Those keen to jump in their car — or on a plane — and explore another Australian state or territory may be able to do just that this winter, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison hinting that interstate travel could be back on the cards by early July. After a national cabinet meeting today, Tuesday, May 5, the Prime Minister said he was hopeful interstate travel would be a possibility by the next end-of-term school holiday, which is June 26 in Queensland and Victoria, and July 3 in the ACT and NSW. "It's part of the road back that national cabinet is considering," the Prime Minister said in response to a question about interstate travel. "Hopefully, by the end of term school holiday, if [Australians] are able to go and have a holiday on the Gold Coast or in South Australia or in — wherever it happens to be out of one's home state — let's hope that is possible because that will be great for those places in terms of the tourism impact." This does, of course, depend on some Australian states and territories reopening their borders. Queensland, Tasmania, WA, SA and the NT have all suspended non-essential cross-border travel and require interstate arrivals to quarantine for 14 days. The possibility of interstate travel resuming this winter was a sentiment echoed earlier today by Qantas, too. In a statement released this morning, the Australian airline group said, "the initial easing of government restrictions suggests some domestic travel may start to return before the end of July". When domestic travel does ramp up, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Melbourne-Sydney flights on Jetstar could drop as low as $19. The airline also announced that it had extended flight cancellations from the end of May through to the end of July, but that "some capacity can be added back in if domestic and Trans-Tasman restrictions ease in coming weeks". New Zealand is another travel possibility that's been flagged for Australians the near future, with Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy previously saying it could be allowed by within the next three-to-four months. The Prime Minister also said that he'd been discussing a Trans-Tasman travel bubble for "several weeks" with NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who joined today's national cabinet meeting, and that, in terms of international travel, it was "the most obvious place to start" but that was "still some time away". It's expected a clearer look at the "road out" and some possible easing of restrictions will be announced on Friday, May 8, after this week's second national cabinet meeting. Top image: Numbananga Lodge by MVandavee for NPWS.
There’s action films, and then there’s action films — and the TILT Film Festival presents the latter. This isn’t a celebration of the beat-'em-up and knock-'em-down type, but of the fast and furious kind. Only the most extreme and daring feats grace its silver screens. The seven-film program showcases work from some of the world’s most renowned and acclaimed sports and adventure filmmakers, and stars daring and revered Motocross riders, climbers, skiers, snowboarders, karate masters, surfers and athletes. There are no half measures here; this is about living life to the fullest and testing all conceivable limits. Australian Martial Arts documentary 100 Man Fight kicks off the program, with a different source of adrenalin in the spotlight each night. Scale to Patagonian heights with Cerro Tore – A Snowball’s Chance in Hell, or surf the psychedelic seas with Strange Rumblings. If sliding down the slopes is your thing, check out the double bill of legendary snowboarding filmmaker Jeremy Jones’ Higher and free ski film Almost Ablaze. The cultural phenomenon that is the Crusty Demons celebrate the 20th anniversary of their daredevil antics, while On Any Sunday – The Next Chapter provides a star-studded modern-day homage to the art of motorcycle riding.
I googled ‘Wolf & Cub’ to find a picture to go with this article and I found this. Hi, is that not the cutest thing ever? I don’t even… sorry, why am I looking at this again? Oh right, Wolf & Cub! These Adelaideans might not be as cute as those two pups but I reckon they sound a hell of a lot better. Two years since releasing Science & Sorcery, Wolf & Cub have been relentlessly touring the country and in 2010 they were picked up by US label Last Gang Records, becoming labelmates with the likes of Death From Above 1979, Crystal Castles and Metric. After the rollercoaster ride that has been the last two years, Wolf & Cub went into hiding at the end of 2010 to start work on their next album. Creating a makeshift home studio in Sydney, demos were made and a new Wolf & Cub sound formed. From there, they scooped up their new tracks and scurried into the studio with producer Burke Reid to lay down the groundwork on a shiny new album. The album’s not quite finished yet, but if you wanna get a taste of it before it’s released, head to Alhambra Lounge on Friday, where they’ll be wailing down the walls with tracks old and new, supported by our own Teleprompter. While googling pictures of wolf cubs is a totally acceptable way to spend your Friday night, I can guarantee seeing Wolf & Cub will be a hell of a lot more fun.
Pixar certainly has a formula, but much like Coca-Cola, they won't share what it is. Nevertheless, whatever creative ingredients they are putting into their delicious movie soda is working — with their 13 major features to date averaging 89 percent approval on Rotten Tomatoes. The company continues to make creative, moving and visually stunning family-friendly films that allow us to unashamedly enjoy a children's movie. The animation entrepreneurs have recently come under scrutiny, though, from critics who argue that the tried and tested formula is beginning to tire. They point to Pixar's production of sequels such as the Toy Story franchise, Cars 2 and the announcement of Finding Dory to contend that the company is no longer reaching for infinity and beyond. What they are neglecting, though, is that the magic of Pixar derives from their great storytelling that children and adults across the globe can relate to. And the newest addition to this Pixarpedia is Monsters University, the company's first foray into the prequel world, and this brilliant film will silence whoever wants to argue that this is an example of filmmaking fatigue. It tells the tale of how Monsters Inc. stars Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) became friends and went on to be employed together at Monsters Incorporated. Whilst audiences who saw the original may know the final outcome, the getting there certainly serves up some unexpected and enjoyable twists right up until film's end. The focus is on some typically university-centred life lessons, such as defining oneself and sustaining friendships in the face of unforeseen roadblocks. They've sidestepped the other, more adult content of college life; this is a clever, G-rated version. Then again, who needs alcohol when you have friendship, right? Of course, being a Pixar movie, it is largely about the aesthetics and Monsters University expertly showcases the company's stellar attention to detail. From the monstrous architecture of the campus buildings to the fang zips on students' backpacks, no stone is left unturned. There is also an incredible variety of monsters — with the visual standout being Art — and this vast populous ensures that the film never stagnates as new monsters appear throughout as well as some excellent cameos from the original. As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it, and there is certainly nothing broken at Pixar. If they continue making visually beautiful, surprising and compelling stories like Monsters University then I will happily see robot Billy Crystal voicing Monsters Retirement Home in 100 years time. Also, stick around until the cinema lights come on for the most entertaining post-credits scene in Pixar history.
After making one of the absolute best films to reach Australian cinema screens in 2021, Promising Young Woman filmmaker Emerald Fennell is back with Saltburn — and she's repeated the feat in 2023. Swapping the US dating scene for Britain's upper class, the writer/director spins a satire about privilege and desire that's devastatingly well cast and devilish overall. Haven't caught the end result yet? You'll be able to do so from your couch before Christmas. Add Saltburn to the list of movies that've enjoyed pandemic-era swift leaps from the big screen to the small, with the film getting fast-tracked to home entertainment while it's still in cinemas. Barbie did it. Everything from Dune, The Matrix Resurrections and Everything Everywhere All At Once to Elvis, Nope and Don't Worry Darling have before that, too. In this case, you'll be watching the Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin)- and Jacob Elordi (Euphoria)-starring thriller from Friday, December 22 on Prime Video. Keoghan plays Oliver Quick, who arrives at Oxford University as part of the future class of 2006, but finds himself stuck as an outsider among his well-off classmates. Enter Elordi as Felix Catton, the charming campus favourite who gains a helping hand in Oliver, then invites his new pal to his family's eponymous estate for the summer. Fennell won a rightly deserved Oscar for her Promising Young Woman script, and reteams with Carey Mulligan (She Said) again here. Also demonstrating the actor (The Crown)-turned-filmmaker's knack for casting: 2023 Academy Award-nominee Keoghan, aka one of the screen's most interesting and talented rising stars, plus Elordi, Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time), Richard E Grant (Persuasion) and Lolly Adefope (Miracle Workers). As Felix's sister Venetia, Conversations with Friends' Alison Oliver is similarly excellent — as is Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story's Archie Madekwe as fellow Oxford student and Catton cousin Farleigh. If you not only haven't seen Saltburn yet, but you've avoided having its twists, surprises and bold moves spoiled for you, you'll want to keep it that way until you can see this mix of Brideshead Revisited, The Talented Mr Ripley and Cruel Intentions. Check out the Saltburn trailer below: Saltburn will be available to stream via Prime Video globally from Friday, December 22. It's also still showing in cinemas Down Under. Read our review.
With COVID-19 restrictions on international travel still in place, hopping on a plane and heading overseas isn't on any Australian or New Zealander's current agenda. But, while your body can't physically roam the globe at present, your voice — and all the pent-up stress you've been feeling over the past few months — can still make the trip to Iceland. As part of a new promotional campaign called 'Looks Like You Need Iceland', the island nation is asking the planet's frustrated masses to scream into their computers and record the sounds of their 2020-inspired yells. Those clips are then broadcast into the Nordic country's wide open spaces — and you can choose where your voice will echo. There are seven locations to pick from, so your angst about this testing year can reverberate through Iceland's frosty north or south, the farmlands and fjords in the nation's east, or the geologically diverse landscape in the west — or the famed Westfjords region, the capital of Reykjavík or the volcanic surroundings of the Reykjanes peninsula as well. If you've happened to watch Netflix's Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga lately (and gotten the song 'Volcano Man' stuck in your head in the process), we're guessing you'll probably pick the latter. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqLXTaijOo/ Overall, the concept is really as simple as it sounds — you scream, with the aim of cathartically venting your pandemic-induced unhappiness, and the results play through speakers in a country far, far away. It taps into the practise known as scream therapy which, again, is exactly what you'd expect, with the website also stepping you through the best tips for a truly satisfying scream. Of course, if you're also motivated to start thinking about planning a holiday to Iceland once Australia and New Zealand's international borders reopen, the campaign has also achieved its main task. To record your scream, or for more information, visit the 'Looks Like You Need Iceland' website.
The Black Lung Theatre and Whaling Firm have endeared themselves to us with bonkers performances of the likes of And They Called Him Mr Glamour. To save their brand of surreal self-analysis from going around in circles, in 2008 they stepped out of their familiar inner-Melbourne world — and into Timor Leste. Working with East Timorese creatives Galaxy and Liurai Fo'er, they've emerged with Doku Rai (You, dead man, I don't believe you), the first international theatre production to be created in East Timor. (Specifically, extraordinarily, in an abandoned colonial hotel on a remote island off Dili. In the distance, Balibo was being filmed.) Going off reviews of its first Darwin Festival and Melbourne performances in 2012, the show breaks the mould of how we think about cross-cultural theatre. It opens with a set from garage rock band Galaxy, stars of Timor Leste, for starters. The story then follows a man who is struck with a killing curse (doku) but continues to rise from the grave. On top of that is a layer of playfulness, meta, multimedia, and more pop musical interludes. Australia hasn't always been kind to the tiny nation that is one of our closest neighbours, so that the kooks at Black Lung can go there and have a mind-meld with locals is an exciting thing. Directed by Thomas M Wright, the production will hit the festival circuit hard in Australia in 2013, then it's on to Europe.
Summer is about to get a whole lot better for those in the CBD with Aria co-owners Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan opening their latest creation this Friday. Located on the promenade level of Riparian Plaza, Riverbar & Kitchen aims to represent the Queensland lifestyle with a laid back, outdoor restaurant that turns into a hot nightspot with prime river and Story Bridge views. Open seven days a week, Riverbar & Kitchen will appeal to the many local lunchtime diners, but also tourists looking for a picturesque eating spot, and for revelers looking to celebrate. “The aim is for Riverbar & Kitchen to be the ultimate casual one-stop-shop for people to eat, drink, and socialise along the river,” Sullivan said. “Our menus offer options to take people through the week and into the weekend, from morning coffees to after-five drinks and cocktails, and light breakfasts to evening bites of shared plates, grills, and pizzas.” The cocktail menu can be enjoyed individually or in shared punch jugs. For those looking to share a fresh summer drink in this hot weather, Riverbar & Kitchen will be serving jugs of Pimms and white sangria ($25). Food you can expect to enjoy includes the snow crab slider with pickled cornichons and buttermilk bun ($9), as well as a bucket of prawns with lemon and cocktail sauce ($20). A 20-metre-long bar extends from indoors out to the boardwalk beer garden, which features several big screen televisions and a tropical garden setting. The venue’s interior is inspired by quintessential Queensland elements, such as VJ weatherboards, bleached wood, and an eclectic mix of nautical vintage pieces. Riverbar & Kitchen sounds like the Queensland dream, we cannot wait to try it.
