan more trips to dog-friendly pubs, beaches and parks. And get to the vet a little easier (don't tell your cat). Need some inspo when planning your first (second or third) road trip? Have a look at these ten country towns near Brissie worthy of a day trip, these towns outside of Sydney or these wintry Victorian day trips. To find out more about Uber Rent, head to the Uber website.
For half a century now, The Rocky Horror Show has been astounding. And, with the Richard O'Brien-created production lasting that long, perhaps time really is fleeting. Either way, whenever this sci-fi/horror musical hits the stage — and wherever — a glorious kind of madness takes its toll. In 2023, Australian audiences will be able to listen closely — and watch Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter take a jump to the left, then a step to the right, too — when the famed musical heads around the country on a huge 50th-anniversary tour. The Rocky Horror Show's brand-new Aussie run will kick off at Theatre Royal Sydney in February, with other stops and dates yet to be announced. On offer: the tale that theatre audiences have loved for five decades — and movie-goers as well, thanks to 1975's iconic big-screen release The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For the uninitiated, the story involves college-aged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss getting a flat tyre, then wandering over to an old castle to ask for help. That's where they discover an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania, plus his staff and his Frankenstein-style experiments — and, yes, doing 'The Time Warp' is essential. As well as Donovan slipping on Frank N Furter's fishnets (fresh from popping back up in Ramsay Street to farewell Neighbours), the new Australian tour will star Myf Warhurst as The Narrator. Also set to feature: Ellis Dolan (School of Rock) as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Columbia, Ethan Jones (9 to 5 The Musical) as Brad, Deirdre Khoo (Once) as Janet, Loredo Malcolm as Rocky (Hamilton) and Henry Rollo (Jagged Little Pill the Musical) as Riff Raff. Since first premiering in London in June 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has played in more than 30 countries — and over 30 million people have seen songs like 'Science Fiction/Double Feature', 'Dammit, Janet!', 'Sweet Transvestite', 'Over at the Frankenstein Place' and 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me'. If you haven't been before, this is your turn to join in. The Rocky Horror Show's 2023 Australian tour kicks off at Theatre Royal Sydney in February, with tickets on sale from 10am on Monday, October 17. Head to the production's website for further details. We'll update you with information on seasons in other cities when they're announced. Images: Richard Davenport, The Rocky Horror Show UK tour.
When a TV show or movie franchise returns years and years after its last instalment, there's no longer any point being surprised. It happens that often these days, with Veronica Mars, Twin Peaks, Star Wars and Jurassic Park just a few recent examples. The latest past pop culture hit set to make a comeback: Sex and the City. Thankfully, as anyone who sat through the terrible 2008 and 2010 movies of the same name will be hoping, the Sarah Jessica Parker-starring series is returning to the small screen this time around. This news was first announced back at the beginning of 2021 — and, ten months later, new HBO show And Just Like That... is now getting closer to reaching our eyeballs. Mark December in your diary and prepare to start sipping cosmopolitans over summer, as that's when this ten-episode spinoff will arrive. Parker is back, as are her initial co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. But And Just Like That... is being badged as a "new chapter' in the Sex and the City story, rather than an additional season of the existing 1998–2004 program — and there's one clear reason for that. While the show will follow Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Nixon) and Charlotte (Davis) once more, the character of Samantha isn't part of the revival, and neither is actor Kim Cattrall, who played her. So, you'll be watching a trio of the original series' leading ladies as they navigate their lives — this time in their 50s. Although Parker, Nixon and Davis won't have Cattrall for company, the list of returning Sex and the City cast members includes Chris Noth, Mario Cantone, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler and the late Willie Garson. Yes, that's Big, Anthony, Steve, Harry and Stanford all accounted for. Also, Grey's Anatomy's Sara Ramírez will feature as well. Parker, Davis and Nixon are also named as producers on And Just Like That..., alongside Michael Patrick King, who worked as a writer, director and executive producer on the original (and on the two movies). In Australia, And Just Like That... is headed to Binge, Foxtel's stand-alone streaming service (and also home to Sex and the City's six seasons). A trailer for the new series hasn't been released yet, but HBO has dropped a date announcement video, which gives a few glimpses. Check it out below: And Just Like That... will start streaming in Australia via Binge sometime in December. We'll update you with an exact airdate once one is announced. Top image: HBO Max.
At some point in human history, some clever person found a way to improve eggs, bacon, waffles, pancakes, fruit platters and croissants. They're all breakfast go-tos, and they're all delicious. But they taste better when paired with a stiff drink — especially if it's a weekend morning (or let's be honest, even around midday or early afternoon), and you happen to be either recovering from the night before or starting your day as you mean to go on. Yes, we all owe whoever discovered boozy brunches a big debt. The person who decided that those beverages should keep flowing deserves all of our gratitude as well. Why pair your brekkie burger, sardines on toast or mid-morning yum cha with just one drink when you can keep the sipping going? If you're looking for somewhere in Brisbane to do just that, we've picked a few standout spots for a bottomless boozy brunch.
Some people love last-minute New Year's Eve plans, going wherever the mood takes them. Others can't start planning early enough. If you fall into the latter category, here's something for your calendar: the return of end-of-year staple Lost Paradise, which turns a slice of Glenworth Valley on the New South Wales Central Coast an hour out of Sydney into one helluva shindig. There's no lineup as yet, but you can mark Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025 in your diary now. This multi-day fest includes live music and DJ sets spanning both international and Australian talents, and regularly sells out — 2023's fest did. [caption id="attachment_965685" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Jordan K Munns[/caption] Tunes are just one part of the Lost Paradise experience. Art, culture, wellness, and food and drink also get a look in, with the 2024 event set to include a lineup of yoga and healing arts, and also workshops covering fashion, sustainability and more. So, you can not only farewell one year and see in the next with a party, but by relaxing, feasting and learning something. Last year's lineup will give you an idea of the usual mix of musicians, with 2023 ending with help from headliners Flume, Dom Dolla and Foals, alongside Basement Jaxx, Bicep and Carl Cox on the decks. Other notable names included local festival favourites like Lime Cordiale, PNAU, Winston Surfshirt, Royel Otis and Sycco; pop heavyweight Holly Humberstone; 'Afraid to Feel' hitmakers LF System; and international dance mainstays Kettama, Barry Can't Swim, Ewan McVicar and Yung Singh. [caption id="attachment_965687" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Byravyna[/caption] Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become a go-to way to wrap up one year and embrace the next — including if you're keen to camp for its duration. Just as in 2023, this year's Lost Paradise is also opting to steer away from a traditional first-, second- and third-release ticket strategy. Instead, ticket prices gently increase in accordance with demand, while maintaining fair market pricing. [caption id="attachment_965686" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Amar Gera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_965688" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Byravyna[/caption] Lost Paradise returns to Glenworth Valley, New South Wales from Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025. To sign up for presale tickets, head to the festival's website — with general tickets set to go on sale in August. We'll update you when the lineup is announced. Images: Jess Bowen, Jordan K Munns, Byravyna and Amar Gera.
If you live in Brisbane, you've heard all about the city's connections with Asia; we are the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has also been on that list, paying homage to the culture of our neighbours. As always, this year's program features another mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts, channelled into events across Brisbane. And while one of the unmistakable highlights will serve up a feast for your stomach — yes, that'd be Wandering Cooks' Dumpling Day — that's just the beginning of the fun. Where do we start? Work your way through Asian films such as In This Corner of the World and A Silent Voice, attend a lunar new year rooftop party screening of Studio Ghibli's The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, dress up for a cosplay-filled summer shindig at the South Bank Piazza or head to Brisbane Powerhouse for an intimate club night. Or, learn how to paddle a dragon boat, enjoy a tai chi lesson, embark on a food tour of Sunnybank, listen to traditional Japanese instruments or take part in a Mario Party battle.
