Aussie supermarket giant Woolworths has gotten a little bit creative with its latest waste minimisation efforts, transforming unsold loaves of bread into beer. A hefty haul of over 350 kilograms of unwanted, leftover bread has been rescued and used to create a new limited-edition pale ale it has fittingly dubbed Loafer. As well as helping to cut down on a big chunk of bread going to landfill, the beer is also helping to raise funds for Aussies in need. You can pick up a six-pack of the new brew from BWS and Dan Murphy's stores, with a portion of profits heading to support the Feed Australia Appeal. Funds will be used to lend a helping hand to Aussies impacted by food insecurity, through a variety of local food relief programs. Pitched as the company's first "circular economy craft beer", Loafer was brewed by Goulburn's Tribe Breweries. Apparently, the bread-infused base gives the easy-drinking brew "the aroma of fresh toast", which mingles with bright, hoppy pear and pineapple accents. Grab a few Loafers for your fridge and, for once, you can kick back feeling pretty good about your beer drinking. Each six-pack sold raises 50 cents or the equivalent of one meal through Feed Appeal, while a carton donates $2 which is enough to feed a family of four. Last year, Woolworths joined fellow supermarket group Coles in another high-profile move in the war on waste, ditching single-use plastic bags from its stores. This latest limited-run initiative won't have quite the same widespread impact, though we're sure it'll do a whole lot better at quenching your thirst. Loafer pale ale is available from BWS and Dan Murphy's stores across Australia. A six-pack will set you back $25 and a carton $73.
For a lot of us, 2020 so far has involved a whole heap less travel than we'd usually like. With devastating bushfires raging across the country, many had to forego our annual summer trips and stay at home. Then, COVID-19 hit Australia, resulting in nationwide restrictions on travel. To say we have a bit of wanderlust would be an understatement. Last week, on. Friday, May 8, the Australian Government announced its three-step roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown, with talks of interstate and possibly trans-Tasman travel happening before the end of July. Finally, we can start thinking about leaving our four walls and dreaming of our next trip away. While we can't jet off to Europe or make our way through Southeast Asia yet, we'll soon be able to explore our own backyard — from its pristine coastline, lush bushland, snowy mountains and expansive plains. And, to help inspire your post-iso plans, Tourism Australia is launching an online program of virtual travel experiences and entertainment. Best of all, it's completely free. Dubbed Live from Aus, the program will run from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17 via its YouTube channel and Facebook page. It'll feature everything from Phillip Island's penguins to underwater reef tours at the Great Barrier Reef, music by First Nations artists with Uluru as its backdrop, Mona's Spectra light show, an Australian wine tour with Adelaide Hills' Unico Zelo, a cheesemaking session with Jo Barrett and Matt Stone, and sunrise yoga at Byron Bay. All up, expect a taste for Australia's natural beauty, food, music, wildlife and culture. [caption id="attachment_769947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sunrise Yoga with Elements of Byron Bay, courtesy of Tourism Australia[/caption] Other highlights include a disco party with The Wiggles, an exploration of Indigenous Australian ingredients with famed chef and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, tours of Australia's greatest golf greens, pub trivia, a coffee making tutorial with Ona Coffee, a tour of Kangaroo Island, a night at the Opera House and Dreamtime stories with Darren 'Capes' Capewell. You can check out the full program and times here. Live from Aus will kick off at 7am AEST on Saturday, May 16 till Sunday, May 17. You can tune in for free via Facebook or its website. Images: Underwater Reef Tour at the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru Sunset Session with First Nations music curated by Sounds Australia, Penguin Parade Bedtime Stories from Phillip Island and Kangaroo Island Tour with Craig Wickham — all courtesy of Tourism Australia.
There are some truly incredible buildings in the world, but unless you have amazingly hi-res Google Street View or a platinum Amex there's just no way you can see them all. That's where architectural photography comes in. Bringing us images of the craziest buildings and landscapes around the world, these photographers constantly fill up our magazines, Tumblrs and Pinterests with pics from where we'd rather be. Now, they've been judged against one another. Each year the Arciad Awards pick the year's best work in architectural photography. There are thousands of dollars in prize money and the winners are bestowed with countless likes, shares and reblogs from all of the internet — and with good reason. The pictures picking up recognition at this year's awards documented Dubai's twister Cayan Tower (pictured above), the space-age Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan, and a sunken flea market in Barcelona. However the grandeur of the structure wasn't a prerequisite to photographic success. Other noted offerings included a tiny metropolitan roof space in South Korea, a cow shed in the Netherlands and a lone boxy home next to a creek in Ohio. The outright winner was a photograph (pictured below) that showed the aforementioned Azerbaijani architecture with jaw-dropping surrealism. Get ready to take a trip — these images will leave you with a serious case of wanderlust. All images via Arciad.
There's never a bad time of day to visit Blockhouse Nundah. Just don't expect the cute cottage on Ryans Road to provide the same experience morning, noon and night. While breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served up every day of the week, the new venture from Angel and Oliver Markart and Jerome Dalton — the former best known as the owners of Redcliffe's Workshop Cafe, and the latter the man behind Dalton Hospitality — changes not only its menu but its vibe over the course of its opening hours. That's quite the ambitious offering for a suburban eatery, but as the glistening decor of wooden floors, a black-tiled bar and leather-padded timber stools attests, Blockhouse is certainly aiming high. First up is brunch-style "Toast & Oats", as best enjoyed in the sunny courtyard. As far as their early-in-the-day choices go, a baguette topped with a ham hock and green pea puree has to be one of the most unusual, but we're sure it tastes as delicious as it sounds. Then, when it gets dark, head inside for fine dining and a well-stocked drinks list. That means duck crackling share plates, blackened beef brisket for two to four, and Eton mess for dessert, among other tasty dishes, plus a choice of 25 types of champagne — or their signature Killer Bee espresso martini cocktail.
The Night Noodle Markets are the jewel in the Good Food Month crown and are exactly what they sound like: a noodle market at night. Take a trip across Asia and indulge in all your favourite dishes from 30 different stalls, including gyoza, Vietnamese pho, ramen, yakitori sticks and yes, lots of noodles. Eat separately or mash them all together into a giant ball of decadent goodness that will earn you jealous stares as you wander around South Bank, soaking up the festival atmosphere. Night Noodle Markets are open from 5pm Monday - Thursday, from 4pm Friday and from 2pm on weekends.
Scribbling on the walls used to be a top ten reason for grounding. Now NGV wants you to scribble all over their White Cube. Design duo Matheny Studio have created a brand new kids space at the National Gallery of Victoria called Pastello Draw Act — without a fun-quashing parent voice (or airport official) in sight. Kids can gear up in futuristic crayon-studded helmets and crayon-soled shoes and let the rainbow destruction run rife; allowed to colour, scribble, sketch, draw and obliterate every surface in the space with whatever hue's on the menu. Tables aren't safe. Walls can't run. Footstools quiver in fear. It's not every day kids are allowed to make as much mess as they want. "Pastello Draw Act is a new immersive kids space focused on transforming perception surrounding the simple act of drawing," say Matheny Studio on Vimeo. The studio designed the space and crayon accessories specifically for NGV, seeing an opportunity for unbridled artistry by our most abstract expressionist of citizens: children. Via Gizmodo and KNSTRCT. Pastello Draw Act will be open at the NGV until August 31.
Sun, surf, sand, ice cream: what a combination. As cemented in the childhood memories of most Australians, there's nothing like pairing a trip to the beach with a frosty dessert. Haven't had the pleasure of that experience lately? Keen for a sweet treat by the shore just because? Fancy enjoying one of life's simple delights for just 36 cents? Enter the ALDI ice cream truck. For one day only on the Sunshine Coast, the supermarket chain is sending an ice cream van to the beach with cheap chilled bites. While the 36-cent price only applies to mini yoghurt sticks, nothing else on the nine-item menu costs more than $1 each. So, you can enjoy ALDI's take on choc-coated ice creams on a stick for 40 cents, its version of Splices for 50 cents and its Paddle Pop alternative — in both chocolate and rainbow — for 62 cents, for instance. An ice cream sandwich will cost you 95 cents, a Drumstick equivalent is 92 cents and the brand's version of a Golden Gaytime is $1.Queenslanders need to make the trip to the Alexandra Heads Surf Life Saving Club at Alexandra Headland on Saturday, February 8, with the truck serving up its menu from 11am–3pm. The reason for the pop-ups is to spruik ALDI's in-store ice creams, which is what it's dishing up — and at the same price that you'd pay per ice cream if you were to purchase a box of each in the supermarket. Buy them individually from the truck and you'll also be helping a good cause, with 100-percent of the sales going to Camp Quality. Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
Near, far, no matter how much of a Titanic and/or Celine Dion fan you are, there's no denying how apt the lyrics to 'My Heart Will Go On' have proven. The film's fame went on, and continues to do so nearing three decades since the movie became the king of the boat-set blockbuster world. Dion's Oscar-winning theme tune goes on, including as an earworm that's hard to get out of your head. Ways to nod to both the picture and its central track keep going on as well — and Titanique, the stage production that riffs on Titanic and adores Dion, is doing exactly that in Sydney by extending its Australian-exclusive (and -debut) season. What if you were at a Titanic museum and Dion was there? What if she was not only your narrator, but her songs accompanied the tale that she was telling? What if Titanic got an off-Broadway musical-comedy parody that went heavy on Dion, then? That's Titanique, as Aussie audiences have been enjoying in the Harbour City since September 2024, and now can continue to see until the beginning of winter 2025. The production's Australian run will now play until Sunday, June 1, adding an extra nine weeks to a season that's already been lengthy. Yes, you could call the show's Aussie stay at The Grand Electric in Surry Hills titanic if you want to. The amusing ode to James Cameron's (Avatar: The Way of Water) movie dives back into the story of Jack and Rose, with Drew Weston and Georgina Hopson stepping into Leonardo DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Kate Winslet's (The Regime) shoes as Jack and Rose — and Marney McQueen playing Dion. It was back in 2017 that the show premiered in Los Angeles, and in 2022 that it set a course for off-Broadway. It has also sailed into both Canada and the UK — but Australia was its first international stop. So far, the production has three Lucille Lortel Awards to its name, plus two Dorian Awards and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, among other gongs. And as for the songs, co-writers Blue, Marla Mindelle (Sister Act) and Constantine Rousouli (Cruel Intentions) — with the latter two originally starring as Céline and Jack — have worked in everything from Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On', of course, to 'Where Does My Heart Beat Now' and 'A New Day Has Come'. If you haven't caught Titanique in Australia yet and you're keen to step onboard (well, into the theatre) with the gang, it's also doing party packages. Titanique plays The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney until Sunday, June 1, 2025, with the next batch of tickets available from 10am on Thursday, February 13, 2025 — head to the show's website for purchases and further information. Images: Daniel Boud.
What will inspire you to spend your Sunday nights busting out your music trivia knowledge, and also playing along with one of the most-beloved Australian TV shows there is? The return of Spicks and Specks for 2024. Back in 2023, the ABC announced that it was bringing the series back for a new season after it took the past year off — and you can now mark Sunday, June 9 in your diary for the big comeback. Among everything that the ABC has ever broadcast — news, entertainment, after-school kids shows, oh-so-much Doctor Who and late-night music videos to keep you occupied after a few drinks all included — the Adam Hills-, Myf Warhurst- and Alan Brough-led Spicks and Specks is up there among the favourites. If you're keen to watch a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about tunes again, this season's guests from the music side of things include Anthony Callea, Marlon Williams, Elly-May Barnes, Nooky, Montaigne and Dan Sultan, as well as Mark Seymour, Oli from Lime Cordiale. Among the comedians, Hamish Blake, Tommy Little, Steph Tisdell, Abbie Chatfield, Shane Jacobson and Jenny Tian will feature. Plus, Adrian Eagle, Gut Health and Lime Cordiale will perform. Here's how it works, if you've forgotten: the show's contestants answer questions, compete for points and just generally be funny, too. That's the concept behind the series, which takes more than a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pits Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. It was a weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011 — and it keeps being resurrected. As fans already know, Spicks and Specks has enjoyed more comebacks than John Farnham, although that has meant different things over the years. When the program was first revived back in 2014, it did so with a new host and team captains, for instance. And when it started to make a return with its original lineup of Hills, Warhurst and Brough, it first did so via a one-off reunion special. That 2018 comeback proved more than a little popular. It became the ABC's most-watched show of that year, in fact. So, the broadcaster then decided to drop four new Spicks and Specks specials across 2019–20 and, for 2021, to bring back Spicks and Specks in its regular format. In 2022, ten new episodes hit. The new season will air at 7.30pm on Sunday evenings via ABC and ABC iView — and new segments will also be part of the fun. T0 tide you over until June, here's a classic clip from past Spicks and Specks runs: Spicks and Specks will return to ABC TV and via ABC iView from 7.30pm on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Start packing that suitcase and plotting your annual leave, because there's a new Aussie beachside resort to add to your bucket list. And this one's a little different to most. Making its home amongst natural bushland at NSW's Cabarita Beach, The Hideaway is a boutique escape offering guests a rare chance to go glamping by the sea. Here, you can fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, just metres from your pillow. Doesn't that sound like a total treat? The resort features three different styles of luxury bell tent, all kitted out with comfy Koala beds, soft furnishings and bath towels, charging sockets, floor rugs, proper lighting and tripod fans for those balmier evenings. In addition to the luxe suites, the unique resort boasts modern bathrooms and communal entertaining spaces, nestled cleverly within repurposed shipping containers. You'll also find plenty of open green space throughout, with native plant life lining the pathways and open fire pits primed for cosy communal gatherings in the cooler months. [caption id="attachment_747560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristy Mason Photography[/caption] And when it comes to entertainment, there's no shortage. The Hideaway's carefully located near a world-class surf break, with opportunities for swimming, whale watching, hiking, bush walking and more right at your fingertips. Meanwhile, the nearby coastal town of Cabarita boasts its own award-winning restaurant, Paper Daisy, along with a solid offering of shops, cafes and eateries, all within strolling distance. Of course, the striking views of the Border Ranges, Mt Warning and that glistening ocean should keep you pretty occupied as well. Plus, if you need something to sweeten the deal, Cabarita Beach was named the best beach in Australia by Tourism Australia's Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM. The beach is located a two-hour drive south of Brissie and a nine hours north from Sydney (or a short flight to Gold Coast Airport and 30-minute drive). Find The Hideaway at 2-6 Tweed Coast Rd, Corner of Tweed Coast Road and Cypress Avenue, Cabarita Beach. Prices start from $189 a night. Images: Kristy Mason Photography Updated: December 20, 2019.