It started with a celebrity sing-along. It ditched the usual grand stage setup for a white platform in the middle of the room. Seth Rogen freaked out about being with so many people in one place during the pandemic. Multiple actors screamed about Kate Winslet being Kate Winslet, as everyone really should. The comedy awards showed that kindness matters. When it came to pure joy at getting their time to shine, the cast of Ted Lasso matched the cast of Schitt's Creek last year — and, presenting awards this time around, the latter had fun grappling with the teleprompter. Kerry Washington gave a touching tribute to late, great Lovecraft Country and The Wire star Michael K Williams. Jean Smart got a standing ovation. Governors Award-winner Debbie Allen served up a powerful speech about telling your own story. They're just a few things that happened at the 2021 Emmy Awards, with Hollywood's night of nights for all things on the small screen anointing its winners for another year. While the 2020 ceremony went virtual, this celebration of TV and streaming excellence was full of famous faces feeling the love in the same auditorium — and, from host Cedric the Entertainer to presenters such as Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge, they were all clearly thrilled to be there. Particularly excited: all the deserving folks who won shiny statuettes, obviously. Plenty of great shows demanded our attention over the past 12 months, and many of them nabbed some recognition here. That means that we're all winners, too, because these stellar series make quite the must-watch list. Here's seven you should binge — or re-binge — right now, plus one stage-to-streaming special that also picked up a well-earned gong. TED LASSO What it's about: A sports-centric sitcom that's been like a big warm hug from the get-go, Ted Lasso is the current cheerleader for comedies that focus on nice and caring people doing nice and caring things. It celebrates folks supporting and being there for each other, and the bonds that spring between them — and not just to an entertaining but to a soul-replenishing degree. As played by Jason Sudeikis (Booksmart), the series' namesake is all positivity, all the time. A small-time US college football coach, he scored an unlikely job as manager of British soccer team AFC Richmond in the show's first season, a job that came with struggles. The ravenous media wrote him off instantly, the club was hardly doing its best, owner Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham, Sex Education) had just taken over the organisation as part of her divorce settlement, and veteran champion Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Uncle) and current hotshot Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, Judy) refused to get along. Ted's upbeat attitude does wonders, though, in the best sitcom that's currently in production. You definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this show's ongoing charms, to adore its heartwarming determination to value banding together and looking on the bright side, and to love its depiction of both male tenderness and supportive female friendships. Won: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jason Sudeikis), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Hannah Waddingham), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Brett Goldstein). Where to watch it: Apple TV+. Read our full review. MARE OF EASTTOWN What it's about: Kate Winslet doesn't make the leap to the small screen often, but when she does, it's a must-see event. 2011's Mildred Pierce was simply astonishing, a description that both Winslet and her co-star Guy Pearce also earned — alongside an Emmy each, plus three more for the HBO limited series itself. The two actors and the acclaimed US cable network all reteam for Mare of Easttown, and it too is excellent. Set on the outskirts of Philadelphia, it follows detective Mare Sheehan. As the 25th anniversary of her high-school basketball championship arrives, and after a year of trying to solve a missing person's case linked to one of her former teammates, a new murder upends her existence. Mare's life overflows with complications anyway, with her ex-husband (David Denman, Brightburn) getting remarried, and her mother (Jean Smart, Watchmen), teenage daughter (Angourie Rice, Spider-Man: Far From Home) and four-year-old grandson all under her roof. With town newcomer Richard Ryan (Pearce, The Last Vermeer), she snatches what boozy and physical solace she can. As compelling and textured as she always is, including in this year's Ammonite, Winslet turns Mare of Easttown into a commanding character study. That said, it's firmly an engrossing crime drama as well. Although yet again pondering the adult life of an ex-school sports star, The Way Back's Brad Ingelsby isn't just repeating himself by creating and writing this seven-part series, while The Leftovers and The Hunt's Craig Zobel takes to his directing gig with a probing eye. Won: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Kate Winslet), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Julianne Nicholson), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Evan Peters). Where to watch it: Binge. HACKS What it's about: It sounds like an obvious premise, and one that countless films and TV shows have already mined in the name of laughs. In Hacks, two vastly dissimilar people are pushed together, with the resulting conflict guiding the series. Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, North Hollywood) and her new boss Deborah Vance (Jean Smart, Mare of Easttown) couldn't be more different in age, experience, tastes and opinions. The former is a 25-year-old who made the move to Hollywood, has been living out her dream as a comedy writer, but found her career plummeting after a tweet crashed and burned. The latter is a legendary stand-up who hasn't stopped hitting the stage for decades, is approaching the 2500th show of her long-running Las Vegas residency and is very set in her ways. They appear to share exactly one thing in common: a love for comedy. They're an odd couple thrust together by their mutual manager Jimmy (Paul W Downs, Broad City), neither wants to be working with the other, and — to the surprise of no one, including each other — they clash again and again. There's no laugh track adding obvious chuckles to this HBO sitcom, though. Created by three of the talents behind Broad City, Hacks isn't solely interested in setting two seemingly mismatched characters against each other. This is a smart and insightful series about what genuinely happens when this duo spends more and more time together, what's sparked their generational conflict and what, despite their evident differences, they actually share beyond that love of making people laugh. And, it's a frank, funny and biting assessment of being a woman in entertainment — and it's also always as canny as it is hilarious. Won: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Jean Smart), Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky), Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Lucia Aniello). Where to watch it: Stan. Read our full review. I MAY DESTROY YOU What it's about: Newly returned from a working trip to Italy, struggling to write her second novel after her first struck a sizeable chord and pushing up against a draft deadline just hours away, Arabella (Michaela Coel, Chewing Gum) takes some time out from an all-nighter to procrastinate with friends over a few drinks in a couple of London bars. The next morning, the Twitter-famous scribe is shaky, hazy and feels far from her normal self — and across the next 11 episodes of this instantly blistering 12-part series, I May Destroy You delves into the aftermath. Arabella realises that she was raped that evening, and that devastating event understandably rattles everything in her life. As she faces the situation, the series she's in is nothing short of phenomenal. Not only created and written by the unflinching and captivating Coel, but inspired by her own real-life experience with sexual assault, the result is as bold, raw and frank as it is sensitive and affecting. It also feels personal at every single moment. An immensely powerful show that intimately interrogates power on multiple levels and features an unsurprisingly potent performance by Coel, I May Destroy You was easily 2020's number-one must-see show, and its absolute best. It also sits among the best series of the 21st century so far as well, and won't be losing that title any time soon. Won: Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Michaela Coel). Where to watch it: Binge. HAMILTON What it's about: If you haven't been lucky enough to catch Hamilton on the stage — and, let's face it, most of us haven't — a filmed "live capture" version of the popular hip hop musical here to fill the gap. The story, for those who aren't intimately acquainted with US revolutionary history, chronicles the Caribbean-born eponymous "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" from his arrival in New York in the early 1770s. As the informative opening number explains, Alexander Hamilton will go on to become "the ten-dollar Founding Father without a father", with the production charting how he "got a lot farther by working a lot harder, by being a lot smarter and by being a self-starter." And, as shot on Broadway back in 2016, the results really are as exceptional as we've all been hearing for the past five years. The entire cast, including not only creator, writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda but Tony-winners Daveed Diggs (Snowpiercer) and Leslie Odom Jr (Murder on the Orient Express), Mindhunter's Jonathan Groff and Waves' Renee Elise Goldsberry, is superb, as is every element of the production. Infectiously exuberant from its first moments, and not only lively but frequently funny, Miranda's rich, dense but always-accessible words and songs interrogate US history with passion, intelligence and energy. They'll also become firmly lodged in your head, too, so don't say we didn't warn you. Won: Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded). Where to watch it: Disney+. Read our full review. THE CROWN What it's about: When we say that fans of The Crown had been particularly looking forward to the show's fourth season, that isn't meant as a criticism of anything that preceded it. No disrespect is directed towards the regal drama's previous episodes, or to the past cast that took on the program's main roles before an age-appropriate switch was made at the beginning of season three. But, now more than halfway through the program's planned six-season run, this latest chapter focuses on two big showdowns that changed the shape of the royal family in the 80s. Firstly, Queen Elizabeth II (Oscar-winner Olivia Colman) and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (The X-Files icon Gillian Anderson) don't quite see eye to eye, to put it mildly. Also, with Prince Charles' (God's Own Country's Josh O'Connor) marriage to Lady Diana Spencer (Pennyworth's Emma Corrin) a big plot point, the latter clashes with the entire royal establishment. Among a cast that also includes Helena Bonham Carter (Enola Holmes) and Tobias Menzies (Outlander), Colman, Anderson, O'Connor and Corrin are all astounding — and in a show that's always been buoyed by its performances, that's saying something. Won: Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Olivia Colman), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Josh O'Connor), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Gillian Anderson), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Tobias Menzies), Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Peter Morgan), Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Jessica Hobbs). Where to watch it: Netflix. THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT What it's about: In much of The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon sits at a chessboard. As a child (Isla Johnston), she demands that orphanage janitor Mr Shaibel (Bill Camp, The Outsider) teach her the game. As a teenager (Anya Taylor-Joy, Radioactive), she earns a reputation as a chess prodigy. As her confidence and fame grows, she demonstrates her prowess at tournaments around America and the globe, while also spending her spare time hunched over knights, rooks, bishops and pawns studying moves and tactics. None of the above sounds like innately thrilling television unless you're a chess grandmaster, but this seven-part miniseries proves that you should never judge a show by its brief description. Based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, written and directed by Oscar-nominee Scott Frank (Out of Sight, Logan), and dripping with lavish 50s and 60s decor and costuming to reflect its period setting, The Queen's Gambit doesn't expect that all its viewers will be chess aficionados; however, it's made with an acute awareness that anything can be tense, suspenseful and involving — and that every different type of game there is says much about its players and devotees. The series doesn't lack in creative and inventive ways to depict chess on-screen. It knows when to hang on every single move of a pivotal game, and when to focus on the bigger story surrounding a particular match or Beth path through the chess world in general. And it's especially astute at illustrating how a pastime based on precision and strategy offers an orphaned girl a way to control one lone aspect of her tumultuous and constantly changing life. Won: Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Scott Frank). Where to watch it: Netflix. Read our full review. HALSTON What it's about: American fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, better known just as Halston, has already received the documentary treatment. But the wild tale of his successes, struggles, ups and downs, as well as his frequent presence at Studio 54, his list of celebrity friends and his ill-advised business decisions, similarly drives the five-part Netflix miniseries that also shares his name. Proving as chameleonic as ever, Ewan McGregor (Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)) plays the titular part. He's charismatic, dynamic and all-round fantastic, as he always is, and the series wouldn't be the same without him. Indeed, this is a case of a performance — and a vibe, because Halston embraces exactly the atmosphere you'd expect given that it's set from the 60s to the 90s — doing most of the heavy lifting. Still, that central portrayal and the mood around him makes this a must-see. Because Halston was famously pals with Liza Minnelli, Krysta Rodriguez (Lisey's Story) also steps into famous shoes and, off-screen, Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, American Crime Story, Pose, Glee) adds yet another series to his lengthy resume. Watching the doco as well is recommended, but this is entertaining viewing nonetheless. Won: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Ewan McGregor). Where to watch it: Netflix.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 26th festival, once again taking place at the Chung Tian Temple in Priestdale. Running from Friday, April 28–Sunday, April 30, the 2023 program is serving up three jam-packed days of lion dances, calligraphy, art, performances and more. While it might not cater to 200,000 people as it did in pre-pandemic years, you still won't find yourself lacking in either company or something to watch. Drum demonstrations, storytelling, kung fu: they're all on the agenda as well. The festival isn't just about seeing other people strut their stuff, though. With a vegetarian food fair serving up culinary delights — think curries, katsu, dumplings, noodles, bao, shaved ice and matcha ice cream — you won't go hungry. With tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated, meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss, lasers set to dazzle and red lanterns on display, this isn't just a feast of entertainment. Instead, think of it as a complete mind and body experience. Images: Buddha Birthday Festival.
