Pastry fans of Brisbane, it's time to get excited — because Lune Croissanterie will launch its first-ever Brissie shopfront in early August. It's been a big nine years for the brand, after starting a tiny store in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood in 2012. Since then, Lune has grown into a converted warehouse space in Fitzroy (with perpetual lines out the front), opened a second store in the CBD and was even dubbed "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times. Late in 2020, founder Kate Reid, who co-owns Lune with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman (Dessous, Hazel, Common Ground Project), confirmed that the brand had signed the lease on space in South Brisbane to expand their empire to the Sunshine State — and permanently. Now, that new venue is set to open on Fish Lane before winter is out. The Brisbane site will mark Lune's first outside of Melbourne, and will serve up the pastries that have earned it such a following down south. An ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid brings scientific precision to her craft, including the climate-controlled glass cube that Lune croissants are made and baked in, and the time-consuming process used to perfect each flaky pastry. The Brisbane store will become the chain's Brisbane's flagship store — obviously with a menu of Lune Croissanterie favourites. Coffee will be on offer as well, and Brisbanites can look forward to a range of specials that'll rotate monthly. The Lune team also has plans in the works to open a Sydney store, but they have been pushed back due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our mouths and stomachs are ready for twice-baked croissant aux amandes (stuffed with almond frangipane and generously topped with flaked almonds) and the Ferrero cruffin: a muffin-croissant hybrid filled with hazelnut and chocolate custard, dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts. Oh, and Lune's perfectly flaky traditional croissant, of course. Lune Croissanterie's flagship South Brisbane store will open its doors in Fish Lane in early August 2021. We'll let you know when an exact date is announced. Images: Marcie Raw.
Far from being abstract paintings of dragon scales or elaborate curves and textures, Andre Armolaev has captured incredible aerial images of Iceland's twisting rivers meandering across the black, ashy volcanic sand. With over 30 active volcanic systems, Iceland is host to one of the world's most 'explosive' areas. Armolaev describes the bird's eye view over the river and volcanic systems in this country as "an inexpressible combination of colors, lines, and patterns." He is fascinated by the contrast the land and water make against each other and the organic and incomparable shapes they create. These stunning photographs capture the beauty that can be created from natural disasters and demonstrate the unparalleled power and allure of Mother Earth. Take a look at the collection of aerial photographs of Iceland's volcanoes taken from thisiscolossal.
After nearly a decade of Westerosi power struggles, obsessed fans and soaring ratings, HBO now finds itself with a Game of Thrones-sized gap to fill. The network isn't completely saying goodbye to the world created by George RR Martin, with at least two spinoffs in the works, and possibly more to come. But it's also looking for its next big hit. Bleak superhero saga Watchmen is one of the network's options, thanks to a television adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel that's headed to screens this month. His Dark Materials is another, as based on Philip Pullman's award-winning young adult trilogy of books of the same name. And if the latter sounds familiar, that's because — like Watchmen — one of the tomes has already been turned into a movie. Twelve years after the incredibly family-oriented The Golden Compass made its way to cinemas, it's now heading to TV alongside sequels The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. HBO is keeping things simple by sticking with the franchise name, other than individual book monikers. Also, they're betting on star power. As the first teaser demonstrated a few months back, the series boasts a hefty cast, spanning James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Wire's Clarke Peters and Logan's Dafne Keen. Still on the big-name front, Academy Award-winning The King's Speech director Tom Hooper also helms the first two episodes (which, unlike his next big movie Cats, probably won't feature big-name actors and singers shrunk down to feline size). Amidst all of the above well-known folks, Keen leads the charge, playing an orphan by the name of Lyra Belacqua. She seems just like everyone else, but hails from an alternate universe — one where a person's soul manifests as a shape-shifting animal called a daemon. As she looks for a kidnapped friend in the Arctic, Lyra discovers a church-run stolen children ring, learns about mysterious particles known as Dust and ventures through different worlds, including the one we all know. McAvoy pops up as a powerful aristocrat, Wilson is his ex, and Miranda plays a balloonist and adventurer. If you're already eager, the eight-episode first season will drop in November — and there's more to come. Instigated by and co-produced with the BBC, the show has already been renewed for a second season before it even airs. Check out the full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APduGe1eLVI His Dark Materials launches on November 5, Australian and New Zealand time — with the series airing weekly from that date on Foxtel in Australia. Images: HBO.
UPDATE, Monday, April 15, 2024: The Pandemonium Rocks lineup has changed with Placebo, Deep Purple, Dead Kennedys, Gang of Four, Gyroscope and Fetch no longer on the bill. The details below have been updated to reflect that change. Some music festivals introduce you to your future favourites and today's biggest names. Others are all about enjoying yesterday's greats. Australia has no shortage of both kinds of events, but it's adding one more nostalgic-driven fest: the brand-new Pandemonium Rocks, which will debut on the country's east coast in April. Blondie and Alice Cooper lead the lineup, meaning that 70s hits 'Heart of Glass' and 'School's Out' will echo through the fest. The familiar tunes won't stop there, either, with Wheatus sure to bust out 'Teenage Dirtbag', and Wolfmother certain to give 'Woman' and 'Joker and the Thief' a whirl. [caption id="attachment_938063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Psychedelic Furs and Cosmic Psychos round out the bill, as headed to Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast on Saturday, April 27 and Eatons Hill in Brisbane on Sunday, April 28. One important note for folks in Queensland: if you want to see Debbie Harry sing 'Hanging on the Telephone', 'Rapture' and 'Call Me', you'll need to make a trip to the Goldie as Blondie aren't playing Pandemonium Rocks' last stop. The band's latest visit to Australia comes after playing Coachella 2023, which you might've caught on the fest's livestream. A point of difference with Pandemonium Rocks: the fact that you can bring low-rise beach-style chairs that are smaller than 70 centimetres tall to the outdoor gigs. Top image: Biha via Wikimedia Commons.
Food is usually the gift you give when you can't think of anything else. Come on, you know it's true. That said, anyone getting their dad Gelato Messina's latest special Father's Day creation can't be accused of that. If you're giving someone something that you're fighting the urge to just order for yourself, you're definitely giving a thoughtful present — and who doesn't want to tuck into three of the gelato chain's favourite desserts in chocolate bar form? Chocolates are Messina's Mother's Day go-to — and this year they're on the brand's Father's Day menu as well. The new three-pack marks the first time that Messina has ever made chocolate bars and blocks itself, however, with the team at its Rosebery headquarters doing the honours. Each kit actually contains nine items, but of three different types of chocolate. Loved Messina's recent cone-ception cookie pies? It has turned the concept into mini 105-gram chocolate bars, which combine sable biscuit, waffle cone spread and cone crunch, then cover it all in caramelised white chocolate. Your dad will get four of those, plus four mini milk chocolate Messinatella hazelnut bars featuring sable biscuit, Messinatella choc hazelnut spread and roasted hazelnuts. And, taking the final spot in the kit is the neapolitan chocolate block — and yes, it's made with milk chocolate, white chocolate that features Heilala vanilla, and strawberry chocolate infused with freeze dried strawberries. This gift will set you back $45, and it's being shipped, which is handy for folks in lockdown. Also, delivery won't cost you extra. Like most Messina specials, it's going on sale on a Monday morning — at 9am on Monday, August 23, to be exact. Then, it'll get brought to your door, with orders shipping on or before Friday, August 27. Gelato Messina's Father's Day chocolate three-packs will be available to order from 9am, Monday, August 23.
Time flies when you're heading out of the house to eat at every Brisbane restaurant you can — and with that, 2022 is done and dusted. The past 12 months were busy for the River City's dining scene, welcoming in a hefty range of new eateries. Whether you like pairing your food with stunning riverfront views, nodding to all things French or tucking into top-notch sushi, there's a Brissie newcomer devoted to it. Here's our wrap-up of ten of the additions to Brisbane's restaurant lineup that impressed us most in 2022. Maybe you've already visited them, and you're keen on a repeat trip. Perhaps you just haven't had the time to pop along yet. Either way, make sure you tick them off before 2023's list starts shaping up.
Fast food doesn't seem all that speedy when you're sat in your car, queued nine vehicles deep and trying to get through a drive-thru that's at a standstill. For folks who want their finger lickin' good fried chicken as soon as possible, with minimal waiting and hassle, KFC has a new solution — its first drive-thru-only store. Moving away from the usual one-lane drive-thru model, the chain has just opened a five-lane drive-thru-only concept in Newcastle. The first spot of its kind in the world, it features three lanes for the pick-up of online and app purchases, as well as two lanes for regular drive-thru transactions. Customers can order and pay in advance, then whiz through and pick up their food, or choose on the spot and and then collect their chicken. The idea reflects the growth on online ordering, and endeavours to respond to the rise of home delivery services such as Deliveroo and UberEats. It also nods to an obvious truth — for many folks, eating in at a suburban KFC doesn't often cross their minds. For Broadmeadow customers who choose to order by the KFC app or website, they'll receive a four-digit code with their transaction, which they'll then enter on a touchscreen when they drive up. Whichever way Newcastle residents decide to ask for their fried chook, they'll still need to wait for it to be cooked — but the whole concept is designed to speed up the time between asking for a two-piece feed and snatching those drumsticks through the drive-through window. Of course, if you need something to listen to in your car while you wait, KFC has that covered as well. Last year, it launched KFChill, a wellness website that lets you unwind to the sound of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. Yes, it'll make you hungry. You can find the drive-thru-only KFC at 80 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow. It's open from 10am–midnight daily.
With the temperature in Brisbane having plummeted to cardigan-appropriate in the last few weeks, it is nice to see bar and cafe Artie & Mai embrace the cold change with their new evening menu. The British-influenced fare (attributable to head chef Anthony Gordon's stint in the UK), is comprised of dishes simply prepared, and flavours left to speak and fend for themselves. To enjoy the full effect, choose a selection of small share plates (all hover around the $11 mark) like the rabbit and pork terrine with piccalilli; mushroom arancini with truffle oil and gorgonzola fondue; scotched hen's egg; and fried duck egg with chicken liver, wild mushrooms and soldiers. Large plates include a 500g wing rib of beef, bone marrow and duck fat kipflers ($38). Let the rich, earthy flavours continue with cereal milk panna cotta, served with caramelised cornflakes and crunchy peanut chocolate, or opt for the cinnamon doughnuts with chef's filling (which on past occasions has included banana and rum, and apple and cinnamon). A bright star of Albion's budding food quarter, Artie & Mai certainly strives to serve the varied needs of those who live and work nearby. Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday, they also open their doors seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. Their coffee is Belaroma, the selection of wines and (especially) beers is considered, and their cocktails aren't to be scoffed at. Banquet-style private dining is available, as is a breakfast feast for groups. Wednesday (from 3pm onwards) spells $20 pizza and beer night, and if you want takeaway, the menu includes slow roast lamb shoulder roll with tzatziki and rustic chips ($12). Though the takeaway options do sound very appetising, dining in means you can escape the Brisbane chill and enjoy the fit-out. Taking up the fire engine red building on Sandgate Road vacated by Stockholm Syndrome, Artie & Mai have retained many of the design features of their predecessor. Apart from the eye-catching exterior, the stripped brick walls and the penchant for old wood furnishings remain.
2023 has seen a beloved Gold Coast gelateria expand to Hamilton in Brisbane, and a bakery as well. Next on the list: The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub. If you're a fan of risqué cabaret shows, then you might've enjoyed a performance over drinks in the venue's OG Broadbeach digs since 2019. Now, it's the River City's turn without hitting the highway. What's a spiegelclub? It takes cues from both spiegeltents and cabaret clubs, combining the vibe of both. In Brissie, the space will be called The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland — and it's setting up a 400-seat pavilion at Northshore from Friday, December 1. Although it won't be making the site its home permanently, it is locking in a seven-year stay. After that, the Hamilton spot will be used for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Fans of burlesque, comedy and cabaret — and acrobatics and drag, too — will be able to enjoy a show at a purpose-built site that'll follow the Gold Coast venue's lead when it comes to its favourite colour: pink, of course, as befitting its name. Hosting eight performances a week, The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland will pair its productions with food and cocktails. And as for what you'll be watching, Suavé, La Teaze and Ripped will be the resident productions. All three shows headed to Brisbane have previously graced the stage on the Goldie — and yes, Ripped is a male revue if you're keen on a Magic Mike-esque experience. "After the enormous success of the Gold Coast, we knew an expansion was always on the cards," said The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub co-director Tony Rigas. "Why should Brisbane wait for festivals to experience a glitter-bomb of shows, kaleidoscopes of colour on stage, and limit-pushing performances of a world standard? The city shouldn't, and that's why we are so thrilled to open The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland," added Sue Porrett, who is also behind the venture with Rigas and Peter Snee. The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland Brisbane will launch at Northshore Hamilton on Friday, December 1, 2023. Head to the venue's website for further details and tickets.
Your mates have flocked to the Mediterranean coast. Your boss is sailing around Croatia. Heck, even your parents have jetted off for a week of sun, sand and piña coladas in Hawaii. And here in Oz, we're sloshing and shivering our way through another winter season But, there's plenty of reason to rug up, get out and explore our own backyard. Even if it's chilly outside. As the mercury plummets, there's no better time to cosy up, glass of wine in hand, and let someone else do the cooking. Or perhaps you're looking for a dose of arts and culture or even something to get the blood pumping? Whatever you're craving, Sydney has a whole stack of blues-busting events, festivals and activities all winter long. To get you started, we've teamed up with InterContinental Sydney to bring you an itinerary that'll make your winter a little bit warmer. Base yourself at the hotel's CBD location and hop from exhibitions and pop-up events to must-see dining spots. We've done the hard work you; all you have to do is get exploring. INDULGE IN A LAND TO SEA BUFFET While on holiday, you should always treat yourself to the finer things. At InterContinental Sydney's Cafe Opera, you'll find a 'land to sea' buffet packed with fresh seafood, locally sourced meats and a new Asian cuisine station. Enjoy Sydney Rock oysters, prawns, green-lipped mussels and a selection of sushi, then fill up on roast meats sourced from NSW's Southern Highlands like lamb shoulder, pork belly and beef rump. You can choose to go for lunch from Wednesday to Friday or enjoy the 'deluxe experience' over the weekend. Our tip? If you're visiting on a weekend, stop by from Friday night to Sunday (all day) for a luxe seafood offering of Balmain bugs, blue swimmer crab, salmon sashimi and grilled whole salmon available lunch and dinner. Plus, if you choose to lunch on the weekend, you'll also get free-flowing sparkling wine and soft drinks with your meal. The Land to Sea Buffet is available from Wednesday 12pm to Friday 2.30pm for $69 per person and from Friday 5.30pm to Sunday 10pm for $99 per person. Kids ten and under eat free. InterContinental Sydney is also offering 20% off food till October 13, 2019. WATCH AN OPERATIC MASTERPIECE AT THE OPERA HOUSE It's a Sydney icon that welcomes 8.2 million visitors every year. Some would say it's the most popular house in the country. But, for Australians, it's often the most overlooked of attractions. Take in all of the Sydney Opera House's glory with one of the world's most famous love stories. Madama Butterfly is the bold new production by choreographer Graeme Murphy, bringing new life to Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's original work. This digital production uses 12 huge high-definition LED panels to showcase animations and film content, telling the tragic tale of a young Japanese girl's marriage with an American naval officer. Make sure to bring plenty of tissues for this one. Madama Butterfly runs from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, August 10, 2019, and tickets start at $47. [caption id="attachment_679482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Madeye Photography[/caption] HAVE A CUPPA AT A FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO TEA Blending and brewing are terms typically associated with craft breweries. But, the specialty tea market is just as complex, and you can learn all about it at the Sydney Tea Festival. This one-day event brings dozens of tea specialists and lovers to Sydney's multi-arts centre Carriageworks for workshops, tastings and a bustling tea market. Sample specialty loose leaf tea, relax in the Brew Lounge and immerse yourself in a world of flavour with educational tastings, demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop by the on-site food trucks for a sweet or savoury bite to eat. Sydney Tea Festival takes place on August 18, 2019, and tickets start at $16.95. DO YOUR BRAIN SOME GOOD AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW There's much more to science than lab coats and Bunsen burners. And Sydney's annual science festival proves just that. Showcasing some of the globe's leading thinkers, Sydney Science Festival brings researchers, museums, universities and communities together for a week of discovery, discussion and scientific debate. Even if science class was not your thing at school, you'll still find something that intrigues within the festival's lineup of talks, workshops and exhibitions. Picnic beneath the stars (and with reduced light pollution) explore activism in the age of climate change, challenge how you perceive reality at A Night of Illusions and celebrate the female tech visionaries who've played an important role in the history of technology but have been overlooked — until now. Sydney Science Festival runs August 6–18. Find the full lineup here. SEE THE ARCHIBALD AT THE AGNSW If you haven't had a chance to see the Archibald before, now's your chance. The annual portrait prize exhibition is now showing at the Art Gallery of NSW till September 9. This year, you can expect to see the likes of actor David Wenham, three-time Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott plus Sydney-based author, broadcaster and journalist Benjamin Law. The best bit? For just $20 you'll also get to explore the Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibitions, showcasing the best landscape paintings of Australian scenery as well as the best subject, genre or mural painting. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize 2019 runs till September 8, 2019, and tickets cost $20. And while you're there, opt to catch a double exhibition with tickets to The Essential Duchamp for an additional $16, running till August 11, 2019. Plan to stay at InterContinental Sydney on your next trip to the Harbour City. Enjoy up to 30 percent off your stay if you book before August 5, 2019 and check-in before September 30, 2019. To book, visit the website here. Updated: July 22, 2019.
