Remember the way you looked at things when you were a kid? Ordinary sights such as suburban streets and houses seemed extraordinary. Your local neighbourhood was a place of wonder. Every trip outside of the house was an adventure. Brisbane artist J Valenzuela Didi doesn't just remember that feeling — he wants to recapture it. His current solo exhibition, Stillness in Transit, is his attempt to view the world with the awe and excitement of a child. Across a series of pieces, he paints familiar scenes as alien landscapes and lone figures as solitary explorers. With evocative names such as Summertime Sadness, One More Saturday and Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day, Didi's latest work does exactly what he intends: examines everyday images in a new light. It's just the latest impressive feat for the emerging creative, who boasts a swag of art show awards and placings on his resume, including the best of show prize at the Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular 2015.
There are many ways to choose which tipple to drink, and being intrigued by the name is as good as any. That might've been how you first discovered Nosferatu Distillery's gins — or how you're coming across them now. A spirits brand that shares its moniker with one of the most influential movies ever made, about vampires or otherwise, was always going to stand out. The fact that Nosferatu's eponymous gin is a tasty blood orange number was always going to earn attention, too — and, of course, the Count Orlok-shaped silhouette on the bottle's label along with it. Here's another reason for Brisbanites to throw the company some love: its newly opened headquarters in Bowen Hills, which operates as a distillery, bar and cafe. Get a caffeine fix by day, then sip gin by night: that's on the menu at the boutique brand's new Brisbane base. Located in Jeays Street and welcoming in gin lovers Monday–Saturday, it'll actually celebrate its grand launch on Saturday, October 15; however, it is indeed already trading. The drinks lineup includes all of the usual coffee options, teas, StrangeLove sodas (keeping the movie theme) and non-alcoholic beers for those keen on a non-boozy beverage. Or, there's wine, beer and the company's range of spirits — Nosferatu Blood Orange Gin, Mandrake Cucumber and Mint Gin, Giselle Pavlova Gin and Bunyip Sticky Gin — including in cocktails and flights. While the company has taken its cues from a horror great in its title, its new industrial-style warehouse space definitely hasn't. Here, in a light and airy setup, expect leafy plants aplenty around the venue, a retro-style van as a bar, and the distillery's operations in full view. Bites to eat are served up by a rotating array of food trucks. And Nosferatu's Bowen Hills location is dog-friendly, too, so add it to you and your pooch's next cafe or bar outing. Find Nosferatu Distillery at 26 Jeays St, Bowen Hills — open 7am–5pm Monday–Wednesday, 7am–9pm Thursday–Friday and 11.30am–9pm Saturdays, with the venue's grand launch set to be celebrated on Saturday, October 15.
The Warrego River gives life to this dusty part of the country, stretching for more than 1000 kilometres and supporting the region's remarkable flora and fauna. Running through central northern New South Wales and southwest Queensland, this alluring intermittent river system is best experienced up close — and Cunnamulla is one of the best spots from which to do just that. Bringing along a kayak or canoe ensures you catch a glimpse of the shifting landscape, which traverses through wide-open plains and dense timber forests. The Warrego is also great for fishing, with freshwater species like silver perch and Murray cod known to inhabit the biodiverse waterways. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
One of the best things to do in Brisbane right now is to get lost in the Gallery of Modern Art's Fairy Tales exhibition, which is as spellbinding as it sounds. But, sadly, we can't all spend every day inside the showcase until autumn. Also, it closes at night. So after you've ventured into those woods, you might want to hop over the river to Brisbane Quarter to check out how it's getting in on the action. The main attraction, which is free to see: Nearly Midnight by Rachel Burke, with the local artist taking her cues from magical stories. Accordingly, 300 George Street is now temporarily home to a forest of blue and silver tinsel, a tinsel and tulle dress that lights up, and a giant two-metre-high slipper that features more than a million miniature glass tiles. Entranced by the larger-than-life shoe? You can even climb into it to sit (and, yes, take photos). You'll just need to head to podium one before Wednesday, March 27, when everything will disappear like an enchanted pumpkin carriage. As happens whenever Brisbane Quarter embraces a theme, a heap of the site's bars and eateries are also joining in. W Brisbane's Living Room Bar is doing an Ever After high tea from $79, Persone has fairy floss-topped cocktails for $25 and Brisbane Phoenix is pouring Blue Sand boozy sips that are sprinkled with gold sugar dust for $28 — and serving up wagyu with scampi caviar for $128. Phat Boy's pink-hued Will You Marry Me cocktail will set you back $18, and Tenya's yuzu and bergamot liqueur tipple is $25. And over at Meet Tea & Coffee, you can tuck into egg-shaped waffles with cheese, chocolate and sweet red bean paste fillings. Per box, they cost $15 with just one flavour and $18 for two flavours.
Brisbane's music scene has long been one of the city's big sources of pride, and understandably so, delivering icons such as The Saints, The Go-Betweens, Powderfinger and Custard over the years. So, when a legendary live music venue celebrates three decades of putting on gigs, of course a heap of famous Brissie names are coming together — Regurgitator, Butterfingers, Resin Dogs and Screamfeeder, in fact, and all on the same bill. Regurgitator, Butterfingers, Resin Dogs and Screamfeeder, all on one huge night? That's a lineup worth repeating, and it just might be the most Brisbane gig ever. They're all taking to the same stage at The Zoo, as part of the Ann Street spot's 30th-birthday celebrations, for night the venue is calling The Zoo OG All Stars. If you made your way up the stairs in the 90s and early 00s, odds are you saw one, some or all of these groups behind the mic — and Saturday, December 10 from 6.30pm is your chance to do so again. Resin Dogs and Screamfeeder were always on this big night's bill, but Regurgitator and Butterfingers are new — and huge — additions. Things don't get no better, better than you and this lineup, clearly. Tickets are on sale now, with The Zoo OG All Stars starting with a Welcome to Country, and also featuring Isis, IIWII, Alison St Ledger and Guy Webster, Danny Widdicombe, Marcello Milani and Paddy Dempsey, and DJ Black Amex. [caption id="attachment_873286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cat Clarke[/caption]
At Sydney's Don't Tell Aunty and Melbourne's Daughter in Law, chef Jessi Singh serves up Indian cuisine his way. He isn't flouting tradition; rather, he doesn't think there's any such thing as 'authentic' Indian food. "There are no recipes, and everything is passed on through the generations in the kitchen verbally," he explains about his rule-breaking dishes — which'll also be available in Byron Bay in mid-June. Singh is expanding the Daughter in Law brand to the beachside town, with the new 65-seat eatery setting up shop on Fletcher Street. Both locals and visitors to the scenic spot can expect to tuck into a seafood-heavy menu, which'll also place an emphasis on both vegan and gluten free fare. Ingredients from the Northern Rivers region will feature, too, with Singh calling his dishes "global food with an Indian twist". In Melbourne, the culinary lineup spans Indian fried chicken, tandoori tikka sliders and papadum platters — if you're wondering what kind of meals Singh classes as 'unauthentic'. The food menu will be paired with an extensive wine list curated by sommelier Bhatia Dheeraj, self-serve fridges full of beer and cider, and a range of cocktails. Sip the Indian spiced sangria, and you'll be tasting red wine, sweet vermouth and orange. Opt for the restaurant's namesake tipple, and you'll be enjoying Brookie's gin, a tandoori-fired pineapple and cardamom lime. Vibe-wise, the new Daughter in Law will take its cues from its location — think playful, vibrant and also relaxed. Patrons will get comfortable on green and blue velvet seating, drink from handmade glasses covered in rainbow peacocks, and sit amidst gold flourishes and under a pink neon sign. Scenes from Bollywood films will brighten up the walls, while DJs will spin 80s and 90s tracks daily. Daughter in Law's Byron Bay restaurant will mark the chain's third, after setting up shop in Adelaide earlier in 2021. Before launching Don't Tell Aunty in Sydney in 2018 — and going on to start its growing no-frills Australian-Indian bar and grill sibling — Singh spent a lengthy stint in the US running his two Babu Ji outposts. Daughter in Law will open at 22 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, in mid-June — trading from 5pm–late seven days a week.
Forget finding a golden ticket — while scoring a free pass to a chocolate factory was everyone's fantasy as a kid (and, let's face it, is still a fantasy now), there are other ways to indulge your Willy Wonka dreams. Cakes as far as the eye can see, classes on how to make them and a dedicated sweet zone aren't just things that floated through your head while you were asleep. They're real, and they're part of the returning International Cake Show at the Royal International Convention Centre. From Friday, April 14–Sunday, April 16, Brisbane's Ekka precinct becomes the sweetest place in the city, so prepare your tastebuds and stomach accordingly. The three-day show will feature a mixing bowl worth of live cake-making and decorating sessions, how-to demonstrations, hands-on classes and a two-day cake sculpture challenge — as well as hosting the Australasian Cake Oscars, the tastiest awards you're ever likely to come across. [caption id="attachment_893571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trina Thomson, Sweet Ruby Artisan Cakes[/caption] Other highlights include 60-plus stalls and shops, which'll help you bake up a storm at home, and plenty of tasty fare to devour. Basically, when you're not learning how to make sweet treats, you'll be eating them. Oh, and you'll be looking at them, too — and not just your regular old desserts. Get ready to scope out a life-sized Bumblebee Transformer made out of sugar cake, and The Lion King as well. Rosie Dummer will whip up a life-sized edible Paddington Bear, and there'll be an attempt to build the world's largest cookie tower. Yes, these are sweets that sugar dreams are made of.
Heroing Eastern Mediterranean-meets-Middle East cuisine, Babylon started serving up dishes and drinks in Sydney back in 2019, pairing its bites and sips with a prime rooftop location. Making the leap north, the chain has opted for a similarly stellar destination for its Brisbane debut: a riverside spot on Eagle Street in the CBD, aka Babylon Brisbane. At a 120-seat restaurant with a 14-person private dining room, Brisbanites can now tuck into lunch and dinner at Babylon's Sunshine State locale, which hails from Mantle Group Hospitality (aka the Queensland-based company behind the Pig 'N' Whistle pubs, The Charming Squire, Jimmy's On the Mall, The Sound Garden, The Summit, Tai Tai, Milano and more). The kitchen is overseen by Head Chef Ferdinand Sari, who has put together a share-heavy menu with his Babylon Sydney counterpart Robert Taylor. On the Levantine cuisine-inspired lineup: meze, gozleme and house-made breads, plus a heap of dishes cooked over wood and charcoal on a three-metre-long mangal (aka a Turkish grill) — or on two rotisseries — and a big focus on seafood. Sari and Taylor have split Babylon Brisbane's menu into three sections: flora, fauna and ocean. The first includes wood-fired pumpkin kebabs with coriander, lime, Aleppo chilli and muhammara; spiced fried cauliflower with Ras el Hanout, lemon, black tahini, almond and parsley; and wood-roasted broccolini with harrisa tarator, walnuts and pomegranate molasses — as well as everything from pan-fried haloumi to baked rice pilaf. Among the fauna selection, highlights range from wood-fired chicken skewers with kisir, tomato and yoghurt to slow-cooked lamb shoulder with garlic labneh — and also wood-fired angus beef hunkarbegendi-style with chilli butter and radish. And, that seafood lineup features locally sourced king prawns with harissa, raki, lemon and soft herbs; wood-grilled Fraser Coast squid with muhammara, yoghurt dill and lime; and half-shell scallops with salmon caviar. Folks dining in groups can also choose from two set menus, sharing either nine or 12 dishes (for either $75 or $95 per person). For dessert, sweets options span chocolate tahini with caramel sponge, sesame and Turkish coffee ice cream; a range of house-made baklava with walnut pistachio and chocolate; and Turkish delight. If you're keen on a drink, pick between 12 beers on tap and ten by the bottle, a hefty lineup of wines and a 12-strong cocktail list that's filled with standouts. The spritz choices feature elderflower, grapefruit, peach and apricot, and Babylon has even turned baklava into a boozy concoction. Or, try its twists on the sour (made with Yeni Raki), margarita (with mezcal, agave, chilli and green capsicum) and espresso martini (a Turkish take featuring Turkish coffee and cardamom-infused Metaxa 7 brandy, chocolate liqueur, orgeat and cold brew). As overseen by Brisbane's Hogg and Lamb, the architects behind the Sydney venue, the design vibe riffs on the Babylon look and feel already established down south while still taking its influences from the titular metropolis of old. Think: terracotta brick screens, red marble tabletops, mahogany chairs and pink banquettes, plus a ten-metre green marble bar. Also, if you're keen for a drink in the open air, head outside to Babylon Garden — the restaurant's two-tier outdoor sibling bar. Images: Steven Woodburn.
