Running is a sport that serves a variety of purposes depending on the individual. For some it is a therapeutic journey for clearing the head; for others, a necessary part of a daily ritual; and for many, it is a struggle to keep on moving and lose those extra kilos. Whether you are running for need or desire, one thing that all runners, novice or expert, can agree on, is that a run is always made better by a scenic view keeping you motivated, captivated, and entertained on your journey. MT COOT-THA Mt Coot Tha provides a beautiful view overlooking the city stretching from Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island, and the southern ranges. Journeys to reach the top begin at the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area. You can park your car there and head up the Summit Track, investigating local wildlife on your way. There are many other trails in the Mt Coot Tha reserve that can be found here. Once you reach the top, feel free to reward yourself with a delicious ice cream and take in the view. UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND The University of Queensland in St Lucia boasts a beautiful campus with classic sandstone buildings, flourishing gardens, and a large pond that houses many ducks and (slightly evil) geese. Built along the river, there is a lengthy footpath that lines the river and makes for a scenic and flat running track. For a longer run, you can head over the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, more commonly known as the Green Bridge, and make your way along the Corso in Yeronga. SOUTH BANK South Bank is the home to Brisbane's cultural centre, including the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum and a bevy of restaurants, bars and shops. Beginning at the River Quay end of South Bank, you can take a loop route, running down past the cultural centre, across the Kurilpa Bridge, along North Quay and back over the Goodwill Bridge. [caption id="attachment_668860" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] via Brisbane City Council[/caption] NEW FARM / TENERIFFE New Farm Park is the city's most prized park with its exquisite rose gardens, extensive river frontage, and countless shady fig trees. While a run around the park is beautiful, for more distance you can follow the river path beginning at the Powerhouse heading towards Teneriffe, Newstead, and the Breakfast Creek Bridge. THE RIVER LOOP This is the most popular loop for CBD workers. Clocking off at 5, you can head down to the Eagle St Pier, where you begin your run along the boardwalk heading towards the Story Bridge. Race to beat the peak hour traffic crossing the bridge then head down to Kangaroo Point past rock climbers at the cliffs and back around via the Goodwill Bridge and the City Botanical Gardens. If you can't head out for a run now (like the rest of us at a desk), check out The Athlete's Foot range — online and in stores now. Don't let the "my shoes hurt me" excuse stop you from stepping out on these awesome runs around Brisbane.
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a nature lover's dream. As soon as you arrive you'll notice the crisp air, and you'll soon find out that you're surrounded by scenes of otherworldly, serene natural beauty that changes with the seasons but is ever-present. From some of the world's darkest winter skies without a hint of light pollution to the deserted beaches of the Akaroa Peninsula, you will no doubt find something that will take your breath away. Lean into the naturally cooler climate of Christchurch and visit during winter to experience the full extent of the region's charms. Venture just outside of the Christchurch city centre and it's almost as if you're in another world. Drive for ten minutes in almost any direction and you'll discover something unexpected. Adventurous souls and nature lovers will relish the chance to get in touch with the great outdoors — perhaps by peeling off the layers and relaxing in a natural hot pool or barrelling through the hills on a mountain bike. It was incredibly hard to choose, but here are our favourite cool weather experiences to take on when you're in Christchurch. [caption id="attachment_986567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Look Up at One of the World's Darkest Skies Mackenzie is home to one of the only International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) in the world — land which usually surrounds a park or observatory and is home to exceptional views of starry nights. The darkness of the sky in this region of New Zealand is almost unbeatable, and it's the perfect place for a bit of stargazing. At Big Sky Stargazing you'll sit down for an astronomy lesson at the planetarium and take a short drive to an outdoor stargazing area where you'll use telescopes, astronomy binoculars and your own eyes to look up at constellations and enjoy spectacular, peaceful views. Soak in Hanmer Springs' Geothermal Pools When the air has a crisp bite to it and you wouldn't want to be caught outside without being bundled up, that's how you know it's the perfect weather for getting into your swimwear and making a beeline for a hot spring. Don't settle for any run-of-the-mill hot spring either. Located just outside of Christchurch is the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, where 22 natural thermal pools sit surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains. If the prospect of a soothing soak isn't sufficiently appealing, there are also spa treatments and massages to really kick your relaxation up a notch. [caption id="attachment_986614" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Wander Christchurch's Natural Landscape Lush rolling hills are surrounded by a crystal blue expanse of water on the edges of Christchurch. If you venture slightly out from the town centre, you can explore deserted beaches and dramatic landscapes that have to be seen to be believed. In the small town of Akaroa on the water's edge, you'll find a beautiful cluster of old English-style buildings. Whether you're after a short stroll or a day-long hike, the idyllic beaches, rough bush and winding tracks of this quiet little area will keep you more than occupied. If you need more convincing, take another look at the above photo. Paddle Through Pohatu in a Kayak Head to Akaroa and jump into a 4WD for a spectacular scenic safari that stuns year-round. Travel for just over an hour through the highest passes of the Banks Peninsula with Pohatu Adventures until you reach Pohatu Marine Reserve. When you arrive you'll discover the Christchurch region's most abundant wildlife ecosystem up close via kayak. Get ready to paddle alongside blue penguins, seals and Hector's dolphins. Depending on the timing of your trip, you might even catch a glimpse of the circle of life of the region's wildlife. As temperatures dip, you'll see penguins at their most social as they build homes, find mates and head out and about. If the water is calm, get ready to lose your breath — not because of the brisk air but because of the scenery — as you paddle out to Flea Bay Island where you'll discover a mass of land characterised by desolate beaches, sheer sea cliffs and mysterious caves. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
A step into The Gresham is a step back in time. Its home — the heritage-listed National Australia Bank building — is drenched in history, and rather than change the face, the owners have worked with the grain to create a space straight from 1881. Picture three-storey high walls adorned with photographs and works of yesteryear, a pressed tin ceiling and one ornate 20-bulb chandelier. The old wooden floorboards are topped with large rugs, custom-made Chesterfield couches, cedar tables and red leather bar stools. If this were back in the day, we're certain the room would be filled with cigar smoke. It just has that feel to it. Above the marble fireplace, you'll also find a portrait of Edward Robert Drury (1832-1896), the soldier and banker that commissioned and oversaw construction of the original building. Drury took chances, taking out massive loans and making risky acquisitions (without asking his directors) to create this architectural gem which became known as Drury's Temple — in celebration of his achievements, everyone is encouraged to dedicate their first drink to Drury. And after seeing the drinks list, good luck stopping at just one. Whiskey is the name of the game here, with more than 100 on the menu. Have a few drams of your favourite before asking the bartenders (who have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of whiskey) to show you something new. Besides the whiskey selection, The Gresham's bartenders have mastered the art of cocktail making. For pure nostalgia, we recommend The Sunny Boy — made to taste like the old-school icy treat. It consists of Ketel One vodka infused with coconut & butter, pineapple, passionfruit and vanilla. And for something whiskey based, try the Terry's Best Kept Secret. It's made with Talisker 10-year-old, Amaro Nonino, coffee liquor, orange glaze and black walnut bitters. Think of it as The Gresham's take on a whiskey espresso martini. Besides superb cocktails and an ornate interior, The Gresham has perfected the small touches – 'G' stamped stirring sticks, unique coasters, free peanuts and boxes of matches for business cards. The Gresham also swings its window open at 7am weekdays to the aroma of coffee beans for CBD workers. Those wanting a different type of poison need wait til noon for the towering cedar doors to open up yesteryear. Updated February 1, 2023 Images: Millie Tang
Come July, some of us will be feeling that Melbourne winter chill slightly more than others, as acclaimed New York artist Spencer Tunick returns to Australia to stage the next of his famed mass nude photographs. It's been 17 years since Melbourne's first taste of the polarising artist's work, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. Tunick then photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras. Since then, he's photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. Now the artist is set to return to our shores, and his sights are set on Melbourne's iconic Chapel Street. Tunick will assemble another contingent of naked (and pretty brave) folk this July, for a work titled Return of the Nude, as part of the precinct's winter arts festival Provocaré. "Chapel Street reminds me of the East Village in New York, Sunset Strip in LA, and San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, but all combined into one juggernaut," said Tunick. "I think people from Melbourne are a little braver because of their willingness to pose no matter the weather. I get a sense of resilience and risk taking." Anyone over the age of 18 can get their kit off and get involved — Tunick hopes to have a diverse mix of bodies in the shoot, which will be held across two days in four locations around the iconic Chapel Street precinct. Participants each get a print of the photograph, and, we're sure, a big boost of body confidence. Hopefully not a cold, though — if you participate, you'll only need to be sans-clothes for short periods of time. Provocaré will take place across the Chapel Street precinct from July 5–15, with Return of the Nude being shot over two days between July 7 and 10. You can register to take part here.
Cooking with beer: it's a tradition as ancient as the Egyptians. Yet for many modern beer drinkers, beer's potential ends at the bottom of the bottle. It’s no great secret that beer and food go hand-in-hand, whether paired with an arvo barbecue or late-night munchies. But beer can — nay should — be so much more than just an accompaniment to the food you eat; it adds rich flavours, tenderises meat and makes for all-round juicier dishes. And its helping hand can reach all the way down to dessert. Here are five key you'll want to try wielding your beer in the kitchen. GRILLING WITH BEER Aussies are known for their barbecues, which more often than not involve booze. To baste any grill food with beer, simply pour your favourite beer over the top and close the lid. The beer has a caramelising effect and adds to the juiciness of the meat. Possibly the most epic way to cook beer is the beer butt chicken — achieved by sitting a whole chicken on top of a can of beer. (You know when a recipe instructs you to take a swig it’s going to be a winner.) For beer grilling, VB really comes in handy, but if you’re looking to go craft, a James Squire Sundown Australian Lager will also do the trick. Image: Manners. BATTERING WITH BEER Beer-battered food is probably the most widely known form of cooking with beer. For beer battered fish, make sure the beer is cold and freshly opened so it’s still fizzy — the bubbles add body and lightness to the batter. The beer also makes the batter appear thicker while keeping it airy and also imparts aroma and flavour. Most recipes will call for a simple lager, but we like the added flavour of easy drinking ales like Riverside Brewing Company 69 summer ale. Image: Kimchi Chronicles. STEWING WITH BEER The classic beef and Guinness stew is pretty self explanatory; simply add and simmer, burning off the alcohol but not the caramel or nutty flavours. You aren’t limited by beer choice, though, and can use any stout/porter or even dark ale you like. Jamie Oliver's recipe does just that. A few easy pairings for a stew are Mornington English brown ale and Holgate Temptress chocolate porter. This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights in. Image: Redbrick. SAUCING WITH BEER Beer doesn’t have to be boiled or heated down to be useful in cooking. It is great for a variety of sauces, from vinaigrettes to barbecued sauced ribs. Beer also works really well as a marinade, since its enzymes help break down tough fibres and really tenderise meat. Beer’s role as a marinade is so versatile, the best rule here is to use a beer you enjoy drinking. If you like the taste, you’ll like it in your food too. Image: Droolworthy Daily. BAKING WITH BEER The parallel history of beer and baking goes back to the Egyptians — a topic dear to beer geek/historianJohnathan Hepner of Batch Brewing. This is true especially in the case of bread, the ingredients of which make it a close cousin to beer. A few Australian bakeries have beer and barley sourdough, but there’s nothing more satisfying than baking your own. The malted syrup used in this recipe mimics the malt in the beer, giving a well-balanced and complex flavour. Beer brownies? Absolutely. Stouts and porters add a richness and nutty sweetness to desserts. Try The Butcher Porter from The Rocks Brewing Co or James Squire Jack of Spades in your next chocolatey dessert. Image: Community Table. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Few pubs carry as much history as the Breakfast Creek Hotel. Serving locals since the late 19th century, this riverside institution remains one of Brisbane's most enduring dining destinations – particularly for those with a serious appetite for steak. The grill still sits at the heart of the experience. Premium Queensland beef leads the menu, with a wide selection of cuts cooked to order and served alongside classic steakhouse sides and sauces. It's a straightforward formula that has kept locals coming back for generations: good meat, cooked well, in a pub that knows exactly what it is. Beyond the grill, the menu stretches into modern pub territory with seafood, salads and hearty mains for those not chasing steak. The hotel's famous open-air beer garden remains one of Brisbane's most atmospheric places to settle in for a long afternoon, ideally with a cold beer or cider in hand. Drinks are another strong suit. The venue is home to Substation No.41, its dedicated rum bar boasting a collection of more than 400 varieties, one of the largest selections in the country. For late-night bites, the hotel's pizza kitchen keeps things going well into the evening, serving food until late. On Friday and Saturday nights, live music adds to the energy, making the Brekkie Creek just as much a nightlife stop as it is a dining institution. More than 130 years on, the Breakfast Creek Hotel continues to do what it has always done best: good steaks, cold drinks and classic Queensland pub atmosphere. Top image: monkeyc.net via photopin cc.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, classy cream coloured booths and impossibly high ceilings, this Fortitude Valley restaurant has one of the finest dining rooms in Brisbane — and it does an impossibly good steak, too. With a mini grand-piano in the centre of the room, it's the kind of place you'll want to have dressed up for. Got a hot date? Bring them here. High powered business meeting? This is the joint. Trying to prove to your parents you're not a bum? Welcome, take a seat (just remember to bring your wallet). When class is called upon in Brisbane, SK Steak and Oyster have you covered. The menu starts off with its selection of oysters, served natural with a side of champagne mignonette. Its selection of seafood cocktails includes Fraser Island spanner crab, Mooloolaba king prawns and Tasmanian rock lobster, while the seafood platters range from affordable to "actually, Dad you can get this bill", and include the likes of oysters, prawns, scallops, lobster, mussels and crab. The raw seafood options include a king salmon tartare with shallots and capers and yellowfin tuna with mayonnaise, while the hot seafood delivers Moreton Bay Bugs and Southern rock lobster. From the grill, and let's be honest, that's why we're here, enjoy a steak Diane with cognac and Worcestershire, a veal schnitzel with lemon and tartare or a wagyu burger served American style. The steaks include a 180-gram petit fillet Angus at the lower end, while the costlier options max out with a Kiwami BMS 9+ 400-gram New York cut Sirloin. Pair these with a mixed lead salad, some honey roasted carrots and lobster mac and cheese. The wine list here is impeccable, with literally hundreds of bottles available. Be sure to seek out one of the highly skilled sommeliers when searching for the perfect drop. There are some great wines by the glass, too, with standouts including an Australian 2021 grüner veltliner, a Rias Baixas Albariño and a Henschke shiraz from Eden Valley. SK Steak & Oyster is a luxe fine-diner in Brisbane that any surf and turf lover should save for a special occasion.
Behold, the event that'll separate the pinball wizards from the pinball muggles, and those talented as mashing buttons from the folks that are happy when they get flipping lucky. That's what happens when Netherworld closes its doors to everyone except the devoted few — those eager to play pinball for 24 hours straight. No wonder they've called the arcade marathon Death by Pinball. No sleep till pinball also would've worked. Those brave enough to attend will battle it out in matches over many rounds, fit in a few fun games from the bar's array of machines in-between, and get a prize if they survive the night. Taking place from 9am on Saturday, April 20 until 9am on Sunday, April 21, tickets cost $120, which includes all the pinball fun you can handle, a limited edition pin and t-shirt, three meals and three drinks. The bar will also be serving booze until 3am, and you can BYO snacks. Image: Cole Bennetts.
