Shiny new entrants in the electronic music scene, Safia are proving themselves a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from our super dull capital city (just kidding guys, Canberra is way exciting) these guys have already supported for the likes of Lorde, have over two million listens on Soundcloud and are building up a sizeable fanbase. Made up of Ben Woolner, Michael Bell and Harry Sayers, the trio has been playing together since they were in primary school. Adorable. In addition to Lorde, they've also casually supported Disclosure and Rudimental, toured with Rüfüs and joined Peking Duk at Splendour in the Grass and Groovin' The Moo. Big spots for relative newbies. Safia's nine day tour celebrates the release of their new single, 'You Are the One'. The Canberrans' tunes are energetic and ever-so-catchy, so this Alhambra Lounge gig promises to be one hell of a stage-shaking, generally jive-inducing gig. Get in early to be able to say you saw them before they became huge and expensive.
Brisbane cyclists are in for a serious treat, with Brisbane City Council planning a new $11 million bikeway that'll run through Woolloongabba. First announced in 2016, the 2.5-kilometre stretch will improve what is currently one of the city's most dangerous cycling routes, extending from Stanley Street in Woolloongabba through to Dutton Park. Full final plans were revealed in March, with construction currently underway — and set to be completed by June this year, Brissie's weather permitting. The project will incorporate two permanent bike lanes along Annerley Road and Stanley Street, as well as a series of floating bus stops and audible line markings to help protect those on two wheels. Currently, the transport corridor is used by over 45,000 vehicles each day. The plans also include a new City Cycle station installed on Annerley Road, for anyone who needs to hire a set of wheels to enjoy the new bikeway. Bicycle Queensland chief-executive Anne Savage told Brisbane Times that the project would inspire lots more locals to jump on their bikes. "There can be no doubt that the Woolloongabba Bikeway will enhance cycling uptake and increase levels of cycling," she said. "This project will be a game-changer for Brisbane drivers and riders." For more information, visit the Woolloongabba Bikeway project website. Images: Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Perched beside the river in New Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse is already one of the Queensland capital's most striking venues, and has been since the former power station relaunched as a performance site more than two decades ago. Now, as part of an expansion plan that's also set to see a permanent outdoor cinema and twice-yearly night market join its offerings, it also boasts a luminous new events space right by the water. Meet the Pleasuredome, which was first announced back in June 2022, and is now up and running on Powerhouse's Performance Lawn. The 450-person, 520-square-metre venue is a handcrafted Nordic-style tent, with Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director Kate Gould coming up with the concept, and Australian stage and site designer Bruce McKinven (Dark Mofo) then doing the honours. Its purpose: to be used for special events and functions year-round. Visitors will find not just a performance and party space inside, but full-service bars and al fresco lounging zones. Indeed, when it isn't being used for shows and events beneath the lawn's Moreton Bay fig trees — think: long-table dinners, cabaret and theatre-style gigs, plus weddings and other private functions — it can be deployed as a hangout space. Officially launching on Saturday, November 19, it's currently opening free to the public every Saturday morning at the Powerhouse Farmers Markets, giving Brisbanites the chance to check it out and take advantage of its laidback configuration — which, when the event calls for it, can be moved into full-theatre mode for everything from theatre, comedy and dance through to music and circus. "Brisbane is famous for its natural beauty, vibrant community spirit and enviable outdoor lifestyle and the Pleasuredome celebrates all three in equal measure," said Gould, opening the space. "Made from handsewn sailcloth from The Netherlands, the organic-shaped, fluted tent-like structure balances an international feel with an authentic local presence, responding beautifully to its relaxed sub-tropical location under the Moreton BayfFigs beside the Brisbane River. Doubling as a community gathering space and a new home for unique events, Bruce McKinven has created a truly breathtaking new venue that is sure to become an iconic Brisbane experience." Pleasuredome is due to be followed by the aforementioned cinema, which was originally slated for a spring 2022 opening date but hasn't started screening yet, and the Hap Wah Night Market. The 1950s-inspired cinema will show everything from big-name blockbusters to arthouse flicks, and host film festivals as well, with a major exhibitor running the setup. And, it'll feature chairs, cushions and rugs to sit on, and serve up gourmet food and champagne. As for the market, it's set to debut in March 2023, running for the entire month. It'll then take place in October, and also return in the Powerhouse forecourt and surrounding parks in those two months every year. Here, Brisbanites can look forward to a food-focused night market that'll score its own village precinct each time that it's up and running, and have Blade Runner-meets-Queensland theming with a dash of Cantonese culture, too. The name stems from a north Queensland sugar plantation from the 19th century, aka the state's first Chinese business, and the markets will also feature free and cheap art installations, music and films. Find the Pleasuredome at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. For more information about the venue, head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website.
Travers Beynon, a man currently in the news for leading his wife around on a leash, is hosting auditions for a chance to live in his gross sex mansion. Beynon, a tobacco heir and former model, is the proud owner of the Candy Shop Mansion, a “Playboy-style” “mansion” on the Gold Coast. Should you win one of the 12 coveted positions, you'll be treated to party invites, designer gifts, “regular work” (what a treat!), a cash sign-on bonus, photos shoots and styling by The Candy Man himself. And don’t for a second think the photo shoots, styling and monetary bribes will be creepy, because you'll be living with Beynon’s wife and family in what will possibly be the most awkward domestic situation ever conceived. You can catch a glimpse of the happy family on Beynon’s Instagram, in amongst photos of him using other women, women not much older than his daughters, as literal furniture. If you are keen to audition for the coveted position of Travers Beynon’s chair, don’t think it’ll be easy. Contestants will need to “charm the Candyman with their personality” and prove they’ve got what it takes to become part of the Candy Shop Mansion’s 12-piece dining set. But enough about the perks of the job, let’s hear about the ethos behind the Candy Shop Mansion. As Beynon tries, and fails, to explain in a media release, “What and who is your Candy?” An interesting question, Travers, please do go on. “Entering Candy Shop Mansion gives you a chance to escape ... reality for a day and enter a world of fantasy.” Whose fantasy world are you entering into though? No prizes for guessing right. But seriously, barbs aside, let’s all acknowledge that Beynon is baiting. It’s supposed to be controversial; he’s whipping up media frenzy to sell his “opulent” parties and cigarettes. Who cares? If any hot chickas out there want to audition, bleed this greasy Ken doll dry and maybe wear a sombrero with a GoPro attached while you’re at it, please do feel free. The saddest thing of all is that unlike his predecessors Dan Bilzerian, Hugh Hefner and their ilk, Beynon’s sex mansion is tacky and everyone looks depressed. There’s no sheen to it; he makes being rich look gross. The world waits in anticipation for the inevitably awkward Louis Theroux documentary, most likely titled 'The Saddest Place on Earth'. Who can take tomorrow and dip it in a dream? Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream? The Candy Man can. Auditions are being held at 9am on June 7 at the Candy Shop Mansion.
There's the naturalism you know, and then there's the immersive, mythic, sensorial and heady naturalism of Abdellatif Kechiche's Blue Is the Warmest Colour (known in its native France as Adele: Chapters 1 & 2). The director boldly sticks his camera in the face of actor Adele Exarchopoulos and lets it linger there for three hours, watching intensely as the ingenue lives and loses her first love, while several years roll by. It's an extreme viewing experience that garnered high praise in Europe and won the most prestigious independent film award on the planet, the Palme d'Or. Yet as much as a Cannes-adored French coming-of-age movie (based on a graphic novel, by author Julia Maroh) appeals to my personal proclivities, I found Blue Is the Warmest Colour to be more of an interesting film than a great one. By far its biggest charm lies in the understated yet giving and uninhibited performances of its leads, Exarchopoulos as Adele and Lea Seydoux as her worldlier girlfriend, Emma. We see Adele as a whole person discovering the world, not just her sexuality. She waxes lyrical about her favourite classic novel, joins in song at a political demonstration, fools around with a sweet boy who only makes her depressed, and eats spag bol with her mouth open at an incommunicative family dinner table. She's from a plain, working-class household, and her world opens up when she meets art student Emma, who floors her from across the street with her blue-streaked hair and white-hot insouciance. Their love is explosive, total and immensely physical. But first loves don't often last, and that's probably a good thing. Captured in extreme close-up, Blue Is the Warmest Colour lets you feel the beauty and the pain of it, really feel it, for a few blessed minutes. However, not all of the three hours' worth of scenes deserve to be there, and Kechiche's execution seems haphazard and uncompromising. Since Cannes, there's been growing criticism of the hetero director's imaginings of a lesbian romance, and the camera's gaze does seem to cross a line from luscious into lascivious at times. Eschewing the usual press tour conventions, Exarchopoulos and Seydoux have been pretty frank in interviews about what it was like to work with the director — "horrible", uncomfortable, possibly exploitative and endlessly drawn out past schedule. It especially matters as the movie includes a hardcore seven-minute sex scene that took apparently ten days to shoot. The actors say they're happy with the results, but it doesn't seem like a methodology we should accept. Fortunately, Blue Is the Warmest Colour's Palme d'Or, for the first time in history, was jointly awarded to the director and the film's two stars. Their idiosyncratic performances are very worth seeing. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y2OLRrocn3s
Forget everything that you once knew about the Embassy and replace it with chic but rustic decor, 100 craft beers to swoon over and a ridiculously mouth-watering American-style menu, created through the vision of brothers Demetri and Alex Conias. Formerly known for night club-style debauchery, the new Embassy is aimed at a more corporate clientele. The fit-out looks brilliant, with exposed brick and dim light fittings giving the space an organic and cosy feel. The beverage of choice is beer, with 16 taps, a hand pump that is constantly rotated and the aforementioned 100 bottled beers (as well as ciders) to choose from. Beers you may find on tap include well-loved brewers such as Holgate, Stone and Wood and Little Creatures. Chef Rob Campbell is responsible for the very reasonably priced food menu (nothing over $20) that includes mouth-watering bar treats such as jalapeno poppers and buffalo wings. For a larger meal you can enjoy macaroni with three cheeses, Byron Bay beef brisket or swordfish skewers, to name a few.
For Melburnians, this long weekend is a little different to most. Lockdown might be over, but a number of restrictions still remain. Heading to a big music festival isn't on the cards, for instance — but, because we now live in a time where virtual fests are becoming the norm, The Long Weekender is bringing six hours of Victorian music highlights straight to your couch. The latest event in the Victoria Together initiative — aka the online program that delivered plenty of things to watch during 2020's lengthy stay-at-home periods — The Long Weekender will stream a heap of past festival sets from plenty of the state's big events. Falls Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Golden Plains and Yirramboi Festival are all covered, as are Summersalt, Share The Spirit, Brunswick Music Festival, Roots Picnic and A Day On The Green. You'll just need to head to ACMI's streaming service, Cinema 3, between 12pm–12am on Monday, June 14, and turn your volume up loud. Myf Warhurst is on hosting duties and, if you're wondering who'll be belting out tunes, it's a hefty lineup. Everyone from Courtney Barnett and Archie Roach to You Am I and Frente! is on the bill — with no clashes, no queues and no worries about rushing between stages. THE LONG WEEKENDER LINEUP: Adalita Alex Lahey Alice Skye Allara feat. Culture Evolves Archie Roach Cable Ties Courtney Barnett Djirri Djirri Dancers The Black Sorrows The Cat Empire The Dirty Three Frente! Hachiku James Henry King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Loose Tooth Magic Dirt The Meanies Mo'Ju Sampa The Great Spiderbait Simona Castricum Sleep D The Teskey Brothers Total Giovanni You Am I Top image: Falls Festival.
