Whether you're settling in for karaage chicken wings, matcha soft serve or a sake flight over killer river views, Yoko Dining is one of Brisbane's must-visit restaurants and bars all year round, at all times and no matter the occasion. Here's a new excuse to head by: the Howard Smith Wharves izakaya's first-ever bottomless deal, which kicks off on Saturday, September 30. Weekly from 11.30am–1.30pm, the Buns + Bubbles Bottomless Saturday Lunch will get you enjoying those chook pieces and more over plenty of effervescent drops. The drinks will flow for an hour and 45 minutes, pouring prosecco and house wines — all for $85 per person. Food-wise, you'll also tuck into togarashi edamame, nikkei ceviche and koshihikari rice as starters. Save some room, too, because then comes a honey koji roast duck set complete with bao buns, pickled kohlrabi, cucumber, kimchi and nitsume. This spring deal is sticking around until Saturday, November 4 — and if you're keen on adding Taittinger champagne to your bottomless spread to celebrate an occasion, whatever other reason you're gathering the gan or just because, that'll cost you an extra $70 per person. Images: Nikki To.
Eye roll-inducingly terrible bumper stickers be damned; no one honks if they're horny in Titane. Revving when aroused is more this petrol-doused body-horror film's style, spanning characters both flesh and chrome. When she's seen writhing in fishnets atop a flame-adorned vintage Cadillac, the stony-gazed Alexia (debutant Agathe Rousselle) is working. She's titillating a Fast and Furious-style car crowd with her sexed-up display, but the car model still seems to hum with every gyration. After wrapping up, murdering a grab-happy fan with the metal chopstick keeping her hair up and then showering off the gooey, gory evidence, she's soon purring rhythmically inside that gleaming vehicle. Yes, in a plot detail that spilled the instant Titane premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d'Or, this is the French car sex flick. How does someone fornicate with an automobile? Not inside or on the waxed hood, but copulating with the vehicle itself? That's one of this pumping piston of a movie's least interesting questions, although Titane does go there. In her sophomore effort after the also-phenomenal teen cannibal film Raw, writer/director Julia Ducournau isn't too interested in those specifics. She splashes the bouncy sex scene across the screen with lights flashing, human and motor pulsating as one, and pleasure seeping like exhaust fumes, but it's hardly the picture's only point of interest. Titane isn't the first feature to flirt with carnality and cars — Ridley Scott's The Counsellor had a gas-fuelled rendezvous less than a decade ago; Crash, from body-horror godfather David Cronenberg, is also steeped in automotive eroticism. But Ducournau's addition to the parking lot shrewdly links mechanophilia with agency and control, particularly over one's feelings and body. First, before cylinders start lustily thrusting, Titane finds the initial growls of Alexia's four-wheeled fascination via a quick race through her childhood. As a seven-year-old (fellow first-timer Adèle Guigue), she enjoys audibly rumbling along with the engine. She also likes kicking the chair in front of her, exasperating her dad (French filmmaker Bertrand Bonello, director of Nocturama and Zombi Child) into an accident. For her troubles, she gets a plate of the titular element inserted in her cracked skull. That steely stare matches the alloy in her head even then. From the outset, Ducournau pairs blood and metal, reshaping her central figure while laying bare her vulnerabilities. She kicks her film into a gear it'll keep shifting into again and again, too, because this is a movie about modifications: physically, emotionally and while trying to claim one's own sense of self. Titane isn't just the French car sex film, clearly. It isn't merely a car sex movie about a woman partly forged from titanium, and with a penchant for piercing her way through those who block her road. Nor is it simply the French car pregnancy flick, with Alexia and the Caddy's tryst bearing fruit — a condition she tries to conceal, especially after more deaths lead her to Vincent (Vincent Lindon, At War), a fire chief who takes her in as his long-missing son. If Ducournau had made her script out of metal, she'd be moulding it in its molten form. She'd be letting it bubble; key to Titane's blistering appeal is its eagerness to let things boil, then brim over, because the feelings and ideas it works with are that scorching. If her feature was a car instead, it'd be that libidinous, fire-emblazoned Cadillac, which arrives with a bang, lures Alexia in and then lets loose. Actually, perhaps Titane would be the oily belly of the hulking vehicle that gets its biggest fan in the family way. Watching here resembles peeking under the bonnet with the engine running, seeing pulleys and belts in action, and feeling heat and energy radiate. That doesn't solely stem from the mechanical imagery, or the savage first half — where fluidly executed killing sprees, broken bodies and a watch-behind-your-hands incident of self-mutilation take on a mechanised air, too. And, it doesn't just emanate from Alexia's swelling stomach, the motor oil oozing from her breasts or, after binding down all signs of femininity in her new life, her scars. As set to both an eerie score and pitch-perfect needle drops, Titane evokes a sensation of witnessing moving parts grind, whirr, interlock and spark. The movie thrums, and it's intoxicating. It isn't always pretty, even with a neon-drenched look that'd do Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn proud, but popping the hood rarely is. As all filmmakers aim to, that's what Ducournau does with her car porn/serial killer/secret identity/gender-bending blend. She opens up her characters, exposes what makes them run and spies what lubricates their gears. Thanks to Rousselle's stunningly physical, near-silent performance, Titane lays bare the workings of a woman who has confronted the hyper-sexualised expectations of her gender by leaning in, and by stabbing. Alexia then grasps comfort by eschewing boundaries, and gaining a surrogate dad who's similarly trapped in his own way. As lensed with an exacting yet empathetic eye by Raw's Ruben Impens — even with its lurid blue and purple hues — Titane sees Vincent's battle to meet the macho standard, too. Shots of him injecting steroids to keep up with the younger firefighters are just as brutal as glimpses of Alexia's distended, strapped-down midsection, if not her bursts of violence. Titane is a ferocious and unflinching thriller, and also beautiful, tender and compassionate. Amid its visceral shocks, it gleans possibilities — in embracing connections, accepting change, breaking free of everything that the world throws at you and, crucially, in seeking power in transformation. Lindon's impact, and that of his soulful, sorrowful eyes, can't be underestimated; if Rousselle is the movie's fuel, he's its oxygen. Ducournau is always in the driver's seat, though. The second woman to ever win Cannes' highly coveted top prize, she packs the film's absurdities into the boot, straps her Raw-established fascination with bodies and identity into the passenger side, puts her pedal to the metal and speeds towards her own cinematic horizon. She veers, swerves and spins along the way, but never crashes — and takes her audience on one helluva ride.
If you're an iced coffee aficionado, you'll know it's very important to have one within arm's reach at all times — which can be tough on summer sojourns to beaches, parks and picnics. Well, New Zealand roastery (and firm Concrete Playground fave) Coffee Supreme has really come to the party with its latest release: a range of grab-and-go canned coffees (and one fancy-schmancy tea). The cans hit Australian cafes on Thursday, May 11 and come in three varietals: an iced long black, an iced oat latte and an iced Cascara fizz. The first two are fairly self-explanatory but if the fizz has spiked your interest, we've got the details. This coffee cherry-flavoured tea is made from the dried skins of coffee cherries and has a sweet, fruity taste with notes of rosehip, hibiscus and cherry. It's, of course, fizzy and a little lower on caffeine if you've already hit your coffee limit that day. The new cans are only available online and at your local Supreme-using cafe, so stock up on a few to pop in the fridge for caffeine emergencies this summer. We see them being crucial when en route to a morning gym class, packed into the chiller for a picnic, or perhaps necking back as you get ready for a big night out. If you want to get your hands on a free sample of the new range, Coffee Supreme's Abbotsford and Brookvale cafes, and Make My Day Brisbane are giving out 200 free cans from 9am on Friday, May 19. Plus, Coffee Supreme fridges are popping up across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, offering more cans free of charge. From Monday, May 15–Sunday, May 21 you'll find the fridge at FluidForm Studio in Sydney, Up There Athletics in Melbourne and Double Double in Brisbane. The following week, across Monday, May 22–Sunday, May 28, you can grab a free iced coffee at Sydney's Deus ex Machina, Melbourne's MAAP or Brisbane's Range Brewing. And, rounding out the tour will be DRNKS in Sydney, Blackhearts & Sparrows in Melbourne and Your Local Film Lab in Brisbane from Monday, May 29–Sunday, June 4. Coffee Supreme's new range of canned iced coffee is available online and in cafes around Australia. Follow along with the freebies the brand is giving out at the Supreme Australia Instagram account.
When January is in full swing, the sun is out and we're all still in a holiday mood — whether or not we're actually still on holidays — no one needs an excuse for a weekend road trip. But here's one anyway, coming courtesy of Harvest Newrybar: eating dishes whipped up by acclaimed chef Danielle Alvarez. Formerly of Fred's in Sydney, Alvarez is heading to the Byron hinterland to cook up a storm for three days. That means that diners at A Weekend with Danielle at Harvest have three chances to tuck in: for dinner from 5.30pm on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, and for lunch from 12pm on Sunday, January 22. [caption id="attachment_885631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] It's the first time that Alvarez has brought her old-world cooking techniques to the region, and her all-round thoughtful approach to the kitchen as well — and she'll be matching Harvest's own focus on sustainability and top-notch local ingredients, of course. Indeed, she's visiting the producers that the restaurant works with, and Harvest family farm Picone Orchard, to come up with her culinary lineup. On the menu: oyster with gazpacho, fish tartare with finger lime and fish sauce in betel leaf, flatbread with charred chilli and clam butter, and a plate of pickled and wood oven-roasted veggies paired with locally made fresh cheese. And, there's also squid and prawn rice with coriander and chilli tahini, roasted Bangalow sweet pork and grilled fish with summer squash. Plus, dessert spans fruit from Piccone on ice, as well as lemonade fruit granita with lychees. Bookings will cost you $130 per person for a three-course set menu, or $220 with matched wines. Harvest Newrybar images: Jess Kearney.
Mark Friday, April 12, 2024 in your diary: that's when Fallout will jump from gaming's bunker to streaming's landscape. After 2023 saw The Last of Us leap from mashed buttons to a TV sensation for HBO, 2024 now has a big candidate to follow in its footsteps, this time via Prime Video. It's been almost three decades since Fallout first hit computers back in 1997, with three released sequels, a fourth on the way and seven spinoffs all following. Next comes a live-action television take starring Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets), Walton Goggins (I'm a Virgo) and Kyle MacLachlan (Lucky Hank). After dropping its first images earlier this week, the Fallout TV series now has a trailer — and it nails the game's aesthetic, sound and vibe. Fans of the Fallout game will already know the show's setting: a post-apocalyptic future. The series takes place 200 years after everything went pear-shaped, with people living in luxe fallout shelters ever since. When some such folks leave their cosy confines, they find a hellscape filled with mutants, wild west vibes and plenty of violence. Purnell plays vault-dweller Lucy, while Twin Peaks great MacLachlan is her dad Overseer Hank, who — as his name suggests — oversees Vault 33. On the surface, Goggins is bounty hunter The Ghoul, who has a secret past — and Aaron Moten (Emancipation) also has a pivotal part as Brotherhood of Steel soldier Maximus. The retrofuturistic dystopian series also features Moisés Arias (Samaritan), Sarita Choudhury (And Just Like That...), Michael Emerson (Evil), Leslie Uggams (Extrapolations), Frances Turner (The Boys), Dave Register (Heightened), Zach Cherry (Severance) and Johnny Pemberton (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) as well — plus Rodrigo Luzzi (Dead Ringers), Annabel O'Hagan (Dear Edward) and Xelia Mendes-Jones (The Wheel of Time). For The Last of Us, HBO enlisted a creative force from one of the US premium cable network's past hits in Chernobyl's Craig Mazin. Prime Video has done the same with Fallout, but with Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy — who also executive produced Prime Video's own The Peripheral. As well as executive producing with Joy, Nolan directs the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) are similarly among Fallout's executive producers, as well as the series' writers and co-showrunners. And yes, Bethesda Game Studios has a hand in finally bringing the games to the screen. Check out the first trailer for Fallout below: Fallout will start streaming via Prime Video from Friday, April 12, 2024. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
Heading to the beach is all about sun, sand and taking a dip in the sea — and for Queenslanders this summer, it's now about two types of surfing. Selected spots across the state will be trialling a new system called Life-Fi, which enables sunbathers to connect to the internet for free while they're lazing about between the flags. The real aim of Life-Fi is actually to save lives. It gives beachgoers an incentive to keep close to lifeguards, with nearly 80 percent of the more than 5000 rescues that have taken place since January 2017 occurring outside of the red and yellow flags. The system also allows surf lifesaving clubs to communicate directly with folks sunning themselves by the shore — sending alerts from lifeguards on duty about ocean conditions, currents and marine creatures; conveying weather updates and live UV ratings; and offering general surf safety tips. Spearheaded by Surf Life Saving Queensland, Life-Fi has already been trialled at the Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, and will now roll out to ten other clubs along the coastline. Four mobile units will also be dispatched throughout the state as they're needed. Exact locations have yet to be announced, although you can expect popular beaches on the Gold and Sunshine coasts to feature. The portable self-contained wireless network is available in six languages (English, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, Japanese and Thai), ensuring that overseas tourists making the most of Queensland beaches can still receive safety warnings. Announcing the expanded trial, Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones noted that tourism was a key motivator. "If we can make people feel safe, we know we'll lure more people to the beach." For more information, visit the Life-Fi website. You can also use NetShare Pro.
