When looking to spruce up your home with antique furniture or second-hand knickknacks, there are many routes you can take. For some, the first port of call may be the local Salvos or Vinnies followed by a tour of the biggest and best charity shop distribution centres. Hands-on types will head to dedicated stockers of industrial cast-offs looking for materials to be repurposed and upcycled. However, if you'd prefer to take some of the work out of refurbishing your home with vintage finds (and don't mind paying a little extra for doing so), then there are plenty of places in Brisbane packed with expertly curated pieces in ready-to-use condition. Here are our picks for ten of the best vintage homewares stores in Brisbane, in no particular order. 1. Paddington Antique Centre Little needs to be said of this Brisbane stalwart. Housed in the Heritage-listed former Plaza Theatre, the Paddington Antique Centre is a local favourite. It's home to 50 dealers who collect, restore and repurpose a range of vintage items, so you are sure to find something of interest. 167 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington; 07 3369 8088; www.paddingtonantiquecentre.com.au 2. addVintage Self-avowed specialists in Danish and Eames-era furniture and collectibles, addVintage is filled with mid-century furniture and bric-a-brac (including items from Australian furniture designers Fler and Chiswell). Definitely worth a look if your tastes are a little more modern. 318 Ipswich Road, Annerley, 07 3161 6335; http://www.addvintage.com.au/ 3. Southside Antiques Centre Established in 1983, the Southside Antiques Centre has built up a significant collection of dealers and items. Its two floors are jam packed, segregated roughly into objets d'art and fashion upstairs and furniture downstairs. As well as the usual antique store wares, the Centre also has a notable selection of banknotes and coins as well as Russian silver. 484 Ipswich Road, Annerley; 07 3892 1299; www.southsideantiques.com.au 4. Estelle's Antiques & Collectibles At Estelle's, just up the road from the Paddington Antique Centre, the focus is very much on furniture. Though there are a few different bits and bobs in each connecting room, casual browsers may find less to keep them occupied. However, for those seeking to invest, there is a range of quality wood items that are wonderfully upkept. 173 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 3357 5. Vintage Kitchen & Vintage Closet This Coorparoo second-hand store/cafe is particularly suitable for those just testing the waters of vintage buying. Order a coffee and take a seat, and you are effectively auditioning a prospective purchase – just about everything is for sale. Racks of clothing and shelves of knickknacks line the walls, and there is even a Sega Master System for those so inclined. 313 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo; 07 3397 3461; www.vintagecloset.com.au/ 6. Hobohemia Down the road from Retro Metro, Hobohemia is a relative newcomer to the Brisbane vintage scene. There are a lot of vintage garments here, not much in the way of furniture, but many oddities and curiousities. Alongside feather hats and the ubiquitous glomesh purses are old signs, disused farming equipment and other articles that once served some industrial or agricultural purpose. 285A Given Terrace, Paddington; 0401 846 318; www.hobohemia.com.au 7. Can You Keep a Secret? This charming shop is housed in an old Queenslander, the upper level rooms of which are dedicated to pretty dresses, home decor items, kitchenalia and the like. The downstairs area (which doubles as a night-time event space) is full of reasonably priced retro furniture. 653 Logan Road, Greenslopes; 07 3847 2956; www.facebook.com/canukeepasecret 8. Woolloongabba Antique Centre There is a youthful exuberance about the Woolloongabba Antique Centre, where kitsch collectibles, retro homewares, vintage fashion, antique furniture, militaria, Americana, Australiana and other odds and ends abound. The '50s style diner has benches and milkshakes at the ready if you need a break from browsing. Depending on the day, you may stumble across genuine Eames chairs, Crown Ducal ceramics or a cast iron pot belly stove. 22 Wellington Road, Woolloongabba; 07 3392 1114; www.woolloongabbaantiquecentre.com/ 9. Anne’s Second Hand Shop In stark contrast to some of the hyper-organised stores on this list, this Oxford Street shop is a hoarder's treasure trove. Single file is essential at all times. Piles upon piles of preloved items — including crockery, photo frames, statuettes, cutlery and books — are perched precariously atop each other. A single misstep or wayward elbow and half the shop could come tumbling down. Searching can be difficult, but if you're willing to painstakingly wade through the mountains of stuff, you may be rewarded. 143 Oxford Street, Bulimba; 07 3395 6624 10. Commercial Road Antiques and Decorative Arts Unassuming and inviting, Commercial Road Antiques and Decorative Arts (formerly the New Farm Antique Centre) is an easy place to spend an afternoon. Staff are happy to let you browse for as long as you like, whether or not you intend to make a purchase (a sign outside states as much). Prices are surprisingly reasonable, and the cultural range is impressive, especially when compared to the Eurocentricity of other antique stores. Korean fruitwood cabinets, Papua New Guinean wood carvings, Chinese silk screens and ceramics are just some of the items on display. 85 Commercial Road, Newstead; 07 3252 9295
There really is a festival dedicated to everything you can think of. We've said it before, and we know we'll say it again; however, given that Redcliffe has a two-day fest dedicated to flying kites, we know we're right. Yep, it's the event your inner seven-year-old will love — and, let's be honest, your adult self will too. It's a breezy way to spend the weekend, that's for sure. It's also a celebration of the simple pleasure of letting the wind catch a brightly coloured combination of wood, string and fabric, and then watching it soar. Of course, KiteFest is exactly what you make of it, whether something peaceful or action-packed is on your personal agenda. If you just want to stare at the sky, you can do that. If you want to browse market stalls, listen to live music, watch roving performers and more — including world-class professional kite flyers, high-flying fly board performers, back-flipping sky skis and high-speed jet ski routines — you can do that too.
Cornucopias of cheese, rich roast lamb dinners, creamy Chardonnays — Orange is officially the new black. Grown from a rich mining past, Orange is now known as the 'food basket' of NSW, a title not halfheartedly earned. Wine is the obvious breadwinner, but it's not where the culinary adventure stops. From local produce-focused restaurants in reclaimed police stations to slick B&Bs in former sheep shearing sheds, to cellar doors in 1890s primary schools, Orange has seized its history with two, soil-happy hands and cultivated the modern foodie Mecca it is today. Just a four-hour drive from Sydney, or eight from Melbourne, Orange is in a prime spot for a seriously food and wine-drenched weekend away. You'll roll back to Sydney with a belly full of wine, cheese and lamb, your boot brimming with new wine variety favourites and your respect for Chardonnay restored. DRINK: WINE, WINE, WINE First piece of Orange advice: forget everything you know about Chardonnay. Second? You're going to taste some Australia's best, best, best wines in one weekend, so bring some Berocca and start fighting over who's designated driver. Orange is a pretty chilly place and sits over 600 metres above sea level. This means whites, sparkling and Pinot Noir country. Orange has a great many wineries, so it can be hard to know where to start (tip: just time your visit with the Orange Wine Festival). But most wineries offer free maps of the region, so start with one and take it from there. First up, let's visit Julie and Peter Mortimer, owners of Mortimers of Orange. A former Canterbury Bankstown Bulldog and extremely cheery gent, Peter Mortimer has left his NRL career behind for a life of exceedingly good Sauvignon Blanc with his wife and their five sons — and he can spin quite the yarn during a tasting, accompanied by his golden retriever, Bonnie. After planting their first vineyard in '96, the Mortimers bought the public school next door and turned it into their cellar door. There's nothing like a morning tasting with cheese and crackers where many an assembly has met. Next, we're off to Colmar Estate, run by Bill and Jane Schrapnel, two of the most knowledgable perfectionists in the game. Moving to Orange from Beecroft in Sydney, the Schrapnels have created one stunning vineyard you can can see most of right from the cellar door. But if you miss out on hitting Phillip Shaw's Cellar Door, you're doing it wrong. Shaw knows the wine game like the back of his hand, making wine since he was 12 and winning awards left right and centre for the family's celebrated varieties. You've never had Chardonnay like this, let me tell you. One of Shaw's lovely sons, Daniel, took us through the winery, past the fermenting room and to the barrels, where he gave us a taste of young Shiraz right out of the barrel. Holy. Grapes. More local wineries to note include Heifer Station Wines, run by the incredibly lovely Michelle and Philip Stivens, and the eclectic Bloodwood (appointment only). EAT: EVERYTHING YOU CAN CONSUME THAT ISN'T WINE If you think hitting the all-you-can-eat Pizza Hut is your first port of call in Orange, hold that thought. Orange is home to some of the most genuinely kickass restaurants in the game, and one of the key players is Union Bank, the newest guardians of Orange's historic former police station, school of the arts, bank and then some, owned by Nick and Emma Bacon, chef and sommelier respectively. Pull up a pew in UB's warm-lit, homey space and feast on octopus with smoked macadamia and turnip pickle, bone marrow with salsa roja, a whole chicken with garlic sauce and sumac, and a sirloin served with a miso bagna cauda, all spruced up with produce from the kitchen garden (just 15 metres from the actual kitchen). If you're serious about your food, you must take a trip to Milthorpe, a wonderfully quaint little town with a population of 650 just 15 minutes outside Orange. For breakfast, make sure you book ahead at The Old Mill Cafe, a beautiful old-fashioned tearoom whose lemon meringue pies need to be seen to be believed (and Instagrammed). But you absolutely cannot leave without visiting Tonic. Established in 2003 by owners Tony and Nicole Worland, one-hatted wonder Tonic brings both locals and foodie pilgrims alike. Tony boasts quite the resume, having worked beside the likes of Matt Moran, Michael Manners and Gordon Ramsay, so expect ambitious food that showcases local producers. If you're looking for a hit of caffeine between tastings, Orange isn't just letting the coffee scene go unperfected. Head to Bills Beans in east Orange, a former butcher's shop converted into a buzzing cafe owned by young guns Ricky Carver and Carlie Beer. Their lively barista Eric knows everyone's name and sings along to Toploader's 'Dancin' in the Moonlight' while making one of the best coffees you'll have in an age. Feast on freshly-made nosh like juicy, cheesy mushroom toasties, melt-in-your-mouth homemade pumpkin quiches and perfect, perfect scrolls. Also recommended, Good Eddy. For all your take-home local goodies, The Agrestic Grocer in town. EXPLORE: LOLLY SHOPS TO ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM It's worth inhaling more than edible and drinkable goods on your trip to Orange, especially if you're a history buff, art fan or general lover of all things vintage. Orange has a few great local galleries, including The Corner Store Gallery in east Orange. Exhibitions change every three weeks and range from James Kearns' abstract expressionist landscapes to Isobella Grist's smart collages. If you're a bit of a history nut, let's start with the fact that you're struttin' around in Banjo Patterson's birthplace (yes, there's a poetry festival, if you're wondering). After you've wandered through Orange's city centre, with many beautiful old buildings (one particularly good example in the middle of Kinross Wolaroi School), head straight for Orange's teeny neighbour, Milthorpe. We're talking antique shops, adorable design store Tomolly, a bowling club and cellar doors aplenty, like Orange heavyweights Angullong or Slow Wine Co. STAY: SHEEP SHEDS TO COUNTRY LOFTS As far as snuggly country accomodation goes, Orange has some pretty beautiful spots to kip. If you're up for a true country stay with every last modern convenience, head for the award-winning Black Sheep Inn just 9km west of Orange on Heifer Station Lane, owned by the lovely Helen and Andrew Napier. Originally a 1900s sheep shearing shed, most of the original features have been preserved — along with a wrought iron fireplace. The Inn has five snug suites, each boasting original rolling shed doors instead of blinds (a very sweet feature). Corrugated iron runs the interior design, offset with modern steel trimmings and crisp white sheets. Helen served us brekkie in the morning, a three-course feast from poached pears with straight-up insane homemade lemon curd, to freshly-toasted sourdough with unbelievably delicious homemade apricot jam. If you're headed for the quaint country streets of Milthorpe, there's plenty of boutique accomodation to snuggle into and forget you ever had some kind of job to return to. While you can take over an entire old chemist at Hockey's Accommodation, we made a temporary home of the Millthorpe Motel, a collection of 20 modern, homey rooms, from basic studio rooms to loft apartments that feel like your very own little ski lodge. Think comfy armchairs, luxe white bedding, and an easy stroll to Tonic, to repeat yesterday's belt-busting feast. Images: Andy Fraser. CP stayed, ate and wined as a guest of Orange360. For more information about Orange, head over here.
