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.
Socials have been abuzz for the past couple of weeks with the news that KFC, one of the most hallowed fast food institutions, is hosting an 11-course degustation dinner in collaboration with Surry Hills fine diner Nel. In the two weeks after the news broke, more than 24,000 hungry and curious Sydneysiders added their name to a lottery, in the hopes of scoring an elusive seat at the three-night dinner series. I was lucky enough to score an invite to the media preview for a first peek at the mad scientist-like creations of celebrated chef Nelly Robinson. Here's everything that happened. THE VIBE The dinner takes place in an airy warehouse space at the end of an unmarked Alexandria alleyway, at the entrance to which lies the most unobtrusive of red carpets. Already this isn't feeling like a typical dinner. Once inside, there's free-flowing pre-dinner sparkling in a staging area that is dominated by what your correspondent thought was a fluffy cloud hanging over the bar. Then it's pointed out to me that I'm looking at it from the wrong angle. It turns out that the focal point of the room is, in fact, an illuminated cloud that takes the unmistakable form of a KFC drumstick, because of course it is. We soon move into the spacious, elegant dining room, which is all dark tones and understated pendant lighting. Once seated, a candle is brought to the table, lit and glasses are topped up. It's showtime. THE FOOD Eleven courses of KFC with a wine pairing to boot? Challenge accepted. Course One: You Call That a Burger? This KFC burger-inspired take on Nel's signature savoury marshmallow is a mind-boggling delight. It's light, it's fluffy, it nearly falls apart in your fingers and immediately disintegrates on contact with your tongue — but it also hits the sweet, salty, umami notes of a burger. Course Two: Zinger Katsu Who would have ever thought that a micro Zinger could be so satisfying? But enough about my last Grindr date. Course two of this KFC feast is an immediate hit at the table, a two-bite appetiser featuring a finger-sized Zinger patty on a pillowy oblong of deep-fried potato finished in katsu jus, and then topped with a drizzle of curry mayo and a dusting of dill. I would very much like this in burger form. Course Three: Supercharged Wings Wicked wings, but light them on fire. Perfectly crunchy and juicy wings are presented on a bed of charcoal sticks that are lit on fire at the table — because who doesn't love dinner and a show — which makes them about 15 percent better than a normal KFC wing. Course Four: Potato and Gravy Remember that candle I mentioned earlier? By the time our beautifully brown, perfectly spherical potato buns are placed on the table after the amuses-bouche are cleared, the candle has melted. No, it's not a cheapo that couldn't even last until mains, but in fact made of KFC chicken fat (what else) which, now completely liquefied, is garnished at the table with a couple of rounds of gravy and into which the potato buns can be dipped. And they are. Liberally. Course Five: Zinger Kingfish The first of the mains is, in the very best way, an absolute mindfuck. Slightly torched kingfish is coated in a crumb of the eleven secret herbs and spices and served on a bed of ever-so-smoky yoghurt slaw — itself an elegant take on the classic KFC side. Though it could have very well been actual KFC coleslaw. At this stage up was down and left was right. In introducing the dish, Robinson told us that there was some resistance from team KFC around putting fish on the menu, but he stuck to his guns and the menu is all the better for him having done so. Course Six: Tongue Twister/Twister Sister I still remember when the Twister was launched. Wraps were having a moment thanks to the Atkins diet and variations incarnations thereof (the 90s were truly wild) and it was like Christmas had come early for this chunky, primary school-aged kid who could not get enough fried chicken. Any excitement I might have had about lower-carb KFC was quickly dashed, however, when my first (and to-date only) Twister led to a bout of gastro... So when I discover that the second main course of the evening was a two-part take on the KFC wrap, I'm a little sceptical. That is, until I see the Colonel's face on a plate — or at least a colourful interpretation of it made of emulsified fried chicken, lettuce, tomato and pepper mayo. Our task: pick up the plate and lick the Colonel right off it. Not in a million years did I ever think I'd be tonguing old mate Sanders, but now that I've had a chicken fat candle and KF-fish, I guess the rulebook is out the window. To accompany this surprisingly sensuous dish comes a jazzed-up take on a Twister in the form of a fried chicken taco on a soft spinach tortilla and finished with lettuce, pearl barley risotto, sundried tomato, pepper mayo and an edible flower. It's very, very good. Course Seven: Popcorn Chicken You know what's better than popcorn chicken? Popcorn chicken in a creamy celeriac and mushroom soup with fresh gnocchi and fragrant basil oil. Says my dining companion: "Next time I get popcorn chicken, I'm going to buy a tin of Campbell's cream of mushroom to go with it." Sure, it's a cheat version of this silky, umami-laden dish, but I suggest you consider doing the same. Course Eight: La Di Da Drumstick AKA Fried Gold A dramatic hush suddenly descends upon the room. From the moment the first tall, glass, smoke-filled cloche enters the dining room for the final savoury course, the anticipation for what we know is coming is truly palpable. Underneath, revealed in a hypnotically synchronised flourish, lies a single KFC drumstick. But, reader, this is no ordinary drumstick. This is a gently smoke-infused piece of original recipe resting on a bed of black garlic and cauliflower purée, quinoa and edible gold, and looked like something out of a fairy tale. It tasted as good as it looked. Course Nine: Chips for Dessert Facts: fries dipped in ice cream is a god-tier pairing. For me, this is usually happening when coming out of a drive-through with one hand trying to get my soft serve-to-chip ratio just right, while the other hand is actually trying to drive. No such theatrics are needed for this first of three desserts, however, as I practically inhale this delightful dish of a single dehydrated, de-starched potato chip with wattleseed ice cream and burnt pineapple and mead purée. Course Ten: Our Chocolate Mousse Here, generous nugget-sized serves of light and airy chocolate mousse are dipped in liquid nitrogen and topped with popping candy. I've never eaten chocolate mousse — or any mousse, for that matter — with my hands, but this is so finger lickin' good (you know I had to) that all decorum flew the coop (I'll stop now). Course Eleven: Petit Krusher This is a creative take on an after-dinner mint inspired by the gone-but-not-forgotten KFC Krusher. I'd tell you what this tasted like but, despite being told to have this truffle ball-looking morsel in one bite, I somehow forgot how to eat and ended up inelegantly spraying most of this all over the table. But after all, what's KFC without a bit of mess? THE VERDICT This dinner series might begin on April Fool's Day, but it's no joke. It's a clever, creative menu that serves as both a love letter to KFC and a truly fascinating exploration of the possibilities of fried chicken. A wanky take? Perhaps. But when I'm eating KFC with knives and forks and liquid nitrogen and, it must be said, an excellent wine pairing, the least I can do is get a bit extra with a review. I was asked by a colleague if the meal is as good as big bucket of KFC, and the answer is both yes and no. This dinner doesn't hit the same spot that only a Family Feast can, but that's not the point. It's pure escapism — fun for the sake of fun, an opportunity to just enjoy what's in front of you. And these days, who can argue with that?