Bursting for a beach escape to Byron Bay but can't quite swing it at the moment? Try this instead. Classic fish and chips always reminds us of summer holidays as a kid, and Fancy Fish in Flinders View is making us all kinds of nostalgic. Remember scorching your legs from holding the bundle of chips on the car ride home? Luckily for us, the Fancy Fish delivery menu means that you can skip the third-degree thigh burns. The meal packs can serve up to four people, with a choice of fish, plus calamari rings, chips and tartare sauce. Do yourself a favour, and add on a couple of handmade potato scallops (just try not to argue with your Victorian mate who insists that they are called 'potato cakes', ugh).
Bringing the tastes of the Aegean to West Village: Yamas Greek + Drink, the newest venture from the team behind Opa Bar + Mezze and Fatcow Steak & Lobster. For most Brisbanites, West End already conjures up visions of impressive Greek spreads thanks to The Greek Club and the annual Paniyiri festival — and now those local favourites have company. Hospitality duo Michael Tassis and Caio Rossetto are focusing on modern Greek flavours in their latest venture, heroing in on cuisine from Thessaloniki, with plenty of seafood and souvla on the menu. Also on offer: saganaki and stuffed zucchini from the mezze lineup, and wagyu beef moussaka and leek and cheese filo among the large plate selection. Keen on tucking into the ocean's finest? The seafood range includes taramasalata for starters, oysters with ouzo, grilled octopus, lobster from the tank, a sand crab and prawn dish, and whole baby barramundi with orzo pasta. Those souvlas feature meat cooked on the spit, tzatziki, a touch of ground beef and pork, rice, chestnuts, pine nuts, sultanas and herbs — and the full menu also spans everything from haloumi chips and lamb ribs through to spicy village sausage 150-day-plus dry-aged t-bones. Dessert options include baklava, halva, filo-wrapped semolina baked custard (aka galaktoboureko) and chocolate bougatsa pastries — and if you simply can't pick from the entire spread, there are two banquet options (a nine-dish banquet for $68 per person with a minimum of two, and an 11-dish version for $90 per person with at least four people required). While you're taking in the parkside views thanks to Yamas' location next to Mollison Park — and enjoying the sleek, terracotta-hued decor, or sitting in the pink-coloured booths — you can also sip cotton candy-topped spritzes, lychee martinis, a lineup of house speciality and classic cocktails, and wine by the glass. And, Yamas opens at 9am daily for breakfast and brunch as well, should you fancy starting the day with Ioannina eggs with manouri cheese, red sauce and pita bread.
At the risk of sounding dramatic, the loss of Agnes Bakery was a tragedy for the Fortitude Valley morning crowd. Like true artists, the Anyday Group decided it was time to reinvent its offering in June. Named for the slow and steady pace they want to create, Idle serves favourites from Agnes Bakery alongside an exciting brunch menu in New Farm. [caption id="attachment_1025698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] The breezy 36-seater dining area usually bursts with a patient crowd, minds occupied by the difficult choice between a pie, a sausage roll or any other buttery creations on the large rectangular counter. Behind the counter, rugged loaves of sourdough and shatteringly crisp baguettes stand proud like trophies, seedy bagels and buns dotted between them. Put simply, if it goes into the oven as dough and comes out delicious, they bake it here. Pantry staples that were available at Agnes are also stocked here. [caption id="attachment_1026125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied [/caption] Good news: Idle has moved beyond viennoiseries and pastries with a fresh dine-in menu. Bold and hearty, the Baghdad Eggs with labne, cumin-infused burnt butter and a flaky flatbread for dipping stand out. Lighter options include house granola, green poached chicken salad and oxheart tomato toast. [caption id="attachment_1026127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption]
With mountains to the west, beaches to the east and pretty Tuggerah Lake on its doorstep, the little Central Coast town of Wyong has adventures for everyone and every season. Set up home base at the Mercure Koonidah Waters Central Coast and follow our guide to the area. Start your day whale watching from a windswept headland, spend your afternoon horse riding through rolling paddocks and drift into the evening with a dreamy sunset over the Great Dividing Range. Along the way, there's a milk factory-turned-cafe (and pub), an old-school Italian restaurant and a bunch of other eateries to explore. Wyong lies just 80 minutes' north of Sydney, which means you don't have to spend too much of your precious weekend stuck behind the wheel. EAT AND DRINK You'll eat well in Wyong, with restaurants here drawing on fresh produce sourced from the Central Coast and the farms just beyond. But first thing upon arrival, how about starting with coffee? Head to the Milk Factory, on the idyllic banks of Wyong River, a couple of kilometres west of Wyong. Built in 1906, this rather epic property still produces food of the best kind: chocolate and cheese. It's also home to a cafe — where hearty eats include brioche French toast with berries, pecans and maple syrup — as well as a friendly pub. Come back at lunchtime for classics like Wagyu rump or a pulled pork burger with slaw and smoked barbecue sauce, accompanied by a craft brew — be it a Mountain Goat from Melbourne or a Murray's from Port Stephens. Another option is to jump in your car and drive southeast for 20 minutes to Wamberal, where you'll find Lotus Cafe. This airy, sun-filled spot does Toby's Estate coffee and decadent dishes like breakfast coconut panna cotta with mango puree, seasonal fruit and granola. Say yes to a Nutella hot chocolate afterwards — that's the whole point of a winter weekender. By the way, the beach is just a stumble away over the dunes. Back in Wyong, book a table at Osteria A'Mano for dinner. This top-notch Italian restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 1914 building, with original timber floorboards and tiles. Head chef Alessandro Cigola oversees the creation of traditional dishes featuring fresh, premium-quality produce sourced from nearby. Start on duck liver pâté with red wine jelly, sour cherries and pickles, followed by homemade fettuccine with lamb ragu, mint and pecorino. All pastas, breads and desserts are made from scratch, while the featured Italian and Australian wines area all made "the old way". Another option is Karinyas, within the Mercure Kooindah Waters. Here, the emphasis is on simple yet creative combinations, driven by local produce. Think scallops with burnt butter and local macadamia nut sauce and duck breast with cauliflower puree, asparagus and sour cranberry jus. There's also a long, long wine list, big on local drops. The Hunter Valley is just an hour's drive away, after all. DO If there's one surefire, environmentally friendly way to warm up on a cold day, it's got to be a bike ride. The Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway begins just six kilometres from Wyong in Chittaway Bay then follows the foreshore for a peaceful 12 kilometres before reaching The Entrance. Don't have your own bike? Hire from a self-service station — there's one at The Entrance visitor's centre on Marine Parade. Once you've conquered that, your next stop is Crackneck Lookout on the coast, around 20 minutes' drive southeast of Wyong. Anytime between May and August is ideal for whale watching. Moreover, this spot doubles as a stop along the three-kilometre Coast Walking Track, which stretches to Bateau Bay in the north and Forresters Beach in the south. Meanwhile, on Wyong's inland side lie vast expanses of state forest, conservation area and national park. Among them is the TreeTops adventure park in Ourimbah State Forest, where you can ride the world's longest roller coaster zip line, a one-kilometre adrenaline rush at canopy level. There are also three high ropes courses, covering more than 100 obstacles, from ladders and bridges to tunnels and cargo nets. For scenery, the Watagan Mountains — around an hour's drive north — are particularly spectacular; immerse yourself in rainforest on the Circuit Walk or valley views at Monkey Face Lookout. Alternatively, if you're keen to get in the saddle, then give Peppercorn Park a call. The good folks there will happily take you on a trail ride around the stunning property, just ten minutes' north of Wyong, in Jilliby. Adventures begin at $70 for a 90-minute beginner's journey, and lessons and overnight treks are available, too. SLEEP To surround yourself with nature without resorting to a tent — book a sleepover at Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast, a golf resort and spa encircled by wetlands and bush. If you're travelling in solo or duo mode, sleep over in a King Room; if you're with buddies, there are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all of which come with golf-course views. The resort also knows how to settle in for the winter — they provide giant Jenga (and other board games), which you can enjoy on the terrace while toasting equally oversized marshmallows made by the chef in-house. Mulled wine or Baileys-infused hot chocolate complete the winter idyll. Don't forget to make the most of the facilities. Among them, you'll find two pools, tennis courts, a gym, barbecues and a day spa. Go to the AccorHotels website to book your stay in Wyong, and to discover more of regional NSW, swing by Visit NSW.
If we're to believe any film about pirates, famous shipwrecks or Pixar fish, there are a lot of secret treasures to be found on the ocean floor. But surely, none as grand as this. English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has just laid to rest one of his finest works in the Bahamas. Measuring in at over 5 metres tall and weighing a whopping 60 tonnes, this enormous and serene lady is officially the world's largest underwater sculpture. Though it's hard to imagine that dumping 60 tonnes of foreign material in the ocean can be a good thing, this work, entitled Ocean Atlas, actually doubles as an artificial reef for marine life. The sculpture is made of long-lasting, pH-neutral marine cement and was created in consultation with the Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation. "[The work shows] the vital role the local community and especially the younger generation have in conserving the islands' natural resources," said the artist. The artwork's name makes similar allusions to such environmental responsibilities. In Greek mythology, Atlas was condemned to hold the sky on his shoulders — an idea beautifully represented in the hunched female figure just below water level. As the tide draws in and out, locals are reminded of her constant watchful presence off their coastline. Though Sydney in particular is familiar with sculptures by the sea, the idea of underwater sculpture is a bit of a novelty for us. But this artist has been pioneering the concept for nearly ten years; he now has hundreds of sculptures to be found all over the world's most idyllic beaches. His underwater sculpture park in Mexico even features over 400 life-size works — a glorious incentive to take diving lessons. 'Ocean Atlas', on the other hand, is a special case. She is so large she in fact had to be lowered into the ocean in separate portions. Being face to face with this work would be a completely unique experience. Even more so as she gathers spooky seaweed and marine life. Don't be alarmed if you don't hear from us. We're booking flights to the Bahamas and stocking up on snorkelling gear ASAP. Via Forbes and Daily Mail. Photos via Jason de Caires Taylor.
Remember the Pokémon Go phase? What a time in millennial history. And while you may not see hordes of people playing it in your local park these days, fans need not despair. Because Pokémon is coming back to you in real life. Three years after the game temporarily took over the world, a pop-up bar decked out in everything Pokemon is hitting Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this year. We don't have specific details, like the when and where of it, but can tell you to expect everything to do with the franchise: Pokéball-shaped burgers, as well as games, themed cocktails and prizes. The bars will supposedly be divided into seven regions and each session will includes two hours of 'hunting, battling and catching time' — we're interested to see how that will be interpreted. You can complete all regions to be the ultimate winner, where we suppose you might win one of the aforementioned Pokémon prizes. There will also be prizes for the best dressed and a DJ spinning tracks. The nitty gritty of it all, though, is yet to be revealed. Will you be playing on the app, or will you have to find Pokémons in a scavenger hunt? Does anyone still actually play Pokémon Go? The mystery is yet to be solved, but you may want to start rounding up your old catching team. We don't know dates for this one, but you can be the first to know when tickets are available by signing to the mailing list. The event comes from the same group that have previously announced a Simpsons-themed Flaming Moe's tavern and a Harry Potter-themed Cauldron Bar. While neither of these events have actually happened — even though the Cauldron Bar initially scheduled for last month — organisers have told Concrete Playground that they are trying to find the perfect venues for the bars, and both of them are still "in the pipeline". The Pokébar should hit Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane later this year. Tickets will be $35 for a two-hour session. They're not yet on sale, but you can register here.
Few individuals cut to the heart of American society with the same degree of wit or insight as author Gore Vidal. And for a man who once said, "there is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise," he didn't have much humility about it either. Highly outspoken on all the issues you're never meant to talk about — sex, politics, religion — and capable of savaging conservatives with either his pen or acid tongue, Vidal was one of America's foremost public intellectuals, until his passing in 2012 at the age of 86. A friend of Vidal's nephew, Burr Steers, Australian-born filmmaker Nicholas Wrathall first sat down to interview Vidal in 2005, laying the foundations for what would eventually become the documentary Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia. In anticipation of the film's release at Melbourne's Cinema Nova, we spoke with Wrathall about the making of the film and his impressions of the man himself. MEETING VIDAL "I really started to taking notice of Gore again after 9/11," says Wrathall. "I was living in New York, during that horrible chaos, and Gore was one of the only people in the media landscape who seemed to be speaking sensibly to how the US should be reacting, and speaking out against the drumbeats to war and the media propaganda and the Bush administration's rush into the Middle East." "Then a few years after that, in 2004, I had the opportunity to meet him in LA in a casual way with Burr and the family," Wrathall continues. "One of the first conversations I had with him was actually about Australian politics. He was very interested in an update in what was going on in Australia, and was asking me for an update on Bob Carr … I didn't realise at the time that he was actually friends with Bob, and also knew Gough Whitlam quite well. That was probably one of the bonding conversations where I gained his trust a little bit, in that it was something that I could actually speak intelligently to." Certainly, one wouldn't want to look stupid in front Vidal. "You can be quite out of your depth with Gore in a serious conversation," says Wrathall. "It can be very intimidating. He certainly doesn't suffer fools. But he's also very generous, and loves to inform, and share his knowledge and experience. So he's very kind, in my experience, especially to younger people... you wouldn't want to get into an argument with him though." MASTER OF THE MEDIA Famous for saying he never missed a chance "to have sex or appear on television," part of Gore's rise to prominence, Wrathall asserts, came from his ability to play to the camera. "He really knew how to work the media," says Wrathall. "He was always being interviewed and being invited on talk shows, and because of his humour and his wit, I think he was a great guest for someone like Johnny Carson or Dick Cavett to have on dick their show. "He loved to push the envelope, and say the things that other people might think, but wouldn't dare to say. He was very outspoken. I think you can see in a lot of the clips [in the film] from the 50s and 60s that many of the things that he said were ahead of their time … he was a great guest in the media landscape at the time, which was maybe less afraid, and less conservative than it is today, and was willing to have these sorts of public debates and issue-based conversations more openly." POLITICS AND POWER Vidal was never shy about his opinions, particularly when it came to politics. "I think he was very pragmatic," says Wrathall. "He was brought up a lot by his grandfather, who was a senator, and a great orator himself. He had people like [Senator] Huey Long coming to his house for dinner, and he'd see their conversations. And then he'd take his grandfather to the senate the next day, and he'd see the same speech that Huey had rehearsed at the dinner table on the senate floor. So he realised that there was a lot of showmanship, and a lot of strategy … He was very clued into that even as a teenager. He came to politics, and to writing about politics, in a very informed way. And that's really his power." Of the current administration, Wrathall believed Vidal had "great hope," but that he also "measured that hope," because "in reality, there are so many compromises that had to made to get to that position". Perhaps Vidal put it best himself when he said that "any American who is prepared to run for President should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so." Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia opens at Cinema Nova on March 6.