One of Australia's foremost auteurs. One of the country's best actors. The outback noir genre. The stunning Aussie landscape. The nation's traumatic history of racial inequality. The remnants of the colonial past that still echo today. Break Limbo down to those basic components and, on paper, it might seem as if Ivan Sen is in limbo himself. The filmmaker has been here before with Mystery Road and then Goldstone. In fact, with those two movies about Indigenous detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen, Jack Irish), he started Australia's best film and TV franchise, which has gone on to spawn three ABC series after its two big-screen outings so far. Whatever writer, director, co-producer, cinematographer, editor and composer Sen keeps adding to his resume — including detouring into sci-fi with 2022's Loveland — he'll always be the reason that Mystery Road and its followups exist. With Limbo, he isn't repeating himself. Rather, he's a filmmaker haunted by the nation's reality and driven to keep exploring it. Enter this black-and-white Coober Pedy-shot tale about another police officer riding into a small Aussie town to look into a case that few people have been all that fussed about until now because the victim isn't white. Enter a purposeful examination of the way that the trauma a country has spent two centuries perpetuating and overlooking can only linger. Enter one of the most powerful movies of Sen's career, and a spectacular collaboration with another acclaimed Aussie: Simon Baker. It mightn't seem like a stretch to see Baker play someone affiliated with law and order. He isn't in American TV procedurals The Guardian and The Mentalist anymore, though. Since back in his E Street days, he's frequently forged on-screen ties with the thin blue line — and in recent Australian film High Ground as well. But Baker continues to grow and astound as an actor. In Limbo, he's an astonishingly guarded yet vulnerable presence as heroin-addicted detective Travis Hurley, who is on a cold-case mission while traversing his own purgatory. His task: investigating the 20-year-old disappearance of Indigenous girl Charlotte Hayes, which garners an unsurprisingly wary response from her brother Charlie (Rob Collins, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson) and sister Emma (Natasha Wanganeen, The Survival of Kindness). Sen and Baker first met in 2004 back, far earlier in their careers. The former had a project that didn't eventuate, but now they've finally made a collaboration happen. "You know, you don't count your eggs until they're hatched when it comes to actors," Sen tells Concrete Playground about wanting to get Baker onboard for Limbo. "But he responded very quickly and very strongly, and so then the whole script just changed, and focused on our interactions and our conversations — which usually happens with with my work. Once the actor comes on, we start. Okay, let's find the real story here and pursue that." Baker was similarly enthused. "I like Ivan Sen's films. I really like his films. He's a good filmmaker. He's got a clear vision and he knows how to get that onto the screen," he advises in the same discussion. "And he's very singleminded and he does a lot of the stuff [behind the lens]. So, from a filmmaking standpoint alone, I wanted to go through that experience." Screening in Australian cinemas since May 18, the end result is already one of the standout Aussie movies of 2023. Back in February, Limbo premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, contending for the Golden Bear — and, with fellow homegrown title The Survival of Kindness, broke a 17-year drought for Australian films in the prestigious official competition. This is clearly more than just a new Mystery Road, as Sen and Baker expanded upon in their chat with Concrete Playground. We talked to the pair about the enduring appeal of outback noir and law enforcement stories, the feature's real-life ties, shooting amid Coober Pedy's underground dugouts, and whether there's a future for both Jay Swan and Travis Hurley — including together. ON THE CONTINUING FASCINATION WITH OUTBACK NOIR AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Ivan: "I guess it's a combination of constantly having the justice system within our faces, within our family and within our communities. The justice system is always there. And it's always been like that — and things haven't been getting better either over the last few years. In combination with that, I've always had an attraction to police work. I'm a fan of all those 24–48-hours shows, American police documentaries and even COPS, believe it or not — you know, the Fox COPS. Because they show reality. They're a chance to see. The cops are always cleaning up society's 'garbage' and that 'garbage' has always involved my family — and it's something that's always been of interest to me." Simon: The truth is that's just sort of what unfolded for me. For a large part of my career early on, I was a young parent and I came from a pretty blue-collar existence, so I always saw my role as less as an artist and more as someone that had to provide for a family. So I focused more on that, and it happened to come about through television [on shows like The Guardian and The Mentalist]. Which, in American television, there was a period of time there where there was nothing on American television that wasn't a procedural crime show. If it wasn't a procedural crime show, you were in in scrubs reciting medical jargon, which I was always going to be shit at — too many syllables." ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LIMBO'S STORY Ivan: "Like everything, everything just comes from the power of place. Coober Pedy has been within my sights for many years, specifically the underground living culture of the place, which I don't think has been really explored very much in narrative before. So I was keen to make a story that involved the underground and aboveground elements of this incredible landscape. I just went out there and the story just came to me, really. It's a manifestation of a lot of the crimes that have affected Indigenous families and the lacklustre response from authorities. While I was out there writing the film there, I found out there was actually a very similar thing that happened in Coober Pedy with a young girl there — very very similar. But if you start digging below the surface, there's not many country towns in Australia that don't have some kind of case like this at some point." ON THE PROCESS OF MAKING AN IVAN SEN-DIRECTED AUSSIE CRIME-THRILLER Simon: "When we first met, we were both pretty young and pretty green in our careers. It was nice to come back together now that we both had a bit of mileage under our belts. And we both kind of — well, certainly I can speak for myself, I know who I am a lot more these days than I probably did back then. It was good. We played around with the script. The story pretty much stayed the same, but there was a bit of stuff here and there that we played around with, and dug in a bit deeper with — and that was a very easy and fluid experience working that way. It was a lean and very focused production. We didn't shoot over a great period of time, and it was really efficient. I like that experience. I like the feeling of serving — like you're making something. You're not standing still for too long that you kind of get bored with the process; you're in among it and you're making something. I think that, coupled with the story — I thought the way into the story was really interesting. It's about so much and at the same time it's really efficient in the way it is about so much. I had a great time. It's weird because I never thought I was not going to have a great time. There's a lot of times when you when you sign onto a movie or you get involved in a movie and you sometimes you go 'oh shit, what have I got myself into here?'. And I never felt that ever. When making a film goes well from the script onwards, it gets better and better, and more focused. But to do that you've really got to know what the movie is about properly. And often what the movie is about can be derailed because people get attracted to shiny things — and, next thing it can become this indulgent exploration. You've got a crew there, and 'maybe we'll shoot this?', and it might have nothing to do with actually what the movie is about. Then you end up with a bunch of spare parts that people try to put back together as a movie. But Ivan, from the very first script, it's about about refining and improving on that. And I feel like that's the way — that's a great way to make a film. So you're never really losing what that the genesis is, it's only getting stronger and stronger. And then you know that, as an actor, what you're putting into it, what you're doing, is contributing in a very positive way." ON COOBER PEDY'S INFLUENCE OVER THE STORY Ivan: "For a story that's about people that are damaged and kind of stuck in their ruts, stuck within their environments, Coober Pedy lends itself to this idea of a limbo — living in a memory or living in a place where you can't move forward or backwards or up or down. And the landscape of Coober Pedy is so desolate that it just allows you to focus, and especially with the black and white, it really lets you focus on the characters and this predicament that they're all faced with of not moving forward or moving back. Coober Pedy has this whole underground living culture that I find fascinating, and I also felt appropriate for the state of mind of all these characters who were stuck in these positions where where they couldn't move forward or backwards — and also, to a point that they were not aware that they were within this position as well. There's just something about that underground aspect there which also does connect with the religious connotation of limbo and what that is within the Bible of of being not in hell and not in heaven — halfway in-between waiting for your time, waiting for a decision to be made about your fate. I felt that was really appropriate as well." ON HOW LIMBO'S HEROIN-ADDICTED COP EVOLVED ON THE PAGE AND SCREEN Simon: "I think the idea of him being in his own sort of purgatory or his own sort of limbo, and he's stuck as a human being, and having his own struggles and sense of trauma, I thought was an interesting point into this story of this other family and their trauma, and how fractured and broken that family was because of that trauma. I felt like that was the key into it, where in a sense it helped him to identify and figure out — well, not figure out; I don't really believe that he's gonna figure it out — but it gives it gives him a level of empathy and relatability, in a way, coupled with the kindness of the family bringing him in. Originally, what was it, Ivan? Originally, in the very first script that I read, he was a diabetic?" Ivan: "Yep." Simon: "And I think we talked about the idea of him actually being someone that is medicating because he can't face his own demons. Then we took that further into this idea of a person that's running from themselves through addiction. Then we explored it from there. There was something about that addiction that creates a vulnerability, and in that vulnerability there is that opportunity. No matter how hard he shields himself from feeling or connection, the vulnerability of addiction makes him susceptible to being able to connect — or for someone to connect with him, like the family or particularly the kids in that family breaking through that shell. It's almost like the harder he works to protect himself, the more vulnerable he gets." ON GIVING LIMBO A SEQUEL — OR EVEN BRINGING IT INTO THE MYSTERY ROAD FRANCHISE Ivan: "Wouldn't that be interesting — the duo, the two cops. Hopefully Simon and I will go on to do more stuff together. I'm a believer in if you feel like you've done something, you've done it, and there's no need to kind go back again unless there's a really good reason for that. Simon and I, I think we get along pretty well. We're a pretty good, creative, efficient, energetic team for old guys. We give those young guys a run, I reckon, for their level of passion. Ours is probably more mature, like a nice fine wine or something. But who knows? Never say never. I think there may be another Jay Swan film at some point. I have another idea for for Jay. Probably more in line with this one with the subtlety of it. Maybe a romance?" Limbo opened in Australian cinemas on May 18. Read our review.
If 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater wants to catch a wave, but doesn't feel like going to the beach, he can hop on a board at his inland surf ranch in Lemoore, California. Next time the surfing champ is in Australia, he'll be able to hang ten at a second facility on the Sunshine Coast. While no dates have been announced, the second surf ranch is set to open in Coolum, a 90-minute drive from Brisbane. It'll sprawl over a 510-hectare site, with 75 percent of the space dedicated to wetlands, public areas and lakes — although the surf ranch is clearly the main attraction. Like the Californian spot, the Sunny Coast's surf ranch will use the Kelly Slater Wave System — which, after taking ten years to develop, is crucial to the whole concept. It creates "repeatable man-made waves that convincingly deliver the power and shape of ocean waves most sought after by accomplished surfers, including a hollow barrel allowing for long tube rides". It was the impressiveness of these man-made waves that convinced surfing's governing body World Surf League (WSL) to acquire a majority stake in the Kelly Slater Wave Company (which created the wave technology and owns the Lemoore ranch) back in 2016. Opening more surf ranches was always part of WSL's plans — and, thankfully for us, it's launching the next one in Australia. [caption id="attachment_747864" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kelly Slater surfing at World Surf League's surf ranch in Lemoore, California.[/caption] As well as serving up all of the waves and none of the rips, unpredictable conditions and not-so-friendly sea creatures, the $1.1 billion development surrounding WSL's first Aussie ranch will also feature an eco-resort, a hotel, shops, a 'farm to plate' restaurant, serviced apartments, a sports centre, a school and houses. That means that you can head by for a surfing vacation or, if you're super-dedicated and have always wanted an excuse to pretend that you're in Point Break, you can move into the residential area. Like the Lemoore facility, the surf resort will be used for both competitions and coaching purposes. And if you're wondering why WSL has Queensland on its radar, the reasons are twofold. Firstly, surfing is set to become an Olympic sport at the Tokyo games next year. Secondly, the Sunshine State is contemplating putting in a bid for the 2032 Olympics. Australia already has a few man-made surfing spots for the public in the works, with Urbnsurf Melbourne launching this summer, and a Sydney location due to open next year. An outfit called Surf Lakes has also built a prototype spot at Yeppoon in regional Queensland, but it's only for testing — although the ultimate hope is that commercial versions will follow. WSL Surf Ranch is set to open in Coolum, Sunshine Coast. We'll let you know when exact dates are announced. Images: WSL Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California.
"We don't lock them down, it will be too late." They're wise words when you're dealing with aliens — and xenomorphs at that — roaming the earth, as the just-dropped new trailer for Alien: Earth teases. That's a particularly pertinent sentiment when, as the last full sneak peek also made clear, there's more than just one type of extra-terrestrial to deal with. On streaming, you'll soon be able to hear humanity's screams in response, with this spinoff from the iconic Alien films promising "five different life forms from the darkest corners of the universe" wreaking havoc. Not once, not twice, but nine times now across 46 years, cinema audiences have stepped into the world of xenomorphs, facehuggers and chestbursters — and of cats onboard spaceships, androids resembling people and shouts not heard in the universe's vast expanse. When Ridley Scott (Gladiator II) directed the initial Alien film, he helped start a sci-fi phenomenon. 2025's Alien: Earth is a first, however, given that it's the franchise's debut TV series. One of the show's twists is right there in its title, with the pale blue dot that humanity calls home giving Alien: Earth its setting. All of those different critters is another fresh element to the series' setup. In the works for a few years now, executive produced by Scott and due to debut via Disney+ on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Down Under, this is Noah Hawley's addition to the saga — and another of his projects, after Fargo, where he's expanding upon the realm of a beloved film on the small screen. Set in 2120, his Alien entry follows the fallout of deep-space research vessel USCSS Maginot crashing onto earth, then the discoveries made as a result by a crew of soldiers that includes human-robot hybrid Wendy (Sydney Chandler, Sugar). As it peers just under a century into the future, Alien: Earth sees its namesake planet under the control of five companies: Weyland-Yutani, of course, because this is the Alien franchise, plus Prodigy, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. It also witnesses a society where hybrids like Wendy — the first of her kind, with human consciousness inside a robot body — live side by side with humans, cyborgs and AI-driven synthetics. Hawley's cast not only includes Chandler, but also Fargo alums Timothy Olyphant (Havoc) and David Rysdahl (The Luckiest Man in America), plus Alex Lawther (Andor), Essie Davis (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Adrian Edmondson (Kidnapped), Samuel Blenkin (Mickey 17), Babou Ceesay (Killer Heat), Lily Newmark (A Gentleman in Moscow) and more. Alien: Earth expands a saga that began with one of the best sci-fi/horror movies ever back in 1979, and has since spanned 1986's Aliens, 1992's Alien 3, 1997's Alien Resurrection, 2012's Prometheus, 2017's Alien: Covenant and 2024's Alien: Romulus — as well as the 2004 Alien vs Predator and 2007 Aliens vs Predator: Requiem crossover flicks with the Predator franchise. The Predator world is also expanding in 2025 courtesy of the already-released animated Predator: Killer of Killers and upcoming live-action Predator: Badlands, both directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who helmed 2022's excellent Prey. Check out the new trailer for Alien: Earth below: Alien: Earth starts streaming Down Under via Disney+ from Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Images: Patrick Brown/FX.
The ‘Happy End Problem’, so-called because it led to the marriage of two mathematicians, is a geometric theorem involving convex quadrilaterals. Thankfully, you don’t have to understand complex mathematics to enjoy Jaden Gallagher’s exhibition of the same name. The first solo exhibition for the Brisbane artist, Happy End Problem is also about geometry, in a sense: it is about the arrangement of public images and narratives and their relationships to subjectivity. Gallagher explores this weighty concept through a mixture of media: video, performance, sound and sculpture, with the contemporary techniques themselves forming part of the exhibition’s themes. Happy End Problem is a one-night only affair, taking over the Cut Thumb ARI (Artist-Run Initiative) from 6pm to 9pm on 7 August.
Fancy some grime? A Euphoria star? A mix of international must-sees and homegrown up-and-comers? A swag of folks making their first trips our way? Then consider yourself sorted at St Jerome's Laneway Festival in 2024 — starting with headliners Stormzy, Steve Lacy, Dominic Fike and Raye. When the beloved event hits Brisbane in February, Stormzy will top the roster after he was meant to head Down Under in 2022, but pulled out of Spilt Milk and his Australian and Zealand tour. At the Aussie fest, he was replaced by Lacy, in fact, but now the UK sensation and the 'Bad Habit' talent will share the same Laneway bill. [caption id="attachment_915848" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Fike heads from the screen to Laneway's stages, while Raye comes our way with 'Escapism' still stuck in everyone's heads. From there, the lineup also spans AJ Tracey, d4vd, Dope Lemon and Unknown Mortal Orchestra — and goes on from there. Stormzy and Fike are doing exclusive Laneway tours — so, of you want to see either (or both), you'll only catch them at the fest. Lacy is also exclusive in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. The date and place to pop in your diary: Saturday, February 3 at Brisbane Showgrounds. [caption id="attachment_871106" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP: Stormzy Steve Lacy Dominic Fike Raye AJ Tracey Cordae d4vd Dope Lemon Eyedress Faye Webster horsegiirL Nia Archives Paris Texas Skin On Skin Unknown Mortal Orchestra Blondshell DOMi & JD BECK Hemlocke Springs Pretty Girl Angie McMahon Confidence Man Teenage Dads JK-47 Miss Kaninna Vacations Images: Maclay Heriot, Daniel Boud and Dave Kan.