Over the Easter long weekend, plus in the days and weeks leading into it, one type of sweet treat is always on the menu: chocolate. No matter how you like getting a taste of cocoa, there's always an egg, bun or other dessert for it on offer around March and April. There's always several, in fact. But Brisbane isn't done getting a choc fix yet, even though Easter is done for 2025. Across Saturday, April 26–Sunday, April 27, the Brisbane Chocolate Festival is making its debut at The Hills of Rivermakers in Morningside. Two days, one riverside precinct, oh-so-much chocolate to feast on from 10am–5pm daily: if you're a chocaholic or just a chocolate fiend, that's your new favourite recipe. This is a ticketed affair, and then you'll pay for what you eat once you're in — but whether you want chocolate for breakfast, brunch, morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea, you have options. Think: chocolate fountains, chocolate brownies, chocolate poffertjes, chocolate soufflé waffles and chocolate cupcakes, as well as chocolate doughnuts, chocolate gelato and ice cream, chocolate slices, chocolate meringue and plenty more. Yes, there'll be chocolate eggs. There'll also be bites for lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free, sugar-free and vegan diets. Also on the bill: hunting for those chocolate eggs, an eating contest, pop-up bars, live tunes and other entertainment — and dessert cocktails. Brisbane Chocolate Festival is the latest event from the folks behind the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival, which was drawing crowds between 5000–10,000 in its pre-COVID-19 days in West End's Musgrave Park — so expect to have a whole lot of company.
Back in 1988, as part of an ongoing mission to elevate Brisbane's standing on the world stage, the city hosted a World Expo. The event, featuring exhibits and entertainment from more than 50 nations and corporations, spanned over six months and was considered a huge cultural success. Over 90 artworks were loaned, gifted or commissioned and displayed throughout the site reflecting the theme of 'leisure in the age of technology'. This year marks the event's 30th anniversary. And to celebrate, the council is hosting a dazzling retrospective public art trail. A number of sculptures — many of them pieces that have been restored or relocated from the original 88 exhibition — have be placed throughout the CBD and parklands for residents to explore. Among the pieces featured in the trail are Peter D Cole's Man and Matter series — 12 red steel sculptures installed along Kangaroo Point Cliffs Boardwalk — and The Human Factor, a series that was created by Brisbane's Artbusters and originally displayed at the World Expo's 88 site. For the anniversary, the latter has been re-cast with fibreglass and the figures, which include 'The Juggler' and 'The Trapeze Artist', have been dotted throughout King George Square, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Southbank House. Meanwhile, Forme del Mito, a bronze series created by renowned Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro, has been restored and relocated to the top of Edward Street for the 30th anniversary event. The art trail is self-guided — you can find a map on the Brisbane City Council website along with details on each of the artworks.
Chances are you've got a newfound appreciation for your living space after the past two years — and a renewed drive to make it a stylish oasis you actually love spending time in. If that's your mission, who better than the experts to help guide you towards style success? In partnership with Samsung, we're exploring achievable ways for you to incorporate design-forward items into your living space. So, we sat down for a special chat with Design By Them founders Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis, who shared their top tips for using furniture to elevate your living space. The industrial designer duo launched their Sydney-based design house back in 2007, creating a celebrated furniture, accessories and lighting brand built on a timeless aesthetic and a flair for collaboration. Steered by an ever-growing ensemble of Aussie design talent, Design By Them has crafted a collection of over 120 bespoke products to date, with numerous awards and exhibitions under its belt, including a show at Milan Design Week 2019. Here, Gibson and Karlovasitis impart a little of their design wisdom to help you create an enviable living space with minimal effort. [caption id="attachment_833654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicholas Karlovasitis by Paul Liddle[/caption] BEGIN WITH INSPIRATION For these designers, inspiration is sourced from far and wide, and favours eras past instead of contemporary trends. "I love design history and seeing how design has evolved over time, incrementally changed and improved with manufacturing and technology," Karlovasitis tells Concrete Playground. "I like [looking at] how movements form and how they embrace certain ideologies, as opposed to any single designer or brand." Gibson is another believer in looking to the past for inspiration; whether that involves browsing mid-century modern stores to rediscover old-school joinery techniques or scoping out some local architectural goodness. "I'm a little obsessed with Australian architecture and interiors," she explains. "I love a long walk admiring the built environment." [caption id="attachment_833684" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] MISTAKES TO AVOID Before you jet off on a furniture-buying binge, the pair has a couple of big no-nos. Buying for the now, rather than for the future, is a common one Gibson encourages avoiding. "Having an eclectic interior means that you can collect pieces over time that will always go [together], rather than needing to redo your interior every five to ten years," she says. "You wouldn't replace your art and nor should you have to replace your furniture." And to create a space that's authentically yours, you're best to avoid simply copying those interiors you've been lusting after on Instagram. "I think your home and your possessions should be personal and reflect who you are," says Karlovasitis. "A lot of people try to recreate an interior they see without making it theirs. Spaces should feel personal." If you're a styling novice and need to build up confidence in your choices, Karlovasitis recommends investing in items that are easy to work with and around — this goes for both furniture and tech. Take, for example, Samsung's The Serif TV, which he owns and says "feels more like a considered piece of premium furniture". The TV was designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and has a chic design with an 'I'-shaped profile and easel legs. "It is flexible and complements an interior rather than looking like an afterthought or compromise," he explains. THE BEAUTY OF BUYING BESPOKE When it comes to selecting pieces for your space that will last the distance and serve you well for years to come, the pair say bespoke furniture is the way to go. "A lot of bespoke furniture is made from materials that can be refinished and wear better. This is important if you want to keep your furniture long-term," Gibson acknowledges. If you're willing to part with a little more money on these kinds of pieces, Karlovasitis says it'll be well worth your while. "You