Authentic Nordic cuisine isn't easy to come by in Brisbane; however the city's first Norwegian-inspired eatery wants to put an end to that. In fact, Lokal + Co has the market cornered. No, Ikea's Swedish cafeteria food doesn't count as competition. Of course, a sunny spot in West End probably isn't the kind of location you'd expect to serve up gingerbread waffles with chocolate hazelnut sauce, house-cured gravlax with rye soldiers, or Danish open rye sandwiches with sardines. Closing your eyes, biting into anything on the menu, and pretending you're on the other side of the globe is completely acceptable. So is soaking up the minimalist vibe, which brings a Scandinavian look to an airy split Queenslander. Well, that's what the inside looks like, at least. If you're pulling up a chair outdoors on the deck, expect the next best thing to the traditional Aussie backyard (yep, we're talking about astroturf aplenty). The mix of Norwegian and Australian elements stems from the venue's owners, with Helge Olsen hailing from the former, Corey Thom calling the latter home. The chef duo boast seven years cooking up a storm at Cicada before branching out on their own. And when their liquor license is approved, the cafe intends to extend that blend to their booze lineup too. Nordic beer, anyone? Find Lokal + Co at 6 O'Connell Street, West End. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've all been there — and often. Thankfully, The Triffid came up with a solution a few years back. That'd be the Brisbane Burger Fest, which is returning again in 2023 to the delight of the entire city's tastebuds. From 11am on Saturday, June 24, the Newstead music venue is once again serving up the River City food event that we had to have. Plenty of culinary festivals have come and gone over the years, but Brisbane Burger Fest was always going to be back for another helping — behaviour that you'll likely copy on the day. [caption id="attachment_627701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ze Pickle[/caption] Wondering about the festival's burger credentials? Ze Pickle, Fritzenberger, Brooklyn Depot, Hashtag Burgers & Waffles and Remy's will all whip up their usual favourites. Embracing the occasion in the tastiest way possible, they'll be making a few special and exclusive Burger Fest creations as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be), which pits regular burger-lovers up against the pros. If you don't think you can handle taking part in the contest, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. And, attendees can look forward to plenty more to keep you entertained beyond eating burgers, including a beer pong tournament. [caption id="attachment_897662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooklyn Depot[/caption] Making a burger party even better, the event will be showcasing live music from Melaleuca, Radium Dolls, The Dandys, Lucid Safari, Pipin and Bean Magazine, as well as Echo Wave, Fleur Fatale, Demi Casha and Huxley & Friel. Drinks-wise, Stone & Wood and Heaps Normal will be taking care of the beers — boozy and not-so — and Burger Festival cocktails are also on the menu, including a Bundy dark and stormy. Tickets cost $15 — and if past years are any guide, they're expected to get snapped up quickly. Brisbane Burger Fest 2023 takes place from 11am on Saturday, June 24 at The Triffid, 7-9 Stratton Street, Newstead. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website. Top image: Fritzenberger.
In case you needed more proof that Hollywood is scraping the bottom of the barrel, audiences will soon be getting not one but two Uber-themed comedies. Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox will be racing to see who can get their flick into theatres first, after both studios unknowingly purchased Uber-centric scripts within 24 hours of each other. Honestly, this is just like Antz and A Bug's Life all over again. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures threw down a seven figure sum on an untitled pitch from Bad Neighbours screenwriter Brendan O'Brien, with Will Ferrell set to produce and star. The script isn't actually finished yet, but sources say it will concern an unfortunate Uber driver (Ferrell) whose fare turns out to be an escaped convict. Fox, meanwhile, purchased Tripper Clancy's completed script Stuber, which in an amusing twist of fate follows an Uber driver whose passenger is a cop, working what THR calls "the most dangerous case of his career." Is it just us, or does it sound like these two films are ripe for an Avengers-style crossover? No word yet on when either film will be released. It does make you wonder whether movies based on apps could be the next big thing, especially with The Angry Birds Movie hitting cinemas in the next few weeks. Surely it's only a matter of time before we get a romantic comedy and/or serial killer film based on Tinder. Via THR.
The World Press Photo Foundation is a global platform connecting professionals and audiences through raw visual journalism and storytelling. The organisation was founded in 1955 when a group of Dutch photographers organised a contest to expose their work to an international audience. Since then the contest has grown into the world's most prestigious photography competition and global travelling exhibition. The 61st edition of the World Press Photo Exhibition will touch down in Brisbane next month and will be on display at the Powerhouse from June 30 until July 22. The winners from this year's contest were chosen by an independent jury that reviewed more than 73,000 photographs by 4548 photographers from 125 countries. The one that took top honours for 2018 is Ronaldo Schemidt's frightening image of José Víctor Salazar Balza who was set alight at a protest in Caracas, Venezuela when the gas tank of a motorbike exploded. This will be on display alongside other finalists, including Adam Ferguson's portrait of a 14-year-old Boko Haram suicide bomber and Patrick Brown's devastating shot of Rohingya refugees after the boat in which they were attempting to flee Myanmar capsized. Further categories on show will include contemporary issues, environment, general news, long-term projects, nature, people, sports and spot news. Image: 'Venezuela Crisis' by Ronaldo Schemidt (cropped).
Gear up for one of the year's most anticipated (and inevitably raved about) national tours. The ever-impressive, ever-epic musical mastermind Ty Segall is currently on Australian shores to kick around on our stages for his biggest headliner tour yet — and set to show Brisbane what San Fran sludge rock is all about. Segall is probably best known for his insane levels of productivity and painstakingly thought-out approach to his garage-rock jams. This year, the 27-year-old Californian released one of the great albums of 2014, glam-rock grail, Manipulator. Over the years, Segall already made significant waves with Sleeper, Twins, Hair, Melted, and Lemons. More EP vending machine than an album-a-year kinda guy, he's already racked up eight albums under his belt, and has a four song EP called Mr Face due out in January. Segall has already hit Melbourne and Meredith Music Festival with full force to rave reviews, selling out his first sideshow and adding another date to keep the people happy. Brisbanites, if you see one show this year, catch this rock savant at The Zoo and thank us later. Supported by The Babe Rainbow and Thigh Master. Image credit: Denee Petracek.
Don't let the sporadic showers fool you — summer is most definitely on it's way. It's time to pull your beachwear out from the depths of your cupboard, dust off your tatty straw hat and prepare for three months of good food, good music and stunning sunshine. We love summer afternoons, and we've partnered with Heineken 3 so you can get the most out of them. We've spoken to a few of our favourite chefs, musicians and artists, to get their insights on creating the perfect balmy afternoon. For this particular adventure, we've teamed up with Brendan Cato of The Farmed Table fame and Matt Branagan and Chester Garcia of Work-Shop to bring you a masterclass on how to bust out a bonza barbecue in just under an hour. Brendan created The Farmed Table, those secret dinners that started off in a tiny café and now pack out warehouses. He's all about fresh, organic, sustainable eating. Matt and Chester founded Work-Shop, a place where you can learn to do absolutely anything. They're a good team. Use these tips and tricks for a speedy but delicious barbecue spread that isn't just the same old steak, snags and salad combo. They'll help you stand proudly as queen or king of the grill this summer. BULK UP YOUR DRY STORE It would be perfectly acceptable to assume that the tricky bits for grilling up a storm are those that require actual cooking, but Brendan assures us that this is not the case. This part is actually extremely easy — just begin with the very best produce that you can get, and stock up your pantry with good quality dry store ingredients. A few herbs, a curry powder, salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice are the key to making everything taste on-point, according to our chef for the day. Giving yourself the best base of flavour is key to a delicious barbecue no matter how much time you have. DON'T MUCK AROUND, START WITH HIGH QUALITY FRESH PRODUCE As is part of Brendan's Farmed Table ethos, buying good, fresh, organic produce gives you the perfect building blocks for your summer shindig. There's definitely no shortage of vendors around your house, from market stalls to tiny independent grocers around the corner, so it should be pretty cruisy to track down solid ingredients. We started off with leeks, cauliflower and eggplants all just tossed on the grill and taken off shortly after because, as Brendan tells us, "you don't have to do as much if you start with something good". Rather than mucking about trying to add flavour to a sad carrot, get yourself some good organic veg to begin with. LOW MAINTENANCE MEAT MEANS LESS NEED FOR FANCY MARINADES Rather than some pretty generic cuts of meat you'd normally find at a barbecue (the regular porterhouse steaks and snags, for example), Brendan decided to cook up a huge chunk of flank steak. Seasoned with the staples of salt, pepper and olive oil, that bad boy just went straight on top of the grill. It's less maintenance than paying attention to individual steaks, and more impressive when it's sliced and served. Having a good quality cut means you won't have to muck around with fancy marinades — the flavour will speak for itself. Cooking your meat, according to Brendan, all depends on each individual cut. With cuts like flank, eating it rare isn't going to be as tasty as it is with other cuts because it's naturally more chewy. If you're doing chicken, cook it skin-side down first to render the fat, then let it rest once it's almost cooked through. Get to know your meats, and save yourself some time at the grill (but always let your meat rest — no shortcuts there). FANCY FOOD IS SURPRISINGLY EASY TO PULL OFF Matt tells me that one of the reasons he started Work-Shop was because "people need to get more creative", and the same is definitely true at the barbecue. Just like with the flank steak, try a new cut of meat and pair it with a Heineken 3. Grill your veggies, instead of boiling them. For a sneaky dessert that's not a pavlova, how about halved peaches, grilled, served with amaretti, mint and mascarpone? It's literally a matter of cutting a peach in half, grilling it, and enjoying the resulting deliciousness. Even if you don't have Brendan plating skills, it's hard to go wrong throwing nicely hued things on a plate. Always be unique, guys. Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 — we're helping you make the most of them. Images: Michael Wickham.