One of 2018's most interesting Australian documentaries told a unique and intriguing tale, stepping into the life of Sydney's Jason King. When the real-life figure isn't working as a security guard, he's out hunting ghosts, although he's not always doing the latter quite as literally as it might seem. King does indeed have a penchant for the paranormal, as well as a side business busting spirits out of people's houses. But, given that the first ghost he says he ever saw belonged to his own brother, who told him that he needed to find their estranged father, he's also haunted by his past. After hitting the big screen last year at film festivals and in general release, Ghosthunter is now taking on a second life — a fitting development, given its subject matter. As hosted by documentarian and filmmaker Ben Lawrence (who helmed the doco about King, plus this year's Hugo Weaving-starring Hearts and Bones), the film has now inspired a five-part podcast, delving further into this strange and compelling story. Released by Audible, it's available to listen to from today, Tuesday, July 23. It's great news for anyone who saw the movie and wanted to know more, and for folks who didn't get around to watching it just yet as well. And, it's obviously a stellar development for true-crime buffs, with Ghosthunter's five 30-minute episodes featuring police investigations, court dramas, family secrets, difficult traumas, murky mysteries, estranged figures from King's history and — naturally — hunting ghosts. Lawrence spent seven years turning King's tale into a documentary, so he has plenty of extra details to share. He starts with King's first ghostly memory, unpacking the rollercoaster ride of a story from that point onwards. In a podcast that doesn't just dabble with true crime, but with family memoir, it helps that King himself makes for an equally charismatic and eccentric character. As Lawrence explains: "you never know how deep the rabbit hole will take you. There were so many personal twists and turns over the seven years creating Ghosthunter that I found myself deeply immersed in Jason's life — I was even the best man at his wedding." Ghosthunter joins Audible's growing slate of Australian content, following in the footsteps of Marc Fennell's It Burns podcast, about the competitive world of breeding super hot chillies. Ghosthunter is available now on Audible — as part of existing member subscriptions, or free with a 30-day trial. The documentary can be rented on YouTube, Google Play and the iTunes Store.
For locals and tourists alike, Mt Coot-tha is one of Brisbane's must-see spots, particularly if you like peering down on cities a great height. From next year, visitors won't just drive up to the lookout to enjoy the view, walk along its trails or picnic in its parklands, however — they'll also be able to glide through the treetops and soar down from the summit via a zipline. Approved by the Brisbane City Council in 2017, set to start construction later in 2018 and due to be fully operational by 2020, the Mt Coot-tha zipline will consist of three parts, each of which will open in stages. Actual ziplines comprise two of the components, and yes, there'll be more than one, with nearly three kilometres of zipline included in the entire project. Firstly, a treetop canopy tour will span 1.5 kilometres between multiple platforms, starting at the west of the summit and finishing to the west of JC Slaughter Falls. As its name suggests, it'll zip through the trees to take riders on a tour of the site's flora, fauna and indigenous cultural heritage. It'll be the first to open to the public, from sometime in 2019. In 2020, it'll be joined by a two stage 'megazip' tour that features six parallel lines between the summit and the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens. As well as that 1.1-kilometre stretch — all in a single span, without any platforms along the way, and with users reaching speeds of around 60 kilometres per hour — there'll also be a second 340-metre run within the gardens, taking patrons zooming over the Melaleuca Lake. The final section of the project will involve a guided indigenous experience across a new 335-metre suspension bridge that'll be built above JC Slaughter Falls, connecting to the treetop canopy tour and the new arrival centre on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. And, so that everyone can get between destinations other than via zipline, there'll also be a shuttle bus linking various points. Brisbane City Council will put $1 million towards the zipline, which will be built by Zipline Australia — and, once it's finished, it'll be the longest zipline in the country. The project has also attracted criticism, including worries about its environmental impact throughout the vegetation-heavy area. In response to concerns, "extensive independent expert studies have been undertaken as part of the project to ensure the Mt Coot-tha zipline design is sensitive to the environment, including the natural habitat and Botanic Gardens," Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk advised The Courier-Mail. Images: Brisbane City Council.
If savouring a cocktail from Cobbler's new autumn menu doesn't make you exclaim yippee ki-yay!, well, you're doing it wrong. Fans of '80s action movies — and lovers of possibly the best Christmas film ever made — will know exactly what we're talking about. West End might not boast its own Nakatomi Plaza, but all things Die Hard are taking over a certain boutique Browning Street bar for the next few months' worth of drinking fun. This isn't Cobbler's first stint of themed beverages, as anyone who knocked back a Top Gun-oriented tipple over summer will know, but it is their most explosive. Wearing a white singlet smeared with grime from crawling around in air ducts is optional. While you're pretending to be Bruce Willis circa 1988, you'll need a drink to match — and there's 25 gracing Cobbler's new lineup. Who can go past a John McClane (made with Talisker 10 smoky whisky, Delord Fine Armagnac, peppermint tea, rosemary syrup, lavender bitters and a lemon twist) or a Hans Gruber made with a mix of Monkey Shoulder whisky, crème de noyaux (an almond-flavoured cream liqueur), cinnamon and caraway, red gum honey and orange bitters? Plus, the latter doesn't just pay tribute to one of the greatest bad guys to grace the big screen, but to the late, great Alan Rickman, who actually made his film debut playing the German terrorist everyone loves to hate. Everything from the No Shit Lady! Does it Sound Like I'm Ordering a Pizza (of mandarin, Beefeater gin, quandong bitters, cinnamon and caraway, red gum honey and lemon juice) to the Ho Ho Ho, Now I Have a Machine Gun (Espolón tequila, yellow chartreuse, apple and tarragon syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice and fresh grapes) are also on the menu, meaning that you'd best turn your next Cobbler trip into a lengthy one because you're going to want to try them all. And yes, the Yippee Ki-yay Motherfucker (Appleton Estate VX rum, lemon juice, pineapple, rose and jasmine orgeat, and orange blossom water) features on the list too. Now that's going to be the most enjoyable drink you've ever ordered. Just don't destroy the building afterwards. Cobbler's Die Hard menu will run for the length of autumn. Find them at 7 Browning Street, West End, or check out their Facebook page for more information.
Socials have been abuzz for the past couple of weeks with the news that KFC, one of the most hallowed fast food institutions, is hosting an 11-course degustation dinner in collaboration with Surry Hills fine diner Nel. In the two weeks after the news broke, more than 24,000 hungry and curious Sydneysiders added their name to a lottery, in the hopes of scoring an elusive seat at the three-night dinner series. I was lucky enough to score an invite to the media preview for a first peek at the mad scientist-like creations of celebrated chef Nelly Robinson. Here's everything that happened. THE VIBE The dinner takes place in an airy warehouse space at the end of an unmarked Alexandria alleyway, at the entrance to which lies the most unobtrusive of red carpets. Already this isn't feeling like a typical dinner. Once inside, there's free-flowing pre-dinner sparkling in a staging area that is dominated by what your correspondent thought was a fluffy cloud hanging over the bar. Then it's pointed out to me that I'm looking at it from the wrong angle. It turns out that the focal point of the room is, in fact, an illuminated cloud that takes the unmistakable form of a KFC drumstick, because of course it is. We soon move into the spacious, elegant dining room, which is all dark tones and understated pendant lighting. Once seated, a candle is brought to the table, lit and glasses are topped up. It's showtime. THE FOOD Eleven courses of KFC with a wine pairing to boot? Challenge accepted. Course One: You Call That a Burger? This KFC burger-inspired take on Nel's signature savoury marshmallow is a mind-boggling delight. It's light, it's fluffy, it nearly falls apart in your fingers and immediately disintegrates on contact with your tongue — but it also hits the sweet, salty, umami notes of a burger. Course Two: Zinger Katsu Who would have ever thought that a micro Zinger could be so satisfying? But enough about my last Grindr date. Course two of this KFC feast is an immediate hit at the table, a two-bite appetiser featuring a finger-sized Zinger patty on a pillowy oblong of deep-fried potato finished in katsu jus, and then topped with a drizzle of curry mayo and a dusting of dill. I would very much like this in burger form. Course Three: Supercharged Wings Wicked wings, but light them on fire. Perfectly crunchy and juicy wings are presented on a bed of charcoal sticks that are lit on fire at the table — because who doesn't love dinner and a show — which makes them about 15 percent better than a normal KFC wing. Course Four: Potato and Gravy Remember that candle I mentioned earlier? By the time our beautifully brown, perfectly spherical potato buns are placed on the table after the amuses-bouche are cleared, the candle has melted. No, it's not a cheapo that couldn't even last until mains, but in fact made of KFC chicken fat (what else) which, now completely liquefied, is garnished at the table with a couple of rounds of gravy and into which the potato buns can be dipped. And they are. Liberally. Course Five: Zinger Kingfish The first of the mains is, in the very best way, an absolute mindfuck. Slightly torched