On Monday, March 23, pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes across Australia were forced to close their doors, in the latest move to slow the spread of COVID-19. The stage one closure of non-essential indoor venues also included casinos, gyms, cinemas and places of worship, but it didn't include convenience stores or supermarkets. It also allowed restaurants and cafes to continue offering takeaway and delivery food. So, venues have adapted. Instead of pulling pints and plating up schnitties, pubs and restaurants across the country are stocked to the brim with hand sanitisers, groceries and toilet paper. It's a win-win situation: helping the venues stay alive and continue to pay employees, while also letting you skip the supermarket queues and get your hands on those coveted tins of beans. In Sydney, the W Short Hotels Group has transformed two of its pubs into corner stores. Both Redfern's The Tudor Hotel and The Royal Hotel in Leichhardt are now selling fresh food, pantry staples, toilet paper and booze. Food has been sourced from local butchers, bakers and the pubs' suppliers, so the cash you spend is going to support local businesses. Other Sydney spots are also, while not opening physical grocers, delivering boxes of groceries. Nel has a selection of four— ranging from pantry essentials ($45) and a vegetable box ($80) through to a primo meat and veg box ($130) — and is delivering on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Italian chain Fratelli Fresh has its own Gourmet Grocer service, which includes next-day delivery of ready-made meals; alcohol; bags of flour, rice and sugar; tinned tomatoes and beans; fresh fruit and veg; and 500-gram bags of pasta. Melbourne's venues are pivoting, too, including Brunswick all-day diner Theodore's, which is now, temporarily, Ted's Grocer. It's selling produce boxes, ready-made meals and essentials — including pasta, milk, spices, cured meats, sweets and more — for pick up and delivery. Fitzroy's Smith & Deli is also offering $50 grocery boxes twice a week. In Brisbane, Alchemy has launched Alchemy to You — check out the full list of available supplies online, place your order and then pick it up in-store 24 hours later. It's also offering delivery to those in the CBD. We'll be updating the list below as more venues jump on board. If and when you do decide to head out to get groceries, remember to follow the Australian Government Department of Health's social distancing guidelines. SYDNEY Bar M (Rushcutters Bay) The Italian restaurant is now a grocery store, offering pick up and local delivery, 9am–9pm daily. Bella Vista Hotel (Bella Vista) This spot in The Hills has launched 'Essentials Express', a contactless drive-thru service selling the likes of meat trays, pre-batched cocktails, juice and snacks from $2. It's open daily from 10am–2pm and you can check out each day's specials on its Facebook page. Dear Sainte Eloise (Potts Point) $100 hampers, filled with local veggies, eggs, bread, pasta, canned goods and more, available for pick up on Wednesday and Fridays. To order, email hello@dearsainteeloise.com or call (02) 9326 9745. Fratelli Fresh (various locations) This chain is now offering next-day delivery of groceries, pantry staples, alcohol and ready-made meals. You can order over here. Nel (Surry Hills) Online grocery boxes ranging from $45–130 available to order online. Nour (Surry Hills) Market boxes available for $79 and delivered on Mondays. Head here to order. Sample Coffee Pro Shop (St Peters) The specialty coffee roaster's St Peters digs is now selling staples such as bread, milk, eggs, cheese, coffee (of course) and more. Delivery is also available on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Single O (Surry Hills) The cafe is offering fancy 'corner store staples' including lemon myrtle kimchi, Pepe Saya butter and kangaroo sausages. Sixpenny (Stanmore) The fine diner has turned into a grocer, open from 10am–1pm on weekends, and is also offering weekly produce boxes ($120) available for pick up on Saturdays. You can preorder over here. The Tudor Hotel (Redfern) Convenience store open daily, 10am–late. The Royal Hotel (Leichhardt) Convenience store open daily, 10am–late. MELBOURNE Grosvenor Hotel (St Kilda East) A shop and bottle-o drive-thru has popped up at this pub, open every day from 10am. Heartattack and Vine (Carlton) This Lygon Street go-to has launched an online grocery store, selling everything from coffee and toilet paper to vino, cheese and one kilogram of its house-made porchetta (uncooked). Lamaro's (South Melbourne) A gourmet grocer and wine store with an online list of items here. Pick up orders are available from 12-6pm Monday through Friday,with delivery available for orders of $100. Smith & Deli (Fitzroy) $50 produce boxes available for pick up and delivery on Wednesday and Friday. Call (03) 9042 4117 to order. Ted's Grocer (Brunswick) Open 10am–8pm Monday–Saturday and delivering on Wednesdays and Fridays. BRISBANE Alchemy to You (CBD) Check out the supplies online, place your order and then pick it up in-store 24 hours later. Delivery is also available to the CBD. Top image: The Tudor Hotel convenience sore
Fans of the ocean's finest will soon have a new waterside Brisbane spot to head to, with the restaurateur behind Opa Bar + Mezze, Massimo Restaurant, Yamas Greek + Drink and George's Paragon announcing plans to open a seafood venue at Portside Wharf. At Fosh, staring at the river while tucking into fish, lobster, mud crabs and oysters will be on the menu, with the restaurant due to open in March 2023. Fosh hails from Michael Tassis, who was also behind Eagle Street's Fatcow Steak & Lobster and Rico Bar + Dining — both of which are moving to different sites now that the CBD precinct has closed to make way for a hefty makeover. Amid those relocations, Tassis' new 700-square-metre joint will settle into Portside as it too is undergoing a revamp, although Fosh will open in Hamilton before the larger renovations are set to be complete next December. Diners can clearly expect seafood aplenty, including a focus on sustainable, high-quality catches that are served to guests within 24 hours of being caught. Given Fosh's size, it'll also have space for a "casual yet upmarket fish and chip offering, ideal for families and friends looking for a relaxed, tasty and fresh meal to go," explains Tassis. Whether you're eating in or dropping by to grab some takeaways, you'll notice the luxe yet naturalistic and relaxed decor, which'll be inspired by The Hamptons. As part of a $3-million fitout, Fosh will boast both indoor and outdoor dining areas, too — with boosting the latter year-round one of the big aims of Portside's facelift. "The fitout will include a glamorous island bar, fireplace and generously sized indoor area suitable for entertaining large groups, which will flow effortlessly to the outside alfresco area, where guests can enjoy a meal and uninterrupted views of the river," says Tassis. "We hope this exceptional dining experience will spark — or reignite — people's love for the cuisine, and I can't think of a better location to do so than directly by the water." Launching a dedicated seafood restaurant at Portside, and one run by Tassis, seems like an obvious step for a number of reasons. The location screams for it, and Tassis' father George founded George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant in Sanctuary Cove more than three decades ago. "It's very much in my roots," Tassis notes. Find Fosh at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, from March 2023 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced.
If you've seen Netflix's Lady Dynamite, you'd remember it. One of several comedies on the streaming platform that tackles mental health in a smart and thoughtful way, it's a Maria Bamford vehicle. The comedian didn't create it — South Park alumni Pam Brady and Arrested Development's Mitch Hurwitz are responsible — but she plays a version of herself in the two-season effort that was cancelled before its time. Plenty of sitcoms feature their lead performers riffing on their own personas, but if you're thinking of Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm or the like, you're not on the right track. In Lady Dynamite, Maria has just spent six months in treatment for bipolar disorder, and no one around her quite knows how to handle her return as she tries to reignite her career — and even that description still doesn't capture how the show swings big, dives deep, and knows how to be both delightfully offbeat and perceptively candid at the same time. [caption id="attachment_766237" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Doug Hyun/Netflix[/caption] Bamford is no stranger to tackling mental health in her work, including releasing book Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere! in September 2023. As the name makes plain, it steps through her experiences. It also hit The New York Times bestseller list. Next, Bamford will take to the stage in Australia, in her first trip this way in more than five years, on a six-stop stand-up tour in July 2024. Hobart's Odeon Theatre will host Bamford's initial gig on this visit, before she makes her way to Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide, then The Tivoli in Brisbane. From there, she's heading down the east coast, playing the Enmore Theatre in Sydney and Melbourne's Palais Theatre. Her last port of call: the Astor Theatre in Perth. Bamford's career dates back decades, bringing her astute and empathetic comedy to stages and screens. You might've seen her specials Weakness Is the Brand, Old Baby, The Special Special Special and Local Act. You could recall her from Arrested Development, Portlandia and Kroll Show. And you've heard her as well in Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman and Bob's Burgers. Maria Bamford Australian Tour July 2024 Dates: Friday, July 5 — Odeon Theatre, Hobart Tuesday, July 9 — Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide Wednesday, July 10 — The Tivoli, Brisbane Friday, July 12 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Saturday, July 13 —Palais Theatre, Melbourne Tuesday, July 16 — Astor Theatre, Perth Maria Bamford is touring Australia in July 2024 — head to the tour website for further details and tickets, with presales from 9am local time on Wednesday, February 7, and general sales from 9am local time 9am on Friday, February 9.
Despite also serving up everything from all-day vegan breakfast to ice cream sandwiches, we still think that fries are the best thing about Lord of the Fries. It's right there in the name, after all. The chain's chips are particularly tasty — as made with Australian potatoes and cooked in a cottonseed sunflower oil blend. There is one thing better than Lord of the Fries' titular dish, however. That'd be free shoestring fries from the chip-loving establishment. And on Wednesday, July 13, the vegan fast food joint is giving away just that. Free. Fries. Yes, really. To snag free fries on Wednesday, you'll need to head to your chosen store in between 4–5pm and you'll be gifted a serving of shoestring deliciousness. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. There is a limit of one freebie per person, though, so take that into consideration if you're feeling particularly peckish. You'll get your choice of classic sauces, too. This is clearly great news for anyone who like fries, aka everyone — and Brisbanites can flock to Fortitude Valley. And if you're wondering why, that's because it's National Fry Day. Of course it is. There are a few caveats, as is always the case with this kind of giveaway. So, the freebies span one Lord of the Fries stickered cup of shoestring fries and one classic sauce, with the latter popped directly on top of the former. Again, you can only get one per person, and only in-store. And, it's only for shoestring fries — not the classic, chunky or sweet potato versions.
These days, a free tertiary education is something of a myth — your parents might have got it, you know some other countries offer it, but you've certainly given up all hope of getting any sort of affordable qualifications (particularly with the prospect of fee deregulation). But in May the Victorian Government released its 2018 budget and it included some surprisingly good news: from next year, it will be free to complete selected TAFE courses in Victoria. As announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Facebook and outlined in the Victorian Budget 18/19 papers, the State Government will put $172 million towards covering course fees for 30 'priority' TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses from January 1, 2019. These courses are varied, running from a Diploma of Nursing to an Advanced Diploma in Accounting to a Certificate IV in Mental Health. Some can cost thousands of dollars to complete, so this will make a huge difference to prospective students who can't afford to foot the bill usually associated with studying. To be eligible, you'll have to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent Australian resident and fit one of the extra criteria. This may be you if you're under 20 years old, if you will be upskilling (that is, enrolling in a higher qualification than you've previously attained), or you're a Victorian who requires additional support — i.e., you're unemployed or have recently been retrenched. If you're looking to change careers, you may also be considered for one of the free places. The full details on eligibility have been published here. If you're interested in enrolling, you can get more details here or call the government's TAFE and Training line on 13 18 23. Updated: July 22, 2018.