Now that most of us are back at our desks — or out in the field or classroom or wherever it is you go when you go 'back to work' — we're more than likely reaching for a coffee to help kickstart the day. You might know exactly how you like your cuppa. But you might also be bluffing your way through the chatter that comes with Australia's prominent brew culture. To help you know exactly what's in your cup, we've put together a little bluffer's guide to the magic bean with help from L'Americano Espresso Bar. The folks behind this sleek cafe, which you'll find set within furniture retailer Coco Republic in Fortitude Valley, certainly know their stuff when it comes to coffee. Read on for the lowdown on this morning (or sometimes all-day) life source — from the best ways to drink it to the best bites to pair with your brew. THE HISTORY OF COFFEE IN AUSTRALIA Don't let anyone tell you that the Aussie love affair with coffee is a new trend — it's been around for a very long time. French-style cafes and coffee palaces were all the rage in Australia in the late 19th century as people tried to stay away from drinking too much liquor but it was the arrival of Italian-style espresso machines in the 1930s that really kicked things off. This was followed by the post-World War II wave of European immigrants, which saw espresso bars spring up all over the capital cities. The increased accessibility and established social aspect of drinking coffee blended well to create the unique coffee culture that Australia is world famous for today. Over the decades, various trends have shaped the Australian coffee scene — from the invention of the classic flat white (though we can't ignore the contentious debate with our Kiwi neighbours over its origins) and the obsession with latte art to the (quite frankly, sacrilege) OTT sugary concoctions from the American-style chain stores. These days, Australia's coffee scene is dominated by independent cafes and roasters that are passionate about making each of your pocket change investments memorable. Beans used in your cuppa come from all over the world — particularly Central and South America, East Africa and Southeast Asia — leading to the current emphasis on ethical sourcing and single origin brews. HOW TO DRINK IT If you're fond of a cappuccino or another milky variety, you're likely drinking a darker roast blend from a couple of different places, like Vittoria Coffee's Oro blend of 100 percent Arabica beans from around Central and South America. The family-owned Italian-style roastery uses a blend to ensure its coffee tastes more or less the same from batch to batch, as it can change its mix depending on how the beans taste that season. In a lot of Aussie cafes, you'll also find medium roast single origin coffees — these are great for black coffees like cold drips or brews, which will retain all the strong flavour characteristics of a single origin bean. Although, the punchy, acidic favours can be a lot for someone who is new to the style of brew. Brisbane's L'Americano Espresso Bar combines Vittoria's single origin beans (currently from Nicaragua but it changes seasonally) with a touch of the Oro blend in its cold brew. Head barista Julian Chai says this is a great intro to more complex styles of coffee, as it adds "some of those traditional dark roast characteristics that make it taste more like a coffee than a coffee juice". If you're not keen to veer away from your usual coffee taste, iced long blacks, made with the usual espresso coffee blend, are becoming more and more popular, particularly in the hot summer months. According to Chai, Brisbane's love of black coffee, and iced black coffee, has grown by at least 15 percent in the last year or so. And, as you'll know if you've spent any time in an Australian bar in the last few years, coffee goes damn great in a cocktail. L'Americano Espresso Bar uses Archie Rose vodka, cold drip liquor, fresh espresso, vanilla sugar syrup and shaved chocolate in its espresso martini, and it goes down a treat on a hot day. HOW TO PAIR IT Replicating the European-style of espresso that first gripped Australia, L'Americano takes its cues from 1950s cafes on the Italian Riviera. It's all about a naturally sweet, easy-drinking coffee paired with fresh Italian-inspired dishes. "As it can be quite bitter, coffee is a good aperitif or palate cleanser," says Chai. "It's good between meals or courses, or after your meal before the dessert." Most people grab their milky coffees to go on the way to work, Chai says, skipping breakfast or pairing it with a pastry crafted by French patisserie La Bon Choix. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, coffee is perfect alongside tiramisu or something else sweet — think Italian-style crepes with Nutella, bananas and ricotta or fruit toast. If you're a little hungrier, Chai recommends skipping the latte, as the milk coats your mouth and could take away from some of the delicious flavours in your meal. In summer, order a cold brew or an iced long black to pair with a full brunch. L'Americano's brunch offering features two soft-boiled eggs and sprouted wheat sourdough toast with your choice of crispy bacon, roasted tomatoes, wilted greens and mushrooms; smoked salmon, cream cheese, olives and capers; or Sicilian caponata, greens, roasted pumpkin and basil pesto. And if you're wanting to make your caffeine hit a little indulgent, pair your espresso martini with a crostini, an Italian-style open sandwich (think bruschetta) or as a sweet treat following a bowl of ricotta and spinach ravioli with 'nduja and green peas. You'll find L'Americano Espresso Bar at 400 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information and to check out the menu, visit the website.
This Fortitude Valley venue is the kingpin of entertainment that rarely receives the credit it's due. From intimate live gigs to DJs that will happily play Fleetwood Mac's Tusk in its entirety, you can't really get away with sitting still at this cosy (often rather crazy) upstairs joint. Occasionally, the venue plays host to those uppity gigs where everyone is a little 'too cool to function' — prompting little more than a gentle sway — but when the beats are high-flying, with lights so dim you can get away with anything, even those with most cuffed of jeans can find themselves lost to the rhythm of the night.
If you've ever wanted to enjoy a beverage in a speakeasy, pretend you're drinking bootlegged liquor, or get glammed up 1920s style, you're about to get your chance. Welcome to Prohibition Brisbane, the venue that brings the fun of almost a century ago to Fortitude Valley's nightlife district. It's a theme the underground haunt takes seriously, as its grand arrival space, complete with moving ceiling, makes clear. Inside the 1100 square metre warehouse, three separate basement spaces — the main hall, a speakeasy-style bar and an exclusive VIP lounge — evoke times gone by via earthy tones and aged finishes. Need proof beyond the fancy decor? It's all in the drinks list. The hard stuff reigns supreme, of course, as Prohibition's packed bar shelves prove. For those fond of shaken or stirred concoctions, the extensive cocktail range mixes time-honoured tipples that date back to the '20s with brand new house originals. Twists on classics are a highlight, including 'The Peach and Passionfruit Rickey' and the 'Du Pont Daiquiri'.
When Za Za Ta launched back in 2019, it brought Middle Eastern-style dishes and drinks to Fortitude Valley's Emporium precinct. Then, in 2020, it kept the same culinary focus while switching to an entirely plant-based menu. Now, the team behind the Ann Street spot has branched out — launching Tel Aviv-inspired cocktail bar Kazba in the same part of town. Kazba is serious about its boozy concoctions, with 27 different types leading a menu that also features a small range of wine and beer. With the watering hole forming part of Fortitude Valley's Ovolo hotel, as Za Za Ta does, the accomodation chain's Director of Food and Beverage Jared Thibault has overseen the lineup, which incorporates Middle Eastern-style cordials made in house from the region's produce, as well as creative garnish choices. Standout sips include a Turkish coffee martini ($21), which features spiced rum, caramelised yoghurt and chocolate cardamom bitters among its ingredients; a fig rum old fashioned ($25), complete with almond bitters and dehydrated fig; and a Tel Aviv sazerac ($21) made with an applewood smoke blend of arrack musar, za'atar rye, peychaud bitters, demerara, lemon zest. The venue's version of the Israeli Gazoz, called the Fizzy Bubbly ($17), comes in five different types — and if you'd like to try The Sun Also Rises ($34), which adapts the Hemingway daiquiri and is named after one of the author's novels, your drink will be poured from a flask hidden in a novel. To complement Kazba's cocktails, Executive Chef Roy Ner's street food-inspired vegetarian menu features fried sesame falafel with tahini and amba pickles ($14), hummus ($18), wood-fired flat bread ($6), and chilli haloumi savoury doughnuts ($16) paired with pomegranate and chilli jam. From 10pm, the late-night range also spans murtabak gozleme ($18), falafel wraps ($16), and arayes with kofta ($20). While eating and drinking, patrons will hear tunes from the venue's vinyl collection, including Afrobeat, funk, soul, disco, and Mediterranean and Arabic music. And, decor-wise, interior designers Luchetti Krelle have taken cues from the Victorian era, 1940s cocktail joints and traditional Queenslander architecture.
When French stage actor Sarah Bernhardt performed in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, posters helped spread the word. The art that featured is as famous as the star herself. Responsible for the designs: Czech-born painter and illustrator Alphonse Mucha, who is virtually synonymous with Paris in the art nouveau period as a result. He's also the subject of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' huge 2024 winter showcase. AGNSW has unveiled its program for the year ahead, and its biggest-name exhibition is impressive. It'll also be exclusive to Sydney. Running from Saturday, June 15–Sunday, September 22, Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau will be the most-comprehensive showcase of the artist's work that Australia has ever seen, in fact. Posters for Bernhardt and others will feature, alongside illustrations, photographs, jewellery and interior decoration. Surveying Mucha's five-decade career, created in collaboration with the Mucha Foundation in Prague and featuring pieces from the Mucha Family Collection, Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau will also include a digital component. There, his painting cycle The Slav Epic from 1912–26 will get the immersive treatment. [caption id="attachment_942045" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alphonse Mucha 'Reverie' 1898, colour lithograph, 72.7 x 55.2 cm © Mucha Trust 2024 // Alphonse Mucha 'The Seasons: Summer' 1896, colour lithograph, 103 x 54 cm © Mucha Trust 2024. // Alphonse Mucha 'Princess Hyacinth' 1911, colour lithograph 125.5 x 83.5 cm © Mucha Trust 2024[/caption] "Thanks to the close and generous collaboration with the Mucha Foundation in Prague, this extensive exhibition brings many of Alphonse Mucha's exceptionally important works to Sydney, revealing an artist and designer whose powerful influence remains with us today, some 85 years after his death," said Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Michael Brand, announcing the exhibition. "Mucha was a prolific and versatile artist whose work spanned many areas of design, from the iconic theatrical posters that made his name, to design and advertising, to jewellery, sculpture and interior design, book illustration and, of course, painting." "As an artist, activist and philosopher, Mucha moved beyond art nouveau in his search for an art to elevate the human spirit, coming to focus attention on the socio-historical issues affecting the Slavic peoples then under the domination of the Austro-Hungarian Empire," Brand continued. [caption id="attachment_942047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lesley Dumbrell 'Solstice' 1974, Liquitex on canvas, 173 x 296 cm, Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased with funds provided by the Patrick White Bequest 2019 © Lesley Dumbrell.[/caption] Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau sits on AGNSW's 2024 lineup alongside a wealth of other reasons to hit the Sydney gallery. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes will be back, of course, displaying across winter as well. The Volume festival, which debuted in 2023, will also return — albeit with dates and details to be confirmed. And the site is a venue for the 24th Biennale of Sydney from March–June, too. The abstract art of Australian talent Lesley Dumbrell, paintings and sculptures by South Korea's Lee Ufan and stepping into Wendy Sharpe's creative process are among the other highlights, from a list that goes on. One particular must-see: What Does the Jukebox Dream Of?, where the gallery will go big on defunct media — complete with Susan Hiller's large-scale installation Die gedanken sind frei (Thoughts are free), a customised Wurlitzer jukebox, which will hit Australia for the first time and play 100-plus anthems spanning centuries. [caption id="attachment_942046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Susan Hiller 'Die gedanken sind frei (Thoughts are free)' 2012, 102 songs on customised Wurlitzer walnut jukebox, vinyl lettering, books, benches, sound, overall display dimensions variable, Art Gallery of New South Wales, gift of Geoff Ainsworth AM and Johanna Featherstone 2017 © Estate of Susan Hiller, courtesy Lisson Gallery, photo: Jack Hems.[/caption] Art Gallery of New South Wales' 2024 Exhibitions and Events: Until Sunday, March 10 — Kandinsky and Georgiana Houghton: Invisible Friends Until Sunday, April 28 — Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? Until Sunday, April 21 — ARTEXPRESS 2024 Saturday, March 9–Monday, June 10 — 24th Biennale of Sydney: Ten Thousand Suns Saturday, March 9–Sunday, September 22 — What Does the Jukebox Dream Of? Saturday, March 9–Sunday, June 2 — Jelena Telecki: Mothers, Fathers Saturday, May 25–Sunday, August 11 — Wendy Sharpe: Spellbound Saturday, June 8–Sunday, September 8 — Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes 2024 Saturday, June 15–Sunday, September 22 — Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau Saturday, June 22–Monday, October 7 — Emily Hunt Saturday, July 30–Sunday, October 24 — Lesley Dumbrell: Thrum Saturday, August 31–September 2024 — Lee Ufan Saturday, September 14–Sunday, January 12 — Dobell Australian Drawing Biennial 2024 Saturday, September 21–mid 2025 — Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When Saturday, November 2–Sunday, February 16 — Leyla Stevens Saturday, November 9–Sunday, February 9 — Nusra Latif Qureshi TBC — Volume 2024 [caption id="attachment_942048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sampa the Great performing at the 2023 Volume Festival at the Art Gallery of NSW, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Daniel Boud.[/caption] For more information about the Art Gallery of New South Wales' 2024 exhibitions — all of which will occur at The Domain, Sydney — visit the venue's website. Top image: excerpt of Alphonse Mucha 'Reverie' 1898, colour lithograph, 72.7 x 55.2 cm © Mucha Trust 2024 // Alphonse Mucha 'The Seasons: Summer' 1896, colour lithograph, 103 x 54 cm © Mucha Trust 2024. // Alphonse Mucha 'Princess Hyacinth' 1911, colour lithograph 125.5 x 83.5 cm © Mucha Trust 2024
Call it an end-of-year movie theatre frenzy, call it the spirit of Christmas spreading celluloid dreams across the city, or call it a mighty great time for film lovers — whichever way you describe it, Brisbane's cinema scene has been growing at an astonishing rate in recent months. With the Elizabeth Picture Theatre giving the CBD a new movie base, and Dendy Coorparoo taking care of eastsiders, it's now the inner north's turn. More than a decade since a Reading-branded shopping centre popped up in Newmarket, a cinema is finally being added to the site. Come 12.01 am on December 14, cinephiles can head to 400 Newmarket Road for their filmic fix, and find eight shiny big screens — including two Gold Class screens — ready and waiting. The late-night opening time might sound a little odd, but it won't to Star Wars fans. If you're going to launch a new cinema, you may as well do it with midnight screenings of Episode VIII — The Last Jedi, aka this year's biggest flick in this or any far, far away galaxy. That's not the only big news that Reading Newmarket is serving up. In an Australian first, the site will also be revealing Reading's new Titan Luxe offering, which comes with a 23-metre screen, Dolby Atmos 360 sound, recliner seats and a dine-in food menu. Lush seats and during-movie eats and drinks are also a part of their Gold Class offering, of course, while all patrons can hang out at the cinema's lounge bar — either inside, or on the balcony. As part of the shopping centre's broader redevelopment, around 900 square metres of cafes, eateries and bars are also being added across a new dining precinct. As well as a new spot to catch a film, that's your next dinner-and-movie date sorted. Find Reading Newmarket at Newmarket Village, 400 Newmarket Road, Newmarket from December 14. Head to the cinema's website or Facebook page for further details.