Calling all architecture fans, folks keen to explore another side of Brisbane and just anyone who likes to peek behind closed doors. Open House Brisbane is back for 2019 and is once again showcasing the city's buildings and structures, letting you peer beyond their facades, and even welcoming you into nooks and crannies that aren't usually open to the public. Celebrating its tenth year in Brisbane, the event will feature 119 buildings across the weekend of October 12–13, which marks its biggest program yet. Get ready to wander through places that you probably walk past every day, spots you've always wondered about and everything in between. They include The Montague pub in West End, the Spring Hill Baths and The Shingle Inn in City Hall, plus the Fort Lytton Military Precinct (and Lytton Quarantine Station), the Old Windmill Tower and the always-popular homes inside Indooroopilly's Walter Taylor Bridge. A selection of architecturally distinctive residential buildings also feature, if you'd like a tour of other people's houses. Many require bookings, so planning ahead is recommended. Other highlights include seemingly every important space along the river at South Bank — Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, State Library of Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and ABC Brisbane — plus other city-wide favourites such as The Tivoli, Breakfast Creek Hotel, Brisbane Powerhouse, Parliament House, the Treasury Hotel, 4ZZZ's studios and the Queensland Herbarium. Fancy stepping inside the 90-storey Brisbane Skytower in Margaret Street, or the historic Howard Smith Wharves? They're also on the bill. [caption id="attachment_741064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Queensland Herbarium by Sheena Cheema[/caption] While plenty of this year's locations were on the program in 2018, newcomers include All Hallow's Convent, Brisbane Racing Club, 25 King Street, the William Terrace carpark and one of West End's best-kept secrets: the Ryan Street Library. It's a footpath spot where locals can stop by, borrow a book, exchange their own or donate reading material — and it's inspired, architecturally, by a similar setup in Stockholm. Open House Brisbane isn't just about walking through spaces, whether you mosey at your own leisure or take a guided tour. It also boasts a program of talks and events running from September 26, including a new signature lecture on Singaporean architecture. Last year's special after-dark section also returns, taking place between September 30–October 11 — complete with everything from art exhibitions to laneway tours. Brisbane Open House runs over Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13 at a variety of places around Brisbane. For the full program, head to brisbaneopenhouse.com.au. Top images: Walter Taylor Bridget by Jake Churches, Port of Brisbane by Kim Williams, Government House Fernberg, Spring Hall Baths by Cieran Murphy and Old Windmill Tower by Paul Knie.
Heading to Northshore Hamilton's Eat Street for a food fix has become a weekend staple for many Brisbanites; however, everyone's favourite evening markets have just gotten even better. No, they're not adding even more delicious bites to eat. Yes, they want you to hang around while you're digesting their tasty wares. From November 6, you won't just be hanging around — you'll be jumping in your car, driving down the road, then parking and peering up at a big screen with a riverside, city view. You'll also be taking all the edible morsels you've bought at Eat Street and devouring them while enjoying a movie at their pop-up drive-in. Films will run every Friday and Saturday night, spanning recent releases like Trainwreck and Everest, as well as classic fare. Fast & Furious 7 jumpstarts the program, because there's no better movie to watch while sitting in a vehicle, obviously. Just make sure your engine remains switched off, because no one needs to add to the feature's sound effects. If you're only interested in the movie, not the markets, don't distress — you won't go hungry. An American-style, retro-themed diner will be on site, or you can flag down the drive-in's Segway crew to deliver snacks, ice creams and non-alcoholic drinks to your car window. Yep. Segway delivery. Those with not-so-short memories might recall that the Brisbane International Film Festival did the same thing in the same spot back in 2011 and 2012. The current iteration is a limited time deal, only running until Eat Street moves into the space from its current site. When that happens, outdoor cinema will become a feature of the markets, just sans cars. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance, whether you're going with the romantic option (two people in a car for $32), coasting along on a double date (four people in a car for $44), or bringing every pal you can (seven people in a car for $54). Those without a set of wheels can get comfy in one of 200 moon chairs for a real under-the-stars viewing experience for only $13. For more information about the Eat Street Drive-In, visit their website.
We've all been there: hankering for some street food eats, or keen on doing a spot of market shopping, but not quite sure where to head at any given moment. It's a #firstworldproblem everyone's happy to have. Yep, this is what it means to be spoiled for choice. Enter The Street Food Depot, Brisbane's new market and food truck hub, which tries to help in two ways. Basically, they're a one-stop shop when it comes to culinary-focused community events. If they're not throwing them, they're tracking them. If you've heard of The Food Truck Depot, a series of branded berths and meet-ups around town, then you're on the right track. They're just one part of the nesting doll-type setup that is The Street Food Depot. Basically, alternative, off-the-grid style gatherings that bring local growers, agriculture producers, street food vendors, food trucks, local and regional artisans, wineries, and craft beer brewers — and hungry customers, of course — together are in their wheel house. After a few get-togethers over the last few months, they'll be hosting a semi-regular Brisbane City Street Food Depot in King George Square from July 28, however that's just the beginning. From August, the James Street Community Markets will usher a host of other food options into New Farm every Friday night. Plus, other events street food, community growers and food truck events planned in the future — keep an eye on their online calendar for further details. For more information about the Street Food Depot — and to stay up to date on their upcoming events — check out their website and Facebook page.
Looking for holiday accommodation with a little more oomph? Ever considered staying on a raft? With a sauna? In the town of Joensuu in eastern Finland, a bunch of mates have put their considerable DIY skills to good use. They've built a lake-worthy, multi-level raft with a sauna, named 'Saunalautta'. And next time you're in the mood for a floating holiday, you're welcome to rent it. This vessel is the ultimate year-round destination. Come winter (which, in Finland, means -20 degree temperatures), hang out in the sauna. Up to 15 people can warm up in there at once. Come summer, sprawl out on the upper deck. There's even a few hammocks, so you can get comfy with a book, and a viewing booth, affording 360 degree views. Not interested in lying around? Spend your break perfecting your 2 1/2 front flip from the dedicated, 5.7-metre high diving tower. Wondering how this Huckleberry Finn-esque contraption stays afloat? It's built on top of a series of recycled plastic drums. And what about going somewhere? A small outboard motor gets you moving. Both seasons, there's bunk space for five passengers to stay the night, a barbecue, a hot shower, a refrigerator and a sound system: basically everything you need to turn pirate for life. Hire isn't as expensive as you might think, starting at $410 a day. Head over here for more info, after you check out a few more snappies: Via Inhabitat.
Friday afternoon drinks are a workplace tradition for a reason. We all know the feeling of getting to the end of the week and wanting to crack open an ice-cold beverage to celebrate. And we all know the disappointment of not being able to find anything in the work fridge. That's where Friday Beers comes in, a business based on an idea so simple, we can't believe that no one else has thought of it. Well, they had in the UK, and now some smart-thinking folks have brought the brilliant notion to Brisbane. The subscription service makes it as easy as possible to enjoy an end of week tipple — and to broaden your beer horizons as well. As their name suggests, every Friday they'll ferry six-packs of boutique beverages to your desk. A range of craft breweries are currently on their list, including Angry Man, Stone & Wood, 4 Pines and Vale Ale. For those not so fond of yeasty, hopsy goodness, ciders are available too. At the moment, Friday Beers only services the Brisbane CBD and surrounding suburbs, spanning Newstead to Highgate Hill and East Brisbane to St Lucia, but expect more places to join the fold as the business gets more popular. And the best part? It's free — the delivery, that is. The cost of bringing the beer to your door is included in the price of $28.80 per six-pack. Now that's something to drink to. For more information about Friday Beers, or to order your own regular end-of-week delivery, check out their website. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
There's a big, white container coming to Reddacliff Place. But, like most shipping containers in the city, it's not being used to transport furniture. And the word 'séance' will be written on the side in black. It's kind of ominous. Séance is actually an installation where participants take a seat inside the tiny space, put on a headset and place their hands flat on the table in front of them. The lights go out and the container enters complete darkness. For the next 20 minutes, participants are fed 'suggestible information' through their headsets. You're probably thinking that there's something dark or supernatural about the whole thing — and going by the name, we don't blame you. But the installation's organiser assures us that 'séance' is simply a French word meaning 'session' or 'sitting'. And so Séance is a sensory experience that looks at the psychology of a group sitting together. Despite not being a horror or supernatural-themed piece, it's a scary indicator of how easy it is for confusion, information overload and the people siting right next to us to affect our judgment. Artists David Rosenberg and Glen Neath (who have collaborated in other sensory deprivation projects before) are the creative masterminds behind the project, which has been described as 'disorienting' and 'deeply unsettling'. It's not recommended for the claustrophobic or the easily frightened. The spooky installation first visited Brisbane last year, and now it's back. Head along from Thursday, September 19 to Sunday, October 6, with tickets on sale now.