When it comes to sharing movies that've recently premiered at Cannes with Australian audiences, timing is kind to Sydney Film Festival. One fest is in May, the other is in June — and SFF makes the most of it. Indeed, in 2025, its main program announcement was packed with 15 films that would hit Cannes, then Sydney. Next, Eddington joined the lineup, doing the same. The event's closing-night pick Splitsville falls into that category as well. Now comes a late drop of nine additional Australian-premiere titles that'll get the Harbour City's projectors whirring, most of which have also only recently debuted in France. Both Sentimental Value and Sîrat are heading to Sydney after collecting prizes in Cannes. The first nabbed the Cannes Grand Prix for filmmaker Joachim Trier, who reunites with his The Worst Person in the World lead Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent), and also has Stellan Skarsgård (Andor) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) in his cast. The Morocco-set second film picked up a Cannes Jury Prize, and boasts Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door) as a producer. Both are playing SFF as special presentations. Or, audiences can look forward to the Dardenne brothers' (Tori and Lokita) Young Mothers, which collected Cannes' Screenplay Prize — and Cannes Queer Palme and Best Actress-recipient The Little Sister. Plus, joining Reinsve, Skarsgård and Fanning among the big-name stars on Sydney Film Festival's expanded program: Gael García Bernal (Holland) and Joel Edgerton (Dark Matter). In Magellan, which is directed by Filipino great Lav Diaz (Phantosmia), Bernal plays the title character. As for Edgerton, the Australian actor pops up in The Plague, where peer pressure at a summer camp drives the narrative. SFF has also added Two Prosecutors and Eagles of the Republic, each of which screened in competition at Cannes. Sergei Loznitsa (The Invasion) is behind Two Prosecutors, which takes place in 1937 under Stalin's rule. Tarik Saleh (Cairo Conspiracy) helms Eagles of the Republic, another of Sydney Film Festival's movies set in a complicated political climate — this time as part of a satirical thriller about an Egyptian film star. It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley debuted at Sundance 2025, not Cannes, but is also an eagerly anticipated newcomer on the lineup. That's what happens when documentarian Amy Berg (Janis: Little Boy Blue, West of Memphis) turns her attention to the late, great singer almost three decades after his tragic passing. "The festival starts in just two days, but we think its never too late to add the most-exciting new films to the festival, fresh from their international premieres," said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "From sweeping historical epics and urgent political dramas to intimate portraits and unforgettable performances, these films continue our commitment to showcasing the most exciting cinema from around the world." Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
When Sydney Film Festival looks backwards in 2025, as it does every year with a featured retrospective, it'll be following in its own footsteps several times over. The work of Iranian director Jafar Panahi has graced its screens again and again over the fest's history. More than a decade ago, in 2011, a retrospective just like this also highlighted some of his movies alongside those of his compatriot Mohammad Rasoulof, in fact. Long may this trend continue; a filmmaker this bold and daring should always be in the spotlight. Panahi's body work speaks for itself — and also speaks to his ongoing fight to chronicle contemporary Iran and the reality of life for its people, a battle that he's kept waging despite repercussions regularly coming his way. By his nation's ruling regime, the writer/director has been banned from filmmaking, and also from travel. He's been arrested and imprisoned as well. Indeed, it isn't just his movies that send a message of resistance; his quest to make them, to retain the right to do so, and the pursuit of freedom that goes with that ceaseless campaign, is also a statement. SFF's 2025 Jafar Panahi: Cinema in Rebellion program is celebrating its namesake with a program of all ten of his features, all screening across the festival's dates of Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. From 1995's The White Balloon to 2022's No Bears, audiences can witness Panahi's progression as a filmmaker — and how his exploration of existence in Iran, especially for women and others suffering oppression and censorship (including himself), has evolved and solidified over almost three decades. With every one of his titles, SFF attendees will also watching be award-winning pictures. The White Balloon gave Panahi his first Cannes accolade, for best first film. Then 1997's The Mirror took home the Locarno International Film Festival's Golden Leopard, 2000's The Circle nabbed Venice's Golden Lion, 2003's Crimson Gold earned an Un Certain Regard prize back at Cannes and 2006's Offside collected a Silver Bear in Berlin. More Cannes love came for 2011's This Is Not a Film (the Carrosse d'Or at the Director's Fortnight) and 2018's Three Faces (for best screenplay), plus more Berlin recognition for 2013's Closed Curtain (another Silver Bear) and 2015's Tehran Taxi (the Golden Bear), and more again from Venice for No Bears (a Special Jury Prize).
Nope, not a how-to for casual meth enthusiasts, the Breaking Bad cookbook is finally on shelves. Filled with 'sugar high' TV show-inspired recipes by a certain Walter Wheat (heh) and prompting "let's cook" hurrahs worldwide, now you can be the one who bakes. Several sites have leaked certain recipes from the book, Baking Bad (out November 6), featuring Walter White specialities like 'Blue Meth Crunch' (sans phenyl-2-propanone) to adorable little underpanted gingerbread men dubbed 'Mr White’s Tighty Whitey Bites' — reminiscent of Season One's epic opening scene — and a disturbingly cute nod to Jesse's gruesome, body-and-roof-dissolving bathtub: 'Jesse’s Jell-O Acid Tub'. Here's a taste of what Walter Wheat has cooked up in the RV: Meth Crunchies Jesse’s Jell-O Acid Tub Mr White’s Tighty Whitey Bites Recurring Pink Bear Bites Walt’s Buried Barrel Dessert Fring Pops Tortuga Tart And of course: Blue Meth Crunch "Let's cook." INGREDIENTS 118ml water 177ml light corn syrup 14oz/350g granulated sugar 2 tsp (10ml) peppermint extract Blue gel food colouring You will need a sugar thermometer. Do not use chili powder. It’s for amateurs DOSAGE 5 people DIRECTIONS 1. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil, or use a heatproof glass tray. Spray with non-stick baking spray. 2. Find yourself a decent accomplice. Underachieving ex-students are a good choice, though psychologically fragile. 3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, corn syrup and sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then turn up the heat to bring to a boil. Stop stirring and insert the thermometer and use a pastry brush dipped in water to wet the sides of the pan (this will prevent crystals forming). 4. Cook the mixture until the temperature reaches 285F/140C. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and take out the thermometer. Let the mixture stand until all the bubbles have stopped forming on the surface. 5. At some point you’re going to need a distributor. But don’t worry about that now. 6. Add a few drops of peppermint flavouring and enough blue colour to give the correct ‘Blue Meth’ hue. 7. Quickly pour the mixture onto the baking tray, lifting the tray from side to side to spread the mix. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth or has holes in it. Let the candy cool to room temperature. 8 Once the candy has cooled, use a hammer to break it up. Put into little plastic baggies or serve as is, whichever your clients prefer. Baking Bad by Walter Wheat is being published by Orion on 6 November 2014 in hardback (also available as an eBook). Via Telegraph UK and Buzzfeed. Images: 'Baking Bad' by Walter Wheat, Orion Books.
Back in March, when Australia shut down to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Eat Street Northshore was one of the many venues affected. It completely closed down, but thankfully its shuttering was only temporary — with the popular spot first hosting a drive-thru dessert festival in September and October, and now announcing its official proper reopening date. Come Friday, December 4, you'll be able to head to Hamilton for a bite to eat and a few beverages by the river. It'll all be socially distanced, of course, but the timing is perfect — because you now have a great way to spend the first weekend of summer (and plenty of weekends after that, naturally). When it did close down, the riverside spot announced that it'd do so indefinitely, until it had the all-clear to reopen. With Queensland slowly returning to normal — including allowing some sites such as outdoor stadiums and indoor cinemas to operate at full ticketed (and seated) capacity, and increasing both at-home gathering and venue patron limits — the powers-that-be at Eat Street are obviously now comfortable with welcoming patrons back. As it did pre-lockdown, Eat Street Northshore will run between Friday–Sunday weekly, and host an array of food and drink vendors. You'll be able to stop by between 4–10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 4–9pm on Sundays. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EAT STREET NORTHSHORE (@eatstreet) Eat Street Northshore reopens at 221D Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton on Friday, December 4. For more information, visit the venue's website.
Head to the Gallery of Modern Art until October and the works of two artists await: eX de Medici and Michael Zavros. The first exhibition is the most extensive retrospective to date on the Canberra-based creative and tattooist, spanning more than 100 works. The second covers 90-plus paintings, sculptures, videos, photos and performances by the Queensland artist. And, for two nights only this winter, they'll backdrop two big parties. Brisbane art lovers know that GOMA's exhibitions aren't simply dazzling to look at, whether pieces by David Lynch, Yayoi Kusama, Patricia Piccinini, Marvel or Chiharu Shiota are filling the venue's walls. For just a couple of evenings each, they usually provide a setting for ace after-dark parties surrounded by all of those creative works. Yes, the gallery's eX de Medici and Michael Zavros showcases are getting the Up Late treatment. Get ready to spend two August nights seeing everything from an original classic 90s Mercedes-Benz SL convertible with water to blood swabs — a large-scale mural depicting the Parthenon in Athens, too, plus musings on fragility, death, greed, power and conflict — while drinking, tapping your toes to DJs and listening to live music. A $42-per-night ticket gets attendees access to both exhibitions, as well as the fun. On the GOMA Up Late lineup: Lisa Mitchell and Banoffee doing the honours on the Friday, August 18, alongside DJ Zed Mero; and Nai Palm and The Riot taking to the stage on Saturday, August 19, plus DJ Neesha. The event's music component will take place on the Maiwar Green and outside GOMA's entrance. As well as art and tunes, there'll be multiple spots to grab a bite and drink around the place, including at the GOMA Bistro, Bodhi Tree Bar, River Room Bar and Bacchus Wine Room. Expect live immersive art experiences and workshops, too — including eX de Medici's temporary tattoo booth, drop-in still-life drawing, and pop-up art and opera with Panayiota Kalatzis — and, as is always the case whenever it's GOMA Up Late time, the kind of gallery visit you can't have via daylight. Images: installation views of Michael Zavros: The Favourite and eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2023. © Michael Zavros and eX de Medici / Photographs: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA.
If you liked alternative and indie rock in the late '00s, then Common People probably means something to you. We're not talking about the ace Pulp song, though you should think highly of that as well. We're talking about the club night that used to play all the best tunes. If you ever went along, you'll be keen for another Common People experience. If you didn't but it sounds like your thing, you probably are as well. Either way, you're in luck, with The Foundry teaming up with Greaser Bar to host what's becoming an annual New Year's Eve reunion. Put on some comfy shoes, flit between venues, and prepare to dance the night away to everything from LCD Soundsystem to Dizzee Rascal and Arcade Fire to Missy Elliott — and Prince, of course. So. Much. Prince.