If you're a regular coffee drinker, no doubt you've been caught up in the recent push towards recyclable or reusable coffee cups. And for many of us, drinking the sweet nectar from a one-use, environmentally-unfriendly takeaway cup is just not the same as a weighty, handmade ceramic cafe cup. But who has the time to stop and sip? Where can you find a fusion of both? Thanks to a talented Queensland couple, you can now have your ceramic-bound coffee and drink it (on the go) too. Queensland potter Renton Bishopric and partner Clare Botfield have recently launched Pottery for the Planet — a series of limited edition pottery pieces that raise money and awareness of environmental issues. "If we want to continue living in a beautiful clean country and world, we have to make some serious changes and that starts with the choices of each individual," says Bishopric. In an effort to make this choice a little more design-savvy, the duo has begun making what customers have dubbed 'Planet Cups', bespoke ceramic coffee cups that reduce paper cup wastage, one coffee at a time. Bishopric and Botfield make each 8oz or 12oz cup by hand on the pottery wheel, drying and firing them in the kiln before glazing in a selection of colours. The intricate process by which they are made means each Planet Cup is unique. "With a handmade product there are so many variables starting with the hands of the person that threw the pot, down to the firing environment in the kiln. So no matter what, each cup is unique from its brothers and sisters," says Bishopric. Each Planet Cup comes with a silicone lid and the option of a heat band so extra hot coffee drinkers can protect their fingers. Due to the incredible popularity of the Planet Cups, an online shop is set to be launched soon. In the meantime, the colourful creations can be purchased through the pair's Sunshine Coast retail store, Cinnabar Soul. You can also check out the Pottery for the Planet website for a list of local stockists. If you live in Hobart, you're going to need one very soon. Image: Renton Bishopric Ceramics.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Brisbane is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the little things that bring that sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Brisbane. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, tee off at the Victoria Park Driving Range, step into the action-packed world of Marvel and do the time warp again with Dr. Frank N. Furter and the gang. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Come July, Brisbanites can knock back cocktails at a gin-soaked high tea, taste creations from the city's next breed of culinary wizards, and dine under the stars at Eagle Street Pier, all thanks to one event. That's right, Good Food Month is back, and it's bigger than ever. Gird your stomachs, and prepare to go gaga over gastronomy. Topping the list of must-do activities is the Tanqueray G & Tea Rooftop Garden, a tea party for grown-ups that not even the Mad Hatter could've conjured up. On top of the Fox, you'll consume traditional high tea fare of cupcakes and sandwiches with a gin twist, and pretend you're Alice in your very own wonderland. Elsewhere, you can check out the cooking skills of the kitchen stars of tomorrow is on offer at the Young Chef's Dinner, and enjoy an evening eating experience al fresco at Dine Under the Stars. Or, learn the secrets of Australian cuisine from culinary maestros such as respected Melbourne master Ben Shewry (whose Attica was just named number 32 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list), and brush up on your blogging at the tastiest Food Writing 101 workshop you'll ever attend. Yes, there really is something in the Good Food Month program for everyone. Of course, everyone's favourite Night Noodle Markets will return, complete with yum cha weekend trading hours to meet the demand. The busiest event of 2014 now boasts more chances to enjoy the hawker-style outdoor market experience, featuring 30 different stalls over 12 days and nights. Is simple dining more your thing, rather than rushing to specific outings and activities? Then you're in luck, because that's what Good Food Month is really all about. Their list of venues spruiking meal deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks is the kind of thing foodies fantasise about. That includes concoctions crafted from seasonal delights, cheap eats that won't punish your wallet, tours of the best international cuisine Brisbane has to offer, and a showcase of mouth-watering pub fare. One thing is for certain: with all these tasty treats on offer, you'll have no excuse to be hungry at this month-long food fiesta. Good Food Month runs from July 9 to August 9, 2015. Visit the website for more information.
Whatever you're doing between 4pm and 5pm this afternoon, we suggest you cancel it. You now have more pressing concerns. Two words: free doughnuts. Rest assured, we would never joke about something this delicious. For one hour only, the legends at Doughnut Time really will be handing out their mouthwatering morsels, free of charge, at their Topshop pop-up stores. And we thought we couldn't love the folks that brought us burger-doughnut hybrids, vegan doughnuts and doughnut delivery any more than we already do. Those with a hankering for doughy goodness — which includes you, let's be honest — just need to head on down to Topshop in the Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane CBD once the clock strikes four. We recommend arriving early, because if there's one thing everyone loves, it's devouring sweet treats without having to pay for the privilege. Students keen on doing some shopping can also nab 10 percent off their Topshop purchases, in case you needed any more incentive to rush along. Basically, Monday just got a whole lot brighter and tastier. Free doughnuts will do that. For more information, visit the Doughnut Time Facebook page.
Aussie craft beer lovers might be feeling it in their livers this week. They've just gone through two weeks of craft beer glory around the country, starting with from Melbourne's Good Beer Week and the Australian International Beer Awards and culminating in the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular, the epic two-day beer festival held in both Melbourne and Sydney. A record number of 27,600 people attended the events, which showcased over 400 types of local craft beers and ciders. That's a lot of tasting notes. And since it all started to get a bit hazy by the end, we've put together a list of the best, weirdest and most controversial new Australian beers we discovered at GABS 2016. Let's just hope these make it to market. THE BEST BACCHUS BREWING CO. (QLD) Festival beer: Peanut Brittle Gose The Queensland brewery was a clear favourite of the festival, taking home the GABS People's Choice Award for Best Festival Beer in both Melbourne and Sydney. The Gose style originated in 14th century Germany, but their version is not sour and salty like the classic — it packs a peanut butter and caramel toffee punch. This creative and delicious combo made for a true standout. WAYWARD BREWING CO. (NSW) Festival beer: Funky Pineapple Hand Grenade Brett IPA Fans were calling this drop the second best beer of GABS — and for good reason. The beer bursts with tropical pineapple, mango, peach and citrus, making it a great homage to the warmer weather. This is not to say it's a simple one to make, though. Fermenting with 100 percent funky Brettanomyces yeast, the beer has a distinct flavour which is balanced by a silky finish. HOP NATION BREWING CO. (VIC) Festival beer: The Kalash Russian imperial stout Despite the brewery's name, Hop Nation didn't win us over with a hoppy beer this year. Instead, they went the Russian imperial route, and The Kalash is just so damn good. Aged in oak puncheons for five months, the beer has bitter chocolate, coffee and toffee notes that are perfect for this winter chill. The smooth, roasted finish might fool your tastebuds, but the 10 percent alcohol value catches up fast. AKASHA BREWING CO. (NSW) Festival beer: Iago's Revenge black IPA Since opening in Sydney last year, Akasha always seems to be on Australian craft beer watch lists. This dark brew is Akasha's hoppiest yet, while still holding to its roasted malt backbone. Rested on American oak and whisky barrels, the IPA gives off citrus, pine and resin aroma — and at a massive 9.8 percent, this complex beer will just as readily knock you on your ass as well as your nose. THE WEIRDEST COLONIAL BREWING COMPANY (WA) Festival beer: Project #21 - The Reuben Sandwich rye IPA A collaboration with fellow West Australians West Winds Gin, Colonial Brewing refers to this one as "an iconic sandwich in one hand, a martini in the other". It's a complex — and weird — concept for a beer. Brewed using gin botanicals, the beer is spicy, fruity and a bit tart. And while we didn't get much of the Reuben flavour off it, it sure did make us hungry for one. BATCH BREWING COMPANY (NSW) Festival beer: Marrickville Pork Roll Described as a "spice, herb or vegetable beer", Batch went all-out with the ingredients on this one — coriander, chilli, cucumbers and carrots all went into the brew, as did pork broth and a citrusy hop called Sorachi Ace. Fashioned after a bánh mí thit in Sydney's inner west, there's no denying the pork roll flavours. But, nonetheless, it's still a really tasty, well made beer. PRICKLY MOSES (VIC) Festival beer: Faulty Towers basil IPA Better known for their ace ciders, Prickly Moses gave patrons an unexpected dose of herb this year. There is no doubt that fresh basil went into the brew, as it hits you both on the nose and palate — a bi-product of it being used both in the mash and during fermentation. Hoppy, bold and herbal, this beer really works and is one of our favourite wackier brews. THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL 7 CENT BREWERY (VIC) Festival beer: Belly Button Beer If you're hoping this isn't what it sounds like, stop reading here. The beer was fermented using yeast found hiding out in the brewer's belly button — for how long we do not know (nor do we want to know). Belly Button Beer received global curiosity and disgust well before its appearance at GABS, and most couldn't help but give it a try. It's a weird one — the kind of funk orange zest and coriander seeds can not disguise. DOCTOR'S ORDERS BREWING (NSW) Festival beer: Mutagenic Cephalopod Gose The name alone means you simply must try this one, and the ingredients are a truly bizarre combination. Infused with seaweed, smoked mushroom salt, chipotle oil and — wait for it — squid ink, we're not sure how the brewers dreamt this one up. The beer is tart and also tinged green in colour — making it a seaweed green, squid ink beer. Despite the controversy, many still thoroughly enjoyed the brew and the novelty behind it. SHENANIGANS BREWING (NSW) Festival beer: Sabotage oatmeal stout Nothing polarises quite like a chilli beer — folks either love them or absolutely hate them. In Shenanigans' case, the divide was evenly split. While we personally loved it, a lot of patrons had a hard time with the chilli, either claiming it was way too spicy or that they couldn't taste it at all. Brewed with organic coconut sugar, cacao and coffee beans, and then aged on bourbon oak, the controversial chocolate jolokia ghost chilli was unforgivable to some and praised by others. HONOURABLE MENTIONS We have to give a big shout out to Bucket Boys and Stockade Brewing Co., whose beers absolutely killed it. We're expecting to see big things from both of these brewers in 2016. Want to know more? Check out the complete list of the Festival Beers
While we were pushing through our first autumn Monday — fittingly caffeinated to the nines — the best actors, directors, cinematographers and costume-makers were walking the red carpet leading to Hollywood's Dolby Theatre. And they were collecting a slew of well-deserved gold statues on stage, too. At the 90th Academy Awards, host Jimmy Kimmel didn't shy away from discussing #MeToo, Weinstein and last year's Best Picture fiasco, Jodie Foster took the stage on crutches (and blamed Meryl Streep) and Frances McDormand made a rousing speech, encouraging the telling (and funding) of more women's stories in Hollywood. On the awards front, some hot favourites battled it out for the 2018 titles. There were big winners — The Shape of Water, going in with a massive 13 nominations, took home four — and others you may believe were cheated (Timothée Chalamet is a winner in our hearts), but, regardless, this year's Oscar winners make for a stellar must-watch list. Here's who took home the gongs, and who you should be watching on the big (or little) screen. Some are still in cinemas, so hop to it tout de suite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYWazblaUA THE SHAPE OF WATER Won: Best Picture, Directing (Guillermo del Toro), Original Score (Alexandre Desplat), Production Design (Paul Denham Austerberry, Shane Vieau and Jeff Melvin) What our critic said: "Equally vivid and violent as it jumps between matters of the heart and moments of espionage, the film entrances with its sweet, soulful, delicate approach while never shying away from weighty themes of persecution or oppression." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aZ3r-84EQc THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI Won: Actress in a Leading Role (Frances McDormand), Actor in a Supporting Role (Sam Rockwell) What our critic said: "Packed with dark, hilarious, nigh-unprintable dialogue, McDonagh's script mightn't be subtle, but it is teeming with complexity... Taking his cues from gunslinging revenge tales gone by, the filmmaker crafts a complicated rumination on humanity's contradictions." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpKvpSr7p1g DARKEST HOUR Won: Actor in a Leading Role (Gary Oldman), Makeup and Hairstyling (Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Mlinowski and Lucy Sibbick) What our critic said: "While both Churchill and Dunkirk are clearly no strangers to cinemas of late, Darkest Hour has one particular weapon all of its own: recent Golden Globe winner Oldman. The veteran actor gives a captivating performance, even coming hot on the heels of Brian Cox's excellent work in Churchill just months ago."— Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ9J1FgA0A8 DUNKIRK Won: Film Editing (Lee Smith), Sound Editing (Richard King and Alex Gibson), Sound Mixing (Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landarker, and Gary A. Rizzo) What our critic said: "Unrelenting from start to finish, there's never a moment that's easy to watch, but there's never one devoid of hope either. This is an astonishing feat of storytelling, aesthetics and emotion, one from which you will not be able to look away."— Sarah Ward Where to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIm1PyBSwc COCO Won: Animated Feature Film, Original Song ('Remember Me') What our critic said: "Coco enchants with warmth and authenticity from start to finish. In fact, as bright as its images shine, as high as its heartfelt emotions soar, and as perfectly as its voice cast fill their roles — including Gael García Bernal stealing scenes as a dead prankster — it's the film's embrace of its setting and culture that truly makes it sing." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCYB28iknIM PHANTOM THREAD Won: Costume Design (Mark Bridges) What our critic said: "Every textile metaphor you can think of applies to Phantom Thread. It's a film that's carefully woven from the fabric of human urges, teeming with hidden layers and positively bursting at the seams with emotional detail. It's also one made by the finest possible craftspeople, with Anderson and his three stars fashioning the cinematic equivalent of haute couture." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In cinemas (but the run is almost over). Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJHex4ZitgA A FANTASTIC WOMAN Won: Foreign Language Film What our critic said: "It can't be overstated how wonderful it is to see transgender representation on the big screen (no offence Eddie Redmayne, but this is how it should be). Vega's performance as Marina feels authentic, in no small part because it is authentic. Every movement, every delivery is subtle, considered and real." — Imogen Baker Where to watch it: In selected cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGa3M0hfTCo BLADE RUNNER 2049 Won: Visual Effects, Cinematography (Roger A. Deakins) What our critic said: "For a film that overwhelms with its extraordinary sights and echoing sounds, Blade Runner 2049 revels in the little things, and in the potent cumulative toll that they can have...Villeneuve achieves the cinematic equivalent, making each moment resound with meaning while honouring the legacy of the original." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=AHEl7Pji0f8 GET OUT Won: Original Screenplay (Jordan Peele) What our critic said: "One of the most assured, astute, entertaining and intelligent horror movies to creep out cinemas in years." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0UgXrhCPHo CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Won: Adapted Screenplay (James Ivory) What our critic said: "Weaved from quiet, tender, everyday encounters that pepper every love story, it swells and surges, taking both its characters and its viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Think of it as perhaps the greatest example of cinematic show and tell there is: to watch it is to experience the same heady, heated feelings as its central couple." — Sarah Ward Where to watch it: In selected cinemas (but the run is almost over). Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXZQ5DfSAAc I, TONYA Won: Actress in a Supporting Role (Allison Janney) What our critic said: "I, Tonya seems intent on reversing the popular consensus around its title character. The real Harding appeared at premieres of the film in the US, standing alongside Margot Robbie on the red carpet. But while she might finally have gotten the chance to prove she's not just the butt of a joke, you can't help but feel that the filmmakers – intentionally or not – treat her abuse as exactly that." — Kat Hayes Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review.