Brisbane isn't quite the centre of the universe — but come March, it'll feel that way, especially when it comes to all things science and technology. Since 2016, the city has played host to the only Asia-Pacific offshoot of New York's World Science Festival, which showers the place in knowledge via talks, panels, workshops, films, and both science and art installations. 2022's fest will once again run for five days, from Wednesday, March 9–Sunday, March 13; however, the event will also dovetail into Curiocity Brisbane, too. The latter focuses specifically on the intersection between art, science and technology, and is held for an extra week through till Sunday, March 20, which means you'll have two festivals to attend, not just one. On the World Science Festival Brisbane lineup, a lengthy list of local venues will welcome in the science extravaganza, offering up a hefty list of activities to go along with it — all revolving around the theme 'Science, People, Heart'. The full program includes more than 130 events, almost of 50 of which are free, with highlights such as scuba diving with a marine archaeologist, watching a Night of the Nerds variety game show filled with both comedians and scientists, hearing from queer scientists, taking sessions on fungi, and enjoying themed guided walks through leafy Brisbane spots. Or, you can enjoy a stint of stargazing; touch live marine life such as sea stars, sea urchins, tropical and black sea cucumbers at South Bank; combine a walking tour with a silent disco; and shop your way through a sustainability-focused market. And, when you're not listening to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki chat about the science of comedy, you'll be seeing science and music paired via Something for Kate's Paul Dempsey and sexologist Chantelle Otten, learning why Mars keeps fascinating earthlings and discovering more about the race to commercialise space, and hanging out in the science hub at the South Bank Piazza. Brisbanites can catch a program of films about animals and the natural world at the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinematheque, too — including the exceptional pig-focused Gunda and the inspiration The Biggest Little Farm — then head to the annual turtle hatching session (yes, with real, tiny turtles). [caption id="attachment_804118" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curiocity 2021, Markus Ravik[/caption] Plus, over at Curiocity, there'll be physical spaces that also toy with all things digital, as spread across a five-kilometre walking trail at South Bank. Standouts span Acknowledging Place, which asks participants to sit and consider an Indigenous perspective of caring for Country; public sculpture OHCE/ECHO, which captures your portrait and embeds it in the work; and The Wandering Birds Have Returned to the River (Even Bernice), featuring imaginary giant bird nests made out of repurposed and reusable consumer goods. Other Curiocity must-sees include Luminous Threads, which combines embroidery with modern fibre optic technology; Mirage Project [Iceberg], which uses stereoscopic photography to inlay an iceberg from Antarctica into South Bank; and light and soundscape In the Air, a time-lapse piece that uses data from Antarctic ice-core samples to map changes over the past 400,000 years in a half-hour music and light show. World Science Festival Brisbane 2022 runs from Wednesday, March 9–Sunday, March 13, which Curiocity Brisbane takes place from Wednesday, March 9–Sunday, March 2o. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the World Science Festival Brisbane website. Top image: Evanescent, Curiocity 2021, Markus Ravik.
You're hitting the road on tour and you're only playing the greatest hits. That's one fine way to do the South Island of New Zealand, a destination known for its jaw-on-the-floor scenery, geological wonders, and oh so many gateways to adventure. Our tip? Start in the northwest corner of the island and drive clockwise. You'll hit every region — each with some miracle of landscape and gastronomy to call its own — see seven sublime sights, and emerge satisfied at the end. TASMAN: SPLIT APPLE ROCK Best accessed by way of the ocean, Abel Tasman National Park's Split Apple Rock is a vision emerging from the deep. The natural enigma is the gateway to one of the country's most stunning national parks, surrounded by 237 kilometres of blue waters and golden sands. The granite rock sits 50 metres out into the bay, and as local legend has it, the spherical form was cut by two gods arguing over it. Geologists, meanwhile, believe that the rock was split like an apple during one of the country's ice ages. These days, it's a popular spot for sea kayaking and swimming. You can float right up to the rock and marvel in the nature and wildlife surrounding it. The awe-inspiring beauty is just a taste of the Abel Tasman, which can be walked, kayaked or sailed in however many days your wanderlust desires. Other notable Tasman mentions: Wharariki Beach, Te Waikoropupu Springs. NELSON: LAKE ROTOITI A short drive inland from the abundance of beaches in Nelson, lies Lake Rotoiti, a gem in the region's second national park. The iconic view of the boat ramp, adored by local families and eels alike, stretches to the furthest reaches of the lake, and into the mountains in the distance. In winter, the snowy peaks reflect off the glassy surface. In summer, lush native bushland is a backdrop for children jumping into the water. Native birds can be spied in nearby bushes, with tracks circling the water's edge, and friendly Kiwis are never hard to find if you're looking to dabble in watersports. The money-maker? Watching the sun go down, and the sudden realisation that there's nothing but you and nature. It's captivating. Other notable Nelson mentions: Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Blue Lake. MARLBOROUGH: QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND Chances are you have breezed through this beauty on a trip from the capital to head further south but have never taken advantage of the natural wonder at your fingertips. The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys, mountains plummeting into the blue waters below. The calm waters are inhabited by dolphins, whales and friendly fish often caught by locals for food, and the sandy beaches are inhabited by laidback Kiwis and their baches that have passed through the generations. Queen Charlotte Sound is one of the largest channels in the network of bays and mountains and, like much of the country, can be enjoyed by boat or foot. The walking track is an easy route, showcasing some of the best sights all the way through to the capital, and can be done in three to five days. Pick of the bunch? Standing on the corner of the South Island, watching the sun rise over the North. Other notable Marlborough mentions: French Pass, Winery Tour. CANTERBURY: AORAKI/MOUNT COOK Aoraki/Mount Cook has a commanding presence, with a sharp peak and plummeting crevasses. The sheer sight is enough to keep you on edge, but the company of the mountain is oddly comforting. This is the tallest mountain in the country, standing 3,724 metres, and has an ability to render anyone speechless. Ngai Tahu, the main iwi of the region, consider Aoraki as the most sacred of the ancestors that they had descended from. The name is believed to mean cloud piercer. Ascending the steep peak is no easy feat and should be reserved for the most experienced climbers, or those safely tucked inside a helicopter. From Hooker Lake, south of the mountain, the modern explorer can indulge in the ever-inspiring lake and mountain duo. As you drive into the region, past the electric blue Lake Pukaki, and catch the first glimpse of the mountain in the background, you know you're in for a vision of a lifetime. Other notable Canterbury mentions: Lake Tekapo, seal spotting at Kaikoura. OTAGO: ROY'S PEAK Prepare to put in the hard yards to make this Instagram a reality. The five-hour round trek to Roy's Peak has been known to test the fittest climbers, but the view from the top is comparable only to being on Pride Rock. It's overwhelming when you stand on the edge of something so big, with the furthest corners of the country in sight. Gazing over Lake Wanaka, you can spot that Wanaka Tree, and see to the peak of Mount Aspiring in the distance. Bonus: The steep ascent will help you condition your glutes. In a region rich with adventure tourism, from skiing to jetboating, skydiving to bungee jumping, the breath of fresh air at the summit of Roy's Peak is a moment of solace. Take it all in, pinch yourself, it's real. Other notable Otago mentions: Moeraki Boulders, Tunnel Beach. SOUTHLAND: MILFORD SOUND There's no sight more sobering than standing at the foot of some of the world's most remote peaks. Watching lonesome waterfalls fall into endless ocean. It's a sight that's so iconically New Zealand, so undeniably unmissable, and it's all waiting at Milford Sound. This south corner of the country can be explored by foot, discovered by air or taken in by boat venturing through the never-ending turns of the fiord. Buses to Queenstown are abundant, and water tours of Milford Sound depart frequently. Guides will direct you to graceful waterfalls and sharp peaks that can be snapped from afar and savoured forever. Other notable Southland mentions: The Catlins, Stewart Island. WEST COAST: FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER A sight slowly slipping from our grasps, nothing is more striking than the geological wonder that is Franz Josef Glacier. Standing at the base of the icy slopes gives you a real feeling of how vast this country is. There are rare rock formations, frozen rivers from centuries past, mountainous peaks to one side and a blue ocean to the other. It can be dumbfounding if you think too much. A one-hour hike will get you to the base of the glacier, but the best seat in the house is slightly further uphill. Almer Hut is one of the humblest abodes on the planet, though it sits atop dramatic snowy peaks and stark cliff faces. Visitors can enjoy a view down Franz Josef Glacier to the rugged West Coast beaches below. The hike is for experienced climbers, but many local companies offer heli-tours to the picture perfect palace. Other notable West Coast mentions: Punakaiki, Oparara Arches. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
Already one of the most scenic spots in Brisbane's inner city, South Bank is adding another attraction to its list: its first rooftop hangout accessible every day of the week. Located on the 21st floor of Grey Street's Emporium Hotel and open from breakfast onwards from Wednesday, October 3, The Terrace will boast an all-day dining menu, plus plenty of drinks. It'll also feature luxe surroundings and one hell of a panoramic view over the river, South Bank and across to the CBD. Under the guidance of executive chef Chris Norman, the food menu will take care of all the usual daily meals, including brekkie, brunch, lunch, dinner, late-night snacks and everything in-between. The beverage list is set to feature classic and signature cocktails, as well as local and international wines and spirits. Of course, if you're taking the elevator up to sky-high surroundings, then you're just as interested in the decor and vantage. Design-wise, the look is unsurprisingly opulent — think light colours, walls filled with greenery, white backlit onyx floor tiles and a 13-metre bar made out of the same material. Date palms add to the tropical vibe, while floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out onto the balcony. And, to ensure that Brisbanites can make the most of The Terrace come rain or shine, the venue has two retractable roofs. A 23-metre infinity edge pool is also located on Emporium's top floor, however this is for guests only. But if you are treating yourself to an overnight stay, you'll be able to order something to eat and drink from The Terrace while you laze by the water. Those keen to drop by just for a beverage, bite and breathtaking vista are encouraged to book in advance. The Terrace will open at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane from Wednesday, October 3. It'll be open from 6.30am until late every day of the week.