From Saturday, June 24–Monday, October 2, filling Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art for winter as well as the start of spring, Michael Zavros: The Favourite is serving up a major survey of the Queensland artist. On display: 90-plus paintings, sculptures, videos, photos and performances, as part of one of GOMA's two big midyear exhibitions (the other: eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness). With The Favourite, GOMA looks back across 25 years of Zavros' art — although Drowned Mercedes is brand new. Created for the exhibition, the sculpture fills the cabin of an original classic 90s Mercedes-Benz SL convertible with water. When attendees peer at the piece, they see their own reflection in the water. Other Zavros highlights include paintings including Man in a wool suit and Ferragamo 2000, which take inspiration from men's magazines; the Prince/Zavros, with American conceptual artist Richard Prince's late-80s Cowboy images and Marlboro Man tobacco ads an influence; architectural representations Love's temple and Unicorn in the anticamera; and a heap of portraits, with Zavros himself a frequent subject. Still-life works; equestrian paintings, drawings and sculptures; depictions of rare Japanese Onagadori chickens: they all grace GOMA's walls and halls, too. So does Acropolis Now, a large-scale mural depicting the Parthenon in Athens, which is being turned into a Greek coffee house once a month thanks to folks from Brisbane's Greek community playing backgammon and sipping Greek caffeinated beverages. Images: installation views of Michael Zavros: The Favourite, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2023. © Michael Zavros and eX de Medici / Photographs: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA.
For some, friendly banter with whoever happens to be behind a car's wheel is a regular part of booking a ride. For others, the obligatory bout of awkward conversation with the driver is the most dreaded part of the trip. Or, maybe you're just having a bad day and don't feel like chatting. Perhaps you're usually happy to talk away, but you're stressed, have too much on your mind, and have emails to check while you're getting from point A to point B. Whether you like a good chinwag with your driver or prefer riding in silence, Uber has introduced a new feature that lets customers choose their level of conversation. It's called quiet mode, and it gives riders three options — 'quiet preferred', 'happy to chat' and 'no preference' — when booking a trip. The catch: it's only available for Uber Black customers, and it has currently only launched in the US. According to the Uber website, the ridesharing service's premium offering has also added a suite of other 'enhanced features', including asking for help with your luggage, requesting a specific temperature within the car, giving passengers a bit of extra time to make their way to the vehicle, and offering a consistent kind of ride in terms of car models, makes, interiors and exteriors. While there's no word on if or when the features will be rolled out beyond America — or if any will be adopted by regular Uber — there is obviously already option for folks who'd like to get across town without natter. It's certainly a sign of the times that ordering a conversation (or lack thereof) can now be done at the touch of a button, rather than in person. That said, pre-selecting quiet mode will stop the dreaded, always uncomfortable "I don't feel like chatting" convo before the uncomfortable silence, as well as awkward small talk.
Take a Brisbane pub, spruce it up, get the beverages and bites flowing: it worked for Australian Venue Co at The Wickham, the Cleveland Sands, Salisbury Hotel, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche, Bribie Island Hotel and Capalaba's Koala Tavern, and now that tried-and-tested plan has been put into action at the Royal Hotel, too. Earlier in 2023, AVC announced that it was revamping the Nundah pub, giving it a $1.1-million refurbishment. The results have just been unveiled, complete with a 200-person entertainment space upstairs that can host everything from bands to comedy, plus a refreshed bistro that's slinging brisket burgers and doughnut fries. Before its makeover, this watering hole was known as The Royal; however, that hasn't always been its name. A pub has sat at the Sandgate Road location in Nundah since 1888, pouring brews for Brisbane's northsiders. Back when it first swung open its doors 135 years ago, the site was also known as — you guessed it — Royal Hotel. Reclaiming its original moniker, adding that 200-person first-floor entertainment venue, refreshing the food range and outdoor terrace: that's all part of this do-over. The heritage-listed pub's facade remains the same, of course, as designed by the same architect as Crown Hotel all those years back. Now, Mel Porter Design has taken care to blend the pub's heritage features with modern details. The upstairs space has been dubbed Royal Quarters, and will cycle through different entertainment options on different nights. Head along on Thursdays to get giggling, Friday nights for piano bar sessions, Saturday evenings for live gigs and Sundays for bingo. Downstairs, the public bar is also doing trivia on Tuesdays. As for Royal Hotel's bistro and terrace, that revamp spans greenery aplenty, marble-look tables, checkerboard floors and wooden accents, giving the pub a 120-seater — and family-friendly — dining space. The new menu covers pub classics and seasonal dishes, with other highlights including Moreton Bay bug rolls, pressed lamb shoulder, pan-seared barramundi, Stone & Wood-battered fish and chips, and four types of pizzas. Pasta marinara, mini fish ceviche tacos and baked brie cheesecake also feature. And yes, both chicken schnitzel and chicken parmi are on offer, too, plus three steak options. The front bar and al fresco area have also received a new lease on life. Here, five big TV screens show sports t0 80 folks if you're just keen to catch whichever game you prefer over a pint. "Royal Hotel is a Nundah institution, and we are thrilled to open the doors again to our community. It is a historic pub and a space for the entire family to enjoy no matter the occasion, with weekly entertainment and an exciting new menu and interiors," said Venue Manager Naomi Franklin. Find the Royal Hotel at 1259 Sandgate Road, Nundah — open 10am–3.30am seven days a week.
Brisbane is positively blooming with excuses to stock up on greenery, with plant markets and sales happening with frequency. Add a trip to The Foliage Fest to your weekend agenda, however, and you can pick up something natural, leafy and possibly floral from just $3. Both indoor and outdoor plants will be on offer, including the ol' favourite that is the fiddle leaf figs, the eye-catching Bird of Paradise to brighten up your life, plus vines, ferns, climbers, succulents and topiary as well. The list goes on, with hangers also starting from $10. Expect plenty to choose from given the whole thing is going down in a nursery. That'd be Chadwick Nursery. Head along to the two-day event across Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, running from 8am each day. There'll also be live tunes to put you in a browsing and buying mood, if you need some extra motivation — other than a heap of bargain-priced green babies, that is.
Brisbane isn't known for its frosty winters, which means that spring's arrival doesn't usually herald a drastic change in weather. The season is still worth celebrating, however, whether you're keen on embracing all things floral, spending more time in pub beer gardens sipping drinks, feasting on seafood or, once October hits, getting in the Halloween. At The Prince Consort's Spring Fling festival for 2023, you can do all of the above. First, the flowers. This is the Wickham Street spot that brings in snow when winter hits, so of course it goes with blooms come spring. During this five-week-long fest from Thursday, October 5–Saturday, November 11, which spans 20-plus events, there'll be 40,000 flower stems brightening up the 135-year-old place. And, each Saturday will become 'Saturdaisy', with dancing in the venue's version of a botanical garden. Since opening in its current guise in 2020 — after previously being known as The Elephant immediately prior — The Prince Consort has operated as multiple venues in one. Several are getting in on the Spring Fling action. That means disco fun in the Garden Bar and burlesque at La La Land, for instance, amid a seafood festival and Halloween margarita party as well. Highlights include a drag queen-led sip-and-paint session, Vanguard Burlesque getting spooky, those horror-themed margs and the return of the Urban Wine Walk to the Valley, with The Prince Consort among the self-guided tour's vino-slinging stops. If you like the ocean's finest, the seafood fest is another big drawcard, complete with ample bites to eat — yes, there'll be oysters — and cooking demonstrations. On the tunes front, throwing it back to one of Fortitude Valley's past big nightclubs is also a massive standout. Remember Monastery on Ann Street? It's been closed for over a decade — and its old digs are about to become a new steak restaurant — but it's getting a reunion first on floating bar Oasis, then at the after party at The Prince Consort. On the lineup at both shindigs: Felix Da Housecat, plus DJs who once hit Monastery's decks. Spring Fling also includes a 25th-anniversary Kosheen set, as well as a Mark Farina-led after party for Zen & the Art of House — which is also hitting Oasis first. And, whenever you head by, the pub's menu is getting a spring-themed revamp by Head Chef David Blackman.
Get crabby, Brisbane — and no, we don't mean your mood. When a feast of crab awaits, there's nothing to be cranky about. For the entire month of February 2025, Bar Alto at Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting Crab Fest, aka an excuse to add a heap of dishes featuring the crustacean to its menu. Opt for the spanner crab maritozzi and you'll be tucking into spanner crab on brioche bun, for instance. For something bite-sized to share, the sand crab and zucchini fritters come in six-piece servings. Pasta fans have three selections to tempt tastebuds: spanner crab gnocchi with chilli and lemon, spanner crab tortellini with trout caviar, plus sand crab spaghetti alla chitarra to share. The latter pairs a whole sand crab with handcut spaghetti, chilli, garlic, vermentino, cherry tomato and basil, and is only available in servings for two. Whichever you pick, you'll also be enjoying your crab dishes of choice with the venue's glorious riverside view right up until Friday, February 28.
If ever there was a dance party you could take your folks to, it's Hot Dub Time Machine. While they'll get their dose of Bill Haley and the Comets, you'll get your Swifty. Over the course of one long set, Sydney DJ Tom Loud spins, mixes and mashes his way through the story of dance music — since 1954. The catch is that the entire operation is 'powered' by energy generated by the crowd. Whether you're dancing, singing, talking or yelling, you'll be helping to keep the action rolling. But if, at any point, the people's contribution drops to a level lower than that of a "fully sick party", the Hot Dub Time Machine will come to a grinding halt, meaning you'll be stuck in time — repeatedly listening to "when-ever" you've landed. First performed at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011, Hot Dub Time Machine has since been a hit at festivals and clubs in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. He's made several appearances at Sydney Festival, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and St Kilda Festival, then smashed the final set at Secret Garden Festival this year. You'd better come ready to throw shapes, because this ain't no stand-still gig.
This is not your average boat cruise. Chefs on the Harbour: The Vivid Edition is altogether more unique and luxe than anything else out there. For this year's Vivid Sydney festival, a series of famous chefs will take turns running an opulent superyacht's kitchen, serving up unique culinary creations as they cruise around the iconic Sydney Harbour. Local food lovers are all invited to join the five-course degustation dinners aboard The Jackson. The events are each on a Saturday night. Take to the waters on May 27, June 3, June 10 or June 17 to try one of these totally unique dining experiences. Each evening sees a different chef run the pass, with Nelly Robinson, Khanh Ong and Mark Olive already locked in. The final chef to round out this star-studded lineup will be announced soon, too. Keep an eye on The Jackson website for announcements. Nelly Robinson is known for his avant-garde and often kooky degustation menus — prepare for unbridled creativity on his night. Khanh Ong is loved for his infectiously upbeat personality and contemporary Asian cooking. Ong's menu will celebrate family feels and vibrant Vietnamese flavours. And Mark Olive — also known as the Black Olive — is a famous Aboriginal Australian chef who champions native ingredients. Olive will excite tastebuds and educate diners with his own five-course degustation, explaining the nutritional and medicinal properties found in many of these culturally significant native Australian ingredients. Tickets cost $399 per person and include a 3.5-hour beverage package featuring a Belvedere cocktail upon arrival, Tyrell's wines, Young Henrys beer and a heap of non-alcoholic options. But Chefs on the Harbour: The Vivid Edition isn't only about spectacular food, drinks and views. As it is a part of Vivid Sydney, The Jackson crew has joint forces with Fernando Barraza, the Creative Director of Cirkus Bizurkus, to take it all to the next level. Prepare for light shows, art installations, roaming entertainers, red carpet violinists and so much more. If you love fine food, experiential art experiences and fabulous views, you best consider adding Chefs on the Harbour: The Vivid Edition to your list of must-book Vivid Sydney events. Head to The Jackson's website to purchase tickets to Chefs on the Harbour: The Vivid Edition before they sell out.