Like beer and sunshine, cheese and crackers and Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean Covey, wine and cycling are made for one another. And if there's one undoubtedly dreamy way to spend an afternoon, it's meandering through idyllic vineyards on two wheels. Fortunately, Australia's expansive, uncrowded wine regions are made for such adventures. So, we've scoured every vineyard in the country to find cycling trails filled with cellar doors and ocean vistas — just for you, our dedicated wine lovers. Here are nine of the prettiest and tastiest. While these trails are made for cycling between wineries, don't forget it's still a crime to ride a bike while intoxicated in all states. So drink and ride responsibly, and be safe on the road. If you plan on drinking at every winery, consider booking a mini bus instead. [caption id="attachment_685954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] BAROSSA TRAIL, SOUTH AUSTRALIA This 40-kilometre sealed rail trail, shared by cyclists and walkers, travels through the heart of the Barossa Valley, a world-famous wine region located 80 minutes' drive northeast of Adelaide. Your journey begins in the north in Angaston, one of South Australia's oldest settlements, before passing through the villages of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch, to reach Gawler's heritage-listed buildings. Look out for Mengler Hill Sculpture Park, the Barossa Museum, epic views of the Barossa Range and kangaroos, among countless cellar doors and eateries. [caption id="attachment_680367" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone[/caption] CLARE VALLEY RIESLING TRAIL, SOUTH AUSTRALIA If too much riesling is never enough, this car-free cycling trail is made for you. Find it in idyllic Clare Valley, around two hours' drive north of Adelaide. Your adventure starts on the Valley's southern edge in the gateway town of Auburn, before rolling 35 kilometres north to Barinia. Among the cellar doors you shouldn't miss are O'Leary Walker Wines, surrounded by rural panoramas; Skillogalee, whose rieslings are renowned; and Sevenhill, the Valley's oldest winery, founded in 1851 by a bunch of Jesuits who fled Poland due to persecution. [caption id="attachment_685953" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacqui Way[/caption] SHIRAZ TRAIL, MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Forty-five minutes' drive beyond Adelaide's southern border lies McLaren Vale, known for its Mediterranean climate, excellent reds and proximity to the Fleurieu Peninsula's spectacular coastline. On the Shiraz Trail, you'll cycle 14 kilometres, kicking off in the McLaren Vale township and heading south to the cute village of Willunga. Make slight diversions to visit experimental winemakers Alpha Box & Dice, who are currently working on an entire alphabet of wines, and Hamilton Winery, home to Australia's longest-serving wine making family, who's been stomping on grapes for over 180 years. The Shiraz Trail is one section of the 37-kilometre Coast to Vines Trail. [caption id="attachment_685960" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Swan Valley[/caption] SWAN VALLEY CYCLE TRAIL, WESTERN AUSTRALIA This picturesque trail in Swan Valley — around 90 minutes' drive northwest of Perth — gives you not one, but four routes to choose from. For maximum reward for your efforts, conquer the three-kilometre loop starting at Baskerville Oval, which takes in five wineries. Or, if you're keen to spend more time in the saddle, opt for the 18-kilometre loop beginning at Maali Footbridge, Swan River. You'll pass several cellar doors, as well as artists' studios, local produce and a sculpture park. You'll find maps and more info here. [caption id="attachment_685785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] RUTHERGLEN TO WAHGUNYAH RIDE, VICTORIA Here, your boozy escapades occur in the majestic company of the Murray River. Climb aboard at Rutherglen, a town three hours' drive northeast of Melbourne that's home to more than 20 wineries, and pedal nine kilometres north to riverside Wahgunyah. Along the way, you'll come across Jones Winery, where you can taste shiraz made from 113-year-old vines; Rutherglen Estates, whose home dates to 1886; and Valhalla Wines, which specialises in Rhone Valley varietals. The Rutherglen to Wahgunyah Ride is one section of the mighty 100-kilometre Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. MILAWA GOURMET RIDE, VICTORIA For easy-peasy pedalling along super-flat terrain, make tracks to Milawa, a foodie's mecca found three hours' drive northeast of Melbourne. The Milawa Gourmet Ride stretches for five kilometres, from Brown Brothers Cellar Door, where you can borrow a bike for free, to Sam Miranda Winery. In between swirling and sipping, tuck into an array of gourmet deliciousness, including handmade dairy at Milawa Cheese, condiments at Milawa Mustards and fresh fruit at Blue Ox Berries farm gate. Like the Rutherglen to Wahgunyah Ride, this journey is part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. If you want to continue exploring the Victorian High Country by bike, you'll find more great rides here. [caption id="attachment_686034" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] STANTHORPE TO BALLANDEAN BIKE TRAIL, GRANITE BELT, QUEENSLAND Three-and-a-half hours' drive inland from Byron Bay is Queensland's Granite Belt. Elevated 1000 metres above sea level, this dramatic landscape is a wonderland of rugged granite formations and dense woodlands. See it all from two wheels on the Stanthorpe to Ballandean bike trail. For 30 kilometres, you'll wind along tranquil country roads, pausing at wineries, picnic spots and maybe a brewery or two. The way is dotted with signposts, to keep you on track. The Granite Belt's claim to fame is producing varietals seldom grown in Australia. Among the whites, you'll find roussane, alvarinho and petit manseng, and, among the reds, sagrantino and montepulciano. HUNTER VALLEY CYCLEWAY, NEW SOUTH WALES Opened in 2017, this 10.6-kilometre cycleway runs alongside Hermitage Road – through one of the most winery-dense spots in the Hunter Valley, which lies around 90 kilometres' drive northwest of Sydney. Be sure to visit De Iuliis' stunning cellar door for a cheese and wine flight, as well as Peter Drayton Wines, and its onsite brewery Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse, for excellent wines and craft beers. Meanwhile, at Mistletoe Wines, you'll be sipping sparkling rosé in a sculpture garden, and at Tintilla, sangiovese in an olive grove. You'll find more great wine-filled Hunter Valley bike rides here, too. [caption id="attachment_685963" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lowe Wines, Destination NSW[/caption] MUDGEE WINERY RIDE, NEW SOUTH WALES Three hours' drive northwest of Sydney, the friendly country town of Mudgee has been cultivating grapes since the mid-1800s. There are now more than 35 cellar doors and you can visit 22 of them along a ten-kilometre loop that starts in town, at the Clock Tower. At Lowe Wines, you'll be sampling organic drops and taking a self-guided tour of the vineyards, while at Vinifera, Di Lusso and Mansfield, you'll be working your way through Mediterranean varietals, from Spanish tempranillo to Italian barbera. The map's over here.
Do you usually leave your gift purchasing until the last minute? Have you vowed to finally do better this year? Do you have a heap of friends and family members celebrating birthdays in the second half of 2025 — and zero idea of what you'll get them? Enter The Made Local Market, which is hitting Brisbane IRL this winter to lend a hand with your shopping — and give you an excuse to treat yo'self. Whichever fits, including if you're keen to get a jump on Christmas, you'll have plenty to browse and buy. The market will take place in the Exhibition Building at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 9am–4pm on Saturday, July 19 and 9am–3pm on Sunday, July 20, spreading across two days. Because it focuses on the best local talent, every market is filled with different stallholders and unique creations, but there'll be more than 120 makers, designers, artists and creators at this one. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer gift for your loved ones is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your shopping sorted. Entry costs $2 — and, the whole thing will be cashless, so don't forget your cards. There'll also be food trucks slinging bites to eat, gin tastings, and plenty of places to get caffeinated.
Date night can't be all loud bars, fancy dinners and fast times. There's a point in the evening where the two of you just want to slow down, maybe take in a bit of scenery, even some stargazing if you know the right spot. We've rounded up some of Brisbane's most gorgeous vistas, lamplit walks and secluded night haunts for you and your date to keep the good times going. City skylines, river reflections, hilltop panoramas and illuminated parkland wanders — when it comes to aesthetic night-time experiences, the River City has it all. And if you want to snap some mementos of your romantic evening, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Series has a Nightography mode that'll capture those night lights perfectly. Don't let the beautiful nocturnal photo ops of this fine city go to waste. WHEEL OF BRISBANE Quite literally made for views, the Wheel of Brisbane can get you high enough (60 metres high, to be precise) for 360-degree panoramic vistas of the skyline. Since 2008, these floating gondolas have been raising tourists and locals alike into the air to see the city (and beyond) from a whole new angle. There's also an audio guide that narrates the history of everything you're looking at, from the Botanical Gardens just across the water to Mount Coot-tha in the distance. The wheel is a night-time photo op in itself, so don't forget to take a snap of the towering structure against the night sky when you get back to the bottom. KURILPA BRIDGE This was built as the world's largest hybrid tensegrity bridge. Don't know what that means? Don't worry — all you need to know is that it's one of Brisbane's pedestrian bridges that make this such a walkable city. Spanning from QAGOMA to the inner-north pocket of the CBD, this beautiful bridge gives you a view all the way down the curves of the river and the entire span of South Bank. Turn around, and on the other side you'll catch the William Jolly Bridge and the twinkling lights of the inner 'burbs. The Kurilpa Bridge is also one of Brisbane's more visually fascinating man-made structures (and worthy of a photo or two of its own) — especially when it's lit up in vibrant colours at night, its illuminated poles slashing the sky in a very aesthetic feat of engineering. MOUNT GRAVATT LOOKOUT This one almost goes without saying. Drive up to the highest point at Mt Gravatt Lookout Reserve — it's not even 20 minutes' drive from the CBD — and park near the lookout. Your reward? A soaring panoramic view of Brisbane, Moreton Bay and beyond, framed by native trees and bushland. Look out over the columns of city light glowing in the distance and the constellation of suburbs stretching out beneath the moon and stars and broad, sweeping sky. It's the perfect occasion to put that low-light Nightography to work. Surrounded by only the sounds of nature, with the rest of the world so far away, makes for a very, very romantic little sojourn. KANGAROO POINT CLIFFS Finished up your dinner date in the city? Take a ferry over to Kangaroo Point. Not only do you get all the fun of a nocturnal boat trip, you'll be treated to a view of the illuminated cliffs rising in the night as you approach the parkland. Wander along the green or beneath the craggy stone cliff faces, catch sight (or a crystal-clear snap) of night creatures scurrying through the park, walk out to the wooden jetty, or just sit together on a bench and look back on the towers of the city beneath the starry sky — and wonder whether now's the time to hold their hand. SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS If you've spent any time in Brisbane, you probably already know all about the views and night-time meanderings of South Bank. Maybe you've just been a daytripper to the precinct's sun-drenched bars and perfect picnic lawns. But there's a reason this is the spot for light shows and night markets. When you walk the parkland paths at night, it's an entirely different world. The noises of nocturnal creatures in the gardens, the perfume of the tropical plants, the twisting bougainvillea trellises, the city skyline reflected in the water, the wash of the great Brown Snake against the waterline and ferry jetties — even the towering blocks of QPAC have their own romance. The perfect spot, in other words, for a date-night stroll. NEW FARM RIVERWALK If you've finished your date at Howard Smith Wharves and you fancy a scenic diversion before hitting the bars of New Farm and the Valley, take a stroll along the New Farm Riverwalk. This raised, 870-metre-long walkway zigzags with the curves of the river and ends at Riverview Court — a decent there-and-back stretch that makes for a tranquil night-time wander. Make your way along the lamplit route and see the clifftop homes of New Farm nearby and the CBD vista behind as the gentle current of river laps beneath your feet, and take in the twinkling lights of the towering Story Bridge shedding its glow over the mangroves and dark waters below. HIGHGATE HILL PARK If you've been kicking it in West End all evening, you don't need to head to South Bank for views — just walk uphill. Highgate Hill Park is secluded and suburban, but offers a unique vantage point from 62 metres above sea level that provides clear, close-up vistas of the city below. As you take in the expansive views down to the river and the suburban sprawl beyond, this peaceful hilltop will seem like a world away. You're not likely to be bothered with crowds or foot traffic here, so the two of you can just relax in the gazebo or lie back on the grass on a warm summer's night and watch the stars come out. Make your nighttime epic again with a Samsung Galaxy S22 series device. For more info, head to the website.