Dig in deep and revive that Saddle Club phase. Whether you're hiding a few Gymkhana medals under your belt or don't know your stirrup from your saddle, there's a horse riding institute to suit any level of experience in Brisbane and its surrounds. You can get friends together and try your luck at riding into a sunset, or go solo like the man from Snowy River — all you need is a pair of jodhpurs, some RMs, and maybe a Telfast or two. RAINBOW BEACH HORSE RIDES One of Australia's most beautiful strips of surf and sand, Rainbow Beach is as pristine a place as any to saddle up and go for a ride. Andrew and Kirsty McCarthy run Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, one of those picturesque little ventures that seems like never-ending fun and the dream of small businesses. With a team of certified trail guides and some of the prettiest and quietest horses this side of the equator, Rainbow Beach Horse Rides is the perfect little adventure for when you've got a free, hot summer's day. SLICKERS HORSE RIDING If there's one thing better than a nice relaxing trail ride, it's a nice relaxing trail ride that involves a stopover at a pub or winery. Slickers Horse Riding at Ocean View (45 minutes drive from Brisbane) offers a variety of different day trips and activities on horseback, such as pub and winery tours, farm stays, moonlight rides and birthday parties. The pub ride kicks off at 10am, with riders travelling down the mountainside to the Crown Hotel for a couple of drinks and big pub meal. The winery ride stops of at Ocean View Estates Winery for a tasting of some great local wines and a cheese board. Good luck staying in the saddle after your third or fourth glass. COWBOY UP TRAIL RIDING The phrase 'cowboy up' refers to that point in time where things are feeling a little tough, and all you can do is dust yourself off and keep trying. And that's what Cowboy Up Trail Riding is all about: a relaxing ride to give you the chance to 'cowboy up' for the rest of your day, week or month. Situated about 20 minutes outside Crows Nest (or a two-hour drive from Brisbane), this trail riding club offers docile horses, comfortable western saddles and the chance to ride through rollings hills that lay ground to magnificent views of mountains and farmlands. Chances are you'll also see a wallaby, deer or native bird or two. If you're looking to up your horse riding game, Cowboy Up also offer cattle musters, office parties, whip cracking lessons and a monthly moonlight ride. HORSE RIDING QUEENSLAND TRAIL RIDES Okay, so you might have to dig deep into your pockets for this one (around $100 per person) but we can give you some solid assurance that it's worth every buck. Horse Riding Queensland are the kingpins of our state horse riding scene — we assume there is a scene — which means they've got sound expertise and know-how to set up the perfect environment for beginners. Situated in Alberton, only a half an hour drive from Brisbane, Horse Riding Queensland is close enough to the city to be a convenient half-day trip, but also shows off beautiful paddocks and Australian bushland without a main road in sight. MARY VALLEY ADVENTURE TRAILS If you're looking for a great combo of rainforest and beachside trail riding, then Mary Valley Adventure Trails can deliver. As a minimum, $120 gets you a half-day ride (around three hours) — but if you're after something more serious, they've also got full day and multi-day rides on offer. You'll get to ride through the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland and witness spectacular views all from up in the saddle. If you're looking to stay a little longer in the area, they can happily recommend accommodation. Added bonus: they also offer trail rides for children and sell gift vouchers if you're stuck for a Chrissy gift. Good luck up there in the saddle, and remember: be a Lisa, not Veronica. Top image: Dollar Photo Club
Have you ever wanted to be the very best, like no one ever was, a Pokémon master in real life? Stop lying, because the answer is obviously GOTTA CATCH 'EM ALL GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY. Well now you can, thanks to Pokémon Go, a new augmented reality mobile game that lets you capture and train virtual Pokémon right here in the real world. Out now in Australia on Android and iOS devices, the game uses your smartphone's camera and sensors to 'detect' when wild Pokémon are near. You'll find different Pokémon depending on where you are — for example, you're more likely to encounter a water-type Pokémon near a body of water. You can join teams, trade Pokémon with other players, and battle for control of gyms. You can also visit notable locations around your city, such as public monuments, where you can stock up on PokéBalls and other necessary items. In addition to the app, Nintendo have also developed the Pokémon Go Plus, a small device that can be worn on your wrist and lets you play the game without having to look at your phone. Which is probably a good idea, since the last thing you want to do when battling a wild Charizard is accidentally walk in front of a bus. Pokémon Go is free to play, although there are in-app purchases available. Of course the most important piece of information is that the game only includes the original 150 Pokémon, making this the perfect time to bust out the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMk8wuw7nek
Psych Night has long been the pillar of Brisbane's psychedelic music scene. Now they're hanging up their hat and calling it quits, but not before throwing together a hell of showcase. Psych Night - Finale will take place in Serafini Chains, a warehouse in Bowen Hills that's only a stone's throw from the Valley. As per usual, Psych Night is more of a warehouse party than gig. It's BYO, super noisy and there's a fair chance you'll be immersed in a spectrum of psychedelic flavours from 4pm till early the next morning. So who's on the bill? Expect some Brisbane's best psych-bands including: Acid on Andy Baskervillain Dreamtime House of Giants In Void Magenta Voyeur Omegachild Reud Moo Sacred Shrines This Old Sunn Twin Haus Windrest Tickets are $30, and don't forget to bring your own drinks. The end of Psych Night is a major hit for the Brisbane music scene, so make sure to head along and give them a heartfelt goodbye, psych-style.
You might fancy yourself a bit of a dancefloor master in the safe, dark confines of a nightclub (or you know, lounge room) — but how fancy is your footwork when it's on display in a more public, open air environment? That's the question this year's Brisbane Festival is asking the city's residents. All you have to do is jump on over to Queen's Park and strut your stuff to find out. In fact, You Should Be Dancing is more of an order than anything. If you're heading along to the free event, moving and grooving is pretty much mandatory. Different styles will be showcased over the popup dance party's nine nights — and yes, that really is just the beginning of Bris Fest's onslaught of music, performance, arts, culture and participatory fun for 2016. In his second year as the festival's artistic director, David Berthold isn't holding back when it comes to the big, busy program that will brighten up Brisbane from September 3 to 24. A whopping 70 productions and 540 performances will feature across the five key venues of QPAC, Brisbane Powerhouse, South Bank Piazza, QUT's theatre precinct, and the two-Spiegeltent setup that comprises Arcadia at South Bank's cultural forecourt. Highlights include Rules of the Game, a multidisciplinary dance work from renowned choreographer Jonah Bokaer, visual artist Daniel Arsham and none other than Pharrell Williams that comes direct to Brisbane after its Dallas premiere — and before it even shows in New York. And, for seasoned Bris Fest attendees accustomed to indulging in Strut & Fret's latest food-and-entertainment combo, Blanc de Blanc brings a champagne celebration to the festival is several senses of the word. Elsewhere, expect everything from an interactive take on the act of buying sex and Circa going Troppo to queer feminist sci-fi and a feast of music docos, plus — for fans of fresh takes on old classics — theatre, ballet and film versions of Snow White and a new, superhero-centric staging of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream as well. Next, prepare to have all your pre-existing memories of the Little Mermaid completely shattered after seeing Meow Meow's interpretation of the tale, complete with an underwater themed stage and new music by Amanda Palmer, Kate Miller-Heidke and Megan Washington. Music-wise, there'll be plenty of killer sounds to get your ears buzzing courtesy of a lineup international acts and local legends that features Montaigne, Kim Gordon, Pink Martini, Robert Forster, Custard, a reunion show by george and more. And yes, for those that like watching bright explosions light up the sky, Riverfire is back for its 19th year. So, that's your September well and truly sorted — if you don't have anything to do for the first three weeks of the month, you're just not looking hard enough. Brisbane Festival runs from September 3 – 24 across Brisbane. For more the full 2015 program, or to book tickets, visit the festival website.
Sydney has Mardi Gras, Melbourne has Midsumma, and now Brisbane finally has its own celebration of queer arts and culture to add a bit of dazzle to the warmer months. Come February 5, the Brisbane Powerhouse will stage the first-ever MELT festival, focusing on LGBTIQ performance, art, music and film. After kicking off with what promises to be a huge — and free — opening night party, MELT will combine comedy, cabaret, circus and more over 11 days of fun. It may be the event’s inaugural year, but there are plenty of things to see — starting with our top picks.
It might be France's fourth biggest city, but Toulouse isn't yet a firm fixture on the tourist trail. Unless you're an aviation fanatic, that is — all Airbus A380s are born here, so Biggles fans drop by to tour what's surely one of the world's biggest assembly lines. But what's less known about Toulouse is that it's a mecca for creatives. For decades now, artists have been pouncing on abandoned buildings and reclaiming them for art's sake. Among the epic proportions of an ex-slaughterhouse, you'll find a 78-year-old stage curtain painted by Picasso. Along the curved walls of an 18th century water tower, explore France's first photography gallery. In an ex-clothing factory, discover the latest from emerging artists. To these eclectic spaces, a busy festival calendar brings wave after wave of international art invasions, dance spectaculars, electronica marathons and world music parties. In fact, locals dub Toulouse the 'festival capital' of France. Nestled into a bend on the Garonne River, which begins in the Pyrenees and flows into the Atlantic at Bordeaux, Toulouse, like Paris, is organised according to its banks. On the right, winding, cobbled alleyways lead to the famous pink brick of the Capitole. The left is quieter, but it's where some of the most interesting galleries and imaginative uses of public space are found. ART-ING If there's one way to redeem a slaughterhouse, it's surely through devotion to acts of creativity. Les Abattoirs (76 Allées Charles-de-Fitte; +33 (0)5 34 51 10 60) swapped the butcher's knife in favour of the paintbrush back in 2000. Its enormous, airy space now hosts 4000 modern and contemporary artworks (Picasso's curtain included). I stroll in to find myself eye-to-eye with Franz Gertsch's freakishly realistic, close-up portraits and impossibly translucent coastlines. Hung just centimetres from the floor and backdropped by monumental archways, his works couldn't find a more dramatic setting. A mezzanine level allows viewing from every conceivable angle. Les Abattoirs is one stop along a 12-point walk taking in both riverbanks. It also covers Centre de L'Affiche, a graphic art museum; the crumbling remains of Toulouse's 16th century city walls; the 12th century Hôtel Dieu Saint Jacques, one-time shelter for orphans, paupers and pilgrims; and the Fine Arts Museum. Peeling off the Pont Neuf onto the right bank, I'm soon drawn into a maze of secretive backstreets. Since July 2013, vehicles have been banished from the centre, in just one of Toulouse's many pedestrian-friendly and green-inspired initiatives. 2010 saw the world's first experiments with 'pavement power'. This propensity for forward-thinking is evident even among the gothic cloisters of the Musée des Augustins (21, Rue de Metz; +33 (0)5 61 22 21 82). An ex-convent, it was seized in 1793 by French Revolutionaries, who transformed it into one of France's first public galleries. Today, 4000 works span the 11th century to the early 1900s. Their display is, however, in no way trapped by cold reverence to tradition, with fresh interventions frequently transplanting centuries-old artworks into the present. Right now, the Romanesque sculpture collection has been reimagined as a bright, pendant-lit, stylised garden by Cuban artist Jorge Pardo. Commissioned for the 2014 Toulouse International Art Festival, it's on show until 2016. Other galleries worth more than a peep include Alain Daudet (contemporary), exp rm'n tl and concept (up-and-coming contemporary), Le Chateau d'Eau (photography), NEXT (pop art) and Fondation d'Entreprise Espace Ecureuil Pour L'Art Contemporain (art inspired by everyday life). If you're keen to visit several, invest in a Pass Tourisme, which gives you a bunch of freebies and discounts. EATING & DRINKING Like most places in France, Toulouse is fiercely proud of its regional produce. At least 13 food markets are in operation, the majority within 15 minutes' walk of the Capitole. I head straight for the biggest: Marché Victor Hugo. At first, I think I might well have the wrong address. From the outside, it's a multi-storey carpark that must have reared its concrete head sometime in the 1970s. Inside, however, I discover a pastoral labyrinth of pastries, dairy, meats, fruit, vegetables and wine, brought in by growers and producers from all over the region. A couple of cheeses in hand, I pause for a sneaky mid-morning wine tasting. Then it's up to the first-floor restaurants for lunch, where the chefs source their produce in the early morning from downstairs. Such focus on the best of ingredients continues in Toulouse's numerous wine bars and eateries. Situated between two wine regions — the South West (or Sud-Ouest) and the Languedoc-Roussillon — the city is a meeting point for both. Legendary brandy-producing area Armagnac is also nearby. To taste your way across a huge range without breaking the bank, drop into No. 5 Wine Bar (5 Rue de la Bourse; +33 (0)5 61 38 44 51). I stumble across it by accident while wandering among a bunch of arty, independent shops around Rue de la Bourse. With a 'tasting card' in hand, visitors can help themselves to the wines on offer, sampling as much — or as little — of each as they like, without having to invest in entire glasses. The 36-bottle selection changes every night. Other excellent bars include L'Oenotilus (Boulevard Griffoul Dorval; +33 (0)5 62 16 39 47), which occupies a converted 1927 barge beneath the leafy trees of the Canal du Midi, and the quirky Au Père Louis (45 Rue des Tourneurs; +33 (0)5 61 21 33 45), established 1889, where you can quaff at the original, zinc-covered bar. Definitely try the quinquina, a fortified wine zinged up with cinchona bark and herbs. Also worth checking out are the laneways around Rue Castellane and Rue de L'industrie (800 metres east of the centre), where funky, grungy holes-in-the-wall serve up affordable, internationally diverse eats. SLEEPING Just around the corner from Rue de L'Industrie is a boutique hotel by the name of St. Claire (29, Place Nicholas Bachelier; +33 (0)5 34 405 888; contact@stclairehotel.com). Welcoming, airy and light, it feels more like a country home than a city hotel. I take a room on the third floor, with district views. Rustic cane and wooden furnishings are in line with classic French aesthetics, but, the concierge tells me, they've been arranged according to the principles of feng shui, which is why the whole place feels so unusually tranquil. Breakfast is a generous selection of pastries, cereals, fruit and yoghurt served in a cute downstairs café. For a slicker, more grown-up option, there's the Citiz Hotel (18 Allées Jean Jaurès; +33 (0)5 61 11 18 18; contact@citizhotel.fr). Situated on the edge of the town centre, it's close to major attractions and is housed in a beautiful, heritage-listed building. Inside, though, interiors have been swished up with a cool, contemporary revamp. Spacious rooms are decorated in sleek chocolates and creams, and splashed with mauve lighting, to particularly spectacular effect in the bathrooms. In the morning, a generous breakfast buffet takes over the downstairs dining room, where large bay windows afford views of the city rolling into action. OUT-OF-TOWN ADVENTURING The Pyrenees, the Mediterranean and the Haute Languedoc are all within two-hours' travel time of Toulouse. Theoretically, you could throw snowballs and swim in the sea between dawn and dusk. I catch a train east, to Mazamet, a market town in the foothills of Montagne Noire (or Black Mountain), where I meet Angus Longstaff — Aussie-turned-French citizen who's spent his life chef-ing, travelling, wining and dining, and now runs tours around South West France. Tell him where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do and he'll organise it — whether you're looking for obscure mountain villages, truffle-foraging expeditions, off-the-beaten-track markets, home-cooked lunches with French families or wineries. Passengers can design their own adventure or choose from a bunch of one-day itineraries. "I just spent the week driving around an Australian couple, who are looking at buying a chateau. You can buy an entire castle in France for less than the price of some Australian houses," he laughs. Angus is easygoing and fun-to-be-around. Whether you're interested in buying real estate, what makes one French wine region different from another, the latest headlines hitting Australian news or Heston Blumenthal's most recent move, he's up for a chat. Our morning starts with a visit to a tranquil, centuries-old village, where there's not another tourist to be seen. We watch a traditional instrument maker at work and chat to a local seamstress whose shop is filled with striking blue-purple clothes, made with dye derived from the area's renowned violets. Then, we head to the home of a local winemaker and her four sons, who serve us a long lunch around their sunny kitchen table, accompanied by wines made from grapes grown, harvested and stomped in the vineyard just outside. In the afternoon, we wind our way to heritage-listed Carcassonne, a medieval, fortified city that's home to 53 towers, stunning panoramic views and a really, really good chocolate shop. At sundown, Angus drops me back in Mazamet, at La Villa de Mazamet. Built in 1934, it was originally a family home, but following a mid-2000s renovation, is now a lush bed and breakfast run by Peter Friend and Mark Barber, from England. "For us, it's a passion," Mark tells me. "It's what I've always wanted to do. I feel lucky to be here and to be able to share it with other people." Peter is a self-trained chef, who cooks four-course meals for guests in the evenings, while Mark is a wine expert. The villa is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, a pool and, in the former wine cellar, a private, underground spa. "Mazamet is a popular choice with Australians," Mark says. "I think it's because they like getting to destinations that are a bit away from the beaten track." Jasmine Crittenden travelled as a guest of Toulouse Tourisme, St. Claire Hotel, Citiz Hotel, Fine Wine Tours and La Villa de Mazamet.
When is a festival event more than just a festival event? When it is a thrumming, buzzing hub of activity. In 2015, Brisbane Festival unveils Arcadia as the free-entry space that weird and wonderful dreams are made of. They're not calling it the Wild West meets Willy Wonka without good reason. In an adult playground that occupies a site at South Bank more than five times the size of previous years, two performance tents, four bars, ten boutique food trucks and a host of activities will take up residence. Whether indulging in sassy new show Club Swizzle, entering an edible world at Fear & Delight, marvelling at pavement art at the 3D Chalk Walk, or just hanging out in the purpose-built, two-storey Little Creatures Treehouse is your thing, there's something here for everyone. Of course, don't miss the Big Festival Opening on September 5 — aka the perfect sampler of Bris Fest mayhem.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. From 11am on Saturday, August 17, the Newstead music venue is once again shutting down Stratton Street and serving up the Brisbane festival we had to have. Plenty of food festivals have come and gone, but Brisbane Burger Fest was always going to be back for another helping — behaviour that you'll likely copy on the day. For those wondering about the festival's burger credentials, Miss Kay's, 5 Boroughs, Lucky Egg, MooFree Burgers, Ben's Burgers, Ze Pickle and The Triffid's own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don't think you can handle taking part, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a burger street party even better, The Triffid's beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, a beer pong arena is on the agenda, and so are live art installations and a food hall. Drinks-wise, Stone & Wood and Green Beacon Brewing Co will be taking care of the brews. Tickets cost $5 — and they're expected to get snapped up quickly. Image: 5 Boroughs.