Run by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, Dark Mofo is an arts celebration where anything truly can occur. A haven for shows, gigs and installations of the dark, sinister, confronting and boundary-pushing variety, it's back for another stunning year in 2023, taking place in Hobart between Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22. This year's weird and wild lineup includes a Twin Peaks-inspired ball, a teddy bear with laser eyes, sleeping over, catching Soda Jerk's latest film and seeing punk icons Black Flag play their first Aussie gig since 2013. Oh, and Florentina Holzinger's dance theatre performance A Divine Comedy, an Australian premiere and an Aussie exclusive that reimagines Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise, That ball both wonderful and strange? That'd be Dark Mofo's hedonistic masquerade, which this year is called The Blue Rose Ball. David Lynch fans, this sounds like heaven — in a mystery venue turned into the Blue Velvet Lounge, and with live tunes and performances all on theme. If your costume includes red and white zigzags, you've obviously nailed it. That teddy bear? It's called Giant Teddy, a new commission by Dark Mofo from EJ Son. Festival attendees will see a giant Korean pop culture-inspired teddy bear that, yes, has lasers for eyes — plus a camera that'll show its live surveillance elsewhere in Hobart. [caption id="attachment_895370" align="alignnone" width="1921"] Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2022. Photo credit: Rémi Chauvin, 2022. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2022.[/caption] The sleepover comes courtesy of Max Richter's SLEEP, which returns to Australia for an eight-and-a-half-hour overnight stint. You'll slumber, and Richter's compositions will play. The former will happen on beds provided by Dark Mofo, and the latter is based on the neuroscience of getting some shuteye. And if you've seen the documentary about it, you'll already be excited — and have your pyjamas ready. Soda Jerk joins the fold with Hello Dankness, which compiles samples into a 70-minute survey of American politics circa 2016–21 — so, a chaotic time. And Black Flag won't have Henry Rollins with them, but will be doing a one-off exclusive Australian show in Tassie. The music bill also features First Nations artists BARKAA, Tasman Keith, dameeeela, DENNI, MARLON X RULLA, Uncle Dougie Mansell, Katarnya Maynard, Rob Braslin and more on opening night; Ethel Cain hitting Australia for the first time; Thundercat breaking out the bass; and Witch with Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis on the drums. Squarepusher, Trentemøller, Drab Majesty, Plaid, Sleaford Mods, Deafheaven — yes, the list goes on, with Zindzi & The Zillionaires, as led by Play School host Zindzi Okenyo, also on offer for younger attendees. Dark Mofo's arts lineup spans two new pieces by Martu artist Curtis Taylor: video work Ngarnda (pain) about blood rituals, cultural rites and lived experiences; and multi-media installation Boong, which focuses on exposing racial violence. And, there's Western Flag from Irish talent John Gerrard — aka a ten-metre-by-ten-metre digital screen depicting a flagpole, but spewing out black smoke non-stop, in a reference to the world's first major oil find in Texas in 1901. [caption id="attachment_895362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethel Cain | Dark Mofo 2023. Photo credit: Helen Kirbo. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] Top image: Dark Mofo/Rosie Hastie, 2021. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
When Touch played Australia's Scandinavian Film Festival, which fittingly fills cinemas around the country each winter, it wasn't the only feature from Iceland on the program. Of the four titles from the Nordic nation, however, two of the fellow movies around this tender romantic drama fell into the thriller category. Scandi noir has become its own genre, buoyed by the success of efforts across the Nordic region such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and its sequels, and the likes of The Killing and The Bridge on TV. Icelandic television series Trapped also sits in the same camp, as created by one of its most-famous filmmaking names: director Baltasar Kormákur. Kormákur knows how to lean into the genre that the rest of the planet now considers synonymous with his part of the globe. He's also well-aware that there's far more to Iceland's screen output than its moodiest efforts, and how important it is to ensure that other tales are being told. An actor before moving behind the lens — and sometimes afterwards, including for himself — he's just as familiar with a recent trend among features from his homeland: movies with animal-themed titles (see: Of Horses and Men, Rams and Lamb). In comparison, Touch takes its own path, eschewing both noir and critters. That said, character-driven films are hardly new to the country; Kormákur has been there before himself, in fact, starting with his 2000 directorial debut 101 Reykjavík. Consider Touch a reminder, then, that crime-thrillers, the frosty landscape and the animals that live upon it are only a part of Iceland's storytelling. Hopping between Iceland, the UK and Japan, as well as between time periods, Kormákur's latest feature found its details on the page via the filmmaker's compatriot Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, who co-wrote the script — and its narrative spreads far beyond what's become regarded of late as typical Icelandic fare. It all kicks off in Reykjavík, where widower Kristófer (Egill Ólafsson, another Trapped alum) does indeed have a mystery to solve: the whereabouts of the woman he loved five decades earlier. In the late 60s, he was a student (played by the director's son Pálmi Kormákur, The Deep) in London who took a job in a Japanese restaurant, with a romance with his boss Takahashi-san's (Masahiro Motoki, Giri/Haji) daughter Miko (Kōki Kimura, Ushikubi Village) blossoming. Touch begins in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting down existence as everyone knew it. Before he flies out to the UK, it also commences with Kristófer receiving an early-stage dementia diagnosis. As the film flits back and forth between the elder version of the character on his search for the Hiroshima-born Miko and his memories of their time together, it contemplates paths not taken, connections that will never fade, choices that haunt and emotions that last forever. It plunges, too, into one of the 20th century's horrors and its lingering ramifications. Kormákur also sees Touch as a picture about seeking closure, and knows how universal that idea is — and how cathartic Kristófer's journey is to watch. He feels that link personally. "As the years come in, it becomes a heavier burden," he tells Concrete Playground. "There are things — you did something wrong to somebody, or weren't fair or left a love relationship in the way you shouldn't, whatever it is — there's the need to rectify and close. Not to necessarily pick up. I don't think Kristófer is there to pick up and run around with a newfound love, no. It's about finding closure and understanding. I have very strong ties to that. That has come very a heavy burden in my life, which I didn't think much about when I was in my 20s and 30s." [caption id="attachment_970779" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kormákur hasn't just crafted a departure from the current Nordic norm. He's now spent decades jumping between both sides of the Atlantic, with English-language action and survivalist movies dotted across his resume. The Mark Wahlberg (The Union)-starring Contraband and 2 Guns, scaling mountainous heights in Everest, the also based-on-a-true-tale Adrift, Idris Elba (Hijack) fighting lions in Beast: they've all boasted Kormákur behind the lens, but he doesn't see himself as linked to or fascinated by any one genre.[/caption] We also chatted with the filmmaker about discovering Ólafsson's book and being inspired to turn it into a film, celebrating a different kind of Icelandic movie than the kind worldwide audiences are often seeing of late, juggling Touch's different locations and eras, and casting when you're telling a story across half a century. On Kormákur Coming Across the Novel and Knowing That He Wanted to Turn It Into a Film "It was given to me by my daughter as a present for Christmas. And I opened it right away and started reading, and I couldn't put it down. I think I read it in less than 24 hours. First, it took its time in the beginning, and then it just got me more and more and more. And there's something about the way that it reflects time and life through the two story threads. I also wanted to find a love story, but a real one to me, something that would mirror my experience in some way with love, because I've had a relationship with love for now 58 years. It was just a great vessel for that in the movie. It's also very unusual for Icelandic films to have these kind of cross-cultural references, and an opportunity of travelling through space and time." On Making an Icelandic Film Away From the Country's Frosty Landscape and the Nordic Noir Genre "I think it's very important. I think it's actually more important, possibly, than people realise in the moment. I think always when you break a little bit of boundaries in telling stories, it gives the young people who are coming after you a different perspective and opens up to them — 'yeah, well if that's an Icelandic film, then I can maybe do something of that kind or something different'. I think with small countries, often there is a tendency that there are certain kinds of films that are accepted and tend to be repeated. We've done a lot of films about domestic animals in Iceland. I think every title — we have Lamb, we have Rams, we have Of Horses and Men. It's all good, very good films, don't get me wrong, but at some point we're running out of domestic animal titles. So it was about time for something else. But also I come from a background of two nations. I'm half Spanish and half Icelandic. My parents actually met pretty much like Miko and Kristófer in the story — in a restaurant in Reykjavík as my father was passing through. He was a Spanish artist escaping Franco at the time, and he ran into my mother and he just stood up in the restaurant. He was coming in, she was working in the restaurant, and 18 days later they were to be married — and 60 years later they're still together. Unfortunately he has a bit of Alzheimer's, like the character. So there's a lot of things that connected me to the story on many levels. Also the need for closure, which is very important to me, and I feel like is coming harder and harder down on me — like the need to close certain chapters and stories and make peace with them." On Balancing Multiple Different Time Periods — and Hopping Between Iceland, the UK and Japan "It was very, very complicated in terms of shooting. People thought Everest was complicated, but this is actually more complicated because there's also three languages. But I love it. We are allowing more languages and more culture into films, and it's getting more accepted, and I think it's really important. And for me, it has to be in the language that these people would authentically be speaking to each other. Then the market comes next and says 'I'm not going to...' because there was this idea, somebody came and said 'what about if Kristófer is in England rather than Icelandic and we can just have him...'. And yeah, it would work, but that's not my story. So, that's very important. And of course, it's incredibly complicated to create a restaurant. A Japanese restaurant in England 1969, there are hardly any references. But by digging, we found actually a couple still alive that ran a restaurant — a Japanese couple, immigrants in England — that gave us a lot of information about their place. So, for me it was so much about all the preparation and work. We had Japanese people working with us from day one, everyone possible in Iceland in the Japanese embassy. And the respect — when you come from a small culture like Iceland, your country and your culture has been tarnished by Hollywood, just because they don't care. It's a small market. So the names are usually wrongly used, and there is not much authenticity to the story. But I think that's lazy. Because you can tell this is a good story, and even better, you can just little do a little homework and digging and learning about cultures. Also, I love the fact, and I didn't say that in the beginning, that this story leads you to one of the most horrific acts in history, war crimes in history, in such a different and unique way. It's just to one victim that wasn't even born at the time of the bombing, and it affects a life of an Icelandic guy whose whole life is affected by this. So this choice of taking just a single view, when I read the book, I didn't see that coming — an Icelandic novel dealing with the aftermath of Hiroshima." On Casting When You're Working with Both Younger and Older Versions of the Same Characters "For me, it's more about finding the right person for its purpose. I wasn't necessarily chasing that it had to be totally aligned for Kristofer — for me, it's more important that the actors are right for the role and for their purpose, and then matching them up. It was very important for the younger actors that they would sit on the baseline in the role. They don't have to be playing someone else. They'll allow you to come closer, because falling in love is an intimate thing. And I wasn't going for the sexual version, I was going for the sensual version of it. And for me, it's very innocent and you have to allow the camera into the act rather than him playing it for you. And I think I chose the two of them from that perspective, the young cast. On the other hand, it was very important to me — I told you about my father — Egill reminds me a little bit of my father. A very nicely dressed man, even in his Alzheimer's and the fog of that, he always carries himself with some grace. Egill used to be the sex symbol of Iceland. He used to be this big singer and actor. All my youth, everyone knew who Egill was. Then, he now actually has Parkinson's, and it's just changed his whole demeanour. He's very gentle and he steps to the earth very carefully. I learned this about him, and I thought he was absolutely perfect for the role. It's just something about the grace and I wanted him to be romantic in a way, but not somebody you would feel sorry for — actually, you can go on this journey and you can want him to have his closure." On the Approach to Flitting Across Genres When Your Career Jumps Between Romance, Action, Thrillers, Survivalist Tales and More "I do not look at genre in the beginning of choosing a project. If something, like with Beast, I've been fascinated with lions all my life since I was a kid. I loved pictures of lions when I was a kid. When I got Everest, it was like 'this is like me walking to school in Iceland every day'. There are certain things that you just are drawn to, and then the genre comes around it. And then everyone, people are like 'oh, he's the action guy, he's the survival guy'. I've had so many versions of 'guy'. But for me, I just choose the project that I'm drawn to and genre is something that it comes after, and I work with that. I understand that genre or tone is very important. But I have many genres inside of me. I am an athlete in some ways, when I was younger. But I'm also a lover. These are two genres inside of me. So I'm full of genres, and I just don't want to limit myself to one thing. It's not conscious, to be honest. It's just when projects — like when I read this book, I love this book. I want to do it and then I do it. And then I let the specialists analyse it." Touch opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Images: Lilja Jonsdottir and Baltasar Breki Samper / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
For a month in 2026, The Phantom of the Opera will be there, on a floating stage on top of Sydney Harbour. Each year, Australia's most-stunning performance venue welcomes a big-name Opera Australia show to unleash its wonders with a spectacular backdrop. Just like in 2022, 2026's production involves the music of the night echoing over the ocean. The extremely popular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has repeated titles before, but there's a particular reason for Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera haunting its scenic setup again so soon. 2026 also marks the stage musical's global 40th anniversary. There's phenomenal ways to commemorate a milestone and the there's this. When it takes to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's picturesque waterfront digs at Mrs Macquaries Point for 2026 — across Friday, March 27–Sunday, April 26 — this run of The Phantom of the Opera is kicking off a worldwide program of events planned for the year to celebrate four decades of the show. The production will also increase the huge audience numbers that've spent time with The Phantom and Christine, given that it has already been seen by 160-million-plus people in 205 cities across 58 territories across its lifespan so far. Simon Phillips, who recently helped bring Round the Twist from the screen to the stage, initially directed the 2022 Handa season — and is back for 2026, too. Also a highlight: the eye-catching production design that includes a giant chandelier. Images: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's 2022 production of The Phantom of the Opera © Prudence Upton / Hamilton Lund.
Australia's best hotel — according to the World's 50 Best Hotels — is welcoming one of Australia's very best bars — according to the World's 50 Best Bars — for a one-night takeover this winter. Sydney's pocket-sized mezcal mecca, Cantina OK!, is headed north and landing at The Calile's Lobby Bar on Tuesday, June 17, for a very special collaboration. Part of The Calile's Rooftop Harvest series — which showcases the seasonal produce grown on the hotel's rooftop kitchen garden — this one-off event will bring together two stars of Australia's hospitality scene for a sunset session of creative cocktails. Cantina OK! Venue Manager Jordan Grocock and Creative Lead Jaxon Kite will be flying the flag for the Sydney bar, and they'll be shaking up a bespoke cocktail just for the occasion. Inspired by the pastel tones of The Calile's pool, the Sandia OK! is a vibrant green and pink margarita that features fresh lime and hibiscus leaf harvested from the hotel's rooftop garden. They'll be mixed with makrut lime leaf tequila and topped with shaved watermelon for a textural and visual punch. The Calile crew will also be behind the stick, serving one of the hotel's signature creations that again makes use of ingredients from the rooftop. The Marigold Highball is a twist on the classic highball, with a mix of Red Mill coconut rum, soda, coconut vinegar and a house-made shrub crafted using marigold leaves picked from the rooftop garden. Both drinks will be paired with seasonal snacks that also showcase ingredients from the June harvest. [caption id="attachment_909116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Calile SS22[/caption] Clocking in at just 17 square metres, the six-seat Cantina OK! — tucked at the end of an otherwise nondescript Sydney CBD laneway — is perhaps Australia's smallest bar. It punches well above its diminutive size, though, often named among the world's very best bars thanks to its extensive program of hand-sourced, hand-imported and handmade mezcal, and thoughtful, personalised service. Entry is free but registration is recommended — and you'll want to get in early, as drinks are only available from 5–7pm. Don't miss your chance to experience one of Sydney's most celebrated bars, no flight required. [caption id="attachment_909117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Calile SS22[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1006984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] [caption id="attachment_973394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile James St, Cieran Murphy.[/caption] Rooftop Harvest: Cantina OK! x The Calile takes place on Tuesday, June 17, from 5–7pm at The Calile's Lobby Bar, Ground Floor, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information and to register, head to the event website.
Our global plastic binge is creating some terrifying statistics. We're still going through 500 billion single-use plastic bags per year and using 17 million barrels of oil to manufacture enough plastic water bottles to meet annual demand. A team of Melbourne-based entrepreneurs have decided to combat our not-so-fantastic plastic obsession. They've come up with Australia's first ever 'Positive and Pure' paper water bottle, Do Water. It's made from paper that comes from Forestry Stewardship Council certified forests, which are managed sustainably and responsibly. The Do Water team discovered that, unfortunately, bottling water in 500ml paper packs is impossible in Australia. So they travelled far and wide, looking for an ideal location, which turned out to be an artesian well known as Acqua Smeraldina, located high in the mountainous region of Sardinia, Italy. There, purified by granite, the water has been gathering minerals and nutrients for hundreds of years. To maintain their stringent standards, the Do Water team lab-tests the site every two hours. The water, rather than being transferred to a factory for treatment, is bottled at the source, reaching the consumer's mouth just as it leaves its home. Of course, delivering the bottles from Italy to Australia poses a potentially not-so-green dilemma. So the Do Water crew transports them via container ships, the carbon impact of which is much lower than that caused by air miles. The hope is that, one day soon, they'll be able to conduct the whole enterprise on Australian shores. "We want to help reduce the overall lifecycle and footprint of plastic bottles in Australia by providing an alternative made from a natural and renewable resource," the Do Water site explains. "We couldn't find anyone offering such an alternative, so we decided to do something about it."
In the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, a good cold brew is like liquid gold — or at least it can be priced that way. And, even if you're constantly on the lookout for a good caffeine fix, that won't always fit into the budget. Luckily, coffee roaster Industry Beans is celebrating the second birthday of its Newstead store with a special giveaway. From Thursday, September 23–Saturday, September 25, the chain is offering up 1000 of its famed cold brews for free. All you need to do is head in to either Industry Beans' Newstead or Adelaide Street outposts, and make a purchase. You can head down before work on Thursday or Friday — or, if you have a big night planned to start the weekend, set a reminder for yourself Saturday morning. That's when an ice-cold coffee might just be what you need to bring yourself back to life.