kingfish is coated in a crumb of the eleven secret herbs and spices and served on a bed of ever-so-smoky yoghurt slaw — itself an elegant take on the classic KFC side. Though it could have very well been actual KFC coleslaw. At this stage up was down and left was right. In introducing the dish, Robinson told us that there was some resistance from team KFC around putting fish on the menu, but he stuck to his guns and the menu is all the better for him having done so. Course Six: Tongue Twister/Twister Sister I still remember when the Twister was launched. Wraps were having a moment thanks to the Atkins diet and variations incarnations thereof (the 90s were truly wild) and it was like Christmas had come early for this chunky, primary school-aged kid who could not get enough fried chicken. Any excitement I might have had about lower-carb KFC was quickly dashed, however, when my first (and to-date only) Twister led to a bout of gastro... So when I discover that the second main course of the evening was a two-part take on the KFC wrap, I'm a little sceptical. That is, until I see the Colonel's face on a plate — or at least a colourful interpretation of it made of emulsified fried chicken, lettuce, tomato and pepper mayo. Our task: pick up the plate and lick the Colonel right off it. Not in a million years did I ever think I'd be tonguing old mate Sanders, but now that I've had a chicken fat candle and KF-fish, I guess the rulebook is out the window. To accompany this surprisingly sensuous dish comes a jazzed-up take on a Twister in the form of a fried chicken taco on a soft spinach tortilla and finished with lettuce, pearl barley risotto, sundried tomato, pepper mayo and an edible flower. It's very, very good. Course Seven: Popcorn Chicken You know what's better than popcorn chicken? Popcorn chicken in a creamy celeriac and mushroom soup with fresh gnocchi and fragrant basil oil. Says my dining companion: "Next time I get popcorn chicken, I'm going to buy a tin of Campbell's cream of mushroom to go with it." Sure, it's a cheat version of this silky, umami-laden dish, but I suggest you consider doing the same. Course Eight: La Di Da Drumstick AKA Fried Gold A dramatic hush suddenly descends upon the room. From the moment the first tall, glass, smoke-filled cloche enters the dining room for the final savoury course, the anticipation for what we know is coming is truly palpable. Underneath, revealed in a hypnotically synchronised flourish, lies a single KFC drumstick. But, reader, this is no ordinary drumstick. This is a gently smoke-infused piece of original recipe resting on a bed of black garlic and cauliflower purée, quinoa and edible gold, and looked like something out of a fairy tale. It tasted as good as it looked. Course Nine: Chips for Dessert Facts: fries dipped in ice cream is a god-tier pairing. For me, this is usually happening when coming out of a drive-through with one hand trying to get my soft serve-to-chip ratio just right, while the other hand is actually trying to drive. No such theatrics are needed for this first of three desserts, however, as I practically inhale this delightful dish of a single dehydrated, de-starched potato chip with wattleseed ice cream and burnt pineapple and mead purée. Course Ten: Our Chocolate Mousse Here, generous nugget-sized serves of light and airy chocolate mousse are dipped in liquid nitrogen and topped with popping candy. I've never eaten chocolate mousse — or any mousse, for that matter — with my hands, but this is so finger lickin' good (you know I had to) that all decorum flew the coop (I'll stop now). Course Eleven: Petit Krusher This is a creative take on an after-dinner mint inspired by the gone-but-not-forgotten KFC Krusher. I'd tell you what this tasted like but, despite being told to have this truffle ball-looking morsel in one bite, I somehow forgot how to eat and ended up inelegantly spraying most of this all over the table. But after all, what's KFC without a bit of mess? THE VERDICT This dinner series might begin on April Fool's Day, but it's no joke. It's a clever, creative menu that serves as both a love letter to KFC and a truly fascinating exploration of the possibilities of fried chicken. A wanky take? Perhaps. But when I'm eating KFC with knives and forks and liquid nitrogen and, it must be said, an excellent wine pairing, the least I can do is get a bit extra with a review. I was asked by a colleague if the meal is as good as big bucket of KFC, and the answer is both yes and no. This dinner doesn't hit the same spot that only a Family Feast can, but that's not the point. It's pure escapism — fun for the sake of fun, an opportunity to just enjoy what's in front of you. And these days, who can argue with that?
Forget the pub with no beer — in central western Queensland, a resurrected watering hole will soon operate in a place with no residents. After closing its doors back in 1997, the Betoota Hotel will reopen in the ghost town in coming months. Brisbane smash repairer Robert Haken is bringing the iconic spot back to life, telling Brisbane Times that he first fell for its charms around 30 years ago. Revisiting the empty, rundown site in 2015, he was driven to act. "When I walked into the place I just thought, what an amazing bit of Australia history and why isn't someone doing something with it." After buying the pub before Christmas, he's now set on restoring it to its former glory by August, in time for the famous Betoota Races. Once it's up and running, it'll operate during the area's tourist season between April and November, serving up frosty beer, plus sausage sizzles, steak burgers, and pies and sausages roll from the Birdsville Bakery. Due to the heat, it won't open in summer. The pub remains the only building in Betoota, and boasts quite the past, dating back to 1885. Previous owner Sigmund Remienko ran the place for 44 years until 1997. When he passed away in 2004, the town lost its last remaining resident. If it sounds like the kind of story you might read in The Betoota Advocate, that's understandable; however, while the satirical publication takes its name from the deserted spot, this isn't one of their amusing tales. For anyone keen to make the drive when the pub reopens, expect to trek more than 1500 kilometres west from Brisbane. Via Brisbane Times. Image: Ian Cochrane via Flickr.
The term 'best of both worlds' certainly applies to beer yoga. Exercise, alcohol — what's not to love? And we'll all just happily overlook the fact that one counteracts the other because simultaneously sipping and stretching is just so much fun. Brisbane's latest batch of brew-fuelled active sessions boast a little something extra, however. When you're doing your best downward-facing dog and then pausing to take a drink, you'll be doing all of the above in a brewery. Just join the folks at Ballistic Beer Co. fortnightly on Thursdays, with the next sessions happening on October 31, November 14 and 28, and December 12 and 26. You'll want to head to its Salisbury digs, and arrive at 5.45pm for a 6pm start. It'll only set you back $15, which includes the class and a Ballistic beer — and it's a BYO yoga mat situation. Updated October 30.
Some holidays arise from months of planning. Others happen simply because an airline has cheap flights on offer. Both are perfectly acceptable ways to lock in a getaway — and if you're keen for the latter, Jetstar is doing a big 48-hour sale with 400,000-plus fares to Bali, Phuket, Hawaii, Vietnam, Japan and Seoul, among other destinations. Actually, the Australian carrier is doing discounted flights across Australia as well as to international spots — but after the couple of years we've all had, with closed borders both locally and overseas, you're probably (and understandably) itching to venture to other countries. International fares start from $199 return — yes, both ways — because this is Jetstar's 'return for free' sale. Running from 12am AEST on Wednesday, May 4–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, May 5, or until sold out, it's as straightforward as it sounds. Whatever flights you opt for as part of the sale, you'll get the return fare for nothing. Overseas, one big caveat is worth keeping in mind: some destinations, such as Japan, haven't yet opened to international tourists. But if you'd like to book cheap flights to Tokyo or Osaka and back for later in the year and cross your fingers that the border situation changes, you can. Also on the list: fares to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, to name a few, with 29 international routes covered. Locally, you've got a choice between 59 routes — all with return legs for free — starting from $69. Tickets in the sale are for trips from this coming spring onwards, with exact days varying in each region. There are a few other rules, as is always the case. You have to the same departure and arrival ports for the two fares — so you can go from Melbourne to Honolulu and back, for instance, but can't return via another place or to another city. And, the sale fares don't include checked baggage, so you'll need to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. Jetstar's 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEST on Wednesday, May 4–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, May 5 — or until sold out.
Thanks to the chaotic weather that saw out summer, the past month has been immensely difficult across Queensland and New South Wales. That includes in the Northern Rivers region, which has been impacted by the floods to a devastating degree. Eager to help? Not sure where to start? Here's an event that'll get you to Byron Bay, showcase the area's fresh produce and put some cash towards flood-relief efforts. Just block out your calendar on Saturday, March 26 and prepare to do your part by attending a long lunch. Taking place at Crystalbrook Byron at 1pm local time, this Flood Relief Long Lunch says it all in the name. You'll hang out at the hotel's restaurant Forest, eat your way through a leisurely two-hour meal, sip cocktails and assist an enormously worthy cause. Menu highlights include oysters paired with a granita made from Brookie's Byron Slow Gin and davidson plum; hand-stretched Byron Bay mozzarella with house-made pickles; that cheese outfit again, this time with a ricotta gelato atop treacle tarts; and zucchini flowers stuffed with green and sundried olives, them battered in Stone & Wood Pale Ale. Your $160 ticket includes two cocktails — and the complete price will be donated to aid locals via Givit.