Ever driven across the Story Bridge and thought, "Wouldn't it be great to go to a market here?" We know, that might not have crossed your mind exactly. But it must've popped into the heads of the folks behind Hamilton's Eat Street Markets, because that's exactly what they're about to do. On July 5, the Brisbane landmark will be doing more than just linking Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley. In fact, cars will have to find an alternate route across the river, because a food market is taking over the entire bridge. Around 50 vendors have been invited to sell their delicious, delicious wares, so there'll be plenty of tasty treats on offer. A whopping 20,000 people are allowed on the bridge at a time, which sounds like a lot — but what Brisbanite would miss out on checking out this historic, ultra-novelty event? Indeed, given that everyone in Brisbane has already seen the bridge covered in fireworks many, many times, there's probably no better way to celebrate the 75th birthday of the heritage-listed icon. The bridge officially opened for business back on July 6, 1940 after five years of construction, and now sees an average of 97,000 cars zoom across it each day. While gathering for a bite to eat on the bridge might be something new, spending money there isn't. It was originally a toll road, with charges removed in 1947. Since 2005, people have been paying to scale its heights as part of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb experience. Now, for one night only, you can snack, browse and devour delicious local food with the best view in town. Brisbane's Story Bridge will closed to traffic for the food market for one night on July 5. Via Brisbane Times. Image: andzzz, judyvannorman and Tim Williams — Flickr via Wikimedia Commons and Eat Street Markets. View all Brisbane Events.
Taking his fearless, self-reflective tracks on the road yet again, Perfume Genius gives Aussie audiences a brave insight into what makes him tick. This Seattle native has a knack for pushing boundaries, famous for his daring depictions of sexuality and high-strung ballads that bleed with angst, anger and alienation. Off the back of two soulful records, Mike Hadreas (the man behind the stage name) struggled his way to completing his third studio offering Too Bright, released late last year. Thwarted by expectation, Hadreas has overcome insecurity and doubt to return with sleek, spine-tingling songs notably richer in vocal textures than his previous works. Donning a sharp new look to accompany his shift in sound, Hadraes plays up his divisive trademark style with an album exploring the universal experience of self-awareness and discovery. Touring across Canada and the States later this year, catch Perfume Genius before he heads home at highly-anticipated shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
After a year full of lockdowns and restrictions, travelling around Australia is finally possible again. Now, the bumper-to-bumper summer season of the country's top galleries is within reach to out-of-town art lovers too. We've pulled together a taster of major exhibitions that span both new and recognisable art and will encourage reflection on this crazy year. Each state is offering something unique, from an expansive all-women artist exhibition in Canberra to shows revealing the diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from across the country. Join us in celebrating culture and open borders with an Australian summer full of art, performance, community talks and tours.
She became the Queen of France at the age of 18, is famously associated with the phrase "let them eat cake", and got the biopic treatment courtesy of Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst. Now, Marie Antoinette has her own bar. Not bad for someone who lost her head, literally, back in 1793. No, you won't need to travel back in time to check out the long-deceased monarch's new digs — but you will need to head to New York. Brooklyn restaurant Chez Moi has converted the basement space beneath their French eatery into a decadent lounge bar fit for royalty, using Antoinette's own bedroom in the Palace of Versailles as inspiration. Adorned with all things velvet and vintage as far as the eye can see, Le Boudoir endeavours to recreate Antoinette's inner sanctum, complete with reproductions of 18th century oil paintings, sconces sourced from actual French castles, an exact replica of her private powder room and an original monogrammed doorknob from Versailles. Plus, patrons enter through a secret passageway hidden behind a bookshelf — just like the Queen's had in her personal library. It's a very lavish, rouge-laden, late-night version of the royal boudoir. Here's Sofia Coppola's pastel-happy interpretation: And here's Brooklyn's: The theming doesn’t stop there, courtesy of snacks ranging from French fries to crispy frog's legs to truffle mushroom croquettes, and a drinks list boasting plenty of wine from the Austrian-born Antoinette's adopted country. Alas, cake isn't on offer — but cocktails served in silver-plated and crystal goblets are. With concoctions such as the 1793 (with toasted sunflower seed-infused rye and oloroso sherry) and the Guillotine (mescal, blended scotch, banana liqueur and honey), you'll want to have a tipple and drink it too, of course. Book that airfare and this'll be you: Via Travel and Leisure. Images: Nicole Franzen, Le Boudoir.
Darts might traditionally belong to old-school pubs, but Oche gives the game a thoroughly modern reinvention. Housed inside the 115-year-old Old Flour Mill building on Constance Street, the four-level venue brings augmented darts, cocktails and social gaming together under one roof. Originally founded in Oslo, Oche (pronounced "ockey") has brought its tech-driven take on the game to Fortitude Valley with a lineup of digital dartboards that automatically track scores and guide players through dozens of game modes. From classics like 201 and Cricket to knockout-style games and trivia formats, the system makes it easy to jump straight into competition – no pencils, scorecards or disputes required. The venue itself stretches across 700 square metres and offers far more than darts. The al fresco Garden Bar provides a sunlit space for cocktails and spritzes, while upstairs guests can find karaoke rooms, shuffleboard tables on the terrace and a hidden speakeasy, Lost Society, tucked behind a rotating bookshelf. Food is designed for social play, with share-friendly dishes such as pizzas, sliders, tacos and grazing boards that can easily be eaten between throws. With space for up to 360 guests, Oche has become a go-to for group nights out, celebrations and anyone looking for something a little more interactive than a standard bar. Whether you're chasing bragging rights at the dartboard, cocktails in the garden bar or a late-night round of karaoke, Oche is a multi-experience venue built for long, lively nights out.
Drawing from France's iconic cafe-wine bars, The Old Seven offers the same intimate feeling and expertly selected vino as the establishments you'd find in Europe. The small space operates from breakfast, where the menu features French-inspired eats like house-made terrines, wagyu tonnato and mixed olives. Not keen to share? Opt for one of the six cheesy jaffles. Our pick is The d'Affy, with confit duck, fromager d'affinois, Spanish onion and cherry sauce. Dessert offerings include banoffee tart and three styles of affogato — each served with La Macelleria gelato. As for the wine, there are over 100 options, along with a small selection of beers and an impressive cocktail list. The Old Seven Wine Bar was formerly home to an art gallery, and much of the charm remains. However, it's been overhauled with restored antique furniture, a green-tiled bar and statement chandeliers to create a charming European vibe. Images: Kiel Wode
Land of white-sanded beaches, tropical islands, ancient rainforest and endless summer — Queensland has enough long distance walking material to keep you going for years. Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Brisbane to the north are the volcanic terrain, dreamy waterfalls and prehistoric forests of the Gold Coast hinterland. To the south lie the behemoth sand dunes, wildflowers and remote beaches of the Sunshine Coast. Meanwhile, popular tourist destination K'gari (aka Fraser Island) takes on a whole new dimension when you get exploring on foot. Here are five epic multi-day hikes near Brisbane to try. Strap on your hiking boots and get trekking. [caption id="attachment_650360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] GOLD COAST HINTERLAND GREAT WALK The Gold Coast might be best known for its high rises and endless beaches, but the hinterland is like another world. And you can see it in-depth on the 54-kilometre-long Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This walk begins at O'Reilly's Campground in Lamington National Park, about two hours south of Brisbane. It then winds along the rim of the 25 million-year-old Tweed Volcano crater, through the world heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests, across babbling mountain creeks and into natural amphitheatres — all before finishing at Springbrook National Park. For overnight accommodation, there are campgrounds, glamping spots and cabins to stop at along the way. How long? Two-to-three days. [caption id="attachment_789853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Queensland Government[/caption] SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND GREAT WALK Another inland escapade that takes you away from coastal crowds and into unexpected territory is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This 59-kilometre trail begins at Lake Baroon (about 90 kilometres north of Brisbane) and travels through the beautiful Blackall Ranges, passing through three national parks along the way: Kondalilla, Mapleton Falls and Mapleton. The walk is particularly scenic, with numerous lookouts affording views over forest-covered mountains and dramatic gorges. At ground level, picturesque rock pools and cascades provide plenty of tranquil places to rest. For your overnight stays, there are three camps, plus motels and self-contained cabins to choose from. How long? Three-to-five days. [caption id="attachment_650358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] COOLOOLA GREAT WALK If you prefer the sandy side of the Sunshine Coast, take on the Cooloola Great Walk instead. Like the Hinterland Walk, this one avoids tourist traps, travelling for 102 kilometres through the remote reaches of the Great Sandy National Park. The track kicks off from Noosa North Shore (about 150 kilometres north of Brisbane) and ends up at Rainbow Beach. You'll visit colourful wildflower meadows (in spring), climb massive sand hills and soak up incredible views of the Sunshine Coast in every direction. Stop by a few of the perched lakes for a dip — these offer crystal clear pools formed in sand dunes. En route, you'll find four campgrounds for walkers. giving you ample space to pitch your tent. How long? Five days. [caption id="attachment_650359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] K'GARI (FRASER ISLAND) GREAT WALK The biggest sand island in the world, K'gari is found just off the coast, 300 kilometres north of Brisbane. The best way to discover everything this gorgeous location has to offer is to walk through its heart. The 90-kilometre-long K'gari Great Walk starts at Dilli Village in the south and finishes at Happy Valley in the north, which are both on the island's east coast. You'll pass through the perfect white shores and sparkling waters of Lake McKenzie, the impossibly tall rainforest trees of the Valley of the Giants and the extraordinary Wongi, Hammerstone and Badjala Sandblows. Campgrounds are dotted along the way. And yes, there are dingoes, so brush up on a few safety tips before setting off. How long? Six-to-eight days. [caption id="attachment_650357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] CARNARVON GREAT WALK This 87-kilometre circuit carries you through the peaks and valleys of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. You'll begin in Carnarvon Gorge (about 700 kilometres northwest of Brisbane) and follow Carnarvon Creek, which is flanked by gradually-narrowing sandstone cliffs and surrounded by palms, cycads and wildflowers. Take a side-track to see some of Australia's best Aboriginal rock art in Cathedral Cave. Next, the trail climbs steeply, reaching a height of 1000 metres above sea level and travelling across peaks, plateaus and ridge lines — expect mind-blowing views aplenty. To master this track, you'll need to be fit and pack your tent, with campgrounds placed at the end of each section. How long? Six-to-seven days. Note: The Carnarvon Great Walk is closed from the start of November to the end of February every year because of the heat. For more details, head to the visitor's website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Summer is close, and so is the summer festival season. Now is the time to sit down and have a long hard think about where you're going to allocate the festival money you've been saving up this year. We reccomend the ten below. Whether you're in Victoria over New Years Eve for Beyond the Valley, or taking a trip to Tasmania later in the summer to Party in the Paddock, these festivals tick all the boxes when it comes to camping facilities, scenery, amenities, crowds and of course, music. Just so you know, we're running a competition with Teva where you can win yourself a pair of their Arrowood boots, a tent, water bottle and a whole bunch of camping things that will make your life easier. Pack your tent and your 24-hour deodorant — it's summer festival season. LOST PARADISE December 29-31 Glenworth Valley, New South Wales Lost Paradise, held in the picturesque Glenworth Valley an hour from Sydney, has upheld an image as one of the more wholesome Australian music festivals. This is its third year, and it's set to be a banger. Lost Paradise is renowned for its food line-up, but it's well catered for in the camping department too, with the whole spectrum of outdoor living arrangements available — from super luxe glamping to renting a basic tent, with many stylish options in between. The holistic vibe appears in attractions like yoga, massages, sound baths, and kayaking. We're mostly loving the 2016 lineup though — Flight Facilities, Fat Freddy's Drop and Hot Chip are on it. Kapow. SOUTHBOUND January 8-10 Busselton, Western Australia Western Australia's Southbound is popular with people who like tents. You can bring your own esky and food (not booze unfortunately), you can camp with your car and there are have loads of amenities available to use over the three day event. The festival takes place a few hours drive outside of Perth, make a trip out of it and go wine tasting, surfing and sky-diving. This year's line up has Hermitude, Drapht and Boo Seeka, among many others. PARTY IN THE PADDOCK February 10-12 Burns Creek, Tasmania Party in the Paddock is yet another reason to love Tasmania. The festival takes place in White Hills, which is 25 minutes outside Launceston. The range of artists is huge — there's Sticky Fingers, Sampa the Great and The Bad Dad Orchestra, and then there's a huge number of spots reserved for new and upcoming acts. You'll likely find your new favourite band at PITP. It's known as one of the friendliest festivals going around, and there's free camping with a first in best dressed approach. See also: beer gardens, general stores, bathrooms, food and juice bars a plenty. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL December 9-11 Meredith, Victoria Starting in 1991, Meredith Music Festival takes place in the country town of Meredith, Victoria. It's one of the longest standing festivals there is, and it is blissfully free of commercial intervention. It's finest feature is the fact that it's BYO. Yes, you may bring your own alcohol. Camping is free and self-allocating. Meredith is a nature-focused festival that marches to its own beat. Its extremely strict "no dickhead policy" should be instated at all festival across Australia. Right on. There are massages, Tai Chi and an 'Arch of Love' at Meredith, as well as an outdoor cinema. Also, Peaches is playing. We're in. BEYOND THE VALLEY December 28 - January 1 Lardner, Victoria Having an energy supply tent area is sure to make your festival popular with campers. Beyond the Valley has one, it's called Electric City, and it certainly makes it a popular place to spend New Years Eve. It's free to camp, and the area has a pretty lovely view of Lardner Park in Victoria. There's the basic camping option, the luxury option, and the bell tent option. This year's lineup is killer — it's got Ladyhawke, Jarryd James, The Delta Riggs and Emma Louise. [caption id="attachment_589321" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Zakarij Kaczmarek.[/caption] SECRET GARDEN February 24-25 Brownlow Hill Farm, New South Wales With a a big emphasis on fancy dress and high detail costumes, Secret Garden is a 48-hour forest disco, and it's one of the most popular festivals going around. For those who like a condensed party full of shiny, colourful characters covered in glitter that look like disco tree fairies — the Garden might be your festival camping pick. Camping is free, tent hire is available and an always joyous list of acts is only announced after the festival sells out. It sells every year. That's confidence. PARADISE MUSIC FESTIVAL November 25-27 Marysville, Victoria Rather than going for the big names, Paradise music festival focuses on getting the smaller acts, so it's one for the music connoisseurs. The three day event is held in Victoria, and has views over the Great Dividing Range. It's a pretty self-sufficient affair for campers — BYO pretty much everything, which is great news for those who like to do camping their own way. There's an emphasis on local and unsigned acts and a strong level of industry alliance at Paradise, it's not to be missed for devotees or those looking to discover their new favourite band. STRAWBERRY FIELDS November 17-20 Tocumwal, New South Wales A celebration of art, sounds and creative expression, Strawberry Fields is an all encompassing sensory experience. A few hours outside of Melbourne, stages, venues and pop ups are like the pirate ship above are design-focused and curated to showcase art and music. There are workshops, experimental sounds, emerging artists and decor displays — this is an artistic-muso-camper's dream. It's one of the few festivals that allow RVs, teepees, tents, and caravans inside. MOUNTAIN SOUNDS February 17-18 Mount Penang Parklands, NSW One of the more boutique music and cultural festivals near the Central Coast in NSW, Mountain Sounds scored RUFUS as headliners this year. Cars and camper vehicles are allowed on the grounds, and tents can be hired for the weekend as well. The amenities are basic, but abundant, and while it doesn't have some of the flashier conveniences of the others, it has a low-key and unpretentious vibe. FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL New Years Eve New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia The Avalanches are just one of the artists who have just been announced in the full 2016 lineup for Falls Festival this year, alongside Childish Gambino, London Grammar, Grouplove, Broods, Jamie T, Parquet Courts and heaps, heaps more. As always, Falls will be heading to Lorne in Victoria for four nights, and Marion Bay in Tassie and Byron Bay on the NSW coast for three nights over New Year's Eve. They'll also be setting up shop in Fremantle for the first time with Falls Downtown, a two-day city festival slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. We're giving away a whole heap of camping gear, in collaboration with Teva. A pair of hiking boots, a tent, water bottle and a whole bunch of extras will come in very handy this festival season. Head here to enter.