do not only pay for the manufacturing and materials that go into a piece of furniture but also the design and knowledge," he explains. "By investing in good design you reward brands that produce considered and better products." [caption id="attachment_833653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] STYLING ON A BUDGET The designer duo also has a few handy focus points that'll save you money in the long run if you're after bang for your buck. "Invest in things that will last, so when you look at the cost of the item over the life of the product it isn't very expensive at all," Karlovasitis offers, recommending people steer clear of trends. "I always think that anything you buy should have looked good thirty years ago, as well as today and in 30 years' time." For Gibson, a good lounge and good dining table top the list of pieces worth investing in. "Dining chairs can be expensive but you use them every day. If you don't have the budget for six chairs, you might build your collection slowly or go for an eclectic look with every chair being different," she explains. And for the rest, minimalism is best. "You don't need a TV cabinet these days, you can fix things to the wall or invest in a nice stand. Hooks are also handy and a cheap way of storing things where spaces are small." [caption id="attachment_833659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] RULES TO STYLE BY Finally, when it comes to rules, there are no rules. "You just have to work out your balance of minimalism and character and work towards what you like," says Gibson. "Nick and I often think like this when designing; for us, the balance of minimalism and character is somewhere in the middle. For someone else, it might shift towards the right or left. Everyone is different." Karlovasitis backs this, saying: "You can set your own rules if you want to but don't let styles or trends dictate your choices." As for the rules you can straight up ignore? "Having a strict colour palette," says Gibson. "With the right balance everything can go. Blue and green should never be seen — really?" If you're looking to add a touch of designer aesthetic to your living space, check out our editor's picks of must-have homewares. To find out more about Samsung's The Serif, created in collaboration with celebrated industrial designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, visit the Samsung website. Top image: Paul Liddle
When Four Hearts Brewing Pumpyard Bar and Brewery opened early in 2015, it became Ipswich's first new brewery in more than a century. That's quite a feat, but it hasn't stopped there. The brewery has seven brews on its usual lineup — including a tropical fruit-laden new world pilsner and the Ipswich Challenger, a light English mild with notes of mandarin, green tea and spice — and it rotates in seasonal specials on the regular, too. There's more where they came from, including take-home growlers, but if hanging out and having a few takes your fancy, then grabbing a meal is a smart idea. Frickles, sweet potato fries, pulled pork and smoky BBQ brisket burgers, five types of pizzas, and steak, lamb, fish and salad mains are just the beginning — of the food options, and of your Ipswich eating and drinking bonanza. [caption id="attachment_770956" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption]
UPDATE, January 29, 2021: 1917 is available to stream via Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. If you didn't already know that 1917's Sam Mendes directed the last two Bond films, then his new First World War drama makes that plain via its high-stakes plot. The premise: in the penultimate year of the conflict, with a generation of young men at battle, two British soldiers are dispatched into enemy territory to deliver a message. If they don't make it through No Man's Land, across lines of barbed wire, out of booby-trapped mines, over collapsed bridges and past ever-determined Germans — and do so by dawn the next day — 1600 men will charge into a battle that'll wipe them all out. Tragic on its own merits, that needless loss of lives would also severely hamper the Allies' overall efforts. In attempting their crucial task, 1917's central pair can't rely on exploding watches, missile-shooting cars or other 007-style gadgets, of course. Still, the film does sport a particularly action-packed idea in a genre — aka war flicks — that's typically filled with fights, gunfire and explosions anyway. Sending its heroes on a tumultuous journey in the most literal of senses, 1917 also spins a classic adventure narrative within its combat-riddled confines. But, co-scripting with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Penny Dreadful) and dedicating the feature to his grandfather, a veteran of the war in question, Mendes can be forgiven for taking a minor leaf out Skyfall and Spectre's books. Charting the experiences of Lance Corporals Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay), his film endeavours to show the on-the-ground horrors of war through the duo's gruelling quest. The storytelling gimmickry is obvious, jamming in chaos and peril across a wealth of scenarios, but the overall impact is inescapably immense and heartbreakingly intense. What Dunkirk did for a pivotal World War II event, 1917 does just as commandingly for an entire earlier war. The date is April 6 in the film's eponymous year. First seen stealing a rare moment's rest in a flower-strewn northern France field, Blake and Schofield are soon sent on their not-so-merry way. "Pick a man. Bring your kit", the especially boyish Blake is told, chosen for the mission because his older brother is in the battalion about to chase the seemingly retreating Germans. As weighs heavily in the air during the ensuing trek, the warier, world-wearier Schofield is merely the friend in Blake's closest proximity when the latter receives his orders. Instantly, Thomas Newman's nerve-rattling score kicks into gear. Beginning their walk in the muddy British trenches, Blake and Schofield's hurried footsteps, breaths and snippets of small talk are accompanied by needling beats that echo with tension and urgency. The music sets the appropriate mood, although the movie's second overt piece of gimmickry does that as well — and strikingly. As lensed by Blade Runner 2049's Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins (who, like Newman, also worked with Mendes in his Bond years), 1917 is crafted to look like it's shot in two long takes. Constantly roving and roaming, the film's visuals capture the two soldiers' every move, rarely letting either man's face out of sight. Accordingly, youth and eagerness, pain and sorrow, and carnage and death all flicker across the screen as Blake and Schofield try to make their way through a gruelling ordeal — one that plays out without any reprieve for them or for the audience. When a filmmaker leans so heavily upon such a self-imposed technical constraint, it's usually in the service of immediacy and immersion, with both evident in every exquisitely choreographed and staged second of 1917. Son of Saul, the Academy Award-winning 2015 holocaust film, used the same faux single-shot approach to the same emotionally devastating effect. Single-setting survivalist thrillers like All Is Lost deliver a similar emotional onslaught via restrained means as well. Both cast a shadow over 1917, because