Every year, southeast Queensland plays host to the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, which hands out gongs to the year's best films from around the region. There's a star-studded ceremony, which takes place at HOTA, Home of the Arts on Friday, November 11 in 2022, and celebrates movies specifically from the 70 countries and areas within its chosen remit. If you're keen on seeing some of the flicks nominated (and hopefully, some of the winners), there's a cinema program as well. The 2022 film screenings lineup is also gracing HOTA from Wednesday, November 9–Sunday, November 13, and it's well worth a trip down the highway. Kicking things off: the powerful New Zealand drama Muru, a bold, tense and potent response to the country's Tūhoe raids — as starring Cliff Curtis (Reminiscence) in a weighty performance, plus activist Tame Iti as himself. Elsewhere on the bill, there's documentary Delikado, about a David versus Goliath-style quest to save the island of Palawan; South Korean mystery Hommage, featuring Parasite alum Jeong-eun and charting the searching for missing footage from one of the first feature films directed by a South Korean woman; Return to Seoul, following a 25-year-old-returning to the titular city to reconnect with her heritage; Children of the Mist, a doco focused on forced marriage in rural Vietnam; and Joyland, the first Pakistani film to screen at Cannes. And, a must-see: Australia's own Sweet As, an outback-set coming-of-age story written and directed by Indigenous filmmaker Jub Clerc (The Heights) that won an award at this year's Toronto International Film Festival — and stars Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Firebite), Tasma Walton (How to Please a Woman) and Mark Coles Smith (Mystery Road: Origin).
Love the fact or not, as far as top-notch tipples and world-class watering holes go, Melbourne just kicked a serious goal. Here to add a little more fuel to the 'which city does it best?' debate, the Victorian capital has outranked all other Australian counterparts to nab a spot in Punch's 2023 guide to the world's most travel-worthy drinking destinations. The international drinks publication has revealed its Where to Drink in 2023 wrap-up, naming Melbourne as one of just five cities worldwide. Also making the unranked list were Buenos Aires in Argentina, Portugal's capital Lisbon, Osaka in Japan and, flying the flag for the United States, Madison in Wisconsin. [caption id="attachment_787570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick & Nora's by Brook James[/caption] Punch's drinks connoisseurs selected their top five locations based on their ability to deftly balance long-held traditions and old-school sensibilities with fresh, forward-thinking philosophies. "The results are often surprising, sometimes frenetic, tense, even bewildering, but never boring," Punch explains. As for what specifically earned Melbourne a spot in this year's lineup, the publication cited its penchant for the unpretentious, its new-school take on casual service and the cultural diversity that continues to shape its drinks scene. That broad assortment of genres proved a wining formula, too — whether you're into divey rock 'n roll joints like Heartbreaker, sophisticated cocktail haunts like Nick & Nora's, intimate wine bars such as The Moon, or something in between, Melbourne's got a drinking den to suit. The city's commitment to sustainability and innovation also scored a shoutout, as did its famed pub culture — according to Punch, "rivalled only by the U.'s, with a diversity and familiarity that feels particularly Australian." [caption id="attachment_835092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pearl Diver Cocktail & Oysters[/caption] The publication also shared its top three picks for Melbourne's must-drink cocktails, naming the espresso martini (no shocks there), the New York-style sazerac and the Melbourne-born Japanese Slipper. This boozy new badge of honour comes after Melbourne scored a slew of drinks-related accolades in 2022. CBD bar Caretaker's Cottage nabbed a spot in latest's edition of The World's 50 Best Bars extended 51–100 list, Pearl Diver's Alex Boon was crowned 2022 winner of the Patrón Perfectionists Australian Cocktail Competition and Nick Tesar of Bar Liberty took out the title of Australia's Best Bartender. [caption id="attachment_623310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Liberty by Brook James[/caption] Check out Punch's full Where to Drink in 2023 list over at its website. Top image: The Moon.
Talk about turning lemons into lemonade, or an ordering error into a bright idea for a party. You'd expect that from the Brightside after all. And even if the Fortitude Valley venue hadn't ordered 10,000 glowsticks by mistake, you'd also expect them to throw this kind of luminous shindig. That's right, on September 10, everything will be positively beaming on Warner Street — complete with UV paint for everyone to play with, too. You'll think you've time-travelled to the '90s. Plus, the fact that Brighty will be handing out those sweet, fruity and chewy lolly sticks we all know as Fizzers will really make you feel like you've gone back a couple of decades. Music-wise, once midnight hits, the shenanigans will get a bit shit — and no, we're not pre-judging the party before it has even happened. Instead, that's when the kind of tunes you won't ever admit to liking will start pumping through the speakers at the Brightside's first-ever Shit Disco. Don't say we didn't warn you about the song choices. Image: Jonathan Stonehouse.
Pastels and poop. Step inside Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience and that's what will await. The colour scheme is soft and soothing, but the point of focus is literal crap (well, fake versions). If you've ever called something "cute shit" before, those words have never applied quite as they will here. This Japanese-style installation takes its cues from not only Japan's kawaii poop trend, but from the Unko Museum's sites across the nation, including in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Shizuoka. Now, Unko Museum will make its Australian debut in Melbourne, launching on Wednesday, December 20 to add some adorable crap to the silly season and summer. The focus: "max unko kawaii", aka "the maximum cuteness of poop". Also one of the mains attractions: getting everyone taking snaps and filling their social-media feeds, so expect a heap of pastel emoji-esque shit to fill Instagram. Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience will be split into zones and areas, spanning displays to take pictures of and other inclusions that are more immersive. Think: images of poop projected around the place, snapping selfies with poop props and flying poop, and retro-style games with a poop theme in a space called the Crappy Game Corner. Pastel-hued toilets are also a feature, lined up along a wall under a sign calling them "my unko maker". So are neon poop signs, giant poops, a ball pit where the balls are shaped like poops, poop hats, walls filled with toilet seats, glowing poop lights and a towering toilet-shaped doorway. Plus, exiting through the gift shop here means picking up kawaii poop merchandise and souvenirs. In Japan, as at October 2023, 1.4-million people had flushed the interactive experience into their itineraries. In Australia, Melburnians and tourists who now want to add some poo to their next Victorian visit can expect to spend 30–60 minutes revelling in endearing crap, in a family-friendly experience — because poop is for everyone. There's no word yet if Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience will make its way to other Australian cities, but cross your fingers if you can't make it to Melbourne this summer. Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience will open on Wednesday, December 20 at 360 Bourke Street, Melbourne — head to the pop-up's website to join the waitlist for tickets, which go on sale on Tuesday, November 28.
Western Australia is already home to Australia's best beach for 2022, the best beach in the South Pacific for this year as well, all that coastline and plenty of beloved sandy spots. But come the summer of 2024–25, it'll score a new reason to get splashing. That's when global surf park brand Aventuur is set to open a massive site in Perth, creating the southern hemisphere's largest venue of its type. Manmade waves have been having their moment Down Under of late. Urbnsurf opened Australia's first inland surf park near the Melbourne Airport in 2020, then revealed plans for Brisbane, Sydney and Perth sites. New South Wales' Hawkesbury region is also getting a giant wave pool and luxury resort, the Sunshine Coast is due to welcome Kelly Slater's second surf ranch, and the Gold Coast has been earmarked for an Endless Surf wave pool. But Aventuur is going as big as possible with its $100-million WA venture, which'll feature 25 different types of waves. Clearly, providing breaks and barrels that everyone can surf — no matter your skill level — is one of big aims of Aventuur's Perth Surf Park, which'll take over a 5.7–hectare site on Prinsep Road in Jandakot, adjacent to the Kwinana Freeway and the Cockburn Central train station. That'll include what it's calling a Wavegarden Cove, aka the huge 56-module surfing lagoon that'll be the key drawcard — and will constantly whip up perfect waves. Also set to feature: accommodation, which'll be handy for anyone making the trip west just for some manmade surf action; a beach club; bars and restaurants; and retail stores, all as part of a hefty surf sports, recreation, leisure and entertainment hub. There'll also be a health and wellness centre, co-working offices, and functions and event spaces. Get ready for provide personalised coaching, fitness and surf skate programs as well, and regular events such as outdoor surf movie nights and photography exhibitions. Yoga and meditation retreats will also make the most of the site, as will live music and cultural festivals — and, naturally, professional surfing competitions. Already an avid surfer? Know someone who might be the next Mick Fanning or Stephanie Gilmore? Then get excited about Perth Surf Park's high-performance surf academy. Whether you're a future superstar or just learning, there'll also be a hire store doing board, wetsuit and equipment rentals — so you won't have to bring your own gear with you. While surfers won't be able to live out their Point Break and Blue Crush dreams until the summer of 2024–25, Aventuur has just has signed a long-term ground lease with the Western Australian Planning Commission for its Perth Surf Park site. And if you're wondering why surf parks keep popping up — especially in a country girt by sea, and therefore surrounded by so many glorious beaches — they're able to provide controlled and reliable conditions, including waves that aren't daunting for newcomers. Perth Surf Park will feature knee-high whitewater for beginners, for instance, as well as ideal waves for experienced surfers. Aventuur's Perth Surf Park is due to open on Prinsep Road in Jandakot, Perth, Western Australia, in 2025. For more information, head to the venue's website. UPDATE, June 22, 2022: The headline for this article originally said that Aventuur's Perth Surf Park will open in 2024. Aventuur has since clarified that the park will be completed late in 2024, opening over the summer of 2024–25. The headline has been amended to reflect that change.
No one spent a winter weekend dancing in a North Byron Bay Parklands field at Splendour in the Grass in 2024. No one will do that in 2025, either. After 2024's festival was cancelled just weeks after unveiling its Kylie Minogue-, Future- and Arcade Fire-led lineup, the Splendour crew has advised that there'll also be no fest this year. "Hey gang, sorry it's been so quiet, but we had a little holiday ... finally. The rest of the festival team have still been busy cooking up some awesome new things for music lovers in Australia, but Splendour needs a little more time to recharge and we won't be back this year," said organisers in a statement on social media. "Think of it as a breather so we can come back even bigger and better when the time is right. Lots of other huge events on the horizon so keep an ear to the ground in the coming months — we can't wait to share what we've been working on!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Splendour in the Grass (@splendourinthegrass) Notably, the statement about 2025's event doesn't confirm that the festival will return in 2026, but rather says that it'll be back "when the time is right". For now, put those glittery gumboots away for at least this year, in what proves another heartbreaking piece of news for Australia's live music industry. When Splendour scrapped its 2024 plans, it did so after revealing its roster of acts, and also followed on from a heap of other cancellations across the Aussie festival scene. Groovin the Moo ditched its 2024 events just a fortnight after announcing its lineup. Also, Falls Festival took summer 2023–24 off, Summergrounds Music Festival at Sydney Festival was cancelled and This That hasn't gone ahead for a couple of years. Since Splendour cancelled, Yours and Owls ditched its 2024 fest, as did Spilt Milk and Adelaide's Harvest Rock. Dark Mofo took a breather, too, while Mona Foma called time forever after its 2024 event. Bluesfest also revealed that it would say farewell after its 2025 fest, but it has been reported that that might no longer be the case. "With a heavy heart, we're announcing the cancellation of Splendour in the Grass 2024," said the Splendour team in a statement last year. "We know there were many fans excited for this year's lineup and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events we'll be taking the year off. Ticketholders will be refunded automatically by Moshtix. We thank you for your understanding and will be working hard to be back in future years." "We're heartbroken to be missing a year, especially after more than two decades in operation. This festival has always been a huge community effort, and we'd like to thank everyone for their support and overall faith. We hope to be back in the future," added Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco, co-CEOs of Secret Sounds. 2024's event would've marked the festival's 22nd birthday — and its third COVID-19-era fest, following the supremely muddy 2022 iteration (which was delayed for the two years due to the pandemic's early days) and 2023's go-around. Splendour in the Grass won't take place in 2025. For more information, head to the festival website. Images: Charlie Hardy, Bianca Holderness and Claudia Ciapocha.