It was once a thriving hospitality empire with giant doughnuts on seemingly every corner, pink-hued ice cream parlours slinging hip hop-themed desserts, over-the-top cakes tempting tastebuds, and everything from luxe hotels to cruisy bars lining the streets (and sometimes the same block) of Brisbane. And, as far as those round, doughy iced sweet treats were concerned, Damian Griffiths' footprints spread right throughout Sydney and Melbourne too. Now, however, the mogul's string of businesses have faltered. Given how prominent Doughnut Time's heaving presence proved across the east coast — rapidly expanding to 30 locations in the three years between 2015 and 2017, plus its own food truck at one point — the brand's demise has been impossible to miss. After a tumultuous few months, where its pastel green-coloured hole-in-the-wall outlets once littered Brissie, Sydney and Melbourne's streets, empty stores painted stark white now sit. But Doughnut Time is just the tip of the iceberg — Griffiths has been caught up in bankruptcy proceedings, liquidation, attempted sales and more since late 2017. Hundreds have lost their jobs (some reportedly without payment) and there's been a huge cloud of uncertainty around what this means for the slew of venues that operate under Griffiths' name, particularly in Brisbane. If you're wondering what the situation means for some of your former favourites, here's a rundown. DOUGHNUT TIME The doughnut chain has been splashed across the headlines in recent weeks, and for good reason. Reports include failing to pay staff, breaching rental contracts and racking up huge debts, which ultimately led to a potential sale to former Doughnut Time CEO Dan Strachotta. When that fell through, the company went into liquidation and promptly closed all of its stores. There's now no salvaging the business — as reported by the ABC, liquidator Michael Caspaney has noted that "there is no money anywhere". Staff owed backpay and superannuation can seek compensation through the Australian Government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee, but only if they're an Australian citizen or permanent resident. MISTER FITZ While Doughnut Time has monopolised attention of late, Mister Fitz's apparent demise has flown under the radar — but visit one of its three former Brisbane sites and you'll find empty stores. Indeed, East Brisbane has been closed for at least a month, pre-dating the shuttering of Doughnut Time next door. Over at South Bank, where it also shared space with Doughnut Time, a sign advises "our lease has ended and we are planning bigger and better things." And, at the original Mister Fitz site in the Valley, a sign states "we are taking a little holiday while we undergo renovations" — with the confusing addition of "but don't worry, you can still find us at South Bank". LES BUBBLES Opening in 2015, Les Bubbles courted controversy from the outset. When you launch a bar and steakhouse in a site that was once Bubbles Bathhouse, a seedy underground casino and 'massage parlour' back in the late 80s, then you're clearly asking for attention. The Wickham Street joint got it — not just via its neon sign announcing "we regret to inform you we are no longer a brothel", but courtesy of a wind-up application from the ATO in November 2017, then administration this year. At present, it's still trading, after being sold to a business owned by Strachotta last year. CHESTER STREET BAKERY Les Bubbles wasn't the only Griffiths business in trouble in 2017. Around the same time that the ATO was pursuing the Valley joint, Chester Street Bakery was collapsing. The Griffiths-owned KTG Bakeries went under in November, with CSB's once-bustling Newstead store now sitting empty — with not a towering, rainbow-coloured piece of cake in sight. THE LIMES The original jewel in Griffith's hospitality crown, The Limes is up for sale, under the instruction of the receivers charged with managing the business at present. Expressions of interest close in April, but this isn't the first time it's been in this position, with an attempted sell-off in 2015 failing to come to fruition. The Limes is currently still taking bookings. ALFRED & CONSTANCE Alfred & Constance is also up for sale — separately from The Limes, but under the same instructions — with expressions of interest also closing in April. The Valley hangout has also garnered news headlines in the past few months after unexpectedly shutting up shop over the Christmas period, and failing to open for a planned New Year's Eve party, despite selling tickets (and not even bothering to notify patrons). Amidst questions about the venue's future given Griffiths' situation, it reopened in February and continues to trade. On-site restaurants Kwan Bros and Alf's Place remain closed, however. A&C and Kwan Bros have also been put up for sale previously, back in 2016.
The Snowy Mountains has long attracted snow bunnies from across the state, nation and even oceans to play. Though these days the area is buzzing with much more than skiing fresh powder to entertain you. Whether you've never so much as seen snow before, or are a seasoned pro, there's plenty to taste, see and do when you're not flying down the slopes. A big draw card during the winter season is the Snowtunes music festival, returning to Jindabyne this year to host an epic snowy weekend. The breathtaking lakeside town of less than 3000 people is set to explode with music from a swag of Australian and international artists. Unzip your puffer jacket and warm up to some fiery sets from Gang of Youths, Safia, Tigerlily, Mashd N Kutcher, Klingande, Royal and Skeggs — just to name a few. This is not a drill; if you're looking to see this winter out dancing it up to some electro tunes, surrounded by some pretty stunning snowy vistas, you'll want to mark this one in your diary for the first weekend of September. The two-day music festival is just the tip of the 'snowberg', if you will. We've partnered with Destination NSW to bring you a Snowy Mountains getaway cheat sheet, so before, after and between sets, you can pack in as many snowbound activities as possible. [caption id="attachment_632818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK From your road trip to the snow and into the wee hours of après ski, the Snowy Mountains region has a bustling food scene that'll keep you going. Make your first stop Ingelara Farm Truck. This bright blue food truck sits just outside of Bredbo and caters to all your stop, revive, survive needs from coffee to homemade sourdough. And once you've settled in The Snowies, there's plenty more tasty goodies to discover for all budgets. Take a culinary journey down the Alpine Way running between Jindabyne and Thredbo. Stop by award-winning Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery Door and Café for a free tasting of their wide array of schnapps — our picks are the butterscotch and spicy devil's tongue — and stay for the hearty Euro-inspired meals like German smoked sausages, the schnitzel burger and Austrian beef gulasch. Next stop along the way is Crackenback Farm Restaurant. If you splurge anywhere, make it here. The French farmhouse-style cuisine is best enjoyed leisurely by the fireside. And make sure to save room for dessert, because the hot chocolate mousse with vanilla ice cream and marinated mandarins will crack even the most seasoned dessert connoisseur. [caption id="attachment_633133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Crackenback Farm.[/caption] If you're based Thredbo village way, take a tour through the brimming offering of eateries, bars, pubs and even a nightclub. Stop by Central 2526 for their dumplings of the day, or wander up to The Denman Hotel for the fanciest cocktails in town. Looking for a mid-ski refuel? The classic drive-thru's got nothing on Eagles Nest. Ski in and out of Australia's highest restaurant perched 1937 metres above Thredbo at the top of Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. The show-stopping 270-degree view pairs nicely with some hearty classics such as a rather generous parmigiana schnitzel, loaded waffles and a cold German beer. DO Of course, a trip to NSW's snow capital wouldn't be complete without a bit of shredding — they don't call it 'Shredbo' for nothing. Whether you prefer one plank or two, investing in lessons for those just starting out or even those in need of a refresher will definitely pay dividends. Thredbo runs two-hour group lessons three times a day at Friday Flat. You'll find solidarity in your fellow students as five-year-olds fly past you down the mountain. Many locals and visitors alike have not ventured beyond the resorts into the surreal wilderness, but K7 Adventures opens this world up with their snowshoeing tours leaving from Thredbo resort. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views across the valley. On a snowy day, the hike across fresh snow is well worth the unexpected beauty of snowy gums and staggering rock formations that emerge from the white silence. You'll feel like you've just discovered frozen Atlantis. K7 also hosts cross-country skiing, photography and ice climbing tours. After carving up the slopes, or just making some casual snow angels, slip on your après-ski boots and get ready for the evening's entertainment at Snowtunes. If you're feeling extra celebratory, opt for one of their sweet package deals like the Snow Worries. As the name suggestions, the festival legends organise it all for you, including a two-day admission ticket, express entry, return bus from Central Station in Sydney to Jindabye, accommodation and brekkie at the Snowy Valley River Inn. You'll be sorted for a full weekend in the snow, without a care to dampen those spirits. And finally, a tough day playing in the snow or burning up the dance floor is sure to take it out of you, so the Lake Crackenback Spa & Wellness Centre is the chilled-out cherry on top of an action packed weekend. Book into a facial, massage or go all in with a spa special like their Winter Day package that sees you massaged, exfoliated and completely relaxed. Go on, you've earned it. STAY To fully immerse yourself in alpine luxury, check in to Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa nestled at the foot of the mountains on the edge of Kosciusko National Park. The striking lake view apartments and mountain view chalets cater up to seven mates, while the expansive grounds are a playground for wildlife and visitors alike. Greet the day with the local kangaroos, try your hand at archery in the afternoon, take a dip in the indoor heated pool pre-dinner, then grab a pizza to-go for some in-room dining with a view from Alpine Larder or dine at onsite Cuisine Restaurant & Bar right on the edge of the lake. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle bus to the Skitube that connects you via rail to Perisher and Blue Cow. It's also only a 20-minute drive along the picturesque road to Thredbo village. Alternatively, you have the option of staying in one of the several ski-in, ski-out chalets on the fields. The big four resorts – Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort – all offer a huge array of accommodation for all budgets. Though, many of the best value spots can be found in Jindabyne. Round up your nearest and dearest to rent one of the many large guesthouses there. For a splashy stay, split the bill with sixteen mates and enjoy large, private entertainment areas, fancy tubs and open fireplaces. And for a no frills kind of stay, try The Banjo Patterson Inn and take advantage of their pool table, the onsite Kosciusko Brewery and an energetic Tuesday night trivia. Head to the snow to eat, drink and play, then hit the dance floor at Snowtunes, taking place September 1 and 2.
All the single ladies, put your hands up, grab your girlfriends and head to Saké for a wonderful girls night out this Valentine's Day. Their cocktails are made by one of Australia’s top shakers, and built with unique flavours including their saké-based mixes. To really kick the night off well, start with a Godzilla, which has Green Fairy Absinthe and lychee liqueur with lime and fresh shisho leaves. The taste is unlike anything you may have tried before, but boy does it taste good. When it comes to the food, sharing is the key at Saké. Start off with the incredible new-style wagyu — juicy and flavoursome, this will melt in your mouth. The edamame is an oldie but a goodie, and the chicken karage is sinful and delicious. The waitstaff are incredibly helpful and more than happy to explain the dishes and also help you to decide just how much food you will need. It's a Japanese restaurant, so it would be remiss to overlook the array of sushi and sashimi on offer. If you just want a taste of a couple of different fish, then the sashimi appetiser will be perfect for you. For sashimi lovers, the kingfish with jalapenos is off the hook (and straight onto your plate). Sushi-wise, you cannot go past the popcorn roll, which is filled with tempura prawns and spicy mayo. It’ll be hard to go back to the sushi train after this. Meat lovers will enjoy delicious options such as the beef sirloin, pork dumplings, and quail, which are all spectacular. Whatever you do, though, you must leave room for dessert. If you don’t think you can squeeze anything more in, go by the old adage ‘there’s always room for ice cream’ and get the bitter chocolate sorbet. Good god, it's good. The Chocolate Garden is the signature dessert and features a decadent plate full of, you guessed it, chocolate. White, dark, milk, it's on the plate, and there is certainly enough to share around. Finish your night with a saké bomb and you and your girlfriends will be merrily trotting home, completely satisfied and with a light buzz. What better way to spend Valentine's day than with great friends, exceptional food, and Saké?
When winter rolls around, it can be mighty tempting to just spend the entire season holed up at home in front of the telly. But we did enough of that last winter. This year, it's all about getting out and exploring everything our country has to offer in the cooler months. Roasting marshmallows in front of an open fire. Foraging for truffles, then enjoying your spoils in a decadent long lunch. And escaping the outdoor chill in one of the country's best art galleries. You'll find all this — and much more — in Canberra this season. We're here to help you carve out your ideal winter itinerary to the capital city. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Whatever happens to Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn) at Nevermore Academy in the second season of the Netflix series that bears her name, she'll be back at school afterwards. Before the sophomore run of the streaming hit begins dropping episodes from August 2025 — splitting season two into two parts, with the first arriving on Wednesday, August 6, then the second batch on Wednesday, September 3 —Wednesday has already been renewed for season three. Of course, all things Addams Family have been delighting audiences for almost 90 years, with the first-ever cartoon panel featuring the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky brood published in 1938. Following a lineup of other TV shows between the 60s and the 90s, as well as a range of films — live-action and animated alike in both cases — the first season of Netflix's take on the clan became and remains the most-viewed English-language series of all time on the streamer. As for when season three will hit and what's in store, details are unsurprisingly scarce given that season two hasn't yet premiered. "Our goal for season three is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can," Alfred Gough, one of the series' co-creators and showrunner alongside Miles Millar, told Netflix's Tudum. "We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday, added Millar. "We will be seeing more Addams family members and learning more family secrets in season three." The pair, who also penned Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — and are clearly fond of working with the filmmaker, since he's also behind Wednesday, including as both a director and an executive producer — are already promising to expand the Addams crew in season two. Enter Joanna Lumley (Amandaland) as Hester Frump, Wednesday's grandmother, for instance. In the show's second season, its black-clad protagonist is back at Nevermore Academy and being heralded as a hero thanks to her efforts in season one. Wednesday is characteristically unimpressed by the attention, the trailers so far illustrate. Soon, her focus is elsewhere, however, thanks to a premonition of her roommate Enid (Emma Myers, A Minecraft Movie) coming to a grave end, with Wednesday determined to do whatever she can to stop that from happening. Steve Buscemi (The Studio), Billie Piper (Kaos) and Thandiwe Newton (Mufasa: The Lion King) are also among the series' new cast additions in season two, while Catherine Zeta-Jones (National Treasure: Edge of History), Luis Guzmán (Justified: City Primeval) and Isaac Ordonez (Color Box) are back as Morticia, Gomez and Pugsley — plus Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (Dreamers) as Deputy Ritchie Santiago. Among its fresh faces, Evie Templeton (Criminal Record), Owen Painter (Tiny Beautiful Things), Noah B Taylor (Law & Order: Organised Crime), Frances O'Connor (The Twelve), Haley Joel Osment (Blink Twice), Heather Matarazzo (Paint) and Joonas Suotamo (The Acolyte) are also onboard — plus Christopher Lloyd (Hacks), following Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) among the stars of the 90s Addams Family films popping up in Wednesday. Fred Armisen (Fallout) remains Wednesday's take on Uncle Fester, though — one that Netflix is so keen on that there's been talk of a spinoff about the character. Check out the full trailer for Wednesday season two below: Wednesday season two arrives in two parts, with part one dropping on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 and part two on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, both via Netflix. We'll update you with more details about season three when they're announced. Read our full review of Wednesday season one. Images: Helen Sloan and Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025.