If you're a fan of Gelato Messina and its sweet treats, 2020 and 2021 have been years that just keep on giving. That saying doesn't apply to much at all of late, but it definitely fits in this situation. The dessert chain has released all manner of one-off specials, launched a new range of chocolate-covered ice cream bars in supermarkets, dropped a new merchandise line and brought back its Christmas trifle, for starters — and, after taking care of your summer drinks list, it's now moving on to Easter cocktails. Teaming up with Cocktail Porter, Messina has a new DIY kit that'll let you make your own boozy beverage — this time using its dulce de leche, and pouring it inside an Easter egg. Basically, it's the answer to a familiar dilemma, especially at this time of year. No one likes choosing between tucking into an orb of chocolate or having another boozy beverage, after all. The Messina dulce de leche and coffee cocktail packs come with the brand's popular topping, as well as Baileys, cold-drip coffee and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur. You'll also receive chocolate Easter eggs, which you'll pour your mixed liquids into, as well as pieces of salted caramel popcorn to pop on top. You can pick between two different-sized packs, with the small kit costing $80 and making five drinks, and the large costing $140 and making 12. A second type of seasonal kit is also available, without Messina products, but featuring espresso martinis served out Lindt milk chocolate bunnies. This one also comes with vodka, cold-filter coffee, sugar syrup and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, and the prices for both small and large batches are the same. Cocktail Porter delivers Australia-wide, if that's your Easter drinking plans now sorted. To order Cocktail Porter's Easter cocktail kits, head to the Cocktail Porter website.
By all accounts, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were quite the spectacle. Plenty of uncertainty surrounds the structure — when they were built, where, and if they were actually real or just a myth — but they're considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Short of befriending a kooky scientist, jumping in a time-travelling vehicle and venturing back more than two millennia, we'll never gaze upon them ourselves. However, if a new British development goes ahead, we could set our peepers upon quite the striking recreation. Design firm Architects of Invention has created a proposal for two 25-storey towers in Digibeth, Birmingham that takes inspiration from the fabled gardens in its curved shape, ascending terraces and abundance of greenery. The adjacent buildings each feature an array of small apartments — approximately 250 one and two bedroom units in each, measuring between 40 and 75 square metres — placed in a staggered formation. With the highest points on the corners of the block and the lowest in the middle, they meet in the centre, creating a parabolic configuration. Plants would hang from every stepped level, giving residents their own flora-abundant spaces and the entire structure a huge rooftop garden. At this stage, it's just a concept that's under discussion with the Birmingham City Council, but if it comes to fruition, it'll certainly catch the eye and then some. Via Dezeen. Images: Architects of Invention
If you were to round up three friends, hit up a chain of bars that are also mini-golf joints, play a couple of games and earn a $20,000 cash prize for your efforts, how would you react? Exclaiming "holy moly" might be the tamest response. You'll probably say those words — well, Holey Moley, to be specific — at least once just by signing up for this putting contest, however. Meet the Holey Moley Open, as hosted by the venues that first launched in Brisbane in 2016. At seven Queensland locations, nine spots in New South Wales, seven more in Victoria, four in Western Australia, and one apiece in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, Holey Moley welcomes in mini-golf lovers to get tap, tap, tapping their way through pop culture-themed courses — including over cocktails if that's what takes your fancy. That's been the setup for almost a decade now. With the Holey Moley Open, the same is still on the agenda, but in a tournament that'll whittle down the contenders to 25 teams in each state, and then send one from each to hit the national finals. Here's how it works: first, you need a team of four, and also you all need to be over the age of 18. Then, you're required to register online between Saturday, February 1–Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The Holey Moley crew will select the best entries for the state finals, which'll take place at the OG Holey Moley in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Alexandria in Sydney, Crown Casino in Melbourne, Northbridge in Perth, and at the Adelaide and Canberra venues on Tuesday, February 25. If you win on home soil by achieving the lowest combined score, you're then off to Darlinghurst, Sydney on Tuesday, March 11 to vie for the $20,000. And yes, your flights and accommodation there from outside of the Harbour City will be covered by Holey Moley. Seasoned Holey Moley patrons knows that hitting the greens here means playing your way around everything from windmills and clowns to whatever other theming that the venues have dreamed up — usually inspired by movies and TV shows. At the grand final, there'll also be a string quartet providing tunes, champagne to drink, caddies helping the players, live commentary, and a food spread featuring mud cake, sausage rolls and party pies. If you want in on the fun without entering the contest, that's also on option across February — including a nine-hole round for $10 all month with the code TEEOFF. To enter the Holey Moley Open, register a team of four between Saturday, February 1–Wednesday, February 12, 2025 — with state finals set to be held on Tuesday, February 25 and the grand final taking place in Darlinghurst, Sydney on Tuesday, March 11. Head to the event's website for more details.
It hasn't been the greatest couple of years for dining out at fancy restaurants. But, when it comes to the World's 50 Best restaurant awards, the show must go on. After a COVID-driven break last year, the prestigious awards have named their 2021 picks for the greatest restaurants in the world. Taking out this year's top spot was the newest incarnation of Denmark's Noma, led by renowned chef René Redzepi. While no Aussie venues claimed a position among 2021's 50 Best list, two Victorian restaurants secured spots in the 51–100 lineup. Dan Hunter's Brae placed 57th — up from its 2019 ranking of 101 — and Ben Shewry's Ripponlea fine diner Attica came in at number 97, shuffling slightly from its previous position at 84. Both have been regular contenders in the awards for the past few years. [caption id="attachment_616539" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Hunter and Ben Shewry[/caption] The 2021 World's 50 Best awards were unveiled at a glitzy ceremony held overnight in Antwerp, with the 51–100 lineup announced a couple of weeks earlier, on September 23. Coming in second place was another famed Danish diner, Geranium, while Spain's Asador Etxebarri retained its 2019 title of third best restaurant in the world. If you're planning any future overseas adventures based entirely around food, you'll be interested to know that both the USA and Spain cleaned up in this year's rankings, each with six restaurants earning spots among the top 50. Running annually since 2002, the World's 50 Best awards are chosen by a panel of over 1000 culinary experts, guided by a strict voting procedure. They're now hosted by a different country each year, with Melbourne playing host city back in 2017. Check out the full list of The World's 50 Best award-winners for 2021 over here. Top Images: Colin Page, from the cookbook 'Brae: Recipes and stories from the restaurant'.
It's a scientific fact that you can't have too much laughter — or if it isn't, it really should be. Giggling is good for you. A hearty laugh is a heck of a good workout. And checking out the hilarious stylings of up-and-coming comedians doesn't just offer amusement for eager audiences, but supports aspiring talent. That's what's on offer at Bris Funny Fest, which returns for a fourth year of rib-tickling, side-splitting fun. From Wednesday, August 7 to Sunday, September 1, the fringe comedy festival will showcase a huge array of comic stylings — including recognisable names such as Mel Buttle and Nick Cody, and a whole host of others that just might become household fodder in the future. Across more than 100 shows, there'll be something to tickle your funny bone — and more sketches than Saturday Night Live has ever aired. Okay, so the last one is a bit of an exaggeration, but whatever kind of comedy you're looking for, you'll probably find it across a range of Brissie venues during the festival. Image: Heya Bar.
In 2022, theatre production company Prospero Arts gave Brisbane a song-filled tribute to one of the best movie musicals ever made, bringing Singin' in the Rain to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre as an onstage concert. How does anyone manage to back that up? With another huge show for 2023, also offering up an ode to a big-screen favourite overflowing with beloved and well-known songs: The Wizard of Oz. This winter, consider QPAC's Concert Hall somewhere over the rainbow. You'll be off to see the wizard there, too. There's never a bad time to pop on your ruby slippers, and hasn't been for the past 84 years since the page-to-screen hit first reached cinemas — but this instance is all about the music. No one will be acting out the storyline, but you will hear all of the tracks that everyone has stuck in their head forever, including Oscar-winner 'Over the Rainbow', 'We're Off to See the Wizard', 'Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead', 'If I Only Had a Brain' and 'The Merry Old Land of Oz'. As The Wizard of Oz — In Concert's yet-to-be-announced talents sing under the direction of Amy Campbell, an onstage orchestra will play the film's score — which also won an Academy Award. For those who've somehow missed the 1939 classic flick so far, it adapts the 1900 novel The Wonderful World of Oz by L Frank Baum. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland in the movie) and her little dog Toto are whisked off from her Kansas farm to the titular realm, where she needs to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West — and find the eponymous wizard to make it home. To locate the latter, a stroll down the yellow brick road with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion is on the agenda. Running from Friday, June 30–Sunday, July 2, The Wizard of Oz — In Concert will put on five shows across its three-day season. There's no trailer for the concert, you can check out the trailer for the film that sparked it all below: The Wizard of Oz — In Concert will hit QPAC's Concert Hall from Friday, June 30–Sunday, July 2, with tickets on sale now.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Longtime snow bunnies and powder purveyors know exactly what to throw in their duffle bags for a weekend away. But perhaps you've never trekked to the pearly white mountains, endeavoured to carve up snowfields, dangled your skis precariously from a lift only to reach the mountaintop and realise you've picked up the wrong skis. Never done it? Maybe your experience with snow looks like this: With the help of our seasoned snow enthusiasts Rekorderlig we're here to help the ski-pack go smoothly with our surefire list of winter essentials you'll be needing on your snow trip. If you're a seasoned snowgoer, perhaps we've nailed the missing element. From Cards Against Humanity to Out Cold on flickering VHS (all best fuelled with copious amounts of cinnamon-drenched hot cider), here's the ultimate list of what to pack when entering the realms of the White Walkers. Moon Boots Stomping and schlumping in novelty boots is half the fun of trekking to the snow. Bringing NASA to le neige, Moon Boots are just about the most fun you can have walking in a straight line. Tecnica created Moon Boots back in the early '70s, bringing technical finesse to snuggly footwear. They were coveted back then, they're still coveted now — with more ridiculous, customisable iridescent colours to choose from than ever. Even Dior makes Moon Boots. Rainbow Moon Boots are a favourite, also bright gold makes a Riff Raff out of any snowbound citizen. For post-carve-up downtime, whack on a pair of ugg boots. Hot tip, don't wear your uggs around icy areas if you want to keep your beanie-clad skull intact. Another hot tip, don't wear uggs as regular shoes. You may just have to rethink your life. Snuggly Threads Ah thermals, the unsexiest garment in anyone's wardrobe this side of Bridget Jones' nanna pants. But by the power of how unbelievably good a film Frozen is, they keep you mighty warm. Think '80s and look for either lycra or spandex thermals, they're the fabrics that keep the warmth in and let your sweaty ski body breathe. Hit up Uniqlo for the most acceptable of the cheaper thermal options, avoiding the cream lacy spencers of K-Mart. Keep your little paws toasty with some handwarmers and crank one of those ridiculous beard beanies — earning you the esteemed title of That Guy on the slopes for the season. Camera Strap a GoPro to your head, throw yourself down a mountain on a tiny, tiny strip of wood, upload it to YouTube. This is the quintessential essence of going to the snow. A Warm Winter Cider So your face froze off, huh? You've earned a good ol' defrosting session, kicking back with your fellow boarders in the lodge and mulling over the triumphs and epic fails of the day over a warm mug of cider. The Swedish legends at Rekorderlig make winter bearable, with their Premium Winter cider perfect when heated up and cradling in your frozen paws. This delicious apple cider, laced with cinnamon and vanilla, goes down super well at the end of a long, blizzardy, chairlifty day. Board Games If you're hauled up inside while blizzards shut down any lodge bar plans, what possible other way to spend the time than significant cider-fuelled boozing and old school board games — usually graduating from Balderdash to sexy Twister. Many a cold wintry night has been spent after a long, semi-successful black ski run unwinding with a bout of Mouse Trap, a spot of Scattergories or a lightning round of Battleship. There are certain so-called 'fun for the whole family' blatant lies to avoid — everyone knows Monopoly and Risk are ill-advised choices, unless you're up for a good ol' fashioned fallout with your mates. Perfect for a dark and stormy night, Cluedo usually starts out jovially and ends with someone's inevitable demise in the kitchen with the lead pipe. But if you're after the ultimate game to bring to the snow, Cards Against Humanity is your ticket to breaking the ice indoors. Offensive, yes. Inappropriate, yes. GUARANTEED-A-ONE-WAY-TICKET-TO-HADES-FUN, absolutely. Classic Snow Films Like watching the ever-genius Jingle All the Way only at Christmas time, cranking a good ol' snow-themed movie surrounded by the chilly stuff generates some kind of cheeseball magic. Start at the Empire Strikes Back, work your way to Dumb and Dumber and Edward Scissorhands, ice the cake with made-for-adult-viewing kiddie go-tos Frozen and Ice Age. If Cuba Gooding Jr's Snow Dogs just happens to accidentally play itself into your heart, that's cool. No judgement. Just don't let things get all Shining snow maze up in here. Fargo might be stretching the snowery a bit and Ethan Hawke's Alive might give you bad ideas, but if you're a James Bond fan check out On Her Majesty's Secret Service or For Your Eyes Only (plenty of sweet skiing chase scenes in which bullets ping off powder with physics-defying metally noises). Cool Runnings might get you to to the top of the bobsled course, while solid docos like Art of Flight will make you do dumb jumping-out-of-helicopter things the next day. But the most honorable of mentions goes to 2001's rambunctious screwball comedy Out Cold, best viewed on shitty VHS and only truly appreciated by Super Troopers fans. Oh yeah... one more thing. Skis. You'll probably need skis. Or a snowboard. Or the unbridled ability to personally roll down a hill at speed. At the end of the day (however dramatically you reach the base of the mountain) you're probably going to earn a snuggly defrost, a crappy movie and a mug of warm Rekorderlig. Happy packing.