It's not quite time for Paniyiri 2019 just yet; however it's not the only Brisbane shindig celebrating all things Greek. On Saturday, January 19, Riverland is saying "opa!" to Greek food, drinks, music and dancing — and plate smashing. Specifically, you can expect to feast on Greek Street Kantina's gyros, souvlaki and grilled haloumi, as well as its chicken or lamb-loaded fries. And, you can expect to sip Mediterranean-inspired cocktail jugs. Pair all of the above with a watery view, and it's the closest you'll come to soaking in the Greece's charms without hopping on a plane. As for the Greek band, zorba dancers and broken crockery, they're on the agenda as well. It wouldn't be a Greek celebration without them. If that's your Saturday sorted, Greek Day runs from 11am until close, with free entry.
Here's what just might be the tastiest food challenge there is: hunting down Frankenstein's monster-style dessert mashups and tasting them all. Gelato Messina's various ice cream flavours and special treats often fall into this category, frequently turning another beloved dish into gelato. So do plenty of Lune Croissanterie's pastries. Often Krispy Kreme's doughnuts make the cut as well. Actually, right now you can grab a Krispy Kreme doughnut that owed a huge debt to another dessert: the Maxibon doughnut. After proving a hit in 2018, this collaboration with Peters Ice Cream is back for a limited — and tasty — time. And yes, it's a Maxibon in doughnut form. Back when Krispy Kreme joined forces with Reese's for a peanut butter-heavy doughnut earlier in 2023, there were multiple versions available. With the Maxibon doughnut, there's just one. You will still need to be able to eat nuts, though, because this one comes with a hazelnut and vanilla biscuit crumb. So, what makes up a Maxibon doughnut? A Krispy Kreme doughnut filled with Maxibon vanilla kreme, then covered in that crumb over chocolate, plus a chocolate Maxibon bikkie on top. You'll find the Maxibon doughnut on offer from Tuesday, August 1 at Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven and selected Woolworths stores for a limited time. Trying to pick between ice cream and fried pastries just got a bit easier. We're betting that when Maxibons were first whipped up as a blend between a biscuit and everyone's favourite cold and creamy dessert, no one anticipated this happening as well. Krispy Kreme's Maxibon doughnut is available from Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven and selected Woolworths stores for a limited time.
Anyone who's been in Sydney over the last few weeks will have noticed that it's been unseasonably warm. Winter's usual chill has been swapped for mild temperatures and, instead of regular downpours, the city has seen a stream of clear sunny days — during the day, you barely even need a light jacket. And this weird weather all came to a head this weekend, with Sydney copping one of the hottest winter days it's ever had. Earlier in the week, Weatherzone has predicted that yesterday — Sunday, July 30 — would come pretty close to topping the highest temperature on record for July: 25.9 degrees (which was set back in 1990). And they were right. At 2.10pm, the mercury hit 26.5 degrees — making it Sydney's warmest July day ever. #Sydney sets new July heat record, 26.0 degrees. Last year it took until October to get this warm https://t.co/sbzHtvvHzG — Weatherzone (@weatherzone) July 30, 2017 It's pretty insane. But while Sydneysiders reaped the benefits of the warm day — and all the warm weather has been undeniably delightful — it doesn't bode well for us in the long run. In fact, if only adds to our ever-present anxiety about global warming, an increase in extreme El Niño events and what that might mean for Australia and the world.
It's all well and good to lock in a destination and start booking your itinerary, but when was the last time you thought about the devices and accessories that'll keep your trip running smoothly? Travelling is stressful enough, so make the journey as easy as possible with practical tech gadgets that'll help you deal with the noise of fellow passengers, having to re-wear dishevelled clothes or running out of charge at the worst possible time. From odour-reducing clothing steamers to powerful portable chargers, we partnered with Philips to put together a list of handy tools that'll take some of the hassle out of your next adventure. Philips Handheld Garment Steamer This portable tool will keep you looking (and smelling) your best throughout your holiday, so you can pack light and have plenty of room in your suitcase for shopping and souvenirs. At an affordable $79.95, the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series is compact enough to throw in your luggage and safe to use on all types of iron-safe fabrics, including delicates like silk. As well as getting rid of wrinkles, the nifty gadget also removes odours and eliminates bacteria, which is ideal when you don't have easy access to a washing machine on your travels. Noise-Cancelling Headphones Ditch the tinny audio and discomfort of those complimentary airline headphones and upgrade to a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your next flight. You might not think it makes a difference, but eliminating the background roar of the plane means that you don't have to crank up the volume and overstimulate your ears, and it also helps your chances of getting some sleep. There are a wide variety of options available, from the fancy Apple AirPods Max ($899) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($645.95) or the more affordable Space One by Soundcore ($135.99). And with the incredibly handy Airfly device ($54.99), you can connect to the in-flight entertainment using your own Bluetooth headphones. Portable Power Bank Imagine trying to navigate an unfamiliar city with only a 2% charge. Or arriving at a spectacular view but not having enough battery to take a photo. Don't let your phone add stress to your trip — throw a portable power bank in your bag so you can be out and about for the whole day. With wireless charging, two built-in cables, interchangeable power adaptors and additional cable outlets, the 5-in-1 Universal Travel Power Bank by Snap is worth the splurge ($169.95). You can also go for a cheaper option, like this power bank by Charmast ($47.99). It offers built-in cables and outputs to charge up to five devices at once and can charge your phone multiple times. E-Reader You don't want to waste precious suitcase space by packing multiple books for your holiday, but that doesn't mean your reading goals need to be put on hold. Both the Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo are able to store more than 10,000 books and last over a month with a single charge. You can take notes, highlight important passages, adjust the font size and brightness, and even rent certain titles. At less than 170 grams, you won't even notice you're carrying it around, but it'll be on hand for those quiet moments when you're sipping coffee in a local cafe, lounging in a park or stuck in a long queue. Portable Fan If you're chasing summer in the northern hemisphere, you'll need an easy way to keep the temperature (and tempers) as cool as possible. Keep a handheld fan in your pocket for long days in the sun, like this water-spraying fan from Big W ($29.99) for a chilly boost or this multi-functional gadget from Amazon ($23.99), which includes a flashlight and power bank. There are also wearable options that keep your hands free, like this rechargeable neck fan ($50.99). The convenient tool disguises as a pair of headphones while circulating cool air across your face and back. With no danger of spinning blades, it is a great option for kids. Shop the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series and other products on the website.
When the first and second seasons of Sex and the City spinoff And Just Like That... started streaming, a famous setting made an appearance Down Under. If you'd always wanted to hang out on Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker, Hocus Pocus 2), stoop, that became a temporary reality in Sydney and Melbourne. For season three, which is currently working through its episodes on HBO Max, a different spot from the show is on its way to Australia. We hope you're hungry, be it for something sweet or savoury, because Hot Fellas Bakery is about to hit Sydney. Yes, this purveyor of baked goods is usually fictional. The brainchild of character Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone, Better Things), it lives up to its name in the series. It'll also exist IRL at Darlinghurst's Taylor Square in the Harbour City, but only for one weekend: from Friday, June 27–Sunday, June 29, 2025. Hot Fellas Bakery first made the leap from the screen in New York — where else? — and will do the same in Australia just two weeks after its Big Apple debut. The pastries on offer won't cost you a thing. Neither will the coffee. There'll be limited-edition merchandise up for grabs as well. Equally doing its moniker proud is set to be part of the pop-up, too. On the menu: Vegemite babka, Golden Gaytime cream puffs and AP buttermilk croissants. While Hot Fellas Bakery has locked in a three-day Sydney run, you do only have a brief window of time each day to head by, however. It's operating from 10am–12pm on Friday, June 27, then from 8am–12pm on Saturday–June 28–Sunday, June 29, 2025 — and will close earlier each day if everything is already sold out. [caption id="attachment_1009739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Craig Blankenhorn/Max[/caption] And if you haven't kept up with the Sex and the City world, And Just Like That... debuted in 2021 to continue Carrie, Miranda Hobbes' (Cynthia Nixon, The Gilded Age) and Charlotte York Goldenblatt's (Kristin Davis, Deadly Illusions) stories — with Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall, How I Met Your Father) largely sitting it out, except for a brief cameo in season two. Other familiar faces abound, including John Corbett (To All the Boys: Always and Forever) reprising his role as Aidan Shaw from season two onwards, plus David Eigenberg (Chicago Fire) and Evan Handler (Power) also returning. Check out the trailer for Just Like That... season three below: Hot Fellas Bakery is popping up at Taylor Square, 191–195 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney from 10am–12pm on Friday, June 27, plus 8am–12pm on Saturday–June 28–Sunday, June 29, 2025 (or until sold out). And Just Like That... streams in Australia via HBO Max. Head to the platform's website for more details.
Almost a decade has passed since pop-up Star Wars weddings arrived in Brisbane. The next River City trend for couples looking for something other than the standard big matrimonial to-do: Vegas-inspired nuptials without the plane fare. That's Wham Bam Thank You Sam's remit, with the new Windsor space betting on both theming and intimacy. Here, you can say "I do" — then "thank you, thank you very much" if you're really channelling Elvis — with just 12 of your nearest and dearest on hand to celebrate. Whether you've already gotten hitched yourself or you know someone who has, you'll be well aware that weddings can be chaotic, even though the act of two people committing to each other should be simple. Wham Bam Thankyou Sam founders Kady Capewell and Amey Rosenthal are all about scaling tying the knot back stress-wise, while still making the occasion one to remember. And, in the process, they've set up Brisbane's first-ever Vegas-leaning pop-up micro-wedding spot. "Kady and I have worked together for years. One night she sent me a message, completely out of the blue, suggesting the idea of Wham Bam Thankyou Sam. Over a cocktail, we nutted it all out on the back of a napkin," explains Rosenthal. "We loved the building and its beautiful characteristics, so we've really drawn on that to create a space that's truly one of a kind." Open since July, Wham Bam Thankyou Sam won't be sticking with its Vegas decor forever, however. Hopefully that's how long the folks that get married inside the Lutwyche Road site's walls stay together — but, if you're getting betrothed come March 2024, something different will surround you. The space will get a revamp every eight months, in fact, although its whole affordable and easier wedding idea will always owe a debt to Vegas. "Creativity is at the heart of who Kady and I are. We love bringing new, unconventional ideas to life — so why not update and change the space to reflect that? It caters to couples who want to do things differently and have a wedding that is totally unique," notes Rosenthal. "No matter what the theme is, we can promise it'll be something that hasn't been seen before. One thing that won't change, though, is the quality. The fitout, along with our furniture, are completely custom made. So while the theme is temporary, the space still invokes a sense of permanency." Right now, nuptials in the 45-square-foot venue involve retro decor — think: neon and rock and roll influences — with prices starting from $1900. Opt for 'The Quickie' and you'll be in and wed in 30 minutes. With 'The Hour of Power', you obviously get an hour, as well as charcuterie, a bar cart and a personalised photobooth. And with the 'Whole Lotta Lovin' package, that's here bouquets and canapes come in. Dalton Catering provides the food, and your chosen package includes getting your marriage licence filed, but any photography and videography is on you. Also, that 12-person guest limit is strict, and so is the time limit. Want your pet to be involved in the ceremony? In glorious news, Wham Bam Thankyou Sam is also pet-friendly. If you're not planning to get married until between March and October 2024 and you're wondering what the next theme is, Capewell and Rosenthal will switch from Vegas to 'wham bam soft deco'. And, if getting hitched isn't in your immediate future but you're keen to party in the space, Wham Bam Thankyou Sam will host whatever kind of small shindig you like — up to 18 people if you're doing private dining. Find Wham Bam Thank You Sam at 384 Lutwyche Road, Windsor until March 2024 — and head to the venue's website for bookings.