Your latest reason to eat breakfast, brunch and lunch riverside in Brisbane's inner north has opened its doors at Northshore in Hamilton: Riva Kitchen & Events. Table of Four, which is already behind The Garden Room at Roma Street Parklands, has spread its culinary footprint to another of the River City's green spaces — this time by the water. The format for the company's two eateries is noticeably the same, pairing ace Brissie locations with bites to eat. But when you're peering out over the river at Riva Kitchen & Events, you'll know that you're in a different venue to Table of Four's first spot for a meal. There's still plenty of greenery surrounding the Hamilton restaurant, but your tiramisu overnight oats, truffled scrambled eggs and angus rib-eyes come with quite the backdrop. Officially launching in May, and operating seven days for daytime meals, the eatery's menu also spans house-cured salmon with a potato cake, soft-boiled egg and dill crème fraiche for brekkie — and also citrus whipped ricotta and avocado on toasted sourdough with poached eggs; french toast with homemade lemon curd, mascarpone and vanilla ice cream; and sweetcorn and zucchini fritters. For lunch, heirloom tomato and chargrilled garlic bruschetta will get you started, before caesar salad, Balter beer-battered fish and chips, beef burgers and chicken schnitzel are among your options. Catering for coffee dates, long lunches and weekend brunches, too, the culinary spread's focus is modern Australian dishes, but taking cues from the Mediterranean. Local and seasonal ingredients are in the spotlight. The crew behind the restaurant have also designed the light and airy Riva Kitchen & Events to become Brisbane's next go-to to celebrate occasions, as the eatery's name makes plain. Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a party, or a wedding or corporate event, the site doubles as a venue for shindigs — with its openair features and backdrop definite drawcards. Find Riva Kitchen & Events at 285 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton — open daily from 7am–3.30pm. Head to the venue's website for further details.
There's nothing quite like smoked meats oozing out of a brioche bun, as How We Rolls well and truly knows. In fact, that's how they roll. And, after spending the past few years rolling around town serving up tasty fare out of their food truck, they're settling into Sabotage Social for a decent stay. From January 11, hungry Brisbanites can find delicious meaty dishes on the Fortitude Valley bar's menu for 12 weeks as part of a good ol' fashioned kitchen takeover. Whether you can't pass up their titular offering, or you prefer your peppery Texas beef with red chilli cabbage slaw, sweet Kansas pork with fresh rémoulade slaw or Cajun chicken on a plate with dill pickles, they'll be on offer. And their secret sauces, obviously. Image: How We Rolls.
Jaws, but bigger. Jurassic Park but sharks. Like a prehistoric underwater predator scooping up a heap of beachgoers in one hefty mouthful, describing what The Meg and its sequel Meg 2: The Trench are each aiming to be is easy. Ridiculous big-screen fun that sets Jason Statham (Fast X) against multiple megalodons, his scowl as shiny as their razor-sharp teeth: they're the type of waters that this creature-feature franchise also wants to paddle in. Since debuting in cinemas in 2018, all things The Meg have always had a seriousness problem, however. They're at their best when they're also at their silliest, but they're rarely as entertainingly ludicrous as they're desperate to be. This five-years-later follow-up might task Statham with shooting harpoons while riding a jet ski at a tourist-trap holiday destination called Fun Island — and also busting out the line "see ya later, chum", which lands with such a sense of self-satisfaction that it feels like the entire reason that the movie even exists — but such gleeful preposterousness is about as common as a herbivore with a meg's massive chompers. Again based on one of author Steve Alten's books — he's penned seven so far, so more flicks are likely — Meg 2: The Trench doesn't just want to ape the Jurassic series. It does exactly that overtly and unsubtly from the outset, but this film is also happy to brazenly treat multiple movies from a few decades back as fuel for its choppy antics. When the feature starts, it's 65 million years ago, dinosaurs demonstrate the cretaceous period's food chain, then a megalodon shows who's boss from the water. Obviously, life will find a way to bring some of this sequence's non-meg critters into the present day. Next comes a dive in The Abyss' slipstream, before embracing being a Jaws clone again — even shouting out to Jaws 2 in dialogue — but with a Piranha vibe. Before it's all over, Meg 2: The Trench also flails in Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus' direction, just with a visibly larger budget. Leading the charge on-screen is Statham's Jonas Taylor, who also scores an early eco-warrior Bond stint. When his character is reintroduced, he's on a container ship in the Philippine Sea taking down pirates that are dumping radioactive waste. His next stop is the Oceanic Institute run out of Hainan in China, where the world's only megalodon in captivity lives — and where Jonas' friend Jiuming (Wu Jing, The Wandering Earth), uncle to teenager Meiying (Sophia Cai, Mr Corman), claims that he has the creature called Haiqi trained. Viewers of the first film might remember that oceanography runs in Meiying's blood, but her mother has been killed off between movies because Li Bingbing (Transformers: Age of Extinction) didn't return for the second production. Hence Jiuming's arrival, and also Taylor playing father figure to a kid he forbids from accompanying him on his latest deep-dive research trip. Meiying stows away, naturally. Off-screen, British filmmaker Ben Wheatley makes the leap to the Hollywood action fold with Meg 2: The Trench, a move that isn't as wild as it initially might seem — just like everything in his big-budget B-movie. Wheatley knows black comedy, with his 2012 film Sightseers an absolute masterclass in it. With High-Rise and Free Fire, he knew how to bring a spectacle, too. Alas, the director that also crafted Down Terrace, Kill List, A Field in England and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, flitting between the dark and the trippy along the way, plus thrillers and dramedies, is saddled with a script that couldn't be more routine. Explaining his approach to problem-solving, including while submersed 25,000 feet below sea level in the Pacific, Jonas tells Meiying that "we do what's in front of us, then we do the next thing". Was that returning screenwriters Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber and Dean Georgaris' own mantra as well? Whatever is in front of Jonas, and audiences, usually involves a meg. When he descends into the titular ditch with Jiuming, Meiying and their team — among them is The Meg alumnus Page Kennedy (The Upshaws) as DJ, the forceful comic relief who has definitely seen Jaws' sequel — of course oversized sharks that died out millions of years ago IRL are lurking. When Jonas finds a rogue mining outfit pilfering the deep, of course stopping its ruthless leader Montes (Sergio Persis-Mencheta, Snowfall) becomes all the more complicated with megalodons as a constant threat, too. Wheatley wrings what tension he can out of a bottom-of-the-ocean walk in Iron Man-meets-RoboCop suits as hungry creatures linger, and also out of his riff on The Thing, Alien and every horror film set in an isolated space when Meg 2: The Trench's heroes get to the miners' base. What he can't do is make the movie's various contrived parts resemble a coherent whole, skew engagingly campy or feel like anything more than a knockoff of so many other flicks in The Meg's clothing. Another feat that Wheatley's turn at the franchise's helm fails to bite into: convincing special effects. While viewers don't go to a film that has basically swapped "you're gonna need a bigger boat" for "we're gonna fight a bigger shark" for the realism, Meg 2: The Trench's CGI is distractingly subpar. Anything busting out dinos not just post-Jurassic Park, but after Prehistoric Planet and its second season, is always going to struggle if their critters can't wow. Although the megs hardly fare any better, frequently focusing on a big fin sticking out of the water still remains as helpful a tactic as it did when Steven Spielberg defined the shark genre. Getting audiences terrified, perturbed or even just a little on-edge, though? Even when the obligatory jump-scares pop up, no one is leaving this flick afraid to go into the water. Whether he's starring in several Guy Ritchie films, turning The Transporter into a franchise, making a couple of Crank and The Mechanic movies, or showing up in six Fast and Furious-related entries so far, Statham does love repeating himself. Meg 2: The Trench doesn't ask him to do anything more than he did the last time that he faced sea-dwelling fears — but even he's just going through the motions. The rest of the cast, returning and new alike, are as disposable as anyone enjoying a dip to a meg. As trusty offsider Mac, Cliff Curtis (Avatar: The Way of Water) leaves the biggest impression among an ensemble that also spans Skyler Samuels (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries), Melissanthi Mahut (The Sandman), Sienna Guillory (Silo) and Whoopie Van Raam (Counterpart). Not that anyone is required to try, but no one can stop Meg 2: The Trench's most apt line from proving oh-so-true: "this is some dumb shit".
Embracing the supposedly most romantic day of the year doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. To the delight of budget-conscious paramours everywhere, it truly is the thought that counts on Valentine's Day. But you can want to woo your boo with your loving gestures and still be keen to give them roses — and a bottle of rosé for you to share together — without being horrified at how much you've spent, especially in these inflation-heavy times. Enter ALDI, favourite of discount lovers not just Australia-wide but overseas, and the source of quite the Valentine's Day bargain. To mark the rose-filled occasion in 2023, the supermarket chain is doing a dozen roses for $25 today, Tuesday, February 14 itself, in case you've left everything to the last minute. Say cheers to those blooms and your significant other with a bottle of $4.99 South Point Estate rosé to go with it — but only if you don't live in Queensland or South Australia, because ALDI's supermarkets in those states don't sell alcohol. Fancy just a single rose? That'll cost you $8, and the chain is also doing other seasonal bouquets for various prices. Who said scoring a bargain at ALDI wasn't romantic? No one. ALDI's Valentine's Day special is available at the chain's stores, with a dozen roses for $25 on offer Australia-wide, and a dozen roses with a bottle of rosé on offer everywhere except Queensland and South Australia.