If a cruisy Byron Bay getaway is your dream kind of getaway, you'll soon have a new place to stay at your favourite vacation spot. After welcoming Hotel Marvell in 2023, the beachside New South Wales town will next see the boutique Basq House join its accommodation options, complete with 32 rooms, communal spaces that encourage guests to hang out and a focus on wellness. Set to open in autumn 2024, with an exact date yet to be revealed, Basq House is pitching itself as an oasis for relaxing, rather than a base for being seen among the always-popular tourist spot's social scene. Accordingly, as well as a place to slumber, the hotel will feature plenty of inclusions for making the most of your accommodation — by the pool, at the bar and on the roof. If you're keen for a splash, the pool will sit in the centre of the property, flanked by sun loungers, cabanas and ample greenery. Some hotel rooms will look out over the glistening water, with others getting a Marvel Street or Fletcher Lane view. Eager for an onsite beverage? The hotel's reception will double as a bar, while there'll also be a lounge room that takes its cues from speakeasies. Prefer to while away your holiday with a book in your hand? That's where the library with its floor-to-ceiling shelves, sofas and fireplace for the winter months will come in. Head up to the rooftop and yoga, meditation sessions and sunset drinks will await, plus stargazing stints. Personal training classes with a view will also grace the hotel's top level, giving guests prime motivation to enjoy a workout while they're vacationing. For de-stressing elsewhere, a wellness centre will reside over multiple levels, featuring massages and floatation tanks as well as ice plunges and infrared saunas. Among the design features and decor, the staircase leading to the rooms will boast a skylight. In the suites themselves, expect high ceilings, natural textures and calming colours. "Our remit was to deliver an authentic hotel with soul and one that stays true to its location. With Basq House, we will place a significant emphasis on strong placemaking; hotel interiors; sensory inputs such as light, sound and smell; out-of-guest-room experiences' and the delivery of pre-emptive service," said David Jones, Director of Jeremy and Jones, which is operating the hotel. Find Basq House at Fletcher Lane, Byron Bay, in autumn 2024 — head to the hotel's website for further details.
In excellent news for anyone who loves scouting out new tunes from fresh local talent, the folks at Rare Finds have announced an east coast touring circuit, kicking off in January 2018. The Sydney-based PR and artist management company has long been a champion of emerging Aussie artists, hosting regular showcases in Brisbane and Sydney over the past two years. Now it's teamed up with Oporto and creative collective Pilerats to bring its latest musical finds to a stage near you. Touring once a month across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, each Rare Finds circuit will feature a curation of up-and-coming acts, providing an all-important live platform for these emerging artists. Headlining the first tour in January 2018 is Sunshine Coast songstress Ayla, off the back of her second EP Let's Talk Monday. She'll be joined by a different lineup in each city: Asha Jefferies, Royal & The Southern Echo and DJ Tom Bloomfield in Brisbane; Otious, Magnets and British India DJs in Melbourne; and Aikonawena, The Longboys and Rare Finds DJs on the Sydney leg. Catch the first iteration of the Rare Finds circuit on January 12 at Brisbane's Black Bear Lodge, January 19 at Melbourne's Penny Black and January 20 at Oxford Art Factory's Gallery Bar in Sydney. Tickets to the Sydney and Brisbane shows are less than $15 and the Melbourne gig is free. The Rare Finds east coast circuit will take place in January 2018 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For more info and to buy tickets, visit rarefinds.com.au.
In 2022, McDonald's coveted Szechuan sauce finally became a reality in Australia, and Rick and Morty fans across the country were grateful. Here's something even better: new episodes of the hit animated series, which'll arrive worldwide in September. Everywhere across earth where television is screened and streamed — interdimensional cable, too — Rick and Morty will return in spring. US network Adult Swim has announced that the show's sixth season will hit on Sunday, September 4 in America, which is Monday, September 5 Down Under, where it beams into your queue via Netflix. Yes, that's the way the supremely great news goes today. Yes, you can get schwifty if you want to. And if you're wondering what kinds of chaos are in store this time around, Adult Swim advised that the new season will pick up with its titular pair "where we left them, worse for wear and down on their luck". "Will they manage to bounce back for more adventures? Or will they get swept up in an ocean of piss! Who knows?! Piss! Family! Intrigue! A bunch of dinosaurs! More piss!" the network also teased. Anything can happen in Rick and Morty — but you probably expect that Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (both voiced by show co-creator Justin Roiland, Solar Opposites) will keep wreaking havoc, and that the series will keep zipping between as many universes as it can. And, it's likely that Rick and Morty's hijinks will still draw in Morty's mother Beth (Sarah Chalke, Firefly Lane), father Jerry (Chris Parnell, Archer) and sister Summer (Spencer Grammer, Tell Me a Story). Ripped and ready - Season 6 coming September 4th pic.twitter.com/RfvA1x5ELj — Rick and Morty (@RickandMorty) July 27, 2022 Also still certain to be present: the fact that the show clearly gleaned inspiration from Back to the Future, but has taken that whole setup — a genius scientist going on wild adventures with a high schooler — in a zillion out-there directions. If you're keen to rejoin the smartest Rick and Morty-est Morty in the universe, start getting excited for September — unless you're a total Jerry, that is. There's no trailer for Rick and Morty's sixth season yet, but you can watch an old clip below: Rick and Morty's sixth season will premiere globally on Monday, September 5 Down Under. It streams via Netflix in Australia and New Zealand.
Ready for it? Whether you danced in the aisles at your local cinema or you haven't yet seen the concert film version of one of the biggest music tours currently traversing the globe, you'll be able to enjoy Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour at home from Thursday, December 14. Swifties, you'll be able to celebrate the pop star and newly crowned TIME Person of the Year's blockbuster film to celebrate the singer-songwriter's birthday. That falls on Wednesday, December 13 in 2023; however, with the time difference, Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is hitting digital on the Thursday in Australia and New Zealand. If your wildest dreams have been about getting in on Taylor Swift's Eras tour since it was first announced, then the pop superstar comes bearing gorgeous and enchanted news, clearly — including while the movie is still in cinemas. Missed out on tickets to see Swift when she plays Melbourne and Sydney in early 2024? Consider this the next best thing. Look what the world made Swift do: turn her current massive tour into a movie that's also proven a smash, taking in almost $250 million at the worldwide box office since releasing in October, ranking it in the top 20 for takings so far this year. While fans have been able to experience a money-can't-buy view of the 'Shake It Off', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Bad Blood' musician's gig — working through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular — on the big screen, the extended version is coming to digital. Accordingly, donning your friendship bracelets at home means seeing three songs performed that aren't in the theatrical cut. The IRL Eras Tour kicked off in March in the US, then headed to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Next on the list: Japan, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, a return to the US and, of course, Australia, all in 2024. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is still in cinemas, and will be available to rent on digital from Thursday, December 14 in Australia and New Zealand. Read our review.
The Gold Coast, with its enviable combination of good weather and beaches, already gives off festival vibes all year round. But the real kicker happens when you add beer to all of that goodness. Add vitamins B (beer) and C (cider) to the vitamin D you cop on the coast with the Crafted Beer and Cider Festival, which takes place from 12–8.30pm on Saturday, November 28. Held at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach — and postponed from its originally slated September date — the beer festival will unite more than 40 of Australia's top craft breweries, over 200 different brews, and some good food and live music to line your stomachs and ears. It's as good an excuse as any for a cheeky getaway to the Goldy. Locals like Balter Brewing Company, Black Hops Brewing and Currumbin Valley Brewing join up with visitors from elsewhere in Queensland and interstate, such as Brouhaha Brewery, Jindabyne Brewing, Soapbox Beer and Gage Roads Brewing Co — and that's but a few of the many beer houses to be represented on the day. More of a cider person? Expect a range of cideries making the pilgrimage to the Coast, too. Food-wise, there'll be food trucks and other street food eats. As for music lineup, Cheap Fakes, Beddy Rays, Sunflower, Citrus Daze and Eyethewild are among the bands providing the soundtrack to your day. Also on the day's agenda is beer yoga, where you can perform a few downward dogs before you down your beer — it's all about balance, after all. Updated October 21.