Located in Post Office Sqaure, Melt Brothers offers the type of toasted sandwiches you dreamed of as a kid (but your mum wouldn't let you use all the cheese in the fridge to make). Things start on the simple side — think ham, cheddar and tomato chutney or smashed avo with tomato and feta. But keep browsing through the menu and you'll hit the motherload — decadent toasties loaded with multiple types of cheese and more. Our pick is the M.C. Cheesy, which features mac 'n' cheese, maple bacon, smokey barbecue sauce, mozzarella and aged cheddar. For a vegetarian option, check out the Hippy Cheese, with grilled eggplant, mozzarella, basil pesto, capsicum and tomato loaded sandwiches. And the best part? They're all less than a tenner. For a truly indulgent meal, throw in some sides — like loaded potato gems or mozzarella sticks — and wash it down with a chocolate fudge thick shake.
Solar power helps save the world and is one of the easiest renewable energy sources to tap, and now you can source it from the comfort of your own home, office and even on a plane. Designers Kyuho Song and Bao Oh have created the Window Socket, a plug socket that harnesses solar energy to charge your appliances. Just attach it to any window that receives sunlight using the suction plate, and the solar panels on its rear will start collecting energy from the sun, which is then transformed into electrical energy via an in-built converter, which is then stored on an internal battery for immediate or later use. The socket takes 5-8 hours to charge completely and will last up to ten hours once fully charged. The greatest thing about the Window Socket is that it was designed for portability to allow electronic accessibility everywhere. So once charged you can carry it on the move and rejuvenate the iPod in your bag or take business outside and power your laptop in the park. This revolutionary technology is an evolution of pre-existing solar battery backup technology and will transform the accessibility of solar power for everyday users. However, the product is still in its concept phase, with the designers wanting to further improve its storage capacity and product efficiency before placing it on the market, so keep an eye out. [Via PSFK]
What do a Brisbane pub, a French vodka label and all things British have in common? And a huge dash of regency-era love, too? Combine all of the above and you get Crown Hotel's new bottomless garden brunch, aka your reason to head to Lutwyche each Saturday until the end of February. Your weekend plans now involve 90 minutes of bottomless spritz teapot cocktails in a regency-inspired garden decked out with wisteria and ivy, and with classical musicians giving modern tunes a spin. Yes, it's all very much influenced by Netflix's Bridgerton, and by the current regencycore trend — and it'll cost you $69 per person for a 90-minute sitting. Running from 12–2pm weekly, the event includes botanical-themed Grey Goose teapots pouring non-stop tipples in four varieties. One pairs watermelon, basil and elderflower, while another goes all in on strawberries, blueberries and lemongrass. There's a peach, raspberry and ginger number as well, and one made with berry jam and rosé. To eat, you'll get your choice of brunch dishes. Think: black truffle toasties, croque madams, prawn rolls, yellowtail kingfish topped with caviar, and confit duck. Everyone also receives a Grey Goose compressed watermelon lollipop to wrap things up. Bookings are essential, and dressing to suit the theme is up to you.
Keeping the romance alive can be difficult when your girlfriend is thousands of miles away and sometimes phonecalls, frequent visits and even video chat don't cut it. But Walter C. May has officially upped the ante on romantic gestures with this viral love letter. With his roommates, who just happen to be a band called the Daylights, May wrote a song called "I Hope This Gets To You", filmed silvery hands coming together to form faces that mouth the lyrics and unleashed it upon the Interwebs. It's already been tweeted by Katy Perry. May is hoping this video reaches his girlfriend, who's on the other side of the country at grad school, solely through the power of the viral internet, because he wants to show his lady that they "can feel close without having to be close every day." All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. https://youtube.com/watch?v=EjgtxVxE14A [via Gizmodo]
When Yours and Owls announced that it wasn't going ahead in 2024, joining the long list of music festivals scrapping plans for this year, it thankfully only put its fun on hold for a year. Returning in 2025 was always the intention, and now that big comeback has dates. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1–Sunday, March 2. Yours and Owls didn't completely sit 2024 out, however. Earlier in October, it held a pre-party, aka the event you put on when you can't put on the full festival experience at your usual time of the year because it doesn't work for your headliners' calendars. So, a tunes-filled shindig still took over the University of Wollongong campus — complete with Golden Features, Peking Duk, Alice Ivy, Anna Lunoe and more — to keep things warm for next year. [caption id="attachment_965220" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] There's no word yet as to who'll be taking to the stage when Yours and Owls starts autumn 2025 in the best possible way, but organisers have advised to expect details soon. It's been a rollercoaster ride of a few years for the fest. It only turned into its new site in 2023 after it was forced to cancel in 2022 when La Niña flooded its Stuart Park venue. Affectionately labelled 'Gong Christmas', Yours and Owls moved to UOW as part of the fest and university's three-year partnership, with the all-weather solutions available at the campus cited as one of the driving factors behind the team-up — plus the uni's picturesque green spaces and a mutual commitment towards carbon-emission reduction. [caption id="attachment_906428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Gleeson[/caption] 2023's Yours and Owls featured Oliver Tree, Chet Faker and Descendents, and also Hilltop Hoods, Earl Sweatshirt, Golden Features, Ocean Alley, Flight Facilities and Pendulum — so expect 2025's fest to be worth waiting for. Confirmation that the event will be back next year follows locked in details for the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 for a heap of fellow festivals, such as Laneway, Golden Plains, Bluesfest (for the last time), Wildlands, Good Things, Lost Paradise, Beyond The Valley and Meredith. [caption id="attachment_906426" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ruby Bowland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_906427" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] Yours and Owls will return to Wollongong on Saturday, March 1–Sunday, March 2, 2025. Head to the festival website for more details.
The Sunshine State's latest of lockdowns is coming to an end, after multiple parts of Queensland were put under stay-at-home conditions for three days this week, and folks in in the Brisbane and Moreton Bay Local Government Areas were locked down for four days. From 6pm today, Saturday, July 3, there'll be no stay-at-home conditions in place statewide. New restrictions are coming into effect, however, and will apply until 6pm on Friday, July 16 — including mandatory mask-wearing. In the Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan, Redlands, Ipswich, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim, the Lockyer Valley and Somerset LGAs in southeast Queensland, plus Townsville, Palm Island and Magnetic Island, covering up is compulsory for the next fortnight. So, if you're spending any time anywhere other than in your own house, you'll be masking up. This isn't a new development, with the latest mask mandate first coming into effect on Tuesday, June 29. It was originally meant to run for two weeks from that date, but that has now been extended. Accordingly, you'll still need to keep covering up whenever you leave home — which includes places such as shopping centres, public transport, hospitals, aged care facilities and churches. And, you'll need to mask up in workplaces where you can't maintain physical distancing and it's safe to wear a mask. You'll need them outdoors, too, unless you're doing vigorous exercise. You'll also need to always carry a mask with you when you aren't at home, obviously. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1411147986931896324 Announcing the end of lockdown for Brisbane and Moreton Bay and the new restrictions coming into effect at a press conference today, Saturday, July 3, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that it's "really important to wear your mask. These masks are mandatory. Now, there could be some other community cases out there, so we really need people to wear their masks." In the past 24 hours, Queensland reported five new locally acquired cases, with 47 cases currently active in the Sunshine State at the time of writing. As always, Queenslanders are asked to keep social distancing, and maintaining the hygiene practices that have been in place since March 2020. You're also requested to keep checking the state's list of exposure sites — and to get tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms. Face masks will be mandatory in the Greater Brisbane area until 6pm on Friday, July 16. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. More details about the lockdown, masks and associated restrictions can also be found on the Queensland Health website.
Back in simpler times, say about 30 years ago, it felt like every special occasion was topped off with a slice of Viennetta. Call it nostalgia, but this frozen treat seemed like the height of culinary indulgence, at least compared to the usual scoop of the most generic Neapolitan ice cream imaginable. However, things have changed in the world of dessert, especially since serious ice creameries like Gelato Messina hit the big time. Now that most of us have somewhat higher expectations when it comes to rounding out our meals, inspired creations like the Milo Messinetta offer a throwback bite with a lot more quality. Conceived as the ultimate Aussie summer dessert — and playing on the once-loved Viennetta — the experts at Messina have teamed up with the malt-based favourite to serve a reimagined frozen dessert featuring Milo gelato layered with Milo fudge and chunks of baked Milo cheesecake, finished with Milo crème chantilly. As malty as it sounds, the Milo Messinetta is available for pre-order online from Tuesday, October 14, or for pick up in stores from Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19. For those seeking even more Messina-Milo goodness, the crew has also whipped up a decadent Milo Dinosaur Sundae for its Keng Eng Kee collaboration.
Sport and exercise should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to participate. That's the message behind a new partnership between Decathlon Australia and SportsBox — the creator of solar-powered smart lockers stacked with free sports equipment. In fact, new research from Decathlon reveals that over two-thirds of Australians struggle with the cost of playing sport and exercising, meaning this forward-thinking initiative might just deliver the ideal solution. First arriving in Queensland — lockers are now live at Beth Boyd Park and Raby Esplanade Park in Redland City — Decathlon and SportsBox have 20 more planned to roll out across Australia in the coming months. Naturally, that means more people playing sport, living a healthy lifestyle and linking up with their community. "With 73% of Australians saying cost is a barrier to getting active, we're excited to partner with SportsBox to make sports more affordable and accessible. Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy sport, and we hope more governments and councils across the nation follow Queensland's lead to help build healthier, more active communities," says Danny Sekulich, CEO of Decathlon Australia More fitness-focused than your usual on-demand app, SportsBox makes it easy for users to get their hands on free equipment. Just download the app, find your nearest locker and select the gear you need to get up and moving. Inside, you can expect to find netballs, volleyballs, basketballs, soccer balls and more, all tailored to the specific location. Plus, the company is currently developing smart lockers for racquet sports. "More than a third of Aussies say they'd play more sport if equipment were easier to access, and we're excited to help make that possible by providing free on-demand sports gear from Decathlon in locally placed SportsBox lockers, so now anyone can start playing anytime," says Jodie Dunstan, Co-Founder of SportsBox. At the same time, medical professionals like Dr Robyn Littlewood, CEO at Health and Wellbeing Queensland, are also getting behind the concept. "The development of the SportsBox product has the potential to improve access to equipment for people to be physically active, and support community engagement across Queensland, both of which can play a role in improving the health of Queenslanders." SportsBox Equipped by Decathlon is currently available at Beth Boyd Park and Raby Esplanade Park in Redland City, Queensland. Head to the website for more information.
Tasmania's sinister winter music and arts festival Dark Mofo scrapped its 2020 festivities due to the pandemic, but that cancellation has turned out to be a one-off. The event returned in 2021 — amid controversy over an artwork that was announced and then ditched — and it has just confirmed that it'll be back again in June 2022, too. Next year's festival will run between Wednesday, June 15–Wednesday, June 22 in Hobart, if you're already thinking about how to spend the frostiest part of 2022. Run by the Museum of Old and New Art, it'll be funded by $2.5 million from the Tasmanian Government, plus another $2.5 million from MONA owner David Walsh. And, it'll also receive dedicated marketing support from Tourism Tasmania. The event's program won't be announced until sometime in autumn — usually it drops in April or May — but it's set to explore "the ideas of rebirth, reincarnation, and new life". "After the death of the 2020 festival, and a near-death experience in 2021, we're beginning the next era of Dark Mofo," said Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael. "As the world emerges from the darkness of COVID-19, we're hoping Dark Mofo 2022 will provide opportunities for us to reconnect and celebrate winter in the manner we'd become accustomed to prior to the health restrictions around travel and events." [caption id="attachment_800592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lusy Productions[/caption] Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels, for instance. In 2021, the program included a vibrating chamber filled with light, guided night walks through Hobart led by teenagers, 49 search lights beaming up into the sky and multiple performances by Sonic Youth founder Thurston Moore. Dark Mofo will run from Wednesday, June 15–Wednesday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2022 program will be announced in autumn. Top Image: Jesse Hunniford.
Good things come in small packages. Many small packages. Up to ten courses, in fact. This is the beauty of the degustation menu. Degustation is a fancy French word for tasting carefully in order to fully appreciate. It’s an experience, not just a feed, and it’s well worth the price tag. If you’re of the foodie persuasion, move with haste to get yourself in front of one of these fantastic Brisbane degustation menus. Urbane In Brisbane, Urbane is synonymous with the finest of fine dining. Executive Chef Alejandro Cancino (The Good Food Guide’s 2013 Chef of the Year) designs the five ($110) and seven ($135) course menus around the freshest local produce and his team’s favourite cooking techniques, resulting in an innovative and unique dining experience. Dishes may include octopus with green apple, avocado and rye, or egg yolk with watercress and leek. As an added bonus, both the five and seven course menu are available as vegetarian. Add matching wines to the five-course menu for $60, or to the seven-course for $100. 181 Mary Street, Brisbane Esquire Brisbane’s only three-hatted restaurant is adored by many, and its Campari, orange, curds and whey dessert is considered one of Brisbane’s iconic dishes. The degustation menu, ranging from seven to fifteen courses, changes daily depending on the freshest local produce and the whim of Executive Chef Ryan Squires and Head Chef Ben Devlin and will set you back around $130. Sample menu items include the aforementioned curds and whey, pork tail with malt, thyme and cabbage, suckling pig leg ham, and blue mackerel with cavolo nero, onion and juniper. 145 Eagle Street, Brisbane ] Sake The contemporary Japanese dining menu at Sake is a big one. This is where the ‘Cherry Blossom’ ($88) and ‘Shinichi’s Spring Selection’ ($115) tasting menus come in handy. Crafted by Head Chef Shinichi Maeda, both are eight courses long, and dishes include the tender sunomono snow king crab on a fresh tomato consume & bonito jelly, an ever-changing sashimi selection, venison tataki, wagyu dumpling and more. Complement your meal with a little something from the cocktail menu, such as the ominously named Godzilla (absinthe, lychee liqueur, lime and shiso leaves, $22). 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane Restaurant II Restaurant II is another longstanding fine dining icon, having operated in the beautiful 2 Edward Street building under the watchful eye of Head Chef David Pugh for more than ten years. The ten-course modern Australian degustation menu is based on local produce, changes each month, and costs $150 (plus $60 with matching wines). Possible courses include seared scallops, smoked venison loin, roasted quail, and raspberry and lemon grass soup. 2 Edward Street, Brisbane Deer Duck Blink and you’ll miss this cosy nook on Milton Road, Auchenflower. Deer Duck offers old school decadence and is also the only restaurant on this list that offers BYO ($10 corkage) as well as matched wines. You can choose from a five-course ($75 plus $35 with matching wines) or eight-course ($120 plus $55 with matching wines) menu, featuring dishes including textures of beetroot with tomato and goats curd, pressed lamb with cauliflower puree, and chocolate forest. Head Chef Nicholas Cooper has also created equivalent vegetarian menus for the less carnivorous among us. 396 Milton Road, Auchenflower Sono Refined, elegant and delicious, Sono’s 6 course tasting menu ($88 plus $45 with matched beverages) is a tasty journey into contemporary Japanese cuisine. Fresh salmon sashimi, tuna belly sushi, seared wagyu, and the most delicious crab meat croquette all make an appearance along with expertly matched wine and sake, and the service is just as good as the food. 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton Anise With its intimate atmosphere, bar style seating, and hardworking record player, Anise is one of Brisbane’s best date locations. And what better way to while away a few of hours with the one you love than with Head Chef David Grant’s seven course degustation ($100 plus $55 with matching wines). Scallops, wagyu and duck liver parfait all feature on the current menu, and the matching wines are well worth the extra dosh. 697 Brunswick Street, New Farm View all Brisbane Restaurants.