Two years after getting a makeover, changing its layout and adding three more screens, Palace Centro has undergone another revamp. In fact, it's no longer called Palace Centro. Now badged Palace James St, the 18-year-old cinema has built three more cinemas, bringing its New Farm total to ten. The new screens also mark the company's first premium offerings — Palace Platinum — in Brisbane. With the projectors firing up on Friday, November 16, cinephiles can get put their feat up in reclining leather seats, which is what everyone that goes to Gold Class-style sessions wants. You can also tuck into dine-in meals and snacks. And, if your stomach is rumbling mid-movie, just press the call button to get your beverage — or popcorn — topped up. Food and drink-wise, patrons can choose from bites that include $14 mini choc top flights (which feature five flavours), as well as cocktails, sparkling, wine and craft beers. Or, ordering in from along the street is an option. Local eateries such as Chow House and Jocelyn's Provisions will be serving up mini menus so that you can eat lunch or dinner while the film is rolling. But this is the best bit. To mark the relaunch, Palace James St is offering $10 platinum tickets, which means that A Star Is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Old Man and the Gun can dance in front of your eyes until Thursday, November 22 for the same price as a regular session. Bottomless popcorn and $5 (not bottomless) glasses of prosecco will also be available across the week. Unsurprisingly, sessions are selling out quickly.
Ever set foot in a venue and wondered, 'How?'. How did they transform the idea from a dream on a napkin into a café, bar or restaurant that gets people through the door time and time again? This is the thinking behind In Service, a new on-demand masterclass platform made for current and future hospitality owners. Created by the business solution experts Square, the free learning resource dives straight into the reality of running a hospitality business from the people who have done it themselves. From scaling to staff, marketing to menus, In Service gives you practical lessons directly from the best in the Australian hospitality industry—the ones who have built (and sustained) successful venues. It's real business owners serving up real strategies. Who's involved? A number of influential hospitality owners are offering their knowledge and experience on In Service. [caption id="attachment_1032997" align="alignleft" width="1920"] In Service[/caption] At Fabbrica, what began as a line of retail pasta kits has evolved into multiple pasta bars across Sydney. In Fabbrica's lesson, Head Chef Scott and General Manager Marlon teach business owners how to diversify their revenue and the differences between retail and restaurant operations. CHAE is a home-based intimate dining experience in Melbourne. The Korean eatery serves only six guests per session, but the exclusivity has created a wait list of thousands. Co-owners Chae and Yoora share their insights on building a community and their growth strategies. [caption id="attachment_909508" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Bar Copains[/caption] One of Sydney's most beloved wine bars, Bar Copains, has stood out in a crowded market. In his lesson, co-owner Morgan teaches why every detail counts and the mindset that has guests coming back for more. MUCHO Group, the team behind bars including Bar Planet, The Cliff Dive, Centro 86 and more, have also offered their peer-to-peer advice. General Manager, Daisy, shares their tips on service and training staff. It's not just restaurants and bars teaching their lessons. Calibrate Coffee has created an elevated brand and venue that focuses on high-end beans. Co-founder Josh shares how to build a team as well as how to create an inviting (and efficient) space. [caption id="attachment_939881" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Centro 86[/caption] As well as practical lessons on how to run a venue and team, design studios SCCO and Worktones, and Tom Mark Henry have offered their expert tips on how to design a hospitality venue and build your business's identity. Whether you're an early-stage café owner trying to find your footing or a seasoned operator looking to sharpen your team, In Service is the free platform that lets you learn from the best in the business, and all at your own pace. Square empowers local businesses to thrive by making it easier to run, manage, and grow their operations. Find out how Square can help your business grow. Sign up for free at In Service. Lead image: In Service
Big pop-culture titles, big stunts: from a Stranger Things rift and Squid Game's creepy Red Light, Green Light doll to an Everything Everywhere All At Once-style multidimensional laundromat and a massive Timothée Chalamet mural for Dune, new TV shows and movies sure do love launching with a pop-up in Australia. The latest doing just that: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to 2018's Aquaman. For four days, the film is making its presence known in Sydney with a huge seven-metre gold trident. To see the towering, gleaming object, you'll need to head to Watermans Cove in Barangaroo from Thursday, December 14–Sunday, December 17. On display: the Trident of Neptune that gives Aquaman's namesake the power to rule the sea. It's being used to break ground of the boardwalk, and will be paired with a giant wall of water measuring nine metres high and 12 metres wide on the Friday night only. Seeing the trident is free, and you can just head along whenever suits you across the four days. If you want to catch a glimpse of the wall of water as well — which will have footage from the film projected onto it — you'll need to drop by from 7.45–10pm on Friday, December 15. As for the movie itself, it features Jason Momoa swapping the Fast and Furious franchise's roads for the ocean in that other big-budget saga he's been known to glisten through: DC's flicks. It's been five years since the first solo cinema swim for Arthur Curry arrived, with Aquaman marking just the sixth entry in the DC Extended Universe. Now the series hits 15 instalments with sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, bringing back DC's wettest superhero — plus Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Ambulance) as Black Manta as well. Hitting cinemas on Boxing Day as the fourth DC feature of 2023 after Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Blue Beetle, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also hails from Australian director James Wan (Malignant), as the first film did — and sees Patrick Wilson (Insidious: The Red Door), Amber Heard (The Stand), Nicole Kidman (Special Ops: Lioness) and Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett) return alongside Momoa and Abdul-Mateen II. Dolph Lundgren (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and Randall Park (Strays) are back as well, all in another movie that dives into the sea, heads down to Atlantis and paddles about trying to save the world. The story this time: Black Manta is still after vengeance, but now has the Black Trident and its powers to help. So, as well as being a father and the new King of Atlantis, Aquaman has to seek his own assistance. That's how Wilson's Orm, Curry's half brother, ends up fighting by his side instead of being his imprisoned enemy. Check out the trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom below: The Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trident will be on display at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo, Sydney from Thursday, December 14–Sunday, December 17. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom opens in Australian cinemas on Tuesday, December 26.
In 2028, one of the biggest names in Hollywood — and in cinema in general — will turn 100. When that year's Oscars takes place, recognising and rewarding the films of 2027, it'll mark a century of celebrating the latest and greatest on the big screen. The event will also fix a glaring omission from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' annual accolades. There'd be no movie magic without stunts, but the Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design will only join the Oscars when it hits its massive milestone. On Friday, April 11, 2025, Down Under time, the AMPAS Board of Governors announced that it is creating an annual competitive Oscar for stunts — and yes, "finally" is the word that should instantly come to mind. Adding the category comes after a concerted push from stunt professionals in recent years, and after The Fall Guy's Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt were tasked with paying tribute to stunt performers at the 2024 ceremony. [caption id="attachment_999323" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Al Seib, The Academy[/caption] "Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking. We are proud to honour the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion," said said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, announcing the new stunts Oscar. Details on eligibility and voting for the award are still to come, however — and the same regarding how the accolade will be presented. The former will be revealed in 2027, when the 100th Academy Awards rules are unveiled. The latter will be announced "by the Academy's Board of Governors and executive leadership at a future date". [caption id="attachment_999325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Richard Harbaugh, The Academy[/caption] Wondering which movies might be in contention for the first-ever Oscar for stunt design? 2027's current planned releases include the live-action The Legend of Zelda film, Avengers: Secret Wars, the sequel to The Batman, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum and the second live-action How to Train Your Dragon, for starters, plus Sonic the Hedgehog 4, a sequel to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and an untitled Star Wars flick. The Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design is just the second new Oscar field since Best Animated Feature Film joined the roster in 2001, the third since Best Makeup and Hairstyling in 1981, and the fourth since Best Costume Design in 1948. The other recent addition hasn't actually been handed out yet, with the Achievement in Casting gong set to first be awarded at the 2026 ceremony, covering movies released in 2025. [caption id="attachment_999326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dana Pleasant, AMPAS[/caption] [caption id="attachment_718585" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marvel Studios 2018[/caption] The Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design will join the Oscars for films released in 2027, so will be first presented at the 2028 ceremony. For more information, head to the Oscars website. Top image: The Fall Guy.
The Dune universe is returning to the small screen. Over the past four decades, the franchise started on the page by Frank Herbert has hit cinemas three times so far, thanks to David Lynch's 1984 film, plus the current spicy cinema saga starring Timothée Chalamet (Wonka) and Zendaya (Euphoria). In the 00s, it also spread sandy across TV via two miniseries. Now, because everything in pop culture has to span both movies and television at the same time, HBO has made six-part prequel series Dune: Prophecy. Due to arrive in spring 2024 Down Under, with an exact release date still to be revealed, the new Dune show sits in the same world as both 2021 standout Dune: Part One and this year's Dune: Part Two — but there'll be no Paul Atreides or Chani. Rather, Dune: Prophecy is set amid the Bene Gesserit 10,000 years before the birth of Paul. HBO has dropped a first teaser trailer for the series, which follows the sect that gives rise to the Bene Gesserit, aka the sisterhood that secretly sways the universe. In the debut sneak peek, the narration explains how the faction formed, and was "assigned to the great houses to help them sift truth from lies" — but also notes that that power comes with a price. Cue plenty of plotting, especially to get a sister onto the throne. Cue lurking in dramatically shadowy spaces as well, as schemes are hatched. Rituals, battles, marriages: they all pop up, too, in a series that's inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson's novel Sisterhood of Dune. While no familiar faces from Denis Villeneuve's (Blade Runner 2049) Dune movies feature in the trailer, the show's cast includes Emily Watson (Small Things Like These), Olivia Williams (The Crown), Travis Fimmel (Boy Swallows Universe), Jodhi May (Renegade Nell), Mark Strong (Tár), Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Colony), Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High) and Jessica Barden (You & Me). On the big screen, there's also more Dune to come, with the tale of Paul, aka sci-fi's spiciest man, set to continue in a third Dune film that doesn't yet have a release date. Check out the first teaser trailer for Dune: Prophecy below: Dune: Prophecy will stream from sometime in spring 2024, including via Binge in Australia — we'll update you when an exact release date is announced. Read our reviews of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, and our interview with cinematographer Greig Fraser.
Fancy a spot of Saturday shopping, but not sure where to go or what to buy? The solution: think independent. While that might be great all-round advice for supporting local business, it's also the specific idea behind the Brisbane Indie Sale Trail. Taking place from 9am to 4pm on February 24, it's a simple way to throw your love behind — and cash towards — Brissie's ace small stores. It's also a great way to get a discount, with shoppers nabbing a percentage off their purchases that grows with each stop (as long as you spend at least $20). And, it's basically the adult version of a treasure hunt, given that you'll hop around town and look for whatever delights tempt your wallet. Five retailers are taking part: onegirlstudio, Paper boat press, Nook, Green Tangerine and Scrumptious Reads, meaning that everything from homewares to ceramics to clothes to reading material is covered. As is much of this town of ours, with the full trail seeing participants flitting from Ashgrove to West End and even out to Sherwood.