From six nominations, Sydney Theatre Company's Sarah Snook (Memoir of a Snail)-starring international production of The Picture of Dorian Gray is now the winner of two Tony awards. At American theatre's night of nights for 2025, the Broadway take of the show earned its leading lady another accolade, after she also won a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for its London version. Also adding a Tony to her mantle alongside her past Olivier Award: Marg Horwell, who emerged victorious for Best Costume Design of a Play, just as she did for The Picture of Dorian Gray's London season. "This means so much for a little Australian girl to be here on Broadway," said Snook in her acceptance speech, as the Australian Succession star nabbed another huge accolade. On the small screen, her turn as Shiv Roy sparked an Emmy, two Golden Globes and a pair of Screen Actors Guild Awards. "It is billed as a one-person show, but I don't feel alone on any night that I do this show. There are so may people onstage making it work, and so many people behind the stage making it work — in particular, a huge thank you to Kip Williams, who is incredible to create this." When the Tony nominations were announced, The Picture of Dorian Gray already made history before the winners were revealed. Becoming the most-nominated solo production in the awards' history will do that. While Snook was the only actor from the production to earn recognition because she's the show's sole cast member, Horwell was also up for Best Scenic Design of a Play with David Bergman, while helmer Kip Williams was nominated for Best Direction of a Play, Nick Schlieper for Best Lighting Design of a Play and Clemence Williams for Best Sound Design of a Play. Before The Picture of Dorian Gray saw Snook score a Tony and make her Broadway debut playing all 26 of the play's parts, it was a smash in Australia with Eryn Jean Norvill (Love Me) in the lead. When it made the leap to the UK starring Snook, it became the talk of West End. It's also been picked up by Cate Blanchett's (Disclaimer) production company Dirty Films to get the film treatment. Not only does the show feature just one performer playing every single character but, to make that happen, it uses video to help. The work of writer/director Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning accolades. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is also exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, which the Tonys clearly appreciate. "Sarah Snook's Tony Award win is a deeply deserved honour. Her performance has captivated audiences night after night, and this recognition is a celebration of her extraordinary artistry," said Michael Cassel, producer of both the West End and Broadway productions. "It is also a proud moment for our entire creative team, whose vision and talent have also been recognised tonight. From its beginnings in Sydney to standing ovations on the West End and Broadway, the journey of this show has been nothing short of phenomenal. This accolade is not only a testament to the brilliance of everyone involved, but also to the courage of Sydney Theatre Company and Kip Williams, whose creative genius, ambition and innovation made this groundbreaking piece of theatre possible. I am so proud to be a part of Australian theatre being shared on the global stage." Williams' Dracula is the next Sydney Theatre Company hit that's heading abroad, with 2025 Tony Awards host and Wicked Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo set to star when the also one-performer-show heads to London from early 2026. Check out the trailer for the Broadway season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The 78th Tony Awards took place on Monday, June 9, 2025 Australian time — head to the accolades' website for more details and winners. The Picture of Dorian Gray has been playing Broadway in New York since March 2025 — for more information and to join the waitlist for tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
When Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers) and Pedro Pascal (Drive-Away Dolls) were cast in Gladiator II, audiences instantly knew what they wanted to see. The film doesn't release until mid-November 2024, but the trailers for it so far — a first sneak peek back in July and the just-dropped latest preview — have been delivering. The pair face off, Mescal gets shirtless, and there's sandals and swords aplenty, too. There's also odious Emperors, of course, and even a rhinoceros and seafaring clashes in the Colosseum. Mescal's Lucius watched the climactic events of 2000's Russell Crowe (The Exorcism) and Joaquin Phoenix (Napoleon)-starring film, as the initial trailer explained, which is just one of the on-screen ties that Gladiator II boasts with its predecessor. Another: Connie Nielsen (Origin) returning from Gladiator as Lucilla, Lucius' mother. And, behind the lens, there's also the not-at-all-minor fact that director Ridley Scott is back to make this 24-years-later sequel. If Gladiator II's protagonist didn't have his own date with Rome's iconic amphitheatre, and his own rage to unshackle, there wouldn't be much of a film. His stint comes after Emperors Caracalla (Joseph Quinn, A Quiet Place: Day One) and Geta (Fred Hechinger, The White Lotus) take over his home. Queue a quest for revenge, plus glory for Rome, with Pascal's general Marcus Acacius becoming Lucius' target. As for Denzel Washington (The Equalizer 3), he plays power broker Macrinus. Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise director Scott has been in blast-from-the-past mode for over a decade now, first revisiting the Alien realm with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, then reteaming with Phoenix on Napoleon, and now helming his second Gladiator flick. Of late, he's also been fond of making movies set in the past — long ago and more recent — as not only seen with Napoleon, but also with House of Gucci, The Last Duel and All the Money in the World. With Gladiator II, the British filmmaker teams up two of the internet's boyfriends in Mescal and Pascal, and promises a battle-filled time following up the feature that picked up Best Picture, Best Actor (for Crowe), Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards. Scott also earned his second Best Director nomination, after Thelma & Louise and before Black Hawk Down gave him a third. Gladiator II hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 14, 2024, which means that local audiences will see it a week before American audiences — and a week before Wicked Part One arrives in picture palaces, too, so there'll be no Barbenheimer-style release day here. Check out the latest trailer for Gladiator II below: Gladiator II opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
The Alex Perry Hotel puts its designer credentials right there in its name. This Fortitude Valley property is decked out with all of the fashion designer's signature touches pulled directly from his runway creations. Think rich, dark colours contrasting with gleaming white and natural tones, plus natural light aplenty. And, the rooms are all apartment-style, which always helps in making you feel at home. It might be located in a busy area for boutique accommodation, near both The Calile and Ovolo the Valley — both of which have their place in the list of the best boutique hotels in Brisbane — but there's one thing that helps Alex Perry Hotel stand out: its rooftop space. There's a pool, naturally; however, sitting on the astroturf and admiring the sunset is one of the best ways to soak in the best of Brisbane's sensational weather.
For six months, getting around the Sunshine State via Translink public transport services is going to be cheap. How cheap? Just 50 cents per journey. That's excellent news for everyone's bank balances, and so is the newly announced next part of the Queensland Government's cost-of-living relief measures relating to travelling from A to B: half-price Airtrain fares. While the train to and from Brisbane Airport isn't getting quite the hefty discount that general Translink tickets are, it'll still undergo a massive drop in price. Instead of paying $21.90 via Go Card or electronic ticketing to or from Central Station, the cost will be $10.95. And for paper tickets, it'll go down to $11. [caption id="attachment_960185" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MDXR via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The slashed Airtrain fares will also come into effect on Monday, August 5, 2024 and run for six months, just like the 50-cent tickets otherwise. And although anyone heading to or from the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast will still need to pay to get to Brisbane before hopping on the Airtrain, that full one-way journey will start at $11.45 via Go Card given that the non-Airtrain part is 50 cents. "Rail travel to the terminals will now be included in our six-month cost-busting public transport trial, meaning travellers and workers will pay less to get to the airport," said Queensland Premier Steven Miles. "This initiative, combined with our 50-cent fares on Translink services, will make taking public transport more affordable and attractive to Queenslanders and tourists. There has never been a better time to leave the car and the stress of airport parking behind and enjoy the half-price train trip instead." [caption id="attachment_960189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Orderinchaos via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] If you need a refresher on the 50-cent news, the price-cutting move will cover Translink services, starting with trains, buses, ferries and trams in southeast Queensland. So for Brisbanites, whether you ride the rails as part of your daily commute, hit the road or hop on a CityCat, you'll be scoring a hefty discount, getting there and home for just $1 a day. Translink also runs buses in Bowen, Bundaberg, Cairns, the Fraser Coast, Gladstone and Gympie — and in Innisfail, Kilcoy, Mackay, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Toowoomba, Townsville, Warwick and The Whitsundays. Yes, this is a statewide measure. [caption id="attachment_958245" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The 50-cent price will apply to everyone, including concession cardholders, but is only available on Translink services. Accordingly, privately operated transport services won't be doing the cheap fares. Running for six months, the fare drop isn't a permanent change — but it will help you stop spending more than a fiver to get to and from your job if you work a five-day grind. [caption id="attachment_857365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] [caption id="attachment_749921" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] John via Flickr[/caption] Half-price fares will come into effect on the Airtrain to and from Brisbane Airport on Monday, August 5, 2024, running for six months. To find out more, head to the Airtrain website. Top image: MDRX via Wikimedia Commons.
When the Australian Open returns for 2023 with two jam-packed weeks of Grand Slam tennis action, it'll also be serving up a few aces for local music-lovers. Especially as part of the inaugural AO Finals Festival, which is set to treat punters to a program of live acts across the event's final three days, heating up Kia Arena from Friday, January 27–Sunday, January 29. The music fest is dishing up a ripper lineup for its debut run, too, featuring the likes of Vanessa Amorosi, Flight Facilities and Benee. Which doesn't come as too much of a surprise, given it's been curated with help from the respected music-heads at Untitled Group — the brains behind Pitch Music & Arts, For The Love, Grapevine Gathering and more. [caption id="attachment_789706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Benee[/caption] The festival is kicking off with a bang, its first day coinciding with global LGBTQI+ event The Grand Slam, presented by Ralph Lauren. Legendary singer-songwriter and 'Absolutely Everybody' star Amorosi will help launch the musical offerings, joined by pop darling Montaigne and Melbourne-based DJ Bertie. Chasing that on January 28 (also the AO women's finals day) you'll catch New Zealand singer-songwriter Benee, renowned Gamilaraay artist Thelma Plum and party-starting six-piece Winston Surfshirt, along with dance favourite CC:DISCO! And wrapping things up on AO men's finals day you'll have electro duo Flight Facilities, backed by brother-and-sister act Lastlings, Sydney's Willo and emerging Melbourne star Forest Claudette. [caption id="attachment_842049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flight Facilities[/caption] The gigs will take place in Melbourne's Park Kia Arena, with tickets at $34 for each day. If you're already heading courtside during the AO, you'll just need to drop $5 to upgrade your existing ground pass or Rod Laver Arena stadium ticket to include entry to the AO Finals Festival on any given day. As always, there'll be scores of food and drink pop-ups scattered throughout Melbourne Park, as well as big screens showing all the on-court action. [caption id="attachment_872292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thelma Plum, by Georgia Wallace[/caption] The AO Finals Festival hits Kia Arena, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, from January 27–January 29. Tickets are $34 for each day session, available online.
They're the business with one of the best names we've come across — and they're one of Brisbane's favourite market stalls as well. Now, from January 21 to 24, they're the reason you should mosey on over to Portside Wharf. Yes, we're talking about The Cheese Pleaser, those purveyors of a certain dairy product. If you've bought any of their sharp or creamy wares before, you'll know that they well and truly live up to their moniker. At Portside, they're not just showcasing artisan cheeses, although they'll be doing plenty of that, don't worry. They'll also be highlighting wine and craft beer, all set to the sounds of some rocking live Aussie music. It's the kind of event that you'll want to bring a picnic blanket to, then settle in for an afternoon of drinks, tunes and $12 platters. That's right, this pop-up won't just be yum — it'll be fun, too.
Strolling along a jetty is one of life's simple pleasures. Decking stretches from the shore out over the ocean, the water glistens as far as the eye can see, and the breeze — because there's always a breeze — is instantly refreshing. And, no matter where in the world you happen to be, the experience always feels comfortably familiar. The scenery might be different, but there's not much about moseying along a pier that changes from place to place. Well, that's usually the case. At Australia's new structure in the Eyre Peninsula city of Whyalla, in South Australia, the whole jetty concept has had quite the upgrade. The basics are still the same — it's still a platform that juts out over the sea, of course, and you still walk along it and soak in the coastal splendour — but this one has a huge circle in the middle, as well as LED lights along its handrails. If you're thinking about immediately adding it to your must-visit list, that's understandable. Instead of running in a straight line as most piers do, this $7.8-million concrete jetty boasts a loop in the centre — and visitors have to walk either one way or the other along the circle to get to the end of the structure. The design isn't symmetrical, which means you have two options: take the shorter, more direct route as you head to the big square platform at the jetty's tip, or meander along the lengthier arc for a leisurely spot of wave-watching. If you decide to wander along the entire jetty — walking the full circumference of the loop, as well as the straight sections at either end — you'll cover 315 metres. You'll also venture 165 metres out from the shore. In addition, you'll have ample space, as the whole thing is 4.5 metres wide. For accessibility purposes, a 45-metre ramp is currently under construction as well. [caption id="attachment_784064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A render of the jetty[/caption] Officially opened on Wednesday, September 16, the Whyalla Jetty is the only jetty of its kind in the southern hemisphere — and given its eye-catching look, it's easy to see how that's the case. The design was selected by the local community to replace the old pier, which was destroyed by a fire in 2019 but was set to be superseded by the new jetty anyway. And, in picking a new structure, these SA residents have chosen well. To keep the jetty visible at night, bespoke lighting has been installed in its top brushed steel balustrade, too, with each 50-centimetre section of railing including a five-centimetre LED pod. So, as well as standing out due to its shape, this pier lights up the night. It has been built to last at least 80 years, so expect those lights to glow for some time. Visitors can meander along the jetty's expanse, obviously, as well as fish off the side; however, jetty jumping is strictly forbidden. There aren't any ladders or steps to take you down to the water either — so once you're up there, you'll be looking down at the sea from above. Find the Whyalla Jetty in Whyalla, on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. For further details, visit the Whyalla City Council's website.
Get your shopping done under twinkling lights while surrounded by real (not plastic) Christmas trees. No, this isn't a festive dream — it's the reality of South Bank's annual Christmas markets. Whether you've been every year since you can remember, or you've never gone a-browsing at the inner-city spot, visiting The Collective Markets Christmas Edition is worth the trip. While the entirety of South Bank will be in a merry mood (including via a free and festive outdoor cinema program), nothing will steal the show from the most important part of the proceedings: the wares on offer at the rows of stalls. From 10am–9pm between Saturday, December 17–Thursday, December 22, you'll find handmade toys, jewellery and other trinkets just begging to be given as gifts, as well as tasty treats to add to your Christmas feast. Yep, everyone's a winner here.