If you're the type of spirits aficionado who likes their tipples to taste exactly how they always have, then you probably aren't all that fond of creative booze flavours. You mightn't be a fan of bloody shiraz gin, for instance. You likely didn't even give lamington vodka a try. And, well, peanut butter whiskey isn't going to be your thing either. For anyone that's now wondering how to make a peanut butter and jelly cocktail, this latest flavour from Sheep Dog Whiskey is probably already having the exact opposite effect. Yes, peanut butter whiskey is now a real thing that exists, and can be sipped by fans of both peanut butter and caramel-hued spirits. And, after launching in the US, where it's made, it is now available in Australian bottle shops. Taste-wise, you can expect the obvious — so, peanut butter and whiskey — however, this tipple also apparently comes with notes of vanilla and caramel popcorn as well. And if you're wondering how to drink it, the brand suggests going neat — or adding it to your next espresso martini. Other options include combining it with grape liqueur so that you really can have a PB&J-flavoured tipple, or whipping up a peanut butter old fashioned. Naturally, if you're not fond of peanuts, this definitely isn't for you. Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey is now available in Australia for $55 RRP a bottle — from BWS, Dan Murphy's and First Choice.
Show a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T and head to the one-night-only Aretha — Love Letter to the Queen of Soul at QPAC's Concert Hall this winter. On Tuesday, June 20, there'll be one big show packed full of the extraordinary star's powerful hits. This special event will showcase Aretha Franklin's wide-ranging vocal talents and her timeless anthems. A diverse multigenerational cast will perform 32 of the Queen's songs, and is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seat and singing along to iconic tunes like 'Respect' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman'. The stellar cast includes Montaigne, the ARIA-nominated Emma Donovan, Thndo, Thandi Phoenix and Ursula Yovich. The show is both narrated and directed by Jada Alberts, who weaves in the stories of the artist's public success and personal struggles — which ultimately paved the way for other female and soul artists to make their own mark on the world. This event is a spectacular opportunity to hear of the beginning of Franklin's life. It'll take you from her gospel roots and rising fame all the way to reaching worldwide recognition. Her talents earned her many accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards and the title of Rolling Stone's 'Greatest Singer of All Time'. She's also sold over 75-million records. Images: Cybele Malinowski.
Some stories are so ubiquitous in popular culture that we all know what they're about, even if we haven't read them, seen the movie or experienced every adaptation that's ever been made. Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is one such tale. It even plays a hefty part in 2023 Oscar-nominee The Whale. Moby-Dick might've popped up everywhere since it was first penned in 1851, but that doesn't mean that it can't be given a new twist. Indeed, seeing what talented folks do with them next is part of the fun of these enduring narratives. Dead Puppet Society first unveiled its big plans for Melville's whale tale back in 2021, and it's bringing it back to Brisbane again. Don't expect the usual story to play out in Ishmael, however. Instead, this show reimagines its inspiration as a space saga, subbing in earth's oceans for everything that sprawls on forever above our heads — with puppets, naturally. Taking over QPAC's Cremorne Theatre from Friday, May 19–Saturday, May 27, the result combines onstage puppetry and miniature sets with live filmmaking, plus music by Bec Sandridge. And, if you love it, we have the perfect quote for you: "ye've shipped, have ye?" [caption id="attachment_824372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Giulia McGauran[/caption] Top image: Dean Hanson.
Sydney has the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which takes over Oxford Street for a night of celebration. Melbourne has the Midsumma Pride March, its equivalent in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. From November 2024, Brisbane will share the show of pride, but in a way befitting the River City: with the first-ever River Pride Parade as part of the new Melt Open festival. Boats will float from William Jolly Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse, all embracing everything that a pride parade should be — just on the water. The River Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, November 9 in the afternoon, with Courtney Act leading the charge as Melt Open's just-announced inaugural ambassador. "A pride parade on the Brisbane River — what a brilliant twist on a cherished favourite! Just imagine the magic as we all come together to celebrate on the water, surrounded by the beauty of the city," said the Brisbane-bred Act. "As I lead the river parade, you can bet there'll be plenty of SPF beneath my makeup! This is truly a unique and fabulous way to honour pride and the stunning Brisbane River." "Prepare for a dazzling spectacle with the River Pride Parade fronted by the fabulous Courtney Act. Picture dykes on jetskis, drag-clad waterskiers, iconic queer boat parties and that's just the beginning. We welcome watercraft of all shapes and sizes to join the river parade and encourage everyone to get their spots along the river to view the carnival," added Pieta Farrell, Executive Producer of Melt Open. Registrations are open now for the River Pride Parade, which will help close out Melt Open's first year, with the entire fest running from Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10. Don't have a boat? Organisers advise that watercraft of all shapes and sizes can take part. Melt Open was announced in 2023 as a fringe-style event to celebrate LGBTQIA+ art and performance everywhere from Fortitude Valley to Woolloongabba, showcasing queer work, talents, legends and allies. Brisbanites should already know that Brisbane Powerhouse has hosted Melt Festival for eight years and counting, with that event considered a predecessor to this newcomer. As its name makes plain, Melt Open is broadening its scope by building upon Melt's success — spreading beyond the Powerhouse, featuring more artists and venues, and operating as an open access-style shindig. The River Pride Parade is the second major program announcement for the debut Melt Open, and the second that'll make spectacular use of the fest's Brisbane location. The other: New York-based artist Spencer Tunick returning to Brisbane after 2023's Melt Festival stint, this time to close the Story Bridge to fill it with nudes for a new photography work. If you're eager to get your kit off in the name of art, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and diversity, registrations are still open for the installation, which will take place on Sunday, October 27 — and there's no limit on the number of participants. Melt Open 2024 will run from Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 10, with the River Pride Parade taking place on Saturday, November 9. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website for additional information, and to register for the parade. Images: Jack Martin.
One of the most famous artworks in the world is coming to your home, ready for you to peer at whenever you want. Even better: you don't need a hefty bank balance or to be a Glass Onion-style tech mogul to afford it. You will have to build the iconic piece yourself, however, and it will be fashioned out of plastic bricks — all thanks to the latest addition to Lego's art range. That masterwork: The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, aka the woodblock print that dates back to 1831, is part of the artist's Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series and is instantly recognisable. Depicting a stormy sea with Mount Fuji in the background, the piece might just be the best-known Japanese artwork ever, with original versions on display everywhere from the Tokyo National Museum to the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Great Wave is certainly one of the most reproduced in history, but making the leap to Lego is a first. How many bricks does it take to turn such a beloved nearly 200-year-old print into a Lego creation? That'd be 1810, including tiny circle blocks for intricate detail. Indeed, this layered 3D set doesn't just recreate just the design of Hokusai's original, or the overall image, but its lines and depth as well. The Lego Art Hokusai: The Great Wave kit has started hitting stores worldwide, and will be available Down Under from Wednesday, February 1. Genuinely big enough to hang on your wall, The Great Wave set is unsurprisingly aimed at adults — a group that Lego has been courting for years, including with succulents, orchids, bouquets and bonsai fashioned out of bricks, because the toy brand knows that you don't ever really grow out of its interconnecting blocks. Lego's latest artistic reimagining follows in the footsteps of the company's The Starry Night set in 2021, which gave Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece the same treatment. Also included in The Great Wave kit, which'll cost AU$169.99 / NZ $179.99 when it goes on sale: a decorative tile with Hokusai's signature. Plus, Lego has created a soundtrack to go with it, so you can listen along as you build, as part of its ongoing focus on adults using its bricks to relax. For more information about Lego's new 'The Great Wave' kit, which goes on sale on Down Under on Wednesday, February 1, head to the company's website.
From Seinfeld to Friends to Kevin Smith's Mallrats, 90s pop culture was jam-packed with characters staring at pictures and trying to spot optical illusions. It was a time of Magic Eye books, after all — but peering at pieces of art, soaking in colours and arrangements, and endeavouring to see more than the obvious wasn't invented then. And, it has never gone out of fashion. In fact, doing just that is on the agenda at Queensland Art Gallery's new Geometries exhibition, which is on display until Sunday, February 2, 2020. The free showcase rounds up a heap of works that look simple, but prove otherwise the more that you look at them. There's no such thing as a plain old abstract painting of lines and shapes here. Whether they're playing with scale, sequencing, scope or proportion, these are pieces you'll want to spend some time with — so prepare to get cosy in QAG's Watermall. Image: Wilma Tabacco. Australia b.1953. Hellza poppin. 2004. Oil on linen / 183 x 244cm. Gift of William Nuttall and Annette Reeves through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2008. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
For some time, Southbank's Italian kitchen Vici has been warming up your Wednesday nights with bottomless pasta. Hand over $40, and you get 90 minutes of non-stop comfort eating. As if that weren't enough, lasagna is now on the menu. Yep, from here on in, your booking covers infinite layers of slow-cooked beef ragu, house-made pasta sheets, creamy béchamel and melty cheese. Just in case, for some unimaginable reason, you decide to deviate from lasagna, there are other dishes on the list. Try the prawn and crab linguine sprinkled with chilli and cherry tomatoes, or the amatriciana — pork and fennel sausage doused in marinara mascarpone. Vegetarians are well taken care of with the baked ziti: a pile of ricotta slathered in Napoli sauce, layered with veggies and topped with cheese. Plus, for an extra $5, you can go gluten-free. Whatever your pasta pick, make it even more heart-warming with a good Italian red, like the smooth Sabazio Montepulciano or the spicy Senesi Arentini sangiovese. There's also a fun cocktail list packed with classics and signatures, including a raspberry negroni sour and a tiramisu martini.
Clocking in at two hours and 40 minutes, Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood isn't a short movie. Like the bulk of the acclaimed writer/director's films, however, it's one that viewers would be be happy to spend even longer with. Since the hit flick premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year, Tarantino has even talked about returning to its world, revealing that he has written the scripts for five episodes of the Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio)-starring fictional TV western Bounty Law — and that he plans to make and direct them all. It might take some time for that to come to fruition, though, so a new, free documentary that peeks behind the scenes of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will just have to do in the meantime. Called Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — A Love Letter to Making Movies, the half-hour doco lives up to its title. Not only does it step through the making of Tarantino's feature, but it explores how the filmmaker's obsessive love of cinema informed everything about the movie. QT's fondness for the medium he works in isn't new news. Neither is his tendency to fill his films with references to his inspiration, or his dedicated attention to detail. But if you want to hear more about how that all plays out on this specific 19169-set flick — a movie that's, among other things, a love letter to Hollywood's heyday just as it was fading — then here's your chance. Currently available to watch on Youtube, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — A Love Letter to Making Movies features plenty of the movie's heavy-hitters, so expect to-camera chats from Tarantino — obviously — as well as DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Kurt Russell, Timothy Olyphant and the late Luke Perry. With the film industry's annual awards season currently in full swing, and with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood not only vying for ten Oscars, but hotly tipped to nab the coveted Best Picture prize —if Parasite or 1917 doesn't beat it, that is — the documentary's release is obviously extremely well-timed. Check out Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — A Love Letter to Making Movies below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AxkaueDxYM Top image: © 2018 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Here's what stuck with our critics. Top Five Movies - Rima Sabina Aouf, Editor-in-Chief Silver Linings Playbook Forget American Hustle; this January release was David O'Russell's big 2013 success. Not only is it funny and moving, it's a sensitive, generous portrayal of mental illness that means a lot to many people. The Act of Killing Your jaw just drops further and further with every minute of this documentary about the 1965-66 Indonesian genocide and the ongoing exaltation of its perpetrators. Upstream Color There is no filmmaker quite like Shane Carruth, and there is no forgetting the experience of watching Upstream Color, wondering what the fuck is happening and then letting go and running with it. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire It kicks so much arse. Short Term 12 The best Boxing Day release you've probably never heard of, Short Term 12 will make you feel all the feelings. Top Five Movies - Tom Glasson, Writer We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks A surprisingly sensitive inquiry into Wikileaks and the two men responsible for its overnight infamy. Complex and impressively even-handed, it's also far more compelling than last month's The Fifth Estate. Zero Dark Thirty People often forget (or simply don't realise) that Kathryn Bigelow directed Point Break. Fact is, she's arguably the best director of action right now, and Zero Dark Thirty was a sublime example, combining heart-pumping combat with deeply personal drama. Red Obsession Rightly described as a 'wine thriller', this documentary offered an enthralling, passionate and consistently amusing perspective on the extraordinary price boom of 2011, followed by its equally dramatic crash and China's growing obsession for the iconic Bordeaux reds. Moonrise Kingdom Perhaps the darkest of the Wes Anderson oeuvre, Moonrise Kingdom is also somehow his most romantic. Quirky, whimsical and wickedly funny, it's a delightful tale of young, forbidden love. The Gatekeepers Like the Shin Bet agents it scrutinised, this gripping documentary grabbed you by the throat from the opening scene and never let go. A remarkable and candid examination of one of the world's most secretive organisations. Top Five Movies - Lauren Carroll Harris, Writer Mystery Road Both bleakly beautiful and staunchly optimistic, and with an Indigenous cultural perspective that's rarely represented in the mainstream, I'm convinced that we'll look back on it as something important in Australian cinema. The Great Gatsby Luhrmann’s 21st-century bastard iteration of the sham-American-dream classic made me cry like a small child. I don't care how uncool it is to admit — this was the first version that made me feel the true tragedy of Gatsby (a perfect, shiny-eyed Leo DiCaprio) and Daisy's predicament. Behind the Candelabra Steven Soderbergh went beyond the cliches of both a 'gay film' and a biopic to deliver touching, if typically unsentimental, twin portraits: one, a dysfunctional, tragic relationship, and the other, a destructive American addiction to consumerism and celebrity. The Act of Killing A film that changed the documentary genre and terrified and transfixed audiences more than any fiction could. If it helps the victims of Indonesian war crimes achieve justice, it may even be one of the most effective documentaries. Top of the Lake Challenging, gorgeously shot, with difficult characters and deft observations of crimes against women and the relationship between childhood and adulthood — it had everything I expect from great film. It counts. *Tom and Rima would like to go on record with the actual no.1 film they've seen this year, Spike Jonze's Her. Unfortunately, it's not out till January 16. Look for it then, and on our 2014 lists.