Ben Stiller is having a very good year. The actor has only made two movies, and neither have really proven to be a stretch for him, but when it comes to middle-aged malaise in soul-searching comedy-dramas, he well and truly knows what he's doing. The furrowed brow, the frustrated gaze, the constant passive-aggression streaming towards everyone his characters interact with: if you've seen Greenberg, While You're Young or this year's The Meyerowitz Stories, then you definitely know the type. And while Brad's Status mightn't reach quite the same heights as any of those titles, it still demonstrates Stiller doing what he does best. Playing the eponymous Brad, Stiller gets ample chances to show off his world-weary on-screen persona. Running his own non-profit organisation, married to the laid-back Melanie (Jenna Fischer) and about to see his son Troy (Austin Abrams) off to college, Brad still finds himself unhappy with his lot in life — purely because he hasn't done as well as his former friends. Nick (the film's writer-director Mike White) is a Hollywood hotshot, tech wiz Billy (Jemaine Clement) has retired to Hawaii with stacks of cash, and Jason (Luke Wilson) has a high-powered hedge fund job, a wealthy wife and a growing family. Meanwhile, the last time Brad saw author and TV political commentator Craig (Michael Sheen), he asked for a favour and didn't hear back. White's script, his third this year after The Emoji Movie and Beatriz at Dinner, uses a trip to Boston to stoke Brad's anxieties about his status. It's not really a surprising development; he's touring college campuses with Troy, and thinking about who he was when he was a student, who he is now, and the difference between his youthful dreams and his current reality. Just as Stiller isn't flirting with anything particularly fresh, but still knocks his performance out of the park, White does much same behind the camera. Having previously directed Year of the Dog and TV's Enlightened, the filmmaker is no stranger to pondering how people see their place in the world — and their reactions when they contemplate making a change. Here, of course, White has rich material to mine, especially in today's social media-obsessed world. Brad's Status shows Brad scrolling through his old pals' Facebook and Instagram feeds and fantasising about the glamorous lives he's sure they're living. Sound familiar? Far from simply serving up a Generation X riff on Ingrid Goes West, however, White also unpacks Brad's sense of entitlement as a perfectly comfortable white guy living in Sacramento (#firstworldproblems). On top of that, he probes the envy that can spring when a parent thinks their child might grow to eclipse them. It's an ostensibly straightforward, emotionally dense scenario, albeit one that overplays Brad's inner monologue a tad. There's an interesting balancing act at work here, one that Brad's Status aces more than it might initially appear. While the film's warm visuals might seem to clash with its pointed score, they encapsulate a movie that's both affectionate towards its flawed protagonist and painfully aware of his many faults. That, if nothing else, is something you don't see every day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43jt74GwBmk
UPDATE, April 24, 2021: Parasite is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When writer-director Bong Joon-ho lets two families roam around and unleash their best and worst in an opulent South Korean mansion, he couldn't have placed them in a better spot. The kind of house that anyone would dream of living in, Parasite's main setting is a multi-storey playground filled with wide-open spaces, gleaming surfaces and modernist decor, all opening out onto a grassy, leafy backyard. A real estate agent's fantasy as well, this not-so-humble abode is the bricks-and-mortar pinnacle of success and wealth. As created by production designer Lee Ha-jun to meet Bong's specific vision (a real house that matched the filmmaker's needs simply didn't exist), the labyrinthine structure is a puzzle box, too. Within its walls, mysteries linger. Here, anything and everything could happen. Parasite proves exceptional in every single frame and detail that it flicks onto the screen — but the way that this sprawling central home encapsulates the movie's very essence is a towering feat. Already lauded and applauded, not to mention awarded the top prizes at both the Cannes and Sydney film festivals, Parasite isn't short on achievements. Internationally renowned and beloved as the auteur behind The Host, Snowpiercer and Okja, Bong has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it. Parasite possesses a pitch-perfect cast of both veteran and up-and-coming actors, all playing their parts with devastating precision. It's scripted, with Okja assistant director turned first-time co-writer Han Jin-won, to tease, mesmerise, infuriate, satirise and amuse in equal measures. And its look and pace, courtesy of the finessed work of cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo (Bong's Mother) and editor Yang Jin-mo (Bong's Okja), is as polished and probing as its all-important setting. When viewers first meet Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), his wife Chung-sook (Chang Hyae-jin), and their young but grown-up children Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and Ki-jung (Park So-dam), they're dwelling in a damp, cockroach-infested basement apartment. They're also all out of work. Piggybacking whichever unlocked wi-fi network they can find keeps them going — and, when the streets outside are being fumigated, the family isn't opposed to keeping the windows open to take advantage of the free pest control (health consequences be damned). Combined, their only regular source of income comes from folding pizza boxes, with zero other prospects on the horizon. Then Ki-woo's former classmate Min (Park Seo-joon) asks if he'll fill in at a lucrative private tutoring gig. While Ki-woo doesn't have the requisite university degree such a position usually needs, it's easy to manufacture thanks to Ki-jung's impressive photoshop skills. Taking plenty of cues from this early bit of subterfuge, Parasite could be dubbed the ultimate 'fake it till you make it' movie. Stepping foot inside the film's main setting, Ki-Woo wows not only his new, quickly love-struck teenage pupil Da-hye (Jung Ziso), but her flighty mother Yeon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong) too. He's soon part of the household, which also includes tech entrepreneur patriarch Park (Lee Sun-kyun), pre-adolescent son Da-song (Jung Hyeon-jun) and their housekeeper (Lee Jeong-eun). With Ki-woo eager to bring his own family into this rich, luxurious orbit, an underhanded plan emerges. Without spoiling any specifics from this narrative juncture onwards, Bong was inspired to write Parasite after spotting a smudge on his pants. This intriguing tidbit gives very little away, although corrupting an otherwise pristine environment — and pondering whether a splatter of disarray makes supposed perfection and privilege better or worse — is the film's thematic stomping ground. The movie's lush locale draws viewers in, all so that it can shatter the allure. Slippery performances, with seemingly clear-cut characters becoming anything but, do the same. So too does Bong and his crew's exacting craftsmanship, which keeps audiences both immersed and guessing. Add shifting tones and changing genres to the fold as well, because evolution and elusiveness are among the movie's most crucial tools. Indeed, from sets and actors to framing and mood, every element of Parasite is weaponised. More than that, it's all calibrated and wielded for maximum impact. This isn't just a killer picture on all of the standard levels, however. Contemplating society's growing class collisions and inequities, Parasite also makes a killer statement. It shouldn't escape attention that three of the past year's absolute best and most astute works, all from South Korean or Japanese filmmakers, have taken aim at the increasing gap between the haves and the have nots. Or, looking to America as well, that one of 2019's great horror releases plays in the same terrain while also bringing race into the equation. Parasite shares its grifting, struggling family with Hirokazu Kore-eda's Shoplifters, its tonal flips and wiliness with Lee Chang-dong's Burning, and its malevolent tone with Jordan Peele's Us, adding to a blossoming field of urgent, intense and diverse cinema that interrogates the societal status quo with a rightfully scathing eye. That said, there's no mistaking Bong's dark, devious and delightful thriller for any other film — or for anything but a hands-down masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc
UPDATE, April 21, 2023: Elvis is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Making a biopic about the king of rock 'n' roll, trust Baz Luhrmann to take his subject's words to heart: a little less conversation, a little more action. The Australian filmmaker's Elvis, his first feature since 2013's The Great Gatsby, isn't short on chatter. It's even narrated by Tom Hanks (Finch) as Colonel Tom Parker, the carnival barker who thrust Presley to fame (and, as Luhrmann likes to say, the man who was never a Colonel, never a Tom and never a Parker). But this chronology of an icon's life is at its best when it's showing rather than telling. That's when it sparkles brighter than a rhinestone on all-white attire, and gleams with more shine than all the lights in Las Vegas. That's when Elvis is electrifying, due to its treasure trove of recreated concert scenes — where Austin Butler (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) slides into Presley's blue suede shoes and lifetime's supply of jumpsuits like he's the man himself. Butler is that hypnotic as Presley. Elvis is his biggest role to-date after starting out on Hannah Montana, sliding through other TV shows including Sex and the City prequel The Carrie Diaries, and also featuring in Yoga Hosers and The Dead Don't Die — and he's exceptional. Thanks to his blistering on-stage performance, shaken hips and all, the movie's gig sequences feel like Elvis hasn't ever left the building. Close your eyes and you'll think you were listening to the real thing. (In some cases, you are: the film's songs span Butler's vocals, Presley's and sometimes a mix of both). And yet it's how the concert footage looks, feels, lives, breathes, and places viewers in those excited and seduced crowds that's Elvis' true gem. It's meant to make movie-goers understand what it was like to be there, and why Presley became such a sensation. Aided by dazzling cinematography, editing and just all-round visual choreography, these parts of the picture — of which there's many, understandably — leave audiences as all shook up as a 1950s teenager or 1970s Vegas visitor. Around such glorious centrepieces, Luhrmann constructs exactly the kind of Elvis extravaganza he was bound to. His film is big. It's bold. It's OTT. It's sprawling at two-and-a-half hours in length. It shimmers and swirls. It boasts flawless costume and production design by Catherine Martin, as his work does. It shows again that Luhrmann typically matches his now-instantly recognisable extroverted flair with his chosen subject (Australia aside). Balancing the writer/director's own style with the legend he's surveying can't have been easy, though, and it doesn't completely play out as slickly as Presley's greased-back pompadour. Elvis is never anything but engrossing, and it's a sight to behold. The one key element that doesn't gel as convincingly: using the scheming Parker as a narrator (unreliable, obviously) and framing device. It helps the movie unpack the smiling-but-cunning manager's outré role in Presley's life, but it's often just forceful, although so was Parker's presence in the star's career. In a script by Luhrmann, Sam Bromell (The Get Down), Craig Pearce (Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby) and Jeremy Doner (TV's The Killing), the requisite details are covered. That includes the singer's birth in Tupelo, Mississippi, and extends through to his late-career Vegas residency — with plenty in the middle. His discovery by Parker, the impact upon his parents (Rake co-stars Helen Thomson and Richard Roxburgh), his relationship with Priscilla (Olivia DeJonge, The Staircase), Graceland, America's puritanical reaction to his gyrating pelvis, the issues of race baked into the response to him as an artist: they're all featured. Thematically, those last two points thrum throughout the entire movie. Elvis questions why any hint of sex was such a shock, and why it was so easy for a white man who drew his songs, style and dance moves from Black culture, via his upbringing, to be dubbed a scandal. Elvis also does what Luhrmann often does; he's never adapted a fairy tale (no, Moulin Rouge!'s green fairy doesn't count), but he adores larger-than-life stories that seem more than real. Like style, like narrative, clearly, and Presley's leap to the most famous man in the world and, sadly, to exploited, caught in a punishing trap, addicted, and then dead at just 42, has that touch to it here. Yes, that remains true even though this will always be a tragic story. That said, amid the visual flourishes that help cement the vibe — the filmmaker's usual circling images, split-screens, match cuts, frenzy of colour and visible lavishness, aided by cinematographer Mandy Walker (Mulan), plus editors Jonathan Redmond (The Great Gatsby) and Matt Villa (Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway) — there's an earthiness to Elvis. In fact, the ability to make everything both hyperreal and natural is one of the reasons the feature's live performance scenes have such a spark. There isn't a second of Elvis that doesn't play like a Luhrmann film, of course; crucially, it's always an Elvis movie, too. There's that balance at work, even if viewers won't walk away knowing much more about the man behind the myth-sized superstardom — feeling more, however, happens fast, frenetically and often. Most choices that could've been jarring, such as the musical anachronisms, have depth to them. Luhrmann connects Presley's songs and influence with music since and now in several ways. This is a film about influences in two directions, smartly — because noting that Big Mama Thornton (first-timer Shonka Dukureh) was the first to record 'Hound Dog', that artists like BB King (Kelvin Harrison Jr, Cyrano) shaped Presley, and that his musical roots trace back to gospel churches and revival tents, needed to be inescapable in an Elvis biopic circa 2022. Also inescapable thanks to its Gold Coast shoot: spotting almost every Australian actor around Butler and Hanks, including David Wenham (The Furnace) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog) as carnival-circuit performers Hank Snow and Jimmie Rodgers Snow. Stranger Things' Dacre Montgomery plays director Steve Binder, who helmed Presley's 68 Comeback Special — the recreation of which is spellbinding. But Butler is always Elvis' force of nature. His physicality in the part, including as Presley ages, is stunning. The soulfulness baked into his portrayal is as well, and moving. That he acts circles around the prosthetics-laden Hanks, who ensures that the self-serving, one-note Parker is easily the film's villain, might sound fanciful in any other movie. But this is Elvis, and seeing Butler play Elvis is one for the money. Doing just that helped make Kurt Russell a star back in 1979, a mere two years after Presley's death, and that taking-care-of-business lightning bolt should strike again thanks to this exhilarating spectacle.
Is Brisbane's northside becoming the River City's relaxation zone? Not content with scoring a new bathhouse in Lutwyche, this part of town is getting another before mid-2024 hits: The Bathhouse Albion. The European-inspired wellness haven is setting up shop on Nariel Street as part the Albion Fine Trades precinct, with everyone that's keen for a soak, float, plunge and steam able to make its acquaintance from June. The vibe here is indulgent, opulent and luxurious — all in an architecturally designed space that boasts Hogg & Lamb's fingerprints, as Brisbane restaurants Babylon and Gemelli Italian already do. Travertine stone is a key element, giving the venue not just a Euro look and feel, but an old-school one as well. Moody lighting and high ceilings also feature. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bathhouse Albion (@thebathhousealbion) Within the atmospheric bathhouse, patrons will be able to take a dip in both hot and cold pools (the latter gets down to 12 degrees), then get sweaty in traditional and infrared saunas — and in a Finnish sauna with a fireplace. The six-degree ice bath will cool you down. The tiered steam room will heat you back up. If you just want to drift, there's the float room. And, in-between treatments, the relaxation lounge awaits. Turning chasing bliss into a multi-sensory experience, The Bathhouse Albion will also feature calming fragrances and sounds — and there's no phones allowed, and no alcohol as well. It'll also have a cap on guest numbers for each session, so you won't have too much company. Vanderbilt Wellness is behind the wellness spot, which Managing Director James Walsh — an experienced long-distance and ultra-marathon runner — explains aims to "create a space where our guests can re-energise and restore, as part of a balanced lifestyle in an unmatched setting". He's dubbing it "one of the most luxurious bathhouses in the world", too. "I've had the opportunity to run ultra marathons all over the world and the privilege of experiencing some of the world's most well-regarded and award-winning wellness and recovery centres." "Our aim is to transcend the standard of service and experience available in the Australian market." The Bathhouse Albion will open at 64 Nariel Street, Albion in June — head to the venue's website for more details in the interim.
If you're an Uber One member who's headed to the Australian Open, you're in luck. Complimentary rides to the Rod Laver Arena in snazzy EVs are on the cards — and they'll even drop you home. For the duration of the tournament until Sunday, January 28, Kia is serving up a fleet of 30 brand-new EV9s and EV6s, which are available in the 'Kia Electric' option on your Uber app — assuming that they haven't all been snapped up at the time you're looking, of course. Given that Kia is the major partner of the Australian Open, these same types of EVs will be transporting the players to and from the tournament. So you'll have the chance to experience travelling to the matches like a star of the game, even if you get winded going up the stairs. [caption id="attachment_935839" align="alignnone" width="1920"] annieb via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] How do you snag one of these rides? Simple. When heading to the tennis, just pop 'Rod Laver Arena' as your destination. If you're going home, just pop in your address or anywhere else you feel like heading within a five-kilometre radius. If an EV is available between 9am–7pm, from until Sunday, January 28, you can select it and enjoy the ride on Kia's dime. Here's the fine print: it's capped at $100, and only available if you're an Uber One member and booking within a five-kilometre radius of the arena. Free trip to one of the greatest sporting events on the planet, all in the quiet comfort of a slick EV? That's not a bad start to any day at the tennis. The Australian Open is held at Melbourne Park. It runs from Sunday, January 14 to Sunday, January 28. Top image: Tourism Victoria via Flickr.