If you've ever wanted to enjoy a beverage in a speakeasy, pretend you're drinking bootlegged liquor, or get glammed up 1920s style, you're about to get your chance. Welcome to Prohibition Brisbane, the venue that brings the fun of almost a century ago to Fortitude Valley's nightlife district. It's a theme the underground haunt takes seriously, as its grand arrival space, complete with moving ceiling, makes clear. Inside the 1100 square metre warehouse, three separate basement spaces — the main hall, a speakeasy-style bar and an exclusive VIP lounge — evoke times gone by via earthy tones and aged finishes. Need proof beyond the fancy decor? It's all in the drinks list. The hard stuff reigns supreme, of course, as Prohibition's packed bar shelves prove. For those fond of shaken or stirred concoctions, the extensive cocktail range mixes time-honoured tipples that date back to the '20s with brand new house originals. Twists on classics are a highlight, including 'The Peach and Passionfruit Rickey' and the 'Du Pont Daiquiri'.
A sleepy small town. A body on a beach. A local detective trying to solve the case, plus an outsider dropping in to lend their expertise. Viewers have seen this scenario plenty of times before, complete with secrets swirling, a killer lurking among a close-knit community and ample friction between the new arrival and the town's inhabitants — but until now, we've never seen Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan's take on the situation. Anything that The Katering Show and Get Krack!n's duo make is an instant must-see — see: those two very shows — and Deadloch, their newest effort, is clearly no different. Announced in 2022 and set to hit Prime Video from Friday, June 2, this mystery-comedy series is created, written and executive produced by the comic duo, with McCartney and McLennan acting as showrunners as well. They're not listed among the cast, sadly, but The Kates are still back. Another Kate — Kate Box (Stateless) — stars as local senior sergeant Dulcie Collins. When a local man turns up dead on the beach, her life and Deadloch's titular seaside spot are thrown into chaos, as the just-dropped first trailer for the show illustrates. And no, it isn't by accident that the series subverts the usual dead-girl trope that's such an engrained part of these kinds of TV setups, even when they're at their best as in Twin Peaks. Enter Darwin-based senior investigator Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami, The Breaker Upperers), too, who isn't afraid to make a splash as she teams up with Dulcie to get to the bottom of the case. There's also junior constable Abby (Nina Oyama, Koala Man), who couldn't be more eager to join in, all while Deadloch is busy getting ready to launch its annual Winter Feastival — an arts, food, and culture festival. "We are both so thrilled to share the dark, strange little town of Deadloch with the world. We're particularly excited for everyone to meet Dulcie and Eddie, performed by the powerhouses Kate Box and Madeleine Sami, who are far better actors than we'll ever be," said The Kates. "The supporting cast is sublime, the crew are a delight, and the experience of making this story with Prime Video globally on the incredible land of lutruwita (Tasmania) is one we'll never forget." As well as Box, Sami and Oyama, Deadloch's cast spans a heap of recognisable faces, including comedian Tom Ballard, Alicia Gardiner (Wakefield), Susie Youssef (Rosehaven), Pamela Rabe (Wentworth), Kris McQuade (Irreverent), Duncan Fellows (The Letdown), Harvey Zielinski (Love Me) and Shaun Martindale (Sissy). Shot in and around Hobart, Deadloch's eight-episode run also sports a stacked roster of directors: Ben Chessell (The Great), Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) and Beck Cole (Black Comedy). Check out the trailer for Deadloch below: Deadloch streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2, 2023.
Adrenaline junkies, meet your new action sports go-to: a massive three-level skateboarding, BMX, snowboarding, skiing, rock climbing and bouldering facility that'll also mark an Australian-first. Come late 2024, American chain Woodward is making its Aussie debut, and also opening its first-ever international site, with a 3650-square-metre venue in Castle Hill in Sydney. If it gets your blood pumping, odds are that there'll be a space for it at Woodward Sydney, which'll set up shop adjacent as part of Castle Towers Shopping Centre. Think: climbing and bouldering walls, a skate park, mini ramps and a mega ramp, foam pits, a pump track, a spring floor, trampolines and a gym. And, whether you're a professional, an Olympian, aspiring to make action sports more than just a pastime or a complete beginner, the purpose-built centre promises to cater to all ages and abilities. That includes hosting individual classes, programs that span for multiple weeks, competitions, birthday parties and events — and having casual-access passes for folks who just want to give it a go. Plus, for winding down after getting sweaty, there'll be an onsite cafe and bar. "Sydney is the ideal city for our first expansion overseas given its history as a destination that embraces sports and commitment to the action sports lifestyle," said Woodward President Chris 'Gunny' Gunnarson, announcing the Castle Hill venue. "Woodward Sydney will be our most innovative concept to date — and a model for future Urban Centres. Woodward has historically been known as the place to go if you are an aspirational professional athlete, and we want all Woodward locations to be focused on empowering athletes of all abilities and ages to safely progress on a clear path at their own pace using our unique blend of innovative environments, dynamic programming, and passionate staff. Woodward Sydney will epitomise that mission." Also set to be a big focus: encouraging women to get more involved and feel more empowered in action sports, one of the brand's key missions. Woodward started out in 1970 in central Pennsylvania, and now boasts eight venues across the US, including in California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Vermont. The New South Wales Government is putting $1.8 million towards the company's first Australian action sports centre, via a grant from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund, with an aim to both increase opportunities for Sydneysiders to get active and support athletes. "Investing in new and existing facilities to improve the quality and quantity of sports infrastructure across Greater Sydney was a priority for the NSW Government," said Minister for Sport Alister Henskens. "The NSW Government recognises the critical role sports infrastructure plays in keeping communities healthy and active. Woodward Sydney will provide an indoor action sports facility which will improve participation and pathway opportunities for emerging and elite athletes." Woodward Sydney will open at Castle Towers Shopping Centre, 22 Showground Road, Castle Hill, in late 2024. Keep an eye on the Woodward website for further details.
They're red, sweet and juicy — and they're everyone's favourite fruit. They're also grown in abundance around Queensland. Did you know that around 40 percent of the state's strawberries come from the Moreton Bay region? Well, you do now — and you might just want to celebrate that fact. All you need to do is head on over to Sandstone Point from midday on Sunday, September 24 for the returning Strawberry and Dessert Festival. Because you can never have too much of a good thing, this Sandstone Point Hotel event will paint the pub pink with farm-fresh strawberries — and strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, scones with strawberry jam and chocolate-coated strawberries are all usually on the menu. So is a strawberry-eating competition and a bar serving strawberry-flavoured cocktails. As you might've noticed, this isn't just a strawberry festival. It's a showcase of many a sweet treat as well. Basically, arrive hungry — and wear something stretchy — as you prepare to devour desserts aplenty. Also on the lineup: cooking demonstrations, spanning strawberries and desserts; dessert cocktail-making demos as well; and live tunes and rides for kids. Tickets cost $13.60, and you'll pay for whatever you eat and drink. Images: Sandstone Point Hotel.
The newest initiative from Metro Arts proves once and for all that it was the egg that came before the chicken, at least when it comes to performance anyway. FreeRange allows the perfect incubation space for artists whose voices demand to be heard, from laying down the ideas and nurturing them into fruition in the spirit of creative exchange. The resulting work to be hatched out of this four-week process is fresh, fast and fearless – and Metro Arts FreeRange wants to share the finished product with you over CROSS-STITCH, a two-night event curated by emerging Artistic Director Steven Mitchell Wright. One of the FreeRange(rs) showing is David M. Thomas, showcasing his work ‘Artists Gamble with Time/Portrait of Clint Doyle, An expanded portrait of Everyone’, a performance piece based on over 10 years of correspondence between Thomas and his friend Clint, who lives in a remote location. Artists Gamble with Time is a culmination of performance, music, photography, interviews, installation, video and paintings that Thomas has used to explore the construction and maintenance of one’s self. Put all your eggs into one basket this Monday and Tuesday, but without the guilt of cage-laid ideas – remember: it’s all FreeRange. Image credit: Interviewer (2010) by David M. Thomas
Keeping a beef-slinging diner running, transforming it into an upscale fine-diner, launching that new restaurant to the world: that's The Bear story so far. In the first, second and third seasons of hit series, those challenges awaited Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw), plus his colleagues and his loved ones, including fellow chef Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2) and the Berzatto family's lifelong pal Richie Jerimovich Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Hold Your Breath). Next, in season four, keeping the show's namesake fine-diner in business is the focus. There's even a literal countdown clock ticking down to the eatery's possible demise in its fourth run, as the just-dropped trailer for the series features. "That clock is telling you how much money we have left," Cicero (Oliver Platt, Chicago Med), The Bear's key investor, advises in the sneak peek. "When that shows zero, this restaurant needs to cease operations". Accordingly, "chaos and turmoil" are still being plated up in this award-winning favourite, so much so that they're specifically mentioned by Syd. "It's hard and it's brutal, and that's what makes it special," notes Carmy. Also part of the trailer: reviews calling out concerns about the restaurant's consistency, new menus, ample food shots, advice not to hide from things, the return of Carmy's mother (Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl), and everyone from Carmy's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, Cheaper by the Dozen) to eatery staff Marcus (Lionel Boyce, Shell), Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas, Cat Person), Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson, Unprisoned) and Fak (IRL chef Matty Matheson) dealing with the pressure in their own ways. As announced earlier in May, The Bear returns in June 2025 for prime winter binge-viewing. The date for your diary: Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Australia and New Zealand. As in past years, season four will drop its entire season — ten episodes this time — in one hefty helping. The fourth season of the series has been in locked in since before season three even aired and, while throwing new challenges at its characters, is set to continue to raise a perennial question along the way: what should you cling to when you're chasing greatness, and in life in general? If you need more details about The Bear to date, its debut season jumped into the mayhem when Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, The Accountant 2) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Then, in season two and three, Carmy worked to turn the space into an upmarket addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty crew. Check out the trailer for The Bear season four below: The Bear season four will stream via Disney+ in Australia from Thursday, June 26, 2025. Read our reviews of seasons one, two and three. Images: FX / Disney+.