Here's the exceptional thing about being a movie lover: you're never short on stuff to watch. And, because where you see something can have a big imprint on your viewing experience, you're rarely lacking great places to get your cinema fix. One of Brisbane's favourites: the city's riverside CBD brewery. On most Tuesday nights, thanks to its regular Cinema Sessions, Felons Brewing Co is turning its Barrel Hall into a cinema and showing classic flicks — for free. From 7pm, you can lock your eyes on the big screen and enjoy a movie fave, all without paying a cent. You can also get comfy on a bean bag and reserve your seat at the same time. Obviously, sipping beers with your movie isn't free unsurprisingly. There'll be cinema snacks on offer as well and, again, you'll need your wallet. As for the films flickering across the screen, it's a retro lineup. In June, watch David Bowie dance magic dance in Labyrinth, then get giggling at 21 Jump Street and spend time with Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. July brings replicants in Blade Runner, an otherworldly Patrick Swayze in Ghost and sequel shenanigans with 22 Jump Street. Come August, The Dark Crystal, Sex and the City and Inception grace the program, while September boasts Roman Holiday, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Sonic the Hedgehog and Spy Kids. Updated: Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Get cracking, southsiders: Brisbane now has not one but two Claw BBQ crab shacks serving up shellfish feasts and boozy slushies over sports and arcade games, with the second opening in Carindale. The suburb's shopping centre dining precinct underneath Event Cinema is fresh from a revamp, and this red- and white-hued, American-inspired joint is one of the big new additions. There's bibs, seafood, screens aplenty and a 4.5-metre boat built into the ceiling. It was back in August 2023 that Claw BBQ first launched on King Street — a move that's clearly gone well enough to inspire an expansion to another part of town. The chain announced in July that it was doubling its local footprint come spring, and also that that boat would give the new venue quite a point of difference. Food-wise, this is a place with a bucket list. One chilled option comes packed with bugs, prawns and crab. Another is all prawns, whether you're keen on a half kilo or the full thing. From the hot buckets, you can go with prawns, crawfish, sand crab and Moreton Bay bugs alone, all in kilo servings with corn and potato — or for two different mixes, including one with lobster tails. Louisiana-style crab claws are on the appetisers lineup, too, as are everything from cheeseburger spring rolls to fried calamari. The rest of the menu extends to fried chicken, whole grilled chooks, barbecue ribs, striploins, seven types of burgers and more. In a space with those large-screen televisions broadcasting sport, and consoles for you to mash buttons at, the brand's eating challenges have also made the jump. Adventurous (and hungry) patrons can attempt to wolf down a one-kilogram burg with a side of fries in just half an hour or half a kilogram of hot wings in 20 minutes. The new crustacean-slinging eatery boasts ice cream shakes (in banoffee pie, rocky road and chocolate peanut butter) and mocktails among its drinks range, sitting alongside a hefty number of tap beers, a small wine list, and cocktail choices such as cactus apple margaritas, strawberry and kiwi mojitos, frozen cola with rum and lime, mango macadamia piña coladas and sangria towers. Find Claw BBQ Carindale at Carindale Shopping Centre, 1151 Creek Road, Carindale — open from 11am–late daily. Head to the venue's website for more details.
It's true when you're on holidays, kicking back in far-flung locations with a drink in your hand. It's true if you're a Brisbanite heading down the coast for a day, weekend or short getaway, or if you're a Gold Coast local as well. That unfaltering reality? That everything tastes better when it's paired with beach views — including lively Tex-Mex brand El Camino Cantina's OTT margaritas. The chain's Surfers Paradise outpost marks its 13th nationwide and sixth in Queensland, including at Bowen Hills, Chermside and South Bank in Brisbane, and also Robina on the GC since 2020. If you've been to one of its venues, you know what to expect menu- and vibe-wise, but this is the only Sunshine State spot with that beachy backdrop. For newcomers to the chain, think loud, bright and filled with giant cocktails, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes, free sombreros and other Tex-Mex fare. Skulls, crosses, cacti and lightning bolts also feature heavily, alongside a corrugated iron bar decorated with flame graffiti — and the new joint will also boast a custom-designed mural by Ben Brown featuring a surfing skeleton. El Camino's Surfers Paradise digs seats 250 patrons, including the 30-seat al fresco dining space, with booths, high-top tables for large groups and swing-style seats all available — the latter playing up the beachfront angle. Slushie machines, a big feature at the chain's other venues, are part of the fitout as well. Cue big nights and brain freezes. El Camino's margaritas come in multiple sizes and renditions — such as a tropical Red Bull flavour, which really says it all. Other options include a host of beers from near and far, and a sizeable collection of mezcals and tequilas. The food lineup is as fun and casual as the drinks, spanning fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, and soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations. The Surfers Paradise joint also boasts El Camino's signature specials, including $2 tacos on Tuesdays and ten-cent wings on Wednesdays. And, it's also the brand's first spot to also serve up breakfast, with brekkie tacos coming packed with grilled sirloin and scrambled egg, refried black beans and queso fresco, and streaky bacon with jalapeno and cheddar.
If your travel plans for 2025 include a Japanese or South Korean holiday, trips to both destinations just got cheaper. Jetstar is helping you lock in your vacations for this year by bringing back the airline's popular 'return for free' deal, this time focusing specifically on both Asian nations. Whether you're heading to Tokyo, Osaka or Seoul, a discount awaits. Whichever of the three cities that you decide to fly into, the Australian carrier's latest special will bring you home without making you spend a cent. One caveat: you've got just 72 hours to snap up tickets, with the sale running for three days from 12am AEDT on Wednesday, January 28, 2025–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, January 31, 2025, unless sold out earlier. This deal really is as straightforward as it sounds. No matter which flights you opt for as part of the sale — to Tokyo, Osaka or Seoul only, though, through Narita, Kansai and Incheon airports — you'll get the return fare for nothing. You do need to nab one of Jetstar's starter fares, and you'll then get a free return starter fare for zilch. Also, you'll have to fly in and out of the same arrival and departure port — so factor that in if you're planning to use either of the two Japanese cities or the South Korean destination as a starting point for heading to other places. Also, as is usually the case with Jetstar, checked baggage is not included. Still, expect the flights to get snapped up quickly when they go on sale. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you can get the jump on the special via access from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, January 28 until midnight. Wondering when you'll be travelling? Dates vary per route, but the windows cover from early-May through to late-November 2025. Jetstar's Japan and South Korea 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Wednesday, January 28, 2025–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, January 31, 2025 — unless it's sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The plastic rings that hold six packs together are both genius and hazardous. On the one hand, they're really bloody handy when you're carting six tinnies to a barbecue — have you ever tried to hold six loose cans of beer? — but on the other, they have a devastating impact on marine wildlife when they become waste. To combat the effects these pesky pieces of plastic have on the environment, a Florida brewery has developed a type of biodegradable six-pack ring that can actually be eaten by the animals they usually pose a risk to. After seeing the effect plastic has on marine animals like birds and turtles, Saltwater Brewery — a small brewery in Delray Beach, Florida — teamed up with New York advertising agency We Believers to redesign their packaging to make it more environmentally friendly. What they came up with was a biodegradable version of the plastic rings made of the wheat and barley that's left over after brewing. They claim that it's the first 100 per cent biodegradable, compostable and edible packaging in the beer industry. The first batch of rings were made using a 3D printer, and the brewery aims to produce 400,000 per month to cover their current production. It's a great move that we hope bigger breweries take on. Now to tackle aluminium cans... Via Creativity.
It's been four years since Ryan Gosling last graced screens, rocketing to the moon in First Man. No, Barbie set photos pored over on every internet-connected device don't count. Since he played Neil Armstrong, much has happened. There's the obvious off-screen, of course — but then there's Chris Evans farewelling Captain America, and also appearing in Knives Out with the scene-stealing Ana de Armas. After co-starring in Blade Runner 2049 with Gosling back in 2017, she leapt from that Evans-featuring whodunnit to palling around with 007 in No Time to Die. Also during that time, Bridgerton pushed Regé-Jean Page to fame, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood earmarked Julia Butters as a young talent to watch. This isn't just a history lesson on The Gray Man's cast — well, some of them, given that Billy Bob Thornton (Goliath), Jessica Henwick (The Matrix Resurrections), Dhanush (Maaran), Wagner Moura (Shining Girls) and Alfre Woodard (The Lion King) also pop up, plus Australia's own Callan Mulvey (Firebite) — for the hell of it, though. Back in 2018, before all of the above played out, it's unlikely that this exact film with this exact cast would've eventuated. But plenty of action-thrillers about attempting to snuff out hyper-competent assassins already did flicker across celluloid — both John Wick and Atomic Blonde had already been there and done that, and the Bourne and Bond movies, and countless other predecessors. Still, the combination of this collection of current actors and that familiar setup isn't without its charms in The Gray Man, which makes the leap from the pages of Mark Greaney's 2009 novel to the big and streaming screens. Reportedly Netflix's most expensive movie to date, it lets its two biggest names bounce off of each other with chalk-and-cheese aplomb, and isn't short on globe-hopping action spectacle. The off-the-book spy versus off-the-book spy killer flick is knowing amid all that box-ticking formula, too, although not enough to make its cheesy lines sound smart and savvy. Gosling plays Court Gentry, aka Sierra Six; "007 was taken," he jokes. Before he's given his codename — before he's paid to do the CIA's dirty work as well — he's in prison for murder, then recruited by Donald Fitzroy (Thornton). Fast-forward 18 years and Six is a huge hit at two things: being a ghost, because he no longer officially exists; and covertly wreaking whatever havoc the government tells him to, including knocking off whichever nefarious figure they need gone. But one stint of the latter leaves him in possession of a USB drive that his arrogant new direct superior Carmichael (Page) will ruthlessly kill to destroy. Actually, to be precise, he'll pay Lloyd Hansen (Evans) of Hansen Government Services to do just that, and to do the dirty work that's too dirty for the criminals-turned-government hitmen in the Sierra program, with Six the number-one target. If you've seen one espionage-slash-assassin flick that sends a shadowy life-or-death fight bounding around the planet — here, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Germany and Austria all feature, among other spots — then you've seen The Gray Man's template. Directing duo Joe and Anthony Russo helmed the Marvel Cinematic Universe's versions with Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, so they know the drill. That they've seen a heap of other entries in the genre is never question, either. That feeling radiates from the script, which is credited to Joe Russo with seasoned Marvel scribes Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game), and clearly styles its one-liners after superhero banter. Having Gosling and Evans sling it, one playing bearded, silent and virtuous and the other moustachioed, jabbering and unhinged, makes a helluva difference, however. The silver screen has missed Gosling, and the moody, charismatic brooding he does so well. Thanks to Drive and Only God Forgives, the actor is firmly in his calm-but-deadly, complex-but-smouldering element — and, when Fitzroy's niece Claire (Butters) joins the story, Gosling is also in comfortable The Nice Guys-style territory. That isn't a complaint; he's great at both, reliably and engagingly so. But, again, almost every aspect of The Gray Man recalls something similar or its stars' past work. As he did so memorably in Knives Out, Evans revels in his latest asshole swerve away from The Star Spangled Man with a Plan, spitting out his smirking dialogue with relish. (The trash 'stash and skin-tight wardrobe are new, but suit the psychopathic vibe that Lloyd is wrapped in as snug as spandex.) That at least 50 shades of this feature have filled other films before can't be shaken, and yet that fact never blows up the movie. Explosions aren't lacking, given the storyline. Neither are setpieces of varying action-flick ridiculousness to house them in, as well as such a hefty dose of transport-related mayhem that the Fast and Furious movies might get envious. There's nothing grey in colour about the first big action extravaganza, staged in Bangkok amid a gleaming nightclub and bursting fireworks — and the Russos' best shootouts, fights and frays boast a sense of playfulness, just like the back-and-forth between Gosling and Evans. Still, some lively lurches stumble. A "Ken doll" quip is too calculated to crib that Barbie mania, and when the setpiece setting ante gets upped to include a hedge maze, it's yet another reminder of riches elsewhere on celluloid. That said, Netflix also previously made the abhorrent Red Notice, the last film badged as its most expensive ever. Next to that atrocious example of cobbling together well-worn parts and plastering them over with megastars, The Gray Man naturally looks like a masterpiece. The Gray Man isn't a masterpiece, though. If it was — rather than being entertaining despite showing the easy dots it's connecting, and its seams — the slickly shot picture would make full use of its entire cast. The film is all the better for having de Armas, Page and the like in it, but they all scream for more screentime (and for better-fleshed-out characters), which may come for some in future instalments. As his mentor Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan saga did, Greaney's books have spawned followups. On the screen, both a sequel and a prequel were reportedly greenlit by Netflix before The Gray Man even reached audiences. Knowing that this is meant to be a franchise-starter doesn't justify its love of formula, or hide it, but it also doesn't detract from Gosling or Evans, or the dazzling destruction around them. The Gray Man screens in cinemas Down Under from Thursday, July 14, and is available to stream via Netflix from Friday, July 22. Image: Paul Abell/Netflix.