The sun is shining, the palm trees are gently swaying, and there's a laid-back vibe in the air; you must be in Brisbane. As well as almost able to guarantee holiday-like weather every day of the year, the Queensland capital offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely yet luxurious weekend. Think taking your pick of gourmet sausages or hash browns for breakfast at a brand new cafe dedicated to both, shopping for vintage threads at the city's only curated boutique market, or eating all the cheese your stomach can handle. Book a room at the Pullman Brisbane and make the hotel's King George Square digs your launching pad. Spend a whirlwind 48 hours eating, drinking, strolling and generally being merry, particularly if you follow our itinerary. [caption id="attachment_587777" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Morning After. Image: @____morningafter via Instagram.[/caption] SATURDAY A Saturday in Brisbane should be spent treating your tastebuds and your eyes to the best the city has to offer. That starts with the most important meal of the day, though don't feel like you need to rush to West End for an early morning bite, because breakfast at Morning After is available all day long. With a name like that, this eatery clearly knows that everyone kicks into gear at their own pace. Have a serving of brekkie carbonara and wander down Vulture and Boundary streets for your next adventure. [caption id="attachment_587791" align="alignnone" width="1280"] GOMA. Image: @qagoma via Instagram.[/caption] To be specific, keep moseying along until you reach the Gallery of Modern Art. For ten years now, the gleaming building on the banks of the river has showered Brisbane with the kind of exhibitions art lovers dream about. There will be something great on regardless of when you're in town (in 2015 and 2016 alone, GOMA has hosted shows focused on photographer Cindy Sherman, filmmaker David Lynch and the best contemporary pieces from the Asia-Pacific, for example). And if you somehow have a few hours to spare, be sure to check out the Australian Cinematheque within the building for a classy afternoon at the movies. [caption id="attachment_587781" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Fromage the Cow. Image: @vintage_lil via Instagram.[/caption] Next, prepare to make friends with Brisbane's water-based transport, the City Cats. Head down the river to Milton, then make a beeline by foot to Fromage the Cow on Park Road. Since this licensed fromagerie opened its doors it has become an indulgent favourite, serving up everything from twice-baked cheese souffle to croque monsieur and cheese toasties. We recommend opting for a flight, which will pair three slices of dairy goodness with three of your chosen type of beverage. [caption id="attachment_587783" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cobbler. Image: @cobblerwestend via Instagram.[/caption] So, that's the cheese and wine section of day done and dusted. Now, it's on to the whisky and cocktail part of proceedings. You'll find plenty of both at Cobbler back in West End, and yes, you can travel part of the way by City Cat again if you want another chance to soak up the Brisbane river air. Once you arrive on site, even if you generally like your spirits untainted by mixers, we're going to strenuously suggest that you try a cocktail. Why? Well, Cobbler's menus are something special, with both Die Hard and Top Gun-inspired tipples served up in recent times. Working your way through their cocktail list is how you turn a few quiet drinks into an evening to remember. If you're in Brisbane on the right weekend you can stop by Test Kitchen, a fortnightly five-course degustation that takes place at Thomson's Reserve and lets you taste dishes before they go on the menu. [caption id="attachment_587785" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Food trucks at Metre Market. Image: @metremarket via Instagram.[/caption] SUNDAY Start your Sunday with sausages and hash browns. Skip the fast food brekkie though; at Annerley's Snag & Brown in the inner-south, you're going to want to take things slowly. Pick from chorizo, pork chipolatas, chicken, spinach and pine nut, and semi-dried tomato, thyme and polenta bangers, plus classic, sweet potato, and tomato and feta hash browns. There's other food available, but here, it's all there in the name. You'll need all the sustenance you can get for your next stopover: the Metre Market. Every public space around town might turn into a stall-based shopping spot come Sunday morning, but this is the only boutique, clothing-focused venture that's so selective about the vintage wares on display, you'll instantly walk out with a new wardrobe. Alas, Metre Market is an every now and then kind of deal, so we also have a list of alternatives. Secondhand fiends should head to Suitcase Rummage's regular pop-up events at Brisbane Square and Brisbane Powerhouse, while those with designer tastes can give their wallet a workout at South Bank's monthly Young Designer's Market. After a busy morning browsing, buying and wondering what you can realistically fit in your suitcase, there's only one thing to do. Treat yourself to some swoon-worthy sweet stuff (and no, we're not talking about Doughnut Time, though eating one of their epic pastries is something every visitor to Brisbane should do too). Instead, head to New Farm Confectionery for some salted caramel lollipops, chocolate raspberry bark, passionfruit sherbet and more. [caption id="attachment_587796" align="alignnone" width="1280"] New Farm Confectionary. Image: @nfconfectionary via Instagram.[/caption] So, you've feasted, shopped and had something sugary; now it's time for dinner in a heritage-listed building that once housed a medicine dispensary. Yes, really. The food menu at The Apo is a rotating affair, but we're sure one of the seasonal dishes on offer (such as Lebanese tacos with spiced goat and frozen Arabic coffee dessert martinis at the time of writing) will take your fancy. You'll want to grab an Apo Old Fashioned while you're eating, but save some room for a nightcap at Barbara around the corner. They're known for their cocktails and for being a classy late-night hangout everyday of the week – that's how you should bring an ace two days in Brisbane to a perfect end. [caption id="attachment_588386" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Apo. Image: @theapo_ via Instagram.[/caption] Pullman Hotels make a great base to explore Brisbane for a weekend.
When the ancient Greeks dreamt up democracy many moons ago, they surely knew their labour of political love would reap plentiful rewards for humanity — barbecuable rewards. Voting and sausage sizzles go together like Q&A and provocative tweets. And in 2016, you don't even have keep your fingers crossed for a damn sizzle at your voting booth — there's an actual Australian election sausage sizzle tracker website to help you, aptly named Snagvotes. No longer will you needlessly wheel around town, crazed with hunger and the insatiable need to drag a giant bedsheet-sized piece of paper into a booth, to find a sausage sizzle in your electorate. Created by Australian legend and all-round goalkicker Grant Castner, Snagvotes compiles a list of all the polling booths in Australia, thankfully cross referencing sausage sizzles with cake stalls. Important. The site was unearthed by Junkee last year, and was so popular that it's back, spreading election day cheer (pinpointing exactly where you can go to stuff your face full of tubed pig meat, fried onions, local go-getter spirit and democracy). They're even giving back to the community with sausage-based 'How To Vote' guides. What a world we live in! In 2013, there were a staggering 1470 sausage sizzles across the county, at 19 percent of all polling booths and we're hoping like hell to beat that total in 2016. Volunteers can register their snag station here and snag-hungry voters can find their closest sizzle here. Remember to thank your barbecue team.
Calling an event WTF isn't something anyone should take lightly. In the case of Brisbane Powerhouse's biannual contemporary performance showcase, the acronym fits in two ways; however the World Theatre Festival is doing everything it can to live up to the other meaning of its moniker. That means a lineup bustling with the kinds of shows you're unlikely to see elsewhere. Maybe they're simply that new. Perhaps they haven't previously graced Australian stages. Sometimes, they're just so intent on challenging traditional definitions of theatre that there's really nothing else like them. Across a twelve-event program spanning February 18 to 27, that's what you'll find at WTF 2016. An attempt to be a better person, Cambodian rock and Maori myths feature among the schedule — and if you need help picking the best things to head along to, we've put together our list of the five we think are absolute must-sees.
Calling an event WTF isn’t something anyone should take lightly. In the case of Brisbane Powerhouse’s biannual contemporary performance showcase, the acronym fits in two ways; however the World Theatre Festival is doing everything it can to live up to the other meaning of its moniker. That means a lineup bustling with the kinds of shows you’re unlikely to see elsewhere. Maybe they’re simply that new. Perhaps they haven’t previously graced Australian stages. Sometimes, they’re just so intent on challenging traditional definitions of theatre that there’s really nothing else like them. Across a twelve-event program spanning February 18 to 27, that’s what you’ll find at WTF 2016. An attempt to be a better person, Cambodian rock and Maori myths feature among the schedule — and if you need help picking the best things to head along to, we’ve put together our list of the five we think are absolute must-sees.
From children playing in the sea near Arnhem Land to an elderly man cleaning his suburban pool, Australians from all walks of life are represented in the 22 stunning images chosen as finalists in this year's Australian Life photography contests. An initiative of Art and About Sydney, the competition is the second largest photography contest in the country, with a cash prize of $10,000. The winner will be announced on September 17, while all the finalists will be on display along the St James walkway in Sydney's Hyde Park from September 18 to October 11. The judges for this year's competition are previous winner Tamara Dean, ARTHERE founder and Stills Gallery curator Sandy Edwards, Australian Centre for Photography curator and exhibition programmer Mark Feary, and interior stylist, author and lifestyle blogger Jason Grant. Organisers have also partnered with Tourism Australia for a special Instagram competition, which last year drew more than 30,000 entries. Amateur photographers can submit their entries using the hashtag #australianlife and go in the running to win $5000. The Instagram competition closes on October 1, with winners announced on October 9.