there's nothing more harrowing than being forced to stare into someone's eyes when they're enduring utter hell. MacKay, a certain future star going from strength to strength, conveys every iota of Schofield's grit and suffering. It's a performance on par with his second film screening in cinemas at present — True History of the Kelly Gang, where he plays Ned Kelly. Here, his character is an everyman, representing the many that went through the real-life ordeal. Indeed, he looks like he could've easily stepped out of Peter Jackson's recent World War I documentary They Shall Not Grow Old. But thanks to MacKay's quietly aching portrayal, the audience needn't know much about Schofield to see him as individual, rather than merely one of many. Amid a cast that also features Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Fleabag's Andrew Scott and Chapman's Game of Thrones co-star Richard Madden in bit parts, he's the face of the so-called 'war to end all wars' — and he's just as effective as Mendes' jam-packed narrative and Deakins' stunning cinematography. And, he helps makes 1917's unshakeable case. Whether scrambling along a Turkish hillside in Gallipoli, sailing into the jungle in Apocalypse Now, or meandering over piles of bodies and past despairing soldiers here, the strongest war movies always function as anti-war movies. As illustrated in visceral detail, this is one of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwRL0u87nbc
Australia loves its big things. We're home to oversized pineapples, bananas and watermelons, plus lobsters and prawns as well. If you don't pass some kind of giant sculpture while you're road tripping around the country — and stopped to take your picture next to it, of course — your drive just isn't the same. Ever wondered why we're so obsessed with huge items? It seems that we have quite the massive past, too. In fact, the country's largest ever dinosaur has just been officially identified. Meet Australotitan cooperensis, whose bones where first unearthed in 2007 in Cooper Creek in outback Queensland, but were given an official scientific description and name by palaeontologists from the Eromanga Natural History Museum and Queensland Museum on Monday, June 7. When this huge dino roamed the earth around 95–98 million years ago, it was as long as a basketball court and as tall as a two-storey building. In numbers, that equates to 25–30 metres long, and between five and six-and-a-half metres tall. Nothing that size or bigger has ever been found on our shores. 'Cooper', as the dino has been nicknamed, is also one of the largest ever discovered worldwide — with dinosaurs of comparable or bigger size only found in South America so far. So, if Jurassic Park or Jurassic World ever happened to become a reality in Queensland, recreating local dinos, we'd all come face to face with quite the mammoth creatures. [caption id="attachment_814992" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Steve Young[/caption] "This new titanosaurian is the largest dinosaur from Australia represented by osteological remains," explains Eromanga Natural History Museum and field palaeontologist Robyn Mackenzie. "These are the largest dinosaurs that ever walked on earth and based on the preserved limb size comparisons, this new titnaosaur is estimated to be in the top five largest in the world." To identify Cooper — and, crucially, to ensure that it was a new species — 3D scans were taken of each bone, which were then compared to those of its closest relatives. That involved cross-referencing with both local species and others worldwide. While Cooper is closely related to three other Australian sauropods that lived during the Cretaceous Period (so, around 92–96 million years ago), this exact dino species hadn't been found before. If you'd like to see Cooper's fossilised remains, they're on display in the Eromanga Natural History Museum's fossil collection, which is around a 12-hour drive west from Brisbane. The museum has its own onsite place to stay, called Cooper's Country Lodge, should you need somewhere to bunk down for the night. Further north in Winton, Queensland is already home to a dinosaur-focused museum — because that's where other dinosaur fossils were found back in 1999. So yes, your next road trip can involve trekking across the outback to check out these fascinating remnants of the earth's past. Life finds a way, obviously. Find the Eromanga Natural History Museum at 1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga — open from 9am–5pm daily. Top image: Eromanga Natural History Museum.
For hefty portions of the past two years, plenty of normal, everyday activities have been off the cards for Brisbanites, thanks to both the pandemic and the floods. But anyone who wants to picnic while cruising along the Brisbane River can now do so again — even if they don't own a boat. If you live in the River City, you already have a whole heap of excuses to hang out in, on, near and around the water. Last year, however, GoBoat splashed into town. First, back in April, it set sail from Kangaroo Point while it was still finalising its permanent home. Then, in September, the Denmark-born company let Brisbanites hop onto the water in its eco-friendly picnic boats from Breakfast Creek. Now, after 2022's catastrophic bout of late-summer/early-autumn weather put its operations on pause, GoBoat is hitting the brown snake from Brekkie Creek again. That means that it's back up and running at the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct, where the company has set up its own pontoon — and you can start hiring vessels from there once more. With Brissie about to enjoy not one, not two, but three successive long weekends, the timing is mighty nice. So, filling a picnic basket, hanging with your mates and soaking in big river vibes is now back on the agenda over Easter, Anzac Day and Labour Day. If you're new to GoBoat, the company is all about making the whole boating caper more accessible for everyday folk. So, to do just that, it has been busy launching its eco-friendly picnic boats in cities all over Europe over the past few years, as well as in Canberra, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Sydney — and Brisbane, obviously. The Scandinavian-designed vessels are slow-moving, a breeze to operate and don't require a boating licence, making for some fun, fuss-free sailing sessions. In a win for the planet, they also run on silent, pollution-free, electric engines, and are crafted from a mix of reclaimed timber and recycled PET bottles Each of the contemporary GoBoats clocks in at 18-feet long, boasting a central picnic table with room for eight people (and all the necessary snacks and booze). And despite what you might be thinking, they're even affordable enough to fit your budget — simply BYO food and drinks, find enough eager sailors to jump aboard and a GoBoat session will start at around $16 per person, per hour. That's $129 hourly for the first hour, but the longer you book, the cheaper it gets. The Brisbane fleet sails seven days a week — and the company's vessels are pet-friendly. So, surely you've got a very good boy who deserves a river jaunt. GoBoat is now operating in Brisbane from the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct, Breakfast Creek. For further details and to book, head to the company's website. Images: Lean Timms.