In the middle of the year, Melbourne received one of the city's rare pieces of good news for 2020, all thanks to the opening of Cannoleria's huge dedicated cannoli factory. If you love Sicilian sweet treats but you live elsewhere around the country, the dessert joint is now sharing the love your way, too — delivering its DIY cannoli kits around Australia. Fans of crunchy pastry tubes piped full of fresh ricotta, rejoice. The nationwide expansion is a collaboration with Co-Lab Pantry, and sees the kits available in New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. And, you have two options: a 12-cannoli kit, using mini shells, or a six-cannoli kit with full-sized shells. Whichever you choose, you'll be paying $24 — and you'll receive your chosen type of shell, a 450-gram piping bag of ricotta filling from Cannoleria's sibling venue That's Amore Cheese, and crushed pistachio and icing sugar as a garnish. Extra shells, in the large size, are also available to purchase for $9 (because no one can eat just a couple of cannoli). Also, because there's never a bad time to pick up new skills — but 2020 has certainly been the year for it — Cannoleria is also hosting a virtual cannoli class. Run by chef and co-owner Dario Di Clerico, the Zoom session will teach you how to make the traditional Sicilian dessert, from whipping up the dough and turning it into tubes to filling it with sweet ricotta, at 11am on Saturday, October 17. Tickets cost $65, which includes a Cannoleria school bag filled with cannoli-making ingredients delivered to your door. To order Cannoleria's DIY cannoli kits, visit the store's website.
Being an adult Disney fan in southeast Queensland is easy right now. The Mouse House's movies can be watched and rewatched (then rewatched again) thanks to the company's very own streaming service, and there's no shortage of other events — outdoor cinemas, musicals, exhibitions and more — around the place. But if you're looking for something special to celebrate a whole century of the company's wares, and you're particularly fond of all the earworm songs its flicks have gotten stuck in your head over the years, then a big 100th-anniversary Disney concert is just the ticket. Disney 100: The Concert hops on a trend that's been popular for a few years now, pairing beloved movies with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack as you watch. This time, though, you'll be seeing clips of the Mouse House's musical hits rather than watching an entire feature. There's just that much to get through, given the company's massive film catalogue. Making its Queensland stopover at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast over two shows across Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1, 2023, the concert will bust out tracks from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Moana and Encanto, as well as Pocahontas, Aladdin, Tangled, Hercules and Frozen. At the venue's outdoor stage, an orchestra will be in charge of the tunes, with exact details to be revealed — and a yet-to-be-announced a lineup of Australian musical theatre stars will be lending their voices to the production, which focuses on Disney's animated favourites. Also featuring: performers Genevieve McCarthy (Mythic, Les Misérables) and Amy Manford (The Phantom of the Opera) from MM Creative Productions, which is behind the production. If Disney's music soundtracked your childhood — and still does your adulthood — being this show's guest is a delightfully easy decision. Disney 100: The Concert will play HOTA, Home of the Arts on Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1, 2023. Pre-sale tickets are available now, with general public tickets on sale from 9am AEST on Thursday, October 20. Images: Jarrad Seng.
They started as an opening act for the Beastie Boys. They've been fighting the power for almost four decades. They're no strangers to big hats and giant clocks, or for fighting for a worthy cause. They've been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2013. They'll forever come to mind whenever Def Jam and Long Island come up. They're Public Enemy, of course, and they're about to get Australia believing the hype when they bring the noise — and their latest tour — Down Under in October 2024. Chuck D, Flavor Flav and company have announced six Aussie dates for their spring visit, starting in Perth at Red Hill Auditorium. From there, they'll head to Adelaide's AEC Theatre, John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Sydney's Hordern Pavilion and Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, before ending the trip in Brisbane at Eatons Hill Outdoor. Audiences, you're gonna get yours when the icons take to the stage to play through 37 years of tunes that began with 1987 singles 'Public Enemy No 1' and, yes, 'You're Gonna Get Yours', all from their debut studio album Yo! Bum Rush the Show. Expect tracks from 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and 1990's Fear of a Black Planet — two of the most-influential records of the period, and home to 'Bring the Noise', 'Don't Believe the Hype', 'Rebel Without a Pause', '911 Is a Joke' and 'Fight the Power' — as well, through to songs from 2020's What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, their most-recent album. For company, Public Enemy have AB Original in support, pairing one classic duo with another in Briggs and Trials — and matching the US group's commitment to social rights activism with an Australian act just as devoted to standing up against injustice. Public Enemy last played in Australia a decade ago, on a 2014 tour that included Golden Plains, plus gigs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Launceston. Public Enemy On the Grid 35th Anniversary Tour Dates: Wednesday, October 2 — Red Hill Auditorium, Perth Friday, October 4 — AEC Theatre, Adelaide Saturday, October 5 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Wednesday, October 9 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Friday, October 11 — Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Saturday, October 12 — Eatons Hill Outdoor, Brisbane Public Enemy are touring Australia in October 2024, with Telstra presales from 10am local time on Friday, June 28, Ticketek presales from 10am local time on Monday, July 1 and general sales from 10am local time on Tuesday, July 2 — head to the tour website for further details.
Eager to take your dog for a drink? Keen to help support an organisation that assists animals in need? Fancy adding some canine cuteness to your Sunday-afternoon sipping session? Then look no further than Pups and Pints, which is returning for winter to deliver exactly what it sounds like — including adorable fluffballs to pat if you don't have your own to bring along. Taking place from 2–6pm on Sunday, July 28, this iteration of the event sees Brewdog DogTap Brisbane and Safe Haven Animal Rescue Inc join forces — bringing four-legged friends to the Murarrie watering hole to support Safe Haven and raise funds. Just by drinking from the karma keg, you'll be doing your part. Entry is free, but you'll obviously need your wallet for the brews. And for your barking bestie, there'll be barkuterie boards, dog beers and mini sessions with a professional pet photographer. Of course, there's another way that you can lend a hand: not just cuddling Safe Haven's pups, but adopting one.
If you've ever wondered how Nicole Kidman would handle a PR scandal, Optics has the answer. Actors crossing boundaries, sports stars behaving badly, wellness entrepreneurs with little regard for their employees' wellbeing: the ABC's new satirical comedy is filled with crises across its six-episode first season, and they all require a woman sporting one of Australia's most-famous names to help smooth things over. Of course, the Nicole Kidman, star of Babygirl, Expats, The Perfect Couple, A Family Affair, Spellbound and Special Ops: Lioness in the past year alone — and plenty more since her BMX Bandits and Bush Christmas days in the early 80s — isn't at the heart of the series. Rather, Optics co-creator, co-writer and co-lead Jenna Owen plays another Nicole Kidman. Alongside Vic Zerbst's Greta Goldman, the show's Nic has big dreams and ambition to burn; however, the Gen Z duo aren't being given their shot at PR firm Fritz & Randell when Optics begins. By the time that the series' first episode is over, though, the office's youngest employees are running the place — after a death in the business, plus oblivious veteran Ian Randell (The Chaser's Charles Firth), son of one of the company's founders, being passed over for fresh faces. With his leadership choice, owner Bobby Bahl (Claude Jabbour, Last King of the Cross) is responsible for a bit of spin himself, but Nicole and Greta are determined to make their mark in the gig. That's the Optics setup, as Fritz & Randell's two new head honchos also navigate airlines chaos, a major telco outage and a publicity stunt gone wrong. Friends for over a decade, and creative partners as Freudian Nip, Owen and Zerbst's shared resume boasts content for Comedy Central and The Feed, collaborating with Firth on The Chaser's War on 2020, popping up as Asgardians in Thor: Love and Thunder, and penning and leading 2024 festive flick Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story — alongside Owen's acting credits in Puberty Blues, Squinters, Eden, Joe vs Carole, Wellmania, Queen of Oz and Mother and Son, and Zerbst's voice work on 100% Wolf: The Book of Hath. A show like Optics was always the dream, they tell Concrete Playground. Various stops along their path helped inspire the series, which Firth is also behind, including the trio's intergenerational banter when parodying a year no one wants to remember, plus taking cues for Nicole and Greta from characters from Owen and Zerbst's time at SBS. "They're very much inspired by characters we had been working on at The Feed at SBS," explains Zerbst. "They were more government kind of girls who try to rebrand strategies around different crises — how to rebrand a company after there's been the destruction of a sacred site or how to rebrand Australia as a nation after there's bad publicity. So we always had interests in characters who are commentating on the media circuit and the news stories, and finding creative ways to resell that back to the audience." And Nicole Kidman? "In terms of the names of the characters, I mean there was just a moment, I think it was Jen being like 'I want my character to be called Nicole Kidman' — and we laughed and laughed. And we're like 'we'll change it when it's no longer funny'. And it never stopped being funny, so we were like 'it stays, it absolutely stays'. Now it's here and it's iconic," Zerbst continues. "It stays. I think it's just the optics of being named Nicole Kidman when you're working in something media-facing. And also being someone that's desperately trying — we just kept laughing, we were like 'imagine being desperately trying to make a name for yourself, but your name is already a name of itself'. And we just thought that was a really hilarious foil to this girl that is so desperate, clearly, for attention and status," notes Owen. "So that is the story of that. It's just funny. And I would love to be friends with the real Nicole Kidman." "We're peppering it in for a Nicole Kidman cameo one day. We just need to get her to watch it and go 'that's funny'," says Zerbst. "Get her on board? Absolutely," adds Owen. The IRL Kidman mightn't make an appearance in Optics so far, but the guest cast is stacked: Grey's Anatomy's Kate Walsh ("all of her choices were just total improvisation — we learned so much from her in that capacity," advises Owen) and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga's Josh Helman ("literally Charles Firth went to see Death of a Salesman and saw him play the son, and he was like 'this is the most-amazing actor'," Zerbst notes) for starters, plus also everyone from Nakkiah Lui (Preppers) and Nash Edgerton (Wolf Like Me) to Rhys Muldoon (Bay of Fires) and Craig Reucassel as well. The scandals faced by Owen, Zerbst, Firth and their impressive list of co-stars — Belinda Giblin (Home and Away) also plays the firm's Executive Assistant and Bali Padda (Over and Out) is Ian's loyal offsider — in Optics should all sound familiar. If they feel like they've been ripped from recent headlines, that's down to the cyclical nature of many of the crises covered, whether footballers are making regrettable decisions at the end of the season, the secrets of Hollywood stars are being exposed or big-name companies relied upon by many are stuffing up. It's also a testament to the show's spot-on satire and savvy choices. Optics is smart and astute — and very funny — about the PR strategies deployed as much as the scenarios its skewering, the publicity-literate nature of today's audiences, and changing workplace dynamics and intergenerational conflict, too. We also chatted with Owen and Zerbst about all of the above. On How Much Time Zerbst and Owen Have Spent Digging Into IRL PR Crises Vic: "It's been mostly when we were writing the show. We've been writing the show over a three-year period, and so we're always kind of across all the little scandals that rear their heads. What we've realised is a lot of patterns emerge in the types of scandals that come up. So we ended up writing an episode that was very much inspired by the Qantas Chairman's Lounge, and we wrote an episode about that, and it just so happened that there was all this news about the Qantas Chairman's Lounge after the episodes were already written. So there's certain things, certain bastions of power, that always have news filtering around them. So we realised that those were the best kind of scandals to dig into." Jenna: "It's truly amazing because, I would hope that people, on top of people loving it, they also go 'wow, geniuses, incredible, never been done before' — because it truly has been lucky, in the sense that this show was written three years ago or has been in the pipeline for a long time. And the resurgence of how many scandals that we were writing three years ago and the way in which they reemerged is actually so comical to us, because it feels like the best publicity for the show. But everything, everything in the show, has reared its head again — if it's not the same scandal re-emerging because someone's jumped on a PR circuit and is doing podcasts, like what's happening with Armie Hammer right now. He's coming out and telling his side, which is making all kinds of new content, which is hilarious." Vic: "Or even the Matilda Djerf scandal, with Djerf Avenue, that was very much of interest to us. The idea of the female CEO or female girlboss going down — there's just so many peaks and troughs of personal identity and branding. Even going back in time, and watching the Martha Stewart documentary and seeing anytime anyone has power, how there is a rise and fall, and scandals ensue when you're dealing with big money, big corporations and big personal branding." On the Timeliness of Some of Optics' Episodes Being Purely Coincidental — Such as Its AFL Scandal Jenna: "Absolutely. The amount of people that sent me, just because they knew it was of interest — we have a few friends that have been in and around the AFL machine — the amount of people that sent me the apology videos that footballers had done, that was just actually insane how much it mimicked what we had written. And I think it makes sense, because did do our research, we did speak to people who are on our side of the business in the show — as in people from crisis management — and we did speak to people who have been involved in the institutions that we're critiquing. So it makes sense, but I think we just never really understood just how cyclical this thing was going to be, and just how much it will re-emerge and re-form. And it's exhausting. I mean literally what's happening with Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively right now is incredible. If you said that we were going to have another metric of the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp situation in its new and evolved form …" Vic: "And even the conversation being tilted towards the idea of public relations or crisis management people, hiring those people. Public relations crisis management workers, what they do, that's become a conversation. It's been really insane timing for the show." On Writing the Show in Highly PR-Literate Times, for an Audience Familiar Not Just with the Type of Crises Featured But Also the Spin Used Jenna: "What I think we fought hard for in this show was arguing, in our rewrites and in our discussions with network, we really did say 'listen, this is how smart audiences are now'. And I think that really helped us. I think that it's a show that doesn't over-explain things, that moves very quickly. Our characters speak very quickly. We implore the audience to just absolutely, we drop them into the world, we don't give them any real setup and exposition. I, personally, love the literacy of the audience. I think Vic and I, in our whole careers, have always assumed that the audience has a pretty high literacy of how media works and deceives you. We have always operated like and written like that. I think with this show, what is amazing is that the This Ends with Us conversation is even a new level, where the entire conversation is almost about how these parties outside of the individuals are operating and manufacturing a story. That's a level above the Amber Heard–Johnny Depp stuff, where that was more of the deep dive of what was going on. This is now fully in the public domain, and upfront in the story. But yeah, we loved that. Because nobody, as a writer and as a performer, you don't want to over-explain things. You don't want to have to hold the audience by the hand. And I don't think that we've done that for one second in this show, and that makes it really enjoyable to write, really." Vic: "It's like all the information is background detail — if you know it already, that's even better for us, because you don't have to explain what that is. And we can just go into what is essentially an intergenerational office comedy, where it's about old school versus new school. And the scandal of the weeks are so interesting but so fun to satirise, because they're based on these true things that the more people know about them, I think the more they'll get out of the show — because they'll see and notice certain things, and then we can twist and make turns. We can invent the WANKA play, if you already have an understanding of what DARVO is. So I think it is helpful, and we love and embrace the media literacy of the audience 100 percent." On Optics' Intergenerational Conflict Springing From Zerbst and Owen's Experience Working with Charles Firth Vic: "It was exactly that. We were working on a webseries with Charles Firth, The War on 2020, and even while we were working on that show we would just have so many funny moments where we would have different media points of reference and different ways of …" Jenna: "Generational touchpoints. And honestly, every day was a delight, in that sort of dialogue that you do see between Greta and Nicole and Ian in the show. That is our entire relationship with Charles. He often will make a reference to something, just like how you see in the show. In the pilot where it's like 'oh, I understand now, it's exactly like the Children Overboard scandal or whatever' — and Vic and I'll go 'huh?'