Fresh off his US headline tour, Kilter has returned to Australia's sandy shores with a studio album in tow. Over the last few years, the artist has outgrown his position on the outskirts of Australia's electronic music scene to become an established EDM up-and-comer. With his new album, Through The Distortion, Kilter delivers seven previously unheard tracks alongside critically acclaimed singles 'They Don't Know Us', 'Count On Me' and 'I Hear You'. Its sound is typically versatile, showcasing Kilter's ability to blend elements of dancehall, garage, breakbeat, hip-hop, big beat, R'n'B, electro and chill. What's more, the album features collaborations with a selection of his favourite Australian musicians, including LANKS, Yaw Faso and Woodes. Along with his new album, Kilter has gifted fans with a massive antipodean tour taking him across Australia and New Zealand in September. And it just so happens that you can go in the running to win a double pass to either his Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane show. We're offering you the chance to win a heap of Kilter-related prizes, including double passes to his Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane shows, a meet and greet and a tonne of merch. TOUR DATES Brisbane — Friday, June 23rd, 2017 at The Triffid Melbourne — Friday, July 7th, 2017 at Prince Sydney — Saturday, July 8th, 2017 at Max Watts Whether you've been a Kilter fan from the beginning, or you've recently joined the bandwagon, enter your details below to go into the draw to win big. [competition]624378[/competition] Image: Maclay Heriot
Walk into most bottle shops and the script is predictable: fluorescent lights, shelf after shelf of labels you've seen on billboards, a transaction that begins and ends at the register. But scattered across Brisbane's suburbs, a collection of independent wine stores is rewriting that story — one handwritten tag, one tasting table, one conversation at a time. Tony and Tanya Harper know Brisbane's hospitality scene inside out. They've spent decades on the floor, as well as in wine judging and food media. When they opened Craft Wine Store in Red Hill in 2012, it was with one clear rule: if a wine appeared in chain advertising, they didn't stock it. The strategy wasn't just contrarian; it came from decades of watching Queensland's liquor retail scene flatten into a monoculture of familiar brands. "There were hundreds of retailers all selling the same beer, wine and spirits," Tanya Harper remembers. "We wanted to offer something more interesting." [caption id="attachment_808928" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Craft Wine Store Coorparoo. Credit: Kiel Wode.[/caption] Craft quickly became a pioneer, introducing Brisbane drinkers to producers that are now household names: Four Pillars, Stargazer, Stone & Wood, Unico Zelo and more. It also set a new standard for how bottle shops could feel. Both the original Red Hill space and the 2018 Coorparoo store were designed to be warm, tactile and human-scale. Red Hill's rambling nooks contrast with Coorparoo's sleek rectangle and central cold room, but both invite browsing and conversation. The design of each shop was highly intentional, and "entices folk to think a little more broadly," Harper says, "like a bookshop." That philosophy now defines Brisbane's independent retail scene, though creating these spaces in Queensland isn't easy. Queensland's liquor laws have long favoured big players — publicans, then national supermarkets — through expensive, restrictive commercial hotel licences. But the newer wine merchant licence offers small windows of creativity: the ability to taste, sample and linger, more European cave than bottle-o transaction. [caption id="attachment_1038760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] L.P.O. Neighbourhood Wine Store. Credit: Matt Pettigrew.[/caption] For Dan Wilson, co-owner of LPO Neighbourhood Wine Store in Tarragindi, that licence was the key to coming home. After opening his third restaurant in London, Wilson returned to Brisbane in 2021. "From the moment I got back, I wanted to open something like LPO," he says. "In London, places like this were where I built community. They were gathering points for people with strange and very emotionally-laden passions." To qualify for the wine merchant licence, Wilson made his own Queensland wine. He reached out to friends Sam Cook and Alistair Reed at Konpira Maru in the Granite Belt, and produced a skin-contact Verdelho called SQUID — named in honour "of the chaotic mess of doing something new with no legs." [caption id="attachment_1038763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] L.P.O. Neighbourhood Wine Store. Credit: Matt Pettigrew.[/caption] Having opened in March 2025, LPO now occupies a former post office in a strip of shops Wilson calls "quintessential Brisbane suburban beauty." Eight to 12 bottles are open daily for tasting, blurring the line Brisbanites are used to seeing between retail space and bar. "All the wines are there for education, for conversation and for fun," he says. "We're all about discovery, education and that little touch of joy a new experience can bring." Liz and Ian Trinkle took a similar approach with Wineism, which opened in late 2021 in the Albion Fine Trades precinct. The venue operates as both bar and bottle shop, grounded in Ian's years as a sommelier at Aria Brisbane and Howard Smith Wharves. The industrial-chic design mirrors the neighbourhood's creative edge, while the constantly evolving wine list is built on relationships and taste. [caption id="attachment_1038774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wineism. Credit: Supplied.[/caption] "I think people generally have great palates," Ian Trinkle says. "They can taste the difference between mediocre, good and great once it's in the glass — but they often lack the vocabulary that comes with years of tasting experience. The romance of wine is also its mystery. Part of my job is to make it less mysterious." Before Wineism, Trinkle was already teaching the internationally recognised WSET courses. That educational approach carries through, whether you're asking about a bottle at the bar or signing up for the weekly wine education classes. "There is so much appetite for education," he says, citing the volume of WSET enquiries he receives every week as proof. [caption id="attachment_1038770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wineism. Credit: Supplied.[/caption] At Craft, education takes the form of weekly tastings that have become part social ritual, part neighbourhood event. "They're equal parts socialising and learning," Harper says. "Lots of chatter, plenty of familiar faces and always a few new ones." Across the city, independent bottle shops — including Cru Bar & Cellar on James Street, The Reserve Cellar in Wilston, and The Wine Emporium in Newstead — host free weekly tastings of wines, spirits and beers, arguably the best way to expand your palate in Brisbane: follow them on Instagram or subscribe to their newsletters, turn up, talk to the people pouring, and taste what's new. These shops assume you're curious, not just thirsty. Conversation replaces transaction. They also make it possible for small producers to reach drinkers who might otherwise never discover them. [caption id="attachment_637497" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Cru Bar & Cellar. Credit: Anwyn Howarth.[/caption] "Fifteen years ago, Tanqueray No.10 was considered premium," Harper says, emphasising how it now sits among hundreds of local and imported options — a reflection of how tastes have evolved. "Independent bottle shops exist to fulfil the thirst that they've helped create," she continues. "People have become bored with big, familiar brands and are seeking different experiences." In a state where alcohol consumption is still shaped by legacy licensing policies and supermarket dominance, every independent shop that opens represents both persistence and possibility. These businesses aren't just selling good booze — they're teaching, tasting, and transforming how Brisbane drinks. Need more vino inspiration? Check out the Best Wine Bars in Melbourne or discover How to Decode a French Wine List.
This Toronto-based quartet are bringing their special breed of indie electronica to the Forum for one night only this December. Emily Haines is undoubtedly one of today’s greatest frontwomen, and her tenacity has in no way wavered since Metric's inception in 1998. Five albums and a handful of film scores later, Metric continue to perform to sold out arenas and headline music festivals all over the world. Metric have mastered the ability to convey contrasting emotions through their music; at times they are outspoken and aggressive, and at others vulnerable and tired from the fight. It is their highly identifiable sound of new wave synth combined with indie rock that unifies their music despite its thematic variation. This uncompromising sound is what has made them stand out and survive while trending genres have rotated around them. See them perform at The Tivoli this Wednesday.