Update Wednesday, July 12: Bookings are now open for the W Hotel's huge Darling Harbour development. You can lock in a stay for dates from Wednesday, November 1. Five years in the making, W Hotel's luxury Darling Harbour development will finally bring the global hotel chain back to Sydney in October this year. Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the unmistakable harbourfront hotel has faced several delays and setbacks, but has now revealed key details in the lead-up to its official opening in seven months' time. Located within The Ribbon, the sleek multimillion-dollar development is designed by HASSEL architects and sits on the former IMAX theatre site — which is scheduled to also reopen this year. W Sydney is promising not just a hotel, but a luxury hideaway with this inner-city accommodation. As with every W Hotel, you can expect impeccably-designed futuristic spaces, eateries overseen by expert chefs, cocktails created by top-notch bartenders and collaborations with local artists, musicians and designers. Partnering with HASSEL is Bowler James Brindley who is handling the interior design of the luxury building. "The freedom to create an entirely new cultural space for Sydney was incredibly exciting, and we were inspired by the idea of 'the larrikin' the non-conformist spirit of the city that makes it irresistible," a Bowler James Brindley spokesperson said. "We love to design spaces that embrace the individuality and even eccentricity of their locations, and to create interiors that engage their buildings and neighbourhoods in conversations, rather than treating spaces as blank canvases." One of W Sydney's drawcards — apart from its 585 next-level rooms and suites — is the exuberant shared spaces throughout the hotel including a heated rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water, a two-storey rooftop bar, an all-day dining restaurant, a luxury spa and a gym. The meticulously designed restaurant on level three can be seen from the adjacent highway, acting as a living, breathing billboard for the hotel. Inside, the diner boasts urban design hallmarks that celebrate its place in the heart of the city, as well as concrete columns and unique ceiling lighting that combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Other notable touches include jellyfish mosaic artwork that you can discover at the bottom of the impressive 30-metre pool, silicone petals resembling those of the waratah decorating the entrance sign, a future noir-themed lobby inspired by Fritz Lang's Metropolis and graphic designs from renowned multidisciplinary artist Bradley Eastman (aka Beastman) throughout the hotel's spa. W Sydney will open its doors in October 2023 at 31 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour. You can find out more about it on the Darling Harbour website.
Breaking TV viewing records, progressing further into the World Cup than any Australian soccer team before, smashing their way into the 2024 Paris Olympics: the Matildas are having a helluva 12 months. They're also getting a Brisbane statue, and inspired 'Matilda' to be chosen as 2023's word of the year. Add featuring in their second documentary in a year to the squad's achievements, too, with Trailblazers headed to Stan. In 2023, docuseries Matildas: The World at Our Feet chronicled the current team's path to the 2023 Women's World Cup. In 2024, Trailblazers will take a broader look at the Tillies' story, and also at women's football in Australia. Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Katrina Gorry and Teagan Micah all feature as interviewees — but chronicling the Matildas' journey before their current success is also the doco's aim. If your obsession with the Tillies started in July 2023, this is your chance to dive into the first FIFA-recognised game in 1979, the team's 2015 strike for equal pay and its fortunes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — and to reflect upon the the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, and the squad's qualification for Paris. So, you'll hear from and about earlier players, such as first-ever Matildas captain Julie Dolan, alongside Kerr and company. The Matildas' first Indigenous female player Karen Menzies also features among the discussions, as do fellow past players Melissa Barbieri, Kate Gill and Moya Dodd. Tommy Sermanni, who coached the Tillies from 1994–97 and 2005–12, also gets chatting. And, so does ex-Socceroos captain-turned-commentator Craig Foster. Stan will stream Trailblazers sometime in the lead up to the Paris Olympics, with an exact release date not yet announced. Behind the scenes, Maggie Miles (Dare to Be Different) and Maggie Eudes produce, write and direct the documentary — aka your next chance to revel in all things Tillies. If you want to wear green and gold while watching, or the newly released (and soldout) purple Mackenzie Arnold goalkeeper kit if you got your hands on one, that's up to you. Trailblazers is set to stream via Stan before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which take place from Friday, July 16–Sunday, August 11. We'll update you when an exact release date for the documentary is announced.
UPDATE: Unfortunately due to various circumstances, VAN JAM has been cancelled. However, all the performers you're excited to see will still be playing, now at the upcoming event The Round Up at the Racehorse Hotel in Ipswitch. Attention van-lifers and festivalgoers alike – a brand-new music festival is coming to Queensland: VAN JAM 2023. Organised by Caravanning Queensland, they're reorganising and evolving their wheelhouse of trade shows into an Australian-first hybrid concept, part music festival and part caravan/RV expo taking place at Willowbank Raceway from Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24. On the storied ground of Willowbank, also home to country music celebration CMC Rocks, VAN JAM is turning up the volume with a lineup of Aussie Rock legends, including Eskimo Joe, Daryl Braithwaite, Thirsty Merc and Russell Morris. For any junior attendees, there will also be miniVAN, a dedicated kids zone full of games, crafts and activities plus the Bluey Live Interactive Experience. Alongside the entertainment is the OFF ROAD OFF GRID EXPO, hosting a variety of interactive displays, vehicle testing on an off-road track, masterclasses and more. The festival site also includes camping sites galore among the trees, both powered and unpowered and flexible for arrangements big and small. If you're a fan of off-grid life, camping and caravanning trips with family and friends or legendary Aussie rock, there's something for you at VAN JAM. VAN JAM runs from Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24. For more information and to get your tickets, visit the website.
Just ten short years ago, few people cared about Westerosi power struggles, how many times Sean Bean dies on-screen, if Jon Snow really does know nothing and whether winter is coming. Game of Thrones has existed on the page since 1991, but it was the first season of HBO's huge fantasy-drama series in 2011 that made that three-word title a household term, got everyone hooked on the fight to assume the Iron Throne and had us all watching along for seven more action-packed seasons. Over the past decade, no TV series was bigger — not only in popularity and pop culture impact, but when it comes to small-screen battles and bloodshed, plus labyrinthine plots filled with cunning plotting and double-crossing. Oh, and dragons, too. Whether you loved or hated how it ended, Game of Thrones is always going to sit high on everyone's rewatch list (because, let's face it, everyone has watched it once already).
Spending more time at home is much easier to stomach with a hefty rage of desserts on hand, or at least that seems to be Gelato Messina's pandemic motto. Over the past few months, the gelato fiends have served up plenty of tasty specials, including cookie pies in choc chip, red velvet, choc-hazelnut, and peanut butter and jelly varieties, as well as 40 of its best gelato flavours. Up next: a gelato version of everyone's childhood-favourite biscuit. If you've been baking your own coconut-topped Iced VoVos at home since Arnott's released the recipe a few months back, consider your tastebuds primed for this frosty, creamy version. Messina initially whipped it up in collaboration with Sydney eatery Firedoor and, unsurprisingly, it proved mighty popular. So the gelato chain is now making tubs of the flavour available at all its stores for a limited period. Wondering what exactly Iced VoVo gelato entails? It combines toasted coconut gelato with pieces of shortbread biscuit, then tops it with marshmallow, raspberry puree and desiccated coconut. And yes, the end result looks like the bikkies you know and love — but in a scoopable form. Available as part of Messina's new 'Hot Tub' series, the Iced VoVo gelato can only be ordered online on Monday, July 20, with a one-litre tub setting you back $30. You can then go into your chosen Messina store to pick up your tub between Friday, July 24–Sunday July 26. Gelato Messina's Iced VoVo gelato tubs will be available to order on Monday, July 20, for pick up between Friday, July 24–Sunday July 26 — keep an eye on the Messina website for further details. If and when you do decide to head out to pick up food, remember to follow the Australian Government Department of Health's social distancing guidelines.
Romantic comedy cliches have earned their label for a reason; the more they're used, the more expected they become. And so it's that films like Love, Rosie emerge, wholly comprised of the seen-before and the been-there-done-that, as rendered with similarly customary sweetness. Here's the gist: girl and boy have clear feelings for each other, but are forced to stumble through a range of obstacles. Even if you've only ever seen one rom-com, you know where this is going. Rosie Dunne (Lily Collins) is an average 18-year-old girl. She's about to finish school and looking forward to a future certain to include her neighbour and lifelong best pal, Alex (Sam Claflin). There's a spark to their friendship that suggests something more, however when they take others to the prom — he escorts Bethany (Suki Waterhouse), and she goes with Greg (Christian Cooke) — it appears fate has other plans. The night has long-lasting repercussions pushing them in different directions. Alex moves to the US for medical school and after falling pregnant, single mother Rosie stays in the UK. Of course, they keep in touch. Cecelia Ahern's best-selling novel Where Rainbows End, upon which Love, Rosie is based, relates its tale through the pair's emails, letters and texts. The film uses the gimmick to a lesser extent, but their correspondence still guides a feature that charts the will-they-or-won't-they of this unconventional long distance relationship. Director Christian Ditter (best known for French for Beginners) and screenwriter Juliette Towhidi (Calendar Girls) don't stray far from the source material, nor do they need to. When it comes to cloying romantic plots, Ahern literally wrote the book. What good rom-coms do well, the most predictable included, is cultivate investment in the central couple. And even when forced into silly situations and saddled with stereotypes, Collins and Claflin are suitably charming, selling the camaraderie central to their close platonic relationship, as well as the uncertainty needed to make their 12-year flirtation endearing. They're the bright sparks in an effort otherwise happy with obviousness. You can count on picturesque imagery, heavy-handed pop cues, and tonal wobbling between contemplative drama and over-the-top comedy. Having each actor play their characters from ages 18 to 30 never quite convinces, but that's a minor issue. That's the film all over — never believable, constantly trite, but endlessly likeable. It's also the rom-com prescription in willingly evoking a necessary wish-fulfillment fantasy. Soppily telling tales of yearning loves and lives dictated by wanting what you can't have, Love, Rosie seemingly aims to be a younger-oriented successor of Bridget Jones' Diary. In its focus on its messy but spirited heroine, its lacings of cringeworthy humour and its adherence to genre formula, it doesn't miss the uninspired mark. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cweASWVpkVM
If we were in the business of judging bars by their atmosphere, then the Unforgiven would be an instant winner. We're not, but the moody, cosy space at Darling & Co immediately leaves a lasting imprint. Think leather couches, a backlit bar, a jukebox playing vinyl and candlelit corners. That's what this intimate hangout in one of Paddington's newest haunts serves up — i.e. the kind of not-quite-secret bar that makes you feel like you've stepped into a completely different space. And that's before you even look at the drinks list. Cocktail fiends best get excited. First, a host of classics — the negroni, old fashioned and martini, for example — are given Australian twists, with local spirits enlivening the traditional tipples. Then there's the 13th Floor Menu, aka a selection of eight concoctions that are guaranteed to make your mouth water in anticipation. The two-person King's Punch is our pick, because who doesn't want to share a mix of Ketel One vodka, pineapple, coriander and vanilla wasabi with a friend? An array of wine, beer and cider is also on offer, should you be after something not so strong — but where's the fun in that?