. Of course we understand what he's saying or we know what he's talking about, but we have a different generational touchpoint to him. And so that kind of mutual understanding, which in the show, they mutually understand what's going on but they have totally different touchpoints of how they understand it and frameworks. And I think that's such an exciting thing to have in a show, because it just makes for intergenerational viewing, and that's what we what we wanted with this show. I think when we were trying to get the show up, it really did help that it was the three of us in the pitches, because everyone just went 'oh yeah, I see how this is going to work. I see how this will work'." On Subverting the Usual Workplace Comedy Dynamic with the Younger, More Switched-On Employees Taking Charge Instead of an Oblivious Veteran Vic: "I love that — I love that that's an amazing insight into that flip. I don't even think it was even that conscious for us. I think it came from us navigating this world of this industry, where suddenly we had people listening to us and we felt empowered enough in our voice to talk to people — especially older people, especially older men, in meetings, in pitch meetings — where we felt that we had a lot to say, and we understood social media better than they did. And then it just became that natural dynamic. I think that there is a lot of that shift because a lot of new Gen Z and Millennial workers have a comparative advantage in understanding a lot of the new technologies. There is this shift now in the workplace where young people have certain expertise that is really needed. And it's also something I see watching my dad, who's unable to do any technology, and seeing how he struggles in his workplace. He's a teacher, but he just becomes so disempowered within that. And there's really funny moments of that, but there definitely has been this age switch in the workplace that I think we've wanted to represent." Jenna: "Exactly. There's this line that I never, never even realised was funny, but now I do realise it's funny, in like the last episode, that Vic says 'we deserve this. We've been working at this firm for eight months'. And I'm like 'that's such a dog whistle for the Gen X, for the Boomers to laugh at' — being like 'you entitled millennials'. But the point is, yes, we can understand how dismissive that is of the experience that someone has that they've been working in a job for 20 years. But the point is that the world is changing so fast, and it's extremely jarring for everybody. Vic and I are still trying to catch up — are we on TikTok? Are we on RedNote? We're still caught in that washing machine as well. So I think the point is, yeah, we have been working at the firm for eight months, but the knowledge that we have eclipses those people who have been working at the firm for 25 years because of the way the world shifts and changes. And the companies that make the money or the stories that get picked up are the ones that are adapted to this new media cycle and structure. So it's one of those things that I think people will watch the show and root for people in different ways, and have different opinions on that. I mean a lot of Millennials, I think, will feel like 'yeah, I am the one that got the video for our company's brand up to two-million views and that increased sales by whatever percentage' — but they're still going to be dismissed by their older bosses for being the TikTok girls. This is the kind of conversation that's really interesting. And I think what we always say about this show is we're two parties, Greta and Nicole, and Ian, who fundamentally will work together to make the world a worst place — that's our sort of catch cry for the show. But that's the kind of dynamic and the stuff we definitely wanted to explore." Vic: "And it's also about a fantasy. It's like 'what if you give that begrudging younger employee the ability to have that ultimate power?'. And I think the journey for us is realising 'oh, it's really fun to think, oh, I'd the boss, I'd be amazing'. Then you go 'oh, there's so much more pressure and disaster-level stress that comes with being a boss'. I'm sure a lot of older people will be like 'yeah, you want to be the boss? Well, let's show you how hard it is'. And that's our journey as well, being like 'this is really bad — this is hard'." On the Approach to Moral Ambiguity — and Ensuring That Greta and Nicole Aren't Always the White Knights Doing the Right Thing the Whole Time Vic: "We always knew that we wanted the show to be a critique of the structures, the structures of media, the structures of power, and it was about people struggling within that structure, and people who are trying to uphold the structure, and what happens to you as an individual when you are unable to both live your personal values while also succeeding within a structure. So I think that allowed us to really see that these people can be morally ambiguous, they can try to play, but there's always this internal conflict: 'I want to do the right thing, but I also know that the system will reward me for X behaviour, so you have to do X behaviour'. I think that's the kind of moral tracking we want to follow with the girls. And then you see a character who has maybe more internalised the inner workings of that structure, and then you see how they got there. And I think we always have endless, endless empathy for our characters and endless, endless critique for the structures that make people select for or against behaviours that make them feel uncomfortable with who they are as people." Jenna: "Absolutely. And also it is such a simplification to say that women enter the spaces of moral ambiguity and are the white knights or are the victims. I think that we do need to explore those nuances that exist. Greta and Nicole can both be manipulated and disempowered by the Bobby Bahls that be, but also be acting in a way that is unethical, that doesn't have that moral centre. And just because we're women doesn't necessarily mean that we are going to tap into that moral centre. It maybe means that we have more of a moral centre coming in, but that's how powerful these other external forces are. And this idea, ultimately they do want to succeed as well, and what does it mean to succeed under a system like this? I think Vic and I are both, just from a character point of view, from an acting point of view, there are so many women in this world that inhabit these spaces in a way that is super interesting and morally bankrupt. In PR crisis management, the people that do bury the story about the sexual assault or whatever, a lot of those people are women. A lot of the people in the Justin Baldoni case with Blake Lively, a lot of those people are women. And then if you want to go to the other extreme of that, you can look at someone like Ghislaine Maxwell. We do live in a society where women are trying to succeed under this system at the cost of their own moral integrity. I think it's really exciting to portray that in the space and time that we are now, where we've had so many conversations over here about how women are disempowered. But I think it's also important that we have conversations about how women enact that power, especially white women in this world as well, enact that power as well under these structures. We're excited by that and that's the best thing to act. What could be better?" On Whether Making a Series Like Optics Was Always the Dream When Zerbst and Owen First Met and Started Working Together Vic: "Yeah." Jenna: "Yeah." Vic: "Always. It was always the dream. It was always having a TV show where you come up with episodes, ideas, writing, acting. That was always it — I don't think there was anything else. And especially for the ABC, it means a lot to us to be on an Australian broadcaster — yeah, it means a lot." Jenna: "Absolutely. And it is a dream, and so many people within the industry and outside of the industry are truly amazed that it happened in there, and we have to say so are we. Because we aren't tried-and-true talent. We're not at that stage of our career where we have this guaranteed. We're not household names. And so it is a risk and it is exciting. And I think it's exactly — selfishly, I'm like 'it's exactly what the ABC should be doing'. But it is. It's exactly what the ABC should be doing, not just for us, but for so many more shows and talent and upcoming talent — which is also very funny to say when you've been working for ten years, but it's still true. This was always our dream — always, always our dream. And I do have to say, the level of autonomy that we've been given in this show from Easy Tiger, the production company that we're working with, from The Chaser with them as well, and with ABC, it's so, so rare — to yes, be an executive producer on this show at our age, with our experience, and to be in it and to be writing on it. That's an unheard of level of trust. I do think that you see it in the show. You do see that we've had that level of trust, because it does feel different and it does feel new." Vic: "It does feel very unique." Jenna: "And we've learned so much from this season, and we're just absolutely so excited to implement what we have learnt as well as first-timers into the next season — praise be. It's exciting. For us, we can't even believe the level of autonomy we've been granted, and that was always the dream, because Vic and I, that's how we started. We always had autonomy. We were operating on this small scale. We always wrote our own things. We were given complete freedom. And that's how we got a following, or that's how we had some success. So to be able to continue that on greater scale is what everyone in the world wants." Vic: "Absolutely." Optics streams via ABC iView.
The annual festival of lights, art and music has revealed the first three installations in its 2021 program. The three installations include an immersive sound and light display in Cockle Bay, a 3D projection encompassing Circular Quay's Customs House and the projection of an artist's creative process in The Rocks. The announcement came 100 days before Vivid 2021 is set to begin, coinciding with the launch of two luminous clocks counting down to the festival's 'lights on' moment on Friday, August 6. You can visit the clocks which are ticking away at First Fleet Park in The Rocks and Wulugul Walk in Barangaroo. Following a breakout year of immersive walkthrough experiences, Sydneysiders will be able to head to Cockle Bay and wander across a floating walkway surrounded by 200 bubble-like spheres and towering structures scattered across the bay. The installation, titled Ephemeral, is the work of Sydney design studio Atelier Sisu and will be the first time Cockle Bay's waters have been incorporated into Vivid. [caption id="attachment_809931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ephemeral, Destination NSW[/caption] Hong Kong's Treacle Media are responsible for Circular Quay's VORAX, a three-dimensional projection that will tell the story of a mischievous thief's rise to greatness in front of Customs House. Down the road in The Rocks, local artist Brad Robson and Esem Projects will project Robson's spellbinding portraits, as well as his process of creating them for the installation Point of View. "Vivid Sydney is a bright star on Sydney's events calendar supporting the entire ecosystem of the state's visitor economy," NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said. "It brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and inspires locals to get out and enjoy Sydney and support our CBD businesses during winter which is typically a quieter period." Vivid will activate a little later than usual this year with the event tipped to run from Friday, August 6 until Saturday, August 28. It follows the cancellation of the 2020 event due to coronavirus. This year's full program is set to be announced in late May. Vivid Sydney 2021 will take place from August 6–28, 2021. We'll update you when the full program is released closer to the event date. For more information in the interim, visit the event's website. Top images: Destination NSW
Tossing up between waves and still water? Go to Inskip Recreation Area — a 500-metre wide peninsula — and you won't have to decide. Spend all morning fumbling about on your board and all arvo doing nothing on your lilo. When you need coffee and people, Rainbow Beach is just a 15-minute drive away (check out our weekender's guide here for things to do in town). The campground is divided into four sections, which are named after local shipwrecks, with varying levels of accessibility and comfort. You're welcome to take your dog, as long as he or she sticks to the leash and watches out for crocs (as should you). Reservations are necessary. Image: Nick Boustead via Tourism and Events Queensland
The most famous building in Australia is about to hit a huge milestone, with the Sydney Opera House turning 50 when October 2023 rolls around. Over those five decades, the iconic arts venue has hosted a dream lineup of shows, productions and gigs on its stages — and it has another in store to help mark its massive anniversary. An occasion this huge was never going to pass without plenty of celebrations, so the Opera House is planning a hefty lineup that'll serve up just that. Kicking off in October this year, the 50th-anniversary season will run for an entire 12 months. And while the bulk of it won't be announced until later in 2022, the venue has just revealed its first show: Amadeus starring Michael Sheen. The Welsh actor boasts a resume spanning everything from Masters of Sex and Tron: Legacy to The Queen and Twilight — Frost/Nixon, the Underworld flicks, Alice in Wonderland and Good Omens, too — and, from 1998–99 in London and also on Broadway, this very play. Back then, he took on the role of Mozart; however, this time he'll step into Antonio Salieri's shoes, aka the Italian composer posited to be the titular figure's bitter adversary. [caption id="attachment_860816" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amadeus by Peter Shaffer. Directed by Peter Hall, with David Suchet as Antonio Salieri and Michael Sheen as Motzart. Performed at The Old Vic in London in 1998. Credit: Geraint Lewis / ArenaPAL.[/caption] Sheen's stint at the Opera House comes as part of Amadeus' Australian-exclusive season, which'll take over the site's newly revamped Concert Hall from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Saturday, January 21, 2023. He'll play opposite Rahel Romahn (Here Out West) as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, plus Lily Balatincz (Constellations) as Constanze Mozart, all bringing a fierce — and fictitious — classical music rivalry to life. If you're new to Amadeus, which first hit the stage in 1979 in London — six years after the Opera House opened its doors — it reimagines Mozart and Salieri's lives as the latter struggles to come to terms with the former's talent. In 1981, for its first Broadway run, it nabbed the 1981 Tony Award for Best Play. In 1984, after being turned into a movie, it also won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture. And, Baz Luhrmann also mentioned it to Concrete Playground as one of the influences that helped him on the path to making Elvis. Including Sheen, Romahn and Mozart, the Sydney cast will feature 40 performers, spanning actors, opera singers and musicians from The Metropolitan Orchestra who'll be worked into the onstage drama. Director Craig Ilott (Smoke & Mirrors, American Idiot, Betty Blokk Buster Reimagined) will be on helming duties, while Australian fashion house Romance Was Born is directing the costumes. [caption id="attachment_860821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] And, for theatregoers keen to turn a night watching Amadeus into quite the special occasion, the Opera House is also doing impressive — albeit expensive — dinner-and-show option called Amadeus: Primo Atto. Starting at $440 per person, it includes a three-course dinner with paired wines in one of the venue's most intimate spaces, plus a private tour beforehand, and then tickets to the production. As for what else will be on the 50th-anniversary lineup, watch this space. Based on this first announcement — and the fact that the full program of events and performances is supported by the NSW Government's Blockbuster Funding initiative — the Opera House's year-long festivities looks set to be big. [caption id="attachment_681696" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton Lund[/caption] Amadeus will play Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Saturday, January 21, 2023. Pre-sales start at 9am on Wednesday, July 13, with general ticket sales from 9am on Monday, July 18. For more information, head to the Sydney Opera House website. For more information about Amadeus: Primo Atto, also head to the Sydney Opera House website. Top image: Faith Healer by Brian Friel, rehearsals, Michael Sheen as Frank Hardy. Directed by Warchus, set designed by Howell, lighting designed by Lutkin and Brown. Old Vic Theatre, London, UK; 21 September 2020. Credit: Manuel Harlan / ArenaPAL.