A Love Supreme have been responsible for many great musical experiences. Their brand of niche-showcases of eclectic electronic and hip-hop music has set them up as tastemakers of sorts, and now they are upping their game with a huge show at Coniston Lane. This time around, A Love Supreme in collaboration with Niche Productions present Onra, who is touring the country this month. Known for his 2010 album, Long Distance – Onra blends funk and boogie styling with soul and a heavy dose of excellent beats. This Parisian knows how to party, so if you have to party along with him, buy a ticket now and boogie on over to Coniston Lane this Thursday night. Onra will be supported by Elroy 4.0 and Yumø.
Geelong may not strike you as an obvious destination for a weekend away. The small port city is currently straddling that awkward growth stage between small town and bustling metropolis. As such, it manages to feel like both. Although Geelong wears the vestments of a big place, it still treats you like a small town would. You don't feel anonymous (an odd feeling for veteran city dwellers) and people look you in the eye while genuinely questioning how you are and what you're doing in town. Nowhere is this more pronounced than the food and art scene, hidden away on the quiet side streets of the small city. The cheap and abundant studio space makes it a paradise for creatives, weirdos and anyone who errs on the side of the non-commercial — this relatively small pond attracts some remarkably big fish. Some of Melbourne's best foodies, chefs, entrepreneurs and taste-makers have forsaken the big city in favour of a smaller scene where gimmicks are left at the train station and what shines through is something surprisingly authentic. Leave all that big city pessimism at home and let V/Line (or your car down the M1) carry you to the unexpected cultural oasis of Geelong. Whether you devote your whole weekend to Victoria's second largest city or a few hours on your way down the Great Ocean Road, here's what to do when you get there. [caption id="attachment_569243" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Craft Space[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Before heading down to Geelong, you may want to fast for a few days — there is some serious eating to be done here. Your first port of call should be Craft Space on Little Malop Street. Craft Space is, as the name suggests, a cafe-craft hybrid. You'll find tubs of markers and zines strewn across the mismatched (but colour-coordinated) furniture, a mint green La Marzocco espresso machine filling the back corner and sweet ornaments lining every nook. There's no stone left uncrafted — even the pot plants have been knitted. It's a haven for people who like to occupy their hands while catching up over organic, small batch tea and boutique cakes by Melbourne's Little Bertha. It's a warm little nook and the owners operators Cathy Slarks and Loretta Davis are the kindling in the hearth. The welcoming pair also run craft workshops most weekends and make a mean, towering chocolate milkshake. [caption id="attachment_573393" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hot Chicken Project[/caption] Once night falls it's just a hop, skip and a jump over the way to the Hot Chicken Project for dinner and a bit of atmosphere. Hot tip: undo your pants as you walk through the door (no one will judge). You may feel a sense of déjà vu as you glance the menu as HCP is owned by Aaron Turner, who previously engineered Belle's Hot Chicken on Gertrude Street. The menu is conceptually similar – a hero serve of southern fried chicken (as spicy as you can handle) and a down-home side (think turnips, greens and coleslaw) for $16. The simplicity of the menu works in its favour as the entire wine list is paired for salt, crunch and spice. It's dominated by light, fruity wines from some of Australian's most innovative winemakers — and if you're not literate in wine speak, your best bet is to ask a staff member to choose a wine for you. They know their stuff. We highly, highly recommend indulging in a side of the crispy chicken skin (drizzled in honey, hot sauce and thyme) because you will see God. The place is usually buzzing on the weekend, and with plans to expand into the next shop front, HCP can only get better with time. If you're hankering for a cold one after that, drop into the Little Creatures Geelong Brewery for one straight from the source. [caption id="attachment_569247" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Freckleduck[/caption] The final must-eat destination on your Geelong tour is Freckleduck. The sweet corner café is light, airy and — dare we say it — produces the best coffee in Geelong. The pumpkin smash, served with tortillas, roasted pepitas, fresh asparagus, onion jam and prosciutto ($17) is a salty, sweet and crunchy affair and absolute heaven on a plate. They've just announced plans for a brother venue in Belmont, so we're clearly not the only ones feeling it. [caption id="attachment_569246" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lola's Kitchen at Boom Gallery[/caption] SEE AND DO Geelong's art scene is intimate. There aren't new openings every night of the week with free flowing Champagne and lines around the block full of hungry young social climbers desperate to be seen; instead, it's more of a community of makers, painters and creatives who quietly and rigorously curate thoughtful and provocative shows. That's what first strikes you as you enter a Geelong gallery — the exhibitions have been created by locals, for locals. And secondly, you might be a little surprised at how many of them there are. There's a lot more art galleries nestled in Geelong than meets the eye — you'll find them hidden in quiet corners, behind demure shopfronts and residing in rustic warehouses. Boom Gallery should be your first stop. From the centre of town, grab an Uber (yes, Geelong has Uber) out to the Rutland Street address and make your way down the row of warehouses to the end. The gallery itself is curated by Ren Inei, whose name you may recognise from some of the works on the walls. They just wrapped up a phenomenal show about local legend William Buckley (of the saying 'Buckley's chance') and one called PLAY, a unique exhibition by Melbourne furniture designers Dowel Jones that encourages attendees to play with their creations. Inei may be a curator, but his attitude is more docent — turn up on any day of the week and you'll likely find him getting amongst it, hanging out with exhibiting artists in the café, chatting with visitors and giving personal insights on the show. Boom also has a small, chic café attached the gallery space named Lola's Kitchen which serves up bite-sized tacos and smooth coffee. For details on current and upcoming exhibitions, go here. [caption id="attachment_573394" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Boom Gallery[/caption] The National Wool Gallery in the centre of town is another must-do. While the museum is housed in the former Dennys Lascelles wool store and chronicles the history of Australian wool in more detail than strictly necessary, the space also hosts some amazing (and random) exhibitions, including the current Wildlife of Gondwana. While you're in the city centre, make sure you stop in at the Geelong Gallery too, a stately old building which has enough clout to host the bigwigs of Australian and international fame. The current exhibition — Land of the Golden Fleece, running until June 13 — is a retrospective of one of the big names in Australian landscape impressionism, Arthur Streeton. The exhibition is beautifully curated and as much about Streeton's life as it is about his works. If you don't want to leave without a souvenir, make your way our to the Mill Markets. They're a little way out of town, but if you've got a car (or just a strong will for vintage shopping) it's well worth trekking to. It's a two-storey veritable paradise of vintage clothes, books, antiques and weird shit, and your bound to find something to at least consider buying. But if you're worn out with food, art and busyness, a picnic basket and veg out session in the lush Johnstone Park is the perfect way to round out your stay. LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Geelong is about one hour from Melbourne. You can drive (the M1 makes it a cinch) or take a V/Line train from Southern Cross to Geelong Station. The city isn't bursting with hotels, but the Mercure Geelong is situated in the centre of town and Airbnb is (as always) your friend. Imogen Baker travelled as a guest of Tourism Greater Geelong & the Bellarine. Top image: Little Creatures Geelong Brewery.