When TRANCE was added to Dark Mofo's 2023 lineup, it didn't just gift the festival a three-day theatre-meets-rave performance from Berlin-based Chinese artist Tianzhuo Chen. It did that, of course, but it also distilled the essence of the Tasmanian winter fest down into one must-see event. At this show, you don't just buy a ticket, take a seat and get 90 minutes of entertainment. Rather, you wander in and out, enjoying a true experience — and, in the ultimate act of fest surrender, you let yourself go along for the ride. That really is Dark Mofo in a nutshell. Each year, its June lineup features much that you need to plan ahead to attend; hot tickets sell out, and fast. But if there's ever been an arts festival that lends itself to seeing where the moment takes you, embracing the unexpected and revelling in the moment, it's this one. And, gloriously, that makes it a delight for last-minute planners. Haven't locked in your Dark Mofo schedule yet? We understand — and we're here to help. Now that the festival is underway until Thursday, June 22, the CP Team has put together a guide to our top picks for a stunning time if you're the kind of person who only decides what they're doing on the day. Obviously, TRANCE is on the list, but so are nine other standouts. [caption id="attachment_904503" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] DEAFHEAVEN PERFORMING SUNBATHER Ten years ago, almost to the day, Sunbather changed metal music. Its transcendent mix of glistening guitars, hellish black metal vocals and impassioned drums were divisive at the time, but would go on to influence musicians both inside and beyond heavy metal spheres for the next decade. A festival exclusive, Deafheaven Performing Sunbather is a must-see for fans of any kind of rock music. The seasoned performers will be hitting the Odeon stage on Thursday, June 15 for an hour-long tour through their beloved album. You'll hear the epic first rising note of 'Dream House', then everything through to the grand fadeout of 'The Pecan Tree' — and you'll hear something astonishing. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_886260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Marianna Wytyczak[/caption] A DIVINE COMEDY If you're heading south to Dark Mofo's fortnight-long dedication to hedonism, you probably already know that you're in for all-day debauchery, boundary-pushing displays of creativity and a bloody great time. But if you haven't locked in your itinerary, A Divine Comedy is a stellar choice to add to your lineup. This two-hour Australian-exclusive movement piece comes from choreographer Florentina Holzinger, whose work is characterised by a fusion of dance, stunts and pushing her audience's comfort levels to the max. In this piece, we join Dante on her travels through "hell, purgatory and paradise". Through a red haze, an all-female-identifying cast brings to life the journey of horror, joy and everything in between — with motocross, hypnosis and plenty of bodily fluids thrown in, too. There are tickets available for Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18, with the Sunday show Auslan interpreted for those with accessibility needs. Grace MacKenzie, Branded Content Manager [caption id="attachment_904505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] SILENT SYMPHONY Sound and vision. It's such a simple combination, and it hums at the heart of all festival experiences. We see. We listen. We're engaged, entertained and maybe even transformed — including (or perhaps especially) when we're in darkness, hearing kinetic light and sound instruments, all thanks to Silent Symphony by London-based arts collective United Visual Artists. Part of Dark Mofo's free program, and letting attendees drop in from 4–10pm Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 14–Thursday, June 15, this City Hall work has a clear purpose: to send its audience into the cosmos. Everything seen and heard is inspired by the belief that the universe has its own inaudible music, with UVA creating a piece that mimics planetary orbit. If stepping into a haze and being enveloped by what follows is your kind of release, prepare to be transported. Sarah Ward, Associate Editor SEX + DEATH DAYCLUB So many of Dark Mofo's events are scheduled in the evenings, but I'm keen to explore even more during the day. That's why the Sex + Death Dayclub is on my agenda. This nightclub is only open during the afternoon, and is hidden within the Mona museum itself, running from Friday, June 9–Monday, June 12 and again from Friday, June 16–Monday, June 19. Simply purchase entry into the museum and find the club at the IMPORT EXPORT lounge. Inside, you'll grab some drinks, hide (or dance) in some dark corners of the installation, and listen to DJs and live music chosen by Hobart-based artist Ben Salter. Either start your day here or kick on to this joint in the morning, after a big night out at some of Dark Mofo's other wild events. Andrew Zuccala, SEO Editor [caption id="attachment_904563" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zuriaake, Grywnn via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] HYMNS TO THE DEAD I'm no longer in my moshing prime (in fact I'm years past it), but I still believe that thrashing in a circle pit is a pastime that's truly ageless. Putting the 'dark' in Dark Mofo is Hymns to the Dead — a black metal extravaganza featuring a triumvirate of acts traversing three continents for a night of metal carnage and axe-crunching musical brutality. On the lineup: Haunter from the USA, Zuriaake from China (yes there's a ripe metal scene in China worth investigating) and Dødheimsgard, the legendary Norwegian visionaries of the genre. If spiritual enlightenment is what you seek at Dark Mofo and extreme loud noise is your pathway to achieving it, you just might find the divine here. Suz Tucker, Editorial Director [caption id="attachment_898571" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] WINTER FEAST If you're in Hobart for Dark Mofo, a visit to the Winter Feast across Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11 and Thursday, June 15–Sunday, June 18 is a must. Arrive hungry and dive headfirst into 85-plus different culinary stallholders ranging from tender barbecue and local wines to sustainable cheeses and next-level s'mores. Chef's Table alum Ana Roš is flying in for the occasion to headline the food fest with a four-course exploration of Slovenian and Tasmanian eats. Some other choice suggestions for stallholders to hit up include Bruny Island Oysters (a must when in Tassie); Moo Brew, which has created a limited-edition Winter IPA; Formosa Bites, serving up chargrilled satay squid on a stick; Baked Snow, for deep-fried Taiwanese chicken or scallop sandwiches; and Eden Pantry, for a homely serving of apple pie and vanilla ice cream to round out your night. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_904568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ogoh Ogoh: The Burning, Dark Mofo, 2022. Photo credit: Rémi Chauvin, 2022. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2022.[/caption] BLUE VELVET LOUNGE Didn't make it to Dark Mofo in time for the David Lynch-inspired masquerade ball, which kicked off the already weird and wild fest in the most fitting manner possible? Don't worry, there's more where that came from. You don't need to don a mask to hit the Blue Velvet Lounge, but you will be in a place most wonderful and strange. Here's hoping that cherry pie will be on the menu. Open nightly from Thursday, June 8–Sunday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 14–Sunday, June 18, and free to enter, this Dark Park spot is all about hanging out over tunes, performances, bites and beverages — Dark Mofo-style, of course, which means that anything can and will happen. It's also home to this year's ogoh-ogoh, the sculpture that invites attendees to write down their fears, which will be burnt at the end of this year's run. Sarah Ward, Associate Editor [caption id="attachment_897774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camille Blake. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] TRANCE Drop-in drop-out 12-hour performance TRANCE from Tianzhuo Chen plunges you into an immersive otherworldly space filled with cartoonish larger-than-life creatures. Here, from Thursday, June 8–Saturday, June 10, you'll find a group of multi-talented performers flexing their range of talents across the mammoth day-to-night show. Depending when you arrive, you might find yourself among a bassy DJ set, a crunk dance-off, a concert from a metal band or a ambient wave of electronic music. Whichever awaits, they'll be accompanied by the movement of the troupe, with the goal of making you truly connect with the moment and your experience, and — as the name says — putting you into a state of trance. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_895366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] TRENTEMØLLER If you're like me, aka a poor planner through and through, then you might not be organised to head down to Dark Mofo until the closing days of the festival. That's fine, because events like Trentemøller's Tasmanian stop are on the schedule to keep us latecomers occupied — I'll see you there. The Danish electronic music composer hits MAC2, a large waterfront space, on Sunday, June 18. And for this show, he's taking cues from an environment that has a lot in common with Dark Mofo: Scandinavia. Kicking off at 9pm, the concert will flit between a state of frenetic and the serene, fuelled by electronic shoegaze tunes. Will we feel a viking spirit? Fingers crossed. Alec Jones, Junior Writer [caption id="attachment_898330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] NIGHT MASS: EXSTASIA You haven't done Dark Mofo right if you haven't added Night Mass: Exstasia to your itinerary. Here, you can let all of your worries fade away as the music captivates your senses. This must-attend event will take you on an intoxicating journey across genres, from techno and synth-pop to manic garage and baile funk, as you tear up the dance floor — and there's still tickets on offer for Friday, June 9 and Friday, June 16. Whichever evening you pick, expect a lineup of memorable tunes featuring influences around the world, and likely discovering your new favourite artists. And, of course, dancing well into the early hours of the next morning. Nishika Sharma, Editorial Assistant Dark Mofo 2023 runs from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania, with tickets on sale now. Still looking for Dark Mofo inspiration? Check out our wholesome-to-hedonistic guide, which'll help you stack your festival itinerary based on the level of chaos you're after. Top image: TRANCE by Tianzhuo Chen | Dark Mofo 2023. Photo credit: Camille Blake. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 2025 festival, once again taking place at the Chung Tian Temple in Priestdale. Running from Friday, May 2–Sunday, May 4, this year's program is serving up three jam-packed days of lasers light shows, lion dances, art, performances and more. While it might not cater to 200,000 people as it did in pre-pandemic years, you still won't find yourself lacking in either company or something to watch. Talks, bonsai, temple tours: they're all on the agenda as well. The festival isn't just about seeing other people strut their stuff, though. With a vegetarian market serving up culinary delights — including dishes from Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Europe and the Middle East — you won't go hungry. With tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated, meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss and red lanterns on display, this isn't just a feast of entertainment. Instead, think of it as a complete mind and body experience. Images: Buddha Birthday Festival.
Don't you hate being the third wheel to a wall? This must be a never-ending predicament for boy girl wall, seeing as they had a sell-out season in April and are back for another spin this month for an eleven show encore. boy girl wall is just that: a boy, a girl and a wall. Well, minus an actual girl, and an actual wall. Everything in this play is executed by the incredibly talented and flexible actor Lucas Stibbard who plays all roles: from the next-door neighbours Thom and Alethea, to magpies and days of the week. What seems incomprehensible and frankly just a little bit too far-fetched, is actually a winner on stage, and has delighted audiences with its simplicity, but also its depth. boy girl wall is the story of two neighbours living in West End, who are essentially convinced into falling in love by the wall that separates their apartments. Mix razor sharp wit and a matchmaking room divider and you have a recipe for a unique performance straight from the minds of The Escapists – a team of creatives who have taken theatre to the next level. The only problem with boy girl wall is that it doesn't go for long enough! You become so entranced by the whimsical stage production that it almost seems like anything but a piece of chalk and an overhead projector are overdoing it. Make sure you destruct any other plans you have and see boy girl wall before the wall comes down on you.
Upstate has taken Melbourne and surrounds by storm, with its trademark high-energy fitness studios now spanning 13 locations with the recent launch of its Elsternwick studio. Now the brand is looking north to the Gold Coast, opening its first-ever interstate studio in Palm Beach. For those living in Goldy, expect the same vibrant design, feel-good vibes and fitness-focused sessions that have made Upstate such a hit down south. Situated just steps from the sand and surrounded by a host of top-notch cafes, the brand-new Palm Beach studio is headlined by Upstate's biggest reformer studio yet, featuring 29 beds primed for huge group workouts set to burst with upbeat energy. Speaking of workouts, Upstate is bringing its signature 45-minute full-body sessions to GC, offering a choice of Power, Burn or Strength classes, where you're invited to focus on your strength, endurance and mindset. "We're so pumped to bring the Upstate vibe to the Gold Coast," says Upstate Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Gail Asbell. "Palm Beach has the perfect energy for us — laidback yet vibrant. We can't wait to share our high-energy workouts and create a buzzing community here. This studio is a huge milestone for us, and we couldn't think of a better place to make our first Queensland debut." Launching in the heart of Palm Beach, just off the Gold Coast Highway, this outpost's radiant design reflects the bright and positive attitude synonymous with its studios. Immersed by the brand's iconic bursts of yellow, neon lights and steel finishes, it's basically made for setting up shop on the sun-soaked Gold Coast. "This year is a really exciting one for Upstate," continues Asbell. "We've launched our own Pilates Instructor Training program, introduced our first interstate retreat, and added Greece to our list of international retreat destinations for 2025. We're proud to be growing in ways that genuinely support our community, while working alongside incredible brand partners to create experiences that uplift and inspire." Upstate Palm Beach is expected to open soon at 4/1172 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach. Head to the website for more information.