Brisbanites, if you can remember back to the beginning of 2020, then you might recall that Jet Black Cat Music marked its ninth birthday to start off that year — and, to celebrate, the West End store hopped over to the other side of the inner city and threw a huge block party. That festival, Nine Lives, clearly has to keep coming back. Yes, that includes in 2023. Once again, the River City's music lovers will need to head to The Tivoli, with Fortitude Valley's Costin Street set to overflow with tunes and food on Saturday, March 4. Thanks to the pandemic, this marks the third edition of the festival, after also going ahead in 2022. Here's hoping that there's at least six more to come. Leading the bill in 2023: Angel Olsen, Crumb, Drugdealer and Mdou Moctar, giving Nine Lives an impressive lineup of overseas headliners. They'll be joined by 1TBSP, Baby Cool, Bones & Jones, Felivand and Folk Bitch Trio, as well as Girl and Girl, Loose Fit Mylee Grace, No Zu and Platonic Sex. The tunes will take over two stages — and festival-goers also hit up the array of food trucks serving bites to eat, and go trawling the crates for records. "Nine Lives started and was inspired by the record shop's ninth birthday a few years ago — something extra special to bring our local and surrounding music loving communities together, stemming from the stuff we love and get behind at Jet Black Cat Music," said Nine Lives co-founder and Jet Black Cat Music owner Shannon Logan, announcing the 2023 lineup. "It's a tastemaker's curation of fantastic music from Australia and around the world. We are thrilled to have all of these acts playing Nine Lives 2023 and can't wait for the audience to leave with some new favourites!" NINE LIVES 2023 LINEUP: Angel Olsen Crumb Drugdealer Mdou Moctar 1TBSP Baby Cool Bones & Jones Felivand Folk Bitch Trio Girl and Girl Loose Fit Mylee Grace No Zu Platonic Sex Nine Lives returns to The Tivoli, 52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley, on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Ticket pre-sales start at 10am AEST on Wednesday, December 7, with general sales from 10am AEST on Thursday, December 8. Top image: Bianca Holderness.
When Eric Bana (Dirty John) stepped into Aaron Falk's shoes in The Dry, more was always bound to follow. On the screen, the film became a massive Australian box-office hit in 2021 thanks to its twisty mystery, determined detective, stunning Aussie scenery and spectacular cast. It was capitalising, of course, on the story's proven success on the page. And, to the delight of movie producers and audiences, the beloved novel by author Jane Harper was just Falk's first appearance. Accordingly, throw that formula together again and you now have Force of Nature: The Dry 2, the big-screen sequel that hits cinemas in Australia and New Zealand on August 24. This follow-up sees the core duo of Bana and writer/director Robert Connolly (Blueback) return, with the latter again investigating a case. This time, as both the movie's initial teaser and just-dropped full trailer explore, he's looking into the disappearance of a hiker from a corporate retreat attended by five women. Alongside fellow federal agent Carmen Cooper (Jacqueline McKenzie, Ruby's Choice), Falk heads deep into Victoria's mountain ranges to try to find the missing traveller — who also happens to be a whistle-blowing informant — alive. Also featuring in Force of Nature, which has a powerhouse list of Aussie talent just like its predecessor: Anna Torv (The Last of Us) as missing hiker Alice Russell, plus Deborra-Lee Furness (Jindabyne), Robin McLeavy (Homeland), Sisi Stringer (Mortal Kombat) and Lucy Ansell (Utopia). Richard Roxburgh (Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe), Tony Briggs (Preppers) and Kenneth Radley (The Power of the Dog) pop up, too, while Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor (Heartbreak High) is back in the role of Erik Falk. Touting its connection to The Dry right there in its name, Force of Nature: The Dry 2 comes after its predecessor did massive ticket-selling business. Not only did it notch up more than $20 million in Australian ticket sales, but it sat in sixth at the annual Aussie box office two years back after Hollywood franchise titles Spider-Man: No Way Home, No Time to Die, Godzilla vs Kong, Peter Rabbit 2 and Fast and Furious 9. Yes, greenlighting this sequel must've been the easiest decision ever. Yes, you can probably expect Harper's Exiles to get the movie treatment next. Reteaming not just after The Dry, but also fellow 2023 release Blueback, Connolly and Bana make quite the pair when it comes to Aussie crime cinema — with Connolly the producer of one of the best local crime movies ever made, aka 1998's unnerving The Boys, and Bana famously the star of the similarly excellent Chopper. Check out the full trailer for Force of Nature: The Dry 2 below: Force of Nature: The Dry 2 releases in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on August 24, 2023. Read our full review of The Dry. Images: Narelle Portanier.
Packing is no one's favourite part of going on holidays. If you're the kind of traveller who needs to cater for every occasion, stuffing your baggage is a massive task. If you like going light, whittling your outfits down but still ensuring that you've got the basics isn't as easy as it sounds. But, why not ditch all of that, and your suitcase? That's Japan Airlines' new solution thanks to its just-launched clothing rental service. Instead of tourists agonising over what to take to Japan with you — or stressing over what not to take — the carrier is offering a clothing sharing service with Sumitomo Corporation called Any Wear, Anywhere. You reserve a range of clothes, including choosing according to the season, and whether you're after a casual or smarter look. Then, that attire gets delivered to your hotel. When you're heading home, the rental clothes will be collected from wherever you're staying, too. And no, you don't have to do any laundry before handing them back over. The aim: not only to make travelling easier for tourists, but to do the environment a solid as well. If you're hiring clothes, less luggage needs to transported internationally. Japan Airlines will be monitoring the change in checked-in baggage weight thanks to the service, to see how it reduces the carrier's carbon emissions. Also, heroing the circular economy, the outfits on offer will be sourced from pre-owned clothing and excess stock from fashion stores. And, the airline is promoting the service as a way for tourists to support local options — not just for accommodation and food, but also for clothing. At this stage, Japan Airlines is trialling Any Wear, Anywhere from Wednesday, July 5, 2023 to Saturday, August 31, 2024 — and the service is only available for customers travelling to Japan via Japan Airlines. Price-wise, costs start at AU$42 / NZ$45 (¥4000) for a set of summer threads, which covers three tops and two bottoms. The most you'll pay is AU$73 / NZ $79 (¥4000), which gets you a winter range of six tops and three bottoms. You can keep the threads for up to two weeks, and bookings are available from a month before you travel. Wouldn't dream of travelling without a suitcase? Coming home, you can now fill it with souvenirs instead of dirty clothes. Japan Airlines and and Sumitomo Corporation's Any Wear, Anywhere clothing sharing service is being trialled until Saturday, August 31, 2024 — head to the Any Wear, Anywhere website for further details and bookings. 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.
Over the past few years, the Laneway Festival as established itself a preeminent music festival for the edgiest and hippest music, becoming a weathervane for the coolest sounds in music today. With a great blend of sounds and styles, combined with the urban chic of Fortitude Valley, Laneway is one of the more unique festival experiences of the summer. 2013 sees a stellar line-up of artists from Australia and overseas. Headlined by the likes of Yeasayer (pictured), Bat For Lashes, Japandroids and Divine Fits, Laneway also has a strong Australian contingent, led by Twerps, Flume, Snakadaktal and Alpine. Be sure to grab a ticket before they are all gone. Undercover stages provide the perfect environment regardless of weather.
Many a bar, pub, club and watering hole line Fortitude Valley's streets; however, there's one thing that the suburb hasn't had until now. While craft breweries have been popping up nearby in Newstead, in the CBD under the Story Bridge and over the river at Kangaroo Point, the inner-city hotspot has remained quiet on the beer-making front — but that's where Soapbox Beer comes in. Taking over an old agricultural store on the corner of Gipps Street and Ranwell Lane, and open since December 2018, the newcomer both brews and serves up its hoppy beverages onsite. In a spacious venue filled with reclaimed timber and industrial fittings largely nabbed from demolition works, you'll find a 2000-litre steam brew system pumping out Soapbox's core brews, plus a 200-litre system for seasonal and smaller batch beers. [caption id="attachment_707149" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rachael Nixon[/caption] Always pouring through the taps are five particular beverages: a malt and citrus-heavy pale ale, a chocolatey and bitter dark ale, an IPA with orange notes, a slightly sweet kolsch and an American-style amber ale. To help line the stomach, Soapbox also slings a menu of share plates, snacks, steaks and burgers, many of which include beer as an ingredient. Between pints, you can tuck into potato curry croquettes with a pale ale vindaloo sauce or a grilled wagyu beer steak with a porter onion gravy — or a brisket burger with beer-pickled daikon, the obligatory beer-battered fish and chips, and even beer fudge brownies with hops salted caramel sauce. As for the folks responsible, Soapbox is the brainchild of craft beer aficionados Luke Nixon and Scott Robertson, who started home-brewing six years ago. They've now traded in their film industry and corporate jobs to jump from making tipples in their backyards to whipping up beverages in the centre of Brissie's nightlife scene, with help from Greg James as their new head brewer. Find Soapbox Beer at 89–101 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley, open from 11am–midnight Wednesday–Sunday. Images: Rachael Nixon.
It's not every festival feels like a country weekend fete that just happens to be headlined by say, Courtney Barnett. Fairgrounds, Australia's country boutique camping festival descends on the small NSW town of Berry each December. Taking over the local Berry Showgrounds, Fairgrounds boasts all the trimmings of a major music festival with the essence of a local fair. And this December, it's back for another two-day round. Running over November 30 and December 1, the two-day festival is making a triumphant return. In a huge coup for the small festival in its third year, they've secured big time festival favourites Courtney Barnett and Vance Joy to headline, alongside local legends Pond, Winston Surfshirt and more. Oh, and British punk poet Billy Bragg, US alternative rock band The Breeders and Zambian hip hop singer Sampa the Great will also join the lineup from across the globe. With a strong focus on the local NSW South Coast area, Fairgrounds isn't just about the tunes. Last year local nosh, market stalls and the local swimming pool played equally starring roles at this multifaceted festival — something we're sure made Berry residents pretty happy. Between dips in Berry's local pool (within the festival grounds), punters feasted on local delights, including fresh rock oysters harvested less than half an hour from the festival site. The festival's super-popular long-table dinners will return, too, which take place overlooking the live music. But we know what you're here for. Here's the full lineup. FAIRGROUNDS 2018 LINEUP: Vance Joy Pond Rolling Blackouts C.F. Saba Body Type Oh Pep! Tia Gostelow Courtney Barnett Billy Bragg Winston Surfshirt The Breeders Sampa the Great The Teskey Brothers Waxahatchee Kevin Morby Maddy Jane Carla Geneve Fairgrounds runs November 30–December 1 at Berry Showgrounds, NSW. Tickets on sale from Moshtix at 10am, Monday, August 13. Festival entry starts at $110, with camping $230. Image: Ian Laidlaw and Gabriel Vallido
Autumn means falling leaves, slightly cooler weather and the feeling that, if you're eager to venture outside in Brisbane, you won't be sweating and sweltering for a change. So with the season now in full swing, it's the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon and evening eating, drinking and listening to live music in a northside park. Running from 3–8pm on Saturday, March 20, Park Vibes combines all of the above. Yes, bringing your picnic blanket and getting comfortable is recommended. Food-wise, three 'flavour zones' will showcase different cuisines, so you can choose between Asian, European and American bites to eat from an array of food trucks — while a pop-up bar will be serving wine, craft beers and spirits. Live performances will be running all arvo, ending in fireworks — and for both big and little kids, there'll be rides as well. Entry is free, but registering for a ticket online in advance is recommended, with the event taking place at Pine Rivers Park in Strathpine. If you're driving, parking will cost you $5.