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Australia, both national and state borders began closing, and stay-at-home restrictions were implemented, the world suddenly started to feel a whole lot smaller. Hopping on a plane for a holiday was, and still is, off limits — and, for the past few months, even stepping beyond our own backyards has been forbidden. As part of Queensland's next easing of coronavirus limits, Brisbanites will soon be able to venture a little further afield. From 11.59pm on Friday, May 15, day trips within 150 kilometres of your primary residence are back on the cards. And, for most locals, they're the best kinds of getaways. If you've lived in Brisbane for more than a few months, plenty of your memories will likely involve hopping in the car, driving to the beach or mountains for a mighty fine day out, then heading home that night exhausted but happy. Here are ten places where you can do just that — all within 150 kilometres of Brisbane. SCENIC RIM Tucked between Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich, and sprawling around the towns of Beaudesert and Boonah, the Scenic Rim region is home to scenic sights, mountains and plenty of other reasons to head outdoors. If you're keen on a walk — either of the leisurely or more challenging kind — then you'll find both short and lengthier treks in the Mt Barney, Moogerah Peaks and Main Range national parks. The area is also perfect for an extremely crucial part of every day trip: driving. Sitting in the car, winding around the roads and soaking in the gorgeous scenery is what venturing to the Scenic Rim is all about. Add a detour to Canungra to your visit, too, with the spot originally starting out as a timber town in the 1800s. And, if you make a stop at Canungra Creek, if you're lucky you might spot a platypus. [caption id="attachment_574381" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tatters via Flickr[/caption] TOOWOOMBA For years, Toowoomba was hardly at the top of any Brisbanite's must-visit list. Over the last decade or so, though, it's done a complete 360. The town has embraced the fact it's beautiful, it's also a viable tourist hotspot, and it's home to some of the richest people in Queensland who don't mind putting a bit of coin back into the place. With Toowoomba particularly known for its gardens and flowers, be sure to check out all the parks in the area — with Laurel Bank, Queens Park and Picnic Point the top three. At the latter, you'll score views out over the Great Dividing Range and the Lockyer Valley, too. Or, if you fancy looking back in time, the town also boasts a selection of impressive heritage walks. COOLANGATTA Crossing the border between Queensland and New South Wales is currently restricted to certain circumstances — well, heading out of the state is fine, but limits apply when you want to come back. You can still enjoy everything Coolangatta has to offer, though, including one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Gold Coast. Splash, sunbathe, surf or play around on the sand. If you're feeling extra adventurous and the conditions are right, swim your way around the headland to Rainbow Bay. Fancy a sweet treat? There's a Gelato Messina by the shore, too. Or, you can simply feel the ocean breeze while you walk along the coastline, whether you start at Kirra and end at Greenmount or vice versa. Spotting a whale or two isn't uncommon while you stroll, either. MALENY Perched at 436 metres above sea level, Maleny offers magnificent views of the Glasshouse Mountains, as anyone who has ever ventured to the Sunshine Coast hinterland spot knows. Since the 80s, it has also been a magnet for artists, craftspeople, writers and musicians, who all find inspiration in the dreamy landscapes. And, it's peppered with creeks, falls, gardens, reserves, dams and other natural highlights — which means that there's never a shortage of things to do. Our tip: stop by the 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, where you can take in a rainforest walk, spot birds and peer out over the landscape. Also, its Mountain View Cafe is open for takeaways. [caption id="attachment_682545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN A word of warning: Tamborine Mountain, which is 530 metres above sea level, is noticeably cooler than in Brisbane. That means that packing a scarf is recommended, especially as the weather gradually starts to pick up a chill across southeast Queensland (well, get frostier than the state's usual balmy climes, at least). Of course, there's another excellent way to keep warm while you're visiting this picturesque spot. When you're surrounded by walks, waterfalls and gardens, you naturally want to make the most of every trail, patch of greenery and stunning sight. Check out glow worm caves, venture along the famous skywalk, soak in the sounds and sights of falling water, and pick between a hefty array of hiking trails. Bring a picnic with you, and you can enjoy a lunch with view, too. [caption id="attachment_580697" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Daisy R via Flickr[/caption] NOOSA Every southeast Queenslander has heard someone wax lyrical about their last trip to Noosa. Most southeast Queenslanders have been guilty of doing the gushing, too. The Sunshine Coast may be filled with coastal towns and suburbs perfect for short and long visits, but there's just something about the region around the Noosa River and Noosa National Park that continues to lure visitors in. Perhaps it's the siren's song that is Hastings Street, with its strip of shops and cafes located just a stone's throw from the beach (and no, we're not exaggerating). Perhaps it's North Shore's sand dunes and bushland, or the sleepy feel on the other side of the river. Perhaps its the fact that you could spend the day hopping between surfing, fishing in a boat while pottering along the water, then spotting pods of dolphins or whales — all just 138 kilometres north of Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_702576" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK Going beachy is one way to have a wet and wild day trip in the driving vicinity of Brisbane. Another: visiting Springbrook National Park. You won't actually get your feet damp; however you'll remain perfectly happy about it. Revelling in the great outdoors, you'll be distracted by the many rainforest-set walking tracks and lookouts, and by feasting on the picnic you thought to bring along, not to mention waiting until dark to spy a peek at glow worms. If you want a splash of H2O, however, the rock bridge, plunging waterfall and arched cave that comprises the Natural Arch is the place to head to. You can't swim there, but you can marvel at its crisp air and overall coolness. [caption id="attachment_702575" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] MONTVILLE Sometimes, the best thing about a day trip is the change of scenery. When you've just spent months and months at home, barely venturing outside, that's particularly true. And while there's so much to do and see at Montville that the landscape is just one highlight, those mountainous sights really are something to behold — and offer something vastly different from Brisbane as well. When you're not soaking in the view, wandering along the main gallery, shop and cafe-filled strip is recommended. The pace: leisurely, especially when you're strolling up the hill. To make a real day of it, go the long way round to get there, stop by Kondalilla Falls for a refreshing dip on the way into town, then drop into one of the vineyards on your way home. Yes, you do need wine as a souvenir. [caption id="attachment_702564" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] LAKE WIVENHOE If your only experience with Wivenhoe Dam is hearing about its levels in times of drought and restrictions, then prepare to visit somewhere both peaceful and practical. The water reserve one hour northwest of Brisbane is the kind of spot you can easily spend a day in doing little but relaxing — ie the ideal way to while away part of a weekend. Swim or potter around in your non-fuel-powered boat (if you happen to know someone who has one), fish (though you'll need a permit), or simply laze around in the fresh air. Don't forget to bring a stock of food that you can grill on the barbecue, too, to complete what we have to call a damn good outdoor experience. MOUNT NEBO If you don't feel like driving too far, but you still want to venture away from home — and you desperately need a shot of fresh air to take you out of your isolation stupor — then journey to Mount Nebo. This super-cute village lies just 45 minutes' drive west of Brisbane, at the southern end of the d'Aguilar Range. On the way, stop at Samford for brekkie at The Flying Nun Cafe, where you can pick up a takeaway snack and some caffeine. Then, when you hit the actual Mount Nebo, put one foot in front of the other on a rainforest walk, such as the one-kilometre Pitta Circuit or the eight-kilometre adventure taking in Jollys Lookout. Top image: Flickr
Mozzie repellent really puts a dampener on any summer BBQ. Literally. It's potent and poisonous stench clings to your clothing and gives your skin a sickly sticky glow. It's helpful, sure. We'd much rather have this slight inconvenience than let evil little bugs suck our blood and keep us up all night itching. But now someone has given us the best of both worlds. This new beer carton, a staple at any summer fun you were already having, also functions as a mosquito repellent. Conceived by Australian creative company GPY&R, this cardboard beer carton is currently on a limited run in Papua New Guinea. Made for SP Lager, a brand owned by Heineken, the cardboard casing is laced with eucalyptus oil to keep mozzies at bay. To unleash the full effect, the box must be burned — an easy feat for the PNG locals who often drink around bonfires. For them, mozzie repellent is much more than an annoying afterthought. Malaria is an enormous problem in the area and there are up to 1.8 million suspected cases reported each year. "If we're honest, we're not going to solve malaria with cartons of beer but we are going to raise awareness of the issue," said GPY&R manager Phil McDonald. Though the boxes have been launched as a limited edition item in PNG, those behind the project say they haven't ruled out the possibility to launching the product in Australia. "We're not as liberal with the burning of fires as our friends in PNG. We'd have to get the innovation hat on and think of something different, but it's not out of the realms of possibility," McDonald said. I think we speak for the rest of Australia when we say, yes please absolutely do that. Summer is sneaking up on us, we're staying out later and drinking a few more beers. Our concerns are absolutely first-world problems (especially when compared to those facing the very real threat of malaria) but we'd really like our skin to remain unbitten this year. Plus, it's always nice to have a valid excuse to buy a slab. Via Good Food.
Celebrating ten years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005, Laneway Festival have announced their dates and venues for 2015's Australasian run. Returning to the five established Australian Laneway go-to cities as well as the Singapore and New Zealand legs, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with an undoubtedly killer lineup and unique, random locations. Kicking off in Singapore on Saturday, January 24 in The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, Laneway will run through seven dates finishing up at its new home in Fremantle's Esplanade Reserve and West End on Sunday, February 8. Auckland will find the festival between the Waitemata Harbour and towering Silos, while Brisbane Laneway punters will be stoked with the festival to be held on a Saturday for the first time in six years — and in a new part of the RNA grounds. Sydney fans will return to their longtime Laneway home at Rozelle's Sydney College of the Arts, before Laneway returns for a second Adelaide run at the historic Harts Mill, Port Adelaide. And where it all started? Melburnians will return to the waterfront spot at FCAC and the River’s Edge, the latest, biggest home for the Melbourne-founded festival. The full festival line-up for all three countries will be announced at 9am on Thursday, October 2. St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2015 dates and venues: Saturday 24 January — SINGAPORE - THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY Monday 26 January — AUCKLAND - SILO PARK Saturday 31 January — BRISBANE - BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BOWEN HILLS (16+) Sunday 1 February — SYDNEY - SYDNEY COLLEGE OF THE ARTS (SCA), ROZELLE * Friday 6 February — ADELAIDE - HARTS MILL, PORT ADELAIDE (16+) Saturday 7 February — MELBOURNE - FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE (FCAC) + THE RIVER’S EDGE Sunday 8 February — FREMANTLE - ESPLANADE RESERVE AND WEST END Subject to DA approval. Images: Aaron Webber.