If you're looking for somewhere new and exceptional to eat, drink or sleep, where in the world should you head? That's the perennial question, whether you're keen to make the most of your own city, visit somewhere else around Australia or venture overseas. Here's one way to make your next pick: by working through the selections on Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List, four of which you'll find right here Down Under. Two Aussie restaurants made the list of top new eateries. Two hotels did the same on their corresponding rundown. The 2025 Hot List features venues from all around the globe; think: eateries in Paris, São Paulo, Girona, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Kigali, St Moritz and more, and hotels everywhere from Botswana, Seychelles, Japan and Austria to Belgium, Greece, Mexico and Grenada. Among them, locations in Sydney, Brisbane, Yamba and Melbourne also carved out a spot. [caption id="attachment_986313" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] First, where to dine. Sydney's place on the restaurant list won't come as a surprise. Adding to the many accolades notched up by Josh and Julie Niland, the pair's Saint Peter at the Grand National has earned Condé Nast Traveler's attention. "This is where the who's who of Sydney are keen to dine right now," said the publication of the relocated restaurant. "With traceability at its core, straight from sea to store, Niland's whole-fish cooking remains a trailblazer worldwide, and the new outpost of Saint Peter is proof," it also notes. Brisbanites, you also have a Condé Nast Traveler-approved eatery at home, with Supernormal Brisbane making the cut. Restaurateur Andrew McConnell brought the Melbourne-born chain to the Sunshine State in 2024, to a prime waterfront spot in the state capital's CBD. As the publication notes, though, he "doesn't do cut-and-paste jobs". It continues: "McConnell has taken one of his most beloved outlets — a neon-lit Melbourne laneway diner — and given it a tropical makeover to suit this riverside setting". If you're eager to book in your next getaway without leaving the country, Yamba and Melbourne are your destinations. So, you have coastal town and bustling city options. With the first, the New South Wales spot's Il Delfino Seaside Inn made the list. "Perched on the cliffside and peering over the Pacific Ocean, the original 1940s wave-lashed building has been transformed into a chic seaside inn that feels snatched from the Mediterranean," Condé Nast Traveler advises. In the Victorian capital, Melbourne Place on Russell Street nabbed a spot — and a glowing description. "This striking rust-coloured 191-room hotel built from local bricks, concrete and hardwood is a distillation of what makes this thrumming city tick," the publication notes. Also getting some love in the process: the hotel's sky-high offerings. "The rooftop, with its bar and retractable-rooftop restaurant Mid Air, is encased by a soaring brick wall and feels like a floating fortress with dramatic portholes that look like giant eyes watching over the city. It's here where everyone from guests to locals gather, casually lounging on sofas and seated at tables, with some of the best views across the city." For more information about Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List, head to the publication's website. Top image: Earl Carter.
Clear your calendars for the next three weeks, and then start filling them with Brisbane Festival events. The city's annual artistic celebration is back — and, as proves the case every September, it's absolutely begging for your attention. Basically, if you're seeing a show, wandering around an exhibition, taking to the dancefloor or just having a beverage with a friend from September 3 to 24, then you'd best be doing it at Bris Fest. In his second year as the festival's artistic director, David Berthold has put together quite the list of options for Brissie arts and culture lovers: 70 productions and 540 performances across five key venues, in fact. You'll find a showcase of music cinema, a theatre re-telling of a recent chapter of Brisbane history, Meow Meow's take on The Little Mermaid and a couple of classic film versions of Snow White among the program's many highlights, plus hangout spot Arcadia and the explosive finale that is Riverfire, too. And if you can't decide what to see, we're here to help. In addition to the above, here's our pick of the ten festival events we think you should be flocking to. Image: Pia Johnson.
True-crime documentaries aren't just having a moment. They've been monopolising everyone's viewing lists for the past decade, and making us all fans of the gripping genre in the process. The secret (well, other than the thousands of secrets each true-crime doco is brimming with)? The breadth of topics, because this field can cover everything from fast food scams and unsettling cults to personal quests to catch an elusive serial killer. No matter the subject matter, scenario, illicit acts or people responsible, great true-crime documentaries all have two other things in common: they're impossible to stop watching once you've started, and they'll make you want to seek out more once your series of choice has come to an end. Of course, there are so many to choose from, so we've teamed up with streaming service Binge to pick five standouts that you can feast your eyes on right now — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
If you feel like the general cost of living is on an endless journey upwards, well, you'd be right on the money (or lack thereof). In news that's surprising to pretty much no one, Sydney and Melbourne have again outdone themselves, both trumping their earlier positions on an index of the world's most expensive cities. The list, which is one of many that index cost of living, is put together by the world's biggest price aggregation website Numbeo. This year sees Sydney shoot to number 32, soaring past last year's ranking of 41, and Melbourne also surged ahead, moving from last year's 77th position to become the world's 64th most expensive city in 2018. The Gold Coast was the least expensive local city in the index, ranking at 180. To create the Cost of Living Index, Numbeo looked at a range of factors, surrounding things like food, lifestyle, housing, salaries and taxation. Hamilton in Bermuda topped the list, followed closely by five different Swiss cities. In the breakdown, Sydney's hefty rental prices were named the 16th highest in the world, with a one-bedroom city apartment averaging $2619 a month. If that makes you cringe, spare a thought for London (ranked 10th on the rent index) where the same sort of pad costs $2876 a month, or the top-ranking city of San Francisco, where you'd be forking out $4113. Meanwhile, Hobart was named Australia's most expensive city for dining out and 26th in the world, with a two-person feed at a mid-range restaurant averaging about $100. In this lineup, Perth ranked 46, while Melbourne and Sydney clocked in at numbers 79 and 80 respectively. When it comes to the average cost of a new set of wheels, Sydney ranked 188th in the world, with Perth edging in at number 202. Canberrans have it better than any other Aussie city in this department, taking out 226th ranking. To check out the full list, visit numbeo.com.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein will never stop being a gothic-horror masterpiece, or inspiring stories across the page, stage and screen as well. The latest: Poor Things, the next film from acclaimed Greek Weird Wave director Yorgos Lanthimos, and his long-awaited first release since 2018's excellent The Favourite. Also back: that regal drama's Oscar-nominated supporting player Emma Stone. The Cruella star didn't end up clutching an Academy Award for her past performance under Lanthimos' guidance, and nor did her co-star Rachel Weisz (Dead Ringers) or the filmmaker himself; instead, they watched on as Olivia Colman (Empire of Light) emerged victorious for her leading part. But Stone and Lanthimos made a winning pair anyway, in what was one of the former's very best performances of her career. It's no wonder that they're teaming up again — or that the just-dropped first Poor Things trailer looks mesmerising, eerie and stunning. Poor Things adapts Alasdair Grey's 1992 award-winning novel, but the parallels with Shelley's mother-of-all horror greats are as obvious as a bolt of lightning. The focus: Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected by an unorthodox scientist, distinctive in her mannerisms afterwards and eager to learn about a world that isn't quite sure how to react. Continuing the movie's top-notch casting — and Lanthimos' in general, as seen in everything from Dogtooth and Alps to The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer as well — Poor Things features Willem Dafoe (The Northman) as the tinkering Dr Godwin Baxter; Mark Ruffalo (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) as Duncan Wedderburn, a slick lawyer that Bella runs off with; and also Ramy's Ramy Youssef, plus On the Count of Three co-stars Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott. The film will hit cinemas in the US on September 8, but doesn't yet have a release date Down Under. Poor Things jolts Stone's career back onto the screen a few years away, too — Cruella released in 2021, and only The Croods: A New Age, Zombieland: Double Tap and TV's Maniac sit on her resume since The Favourite. Check out the first teaser trailer for Poor Things below: Poor Things doesn't currently have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is confirmed. Image: Yorgos Lanthimos. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
First, Greece announced that it would restart its tourism industry by allowing residents from a selection of other countries — including Australia and New Zealand — to visit. Now, the entire European Union is set to follow suit. If dreaming about a far-flung getaway has been getting you through COVID-19 lockdowns over the past three months, that means you're one step closer to making overseas holiday plans. As announced on Tuesday, June 30, European time, the Council of the EU has adopted a recommendation to start slowly easing travel restrictions — specifically, to reopen its borders to non-essential travel into Europe. In the first stage, the Council supports reopening to tourists from 14 nations, spanning not only folks from Australia and New Zealand, but those from Algeria, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. It also recommends including a 15th country, China, but only subject to China also agreeing to a reciprocal arrangement to let EU residents visit, too. The Council's decision — and its selection of countries — is based on three criteria, focusing on the epidemiological situation in each nation. They include new COVID-19 case numbers either close to or below the EU average, as seen over the 14 days up until June 15, and measured per 100,000 inhabitants; a stable or decreasing trend of new cases compared to the prior 14 days; and the country's overall response to the pandemic, such as testing, surveillance, contact tracing, containment, treatment and reporting. The EU's list will be reviewed and potentially updated every two weeks. New places may possibly added, and existing countries on the list could be removed if their COVID-19 situation worsens. [caption id="attachment_648685" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Nice, France.[/caption] A recommendation from the Council to allow tourists from the aforementioned nations is only the first step, however. All 27 member states of the EU — Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden — must implement the recommendation individually, so don't go packing your bags just yet. Of course, Australians and New Zealanders still can't leave their respective countries anyway — but you can add Europe to your holiday list when local travel restrictions are lifted. In Australia, a travel ban is still in place, with Aussies unable to depart the nation unless they seek an exemption from Home Affairs. Indeed, the government doesn't expect international travel to and from Australia to resume until next year, and Qantas doesn't anticipate putting on overseas flights until at least mid-2021 either. And in New Zealand, the government still currently advises that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at present. For further details about the European Union's eased tourism recommendation, visit the Council of the EU's website.