More Neil Perry hamburgers are rolling out in Brisbane, with the announcement of a second venue headed for Edward Street this June. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Australian foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. The burger joint has since expanded to Melbourne and finally hit Brisbane in February 2017. And now, they're set to open Burger Project Number 12. Rockpool Dining Group and Perry will serve their first burgers at 144 Edward Street in the CBD on Tuesday, June 20 (Perry will be personally manning the kitchen from 11am on launch day). Designed by architect Grant Cheyne, the new 134 pax venue features an outdoor garden terrace overlooking Charlotte Street, takeaway counter for app-ordering customers, an open kitchen and interior murals. It'll be open until 9pm Sunday to Wednesday and until late Thursday to Saturday. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect 12 tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. Pair these with a classic shake or iced tea, or a cheeky brewski from Urban Craft Brewing Co — you'll find a rotating range of seasonal small batch brews on tap or bottled. For dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. The Edward Street store is the twelfth Burger Project to open around the country, and the second in Brisbane. Neil Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year, and, as the newly formed Rockpool Dining Group. Burger Project is set to open at Shop 1, 144 Edward Street, Brisbane in Tuesday, June 20. Open Sunday to Wednesday, 11am – 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am – late. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Hosting 24 events is nothing to be sneezed at. Hosting 24 evenings dedicated to the more artistic and experimental side of the music spectrum definitely isn't. Yes, MONO is back for the 24th time, and this time it's celebrating Terre Thaemlitz. From 7pm on April 13, the Institute of Modern Art will play host to the producer, writer, public speaker, educator, audio remixer, DJ, record label owner and more, who is also known by the name DJ Sprinkles. Thaemlitz will continue to take a look at identity politics and the commerce of media — her continued topics of fascination — in one of MONO's most anticipated performances.
Dropping in from the UK to play Groovin' the Moo, Brit singer-songwriter Charli XCX will be 'Boom Clap'ping her way through sideshows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In her own words, Ms XCX (AKA Charlotte Emma Aitchison) wants to give you "an hour of sweating and totally losing your mind, no matter what's going on that day or what you're worried about." Aitchison first attracted international attention in 2012, when she co-composed and performed on Icona Pop's hit 'I Love It', which played on Lena Dunham's Girls. In 2013, she released her own debut EP, True Romance, before joining forces with Iggy Azalea in 2014 on 'Fancy'. She and Azalea have since performed together all over the planet. Then, of course, along came 'Boom Clap', of The Fault in our Stars soundtrack, and the bratty 'Break The Rules'; confirming Charli XCX as a popstar in her own right. At the Met, she'll be supported by Adelaide's rising rapper Tkay Maidza, another bright spark changing the rules of pop. Image: Mike Massaro.
A wise person once said that you can never have too many brownies. Okay, that was most definitely us, but we're certain I Heart Brownies would agree. They're doing their best to keep Brisbanites devouring their tasty bites, after all. Not content with ranking among the city's must-visit market stalls, and then opening their own bakery and cafe, they're bringing their delicious morsels straight to your mouth. In a move that will make you heart their 100 percent gluten-free brownies even more, the baking wizards now deliver. You know what that means: you no longer have to get off the couch to get your brownie fix, other than to rush to the front door when they arrive, that is. That urge you're feeling — it's the urge to give them a call right now and order all the sweet treats you could dream of. With Turkish delight, Nutella and peanut butter and jelly offerings among their Belgian black cocoa and couverture chocolate-laden range, plus jaffa, cherry coconut and salted caramel as well, that reaction is understandable. In just as excellent news, I Heart Brownies deliver seven days a week, with their fees varying based on your distance away from the CBD. Given that you can also get booze and doughnuts ferried to you, too, it really is a glorious time to be alive. Find the I Heart Brownies Bakery and Café at Shop 7 Bakery Lane, 694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, or visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Ice cream lovers of Brisbane — whatever you have planned from around 5pm on Wednesday, March 29, you'd best cancel it and prepare to spend the evening worshipping your dessert of choice. The day everyone fond of a frosty sweet treat has been waiting for will finally arrive when Gelato Messina throw open the doors to their first Brisbane store. Turning South Brisbane's Melbourne Street into the city's new gelato go-to, Messina will reveal their largest site in the country — and in true ice cream royalty style, they're also unleashing a brand new flavour to celebrate. Behold the appropriately named QUEENSLANDAARRR!!!, which earns its extra letters and flurry of exclamation marks by combining ginger gelato with pineapple cake and Bundaberg rum caramel. It'll be available in all stores around the country for one week from March 28, and in Brisbane from March 29. Messina's swish Brissie digs will be their second spot in Queensland, with Coolangatta lucky enough to get the jump on their creamy chilled confection back in February 2015. Because all good things come to those who wait, the new store won't just serve up varieties such as tiramisu, Bounty, coffee made with real espresso, roasted figs in marsala and milk chocolate with choc peanut fudge, but will also offer three-hour gelato appreciation classes that are basically ice cream degustation sessions. If you've feasted on Messina at their Milton Markets or Brisbane Ice Cream Festival pop-ups recently, you'll be clearing your calendar and breaking out your stretchiest outfits. Find Gelato Messina at Shop 1, 109 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane from around 5pm on Wednesday, March 29. Keep an eye on their website for more information.
This holiday season, there's only one decoration we want hanging from our Christmas tree. It's the latest absurd dessert from the team at Gelato Messina, who so far this year have created ice cream cigars, ice cream hamburgers and an ice cream inspired by an air freshener. Available just in time for a yuletide family feed, Messina's 2015 Christmas cake combines the tastes of gingerbread, pear and chocolate. With flavours that smooth, it's no wonder they called it the Michael Baulble. The limited edition dessert, which can be ordered now until December 22 through the Gelato Messina website, consists of burnt butter and gingerbread gelato with pear mouse and fruit mince florentine, enclosed in a chocolate dome and dusted with gold powder. It also comes with vanilla brandy custard, which should be warmed and applied generously before eating. The Michael Baulble costs $90 and can be picked up from select Messina stores in Sydney (Roseberry, Miranda and Parramatta), Melbourne (Fitzroy) and Queensland (Coolangatta). According to Messina it feeds 16 people, although let's be real here: there's no way you're sharing it with that many people. Sure, Christmas is the time for giving and all that, but everyone has their limits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=SUp6tmSbQN0 To order your own Michael Baulble, visit the Gelato Messina website. Via Good Food.
Australian diners, greasy, fast food is currently battling with wholesome, nutritious fast food for most on-trend — and our arteries are favouring the latter. Brisbane has just added one more go-to for nutritional nosh to its repertoire with The Farm Wholefoods opening in Newstead. After crafting three successful cafe-grocery-stores in Sydney, owners Josh and Lisa Thompson have brought their famed business north of the border to Gasworks Plaza. Their mission? Reminding Brisbanites that a well-rounded approach to wellness starts with a good meal. No scary calorie counters or sad-looking salads here. The cafe's interiors reflect its relaxed approach to healthy eating, with exposed brickwork, black steel, recycled timber and concrete showcasing an abundance of greenery and natural light. The Farm offers a seasonal menu focusing on fresh produce and hearty meals made from quality ingredients, ranging from the breakfast bowl (sourdough with smashed avocado, goats cheese, beans and scrambled eggs) to the bento lunch bowl (buckwheat, soba noodles, salmon, pickled ginger, edamame beans and avocado). Everything is made in-house daily, with a selection of smoothie bowls, salads, sandwiches, soups and sides on offer for dining in or taking away. If the 'Glowing Matcha Smoothie Bowl' (mango, banana, spinach and matcha powder blended with coconut water and topped with buckinis, chia seeds, coconut flakes and strawberries) inspires you to whip something up at home, they've also got you covered. The store offers a wide range of organic and ethically sourced ingredients for sale so you can conjure up some masterpieces in the comfort of your own kitchen. The Farm Wholefoods is open at Gasworks Plaza in Newstead for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
When Bonnie Stevens helped establish Mous Magazine, she wanted to start a conversation, not finish it. With co-founder and editor Allie Speers, the creative director and business manager aimed to spark discussions that engaged intellect without repressing creativity. Now, after expanding from online to print, she is trying to bring that chat to life, crafting something more experiential for the publication's readers. A series of workshops and a month-long pop-up shop are the first steps in making her dreams a reality. The events provide an extension of Mous's focus on design and creation, which sits alongside three other categories — live, inform and fornicate — in written form. If the text of their first issue, as well as the articles on their website, uncovers new artists and draws attention to topical subjects, then their physical offshoots dive into the practical side beyond the printed page and the flicker of the computer screen. "I think a lot of the time it’s easy to be focused on engaging with people online, but what people are craving is real-life interaction," says Stevens. Mous's workshops are designed to allow "readers to meet and be taught by some of our favourite artists," while the pop-up store offers "easy access to the artworks, homewares and publications we’ve featured both online and in print." In the workshops, taking place in Mous's headquarters at Bardon Fairy House until October 31, keen Brisbane creatives can learn about everything from calligraphy and loom weaving to macramé and DIY zine making from local experts. Classes are kept small to ensure quality one-on-one time with the facilitator, as well as affordable and open to all skill levels. As Stevens puts it, "You don’t have to be the world’s most incredible artist to be creative." At the pop-up store during the month of October, shoppers will see the publication's pages come to life, offering a range where "most items we stock, particularly the artwork, magazines and zines have an awesome story behind them," says Stevens. "We are also focused on paying homage to the creators of the items we sell, so our store is laid out similarly to a gallery with didactics telling you about the artist or founder and their process." With a new monthly magazine club also about to be added to the mix, it all makes for a hub of activity and dialogue, as well as a showcase of up-and-coming Australian talent — another of Mous's motivations. "Whether it’s through art, furniture design, publishing or numerous other ventures, there are so many young people just excelling in their fields and we want to make sure we tell as many people as we can," advises Stevens. For more information on Mous Magazine, visit their website or Facebook page. Mous's /create/ workshops are held on Saturday afternoons at Bardon Fairy House, 24 Macgregor Terrace, Bardon. Their pop-up store is open from Wednesday to Sunday until October 31.