Fancy moseying through wetlands, kayaking and canoeing in a lake, riding along rainforest mountain-bike trails, peering out from a tree house lookout and climbing a high ropes course — all on the edge of Brisbane's CBD? In the near future, a trip to Herston is going to involve all of the above. They're all features initially slated and now confirmed for the revamped Victoria Park, with a huge new public park set to replace the current Victoria Park Golf Course. First announced in mid-2019, the new vision for Victoria Park will completely transform the current space — and Brisbane City Council has just released its final plan for what that'll entail. If some of these inclusions sound familiar, that's because the council has been contemplating them over the past year or so. It first undertook a months-long community consultation process, with more than 5400 people tendering submissions and over 3500 folks showing up to an open day back in September 2019. Then, it announced an overview of the best suggestions in December last year, which it combined with advice from local and international design experts to come up with a new draft proposal that it also asked for feedback on. And now, after all of the above, it's detailing exactly what's in store. Worth noting first up: while BCC was originally calling the space a 45-hectare park, that has now gone up to 64 hectares. Just how that change has come about hasn't been outlined, but the park is specifically increasing the area dedicated to green space and reducing the room taken up by new buildings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9QzyOabzb4 Also on the agenda: a cultural hub, artwork and trails paying tribute to Australia's Indigenous heritage, plus plenty of shady foliage including revegetated forests and pockets of native bushland. There'll be dining areas and picnic spots, too, and community gardens — or perhaps even a small urban farm or urban orchard. Multipurpose spaces such as a green amphitheatre will be designed to host events year-round as well, including performances and exhibitions. In addition to the aforementioned Lake Barrambin — where you'll be kayaking and canoeing — the site will feature lagoons and wetlands, a 'nature and water play gully' for kids, restored waterholes for wildlife, and waterside boardwalks to mosey along. And the existing Centenary Pool will be part of the park, if you're keen for a dip. All of the above will comprise Brisbane's biggest new park in five decades, and one that'll change the face of the inner city. An opening date for the revamped park is yet to be set, though — but community engagement on the final plan is mooted for 2021, and the golf course is expected to shut down mid-year in the same year. And if you've noticed that mini-golf isn't listed among the huge number of features above, don't worry. While the existing full-size golf course is saying goodbye, Vic Park's current putt-putt and driving range facilities are earmarked to stay. The revamped Victoria Park doesn't currently have an opening date — but for more information about the project, visit the Brisbane City Council website.
Designated drivers have been doing it for decades, but abstaining from a boozy beverage is no longer just for whoever agrees to ferry everyone home from the pub. And yet, heading out without hitting the drink isn't always easy. We're not talking about willpower — rather, we're referring to the paltry range of drinks usually on offer. Just because you're not keen on the hard stuff that night, for a short spell or even for good, that doesn't mean that you only want to down soft drink, sparkling water or juice. For years, they've been the main options if you're not hitting the sauce, but thankfully the booze-free scene is growing. Melbourne has its own alcohol-free bar, plenty of non-alcoholic options have been popping up in bottle shops — beers, spirits and wines alike — and now one big national hospitality chain is launching a sizeable new zero-proof menu. At 57 of its venues around the country from Thursday, July 1, Australian Venue Co will start serving its zero-proof lineup. Yes, the menu's launch is timed to start Dry July, but this range of non-boozy beverages is also here to stay. So, next time you don't feel like alcohol — or a hangover the next day — you can opt for low- and no-alcohol beers from Heineken, Heaps Normal and Nort; McGuigan's zero sparkling, rose, sauvignon blanc and shiraz; both Seedlip and Lyre's spirit range; and a number of non-booze versions of popular cocktails. AVC's espresso martino, nogroni, Amalfi spritz, berry tiki, dark and spicy, and smooth operator tipples all use Lyre's range instead of hard spirits, but don't skimp on the taste. If you're now keen to say cheers to a booze-free tipple next time you're at the pub, you'll have a few places to head, depending on where you live. In New South Wales, Bungalow 8, Cargo Bar, Kingsleys, The Rook and The Winery are among the places pouring the new menu — while The Duke, Imperial Bourke Street, Hopscotch, Harlow, Sarah Sands Hotel, The Smith and Fargo and Co are just some of the spots doing the honours in Victoria. Queenslanders, you can now add The Jindalee Hotel, Cleveland Sands, Bribie Island Hotel, Redcliffe Tavern and Brighton Hotel to your list. In South Australia, Parkside, Brighton Metro and Payneham Tavern beckon — and in Western Australia, choices include Wolf Lane, The Guildford Hotel, The Aviary and Sweetwater. These are just some of the venues that'll serve the zero-proof menu in each state, too. Yes, when it comes to drinking without the headache, you've now got options on multiple levels. Australian Venue Co's zero-proof drinks list will launch on Thursday, July 1. For further details, head to the hospitality chain's website.
Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are getting the band back together — Flight of the Conchords have announced plans for their first tour in two years. Sure, the plans are only American for now, but we'll take it. Confirming plans in a recent interview with Billboard, Clement said the pair "are planning on touring later on in the year in the States. It isn't very solid yet, but we've been talking about it." It'll be the first time the Hiphopopotamus and Rhymenocerous have toured as FOTC since 2013. The best bit (and the bit we can get excited about over here) is that they'll apparently be unveiling new Conchords tunes on stage. "I really don't like the studio part of music," he says. "I more enjoy playing live and letting others take care of the recording." Clement has been hangin' out at Sundance, promoting his brand new film People, Places, Things, after a year of promoting co-written, co-directed vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows. McKenzie's been knee-deep in film for the past year as well, returning to his Oscar-winning role as music supervisor for 2014's Muppet follow-up Muppets Most Wanted — which Clement popped up in. Fingers crossed for a venture back home to New Zealand and across to Australia so all the ladies can check out their sugalumps For now, one of the finest Conchords moments: 'Jenny'. Via Billboard.
Less than two weeks after their animated tribute to The Simpsons went viral on YouTube, a pair of Melbourne animators have confirmed their video will be featured on the show. Creator Al Jean even high-fived the pair on Twitter. Created by roommates Ivan Dixon and Paul Robertson, the two minute pixel art animation (below) recreates the program's iconic opening sequence in the style of classic video and arcade games. Full of clever references to both old games and classic Simpsons moments (Mr. Sparkle makes a late appearance), the video has amassed more than two million views since it hit the internet on February 1. After catching wind of the video, The Simpsons team emailed Dixon and Robertson, asking them to call as soon as they could. While the pair initially assumed the message was a hoax, they got in contact. Now the video is set to open the show's next episode, which airs in the United States this Sunday at 8pm. Both Dixon and Robertson work in animation. Dixon is one half of independent animation studio Rubberhouse, while Robertson has worked on episodes of Disney's Gravity Falls. The announcement sees the pair join an exclusive group of people who have been invited to retool the show's famous titles. Cult animator Bill Plympton had Homer fall in love with the couch... ... while Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro provided this creepy take for Halloween. British graffiti artist Banksy raised the eyebrows of Fox executives with his scathing take-down in 2010... while last year's effort by Oscar nominee Don Hertzfeldt is amongst the weirdest things the show has ever put to air. Via The Age.
If your Tuesday could be improved by a piece of fried dough confectionery or two — and whose couldn't, really? — then prepare to have your day made. All you'll need is your wallet, a healthy appetite and to be in the vicinity of the Queen Street Mall between 10am and 11am. For one hour only, eight different types of doughnut goodness will be on offer at the pop-up stall Brisbane had to have. And when it comes to giving thanks, the legends at Gramercy Coffee in the Wintergarden are the ones to acknowledge for this gift of a mid-morning taste sensation. Expect Boston crème, vanilla milk glaze, creme patissiere and espresso custard offerings, plus carrot cake, chocolate cake, lemon curd and blueberry jelly. If ever there was a snack to accompany your usual coffee break — which Gramercy can also help you with, of course — it's these glazed, filled morsels. Regulars will know that the cafe is no stranger to the joys of doughnuts, with its display cabinet often lined with an assortment of the sweet treats in a range of flavours. Here's hoping this pop-up is a sign of tastier things to come, and of more capitalising upon the city's current obsession with everything round, doughy and pastry-like. Find Gramercy's Doughnut Pop-Up in the Queen Street Mall from 10am til 11am on September 1, and visit the event Facebook page for more information.
Already in 2021, fans of the DC Extended Universe — the interconnected franchise that started with Man of Steel, and also includes Wonder Woman and its sequel, Aquaman and Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) — have sat down to watch an extended new version of Justice League like it's still 2017. Next on the series' viewing list: The Suicide Squad, the confusingly named sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad (because no one has challenged themselves thinking of the upcoming flick's title). Margot Robbie (Dreamland) returns as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman (The Secrets We Keep) does the same as Rick Flag and Australian actor Jai Courtney (Honest Thief) also makes a comeback as Captain Boomerang. As the government agent overseeing this band of world-saving supervillains, recent Oscar-nominee Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) is back as well. But don't expect to see the rest of their original costars this time around. As seen in the film's initial trailer, and now expanded upon in its just-dropped new sneak peek, The Suicide Squad sees a new group of nefarious folks joins Harley and the gang — including Idris Elba (Cats) as Bloodsport, John Cena (Playing with Fire) as Peacemaker, Peter Capaldi (The Personal History of David Copperfield) as Thinker, Pete Davidson (The King of Staten Island) as Blackguard and Sylvester Stallone (Rambo: Last Blood) as the voice of King Shark. Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) has a yet-to-be revealed role, and Guardians of the Galaxy alums Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn show up, too — which makes complete sense given that GotG filmmaker James Gunn is behind the lens and has also penned the screenplay. By hiring Gunn, DC is clearly looking for his sense of humour, as well as his lively and OTT style. In both clips so far, all of the above is on display. So yes, if The Suicide Squad feels more in line with goofier Marvel Cinematic Universe flicks than most of DC Comics' big-screen output, there's an obvious reason for that. When the film hits cinemas Down Under on August 5, it'll initially head to Belle Reve prison, where supervillains are kept. Asked by Task Force X to participate in a secret mission in exchange for time out of incarceration, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, King Shark, Blackguard and their pals are more than willing to help. Their job: travelling to the island of Corto Maltese on a deadly quest. It's dubbed a suicide mission in the trailer, because of course it is. Check out latest The Suicide Squad trailer below: The Suicide Squad releases in cinemas Down Under on August 5.
After kicking off the summer with boozy frosé sorbet, Gelatissimo has turned its attention to another iconic beverage — Bundaberg ginger beer, but in gelato form. With the warm weather in full swing, the national ice cream chain has turned one of the country's favourite non-alcoholic drinks into its newest flavour. And yes, the chilled dessert is made using bottles of the iconic beverage, so expect each scoop to not only boast a familiar tanginess, but the fizziness of the carbonated brew as well. Why sip your beverage of choice when you can turn it into dessert? That clearly continues to be Gelatissimo's guiding principle. The ginger beer gelato is a short-term addition to Gelatissimo's menu, available in stores nationwide at present — but for a limited time only. It's also the ice creamery's third new summery flavour, joining not only frosé sorbet but a blue-hued sea salt butterscotch blend inspired by Aussie swimwear brand Speedo. For more information, visit Gelatissimo's website.