When mid-February rolls around each year, a specific feeling starts to sink in: the yearning for these sunny, summery days to keep on stretching on. But autumn will soon be upon us, and cooler weather, too — unless you decide to chase an endless summer by spending time anywhere from the Gold Coast up to Cairns while it gets frosty down south. After a chaotic couple of years due to the pandemic, Queensland holidays have been back on the agenda since late 2021. Just last month, the Sunshine State also ditched all of its remaining domestic border restrictions. And, if you're keen to make an autumn date with plenty of sun, surf and sand — or even to book in a winter getaway, too — Virgin Australia has just dropped a huge Queensland flight sale. Running until midnight AEST on Sunday, February 20 or sold out, whichever arrives first, this sale is solely about trips to and from the Sunshine State — with more than a 1.5 million fares on offer. It might be focused on one part of the country, but you still have options in terms of departure points and destinations. Within Queensland, you can leave or arrive in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Mt Isa and Proserpine. And, around the rest of the country, flights to and from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney are all covered. One-way fares start at $59 — which'll get you from Sydney to the Gold Coast, Launceston to Brisbane, Newcastle to Brisbane and Brisbane to Prosperine (and vice versa). Other sale flights include Sydney–Sunshine Coast from $65, Melbourne–Gold Coast from $69, Melbourne–Townsville from $99 and Sydney–Hamilton Island from $109. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, the travel periods depend on the leg — but some span up till spring. Only some fares cover seat selection and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing back in August that it is now splitting its economy flights into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights also became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin's Great Queensland Getaway sale runs from today, Monday, February 14–midnight AEST on Sunday, February 20 — or until sold out.
The Killers are taking a shot at the night, Satellite Stories are letting the lights go low and Cruiser want you to kidnap them. So kick off those work-week blues and listen to these five tracks to soundtrack your weekend. 1. 'SHOT AT THE NIGHT' - THE KILLERS This is a new direction for The Killers. It retains the anthem attributes fans love, but it presents a new element to their sound, courtesy of production by Anthony Gonzalez of M83 fame. It is like the two bands had a sonic love child, and this is it. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the Las Vegas quartet's tenth anniversary and is one of two new tracks to be featured on a greatest hits (so far) album, with 'Just Another Girl' also due to drop soon. The album Direct Hits will be released globally on November 11 so let this tide you over in the meantime. 2. 'BED PEACE' - JHENE AIKO FEAT. CHILDISH GAMBINO This is the smoothest song I have ever heard. Jhene Aiko's gentle vocals perfectly compliment Childish Gambino — otherwise known as Donald Glover — and his playful voice. When layered over the top of the simple R&B vibe it creates a song that is both graceful and sexy. You can play it to fall asleep, when you bring someone home or just on a lazy Sunday. This is an angelic song for all occasions. 3. 'LIGHTS GO LOW' - SATELLITE STORIES Satellite Stories have been receiving a lot of deserved hype lately. The Finnish band's sound has drawn a number of comparisons to Two Door Cinema Club, but there is one difference — they sound like they could be even better. Now that is saying something, as Two Door Cinema Club is this writer's favourite band. However, they just have an excellent understanding of the music they are trying to make, resulting in tracks like this that your ears will love you for offering to them. 4. 'KIDNAP ME' - CRUISER Cruiser is Philadelphia native Andy Stykes and he could not have dropped this summer-sounding track at a better time. So as the sun begins to heat things up, soak up this track's resplendent musical rays and please do not kidnap Cruiser. We need him to continue making music and his ransom would be far too high given how good this new track is. 5. 'DAWN' - CLOUD BEHIND Cloud Behind are a band from Thailand that make truly beautiful music. 'Dawn' is an excellent showcasing of their talent and has perfect timing, starting slowly before building momentum into a heartwarming ending. This is the type of music that accompanies life-changing decisions in indie movies so pop it on and see what epiphanies come your way.
The local pub might be somewhere you feel at ease, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't seek out adventures further afield once in a while. If you're up for some incredible experiences that don't involve a pint glass, Adrenaline offers an almost endless array of activities that'll ensure you feel on top of the world the following day — something a night at the pub cannot guarantee. Ranging from scenic kayak trips to whale watching cruises and private windsurfing lessons, these unforgettable activities are the ultimate way to liven up your year. SPOT MAJESTIC SEA CREATURES ON A CRUISE Mooloolaba's stunning coastal community is already a must-visit destination for beach lovers, but it's even more impressive during whale watching season. Running from June to November, this fascinating three-hour cruise puts you within reach of several extraordinary whale species as they navigate the east coast and head towards warmer waters. The imposing humpback whales are the main attraction, but you might also catch a glimpse of minke whales, dolphins and turtles. The cruise keeps its distance from the marine life on show, but these inquisitive animals regularly come in for a closer look by breaching the waves and causing a stir with their tail flukes. FEEL THE WIND THROUGH YOUR HAIR Shorncliffe is one of Brisbane's top coastal suburbs, featuring a pristine foreshore, laid-back vibes and a host of charming cafe spots. It's also known as a top-notch windsurfing location, with the waterfront dotted with sailboarders skittering across the waves throughout the day. This two-hour private windsurfing lesson is perfect for both beginners and more experienced folk, as you receive one-on-one instructions tailored to your precise skillset. You'll be supplied with everything you need, including a helmet with built-in communications so your accredited trainer can improve your talents on the fly. LEVEL UP YOUR BARBECUE HOSTING GAME You might be looking to get away from the pub, but that doesn't mean you have to forget about beer altogether. This light-hearted cooking class gives your barbecuing skills a much-needed touchup, while also teaching you the ins and outs of pairing premium craft beer with classic barbecue dishes. Led by two knowledgeable grillmasters, this class will see you reproduce a multi-course feast, including barbecued half-shell scallops, jerk beer can chicken, and Cape Grim scotch fillet with feta and basil. After completing this class, you might actually be the backyard barbie master you always thought you were. STRETCH YOUR MENTAL MUSCLES AT AN ESCAPE ROOM With six challenging themed rooms to solve, this Brisbane escape room presents a simple solution to the ever-present riddle of what to do on the weekend. You and three of your most deductive pals will get dressed in some Sherlock-esque detective outfits and spend the next hour deciphering clues and figuring out how to escape the space. Each room has its own mystery to solve ranging from conspiracies against the Queensland Government to dead jockeys at Eagle Farm Racecourse. That all sounds very dramatic, but it's part of the fun as these immersive whodunits. KAYAK ALONG BRISBANE RIVER AT SUNSET Brisbane's skyline is a special sight once the sun begins to set and golden hour washes over the buildings. This evening kayak tour offers you a scenic vantage point on the Brisbane River and the chance to soak up the city's renowned landmarks with an extra element of adventure. For over 90 minutes, you'll make your way from the West End Riverside Drive Pontoon and under the vibrant Victoria Bridge, all under the guidance of a qualified instructor. As daylight fades away, landmarks further down the river like the Maritime Museum and the Brisbane Wheel will look even more impressive as they light up against the night sky. SOAR OVER SURFERS PARADISE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON You'll likely have to give the pub a miss if you want to attend this sunrise hot air ballooning experience, but it'll be well worth the sacrifice once you're peacefully floating above Surfers Paradise. Enjoy the crisp morning air as you drift across a network of waterways with views stretching all the way to the hinterland. The tour includes complimentary pick-up service from Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise or Main Beach. Once you arrive at the launch site, you'll also help get the balloon ready for your 30-minute flight. Choose adventure over your dusty old local. Visit the Adrenaline website and pick an incredible experience that you won't be able to stop talking about. Images: Adrenaline
As it continues in a push to produce more inclusive exercise gear, Lululemon has this week launched a new range of workout hijabs across selected international stores. The performance and lifestyle hijabs come in two styles available to buy now across New Zealand and Australia, with a third set to launch later this year. Each hijab is made using the buttery soft, sweat-wicking fabric Lululemon is famous for and offers a series of adjustable fits suited to the gym, a home workout or just those humid days of summer. The pin-free Performance Hijab ($55 AUD/$65 NZD) comes in both black and blue, and features an adjustable drawstring so it stays fitted into place while the user is working out — perfect for runners and HIIT lovers. The more traditional Scarf-Style Hijab ($49 AUD/$55 NZD) comes in soft jersey fabric and can be worn tied, twisted or tucked depending on preference. This one might be more suited to lower intensity styles, like pilates and walks. Lastly, the OTM Pull On Hijab ($49 AUD/$55 NZD) which is set to launch later this year, also has an over the head design and can be worn wrapped around the shoulders or tucked into the front of the shirt. Luluelmon certainly isn't the first activewear company to produce a hijab suited to exercise: Adidas has an option available to purchase online with its famous three stripe logo and Nike also has a monochromatic range. Under Armour also has an option with built-in headphone access. It would be great to see more brands follow suit, including locally made and designed options. The Lululemon performance hijab range launched Monday, June 6 and can be found now in select stores across Australia and New Zealand. For more information, head to the website.
Thirty years' worth of PCBs, as well as heavy metals, sewage and urban runoff, have made the Hudson River a hazard for would-be swimmers for nearly a century. Clean-ups, initiated in the 1960s by Pete Seeger's Hudson River Sloop Clearwater organisation, and enforced since the 1980s by the US Environmental Protection Agency, have improved conditions significantly. Now, a new Kickstarter project, titled + POOL, promises to create a swimming basin in the Hudson's brother, the East River, right on the liquid doorstep of New York City. Fitted with an enormous layered filtration system, the pool will purify as much as half a million gallons of water daily. Consequently, New Yorkers will be able to swim in that part of the river, enjoying a level of cleanliness similar to 19th-century standards. Plus, of course, they’ll have the benefit of a 21st-century view. According to the project's creators, "+ POOL started with a simple goal: instead of trying to clean the entire river, what if you started by just cleaning a small piece of it? And what if you could change how New Yorkers see their rivers, just by giving them a chance to swim in it?" With 17 days of campaigning left to go, + POOL has raised US$120,360 of its initial US$250,000 goal, which will enable the construction of a 35' x 35' ‘Float Lab’ in August 2013. The final project is set to be completed in summer 2016, just before the Olympic Games. Donors receive rewards in the form of pool tiles and, so far, 1,328 people have pledged support. For US$25, you’ll see your name alongside seven others on a 'group tile'. For US$2500, you’ll earn yourself a 'graphic tile', featuring your logo, signature or any single-colour image of your choice, as well as 20 tickets to 'First Dips'. This means that you and 19 friends will be among the first individuals to jump into the pool, in the week leading up to its public opening.