How do you like waffles? Drizzled with syrup? Slathered in cream and ice cream? With fried chicken? All pretty standard answers, really, but here's something that you probably haven't paired with your breakfast batter. How about waffles with beer? Everyone has their own threshold when it comes to unlikely food and drink pairings, however, if you're a mildly adventurous eater, then A Crafty Waffle is the event for you. Cancel your dinner plans on March 16, because you'll be matching lattice treats with different brews to create a sweet and savoury bonanza — you'll even come up with your own combos, too.
What starts with a slice of New Zealand comedy, ends with one of this year's Sundance hits, and will screen no fewer than 326 films from 65 countries across its 12-day 65th-anniversary run? That'd be this year's Sydney Film Festival, which takes place from June 6 to 17 across the city — and, 28 days before the big event (yes, we're counting), has just revealed its huge 2018 lineup. SFF had already announced that The Breaker Upperers would kick off this year's program, getting the event into gear with plenty of laughs. It'll also finish up proceedings with humour thanks to closing night film Hearts Beat Loud, which stars Nick Offerman as a record store-owning dad spending time with his budding musician daughter (Kiersey Clemons) before she heads off to college. Apart from the glitzy bookend events, SFF's biggest news this year stems from its annual competition, which is now in its 11th year. Twelve films will compete for the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize, with six of them boasting female directors. At a time when women's roles in the film industry have finally become a significant topic of conversation, that's a welcome statistic. With that in mind, highlights range from Sundance grand jury prize winner The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Berlinale hit Daughter of Mine, to Leave No Trace from Winter's Bone director Debra Granik and bewitching Bali-shot effort The Seen and Unseen. Other notable competition entries include world premiering Australian drama Jirga, about an Aussie solider returning to Afghanistan; Berlinale standouts such as Aga, Transit and The Heiresses; documentary Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. about, well, M.I.A; and Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, the true tale of an African-American cop who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan, which comes to Sydney straight from Cannes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8oYYg75Qvg While SFF usually adds a number of straight-from-Cannes flicks to the lineup in the days before opening night, the existing program already includes a few films that are making their debuts in France. 3 Faces, the latest feature from iconic Iranian director Jafar Panahi (Tehran Taxi) is one of them, as is as Japanese animation Mirai, from me Wolf Children filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda. Also jumping from the Croisette to Sydney is the 188-minute-long The Wild Pear Tree, the follow-up to 2014 Palme d'Or winner Winter Sleep by Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan. And, then there's Rafiki, the first-ever Kenyan film screened at Cannes — and a movie that's been banned in its homeland due to its lesbian love story. Elsewhere, You Were Never Really Here stars Joaquin Phoenix in his 2017 Cannes best actor-winning role, as directed by We Need to Talk About Kevin's Lynne Ramsay — and Phoenix also puts in a vastly different but equally excellent performance in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, where he plays real-life cartoonist John Callahan. Or, catch the Jon Hamm-starring espionage flick Beirut, new doco Whitney about the ill-fated pop queen, online thriller Searching, Lav Diaz's four-hour rock-opera Season of the Devil, or what's certain to be the dottiest and brightest film in the whole lineup: Kusama — Infinity, the documentary about Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE-ycxu_-Oo Plus, Aussie talent will shine in the likes of Juliet, Naked, the Nick Hornby adaptation featuring Rose Byrne opposite Ethan Hawke and Chris O'Dowd; Upgrade, the John Wick-esque effort from Recovery star turned Saw writer and Insidious filmmaker Leigh Whannell (who'll also be in town to chat about the film); and murder thriller Piercing with Mia Wasikowska. Still on the local front, SFF will screen Australian biker effort 1%, featuring Ryan Corr and Matt Nable; the Melbourne-shot father-son drama West of Sunshine; and the Shane Jacobson-starring black comedy Brothers' Nest. Soda Jerk's Aussie movie mashup Terror Nullius is an absolute must-see, while the festival's documentary competition once again boasts a range of local factual efforts — such as the previously announced ode to boy band fans everywhere, I Used to be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story. Throw in SFF's Aki Kaurismäki retrospective, a spotlight on Italian films, two episodes of the Mark Strong-starring TV series Deep State, and an exploration of the intersection of art and cinema, and the 2018 Sydney Film Festival is shaping up to be a jam-packed affair. Also part of the program are returning strands like the horror-focused Freak Me Out, Sounds on Screen which highlights movies about music, a virtual reality showcase at the festival hub, Screenability's platform for screen practitioners with a disability, and a ten-movie exploration of female filmmakers from Europe. And, of course, the fest already dropped a huge bunch of titles last month. The 2018 Sydney Film Festival will run from June 6 to 17. To peruse the full program and to buy tickets, head to the festival website.
Think buzzy laneways are the inner city's domain? Think again. As Brisbane keeps embracing the Melbourne trend, little nooks and crannies have started popping up everywhere. Woolloongabba's latest alley addition is even going Italian. In the news that hungry east- and south-siders will love, a couple of Trafalgar Lane's first tenants have been announced, with Ristorante La Famiglia and Lola Coffee chief among them. The former will serve up authentic Italian dishes and drinks; think feasts of pasta, sips of limoncello and a family restaurant feel. The latter will cure your caffeine fix and make their steaming hot cuppas — whether made with Coffee Alchemy beans or Zokoko chocolate — a focus. They're not the only eateries gracing the new precinct, which spans the space between Stanley and Trafalgar streets. It was designed by the architects behind Melbourne's Prahran Hotel, and is due to open in May. Anyone with a carnivorous appetite will want to head to Ribs & Burgers, with the James Street meat-lover's paradise opening a second outlet. If the whole laneway sounds like an exciting addition to the area, and all just a hop, skip, jump and footy handball away from the Gabba stadium too, well, that's because it is. And, it's just one of a wave of changes transforming Woollloongabba. Sure, everyone has been heading out for dinner and drinks at the end of Logan Road for years — but with these eateries, and the new South City Square development in the works as well, prepare to drop by much more often. Find Ristorante La Famiglia, Lola Coffee and Ribs & Burgers at Trafalgar Laneway, Woollongabba. Check out the precinct website for more information.
Americans afraid of a Donald Trump presidency are using websites and apps in order to trade votes with people in other states, in an effort to keep the Republican candidate out of the White House. Websites like Trump Traders are aimed at Republicans in so-called swing states, such as Florida and North Carolina, who are opposed to Donald Trump but don't wish to vote directly for Hillary Clinton, so intend to vote for a third party candidate instead. "We get it. Secretary Clinton is not your favourite," explains the website. "But at this point she is the only one standing between Trump and the White House. If you are #NeverTrump but want to support Gary Johnson or another third party candidate in a swing state, don't do it. You may toss the election to Trump. Instead, find a friend in a state that's safely blue or red — they'll vote for your third party candidate in exchange for your vote for Clinton." According to Trump Traders co-founder John Stubbs, more than 15,000 people had enrolled to swap their votes on the site. Apps such as NeverTrump functions in a similar fashion, allowing voters in swing states to swap votes with those in states that are considered safe. Vote trading is perfectly legal, although it does rely on the honour system — that is, you have to trust that the random stranger that you're trading votes with will actually vote for who they say they will. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTUe04et4EQ Via ABC.