Fuel up for a tough day's work without spending a cent, as Chargrill Charlie's celebrates National Tradie Day with a hard yakka giveaway. Up for grabs from 9am on Friday, September 19, the first 50 tradies at each store location dressed in hi-vis or work gear will score a free roll of their choice, alongside regular chips and a 600ml drink. There's just one catch — you have to say "Tools Down. Rolls Up." So, whether you're a dunny diver, a chippy or a brickie, skip the servo pie and iced coffee for something a little more filling. With Chargrill Charlie's locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane involved, this one-time freebie is your chance to be rewarded for your dedication to the tools.
Like movies? Music? Art? Posters? Like a Matryoshka doll of creativity, all four are in the spotlight at Outta Tune. Here, a heap of Brisbane artists pay tribute to gig posters, but not in the usual way. There's an art to creating a great concert poster, the type that screams out at you while you're stuck in traffic, makes you stop mid-walk when you're strolling down the street, and definitely motivates you to go along. In showing their love for the medium, Andy Murphy, Cassie Stevens, Funeral French, Travis Price, Vance Kelly and more have created their own — for fictitious bands from the screen realm. If you've ever wanted to see a poster advertising O Brother, Where Art Thou?'s Soggy Bottom Boys, or Marvin Berry and The Starlighters from Back to the Future, or any other of acts that only exist on screens (and, afterwards, in our dreams), here's your chance. It's a one-night-only affair, taking place from 6pm on November 17 at Church Brisbane.
Harry Harlow controversially answered through monkey experimentation in the mid 1900s, what is despair? 1897 saw Tolstoy answering what is art? And in 2004 Ron Burgundy answered the deep-rooted question, what is love? But one of many questions still remain. What is photography? At a glance it’s a snap – something taken, processed then scrapbooked depending on your age and hipness. But as David Chatfield, Emma Leslie, Felix Merry and Sarah Oxenham portray in the Hold Artspace’s latest exhibit For Want of a Better Word, there’s no simple answer to this age-old question. The work of these four artists all differ significantly, but work together seeking to deconstruct traditional photography down to its base elements of light, surface, image and object. Through elements of installation, video, sculpture and wall based artwork, they’ll be exploring and challenging the traditional notions of photography and drilling them down to their very core. Don’t miss out on this week long display – it’s an education second to an exhibition.
New Year's Eve means different things to different people — but if celebrating it in the biggest way possible is your approach each year, then you've likely either made a date with Beyond The Valley before or wanted to. Need some motivation to head to the festival at Barunah Plains in Victoria to celebrate 2025 turning into 2026? Dom Dolla, Addison Rae, Kid Cudi and Turnstile should be plenty. That's who is headlining across the Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 event — and yes, if you fancy spending the New Year's Eve countdown with Dom Dolla, you can. This lineup is also a helluva way for Beyond The Valley to mark a milestone, given that it's the fest's tenth anniversary. Dom Dolla will cap off a year that's already spanned soldout Madison Square Garden gigs, plus stints at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, EDC Las Vegas and Ultra Miami — and will see him play his biggest-ever Aussie headline show at Allianz Stadium in Sydney in December. For Addison Rae, this is her Australian festival debut. Kid Cudi heads Down Under for the first time in a decade, too. The lineup also spans Spacey Jane, I Hate Models, KETTAMA, Chris Stussy, Ben Böhmer, The Temper Trap and Luude, plus JoJo doing an Australian-exclusive show, as well as 070 Shake, DJ HEARTSTRING, VTSS, SWIM, Pegassi, Channel Tres, Balu Brigada, Fcukers, Jane Remover, Miss Kaninna and a heap more. New for 2025 is The Lounge Room, with Kat Sasso hosting podcasters and other folks getting chatting — such as Undiagnosed Anthony; AFL footballer Tom Mitchell with the Ball Magnets podcast; more Aussie Rules stars thanks to Sam Draper, Nick Butler and Charlie Comben; Dr Esmé Louise James; Sez; Ash McGregor; and David The Medium. Plus, stage-wise, the Valley Stage is getting a new look and the Dance Dome is scoring a revamp. You'll also be able to enjoy a wellness program featuring meditation, saunas and cold plunges, for relaxing between sets. Beyond the Valley 2025 Lineup Dom Dolla Addison Rae Kid Cudi Turnstile Spacey Jane I Hate Models KETTAMA Chris Stussy Ben Böhmer The Temper Trap Luude JoJo 070 Shake DJ HEARTSTRING VTSS Patrick Mason SWIM Prospa Josh Baker NOTION Pegassi Cassian Channel Tres Mallrat Balu Brigada Fcukers glaive Jazzy ZULAN sim0ne TEED Bad Boombox b2b mischluft Clouds bullet tooth KILIMANJARO Narciss not without friends Juicy Romance Ollie Lishman Chromeo (DJ set) RONA. Bella Claxton DICE Jane Remover Julia Wolf Young Franco Kaiit Miss Kaninna 49th & Main Dombresky BL3SS Torren Foot B2B Airwolf Paradise ATRIP Linska CYRIL HoneyLuv Larissa Lambert Inside Kru Tyson O'Brien SYREETA TV Rock Willo Sex Mask BOY SODA The Tullamarines EGOISM Chloe Parché Brent Honey Emma Moon Morphena MAD.DAY Mell Hall Tina Disco Séarlait House Mum B2B Haus of Ralph Loosie Grind Afrodisiac B2B Baby G Cooper Smith Mon Franco Bertie Shanti The Lounge Room hosted by Kat Sasso 200 Plus Ash McGregor Ball Magnets Club Elevate David The Medium Esmé Louise James Sez Undiagnosed Anthony Teach Us Consent Beyond The Valley images: Lady Drewniak, Ashlea Caygill, Kelsey Zafiridies.
With the future of international travel looking uncertain for a little while longer, it's time to embrace those closer-to-home adventures and make 2021 the year of the great Aussie holiday. And, whether you're after a breezy island-hopping getaway, craving a weeklong escape to wine country, or fancy glamping under the stars by an award-winning beach, Australia has got scores of gorgeous destinations to scratch your particular brand of travel itch. The best part? Without any long-haul flights and lengthy stopovers chewing up precious travel time, you should be able to squeeze even more holidays into your year than usual. To help you maximise your 2021 wanderings, we've rounded up ten must-visit Aussie destinations worth a spot on your travel hit-list. Put in that leave request and start plotting a new year of memorable local escapes. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, with border requirements varying from state to state, there are limitations on where you can holiday. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_754819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DNSW[/caption] CABARITA BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES If sun, sand and surf are top of your holiday wish list, what more fitting destination than Australia's best beach of 2020? Nestled between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, NSW's Cabarita Beach owns that honourable title, proving a summertime favourite for its top-notch surfing, ace facilities, sparkling water and general 'wow' factor. Nearby Cudgen Lake and Nature Reserve deliver natural thrills of their own, while the surrounding towns feature a lively mix of shops, boutique stays and varied dining options — including award-winning modern Australian restaurant, Paper Daisy. And for full impact, you can glamp in total luxury just metres from the Cabarita shoreline, at unique beachside resort The Hideaway. [caption id="attachment_785574" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN TERRITORY If all that extra time spent cooped up at home has left you itching for some truly memorable getaway action, you'd best pop Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on your 2021 travel itinerary — the only Aussie spot to make the top ten of Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List for 2020. While the striking formation of Uluru is undoubtedly the star of this show, the park's also got plenty more to offer: check out the many walking tracks, tours and ranger-guided experiences, or dive into some history and knowledge at the Cultural Centre. What's more, Bruce Munro's spectacular Field of Light installation has recently been extended indefinitely, magically illuminating the grounds around Uluru with over 50,000 glowing frosted-glass spheres each night. [caption id="attachment_796501" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, QUEENSLAND Even with overseas adventures off the cards, you can still experience Australia's own natural wonder of the world — the iconic Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef system on the planet, it's home to all the idyllic beaches, tropical islands and stunning seascapes your holidaying heart could desire. Sail, snorkel or cruise the days away; explore the buzzing coastal hub of Airlie Beach; or clock up some scenic steps trekking through the area's gorgeous rainforest. While there, The Whitsundays' famed Daydream Island makes for a luxurious vacation base, or you can literally sleep among the fish by booking a stay at the Great Barrier Reef's underwater hotel, Reefsuites. [caption id="attachment_785511" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] THE GRAMPIANS, VICTORIA Squeeze a little more out of your next regional escape, with a trip to The Grampians. Around 250 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, the area's a haven for foodies and nature lovers alike, brimming with things to explore. Discover the beauty of the Grampians National Park and its famed Pinnacle lookout by trekking the Grampians Peaks Trail, or experience the country's largest outdoor gallery with a drive along the Silo Art Trail. There are wineries and cellar doors galore, along with a host of culinary gems, ranging from the likes of Hamilton's Little Koi Cafe, to Dunkeld's renowned Royal Mail Hotel. And if you're lucky, your visit will coincide with the legendary Grampians Grape Escape wine festival, normally held in May. [caption id="attachment_747138" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Zach Sanders[/caption] LORD HOWE ISLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES With its pristine beaches, lush green slopes and plethora of hiking trails, it's not hard to see why Lord Howe Island was named among Lonely Planet's list of best places to visit in 2020. Sitting 600 kilometres off the northern coast of NSW, this idyllic holiday destination has a little something for everyone, whether you fancy snorkelling among over 500 species of fish, or soaking up views on the 875-metre trek up Mt Gower. There are world-class dive sites and stunning rainforests, along with a range of accommodation options and impressive eateries featuring dreamy vistas. What's more, a visitor capacity of just 400 people means you're always in for one truly quiet, crowd-free getaway. [caption id="attachment_796527" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] ROTTNEST ISLAND, WESTERN AUSTRALIA It's perhaps best known for its photogenic resident quokkas, but WA's Rottnest Island has plenty more to tempt a holiday visit. Perched 19 kilometres (or a 25-minute ferry ride) off the coast of Fremantle, this idyllic nature reserve is both brimming with wildlife and rich in history. Explore its many tracks and trails by foot or bike, or travel the coastline on a waterbike tour. You'll find an array of bars and eateries — including waterfront beauties like Frankie's on Rotto and Hotel Rottnest — and a range of accommodation options running from campsites and eco-cabins, to the swanky new Samphire hotel. Throw in some historic lighthouses, a museum and 63 blissful beaches and you've got yourself one enviable vacation. [caption id="attachment_796528" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef[/caption] NINGALOO REEF, WESTERN AUSTRALIA The West's answer to Queensland's most prized natural wonder, Ningaloo Reef is another World Heritage-listed site, hugging the coast around 1250 kilometres north of Perth. With its crystal-clear waters home to over 500 species of tropical fish, this 260-kilometre coral reef is heaven for snorkelers of all abilities. While there, you can brave a swim with whale sharks (April to July), spot pods of humpbacks making their annual migration (July to October), and explore the adjoining town of Exmouth and the Cape Range National Park. Plus, experience eco-friendly glamping teamed with stunning ocean views with a stay at the Sal Salis luxury lodge. [caption id="attachment_796529" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA If your holiday sip of choice is of the full-bodied, red variety, a trip to Barossa Valley wine country is a must. Just an hour out of Adelaide, the region is perhaps best known for its world-class shiraz. Here, you can spend your days tasting your way around much-loved cellar doors like Henschke, Seppelt, Penfolds and Saltram. Or, opt for a more virtuous itinerary of hiking tracks and national parks, exploring nearby natural gems like the Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park and The Barossa Trail. The region's also dotted with cultural finds — like the Barossa Regional Gallery — and an esteemed collection of eateries, including favourites Char Barossa and Appellation at The Louise. [caption id="attachment_743683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] WINEGLASS BAY, TASMANIA A stunning pocket of Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula named for its unusual shape, Wineglass Bay boasts some serious cred, regularly named among the world's best beaches. Sporting pristine sandy curves framed by pink granite mountains, it's a slice of coastal paradise to rival anything requiring a passport stamp. In between lazy sessions on the beach, sea kayaking adventures and boat cruises along the coast, you can dose up on more nature by taking one of the numerous treks through Freycinet National Park. Be sure to climb up Wineglass Bay Lookout for some of the most incredible views south of Bass Strait, and to gorge on as much fresh Tasmanian seafood as possible at the local eateries. [caption id="attachment_707960" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Apollo Bay Seafood Festival[/caption] APOLLO BAY, VICTORIA Nestled along the Great Ocean Road, 2.5 hours from Melbourne, this seaside town is a year-round holiday gem. In balmy weather, it's all about the surf breaks, sandy coastline stretches and dreamy seafood dishes enjoyed at local eateries like La Bimba. In fact, each February, scores of food-lovers descend for the annual Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. Not only is the town also home to the starting stretch of the Great Ocean Walk, but it's just a short drive from the lush rainforests and hiking trails of The Otways. And of course, a few local beers and sea views enjoyed in the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse beer garden are a treat no matter the season. Top image: Rottnest Island via Tourism Australia.