It's become an accepted part of life that everything from Japan is super darn awesome (or just plain weird). One of the areas they really manage to nail when it comes to the cool-factor is the fashion. Over the last few decades, avant-gardists like Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Junya Watanabe have really transformed the industry through their radical rebellion against the conventions of Western couture. GOMA's Future Beauty exhibition pays homage to such innovative Japanese fashion designs from the last 30 years. Accompanying the exhibition is a program of workshops, live music, food offerings and designer talks with long-time fashion greats such as Akira Isogawa and the chief curator of the Kyoto Costume Institute, Akiko Fukai. On the music lineup for Future Beauty Up Late will be Harajuku band Broken Doll on their first ever Australian tour, London band Factory Floor, Japanese girl-trio Shonen Knife, salyu x salyu, Oscar Key Sung, Last Dinosaurs, and audio-visualist Sampology. Perhaps the most exciting of all, however, is the opening of Brisbane's own Comme des Garçons Pocket pop-up store, which will sell the label's 'Play' line, as well as its wallets and fragrances.
Living the resort life is what summer is all about, and Brisbanites don't need to travel too far to get their fix. If an overseas holiday isn't quite calling for various reasons — leave balances, bank balances, life in general — hitting the Gold Coast's Sheraton Grand Mirage will help you feel like you've made the trip to Mexico. Until Sunday, January 29, you can pair a stay at the Main Beach hotel with creative margaritas and a pop-up taco market. The drinks come courtesy of tequila brand Avión, which has set up an Avión Beach Cantina poolside, complete with plenty of beverages and Mexican-style bites made with Queensland produce. In leafy surroundings with a big tropical garden bar vibe, this cantina is pouring mango, lime, grapefruit and passionfruit margs, including 'ritas infused with jalapeño for an extra kick, plus sangria jugs, frosé and mocktails. As for the tacos, expect grilled chipotle chicken, barramundi, black beans and slow-cooked pulled pork served with salsas, as well as guacamole, corn chips and pico de gallo. Operating from 12–7pm daily, with food over lunch from 12–3pm, the cantina does have one catch: you need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the pop-up. Yes, the Goldie counts as a vacation, even just for a night or two.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we set the compass to Tropical North Queensland and take a trip to Cairns for a special stay at Crystalbrook Riley. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive four-night travel deal — including in-room entertainment, aquarium access and accommodation in an ultra-refined Urban Room. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Queenslanders have had a good few reasons to celebrate of late: State of Origin wins. A low-intensity heatwave that makes it feel they're never going to break up with summer. First place in a new survey that asked Aussies to rank their favourite local travel destination. And while anyone who's not a Maroons fan probably doesn't want to hear them gloat about their footballing victories, we can certainly support a destination that grants us access to sunny days and balmy nights right now without the need to renew our passports. Pitching itself for consideration is Crystalbrook Riley, a five-star stay that's strategically situated along Cairns' iconic coastal boardwalk. It has some of the best beaches of the world literally at your doorstep. Luxe location aside, Crystalbrook Riley's outstanding amenities are equally impressive. They include a 1000-square-metre swimming lagoon, a private man-made beach, bustling bars and restaurants and some seriously stylish rooms and suites. THE ROOMS The Crystalbrook Riley team is proud to proclaim that its 311 rooms and suites most certainly do not feel like a home away from home. But before you think that's a typo allow us to explain its rationale. Basically, it's because the team believes that leaving your teeny one-bedroom with views over the main road to spend your time away in the same sort of set-up defeats the purpose. Instead, it delivers all of the good things you love about your own house (big beds, comfy couches, steaming hot showers) and adds some oomph by making the design a little more sophisticated, the furnishings a touch more elegant and the kind of contemporary cool accessories you'd find at a boutique homeware store. FOOD AND DRINK If you're in Cairns, you're probably going dedicate a couple of days to super-early-start excursions like the Daintree National Park or the Great Barrier Reef. On those occasions, when you come home exhausted and don't have the physical energy to untangle your salty hair let alone order an Uber, Crystalbrook Riley's own in-hotel restaurants are on hand. The highest rooftop bar in Cairns, Rocco, is all about generous serves, share-style dining and fresh dishes that take inspiration from the Middle East and the Mediterranean and recreate them with fresh regional produce. Highlights include mezza plates featuring freshly shucked oysters, house-made labneh cheese, Far North Queensland grilled tiger prawns, confit chicken and grilled lamb cutlets. Pair them with a smart selection of sweet and savoury cocktails, like the Moroccan-inspired Message in a Bottle, for an experience that is truly unmissable. On the other hand, if you're all about an Asian epicurean experience, then Paper Crane offers a modern menu that makes the most of Tropical North Queensland's fresh ingredients while highlighting the best of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese fare. Signature dishes such as the citrus soy-marinated Tableland rib-eye steak on the bone pair perfectly with Paper Crane's custom cocktails. Just be sure to pace yourself if you have another long day trip planned for the next morning. THE LOCAL AREA Know as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the place to base yourself if swimming and snorkelling among world-heritage-listed marine life is on your bucket list. Ditto those seeking easy access to the iconic Daintree Rainforest and its soaring green canopies. But beyond its beaches and bushland, Cairns is also a dream holiday destination for those who like to pack their itinerary with drinking, dining and days spent doing a little retail damage. Our suggestions include the tropical treats at Charley's Chocolate Factory, sunset cocktails at seaside bar Salt House, the small boutiques in Oceania Walk or Galleria for high-end designer stores. THE EXTRAS Did you even go on a holiday if you didn't treat yourself to a fancy facial and meditative massage? Although Crystalbrook Riley's Eleme Spa is temporarily closed, guests can still enjoy access to the equally fabulous Eleme Day Spa Crystalbrook Flynn just down the road, where treatments such as couples therapy and detox packages are all available. Additionally, those who take advantage of this exclusive Concrete Playground Trips promotion can enjoy two complimentary tickets to the famed Cairns Aquarium. It's home to the Southern Hemisphere's only two-storey Deep Reef Tank, the 360-degree Oceanarium and Underwater Viewing Tunnel. Guests can spot rare species of sharks, sting rays, crocodiles and more, as they attempt to find Nemo. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
He took home this year's best director Oscar thanks to his enchanting monster romance, and now he's in the spotlight at the Spanish Film Festival. That'd be The Shape of Water's Guillermo del Toro, with the fest celebrating his 2006 Academy Award-winner Pan's Labyrinth as its closing night selection. Of course, on its stop at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro from April 26 to May 13, the country's long-running celebration of Spanish-language filmmaking has plenty of other delights amongst its 25-film program. Marking its 21st year in 2018, that includes opening night's The Tribe, a street-dancing musical comedy inspired by real-life Spain's Got Talent winners, plus No Filter, this year's Spanish box office smash about a woman who can't stop speaking her mind. Other high-profile highlights range from screenings of Pixar's gorgeous Coco — in case you missed it in cinemas late last year — to a who's who of Spanish talent in historical epic Gold; to Loving Pablo, which features Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar and Penélope Cruz as the journalist who falls for him. Fans of both actors can also catch them in Jamón Jamón — which, released back in 1992, was actually Cruz's first film. It plays as part of a four-feature retrospective dedicated to filmmaker Bigas Luna, alongside his fellow hits Golden Balls and The Tit and The Moon. A documentary compiled from the late director's video diaries, Bigas x Bigas, will enjoy its Australian premiere to round out the program strand. Plus, in the kind of curation that every film festival could benefit from, the Spanish Film Festival will also showcase the work of emerging Spanish female directors. While Summer 1993 actually played at last year's fest as well, the charming delight is getting another spin, with Málaga Film Festival hit Julia Is, Spanish Civil War-focused The Bastard's Fig Tree and the Goya-nominated The Open Door also on the bill. In addition, Melburnians get an extra pick thanks to doco Singled [Out], which was partially shot in Australia by the Melbourne-based Mariona Guiu and Barcelona-based Ariadna Relea.
There is something very interesting about the concept of ‘emptiness’ in relation to the art of printmaking. Printmaking, by its nature, relies just as much on its positive elements as it does on its negative, ‘empty space’ elements. Its very essence lies in deciding what to remove; what to make empty. In mathematics, the ‘empty set’ is the “unique set having no numbers”. It looks like this: { }. According to D.J. Darling’s The Universal Book of Mathematics (2004), the empty set is not nothing, but rather "the set of all triangles with four sides, the set of all numbers that are bigger than nine but smaller than eight, and the set of all opening moves in chess that involve a king". The empty set, therefore, is the possibility of something; the endless possibility of something impossible. The same might be said for artist group The {Empty Set}, comprised predominantly of graduates of Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. They are Gwenn Tasker, Alex Gillies, Karen Kase, Heidi Stephens, Ann Roworth, Carolyn McKenzie-Craig, Louise Irving, Belinda Sinclair, Kathryn Danger Sawyer and Ky Curran. "Transience, fragmentation, dissolution, ritual, hybrid forms, myth, magic, new cosmologies and the undead are some of the soft fruits of metamorphosis that inhabit the liminal landscape and are some of the themes explored by the artists in The {Empty Set}.” Working in print and paper, this exhibition will showcase the set’s diverse contemporary talents across a wide range of media including installation, video, jewellery and artist books, demonstrating the place for printmaking in cross-disciplinary practices. Image credit: Belinda Sinclair - “Wolfberries for the Goldwitch”, courtesy of White Canvas Gallery
Victoria's Hot Chocolate Festival is back again this August. And, like last year, it's also bringing the decadence to you. Whether you're a Melburnian who can't make it to one of the three venues outside of town, or you're located elsewhere and you really love hot chocolate, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is churning out boxes filled with creative hot choccie flavours. Like this year's physical fest, the flavour range is being released weekly — so you have an excuse to order more than a few boxes. To kick things off, there's the Tim Tam caramel bomb, which turns caramel Tim Tams into a ball and serves it with a caramel hot chocolate. Also tempting: the Devonshire kronut version features a berry hot chocolate topped with — you guessed it — a kronut. And, the Snickertini includes shots of Baileys and vodka, while the Dreamtime hot chocolate features lemon myrtle. Fingers crossed that fan favourite flavours like Tim Tam Slam and Golden Nutella Spoon will pop up throughout the month, along with the more adventurous likes of If You Like Piña Colada, Zingy Chilli and Cherry Matcha. All limited-edition hot chocolates come with an extra shot of hot couverture chocolate and handcrafted marshmallow, too. Plus, in previous years, some of the highlights arrived with exploding marshmallows, melting chocolate discs and truffle balls. If the eight-flavour pack each week is a little much — it'll set you back $49.95 — you can also order individual varieties for $6.50 a pop. The boxes are available to order until the end of August, and there's a flat-rate shipping fee of $15 to anywhere in Australia.