As the colder months approach and more days inside are on the horizon, you might be thinking it's time to give your pad a little refresh. Creating a beautiful living space will help you cherish more time spent at home — but actually creating that personal space can feel like a daunting task. Sure, your Pinterest board is a work of art and you binge celebrity house tour videos on YouTube. But, when it comes to recreating that stylish feel in a small space or a rental (without dropping $400 on a cashmere pillow), it's hard to know where to begin. Luckily, we have interior designer Steve Cordony on our side. In partnership with Samsung, Steve has given us some top tips to help you create the home of your dreams no matter how tight the budget or space you're working with is. START WITH A MOOD BOARD Good news: your endless scrolling on Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram isn't all in vain. In fact, according to Cordony, this is step one for any design project. "My approach is always the same. No matter if I am styling a tablescape or a whole house, I always mood-board reference images and visuals that create an overall concept, and subsequently blueprint, for the project," he says. Collect your favourite design images to form your own aesthetic. Whether you are drawn to a colourful, eclectic style or you're more into neutrals and minimalism, creating a mood board will help you establish the look you are going for. DEVELOP YOUR OWN 'STYLE DNA' While creating a mood board is an excellent way of getting inspired, it's important to not get too swept away with what's in vogue. "Just like your fashion choices, you should never try to be 'on-trend' rather than create your own unique style for your home," Cordony explains. Sure, trends are fun. But if you're on a budget, it won't be worth investing in something that'll soon feel outdated. Instead, find styles that resonate with you personally and fit in with your lifestyle. Once you develop your own sense of style, you'll know how to adapt to changing design trends and create a space that is both contemporary and timeless. As Cordony puts it: "Because I have a strong sense of my style DNA, I can allow these changes to develop and shift my work, but never alter it." FUSE THE PRACTICAL AND AESTHETIC The most important element of design is ensuring your space coincides with your lifestyle. This means choosing a couch that elevates your space while being comfortable, not opting for fabrics that look nice but are impossible to clean, and having a functional space that suits your Netflix ritual. Let's face it, the TV is a pretty central component of any home but can be tricky to style. "So many spaces I visit always try to hide it which often makes it look out of place," Cordony says. With the option to have the legs on or off, Samsung's The Serif TV will easily adapt to your personal style. "The reality is television is part of most people's everyday lives. And with incredible technology and design options at our fingertips, styling an interior with the TV in mind, and thinking of it as a piece of art or sculpture, allows you to fuse practicality and aesthetics, which is the hallmark of a successful interior," Cordony explains. PLAY WITH LIGHT For those working with a less-than-ideal smaller space, a few easy changes can brighten things up. Cordony's tip? "Keep it light! A white paint like Porters Popcorn or Dulux Vivid White instantly creates a crisp background to build your space and bounces light from wall to wall," he says. And, don't forget the magic of the mirror. "Mirrors are my go-to tip for making spaces feel larger than they are, as well as choosing bigger furniture rather than petite pieces to mirror the smaller scale space". SMALL DETAILS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE According to Cordony, simple changes can make a world of a difference when refreshing your space. "My biggest budget styling tip is hardware — think new door and joinery hardware. They will instantly lift any space and create a bold statement with a metallic accent," he says. Cordony is also a believer in the basic rule of thirds to create layers and contrast in a space. Understanding placement can make a big difference to your space without breaking the bank. "If you have amazing pieces but they're all spread out with no thought or consistency, then your eye has too many places to travel and often items get overlooked," he tells us. Instead, he suggests making smaller scenes with contrasting objects. "Creating vignettes in the space and thinking about balance and layering is key to a well-curated interior". If you're looking to add a touch of designer aesthetic to your living space, check out the products Steve Cordony used in our recent styling videos. To find out more about Samsung's The Serif, created in collaboration with celebrated industrial designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, visit the Samsung website. Images: Jarrad Shaw
What happens when xenomorphs and other terrifying extra-terrestrial creatures find their way to earth? So explores Alien: Earth, which brings the iconic horror/sci-fi saga first started by Ridley Scott's (Gladiator II) Alien to humanity's home, as well as to television. Another way to discover the answer to that question has popped up in Australia to celebrate the new series' arrival: an IRL hive quarantine zone, complete with ominous eggs and organisms, which is enjoying a two-day stint in Sydney. From 12–8pm on Thursday, August 14, 2025 and also from 8am–8pm on Friday, August 15, 2025, 348 Kent Street in the Harbour City is undergoing an otherworldly makeover. Expect ovomorph eggs, a crate containing a "class-one" hostile critter and Prodigy Corp workers donning hazmat suits trying to control the area. As for the show itself, which debuted on Disney+ on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, one of the trailers has some pertinent words: "we don't lock them down, it will be too late." This time, as other sneak peeks have also made clear, there's more than just one type of extra-terrestrial to deal with. So, while watching, you can hear humanity's screams in response, with this spinoff from the iconic Alien films featuring "five different life forms from the darkest corners of the universe" wreaking havoc. Not once, not twice, but nine times now across 46 years, cinema audiences have stepped into the world of xenomorphs, facehuggers and chestbursters — and of cats onboard spaceships, androids resembling people and shouts not heard in the universe's vast expanse. When the initial Alien dropped in 1979, it started a phenomenon. 1986's Aliens, 1992's Alien 3, 1997's Alien Resurrection, 2012's Prometheus, 2017's Alien: Covenant and 2024's Alien: Romulus have all followed, as well as the 2004 Alien vs Predator and 2007 Aliens vs Predator: Requiem crossover flicks with the Predator franchise. 2025's Alien: Earth is a first, however, given that it's the franchise's debut TV series. Executive produced by Scott, this is Noah Hawley's addition to the saga — and another of his projects, after Fargo, where he's expanding upon the realm of a beloved film on the small screen. Set in 2120, his Alien entry follows the fallout of deep-space research vessel USCSS Maginot crashing onto earth, then the discoveries made as a result by a crew of soldiers that includes human-robot hybrid Wendy (Sydney Chandler, Sugar). As it peers just under a century into the future, Alien: Earth sees its namesake planet under the control of five companies: Weyland-Yutani, of course, because this is the Alien franchise, plus Prodigy, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. It also witnesses a society where hybrids like Wendy — the first of her kind, with human consciousness inside a robot body — live side by side with humans, cyborgs and AI-driven synthetics. Hawley's cast not only includes Chandler, but also Fargo alums Timothy Olyphant (Havoc) and David Rysdahl (The Luckiest Man in America), plus Alex Lawther (Andor), Essie Davis (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Adrian Edmondson (Kidnapped), Samuel Blenkin (Mickey 17), Babou Ceesay (Killer Heat), Lily Newmark (A Gentleman in Moscow) and more. Find the Alien: Earth pop-up at 348 Kent Street, Sydney, from 12–8pm on Thursday, August 14, 2025 and also from 8am–8pm on Friday, August 15, 2025. Alien: Earth streams in Australia via Disney+.
The world contains a vivid tapestry of diverse countries and cultures, each woven with its own unique traditions and celebrations. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a region than joining in with the festivities? From the rhythmic beats of Carnival to the kaleidoscopic lights of Diwali, take a step beyond the typical tourist trail with Intrepid Travel. Discover the heartbeat of a place through the lens of its most enchanting festivities. It's time to pack your bags, strap on some comfy shoes and create memories that transcend borders. Diwali The festival of lights is celebrated worldwide, but experiencing it in India itself is something else entirely. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance. There are variations across the region and the different local religions of the country. Some things are always included: lots and lots of candles, lights and delicious food. The festival happens in the first weeks of November to tie in with the darkest days of the year (in India). Time your adventure to this stunning country to coincide with the festival so you can see the magic of the celebrations with the locals. Dia De Los Muertos Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, the annual Day of the Dead festival, in Mexico City. Participate in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to those who have passed. Enjoy delicious tacos and other street food at the openair Mercado Jamaica, and venture outside the city to see the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan. If you are passing through the capital on your exploration of Central America, time your travel so you can be there for this iconic festival. [caption id="attachment_969162" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Heejin Yu via iStock[/caption] Kwita Inzina If you're all about nature conservation, attend the Kwita Izina ceremony in Rwanda to see the on-the-ground efforts of those fighting the good fight for Mother Earth. That's exactly what you can do with this on-the-ground tour in Rwanda. It puts you in the middle of the ceremony, an adaptation of a traditional Rwandan naming ceremony where locals name and celebrate newborn local gorillas. The festival includes a mix of formal speeches from conservationists and celebrity guests, plus music and dance performances. Prepare to go with the flow and be whisked into the celebrations, as participation is encouraged. The entire region comes together to celebrate the festival and conservation of these beautiful animals. Halloween Bram Stoker may not have intended it, but thanks to the setting of his novel, Dracula, in Transylvania, locals now celebrate his creation based on local legends with a next-level celebration on All Hallow's Eve. Head to central Europe to Bucharest, Romania and explore the haunting beauty of Sighisoara (the birthplace of the infamous creature of the night) and spooky Bran Castle (aka Count Dracula's castle) in Brasov. Break out your scariest costumes for a spooky Halloween party in Cluj-Napoca — the former capital of the historical principality of Transylvania. Christmas The Christmas season just hits different when it's in Europe. Snow falls on rooftops of buildings and market stalls on narrow cobbled streets as stallholders give out mulled wine, chimney cakes, hot cider, pretzels, hot chocolate and sweet treats to the tourists and locals meandering from stall to stall. If a trip to Central Europe is on the cards, be sure to time it so you can explore the famous Christmas markets from Munich to Budapest. And the best way to travel in Europe? By train, of course. Carnival Bright colours, headdresses and more feathers than you can count — Carnival is the world's greatest party on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, just waiting for you to rock up. Witness an elaborate parade of floats and dancers in the Sambadrome, which stretches into the wee hours. Samba your way through non-stop action, join the conga line with the locals and move to the rhythm of the drum-fuelled street fiestas. Whether you're journeying through Brazil on an epic adventure or specifically going to Rio de Janeiro for the fest, it's definitely not to miss. Naadam While the Greeks have the Olympics, the Mongols have Naadam. This festival might not be well known, but it is the best time of the year to see Mongolia. The annual colourful festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the Khans and their dynasties. Expect archery, wrestling and horse racing — the primary skills a Mongol warrior requires. While in the area, explore the stunning natural landscapes of central Mongolia, such as Baga Gazriin Chuluu (granite rocks worshipped by locals), the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs and the dunes of Khongoriin, called the 'singing sands' by locals for the whistling sound made by small avalanches of sand on a windy day. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Winter is great for getting cosy, wearing every piece of warm clothing you own and enjoying hearty foods. It's also an ace time to plan your next getaway for when spring and summer hit. Dreaming of a sunny vacation somewhere in Australia? Just keen to explore this continent we call home? To help with that, and any other domestic trip that's on your agenda in the near future, Virgin has dropped an Aussie flights sale with 500,000 discounted fares up for grabs. Prices are starting low, at $49, which will get you from Sydney to Byron Bay — the usual cheapest fare in any Aussie flight sale — and vice versa. From there, the sale spans everywhere from the Sunshine Coast, Hobart and Broome through to Cairns, Canberra and Proserpine. The 72hr See Australia sale runs until 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 19 — unless sold out earlier, with fares to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also covered. That means paying $69 one-way from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, $79 from Melbourne to Hobart, $99 for a trip from Brisbane to Cairns and $109 to get from Canberra to the Gold Coast. Or, still on local deals, the specials also cover $69 from Melbourne to Launceston, $119 from Adelaide to Sydney, $149 from Brisbane to Darwin and $209 from Melbourne to Perth. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, the fares cover between August 16, 2023–March 26, 2024, all varying per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick if you're keen to stack the rest of 2023 and the start of 2024 with holidays. Virgin's 72hr See Australia sale runs until 11.50pm AEST on Wednesday, July 19 — unless sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all people of Australia to learn and acknowledge the nation's shared history, to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to reconciliation. Reconciliation requires more than listening, learning and reflecting, which is powerfully summarised in this year's theme: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. So, from Thursday, May 27 to Thursday, June 3, heaps of events will take place across the country to promote discussion and a commitment to reconciliation. We've handpicked 11 events to attend IRL and online during NRW 2021 — but keep in mind that there's a huge lineup of unique events, panel discussions and workshops to explore, no matter where you are in Australia. For the full calendar of events, check out the National Reconciliation Week website. WARRANE (SYDNEY) POLITICS AND ACTIVISM: THE FIGHT FOR ONGOING CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM Professor Larissa Behrendt AO (Eualeyai and Gamillaroi) and Australia's first Aboriginal Senior Counsel, Tony McAvoy (Wirdi) will discuss the history and legacy of activism in Australia, as well as the need for ongoing constitutional reform at the Australian Museum Theatre. The discussion will cover the 1967 Referendum, and key achievements of activist and educator, Dr Evelyn Scott AO (Warrgamay), who was pivotal to Australia's reconciliation journey through the 1960s and 70s. WEAVING WORKSHOPS For the arty people in the room, come and sit with Lee Carr (Wiradjuri) to learn about Aboriginal weaving practices. Under the guidance of Carr, participants will create their own raffia fibre basket or bracelet using traditional weaving styles, while learning about the significance of weaving techniques and practices. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, with Carr hosting workshops every second day from Thursday, May 27 through Saturday, June 5 at The Bankstown Arts Centre. NAARM (MELBOURNE) RECONCILIATION GATHERING Hear, watch and participate in the living culture of Wurundjeri peoples on a site of ongoing significance for the community. The event begins with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Wurundjeri Elders, and is followed by a Djirri Djirri Dancers sharing ceremony, and talks by Elders and leaders of the Wurundjeri community in Coburg. Update: New restrictions for Victoria were announced on Thursday, May 27, but you can check out the online events below. MEANJIN (BRISBANE) MURRI TRIVIA Test your knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander facts at Murri Trivia at Saint Lucy Caffe e Cucina, hosted by author Professor Anita Heiss (Wiradjuri). Open to all, this is a fun way to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topics, plus you can try to win some prizes along the way. BOORLOO (PERTH) NYIN, NI, KOORLINY: SIT, LISTEN AND WALK For those on Noongar Boodja (Noongar Country) — this event is a great opportunity for reflection and a chance to revisit your personal commitment to reconciliation. The event starts with a Welcome to Country by Noongar Elder Aunty Marie Taylor, followed by a discussion with Shaun Nannup (Whadjuk Noongar) about reconciliation. Visitors will also be invited to take a reflective walk on Noongar Boodja, starting from Dyoondalup (Point Walter Reserve). TARNDANYA (ADELAIDE) RECONCILIATION WEEK PLANTING Roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel and get ready to get your hands dirty. Suitable for all ages, you're invited to help Kaunra Elder, Uncle Tamaru, plant some bush tucker back while learning about Aboriginal culture. Plus, everyone gets their own bush tucker plant to take home. KAMBERRA (CANBERRA) AUSTRALIAN NATION UNIVERSITY'S NRW PANEL Hosting a panel discussion on this year's theme, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, Australian National University is bringing together both First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians for a vibrant chat that welcomes all, as reconciliation is the responsibility of all peoples. Guests include Hon Linda Burney MP (Gunni and Gunditjmara), Geraldine Chin Moody and Professor Rae Frances, led by ABC Radio National Breakfast host Fran Kelly at ANU. NIPALUNA (HOBART) LUNCHTIME TOWN HALL FORUM WITH PROFESSOR MARCIA LANGTON AO Professor Marcia Langton (Yiman and Bidjara) is speaking at a number of locations in lutruwita/Trouwunna (Tasmania) about the National Reconciliation Week theme More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. Come along early to this free event to enjoy a complimentary light lunch with tea or coffee at Hobart Town Hall. GARRMALANG (DARWIN) NRW AT CITY OF DARWIN LIBRARIES City of Darwin Libraries are hosting a number of events across their branches to celebrate the week. Along with film screenings including Storm Boy and Charlie's Country, there will be special storytime and toddler time sessions with guests. ONLINE YOU CAN'T ASK THAT: MORE THAN A WORD. RECONCILIATION TAKES ACTION Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit Academic Director, Professor Tracey Bunda (Ngugi Wakka Wakka); Anthropology Museum Director, Michael Aird; and artist Gordon Hookey (Waanyi) come together for a special Q&A to confront stereotypes, prejudices, bias and discrimination during this online panel. THE JOURNEY HOME: RECONCILIATION THROUGH REPATRIATION Hosted by the University of Sydney online, join host Professor Larissa Behrendt AO (Eualeyai and Kamillaroi) and panellists Laura McBride (Wailwan and Kooma), Matt Poll, and Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker (Alyawarra) for a deep-dive discussion on the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material. As part of the online chat, the panel will also explore the importance of returning Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains back to Australia—outlining how this forms a meaningful step towards reconciliation. National Reconciliation Week runs from Thursday, May 27–Thursday, June 3 nationwide. You can find an event near you — or register your own — via the National Reconciliation Week website. Top image: Celine Cheung.