Get a video game-to-television adaptation right and viewers will come flocking. It worked for The Last of Us in 2023. It's now proving the case for Fallout, too. In fact, Prime Video's initial take on the button-mashing favourite has become the streaming platform's most-watched season of TV since its The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power's first season, as well as one of its top three most-watched titles of all time so far. Accordingly, it's no surprise that Fallout has just been renewed for a second trip to the wasteland. Debuting its initial eight episodes on Thursday, April 11 Down Under, Fallout takes its cues from the games that first hit computers back in 1997, with three released sequels, a fourth on the way and seven spinoffs all following. The live-action television iteration stars Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets) as Lucy, a lifelong vault-dweller who leaves her cosy underground digs to navigate the irradiated wasteland that earth has remained for two centuries after the nuclear apocalypse. Crossing her path: bounty hunter The Ghoul (Walton Goggins, I'm a Virgo), who has ties to life before the devastation; and Maximus (Aaron Moten, Emancipation), an aspiring soldier with the Brotherhood of Steel, who don giant robotic suits. [caption id="attachment_950363" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JoJo Whilden/Prime Video ©Amazon Content Services LLC[/caption] In this nightmarish future, a hellscape filled with mutants, wild west vibes and plenty of violence awaits beyond the bunker that the optimistic Lucy, daughter of Hank (Kyle MacLachlan, Lucky Hank), who oversees Vault 33, has always called home. Bringing the chaos to life is a behind-the-scenes team featuring Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, as well as Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) as writers and co-showrunners. And yes, Bethesda Game Studios has a hand in it as well. There's no word as to when the retrofuturistic dystopian smash will return for season two, but its first season ended with plenty of questions and routes forward — aka, much for fans who've been hooked on the show, whether or nor you played the games first, to get excited about. "Jonah, Lisa, Geneva and Graham have captivated the world with this groundbreaking wild ride of a show. The bar was high for lovers of this iconic video game and so far we seem to have exceeded their expectations, while bringing in millions of new fans to the franchise. The cast led by Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins and Kyle MacLachlan have knocked it out of the park," said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, announcing that Fallout will return. "We'd like to thank Jonah and Lisa, and our friends at Bethesda, for bringing the show to us, as well as Geneva and Graham for coming aboard as showrunners. We are thrilled to announce season two after only one week out and take viewers even farther into the surreal world of Fallout." [caption id="attachment_950393" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JoJo Whilden/Prime Video ©Amazon Content Services LLC[/caption] "Praise be to our insanely brilliant showrunners Geneva and Graham, to our kick-ass cast, to Todd and James and all the legends at Bethesda, and to Jen, Vernon and the amazing team at Amazon for their incredible support of this show. We can't wait to blow up the world all over again," said Nolan and Joy. "Holy shit. Thank you to Jonah, Kilter, Bethesda and Amazon for having the courage to make a show that gravely tackles all of society's most serious problems these days — cannibalism, incest, jello cake. More to come!" added Robertson-Dworet and Wagner. Check out the full trailer for Fallout below: Fallout streams via Prime Video. Season two doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Read our review of season one, and our interview with Walton Goggins, Ella Purnell and Aaron Moten. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
The click of a heal, the spin of a top hat, or the lure of a melody. No matter which way you turn, it's hard to resist the razzle dazzle that is Chicago. This year, Blue Fish are beginning their theatre season with a revival of one of the most exhilarating and loved musicals of all time, and they are bound to do it with a bang. From the songwriters that brought you Cabaret, Chicago is a sharp and seductive tale that transports its audience to the sinister streets of 1920's Chicago. Roxie Hart's dreams of fame and glory on the stage are dashed with one vengeful shot of a revolver... Or are they? With the help of her silver tongued lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie and her fellow merry murderesses attempt to shimmy, strut and sway their way through the justice system and into the hearts of the fickle but powerful public. Following last year's highly successful production of the whimsical musical The Producers, Blue Fish have chosen a darker tale to dazzle and delight it's audiences. Not that it will be without it's hilarity and toe tapping numbers. The Schonell Theatre is bound to come alive with the 14 piece on stage band and the talented ensemble, starring Cait Gregory as Roxie Hart, Jessica Papst as Velma Kelly, and Wade Colbran-Thomas as Billy Flynn, are sure to have you shuffling along with them. Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, it seems like there's no better time to get on down to view this masterpiece of love, lust and corruption. Tickets are sure to sell fast so don't miss out, grab yours today!
In an age where a band gets their fifteen minutes before being spat out and forgotten about, it’s kind of nice to see that bands like La Dispute have avoided the hype machine all together and have had a loyal fan base since their conception in 2004. That’s seven years longer than we’ve all known about Lana Del Rey, you guys. It’s because instead of forming under the united goal to hit the top of the pops, La Dispute formed as a group of close friends with the primary belief in the concept of the medium of music an art for making new friends. Their music is intricate, melodic and emotionally engaging, drawing fans in with their exegesis of life struggles that define and identify pretty much anyone going through the rite of passage from adolescence into adulthood. La Dispute have only been to Australia twice in their eight-year career, but this tour marks their third visit. Catch them at The Zoo this Wednesday for the most moving show of the year.
If you've grown up in or around Brisbane, you'll have seen it in all its forms. You'll have seen it packed tight with sports fans, baking in summer sun, and fighting to stay afloat in flood. You've seen it rejoice and seen it suffer. But you've never seen it like this. Have you ever had someone tell you "You just had to be there?" You can expect to hear a lot of that around town after Still Night finishes its run at The Point Hotel this September. The performance is a creative, interpretative retelling of our city, designed to evoke particular thoughts and emotions about Brisbane culture. Writers, directors and performers Gemma Brockis and Silvia Mercuriali weave a fantastical narrative, partly based on fact and partly injected with myth, to present their idea of the city through performance. The performance is 45 minutes long, without interval. Concession ticket prices available.
When Benjamin Law writes, he has a knack for making you feel like he is right there in the room with you - retelling his wickedly funny stories face to face. On Sunday evening, you have the rare opportunity to hear the entertaining stories of ‘The Family Law’ firsthand from the man himself. In what poses to be an interesting collaboration, Southern Cross Soloists will join Benjamin Law in an integrated production in celebration of Brisbane Writers Festival 50th birthday. The Southern Cross Soloists will perform the world premiere of the new composition by prominent composer Steve Newcomb whilst Ben Law will complementarily narrate his novel. Integrating classical music, urban jazz, literature, comedy and irony to produce a charming and witty production.
Based in a post-apocalyptic world without an overflowing water supply, Urinetown is the tale of a time of tinkle-taxes. All toilets are pay-to-pee, private lavatories are outlawed and all water is controlled by irritating, irrigating magnate, The Urine Good Company. The title may stir doubt, but this musical by any other name would still be as hilarious. The third offering of Underground Productions for 2012 is a satirical comedy by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis, and has made its way from Broadway to UQ. Urinetown pays homage to stage giants such as West Side Story and Les Miserables, while finding inspiration from the current pay-to-use public toilets of Western Europe. Nightly 7:30 screenings at the Schonell Theatre of the University of Queensland until Saturday September 8th, and tickets are still available online. Members tickets are going for $15, students at $18 and adults $20. A pretty good price for toilet humour.