Arguably one of the most common and long-running artistic traditions, landscape painting serves a purpose beyond simply recreating a scenic vista. The artist’s memories of a place and time are captured in light and colour, with their brushstrokes allowing others to truly experience that place through someone else’s eyes. Land Scope explores this sense of nostalgia and memory through the works of two Brisbane artists. Clare Cowley’s oil paintings bring her connection to the land to life with rich colour and energetic brushwork, while Grace Herrmann uses watercolour to capture scenes with a quiet, dreamlike softness. The exhibition creates a feeling of intimacy and interconnectedness between the artists and viewers alike. Land Scope exhibits at the Woolloongabba Art Gallery from 1 to 12 September, with an opening night event on Friday 4 September.
You know the house: soothing earthy tones, white walls, timber furniture and a cooling breeze floating through linen curtains. You've imagined getting your home to look and feel like that every day, and at Blake & Taylor, you can make it happen. The design services and homewares at Blake & Taylor are all about finding that moment of lightness you feel when a room brings you peace and joy. The Blake and Taylor aesthetic draws on vintage colour palettes and patterns, with an element of aspirational country elegance. Think, blue and white china prints, retro wallpaper designs and pastel tones. Blake & Taylor offers full interior design consultations, as well as individual pieces of upholstery, lampshades, soft furnishings, ceramics, rugs and even clothing. If you feel like getting your hands dirty, pick up some of its signature chalk furniture paint and transform a tired piece of furniture into something that feels brand new. It also has classes in cushion making, millinery and watercolours that are ideal for making the perfect art piece to complete your newly designed interior. Whether you're ready to get seriously domestic or you're just on the hunt for those final touches that elevate your place from a house to a home, Blake & Taylor can help colour your life and your home with even more beauty.
Umbrellas at the ready, Sydneysiders. Spoons full of sugar, too. In the most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious news you'll hear all day — and all year as well — the Mary Poppins musical is making its way Down Under. Between May–October 2022, you'll be able to revisit the tale of the singing nanny onstage at the Lyric Theatre Sydney. Disney and theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh's current version of the show tells the same tale that everyone knows from the 1964 film — which, as well as inspiring this stage adaptation, also gave rise to big-screen sequel Mary Poppins Returns in 2018. Everything to do with the English governess harks back to PL Travers' books about the character, of course, and pop culture has been thankful for and downright delighted with her stories for almost six decades now. Exact dates for the musical's Sydney season haven't yet been revealed, but theatre fans can look forward to a new version of the show that last graced the city's stages — and won eight Helpmann Awards — back in 2011. Since Mackintosh first teamed up with writer Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) to bring Mary Poppins to the theatre in 2004, the production has won four Olivier Awards and a Tony as well. Mackintosh is bringing The Phantom of the Opera to Sydney this year, too, and a Cinderella musical is also headed the city's way — so it's a great time to love stage musicals based on classic tales, clearly. Whether Mary Poppins will float on elsewhere in Australia hasn't yet been announced; however, Sydney's season has been marked as the Australian premiere. So, residents of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide – and everywhere else in the country — you can start crossing your fingers that Poppins, the Banks family and their Cherry Tree Lane abode might also come your way in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiT6Og3lDbw Mary Poppins will play the Lyric Theatre Sydney from May–October 2022, with exact dates yet to be revealed. To sign up for the ticket waitlist, head to the musical's website — with tickets due to go on sale in August 2021. Top image: Johan Persson.
April 14, 2018, will forever go down in history as the day Beyoncé took to the Coachella stage and made it her own. If you were lucky enough to be there, you'll no doubt remember it forever. If you watched the live stream — and it became the most-watched live-streamed performance of all time, so you probably did — then you'll never forget it either. Whichever category you fell into, you likely wish you were closer to the action — to the stage for the 137-minute performance, to the 100-plus dancers, to its powerful homage to America's historically black colleges and universities, and to the backstage antics as well. Enter Netflix's Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé, the concert documentary you definitely knew you needed, but didn't know existed until now. Yesterday, Wednesday, April 17, the streaming platform released the in-depth look at Bey's epic show, revealing "the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement". Like the real-life performance, the film clocks in at 137 minutes, so expect a lengthy and intimate tour through the festival set everyone has been talking about for a year, including behind-the-scenes footage and candid chats that delve into the preparation process and Bey's stunning vision. You know what else is lengthy? The 40-track live album Bey just dropped on Spotify. Yep, the Queen has blessed us on two platforms this week. We are not worthy. As well as live renditions of 'Sorry', 'Crazy in Love' and 'Soldier' — the latter which was performed with former Destiny's Child group mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams — from Coachella, the album, also called Homecoming, features a song by Blue Ivy (Bey's daughter) and two bonus tracks. It's also doubly exciting that the album is available on the easier-to-access Spotify, as Bey dropped her most-recent album Lemonade exclusively on Tidal, her husband Jay-Z's streaming service. The long weekend is here. You have four hours of Beyoncé content to consume. Happy listening and viewing, friends. Head to Netflix to watch Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé and listen to the album below:
The middle of the year means shorter days and longer nights — and, rather than yearning for Brisbane's summer sun, you might as well embrace the two. Here's one way: Milton by Moonlight, Milton Markets' returning midyear shindig. On the agenda: everything that makes this inner-west market a firm favourite, but during an early winter evening. Taking place from 4–10pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the event will start serving up bites to eat — and setting up 140-plus stalls to shop — in the late afternoon, so you can jump into the fun as twilight approaches. Then, when the moon comes out, you can browse, buy, sip, munch and dance the night away. With gourmet street food, artisanal wares and live entertainment on offer — the former usually including dumplings, tacos, noodles and wings; the latter normally across multiple stages — you'll have plenty to see, taste, purchase and listen to. And to drink as well, thanks to the pop-up craft beer bar, and also glühwein. Entry costs $3 at the gate — and if you're driving there, parking usually costs $2 as well.
When you're as fond of chocolate as you are of gelato, there's no Easter egg like a Messina Easter egg. And if you're a fan of the brand's ice cream, as well as cheesecake and pretzels, then you probably know that the chain's Mr Messina flavour is one of the best. Combine Messina's annual Easter special with one of its most-beloved gelato varieties, then, and the result is a mighty delicious 2025 treat. Gelato Messina's chocolate eggs come filled with gelato — and while in some years, the purveyors of frosty sweet treats have made multipacks, this year's version remains a one-kilogram giant. Yes, it's giving us the Easter delight that we all coveted when we were kids: a hefty-sized egg. Of course, this one is even better than the foil-wrapped supermarket versions, thanks to the Messina gelato inside. Once you crack into the handpainted chocolate shell, layers of cheesecake mousse await, plus pretzel crumb and clusters coated in milk chocolate. You'll also find pretzel chocolate dip and Basque cheesecake gelato with baked cheesecake chunks, as well as a soft pretzel caramel centre. The chain's 2025 egg is designed to serve six, but if you're keen to keep it to yourself, we understand. You'll be paying $80 either way, and getting in quick when they go on sale is recommended as they usually sell out. Messina's 2025 Easter eggs can only be ordered online on Thursday, March 27 for collection over Easter — naturally — between Thursday, April 17–Sunday, April 20. To get details about specific on-sale times, you'll need to register in advance via the Messina website. Gelato Messina's 2025 gelato Easter eggs are available to order from Thursday, March 27 for pick up between Thursday, April 17–Sunday, April 20 — head to the Messina website for further details.
There's something novel about soaking in a tub with no wall in front of you, no roof above you, and no worries if anyone will spoil the moment (or see you naked). It's romantic, relaxing, and the unfamiliar nature of bathing outdoors can be, lets face it, kind of exciting. This is especially true when your bath is paired with a glass of red and the knowledge that there's a roaring fire waiting for you inside the architecturally designed house you've found yourself in. So, to make your outdoor-bath dreams a reality, we've rounded up the most enviable houses in Australia that have particularly unique outdoor-bathing scenarios. Whether you fancy relaxing in a private Japanese bathhouse, a rustic metal tub perched on a farm's timber deck, or want to stargaze from a spa-bath in a mountain cave, we've got you covered. Read on for our top stays with next-level outdoor baths across Australia. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Glamping Sites in New Zealand The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia Liptrap Loft, Walkerville, Victoria This design-minded house combines Japanese architecture with rustic charm — it boasts a one-of-a-kind sunken indoor-outdoor Japanese bath in a traditional bathhouse that opens up to views of the surrounding property. From $406 a night, sleeps six. Wensley, Wensleydale, Victoria Built from recycled oregon and ironbark, this bespoke timber, architectural shed-like house is a bath-lovers paradise, with a deep indoor bath inside amongst the immaculately styled interiors, and a rustic metal bath on the wrap-around timber deck, perfect for cooling off on balmy evenings. From $995 a night, sleeps ten. Soul Wood Luxury Coast Cabin, Termeil, New South Wales Wake up to views of the bushland from this wooden tiny house. The dreamy outdoor bathtub is surrounded by tall native trees that will have you feeling completely immersed in the natural surroundings. From $300 a night, sleeps two. Woodlands Retreat, Porongurup, Western Australia Not a bath per-se, but the views this jacuzzi boasts earned itself an honourable mention. Just imagine sipping champagne with your pals and looking out over that deck submerged in steaming bubbly water, then slipping on a fluffy maroon robe to finish off the night — yes, please. From $438 a night, sleeps four. Stargazer, Beechmont, Queensland This property is enviable in every way, including a secluded location, cohesive architectural design, and a wood fire pizza oven for your entertaining needs. To top it all off, the uniquely positioned bath looks over the far-reaching countryside, taking your R&R weekend to the next level. From $278 a night, sleeps six. Secluded Studio, Byron Bay, New South Wales A designer retreat for two, complete with a glass-walled bathroom, secluded garden terrace and roomy outdoor tub to wash the salt off from a day spent in the sun and surf — it's a true hidden oasis, just minutes from the beach. From $400 a night, sleeps two. Boutique Retreat, Suffolk Park, New South Wales A cheery self-contained, beautifully styled apartment that's sure to win you over with its plush linens, palm-filled courtyard and massive pink stone outdoor tub for some quality soaking, drinking and reading. From $275 a night, sleeps two. The Enchanted Cave, Bilpin, New South Wales An actual clifftop cave, this unique couples' retreat is like something plucked from a storybook. Relax while enjoying dreamy views across the treetops from the large glass doors that open out from a deep spa bath. From $1140 a night, sleeps two. Seven Sisters Escarpment Views, Medlow Bath, New South Wales Tandem baths anyone? This mountaintop cottage feels worlds away from reality, especially when taking in the views from one of two gorgeous outdoor bathtubs. Be sure to cook dinner from the bush garden and cozy up in front of the wood fire on cooler nights. From $340 a night, sleeps four. Kestrel Nest Ecohut, Mount Adrahm New South Wales Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, this eco-hut is nestled above a rocky mountain stream on the edge of rolling farmland and a conservation area. It features an outdoor bathtub, a fireplace and firepit, and a charming mix of timber and tiled interiors. From $460 a night, sleeps four. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Across just four episodes so far, Wednesday's second season has filled its frames with everything from serial killers, multiple stalkers, zombies and vengeance plots to new characters and extra time around Nevermore Academy for familiar faces. There's more to come, and soon, with the season's second half dropping in September 2025. Wondering what else is in store? Lady Gaga (Joker: Folie à Deux) joining the cast, for starters — and a surprise return. In the just-revealed trailer for the second part of season two, a new spirit guide becomes part of Wednesday's experience. A voice whispers "beware — there will be a price to pay", too. The former comes courtesy of Gwendoline Christie (Severance) returning as Larissa Weems, with the character making a comeback from beyond the grave. As for the latter, Little Monsters will spot who's speaking. Tim Burton's (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) TV dive into the world of the Addams Family unveiled the initial half of season two on Wednesday, August 6. The Netflix hit will close out its season with the final round of episodes on Wednesday, September 3. However the show's second stint pans out, there's even more on the way — Wednesday was renewed for season three before any part of season two even began streaming In the current run of the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky favourite, its namesake (Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn) is back at Nevermore Academy and being heralded as a hero thanks to her efforts in season one. Wednesday is characteristically unimpressed by the attention. Swiftly, her focus is elsewhere, though, due to a premonition of her roommate Enid (Emma Myers, A Minecraft Movie) coming to a grave end, with Wednesday determined to do whatever she can to stop that from happening. Joanna Lumley (Amandaland), Steve Buscemi (The Studio), Billie Piper (Kaos) and Thandiwe Newton (Mufasa: The Lion King) are among the season two's other new cast additions. So are Evie Templeton (Criminal Record), Owen Painter (Tiny Beautiful Things), Noah B Taylor (Law & Order: Organised Crime), Frances O'Connor (The Twelve), Haley Joel Osment (Blink Twice), Heather Matarazzo (Paint) and Joonas Suotamo (The Acolyte) — plus Christopher Lloyd (Hacks), following Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) among the stars of the 90s Addams Family films popping up in Wednesday. Fred Armisen (Fallout) remains Wednesday's take on Uncle Fester, however — one that Netflix is so keen on that there's been talk of a spinoff about the character. And Catherine Zeta-Jones (National Treasure: Edge of History) as Morticia, Luis Guzmán (Justified: City Primeval) as Gomez, Isaac Ordonez (Color Box) as Pugsley and Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (Dreamers) as Deputy Ritchie Santiago all have meatier parts than in season one. The trailer for season two's second part dropped just as Ortega, Myers and Burton arrived in Australia — along with Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who created the show in the spotlight (and wrote the screenplay to 2024's Burton-helmed, Ortega-starring Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) — as well. They were all expected ahead of Wednesday Island on Saturday, August 16, which is turning Cockatoo Island / Wareamah in Sydney Harbour into a Wednesday haven for one day. Not anticipated: Christie joining them for a surprise appearance. Check out the trailer for Wednesday season two part two below: Part one of Wednesday season two is streaming now, and part two arrives on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 — both via Netflix. Read our full review of Wednesday season one. Images: Helen Sloan and Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025.