We're always on the hunt for new things to do, scouring the city for not-boring Brisbane activities — and that includes different ways to spend time with your special someone. Need an idea that's guaranteed to take your next date way beyond done-before beers at the pub? We have suggestions. Whether you're taking someone on a second date or doing your 100th with your significant other, we've got some killer (and, yes, cute) options for dates to go on this week and long weekend, no matter how much money you've got to spend. Just think of us as your cultural wingman. You're welcome. Under $20 Revamp Your Wardrobe Just in Time for Winter Pre-loved fashion sales tick two pivotal boxes: helping add new items to your closet in a sustainable way, and also letting you pass on the threads that you're no longer wearing to someone else to make the most of. You and your special someone don't have to participate in both sides of the equation, of course. So when a secondhand fashion pop-up takes over Rocklea's weekly Saturday Fresh Market on Saturday, May 31, you can just buy or just sell (if you book a stall in advance). The event: Closet Cleanout, which is running from 6am–12pm to see out May and also end autumn. The market's usual range of fresh produce, food and other goods will still be on offer, but it'll add a fashion focus for the day. Reducing fashion waste, plus celebrating and supporting eco-conscious shopping, are among Closet Cleanout's aims. Not just buying and selling but swapping is also on the agenda. Clothes, shoes, accessories: they're all covered, as are designer pieces, vintage items and everything in-between. For those heading along to browse, entry to the Saturday Fresh Market costs $2 per person, or $6 with parking. Under $50 Enjoy a Taste of Italy by the Brisbane River When an event's first and second runs have proven a hit, so much so that it's coming back for another year, you can't quite say that the third time will be the charm. Still, Festa Italiana has big things in store for 2025. Howard Smith Wharves' annual taste of la dolce vita is returning for two four-day weekends with a feast of Italian dishes, pop-up bars, a special dessert from Gelato Messina and plenty more. Naples-born and -raised, Sydney-based chef Orazio D'Elia of Bondi Beach's Da Orazio is again making the trip to Brisbane, too, leading the festivities. When Festa Italiana launched in 2023, the aim was to give its waterfront CBD home its first-ever Italian food market, and to celebrate cuisine and beverages from the country in focus. That's on the agenda again in 2025. This year's dates for you and your other half: Thursday, May 29–Sunday, June 1 and Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 8. Joining in alongside D'Elia: fellow chefs Carmine Guarino (another Naples-born culinary figure) and Dean Anning (Ciao Papi's Executive Chef). And yes, it's timed to wrap up autumn and say hello to winter over its two weekends. Entry is free, with everything that you're keen to eat and drink purchased as you go. Again, D'Elia will be serving up a range of dishes that he's known for. His vodka rigatoni (made with tomato, chilli, cream and vodka) is back on Festa Italiana's menu. This year, attendees can tuck into his strozzapreti ai gamberi, aka twisted pasta with prawns, zucchini and cherry tomatoes as well. Thanks to a grill station on HSW's main lawn, there'll also be porchetta-stuffed focaccia and chicken rolls, all to enjoy by the river. Guarino's contribution: traditional Italian street food, specifically Roman-style pizzas served by the slice. You'll be able to pair them with natural Italian wines, all while Italo disco tunes play. For more sips, the festival is hosting a spritz bar (think: Lambrusco spritzes and frozen white peach Aperol slushies, for something beyond your usual drinks) and Felons Brewing Co is whipping up a Festa Italiania-exclusive Italian lager. At Ciao Papi, Anning's menu includes stracciatella with grilled leeks, hazelnut and truffle — plus rigatoni alla amatriciana with sugo, garlic, chilli and pancetta. Here, beverages will also be a highlight, with eatery's garden becoming an Aperol garden with orange hues to match and a dedicated Aperol spritz bar. Feast Your Way Around a Twilight Market When Christmas hits each year, the Nundah Markets stay up late, swapping one of its usual daytime events for a twilight shindig. That kind of fun isn't just for getting festive, though. For the past few years, it's also been for celebrating winter. Meet Nundah by Night, which is taking place from 4–10pm on Saturday, May 31 in 2025. On the agenda: shopping, eating, drinking and being merry midyear, just before the coldest season arrives. There'll be quite the lineup of places to grab handmade items from — 120-plus stalls, in fact — with clothes, jewellery, art, homewares, soap, candles and all things edible available. You'll find gourmet foods on offer as well (including bites to eat while you and your significant other are there). For your $3 entry fee, you can enjoy a stint of browsing and buying under the site's fairy lights at Nundah Markets' usual spot on Station Street. And, you can stop in at the pop-up bar for a local craft brew, too — or warm up with some mulled wine. Live music is also on the lineup, as is a travelling and roving performers. And if you're wondering what you'll be snacking on, brisket, pulled pork, taco rice bowls and churros are just some of the dishes on the menu. Under $100 [caption id="attachment_997960" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christoph Thoresen Ofa[/caption] Get Your Pulse Racing From Your Cinema Seat In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, you and your favourite person have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Brisbane. The River City's Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2025 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike, making the festival mighty popular across the world today. Each year, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festivalgoers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, and more. Check out seven of them from Wednesday, May 28–Saturday, May 31 at Brisbane Powerhouse, in a package featuring films about snowboarding on Antarctic icebergs, wingsuit flying in the Swiss Alps, ultra-marathon running, mountain biking in the Dolomites and more. One Big Blowout [caption id="attachment_954337" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] Hang Out in a Waterside Igloo It never gets all that cold in Brisbane. It doesn't snow, for instance. Still, it's fun to pretend that it's frostier than it is. One way for you and your date to do exactly that: the Winter Chalet pop-up at Customs House, which sets up igloos and wintry decor by the river each year. It's the Queen Street venue's regular seasonal makeover when the mercury drops, and it comes complete with see-through domes for you and your mates to hang out in — while getting cosy under faux-fur blankets, peering at the river and knocking back a range of Veuve Clicquot tipples. Or, if you'd prefer cocktails for your chalet-style waterside hangs, the Clicquot sidecar, espresso martinis, negronis and Tommy's margaritas are on offer. Open Tuesdays–Sundays weekly until the end of winter for 2025, the pop-up is also serving up a selection to line your stomach. Dining is available from Tuesday–Thursday, as is a winter high tea. The first costs $160 per person and the second $105 per person, both for two–six people. Opt for dinner and you'll be tucking into wagyu beef tartare, pork belly, potato gnocchi and wood-smoked buffalo mozzarella, among other options. For high tea, bites include smoked salmon and caviar waffle sandwiches, curried lobster brioche, vanilla cream cheese scones and Baileys mousse petit fours. Both packages come with a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV. The site is operating as a chalet bar Friday–Sunday, too — for dome bookings from $75 per person, and also just hanging about. That's where the always-popular half Moreton Bay bug croissants come in, as well as duck liver parfait, burrata arancini, and baked whole brie. Top image: Markus Ravik.
Summer is fast approaching, and you know what that means: warmer weather, fewer layers. Although it seems like thongs and shorts become the uniform of the season for many, the style-conscious woman saves those for the beach. This may be the most exciting time of year for fashion, with all the bright colours, light fabrics and fun shapes. And it looks like it's going to be a good season for all of those things. Here at Concrete Playground, we've rounded up some of the best current looks for every taste. We've also got a style guide for men. Here it is over here. Top image by Oroton. CLASSIC Offering a mix of both ladylike and masculine looks, this season offers the traditional dresser something different. Minimalism has been a huge theme this season, but not necessarily when it comes to length. Think classic styles, clean shapes and funky prints. Matchy-matchy Suits Popping up in fun prints and wearable colours such as navy, pink and white, summer suits are finding their ways to more places than the office. If you're not feeling the pants, these colourful combos can be found in skirt and short options for a warmer weather alternative. Mix them up with a fun printed blouse, roll up the sleeves and throw on a fedora for an instant cool-girl touch. Images: Street Style from PFW ’13 by Victoria Adamson Suit from Dianne Von Furstenberg’s AW 13/14 collection. Catwalking Street Style Stripes at Paris Fashion Week by Lee Oliveira Full Skirts If the weather has you feeling extra cheery, try out fuller, mid-length skirts and dresses in flirty florals, girly ginghams and preppy pinstripes. Throw on some stilettos and cat-eye sunnies if you feel like channelling a little Hollywood glamour. Images: Stylist and fashion editor Viviana Volpicella in an Equipment blouse and Stella Jean skirt at Men’s Fashion Week in Milan by Lee Oliveira Marine Deleeuw modelling mary Katrantzou’s Spring 2014 RTW by Marcus Tondo Street Style at MBFWA ’13 by Diego Zuko Sleek Chic While last season was all about colour blocking, this is the time to clear your slate. Simple, well-tailored pieces in white, black or pastel are anything but boring. Go for the monochromatic edge by pairing similar coloured accessories and shoes with your clothes. Images: Street Style at Milan Fashion Week 2013 by Lee Oliveira Look from Camilla and Marc’s SS 13/14 collection by Breakfast With Audrey Sienna Miller in Carven at the BFI Gala Dinner by RCFA TRENDY For those who like to keep things current, there are some playful new looks that have gracefully transitioned from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Crop Tops The ultimate staple this season, these fun little numbers have matured beyond denim shorts. Try a crop top with a draped suit jacket and a high waisted, mid-length skirt for a vampy look. Or, keep it casual with slouchy trousers and flat sandals. The possibilities really are endless. Images: Street Style from MBFWA ’13 in Sydney by Petra Rudd A new suit from Ginger & Smart’s SS 13/14 collection. Getty Images and Mark Metcalfe Blogger Margaret Zhang of Shine by Three at MBFWA ’13 in Sydney Petra Rudd Slouchy Trousers The popular harem-style pants have gotten a more flattering update this season. Designers have done away with the drop-crotch yet maintained the delightful flow. In tailored shapes and sleek fabrics, these comfy pants have made their way from the beach to the streets. By the end of this season you’ll have forgotten what skinny jeans are. Images: Organic by John Patrick Spring 2014 RTW collection by Imaxtree and Alessandro Luciani BCBG Max Azria SS 13/14 RTW by Vogue UK Blogger Zanita Morgan of Zanita in Cue Clothing pants. Photo by Rebecca See-through Sheers Transparency was a huge theme on runways all over this season, especially in Australia. See-through tops and cut-out frocks from the likes of Karla Spetic to Dior are drawing attention to what is (or isn't) underneath. If you're bold enough to test this trend, you better be wearing your best knickers. Images: Street style during New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 by Mr Newton Sheer panelling from Karla Spetic’s SS 13/14 RTW collection by Lucas Dawson for Vogue Australia Actress/Dancer Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham at the 2013 Emmy Awards by Getty Images MAVERICK This season has seen some pretty out-there stuff. Whether with boudoir-to-boulevard ensembles or striking sunnies, those who are aching to stand out on the streets won't have a problem catching stares. Silky Separates We’ve all been guilty of making a Sunday morning coffee run or two in some sort of pyjama article. With designer approval, fashionistas are now strutting the streets in full-on getups. Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton have sent pyjama-inspired separates and chemises down the catwalk in sultry silks and satins. If you’d feel ridiculous in a matching polka dot blouse and pant combo, try just the blouse over a more structured skirt or pant. Images: Blogger Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl in ASOS by Carin Olsson Edie Campbell modelling for Marc Jacobs’ Fall/Winter 2013 RTW collection Joanna Hillman, Market Editor at Harper's Bazaar by Beauty Frizz Voluminous Sleeves Futuristic with a tinge of '80s, the big shoulder look is not for the faint of heart. Last season we saw sharp shapes, but this season's silhouette is much more giving, with a softer, airy look. Pair a blouse with a mini skirt or try a dress for some serious statement making. Images: Alice McCall SS 13/14 by Lucas Dawson for Vogue Australia Connie Cao of K is for Kani. Photo by Rowena Ellery SS 13/14 at MBFWA 2013 by Getty Images Obnoxious Sunnies We’ve seen sunnies in all sorts of sizes and shapes, from round to rectangular. Now, circular and cat-eye frames are getting some serious makeovers in bold patterns, coloured lenses and dimensional flowers. Images: Elle Fanning in Karen Walker’s ‘Siouxsie’ shades. By FameFlynet Look by Shakuchi ‘s SS 13/14 collection at MBFWA ’13. Getty Images Streetstyle. By Style Creeper
Batter up at Portside. While most sports bars are happy with patrons simply watching their games of choice over a few drinks and a bite to eat, The Ballpark wants Brisbanites to get swinging. There's bats. There's plates to step up to, too. And when you have a slug, you'll be doing so in a batting cage. As well as screening plenty of sports, The Ballpark Portside lets you play baseball via its three interactive simulators. The venue advises that they're an Australian first, expanding the usual lineup of bar pastimes — because playing pool and darts is also on the agenda here. Think of it as a cross between a sports bar and the growing range of watering holes with things to do other than drink (a trend that Brisbane is mighty fond of, with the axe-throwing joints, boozy mini-golf havens, challenge-room spots and more across the River City to prove it). Open since Saturday, September 7, 2024, The Ballpark Portside has taken over a 450-square-metre space, which can welcome in 200 folks at once. Both local and international sports grace it screens, while its food and drink menu pairs tap beers, cocktails, wine and Seven Miles coffee with bagels from its Short Stop Cafe by day, and also with burgers from fellow American-themed Portside newcomer Dumbo when it opens. If hitting the batting cages sounds like a group activity, that's firmly on offer, including for events — and you can even book out the entire place for parties.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from June's haul of newbies. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH With Freshman Year, Cooper Raiff cemented himself as a talent to watch, both on- and off-screen. The writer, director, actor, editor and producer wore many hats on the likeable romance-meets-coming-of-age film, and he wore them all impressively and effortlessly. With Cha Cha Real Smooth, he hands over splicing duties, but he's just as ace in every other guise yet again. Winner of the Audience Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, in the prestigious event's US Dramatic competition, this comedy also focuses on the fact that no one really knows how to handle life — this time centring its tale around the just-out-of-college Andrew (Raiff, Madeline & Cooper). The character returns home after graduating with the sole aim of making enough cash to follow his girlfriend to Spain, but falls into a gig hosting Bar Mitzvahs for his younger brother David's (Evan Assante, Dinosaur World) friends. Andrew falls in another way, too: in love with Domino (an exceptional Dakota Johnson, playing a mum again after The Lost Daughter), mother to Evan's classmate Lola (debutant Vanessa Burghardt). Lola has autism, is bullied by the other kids and usually finds herself ignored at parties, somewhat happily so; however, Andrew makes her feel comfortable and accepted, which doesn't go unnoticed. His growing fondness for Domino is complicated, though. So is the object of his affection herself — and, while more than half a century ago The Graduate splashed in a similar pool, Johnson brings her own shades and depths to a woman who is yearning for stability yet rallying against it. Everything also remains complex about Cha Cha Real Smooth's portrait of being a fresh college graduate with everything ahead of you and zero ideas of how what to truly do — and proves always-earnest as well, a description that applies to Raiff's work as Andrew and this low-key, insightful and charming movie alike. Cha Cha Real Smooth is available to stream via Apple TV+. FIRE ISLAND Pride and Prejudice, but set on New York's Fire Island. That's it, that's the queer rom-com that shares its setting's name. Fire Island, the movie, even comes with its own Mr Darcy — here called Will and played by How to Get Away with Murder's Conrad Ricamora, who should enjoy the same career bump that Colin Firth did in the 90s when he stepped into the part in a far-more-faithful TV adaptation. Updating Jane Austen isn't new, of course. Bridget Jones' Diary, also famously starring Firth, did the same with Pride and Prejudice. Stone-cold classic Clueless, which gets a shoutout here in a perfectly co-opted line of dialogue, did it with Emma, too. One of Fire Island's best traits is how new yet comfortable it feels, though, like thumbing through a favourite but seeing it afresh — with hot tubs full of praise deserved by director Andrew Ahn (Spa Night, Driveways) and screenwriter/star Joel Kim Booster (Search Party, Sunnyside). Booster also boasts a writing credit on The Other Two, one of the best new TV comedies of the past few years — and that bitingly smart, laugh-a-minute tone shines through in Fire Island, too. He takes Austen's tale about love and class and steeps it within the queer community, its subdivisions and subcultures, and issues of race and socio-economic status that ripple through, as they do in America and the world more broadly. That's what Booster's self-confident Noah finds himself navigating on a week-long annual getaway with his best friends, and after he decides to put his pal Howie's (Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live) romantic prospects above his own. If you know the OG story, you know what happens next, including Noah's path towards the initially stern, quiet and standoffish Will. The end product here is witty, funny, heartwarming and sincere, as well as supremely well cast, energetic from start to finish, and bursting with queer pride. Fire Island is available to stream via