One of the best films to hit cinemas in 2023 so far gets a song stuck in viewers' heads like it's been slung there with the stickiest of webs. Just try to watch a Spider-Man movie — any Spider-Man movie, but preferably the stunning Spider-Verse movies — and not get the cartoon theme song lodged in your brain. You can't. It's impossible. Tweak the earworm of a track's lyrics, though, and you have the perfect description of the first six months of this year at the pictures: the greatest features to flicker through projectors truly did whatever movies can. Among 2023's best films so far, one made the connection between a parent and child feel so aching new yet so deeply relatable that you might've convinced yourself that you lived this plot yourself. Another hung out with a Sardinian donkey to muse on the fragility of life, plus the way that all creatures great and small that aren't human are so often disregarded. Some rightly garnered awards for exploring close bonds and impassioned fights; others hopped all over Japan, or Korea, or wherever on the globe that John Wick has a battle to wage. One made the Australian outback look otherworldly — and another toyed with reality on multiple levels, and in a stunning fashion. They're some of the films that've shone brightly at picture palaces this year — some releasing last year elsewhere, but only debuting Down Under in 2023; some so shiny and brand-new that they've only just reached cinemas. More than 15 ace movies have graced the silver screen over the past six months, of course, but if you only have time to watch or rewatch the absolute best 15, we've picked them. Happy midyear viewing. AFTERSUN The simplest things in life can be the most revealing, whether it's a question asked of a father by a child, an exercise routine obeyed almost mindlessly or a man stopping to smoke someone else's old cigarette while wandering through a holiday town alone at night. The astonishing feature debut by Scottish writer/director Charlotte Wells, Aftersun is about the simple things. Following the about-to-turn-31 Calum (Paul Mescal, The Lost Daughter) and his daughter Sophie (debutant Frankie Corio) on vacation in Turkey in the late 90s, it includes all of the above simple things, plus more. It tracks, then, that this coming-of-age story on three levels — of an 11-year-old flirting with adolescence, a dad struggling with his place in the world, and an adult woman with her own wife and family grappling with a life-changing experience from her childhood — is always a movie of deep, devastating and revealing complexity. Earning the internet's Normal People-starring boyfriend a Best Actor Oscar nomination, and deservedly so, Aftersun is a reflective, ruminative portrait of heartbreak. It's a quest to find meaning in sorrow and pain, too, and in processing the past. Wells has crafted a chronicle of interrogating, contextualising, reframing and dwelling in memories; an examination of leaving and belonging; and an unpacking of the complicated truths that a kid can't see about a parent until they're old enough to be that parent. Breaking up Calum and Sophie's sun-dappled coastal holiday with the older Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall, Vox Lux) watching camcorder footage from the trip, sifting through her recollections and dancing it out under a nightclub's strobing lights in her imagination, this is also a stunning realisation that we'll always read everything we can into a loved one's actions with the benefit of hindsight, but all we ever truly have is the sensation that lingers in our hearts and heads. Read our full review. EO David Attenborough's nature documentaries are acclaimed and beloved viewing, including when they're recreating dinosaurs. Family-friendly fare adores cute critters, especially if they're talking as in The Lion King and Paddington movies. The horror genre also loves pushing animals to the front, with The Birds and Jaws among its unsettling masterpieces. Earth's creatures great and small are all around us on-screen, and also off — but in EO, a donkey drama by Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski (11 Minutes), humanity barely cares. The people in this Oscar-nominated mule musing might watch movies about pets and beasts. They may have actively shared parts of their own lives existence the animal kingdom; some, albeit only a rare few, do attempt exactly that with this flick's grey-haired, white-spotted, wide-eyed namesake. But one of the tragedies at the heart of this adventure is also just a plain fact of life on this pale blue dot while homo sapiens reign supreme: that animals are everywhere all the time but hardly anyone notices. EO notices. Making his first film in seven years, and co-writing with his wife and producer Ewa Piaskowska (Essential Killing), Skolimowski demands that his audience pays attention. This is both an episodic slice-of-life portrait of EO the donkey's days and a glimpse of the world from his perspective — sometimes, the glowing and gorgeous cinematography by Michal Dymek (Wolf) takes in the Sardinian creature in all his braying, trotting, carrot-eating glory; sometimes, it takes on 'donkey vision', which is just as mesmerising to look at. Skolimowski gets inspiration from Robert Bresson's 1966 feature Au Hasard Balthazar, too, a movie that also follows the life of a hoofed, long-eared mammal. Like that French great, EO sees hardship much too often for its titular creature; however, even at its most heartbreaking, it also spies an innate, immutable circle of life. Read our full review. CLOSE When Léo (debutant Eden Dambrine) and Rémi (fellow first-timer Gustav De Waele) dash the carefree dash of youth in Close's early moments, rushing from a dark bunker out into the sunshine — from rocks and forest to a bloom-filled field ablaze with colour, too — this immediately evocative Belgian drama runs joyously with them. Girl writer/director Lukas Dhont starts his sophomore feature with a tremendous moment, one that's arresting to look at and to experience. The petals pop; the camera tracks, rushes and flies; the two 13-year-olds are as exuberant and at ease as they're ever likely to be in their lives. They're sprinting because they're happy and playing, and because summer in their village — and on Léo's parents' flower farm — is theirs for the revelling in. They don't and can't realise it because no kid does, but they're also bolting from the bliss that is their visibly contented childhood to the tussles and emotions of being a teenager. Close's title does indeed apply to its two main figures; when it comes to adolescent friendships, they couldn't be tighter. As expressed in revelatory performances by Dambrine and De Waele, each of whom are genuine acting discoveries — Dhont spotted the former on a train from Antwerp to Ghent — these boys have an innocent intimate affinity closer than blood. They're euphoric with and in each other's company, and the feature plays like that's how it has always been between the two. They've also never queried or overthought what their connection means. Before high school commences, Close shows the slumber parties, and the shared hopes and dreams. It sits in on family dinners, demonstrating the ease with which each is a part of the other's broader lives amid both sets of mums and dads; Léo's are Nathalie (Léa Drucker, Custody) and Yves (Marc Weiss, Esprits de famille), Rémi's are Sophie (Émilie Dequenne, An Ordinary Man) and Peter (Kevin Janssens, Two Summers). The film adores their rapport like a summer day adores the breeze, and conveys it meticulously and movingly. Then, when girls in Léo and Rémi's grade ask if the two are a couple, it shows the heartache and heartbreak of a boyhood bond dissolving. Read our full review. ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED With photographer Nan Goldin at its centre, the latest documentary by Citizenfour Oscar-winner Laura Poitras is a film about many things, to deeply stunning and moving effect. In this Oscar-nominated movie's compilation of Goldin's acclaimed snaps, archival footage, current interviews, and past and present activism, a world of stories flicker — all linked to Goldin, but all also linking universally. The artist's bold work, especially chronicling LGBTQIA+ subcultures and the 80s HIV/AIDS crisis, frequently and naturally gets the spotlight. Her complicated family history, which spans heartbreaking loss, haunts the doco as it haunts its subject. The rollercoaster ride that Goldin's life has taken, including in forging her career, supporting her photos, understanding who she is and navigating an array of personal relationships, cascades through, too. And, so do her efforts to counter the opioid epidemic by bringing one of the forces behind it to public justice. Revealing state secrets doesn't sit at the core of the tale here, unlike Citizenfour and Poitras' 2016 film Risk — one about Edward Snowden, the other Julian Assange — but everything leads to the documentary's titular six words: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. They gain meaning in a report spied late about the mental health of Goldin's older sister Barbara, who committed suicide at the age of 18 when Goldin was 11, and who Goldin contends was just an "angry and sexual" young woman in the 60s with repressed parents. A psychiatrist uses the eponymous phrase to describe what Barbara sees and, tellingly, it could be used to do the same with anyone. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is, in part, a rebuke of the idea that a teenager with desires and emotions is a problem, and also a statement that that's who we all are, just to varying levels of societal acceptance. The film is also a testament that, for better and for worse, all the beauty and the bloodshed we all witness and endure is what shapes us. Read our full review. SAINT OMER In 2016, a French documentarian with Senegalese heritage attended the trial of a Senegalese French PhD student who confessed to killing her 15-month-old daughter, who was fathered by a white partner, by leaving her on the beach to the mercy of the waves at Berck-sur-Mer. The filmmaker was fixated. She describes it as an "unspeakable obsession". She was haunted by questions about motherhood, too — her mum's and her own, given that she was a young mother herself as she sat in the courtroom. That story is the story of how Saint Omer came to be, and also almost exactly the tale that the piercing drama tells. In her first narrative film after docos We and La Permanence, writer/director Alice Diop focuses on a French author and literature professor with a Senegalese background who bears witness to a trial with the same details, also of a Senegalese French woman, for the same crime. Saint Omer's protagonist shares other traits with Diop as she observes, too, and watches and listens to research a book. A director riffing on their own experience isn't novel, but Saint Omer is strikingly intimate and authentic because it's the embodiment of empathy in an innately difficult situation. It shows what it means to feel for someone else, including someone who has admitted to a shocking crime, and has been made because Diop went through that far-from-straightforward process and was galvanised to keep grappling with it. What a deeply emotional movie this 2022 Venice International Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winning feature is, understandably and unsurprisingly. What a heartbreaking and harrowing work it proves as well. Saint Omer is also an astoundingly multilayered excavation of being in a country but never being seen as truly part it, and what that does to someone's sense of self, all through Fabienne Kabou's complicated reality and Laurence Coly's (Guslagie Malanda, My Friend Victoria) fictionalised scenario. Read our full review. WOMEN TALKING Get Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand and more exceptional women in a room, point a camera their way, let the talk flow: Sarah Polley's Women Talking does just that, and this year's Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar-winner is phenomenal. The actor-turned-filmmaker's fourth effort behind the lens after 2006's Away From Her, 2011's Take This Waltz and 2012's Stories We Tell does plenty more, but its basic setup is as straightforward as its title states. Adapted from Miriam Toews' 2018 novel of the same name, this isn't a simple or easy film, however. That book and this feature draw on events in a Bolivian Mennonite colony from 2005–9, where a spate of mass druggings and rapes of women and girls were reported at the hands of some of the group's men. In a patriarchal faith and society, women talking about their experiences is a rebellious, revolutionary act anyway — and talking about what comes next is just as charged. "The elders told us that it was the work of ghosts, or Satan, or that we were lying to get attention, or that it was an act of wild female imagination." That's teenage narrator Autje's (debutant Kate Hallett) explanation for how such assaults could occur and continue, as offered in Women Talking's sombre opening voiceover. Writing and helming, Polley declares her feature "an act of female imagination" as well, as Toews did on the page, but the truth in the movie's words is both lingering and haunting. While the film anchors its dramas in a specific year, 2010, it's purposefully vague on any details that could ground it in one place. Set within a community where modern technology is banned and horse-drawn buggies are the only form of transport, it's a work of fiction inspired by reality, rather than a recreation. Whether you're aware of the true tale behind the book going in or not, this deeply powerful and affecting picture speaks to how women have long been treated in a male-dominated world at large — and what's so often left unsaid, too. Read our full review. TÁR The least surprising aspect of Tár is also its most essential: Cate Blanchett being as phenomenal as she's ever been, plus more. The Australian Nightmare Alley, Thor: Ragnarok, Carol and The New Boy actor — "our Cate", of course — unsurprisingly scored an Oscar nomination as a result. Accolades have been showered her way since this drama about a cancelled conductor premiered at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival (the prestigious event's Best Actress gong was the first of them), deservedly so. Blanchett is that stunning in Tár, that much of a powerhouse, that adept at breathing life and complexity into a thorny figure, and that magnetic and mesmerising. Even when she hasn't been at her utmost on rare past occasions or something she's in hasn't been up to her standards — see: Don't Look Up for both — she's a force that a feature gravitates around. Tár is astonishing itself, too, but Blanchett at her finest is the movie's rock, core and reason for being. Blanchett is spectacular in Tár, and she also has to be spectacular in Tár — because Lydia Tár, the maestro she's playing, earns that term to start with in the film's on-screen world. At the feature's kickoff, the passionate and ferocious character is feted by a New Yorker Festival session led by staff writer Adam Gopnik as himself, with her achievements rattled off commandingly to an excited crowd; what a list it is. Inhabiting this part requires nothing less than utter perfection, then, aka what Tár demands herself, her latest assistant Francesca (Noémie Merlant, Jumbo), her wife Sharon (Nina Hoss, Shadowplay) and everyone else in her orbit constantly. Strong, seductive, severe, electrifying and downright exceptional, Blanchett nails it. That Lydia can't always do the same, no matter how hard, painstakingly and calculatingly she's worked to ensure that it appears otherwise, is one of the movie's main concerns. Read our full review. SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE All the money in the world can't make people in tights standing against green screens as visually spectacular and emotionally expressive as the Spider-Verse films. If it could, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and now Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse wouldn't be so exhilarating, look so stunning and feel so authentic. Spider-Man's eight stints in theatres with either Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield or Tom Holland behind the mask — and all of the latter's pop-ups in other Marvel Cinematic Universe entries, too — have splattered around plenty of charm, but they'll now always swing far below their animated counterparts. Indeed, when Spider-Man: No Way Home tried to emulate the Spider-Verse by pointing its fingers into the multiverse, as Marvel's live-action world is now fixated upon, it paled in comparison. And, that isn't just because there was no Nicolas Cage-voiced 30s-era