Remember when the Queensland Government logo looked like a burger and chips? Sure, it was ugly — but it was also prophetic. These days, Brisbanites can't get enough of the good ol' bread, meat and accompanying fries combo. Every burger outlet in town knows what we're talking about, because they're all busy expanding. Take Getta Burger for example, which started out in Carina and has been busy growing ever since. First, Bridgeman Downs, West End and Clayfield stores popped up. Next, Underwood and Ashgrove will get their own Getta Burger eateries — and if their Facebook page is anything to go by, the chain is more than open to suggestions about where they should open next. If you're wondering why you should be excited about yet another place offering up more burger-munching opportunities, then you obviously haven't experienced one of their epic creations yet. With their handmade patties and hefty size, these aren't just your regular burgers. Crafted American style and loaded with everything from fried mozzarella sticks to 12-hour smoked brisket, they're the kind of meal that might take some folks two sittings to devour. Their filthy fries are similarly stacked with toppings, such as brisket, pulled pork, grilled onion and maple bacon. Plus, if the regular 12-option menu doesn't hit the spot, Getta Burger's weekly specials — including pastrami and cheese, mustard potato chips, pepper steak and lamb shank-laden beauties just this month — probably will. And did we mention that they've also just added an apple pie shake to their offerings? With all that to choose from, two new stores really isn't enough. To keep up to date with Getta Burger's new locations, check out their website and Facebook page.
If you're going to open a new burger place in what must surely be the country's meat-and-bread capital by now, you probably want to give the concept a bit of a kick in a different direction. Or a sonic boom, or maybe a hadouken, perhaps? Don't worry, once you're done eating, you won't have to travel to a different country to do it all over again. Yes, that '80s and '90s arcade and Super Nintendo staple that is Street Fighter is the source of inspiration for Super Combo, which joins the growing number of eateries making the Brisbane's Showgrounds' King Street precinct some of the most coveted culinary real estate in the city (with The Lamb Shop, GG's Espresso, The George, Fat Dumpling, Il Verde, Sushi & Nori and Hello Chicken also among the current or coming tenants). From March 9, they'll be slinging burgs with the same fury that Ryu, Blanka and company approach brawling in public — that is, with plenty. The retro-styled joint comes from childhood friends Michael Nham and Hao Vu, who, as you might've guessed, found hanging around their local Brissie takeaway shop smashing out super Street Fighter combos the best way to spend their time. They're also behind Melbourne's NSHRY, with Nham boasting two Vietnamese restaurants including Banoi on his resume. When it came to opening a place with such strong ties to their youth, however, it made sense to get things started in Brisbane. Indeed, the King Street digs is being trumpeted as Super Combo's first in Australia, so you can bet that more burgs will be flying to more cities in good time. As for just what those edible morsels will be, expect a menu influenced by international cuisine, plus sides, globally sourced speciality sauces and epic shakes. Yep, everyone really is a winner here. Find Super Combo at Shop 01B, 20 King Street, Bowen Hills from March 9. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
After a string of applauded festival appearances, these Swedish sisters appear to have fallen in love with life in Australia. Johanna and Klara Soderberg, the angelic pair behind folk act First Aid Kit, are set to hit stages for shows along the east coast this week. Captivating fans with their dreamy, heartfelt harmonies, these two certainly know how to pull a crowd. First venturing to Australia in July last year for Splendour in the Grass, First Aid Kit are about to embark upon their largest Australian tour yet. Audiences can expect to be greeted with the duo's signature spine-tingling vocals and melodic arrangements. Featuring a fresh offering of tracks from their recent album Stay Gold (the pair's third released to date), these shows promise gorgeous acoustic storytelling, with a dash of classic country Americana. With dates in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney (supported by Melbourne indie duo Luluc), and after glowing reports of their sets at Golden Plains and WOMADelaide earlier this year, First Aid Kit will leave you wondering who wrote 'America' in the first place.
If you're heading to New Zealand's Christchurch region for a short holiday, you can't leave without going bungy jumping. There are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline going, so why not live on the wild side of life? Experience breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, beautiful coastal vistas and lush green forest while you get reacquainted with the thrill-seeking side of yourself. If you're into the kind of fun that leaves your stomach in knots, then this guide will not disappoint. The adrenaline-junkie kiwis seem to know a thing or two about going on an adventure. TACKLE THE RAPIDS IN HANMER SPRINGS Drive for 90 minutes to Hanmer Springs and book yourself in for a white water rafting adventure. You'll find yourself situated within a stunning mountain range, with pink marble land formations heading all the way down the Waiau River canyon. The rapids are Grade 2 in Hanmer Springs, so expect medium-size rapids and low drops with waves less than a metre high. After all the twists, turns and drops you can still get your fair share of serenity — Hanmer Springs is known for its beautiful blue water and stunning scenery. Don't forget to pack something to swim in, there's no doubt you're going to want to relax with a swim at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools after a day out on the rapids. Even adrenaline junkies need some time to chill out. GO JET BOATING IN WAIMAKARIRI GORGE The Waimakariri River, translating to 'cold water' in Māori, is the home of jet boating in Christchurch, with canyons, gorges, rock faces and native forest lining an adventure trail through the water. You can choose between a 30- or 60-minute jet boating adventure in the beautiful blue water — expect 360-degree spins, hairpin turns and a high-speed ride that'll get your heart racing. The Waimakariri river is 90 minutes from Christchurch, but Alpine Jet organises transfers that pick you up from the city and drop you back when the day is done. Because there are so many beautiful rivers in the Christchurch region, there are many places to go jet boating. Another option is at Hanmer Springs. Once you've tested the strength of your stomach there'll be plenty of opportunities to sit back and take in the fresh air in both locations — catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Southern Alps if you're lucky. BUNGY JUMP AMID STUNNING SCENERY You're heading to New Zealand, which means you're going to want to throw yourself from a tall structure connected to an elastic cord — this is the home of bungy jumping after all. Why not let yourself free fall from a bridge for 35 metres towards a surging river to get the blood pumping and the bones jumping? It's an adrenaline rush like no other and one that you're bound to get addicted to. The idyllic Hanmer Springs Bungy, 90 minutes from Christchurch, is the perfect spot for first timers who may need to distract themselves with stunning scenery before taking a leap of faith. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE EDGE OF THE CITY The Christchurch region's beautiful scenery and stunning mountains make it an ideal destination for avid mountain bikers. There are many cycling tracks to discover, but the Port Hills is one of Christchurch's best kept secrets and one of our favourites. With its dramatic landscape of tussock grasslands and rugged mountain terrain, it's easy to see why. Ten different trails in this area each have their own unique highlights — and they're perfect for both new and experienced riders. The new Christchurch Adventure Park is another mountain biking option. The huge trails inside range in difficulty — from beginner courses to those designed for experts only. If you're new to mountain biking and want to learn some skills in a safe environment, head here. It's the biggest mountain biking path in the Southern Hemisphere — you won't be short on space. FLY THROUGH THE ADRENALIN FOREST If you consider yourself to be a little bit of a George of the Jungle, here's your chance to prove yourself in the tree tops. A 20-minute drive from Christchurch is the Adrenalin Forest, a two-kilometre aerial obstacle course set in the beautiful Spencer Park. We can't promise you'll have the opportunity to hang from vines, but there's more than enough to keep you challenged with over 100 activities and six courses to sink your teeth into. If you're a real adrenaline junkie, tackle the high-wire course. It's not quite walking between the twin towers Man On Wire-style, but you're sure to get up to 20 metres into the forest canopy — that's at least two or three stories off the ground and more than enough to get you shaking in your boots.
Grabbing a bite to eat and heading to a performance; it's the tried and true template for a good night out, particularly when Brisbane Festival rolls around. Across the city come September, everyone's always racing from restaurant to venue, or from pre-drinks to the festival's South Bank hub. This year, one show will cut out all that running around. The first announced event for BrisFest 2015, Fear & Delight adds a new spin to the idea of dinner and a show. It's a three-part performance all in one place, with feasting beforehand and partying afterwards. Taking a wild journey far outside the realms of reality is the main attraction, as cult UK artists The Correspondents combine forces with an international cast. Against a soundtrack of jazz-infused electro, they'll perform incredible physical feats and unleash a healthy dose of heart-racing spectacle. Prepare for plenty of "oohs" and "aahs". Those arriving early can also enjoy The Devil's Banquet, the show's eye-opening gastronomic and theatrical escapade. It's not just a magical meal before the main event — it's a decadent feast complete with more than a few surprises, up close to the performance and very limited in terms of capacity. Then there's The After Party, which is exactly what it sounds like. You'll drink, you'll dance, and you won't even have to leave the performance space. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to an experience of this type, with patrons free to pick and choose which parts they want to attend. It's all created by Strut & Fret, the folks behind previous Brisbane Festival hits LIMBO and Cantina, so whichever option you go with, you know you're in for something special. In fact, the whole experience is so big that Brisbane Festival is adding another performance tent to their riverside base just to house it. You won't be able to miss the new venue; it's five times bigger than previous years. Brisbane Festival runs from September 5 – 26 across Brisbane. The full 2015 festival program is announced on June 25. For more information, or to book tickets to Fear & Delight, visit the festival website.