Disney+. RUTHERFORD FALLS Mike Schur sure does have a type. If you're a fan of Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Office, though, that won't be new news. And if you watched the television producer and writer's great first season of Rutherford Falls as well, you will have spotted all his usual touches at work — which doesn't change in season two. By no means is this a criticism. His various different series feel like siblings, not clones; they share similar traits, but there's so much about their individual personalities that remains distinctive. Here, the fact that Rutherford Falls is a show deeply steeped in a Native American community gives it a wealth of avenues to go down, as well as plenty that's purely the sitcom's alone. Also crucial: the influence of co-creator and showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas (Superstore), and the strong commitment to exploring the treatment of First Nations peoples in America today. Rutherford Falls' latest batch of episodes follows one of its characters running for local office, for instance, which is a scenario that Parks devotees will instantly recognise. And yet, what that means in a small town that's struggling to address the colonial impact upon its original inhabitants, the Minishonka Nation, is always its real focus. What everything means here is filtered through that lens — including teenage aspiring mayor Bobbie Yang (Jesse Leigh, Heathers), enterprising CEO of the Minishonka Nation casino Terry Thomas (Michael Greyeyes, Firestarter), cultural centre head Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding, Reservation Dogs) and her best friend Nathan Rutherford (Ed Helms, Ron's Gone Wrong). It's noticeable that Helms is no longer the show's anchor, too. Indeed, the already smart, funny and warm series spends its excellent second season showing how Nathan wants to de-centre himself from hogging the town's limelight, and puts that idea in motion itself. Rutherford Falls is available to stream via Stan. COW As its name so clearly explains, Cow devotes its frames to one farmyard animal — and it's one of the most haunting films of the past few years. It's the third feature to take its title from a four-legged critter in the past 12 months, after the vastly dissimilar Pig and Lamb. It's also the second observational documentary of late to peer at the daily existence of creatures that form part of humanity's food chain, following the also-exceptional Gunda. And, it also joins 2013's The Moo Man in honing its focus specifically upon dairy farming, and in Britain at that. But the key to Cow is Andrea Arnold, the phenomenal filmmaker behind Fish Tank, Wuthering Heights, American Honey and the second season of Big Little Lies. She sees Luma, her bovine protagonist, with as much affection and understanding as she's ever seen any of the women who've led her projects. While watching, viewers do as well. Starting with the birth of Luma's latest calf — and, in the beginning, taking detours to see how it's faring as well — Cow unfurls with the rhythm of its agricultural setting. It's the rhythm of Luma's life, too, as she's milked and fed, moos for the offspring that's taken away too quickly, and is soon impregnated again. There's no doubt where the documentary is headed, either. There's simply no shying away from the fact that Luma and cattle like her only exist for milk or meat. Without ever offering any narration or on-screen explanation, Arnold stares at these facts directly, while also peering deeply into its bovine subject's eyes as often as possible. The result is hypnotic, inescapably affecting, and also features the best use of Garbage's 'Milk' ever in a movie. Cow is available to stream via DocPlay. HUSTLE When well-deserved Oscar predictions came Adam Sandler's way for the exceptional Uncut Gems, the actor and comedian said that he'd make the worst movie ever if he didn't win one of the Academy's shiny trophies. He didn't, and then Hubie Halloween arrived — and now Hustle. No, neither is the most terrible film on Sandler's resume. In Hustle's case, it happens to be home to one of his best performances. He has plenty to his name, including in Punch-Drunk Love, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) and, of course, the astounding Uncut Gems, so it's in good company. There's also an element of art reflecting life in this new sports drama, even though basketball isn't what Sandler is famous for IRL. He knows more than a thing or two about only being seen one way, however, when his talents span much further. Whenever he branches away from the style of comedies that made his name, starting with Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, he knows plenty about being the underdog, too. On-screen, Stanley Sugerman is Hustle's underdog. A scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, he jets around the world scoping out new talent in the hope of finding a future match-winner, but it's not the job he wants. He loves basketball, he used to play and he's long dreamed about being a coach — but when good news arrives, then tragedy strikes, then the calculating Vince Merrick (Ben Foster, Galveston) takes over as the team's owner, it seems he'll be on the road forever. Bo Cruz (real-life NBA player Juancho Hernangómez) might be his ticket to better things, though, if he can get the Spanish construction worker signed or drafted. There's nothing that's surprising about director Jeremiah Zagar's (We the Animals) choices, or screenwriters Taylor Materne (video game NBA 2K20) and Will Fetters' (A Star Is Born) either, but Hustle remains a strong and lived-in character-driven drama as much as a tense against-the-odds sports film — and it's as entertaining and engaging to watch as the playoffs. Hustle is available to stream via Netflix. SPIDERHEAD When does a jail look like anything but a jail? When it's Spiderhead. Located on a remote island, the high-tech penitentiary would probably make a lavish holiday home if it wasn't for all the locks, observation rooms, and inmates walking round with creepy drug-dispensing packs attached to their backs — all to help test drugs under the watch of warden/pharmaceutical whiz Steve Abnesti (Chris Hemsworth, Extraction) and his assistant Verlaine (Mark Paguio, Bump). Incarcerated for drink-driving his way to a tragedy, Jeff (Miles Teller, Top Gun: Maverick) is one of the facility's prisoners. He's also a key test subject of interest, and put through the wringer when it comes to his meds. That fascination goes two ways when he starts rebelling against his doses, as well as the exploitative scenarios in which they're given, and asking questions about both. Directed by Teller's Top Gun: Maverick helmer Joseph Kosinski, Spiderhead takes its tale from George Saunders-penned short story Escape From Spiderhead. It isn't a particularly easy adaptation. But as played out against a weaponised soundtrack of glorious yacht rock — and with Hemsworth as gleefully unpredictable as he's ever been on-screen — it's always an intriguing and involving movie. Not every aspect works, but when something does, the film proves as gleaming as the Queensland-shot sunshine that blazes outside the titular prison. Kosinski also isn't afraid to take wild swings, just like his star lead does away from his Marvel cape, and sports an unwavering determination to explore moral rot, ethical boundaries and the real meaning of free will. None of the insights that the movie excavates are new, but the result is still a slick and absorbing sci-fi thriller. Spiderhead is available to stream via Netflix. NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK THE BOYS In savage and savvy caped-crusader satire The Boys, it has been evident since episode one that Homelander (Antony Starr, Banshee) is a fraud. He's America's favourite superhero, as well as the leader of top-tier supe crew The Seven — and he uses his public persona as a shield for his twisted ego, soul-devouring insecurities, arrogance and selfishness. As instalment after instalment of the show passes, his sinister true nature keeps burning. In The Boys' third season, Homelander may as well be America's most recent ex-President, complete with unhinged rants and an at-any-cost desperation to retain control. The comics that this series is based on were actually published from 2006–12, but the show they've spawned is firmly steeped in the polarised US of the past six or so years. Subtlety hardly comes with the territory here, and yet it doesn't make The Boys any less potent. The in-show alternative to Homelander's psychopathic, egotistical, world-threatening existence: the ragtag gang of vigilantes that shares the series' name. Led by cynical-as-fuck Brit Billy Butcher (Karl Urban, Thor: Ragnarok), they remain intent on bringing down The Seven and Vought, the all-encompassing company behind it, as always. About year has passed since season two, however, and Hughie (Jack Quaid, Scream) now works with congresswoman Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit, Where'd You Go, Bernadette) at the Federal Bureau of Superhuman Affairs, countering misbehaving superheroes the legal way. That involves overseeing Butcher and fellow pals Frenchie (Tomer Capone, One on One) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara, Suicide Squad), but this wouldn't be The Boys if their battle was that straightforward. It also wouldn't be The Boys if everything that followed wasn't wild and OTT to a jaw-dropping degree, oh-so-astute about popular culture and consumerism today, brimming in blood and Billy Joel songs, and always biting deeper — and sharper. The Boys is available to stream via Prime Video. Read our full review. IRMA VEP It's one of 2022's most magnificent new shows, and a cinephile's dream of a series, but Irma Vep requires some unpacking. The term 'layered' has rarely ever applied to a TV program quite as it does here. French filmmaker Olivier Assayas (Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper) retraces his own footsteps, turning his cult-favourite 1996 movie of the same name into an Alicia Vikander-starring HBO miniseries. And, in this series itself, a director is also remaking one of his own past flicks as a television project. In all versions of Irma Vep, the movies and shows being made are also remakes of 1915–16 French crime effort Les Vampires. It was a ten-episode, seven-hour cinema serial, and it's supremely real. Indeed, by first helming a feature about remaking Les Vampires, and now a series about remaking a movie that remakes Les Vampires (which, IRL, is also a remake of a movie that remakes Les Vampires), Assayas keeps remaking Les Vampires in his own way. It all sounds exactly as complicated as it is — and Assayas loves it. Viewers should, too. The nested dolls that are Irma Vep's meta setup just keep stacking, actually. The 1996 Irma Vep starred Maggie Cheung, who'd later become Assayas' wife, then ex-wife — and the 2022 Irma Vep haunts its on-screen filmmaker René Vidal (Vincent Macaigne, Non-Fiction) with visions of his ex-wife Jade Lee (Vivian Wu, Dead Pigs), who, yes, led his movie. If you're a fan of word puzzles, you might've also noticed that Irma Vep is an anagram of vampire; that said, Les Vampires isn't actually about bloodsuckers, and nor is any iteration of Irma Vep. To add to the list, while Cheung played a version of herself, Vikander (Blue Bayou, The Green Knight) plays fictional American star Mira — a name that's an anagram of Irma. You can also take that moniker literally, because mirroring is patently a pivotal aspect of the brilliant Irma Vep in every guise. Irma Vep is available to stream via Binge. Read our full review. LOOT Aptly given its title, new Apple TV+ sitcom Loot doesn't look cheap — or sound it. It's partly filmed in one of America's biggest private homes, an enormous mansion with 21 bedrooms, five pools, a bowling alley and a cinema. It's filled with well-known needle drops that come quickly and often, with one episode featuring three Daft Punk tracks alone. It couldn't scream louder or drip harder with excess; the series is about a mega-rich tech whiz's wife who gets $87 billion in their public and messy breakup, after all. And, it is inescapably made by a company that's a big technology behemoth itself, and has been splashing stacks of cash to build its streaming roster (see: The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Severance, Physical, Prehistoric Planet, Foundation, The Shrink Next Door, Shining Girls, Slow Horses, Lisey's Story and more). Loot is also clearly a satire, however, and a canny, warm and funny one at that. The setup: amid being gifted a mega yacht for her birthday, then jumping to a party in that aforementioned sprawling home, Molly Novak (Maya Rudolph, Big Mouth) discovers that her husband John (Adam Scott, Severance) is cheating on her. Post-divorce, after that huge settlement and a stint of partying around the globe with her assistant Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster, Fire Island), she gets a call from Sofia Salinas (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Pose), the head of the foundation she's forgotten bears her name (and even exists). With Molly's drunken decadence all over the news, the charity is finding it difficult to do its work. So, the organisation's namesake decides to ditch the revelry — and her married moniker, becoming Molly Wells — and put all that dough to better use. She also commits to playing an active role in how her funds can truly help people. Loot is available to stream via Apple TV+. Read our full review. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING Born out of the world's recent true-crime and podcasting obsessions — and the intersection of the two in the likes of Serial — Only Murders in the Building boasts its own version of Sarah Koenig. In this marvellous murder-mystery comedy, she's called Cinda Canning (Tina Fey, Girls5eva). As viewers of the show's impressive and entertaining first season know, though, she's not the main focus. Instead, Only Murders in the Building hones in on three New Yorkers residing in the Arconia apartment complex — where, as the program's name makes plain, there's a murder. There's several, but it only takes one to initially bring actor Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin, It's Complicated), theatre producer Oliver Putnam (Martin Short, Schmigadoon!) and the much-younger Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez, The Dead Don't Die) together. The trio then turn amateur detectives, and turn that sleuthing into their own podcast, which also shares the show's title. In season two, the show returns to the same scene. Yes, there's another killing. No time has passed for Only Murders in the Building's characters — and, while plenty has changed since the series' debut episode last year, plenty remains the same. Viewers now know Charles, Oliver and Mabel better, and they all know each other better, but that only makes things more complicated. Indeed, there's a lived-in vibe to the program and its main figures this time around, rather than every episode feeling like a new discovery. Among the many things that Only Murders in the Building does exceptionally well, finding multiple ways to parallel on- and off-screen experiences ranks right up there. That applies to true-crime and podcast fixations, naturally, and also to getting to know someone, learning their ins and outs, and finding your comfort zone even when life's curveballs keep coming. Only Murders in the Building is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. PHYSICAL Lycra-clad ladies of the 80s and 90s making their mark in a ruthless, consumer-driven and male-dominated world, all by getting active: as far as on-screen niches go, that's particularly niche. It's also growing. Back in 80s itself, Flashdance did it. Starring a fantastic Kirsten Dunst, the sadly cancelled-too-soon 2019 series On Becoming a God in Central Florida did as well. For three seasons from 2017–19, GLOW similarly stepped into the ring. And since 2021, Apple TV+'s Physical has, too. What a feeling indeed. Now back for season two, the latter sports a staggering lead performance, a superb supporting cast and a complex premise unpacked with precision, as well as a pitch-perfect vibe and a killer 80s soundtrack. Season one of Physical didn't quite see Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne, Irresistible) get everything she'd ever fantasised about. Rather, it followed the San Diego housewife as she pursued something she didn't even know she wanted until her endorphins kicked in at an aerobics class. Now, she's the star of her own fitness tape — and spruiking it, be it in supermarkets or by hosting public aerobics classes, has become her life. But while she's in control of every exercise move she makes, earning the same power in her relationships, and in business, isn't as straightforward. She's still stuck in a rut with her husband Danny (Rory Scovel, I Feel Pretty), to put it mildly. She's still caught in a torrid affair with grim Mormon business developer John Breem (Paul Sparks, Castle Rock), too. And while she starts leaning on her wealthy and supportive best friend Greta (Dierdre Friel, Second Act) more, she's also unable to shake the engrained notion that needing anyone's help is a sign of weakness. And then there's the help she hopes to get from fellow aerobics instructor Vinnie Green (The White Lotus scene-stealer Murray Bartlett). Physical is available to stream via Apple TV+. Read our full review. MS MARVEL First, the inescapable Marvel-ness of it all: Ms Marvel focuses on a Marvel superfan, heads to a Marvel fan convention, and revels in worshipping at the Marvel Cinematic Universe's altar enthusiastically. Yes, we've reached the point in the biggest current franchise there is where the MCU is overtly and openly celebrating itself within its own on-screen stories — and celebrating the people who celebrate the MCU. Here, Marvel also shows its characters frothing over the very saga they're appearing in, homemade costumes whipped up for cosplay contests and all. That sounds like something out of the supremely non-Marvel superhero satire The Boys, but it's now an IRL status quo. And yet, with Ms Marvel, all this Marvel self-fandom thankfully doesn't just feel like a massive corporation patting itself on the back in an expensive splash of self-congratulations. One of the reasons that Ms Marvel works: it's a series about a Marvel devotee because it's a coming-of-age series. Today's teens have grown up with the MCU, so a show about a 16-year-old finding her place in the world — with and without powers — can easily acknowledge that fact. The comic-book company isn't being meta or reflective. Rather, as non-Marvel fellow Disney+ release Turning Red was, Ms Marvel is about a teenage girl working out who she is and what she wants to be, and also how that process is shaped by what she loves. Pakistani American Kamala Khan (wonderful debutant Iman Vellani) happens to be obsessed with Marvel, and with Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, Just Mercy), all while she's navigating high school, coming to terms with her new super skills, weathering her parents' (Bullets' Mohan Kapur and The Affair's Zenobia Shroff) strict expectations, diving into her family's past and remaining true to her culture. Ms Marvel is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2021, and January, February, March, April and May 2022 — and our top new TV shows of 2021, best new television series from last year that you might've missed, top 2021 straight-to-streaming films and specials and must-stream 2022 shows so far as well.