Sure, Bali's known for its beautiful resorts and lively beach clubs, but venture a little deeper and away from the classic Aussie tourist traps, and you'll find plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will make your trip one of a kind. How does river tubing through rainforest canyons sound? Maybe you'd rather make your own silver jewellery? Or get up early to watch the sunrise from the top of a volcano? We've rounded up eight unique, local-led adventures that let you see a different side of Bali (and beyond). And the best part? When you book an experience with your Visa card through our dedicated travel platform, Concrete Playground Trips, you'll score 10% off. So, start exploring – these are the kind of days you'll still be talking about on the flight home.
Pork katsu sandwiches, salmon tartare tacos, raw slices of kingfish paired with yuzu ponzu, and smoked eggplant chilli ramen with burnt nori — they're just some of the dishes on the menu at Fortitude Valley's Japanese restaurant Hôntô. While Brisbane boasts plenty of Japanese eateries, this addition to Alden Street adds its own twist to the country's culinary staples, as the above highlights demonstrate. Fancy white fish ceviche with yuzu and rice crackers, wagyu tartare, a karaage chicken burger or tamari-glazed beef brisket? They're all part of the lineup. Hôntô comes from a team known for trying something different, with the venue a sister site to Same Same, Bianca and Agnes. Basically, where Same Same gives classic Thai cuisine a twist, Hôntô does the same with an exclusively Japanese focus — and with a range of rare Japanese whiskeys and sake to wash it all down with. Indeed, in addition to the main dining room and raw dining bar, the restaurant features its own bar, ÔÔ. Like the rest of the place — which is accessed through a black door next to the loading dock for Matt Blatt Furniture — it's dark and moody, though it has quite the boozy range. As well as the types of tipples you'd expect to find in a particularly well-stocked Tokyo izakaya, there are more than 100 wines, plus cocktails, other spirits, liqueurs and craft beers. And, food-wise, if you're keen to settle in for the long haul in Hôntô's backstreet surroundings, you can also opt the banquet: a ten-dish feast for $84 per person. Banquet dining is also a requirement for groups of seven people or more. Images: Natalie Hoo and Sam Thies. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Brisbane
Everyone's going wild these days, at least as far as films are concerned. Cameron Diaz caused chaos in the classroom, Seth Rogen and Zac Efron demonstrated how not to be neighbourly on two separate occasions, and now the one group you probably thought was immune to displays of errant behaviour has joined in on the inappropriate fun. Yes, Bad Moms shows just what happens when some over-stressed, under-appreciated mothers let loose. It's as raucous as you might expect, and as formulaic too — but thanks to its warm message and committed cast, it has both heart and spirit. With a happy family and a cool job at a coffee company, on the surface it looks like Amy (Mila Kunis) is the type of woman who has it all. She doesn't quite view it that way, though – in fact, she sees her life as a constant struggle. When she's not looking after a husband (David Walton) who doesn't appreciate her, she's appeasing her younger boss (Clark Duke), ferrying her kids (Oona Laurence and Emjay Anthony) to their extra-curricular activities, and attempting to avoid the wrath of the bossy PTA president (Christina Applegate) at their school. But after one particularly hectic day, she decides to stop trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, with fellow outsiders Carla (Kathryn Hahn) and Kiki (Kristen Bell), she determines to unleash her own kind of mothering. As written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, Bad Moms is mainly an excuse to make a party flick about ladies trying to find a way to cope with their considerable responsibilities. That the pair also helmed 21 & Over and wrote the script for The Hangover is telling. Thankfully, while giving Kunis, Hahn and Bell an excuse to act like teenagers, the film also unpacks the many expectations placed on women who have children – and women in general for that matter –, including the standards they impose on themselves and the scathing judgments they level at each other. The combination makes for a movie that's funny, thoughtful, and offers the kind of non-schmaltzy ode to motherhood that the interminable Mother's Day showed no signs of mustering. Though it trades in a few too many stereotypes and straightforward situations, the film does at least manage to subvert the former on occasion, while finding plenty of jokes in the latter. Like women-centric comedies Sisters and Bridesmaids before it, it's the cast that keeps Bad Moms moving. The rapport between the three leads brightens up every scene they share. That said, as she has repeatedly in television series such as Parks and Recreation and Transparent, it's Hahn that really steals the show. Not only does she nail the blend of irreverence and affection Lucas and Moore are aiming for, but she also makes the movie's most outrageous character more than just the source of laughs. The end result is a film that, although outwardly about the kind of behaviour your own mum might not encourage, ends up playing as an amusing and empowering tribute to being the person you really want to be.
Don't believe that boy bemoaning, loudly, the lack of live music venues in Sydney. There's no truth to that rumour. Dig a little deeper, kid, and you'll see there's a whole range of places out there. Choose your own adventure from Concrete Playground's list of favourite spots, featuring everything from long-term Sydney stalwarts to DIY new kids on the block. 1. The Enmore TheatreWhere: 118-132 Enmore Road, Enmore Undeniably Sydney's most beautiful theatre, the Enmore maintains an antique, old-world feel inside a contemporary venue. Built in 1908, this art deco theatre has gradually been transformed into the kind of luxury that is pure rock 'n' roll: band posters are plastered beneath luxurious chandeliers, drinks are purchased from a bar in the foyer, and the seats in the stalls are, depending on the occasion, removed to make way for standing room audiences. If the ambiance alone isn't enough to entice you, never fear: the Enmore plays host to some of the biggest acts to visit our shores. We're talking The Rolling Stones, Sonic Youth, Wu Tang Clan, The Pretenders, Grace Jones... The list goes on. And while the size and prestige of this place is strong enough to attract the big acts, the performance space remains cosy and intimate. The combination of the theatre's traditional acoustics and an immense front of house system also results in exceptional sound, making the Enmore one of Sydney's premier live venues. Click here for venue review and details. 2. The Red RattlerWhere: 6 Faversham Street, Marrickville A new arrival on the live music scene, the Red Rattler is a community-based venue and innovative arts space. It's a space determined to make a lot of noise, and is named for the old Red Rattler trains that did the same. Building on the shoulders of Sydney's infamous illegal warehouse scene (which many of these Rats were involved in), this is a completely legal venue that seems far too good to be true. It's an inspiring space that feels more like a home than a warehouse. Plush red velvet curtains, mismatched second-hand couches and an intimate, friendly atmosphere make a night spent at the Rattler completely unique. The fact that it's run by a collective of artists guarantees an exceptional spectrum of performers, with past highlights including The Church, Naked On The Vague and the High Reflections experimental music nights. Click here for review and details. 3. The Annandale HotelWhere: 17 Parramatta Road, Annandale This pub rock institution is the lifeblood of the Sydney music scene. A '30s Aussie pub, converted in the early '80s into a live music venue, the Annandale has long been the quintessential Australian rock venue. There's the distinct stench of blood, sweat and tears in the air to prove it. With a substantial stage and lighting rig, and a sound system perfectly worn in to the room, any Australian band worth their salt aspires to play here (or already has). A rite of passage for up and coming bands, a night at the Annandale is memorable for musicians and punters alike. And to help the memory factor, the paved courtyard behind the hotel hosts 'pub cha' every Saturday and Sunday, offering regular favourites as well as weekly specials. Click here for review and details. 4. GoodGodWhere: 53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney This cosy danceteria is bursting at the seams with character: think walls covered with coloured tiles and wooden wagon wheels, mirror balls and bright disco lights, and a crowd that still manages to distract from the interior. The most important feature here is the dance floor, which I guarantee you'll find yourself carving up in no time at all. The music policy varies each night, so look to the website if it's live music that's your thing. Past favourites include Jack Ladder, La Mancha Negra, The Coolies and live karaoke (meaning you plus live band), run by Siberia Records. Click here for review and details. 5. 505Where: 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills Spartan would be one word used to describe 505. You'd quite easily walk past its front when strolling down Cleveland Street without even glancing up, or knowing that behind a bland, unobtrusive door lies a music venue showcasing some very groovy up and coming Sydney talent. And not just that - it also hides a great place for a drink. While it's not somewhere that you'd visit if you were just after a quiet night out, if you like music with your beverage of choice then this is the place, though that does mean there's usually a cover charge in order to get in. Still, with an array of music to suit your appetite and the fact that it's an artist run space that brings local talent to the stage nearly every night of the week, 505 definitely deserves to not escape your notice. Click here for review and details. 6. The VanguardWhere: 42 King Street, Newtown While it might feel as if you've slid back into the '20s, this comfortably luxurious venue was in fact purpose built. Channeling New Orleans in the heart of Sydney, the Vanguard is a bohemian haven and a place to experience something a little bit different. The restaurant offers a mix of modern Australian and 'soul food', while the stage plays host to an eclectic range of musicians and performers. For those whose tastes lie in jazz and blues, cabaret and burlesque: you've found your man. Click here for review and details. 7. The Factory Theatre Where: 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville The intentions of this venue are clear: a bar, a wide open space (soon to be dance floor) and an empty stage. If you arrive early, it may all feel a little bare, but this only means more room for shenanigans later on. Live music is the core of the Factory's operation, with acts as diverse as Ratcat, the Herd, Holly Throsby and Jamie Lidell. There's plenty of other good options to look out for as well, as this venue also plays host to unique events like the Sydney Underground Film Festival. Click here for review and details. 8. The LansdowneWhere: the corner of City Road and Broadway, Sydney Previously better known for its $10 meals than its live music policy, the Lansdowne is an old pub that's making way for new music. The recently renovated band room is impressive, and now offers live music six nights in a typical week. What's even better is that all shows are free, with an impressive array of local bands on board. Recent shows have featured The Laurels, Dark Bells and Domeyko/Gonzalez. Plus, the cheap meals are still on offer in the cosy bistro upstairs. In other words, a win win situation. Click here for review and details. 9. Black Wire RecordsWhere: 219 Parramatta Road, Annandale If it's the underground you're seeking, this is where you'll find it. Technically a record store, Black Wire offers not only an impressive array of music to purchase but also an enviable dedication to showcasing live bands. Rough and ready is the rule, with bands setting up to play early evenings on the shop floor. All shows are cheap and all ages, providing a vital opportunity for everyone to access cult music. Recent performers have included Alps of New South Wales, Kirin J Callinan and Slug Guts. 10. Oxford Art FactoryWhere: 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst Perhaps one of the most ambitious venues to open in Sydney in recent years, the Oxford Art Factory is inspired by Andy Warhol's seminal Factory, and intends to operate as a focal point of music and the arts in Sydney. The main room caters to larger and international acts, such as The Dead Weather, Digitalism and Warpaint. The Gallery Bar showcases local acts, with a feature wall repainted frequently by guest artists. Between the two lies the Glass Cube, an exhibition space that regularly features live performance art. Click here for review and details.
Between the made-from-scratch menu, home-style atmosphere, and impeccable beer and wine on show, Bitter Suite is one hell of a bright spark. The low-lit corner it inhabits in New Farm has seen many a cafe and restaurant — but this one's a stayer. Its ritzed-up pub style decor, married to food that'll have you humming with delight, makes an atmosphere so UK-esque, you'll think you're stuck in the first stop of some type of high-end Contiki tour. The brains and brilliance behind Bitter Suite are Katherine and Braden Saunders, alongside chef Andy Birse, with input from all their suppliers, butchers, and drink providers. Their overriding aim has been to import the feel of a UK local pub — you know, that joint with the bartender who knows your name, steaks the size of fists, and a few staple brews that all taste like beer. However, while Bitter Suite has captured what a local should feel like, it's strayed in terms of what it should taste and look like. Substitute your classic parmigiana for Jurassic quail, served with crispy pork, tomato, basil and a house-made ricotta as silken as it is rich. Swap steak with crumbed black pudding or the beef short rib, and that hearty lamb shank most pubs carry as a winter special for a Saltbush slow-cooked lamb. And dessert carries just as many delights. Both the coffee brownie with malted stout ice cream and white chocolate mousse with rhubarb throw any beneficiary into a sugar daze. The menu changes every three to four months, always reflecting what's fresh, in season and suited to the weather. Thankfully, the favourites, like chips and aioli and a few of the desserts, stick around all year. The selection of beers are so finely sourced and curated they rival Archive and The Scratch. The wines as well, sourced from Lock Stock and Barrel, are solid quality. This is the type of restaurant where you don't have to go out on a whim or use initiative when it comes to drink selection. Ask what partners best with the meal you order, and the staff will be all to happy to share their knowledge. Bitter Suite is all about sharing, family and providing modern pub food at prices that aren't as New Farmy as you'd expect. They probably deserve a Michelin star for love and passion, but this gushing review will have to do for now.