spider-vigilante Spider-Man Noir, or a spider-robot, spider-pig, spider-car or spider-saur; rather, it's because the Spider-Verse movies are that imaginative and agile. In Across the Spider-Verse, which will be followed by 2024's Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse plus a Spider-Women spinoff after that, being an inventive spider-flick initially entails hanging with Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld, Hawkeye). In most Spidey stories, Gwen Stacy is a love interest for Peter Parker, but the Spider-Verse Gwen from Earth 65 was bitten by a radioactive spider instead. Gwen also narrates backstory details, filling in what's occurred since the first feature while playfully parodying that overused approach. Then, when the movie slides into Miles Morales' (Shameik Moore, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) life, he takes her lead, but gives it his own spin. The first Black Latin American Spider-Man is now 15, and more confident in his spider-skills and -duties. In-between being Brooklyn's friendly neighbourhood Spidey and attending a private school that'll ideally help him chase his physics dreams, he's even guest-hosted Jeopardy!. But not telling his mum Rio (Luna Lauren Velez, Power Book II: Ghost) and police-officer dad Jefferson (Brian Tyree Henry, Causeway) about his extracurricular activities is weighing upon Miles, and he's still yearning for mentorship and friendship, especially knowing that Gwen, Peter B Parker (Jake Johnson, Minx) and an infinite number of other web-slingers are all out there catching thieves just like flies. Read our full review. SUZUME When the Godzilla franchise first started rampaging through Japanese cinemas almost 70 years ago, it was in response to World War II and the horrific display of nuclear might that it unleashed. That saga and its prehistoric reptilian monster have notched up 38 movies now, and long may it continue stomping out of its homeland (the American flicks, which are set to return in 2024, have been hit-and-miss). In such creature-feature company, the films of Makoto Shinkai may not seem like they belong. So far, the writer/director behind global hits Your Name and Weathering with You, plus The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 5 Centimetres per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices and The Garden of Words before that, sadly hasn't applied his talents to good ol' Zilly, either. But Japan's animators have been musing on and reflecting upon destruction and devastation for decades, too — stunningly and heartbreakingly so, including in Shinkai's latest beautiful and heartfelt effort Suzume. This about a teenage girl, matters of the heart and the earth, supernatural forces and endeavouring to cancel the apocalypse firmly has its soul in the part of Honshu that forever changed in March 2011 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting Fukushima nuclear disaster. Suzume meets its namesake (Nanoka Hara, Guilty Flag) on Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island, where she has lived with her aunt Tamaki (Eri Fukatsu, Survival Family) for 12 years. More than that, it meets its titular high schooler as she meets Souta (SixTONES singer Hokuto Matsumura), who catches her eye against the gleaming sea and sky as she's cycling to class. He's searching for ruins, and she knows just the local place — an abandoned onsen, which she beats him to. There, Suzume discovers a door standing mysteriously within a pool of water, then opens said entryway to see a shimmering sight on the other side. That's an ordinary act with extraordinary consequences, because Shinkai adores exactly that blend and clash. To him, that's where magic springs, although never while spiriting away life's troubles and sorrows. Every single door everywhere is a portal, of course, but this pivotal one takes the definition literally. Read our full review. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 Almost a quarter-century has passed since Keanu Reeves uttered four iconic words: "I know kung fu". The Matrix's famous phrase was also the entire movie-going world's gain, because watching Reeves unleash martial-arts mayhem is one of cinema's purest pleasures. Notching up their fourth instalment with the obviously titled John Wick: Chapter 4, the John Wick flicks understand this. They couldn't do so better, harder, or in a bloodier fashion, in fact. Directed by Keanu's former stunt double Chad Stahelski, who helped him look like he did indeed know wushu back in the 90s, this assassin saga is built around the thrill of its star doing his violent but stylish best. Of course, The Matrix's Neo didn't just know kung fu, but gun fu — and Jonathan, as The Continental proprietor Winston (Ian McShane, Deadwood: The Movie) still likes to call him, helps turn bullet ballet into one helluva delight again and again (and again and again). Picking up where 2019's John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum left off, and once again so expertly and inventively executed that it's mesmerising, John Wick: Chapter 4 saddles its namesake with a new adversary: the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård, Barbarian), emissary of the death-for-hire business' powers-that-be, aka the High Table. After Wick puts the assassin realm's head honchos on notice during an early trip to the Middle East, the series' newest nefarious figure wants rid of him forever, wasting no time laying waste to the few things left that John loves. The Marquis has company, too — seeking a big payday in the case of the mercenary known as Tracker (Shamier Anderson, Son of the South), who has his own devoted dog; and due to a familiar deal with Caine (Donnie Yen, Mulan), a martial-arts whiz who is blind, and an old friend of John. That said, Wick has pals in this clash between the hitman establishment and its workers, which doubles as an eat-the-rich skirmish, including Winston, the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne, All the Old Knives), and the Osaka Continental's Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada, Bullet Train) and Akira (Rina Sawayama, Turn Up Charlie). Read our full review. INFINITY POOL Making not just another body-horror spectacle but an eat-the-rich sci-fi satire as well, Brandon Cronenberg couldn't have given Infinity Pool a better title. Teardowns of the wealthy and entitled now seem to flow on forever, glistening endlessly against the film and television horizon; however, the characters in this particularly savage addition to the genre might wish they were in The White Lotus or Succession instead. In those two hits, having more money than sense doesn't mean witnessing your own bloody execution but still living to tell the tale. It doesn't see anyone caught up in cloning at its most vicious and macabre, either. And, it doesn't involve dipping into a purgatory that sports the Antiviral and Possessor filmmaker's penchant for futuristic corporeal terrors, as clearly influenced by his father David Cronenberg (see: Crimes of the Future, Videodrome and The Fly), while also creating a surreal hellscape that'd do Twin Peaks great David Lynch, Climax's Gaspar Noe and The Neon Demon's Nicolas Winding Refn proud. Succession veteran Alexander Skarsgård plunges into Infinity Pool's torments playing another member of the one percent, this time solely by marriage. "Where are we?", author James Foster asks his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman, Dopesick) while surveying the gleaming surfaces, palatial villas and scenic beaches on the fictional island nation of Li Tolqa — a question that keeps silently pulsating throughout the movie, and also comes tinged with the reality that James once knew a life far more routine than this cashed-up extravagance. Cronenberg lets his query linger from the get-go, with help from returning Possessor cinematographer Karim Hussain, who visually inverts its stroll through its lavish setting within minutes. No one in this film's frames is in Kansas anymore, especially when fellow guest Gabi (Mia Goth, Pearl) and her husband Alban (Jalil Lespert, Beasts) invite the pair for an illicit drive and picnic beyond the gates the following day, which sparks a tragic accident, arrest, death sentence and wild get-out-of-jail-free situation. Read our full review. BROKER No matter how Hirokazu Kore-eda's on-screen families come to be, if there's any actual blood between them, whether they're grifting in some way or where in the world they're located, the Japanese writer/director and Shoplifters Palme d'Or winner's work has become so beloved — so magnificent, too — due to his care and sincerity. A Kore-eda film is a film of immense empathy and, like Like Father, Like Son, Our Little Sister, After the Storm and The Third Murder also in the prolific talent's past decade, Broker is no different. The setup here is one of the filmmaker's murkiest, with the feature's name referring to the baby trade. But showing compassion and humanity isn't up for debate in Kore-eda's approach. He judges the reality of modern-day life that leads his characters to their actions, but doesn't judge his central figures. In the process, he makes poignant melodramas that are also deep and thoughtful character studies, and that get to the heart of the globe's ills like the most cutting slices of social realism. It isn't just to make a buck that debt-ridden laundromat owner Sang-hyun (Song Kang-ho, Parasite) and orphanage-raised Dong-soo (Gang Dong-won, Peninsula) take infants abandoned to the Busan Family Church's 'baby box' — a chute that's exactly what it sounds like, available to mothers who know they can't embrace that part for whatever reason — then find good families to sell them to. There's a cash component, of course, but they're convinced that their gambit is better than letting children languish in the state system. In Kore-eda's usual kindhearted manner, Broker sees them with sensitivity. Even if blue hues didn't wash through the film's frames, nothing is ever black and white in the director's movies. The same understanding and tenderness flows towards mothers like So-young (Lee Ji-eun, Hotel Del Luna, aka K-Pop star IU), whose decision to leave Woo-sung (debutant Park Ji-yong) isn't easily made but puts Broker on its course. Read our full review. BEAU IS AFRAID Beau is afraid. Beau is anxious. Beau is alone. Beau is alive. Any of these three-word sentences would make a fitting name for Ari Aster's third feature, which sees its titular middle-aged figure not just worry about anything and everything, but watch his fears come true, concerns amplify and alienation grow — and then some. And, in the Hereditary and Midsommar filmmaker's reliably dread-inducing hands, no matter whether Beau (Joaquin Phoenix, C'mon C'mon) is wallowing in his apartment solo, being welcomed into someone else's family or stumbling upon a travelling theatre troupe in the woods, he knows that he's truly on his own in this strange, sad, surreal and savage world, too. More than that, he's well-aware that this is what life is inescapably like for all of us, regardless of how routine, chaotic or grand our individual journeys from emerging out of our mother's womb to sinking into death's eternal waters happen to prove. Aster has opted for Beau Is Afraid as a moniker, with this horror-meets-tragicomedy mind-bender a filmic ode to existential alarm — and, more than that, a picture that turns catastrophising into a feature. Psychiatrists will have a field day; however, experiencing the latest in the writer/director's growing line of guilt-dripping celluloid nightmares, so should viewers in general. Even with Chilean The Wolf House helmers Cristóbal León and Joaquin Cosiña lending their help to the three-hour movie's midsection, where animation adds another dreamlike dimension to a picture book-style play within an already fantastical-leaning flick frequently running on dream logic, Aster embraces his favourite deranged terrain again. He makes bold choices, doesn't think twice about challenging himself and his audience, elicits a stunning lead performance and dances with retina-searing imagery, all while pondering inherited trauma, the emotional ties that bind and the malevolence that comes with dependence. Read our full review. LIMBO When Ivan Sen sent a police detective chasing a murdered girl and a missing woman in the Australian outback in 2013's Mystery Road and its 2016 sequel Goldstone, he saw the country's dusty, rust-hued expanse in sun-bleached and eye-scorching colour. In the process, the writer, director, co-producer, cinematographer, editor and composer used his first two Aussie noir films and their immaculately shot sights to call attention to how the nation treats people of colour — historically since its colonial days and still now well over two centuries later. Seven years after the last Jay Swan movie, following a period that's seen that character make the leap to the small screen in three television seasons, Sen is back with a disappearance, a cop, all that inimitable terrain and the crimes against its Indigenous inhabitants that nothing can hide. Amid evident similarities, there's a plethora of differences between the Mystery Road franchise and Limbo; however, one of its simplest is also one of its most glaring and powerful: shooting Australia's ochre-toned landscape in black and white. Limbo's setting: Coober Pedy, the globally famous "opal capital of the world" that's known for its underground dwellings beneath the blazing South Australian earth, but reimagined as the fictional locale that shares the film's name — a place unmistakably sporting an otherworldly topography dotted by dugouts to avoid the baking heat, and that hasn't been able to overcome the murder of a local Indigenous girl two decades earlier. The title is symbolic several times over, including to the visiting Travis Hurley (Simon Baker, Blaze), whose first task upon arrival is checking into his subterranean hotel, rolling up his sleeves and indulging his heroin addiction. Later, he'll be told that he looks more like a drug dealer than a police officer — but, long before then, it's obvious that his line of work and the sorrows he surveys along the way have kept him hovering in a void. While he'll also unburden a few biographical details about mistakes made and regrets held before the film comes to an end, such as while talking to the missing Charlotte Hayes' brother Charlie (Rob Collins, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson) and sister Emma (Natasha Wanganeen, The Survival of Kindness), this tattooed cop with wings inked onto his back is already in limbo before he's literally in Limbo talking. Read our full review. REALITY Sydney Sweeney is ready for her closeup. Playwright-turned-filmmaker Tina Satter obliges. A household name of late due to her exceptional work in both Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney has earned the camera's attention for over a decade; however, she's never been peered at with the unflinching intensity of Satter's debut feature Reality. For much of this short, sharp and stunning docudrama, the film's star lingers within the frame. Plenty of the movie's 83-minute running time devotes its focus to her face, staring intimately and scrutinising what it sees. Within Reality's stranger-than-fiction narrative, that imagery spies a US Air Force veteran and National Security Agency translator in her mid-twenties, on what she thought was an ordinary Saturday. It's June 3, 2017, with the picture's protagonist returning from buying groceries to find FBI agents awaiting at her rented Augusta, Georgia home, then accusing her of "the possible mishandling of classified information". Reality spots a woman facing grave charges, a suspect under interrogation and a whistleblower whose fate is already known to the world. It provides a thriller of a procedural with agents, questions, allegations and arrests; an informer saga that cuts to the heart of 21st-century American politics, and its specific chaos since 2016; and an impossible-to-shake tragedy about how authority savagely responds to being held to account. Bringing her stage production Is This a Room: Reality Winner Verbatim Transcription to the screen after it wowed off-Broadway and then Broadway, Satter dedicates Reality's bulk to that one day and those anxious minutes, unfurling in close to real time — but, pivotally, it kicks off three weeks earlier with its namesake at work while Fox News plays around her office. Why would someone leak to the media a restricted NSA report about Russian interference in getting Donald Trump elected? Before it recreates the words genuinely spoken between its eponymous figure and law enforcement, Reality sees the answer as well. Read our full review.