Jed Kurzel boasts one of the most-enviable recent resumes in Australia's film industry. It was back in 2011 that the founding member of The Mess Hall added a haunting layer to Snowtown, the first feature directed by his elder brother Justin, via its score. The pair have worked together on every one of Justin's films since. But Jed doesn't just have the sounds of stunning Shakespeare adaptation Macbeth, game-to-screen flick Assassin's Creed, the dark-but-playful True History of the Kelly Gang, the complicated Nitram and the upcoming The Order to his name. Jennifer Kent's The Babadook and The Nightingale, Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant, Dev Patel's feature directorial debut Monkey Man: he has scored them all as well. With a filmography that also hops from The Turning, All This Mayhem and Slow West to Overlord, Seberg and Encounter — plus Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities on the small screen — it might seem an impossible task to pick favourites. Even whittling down what to talk about at Kurzel's Screen Commentary session at SXSW Sydney 2024, where he's chatting through his work, might sound difficult. But ask him which of his projects stand out, as Concrete Playground did, and he has answers, even if he notes that his responses differ over time. "There's a few. But then they start to change as I go on, because I guess you learn more things, and some films follow a particular style that you might have gotten onto, or a particular thing that I've discovered and I will push that through a few films," he explains. "Snowtown for me is the one that that really stands out, I think because it's the first one and I still get offered films today that have put Snowtown in their temp music, which is the music they put in while they're editing — it's kind of crazy that's it's still being used. So that one particularly, it still pops up. Macbeth as well, I think just because it was the first real string score I've done, orchestral score, and I did it all over in the UK, so I met a lot of people that I'm still collaborating with then and I felt like we were all jumping into this thing together," Kurzel advises. "I think those two stand out for me, and The Babadook." His fruitful career composing for the screen might've come about as one could expect when your brother is a filmmaker — Justin asked him to have a go at scoring Snowtown — but working together and taking this path wasn't a long-held childhood plan. "Never. No, I don't think that we have ever spoken about it. It was just how it worked out," Kurzel notes. "We'd been working together before that, in that he'd been doing the video clips for us and all that kind of stuff. We were always doing things together. So it wasn't like it felt like an 'oh, here we go' kind of thing. It was really just one of those things where we're always a part of what the other was doing." Viewers can be thankful for sibling bonds and the route it has taken Jed down. As brilliant as everything they each splash across the screen is, Snowtown, Macbeth, Nitram, The Babadook, The Nightingale and more wouldn't be the films they are without Kurzel's scores. Ahead of his session at SXSW Sydney, we also chatted to the composer about what sparked his contributions to some of the above films, how collaborating with Justin is different to working with other filmmakers, ensuring that his music isn't commenting on the content of the movies, the influence of genre, challenges he'd like to take on and plenty more. On How Kurzel Began Composing for the Screen "I was touring around with The Mess Hall and I had some time at home. Then Justin, my brother, was doing his first film Snowtown, and he asked me if I'd like to have a go at scoring it because, outside of the things I was doing with the band, I was always messing around with stuff at home. I guess it was more in the film soundtrack kind of land, but I was just doing it for my own enjoyment. And he said 'oh, you know, some of that stuff could work well, all that kind of thing could work well'. And I said 'I've never done that before, so'. And he said 'look, it's fine if it doesn't work, I'll get someone else. But you have a go with it'. So I did and then that was kind of it, it just it snowballed from there. It wasn't something that I had set out to do really. At that point, I was really happy playing music — and playing, actually. But I was missing just being in the room and making music. We were out playing a lot, and it's very hard to make music when you're doing that. So I was missing that at that time — so it came at a perfect time, I think." On Collaborating with Justin on All of His Features So Far — and How It's Different to Working with Other Filmmakers "It is different now, because I think we've developed — I mean, we always had a shorthand, but it feels like it's become even shorter now. We almost hardly ever discuss it while we're doing it. It just happens, in a way, now. We used to take a long time. I'd start really early on his films and it would be this drawn-out process, and sometimes the process could get quite difficult as the edit changed and things like that. I think just through experience, we've started to work out an efficient way to work that is still as creatively rewarding. And the last couple of things I've done with him, like The Order, it was all very free-flowing and it came quite quickly, and it wasn't something that we laboured over. I think we've discovered that the more we labour over things, it doesn't help anything." On What Sparked the Score for a Film as Complicated as Snowtown "With that one, we always talked about that hitting the bullseye was a very slim chance in some ways, because we found that with most music that we put on it, it felt like it was commenting on it. So immediately it was like 'well, we don't want to do that' because that just wasn't what the film was doing — and it didn't want it anyway. So it became a really instinctive thing about what it wanted, and there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing of changing the edits to suit where we were taking it. So a lot of back and forth between us. And then, I always feel like if you just listen to the film, it'll eventually tell you what it wants. You throw things on it and just sort of shrug it off, and then there'll be something that starts to stick. And as soon as it starts sticking, you're on your way." On Whether Working on Films Like Snowtown, Nitram and The Nightingale Brings a Sense of Responsibility Given the Historical Details They're Diving Into — and How to Avoid a Score That Comments "I think so. But, I mean, I think with those projects, you're well-aware of that before you've even started them. There is a certain responsibility, I think, not to — I guess what it is musically, I'm always aware of not commenting, and that you're adding. I feel like you're just adding another layer and energy to the film, rather than going 'this character comes on and they've got a theme' or anything like that. It's just different, it's adding a feeling. It's what the film wants — and if you start commenting with some of these films, it just doesn't work. It just feels wrong. But on other films, you can go into those areas and the film absolutely wants to have that. I think it just depends on what you're working on. I always love to look at the film itself, and how it feels and what it looks like, and where it's set and those kind of things, because I think with music, you can actually add to that even more so. Even cinematography, I think, is really a big one for music, too, that maybe gets overlooked a little bit, because we are responding to images, so that's the first thing you're looking at." On Adding Playfulness to a Score That's Also Quite Dark, Such as True History of the Kelly Gang "That one, I'm glad you said that, because actually that's what I wanted to achieve with that score — that there was a playful quality to it. I always really loved the Sidney Nolan paintings, and I was sort of taking a cue from that. And also I love the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons and things like that. So for me, they were the influences that I was grabbing. I guess if you've got a concept or an idea that you want to launch things off of, that's always helpful." On How to Find the Score for a Shakespearean Adaptation Like Macbeth When There's So Many Past Big-Screen Versions —Including Initially Skewing Electronic "I remember doing that and both of us [Jed and Justin] feeling a lot of pressure because it's been done. There's not many times when you do a film that's like 'well, this has been actually been done before word for word'. When films are made, I think there's some directors who've got it all in their head and then they go out and make it, and what happens in the edit is the film just wants to be something else — and if you fight against that, usually you'll end up with something that's probably nowhere near your vision, and that frustrates you. Whereas if you follow what the film wants and then listen to it, and just go with where it wants rather than trying to hold onto your initial idea, then I think you can end up in really interesting places. In that case, yeah, it started out as an electronic score, that's what we wanted to do, but the film just, again, didn't want it. So we had to change tact a little bit, and we got something completely different, but I think it's the same sort of idea that we started out with. We had an initial idea, and then we just followed our gut while we were doing the edit." On How Working on Something Smaller, or More Character- or Mood-Driven, Differs From a Big-Budget Sci-Fi Sequel Like Alien: Covenant "I think there's similar pressures with both. On a smaller film, even though it's a smaller budget, there's almost more at stake because a lot of the times that might be someone's first film that they've directed. So they're kind of like someone's baby. Whereas the big-budget films, there's so many people involved, and they keep changing and they tend to have a lot more time to sit with things. The smaller budgets, the smaller films, they don't, they have to finish by a particular time because they don't have the money to keep editing or keep doing things. So I think there's different pressures with both. But in terms of scoring them, I just I think they just different hills to climb." On the Way That Genre Has an Impact on How Kurzel Approaches Scoring a Movie "We all grow up watching films, so we've all got that language. So whether you like it or not, you're aware of genres, and what those genres are and what's come before you, which I think is great because it can set benchmarks for you. If you're looking at something and going 'I want to do a horror film' and 'what are the films that I really like in this sort of genre?', you can go back and have a look, and just see the way they've been approached — which may make you go 'well, I don't want to approach it like that, I want to approach it like this'." On What Drives an Unnerving Score Such as The Babadook "That's a good question because that score, the inspiration for that — I think I wrote this in the sleeve of the vinyl — when I was scoring that, I was living in Erskineville and there was a possum on my roof or in the tree above me. And it was knocking things down through the night, and it would jump off the tree onto the roof. So I was always listening to what sounded like people throwing bodies on my roof. On top of that, it would make these strange noises, or there'd be strange noises outside. So a lot of the time, I was keeping the door open and making music, and just letting those sounds come in as well — and going 'okay, that's interesting. I could kind of do something'. So I think what I'm listening for is what's unnerving me — and particularly late at night, if I'm doing something, you can hear things. The world really is making music all the time. So the environment's always really great, if you've got your ear out, you can always hear really interesting stuff. But in terms of horror, I like to be unnerved. I'm not that much into the jump scares and things like that. I like an eerie, unnerving kind of feeling." On the Response to The Babadook — Then and Now "Even internationally, you mention it and everyone knows it, and the characters. It's pretty amazing. I'm really proud of the work we all did on that and how much Jen stuck to her guns with the film. I think it's just been re-released on screens in the US, it's doing a tour of America at the moment, which is amazing. And that was a film that if you told us that's what was happening, and most of the things that happened with that film, we would have laughed at the time because it just was not on anyone's radar. Even when it was released here, it had such a tiny release, I don't think anyone even knew it'd come out." On Being in Action Mode with Monkey Man, But Using the Score to Build an Emotional World "That was really different, because Dev already had, for a lot of the action scenes, there was already a lot of source music placed in there as music that already existed. And he had a definite thing for me, which was 'I want the film to be the emotional underground of the character'. So a lot of it, we talked a lot about memory, and the music was representing his memory of his mother. And so it was really strange, I was doing an action film but I wasn't really doing the action side. There's a few chase scenes and things like that. But in terms of that being the focus, it really wasn't, it was this whole other world that Dev was after which I found really appealing and exciting when we first spoke about the film." On the Most-Important Task for a Film Score to Achieve "I always feel like I'm there to add a layer that's almost not even music — it's another layer to the film that wasn't previously there, that if you took out, you would really notice it. A lot of people talk about watching films and not noticing the music. But I feel the other way. I want to notice it. And I want it to give me another layer on there that I know wouldn't exist otherwise — the performances wouldn't get it, the editing, it's adding something that's unique and almost impossible to describe, which is what to me that music is. It feels like some sort of magical language." On the Ultimate Challenge in Composing for the Screen That Kurzel Hasn't Taken on Yet — But Would Like To "I really don't know, because I find everything that I do, there's a new challenge and it usually rears its head pretty quickly. You get into something and you think 'oh yeah, I know how to do this' — and suddenly the film, like I said, the film starts to move into a direction and that tilts everything. Being aware of those things, I think that's the exciting part about it. If you're living in the moment and scoring things for the moment, listening out for really happy mistakes — which I call those things that you kind of go 'ohh, I'm going to try this' but something else happens that was a mistake, and you think 'that's actually better than what I was going to do. I'm going to go down that path for a while'. They're the things that I love about composing. In terms of feeling like there's something I haven't done yet, I haven't really done any romantic comedies. But I just, for some reason, I don't think I'm the go-to guy for those." [caption id="attachment_875685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2022[/caption] Concrete Playground: "I chatted with Justin about Snowtown and he told me at the time that the next film he had in mind was a tennis rom-com." Jed: "Yeah, yeah, yeah." Concrete Playground: "So maybe if he does end up doing one, you'll get one." Jed: "I keep saying to him, because he's very funny, so I keep saying 'you need to do a comedy. That has to be your next one'." Screen Commentary: Jed Kurzel takes place at SXSW Sydney from 11am–12pm AEDT on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Fortress Sydney. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for more details.
When Indigenous Australian artist Archie Moore made history at the 2024 La Biennale de Venezia, aka the Venice Biennale, in April 2024 by winning the event's coveted Golden Lion for Best National Participation, he also did Brisbane's major art galleries proud. When the First Nations talent earned Australia the top gong at the Olympics of the art world for the first time ever, he did so with an exhibition curated by Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art's Ellie Buttrose, and with a date with Brisbane GOMA on its 2025–26 program. kith and kin is displaying in South Brisbane between Saturday, September 27, 2025–Sunday, October 18, 2026 — and it has also been gifted to QAGOMA permanently. The piece didn't just make history with its Venice Biennale accolade. A hand-drawn genealogical chart that spans back 65,000 years, this creation also chronicles it. Both a personal and a political work, kith and kin steps through Moore's Kamilaroi, Bigambul, British and Scottish heritage across the installation's five-metre-high, 60-metre-long black walls. More than 2400 generations are covered. The exhibition uses chalk on blackboard, with a reflective pool sitting in the middle of the room and 500-plus document stacks suspended above it. Every aspect of kith and kin makes a statement. With its size and scale, it speaks to Australia's Indigenous peoples being among the world's longest-continuous living cultures. The use of black is also designed to look like a celestial map, and therefore nod to the resting place of First Nations ancestors. Highlighting the decrease in Indigenous Australian languages and dialects since colonisation, the fragility that stems from not being able to pass down knowledge and injustices such as deaths in custody are all also part of the work — with the aforementioned piles of paper primarily from coronial inquests. Images: Archie Moore / kith and kin 2024 / Australia Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 / Photographer Andrea Rossetti / © the artist / Images courtesy of the artist and The Commercial.
Since 2016, the British royal family's ups and downs haven't just played out across newspaper headlines. They've also fuelled Netflix's hit drama The Crown. If you're fond of the streaming platform, regal intrigue and combining the two, then you're obviously a fan of the series — and you can now lock Wednesday, November 9 in your diary for your next date with the show. If this sounds familiar, that's because it was announced a year back that viewer would need to wait until November 2022 to watch season five of the series; however, Netflix has now revealed the exact premiere date. In focus in this batch of episodes: the royal family in the early to mid-1990s, including the breakdown of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage. As the series is known to, it's shaking up its cast with this leap forward. After starting out with Claire Foy (The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) as Queen Elizabeth II, Matt Smith (House of the Dragon) as Prince Philip and Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret (Pieces of a Woman) in its first two seasons, which aired in 2016 and 2017, the series returned in 2019 with Olivia Colman (Heartstopper), Tobias Menzies (This Way Up) and Helena Bonham Carter (Enola Holmes) in those roles. Plus, it added Josh O'Connor (Mothering Sunday) as Prince Charles — and, in season four in 2020, Emma Corrin (Misbehaviour) and The X-Files icon Gillian Anderson joined the cast as Lady Diana Spencer and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, respectively. When season five premieres in a few months, Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton will don the titular headwear, while Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce will step into Prince Philip's shoes — and Princess Margaret will be played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. Also, Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki plays Princess Diana, with The Wire and The Pursuit of Love's Dominic West as Prince Charles. Netflix also dropped its first sneak peek at The Crown's fifth season as part of Tudum: A Netflix Global Fan Event — the streaming platform's big unveiling of everything set to hit your queue in coming months. The first teaser does indeed focus on Charles and Diana, and the tension between them as their separation is announced. Season five will arrive two months after Queen Elizabeth II's death in early September, and following a pause in the show's production afterwards. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons, which'll follow the monarch into the 2000s, has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. The first teaser for The Crown's fifth season is only available as part of Tudum: A Netflix Global Fan Event, at around 20 minutes in — you can check it out below: The Crown's fifth season will hit Netflix on Wednesday, November 9. Images: Keith Bernstein / Alex Bailey / Netflix
Making a cup of tea is easy, right? Everyone knows the method: pop a bag into a cup, add hot water, throw in your chosen amount of milk and sugar, and then stir. That's one way of brewing up a cuppa; however there's more to this 5000-year-old beverage than that. Giving tea the kind of celebration that's usually reserved for coffee, Wandering Cooks' Tea Essentials Workshops will step you through the history of pure leaf tea, the knowledge needed to spot a good cup from an average one, and the skills to prepare and brew your own. Discover different types, styles, flavours and techniques, all over some tasty bites from Indie Treats. Consider it the most informative morning tea you'll ever have. Given that the session kicks off at 11.30am on October 1, we can technically still call it morning tea. For your $47.50 ticket price, you'll get all of the above served up with the wisdom of The Steepery's Kym Cooper — plus the main event: tea tasting.