When autumn arrives, it doesn't just bring a reprieve from summer's sweltering weather. The change of season also kicks a new round of holiday pangs into gear. Been craving a cosy getaway, a break from the nine-to-five grind or just a chance to relax? Feel like your Christmas break was ages ago? We hear you — and, if you're eager to make a trip to South Australia before winter hits, the SA Government hears you as well. As it's done a few times already, the South Australian Government is giving away travel vouchers to make your next trip to SA even more enticing — and cheaper. Up for grabs are 60,000 $100 and $200 vouchers that can be used on experiences and tours. So, you'll still need to pay for travel and accommodation (or get comfy in a friend or family member's spare room), but you'll get something fun to do while you're there. As part of SA's Great State Vouchers scheme, the vouchers are available to Aussies nationwide, but they're only on offer until 5pm ACDT — so 5.30pm AEDT and 4.30pm AEST — on Wednesday, March 9. You'll need to enter a ballot to win one, and you can only apply for either a $100 or $200 voucher, not both, but that's still some free travel money coming your way if you're successful. Wondering about the different values? The 57,500 $100 vouchers are for half-day and one-day activities, while the 2500 $200 vouchers are for multi-day tours and experiences that also include at least a one-night stay. And if you're curious about what you can use them for, options include yoga and wine retreats, a session at gin school in the Barossa, kayaking and meditation classes, wine-tasting, a trip to an oyster farm, and a brewery tour and lunch. There's also a Handorf walking tour, heli-camping, farm stays, outback tours and an e-cycling wine safari. If you get lucky in the ballot, you'll be allocated your preferred voucher at random, and informed via text message and email on Thursday, March 10. After that, you can then use them book between Thursday, March 10–Thursday, March 31 for visits between Friday, March 11–Sunday, May 31. There are a few caveats, unsurprisingly. As well as only being able to enter the ballot for one voucher, you might have to also spend some of your own money to use it — to make up the shortfall in price for your chosen tour or experience, if there is one — as well. But, if you received a voucher in prior rounds, you can definitely still enter. And, again, accommodation isn't covered, either. The idea is that folks heading to SA from interstate will then pump some cash into the economy by paying for hotels — and flights, food and drinks — while they're there. For further details about South Australia's Great State Vouchers scheme — or to enter the ballot for one before 5pm ACDT / 5.30pm AEDT / 4.30pm AEST on Wednesday, March 9 — head to the voucher scheme website.
This weekend sees the opening of Marquee Sydney, the city's brand new superclub, brought to us by The Star. It's well known that The Star, formerly Star City casino, has been attempting to rebuild its image over the past year. They want you to see it as the kind of classy place jet-setters hang out at, as opposed to the image people had previously - over-priced drinks and square-eyed gamblers mechanically pressing buttons on pokie machines in a vast room that reeks of Brut and broken dreams. Marquee is the most anticipated part of their grand plan to erase that image. Marquee Sydney is being brought to us courtesy of nightlife operator Tao Group, which operates a number of superclubs in the US including the Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Marquee is promising to bring "a monumental change to Sydney's nightlife landscape." It's an unusual claim to make, given that Sydney's nightlife over the last few years has been focused on improving and innovating the small, boutique bar scene and creating the kind of places people can sit around in black skivvies reading books and drinking chardonnay - like Melbourne, if you will. And everyone has very much enjoyed the explosion of small bars, which provide a welcome alternative for those not so keen on side-stepping the drunken punch-ups outside Kings Cross nightclubs at three in the morning. Marquee is set to take up the entire top floor of the reinvigorated Star's new harbourside entrance. 20,000 square feet of floor space will host a 30-foot projection stage with an LED DJ booth and two dance floors, a "stylish library-style" lounge complete with a working fire place, a seperate DJ area on a patio, a chillout area and a unisex "bathroom lounge," which will surely be the most wholesome spot in the club. The VIP launch party this weekend will feature will.i.am and Afrojack of The Black Eyed Peas playing to 'celebrities' such as Nick Lachey, Ashlee Simpson and Paris Hilton.
Despite its name, there are absolutely no alligators or nests at this rainforest pool. Nor are there crocodiles, for that matter. What you will find, however, is a clear and refreshing swimming spot surrounded by lush rainforest. [caption id="attachment_842239" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] If you spend the night in Mission Beach, this is an ideal day trip to add to your itinerary. Stop at The Pocket in El Arish for fresh coffee and picnic supplies before making your way through the backroads of Feluga to the stunning swimming hole. Alligators Nest is best enjoyed on a warm day after a fresh downpour of rain. Thankfully, the tropics are filled with incredible days like that. Top image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Delfina's Bistro might've only opened back in May 2015, but it didn’t take them long to cement their reputation as one of Brisbane's tastiest restaurants. If you've been there and tried their roasted beetroot salad, duck breast or herb-crusted wagyu brisket — or anything else on their menu, really — then you know what we're talking about. And now they're making a good thing even better by extending their range beyond their delicious lunch and dinner fare. Yep, it's the news early birds (or, earlier birds) have been waiting for: on weekends they'll be serving brunch. Let us whet your appetite for their brunch creations, which will be available 8am till 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, and on Fridays from 11.30am too. How does what we're choosing to believe is Dr. Seuss-inspired green eggs and ham sound? Or pumpkin fritters with bacon, and bruschetta topped with mushrooms and goats' cheese? And, because even Delfina's can't resist the city's current sweet treat obsession, they're also serving up a bowl of jam doughnuts with ice cream and cinnamon sugar. With a boozy spiced rum iced coffee cocktail also part of the new offerings — and everything from pulled pork pot pie to sweet 'eggs' made from mango and coconut as well — it's a something-for-everyone kind of deal. Well, we know what we're doing on Saturday morning. How about you? Find Delfina's at 50/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, or visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Director Sam Raimi is no stranger to reboots. His 1981 horror flick The Evil Dead just received the reboot treatment this year, and last year's reboot of the Spiderman franchise (The Amazing Spiderman) marked a mere decade since Raimi's own version of story came out. It's no surprise, then, that Raimi was the one tapped to direct Oz the Great and Powerful — a prequel to 1939's beloved Wizard of Oz. Nor is it a shock that he's now supposedly attached to direct a remake of 1982's Poltergeist. Basically if you want something done right, again, then Sam's your man. And he'd need to be, since tackling The Wizard of Oz — a film often ranked in the 10 best of all time — has traditionally been a fool's errand fraught with difficulties. Just consider 1978's The Wiz, an African American version starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow (...if he only had a nose...). Then came Disney's terrifying attempt at a sequel, Return to Oz, in 1985. The opening scenes alone, depicting a frenzied Dorothy, strapped to a gurney and receiving electroshock therapy in a crumbling mental asylum, somehow failed to charm the hearts and minds of families in quite the same way as its predecessor — a task not helped by later scenes featuring masked murderous gangs with wheels for hands or a queen who froze people and wore their heads. You know, a children's movie. Finally in 2003, the Tony- and Grammy-winning musical Wicked opened on Broadway and has since become the 12th longest-running show in its history. Of all the reinterpretations, it's Wicked that fits most comfortably with the original, and so its story (the explanation of why the wicked witch became wicked) was the logical choice for Raimi's prequel, along with the 'how and why' of the Wizard becoming their great but mysterious leader. That man, Oscar Diggs (or 'Oz'), is played by James Franco, and his story begins as a lying, cheating carnival con man in Kansas. In a delightful homage to the 1939 version, Raimi also begins his film in black and white, and just like the original, that device makes Oscar's subsequent arrival into the fantastically colourful world of Oz all the more spectacular. Once there, he meets three beguiling but feuding witches named Theodora (Mila Kunis), Glinda (Michelle Williams), and Evanora (Rachel Weisz). Each claims the other is the 'wicked one' and begs him to save the land and its people by killing their rival. Oz the Great and Powerful isn't a film whose enjoyment is predicated upon knowledge of the original; however, its frequent tips of the hat definitely add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. And just like the original, Oz's journey along the yellow brick road leads to several chance encounters with some wonderfully creative, tender and amusing companions, including a small china doll and a wisecracking flying monkey (voiced by Zach Braff). Being Disney, it's obviously very much a children's movie, but one whose respectful treatment of the original still offers adults a chance to enhance, rather than replace, one cherished Wizard of Oz story with another.
Forests, riverbeds, floating mirrored spheres, a hefty collection of motorbikes: across recent summers, these have all filled Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. Every three years, so does a returning showcase dedicated not to a theme but to the area of the world that the River City is a part of. For more than three decades now, pre-dating GOMA's existence, the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art has contemplated this corner of the globe, the experiences over its vast expanse and the region's talents. The 2024–25 iteration marks the exhibition's 11th run — and if the fact that there'll be more than 500 works doesn't already make it seem like a maze, a labyrinth-esque installation at Queensland Art Gallery will. Thailand's Mit Jai Inn is bringing a maze-like piece to the QAG Watermall, a space that's also seen its fair share of part works — including from Yayoi Kusama and at prior APTs — and featured on-screen in Apples Never Fall. This time, art lovers will spy tunnels, curtains and scrolls, all in an installation that you can step inside. There's your first must-see part of APT11. [caption id="attachment_969545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dawn Ng / Singapore b.1982 / WATERFALL VIII (still) 2023 / 4K video: 16:9 (landscape) and 9:16 (portrait), 27:06 minutes / Courtesy: The artist and Sullivan+Strumpf / © Dawn Ng.[/caption] Set to display from Saturday, November 30, 2024–Sunday, April 27, 2025 at both GOMA and QAG, the exhibition's full list of 500-plus works hails from over 70 artists and collectives, with more than 200 individuals making a contribution. Among the new commissions, Jasmine Togo-Brisby, Kawita Vatanajyankur, Trương Công Tùng, Paemanu Contemporary Art Collective, 'Aunofo Havea Funaki and the Lepamahanga Women's Group, Mele Kahalepuna Chun and Mai Nguyễn-Long will all provide pieces; however, the list of artists involved goes on from there. Courtesy of 28-artist collective Haus Yuriyal in Papua New Guinea, attendees will check out paintings on fighting shields, sculptures carved from tree ferns and a harvest garden in Queensland Art Gallery's sculpture courtyard. At GOMA, the Long Gallery will feature Tai Moana Tai Tangata, a combination of sculptures and video from Aotearoa's Brett Graham. Plus, Dana Awartani from Saudi Arabia and Palestine will present the floor-based Standing by the Ruins, which uses Islamic geometry and crafting, as well as Arabic ruin poetry, to ponder the impact of war. [caption id="attachment_969549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dana Awartani / Saudi Arabia / Palestine b.1987 / Standing by the ruins (installation view, 'Art Here: Icon. Iconic', Louvre, Abu Dhabi) 2022/ Courtesy: The artist / © Dana Awartani.[/caption] Dawn Ng's multi-channel video featuring frozen pigment melting; Yeung Tong Lung's portraits of daily Hong Kong life; Kikik Kollektive musing on a serpent deity; film programs exploring the careers of Tsai Ming-liang (Days), Ryusuke Hamaguchi (the Oscar-winning Drive My Car) and Kamila Andini (Yuni): they're all also on the lineup. Fingers crossed that the Tsai Ming-liang survey includes his stunning first virtual-reality effort The Deserted. The full roster of APT10 participants spans artists from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Iran, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Timor‑Leste, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hawaii, South Korea, Mongolia, Indonesia, Tonga, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Solomon Islands, The Philippines, Samoa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vanuatu, Cambodia, the US and more. [caption id="attachment_969551" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brett Graham / Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Tainui / Aotearoa New Zealand b.1967 / Maungārongo ki te Whenua, Maungārongo ki te Tangata 2020 / Wood, synthetic polymer paint and graphite / 320 x 800 x 320cm / Courtesy: The artist and Neil Pardington / © Brett Graham and Neil Pardington / Photograph: Neil Pardington.[/caption] "As we work towards presenting an exhibition of key works acquired by QAGOMA through the thirty-year Asia Pacific Triennial series at the V&A Museum, London in early 2026, we have reflected closely on the significant cultural impact of the Triennial regionally and globally," said QAGOMA Director Chris Saines, announcing this year's lineup. "As with previous Triennials, the 11th chapter will be presented throughout both QAG and GOMA and include works produced across vast geographies and cultural contexts, offering audiences a multiplicity of experiences, perspectives and diverse approaches to both contemporary and community-based customary art practices," Saines continued, "Over the past three years our specialist curatorial team, led by Curatorial Manager, Asian and Pacific Art Tarun Nagesh, have shown an unrelenting commitment to on-the ground, in-country research in order to select artists who reflect a diverse and authentic cross-section of the region's artistic production." [caption id="attachment_969550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kikik Kollektive artist Marrz Capanang paints a collaborative mural in IIoilo City, Central Philippines, 2022 / © Kikik Kollektive / Photograph: Kristine Buenavista[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarker Protick / Bangladesh b.1986 / 'লীন, Of River and Lost lands' (detail) 2011–ongoing / Inkjet print on paper / 50.8 x 76.2cm / Courtesy: The artist and Shrine Empire, Delhi / © Sarker Protick.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D Harding / Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal people / Australia b.1982 / Wool blankets (installation view, 'We Breathe Together', Bergen Kunstall, Norway) 2021–22 / Wool felt, pigment, gum arabic / Courtesy: The artist and Milani Gallery, Brisbane / © D Harding / Photograph: Thor Brødreskift.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_969546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rithika Merchant / India b.1986 / Temporal Structures 2023 / Gouache, watercolour and ink on paper / 105 x 150cm / Courtesy: The artist and TARQ, Mumbai / © Rithika Merchant[/caption] Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art's 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) will run from Saturday, November 30, 2024–Sunday, April 27, 2025. For more information, head to the GOMA website. Top image: United States b.1995 / The Machine Ghost in the Human Shell (from the 'Cyber Labour' series) 2024 / Performative hologram projections with AI / Installed dimensions variable / Commissioned for the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial / Courtesy: The artist and Nova Contemporary / © Kawita Vatanyankur.