True-crime documentaries aren't just having a moment. They've been monopolising everyone's viewing lists for the past decade, and making us all fans of the gripping genre in the process. The secret (well, other than the thousands of secrets each true-crime doco is brimming with)? The breadth of topics, because this field can cover everything from fast food scams and unsettling cults to personal quests to catch an elusive serial killer. No matter the subject matter, scenario, illicit acts or people responsible, great true-crime documentaries all have two other things in common: they're impossible to stop watching once you've started, and they'll make you want to seek out more once your series of choice has come to an end. Of course, there are so many to choose from, so we've teamed up with streaming service Binge to pick five standouts that you can feast your eyes on right now — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
There's a certain type of song that everyone knows: Disney songs. Maybe they're the bare necessities? Perhaps they're part of the circle of life? Or, maybe we just can't let them go? Whatever the reason, they're the tracks we all still remember all of the words to, so Southside Tea Room wants you to be their guest to belt out a tune or two. In news that'll make you want to hold a baby animal up to the sunlight, the Morningside hangout's popular Disney Karaoke is back. They've dabbled with boy bands too, but you just can't keep a good animation-fuelled singalong — and a Disney-themed costume contest, plus temporary tattoos for a gold coin donation — down. It's a whole new world of fun, and what can you say except you're welcome? To meet demand, three sessions will take place across June 16 and 17. While the Saturday slots have already sold out, you can still head along on the Friday night. If you just can't wait to be the karaoke king (or queen), just make sure you book in advance — attendance is free, but reservations are required.
'Madchester' pioneers the Happy Mondays have just announced an Australian tour — the first time that the original lineup of one of the most influential bands of their generation have made it all the way Down Under. Alongside bands like New Order and the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays were key to the development of the Madchester sound that defined the early '90s and revitalised English music, rescuing it from the ignominy of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Fusing traditional pop elements with funk, northern soul and acid house, Happy Mondays were the poster band for the explosion of rave culture in the UK and released two iconic albums — Bummed and Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches — that remain essential listening today. Supporting them will be fellow Madchester icons 808 State for a special DJ set. Formed in Manchester in 1988 by Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson, 808 State's first album, Newbuild, is now regarded as a milestone in UK electronica. As the NME observed, "808 State revolutionised a whole genre of music in the late-'80s, inspiring Underworld, Orbital and the Chemical Brothers in the process."
There's a particular sting to watching tickets disappear before you've finished typing your card details. Noosa Food & Wine has that effect and yes, the headline-grabbing opening party and Makepeace Island lunch are already long gone. But here's the thing about this program: it runs deeper than any one event. Miss the marquee booking and you're still left with French beachside lunches, Latin river cruises and a full-day festival that more than earns its reputation. Here's what's still available… for now. Le Bistro, La Plage: French Beachside Lunch Sunday, June 14 Two chefs, one beach, three courses = exactly the kind of Sunday lunch you'd design if you had no constraints. Ben Williamson – the Brisbane force behind Biànca, hôntô and sAme sAme, and The French Exit – joins Ben Cross of Bali's Bar Vera for a French bistro-inspired afternoon on the sand. Expect a three-course share-style spread with canapés on arrival, backed by a three-hour beverage package of paired wines and Stone & Wood beers. This has sell-out written all over it. Catalina x Florcita: An Afternoon Afloat Sunday, June 14 Swap the sand for Noosa's most iconic vessel and spend two hours gliding along the river with Latin-inspired canapés, Florcita Tequila pours and DJ-curated beats as the afternoon makes a convincing case there's nowhere else to be. At the helm is Jason Jones – the mind behind Melbourne's Mamasita and Noosa's Bandita – whose menu leans into bold Latin flavours with a refined coastal edge. Vibrant, punchy, designed to match every sip. If your ideal Sunday involves midday margaritas, river breezes and dancing in subtropical golden light, this is your move. The Festival Sundowner Sunday, June 14 Toes in the sand, golden hour doing exactly what it does best. The Festival Sundowner is the closing chapter of the weekend, and it earns every cliché it rightly invites. Light Years brings bold, punchy modern Asian flavours designed to share – playful combinations, vibrant spice, the kind of dishes that demand a second round – while Stone & Wood keeps things crisp and the Pacific Ale flowing as DJ sets roll effortlessly into the evening. American Express Festival Village Saturday, June 13 If you want everything in one place, the Festival Village is it. More than 40 bars and restaurant pop-ups, 10+ live cooking demonstrations across two stages, the ever-rowdy PorkStar Live Cooking Battles, and producer pop-ups from across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast. Your ticket includes a reusable festival glass, canapés on arrival and a welcome drink before you dive in. From there, it's choose-your-own-adventure: front-row Interactive Tickets on the Culinary Stage for extra tastings, a retreat to the Village Pavilion for shade and a slower pace, or a settled spot in the Premium Lounge to sip and watch the action unfold. It runs all day, and there's no wrong way to do it. Restaurant Series Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, June 14 If the beach events bring the spectacle, the Restaurant Series is where things get intimate. Across four days, almost 20 of Noosa's best dining rooms are hosting one-off collaborations and chef pairings that exist for a single service only – and a handful still have availability. The lineup reads like a festival within the festival: Sum Yung Guys with Marion Grasby, Peli's with George Calombaris, Rickys Bar & Grill with Brisbane's Essa, Light Years alongside Long Time from Bali, Bandita and Byrdy bringing Melbourne energy north. Small rooms, sharp menus, combinations that may never share a kitchen again. Explore the full program and secure your tickets asap at noosafoodandwine.com.au.
Riding bulls in Broome, empty pie shops, Western Sydney's total boss suit-wearing sapeur trend straight from the Democratic Republic of Congo — Australian life is pretty hard to pin down. Legendary Sydney artist Ken Done, The Messenger Group owner and creative director Lisa Messenger and award-winning Sydney photographer Stephen Dupont have come close to it, painstakingly trawled through a record 1250 entries in the City of Sydney’s 2014 Australian Life competition. Part of this year's Art & About program, the exhibition formerly known as Sydney Life has been expanded to include the whole country this time around — as well as Instagram. Unsurprisingly attracting a record wave of Australian photographers — both established and upcoming — Australian Life now has its 22 finalists, all of whom sought to capture their own little corner of Australia as intimately or vastly as possible. The resulting shortlist (notably mostly made up of NSW photographers) is a significantly diverse patchwork of Australian daily life in its weirdest, funniest and saddest moments. "We opened this iconic competition to all Australians for the first time and we are delighted with the result," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. "We’ve received record numbers of entries providing unique glimpses into the lives of people from right across our country." The Australian Life competition is no small fry; the winner takes home a cheeky $10,000 prize. The top shot is set to be announced at Art & About Sydney’s free public launch party in Martin Place on Friday, September 19, after which you'll be able to stroll through Hyde Park's St James walkway and take in all 22 finalists in large-scale reproductions until October 12. Casual snappers, you've still got a shot at glory and fame. If you think you've nailed a moment of pure Australianness with one of your Instagrams, make sure you hashtag it #australianlife and enter the official Instagram part of the competition. Entries are open until September 18 and will be announced October 3. Australian Life 2014 finalists: Georgina Pope (Goulburn, NSW) — A great day for drying Berylouise Mitchell (Ashfield, NSW) — Anzac Day Tribute Godelieve Mols (Dee Why, NSW) — AFL Match in Ngukurr, Arnhem Land, NT Rodney Campbell (Lane Cove North, NSW) — Boarding Glenn Campbell (Darwin, NT) — Brothers in Boob Tubes Natalie Grono (Lennox Head, NSW) — Children of the tribe Rob Annesley (Lugarno, NSW) — ColourMeRad 5K Ivana Jovanovic (Botany, NSW) — Dinner Jon Lewis (Wombeyan Caves, NSW) — Farewelling Martin Sharp Desmond Kok Hui Ong (Redfern, NSW) — For Sale Paul Blackmore (Tamarama, NSW) — Icebergs Matthew Newton (Hobart, TAS) — I’m a fire starter Jewels Lynch (Tweed Heaqds, NSW) — Mutitjulu Dreaming Richard Payne (Manly, NSW) — PIES Brent Winstone (Bondi Beach, NSW) — Pondering in the tent of wonder Lisa Maree Williams (Bondi Junction, NSW) — Rio Station Warwick Kent (Crows Nest, NSW) — Rush Hour Tamara Voninski (Alexandria, NSW) — Saltwater Cowboys Louise Whelan (Avalon, NSW) — Sydney Sapeurs Dianne English (Round Corner, NSW) — The Doll House Andre Martin (Artarmon, NSW) — tin city John Goodridge (Newington, NSW) — Windbreak For more details and full stories behind the finalists visit Art & About.