You've watched the films on the big screen, bought the toys, and maybe even tied the knot in a Princess Leia costume. Even if you've only done one of the above, you're bound to get excited about Brisbane's latest eatery. Yes, it's Star Wars-themed. In fact, the forthcoming addition to Queen Street in the CBD doesn't just take its cues from George Lucas' space opera saga, but from Eddie Izzard's famous joke about just what Darth Vader and his cronies might eat on board the Death Star. No one can answer that question for sure — Izzard reckons the ungodly combo of peas and penne — but the Death Star Canteen is going to have a whole lot of fun trying. You cannot kill catering with a thought here. Thank Glen Morris — aka the main man behind Glen’s Espresso — for making this pop culture dream a reality. In his vision of the most notorious place in a galaxy far, far away, coffee and sandwiches will be on the menu. We're not sure if the trays will be dried properly though, let's give it a look... Wait. This one's wet, and this one's wet and this one's wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. This one is wet. Did you dry these in a rainforest, Glen? Brisbane Star Wars buffs still have two more months to wait before they can get their cinema-themed caffeine fix, but we don't think anyone will mind. If you're going to open a Death Star Canteen, there's only one day you do it: May 4, or May the Fourth be with you, as we're all fond of saying. Find the Death Star Canteen at 359 Queen Street, Brisbane from May 4. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Change is a-coming to Brisbane — and while that statement applies to most parts of the city these days, it's about to prove particularly accurate in Woolloongabba. In fact, the corner of Logan Road and Deshon Street has been earmarked for transformation. You may have already noticed the construction zone, but you might not know just what's about to pop up. That'd be South City Square, an inner-south hub that combines residential, retail, dining and entertainment all into one precinct. If you think that sounds pretty standard, then you haven't heard all the details. Fancy a new neighbourhood that takes inspiration from the former industrial area's past, while adding a marketplace, laneway eateries and a five-star, 144-room hotel? Or the titular centrepiece: a 5,000sqm central square? How about a brand new, eight-screen cinema? Of course you do. While the project has been on the cards for a while, it has just earned the tick of approval from the Brisbane City Council, which means it's full steam ahead from here on in. Just don't go making plans to hang out there just yet. Work might have commenced, with the first residents due to move in next year; however the full development isn't due to be completed until 2022. For more information about South City Square, visit the development's website.
One of Australia's most redeeming qualities is its ability to give good afternoon sun. There's something about its familiar glow that almost demands casual drinks – whether it's cracking open a cold beer after a day out in the sun, heading to the pub after a long day of work, or deciding on a whim that your backyard is perfect for a friendly barbecue. We love afternoon sessions, and we've partnered with Heineken 3 to put together a list of five places where you can grab an afternoon bev. [caption id="attachment_591023" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: @thefoxhotel via Instagram.[/caption] THE FOX Maybe you want to sip a few drinks in the main bar on Melbourne Street. Perhaps you're keen on consuming your beverages after walking up several flights of stairs. The great thing about The Fox is that it offers both, in one massive venue. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure kind of space, where there's no chance of selecting the wrong option. You won't just want to spend an afternoon here, you'll want to spend several. [caption id="attachment_591016" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: @riverbarkitchen via Instagram.[/caption] RIVERBAR AND KITCHEN River view: check. Stocked bar: check. Huge menu: check. Whichever way you look at it, Riverbar lives up to its name. In fact, when it comes to inner city bars with a view, it doesn't get much better than this Eagle Street Pier favourite. Staring at the water is one sure-fire way to while away an afternoon, and drinking one of their ice-cold beverages is too. DARLING & CO Darling & Co is perfect for a long lunch, or an after work drink, or a Sunday afternoon drink, or any kind of drink. That's because there's always sunshine, whether it's in the dog-friendly garden or in the terrace. There are cosy booths, and communal dining table inside that seats 300 diners. It's the type of establishment you can head to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks or coffee, and you likely won't want to leave in between. SANTA MONICA Loud and proud in prime position on Ann and Edward Streets (and conveniently opposite Central Station), you really can't miss pizza and burger joint Santa Monica. The hardest decisions you'll have to make here is whether you get a beer straight away, or after your perfectly crispy pizza. Do you sit at a booth, or stand at one of the tables in the middle of the venue? Santa Monica is perfect for after work drinks just as much as it is for a fun work lunch. THE STOCK EXCHANGE ROOFTOP A great secret marketing campaign and sneaky renovation turned the Stock Exchange from drab to a fab. In the city centre, the rooftop now attracts a more corporate crowd and the makeover puts the whole venue a league above where it was previously. The large, square space is filled with wooden tables, hanging plants and fairy lights, giving it a casual beer garden atmosphere perfect for an after-work Heineken 3. Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 – we're helping you make the most of them.
Long-deprived vegetarians, today's your day to high five a stranger, hug a disinterested cat, throw flowers from your shitty morning bus, dance merrily to your 9am. Today, IKEA Australia announced the launch of its long-awaited veggie Swedish meatball, consisting only of vegetables. AW. YEH. That's right, vegetarians can now partake in the glorious Swedishery that is IKEA's famed meatballs. The new ball is called GRÖNSAKSBULLAR, which sounds like a demon the Charmed sisters once battled — but this long-awaited IKEA newcomer deserves one mighty title. The new veggie balls will be rolled out (heh) in Australian IKEA store restaurants from April 27. Carnivores, if you're freaking out, don't think for a second the original meaty meaty meatballs are going anywhere. The veggie orbs of goodness will set you back $8.99 for a serving size of 10 and $3.69 for the kids’ serving size of five (plus you'll probably be able to take frozen balls home with you). “Our iconic IKEA meatballs are much loved in Australia — last year Aussies enjoyed nearly 8.5 million of them," said IKEA Australia food manager Simone Fowler. "The new veggie balls are a healthy, more sustainable option and form part of a move to decrease the impact of our food offering on the environment. Producing this meat free product will help cut our carbon emissions by half.” Overall, IKEA's aiming for a more sustainable food offering, acknowledging the lower environmental impact veggie-only balls have in comparison to their ambiguous meatballs. As Fowler said, the newbies will lower IKEA's carbon footprint too. It's part of their new campaign to promote for more environmentally-friendly, healthy and more ethically-produced food products — called the 'IKEA People and Planet Positive Strategy'. So IKEA's not only producing sweet veggie balls, but taking a long hard look at all their instore food. Meat-eating haters gonna hate. This is a victorious day for IKEA-lovin' veggos who've watched their buds enjoy dollar hot dogs and sweet, sweet meatballs on every furniture run.
Clare Valley, only a few hours drive from Adelaide, is the gourmet food bowl of Australia. The regions brown, loamy soil produces world-famous drops of Shiraz and even more famous drops of Riesling, not to mention their bonkers local produce. During Gourmet Weekend, Clare Valley comes alive with hundreds of events at local cellar doors, wineries and restaurants that run the gamut from five course sit-downs to Mexican food truck parties with live music. The region has accommodation to suits all budgets, from a family friendly caravan park to kitted out cabins for groups who want to party on a winery all weekend.
You know how they say that good things come in pairs? Someone said that, sure. Well, if you live near East Brisbane and like sweet treats of the frosty variety, then you're about to double your sweet tooth satisfaction. The suburb might still be in the thick of Mister Fitz fever, however ice cream sandwiches are no longer the only frozen dessert available on Lytton Road. Located a mere two blocks away from the popular, just-opened, Doughnut Time-adjacent parlour, Yum Gelato is giving the inner-eastern area what it needs: Italian-style cold confectionery in mouthwatering flavours such as chocolate peanut butter and brownie batter, obviously. And sorbets, milkshakes and cakes, too. And yes, squeezing your favourite scoops between a couple of cookies is an option here as well. The hole-in-the-wall-style establishment is an offshoot of the Coolum hotspot of the same name, so if you've enjoyed a tasty waffle cone while walking along one of the Sunshine Coast's best beaches, then you know what you're in for. Well, maybe. Given that the new Brissie store is run by pastry chef Nicholas Waring, expect a few surprises among its ever-growing gelato lineup. Find Yum Gelato at 11/17 Lytton Road, East Brisbane. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
'The mormons are coming', posters popping up all around Brisbane promised in 2018. In 2018, until May, the mormons finally arrived. Brisbanites waited for years for The Book of Mormon to come to town, but it seems that we want more. While the musical's first Queensland run didn't end that long ago, a return season has been announced for 2020. If you haven't nabbed tickets to the current slate of shows, don't worry — Trey Parker and Matt Stone's hit musical will bring its hilariously irreverent self back to QPAC's Lyric Theatre from January 3, 2020. The production spent a year in Melbourne, then did the same in Sydney, and initially slated three months for Brisbane; however it clearly wasn't long enough. Tickets for the 2020 season are now on sale and, given that The Book of Mormon has been enjoying sell-outs everywhere it has played, it's certain to prove a hot ticket — again. In Sydney, it set a record for the highest grossing musical in the city's history, and did the same at Melbourne's Princess Theatre. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". If you've been envious of the throngs seeing the musical in New York, Chicago, London, elsewhere in Australia or in Brisbane at the moment, then you'll be plenty excited that you'll now get another chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. The Book of Mormon plays QPAC's Lyric Theatre from January 3, 2020. Tickets for the return season are now on sale from BookOfMormonMusical.com.au. Image: Ryan Bondy, Zahra Newman, Nyk Bielak and company in The Book of Mormon, AUS 1411. (c) Jeff Busby.