The last time that Vince Gilligan created a series around an actor that he'd already worked with, television gained one of the best shows of the 21st century, one of its finest-ever tragedies and a spinoff on par with its inspiration: the Breaking Bad-connected Better Call Saul. Next up on his resume comes another project based around a star that he's already made exceptional TV with, and that should be just as keenly anticipated, with Pluribus led by Rhea Seehorn (Win or Lose). As Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, Seehorn was nominated for two well-deserved Emmys, but missed out to Ozark's Julia Garner in 2022 and The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge in 2023. Here's hoping that she earns accolades for her next effort with Gilligan. This time, the duo reunite for an Apple TV+ sci-fi drama, which has just dropped its first teaser trailer and announced its premiere date. [caption id="attachment_864124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Better Call Saul, Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television[/caption] From Friday, November 7, you can watch what occurs when Seehorn plays the planet's most-miserable person, who needs to save the world from happiness. That's all of the plot details that have been revealed so far. The first-look clip doesn't expand on the narrative, but does feature a woman licking doughnuts and placing them back in a box for others to help themselves to. If you're keen for anything that The X-Files alum Gilligan whips up — especially with the stellar Seehorn involved — then you'll be pleased to know that the nine-episode first season of Pluribus isn't all that's on the way. Already, the show has been renewed for a second season. [caption id="attachment_757257" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Better Call Saul[/caption] On-screen, Seehorn is joined by Karolina Wydra (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Carlos-Manuel Vesga (The Luckiest Man in America), Miriam Shor (Magic Hour) and Samba Schutte (Parallel). Behind the scenes, Gilligan has fellow Better Call Saul veterans Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock and Diane Mercer for company among the series' executive producers, as well as Allyce Ozarski (I Love That for You) and Jeff Frost. Also, if you're wondering right now if Gilligan isn't all that fond of pastries given the role of a particular chain in Better Call Saul, that's understandable. Check out the date announcement video for Pluribus below: Pluribus starts streaming via Apple TV+ on Friday, November 7, 2025.
A day out from December 25, the experts are forecasting some hot weather. And it looks like you'd better be prepared to embrace the sweats, with Australia's weather set to gift us with some very balmy Christmas Day temperatures across the board. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne will be turning on some pretty primo beach weather, with mostly sunny skies and a top of 26 degrees, shooting it past the monthly average of 24.2. With today set to hit 34 degrees, the temp will only get to a low of 17 — so you're probably going to want to make sure those Christmas beers are cold and a swimmable body of water isn't too far away. Sydney is slated to enjoy a similar situation, facing a maximum of 29 degrees, a whole stack of sunshine and lows of just 18 degrees. However, if you're going to be out west, you'll have to withstand a heatwave — Penrith will reach a top of 35 degrees Happily enough, it seems the city will have got the current sogginess out of its system, with a solid week of showers and storms drying up in time for Christmas Eve. As in Melbourne, Sydney's looking at a mere five percent chance of rain for December 25 — if that's not perfect barbecue weather, we don't know what is. Further north, Brisbane's Christmas Day forecast is surprisingly similar, despite the slew of sweaty mid-30s the city's copped in the lead-up. If you're up there for the big day, you can expect to unwrap those presents to a balmy top of 29 degrees — pretty much bang on the Queensland capital's December maximum average. Across the country, Perth punters are in for steamier festivities, with Christmas Day maxing out at 35 degrees and dipping to just 20. It's a little warmer than the city's December averages, but shouldn't come as too much of a shock to locals — December 25 runs off the back of five relentless days of mid-to-high 30s, scorching sunshine and pretty much zero rain. Best find yourself some air-con for the big day. Adelaide-bound folk are in for the same max of 35 degrees, following a string of mid-20s in the lead-up. Canberra's maxing out at a sunny, slightly breezy 33 degrees, while Darwin folk can prepare themselves for a dramatic combination of 34-degree maximums, a medium chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. If you're after a cool Christmas, it seems you'll have to venture down to good ol' Tassie to find it — Hobart's dishing up a partly cloudy day, with a manageable maximum of just 22 degrees. Updated: December 24, 2018.
Billboards are traditionally known for their advertising, but in a world first, Peruvians prove they can offer an alternative function: producing water out of thin air. The University of Engineering and Technology in Lima, the second largest capital city in the world set on a desert, has developed this incredible billboard, which could improve the health of hundreds of citizens. The contraption contains generators that capture the air's humidity, which due to the lack of rain in the region is usually at 98 percent. This is then treated through air and carbon filters, condensed into purified water, and stored in tanks to be accessed by taps at the base of the billboard. Because so many people in the area source their (often polluted) water from wells, this potable water is a real help to the millions of residents of the city. The billboard produces 9450L water over a period of three months, which is enough clean water to cover the consumption of hundreds of families each month. The multifunction billboard does also advertise for the University that developed it — but then, this innovative, life-saving creation does warrant the right to brag just a little bit. Take a look at this video to find out more about how the billboard works and the effects it's had on the people of Lima. Via PSFK.
The rapidly evolving landscape of the Sydney CBD continues to gain international recognition, raking in three nominations at this year's annual awards given by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The well-regarded, Chicago-based competition rewards outstanding design, planning and construction of tall buildings, and remains an influencer in future building projects worldwide. The most notable finalist are the International Towers at Barangaroo, which have been shortlisted in the 'Best Tall Building: Asia & Australasia' category. They will compete against eight office buildings and hotels in the region — including four in China, three in Singapore and one in South Korea. If awarded, Barangaroo will then go up against the three additional regional winners from the Americas, Europe and Middle East & Africa categories to be judged for the title of '2018 Best Tall Building Worldwide'. Sydney is not new to this honour, with One Central Park taking home the gold back in 2014. But the plaudits doesn't stop there, with two George Street buildings also in the running for lesser awards. The EY Centre is up for the Best Construction Award, making the final cut with five other buildings from New York City, Salt Lake City and Shenzhen (China). This building already gained national recognition in 2017, winning the Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture at last year's National Architecture Awards. In the Ten Year Award, residential complex Lumiere is a finalist against international designs in the States, the UK, Dubai, China and Bahrain. The award is bestowed on buildings that prove valuable to their cities over a period of time In all categories, the winning projects must display innovative designs that enhance their respective cities. The winners will be announced May 30-31 at the inaugural Tall + Urban Innovation Conference in Chicago, which will celebrate the best in international design innovation, technologies and construction. Via Commercial Real Estate and Architecture AU. Feature image via Wikimedia.
Let's be honest, interstate trips are the perfect budget-friendly breather. You get all your well-deserved downtime, without the fuss of long-distance flying and complicated international travel requirements. These Airbnbs are perfect for just that — with breathtaking views of cities across Australia for the perfect getaway. If you're eagerly planning day trips, weekend getaways and luscious week-long vacations, check out some of the best Airbnbs for the perfect vacation — or staycation — across Australia. Tamarama Panorama, Sydney In keeping with the beachside neighbourhood's "glamarama" reputation, the views from this home's floor-to-ceiling windows are dazzling. You can walk down your outdoor staircase to the beach, or just lay out on the balcony chairs and enjoy the ocean views from up above. From $700 a night, sleeps six. Harbour Hideaway, Sydney The views from this beachfront apartment and its gorgeous porch are hard to beat. If viewing the golden sand and blue water from above wasn't quite enough, the pad also has beach access. From $500 a night, sleeps two. Opera House Views, Sydney Whether you've lived in Sydney your whole life or you're just popping in for the weekend, this condo's jaw-dropping outlook over the city skyline will make you feel like you're seeing it for the first time. From $258 a night, sleeps four. Bondi Beach Ocean View, Sydney Only steps away from Sydney's most famous beach, this condo is close to not only Bondi Beach but also many nearby restaurants, bars and cafes. But its views will probably have you wanting to stay in. From $400 a night, sleeps two. Single-Bedroom Luxury Apartment, Melbourne Perfectly positioned near The Crown in the heart of Melbourne, you can take in pretty much all of the CBD from the floor-to-ceiling windows in this high-rise apartment. From $160 a night, sleeps two. Melbourne Spaceship Penthouse, Melbourne With windows on the walls and ceilings resembling a spaceship cockpit, enjoy an unmatched 270-degree view of Melbourne. From $258 a night, sleeps two. Breathtaking CBD Views, Melbourne Also conveniently located in Melbourne's CBD, the views from this apartment's bedroom are absolutely breathtaking. From $143 a night, sleeps four. Stylish Waterfront Apartment, Melbourne With utilities such as a gym, swimming pool and BBQ area all available, this property is a peaceful waterfront oasis — and only a free tram ride from Melbourne's bustling city centre. From $150 a night, sleeps two. Million Dollar Views, Brisbane Surprisingly, the real selling point of this high-rise apartment isn't its central location or its nice interior finishings, but the view from the apartment complex's rooftop pool. From $221 a night, sleeps four. Stylish One Bedroom, Brisbane Centrally-located and modern, the skyline views from this apartment and its roof will make even Brisbane locals feel like they're on a luxury vacation. From $189 a night, sleeps two. Riverview 29th Floor Apt, Brisbane Located in the heart of South Brisbane, treat yourself to stunning city views from the apartment, balcony, or rooftop infinity pool. From $205 a night, sleeps three. City View, Perth Slide open the glass doors after a long day exploring the city and enjoy the sunset over Perth from your living room. From $200 a night, sleeps two. Cottesloe Beach View, Perch Just steps from one of the most popular beaches in Western Australia, the ocean views are the star of this apartment. From $410 a night, sleeps four. French Farmhouse, Perth Craving a nature immersion? This pad is for the traveller whose ideal vacation involves forgetting about the outside world altogether. With a foliage-covered courtyard outside its windows, this rustic townhouse will help you forget about the existence of the city centre a mere five minutes away. From $200 a night, sleeps four. Glenelg Beachfront Apartment, Adelaide With arguably the best waterfront views on this list, this apartment gets up-close and personal with Glenelg Beach. But, just in case you get tired of the unrestricted views, there is plenty to do nearby in Adelaide's CBD. From $405 a night, sleeps four. Pearl, Adelaide A cosy and bright beachfront cottage, this recently renovated designer property boasts a sea view that can be enjoyed from the open lounge and kitchen or stone patio that leads directly onto the dunes. From $336 a night, sleeps four. Asri Garden Studio, Adelaide For secluded garden views, check out this tranquil studio inspired by Japanese and Balinese design. It's all about nature: nestled into a secluded garden and designed to incorporate natural materials and natural light. From $200 a night, sleeps two. View Studio, Hobart The best way to end an action-packed day in Hobart? Taking in the epic views of the city's lights from the bath in this Airbnb's master suite. From $235 a night, sleeps two. Tiny House Tasmania, Hobart For those looking to experience the tiny home craze, a trip to Hobart may be the perfect opportunity. This home overlooks the Derwent River and notably features an outdoor bathtub perfect for a relaxing evening after a day spent exploring. From $195 a night, sleeps two. Mountain View Retreat, Hobart If you prefer to get your outdoor fix in the mountains, this cosy mountainside retreat is only minutes away from Hobart — but has stunning views. From $140 a night, sleeps two. Marina Views, Darwin Enjoy this property's stellar view of the marina from its all-day shaded balcony, to keep you out of Darwin's heat. From $180 a night, sleeps four. Harbourfront Escape, Darwin This apartment right on Darwin's harbour will give visitors the perfect taste of Darwin's coastal life: explore during the day — or night — and then returning to the complex's outdoor pool and sunset views. From $189 a night, sleeps two. Opulent Ocean View Townhouse, Darwin Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this townhouse boasts waterfront views in a prime location in Darwin's Stuart Park. Suitable for families or for a private getaway, you can switch off in this spacious stay and soak in the gorgeous sunrises — or sunsets — by the pool. From $481 a night, sleeps eight. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb
If you thought Melbourne getting a George Costanza bar was cool (or maybe you're just more of a Beetlejuice fan), you'll be pretty impressed by New York City's latest attempt to one-up itself when it comes to themed establishments. Set to open early next month is a Tim Burton-inspired bar and restaurant, very aptly named Beetle House. Millennium made. The Manhattan bar comes from the same team who thought (and were indeed correct in doing so) that the island needed a Will Ferrell-themed bar, which opened in October last year. Beetle House, however, promises to recreate Halloween all year-long with "an atmosphere and menu inspired by the works of Tim Burton". Perfect for the regular Edward Scissorhands or ghosts stuck haunting the East Village. Potions will include the likes of the This Is Halloween (a concoction of pumpkin, cinnamon and apple liqueurs, ginger beer and apple cider) and the We Come In Peace, which is a questionable mix of salted caramel vodka, RumChata, cream and a caramel swirl salted rim. Other well-named sips include the likes of Edward's Lemonade, It's Showtime and Beetlejuice (naturally). Drink at your own peril. To eat, you can choose from the likes of Beetle Bread bruschetta, the Victor Van Pork burger and the Sweeney Beef steak. Beetle House is located in the East Village at 308 East 6th Street. If you've got a trip planned to NYC anytime soon, we suggest booking a table in advance lest you have to go to an unthemed restaurant instead.