On Monday, March 23, pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes across Australia were forced to close their doors, in the latest move to slow the spread of COVID-19. The stage one closure of non-essential indoor venues also included casinos, gyms, cinemas and places of worship, but it didn't include convenience stores or supermarkets. It also allowed restaurants and cafes to continue offering takeaway and delivery food. So, venues have adapted. Instead of pulling pints and plating up schnitties, pubs and restaurants across the country are stocked to the brim with hand sanitisers, groceries and toilet paper. It's a win-win situation: helping the venues stay alive and continue to pay employees, while also letting you skip the supermarket queues and get your hands on those coveted tins of beans. In Sydney, the W Short Hotels Group has transformed two of its pubs into corner stores. Both Redfern's The Tudor Hotel and The Royal Hotel in Leichhardt are now selling fresh food, pantry staples, toilet paper and booze. Food has been sourced from local butchers, bakers and the pubs' suppliers, so the cash you spend is going to support local businesses. Other Sydney spots are also, while not opening physical grocers, delivering boxes of groceries. Nel has a selection of four— ranging from pantry essentials ($45) and a vegetable box ($80) through to a primo meat and veg box ($130) — and is delivering on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Italian chain Fratelli Fresh has its own Gourmet Grocer service, which includes next-day delivery of ready-made meals; alcohol; bags of flour, rice and sugar; tinned tomatoes and beans; fresh fruit and veg; and 500-gram bags of pasta. Melbourne's venues are pivoting, too, including Brunswick all-day diner Theodore's, which is now, temporarily, Ted's Grocer. It's selling produce boxes, ready-made meals and essentials — including pasta, milk, spices, cured meats, sweets and more — for pick up and delivery. Fitzroy's Smith & Deli is also offering $50 grocery boxes twice a week. In Brisbane, Alchemy has launched Alchemy to You — check out the full list of available supplies online, place your order and then pick it up in-store 24 hours later. It's also offering delivery to those in the CBD. We'll be updating the list below as more venues jump on board. If and when you do decide to head out to get groceries, remember to follow the Australian Government Department of Health's social distancing guidelines. SYDNEY Bar M (Rushcutters Bay) The Italian restaurant is now a grocery store, offering pick up and local delivery, 9am–9pm daily. Bella Vista Hotel (Bella Vista) This spot in The Hills has launched 'Essentials Express', a contactless drive-thru service selling the likes of meat trays, pre-batched cocktails, juice and snacks from $2. It's open daily from 10am–2pm and you can check out each day's specials on its Facebook page. Dear Sainte Eloise (Potts Point) $100 hampers, filled with local veggies, eggs, bread, pasta, canned goods and more, available for pick up on Wednesday and Fridays. To order, email hello@dearsainteeloise.com or call (02) 9326 9745. Fratelli Fresh (various locations) This chain is now offering next-day delivery of groceries, pantry staples, alcohol and ready-made meals. You can order over here. Nel (Surry Hills) Online grocery boxes ranging from $45–130 available to order online. Nour (Surry Hills) Market boxes available for $79 and delivered on Mondays. Head here to order. Sample Coffee Pro Shop (St Peters) The specialty coffee roaster's St Peters digs is now selling staples such as bread, milk, eggs, cheese, coffee (of course) and more. Delivery is also available on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Single O (Surry Hills) The cafe is offering fancy 'corner store staples' including lemon myrtle kimchi, Pepe Saya butter and kangaroo sausages. Sixpenny (Stanmore) The fine diner has turned into a grocer, open from 10am–1pm on weekends, and is also offering weekly produce boxes ($120) available for pick up on Saturdays. You can preorder over here. The Tudor Hotel (Redfern) Convenience store open daily, 10am–late. The Royal Hotel (Leichhardt) Convenience store open daily, 10am–late. MELBOURNE Grosvenor Hotel (St Kilda East) A shop and bottle-o drive-thru has popped up at this pub, open every day from 10am. Heartattack and Vine (Carlton) This Lygon Street go-to has launched an online grocery store, selling everything from coffee and toilet paper to vino, cheese and one kilogram of its house-made porchetta (uncooked). Lamaro's (South Melbourne) A gourmet grocer and wine store with an online list of items here. Pick up orders are available from 12-6pm Monday through Friday,with delivery available for orders of $100. Smith & Deli (Fitzroy) $50 produce boxes available for pick up and delivery on Wednesday and Friday. Call (03) 9042 4117 to order. Ted's Grocer (Brunswick) Open 10am–8pm Monday–Saturday and delivering on Wednesdays and Fridays. BRISBANE Alchemy to You (CBD) Check out the supplies online, place your order and then pick it up in-store 24 hours later. Delivery is also available to the CBD. Top image: The Tudor Hotel convenience sore
It's the excuse you need to stop for a drink on the way home from work — or even hit quittin' time a little early. From Tuesday–Friday, West End's Ehden Bar and Kitchen serves up $1.50 oysters from 3–6pm. The happy hour special is also available at the same time on Saturdays and all day on Sundays, if you're keen on slurping down some saltwater bivalve molluscs on the weekend as well. On offer until August 27, this six-day-a-week celebration of freshly shucked oysters does come with a caveat: to access the cheap seafood, you will need to buy a beverage. You'll find the venue's usual array of drinks waiting to wet your whistle, including beer, wine, champagne and cocktails — and, should you feel like turning your visit into dinner from 6pm, that's perfectly acceptable. Head by on Fridays, make a night of it, and you'll also be able to tap your toes to live tunes. Ehden Bar and Kitchen's $1.50 oyster happy hour is available on Tuesday–Saturday from 3–6pm and all day Sunday. Images: Ehden Bar and Kitchen.
Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art boasts plenty of highlights, including its location right next to the Brisbane River. Art lovers can walk through the venue's halls, enjoy a snack at its waterside cafe and even relax on the grass while taking in the view — but they can't usually walk along a massive indoor riverbed. 'Usually' is the key word, with GOMA due to serve up just that during its huge 2019–20 summer program, Water. As part of an expansive exploration of the titular liquid substance in all of its forms between December 7, 2019 and April 26, 2020, the site will become home to Olafur Eliasson's Riverbed installation. Created by the Berlin-based, Danish-Icelandic artist, the huge piece will use more than 100 tonnes of rock to recreate an Icelandic stream inside the South Brisbane venue. The artwork has been described as both pre-historic or post-apocalyptic — and, to answer the question that immediately popped into your head, you can indeed walk on it. When Riverbed arrives in Brisbane, it'll be on display to the public for only the second time ever, following its debut at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Obviously, that means it'll be visiting the southern hemisphere for the first time as well. [caption id="attachment_725225" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cai Guo-Qiang. China, b. 1957. Heritage (installation view) 2013, Animals: polystyrene, gauze, resin and hide. Installed with artificial watering hole: water, sand, drip mechanism. Purchased 2013 with funds from the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation through and with the assistance of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © The artist. Photograph: Mark Sherwood, QAGOMA.[/caption] With more than 40 works by international and Australian artists included in the exhibition, Riverbed will have some serious company. Cai Guo-Qiang's installation Heritage will make its return to GOMA, with the piece inspired by Stradbroke Island, featuring more than 40 life-size animals drinking around a waterhole, and appearing at Water in a new arrangement. Queensland artist Judy Watson will also create a major new work with a local theme, not only drawing upon on the cultural memory of water, but reflecting upon the obvious nearby body — the adjacent Maiwar, or Brisbane river. And if you're fond of art that you can interact with and learning about the biggest threat facing humanity — and climbing — then keep an eye out for William Forsythe's The Fact of Matter, which is comprised of suspended gymnastic rings. As visitors make their way through the space, they're asked to contemplate the weight and strength of their body, the impact it has on the earth, and the power we can exert if we all come together to combat climate change. Expect topical pieces all round, with pondering the importance of water one of the exhibition's main aims. Overall, "the artworks featured in Water will make connections with many of the major environmental and social challenges faced by the world today," explains Queensland Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch. Water exhibits at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from December 7, 2019 to April 26, 2020. Images: Olafur Eliasson. Denmark, b.1967. Riverbed 2014 (detail). Site specific installation. Pictured: The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk, Denmark. Photograph: Iwan Baan. William Forsythe. America, b.1949. The Fact of Matter 2009. Site-specific installation comprising gym rings, fabric straps, gym mat and truss system. Dimensions variable. Pictured: Installation view, William Forsythe: Choreographic Objects, The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, 2018-19. Image courtesy the artist. Photograph: Liza Voll. © William Forsythe.
It was a smash in Australia with Eryn Jean Norvill (Love Me) in the lead. When it made the leap to the UK starring Succession's Sarah Snook, it became the talk of London's West End, and also earned its one and only performer a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her efforts. It's been picked up by Cate Blanchett's (Borderlands) production company Dirty Films to get the film treatment. And, now it's heading to Broadway. Sydney Theatre Company's version of The Picture of Dorian Gray keeps doing huge things — and its latest jump to the most-famous stage district there is will also keep Snook at its centre. She's making her Broadway debut playing all 26 of the play's parts, with the production hitting New York from March 2025. When STC's take on The Picture of Dorian Gray premiered in 2020 — and then also played theatres in Melbourne and Adelaide — it didn't just give Oscar Wilde's gothic-literature masterpiece a fresh spin; it turned it into a brand-new stage sensation. Not only does the show feature just one performer playing every single character but, to make that happen, it uses video to help. It's the work of writer/director Kip Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning accolades. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is 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 Broadway patrons now get to experience. "It was a singular privilege to bring The Picture of Dorian Gray to life in London and I am thrilled we will be able to share this astonishing production with audiences in New York," said Sarah Snook about the news. "From Oscar Wilde's timeless words to the masterful reinterpretation Kip Williams has created, this tale of virtue, corruption, vanity and repercussion is an electrifying journey for me as much as for the audiences, and I am filled with anticipation as we continue on this ambitious creative endeavour." "I was so humbled by the response from audiences in London to The Picture of Dorian Gray, and I could not be more thrilled to be bringing this work to Broadway. It has been extraordinary to witness the way Oscar Wilde's story continues to resonate with people today," added Williams. "I am so excited for audiences in New York to experience our show and to see the tour-de-force performance Sarah Snook gives in bringing to life the many characters in this new adaptation of Wilde's remarkable story." Check out the trailer for the Broadway season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The Picture of Dorian Gray will play Broadway in New York from March 2025 — for more information and to join the waitlist for tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
When Super Mario Kart first rolled onto Super Nintendo consoles back in 1992, it came with 20 inventive courses and endless hours of fun. Nearly three decades later, the game has become a beloved phenomenon — not just speeding through desert tracks and rainbow roads, but onto Google Maps and mobile phones, and also into reality. The hugely popular game's next stop? Theme parks. In the works since 2019, delayed due to the pandemic (like everything else), but finally opening its doors on March 18, Super Nintendo World is now a place that genuinely exists. And yes, you can enjoy a real-life Mario Kart experience as part of the first-ever Nintendo-themed theme park zone, which has joined Universal Studios in Osaka. There's no mistaking this space for anywhere else. Given that it features life-sized recreations of both Bowser's Castle — complete with spiked fences and heavy iron doors — and Peach's Castle, fans of the gaming brand will know exactly where they are. You also enter via a warp pipe, because of course you do. No other entryway would've done the park justice. For those keen to hop on Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, you'll be racing through familiar Mario Kart courses that've been brought to life. And yes, as you steer your way along the track, you're surrounded by characters such as Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. You can also throw shells to take out your opponents — because it wouldn't be Mario Kart without them. If you're wondering how it all works, it's a blend of physical sets, augmented reality, projection mapping and screen projection, all designed to make you feel like you're really in the game. As for Yoshi's Adventure, that lets you climb on Yoshi's back — and, as it sounds, it's very family-friendly. So, you hop on, then set off on an adventure. Specifically, you follow Captain Toad to find three coloured eggs, plus a golden egg as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン USJ (@universal_studios_japan) Across its multiple levels — fitting for a gaming-themed space — Osaka's Super Nintendo World also includes restaurants and shops. A certain highlight: the world's first Mario cafe, which launched ahead of the rest of the site. Here, patrons are surrounded by oversized Mario and Luigi hat sculptures, the whole space is kitted out with a red and green colour scheme, and Mario Kart-style checkered floors are a feature. As for snacks, there are Mario pancake sandwiches and cream sodas, plus other drinks available in 'super mushroom' souvenir bottles. The theme park also has wearable wrist bands, called Power Up Bands — which connect to a special app and allow patrons to interact with the site using their arms, hands and bodies. That mightn't sound all that exciting, but the bands enable you to collect coins just like Mario does in the Super Mario games. Like the red-capped plumber, you can also hit question blocks to reveal more coins. There are collectible items to gather, too, such as keys and character stamps, which you can only find after achieving various goals. The stamps also earn you even more coins, so you really will be basically playing Super Mario in real life. You do have to buy a Power Up Band separate to your entry ticket to enjoy that element of the park, though. While no one is venturing far at present — and Japan has just shut out international travellers from the Tokyo Olympics, so you're unlikely to be able to head to the country anytime soon — you can add Osaka's Super Nintendo World to your must-visit list once overseas travel does start returning to normal. You might also want to add ziplining into a life-sized version of Godzilla to the same list while you're dreaming about Japanese holidays. Universal Studios is also planning Super Nintendo Worlds for its other parks in Hollywood, Orlando and in Singapore, if you need to add more places to look forward to visiting sometime in the future. The latter was just announced last year, and is set to open by 2025. Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Osaka, 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan. Top image: Nintendo and Universal Studios.
It's been a couple of years since the Art Series Hotels made its first foray into Brisbane, and its Spring Hill site lives up to the brand's concept. Every room in the 83-suite property nods to the space's namesake: Sydney-born abstract artist Michael Johnson. The hotel is full of his original paintings and prints, including the trademark horizontal bars that have hypnotised art lovers in Australia and abroad for more than four decades. This is a sleek, minimalistic abode that finds its style in the hefty array of art; however, the hotel's pared-back approach doesn't clash with its tasteful feel. Or with the resort-style 50m pool, deck bar and downstairs restaurant. For a stay that's close enough to the city and the Fortitude Valley and James Street precincts for a simple stroll but tucked into a leafy suburb away from the hustle and bustle, this is a great option without a major price tag. It's right up there with all the other top hotels in Brisbane.
The Gold Coast has Cucina Vivo. Sydney is home to Cucina Porto. Now, Brisbane boasts Cucina Regina. The chain of authentic-style Italian restaurants sits inside The Star's various locations, serving up classic dishes and drinks in old school-leaning surroundings. In the River City, the new riverside Queen's Wharf precinct is now your destination when the hankering hits for hand-stretched pizzas, homemade pasta, panna cotta from the dessert trolley, and negronis and limoncello sours. Brisbanites have been looking forward to Cucina Regina since October 2023, when it was initially revealed that it'd join the $3.6-billion CBD spot that took almost a decade to come to fruition. Several of The Star's eateries in other cities have made the jump to the Queensland capital, including cocktail bar Cherry and Japanese fine-diner Sokyo — adding to a precinct that also features Luke Nguyen's reimagined Fat Noodle, the new LiveWire and Black Hide's latest guise, all three of which have moved over from the old Treasury. At the 160-seat Cucina Regina — which is part of The Terrace, the riverfront space at the end of the Neville Bonner Bridge before visitors get to The Star Brisbane — the menu isn't just about Italian food; it's about comforting Italian fare. Trattorias are a big influence on the restaurant's look, feel and menu, with Australian design studio Tom Mark Henry in charge of the neutral-heavy fitout (which covers an 18-person private-dining space as well) and Italian-born Chef Davide Incardona overseeing the kitchen as Executive Chef. Whether you're tucking into puffed pizza bread as a starter, stone-baked prosciutto- or garlic prawn-laden slices, a 40-day dry-aged scotch rib fillet or the Brisbane menu must-have that is Moreton Bay bugs, you'll likely be enjoying something from the woodfired grill. Other options include calamari, burrata, bruschetta and arancini among the smaller bites; rigatoni carbonara, spiced Italian sausage ragu, and salted ricotta and roasted pumpkin agnolotti from the pasta picks; veal scallopini, the house speciality; and a 1.1-kilogram t-bone steak in the bistecca alla fiorentina. And for dessert? Tiramisu, Nutella pizza, a choice of lemon or chocolate cannoli, lemon sorbet and affogatos are among the choices. A banquet menu for four people, costing $89 and featuring ten dishes, is on offer if you're known to have trouble deciding on what to eat. For just a bite with a drink, there's also the snack range. Among the beverages, Italian wine gets its time to shine, naturally, while spritzes both boozy and alcohol-free equally tempt tastebuds — and classic cocktails are available upon request.