J-horror devotees, rejoice: Australia's Japanese Film Festival is back for 2023, and it boasts a couple of highlights for lovers of scary cinema. If you're a fan of Japan's contribution to frightening flicks, then The Forbidden Play is your first must-see. Behind the lens is Hideo Nakata, the director of 1998's iconic Ringu, aka the movie that helped spark a global obsession (and the American spinoffs, too). This time, the filmmaker tells of a son wanting to bring his mother back to life, so much so that he keeps chanting a resurrection spell that awakens something evil. This year's JFF isn't just about unsettling titles, but it does also feature Immersion, which hails from Ju-On: The Grudge director Takashi Shimizu (who also helmed the first US remake starring Sarah Michelle Gellar). In his latest effort, he's playing with grudges again, as well as traditional Japanese superstitions, virtual reality and a secluded island — which is never a good setting for a horror film. That's the unnerving contingent for JFF 2023, which is focusing on films that explore connections between the past and the present when it tours the country across spring. Of course, it will also serve another function: letting audiences head to Japan from their cinema seats. Everyone has a favourite place in the world to visit. If you love travelling vicariously through movies when you can't do the real thing — in-between trips, or when your budget or just life in general doesn't have room for big holidays — then you likely have a favourite country-focused cinema event as well. JFF is one such event, surveying the latest and greatest in the nation's filmography. 2023 marks its 27th year, in fact, complete with a packed program. Among the delightful aspects of this film festival is its two-pronged approach in most cities, giving both recent and retrospective titles their own time to shine. One part of the event heroes latest releases, the other goes big on classics, and each has their own run of dates. You'll find that setup in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from September–November, with Perth the only location solely focusing on new movies. Officially opening the fest for 2023: We're Broke, My Lord!, a character-driven story about an unexpected inheritance from director Tetsu Maeda (And So the Baton Is Passed). From there, audiences can also look forward to the aforementioned to J-horror pictures; the animated Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom; Citizen Kitano's tribute to actor, comedian and filmmaker Takeshi Kitano (Outrage Coda); and Yokaipedia, which is about three boys on a monster-filled quest. Fellow standouts include Yudo: The Way of the Bath, a comedy about bathhouse rituals; romance We Made a Beautiful Bouquet; Natchan's Little Secret, where three drag queens head to a funeral; and Single8, with director Kazuya Konaka's paying tribute to filmmaking before the digital era. And, in the special series — aka the fest's retrospective thread — post-war Japanese cinema figure Kо̄ Nakahira is in the spotlight. JFF will screen 1956's Juvenile Jungle and Milkman Frankie, 1957's Temptation, 1962's Danger's Where The Money Is!, and 1963's Mud Spattered Purity, as well as Flora on the Sand, Only on Mondays and The Hunter's Diary from 1964, plus 1965's The Black Gambler. JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2023 DATES: Canberra: Special series: Saturday, September 30–Monday, October 2 at NFSA Latest releases: Wednesday, October 11–Sunday, October 15 at Palace Electric Perth: Latest releases: Monday, October 16–Sunday, October 22 at Palace Raine Square Brisbane: Special series: Friday, October 6–Sunday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 11 at QAGOMA Latest releases: Wednesday, October 18–Sunday, October 22 at Palace Barracks Melbourne: Latest releases: Monday, October 23–Sunday, October 29 at The Kino and Palace Balwyn Special series: Thursday, November 2–Sunday, November 5 at ACMI Sydney: Special series: Monday, October 23–Wednesday, October 25 at The Chauvel Latest releases: Thursday, October 26–Tuesday, October 31 at Palace Central, Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona The 2023 Japanese Film Festival tours Australia from September–November. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website. Top images: ©2023 The Forbidden Play Film Partners, © 2023 IMMERSION Production Committee.
It's official: on Monday, March 31, 2025, you'll need to subscribe to a new streaming service if you want to watch HBO shows in Australia. In 2024, the US network confirmed that it was bringing Max, its dedicated platform, Down Under in 2025. Now it has locked in the launch date. And yes, that timing means that you'll need to sign up to see the second season of The Last of Us. From House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and any other Game of Thrones spinoffs through to Euphoria and upcoming IT prequel series Welcome to Derry, HBO's lengthy list of must-see TV shows will have their own dedicated platform in Australia. The American station's streamer debuted in America in 2020, and has been rolling out through Latin America, the Caribbean, parts of Europe and Japan since as well, before setting its sights on Aussie audiences. While the great streaming service rush, when new platforms seemed to appear every few weeks or so, is a few years in the past, HBO bringing Max to Australia is huge news. At present, the US network's shows largely screen and stream to Aussie viewers via Binge and Foxtel. When the former launched, boasting HBO's catalogue was one of its big selling points. The deal between Binge, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery — which owns HBO — was extended in 2023, but it was reported at the time, accurately so it proves, that Max might debut in Australia from 2025. While the platform will be available direct to consumers via its website and app stores — so you'll sign up for it by itself — for viewing via mobile, tablet, gaming consoles and connected TV, it will still keep a connection with Foxtel. If you subscribe to the pay-TV service, you'll get access to the Max app without paying extra. For everyone else, details about Max's subscription options, which'll include premium, standard and an ad-supported tier, are still to come — as is pricing. HBO shows — HBO Originals and Max Originals alike — aren't all that's heading to Max. Warner Bros Discovery's stable of brands includes Warner Bros (of course), the DC Universe, Harry Potter, Discovery, Cartoon Network, TLC, ID and HGTV, to name a few. Max will also show movies from Warner Bros Pictures, including recent cinema releases such as Barbie, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Twisters. The Lord of the Rings and DC Universe franchises, And Just Like That..., Friends, Rick and Morty: they're just some of the other movies and TV shows that will be on Max as well. HBO is also behind The White Lotus, True Detective, The Rehearsal, The Penguin, Dune spinoff Prophecy, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Oz, Deadwood, Big Love, True Blood, Big Little Lies, Westworld, Succession, The Larry Sanders Show, Sex and the City, Flight of the Conchords, Bored to Death, Girls, Veep, Barry, Enlightened — and plenty more. "We've been clear that the globalisation of Max is a top priority, and Australia represents one of our biggest new markets and a significant opportunity to delight even more fans with the incredible stories told by our iconic brands. Combining an unrivalled breadth of high-quality content, legendary franchises and a strong product experience, Australians can look forward to the highest-calibre streaming proposition from March 31," said JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at WBD. "WBD has a long history in Australia, and we know our world-class content from HBO, Warner Bros, Discovery and more is incredibly popular with audiences here. We have a clear strategy to maximise reach through our direct-to-consumer app and distribution partnerships, and our collaboration with Foxtel at launch is a testament to that. We can't wait for fans across the country to experience Max," added WBD Australia and New Zealand General Manager Michael Brooks. Max launches in Australia on Monday, March 31, 2025 — head to the streaming service's website for more details.
In recent years, Frankston has levelled up its offering for residents and visitors alike with a bigger focus on art and events, becoming a hub of activity for street artists, beach lovers and everyday folk looking for a break from the city. Coming up in 2025 are events for all interests, giving you all the more reason to come down and check out the offerings of culture, cocktails, and coastal vibes. Read on to find out what's happening in Frankston in the coming months. South Side Festival — Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 18 The fun seemingly never stops in Frankston, since the community favourite South Side Festival will return in 2025, marking its fourth year of showcasing and celebrating the colourful, cultural core of the Frankston area. The ten-day celebration is set to include playful circus shows from Circus Trick Tease, neon-lit art installations in Beauty Park, a dance performance by the Sydney Dance Company at Frankston Art Centre, a chilly ocean swim, artist residences, film screenings, community workshops and more. Australian Sand Sculpting Championships — Saturday, April 5 to Sunday, April 27 If you're of the opinion that sand is course, rough, irritating and that it gets everywhere, then you need to check out this autumn event. For the month of April, artists from across Australia will make a return to the championships home on the Frankston waterfront and transform it into a landscape of sculptures, recreating iconic villains from throughout literature. Attend the opening weekend to see the designs come to life and see the winner announced, or visit before the 27th to see the designs in full. You'll also get the chance to vote on a winner for the People's Choice Awards or partake in some sand-centric activities — including sand sculpting workshops, sand easter egg hunts, a sand museum and more. Frankston Street Art Festival and Block Party — Monday, March 17 to Sunday, March 23 - CONCLUDED Another popular entry on the Frankston events calendar, these annual festivals showcase the vibrant street art of the area in over a week of celebration. Celebrating the local artistic scene, the Frankston Street Art Festival attracts local, national and international artists to do their thing on the walls and laneways throughout Frankston City. In 2025, the artist lineup includes Aussie creatives like Damien Arena, Jasmine Crisp and Trent Downie, alongside international talents Simon Beuve, Manuel Guiro and Candela Colors. Celebrations kick off with the Festival Launch Party on Tuesday, March 18, with drinks, music and meet-and-greets with the artists at the Cube gallery, plus the chance to get your say in next year's lineup with the People's Choice Award. For the rest of the festival, you can take things as you please from the program. Get hands-on with workshops and speaking sessions, or take advantage of Frankston's street art tours becoming free for the week to see the new murals and maybe meet the artists before it all culminates with Block Party. This free street celebration finale will feature music from DJs Pixleton and CuznMatt, roaming entertainment from the Snuff Puppets and street art workshops popping up in White Street Mall on Saturday, March 22. The Carlsberg Beach Club — Friday, January 31 to Sunday, March 30 - CONCLUDED If you can't justify the cost of a Euro summer adventure in 2025, get a sip of the experience at Frankston Pier instead. The Carlsberg Beach Club will bring a European beach club-inspired experience to the waterfront, inviting guests to sit and take in the coastal scenery with cocktails and summer snacks between 12pm and sunset every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 31 to March 30. Access is free but space is limited so you'd best pre-register. Once you've secured a spot, enjoy live music from the likes of Darley, So Frency So Chic, Oil Busta, Alice Ivy, Madame Reve and more, grab a Carlsberg beer or cocktail and wash down a steak sandwich or any of the other tasty treats on the menu. Enjoy the sunset and go for a dip while you're there, too. For more information on any of the above events and to see what else is coming to Frankston in 2025, visit the website.
You don't need to be an audiophile to appreciate the difference a half-decent speaker makes to your listening experience. Whether it's films, TV, music or gaming, a good soundbar brings new depth and clarity to whatever you're watching or listening to. Soundbars are designed to work in tandem with televisions — and in this case, size really does matter. If your TV is on the smaller side (50 inches or less), you'll want a compact soundbar to match. Larger screens, on the other hand, demand a soundbar with enough power and width to balance the scale and sync sound placement across the display. If you're chasing that true 3D sound experience, start your search with something like the JBL BAR Gen 4. The slimline model packs Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and both HDMI input and HDMI ARC, delivering a full surround-sound experience ideal for film buffs, gamers and music lovers alike. It's sleek, reliable and built to last — a perfect pick for anyone who wants immersive audio without the bulk of a full home theatre setup. For those working with a smaller budget, the LG Sound Bar S40T makes an excellent entry point. At around $400, it offers 300W of output power — impressive volume for its size — and Dolby Audio processing for solid sound quality, though it doesn't include Dolby Atmos. It's a compact, dependable choice for apartment living or anyone upgrading from basic TV speakers. If you're looking for a middle ground, the Bose Smart Soundbar offers the best of both worlds. It combines Dolby Atmos with Bose Truespace technology, which intelligently scales up lower-quality audio for a cinematic feel. If you already own Bose earbuds or headphones, you can even pair them for a true surround experience — perfect for late-night viewing. At the high end, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a powerhouse, packing Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth, smart home compatibility and automated self-calibration that tailors its sound to your room. It's compact, elegant and precise — designed for those who want to hear every sonic detail. Then, of course, there's the full-blown home theatre route. Samsung's Q-series Soundbar HW-Q990F brings 11.1.4 channel sound with subwoofers and rear speakers for a completely immersive experience — all yours for just under $2000. Sony's home theatre packages offer similar setups, letting you mix and match components without sacrificing sound quality. And if you want to build your own setup, Sony offers modular home theatre packs that let you mix and match soundbars, subwoofers and satellite speakers without losing sound quality. The result is rich, cinematic audio that scales to your space — whether you're in a small apartment or a full home cinema. Whichever way you go, upgrading to a proper soundbar setup will instantly elevate your home listening experience — and might just make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Image: JBL
There are few words to describe Pete Rock without completely gushing over his immense talent. He's one of the greatest producers of our generation and without him, jazz would have never found a way to be blended into the hip hop genre. Brisbane has been privy to some massive talent of late and Pete Rock is no exception. The eccentric American rapper, DJ and producer hails from the Bronx and has produced tracks for Run DMC, Nas, Public Enemy and the late Biggie Smalls. He's also well known for his collaborations with the Wu-tang Clan and most notably his contribution to Kanye West's 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy', which itself is absolutely epic. As if that wasn't enough, Mr Rock is an established DJ: he's remixed countless singles for music artists (Mary J Blige, Madonna, The Roots to name a few) and has played to live audiences around the world. He mixes his own flavour of hip hop – a combo of jazz and funk – along with samples from anything from country music to motown classics. He is definitely in a league of his own and you will be too if you get along to see him blow your mind with his skillz.