Sometimes you just need a little escape. You need cuddles, you need adventure, you need wine. In those times, both Queenstown and Wanaka are perfect backdrops in which to drink and dine at world-class eateries, stay at some very cosy accommodation, have some adventure-filled antics and spend time with the person who makes you feel like thousands of years of romantic poets have. Queenstown is an all-embracing renaissance city with more on offer than any holiday or pocket can stand. Although it is known as a ski town it also offers every other kind of activity – from wine tours on bike to sky diving. Its eclectic streets are packed equally with Lacoste-clad preppy folk as well as dreadlocked backpackers. Over the hill, Wanaka is a more easy going, quirky alternative where you can go watch films in an old drive-in inspired cinema, hike in one of the most beautiful national parks and go horseback riding. Eat Inside its neat little 4 x 4 town centre, Queenstown packs a culinary punch. It would take a decent part of a season to eat one's way through it all in order to write about all of the noteworthy eateries. Nevertheless, we definitely picked up a few new favourites on our most recent trip. Should you want to break your steak glass ceiling – and have the best steak you will possibly ever try in your lifetime – you'll want to promptly book yourself a table at Jervois Steak House. There you will be served with juicy, tender steaks that could be cut with a butter knife, practically. Steaks range in price from $39 for a petite eye fillet to $140 for a beautifully marbled, well-massaged, grain-fed, Japanese Wagyu beef. Jervois Steak House's excellent steaks fall in line with its culinary mission to properly pay homage to and reintroduce customers to traditional English and New Zealand food – many menu items read like the kind of garden variety dishes you'd be able to construct out of a shop from a supermarket near you (onion rings, brocollini, creamed spinach, croquettes etc.). The difference is the absolute quality of the ingredients used by Jervois and the sheer passion infused into the meals which plucks the meals from banality and converts them into something completely fresh. For example, the Yorkshire pudding – which was originally invented to be a first course meal filled with thick, cheap gravy so that guests wouldn't eat too much of the more expensive second course – here becomes a beautiful, interactive DIY pie with bacon, beef and the finest of fillings. Other (more typically fancy) dishes, like the buttered crayfish are executed amazingly as well, and still with that same warmth and passion mentioned before (the crayfish tasted like a buttery embrace from an old friend). Jervois Steak House is basically the love child of high-end dining and a casual steak house. This idea permeates not just the menu but the entire setting. Waiters, for example, are trained in silver service but dress in butchers' aprons and sneakers. It's a dichotomy that works and one you should definitely experience first-hand. Another lovely restaurant to visit in Queenstown central is Madam Woo. Established by the Michelin-starred Josh Emmett, the sassy Malaysian-inspired lady is an approachable, charming local favourite. Looks-wise Ms Woo is a total keeper. She's fresh without being annoyingly trendy and incorporates her heritage without being stuffy and archaic. With meals designed to be shared, you're looking at getting about three to four dishes between the two of you. Highlights of the menu include the eggplant hawker roll, which is a heap of fresh mint, cucumber, shredded lettuce and eggplant piled into a taco-shaped pie (or for those with a more enlightened food vocabulary, a roti). The hawker roll manages to nail all sorts of cravings in each mouthful – spicy meets fresh meets salad meets the pie-esque roti. The honey and soy tossed squid is also quite a crowd pleaser, especially for those of the sweet tooth persuasion. Lastly, No5, which is situated below the incredible suites at The Spire, is a good, classy little cocktail bar to visit. Cocktail options range from the likes of the Absinthe Mansinthe – a traditional absinthe which was commissioned by Marlin Manson, to the Burning Man – a showmen's drink consisting of Woodford Reserve bourbon, grapefruit, burn sugar and smoke. The drinks menu is a niche, well-designed and unique mixture of cocktails, but should your regular favourite not be featured, the very capable and talented bartenders can easily make you an amazing custom cocktail from scratch. No5 is also a restaurant and does a pretty well-priced mezze which follows the Greek/Turkish custom of serving many small dishes simultaneously or in succession for the entire table. The mezze is priced at either $50 (dishes only), $60 (includes dessert) or $100 (includes three matching local wines). A little bit further out of town is my absolute favourite of the region, Arrowtown's Saffron. It is a well established fact that the best ideas are sketched out on napkins, which is exactly how Saffron started. The restaurant which specialises in beautiful, seasonal and local fare serves what can be best described as hunter's food with a quirky bowtie on. The incredibly well thought-out, intuitive, visionary meals that Saffron dish up reduced this reviewer into a primal gurgle on her visit (albeit a quiet one – it's a pretty upmarket place after all). It's hard to write about the restaurant even now without feeling my mouth salivating. The paua tortellini, for example, was just a creamy beautiful symphony of flavours while their tender lamb was soft enough to swallow after one chew. Another favourite was the goat's cheese sorbet with amaretto-soaked dates which was served as a dessert. Sweet, warm, cold, fresh, comforting – it was pure genius. Although we only tried a handful of meals, I would venture that every single meal on the menu would be able to make the culinary equivalent of those Greatest Hits albums we all had in the '90s. I do not throw around the word 'must-do' lightly, but this is definitely one. Oh, and be sure to drop in to the Blue Door next door after dinner for a drink inside a cosy, cavernous bar. Over the hill, Wanaka has been developing some great restaurants too. Kika, the newly opened younger sister to Francesca's Italian Kitchen, is a notable mention. Serving Italian shared meals such as tea-smoked duck salad and patata fritte the trendy eatery accommodates all appetite sizes. Stay In order to soak in the most impressive bathtub in town, a stay at The Spire is imperative. With a perfectly crafted, wide and deep bowl, the bath has a way of letting hours pass in a steamy sigh of relaxation. Open the bathroom shutters up to a glorious view of the Remarkables for an even higher level of perfection to your bathtub experience. There really is nothing like it. Afterwards, clad with a complimentary, fluffy bathtub and slippers sit back into the leather armchair with a cup of tea (whichever type you prefer from the wide selection) and a sense of satisfaction that won't leave you for the duration of your stay. In fact, the only downside to this level of comfort offered by The Spire is the fact that it makes it near impossible to leave the room to enjoy the rest of Queenstown's offerings and eateries. With a cosy fireplace lit and cloud-like bedsheets to sink into, bunkering up with the significant other and never leaving the room – not even for food (room service is available) – is an easy choice, but for those who wish to stretch their legs just a little bit without hitting Queenstown's sometimes biting cold, the downstairs No5 is always there as a halfway house. The Spire is an absolute accommodation favourite and definitely something special for the two of you to enjoy together – even if you have to save up for it. Nearby, Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel also offers an excellent, deep bowl of a bathtub which is almost swimmable. Although the Arrowtown House, as the self-explanatory name states, is in Arrowtown– which is about a 15-minute drive from Queenstown – it is incredibly close to Arrowtown's central district which offers its own little collection of unique eateries, making a night-time food-motivated hike to Queenstown redundant. Breakfast at Arrowtown House is another highlight: a three-course meal with homemade pastry dishes and seasonal produce from award-winning chef and co-owner Jeanette. A little bit further out of town, a stay at the historic vineyard Kinross Cottages is a beautiful escape where a raft of chatty ducks – Jemima, Crispy, Pancake and l'Orange – will welcome you upon arrival. The ducks have so much personality that they've become quite Instagram famous and co-manager Adam Ross has even been dubbed The Duckfather. The cottages are all self-serviced, with pictures of the original Kinross family who ran a trading post on the site in 1860s decorating the walls. Kinross still has an on-site general store, but nowadays it also houses a cellar door where you can sip on five of the nearby Gibbston Wines. For those wanting to see the vines where the local wines' grapes were grown from up close, bikes can be hired from Kinross in order to take on the 8.7km Gibbston River Ride (which forms part of Queenstown trail) nearby. A post-bike hot tub session near the duck pond finishes off the day perfectly. For those who'd like a little bit more of an intimate host-to-guest experience, a small bed and breakfast such as the Riverview Terrace in Wanaka is quite a nice option. Run by a local winemaker, James McElrea (who just recently started his own delicious label called Black Peak) and hospitality veteran, Nicky McElrea, guests at the Riverview are no sooner welcomed than small, delicious nibbles are placed within arms' reach and glasses of wine hug their hands. The private hot spa overlooking Albert Town and the nearby Mount Burke makes for a pretty little spot to relax in. Do While skiing or snowboarding is a stalwart winter activity in Queenstown and Wanaka, many snow virgins find their initiation a little bit unnerving – which is why The Remarkables (alongside Coronet Peak) have assembled a four-day beginners pack for a steal at $499. For those who fall in love with the snow, an upgrade to a season pass is just another $100 extra. The Remarkables ski field, which is the closest skiing turf to Queenstown (about half an hour's drive) is a laid-back ski field geared at intermediate and beginner snowboarders looking to have a good time.* *Ice bar included. Another good ski field to try out currently is Cardrona, a park and blue skiers' paradise and the the highest ski field in the area at 1670m - 1860m in altitude, making snow coverage guaranteed from season start to finish – even during this pretty hot winter the region's having. While the weather gods (in particular those in charge of the snow department) might still not be fully cooperating with the wishes of thousands of locals and snow carvers alike, there are also plenty of off-mountain activities to fill your calendar with. For one, Skyline Stargazing offers lovers an opportunity to give gazing into each others' eyes a miss in order to take in the skies above. Secondly, if you're going to go and fall in love (with all the trappings that come with it: fear, vulnerability, learning how to trust, excitement etc.), you might as well replicate those emotions and fall out of a plane as well. NZONE Skydive offers packages for the latter. With over 25 years of experience – which translates to up to 25,000 dives in experience for the most experienced tandem jumpers – you're in safe hands. They are New Zealand's first Tandem Skydiving operation too, after all. You've also got what is probably the best skydiving view in the country, which you can appreciate while hurtling at 200km/hour towards a little farm nestled between the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Skydiving is honestly one of the most surreal experiences a human can have and couples visiting Queenstown should definitely make some time in-between candlelit dinners and hot spas to try it out together. Thirdly, taking some time to go on foot through the Mount Aspiring National Park near Wanaka is well, erhum, inspiring. The DOC visitor centre in Wanaka can provide you with detailed maps, assurance and advice for which tracks to follow to find awe-inspiring beauty compliments of nature. The Rob Roy Glacier track would be my pick. For those who prefer to explore nature on hoof, Backcountry Saddle Expeditions offers a two-hour horse trek near Cardrona through high country farming plateaus and a historic gold mining valley. Another Wanaka favourite is a visit to the drive-in themed Cinema Paradiso, for a more relaxed night out. After all your adventuring together, a session at the well-known and very romantic Onsen Hot Pools in Arthurs Point near Queenstown rounds off any full-on trip nicely.
Tucked behind Gerard's Bistro is its super sleek and charismatic little brother, Gerard's Bar. The newly opened bar adds another feather to the cap for the Moubment Group as their collection of restaurants and bars — including Hatch & Co, Laruche and Lychee Lounge — grows. It's an interesting addition to the James Street precinct, managing to add something a little different to the existing bustling bar scene. Open seven nights a week, Gerard's Bar is a great little spot to wet your whistle no matter what day (or time) of the week. They boast an impressive drinks list featuring a range of wine, beer, spirits, sherry and, of course, cocktails. The Arakan, a blend of strawberry, mint, soda and Arak went down a treat. The obviously experienced staff gladly offered their two cents when it came to choosing a drink. What makes Gerard's Bar hold its own in the competitive area is its range of food. In the front is a charcuterie cabinet bursting with quality meats just waiting to be devoured. Their array of artisan meats such as prosciutto, house-made salami and pancetta go beautifully with a late-night drink. However, the team have been careful not to exclude their veggo customers and offer their own twist on bar snacks, including house-pickled vegetables. A standout were the sliders — the cheeseburger slider with beef, relish, tasty melted cheese, bacon and pickles was a definite pleaser. The bar itself has been well thought-out. Its outdoor dining area is protected by a magnificent poinciana tree and little pockets of seating areas. Inside, a long bar runs through the space and connects the bar to the kitchen, where staff could be seen preparing delicious treats. The contemporary finishes of polished concrete and modern stools all add to its overall ultra cool atmosphere.
For two days each May, most of Brisbane usually heads to Musgrave Park to pretend they're in the Mediterranean. This year, though, Paniyiri will be quite different from previous years. These are the times we live in at present, so the city's massive Greek festival is adjusting. In 2021, the fest is taking place at The Greek Club — and online. That means that there's a physical and a live-streamed component, all taking place on Saturday, May 22–Sunday, May 23. For those keen to take part in-person, expect food, drink, partying and more. There's a reason that more than two million people have gone along to Paniyiri over the past four decades, after all. In a lineup that includes both free and ticketed components, the usual array of Greek revelry will take over the venue, spanning cooking demonstrations, music, fashion parades and Hellenic dancers. Fancy an abundance of olives, feta and grilled octopus as well? A Greek taverna night will treat you to a three-course dinner, with Greek singers providing the soundtrack. Paniyiri's biggest 2021 drawcard just might be its honey puff pop-up, though — which'll be running from 12–4pm daily in the Greek Orthodox Church of St George car park. Arriving hungry is always recommended, and this year watching the livestream while you're eating is, too. Updated May 4.
Always on the lookout for your next photo op? Wanting a fun way to escape your reality? Make sure to have your cameras at the ready because Honey House is about to hit King George Square (and have Brisbane feeling a little topsy-turvy — in a good way). Courtesy of Honey Insurance, the bold building is here to help you up your know-how on protecting that home of yours with seven interactive rooms (think mirrored illusions, misplaced furniture in candy-bright hues and photo spots aplenty). Want to know the best part? The part-photo-studio-part-art-installation is completely free for everyone to enjoy. Once you're in, you'll have plenty of time to explore, play and get the perfect shot — check out the Honey Instagram for a sneak peek. Running from Monday, May 16 until Tuesday, May 24, this surreal experience is not one to miss. Reserve your tickets in advance, because it's sure to draw some serious crowds. Head to the website to reserve your spot. Top images: Scott Ehler
They've changed the home entertainment landscape and monopolise our couch time, but streaming platforms still like to keep everyone guessing. Surprise drops have become the latest trend, especially when it comes to blending movies and music — such as Beyonce's Homecoming documentary and The Lonely Island's Unauthorised Bash Brothers Experience on Netflix, and Donald Glover's Guava Island on Amazon Prime. And that's just this year. Announced this week and hitting your queue in mere days — on Thursday, June 27 — add Anima to the list. It too has a significant pedigree. Sharing the same name as Thom Yorke's third solo album, which'll drop on the same day, it's scored by the Radiohead frontman and directed by Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. Netflix is calling Anima "a short musical film" and a "mind-bending visual piece" which is "best played loud" — and considering it also stars Yorke, it's safe to consider it a 12-minute music video. In the just-released teaser, the film is dubbed a "one-reeler", which the clip then goes on to define as "a motion picture, especially a cartoon or comedy, of 10–12 minutes duration and contained on one reel of film; popular especially in the era of silent film". Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNYJ_BJJbzI This isn't Anderson's first Radiohead-linked collaboration, with his films There Will Be Blood, The Master, Inherent Vice and Phantom Thread all featuring scores composed by the band's lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood. He also helmed 2015 documentary Junjun, about the making of Greenwood's album of the same name, and directed Radiohead's 'Daydreaming', 'Present Tense' and 'The Numbers' videos. Yorke has also been working in film lately — on the score for last year's Luca Guadagnino's 2018 remake of Suspiria. Anima drops on Netflix on Thursday, June 27. Images: Netflix / Darius Khondji.