The holiday blues are probably coming in strong right about now. Summer has come and gone and dreams of a lazy mid-year escape feel like a lifetime away. Throw in the fact that you're probably out of annual leave and have even less cash than usual to splash on a luxe resort (#costofliving, amirite?), and any ideas about sipping a margarita on a sunny island are slipping away. So, would you believe us if we told you we've found a single solution that will solve every one of your 'I need to find a way to make money without eating into my holiday allowance while also enjoying a fresh cocktail' dilemmas at once? Unofficial title: Operation Working Holiday in Thailand. Start by doing the hard yards and figure out how that digital nomad thing works (note: we're using the term 'hard' loosely here, because it's actually pretty easy). Then, the only thing you need to decide on is where you want to base yourself for that first bowl of Pad Thai. Whether you dream of urban style or beachy chic, we chatted to Tourism Authority of Thailand and got their suggestions for the best accommodation options for those considering a remote working holiday. BANGKOK According to the classic 80s banger, "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster". So imagine if you had a couple of months up your sleeve! Basing yourself in Bangkok is a brilliant option for those digital nomads who just aren't quite ready to quit their big-city creature comforts. With both bustling bars and traditional temples in touchable proximity, the two hotels below offer excellent remote work accommodation options in the city known by locals as Krung Thep (or the City of Angels). Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River This standout hotel is Four Seasons by name and four seasons by nature. The Bangkok branch of this iconic international five-star hotel chain gives digital nomads plenty of reasons to visit, all year round. The amenities are extensive and include fast wifi, fitness studios, two riverfront infinity pools, 24-hour room service and a dry cleaning service for all those times you need to Zoom in your best suit and tie. We also love the location. It's right next to the Chao Phraya River, just over a 30-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and even closer (5.8 kilometres, to be exact) to Siam Paragon Mall — extremely useful for those times when you need an emergency laptop charger replacement! 137 Pillars Suites & Residences, Bangkok These serviced apartments in Bangkok's Prom Phong/Thonglor area are committed to the digital nomad cause, offering a range of packages specifically designed to cater to long-term stays. Think complimentary high-speed wifi, a daily maid service, a Thai SIM card available for purchase and weekly yoga, meditation and Muay Thai classes. You also get access to the Daily Baan Borneo Club for all-day breakfast, afternoon tea, coffee, snacks and sundowner drinks, plus level-27 infinity pool access and regular aromatherapy massages at Nitra Serenity Centre — for those times when deadlines are kicking your butt. CHIANG MAI Charming Chiang Mai is proof that there's no shame in second place. Capital of the north and the second largest city in the country, Chiang Mai offers a unique brand of laidback luxe. The landscapes are lush (all rugged mountains and green farmlands), the food scene is fabulous and the culture game is strong — with traditional Thai arts and crafts workshops among the mix. If your work from home style is cool, calm and collected — with a preference for having excellent coffee close by — then these two Chiang Mai hotels are our recs. Akyra Chiang Mai Fun fact: Chiang Mai is rated as the cheapest place in Thailand to live and work on a digital nomad budget, making it the ideal option for those bent on a working holiday but bound by a tight budget. And at the heart of it is the Akyra Chiang Mai hotel — a luxurious home away from home that has been transformed into a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs from all types of online businesses. The impressive downtown location, amazing rooftop infinity pool (perfect for a couple of quick laps between Skype calls), excellent wifi and abundant upskilling opportunities (including a number of in-house classes) draw many digital nomads in. But it is the chance to connect and network with other like-minded humans that generally keeps them at Akyra a little longer than anticipated. Kantari Hills Chiang Mai A quick squiz of Kantari Hills' online reviews reveals a ton of satisfied guests who have used the hotel for long-term stays. It could have something to do with the brilliant work facilities — like a business centre with secretarial service, fax, email, computer and photocopying — and an executive lounge with complimentary tea, coffee, snacks and ice. There's also round-the-clock security and concierge services, and of course, free wifi. Call it a hunch, but a fancy whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms probably don't hurt either. KO PHA-NGAN If Ko Pha-Ngan's white sands, turquoise waters and lush coconut trees aren't enough to entice you to swap your desk for the digital nomad life in Thailand, then perhaps the idea of a Full Moon Party celebrated every single month will do the trick? That's right, instead of end-of-quarter drinks, every 30-ish days (it's based on the lunar calendar, so it varies) Ko Pha-Ngan celebrates the new full moon with a big bash on the beach. Expect booze, music blasting out of the bungalows and neon-painted backpackers lighting up lanterns at dusk, just as the moon starts to show up and illuminate the shores. Want in? These hotels are our recommendations when it comes to setting yourself up with a remote work situation in Ko Pha-Ngan. Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas Team bonding but make it tropical. Yes, it's pretty fun watching your boss make a fool of himself in a group laser tag session, but for the ultimate team building exercise, consider a stay at Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas. Kick things off with meetings in a boardroom by the beach, lock in an evening of sunset canapés and cocktails aboard a luxury yacht, and challenge every staff member to find their strengths and weaknesses with a host of recreational activities on land and sea. With 64 pool suites and villas, every single one of them set among towering palms and crystal sea waters, this is the ideal accommodation option for those who want to do the digital nomadic life a little decadently. Panviman Resort Koh Phangan We're going to be up front and flag our concerns with the Panviman immediately. Just so you know what you're dealing with before you book your stay. Our main issues relate to its location (in the mesmerising Gulf of Thailand), stunning landscapes (it's surrounded by cerulean seas that gently lap golden beaches fringed with coconut palm trees), onsite restaurants (that focus on organic produce and fresh seafood direct from local fishermen) and VIP lounge (the one with a breathtaking sea-view infinity pool replete with Jacuzzis and sun loungers). So it's going to take a fair bit of dedication and discipline not to spend your nine-to-five completely distracted by all of the above. However, if you're confident in your ability to stay on target, then the Panviman Resort Koh Phangan offers one of the best digital nomad accomodation options in all of Thailand. PHUKET If we had to entrust Thailand's status as the Land of Smiles to a single region, we'd pick Phuket. After all, it's almost impossible not to settle in to the island on the country's western shore and grin once you realise you are in the company of some of Southeast Asia's best resorts, restaurants and shops. The two hotels below are our picks for the best place to base yourself if you're leaning towards Phuket for your remote-work vibe. Twinpalms Phuket The first thing you need to do, to convince your boss that you're taking your digital nomad job seriously, is check out Twinpalms Phuket's library. Here, you can explore literature, magazines and movies while using its free high-speed internet and computers. Then, when the coast is clear (or better yet, after hours, to minimise the risk of being fired!), book in a spa treatment, arrange a snorkelling excursion or step directly into the hotel's large lagoon pool, and log it in your time sheet as office admin. Cape Panwa Hotel If you're a C-Suite exec — or just dream of CEO status — then Cape Panwa is the place for you. Its former guests include kings, queens and big-screen stars, so it's definitely a great base for those who want to manifest a promotion or pay rise. A dedicated business centre will help you keep the process professional; however, we also strongly suggest taking advantage of the hotel's fun facilities too. Think the beachside bamboo bar, access to the state-of-the-art Panwa Princess yacht and two onsite palm-fringed pools. After all, if you've got your sights set on CFO (but you're working with an intern budget), you'll need to work hard, but nobody said you can't work hard from paradise with a tropical drink in hand, right? Tourism Authority Thailand has plenty more suggestions for the top places to work remotely in the Land of Smiles, so for more options, head to the website. Images: Tourism Authority of Thailand
This time next year, you could well be spending your summer immersed in legendary Japanese artworks. The Art Gallery of New South Wales has announced a blockbuster exhibition, dubbed Japan Supernatural, set to open in November 2019 as part of the tenth Sydney International Art Series. Made up of more than 200 works from all over the planet, it's an exploration of the spirit world in Japanese art. Expect a immersive experience involving paintings, sculpture, prints, film, animation, comics and games. Leading the show is a monumental piece by Tokyo-born Takashi Murakami. He's a bit of an international rockstar, renowned for bringing together high and low art — much like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol. Chances are, you first heard of him in the 1990s, when he launched the inaugural Superflat exhibition. Since then, he's been a prolific creator of paintings, drawings, sculptures and animations, and collaborated extensively with Louis Vuitton. Representing a much earlier era will be Katsushika Hokusai, born in Edo in 1760. His best-known piece is Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, a series of wood block prints that includes the now iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa. While can't reveal, yet, which of his pieces will be travelling to Sydney, we're hoping we get some of the works that were at the NGV last year. Look out, too, for works by historical artists Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Kawanabe Kyosai, as well as contemporary pop artist Chiho Aoshima and photographer Miwa Yanagi. The artworks are expected to be announced in early 2019, but, in the meantime, you can check out the ninth Sydney International Art Series, which includes paintings by Monet, Matisse and Picasso and a retrospective of South African photographer David Goldblatt's work. Japan Supernatural is slated to open at the Art Gallery of NSW in November 2019, as part the Sydney International Art Series. Image: Takashi Murakami by Claire Dorn.
Vivid Sydney is no stranger to lights. In each year's program — including with 2023's set-to-dazzle lineup, complete with Lightscape in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney — filling the Harbour City with luminous installations is one of the citywide arts festival's main aims. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a wander around town in June involves stunning radiant sights awaiting at every turn. And this year, that glow will extend down to Wynyard's unused railway tunnels for the first time ever. This is the first time ever that the subterranean spot will be opened to the public, in fact — and turned into a light show beneath the streets. Meet Dark Spectrum, the ticketed installation that's world premiering at Vivid Sydney as a just-announced addition to the 2023 program. We hope you like lasers, secret passageways, bright colours and a one-of-a-kind experience, all on offer from Friday, May 26–Sunday, July 16. A collaboration between Vivid Sydney, Sony Music, Mandylights and Culture Creative, this underground spectacle features eight rooms, all heroing a different hue, with the entire setup inspired by raves and their dance floors. They're each meant to mimic the human experience through life, too, as helped by robotics, visual technology and a pulsating electronic dance music soundtrack. Accordingly, Dark Spectrum will take attendees through rooms themed around separation, constriction, pressure and the unseen, then spaces that are all about reflection, the unfamiliar and connection. The last one? It serves up an end with a revelation — which will obviously need to be experienced rather than explained. Vivid Sydney has given a few hints about what's in store, though. In Construction, 150 LED pipes will hang from the roof, while Pressure will feature 50 archways covered in lights and mirrors — and make Wynyard's tunnels look like a never-ending tunnel. Or, there's Interaction, a sea of hanging string lights and illuminated plants that respond to movement, which takes its cues from Avatar. "We're thrilled to announce this world-first experience for Vivid Sydney 2023. Dark Spectrum is a perfect fit for this year's festival theme, exploring the intersection between human emotions, our natural environment and the urban landscape and relics of Sydney's industrial past," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. "Diving beneath the surface of what is now one of the city's busiest railway lines, Dark Spectrum is a truly mesmerising and engaging experience for visitors to explore Sydney in a whole new way. I am excited we get to shine a light on unknown spaces across the city". After its Sydney debut, Dark Spectrum will tour the world — so for folks outside of the Harbour City who can't make it along during Vivid, cross your fingers that it next comes your way. Vivid Sydney 2023 will run from Friday, May 26–Saturday, June 17. For further information and tickets — including to Dark Spectrum from Friday, May 26–Sunday, July 16 — head to the event's website.
When you've been sipping on blue milk, how ready will you be to battle the Galactic Empire? Will tucking into green burgers and dessert space stations get you fuelled to rebel against oppression? There's only one way to find out the answers to these questions: by visiting the brand-new Star Wars Galactic Cafe, an Australian-first eatery that's now open at Melbourne Museum. After the Victorian venue became the top spot right now, in this very galaxy, to see Star Wars come to life via Lego courtesy of the world-premiering Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition — and the only place to check out life-sized recreations of the space saga's locations, characters, duels and moments as made out of eight-million-plus plastic bricks, in fact — the same site has welcomed another Aussie debut. As first announced back in May, never before has an official Star Wars cafe popped up Down Under. This one is only here for a limited season. Yes, blue milk is definitely on offer, because it wouldn't be a Star Wars-themed spot for a snack and a sip without it. You can enjoy it chilled or as part of a slushie. And the source of that all-important hue? Butterfly pea flower powder. The cafe's full food and drink range features other dishes and selections inspired by the franchise — and while there's no green milk or fish eggs, green-hued burgs and a Death Star by chocolate sweet treat are ready to tempt your tastebuds. Fittingly, the bites and drinks have names like Canto Bight Burger, Naboo Garden Vermicelli, Outer Rim Chicken Katsu and Tatooine Sunset. Also on offer: a Chewie gingerbread cookie that adorably resembles its namesake. A range of kids meal packs are available, too, with monikers such as Endo Explorer (featuring chicken nuggets) and Padawan Power (with a hummus and salad sandwich). Open since Saturday, June 7, 2025 and set to run until January 2026, the Star Wars Galactic Cafe is the result of Australian-first collaboration between Museums Victoria, Disney and Lucasfilm. The decor matches the menu, with the pop-up delivering an immersive eating and drinking experience beyond what you're consuming by taking you to a Corellian Star Cruiser to get feasting. If this sounds like the kind of spot that'll be popular, that's because it already is — so bookings are encouraged, with walk-in availability limited. Images: Carmen Zammit, courtesy of Museums Victoria.