Put Shannon Martinez in charge of a menu and plant-based delights will await. Neon Dreams, a just-announced addition to Vivid Sydney 2025, is the latest example of that statement proving true. Popping up at Darling Harbour — transforming the Pier Street underpass, in fact — this event is an ode to American diners of the 1950s. Expect Happy Days flashbacks, and also Martinez's takes on burgers, mac 'n' cheese, milkshakes and jelly doughnuts. Expect a roller rink for a pre- or post-meal skate, too. "We all know and love the classic American diner menu, and what we have planned for Neon Dreams will be even more delicious. You won't even notice it's completely plant-based," advises the acclaimed chef. "All this with a retro aviation fitout and some roller-skating — let's just say Vivid Sydney hasn't seen anything like this before." [caption id="attachment_999006" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] As Martinez notes, the decor will fit the seven-decades-back theme, but also have another skew. If you've ever wanted to see a mail plane turned into a DJ booth — where the tunes spun will set the mood for hitting the rink — that's also on offer. For those having a skate, the venue will be fully accessible, including for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Back to the menu, you'll also be able to sip low-waste cocktails made with foraged and native ingredients — think: lemon myrtle margaritas and Illawarra plum sours — when Neon Dreams runs across Vivid's dates of Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14. The overall festival isn't done expanding its food lineup yet, just days after it also added Martha Stewart chatting about her career and her lifestyle empire to the program — and with Nigella Lawson's touch on its culinary side part of 2025's event since the program first dropped. So, alongside Neon Dreams, the festival will also boast Hollywood Dreaming, a 23-night roster of events in the Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills. There'll be bites to eat, and also films, music and performances — and, thanks to shindigs called Hollywood Dreaming: A Taste of HQ and Hollywood Dreaming: Foy Lane Lights Up, there'll be two huge free street parties. Accordingly, you can head by during Vivid's full run to hit up The Food Trail, where exclusive menus will be on offer at the precinct's restaurants and bars; The Neon Trail, which is where iconic movies come in; and The Gig Trail, aka live tunes and shows at Hollywood Hotel, Paramount House Hotel Rooftop and Butter. Or, make a date with A Taste of HQ on Saturday, May 31 and Foy Lane Lights Up on Saturday, June 14. The first will shut Foster Street to traffic and focus on al fresco dining, aided by Firedoor, Nomad, Gildas, Nel, Kiln, Poly, Brooklyn Boy Bagels, Alberto's Lounge, Tio's Cerveceria and Butter. The second, produced by Ace Hotel, will feature a curated digital art show, plus live tunes and pop-up snack options. "In 2025, Vivid Food offers a range of experiences for all tastes and price points. Neon Dreams and the Hollywood Dreaming program are perfect examples of Vivid Sydney constantly innovating and providing visitors with new and financially accessible experiences," explains Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. "Darling Harbour will be the place for family friendly fun, with Neon Dreams surrounded by captivating light installations and free live music. Shannon Martinez is an absolute rock star in the culinary world, and we're excited for visitors to experience it for themselves. "After dark, Surry Hills will come alive throughout the entire festival for Hollywood Dreaming, where you can dine, drink and dance your way through the Hollywood Quarter." Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information.
SNOOOOOOOOOP! I could end this article right here and that could actually be enough to make people go to Summafieldayze. That's right, the S n double oh p D oh double gee is in the hizzle, right off the shizzle on the Gold Kizzle aka Snoop Dogg is playing the Gold Coast next week and you actually need to be there. Alongside the big Doggy Dogg is a number of surprisingly good acts, despite Summafieldayze being deemed as a sort of write-off festival that no one is usually interested in. Well! You can change your tune now, because Justice, Pendulum, the Scissor Sisters (who put on one helluva good show) and Calvin Harris will be on the GC pumping out the tunes on Monday, and did I mention that Grand Master Flash of “It's like a jungle sometimes; it makes me wonder how I keep from going under” (The Message) fame will be there? He will. The whole day is situated at Doug Jennings Park which is close to the beach and close to the after parties, which are sure to go off. This line up doesn't come along very often so if you have some spare Christmas money lying around and some days off next week, then why not? SNOOOOOOOOOP!
If a certain bespectacled boy wizard and two best friends have taught us anything, it's that life really is magical sometimes. Take the latest Harry Potter-themed event, which we're certain is going to become the next big pop culture/fitness craze craze. Who doesn't want to bend and stretch in a HP yoga class? Yep, on October 30, the folks at Circle Brewing Co in Austin, Texas did something even more wonderful than make delicious alcoholic beverages; they made many a Harry Potter fan's dreams come true. It's part of their Pints & Poses series (which seriously sounds like our kind of exercise), and was held as both a fun Halloween and Dia de los Muertos-esque shindig, and a celebration of the life of Lily and James Potter on the eve of the anniversary of their passing. Attendees worked Slytherin cobra and Whomping Willow poses, wielded wands to summon a Patronus and cast off Dementors, and were told to "imagine you're sitting on the Hogwarts Express," according to Cosmopolitan in the US. They also ate sorting hat-shaped cookies, visited a potion station, and, afterwards, everyone had a pint of Circle (non-butter)beer. Of course they did. The class was so popular that two more are now slated for November, should you happen to be in the vicinity this month. Given that we already have silent yoga, silent disco yoga, cat yoga, blindfolded yoga, hip hop yoga, brewhouse yoga, rooftop yoga, Beyonce yoga, Drake yoga and stand-up paddleboard yoga on our fair shores, it really is the kind of thing that someone in Australia ought to conjure up, and fast. Accio fitness, and all that. Images: Circle Brewing Co.
When Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi invited the world to experience the vampire sharehouse mockumentary genre, one of the best comedies of the decade wasn't the only result. Every film seems to spawn sequels, remakes, spinoffs and the like these days, but no one's complaining about spending more time in the What We Do in the Shadows universe. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. So is six-episode television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, and expected to air in New Zealand mid this year. Add a US TV remake of the original flick to the pile as well, but withhold any "do we really need a remake?" judgement. First revealed by Waititi last year and now moving ahead, the pilot has been written by Clement, and is expected to shoot this year. He won't appear on camera, however; speaking to Indiewire as part of the Television Critics Association press tour for Legion, which he stars in, Clement said the series will be about a documentary crew in America. With What We Do in the Shadows actually starting its life as a short back in 2005, the concept of flatting members of the undead arguing about bloody dishes has taken quite the journey since those early beginnings. If any idea was going to come back in multiple guises, it's this one. Of course, so have Clement and Waititi. Clement also revealed that he'll be filming a Flight of the Conchords TV special for HBO later this year to coincide with their new US tour, while Waititi just directed a little superhero-filled box office blockbuster called Thor: Ragnarok. Via Indiewire. Image: Kane Skennar.
Whether it be reluctant landlords, a busy schedule or allergic flatmates, the predicament of every city-dwelling cat-lover is not being able to have one. But Yarraville couple Anita and Myles Loughran are offering hope to these frustrated feline fanatics. They have quit their uninspiring jobs in pursuit of the dream: opening Melbourne's first cat cafe. The first cat cafes opened their doors in Japan and Taiwan in the early 2000s. Since then it has been a steadily growing phenomenon, with similar establishments popping up in Europe and Asia. The Loughrans plan on housing a number of ex-stray cats, and have launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise the necessary funds to provide the best possible environment for these loveable rescues. As well as offering Melburnians a much-needed kitty fix, the venture is aimed at raising awareness and will accept donations to various shelters and welfare programs. Unlike the traditional cat cafe, to comply with Australia's food safety regulations, there will be a glass screen separating the main cat area and the cafe area, providing a fur-free space to enjoy coffee and cake. Not to worry, customers will still be able to interact with the cats; in fact, this model of 'feline therapy' has been scientifically proven to help lower high blood pressure, stress levels and anxiety. If you're keen to see Australia's first cat cafe come to fruition in Melbourne, you can donate online at Indiegogo. How could you say no to those cute little faces? https://youtube.com/watch?v=kHjpSiJ8gfY
Harry Styles is having a huge 2022 already, after headlining Coachella, dropping a new album and announcing a big Australian and New Zealand tour. And, before the year is out, he'll also give his acting skills another workout in not one but two new films: Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman. Yes, this year seems to be going in one direction for the former boy band star. That'd be up, obviously. Actually, it also appears to be sending Styles back in time, to the 1950s to be exact, with both of his upcoming flicks set seven decades ago The first of those two movies is directed by Booksmart's Olivia Wilde, led by Black Widow's Florence Pugh and looks set to unfurl a 1950s-set nightmare when it releases in cinemas in October. Due to hit Prime Video Down Under on November 4, the second of the pair also jumps back to the same decade, but this time as part of a Carol-esque romance. In My Policeman's just-dropped first teaser trailer, Styles plays Tom, the young cop of the movie's title. In sweeping, emotionally resonant period-drama style, the film sees him get caught in a love triangle with teacher Marion (Emma Corrin, The Crown) and museum curator Patrick (David Dawson, All the Old Knives). It'll also flit forward to the 1990s, where the older Tom (Linus Roache, Homeland), Marion (Gina McKee, Phantom Thread) and Patrick (Rupert Everett, The Happy Prince) are still haunted by how things played out when they were younger. If the storyline sounds familiar, that's because My Policeman comes to the screen from Bethan Roberts' 2012 novel of the same name. For the film version, director Michael Grandage (Red) is doing the honours, with Ron Nyswaner (Freeheld, Philadelphia) on screenplay duties. Based on the handsome trailer, which features a hefty mood of yearning, viewers can expect an exploration of love, social expectations, and the heartbreak that springs when the latter dictates the former. And, obviously, for Styles' latest on-screen stint after Dunkirk and Eternals. Check out the trailer for My Policeman below: My Policeman will be available to stream via Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand on November 4. Images: courtesy of Prime Video © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC.
Whether you're keen for a meal with one of the best views in Brisbane, or to sip your way through a dedicated martini menu with stunning vistas to peer at as you imbibe, Aloria serves up both. When Sky Deck, the soaring platform at the $3.6-billion Queen's Wharf precinct, was first announced, it came with the promise of multiple venues to grab a bite and a drink at while looking out over the River City. Openair bar Cicada Blu and all-day dining haven Babblers arrived first. Late in October 2024, the third part of Sky Deck's trio followed. Queen's Wharf launched at the end of August the same year. Sky Deck opened with it — sitting 100 metres above the CBD; featuring a 250-metre rooftop runway with a glass-floor viewing platform; and boasting a 360-degree vantage out over the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane River, Mt Coot-tha and Moreton Bay. Each of Cicada Blu, Babblers and Aloria has its own remit, with the latter Sky Deck's signature restaurant. Located on the platform's western end, and operating for lunch and dinner five days a week, it heroes dry-aged steak and seafood among its specialties. European and Australian influences flavouring the cuisine. Australian ingredients are in the spotlight, too. The open kitchen pumps out woodfired and grilled dishes. Standout menu options include dry-aged beef bistecca as a main, or roast coral trout with almond cream if you'd prefer the ocean's finest. Go with seafood to start and you'll also be picking between kingfish crudo with pickled rhubarb and buttermilk, plus Fraser Island spanner crab crumpet with finger lime and brown butter — or caviar. Wood-roasted oysters pop up among the snacks selection as well, while roasted tiger prawns with fermented chilli butter and woodfired lamb belly are entree choices, and miso-roasted cauliflower and slow-cooked wagyu rump are other mains picks. For dessert, opt between strawberries and cream, grilled blackberry parfait with rosemary and lavender streusel, and a cocoa-crumbed roasted white chocolate and miso dish. A condensed menu greets patrons at lunch — and if you want the decisions made for you at dinner, the banquet menu for four or more features 15 options to share. Another highlight: a dedicated martini menu with both classics and inventive variations (think the marguerite, martine, martigny, martina, martineau and the Bradford à la martini). One more reason to grab a glass: a hefty range of wine, with a list curated by Aloria Head Sommelier Damian Danaher that spans 12 pages — which is why it has been dubbed a 'cellar in the sky' — and vintages from Château Lafite Rothschild among the sips. Returning to Brisbane, Michelin-trained Chef Shayne Mansfield oversees all three venues, with Aloria favouring simplicity and elegance in its dishes — as well as sustainability and a minimal-waste ethos.