Are you a cat person or a dog person? Alongside whether or not you're a fan of pineapple on pizza, pet preference is one of humanity's great dividing factors. Some folks love the unconditional affection that a barking bestie brings. Others thrive on the contented purrs of a meowing mouser sitting on their lap. Whichever camp you fall into, here's something that even the most-avid pup proponents and feline fanciers can agree on: that an exhibition dedicated to both cats and dogs, charting their place in art, design and human history, is a delightful must-see. Cats & Dogs is that showcase, giving NGV Australia in Melbourne's Federation Square one of its big summer highlights. It's a great time to be an art lover in the Victorian capital, or visiting the city, with all things Yayoi Kusama taking over NGV International and beyond — and also this thoughtful and adorable exhibition bringing joy via more than 250 cat- and dog-focused works at the Ian Potter Centre until Sunday, July 20, 2025. If your camera roll demonstrates your firm belief that there's no such thing as too many pet pictures, consider this the wide-ranging display that understands, then illustrates that idea — literally — via art. Pieces by Rembrandt van Rijn, Francisco de Goya, Pierre Bonnard, David Hockney, Jeff Koons, Hulda Guzmán, Atong Atem, Charles Blackman, Grace Cossington Smith and Nora Heysen are among the works featured, spanning both international and Australian artists. And yes, because cats and dogs don't always get along, the exhibition places dog pieces on one side and cats on the other. For plenty of pet lovers, you could hang all the pictures in the world of cats and dogs in a gallery and it'd instantly become a cherished art experience, but NGV International has arranged its showcase thematically to dig into what these two types of cute creatures mean to us. Using works from the NGV Collection, it explores subjects such as working dogs and cats, how the two pets feature in mythology and the occult, and their significance in religion and spirituality. So, expect cattle dogs, superstition-inspiring black cats and everything in-between, Also included in a display that ranges from ancient history to today: a survey of cats in popular culture. And if thinking about moggies and art gets you thinking about Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen's 1896 Chat Noir art nouveau poster, the recent acquisition by the NGV is part of the exhibition. Paintings of cats and dogs, prints of cats and dogs, drawings of cats and dogs, photos of cats and dogs, sculptures of cats and dogs, fashion featuring cats and dogs: they're all covered, as are textiles and decorative arts heroing the two critters. Other specific highlights include Atomicus, the surrealist photography by Philippe Halsman with Salvador Dalí pictured next to flying cats; Thomas Gainsborough's two-metre-high oil painting Richard St George Mansergh-St George, focusing on a soldier and his hound; Atong Atem's 2022 self-portrait Maria of Mars, complete with a lapdog earning atttention; pieces by First Nations artists, such as wooden carvings of camp dogs by Far North Queensland's Aurukun artists; and fashion by Alexander McQueen, Romance Was Born and others. Do you know in your bones that your own cat or dog belongs in the same company? There's a pet portrait gallery, too, where attendees can share images of their own pets. "People have shared domestic life with cats and dogs for thousands of years. Through more than 250 works from the NGV Collection, this exhibition explores our close-knit relationships with these animals with both critical rigour and a sense of humour. Whether a self-proclaimed dog person or cat lover, there is something for visitors of all inclinations to appreciate and enjoy," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. Cats & Dogs displays at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne, until Sunday, July 20, 2025. Head to the venue's website for tickets and more details. Images: Installation view of Cats & Dogs at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 1 November 2024 to 20 July 2025. Photos: Eugene Hyland and Tom Ross.
Once the weather gets warmer, things get weirder at Brisbane Powerhouse. It's all in the name of art, comedy, theatre, circus, music, burlesque and other kinds of creative, performative fun, of course. In fact, it's all in the name of turning the iconic venue into Wonderland. Not just a wonderland, the Wonderland — the Powerhouse's annual end-of-year shindig, which runs from November 24 to December 11. If you look hard enough, you might just spy a white rabbit, a mad hatter and a girl called Alice. And, even if you don't, you'll find 31 shows in 14 days, which is more than enough to make you look on in wonder. Here's our top ten events to put in your diary.
If you've ever felt a little hungover or lazy in the last few years, you'll know exactly how incredible online ordering systems likeDelivery Hero are. Shopping online for pizza is a thing of beauty, and the fact that it can come straight to your door, already paid for with minimum human contact is a marvel of modern technology. But now they've gone one step further: Delivery Hero are introducing the same service for your pets. Currently only available in Sydney, Doggy Bag is an extenuation of the service you know and love that offers a range of "gourmet takeaway meals for pets". No, your dog won't be subjected to the greasy Pad Thai and pepperoni pizza you were planning on gorging on. These dishes will be made to sufficient nutrition standards with minimum seasoning — your loving pet really shouldn't be punished for how lazy you are. Ranging from $5-9, Doggy Bags are currently available from 10 Sydney restaurants including Erskineville Turkish Pide & Kebabs, Micky's Cafe in Paddington and Millennium Pizzeria in Darlington. The menu options will include penne in a meat sauce with chicken, zucchini, carrots and pumpkin; and boiled chicken fillet with tumeric and garden vegetables. "Everyone we approached was very excited to develop meals for pets," said Delivery Hero marketing executive Guillaume Papillion. "The restaurants were all briefed with what ingredients they should and should not use. Onions, for instance, are toxic to dogs." The owner of Taste of India in Double Bay even consulted a vet on whether dogs could eat tumeric (they can). Though it's only been available for a few days, the service looks promising. Delivery Hero claim they already have plans to expand the reach of Doggy Bags across Sydney and the rest of the country. So, look out: there's a good chance your pets will be eating better than you in the coming months. Via Good Food.
Brisbanites, your winter plans can now include dancing to underground electronic tunes beneath a bridge and celebrating First Nations women in music, alongside hopping around town to see as many other gigs as you can. When the coldest season of the year arrives in the River City, so does midyear music series Open Season. For 2025, it kicked off on Sunday, May 25 and has shows on its lineup until the end of July — but it just got bigger. When this event unveiled its first program details for this year, that was just the beginning. Now, South System joined the roster — which is where that DJ-soundtracked openair party comes in. Free to attend and taking place under the bridge in Fish Lane, it'll see Moktar hit the decks, plus Fukhed, C.Frim, Claire O'Brien and Nikitasilly. Blak Day Out's return was already locked in, with the First Nations fest-within-the-fest taking over The Princess Theatre and forming part of QPAC's Clancestry. Also known before now: that Christine Anu is joining the party, alongside Thelma Plum and Miss Kaninna. Open Season has just confirmed that Blak Day Out's 2025 lineup is an all-female affair, however, with Stiff Gins, GLVES, Dameeeela and Kritty joining in. Elsewhere between now and the end of July, Kita Alexander and The Dreggs are both now doing headline shows as part of Open Season. Skegss has added a second gig, while Juno Mamba, Montetna, Lunar Dirt, Asha Jefferies and Platonic Sex are among the acts that are now part of the bill as supports at various shows. [caption id="attachment_1006558" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Star[/caption] First launched in 2020, this Brisbane festival is all about getting everyone out and about enjoying the Queensland capital's live music scene, and celebrates its fifth birthday in 2025. Not only is it playing The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre, the venues behind the series from the outset — and Winn Lane, where it expanded to in 2024 — but it is making the Queensland Performing Arts Centre one of its homes. Open Season's lineup also spans Iceland's Kiasmos, the Afro Cuban sounds of Ezra Collective, Grammy-nominee Kamasi Washington, Soccer Mommy, Killing Heidi playing their debut album Reflector to celebrate its 25th anniversary, DIIV touring on the back of their latest record Frog in Boiling Water and Cloud Control reuniting for the first time in over ten years. Or, you can catch Jessica Pratt, Mount Kimbie, Surprise Chef, MonoNeon, The Preatures, Skegss, Maxwell Byrne (aka Golden Vessel), Sahara Beck, Pruient, SHOUSE and The Gin Club, plus Handsome and Emma Volard at Quivr's Quiet on Set program. Open Season 2025 Lineup 1tbsp Accomplice Collective Blak Day Out featuring Christine Anu, Thelma Plum, Miss Kaninna, Stiff Gins, GLVES, dameeeela and Kritty Cloud Control DIIV Emma Volard Ezra Collective Handsome Jessica Pratt Kamasi Washington Kiasmos Killing Heidi Kita Alexander MonoNeon Mount Kimbie Pale Jay Purient Ravyn Lenae Sahara Beck Shouse Sigur Rós with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra Skegss Soccer Mommy South System at Fish Lane featuring Moktar, Fukhed, C.FRIM, Claire O'Brien &and Nikitasilly Surprise Chef The Dreggs The Gin Club The Preatures Open Season 2025 runs from May–July. For further details, head to the event's website. Open Season images: Chris Love, Darcy Goss, Kelsey Doyle and Lachlan Douglas.
No one likes Mondays. Tuesdays are hardly anyone's favourite day either. But while you can't escape the fact that the weekend is over, you can start off your working week with a few slurps of cheap ramen. Every Monday and Tuesday between 5–6pm, Hai Hai serves up its number one dish for $10 a pop. And, here's a tip: when you're staring at a brothy bowl filled with noodles, char siu, bean sprouts, eggs and more, the fact that you're still days and days away from a break doesn't seem so bad. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available for the same price. Don't feel like slurping? Hai Hai also does mazemen — no-broth ramen — for $10 a serve on Mondays and Tuesdays as well. Unsurprisingly, there are a few conditions — including the fact that you absolutely must be seated by 6pm. There's also no waiting list for a table, and you can't hold tables either. In other words, getting there early is recommended. Images: Hai Hai Ramen.
Most days of the year, there ain't no party like a Brightside party, and that proves true on Halloween as well. They're not calling their latest shindig the Frightside Horrorfest without good reason, after all. Demonstrating the enthusiastic flair regulars know and love, the Brighty folks will be transforming the entire venue into a haunted heaven (or hell, if you prefer), the carpark included. Indulging in the scarier side of things while dancing around on the concrete usually populated by automobiles might not sound like something exciting, but it should — more room equals an increased capacity for more revellers. That extra space will be filled to the brim, of course, with burlesque performers and go-go girls dancing up a storm, plus Kissperience and Demolition Lovers offering up creepy covers. Even the food is on theme, with the Lucky Egg kitchen adding special Halloween items — such as an all-black burger — to their menu for the evening.
Men's grooming has quietly grown into a dedicated, if niche, market, with specialty stores like NOAH Barber and Pickings and Parry leading the way. Launched online in November, Societe Men has arrived on the scene with ambitious plans. Taking cues from beauty empires like Mecca and Sephora, the new kid on the block wants to become a playground for men's grooming essentials. "Men have lacked a space that actually feels considered," said Societe Men founder Max Donne. "We took inspiration from the world's leading female beauty retailers — the theatre, the service, the curation — and asked why men didn't have the same experience." While brick-and-mortar is still in the works, the online edit already spans 22 labels from around the world, including two hitting Australian shores for the first time exclusively through Societe Men. One of them is Bravo Sierra, a New York-based body care line known for its military-tested formulas, and the other is Micky Day, a Kiwi hair care brand built on natural ingredients and local craftsmanship. The thoughtful curation mixes everyday essentials and standout finds. Find local heroes such as Patricks and Barberian on the shelves, or treat yourself (or someone else) to little luxuries like aerospace-grade Henson razors, Marvis toothpastes and combs from Kent Brushes. You can shop the Societe Men's range on the website now. If you're in the mood for a shopping spree, check out the best independent boutiques in Melbourne in 2025. Images: supplied.