Anything humans can eat, dogs think they can munch on as well. But as every responsible pet parent knows, that isn't actually the case. So, we've all weathered those adorable, yearning, pleading looks from our beloved pooches as we've tucked into something they'd like to taste as well. And, we've all felt the heartbreak at letting our cute critters down — even though it's for their health. Does your doggo get a twinkle in their eye whenever there's a doughnut around? It wouldn't be the first — and, for the next fortnight, it's in luck. In the lead up to International Dog Day on Thursday, August 26, Krispy Kreme has announced the release of a limited-edition range of 'doggie doughnuts'. They're doughnut-inspired dog biscuits, actually, but they sure do look like the real thing. The eye-catching bikkies are a collaboration with Coolum-based pet treats business Huds and Toke, and they come in six different varieties. If you love Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnuts, perhaps your pupper will adore the dog biscuit version as well. Or, you could let then go barking mad over choc iced, choc cookie, choc cheesecake, choc sprinkles and strawberry sprinkles varieties. The biscuits aren't made from doughnuts or from chocolate, of course; instead, they use a hard-baked cookie base, as well as frosting made from ingredients like carob and yoghurt that's been designed specifically for dog jaws. The bikkies are also meant to be good for chewing and for dental cleaning — and they're designed to last longer than your usual dog treat. If these round delights will get your four-legged friend's tail wagging, you can buy them in six-packs (for $14.95) between now and Thursday, August 26 at Krispy Kreme stores — including via drive-thru and click-and-collect. And, they are just for pets — so just like how Fido or Rover can't have your doughnut, you can't have their version either. Krispy Kreme's doggie doughnuts are now available from the chain's stores — including via drive-thru and click-and-collect — until Thursday, August 26.
There is nothing like drenching yourself in (fake) blood, stalking your friends (and people you have never met before) and yelling whilst confidently charging your gun-wielding prey. That is why Zedtown, the University of Sydney Verge Arts Festival's version of a live-action game commonly known as Humans vs. Zombies, has grown from 80 players to 300 in just a single year. It is more than just a game; Zedtown is an arena for performance, a realm where fans can enact their favourite zombie fantasies. Under Zedtown's rules, humans must survive a zombie epidemic using only Nerf guns and balled-up socks as weapons. If tagged by a zombie, they must hunt their former kind either until all are undead or a human somehow survives. At the game on Saturday, October 12, 2013, almost 300 human survivors staked out quarantine in the hope of defeating three original zombies (OZs) and containing the virus. Like all epidemics though, this number snowballed despite the arsenal of balled-up socks and foamy ammunition fired by a group of adults holding toy guns. More precisely, a group of proud adult nerds holding toy guns. You see, whilst the game began with only a few hand-selected undead, the OZs did not have to reveal themselves immediately. Humans and zombies are generally differentiated by their respective orange and green headbands and regular zombies are not permitted weapons. However, at the beginning of play OZs are dressed and armed the same as survivors, waiting for their moment to tag survivors and infect them. Yours truly was zombified this very way, declaring that my friend was "too nice to betray us" before she infected my team and ran away. We were forced to yield our childlike artillery and begin hunting for brains. That was when the real fun began. "I think everybody has watched a zombie film at some point and wondered 'how would I do in that world?'", says event curator David Harmon. "Zedtown is a chance for people to live out all the tropes and cliches of zombie horror films. You form a ragtag group of survivors. You ration food and ammunition. You keep watch, you trust no-one. You build a movie story with you and your friends as the stars and you watch as the world goes to hell around you." Looking around the quarantined sandstone structures you can see these storyboards unfold. Survivors dressed in full army fatigues, cowboys sacrificing themselves to save their friends, an unstoppable zombie witch leaving terror in her wake and even a gun-wielding bride. People are performing, taking on characters, which is what the game is for. Renegades run rampant, heroes emerge and legends are born. "Zedtown is about storytelling", Harmon says. "It's about immersive multiplayer collaborative world building. We give players a very simple set of rules that govern how people can live, die and become zombies. After that it's up to them to take that framework and help us build a world out of it." The framework provided is incredibly immersive and significantly aids this construction. From survivor radio to ammo drops to missions to mad scientists, you cannot help but get lost in the world, survivor or zombie. You are pulled in — fear is genuine and you will find yourself peering around corners, back to the wall up to 28 days later. People love this game due to the oldest cliche in the book; it is not about winning, it is about taking part. Through participation, players create narratives they will discuss for years, narratives usually borrowed from films but this time lived. Thankfully we will not have to wait too long for the chance to do it all again. "We've just announced a game we'll be running at Secret Garden Festival 2014 — our first game outside of Sydney University," Harmon says. "That's in February ... and it's going to be a lot of fun." In the meantime, Harmon says that games are "all dependant on finding exactly the right location for zombie horror — so if you happen to own a deserted industrial park, run-down carnival or abandoned hospital please let us know!" Just remember rule number one: cardio. You need it. Words by Matthew Watson. Images by Lindsay Smith. Look out for the next game of Zedtown at the Secret Garden Festival in 2014.
SailGP is returning to Auckland's Waitematā Harbour on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 2026, bringing world-class racing right to the heart of the city. The global championship features identical high-performance F50 foiling catamarans racing in short, fast fleet races designed for stadium-style spectating. It's the perfect excuse to make a trip to New Zealand and use the vibrant city of Auckland as your North Island base. The Race Stadium, located at Wynyard Quarter on Waitematā Harbour, puts you at the centre of the action. There'll be a front-row view of boats skimming past the shoreline as well as a buzzy festival atmosphere around the harbour precincts and businesses. Both race days kick off when gates open at 1.30pm NZDT, with the race window taking place from 4.00pm to 5.30pm NZDT*. In between, the waterfront comes alive with an official Race Stadium fan village featuring food, drinks, sponsor activations and entertainment. This gives you plenty of time to settle in, explore and enjoy Auckland's exciting atmosphere well into the evening. Tickets range from $110 to $350, with seating options that allow you to tailor the day to your preferences. The Waterfront Grandstand is the go-to for fans who love to be in the heart of the action and enjoy elevated and allocated seating as the F50 catamarans tear past. Looking to level up? The Waterfront Premium Lounge is a new premium grandstand experience that offers prime views, access to exclusive areas, and an all-inclusive food and drinks offering. The Waterfront Platinum is a VIP experience for groups of 10, with reserved seating, a premium menu, an open bar and a dedicated live broadcast of the races. SailGP Auckland also offers official on-water viewing options, including Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB) and licensed spectator boat experiences, so you can feel as close to the action as possible. February is coming up fast, so if you're booking the ITMSailGP tickets, here's where to stay to not miss a moment of the weekend and the best of Auckland's CBD for the ultimate New Zealand North Island shore break. Where to stay in Auckland Mövenpick Hotel Auckland Just minutes from the Viaduct Harbour and Race Stadium, Mövenpick Auckland puts you within easy reach of SailGP, Commercial Bay shopping (Auckland's premium precinct for fashion and beauty), Britomart dining and the city's best waterfront bars and restaurants. On-site, BODA Restaurant serves modern Korean fusion with harbour views, making it a perfect choice for long lunches and post-race-day dinners close to your hotel base. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour For travellers who love a little taste of luxury, Sofitel's waterfront hotel is hard to beat. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is a calm and elevated retreat that's just steps away from the race action. Spend your mornings wandering through cafes and the cove that's inspired by La Rochelle in southern France. Before the race gates open, head to the Sofitel Spa for a restorative wellness pause between races and dine at the gourmet La Marée restaurant. If you're looking for a proper city break alongside SailGP action, book your stay now. Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel Just steps from Auckland's airport terminals, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is the perfect accommodation choice for international travellers who want to land, rest, and head into the CBD to soak up the race weekend. And, you don't have to compromise on taste, culture and experience just to be near the airport. Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is Auckland's premium five-star airport hotel and blends convenience with cultural design. If you're jetting in and out for the weekend or are heading elsewhere on the North Island post-Sail GP, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is your go-to. *Please note, start times are subject to change. Discover Auckland Image credit: Supplied
2023 marks a mere five years since Netflix released its first-ever Australian original series, with Tidelands hitting the streaming service three years after it officially launched Down Under. That supernatural drama didn't usher in a non-stop influx of new Aussie content. While older local titles sit among the platform's catalogue, freshly commissioned fare such as Heartbreak High and Wellmania is still fairly rare. But Netflix's small pool of homegrown Australian projects has locked in a few more additions, with four just-announced newcomers on their way. The novel-to-screen adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe is also in the works, but that was initially revealed almost 18 months back. Following it to your queue will be another book-to-TV effort, an outback family-feud tale and two movies — one starring Delta Goodrem and the other a documentary about ONEFOUR. First, your future binges: The Survivors and Desert King (although they're just working titles, so those monikers might change). The first is heading to Netflix from the pages of Jane Harper's text of the same name, while the second sounds like it wants to give Succession-meets-Yellowstone a Top End spin. Neither have casts as yet, or release dates. [caption id="attachment_905971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Force of Nature, Narelle Portanier[/caption] Yes, Australia's screen industry currently loves bringing Harper's works to the screen. The Dry proved a massive smash, after all, and that flick's sequel Force of Nature will hit cinemas when Hollywood's actors' strike is over. The Survivors isn't linked to either movie by anything but author, so there's no Aaron Falk this time. Instead, the Tasmanian-set story follows families still coping with the loss caused by a massive storm in their seaside town 15 years earlier, then faced with a new murder. As for Desert King, it will be set on the world's largest cattle station, which the Lawson family runs. When the property is left without a firm successor, the fights start — and everyone from billionaire miners and desert gangsters to Indigenous elders and other cattle barons get involved. Netflix will get bonus points from audiences if they manage to get Sarah Snook to star. [caption id="attachment_914014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Netflix © 2023[/caption] With the streamer's upcoming Aussie movies, Goodrem has been born to give her acting chops another try, this time in a romance called Love Is in the Air. There's no word on whether the film will feature Delta singing John Paul Young's Aussie song of the same name, which first released in the 70s and became a hit again in the 90s thanks to Strictly Ballroom. What is known, however, is that the flick is about a seaplane pilot who falls for the man who's meant to be tanking her business — and that it'll be filmed in the Whitsundays. ONEFOUR: Against All Odds will tell its namesake's story, including the drill rap group's huge popularity and the police taskforce attempting to stop them performing. "The story of ONEFOUR is one of the most significant cultural moments in recent Australian history. It's about the changing face of this country and who gets to have a voice in it," said writer/director Gabriel Gasparinatos. "Australia markets this sunkissed image of itself and it's so important to show it's not all like that, and that there is another side to this country the world is only just starting to see. I'm so grateful to ONEFOUR for trusting us with their story and to Netflix for bringing it to the global audience it deserves." Announced previously, Netflix is also making a second season of its Heartbreak High revival, as well as Surviving Summer. The former is due in 2024 and the latter this September. And, for kids, Eddie's Lil Homies is on its way, based on childrens' books by former AFL superstar Eddie Betts, and following an eight-year-old Eddie and his friends. Netflix's just-announced new Australian projects don't yet have release dates — we'll update you when more information is announced. Top image: The Dry.
UPDATE: Unfortunately due to various circumstances, VAN JAM has been cancelled. However, all the performers you're excited to see will still be playing, now at the upcoming event The Round Up at the Racehorse Hotel in Ipswitch. Attention van-lifers and festivalgoers alike – a brand-new music festival is coming to Queensland: VAN JAM 2023. Organised by Caravanning Queensland, they're reorganising and evolving their wheelhouse of trade shows into an Australian-first hybrid concept, part music festival and part caravan/RV expo taking place at Willowbank Raceway from Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24. On the storied ground of Willowbank, also home to country music celebration CMC Rocks, VAN JAM is turning up the volume with a lineup of Aussie Rock legends, including Eskimo Joe, Daryl Braithwaite, Thirsty Merc and Russell Morris. For any junior attendees, there will also be miniVAN, a dedicated kids zone full of games, crafts and activities plus the Bluey Live Interactive Experience. Alongside the entertainment is the OFF ROAD OFF GRID EXPO, hosting a variety of interactive displays, vehicle testing on an off-road track, masterclasses and more. The festival site also includes camping sites galore among the trees, both powered and unpowered and flexible for arrangements big and small. If you're a fan of off-grid life, camping and caravanning trips with family and friends or legendary Aussie rock, there's something for you at VAN JAM. VAN JAM runs from Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24. For more information and to get your tickets, visit the website.
It may have dropped the $2 price from its moniker, but there's nothing quite like the Sunnybank Food Trail on Brisbane's culinary calendar. The appeal is all there in the name, with the Brisbane suburb's shopping hubs becoming a diner's delight in quite the affordable fashion. Think of it as the ultimate self-guided foodie adventure, for nothing more than spare change — and, pre-pandemic, with around 22,000 people taking part. The latest time that the Sunnybank Food Trail popped up was in 2019. As many food-focused events were, it was forced to take a break when COVID-19 hit; however, now this southside feast is finally returning. Mark Saturday, July 22 in your calendar and get ready to tuck in from 12–8pm at both Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park. How does it work? Attendees walk between a heap of local cafes and restaurants, all at their own pace. The range of eateries taking part is usually hefty — in 2018, more than 45 places served up dishes. From chicken katsu and wontons to mochi ice cream and bubble tea, every participating joint will feature a range of authentic Asian cuisines. You'll feast on Chinese, Japanese, Hong Kong-style, Vietnamese, Korean, Malaysian and Taiwanese bites, with prices starting at $2 per tasting plate. With such an array of steaming soups and sizzling stir-fries on offer, we don't recommend eating lunch or dinner first; in fact, you'd best arrive feeling as hungry as possible. Snacking on signature dishes is the main course — or several — but there's also plenty of non-edible appetisers, too. Enjoy live music, watch traditional lion dancers, and and check out the roaming entertainment as you feast and wander, adding the perfect garnish to every meal by setting the mood. Image: Sunnybank Food Trail.