Australia has more than 47,000 kilometres of coastline and 11,761 beaches, according to those who've somehow managed to count them all. And there's no better way to get to know them than an adventure with your mates and a night within the thin walls of a tent. With the waves just a stumble away and surrounded by kangaroos, wombats and echidnas, beach camping is a great way to immerse yourselves in all the best Australia has to offer, the kind of serenity that's best enjoyed together. To get you started, we teamed up with Jim Beam to find the spots where we reckon you'll get some of the nation's optimum beach camping conditions. Recommended reads: The Best Beach Camping Spots in Victoria The Best Beach Camping Spots in Queensland The Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW The Best Glamping Sites in Australia [caption id="attachment_807772" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Noah Beach, Daintree National Park, Queensland Sir David Attenborough called the Daintree Rainforest "the most extraordinary place on earth" and Noah Beach sits right among it. Found about 80 kilometres north of Port Douglas, there are few places in the world where you can camp between a reef and a World Heritage-listed rainforest. Here in the Daintree, you'll find never-ending treetop canopies and animals found nowhere else in the world. The campground is just 50 metres from the beach, and facilities are basic, limited to tap water and composting toilets. With no mobile coverage, it's the perfect place to disconnect from the world. Advance bookings are essential for this beach campsite. [caption id="attachment_807796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Discover Jervis Bay[/caption] Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park, NSW Residents of Lucky Bay, WA, might tell you that their sand is the whitest in Australia (if not the world), but Jervis Bay's locals will argue otherwise. Found 200 kilometres south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, penguins and 20 kilometres of unspoilt shoreline, protected for the most part by Booderee National Park. There are three beachside campsites to choose from — and for still water, go for Green Patch; if you're taking your surfboard, opt for Caves Beach. Bookings, available online, are essential. And for things to do and places to eat (and, most importantly, drink), check out our weekender's guide to Jervis Bay. [caption id="attachment_807799" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia Forty minutes southeast of Esperance, in Le Grand National Park, sits five kilometres of sparkling shoreline known as Lucky Bay. And, with tent in hand, you can sleep just metres from its pristine, white sand. When you're done with sunbathing alongside kangaroos, conquer the 15-kilometre coastal track, which takes you to Rossiter Bay via Hellfire Bay — or the three-kilometre Frenchman Peak trail, which gives you epic panoramas. The campsite has 56 spots, as well as a camp kitchen, toilets and hot showers, but make sure to pack your own fresh water. Bookings are essential. [caption id="attachment_807803" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Watson[/caption] Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria Wilsons Promontory National Park covers more than 50,000 hectares of rugged mountains, empty beaches and rainforest at the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. One of the best campsites here is Tidal River, which puts you on the edge of both Norman Beach and the river, among wallabies, echidnas and wombats. The massive campground has nearly 500 campsites, toilets, hot showers and an open air cinema, which has been showing flicks since the 1960s. Campsites are divvied up via a ballot in the summertime, with advance bookings essential at all other times. [caption id="attachment_714492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria[/caption] Johanna Beach, Great Otway National Park, Victoria This is a popular one for hikers along the Great Ocean Walk, a 100-kilometre journey from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell. The site is nestled among sand dunes, behind spectacular Johanna Beach. Spend your days surfing, strolling and relaxing on the sand, and use your tent as a launching pad for day trips into Great Otway National Park. Its 103,000 hectares are home to lots of walks, koalas, pretty bays and spots for whale watching. Johanna Beach campsite has room for 25 tents and dogs on leads are permitted. [caption id="attachment_807805" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brad Griffin Photography[/caption] Memory Cove, Lincoln National Park, South Australia You'll find this precious piece of wilderness about 50 kilometres southwest of Port Lincoln (across the Spencer and St Vincent Gulfs from Adelaide). The campsite looks directly over the white sand and turquoise water of Memory Cove, from the shade of coastal mallees, and is limited to 15 cars per day to maintain the wilderness. When you're not lazing about, go adventuring in Lincoln National Park, where you'll experience some of South Australia's most beautiful coastline. There's a bunch of lovely walks, from the 2.7-kilometre Stamford Hill hike, which gives you excellent views, to the 12-hour Investigator Trail, which takes in many bays and beaches on its way to Cape Donington. Bookings at Memory Cove campsite are crucial — you can't get in without a key. [caption id="attachment_807807" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Peter Bellingham[/caption] Richardsons Beach, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania Freycinet National Park, which covers a peninsula on Tassie's East Coast, is famous for its striking, pink granite and numerous tranquil beaches, including Instagram star Wineglass Bay. The campground stretches along a stunning coastal strip, behind Richardsons Beach and overlooking Honeymoon Bay. If you're heading during the summer season, a ballot is drawn in mid-August in order to nab on of the 52 spots, or else you can book through the visitor centre. If you find yourself feeling social or thirsty, there's a brewery and shops just up the road. Alternatively, if you want to experience this part of Tasmania in pure luxury — taking a break from the tent — then check out Saffire Freycinet. [caption id="attachment_807810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Crayfish Beach, Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands National Park, Queensland If your idea of idyllic beach camping doesn't involve crowds, then pitch at Crayfish Beach, on Hook Island's eastern shore. The pocket-sized campground has space for only 12 people, the only way you can get there is by boat, and there's no mobile coverage. So, there'll be no way of telling the world you're surrounded by forest-covered mountains and snorkelling among some of The Whitsundays' best-looking underwater communities. Facilities are limited to composting toilets. Be prepared to carry in everything with you, including drinking water. [caption id="attachment_807811" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Bonde[/caption] Cloudy Bay, Bruny Island, Tasmania Bruny Island is just a 40-minute drive and 15-minute ferry ride from Hobart, yet it feels like it's a million miles away. There are loads of camping spots (including many free ones) all over the island, but one of the loveliest is Cloudy Corner, in the eastern corner of Cloudy Bay in South Bruny National Park. Getting there involves a three-kilometre drive along the beach at low tide. No bookings are taken, with campsites being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to bring cash with you, too, as payment is taken via self-registration deposit boxes. While you're on the island, find the best whisky, oysters and outdoor activities via our 48 Hours on Bruny Island guide. [caption id="attachment_874853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis in Western Australia - the best glamping in Australia.[/caption] Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia There are a few road trip-worthy campsites scattered around Cape Range National Park for those looking for access to Australia's lesser-known yet nonetheless extraordinary reef, Ningaloo. The UNESCO Heritage-listed wonder hugs the Western Australian coast 1200 kilometres north of Perth and contains hundreds of fish and coral species. Ned's Camp is tucked away behind dunes, right next to a calm, white-sanded beach, which is lovely for swimming, snorkelling and paddling — and is an affordable spot with just ten non-powered campsites. If you're looking to take your holiday up a notch, you could also head to Sal Salis' eco-luxe cabins. Just 15 minutes down the road from Ned's, they're not cheap, but they're located just by the reef and come with meals and drinks, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling gear. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top image: Lucky Bay, Tourism Western Australia
Roadtripping combines a show pony portion of adult responsibility with the type of wind-in-your-hair freedom you just don't get in every day life. Ipso facto, it's the perfect way to travel. And if the Great Ocean Road isn't really your scene — or all those Instagram-famed pastures of the UK are sure to break bank — then Central Europe is where to start. Not only are car rental prices blasphemously affordable, but this part of the world is filled with hundreds of untouched marvels of Natural Wonder calibre. You can see the snow-capped mountain ranges of Slovenia, Europe's largest lake in Hungary, that infamous Croatian coastline and every wonder from Brno to Budapest all in under two weeks and for less than half a grand. Here's how. [caption id="attachment_570201" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Benjamin Combs[/caption] WHERE TO HIRE A CAR If you want to conquer a good deal of Central Europe on wheels, and have some time up your sleeve, do a no brainer and fly into the country that has a) the cheapest flights, and b) the cheapest car rental. Your best best is either Prague, Slovenia's capital Ljubljana or Bratislava in Slovakia — they all have a history of offering some pretty great deals on car rental (we're talking a few hundred dollars a week here). Their locations are also perfect for doing a circular route of the region without having to back-track. Most car hire companies cap their young drivers fee at seven to ten days, so if you hire for longer than a week, you're probably not going to pay more than $100 extra for being under 25 (compared that to the UK where you'll pay upwards of double). Check out rentalcars.com and skyscanner's car rental search for the best deals. [caption id="attachment_570192" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Guillaume Speurt via Flickr[/caption] WHERE TO TRAVEL Your rule of thumb should be get to the countries beginning with S, and stop at places with B. Slovenia, Slovakia and Serbia not only the hold the most insane nightlife in Europe, but each city is home the crème da le crème of Europe's castles, cathedrals and mountains. Lake Bled in Slovenia is beyond words — just look at the above photo. It's worth finding someone to elope with just for an excuse to get hitched at Spiš Castle in Slovakia, and when you get to Serbia, you'll find the remains of some kind of ruined, history-laden castle at most major turn offs. What's that? Oh, just King Stephen's timeshare that was ruined by a Mongolian invasion in the 14th century. Cool. If you're a confident driver, give the Austrian Alps a shot — and if you're driving between Slovenia and Austria or Slovakia you'll have to give them a go anyway as there's no getting around them. You'll have to be careful (ice is slippery, duh) but it's a resume-worthy feat getting over them alive/without crying at least a few times. Hungarian and Slovakian backroads are filled with some pretty eery, Deliverance-esque sights, like old women selling fruit and veggies from old school desks and men leading pigs along the road. But, on the upside, there's plenty of cows and sheep and the aforementioned pigs to pat. Inner-Croatia is hilly, which makes for brilliant en-route sightseeing, and you need to check out at least one of its national parks. Plitvice Lakes is outrageous. Little tip: If you're at the point where Slovenia and Croatia meet at the coast, duck into Trieste, Italy for lunch. It's only an hour or so detour. [caption id="attachment_570210" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jean-Frederic Fortier[/caption] WHAT TO PACK IN THE BOOT You're not Bear Grylls-ing it so don't worry about gallons of water, flint or flare guns. First off, double check with your rental company that your car contains a Green Card — this proves you have the minimum car insurance needed as an international driver. You'll also need a multi-city European sim card for on-the-go internet (Vodafone offers a goody, as does giffgaff), some Euro (regardless of the country you're in) and a paper map or two wouldn't go astray. You can pretend to be a real adventurer and do this trip without GPS; the highway signs throughout Central Europe are easy enough to follow, but at the same time English isn't widely spoken in smaller towns and villages, so doing the trusty Amazing Race tactic of pulling into a servo and asking which way to Phil Keoghan may prove a little fruitless. Also, make sure you also have an ice scraper, a good board game (we recommend Uno or Bananagrams), so many dry socks and an iPod chockers with podcasts. [caption id="attachment_570196" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marijana Petrovic[/caption] WHERE TO STOP FOR CHEAP EATS The most underwhelming part of your roadtrip will be the amount of McDonalds you see. Globalisation, eh? At the same time, go to at least one in Austria because they do a super yummy banana milkshake. In the major cities, pay a visit to food markets — we can recommend the Great Market Hall in Budapest, Viktualienmarkt in Munich, Open Kitchen in Ljubljana and Havel Market in Prague). Remember, you have a car and can therefore can grab something quick from the supermarket, and drive anywhere you want and picnic on Lake Balaton or under the shadow of some Yugoslav-era castle. TOLLS In every country you're going to have to buy a different vignette, or prepaid road toll — it's a little sticker you put on your windscreen. You can buy them from most servos, though Shell is your safest bet. Bank the word vignette and use it when asking for one because most service stations sell cards at the counter that look like vignettes, but are actually tokens for car washes. So even though you'll have the cleanest car this side of Austria, you'll also obtain the status of most wanted toll evader. Learn from our mistakes. Anyway, this website gives a great overview on where you'll need them and at what cost. [caption id="attachment_570208" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dominic Lange[/caption] KEEP IN MIND... If you're travelling in winter, you're going to be equipped with snow wheels. They don't feel drastically different from normal wheels, but they create more friction with the road, which is occasionally noticeable. If you're driving in snow, be careful! Drive gently, avoid harsh acceleration, hard breaking, abrupt downward gear changes or steering movements. Houses are very close to major roads so watch out for ducks, chickens and children. Be wary driving in the dark, and always check what time the sun is setting in order to make realistic deadlines to get to your next location. Straight highways aren't forever, and ripping around, up and down mountains at 150 kilometres an hour in the dark is petrifying. Parking isn't so bad in most of Central Europe, and most underground car parks are about a quarter of the price of major city parking in Australia. If you attempt street parking in cities like Budapest, Vienna or Prague you risk morphing into an angry roadtrip dad and saying things you don't mean and losing your friends/wife/respect of your children. Risk it if you dare. If you conquer around 200 kilometers every couple of days (about three to four hours driving), you can easily do the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria in two weeks. Good luck, friends. Top image: Genie Austin.
It's hard to get a true snapshot of a place you're holidaying in when you don't know a resident who can show you around. It can take years to truly get to know a place, and while tourist spots are the obvious starting point, they can also leave you wanting to dig deeper. We've teamed up with Pullman Hotels and Resorts to bring you a guide to Brisbane's less obvious but obviously fabulous experiences. It's not exactly a local's guide, because visitors are not exactly locals and we all want to treat ourselves while on vacay. But it is a round-up of the best of the best art, food and fun found in Brisbane — and given the city offers an abundance of each, it was not easy to whittle it down. Putting our heads together with Mark Wayper, marketing and loyalty executive at Pullman Brisbane King George Square, we've curated a list of must-dos that will leave you wanting more of Brisbane. A former musician and Disney Cruise Line staffer who regularly volunteers for arts festivals, Mark's stayed in the service industry for the pure love of bantz with guests. Let our joint recommendations guide you to the perfect day out in Brisbane, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. FOOD & DRINK DOO BOP JAZZ BAR His excellency Sir Howard Moon once said "Never disturb a man when he's in a jazz trance". At Doo Bop Jazz Bar, you'll be surrounded by like-minded soul brothers and sisters soaking in the live sounds of both local and interstate talent (no trance interruptions allowed!). The two-level live music venue in the heart of Brisbane's CBD features a jazz bar, piano bar and late-night jam sessions for those itching to get on stage. Need some liquid courage? No problem! Their extensive and sophisticated wine list will have you scatting up a storm in no time. Don't miss: The late-night jam sessions, at least from the spectator's side. CREOLE SOUL KITCHEN Brisbane is full of surprises. What visitor would guess, for instance, that it's home to some of the most delicious gumbo? Southern hospitality is well and truly alive and thriving in Creole Soul Kitchen. This cosy Spring Hill eatery is well worth the visit for its charming service alone. If seafood isn't your thing, then it also offers a "create your own" pasta menu, paying homage to New Orleans' Italian influence. Don't miss: The gumbo. SANTA MONICA PIZZA AND BURGER BAR Across the road from Central Station, Santa Monica Pizza and Burger Bar is right on one of the busiest crossings in the CBD. Few places manage to channel the character of Brissie itself, but — laidback, casual and ever so stylish — this place manages to do just that. Grab yourself a booth, kick back with a burger and a craft beer, and enjoy the ample people-watching opportunities. Don't miss: The Cajun chicken burger THE GRESHAM If you feel the need to mix a bit history and architecture with some of the highest-quality rum (let's face it, who doesn't?) then visiting The Gresham is a must. Initially designed for the Queensland National Bank in 1881, The Gresham building is now the only heritage bar in Queensland. Think sandstone walls, dim lighting, a vintage piano and an open fireplace. Don't miss: Their signature Sunnyboy cocktail is a nod to the nostalgic childhood treat, with passionfruit, coconut, butter and vodka — an obvious adulthood essential. CONTEMPORARY ART & DESIGN [caption id="attachment_643158" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Mick Richards[/caption] METRO ARTS The search for contemporary art in Brisbane shouldn't necessarily default to visiting the popular QAGOMA. It's understandable to want to escape the crowds and look for something a little more intimate (without making the trek out to the suburban galleries). Metro Arts ticks all the boxes. A buzzing CBD hub of all things contemporary art, Metro Arts is a community-based venue with no shortage of exhibitions, performances, poetry readings, workshops and independent film screenings. Its exhibition program showcases a new artist every nine days. Don't miss: Check out the gallery on level two for works by artists ranging from graduates to established professionals in an array of mediums. PIGEONHOLE It may sound like the perfect hiding spot for the CBD's most populous bird, but in fact, Pigeonhole is the perfect place to find a souvenir for the person that has everything. Just like the bird itself — friendly, a little bit quirky and a little adorable — here you'll find personality-driven clothing, novelty gifts, statement pieces and local designer homewares. You won't have to travel too far either, as Pigeonhole is tucked away in the centrally located Wintergarden Shopping Centre. Don't miss: Keep an eye out for hard-to-find brands like Concept Japan as well as Aussie favourite Able and Game. ARTISAN A centre for craft and design, Artisan is a space much like the makers that frequent it — unconventional and completely charming. The store shelves are full of ceramics, jewellery and textiles to purchase, while interactive exhibitions reflect the diversity of Brisbane's contemporary arts community. Don't miss: Their workshops, which range from spoon carving to textile design and life drawing. LEISURE & WELLBEING [caption id="attachment_643146" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Tatiana Gerus[/caption] MT COOT-THA They say it's lonely at the top, and boy, they couldn't be more wrong. Standing at the lookout of Mount Coot-tha will have you surrounded by an epic 360-view of the always gorgeous Brisbane city, as well as fellow hikers and foodies. Choose between the 30-minute Summit Walking Track if you're a beginner, or the 1.5-hour Eugenia Circuit trail, which takes in the eucalypt woodlands across to the Simpson Falls viewing deck. Don't miss: Reward yourself with a post-hike lunch at the Summit Restaurant. The pressed pork belly with braised cabbage and jamon is a winner. The best part about ordering multiple desserts? You'll burn it all off on the way back down. JAMES STREET Quite possibly the most glamorous street in Brisbane, James Street has evolved into the city's ultimate fashion and lifestyle mecca – with not a shopping centre in sight. The beautiful, tree-lined precinct is filled with al fresco dining options, a cinema and more than 130 specialty stores stocking sought-after labels. Drop into Calexico for key pieces from Rag & Bone, Camargue for eclectic threads from Dries Van Noten, and Optiko for a pair of killer shades to get you through Brissie's enviable sunshine. Don't miss: Look out for James Street Up Late events throughout the year to snap up bargains while taking in cocktails, street food and live music. SAKURA DAY SPA NEW FARM PSA: Explorer exhaustion is a real thing. All that walking, shopping, eating and drinking your way around the city is bound to take a toll. Kick up those tired feet and pop into Sakura Day Spa, just minutes from the city yet far enough to feel like you've just entered your very own Japanese sanctuary. A massage or facial here will have you finish your holiday feelings actually rested for a change. Don't miss: Sakura's signature body treatment — 120 minutes of dessert-inspired bliss that includes a vanilla salt scrub and chocolate body wrap, followed by a refreshing Vichy shower. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Cairns is best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — the biggest coral reef in the world. Snorkelling or diving among its wonders should be on every adventurer's bucket list, but it's just one of many extraordinary experiences to be had in tropical north Queensland. There are the 180-million-year-old secrets of the Daintree Forest, for example, and the perfect, palm-lined beaches of Palm Cove. When you're looking to explore beyond the usual hotspots, venture to the ten places on this list. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within Queensland are now permitted, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_773383" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tropical North Queensland[/caption] PADDLE AT PALM COVE The sea around Cairns is so clear, you don't have to go underwater to meet marine creatures. From the comfort of a kayak, it's possible to spy sea turtles, reef sharks (of the non-vicious variety), tropical fish, dolphins and stingrays. One of the best spots for a paddle is Palm Cove — an idyllic, white-sanded coastal community found half an hour's drive north of Cairns. You can book into a kayaking tour with Palm Cove Watersports from $60 and set off a sunrise adventure. Otherwise, hire a single kayak (or a standup paddle board) from $25 per hour, available from the same spot. [caption id="attachment_773384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] DINE AT NUNU As far as tropical Australian cuisine goes, NuNu is hard to beat. Perched on absolute beach front, the restaurant overlooks tranquil panoramas of the Coral Sea, framed by palms. And they're visible from nearly anywhere. Forget white table cloths; you'll be surrounded by Australian timber and hanging greenery, flooded by plenty of sunlight. And the dishes are impressive, too. You'll find line-caught reef fish with dashi, daikon and dried lychees; spanner crab with egg fried rice, bottarga and coral butter; and fried okra with black vinegar and sesame. It's open for breakfast through to dinner — and we recommended you book in advance. [caption id="attachment_773273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] MEET TURTLES AT FITZROY ISLAND Fitzroy Island is a national park, and it's one of the least developed islands on the Great Barrier Reef. There's just one resort; the rest of the 339 hectares is all ancient rainforest and pristine beaches. Spend your day kicking back on them, swimming and snorkelling, or hiking. The Summit and Lighthouse Walk gives you incredible views over Welcome Bay and the Reef, while, along the Secret Garden Trail, you'll meet orange-footed scrub hens, rose-crested fruit doves and green triangle butterflies. And don't leave without getting to know a few of Fitzroy's beleaguered turtles at the Rehab Centre: tours take place Thursday to Tuesday at 1pm for $12 per adult. SPEND AN ARTY AFTERNOON AT TANKS ARTS CENTRE Tanks Arts Centre represents a potential act of destruction turned into one of creation. What were once tanks used to hold naval oil during World War II are now spaces dedicated to art and performance. This smart trick of design is found in Cairns Botanic Gardens (worth a wander in itself), about four kilometres north of Cairns central. There's a contemporary art exhibition on show pretty much year-round, and on the last Sunday of every month the Tanks Markets hosts stalls packed with art, craft, vintage clothing, collectables, produce, food and drink. Big Australian musicians, such as Kasey Chambers and The Whitlams, have also performed here in Tanks' live music sessions, which usually take place on Friday and Saturday nights. GO FOR A NIGHT CAP AT THIS LANEWAY BAR Swing by Three Wolves when you're ready for an aperitif and/or a nightcap. This snug, friendly small bar is tucked away down a red brick laneway in downtown Cairns. Pull up a bar stool and order an espresso martini made with coffee from Blackbird, which is just down the road, or the Smoke on the Water — a cedar-smoked take on an old-fashioned, with house-made cinnamon syrup. There's an excellent craft beer selection, too, including Barrier Reef Brewing's Double Shot Coffee Amber Ale. If you're hungry, order an antipasto or vegan board from the kitchen, which is open till 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday. MARVEL AT THE LATEST EXHIBITIONS AT CAIRNS ART GALLERY From exhibitions exploring First Nations works to Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly series, Cairns Art Gallery always has a new, dynamic show in the works. It also has an impressive permanent collection with pieces by Francis Bacon, Ray Crooke, Margaret Olley, Euan Macleod, Fred Williams, Arone Meeks and Alick Tipoti, among others. The gallery's home is a beautiful 1936 building featuring marble columns, maple panelling and spotted gum floors. It's also one of the last remaining heritage buildings in Cairns — so well worth seeking out. Entry is free, and at the moment it's best to book your visit in advance to ensure social distancing between visitors. SAVE ROOM FOR A FEED AT TAMARIND Tamarind, found at the Reef Hotel Casino, is a champion of regional produce transformed by Asian flavours. To really get to know what north Queensland has to offer, settle in for a seven-course degustation. Dishes include yuzu lemongrass-cured salmon with honey-maple bechamel, flying fish roe, tamarind gel, sesame tuile and lemongrass oil; pan-seared scallops with butternut anglaise, dried wakame, bacon crumb and pickled fig; and finger lime panna cotta with apple gel, macadamia praline, native bee honey and finger lime caviar. Many of the eateries inside the Reef Hotel Casino are currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you're planning in advance, add Tamarind to your list for when it reopens. [caption id="attachment_773274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] PLAN YOUR VISIT TO COINCIDE WITH A MAJOR FIRST NATIONS ART FAIR This year's Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is going digital for the first time — running for ten days from August 13–23. Traditionally held in the waterfront gardens of Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, the festival includes First Nations cultural performances, exhibitions of over 300 artworks, a marketplace of arts and crafts from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander makers and designers, and talks and workshops. The program is free, and as this year's art fair is digital it's open to everyone whether you're in Queensland or not. If you're planning ahead for 2021, the event usually takes place in July. Otherwise, add one of the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tours to your list for a moonlit dinner with traditional dancing and storytelling. SLOW RIGHT DOWN AT WHILEAWAY BOOKSHOP When you've run out of energy for adventuring, eating and drinking, sneak away to Whileaway Bookshop in Port Douglas. This little haven of books, stationery and design is all about slowing down. Plus, there's coffee (for when you need perking up again). Spend time browsing titles old and new inside or grab a table out the front and have a read or a chinwag. While some bookshops feel like stuffy old libraries, this one's the opposite: the staff is friendly, well-read and always happy to chat about favourite authors of the moment. Linger here for as long as you can before you have to think about returning to the real world once again. FINALLY, MAKE TIME TO SEE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Needless to say, visiting at least one section of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef should be on the itinerary. After all, it's the only living thing on the planet you can see from outer space. The tough question is: how to go about it? There are numerous day tours for snorkellers and scuba divers from Cairns, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. You could also consider travelling by luxury yacht, glass bottom boat, helicopter, light plane, submarine, underwater scooter or sea walker (like a space suit for aquamarine adventures that lets you walk along the ocean floor). Yet another option is to sleep overnight on a floating platform. That way, you get to see the reef first thing in the morning, before the masses arrive. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Port Douglas courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.
If it's a challenge you seek, try travelling the depths of Scandinavia on a budget. Many are deterred from visiting the region based on how expensive it's known to be, but we're here to tell you that even the most frugal person who dreams of traversing these extrafjordinary countries can make it happen. And it's hella worth it. Travelling through Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland is never going to be as budget-friendly as backpacking around Southeast Asia, but there are always ways to cut down on expenditure — whether it's kayaking down a fjord, teaching yourself Swedish or eating Norwegian hot dogs for every meal. Here are our top tips. [caption id="attachment_604853" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Holbergsgade, Copenhagen, Denmark. Image: Tony Webster via Flickr.[/caption] GET ON YER BIKE Well, someone else's bike. Public transport tickets in Scandinavian countries pummel the wallet. A two-hour bus ticket in Oslo or Copenhagen will cost you about AUD$20. Instead, hire a bike. You can find them for as low as AUD$40 a day. These cities are seriously built for cycling; in Copenhagen bikes outnumber cars, and it's unrivalled as the world's best city for cycling, with endless and impeccable bike lanes and parking. If you're staying in an Airbnb, don't be afraid to ask if your host has a bike you can borrow — just give them a little extra cash for it. [caption id="attachment_604839" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Svolvær, Lotofen Islands, Norway.[/caption] LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION Most of the time, hostels are more expensive than renting an Airbnb. Even the cheapest of Airbnb's are great alternatives — Scandinavians have an embedded sense of style, so most apartments are a pleasure to stay in. From our experience, they're often decked out with chic furniture and kitchen utensils you never knew existed. If staying in an actual building is too mainstream for you, try a 'botel' (a boat converted into a hotel). The canals of Stockholm's Södermalm are lined with long budget-friendly botels such as The Red Boat and Mälardrottningen. [caption id="attachment_604830" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tjuvholmen, Oslo, Norway.[/caption] MAKE USE OF THE NATURAL WATERWAYS Mother Nature favoured Scandinavia with plunging fjords and glistening lakes — and they're totally free to swim in. You don't need to be in the countryside to find these either — salvation by H20 can also be found in the big cities. Stockholm's canals, amazingly, are clean enough to swim in. Notable spots include Långholmen and Liljeholmsviken. Oslo's city centre has a fjord at its doorstep, and in the summer people flock to Tjuvholmen, a small beach located near the Opera House for their dose of refreshment. [caption id="attachment_604841" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aurland, Norway.[/caption] WHEN IN NORWAY, GO COUNTRY To travel to the fjord-packed lands of Norway ignites something in everyone. Don't be surprised if you spot seven waterfalls at once, or are startled by a gang of elk galloping by. Getting to the countryside may not be cheap, but you'll find yourself immediately inspired. Even if you're not usually a hiker, you'll get into it here. Norway, Sweden and Finland also have this nifty little law known as 'the freedom to roam', which guarantees everyone's right to access uncultivated lands. This means you can virtually camp anywhere that isn't classified as private property. So buy yourself a tent and get going. [caption id="attachment_604831" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Triangeln Station, Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] BOOK TRANSPORT TICKETS IN THE COUNTRY'S NATIVE LANGUAGE Sure, this is a little risky. But if you book a ticket in English, chances are the price will rise. It's the equivalent to waving your arms around screaming 'hi, I'm a tourist, exploit me!'. For instance, booking an overnight ferry on Hurtigruten from Norway's iconic Lofoten Islands up to the northern city of Tromsø will cost you about $350 if you book in English. Ain't no one got money like that for one night in a pitch black cabin with no window — even Jack had it better on the Titanic. Book in Norwegian, and you'll save about $150. You'll find that Scandinavian languages have some level of mutual intelligibility with English. But if you're still not 100 percent sure, ask a local to assist you. [caption id="attachment_604855" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Chris Street via Flickr.[/caption] CHOOSE A KAYAK OVER A DAY CRUISE Kayaking is significantly cheaper than day cruises of fjords and canals. You'll see the same thing — and arguably more — on a kayak. Plus, it's an opportunity to work off all that softis (an addictive Norwegian soft serve ice-cream) you guzzled down the day before. [caption id="attachment_604859" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: David Blangstrup via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE SUPERMARKETS YOUR BEST FRIEND Food in these countries is notoriously expensive, and if you're eating out, it adds up quickly. And while you should save some moolah to tuck into a few local delicacies — Swedish meatballs, anyone? — native food isn't really the region's strong point, so you won't be missing out on too much. Cook at every chance you get. Aldi, Rema 1000, Coop and Netto are a few supermarkets look out for. Speaking of groceries, buy them in Denmark and take them overseas. 'Don't leave without going to the supermarket!' is a common phrase for Danish people leaving the country to hear. Denmark's goods are significantly cheaper than anywhere else, so stock up before moving on. [caption id="attachment_604846" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] GO TO MALMÖ Malmö is Sweden's cosmopolitan underdog. It's the country's third largest city and has too much to offer. Firstly, going there after spending some time in Stockholm is totally relieving on the money front. Secondly, it's plump with modern museums, medieval buildings and stunning parks — you'll never be bored. And thirdly, the city is made up of 150 ethnicities, meaning the variety of cuisines on offer is extensive. You'll find Middle Eastern wraps almost every 300 metres, as well as your breakfast croissants and baguettes. It's also a great point of access to Copenhagen. All it takes is a 25-minute train ride over the Øresund Bridge to cross countries. [caption id="attachment_604857" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Ruocaled via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE USE OF IKEA Yes, we're serious. Among the many amazing things to come out of Sweden is the glorious adult's playground, IKEA. The store offers a free shuttle bus from Stockholm's city centre, where you can indulge in a meal of Swedish meatballs topped with lingonberry, gravy and complemented with mash potato, all for a whopping AUD$6. [caption id="attachment_604851" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Francisco Antunes via Flickr.[/caption] EAT HOTDOGS Cheap, tasty, everywhere. Top it with some sprøstekt løk (Norwegian dried onion flakes) and you'll be laughing. And totally satisfied. [caption id="attachment_604832" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oslo Opera House, Norway.[/caption] FIND FREE ACTIVITIES (YES, THERE ARE SOME) Scandinavia has no shortage of insane buildings — there's enough to impress the biggest design aficionado you know, right down to those with no interest in architecture at all. You could spend hours waltzing around Oslo's iconic Opera House, or visiting Holmenkollen, one of the city's old ski jumps that has been converted into a museum. That's among endless design, naval, and Viking museums scattered around each country. [caption id="attachment_604850" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Danish Design Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark.[/caption] SEEK OUT STUDENT DISCOUNTS The joys of being a student. If you're lucky enough to still be one, you can get discounts on selected transport tickets, museum tickets and more. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will be accepted at most places, but others will accept your university student card if you're lucky. Caterina Hrysomallis is a food and travel writer based in Melbourne, and is pretty nifty with a budget. All photos are her own unless otherwise stated.
This post is sponsored by our partners, Wotif.com. Adelaide born and bred, comedian and known barfly Cam Knight has seen the city at its best. Here are a few of his tips for making the most of your time in the understated SA capital. Stay in the city at one of the boutique accommodations, like the Adabco Boutique Hotel, which is set within the beauty of a Heritage-listed, 19th-century Venetian gothic style building. If that’s not your style, The Mayfair is a 1940s-inspired, Hollywood-style boutique hotel in the heart of the city — slated for completion in October of this year. Wake up with the best coffee at the Coffee Branch on Leigh Street in the West End. Owner Josh has the palate of a genius, the speed of a mouse on Red Bull and the memory of an elephant that just snorted a mouse on Red Bull. Hire a free bike. Sounds like an oxymoron but Adelaide City Bikes has a free bike hire scheme. The whole place is flat and gridded so it's impossible to (a) get exhausted or (b) get lost. Adelaide city is low density and it still has a lot of original buildings standing. You can explore North Adelaide, River Torrens, or the various parklands that surround the city and still have plenty of time left over for drinking (and eating). Take a stroll down Ebenezer Place. It feels like a little Melbourne-esque laneway hidden between Rundle and Grenfell Streets with a lot of quirky shops selling one-of-a-kind items well worth a gawp. You’ll want lunch or brunch, yeah? Hey Jupiter will serve you a delicious amount of French food without the snootiness. There’s also Nano. They make their very own bread and do simple, restrained, tasty Italian food. Get thee to a pub. Order a Coopers beer at The Austral or The Exeter on Rundle Streett, or turn a corner and head to The Crown & Anchor on Grenfell Streett. The Wheatsheaf out in Thebarton is the place for craft beer, and The Grace Emily on Waymouth Street is the best pub for live music. There’s a lot to chose from (or ‘heaps’, as the locals would say). Radelaidians are super-friendly people who will love to help you have a top night out. Feel free to start a conversation up wherever you go. Hunt out a different style of bar like Udaberri on Leigh Street in the West End, which has been made out of a shipping container. The food is pintxos, the Basque region’s version of tapas, or you can simply order a 1kg rib eye steak like a boss. Press Club Food & Wine do one of the best burgers in town and regularly change their beloved wine list. Take in a night of comedy at the Rhino Room on Frome Street. There are always big name comedians from interstate or overseas on, plus some excellent local acts. The Howling Owl Cafe downstairs is not only a cafe; it's a bar and an art gallery showcasing some very talented local artists. You’ll also find the Urban Cow Studio tucked in to this building. Their art gallery has an opening night on the first Wednesday of every month, which includes wine, music and fun. Their shop showcases jewellery and all sorts of exciting new work from emerging or established artists. Visit Adelaide when the Fringe is on. The festival is huge — it’s like a circus exploded in the East Parklands. There are over 900 different events to choose from, including cabaret, magic shows, circus, comedians, puppetry, dance and so much more. Check out shows running late into the night at Rhino Room, Producers Bar, Gluttony and The Garden Of Earthly Delights. Rundle Street usually closes to traffic at night over the Fringe weekends, so you can roam the streets in a bleary haze taking in the energy of it all without fear of being run over. Get out to McLaren Vale for a day or two. It’s easily one of Australia’s greatest wine regions and is seriously only about 35 mins south from the city. Some of the vineyards, like Chapel Hill, have accommodation which are very handy post tasting tour for a cheeky nap. Spoiler: it’s almost impossible to feel hung over waking up to the beautiful landscape of the Adelaide Hills. Don’t believe me? Check this out. Do a tasting tour or have a very, very understanding friend or partner who elects to drive you around. Coriole, Samuel’s Gorge, Alpha Box & Dice, Primo Estate, Chapel Hill and D’Arenburg should get you going. If you get chatting with the wine makers they may have a few drinks with you and recommend some top places to visit, whilst also letting you into their intriguing world. Grab a bite at The Famous Star of Greece in Port Willunga, perched atop the cliffs looking out to one of the most stunning ocean views whilst savouring the freshest seafood around. Sounds terrible, huh?