It may be a summer blockbuster but the weighty themes come thick and fast in JJ Abrams' second Star Trek film Into Darkness. Just minutes into the opening scene, almost before we've even seen our first lens flare, Spock (Zachary Quinto) reminds the crew of the Enterprise with Leninesque fidelity that "the interests of the many outweigh the interests of the few". Soon after, we're asked to consider the true meaning of friendship, to weigh the expediency of vengeance against the necessity of justice and even to opine on the militarisation of a traditionally scientific vessel. In short: it's a terrifically fun film that aspires (and mostly achieves) to be something much more. In many ways, Spock's eloquent reminder is just as relevant to the big studios, compelling them as it were to balance the expectations of dedicated fans with the need to make the movie widely marketable. That's why Abrams is such an excellent choice of director, not only for these Star Trek films but now also the Star Wars ones, since both possess loyal and passionately defensive fans who consistently reject change as often as they reject each other. Arguably the greatest accomplishment of his first Star Trek film in 2009 was that it satisfied the Trekkies whilst opening up the franchise to an entirely new audience. Now again, in Into Darkness, Abrams carefully traverses that balance between old and new, as well as between the pop and the pensive. For every furrowed brow or teary eye moment come multiple laughs, usually courtesy of Quinto's logic-driven Spock or Simon Pegg's Scottish-driven Scotty. And as for the action, it's predictably topnotch, both in its intergalactic sequences and small-scale, hand-to-hand pieces. The Star Trek universe has always been defined by the relationship of its two leads — Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock — however, it's also true that heroes are defined by their villains, and thankfully in Into Darkness they have a fantastic one in the shape of Benedict Cumberbatch. With that now famous Alan Rickman-like baritone growl, he throws himself into the character of John Harrison, a British spy turned rogue terrorist whose devastating attack on London sees Kirk pursue him to the far reaches of the galaxy in order to bring him to justice one way or another (given those orders come from Robocop's Peter Weller as Starfleet's admiral, it was a small shame he didn't actually say "Harrison, dead or alive, you're coming with me"). Into Darkness also sees all the familiar characters return (Bones, Chekov, Uhura and Sulu) along with the introduction of a sadly underused Alice Eve; however, it's Cumberbatch who really drives it forward. Even the Kirk/Spock dynamic takes a back seat (subject to one or two key moments), and if anything, it's that shift away from what made the first Star Trek film soar that's probably Into Darkness's only significant failing. Overall, this is a wonderful movie, large in scale but also capable of delivering impressively intimate moments throughout.
Have you organised your Saturday night yet? No? Well, regular club night Trainspotters at the Grand Central Hotel are mixing things up a bit this Saturday and it's bound to be a good one. The teams behind Lost Movements and Trainspotters have joined forces to create a super fun night filled with live bands, art and entertainment. Some of the bands who will be rocking out will be The Dead Love, Love Like Hate and White Elephant. Artists such as Littleamb, Steven Falco and Jackson Hambridge will be showcasing the fruits of their labour. Talented Brisbane burlesque dancers, Tina Joy and Samantha Nova, will also grace the stage and be sure to put some colour in your cheeks with their va-va-voom performances. Pencil Trainspotters vs Lost Movements into your diary and be prepared for a great night.
Get your groove on at Alhambra Lounge with the help of oOoOO and Butterclock. Why not end your weekend with a bang as these international acts specialise in tasty tunes and blissed out vibes. Hailing from Paris, oOoOO makes eclectic tracks and seamlessly fuses hip-hop beats with irresistible melodies and fresh sounds. The Berlin beauty Butterclock will be keeping oOoOO company and lending her vocals to his beats. Butterclock is an exciting artist in her own right and has been making waves internationally with her debut EP First Prom. Kush Club DJs will keep the party pumping with DJ sets. Tickets are $23.50. Float your way into the weekend with these two talented and effortlessly cool artists. Listen here for a taste of the floaty electronica and haunting vocals that these guys are pumping out.
Sons of Sin puts on stage all of the testosterone fuelled trials and tribulations that accompany the rocky road towards manhood. This production by The Danger Ensemble explores what happens when an individual defies the collective voice of his pack and the results are provocative and captivating. Sons of Sin follows a group of males as they navigate their way around all of the usual rites of passage such as, sporting matches, drinking games and music festivals. The cast of young male actors will be accompanied by an extraordinary soundtrack that beautifully accents the predicament of the characters. Before you embark on this epic journey, the audience is warned that they may get wet, dirty or splashed, so dress accordingly. Sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride! Tickets are available here.
Old school friends Amy Franz and Hayley McKee make up the duo Super Wild Horses. The pair have brought their garage sounds and wholesome harmonies to Black Bear Lodge and are keen to share their impressive new album, Crosswords, with you. Crosswords is the follow-up to the band's critically acclaimed debut album, Fifteen. Their debut single, 'Alligator', is a no-nonsense track filled with driving drums, infectious guitar twangs and distinct vocals. Crosswords retains the unique sound that skyrocketed the band to success in the no-fi scene. The girls have shared the stage with big name acts such as Best Coast, Foo Fighters, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Pond and The Drones. Super Wild Horses have perfected their live set thanks to earning spots at festivals including Big Day Out, Golden Plains and Goner Fest in Memphis Tennesse. Pencil in Super Wild Horses this Friday night and kickstart your weekend.
There should be a name — or at the very laziest, a portmanteau — for the kind of the film that instills a sense of dread in its audience from the outset and just lets it sit, collecting in the base of one's stomach until the very final moments. Thomas Vinterberg's new film, The Hunt, would then appear at the top of a wiki entry for that term, alongside keywords: intense, powerful and great-bone-structure. Mads Mikkelsen plays Lucas, a resolute divorcee with a strong jaw (keyword) who's rebuilding his life in a small Danish township, trying to win back some time with his somewhat estranged teenage son while working as a kindergarten aide. Lucas is that classic infants teacher — equal parts stern disciplinarian and schoolyard fool. When his best friend's young daughter, his student Klara, makes an offhanded remark suggesting he's been sexually inappropriate towards her, his good community standing is suddenly upended, no good against the chilling fear of innocence lost. From the outset, the case is handled appallingly by Lucas's colleagues. Klara is provoked with leading questions and when she tries to recant, her uneasiness is taken for truthful shame. As the lie spreads through the school and then the town and beyond, Lucas becomes resolutely calm towards the situation, outraged to the point of passivity. As his friends, family and lover question his integrity, he doesn’t directly deny the charge, though you wish, agonisingly, that he would. Instead he poses the question back to the accuser, leaving open a small window of hope as a gust of hysteria blows right on through. There's violence, fear and a deep sense of dread as Lucas's community all but takes to him with a pitchfork. This is Vinterberg's best since his dogme 95 blazer Festen (1998), which also touched on some of the same issues of abuse and family, though with a more sickeningly farcical touch. Much of The Hunt's success lies in Mikkelsen's stoic performance, which rightfully won him the Best Actor gong at Cannes in 2012. The Hunt is a taut, unpleasantly bristling drama and one of the best and most precisely directed films we'll see this year.