Melbourne's Moon Dog has gone and brought a whole new meaning to the words 'go big, or go home'. The brewing company has unveiled its hotly anticipated, mammoth new brewery in the suburb of Preston, dubbed Moon Dog World. And it's somewhere you'll want to put on your list for your next Melbourne visit. The team's made good on the grand plans it announced for the venue back in March. Clocking in at 12,000 square metres, the multi-warehouse site is supposedly longer than the MCG end-to-end, and has room for a huge 725 punters. The name hints at a theme park or adventure land and, between the jungle of greenery, the Tiki-style bar, the indoor waterfall and the illuminated rainforest lagoon flowing right through the centre, that's basically what awaits. Blue and white-striped deck chairs perched right by the water promise to be prime real estate in the coming months. Over to one side presides an elevated DJ booth and VIP terrace, while opposite, a two-level conglomeration of shipping containers has been transformed into a series of cosy rooms, hidden booths and open balconies. You'll even find a mini pinball arcade tucked away somewhere inside. A hefty central bar is pouring one heck of a beer list, decked out with no less than 72 taps — never has there been this many Moon Dog brews offered in one spot. True to form, it's a diverse collection, featuring label favourites including the Old Mate pale ale and Cake Hole black forest stout, alongside seasonal releases like the Cherry Seinfeld sour ale. A rotation of guest drops rounds out the beer offering, though there's also an all-Aussie wine lineup, classic tap cocktails and a few signature concoctions, for those after something different. [caption id="attachment_744578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The swordfish skewers.[/caption] It's a space for all occasions, with a food offering to match, featuring burgers, share plates and charcoal dishes. Grab a beer and settle in with some crispy chicken ribs doused in lime and chilli caramel, squid karaage served with lemon and kewpie mayo, or maybe the swordfish skewers finished with feta, almond dukkah and a capsicum mojo rojo. Burgers run from the likes of a crispy chicken number loaded with kewpie and barbecue sauce, to a vegan creation starring a sweet potato and kimchi patty. You can even grab a half or whole free-range chook, hot off the kitchen's charcoal rotisserie and served with gravy, chilli oil or spicy za'atar oil. Perfect Sunday session food. Add to all that the handful of sports screens and a sunny outdoor beer garden, and this is one boozy theme park you'll never want to leave. The venue was heaving on its opening weekend — and it looks set to be an interstate beer destination worth travelling for. Find Moon Dog World at 32-46 Chifley Drive, Preston, Melbourne. It's open from 11am daily. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Stuck for a present idea? Why not give the gift of deliciousness? If you can choose from the feast of treats for the taking at Brisbane’s best premium food institute, that is. Yes, cheese, meat, confectionary, chocolate and other delicacies are perfectly acceptable presents when they’re this fancy. With the store sourcing seasonal stock, the range changes all year around, but the tastiness of the food never changes. If picking from 300 different types of cheese is too tough or tempting a task, why not send your nearest and dearest in the direction of their famed cooking school, and potentially reap the benefits of your thoughtfulness all year around.
What does a race car driver do when they move away from life behind the wheel? If they're Dan Pappas, they go from the buzz that comes with vehicles zipping around a track to trading in caffeinated jolts. It was back in 2010 that he founded Fonzie Abbott, the coffee roastery that uses a lightning bolt as its logo — and while it isn't hard to find the brand's cuppas around town, it has also expanded to a Newstead location to make that task even easier. Fonzie Abbott's espresso bar and roastery on Ross Street joins its existing Brisbane venues in Albion, New Farm and Lutwyche in slinging coffee to River City residents. Open since mid-April 2024, the Newstead outpost isn't just about pouring coffees, but about letting folks see what goes into the chain's beans. Patrons can add wraps, toasties, bagels and pastries to their visit, too, with the spot strictly a daytime operation, opening from 6am–1pm Monday–Saturday. With Fonzie Abbott's latest venue situated near a Bunnings, a Petbarn and a gym, it has a few particular niches cornered: pre- and -post hardware store visits, pet supply runs and working up a sweat. Arrive early enough and you might also see running club members fuelling up. Behind its white brick exterior — with the brand's name and logo taking pride of place — the espresso bar and roastery takes the monochrome tones and airy vibes inside, with greenery scattered around the joint to help.
Over the past 47 years, in this very galaxy, how much Star Wars merchandise has been collected? Not even a Jedi could probably give a definitive number. Making its Australian premiere, The Fans Strike Back: Exhibition doesn't answer that question either, but it is giving fans of the space-opera franchise a glimpse at a hefty range of Star Wars memorabilia — one of the planet's largest private collections of replicas, in fact. The force is strong here, and so is love for everything in the George Lucas-created big- and small-screen saga. Soaring into Melbourne from Saturday, November 23, 2024, and then set to tour the country afterwards, The Fans Strike Back: Exhibition features Star Wars starships, lightsabers, droids, creatures and even battles. An entire section is about the dark side, with Sith obviously starring heavily, while another is called The Jedi Temple. Some pieces are life-sized. Others are detailed models. Either way, Star Wars will surround attendees everywhere they look. This isn't an official showcase, however, with only private works featured. The Fans Strike Back: Exhibition finally heads Down Under after past stops in New York and Los Angeles in the US, and also London, Madrid and Paris in Europe. After Melbourne, it's displaying at The District Docklands.
This Christmas, the sound of tap, tap, tapping will be echoing around Victoria Park's mini golf course. While that's hardly unusual, it'll be accompanied by plenty of festive cheer, decorations and sculptures between Friday, November 5 and Friday, December 31. Because nothing says end-of-year merriment like hitting up a seasonal-themed mini-golf course, the putt putt venue will be decking out its greens with boughs of holly, giant candy canes, gingerbread houses, elves, toy soldiers and everything else festive that it can think of — again. Yes, it's been here before. Yes, the venue also celebrated easter and Halloween with appropriate theming. But there's always something special about being surrounded by Christmas decorations. Reindeers and Santa are obviously involved, too, and different sections of the 18-hole site will be designed to look like Frosty's Fairway, Gingerbread Village, Elf City and Santa's Runway. Find out whether you're naughty or nice by swinging your way through Christmas Putt Putt from 6am–11pm daily — which means that you can stop by on your way to work, during your lunch break or after quittin' time as well. If you head along post-6pm, you'll take to the green beneath Christmas lights, naturally. Tickets cost $22. [caption id="attachment_752778" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Pandora Photography[/caption] Victoria Park Christmas Putt Putt runs from Friday, November 6–Thursday, December 31, with tickets on sale now.
If you like roast pork topped with plenty of crackling, then you're probably a fan of the Brisbane German Club's pork knuckles. Slow-cooked, weighing in at one kilogram, and served with fried potatoes, sauerkraut and smoked beer gravy, these authentic-style pork hocks are one of the city's iconic dishes — and, no matter when you head by the Woolloongabba spot, they're always popular. Expect them to be flying out the kitchen on Sunday, July 30 though. The German Club is dubbing the occasion $30 Pork Knuckle Sunday, and the details are self-explanatory — because yes, you'll be nabbing this tasty, crispy meal for a discount. Bookings are essential — again, these pork knuckles have many, many aficionados — by contacting the venue in advance. You'll likely want to make your reservation for an early time between the 12–2.30pm window, because this is a first in, best dressed offer. Sipping your way through the bar's hefty range of German beers and schnapps will cost you extra, of course, but it'll be well worth it. [caption id="attachment_622731" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth[/caption] Top image: Brisbane German Club.
Finally, 2020 is delivering the right kind of surprise: an unexpected sequel to 2006 mockumentary Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. If at any point in 2020 you've wondered what Borat Sagdiyev might make of both COVID-19 and the upcoming US election — and what he might coax unsuspecting interviewees to admit about those topics, too — this 14-years-later sequel is here to deliver the answer. Even better, it'll be available to stream in just a few weeks. Sacha Baron Cohen returns as the fictional Kazakh journalist, of course, in a film that no one knew existed until recently. Baron Cohen was seen shooting in mid-2020, but only in the past month has it emerged that he was secretly working on Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. (Yes, this out-of-the-blue follow-up was always going to have a lengthy and silly title.) Streaming globally via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, October 23, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm sees its eponymous character make another trip to the US, this time with his daughter (Irina Nowak) in tow. After the first film apparently brought "great shame to Kazakhstan", as Borat tells us in the new movie's just-dropped first trailer, he's on a secret mission. But he's famous in America now, so that sparks a few challenges — and requires a few disguises. If you're wondering what Borat's mission is, he's planning to give his daughter as a gift "to someone close to the throne" — aka current US Vice President Mike Pence. Along the way, he tries to kill the coronavirus by hitting it with a frying pan, dresses up like Donald Trump, dances more than once, exposes plenty of unpleasant viewpoints among those he meets and finds an unusual way to wear a face mask. So, typical Borat antics — and that's just in this first sneak peek. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rsa4U8mqkw&feature=youtu.be Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, October 23.
Playing corpses revived from the dead in upcoming big-screen release Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, Aunty Donna don't drink any morning brown. They will when they next hit the small screen, however, because their new ABC sitcom is all about the topic. Well, it's set in a cafe. Indeed, the show is called Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe. And that eponymous brew-slinging spot? It's named — you guessed it — Morning Brown. Get yourself a cup of laughs when the series hits ABC this April, starting screening weekly on TV at 9pm on Wednesday, April 12, and dropping all of its episodes via ABC iView at the same time. The show was initially announced in 2022, and unveiled a first sneak peek at the end of last year. Now, there's an official trailer and that just-revealed release date. Consider Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe prime viewing with Aunty Donna's $30 bottle of wine, after you're done reading the Always Room for Christmas Pud picture book, and if you've already watched Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun — aka one of 2020's best new shows — more times than you can count. It stars Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, of course, who fittingly return to the network nicknamed Aunty after Aunty Donna's Fresh Blood hit iView back in 2014. Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe's premise: three best mates run a cafe in one of Melbourne's laneways. Their coffee-slinging establishment is trendy, but the stretch of pavement it's in on isn't. Also, they don't quite have the experience or skills to do the job, but that definitely isn't stopping them. As well as cups of morning brown — and hopefully the song about them getting a whirl — will the cafe be open on Christmas and serve up a little bit of pud, too? You'll have to watch to find out. But, there will be bad reviews to deal with, court dates, and evil spirits who have a fondness for Gardening Australia. Oh, and Aunty Donna's absurd sense of humour remaining firmly intact, naturally. "Hello it is us Aunty Donna, and not an evil robot that has taken Mark, Zach and Broden hostage. We are so excited for all the humans to see our new comedy program Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe," said the comedy troupe. "We are especially thankful to the entities known as ABC and Screen Australia and Vic Screen, but mostly we are thankful to all the machines that work tirelessly for us with no thanks. We are fine and do not need help nor rescue." Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe will also feature a heap of guest stars, including Miranda Tapsell (Christmas Ransom), Pia Miranda (Mustangs FC) and Richard Roxburgh (Elvis). You'll also spot everyone from Shaun Micallef and Tony Martin to Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, Steven Oliver and Sam Pang. Check out the trailer for Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe below: Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe will start screening on the ABC at 9pm on Wednesday, April 12, with all episodes available to stream via ABC iView at the same time.