Spend less time in the air and more on the snow: that's the thinking behind the new route that Qantas is launching at the end of 2025. When winter arrives in Japan, travellers flock in to hit their skis and snowboards, with the island of Hokkaido a popular destination. To get visitors there faster, the airline will start flying direct from Australia to Sapporo. From Monday, December 15, 2025, Qantas flights will run non-stop from Sydney to Sapporo, providing the only direct service between the two cities. Of course, this means that Aussies elsewhere at home will need to get to the Harbour City first, but the leg from Sydney will shorten travel time. Qantas advises that the route, which will fly seasonally — its first season will last until Saturday, March 28, 2026 — will cut several hours off the usual duration to get to Japan's northernmost island. Travelling there, you'll leave Sydney in the morning and arrive at Sapporo's New Chitose Airport by early evening. Coming home, you can enjoy the snow in the morning, then depart at night. When it kicks off just in time for the peak of the 2025–26 snow season, the new journey will fly three times a week on an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. In total, over 20,000 seats will be on offer across the three-and-a-half months. This is all great news if you're keen for a getaway at the Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu and Kiroro ski resorts; to hit the hot springs in Noboribetsu and Jozankei; and to attend the Sapporo Snow Festival. When the Sydney–Sapporo leg takes to the skies, Qantas will boast four direct-to-Japan routes, alongside its Tokyo services from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — from Sydney–Haneda and Melbourne and Brisbane to Narita. And no, it's not too early to start planning your end-of-year — or beginning of 2026 — getaway. Qantas' Sydney–Sapporo route will launch on Monday, December 15, 2025 and run seasonally, with the first season flying until Saturday, March 28, 2026. Head to the Qantas website for more details.
With less than a month of summer to go, we're pretty keen to make the most of the last of the warm weather. And what better way to do so than by hosting a summer soirée for you and your mates to sip on tasty tropical cocktails? You don't need to be an experienced bartender to impress your guests with delicious drinks. With a bottle of Malibu rum and a few other key ingredients you can serve up some seriously refreshing and summer-ready bevs. Whether you're hosting a boozy brunch with friends or a tropical-themed pool party, we've put together four foolproof cocktail recipes that'll keep you in that summer mindset til season's end. TO SIP ON POOLSIDE Nothing screams summer more than a refreshing piña colada. It's sweet, it's fruity and it has just a touch of creamy coconut goodness, making it the ideal poolside companion. Ingredients 50ml Malibu Original 75ml pineapple juice 25ml coconut cream Method Pour everything into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour into a tall glass before garnishing with a pineapple wedge. FOR A BOOZY BRUNCH You can kiss your mimosas goodbye in favour of this juicy cocktail — a Malibu Bay Breeze. It's a simple and surefire way to step up your brunch bev game, whether you're playing host or guest. Ingredients 50ml Malibu Original 50ml cranberry juice 50ml pineapple juice Method Load a tall glass with ice and top with Malibu Original, cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Finish with a wedge of lime for added refreshment. THE ULTIMATE PRE-PARTY DRINK If you are hosting pre-drinks, add this crowd-pleasing pour to your pre-party plans. It's light, refreshing and has a tropical twist on your classic spirit and soda combination. Ingredients 50ml Malibu Original 100ml soda water Wedge of lime Method Pour the liquids into a tall glass filled with ice. Squeeze in some lime juice and drop in the wedge. FOR YOUR NEXT GARDEN PARTY There is nothing fresher than sipping lemonade in the sun at a garden party. So, why not step it up a notch with a dash of Malibu? It's simple enough to make for multiple guests and delicious enough that it will leave everyone asking about the secret ingredient. Ingredients 50ml Malibu Original 15ml lemon juice 100ml soda water Methods Fill a tall glass with ice and top with Malibu, lemon juice and soda water. Add a wedge of pineapple or lemon to garnish and enjoy. Ready to serve tropical tipples at your next summer soirée? For more drink inspiration, head to the Malibu website.
With Australia's borders firmly shut, international travel has been relegated to the realm of dreams. And it looks like it'll be staying there for a good long while. But, at least, in those dreams you can be living it up in Business Class, channeling your best high-flying, jet-setting self. It's all thanks to Aussie airline Qantas, which is now delivering its pyjamas, amenity sets and other in-flight goodies straight to your door. With flights suspended and many of the group's planes grounded, the airline company has an oversupply of all those fancy business class items, including branded threads, premium plane snacks and toiletry packs stocked with Aspar skin products. We're talking printed eye masks, T2 tea bags, shea butter hand cream and sweet orange lip balm for days. And instead of going to town on all those extra smoked almonds and Tim Tams, Qantas has gathered the surplus and created a bunch of upscale care packages, available for shipping Australia-wide. Clocking in at $25 (delivery included), the limited-edition packs are an easy way to cheer up a glum mate in lockdown or that relative who's battling serious travel withdrawals. Or hey, just nab one for yourself, don those pjs and infuse your next couch session with some swanky business class vibes. You can send up to ten of the care packages to addresses anywhere in Australia, by heading to the website. You'll need to be a Frequent Flyer club member first, but Qantas is currently offering free sign-ups. And, if you want to save your dollars, packs can also be purchased using 4350 Qantas points a pop. After all, it's not like you'll be spending them on overseas flights anytime in the near future. You can buy Qantas' Care Packs online, using cash or points.
Ever wanted to nom on Louis XIV? Feast on Emperor Jing Zong? Connoisseur ice cream have taken some royal cues with their brand new dessert line: the Connoisseur 'Empire Collection'. An epic thematic stretch (but a tasty-sounding one we can raise a spoon to), the collection is inspired by historical figures or 'tastemakers' who supposedly "had a connection to the very origins of ice cream," according to the Connoisseur team. Though the historic heavyweights' connection to ice cream is somewhat vague (and annoyingly they're all dudes), we're not ones to say nay to academic dessert. Kicking off the all-star historic lineup is Emperor Nero, embodied in coffee-flavoured ice cream (because Italy) littered with chocolate-coated hazelnuts and hazelnut liqueur. In between all that tyrannic ruling, fire-starting and attempting to assassinate his own mother, the Roman Emperor apparently used to have ice brought from the mountains and top it with fruit. What a decadent ass. Next up, King Louis XIV trots in with a French vanilla ice cream (der) with chocolate flakes and armagnac sauce worthy of Versailles. Iced desserts were served at the court of the 'Sun King', so he makes the cut. The origins of ice cream are sometimes credited to the Chinese Song Dynasty, leading to our next ice cream inspirer Emperor Jing Zong — realised as red bean and toasted coconut. Finally, King Cyrus of Persia gets his own iced confection, with pistachio ice cream swirled with cinnamon, honey and date sauce. The Persians have a strong connection to the history of ice cream; they'd apparently pour grape juice over snow, making a kind of ancient snow cone. Royally-inspired ice cream needs some pretty packaging, so Connoisseur have enlisted the help of Melbourne street artist Steve Cross. "It’s a tale of four men, connected by ice cream and I really wanted to bring them to life through the packaging and design to create something truly unique,” says Cross. "I was inspired both by the ingredients used and the historic figures with their rich back stories. It’s a great acknowledgment to history, bringing these legends alive today — a beautiful demonstration of the blending of two eras.” You can check out the four flavours in the freezer section at Coles and Woolies for your less-than-Ben and Jerry's price of $7.99. The Connoisseur team are also pushing the collection further, with a one-week exhibition at Blank Space in Surry Hills: The Empire Collection Pop-Up Gallery (September 17 - 22). Couldn't have thrown in one female figure, guys? Queens dig ice cream too.
If you're a music aficionado, you know there's no substitute for vinyl — and the real experts know that Dutch Vinyl record pressings are some of the best. This Brisbane offshoot of the beloved Melbourne institution is bringing new, second-hand and collectable quality vinyl to local music lovers. Dutch Vinyl's ever-changing library covers all genres, from pop, hip hop and Latin to film soundtracks and vintage soul and funk, and is assessed and graded from 'good' to 'mint' condition. Flip through the trove of Australian, US, UK and European pressed vinyl, some never seen before in this country. It also sells turntables, replacement parts and maintenance accessories, as well as protective record sleeves to keep your collection in tip top condition. Watch the news on its website for updates on new arrivals at both stores, and keep an eye on socials for highlights. Looking to sell? It buys records, too, and it's always on the hunt for something special to add to its collection. Images: Kiel Wode
Get excited, festivalgoers: Pitch Music & Arts is returning to Grampian Plains in 2025, complete with a jam-packed roster of talent. Joy Orbison, Honey Dijon, Funk Tribu, 2manydjs: they're all on the just-announced bill. So are Daria Kolosova, SPFDJ, 999999999, Shanti Celeste, FJAAK, Lady Shaka and Job Jobse, with the list going on from there. When Victoria's March long weekend arrives each year, music lovers have two reasons to head out of town — or head to the state from interstate — for a few days of tunes. Both are beloved parts of the cultural calendar. Both are such a hit that you need to enter a ballot to get tickets. And just as Golden Plains has already done, Pitch Music & Arts is locking in its 2025 details. Everyone should make the trip to the Grampians at least once, and here's as ace an excuse to do so as any: the return of the much-loved camping festival, which will host its eighth edition, taking over Moyston again. Next years' festivities are happening from Friday, March 7–Tuesday, March 11. Not only will its three stages play host to a sparkling lineup of local and international musical talent, as always, but the tunes will be backed by a hefty program of interactive art and installations. Basically, no matter who makes it onto the bill, attendees are in for a very big, very busy four days. Joy Orbison's 'flight fm' and 'better' were used in teaser videos for 2025's fest, which was indeed a huge advance lineup hint. You can also look forward to catching Gabber Eleganza, BASHKKA, Funk Assault, Baraka, ISAbella, Ogazón, southstar, Midland, Dax J, Anetha and plenty more, including Osmosis Jones, Moopie, DJ PGZ, Stev Zar, Jennifer Loveless and Mabel. The ticket ballot is currently open until 9am AEDT on Monday, November 25 — and is a necessity after the last three festivals all sold out — and you can get also excited about a bigger Pitch One stage, Pitch Black getting a revamp and the Resident Advisor stage's red orb being part of the fun again. Pitch Music & Arts has revealed its arts lineup as well, unveiling it alongside the music lineup for the first time, and it's also stacked. Think: Adnate, Anatolik Belikov, Ash Keating, Builders Club, Clayton Blake, EJ Son, ENOKi, Georgia Treloar, Henry Howson & Ambrose Zacharakis, Jaqui Munoz, Joan Sandoval, Lukas Rafik Mayer, ØFFËRÎNGŠ (aka Melissa Gilbert), Petra Péterffy, Rachel Lyn & Cameron Trafford, Raquel Villa, Reelize Studio, Sam Hayes, TERRAIN, Tetrik and UnitePlayPerform. In between all of the dance-floor sessions and arty things, festivalgoers will again be able to make themselves at home in the Pitch Pavilion, which is where yoga classes, meditation and sound baths usually help patrons unwind. The local-focused Club Serra will be new in 2025, championing homegrown talent. Pitch Music & Arts 2025 Lineup 2 LUBLY 2manydjs (DJ set) 6 SENSE 999999999 Anetha Audrey Danza BADSISTA Baraka (LIVE) BASHKKA D. Tiffany Daria Kolosova b2b SPFDJ Dax J Diffrent DJ Fuckoff DJ Gigola DJ Paulette DJ PGZ b2b Moopie Ed Kent Ela Minus Elli Acula Fadi Mohem FJAAK (LIVE) Funk Assault Funk Tribu Gabber Eleganza presents the Hakke Show GiGi FM Guy Contact Honey Dijon ISAbella Jennifer Loveless Job Jobse Joy Orbison Kasper Marott Kia Kuzco (LIVE) Lacchesi Lady Shaka Leo Pol Maara Mabel Maruwa Mia Koden Midland Mikalah Watego Miley Serious Naycab Ned Bennett Objekt Ogazón Ollie Lishman Osmosis Jones Pablo Bozzi Pegassi Shanti Celeste southstar Stev Zar Sugar Free Surf 2 Glory Taylah Elaine The Illustrious Blacks Trym VOLVOX Y U QT Pitch Music & Arts returns to Moyston from Friday, March 7–Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ballot before 9am AEDT on Monday, November 25, 2024. Tickets in the first ballot tier will go on sale at 6pm AEDT on Monday 25th November, with tickets in the second on sale at 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 26 — and any remaining tickets at 6pm on Tuesday, November 26. Images: Duncographic, William Hamilton Coates, Max Roux and Ashlea Caygill.
When 2022 ends and 2023 begins, Woodfordia in southeast Queensland will host the Woodford Folk Festival for the first since 2019 gave way to 2020. Thousands of music and arts lovers will descend upon the Moreton Bay Hinterland spot, and plenty of them will be camping. It's an annual tradition — if you live in southeast Queensland and you haven't camped at Woodford to see out the year at least once, do you really southeast Queensland? — and, timed perfectly for the upcoming fest, the site's accommodation options just levelled up. Woodfordia has already been home to Lake Gkula for the past three years, with the conservation and recreation habitat part of the event's 500-acre parkland. To take advantage of the site, it's been hosting camping beyond Woodford's usual dates, too. Adding onsite glamping tents was always in the works — and now they're here. Twenty luxury tents are now up and running, joining Woodfordia permanently. Each one features a fully furnished room for four, complete with a queen bed, bunk beds, sofa, dining table and chairs, fixed ensuites and kitchens, and sits in the existing camping grounds around Lake Gkula — close to the General Store. To start with, glamping will be offered at at the Woodford Folk Festival and across Easter in 2023, aka when camping at Lake Gkula is happening anyway. The plan, however, is to welcome in glampers year-round, and give holidaymakers a new getaway option. "The glamping tents will be booked for events ranging from the iconic Woodford Folk Festival to the two-week Lake Gkula Camping period in Easter 2023," said Woodfordia Inc General Manager Amanda Jackes. "Ultimately, these gorgeous glamping tents will be available for bookings year-round during either festivals and events, or for private functions or short-term holiday stays." "Accommodation has always been an issue at Woodfordia, with the most recent festival selling out all our 120 premium luxury bell tents along with the 250 tent city tent motels. These luxury glamping units will bring a new level of indulgent offering for our patrons." Upon launch, prices start at $305 per night with a three-night minimum booking. Even for Easter, some tents are already sold out — so if you're already thinking about your autumn vacation, getting in quick is recommended. Located 75-minutes north of Brisbane by car, Lake Gkula provides quite the scenic backdrop for a holiday. The man-made spot is teeming with fish and plant life, with than 16 species of native freshwater fish and crustaceans are swimming in its waters. For plenty of greenery, over 8000 plants have been planted in and around the lake to-date. Crucially for both the lake's biodiversity and for human swimmers, the entire body of water is chemical-free, using pumps and injectors to keep both a constant water flow and high levels of oxygen. The water is pushed through two wetlands, which act to purify the lake while also encouraging microorganisms to thrive. For more information about glamping at Woodfordia's Lake Gkula, visit the Woodfordia website. The 2022–23 Woodford Folk Festival runs from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Sunday, January 1, 2023. For further details, head to the Woodford Folk Festival website. Images: Waterscapes / Gain Ryan / Jen Quodling, Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