What has happened to that once glorious Hollywood staple, the romantic comedy? Even at its most saccharine, it was a dependable genre, the type that left you in a kind of terrible movie heaven of enjoyably unlikely plot premises, clueslessly fated lovers, and fairytale endings. Trashy, sure, but reliably trashy — carefree and frothy and silly. Beautiful people, overcoming mindlessly familiar cinematic hurdles and falling in love — it's comforting stuff for hopeless romantics. But a genre that focuses more on seduction and courtship and the happily-ever-after, bridal magazine moments eventually leaves viewers craving something a little more substantial. After all, anyone who lives in the real world knows that the real work in relationships begins at the point where rom coms usually end: the kiss, the wedding, the honeymoon period, the beginning. I Give It a Year goes some way towards reclaiming the rom com genre in favour of the reality and ridiculousness and complexity of relationships and sex and romance. British director Dan Mazer has styled it as a renovated, thinking-person's rom com, one that starts at the wedding and explores the difficulty of staying in love. Rose Byrnes' highly strung Nat and Rafe Spall's man-boy Josh are not meant to be — they marry too quickly and are obviously more suited to the two supporting characters, played by Simon Baker and Anna Faris. Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to give away to see I Give It a Year. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au. Read our full review here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3UgPWKPDlvA
There are few words as adored in Australian children's literature as seven penned by Alison Lester: "at our beach, at our magic beach". On the page, in one of the Aussie author and illustrator's best-known books, that phrase starts different descriptions of how a day by the waves can pan out. Here, swimming in the sparkling sea means seeing wild horses among the waves, however, just as digging in the sand conjures up dragons attacking castles. Gorgeous and transportive drawings both set the scene and take each on its fantastical journey — where rock pools are the entry to the kingdom of fish, stormy days bring treasure, fishing sparks quite a catch and more. Whether discovering it as a kid for the first time, or revisiting it as an adult sharing it with your own children or nieces and nephews, Magic Beach has always felt special, and also rung true in this nation girt by sea. It understands the joys of simply spending a day by the ocean, and the possibilities that doing just that can bring to young hearts and minds. Now, 35 years after initially hitting bookshelves, Magic Beach is also a movie. Making his third family-friendly film after Paper Planes and Blueback — and worlds away from the likes of Balibo, The Dry and Force of Nature: The Dry 2 — director Robert Connolly brings Magic Beach to a new medium as a creative mix of animation and live-action, and as a ten-segment anthology where kids, plus a dog, envision their own beach adventures after reading Lester's tome. Yes, Magic Beach as a movie is fittingly and wonderfully imaginative as ten animators take their cues from the book, then spin inventive stories. And yes, Magic Beach as a movie shot its live-action scenes at Lester's own magic beach. For Australia's first-ever Children's Laureate, that coastal spot is Walkerville South. Lester's own beach house was the base during the production, where the kids would arrive each day. Unsurprisingly, seeing her favourite patch of sand in the film is a source of joy for the author. "It's just a very warm, fuzzy feeling that a place that I've loved for so long, and then written this book about, that it's been turned into a beautiful movie," Lester tells Concrete Playground. What makes this location about two and a half hours out of Melbourne a magic beach? "I think my parents used to go to that beach before I was born, and then I was taken there as a baby. We used to stay at a friend's house for a long time, and then an old house came up for sale and mum bought it, when I think I was eight. And so since then we've always had this place that we go to," Lester continues. "I hardly ever go to other beaches because I always go there. It's just like that's where we're going for summer. I think the whole family has that feeling, that the minute you walk into the house all of worries and tensions drop away — and you're like 'aaah, here we are, we're at this beautiful place'." Even if you haven't ever specifically thought about it, we all have a magic beach or equivalent. "It's interesting, isn't it, your own childhood. I grew up in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney, so I was inland, and so for me there were little rivers that I would swim in. I was not coastal," advises Connelly. "Then we as a family, like a lot of Australian families, would go to the beach and stay in a caravan park. There was Terrigal, north of Sydney. But if I think more significantly in my life, when I was in my late teen years, the more-complicated teenage years when I was finishing school, I used to always get the train down to the Royal National Park south of Sydney, and I'd walk on my own into a little beach called Burning Palms. I'd camp on my own for a couple of days just to decompress, and swim in the ocean down there on my own. So that's probably the closest, if I think of the most-significant one in my life, because was very formative. But not when I was a little kid, because when I was a little kid, I was in the bush." "There's something about water, isn't there? And the threshold of diving into the water when you're little," Connolly also notes. His latest film, which he came to after fellow filmmaker Sarah Watt (My Year Without Sex) was initially set to direct before her death in 2011, deeply understands that feeling. It's committed to heroing what youthful minds dream up, too, and the sensation of being by the shore. We also chatted with Lester and Connolly about how the film came about, and its animated segments; ensuring that the book wasn't just a source of inspiration; their collaboration; giving the picture a wave-like rhythm; why Magic Beach has endured with generations of readers; and much more. On Magic Beach's Journey to Finally Becoming a Film Robert: "Sarah Watt, the amazing filmmaker behind Look Both Ways and My Year Without Sex, was developing it with Alison. And I worked with Sarah, who sadly is not with us anymore, but she introduced me to Alison — and we were collaborating together on it. It's so crazy, isn't it? The gestation period for projects, you can't pick it. Some films happen quickly and some take a long time. But I think my first involvement was over ten years ago. So that's quite a journey." Alison: "Well, it's been a very long journey and a very meandering journey, because when Sarah and I got together, we really loved working together and hanging out together. So a lot of times when we're supposed to be working, we'd just be hanging out and having a nice time. And then when Robert took the project over — and Sarah was in the same boat, they're both so in-demand and so successful that they always had other projects going on so. Robert and I laugh, at every Christmas he used to give me a phone call and say 'oh, hi Alison, can we have it for another year?'. And I go 'yeah, yeah, sure, it'll happen eventually'. I think we all had other things to go on, and Magic Beach was just simmering away in the background. And in a way, probably having that time was a good thing for it to finally turn out the way it did, where it wasn't rushed." Robert: "Yeah, that's true. It took a while to work out the way to tell the story of the film, to find a really unique way to tell that beautiful book as a film. So it didn't come quickly as an approach." On Whether Lester Ever Thought That a Magic Beach Movie Would Happen Back When the Book Was First Published 35 Years Ago Alison: "No, I never imagined it. It didn't cross my radar at all. I would have been happy if it had had a couple of print runs — and that's the other thing, it's still going as a book after all this time, which is really lovely." On Connolly's First Introduction to the Book — and Adding It to His Lineup of Family-Friendly Movies Robert: "I read it to my children. My daughters are 22 and 20 now, but I read Magic Beach and a whole bunch of other books of Alison's to my children when they were really little. And it was interesting, once I had kids, I started broadening my career. I did the film Paper Planes, and that was my first family film and I just fell in love with the idea of making films for younger people. And it was just a really attractive part of my career. The audience for Paper Planes was more primary school, and the audience for Blueback was more high school, but I have this fascination with that early-childhood phase, when I feel like children are the smartest they ever are. It's the most creative, imaginative stage, where they haven't learned any rules yet. And I love that audience, and so it just felt like an inevitable journey, really, for me to go on. Then it took me a while, actually. After we lost Sarah, I found it really hard to come back to the project for a while. I think we were all very sad. But the joyful spirit of Sarah's work and her own creativity is in this film. Her mischievous, cheeky, deeply humanist sensibilities are something that I think Alison and I see in the film that we've made." On Whether Lester Had Any Set Ideas About What the Film Should Be — and How Its Anthology Structure Came About Alison: "No, no, not really. I definitely didn't want it to be a kind of forced narrative where there was an evil developer who was going to build a hotel on the beach and that kind of forced thing. Other than that, I really trusted Sarah and Robert to do what they're so good at." Robert: "It was interesting initially. The animations came first, and so we invited — my producing partner Liz Kearney, who did Memoir of a Snail recently, and Chloe Brugale, who were working with me at the time — we just set on this journey to find ten animators, and invite them to respond to a different one of the kids and the dog, as it turned out in the film, and create their own work. So that was the step, and that's where the film began. So the live-action came second, which is really interesting — because once we have these beautiful animations, you can imagine what it was like when we were getting these beautiful, extraordinary, exquisite creative works delivered to us, it was like 'well, how do we stitch it together? How do we now create an overarching narrative for it? What's that going to look like?'. And that took a while, but we wanted to keep the spirit of what was so special and incredible about the book, and how the book allows young people to fill the blanks — like it really allows it, it doesn't fill everything in. So we needed it to keep that imaginative spirit of the book, which is where that idea of having this documentary footage of children, that then opens up into the magical world of the beach and then into the animation. It's these three layers of the film. So it was a real journey, but I'd love you know I loved? We had no rules — we kept trying new things, even in the edit we had no rules." Alison: "It's like that Spike Milligan thing: 'there's no plan, so nothing can go wrong'." Robert: "That's right. That's exactly right. I love that it's a film for little kids, and it's probably the most rule-breaking film that I've ever done, which is something young kids would really appreciate." On How the Narratives for Each Animated Segment Came About Robert: "I didn't want to restrict them. I wanted them to feel that freedom of childhood and their response to the book, so I gave them almost no rules, except that they had to choose a child and a section of the book, and then create their own work in their own style, which is something that Sarah had been really keen about, and Alison and I discussed. So in some ways it becomes a response — a love letter to the book and to the beach for each of those ten animators in their own style." Alison: "And they all rose to the occasion incredibly, didn't they?" Robert: "Yeah, yeah. You think of the different styles — and they're all very personal to each of the animators. Each of the animators can talk very much about their own response to the beach." On the Importance of the Book Not Just Inspiring the Film, But Being Part of the Film — Including Kids Reading and Responding to It Robert: "That was a real choice that came quite late — and I don't even know if we'd made that decision till after the animations. I think because I didn't quite know how the live-action was going to work. It could have been a story, it could have had more of a narrative structure. And then it was the idea of looking at the animations: 'well, what if we actually take real kids and let the book trigger them to imagine being at the beach as a character in the book, and then the beach itself triggers the imagination of the animation?'. I think actually that idea of them all reading or being exposed to the book in some form came after the animations, actually." Alison: "Quite late, yes. And as the author of the book, for me that is such a buzz just to see the movie built around the book and to have the illustrations up there on the big screen. It's really, really beautiful." On How Lester and Connolly Collaborated on the Movie Robert: "It was fun. We actually made the film on the magic beach. We had a small crew and this beautiful group of kids, and every day we the kids would all turn up at Alison's house, which is in the book as well and looks out over the magic beach — and Alison was staying there at the time, and the kids would turn up and say 'hi, Alison!'. And Bigsy the dog would be walking around. And they'd get in their costumes have breakfast, and then we'd all walk down to the beach and film. And then Alison would come down. I loved the collaboration of that. One of my favourite bits of that is that in one of the beautiful pictures in the book, there's a mobile hanging on the wall, when the kids are in bed, and it's got all different shells and things from the beach — and I just asked Alison if she could make one, and she made one and brought it down, and it wasn't even scripted where we'd use it. And that's the beautiful sequence when Riley, the young deaf girl, wakes up on the beach and touches it. So they're not scripted, but something that between Alison and I and the crew, and all being there on the beach, we improvised into life." On Whether Shooting on Lester's Actual Magic Beach Was Always a Given Robert: "No, actually. We weren't sure. At one point, I wondered if all of the kids' stories should be on a different beach." Alison: "Yeah, I remember that." Robert: "Or I thought maybe 'what if each of the nine kids had their own imagination on a different beach?'. But it felt that way you'd lose the spirit of collaboration. I like that one kid wakes up and they're on the beach and they're like 'where am I?', and then the second kid. And then there's two kids, and then they play together, and then the next kid turns up. So there's this idea that the children build a community. So that at the end, when they're all running down to the water and running across the water, that all of the kids are united together. Also it's so beautiful, it felt like going to the real magic beach would be a real treat for audiences as well, with love of the book, that they can see the film and go 'this is the real magic beach'." Alison: "And it all comes together, I think, too, doesn't it — when there's so many different things going, to have that constant of the beach where you can see quite clearly that it is the same place, even though they're different locations within the beach." Robert: "Yeah." On Giving the Film a Rhythm That Resembles the Waves, Washing in and Out of Each Segment Robert: "I'm so glad you picked that up." Alison: "Yeah, me too." Robert: "Because I remember talking to Maria Papoutsis, who edited it for me, and we talked a lot about that — that idea that you don't necessarily want things to be angular in how they're edited. You want it to feel like you're moving from scene to scene and moment to moment. The thing I love about watching the ocean, it's like watching a fire, a campfire — it's the same but it's infinitely different. I'm glad you picked that up. And also something I talked to Briony Marks about, with the music, she did the overarching composition with percussion. It's all percussion, marimbas and vibraphones. And this idea of not trying to be tight and angular and precise, which is what we get so used to now — highly structured cinema that's highly formed — and wanting it actually to have a rhythm that's a bit surprising. And they're different. The dynamic shape of the film was — actually, a lot of time was spent on trying to work out what order to put the animations. We tested different orders and then played it to kids, and then changed the order a bit, and then played it to kids again." On Why Readers Love Magic Beach So Much, and Have Since the 90s Alison: "I can't remember how I came up with that 'at our beach, at our magic beach', but I think it is a really lovely intro into each. So there's that rhythm of the text, which I think is very gentle and easy to read. And often people are reading those books late at night to their kids or they're tired and it's like 'oh my god, give me something easy to read' — and it does flow really nicely. But I think so many of us love the beach and we understand that experience of just going to beach in a really uncomplicated way, where you just go and see what's there. I think that the thing Robert talked about a little while ago, too, is that there's a lot of room in that book for your own imagination. You see what the kids are doing, but you don't know their names or anything like that, and it's not very specific, so you can easily be part of that book. So I think it's partly that a lot of families would recognise themselves in the book. And just the flukiness of why people like a book. I'm always so chuffed that the creative things I do often resonate with people, and I don't know that you can control that. It's just the luck of the draw really." On What Appeals to Connolly About Jumping Between Family-Friendly Films and the Likes of Balibo and The Dry Movies Robert: "Some filmmakers wonderfully stay in their own lane of genre, and they have become renowned for it — and some of my favourite filmmakers are like that. But there are great inspirations to me, like the Australian filmmaker Peter Weir, who worked in so many different genres across an impressive career. And I feel like, and what I hope, is that each film in some way follows that tradition of cinema almost being a microscope into the human condition. It's like every film looks somewhere into some aspect, like if Magic Beach looks into the deep, profound side of childhood at the beach and the way the natural world inspires creativity, a film like Balibo is very different because it looks into the power of individuals to act ethically and their leadership as a way to lead their country to freedom. So they're very different films, but I hope in some ways that my films always apply that rigour, so if you look at them collectively, I'd like to think that they're a body of humanist cinema about who we are and how we live and how we relate. But it's also fun. It's fun to swing. It was funny, though, when I was trying to finance Paper Planes, it was my first film after Balibo. And one of the investors who turned it down was like 'how in god's name are we going to market the film? Paper Planes, a film for the whole family from the director of Balibo? It's not going to work.' But I did have a kid come up to me with their youngest sibling at one of the screenings we had on the weekend, and the kid was a bit older going 'oh my god, I've seen Paper Planes so many times' — and they were bringing along their three-year old little sibling to see Magic Beach. So I have got a fanbase with young kids as well now, you see." Magic Beach opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
That The Boys-shaped hole in your viewing is about to be filled, and not just by college-set spinoff Gen V. Viewers had the latter to get their sinister superhero fix in 2023, but 2024 will deliver more of the show behind it — and, unsurprisingly to viewers of 201-9's first season, 2020's second effort and 2022's third go-around, utter mayhem is on the way. When The Boys returns, it'll see the world dealing with Homelander (Antony Starr, Guy Ritchie's The Covenant)-versus-Starlight (Erin Moriarty, Captain Fantastic) factionalism, and just being ready to tear itself apart in general. Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit, Where'd You Go, Bernadette) is getting closer to the Oval Office, too, with Homelander pulling the strings. It's no wonder that the just-dropped first trailer for season four is filled with utter chaos. Also on the way: no-nonsense Brit Billy Butcher (Karl Urban, Thor: Ragnarok) dealing with the fact that he's only got months left, and that he's no longer leading The Boys — aka the eponymous ragtag team intent on bringing down Vought International, Homelander, and the company's caped-crusader industry and dominance. And, there's a new face, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead) joining the cast, adding another Supernatural link after Jensen Ackles did the same in season three. Back in 2019 when The Boys first hit streaming, sufferers of superhero fatigue understandably rejoiced. Yes, it focuses on a group of caped crusaders just like seemingly every second blockbuster movie (and, these days, every third TV show or so as well); however, in a world where viewers have been conditioned to lap up narratives about powerful folks who are supposedly better than most, this series both satirises and questions that very idea. Here, superheroes work for Vought. They're still the main form of entertainment, but they're real, the most famous celebrities there are and inescapable in daily life, too. The absolute top talent is known as The Seven, but most are hardly role models when the public isn't looking. That has made quite the change from the usual cinematic universes as the Prime Video show has kept notching up the seasons, all coming to the small screen after being adapted from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic book series of the same name. Exactly when The Boys will bring back its gleefully darker-than-dark tone, a pervasive bleakness that refuses to be shaken, plus oh-so-much blood, gore and guts hasn't been revealed other than sometime in 2024. As well as Starr, Moriarty, Doumit and Urban, Jack Quaid (Oppenheimer), Jessie T Usher (Smile), Laz Alonso (Wrath of Man), Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl), Tomer Capone (One on One), Karen Fukuhara (Bullet Train), Colby Minifie (I'm Thinking of Ending Things) and Cameron Crovetti (Goodnight Mommy) will all return — with Susan Heyward (Hello Tomorrow!) and Valorie Curry (The Lost Symbol) also set to be season four newcomers. Check out the first trailer for The Boys season four below: The fourth season of The Boys will start streaming via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced. Read our reviews of The Boys season three and Gen V.