Brisbane might be the centre of the political world during G20, but come March 2015, there’s no other place Australia’s cinephiles will want to be. The auteur’s auteur, David Lynch, is coming to town. Yes, you read that correctly. Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art has pulled off their greatest programming coup yet, presenting Australia’s first David Lynch exhibition from March 14 to June 7. Exclusive to the Queensland capital, David Lynch: Between Two Worlds is the largest retrospective of Lynch's practice to date, charting 50 years of his output across all media — and we mean all of it. Developed closely with Lynch himself, the exhibition features more than 200 works. Lynch is best known as a filmmaker; however he has worked as a visual artist for 50 years, producing an extensive body of paintings, photography and works on paper. Lynch’s film prowess is the stuff of cinema legend, his inimitable mind creating the wonders that are Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive. Bold, strange and with a singular style, his films really are incomparable. His output on the small screen is just as iconic, courtesy of a little TV show called Twin Peaks and its film prequel, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. You might have heard of them. If you were already excited about the beloved series returning for a third season in 2016, as announced just last month, then the exhibition’s anniversary celebration of what many rightfully consider the best television show ever made is going to be right up your alley. In addition to a complete collection of his film, video and television efforts at the Australian Cinémathèque, including a specially curated program of Lynch's short and feature films, works for television, documentaries and independent projects produced for online platforms, the exhibition will take over the rest of the Gallery of Modern Art. Rarely seen paintings and drawings from the mid 1960s, lithographs, an important presentation of Lynch's photographs of factories and nudes, and recent large-scale paintings are among the creative treats on offer. There’s plenty more news to come, too, with details of exclusive events — including a chance to get up close and personal with the man himself at an artist in-conversation session, as well as public programs and special musical performances still to be announced. Get the pie and coffee ready for December, when tickets go on sale. Visit the GOMA website for more information.
When it was announced that Fiji was planning to open its borders to Australian tourists back in November, you could almost hear the collective woosh of laptop lids opening as everyone went straight to travel booking websites. After a long two years without island escapes, it seems like everyone is suddenly posting pics of boarding passes and palm tree-lined pools —and we simply love to see it, as our close island neighbours need our tourism and support more than ever. Airlines have ramped up their offerings in response — when the border opening was announced, Virgin Australia was quick to restart its twice-daily return flights to Nadi from Sydney, daily return flights from Melbourne and thrice-weekly return flights from Brisbane. These days, Jetstar, Fiji Airways, Virgin and Qantas are offering direct return services. So yes, get ready for some beach pics to fill your feed. But it's fair to say we're a little out of practice with international travel, and things have changed a lot since the last time we whisked away. Whether you're heading off for some sunshine or you're considering booking in a much-needed holiday, we chatted to the crew at Tourism Fiji to find out everything you need to know about testing requirements, currency conversion, and what happens if you test positive for COVID while you're away. What are the testing requirements for travelling to and from Fiji? For fully-vaccinated travellers, there is no need to complete a pre-departure test. Instead, Fiji requires all tourists aged 12 and over to confirm they have a pre-booked RAT test to be taken anytime within 72 hours of arrival in Fiji. This can be done at a hotel or nearby testing facility — you can find more information about that here. You'll need to provide proof of your vaccine status when checking in at the airport – digital or paper certification will cover you — and for holidaymakers, medical travel insurance with international coverage that includes COVID-19 cover is required. Before returning home to Australia, you'll need to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration, which can be found here. What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 when I'm in Fiji? So, the nightmare has happened. But don't stress — there are worse places to recover from COVID than a Fijian resort. You'll be placed in isolation, where possible remaining in the room you are already in. Tourism Fiji says that occasionally resorts will put people up in a room with a private pool to wait out their isolation in their own space, while still being able to swim and relax. If travel companions are testing negative, they can choose to join the positive person in isolation or stay in their original accommodation separately — that's a fight waiting to happen if we've ever heard one. If you're still testing positive after the seven-day isolation, a medical certificate will be provided by health officers in Fiji confirming that you are no longer infectious so you can travel home freely. What are the mask-wearing protocols in Fiji? Wearing a mask is optional in Fiji but it's recommended to protect yourself and the locals – especially when in indoor spaces, on public transport, or in taxis. You'll also need to wear your mask in the airports and on the plane, except when eating or drinking. How long is the flight and do I need to prepare for jet lag? Flying from Brisbane is the quickest way to get to Fiji — the flight time is only around two-and-a-half hours. The flight time from Sydney to Nadi is approximately four hours, while Melbourne to Nadi is closer to five — have a snooze on the flight and you'll be sipping a cocktail poolside in no time. Fiji is two hours ahead of Australia (AEST), so there shouldn't be major jetlag issues. Besides, you're on island time now, so turn off those alarms. Where can I stay in Fiji? Across Fiji's 333 islands there is a range of accommodation offerings from bougie to budget. Whether you're choosing a five-star resort on a private island or a family-friendly apartment, the island nation is famous for its hospitality, so you're bound to have a great time. If you're keen to splash out, check out Concrete Playground's guide to luxe Fijian stays to splash out on. For stays a little more off-grid, check out this guide to a "less obvious" Fijian holiday. Do I need cash in local currency? What's the exchange rate? Most retailers and tourism providers take card payments and have paywave, so if you're travelling on a package tour with transfers included it's unlikely you'll need cash. But Tourism Fiji says that if you are planning on travelling by taxi you're best to keep some Fijian cash on you as most don't take a card. ATMs at Nadi airport are the best place to get cash out on arrival — you will be charged a transaction fee, so be aware it's best to get all the cash you'll need at once. And the most important question for any traveller… Do I need to bring an adapter for my wall plugs? Nope! In Fiji, the plugs and sockets are type I – the same as here in Australia. One less thing to think about when heading away. Top images: Sofitel Fiji, Six Senses Fiji
Sweet news: if nothing says Easter to you like tap, tap, tapping your way around a mini-golf course that'll get you hankering for dessert, Victoria Park's Candyland setup is returning. The Herston site has been known to give its greens a makeover for special occasions, including Christmas, Halloween and Valentine's Day in the past. Candy-themed holes aren't new to the rotation, but they're back in 2025, taking cues from Easter eggs, ice creams, cakes, gumballs and popcorn and more. From Friday, March 28–Monday, May 5, a trip to Herston Road means trying your luck on greens with names like 'Candy Corner', 'Ice Cream Lane', 'Bakery Bunker, 'Popcorn Party', 'Gumball Green', 'Bunny Hop' and 'Candy Workshop'. In previous years, rabbits have featured heavily, unsurprisingly — plus giant ice creams, gummy bears, candy necklaces, Easter eggs, cupcakes, doughnuts, lollipops and other sweet treats. Basically, if it's sweet and can somehow be worked into a themed mini golf course, you'll find it here. While there's obviously nothing edible among the decorations, you can order drinks and snacks to the green as you play, including lollies and ice creams. Bookings are recommended, with the course open from 6am–11pm Monday–Thursday, and 6am–12am Friday–Saturday and 6am–10am Sunday. Fancy a few holes before work? Want to add some fun to your lunch break? Need something to look forward to come quitting time? They're all options. Candyland's run covers not just the Easter public holidays, but the ANZAC Day and Labour Day long weekends, should you need a few days off as motivation to head by. Images: Stephanie Adams Photography.
28 Degrees is one of Byron Bay's true luxury accommodations that balances an ultra-convenient location in the heart of town centre with the sanctuary-like feeling and privacy of a true retreat. Some of the major selling points of this beautiful guesthouse include the fact the property is an adults-only stay for guests 21 years and above, eco-conscious elements in the lighting and water operations, the absence of television screens throughout ensuring that you can quite literally switch off from distractions, and all the thoughtful details — from the organic bed linen to Hunter Lab skincare products and provided beach towels, umbrellas and bikes to get you from one side of Byron to the next. The devil in the details are courtesy of 28 Degrees owner Deb Garske, an interior designer whose professional experience comes through in the level of curation you'll encounter during a stay here. No two rooms are quite the same but all have the same level of care and consideration including a complimentary minibar stocked with local produce. There are four different types of room: the Classic Rooms which include access to common areas like the lap pool and a reading room. The Luxury Master Room includes views of the Cape Byron Lighthouse and a large private balcony. The Lighthouse Room which does not offer pool access but includes lighthouse views and and a claw-foot bath for post beach soaks. And finally there's the Plunge Pool Rooms which include a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and private deck. And in the not-too-distant future, 28 Degrees will get the addition of a new wing, which will include the 'Luxury Villa Residence' — a two-story villa boasting a designer kitchen, private entrance, large private plunge pool and walk-in wardrobe. Serious honeymoon material. The Marvell Street location puts you just minutes away from the best of Byron, from Main Beach to the town's ever impressive lineup of great food and drink options (the excellent natural wine bar Bar Heather is a leisurely 10 minute stroll). But the best thing about 28 Degrees is the absolute privacy and ability to properly switch off in a genuinely lovely environment.
If there’s one thing Brisbane does better than bridges, it’s arts. We’ve got A-grade galleries, jam-packed libraries, street artists that won’t quit and that upside down elephant statue near GOMA. And even better, we are home a talented selection of comics, zine-makers and writers and for three days they’re all going to be hubbed in one place – The Zine and Indie Comic Symposium. ZICs will be held at The Edge in the Queensland State Library on August 30 and 31, with opening night the Friday before. If you’re up for the full package, trek along at 6.30pm for the launch and hear local bands My Fiction, Flangipanis, Tagline and Fox’n’Flirkin raise the roof. Plus, there will be a real life Scribble Slam a.k.a. extreme art-off between two painters, later in the evening. Tickets are $15 at the door, but if you don’t feel up to a healthy pre-symposium dance, head along at 12pm on either Saturday or Sunday with a wad of cash. You can expect to find some real treasures on show – from cult classic zine makers like Bad Teeth, Slubs, and Wasted Opportunities, to some fresh faces, you’ll be sure to find something to add to your zine library. Keep your eyes peeled for these names, cos we reckon they’re some of Brisbane's best prints. Clear your weekend, throw out all your trashy mags, and head to The Edge to get behind the local creative all about doin’ it for themselves.