Are you a Thai food lover who spends your days somewhere near Post Office Square? If so, your culinary prayers have been answered. By the end of June, the inner-city space will boast Brisbane's newest Asian street food haven: Phat Elephant. Yep, Pad Thai lovers will have a new CBD... uh... pad to call their own. However, Phat Elephant won't just be serving delicious meals — they also want to become your new drinking spot, too. Sure, making every all-day eatery do double duty as a bar seems to be Brisbane's latest craze, but it's a trend that we're well and truly into. Phat Elephant's menu hasn't yet been revealed, but we think it's safe to assume it'll include versions of the classic Thai dishes you know and love, and possibly add a few new favourites to your must-eat list. And, in good news for anyone that loves sharing meals with a posse of pals, the restaurant will also feature large seating options for big groups. Huge Thai feast dinner with your extended gang of nearest and dearest, anyone? Phat Elephant will open in Post Office Square, 280 Queen Street, Brisbane in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
As anyone fond of lounging away the day mashing buttons knows, gaming and coffee go hand in hand. That's the idea behind Cafe de SOYT, though the Albion coffee house would like to tempt you away from your couch and onto theirs. Opened on Sandgate Road on April 8, the new venue brings gaming out of the house, beyond the arcade, into the cosy confines of a cafe. Customers can geek out over consoles, comic books, manga and pop culture while sipping caffeinated brews, hot chocolate, juice or soft drinks, and snacking on cheesecakes, tarts, muffins and brownies. The monthly rotation of machines and games will cycle through Sega, Nintendo, Playstation and Microsoft offerings, with the store's Atari collection currently being assembled. Themed sections also spread the Star Wars, Batman, Dr Who and anime love. Unsurprisingly, Cafe de SOYT is a passion project for owner Eskabar Page, who has been a gaming and comic book collector for many years. "It was actually leaving a Supernova convention a couple of years ago [that] I had an idea," he explains. "That idea was to try and showcase what I had collected and spent my hard earned dollars on — because usually, who sees this? Your friends and family mostly. Otherwise it's hidden for no one to enjoy but yourself. There were a few ways I thought of doing this but ended up with the coffee house you see today." Page says that Cafe de SOYT aims to submerge patrons in all things gaming, rather than just playing with a novelty concept. Expect new additions to their range as time goes by, plus an array of special events, with plans for a May the 4th celebration currently being thrown around. If you're more of a casual gamer, don't worry. "I've tried to make it so a large demographic can walk in and familiarise themselves with at least something because we have a little bit of everything," Page reassures. With Super Mario painted on the walls, Rick and Morty's Mr Meeseeks on the chalkboard menu and Pokemon featuring too, that's easy to see. And with Brisbane currently boasting Netherworld's arcade bar, Super Combo's Street Fighter-themed burgers and the soon-to-open 1UP Arcade, it's never been easier to head out for some pop culture fun. Find Cafe de SOYT at 1/ 135 Sandgate Road, Albion. For more information, head to their website and Facebook page.
Wondering what to say when you step inside Brisbane's new mini-golf bar? At Holey Moley Gold Club, it really is all there in the name. And, as awesome as the concept of having some drinks, donning a visor, hitting the indoor greens and taking a few swings on pop culture-themed holes sounds, the reality is even better (and weirder). Entering Holey Moley is like entering an alcohol-fuelled indoor amusement park for adults, even if the building it's in — a former church — makes that quite the surreal experience. So does the angel statue decked out with golf clubs, the pink-lit neon sign declaring "I like big putts and I cannot lie", and the twirling giant disco ball hanging in the centre of the venue, which visitors familiar to the site's many previous watering holes and live music spaces will recognise. Of course, with the right wall taken up by a stocked bar, it's obvious that this is a drink-focused spot with two nine-hole mini-golf courses inside, rather than a putting facility that happens to serve booze. Each hole has a six stroke maximum, however whether you decide to keep score is completely up to you — it's fun, rather than sports, that the venue wants to promote. Even taking a quick glance at the eighteen different holes on offer demonstrates that having a good time is the main aim here, unless you're scared of clowns and puppets, that is. Suspended from a frame and lurking on the ground, these vaudevillian creeps adorn the seventh stop on the ground level, which means anyone suffering from coulrophobia has plenty of time to work up the courage to play there. Beforehand, you'll hit your way through a beachy (fri)endless summer, enter a glow-in-the-dark space for three holes of luminous action, and play pinball and pool with a golf ball and club. Yes, really. Keeping with the arcade theme, a putting version of skeeball marks the end of the lower course — but don't worry, more holes await upstairs. That's where you'll show off your short game on a turntable, in a bathroom and a gym, and on a Twister board, to highlight just a selection of the standouts on the upper level. You'll also tap, tap, tap the ball into a Nintendo-focused hole that pays tribute to Super Mario and Donkey Kong, brave the Mad Putter's Tee Party, prove that you're obviously not a golfer at a bowling alley, and marvel at the glory of the nine-iron throne. You just know the latter is going to be mighty popular, particularly for selfies that'll clog up your Instagram feed. For something different between rounds, ping pong tables provide a break from the main action, as do a selection of old-school video games. Or, chew a couple of gum balls, grab a drink, and sit down and watch everyone else. In fact, the cocktail list is worth the trip alone, thanks to beverages like the Tee-quila Mocking Birdie (with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Blue Curacao, sour mix and sugar syrup), Teeyonce Knowles (Pampero white rum, soda, fresh mint, limes and syrup) and Happy Gilmoreo (Chambord raspberry liqueur, Smirnoff Red vodka, Baileys, milk, chocolate sauce, crushed Oreos and whipped cream). Yep, we're calling it: Holey Moley is about to become everyone's favourite new hangout. Holey Moley Golf Club opens on September 29 at 25 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page.
What's better than heading to your favourite pub, grabbing an ice-cold pint and whiling away a relaxing summer afternoon? Doing all that with a view of the water, of course. Brisbane might not really be a beach city (South Bank's man-made effort notwithstanding), but that doesn't mean you can't get your fix of watery vistas in the Queensland capital. With the new Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct up and running, the number of bars overlooking Brisbane River is growing at a staggering rate — and that's not to mention the beachside pubs you can find if you're willing to go on a bit of a drive. Add the below bars and pubs to your summer hit list.
Generally speaking, New Year's Eve can go one of two ways. Get it right, and it's a chance to let loose with your friends and celebrate the promise of the next 365 days. Get it wrong, and it's an unending hellscape of munted revellers, terrible music and being cooked to death on crowded public transport. But while it doesn't always seem like it, there are other options — ones that don't involve crushing crowds or spending an arm and a leg on some 'exclusive' party that'll only end up disappointing. If you're not one for blowouts and can't be stuffed watching the fireworks, here are five alternative suggestions for NYE 2018. HOST A DINNER PARTY At the end of the day, the best thing about New Year's Eve is getting together with your friends and loved ones. Well, it turns out you can have all that without the stress of leaving the house. Invite a few of your closest friends around and then get busy cooking. Once the night is underway you can keep yourselves amused with everything from bake-offs to board games to catching up with old episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. If nothing else, getting your friends to supply the booze will mean you save yourself a bundle to spend in 2019. HOST A SLUMBER PARTY Doubling down on our previous suggestion, a sleepover saves you the awkwardness of kicking your mates out at 1.30am once the party has wound down — and it means you don't have to worry about dressing up, since you'll presumably all be hanging out in your pyjamas/'at home' clothes anyway. Spend the evening and early hours of the morning playing Cards Against Humanity and gorging yourself on snacks before collapsing onto a giant pile of pillows in the living room. As an added bonus, this idea means you get to wake up in a room full of your favourite people… and then you can guilt them into helping you with the cleanup. GO CAMPING While everyone else is figuring out the best way into the city, we reckon that there's a very strong case to be made for heading in the opposite direction. If it's serenity you're after, grab a tent, a sleeping bag, an esky and a couple of friends, and make your way deep into the bush. There mightn't be fireworks, but as you're ringing in the New Year gazing up at the stars, you won't feel too hard done by. Just make sure you're aware of any fire restrictions that might be in place, and be careful on the roads. Check out some of our favourite spots outside of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. MOVIE MARATHON There were a ton of great movies to hit cinemas this year (we wrote about some of our favourites over here). As we gear up for another Oscar season, there's no better time to fire up your Netflix account and catch up with the flicks you might have missed. If you do want to get out of the house, select Palace Cinemas around the country are hosting advance NYE screenings of the crowd-pleasing Green Book, with a celebratory glass of Prosecco included in the ticket price. Alternatively, Melburnians can pay a visit to the historic Astor Theatre and rock into January with Prince's Purple Rain. FIND SOMEWHERE TO VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME IN 2018 Look, let's be honest — 2018 was not a great year. So why not spend its final moments figuring how to make 2019 a better one? Volunteering is a great item to include on your list of New Year's resolutions, and there are no shortage of worthwhile organisations looking for extra bodies. Medicine sans Frontiers, Oxfam, Second Bite and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre sit at the top of our list, but a quick Google search will reveal hundreds of others. Wouldn't it be nice to wake up on January 1 feeling good instead of just really, really hungover?