When we take that first sip of our barista brewed coffee on a workday morning we often say to ourselves, and our friends, "I can't imagine living without coffee". Well what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day but on Friday 7 June you can help out simply by purchasing a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its third year running, aiming to build on the $74,477 raised last year. $1 from every coffee purchased at a participating café will be donated towards local projects, so if your café is not participating, head to one that is just for one day. You can also donate at the counter so if you prefer a hot chocolate then you can still help out. Just remember that sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference, so drink a coffee and do some good.
You know what's not cool in the 21st century? Buying corporate-owned magazines and having the prefix 'maga' anywhere near independently owned, periodically realised illustrated articles. Long story short, zines are the new big deal, and Brisbane's own Lost Zine is a welcome new addition to any mag-stand. The launch of this publication will be matched with the fifth and latest night of art and music hosted by Lost Movements, those hardworking guys who are all about promoting new artists. They've well and truly established themselves as having eagle-eyes for some of Brisbane's best bands and artists, so you can expect nothing short of perfection from the evening. Featuring music from eight bands you may have never heard of but will be hearing more of soon, live art and a touch of burlesque to top off the evening, this afternoon will be a continuum of quirky wonders. So, April , 5pm, be at Coniston Lane. Listen to some tunes, have some drinks, and be a part of one of Brisbane's best collaborative efforts - for only $8, it's a bargain.
Plotting the traditional structure of a film trilogy results in a sort of 'N' symbol on a graph. Part 1 (the incline) offers the introduction to the characters and concludes with a satisfying, inspirational victory (the first peak). Part 2 then explores the characters in greater depth, exposing their shortcomings and instilling both doubt and conflict until all hope seems lost (the descent and trough). Finally, Part 3 sees the protagonists discover — or at least 'relearn' — the true strength of their convictions, allowing an eventual, all-encompassing victory in the conclusion (the ultimate peak). The Hangover trilogy, however, does not follow this structure. On its graph, 2009's Part I held the line well and provided one of the surprise hits of the year courtesy of some snappy writing, extreme political incorrectness and three terrific characters (the fourth guy really is a spare). Instead of marking the descent, though, Part II just ran with the exact same formula. It was Part 1 all over again, except Bangkok was subbed in for Vegas and the baby was replaced by a monkey. So going into Part III, the big question was always going to be: would this be 'Part I again, again' or something genuinely different? The answer was the latter, which in turn begged a second question... was that a good idea? In this third instalment, our three wolf-packers — Phil (Bradley Cooper), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Stu (Ed Helms) — are one again forced into a nightmarish series of disasters in order to rescue their friend Doug (Justin Bartha...who really is the spare). Regrettably, Hangover Part III centres upon the trilogy's most annoying character, Mr Chow (Ken Jeong), whose whiny, sort-of-Asian, sort-of-gay, sort-of-hip-hop-gangsta ramblings grate the ear like a screaming baby on a packed plane during descent. During one early scene in which Chow's butchering a karaoke cover of 'Hurt', Bradley Cooper winces and asks "what the fuck are we watching!?" He's not the only one to think it. By focussing on Chow and favouring a more conventional plot over the simple yet effective premise of 'rediscovering unremembered anarchy', The Hangover Part III boldly — if also mistakenly — shifts the focus away from the very thing that made the franchise a success: its 'wolf pack'. They still have their moments, especially Galifianakis; however, this is a far more 'normal' movie and as a result, so too become the characters. There are still loads of laughs and it's a definite improvement on the carbon-copy disappointment of Part II, but the tiny coda that pops up part-way through the final credits (certainly worth staying for) shows us what might have been had they just found a way to use the original amnesic plot structure in a new and different way.
Street Food Australia presents a night to eat, drink and celebrate the future of street food in Brisbane. This night is your night to try foreign delicacies, from Chinese dumplings and South American Elote to Tequila Ribs, Banh Mi and other street-born delights from around the world. While satisfying your tastebuds, feast upon the live musical stylings of Greshka, devour the treasures of the pop-up cookbook bookshop, indulge in photography shows and wet your whistle at the bar. The event gives privilege to the humble bicycle; not only will they be hosting their wares on bikes, but if you bring yours along, you will receive free valet parking. This is a joint venture with the Institute of Modern Art and the Judith Wright Centre, and is supported by the Scrumptious Reads Bookshop. In other words, this evening of tasty morsels will leave no discernible taste unsatisfied (vegetarians too!). Please note this is a cash-only event.
The team at Seven w/ Another believe great minds think alike no matter how different they are, and the evidence is all in their latest exhibition. Showcasing 14 paired-off, well-known creatives, Seven w/ Another’s latest installment delivers an exciting fusion of creativity. Throwing their artists into the deepest of hot water and pushing them miles out of their comfort zones, Seven w/ Another risked disaster with their matches - an opera singer and an animator just one of many crazy clashes. The art and designs produced by these creative marriages, however, are nothing short of truly mind-blowing. After all the hard work, and brilliant collaboration you can witness the work of these creative at the Brisbane Powerhouse in an exhibit that’s intriguing, a little delightful, and definitely not boring.
Now is the time to catch the ever-rising Kite String Tangle. Snap up your tickets as it's almost guaranteed that this time next year Danny Harley from the one-piece band will be in very high demand. His sound is influenced by the likes of Mount Kimbie, Active Child and Fever Ray, with the perfect balance of dance beats and delicious floaty electronica making The Kite String Tangle one to watch in the near future. His track, 'Given the Chance', has been spun regularly on Triple J and received a flurry of positive feedback. Harley has warmed the stage for the likes of MS MR, Gold Panda, RUFUS, Owl Eyes and Movement. This November sees the Brisbane boy take to the stage in his first headline tour. Be sure to see this impressive act in the early days of his career as one thing is certain, great things are coming his way.