Is the story of the Presley family angling for a trilogy, each with a different cast, different acclaimed filmmaker at the helm and different person in the spotlight? After Baz Luhrmann's Elvis in 2022 and now the upcoming Priscilla by Sofia Coppola, that idea is two-thirds of the way there. Whether there'll also be a Lisa Marie movie is yet to be seen, but Coppola's take on the famous music name — which has A24 behind it — has just dropped its first teaser trailer. Coppola reteams with the coveted American distributor after The Bling Ring and On the Rocks to adapt Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir that was co-written with Sandra Harmon. This isn't the first time that the book has hit the screen thanks to a 1988 TV movie, but it clearly has its namesake's approval given that she's one of the film's executive producers. (Another: Coppola's brother Roman.) The focus: the tale from when a teenage Priscilla Beaulieu met rock 'n' roll superstar Elvis Presley at a party, following their courtship and marriage. It's a well-told affair both on-screen and in the media, taking the couple from a a German army base to Graceland, with Coppola's version seeing its ups and downs — thrills and struggles, too — through Priscilla's rather than her hip-swinging husband's eyes. Playing the rock 'n' roll couple, thank you very much: Mare of Easttown, Devs, On the Basis of Sex, Bad Times at the El Royale and Pacific Rim: Uprising actor Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla, plus Australian Euphoria and The Kissing Booth star Jacob Elordi as Elvis. The first sneak peek at Priscilla teases its eponymous figure's well-known look, first moments with Elvis, arrival at Graceland, wedding, pregnancy and being a mother to Lisa Marie. Elvis' music stardom also features, including the singer at the piano, onstage and being snapped by photographers. Coppola writes and directs Priscilla, making her first film since 2020's On the Rocks, while Succession and Hello Tomorrow!'s Dagmara Dominczyk also stars. The movie is due in US cinemas in October, with release details Down Under yet to be announced. Check out the trailer for Priscilla below: Priscilla doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
Do you live in a dog-friendly house? Do you have some spare time on your hands? Do you fantasise about hanging around at dog parks with an actual dog? The good folk at Assistance Dogs Australia need you. They have an abundance of puppies running around the place at the moment, and they're in need of volunteers to raise them. In other words, they're giving away puppies — but you will need to give them back. If you put up your hand to become a puppy educator, you'll get a puppy for about a year — from around its eight-week birthday to when it turns turns between 12–16 months old. During that time, you'll be responsible for introducing the sights, sounds and smells it'll meet when it starts working as an assistance dog (and giving your new friend heaps of cuddles). Of course, it's not all just fun, games and cuteness. You'll have to be responsible enough to take care of regular grooming, house training and exercise, and be available to attend puppy classes. A fenced-in backyard or outdoor area is mandatory, too. In return, the organisation provides a strong support network, all food and supplements, training equipment, and flea, tick and worming treatment. Assistance Dogs Australia is looking for people in Sydney's North Shore and Sutherland shire, plus Wollongong and the Blue Mountains; in Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula area; and in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. You'll also need to be home most of the time — so you won't be leaving the puppy alone for more than four hours a day — and to be able to put effort into training and socialising the pup. Once the pups reach 12-16 months old, they'll move on to their advanced training at Assistance Dogs Australia's national training school in Sydney. And, after they graduate, the four-legged companions will provide support to people with disability. Keen? You can apply online. And send pics please. For more information about Assistance Dogs Australia's puppy educators, and to apply for the volunteer roles, head to the organisation's website.
How much does Netflix love British royalty? If five seasons of The Crown so far and its Harry and Meghan specials are anything to go by, the streaming platform is more than a little fond of the monarchy. Or, to be more precise, it knows that its subscribers feel that way thanks to all our binge-watching — so expanding its focus on the UK's sovereigns and their families via new Bridgerton prequel series Queen Charlotte was always bound to happen. Initially announced in 2021, now slated for a May 4 release and just unveiling its first teaser trailer, too, this upcoming show was always likely for another reason: Bridgerton's huge success. And while the hit page-to-screen series focuses on a firmly fictional aristocratic family in the 19th century — set in the Regency era, it's a work of imagination as well as alternative history — Queen Charlotte was indeed real. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story will delve into the figure's backstory within the Bridgerton realm, including her rise to power and prominence, and the importance and impact of her reign. Also covered: her relationship with King George, as well as Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury's early years. The prequel series will chart how the Queen's marriage to George also created a societal shift, in fact, sparking the world of the ton as seen in Bridgerton — and it's being called part of "the Bridgerton-verse" by Queen Charlotte and Bridgerton executive producer (and Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator) Shonda Rhimes. So yes, as well as the already-announced third and fourth seasons of Bridgerton itself, you can probably expect more spinoffs to arise. After releasing a first-glimpse clip from the show in 2022, Netflix's debut trailer for Queen Charlotte offers further glimpses at its young titular figure (India Amarteifio, The Tunnel) and George (Corey Mylchreest, The Sandman). Queen Charlotte will also feature Golda Rosheuvel (Dune) as the older version of its namesake, as well as Ruth Gemmell (Deep State) as Violet Bridgerton and Adjoa Andoh (The Witcher) as Lady Danbury. They'll be joined by Connie Jenkins-Greig (Solitary) as young Violet, Arsema Thomas (Redeeming Love) as young Lady Danbury, Michelle Fairley (Gangs of London) as Princess Augusta, Sam Clemmett (Cherry) and Hugh Sachs (Bridgerton) as the young and old Brimsley, Richard Cunningham (The Witcher) as Lord Bute, Tunji Kasim (Nancy Drew) as Adolphus, Rob Maloney (Coronation Street) as the Royal Doctor and Cyril Nri (The Witches) as Lord Danbury. Check out the first teaser trailer for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story below: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story will stream via Netflix from May 4. The first and second seasons of Bridgerton are available to stream now. Images: Liam Daniel/Netflix.
When Jetstar launched a hefty domestic flight sale last June, it sold 70,000 seats in just five hours, with Australians keen to travel when and where they can in these pandemic-afflicted times. Unsurprisingly, discounted airline tickets have become a common occurrence since travel around Australia restarted — and the airline has just kicked off another sale. The latest Return for Free sale is already running, with discounted fares available until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, March 7 — if it doesn't sell out prior. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights across a heap routes from destinations right across the country. And, as the name suggests, it's doing return flights for free. So, you buy your ticket to your destination and then Jetstar will cover your trip home. There are a few caveats, as there always is. You have to depart and leave from the same airports and, if you need to make changes down the line to your flight dates, you will have to pay change fees and any difference in fare. The discounted flights don't include checked baggage, either — so you'll need to travel super light, or pay extra to take a suitcase. [caption id="attachment_785574" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Now that you know some of the things you'll need to take into consideration, here's where you can go. Sydneysiders can snag return tickets to Victoria for $65, Launceston for $89, Brisbane from $92, the Sunshine Coast for $96 and Hamilton Island for $151. Melburnians can book trips to Uluru for $185 and Darwin for $184, and to Hobart from $84, the Gold Coast from $107, and Ballina and Byron Bay from $116. And Brisbanites can head to the Whitsundays for $91, Cairns from $115 and Adelaide from $141. Yes, the list goes on. Tickets in the sale are for trips from April–December 2021, with exact dates varying in each region. If you're keen to get away, book some now and start planning. And, as always, keeping an eye on interstate border requirements is recommended. Jetstar's Return for Free sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, March 7, or until sold out.
An unassuming Brunswick silo has become a towering new mural showing New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern embracing a Muslim woman. But the large-scale artwork has also rustled up plenty of controversy, with backlash over the depiction of a foreign leader, rather than a local. The original photo of an emotional, hijab-clad Ms Ardern was taken as she comforted members of Christchurch's Muslim community, following the March 15 terror attacks on two of the city's mosques. Captured by New Zealand-based photographer Hagen Hopkins, it's since become an iconic image, reproduced in various large-scale iterations across the world. Locally, a GoFundMe page drummed up $11,000 — in a single day — to fly renowned street artist Loretta Lizzio to Melbourne, so she could capture the image in paint, on the side of the 25-metre-tall Tinning Street silo. Any extra money has gone to supporting the attack victims' families, through the Christchurch Shooting Victims' Fund. Having lived and worked in Melbourne previously, Lizzio is a renowned artist and muralist whose work has appeared everywhere from Vancouver and New York, to London. She donated nine days of her time to creating the project, which was completed last Sunday. While the silo is privately owned and the project had full the support of its owner, it still managed to cop a bit of backlash. Some locals aren't on board with the idea of using the large-scale work to reference an attack that happened overseas, instead of something more locally focused. One Change.Org petition had 14,696 signees calling for the mural to be stopped, citing its so-called irrelevance to the Melbourne community. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxeo-irAmLN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link On her latest Instagram post for the mural, the artist shared her own views on the matter, in response to one of the critics. "Appreciate the feedback, though this has everything to do with Aus, as anywhere in the world," she writes. "Hate crimes are a global issue... This particular project is about love and acceptance of all that call Aus home no matter your background." Loretta Lizzio's mural of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is located at 20-24 Tinning Street, Brunswick.
It's as much a part of the end of the year as busy shops, an overdose of all things red and green, family gatherings and determined resolutions. And, it's a whole lot more fun that that, even while you're wading through masses of people, and even when you're covered in mud. Yes, we're talking about the Woodford Folk Festival. The annual six-day frenzy is back once again, complete with a lineup designed to farewell 2016 and welcome 2017 in style. Topping off a massive year, Gang Of Youths, Adalita, Amanda Palmer and Methyl Ethel help headline the festival, with more than 2000 performers and 438 events — spanning music, dance, cabaret, circus and comedy, plus workshops, debates, street theatre, films, forums and visual arts — also on the program. Whether you're heading along for a single day or camping for the entire duration, you're in for the kind of fun that only happens at one place at one time of year. 100,000 people will be sharing the action with you, and celebrating a special occasion, too. This isn't just another Woodford Folk Festival, after all, but the event's 31st outing.
We download movies onto tiny laptop screens and watch them hunched over in our beds, spilling Red Bull on the keyboard when Ryan Gosling says sexy things like 'Hey' and switching over to check Gmail when he's not onscreen. It's sad, it's solitary, and the suspension of disbelief is, at most, fleeting. What happened to the glory days of yore, when moviegoing was an event? When you were truly transported? Sensing the aching pit in your soul, on December 11-14, World Movies is bringing its Secret Cinema event to a mystery location in Brisbane, in association with the inaugural Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival. You don't know what film you'll be seeing, and the location is revealed by text the day of the screening. Secret Cinema pushes a traditional medium into a new level of experiential entertainment. Live performance as well as themed food and drinks tie in with the world of the film. Examples of performative screenings from overseas have included London's 2010 version which re-created LA's Chinatown in 2019 for Bladerunner (two actors dangled from the ceiling during the climactic 'tears in rain' scene) and a 1950s Algerian casbah for The Battle of Algiers. In Sydney, Secret Cinema moviegoers were conveyed by ferry to Goat Island and subjected to a series of 'survival games' before seeing Japan's cult classic Battle Royale, forerunner of The Hunger Games. That event sold out in 15 minutes and drew a crowd of hundreds. Even bigger things were planned for Sydney's most recent event, though it ultimately had to be cancelled after issues with the venue, meaning this Brisbane incarnation marks a bit of a comeback for the WMSC team. What type of venue theming will be going on in Brisbane? This one's a classic: Roaring Twenties. Go back to the decadent and dramatic days of the pre-stock market crash 1920s. Tickets are $55 (plus booking fee) and go on sale at 9am on Thursday, November 6, via qtix. More info is available on World Movies' Facebook page.