A drug kingpin disappearing into a new life, clashing cousins, voting popes, a veteran actor trying to reclaim her career with the help of a mysterious liquid, Adrien Brody surviving history's horrors again, fierce tennis competitors: films about all of the above have earned Golden Globes in 2025. Stressed-out chefs, stand-up comedy greats, Japanese warriors, Gotham villains, determined detectives: TV shows about them are all also in the same category. And, they each have a heap of company. Held on Monday, January 6 Australian and New Zealand time, this year's Golden Globes ceremony started with host Nikki Glaser cracking gags about everything from Dune: Part Two's running time to Nicole Kidman making awards-nominated work to get away from Keith Urban's strumming and Adam Sandler pronouncing Timothée Chalamet's name. It then threw in excited shouts and enthusiastic speeches aplenty among the winners. Picking up the first award of the night — but not the only award for Emilia Pérez — Zoe Saldaña (Special Ops: Lioness) delivered both alone. Other highlights from the hijinks: Catherine O'Hara (The Wild Robot) and Seth Rogen (Mufasa: The Lion King), co-stars in upcoming streaming series The Studio, making up a whole lot of accolades for fake Canadian projects; The White Lotus favourite Jennifer Coolidge being Jennifer Coolidge; Emilia Pérez songwriter Camille calling the whole shebang "such an American experience"; and Vin Diesel (Fast X) starting his presenting stint with "hey Dwayne". And more standouts among the awards: gorgeous Latvian independent animation Flow taking out its category, in the first time that a movie from the nation has been at the Golden Globes; Kieran Culkin winning the supporting actor Succession battle for A Real Pain over Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice; Shogun's well-deserved swag of gongs; Demi Moore's touching sentiments about believing in your own value; A Different Man winner Sebastian Stan demanding that tough films still get made; and also Feranda Torres emerging victorious for I'm Still Here over Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl), Angelina Jolie (Maria), Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door) and Kate Winslet (Lee). Not every ace nominee could snag a statuette, of course. Not every worthy movie and TV series even made the roster of contenders. They're truths that everyone should remember at every awards ceremony. Still, the rundown of newly minted 2025 Golden Globe winners spans an array of deserving folks and projects — and comes in less than a fortnight before the Oscars joins in, announcing its nominees on Saturday, January 17 Down Under time. Will the Academy Awards follow in these footsteps? And the Emmys later in the year, too? What else received some love? Here's the full list of 2025's Golden Globe winners and nominees (and you can also check out our rundown of victorious films and TV shows to watch right now): 2025 Golden Globe Winners and Nominees Best Motion Picture — Drama The Brutalist — WINNER A Complete Unknown Conclave Dune: Part Two Nickel Boys September 5 Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy Anora Challengers Emilia Pérez — WINNER A Real Pain The Substance Wicked Best Motion Picture — Animated Flow — WINNER Inside Out 2 Memoir of a Snail Moana 2 Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl The Wild Robot Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Alien: Romulus Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Deadpool & Wolverine Gladiator II Inside Out 2 Twisters Wicked — WINNER The Wild Robot Best Motion Picture — Non-English Language All We Imagine as Light Emilia Pérez — WINNER The Girl with the Needle I'm Still Here The Seed of the Sacred Fig Vermiglio Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl Angelina Jolie, Maria Nicole Kidman, Babygirl Tilda Swinton, The Room Next Door Fernanda Torres, I'm Still Here — WINNER Kate Winslet, Lee Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama Adrien Brody, The Brutalist — WINNER Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown Daniel Craig, Queer Colman Domingo, Sing Sing Ralph Fiennes, Conclave Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy Amy Adams, Nightbitch Cynthia Erivo, Wicked Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez Mikey Madison, Anora Demi Moore, The Substance — WINNER Zendaya, Challengers Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain Hugh Grant, Heretic Gabriel Labelle, Saturday Night Jesse Plemons, Kinds of Kindness Glen Powell, Hit Man Sebastian Stan, A Different Man — WINNER Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture Selena Gomez, Emilia Pérez Ariana Grande, Wicked Felicity Jones, The Brutalist Margaret Qualley, The Substance Isabella Rossellini, Conclave Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez — WINNER Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture Yura Borisov, Anora Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain — WINNER Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown Guy Pearce, The Brutalist Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice Denzel Washington, Gladiator II Best Director — Motion Picture Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez Sean Baker, Anora Edward Berger, Conclave Brady Corbet, The Brutalist — WINNER Coralie Fargeat, The Substance Payal Kapadia, All We Imagine as Light Best Screenplay — Motion Picture Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez Sean Baker, Anora Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, The Brutalist Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain Coralie Fargeat, The Substance Peter Straughan, Conclave — WINNER Best Original Score — Motion Picture Volker Bertelmann, Conclave Daniel Blumberg, The Brutalist Kris Bowers, The Wild Robot Clément Ducol, Camille, Emilia Pérez Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Challengers — WINNER Hans Zimmer, Dune: Part Two Best Original Song — Motion Picture 'Beautiful That Way', Andrew Wyatt, Miley Cyrus, Lykke Zachrisson, The Last Showgirl 'Compress / Repress', Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Luca Guadagnino, Challengers 'El Mal', Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez — WINNER 'Forbidden Road', Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler, Sacha Skarbek, Better Man 'Kiss The Sky', Delacey, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Maren Morris, Michael Pollack, Ali Tamposi, The Wild Robot 'Mi Camino', Clément Ducol, Camille, Emilia Pérez Best Television Series — Drama The Day of the Jackal The Diplomat Mr & Mrs Smith Shogun — WINNER Slow Horses Squid Game Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy Abbott Elementary The Bear The Gentlemen Hacks — WINNER Nobody Wants This Only Murders in the Building Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television Baby Reindeer — WINNER Disclaimer Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story The Penguin Ripley True Detective: Night Country Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Drama Kathy Bates, Matlock Emma D'arcy, House of the Dragon Maya Erskine, Mr & Mrs Smith Keira Knightley, Black Doves Keri Russell, The Diplomat Anna Sawai, Shogun — WINNER Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series — Drama Donald Glover, Mr & Mrs Smith Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent Gary Oldman, Slow Horses Eddie Redmayne, The Day of the Jackal Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun — WINNER Billy Bob Thornton, Landman Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building Kathryn Hahn, Agatha All Along Jean Smart, Hacks — WINNER Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This Ted Danson, A Man on the Inside Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building Jason Segel, Shrinking Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jeremy Allen White, The Bear — WINNER Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country — WINNER Cristin Milioti, The Penguin Sofía Vergara, Griselda Naomi Watts, Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans Kate Winslet, The Regime Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television Colin Farrell, The Penguin — WINNER Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer Kevin Kline, Disclaimer Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Ewan McGregor, A Gentleman in Moscow Andrew Scott, Ripley Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear Hannah Einbinder, Hacks Dakota Fanning, Ripley Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer — WINNER Allison Janney, The Diplomat Kali Reis, True Detective: Night Country Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television Tadanobu Asano, Shogun — WINNER Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Harrison Ford, Shrinking Jack Lowden, Slow Horses Diego Luna, La Máquina Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television Jamie Foxx, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was Nikki Glaser, Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die Seth Meyers, Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking Adam Sandler, Adam Sandler: Love You Ali Wong, Ali Wong: Single Lady — WINNER Ramy Youssef, Ramy Youssef: More Feelings The 2025 Golden Globes were announced on Monday, January 6, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website.
Australia's best interiors for 2025 have been revealed — and a theatrical Brisbane restaurant has nabbed top honours. Central, the subterranean restaurant by J.AR Office, claimed the prestigious Premier Award for Australian Interior Design at this year's Australian Interior Design Awards. Celebrated for its moody, immersive atmosphere and inventive use of constraints, the venue also won the Hospitality Design Award and Best of State Commercial for Queensland. The annual awards, now in their 22nd year, recognise excellence across residential, hospitality, retail, installation, public and workplace design, as well as achievements in sustainability and emerging practice. The program is a collaboration between the Design Institute of Australia and Architecture Media's InteriorsAu, with this year's entries honouring aesthetic impact and user-centred thinking. [caption id="attachment_1010109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Central by J.AR Office[/caption] The jury praised Central as a "highly inventive project" that's "executed with a level of cleverness that uses constraints to its advantage". In a year defined by refined aesthetics and clear design narratives, the 80-seat, Hong Kong-inspired Central stood out for its emotive interiors, with low lighting and cleverly juxtaposed accents of granite, timber and exposed rock, which all set the stage for a singular experience. Elsewhere, southern states swept the residential awards — Montage Apartments by Studio Prineas in Sydney's Double Bay received both the Residential Design and Best of State Residential for New South Wales accolades, commended for its "strong and nuanced colour palette and detailing", while the "joyful, sophisticated and colourful" Panorama House by Sally Caroline won the Residential Decoration Award and Best of State Residential for Victoria. Design Office claimed Retail Design honours for Vic's Meats in Chatswood Chase, Sydney — the project was also awarded Best of State Commercial in NSW for its "bold and highly distinctive design" that "honour[s] the tradition of the butcher's craft through a contemporary expression". [caption id="attachment_1010110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coopers Brand Home by studio gram[/caption] In the Public Design category, Studio SC was recognised for its moving and detailed interior at the new Australian War Memorial entrance in Canberra, which also took home Best of State Commercial in the ACT. The jury was split down the middle for the Workplace Design award, with top honours shared by both Cox Architecture's Adelaide Studio (which also won Best of State Commercial for South Australia) and the Arup Workplace Perth/Boorloo by Hames Sharley with Arup and Peter Farmer Designs — the latter also received the Sustainability Advancement Award for its conscious use of resources and sensitivity to human interaction. The jury noted that this year's awards represented "an opportunity for our industry to stand back, take it all in and genuinely celebrate the quality of interior design being produced in Australia today". And they're confident that the future is in good hands, too: "We can give ourselves a collective pat on the back as we continue to produce work that is inventive and sophisticated." [caption id="attachment_1010111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Good Luck Restaurant Bar by Akin Atelier[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Good Luck Restaurant Bar by Akin Atelier[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010113" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010114" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palace Coffee by Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice[/caption] For more information on the Australian Interior Design Awards 2025 and the full list of winners, head to the awards' website.
"Oh no, I like hip hop, I just hate Aussie hip hop." It's an all too common refrain heard at parties all over the country — well, inner city Sydney at least — as bearded Das Racist fans explain just why the world will never see another J-Dilla again. And I get it, Aussie hip hop, in its most common (read: popular (read: commercial)) incarnation, as personified by the likes of Hilltop Hoods and Bliss n Eso, is an acquired taste to say the least. But fear not intrepid reader, for if you're sick of the overblown ocker-isms, zealous xenophobia — so prevalent that The Hoods felt compelled to write a whole song about it — and sunburnt Southern Cross tattoos that have become emblematic of Aussie hip hop, then we've got five emerging local hip-hop artists to restore your faith. 1. Remi Holy shit, this guy is b-b-b-b-b-blowing UP! Probably the most well known of our hip hop offerings, this Melbourne MC was last year's triple j Unearthed Artist of the Year. The 23-year-old rapper has embarked on a national tour of his second album Raw x Infinity, which dropped just a few weeks ago. Taking cues from the faded finesse of early West Coast hip hop and the raw 'realness' of The Roots combined with a healthy dose of braggadocio, Remi likes to rap about hitting the blunt but isn't afraid to get political either; calling out passé Aussie hip hop tropes and conservative close-mindedness. Unlike generic 'skip hop' whose biggest message seems to be: 'How good are barbeques with your mates?' Remi is an artist with something to say — and he's not afraid to say it. Catch Remi at Oxford Art Factory this Saturday, June 28. Tickets available here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=oHmuZ7wDl4E 2. Coin Banks With tracks from Ta-ku and lyrics sent from the heavens, Coin Banks is already a force to be reckoned with. Having popped into our collective musical consciousness thanks to triple j's fairly regular rotation of his groundbreaking single 'Think of You', the Perth rapper hasn't looked back. The eloquent lyricism of his debut EP Heads made waves Australia-wide in the lead up to his debut national tour, pulling shapes at Sydney's Beresford, Melbourne's Espy and Laundry and Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge over the last few weeks. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WaAWTXNaqJU 3. Citizen Kay You may not have heard of this Canberra-based MC yet but he's already supported the likes of Public Enemy, Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, Run the Jewels and Wiz Khalifa, all in the last year alone. And he's earned those support slots — Citizen Kay's cheeky wordplay flows effortlessly over some of the catchiest hooks outside of the fish market. He's by far the most interesting thing to have come out of our nation's capital since… Well, look, Canberra's pretty boring. Catch Citizen Kay on his national Vision tour: Saturday 13 July at Sydney's FBi Social, Friday 19 July at Melbourne's Revolver, and Friday 2 August at Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qfMLYVi0uv0 4. Tkay Maidza As if hanging out with DJ Lance Rock while supporting super-weird-but-amazing US kids show Yo Gabba Gabba! wasn't cool enough, this young Radelaidean femcee is set to explode into the Australian music consciousness when she brings her self-described 'Dinojams' — code for epic dancefloor rap — to this year's Splendour in the Grass. One of the most promising female rappers to have emerged from the sausage fest that is Aussie hip hop, Tkay Maidza may only have one official single under her belt but if it's anything to go by she's going to be massive. If you're not already stomping your feet like a Brontosaurus, get ready to make some serious noise. Catch Tkay Maidza at many an Aussie festival coming up — Splendour in the Grass on June 25, BIGSOUND on September 10 or Listen Out nationwide from September 27 - Oct 5. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vV9lX9fQubY 5. N'fa Whilst technically not a newcomer, the artist formerly known as N'fa Jones has rebranded himself as just N'fa so we're counting it. You may know him better as the frontman for 1200 Techniques, the guys behind the early 2000s surprise hit 'Karma'. (WARNING: viewing this clip and its Punch & Judy-style rendering of the band may induce severe nostalgia for waking up early on a Saturday to watch Rage before your parents got up.) N'fa has kept the soulful, genre-melding sound that typified 1200 Techniques but has added a more introspective, personal feel to his latest solo offering Black & White Noise. It's not what you expect from Aussie hip hop and in this instance, that's a very good thing. If you want to hear him on the solo tip, check out the banger below — with none other than British hip-hop legend Roots Manuva. Catch N'fa at Melbourne's Howler for Hip Hip Sundays on June 29, along with M-Phazes, Flagrant and Peril (and it's free).
UPDATE, Friday, May 30, 2025: Due to forecast wet weather, Nundah by Night has been postponed from Saturday, May 31 to Saturday, July 19. This article has been updated to reflect that change. When Christmas hits each year, the Nundah Markets stay up late, swapping one of its usual daytime events for a twilight shindig. That kind of fun isn't just for getting festive, though. For the past few years, it's also been for celebrating winter. Meet Nundah by Night, which will take place from 4–10pm on Saturday, July 19 in 2025. On the agenda: shopping, eating, drinking and being merry midyear. There'll be quite the lineup of places to grab handmade items from — 120-plus stalls, in fact — with clothes, jewellery, art, homewares, soap, candles and all things edible available. You'll find gourmet foods on offer as well (including bites to eat while you're there). For your $3 entry fee, you can enjoy a stint of browsing and buying under the site's fairy lights at Nundah Markets' usual spot on Station Street. And, you can stop in at the pop-up bar for a local craft brew, too — or warm up with some mulled wine. Live music is also on the lineup, as is a travelling and roving performers. And if you're wondering what you'll be snacking on, brisket, pulled pork, taco rice bowls and churros are just some of the dishes on the menu.
Walking through a cathedral made of 100,000-plus lights, moseying beneath a canopy of glowing multi-coloured trees, wandering between ribbons of flashing beams — you'll be able to do all of this when Lightscape heads to Australia for the first time in 2022. Originally meant to debut Down Under in 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, the after-dark light festival will be taking over the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria — Melbourne from Friday, June 24–Sunday, August 7, beaming away from 5.15pm Wednesday–Sunday. While the leafy Birdwood Avenue spot is already extremely scenic, to say that Lightscape will be brightening up the place is quite the understatement. Prepare to see the garden illuminated by immersive and large-scale installations scattered along a 1.8-kilometre route, including sparkling trees, luminous walkways and bursts of colour that look like fireworks. A big highlight: large-scale works like Winter Cathedral, the aforementioned installation that'll feature more than 100,000 globes and make you feel like you're being bathed in radiance. Lightscape comes to Australia after taking over gardens across the United Kingdom and the United States. Developed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK, it's understandably proven a huge success — and more than two-million people wandered along its glowing trails last season. In Melbourne, Lightscape will also commission local artists to create works that'll celebrate the city's culture and nature — giving the after-dark light festival a local touch. Fingers crossed for pop-up food and drink stalls scattered throughout — selling, we hope, mulled wine to keep hands warm during the chilly winter nights.