Not for the slow or the faint of humour, the national Grand Final for Theatresports is back for 2013. The stakes are higher, the speeches better prepared, and the tactics more ruthless than a Prime-Ministerial election, which happens to be the theme of choice (and mockery) for the championships of this nationally-favoured improvisational event. The best and most quick-witted from around the country are coming to Brisbane for what is sure to be an evening of laughs, surprises and reigning champions of hilarity and off-the-cuff acting ability. All you need to do is arm yourself with the most unbelievable suggestions for their spontaneous theatrical situations, and watch the show unfold. These actors are going head-to-head for your laughs, and you’ll be the judge of the best of the thespians. The unpredictable nature of the show can often bring more mature themes, so ages 13+ are recommended. watch?v=etRuobbor1Y
This exhibition explores the complex concept of intimacy. Through the medium of art, You & I: Thoughts on Intimacy delves deeply into this shared experience and puts the spotlight on the bond formed between people in varying relationships. The mediums included in the exhibition are interactive, drawings, paintings and installations. The joy and other positive emotions experienced when relating to a fellow human on a deep level will be examined as well as those more difficult moments of awkwardness and disgust. Head to the exhibition and be immersed in pieces by artists such as Rachael Archibald, Tor Maclean and Leena Reithmuller. Get your fix of provocative and captivating art at You & I: Thoughts on Intimacy at West End's innovative gallery space, The Hold. The opening night is Friday 16th August, curated by Kylie Spear, and a panel discussion will be held on Saturday 24th August.
Django Django have made the long trip from Scotland to Australia to play sets at Falls Festival and Field Day. However, Brisbane fans need not fret as the quartet haven't forgotten about our town and are playing a headline show at The Zoo. The Scotsmen released their debut self-titled album early last year which was warmly received by critics, making Django Django one of the most talked about bands of 2012. Django Django even have proof of their brilliance as the boys were listed as number 10 in NME's 50 Best Albums of 2012, now that's impressive. The lads are known for their energetic live shows and colourful singles, Default and Wor, which have been played regularly on Triple J. Django Django's sound is a unique and tasty mix of electronic, psychedelic and pop rock making them a must see. Head to one of Brisbane's favourite music venues, The Zoo, to catch these guys' boundless energy and irresistibly infectious music.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's much loved musical, South Pacific, has sailed into Brisbane for four days. This musical masterpiece has been awarded 7 Tony Awards and has sold out its seasons on Broadway and the West End. Theatre lovers have been eagerly waiting for the spectacular musical to come to Brisbane and now, the wait is over. South Pacific stars the talented Lisa McCune as Nellie Forbush and Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Emile De Becque. An exquisite live orchestra will accompany the cast and play magnificent pieces such as 'Some Enchanted Evening', 'Bali Ha'i' and 'There is Nothin' Like a Dame'. South Pacific has received rave reviews and been described as, 'A show you will remember forever' (Star-Ledger) and 'Simply wonderful!' (New York Post). Make sure you catch this magical musical and be swept away in its timeless story.
It's that time of year again. Summer is just around the corner and the books have been put away as students celebrate the end of the academic year. This years work from the talented Queensland College of Art students will be on display in the exhibition, Here Now, to give the public a taste of the wonderful talent that the Griffith University students possess. Students who have completed a Bachelor of Fine Art, Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art and Masters in Visual Arts will be showcasing their pieces. The exhibition will feature a diverse range of artworks and is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the students. Make sure you catch the next generation of Australian artists as they exhibit their stunning pieces in their own exhibition. The showcase is running for three days, with the opening night on Wednesday at 6pm.
Abaji is a Lebanese-born, multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer, whose signature strand of world music is one unlike any other. His musical roots stem from his home in Beirut, where his love of music, particularly Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan, was interspersed with Oum Kaltoum and Turkish music. The mid 1970's saw Abaji flee to Paris, and the beginning of his committed musical education. In the search to replicate and transform the sounds of his youth, Abaji has learned to play over 250 instruments and has crafted a uniquely vibrant and personal sound. You can see Abaji perform in the Judith Wright Centre’s performance space in theatre or cabaret-style seating, and discounts are available for bookings of 6 or more people. This one-time-only performance is one you’ll be glad you saw. watch?v=8eIrXdwlO5U&feature=related
Rose Revolution is a celebration of textural rose wine and will engage a number of events in capital cities and regional areas around Australia. The launch of Rose Revolution is going to involve tastings and gatherings to bring rose lovers together throughout the summer months. On 14 November, Kettle and Tin will host a free tasting followed by a Rose Soiree hosted by Michael Ellis of The Wine Punter. You'll mingle with local winemakers and gear up for the hotter months ahead with your deepened knowledge of rose. Bookings: 07 3369 3778
The tale of Medea, as based on Greek mythology and first turned into a play by Euripides back in 431 BC, tells of betrayal and retribution. A woman sacrifices everything for the man she loves, only to become a spurned wife seeking revenge against her cheating husband. Given all the emotions and anger flying around, a happy ending is out of the question. Medea has been performed many, many times over the years, but you can still teach an old production new tricks, it seems. That's what acclaimed Australian playwright Suzie Miller has done, giving the story a bold and different interpretation. Miller's vision tears down gender stereotypes and sees things through the eyes of the titular character. Together with director Todd MacDonald — who happens to be La Boite's artistic director, too — her take on Medea is dark, dramatic, tense and thrilling, contemplating a strong, strategic leader struggling to retain her position of power. You wouldn't have seen that 2500 years ago.
Privacy mixes with voyeurism and a gallery turns derelict (but not Zoolander's Derelicte) in an exhibition that peers deeper into our always online, instantly shared way of living. Intrigued? You should be. There's a lot going on in Metro Arts' latest show that you'll want to see. Brisbane-based visual artist Jarrod Van Der Ryken uses his latest work, Empty Places/With Suspicion, to ponder a #firstworldproblem if ever there was one: the diminishing space we each have to call our own. Keeping something to ourselves is rare in this day and age of smartphones permanently clutched in hands — but should it be any different? Or does our reliance on personal mystery need a challenge? Patrons can not only ponder all this and more but also wander through their thoughts and feelings, as the exhibition comes to life within a decaying home. Yes, you'll literally stroll through a crumbling structure as you contemplate the decline of some of modern society's foundations: secrecy, intimate thoughts and private activity.
They don't call Bruce Springsteen 'The Boss' for nothing, even if several stories supposedly explain his nickname. He has been rumoured to hand out pay cheques to his band mates, and to play a mean hand of Monopoly; however, whatever the real reason, it's a label that fits. Across four decades, the singer-songwriter has strutted his rock 'n' roll stuff, his working-class anthems helping him become one of the bestselling artists of all time. As his album titles tell us, he was born in the USA and born to run. As his song titles tell us, he went dancing in the dark and had a hungry heart. For one night only, The Triffid pays tribute to a superstar like no other, assembling a bunch of Brisbane's finest bands for what promises to be a rousing celebration. Moses Gun Collective, Good Oak, Love Hate Rebellion, Halfway and Sahara Beck will each add their spin to the Boss's classic tracks, hopefully while wearing plenty of denim. Someone might even channel their inner Courtney Cox and jump up on stage.