When the 2020 Emmy Awards handed out its gongs, a big upset hit the Lead Actress in a Drama category. Zendaya got the nod, and became its youngest-ever winner in the process. Of course, anyone who has watched Euphoria wasn't shocked at all. Playing Rue Bennett, a high schooler who has long tried to self-medicate her way out of her struggles, she's fantastic. She's also a major reason that the show's eight-episode first season quickly proved such a hit — and that the series will not only return for a second season, but is also dropping two specials in the interim. A sex-, drug-, lust- and love-fuelled teen drama mightn't sound like HBO's usual wheelhouse; however, fans of the US network already know one key truth: that it rarely puts a foot wrong. Not only is Euphoria vivid, energetic and dazzling to look at, but it's unflinchingly honest, raw and authentic as it follows Rue and her friends as they navigate their turbulence of being teenagers.
We all follow that one Instagrammer who seems to share everything they eat — from decently presented but poorly lit cafe brunches to the monochromatic mac and cheese they're scoffing at home on a Wednesday night while watching Offspring with their poodle. So you may be pleased to know Virgin Mobile Australia is launching a new initiative that will put those somewhat annoying, always frivolous and only occasionally applause-worthy food 'grams to actual good use. Every time foodstagrammers take a photo of a meal, share it on social media and use the hashtag #mealforameal, Virgin will donate to food rescue organisation OzHarvest — absolute legends who collect surplus food from commercial outlets and deliver real meals to people who need them. The company is jumping on the 'foodporn' bandwagon but using it to give back to vulnerable people around the country. And now you and your compulsion for food snapping can get involved. To help launch the project in Sydney, Gelato Messina is serving up a new flavour made of food scraps. Really. Head to a Messina store on July 19 and try out the flavoursome experiment (which is only made from food scraps and apparently doesn't taste like food scraps). This is one situation in which you're practically required to take a photo of your food (just don't forget to tag it #mealforameal). With public opinion on foodstagramming being that it is serious business — when it's good it's highly celebrated, and when it's bad it's lambasted (even when you're Martha Stewart) — the trend isn't predicted to die out any time soon. For those who thought they'd rather never see someone else's cronut or shakshuka eggs on their feed again? Well, now there's good reason to get off your high horse and get your lens on your ceviche.
Caxton Street's go-to for whisky, southern-style food and Americana rock, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall left Brisbane's nightlife scene with a considerable gap when it closed last November. Thankfully, the Petrie Terrace venue didn't permanently shut up shop — with new management swooping in, slightly amending its name and reopening the joint. While the dive bar-style spot is now called Lefty's Music Hall and is run by Hallmark Group Australia — the folks behind Jamie's Italian, Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria, Finn McCool's and Retro's Cocktail Lounge — not much else has really changed. If you've been a fan of its honky-tonk saloon theme, famed whisky apples and live music lineup since it originally launched back in 2013, that's all sticking around in the new iteration, which just launched at the end of February. So are Lefty's vintage chandeliers, crimson walls and the sizeable mirrors splashed around the place. Also staying put: its black leather booths lit by candles, giant curved bar, smattering of moose heads, wall-mounted bear and peacock, and heavily used stage and dance floor. Basically, it's a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. That seems understandable given how popular the venue has always been, as well as the reaction when it was shuttered suddenly. Other than that popular blend of whisky and freshly juiced apples, the relaunched bar is serving plenty of boutique beers and, obviously, whisky. Food-wise, American-themed snacks are on offer — such as hotdogs, chicken wings, fried chicken burgers, and both cheeseburgers and cheeseburger spring rolls. As for its entertainment lineup, it's once again focusing on rockabilly and country music, showcasing local, Australian and international talent. Find Lefty's Music Hall at 15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace — open Thursday–Saturday from 6pm–2am.
Brisbane's Indooroopilly Shopping Centre really comes alive during the holiday season with lavishly festive decorations, a full-on Santa World and, most importantly, its annual Christmas market. The four-day pop-up market will return from Thursday, December 6 through Sunday, December 9 and feature the best independent artisans in the city. It'll be your go-to for handmade gifts for loved ones, whether it be homewares, fashion or just out-of-the-ordinary presents. You can expect to find quirky printed fashion from Black Milk Clothing — think Star Wars dresses and Harry Potter leggings — and sustainable festive homewares from Native Interiors. And for your best canine companion, check out Pablo and Co. The brand sells all manner of adorable pet accessories including hoodies, hats, toys and tees (there's even matching human shirts if you're into that kind of thing). As the market is exclusive to Brisbane makers, you know you're getting something that's completely unique. For more information and to be the first to see the list of designers, head to the website.
He's the horror and thriller author responsible for bloody proms, haunted hotels, possessed cars, sewer-dwelling clowns and spooky animal resting grounds, not to mention literary stalkers, depression-era death row prisoners, a town plagued by unexplained fogginess and another trapped under a dome. Indeed, since coming to fame with Carrie back in the 70s, Stephen King has never proven unpopular — but the world sure loves the writer's work right now. The viewing world in particular seems to adore King at the moment, with page-to-screen adaptations of his books popping up thick and fast. In 2019 alone, a new version of Pet Sematary hit cinemas, as did IT: Chapter Two, and The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep is dropping next month — while In the Tall Grass recently arrived on Netflix. On the small screen, Mr Mercedes is up to its third season, Castle Rock is just about to start unfurling its second and Creepshow's first recently landed. Next year will see three more TV shows join them, too, all based on King's books — and if you like the author in murder-mystery mode, you might want to add The Outsider to your viewing list. HBO's addition to the fold is a ten-part mini-series taking inspiration from King's 2018 novel of the same name, which focuses on the gruesome death of an 11-year-boy. Little League coach Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman) is suspected of the shocking murder, with his fingerprints all over the scene; however, video footage places him 60 miles across town at the time the crime went down. Unravelling just what happened is a task for police detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn), who's also mourning the death of his own son. When nothing seems to add up, he brings in unconventional private investigator Holly Gibney (Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale's Cynthia Erivo) to help, despite him professing to have "no tolerance for the unexplainable". In case you're thinking that this all sounds like one of King's more straightforward tales, "an insidious supernatural force" is also involved according to the official HBO synopsis — it is called The Outsider, after all. Mendo, Australia's favourite current acting export, also produces the show, as well as seemingly getting a rare chance to play something other than a blockbuster baddie of late (see Rogue One, Ready Player One and Robin Hood, for example). As for recent Emmy directing winner Bateman, he executive produces and jumps behind the lens on the series' first two episodes. Check out the first teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03MAkQ_OyM The Outsider starts airing on Sunday, January 12 in America — we'll update you once viewing details for Down Under have been announced.
The year is 1987. One way or another, the residents of Hawkins, Indiana that viewers know and love will have their last experience with the eeriness that's been plaguing their town for years. That's the promise of Stranger Things' long-awaited fifth and final season, even if the hit Netflix show saying goodbye won't be the end of the franchise's universe. Audiences, start looking forward to 2025. More than two years after season four's arrival — a wait extended due to 2023's Hollywood strikes — the streaming platform has confirmed that Stranger Things will be back in 2025. More than that, it has revealed a few key details. The first: that the new season will be set in the fall of 1987, which means a jump from the fourth season's spring 1986 timing. The second: the titles of the eight upcoming episodes. [caption id="attachment_978610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix © 2024[/caption] There's no specific release date yet, other than 2025 — and nothing more in terms of a storyline, either. But if you feel like obsessing over the episode monikers for clues, you've now got eight hints. The season will kick off with 'The Crawl', then deliver 'The Vanishing of ...', 'The Turnbow Trap' and 'Sorcerer'. Next comes 'Shock Jock', 'Escape From Camazotz' and 'The Bridge', before it all ends with the enticingly named 'The Rightside Up'. Netflix unveiled the titles with a teaser video that's just text on-screen, plus the familiar — and always-welcome — sounds of the Stranger Things theme. Wondering who or what vanishes? The details are also part of the episode name, but the spoiler part has been blurred out to keep everyone guessing. Fans already know, however, that this season features Terminator franchise icon Linda Hamilton, jumping from one sci-fi hit to another. That said, there's no news yet on who she'll play, where she'll fit in, what relationship that she'll have with the usual Hawkins crew, how many episodes that she'll feature in or if she'll be visiting the Upside Down — or how pivotal she'll be to the show's big farewell. And as for more Stranger Things-related antics after season five, when creators Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that their sci-fi show was working towards its endgame back in 2022, they also said that they had more stories to tell in this fictional realm. Instantly, we all knew what that meant. Netflix doesn't like letting go of its hits easily, after all, so the quest to find a way to keep wandering through this franchise was about as surprising as Jim Hopper's (David Harbour, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) usual gruff mood. Check out the title tease video for season five below: Stranger Things season five will arrive some time in 2025 — we'll update you when an exact release date is announced. You can stream the first four seasons now via Netflix — and read our review of season four. Images: Netflix.
No one ever eats just one gyoza. Two, three, four — absolutely nobody stops there, either. Dumplings are great for a huge range of reasons, but their more-ish quality is right up there. Sure, they're ace as a snack, but stopping at just a couple never happens. Your tastebuds want what they want, after all. At Harajuku Gyoza, it knows that gyoza is best dished up by the plate — and on Tuesdays, it doubles down on its servings so that you can eat more for less. Buy one plate, get another free. Nab two serves for the price of one. Both of those deals mean the same thing, and also mean more dumplings for your ravenous stomach. To order, you do need to log in via Harajuku's QR gyoza menu and pick from the eligible plates. Still, that's an easy process to follow for twice as many dumplings as you'd usually get. Wondering where to head? Harajuku Gyoza has eateries in Albert Lane in the CBD, at South Bank and in Broadbeach. [caption id="attachment_696122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harajuku Gyoza[/caption]
If it's drinks with a view you want, then it's drinks with a view you'll get at Eleven Rooftop Bar. Come Sundays from midday, that's now particularly true. Not content with hosting regular weekday morning exercise classes, the Ann Street venue is also adding end-of-weekend hangout sessions to its roster of events in the form of Vinyl & the City. It's a simple recipe for fun: once you climb up to the 11th floor (or take the lift — don't worry, you don't have to exercise), records will spin, you'll sip a few tipples and you'll also stare out over the city. Get cosy, make an afternoon of it and you'll be quite the spot when sunset hits. Lunch will also be available for those keen to drop by once the clock strikes noon, while cocktail specials and magnums of rosé will be on offer all afternoon.