With exciting outdoor explorations, remarkable eateries, eye-opening cultural experiences and an effortless transit system, Singapore is a no-brainer for your next family getaway. Thanks to Singapore Tourism, we've rounded up some insider tips on activities around the Lion City to delight any kids (and kids at heart) and make your family trip to Singapore unforgettable. Skip the tourist haunts for these lesser known adventures when you're here. Race at Hyperspeed at The Palawan at Sentosa Sentosa is a haven for family fun, with everything from tranquil beaches, shops and eateries to theme parks, indoor skydiving, zip-lining and treetop obstacle courses, a dolphin island, and a role-play city for kids. Can't decide where to start? Kick off your Sentosa adventures at The Palawan, where you can get a bite at the food trucks before letting your tiny tots run wild at Singapore's only floating water park, HydroDash, or at the beachside mini-golf course, UltraGolf. The Palawan is also home to a massive go-karting circuit, which spans 308 metres across three levels. What makes HyperDrive stand out is not only its sheer size, state-of-the-art electric go-karts and immersive lighting and sound features, but its innovative Game of Karts experience. Instead of just zooming around the track, drivers can participate in an interactive virtual game while racing, collecting weapons or boosts along the track to beat out the competition. Stimulate Your Senses at Sentosa's Sensoryscape While you're at Sentosa, be sure to explore the newly opened Sensoryscape. As the name suggests, this 350-metre passageway is a treat for the senses, making use of pioneering architecture, soundscapes, augmented reality and light projections. Linking Resorts World Sentosa to the beaches in the south, Sensoryscape features six stops — the Lookout Loop, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Streams, Palate Playground and Glow Garden. From verdant views and streams of water to textured plants, scented flora and edible greenery, each garden is designed to be interactive and immersive. As the sun sets, Sensoryscape comes alive with digital projections, sounds and lights to complement the installations. Be a Zookeeper for a Day at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Get up close and personal with Singapore's wildlife at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which consists of the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari and River Wonders. Do more than just marvel at the animals when you visit the Singapore Zoo — children above the age of six can become a zookeeper for a day and learn about Mandai Wildlife's conservation efforts, meet some of the animals, try their hand at basic caring duties and enjoy lunch at Ah Meng terrace. There are two programs: the Kid Edition runs from 9am–1.45pm on Saturdays for little ones between the ages of 6–12, while the Junior Edition runs from 9am–4pm on Saturdays for teens above the age of 13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Museum of Ice Cream With 14 themed rooms, interactive experiences, delightful photo opportunities and of course, unlimited ice cream, the Museum of Ice Cream is a pastel-hued paradise. Embrace your love of all things sweet as you play giant games, do arts and crafts, leap around in an inflatable room and dive into a pool of sprinkles. A general admission ticket will also get you unlimited amounts of five different ice cream desserts, but for only 10 SGD more, you can unlock additional flavours with a premium ticket. Marvel at Nature at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this enchanting park is specifically designed for children under the age of 14 and is the first of its kind in Asia. Intended to educate little ones and foster their appreciation for nature, the gardens include a maze, playground, treehouse, pond, flying fox, potting garden, fruit orchard and classrooms, with interactive activities and educational signs dotted throughout. To preserve the magic of the grounds (and for safety reasons), adults are only permitted if accompanying a child. [caption id="attachment_983728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oo La Lab Facebook[/caption] Create Your Own Scent at Oo La Lab For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, book in for a workshop at Chinatown perfumerie Oo La Lab. Adults and teens can have a go at mixing their own scents to create a bespoke perfume, incense or candle. If any little ones want to have a go, there's also a 60-minute workshop for kids aged five and older, where they'll get to learn about smells, play around with fragrances and make their own scented body wash to bring home. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre.
"It's very important to me that Brisbane understands we are looking at an experimental way of dining, having fun and enjoying blending tradition with playful innovation," explains chef Dario Manca. He's talking about Attimi, which is now serving up lunch and dinner at a Paddington site with a long history in the restaurant business. But as NOTA, which closed its doors in August 2024, and as Montrachet before that, the focus at 224 Given Terrace has never been on Michelin-inspired degustations. Attimi's arrival since early September helps give a sad Brisbane hospitality development a positive spin. When word hit that NOTA was saying farewell after six years — with co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort instead turning their attention to Newstead's Allonda, which they opened in 2022 — the pair thankfully revealed that a new eatery would take over. Attimi now turns the popular Brissie address into an Italian fine-diner, with cues gleaned from Europe's best. Manca should know a thing or two about Michelin stars, with a total of 16 of the coveted symbols featuring across his career so far. He started out at Villa Crespi under Antonino Cannavacciuolo, has worked beneath Gordon Ramsay and teamed up with Heinz Beck. Manca's resume also includes Sydney's Pilu at Freshwater, being mentored by Giovanni Pilu. His vision for Attimi is to give patrons an intimate experience, with Attimi seating just 28 people, while taking their tastebuds on a tour of Italy. He's also pushing boundaries with his experimental menu — and endeavouring to turn every meal in the abode an unforgettable visit. NOTA patrons still enter a familiar-looking space, with the exposed brick walls attracting the eye; however, Attimi has put its stamp on the minimalist design touches — think: Italian ceramic sculptures on the tables — and also revamped NOTA's bar to be smaller and cosier. Patrons can tuck into two set menus on weekends, with one described as a "quick Italian tour" with eight courses and the other spanning 12 plates. Dishes include crispy fish with preserved lemon gel, confit garlic tart with goat's cheese cream, beef tartare-filled savoury cannoli, Limoncello sorbet and Ferrero Rocher ice cream. Whether you go for the shorter or longer degustation, you'll be sticking with the established lineup — no amendments allowed — although dietary requirements will be catered for.
Among the many things that cinema's various bleak visions of the future have taught us, the need for sturdy footwear is right up there. Who wants to be caught wandering through Mad Max: Fury Road's apocalyptic wasteland with flimsy shoes? And, although Blade Runner's 2019 setting has been and gone, who wants to be bathed in its neon lights or Blade Runner 2049's orange haze without their toes covered? Consider Dr Martens' new Warner Bros-inspired range the perfect kicks if dystopian times come, then. Some are best worn if you're feeling shiny and chrome, others will suit you if you wonder whether androids dream of electric sheep. The iconic footwear label has teamed up with the movie studio to celebrate the latter's 100th anniversary, paying tribute to Mad Max: Fury Road and the OG Blade Runner specifically across four pairs of docs. There's two types of shoes for each, with both films scoring their own riff on Dr Martens' 1460 boot and Jadon boot. Here's one way to choose which kind you want: via the thickness of the soles, with the Jadon's platform base adding to your height. For Mad Max: Fury Road devotees hanging out for prequel Furiosa, the 1460 version comes with "what a lovely day" printed on the back of old harness leather, and also features a harness over the shoes, plus laces with a spearhead charm printed with Immortan Joe emblem. If you opt for the Jadon boots, you'll get chrome-plated shoes that feature the skull emblem stamped on a metal plate, a zipper to match, red rubber and a chain threaded around the back, gear-inspired eyelets and a skeleton arm pointing towards the toe. The Blade Runner kicks both feature four unforgettable words: "like tears in rain". With the 1460 boot, the phrase repeats along the welt. With the Jadon, it's printed on the backstrap. The 1460 also includes a grid print, a strip of reflective tape on the backtrap, a Tyrell Corporation stamp and lace charm to match, as well as a dog tag. With the Jadon, it boasts red stitching, multiple Tyrell Corp nods — including via embossing — and an origami unicorn charm. When you're getting decked out to worship your favourite sci-fi classic, there's also Blade Runner-inspired bag if you're a matchy-matchy sort. Dr Martens new Warner Bros anniversary range is available from Thursday, November 16 online and in stores — head to the brand's website for further details.
It's winter. The nights are getting longer, the cold is getting colder, and there you are with two perfectly good ears and nothing to do. But we've got you covered with some Scottish hip hop and four excellent Aussie acts: Big Scary, back with their second album; Ash Grunwald, who has teamed up with two-thirds of The Living End for some huge, riff-heavy blues-rock; OXBLVD, who kinda sound like if Boy & Bear had shot a man in Reno; and some dark, angular, multiple-guitar-having rock from Sydney's Service Bells. So snuggle in with that special someone – you're in for a wild ride. 1. OXBLVD - Gotta Get Away First off, it's pronounced 'ox blood'. Second, I almost didn't include this when I couldn't find a Soundcloud or YouTube clip to embed, but I figure you're all smart enough to find your way over to the band's Unearthed page. And besides, this is way too cool to ignore. There's a serious spaghetti Western vibe to the new single, and you can almost see the band as outlaws, riding across the deserts of the Wild West. There's a real swagger to the guitars, and singer Ed Worland sounds like a man possessed as he wails 'run away' over and over on the coda. These boys can play, and I have no doubt they will be playing stadiums before too long. And when they do, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't catch their residency at Sydney's Oxford Art Factory this Friday, June 14, as well as June 28. 2. Young Fathers - 'Rumbling' When you think of Edinburgh, hip hop groups aren't usually the first things that spring to mind. But Young Fathers are going to change all that. With three distinct, unique MCs, Young Fathers take the influences from their African homelands (Nigeria and Liberia), the grime of the housing projects of their adopted Scotland and all manner of hip hop and electronica influences to end up with something quite striking. 'Rumbling' comes from their first mixtape — imaginatively titled Tape One — but they've also just dropped Tape Two for free on Soundcloud. If there were any justice in the world, these guys would be huge. As it is, it's probably a question of when, not if. 3. Ash Grunwald – The Last Stand Ash Grunwald is one of those 'best-kept secret' kinda guys. He's been around for a decade, playing thousands of shows all over the country and leaving audiences totally enraptured wherever he goes. But he's done all this on independent labels and off his own bat, and he's never reached been able to reach as big an audience as he should. He's an extraordinary guitar player, with (at least) a four-octave voice, and to hear him in full flight is a real treat. On his new album he has joined forces with two more of Australia's greatest musicians — Scott Owen and Andy Strachan, better known as The Living End's rhythm section. And they just cut loose, with huge, crunching riffs and incredible musicianship. https://youtube.com/watch?v=K_EjSuYWzxA 4. Big Scary - Luck Now Big Scary are one of the great success stories of Australian music in the last couple of years, proving once again that even a two-piece can make it big with great songs and a little bit of luck. Their piano ballad 'Falling Away' was a huge smash, and the heavy piano chords that open 'Luck Now' remind you immediately of their earlier hit. But this one has a halting, skipping backbeat and noises swirling all around it, and the production on singer Tom Iansek's voice sounds almost exactly like Bon Iver. It's a really interesting direction for the band to take, and proves that Iansek and drummer Jo Syme are just as versatile, creative and talented as bands with five times the members. Their new album, Not Art, is out at the end of June (pre-order here), and I can't wait to hear what the rest of it sounds like. 5. Service Bells – Prospector's Waltz Queens of the Stone Age have just released an excellent new album, but where do you go after that if you want some pure, unfiltered rock and roll swagger? Sydney's Service Bells, that's where. Rising from the ashes of the criminally under-appreciated Cameras (RIP), Service Bells are all about thick riffs, good times and dark clothing, like all the best parts of QOTSA and Interpol combined, but with David Bowie singing. Yeah, I thought that would get you to hit 'play'.
Many equations are at work in X+Y, and not just the part of one that forms the film's pithy title. Mathematics features prominently throughout the movie, as a child prodigy finds solace in numbers after being diagnosed on the autism spectrum, then attends maths camp and strives to participate in the International Mathematical Olympiad. Again, that's not all, with bigger, broader calculations at work throughout the feature. Indeed, the end product is simply one giant sum of clear-cut components. Take a true tale, add a director who has previously made the story into a documentary, plus the standard outsider-overcomes-adversity themes. Multiply the heartwarming emotions already swelling with a dash of family tragedy, a teacher looking for meaning and a teenage romance. The result is filmmaker Morgan Matthews' fictionalised account of his 2007 TV effort Beautiful Young Minds, as well as his fiction film debut. There's no mistaking the tender mood he's not only attempting to conjure but succeeds in bathing the feature in from start to finish. There's just no mistaking the obvious formula either, even given the movie's real-life basis. After the death of his father (Martin McCann), Nathan (played by Edward Baker-Close as a 10-year-old, and Asa Butterfield as he ages) struggles to connect to his well-meaning mother (Sally Hawkins). Instead, he escapes into his love of maths, warming to a local teacher, Mr Humphreys (Rafe Spall), during private lessons. Their shared affinity for advanced arithmetic sparks dreams of competing at the highest level, even more so when Nathan is selected to train in Taipei to hone his skills. There, he meets fellow numbers wiz Zhang Mei (Jo Yang), a friendship growing alongside the usually awkward Nathan's own confidence. What makes X+Y amble by isn't the narrative that would shout its message of acceptance from the rooftops if it could've found a way to make that seem even remotely plausible, but the cast. The film may lack subtlety in most areas, especially dialogue; however, it finds nuance in the work of Butterfield, Hawkins and Spall. All have played their roles before — the lonely boy looking for a place to belong, the caring woman striving to make the best of a complicated situation, and loveable but troubled companion — yet they never let that flavour their performances. Others who come into their orbit, including Eddie Marsan as Humphreys' own maths teacher, offer similarly perceptive portrayals. Elsewhere, it's a sweet affair, both in the way the film feels and looks. On one hand, that means huge helpings of syrup in the screenplay, more so as it reaches its predictable conclusion. On the other hand, the film's frames are often saturated in colour, a stylistic flourish actually — and surprisingly — also grounded in the script. Alas, though such a great visual touch shows a willingness to do more than paint by numbers, as does a brief but breezed-over flirtation with a darker subplot, such thinking outside the box is all too fleeting. The final equation: X+Y equals a nicely acted and ultimately conventional coming-of-age effort, with 111 minutes of running time as its proof.