Steamy, sunny days are still upon us, making afternoons around the pool an enduringly high priority — and a surefire reason to leave the office inappropriately early. While swimming a few laps satisfies the large majority of water babies, there are those of us yearning for the playful days of yesteryear; when fighting your siblings on the back of inflatable dragons was the ultimate, when diving for sunken rings was the best of times, when blow-up alligator time had to be shared out and rostered by your tired-but-practical Aunty Jane. But pool toy companies haven't forgotten you. There's a huge market for pool toys to suit all ages, with plenty of stylish, weird and genius inflatable ideas on offer. From floating poker and ping pong tables to giant floating birds and watermelons, these are our favourite inflatables to make any pool party that little more Instagrammable — and your summer that extra bit more nostalgic. THE GIANT FLAMINGO/SWAN One of the most Instagrammable pool accessories around: the giant swan (or pink flamingo, if you're feeling more flamboyant). According to the Giant Swan website, the swans are "popular in fashion shoots", so for $99 you can nab your very own oversized aquabird and get yourself a perpetually summery profile picture. POOL SHOOTBALL If you like shooting hoops but find the asphalt a little too steamy in summer, this genius little game brings the court to the water. For just $40 with free shipping, this one's perfect for pool parties or sorting out sibling rivalries. AQUA ZORBS With the increasing popularity of Zorb Bumper Soccer and Human Zorb Bowling, Aqua Zorb water walkers could be of the most epic additions to home pool toy collection. One of the more exxy pool toys on the market, the Zorbs are $595 each — and obviously you're going to need two for battle reasons. One for the truly dedicated pool fiends. FLOATING POKER TABLE Now here's a truly grown-up pool toy. Bestway are responsible for the world's first pool poker set, complete with inflatable poker table, chairs, cards, chips and most importantly, drink holders. It's just $39.95 for the set, however a day of poker in the pool may end up costing you more. THE LAKE TRAMPOLINE You're going to need a bigger pool for this one, preferably lake-sized. Remember all those hours you spent as a youngster doing precarious trick jumps from your trampoline into your pool? Now your adult self can get some solid (and somewhat safer) air jumping off a giant lake trampoline, priced from a rather steep $1800 to $3700. With a price tag like that, might be worth getting your crew to chip in. MOTORISED BUMPER BOATS Yep, motorised bumper boats. Longtime aquatic toymakers Hammacher Schlemmer have created these floating vehicles for long afternoons spent crashing into your loved ones at four kilometres per hour. For $100 each, these bumper boats can also be used to ferry your summer snacks from one end of the pool to the other, or could be used as a flimsy excuse for a jetski in a lake situation. FLOATING POOL PING PONG Never chase ping pong balls around your garage again. Yours for around $60-90, depending where you buy it, this floating ping pong table is as summery an activity you can get. You're going to want to take this to the shallow end though; treading water and playing ping pong sounds like one hell of an exercise. AQUAGLIDE REVOLUTION If you're looking to make other people jealous (or highly confused) of your toys, this'll do the trick. Priced at $4500, the six-foot-high Aquaglide Revolution has it all: slides on one side, some form of extreme seesaw on the other, climbing walls aplenty. The Revolution allows up to ten people on board at once, and will have you outrageously exhausted and immeasurably happy by the end of the day. URBAN OUTFITTERS POOL FLOATS Another much more realistic and adorable option to brighten up any pool party. From watermelons, Monaco bars, snakes, suns, smiley faces to floating beer pong, American retail giants Urban Outfitters have a variety of novelty pool inflatables on offer for just $25 to $50 each. By Tommy Codling and Shannon Connellan.
Hola, Mexico. Mexico, my friend, you’re more than just the country that sits underneath the United States. You’re more than scrumptious food, food so ridiculously good that I think it’s in our city’s constitution to have at least four Mexican restaurants per square kilometre by the end of 2012 or we’re just going to scrap Brisbane altogether. You’re more than tequila. You’re more than Selena Gomez. You know what you are, Mexico? You’re a great place for films. You’re so great that a festival dedicated to Mexican film is back in Brisbane for its sixth year. This year there’ll be comedies, dramas, documentaries… and Mexican food. This year, the festival is sponsored by Mad Mex, the Strongbads of tacos in the Valley. Why thank you, Mexico! You’re providing us Sunny State-ers with the opportunity to feast with our mouths and eyes! You’re the best amigo ever. And, if you’re lucky, you could probably feast for free, because we’re giving away 25 double passes for the festival. For more information, just click on this link.
Brisbanites, if you're ready to laugh this autumn, the River City has just the festival for it. Now taking place in late April and all throughout May each year, Brisbane Comedy Festival is the Sunshine State capital's excuse to get giggling. On the 2023 lineup: 350-plus gigs by more than 110 comedians across five weeks. BCF revealed a heap of its bill for this year late in 2022, but that was just the beginning of its roster of chuckle-inducing talent. Now, the full program has just dropped, complete with over 70 more comedians joining the fun from Friday, April 28 till Sunday, May 29, 2023. Across both announcements, the Brisbane Powerhouse-hosted event isn't short on big names, including returning favourites and first-timers alike. David O'Doherty, Danny Bhoy, Micky Bartlett, Ed Byrne, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, Chris Parker and Ivan Aristeguieta sit on the bill alongside Ross Noble, Jason Manford, Jason Leong, Daniel Kitson and Alfie Brown. Fans of homegrown comedy talent can also look forward to Tripod, Nat's What I Reckon, Rhys Nicholson, Akmal, Mel Buttle, The Umbilical Brothers, Wil Anderson, Dave Hughes, Peter Helliar, Rove McManus, Anne Edmonds and Lloyd Langford, as well as Tom Ballard, Tommy Little, Michael Hing, Andrew Hansen, Dilruk Jayasinha, Claire Hooper and Geraldine Hickey. And these days, we basically count Irish comedian Jimeoin as a local, don't we? Other highlights include Karen From Finance, Reuben Kaye, Lizzy Hoo, the cabaret-style Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club, the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, the Multicultural Comedy Gala and Queerstories. Or, there's the return of Two-Man Tarantino, the Sunday Roast and Shit-Faced Shakespeare — the latter doing Romeo and Juliet. BCF attendees can check out comedy cabaret Brisbaret, magic circus stunt show Flabbergasters!, free after-work Friday knockoff sessions and Agatha Christie-inspired improvised whodunnit Murder Village as well, plus James Schloeffel from The Shovel and Charles Firth from The Chaser teaming up for Wankernomics. 2023's Brisbane Comedy Festival comes after the event has enjoyed impressive growth over the past five years, its audience increasing by 25 percent since 2019, and also attracting more than 20,000 BCF first-timers. This year, those crowds will be heading to Brisbane Powerhouse, of course — including six stages in its main Powerhouse Theatre, Underground Theatre, The Studio, Rooftop Terrace, Park Mezzanine and Graffiti Room, and its new Pleasuredome deployed as an outdoor comedy club — and to Fortitude Music Hall for the opening gala, plus The Tivoli as a satellite festival hub. The 2023 Brisbane Comedy Festival will take place between Friday, April 28–Sunday, May 29. For further details and tickets, head to the festival's website. Top image: Atmosphere Photography.
If all-day brunch is your idea of bliss, then prepare to take a liking to Little Clive. The Annerley cafe might be modest in name — and in favouring breakfast foods and burgers on their menu — but they're anything but when it comes to taste. For those fond of more traditional early-morning fare, expect all the usual suspects served with a gourmet twist. Their grilled haloumi comes with buttered kale, blistered tomatoes and pistachio crumble on sourdough, while their smoked salmon is served on Turkish bread with beetroot creme, poached eggs, picked onions and soft herbs. And then there's the avocado plate, as stacked with coriander, chilli, lime, wattleseed and macadmia dukkah. After a more lunch-style brunch? That's where your pick of waygu beef, buttermilk chicken and haloumi burgers comes in — but be warned, you'd best be hungry. A host of sweet stuff and sandwiches can be found in their range of cabinet food, plus there's a blackboard menu that changes daily. Here, you won't just want brunch all day — you'll want it every day.
The Other Son attempts to question the passionate attachment to identity that lies at the bloody heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Seventeen-year-old Joseph Silberg (Jules Sitruk), the son of Orith (Emmanuelle Devos), a French doctor, and Alon (Pascal Elbe), an Israeli army officer, has spent his youth playing guitar and studying at the local synagogue. He is gearing up to enlist in the Israeli army for compulsory national service when a shock discovery reveals that he is not at all who he, or his family, has always assumed him to be. In the turmoil of a Gulf War evacuation, the doctors at the Haifa hospital in which Joseph was born swapped him with the newborn Yacine Al Bezaaz (Mehdi Dehbi), a Palestinian with an auto mechanic father, Said (Khalifa Natour), and full-time mother, Leila (Areen Omari). Director Lorraine Levy takes a gentle approach, conveying the ensuing drama through a patchwork of scenes that focus on personal reactions and intimate familial relationships. While both mothers reach out to their biological sons, simultaneously retaining maternal love for their 'adoptees', the fathers struggle with denial and anger. Much of the film explores the self-examination undertaken by Joseph and Yacine, and their development of a friendship based on mutual experience. Commendably, Levy raises her questions of individual versus collective identity and religious division versus common humanity without preaching. However, the material tends to sketch, rather than probe deeply. We are left contemplating, but not necessarily as profoundly affected as we might anticipate. For example, one scene depicts Joseph in conversation with his rabbi, confounded that, despite a lifetime of study, he is no longer considered a Jew. In the moment, his fragility and confusion are clear, and we witness him visibly upset around his peers, but the psychological and emotional ramifications of such an upheaval are really only touched upon. Similarly, the heavy political context forms an ever-present backdrop, but the film portrays little of its violent reality. One exception to this is Bilal, Yacine’s fanatical brother. Horrified to discover that he has spent his life sharing a room with 'the enemy', he becomes relentlessly vitriolic towards Yacine yet overwhelmingly accepting of Joseph. We recognise Bilal as symbolic of the fervour that feeds prejudice. Despite these tendencies mitigating its ultimate impact on the emotional level, The Other Son is carried by some highly nuanced and watchable performances. Jules Sitruk brings an arresting vulnerability to the dreamy, creative Joseph and Mehdi Dehbi an impressive strength to the elusive and self-possessed Yacine. Some viewers may find hope in the film's fundamentally optimistic outlook; others may baulk at its slightly simplistic relationship to a conflict that no amount of negotiation or bloodletting seems to be able to bring to an end.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — this shindig will indulge your retro urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s Boxing Day Party from 9pm on Saturday, December 26. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the party. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. The ticketed party will be held outdoors at The Brightside, in the car park. And, yes, dance floors are back in action — so prepare to make like the 90s and bust a move. Image: The Brightside.