The simplicity of the unpopulated, the pristine beauty of nature. This forms the basis of both artistic inspiration and personal reflections that are the subject of Justin Lee Williams’ latest collection, “Night Mountain I Miss You”. Justin spent recent years living in the isolated mountainous Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. This is a collection of works that celebrates and reflects upon the most memorable characteristics of the mountains—from its people, folklore and ways of life—while also grieves for the losses of the lifestyle and identity that was formed, which so greatly differs from his new city-centre surrounds. Presented by Mild Manners, the exhibition is comprised of painting and sculpture works, and is sure to be a welcome combination of the generally familiar and of personal seclusion. watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6utk0czsb0I#at=136
Whether you're an early riser, work crazy hours or just happen to need a place to go for breakfast at 6am on Friday, it is always a good idea to have some early-opening cafes in your repertoire. All cafes on this list are open before 7am on weekdays, serve hot food and have ample seating. Enjoy! Stomp espresso Stomp espresso is open from 5.30am on weekdays, for which they deserve a pat on the back. Add another one for their excellent coffee. 109 Holland Road, Holland Park Java Coast Cafe Make the most of the inner city oasis that is Java Coast Cafe by enjoying your coffee in the privacy of their shady courtyard. 340 George Street, Brisbane Double Shot espresso Early birds may be lucky enough to beat the breakfast rush at Double Shot espresso. Late risers are looked after too, with the all-day breakfast. 125 Oxlade Drive, New Farm Brother Espresso At Brother Espresso on sunny tree-lined Riding Road, the food is to be grabbed and gulped but the coffee is to be savoured. 358 Riding Road, Bulimba Esher St Cafe and Deli Esher St Cafe and Deli has it all — an Italian-inspired menu with all-day breakfasts, locally roasted coffee, deli goods, gifts and trinkets, as well as hampers. 46 Esher Street, Tarragindi Hansel & Gretel espresso and Breakfast Bar Follow the trail of happy and satiated customers to Hansel & Gretel, where your food choices are endless. Corner Samford Road and Pickering Street, Gaythorne Foxy Bean Southside breakfast favourite, Foxy Bean, has been causing a stir in Woolloongabba for the past three years and has become somewhat of a go-to for guaranteed good food, good service and good vibes. 896 Stanley Street East, Woolloongabba Jacu espresso All-day breakfasts, cold press coffees and an ever changing lineup of blends make Jacu espresso an easy choice for Norman Park locals. 172 Bennetts Road, Norman Park Little Corner Cafe This Wooloowin favourite is known for its sunny setup and friendly service, and for the espresso smoothie with honey and yoghurt. 86 Dickson Street, Wooloowin Strauss Strauss has generated some serious buzz among caffeine lovers since its inception. You’ll find this cosy nook in a little laneway on Elizabeth Street. 189 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane Moose & Gibson Around the corner from everyone’s favourite antique precinct, Woolloongabba's Moose & Gibson welcomes breakfasters with simple, tasty fare. 77 Jurgens Street, Woolloongabba Tall Short Espresso Once in the form of a roaming red Kombi, Tall Short Espresso now comes with a place for customers to sit when they sip their coffee and nibble on a bagel. Shop3, 244 Given Terrace, Paddington Pourboy espresso Much loved amongst city workers, Pourboy espresso has really honed the craft of coffee and breakfast. However you like yours, the folks at Pourboy, under head barista Sebastian Butler-White, have the brew for you. 26 Wharf Street, Brisbane Samson & Sophie There are some very tasty-sounding breakfast dishes here. Case in point: the slow-cooked ham hock and beans in a rich tomato blend with two poached eggs and organic sourdough. Shop 1, 2 Macquarie Street, Newstead Slinky Espresso Come here for a welcoming atmosphere and well-priced, tasty food. 3/190 Fairfield Road, Fairfield First Pour First Pour Brisbane at Veneziano Coffee Roasters in West End has some tasty-looking breakfast treats which are not to be ignored. That said, you come here for the coffee. 369 Montague Road, West End Blackbird Espresso Despite the minimal kitchen setup at this Coorparoo cafe, they offer a few hot breakfast items, including savoury mince and cheddar cheese jaffles and pancakes with bacon, ice-cream and maple syrup. 1/4 Newman Avenue, Camp Hill Atticus Finch Bring along your pet to this new Paddington haunt. Get a serious cup of coffee or perhaps some toast with satay chilli paste, tamarind and coriander. 83 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington Cafe O-Mai The Vietnamese and Vietnamese-inspired dishes here are a breath of fresh air to jaded (or perhaps just spoilt) Brisbane breakfast enthusiasts. The baby pho (starting at $7) is the ideal morning meal: warm, restorative and laden with wholesome ingredients and starchy carbohydrates. 15 Cracknell Road, Annerley Dot Espresso On your way to or through the Southbank Parklands? Head to Dot Espresso for a cup of joe and enjoy the view of the sheep. Little Stanley Plaza, South Brisbane
If Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar get teamed up again on-screen after Drop, don't be surprised. In a film set in a swanky sky-high Chicago restaurant, the two make a dream first-date pair. The importance of that shrewd casting move shouldn't be underestimated, because this thriller relies on its stars perfecting a number of complex tasks that are crucial to the feature's vibe. Viewers should feel the sparks between them, even when things get awkward. They need to want to like them as a couple, too. A layer of suspicion also has to float over Sklenar's Henry — but when Fahy's Violet is told by anonymous airdrops to kill him or there'll be grave consequences, no one should hope for that to happen. Directed by the Happy Death Day franchise and Freaky's Christopher Landon, Drop turns the initial in-person encounter been two people who've been connecting online into a fight for survival, and a puzzle. Inspired by IRL unrecognised messages coming producer Cameron Fuller (The Astronaut) and executive producer Sam Lerner's (The Goldbergs) ways on a holiday, the flick boasts a "what would you do?" scenario as well. In actuality, no one was told to get homicidal, of course, but that's what awaits Violet in a largely one-setting mystery where almost everybody is a suspect, tech surveillance and safety are also in focus, and the relatable fears that bubble up about the difference between how we present ourselves online and reality also drive the narrative. Landon's aim: to make a film with a modern Hitchcock feel that also takes inspiration from 90s thrillers, both things that audiences don't see every day in cinemas of late. That mix, that mission, that mood that Landon was looking for — and achieves — stood out to both The Bold Type, The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple's Fahy and 1923 and It Ends with Us' Sklenar. "It had a very clear point of view, which is part of what I found so attractive about the idea of it. I think it really knew what it wanted to do and knew what it was," Fahy tells Concrete Playground. Adds Sklenar: "it's a decisive film". Drop's villain is equally resolute: if Violet doesn't do what she's told or informs anyone about the instructions that she's being sent, this nightmare will impact her young son (debutant Jacob Robinson) and sister (Violett Beane, Death and Other Details). She can see on her home security cameras that someone has already broken into her house while she's out, waiting to harm her loved ones, all as she's attempting to be charismatic with Henry and uncover who is behind her hellish ordeal. Landon is purposeful himself, especially about plunging viewers into an immersive setup. The same applied with his cast and crew: to help those on the filmmaking journey with him, the production built a fully functioning restaurant to shoot in, right down to a real chef creating the menu. [caption id="attachment_1000353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages.[/caption] Do real-life awkward date moments — including the highly relatable type when unease simmers, even if just to you, because small things have gone wrong but they feel huge inside your head — assist when that's what you're enlisted to navigate? "We've all had those kinds of experiences," Fahy advises. "Definitely," chimes in Sklenar, noting that he "can't do mouth noises". The duo riff about it. "Like chewing and stuff," says Fahy. "That would be a thing for me," stresses Sklenar. "Makes you twitch. I get that. Noted," responds Fahy again. As the two bounce back and forth while speaking with us, they're in the same bantering mode that Violent and Henry are early in the movie, and charmingly, before the picture's date is saddled with life-and-death stakes. Drop places Fahy in another twisty mystery, as The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple both have in the last few years. With survivors of abuse also factoring into the storyline, as was the case in It Ends with Us, Sklenar is similarly in familiar territory. Symmetry also echoes in the two talents' paths to here, after starting out as actors at around the same time — onstage in the late 00s for Fahy, and in 2011 film Cornered for Sklenar — then working their way through the likes of One Life to Live, Political Animals, Miss Sloane, Mapplethorpe, Vice and Emily the Criminal between them to their recent respective TV successes. Amid jokes from the pair about their parallels, plus also potential other genres that Drop could've taken its thriller-slash-relationship drama into, we chatted with Fahy and Sklenar about the latest standout addition to their resumes. How pivotal it was for the movie to be as invested in the date as in the unnerving airdrops, shooting in the film's very own restaurant, Violet's survival story, approaching the picture as a long play: they all came up as well. On How Crucial It Is That the Film Is Invested in the Date, and in the Relationship at Its Centre, as Much as Its Horror-Thriller Setup Brandon: "It was important." Meghann: "I think it's part of what totally is so fun about the movie, because it has a romantic component to it, it is sort of a date movie, but it is also kind of a thriller. You get both. It's very much a hybrid." Brandon: "There was a sci-fi element early on, but we took that out — we just thought it was too genre-bending." Meghann: "But I think ultimately the story is about this relationship, and these two people who really are connecting in a way that is important and new for both of them. And it would be a great date if she didn't have to kill him." Brandon: "Yeah, it would be." Meghann: "It would be great." Brandon: "And in the end, it ends up being a good thing, I think. I think that it's not all bad." Meghann: "Nope." On Shooting in a Fully Functioning Restaurant That Was Created Just for the Film, Right Down to a Real Chef Whipping Up the Menu Meghann: "It was hugely helpful. I mean, you're in the environment, and it's so real that there's not even a big weird movie light in your face. It's just the lighting on the table and in the ceiling, so you really genuinely walk onto that set and you think 'I'm in a restaurant right now'. Which is incredible. It was very realistic." Brandon: "Yeah, it was." On Fahy's Task Digging Into Violet's Survival Story, and What It Takes to for Her to Keep Enduring Meghann: "I think that the way that we meet Violet is so violent and disturbing, and it has so much to do with her journey as a woman after that — and how she interacts with him, and why she's so nervous to go on the date in the first place. And so it's hugely informative, and was something that Chris and I talked about a lot, because it was so important that we honour her journey into moving on and having a healthy relationship — and being happy and feeling brave, and getting outside of herself and trusting herself. And I think that's what feels so good about this film, is the audience really gets to see her kind of become her own superhero. And it's just so wonderful to see that happen." On How Sklenar Approached Portraying Someone That Viewers Have to Remain on Edge with and Suspicious of, But Also Still Want to Like Brandon: "I think that there's a small degree of being aware of the plot and where it's moving, and trying to mislead the audience consciously in a certain way — and how you look at somebody or how you speak a line, or maybe a moment that you do that isn't scripted necessarily to misdirect the audience. And other than that, I think that it's on the page, mostly. And then, in just finding a rhythm with Meghann, and doing these scenes — it's essentially one giant scene, because it's in real time as soon as we get to the restaurant. So it's one 70-something-page scene." Meghann: "Yeah." Brandon: "And I prepared it like that. I memorised it like a play. And then you just show up and do it, and it just requires a great deal of presence and being present, as it is really like an acting exercise. And just being as present as you possibly can be." Meghann: "I don't think he gives himself enough credit for how interesting he made that character and how many tiny, nuanced things he layered into Henry, but it was really impressive." On Whether Fahy's Run of Twisty Mysteries, Including The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple, Is an Active Choice or How Great Parts Have Come Her Way Meghann: "I guess it's a little bit of both, to be honest with you. It is a genre that I really enjoy myself when I'm watching stuff, and it's super fun to make. So yeah, I think it's kind of — it was never consciously something I was chasing. I think it's just how things worked out. But yeah, there's definitely a mixture of both of those things for sure." On Fahy and Sklenar's Similar Journeys to Drop, After Starting Acting Around the Same Time and Enjoying Recent Small-Screen Successes (Including in 1923 for Sklenar) Brandon: "I guess we kind of do have paralleled situations. Same age. Kind of hitting it at the same time." Meghann: "Same hair." Brandon: "Same hair? Yeah, both Irish. I think that it's cool. I mean, I wouldn't have it any other way." Meghann:"Yeah, me either." Brandon: "I think there's something, there's a certain appreciation you have for the journey when you're not, I think, in your early 20s and you reach a certain level of success, and you've sort of worked at it for a really long time and tried to improve yourself personally along the way — because I'm a firm believer that the external is just a reflection of the internal. And neither of us would be sitting here at this table had we not grown as human beings outside of this crazy thing we decided to do with our lives. So that's imperative. And I think they're one and the same, and it's just a testament to keeping at it." [caption id="attachment_1000366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex J. Berliner/ABImages[/caption] Meghann: "Yeah, taking it as it comes." Brandon: "And trying to do the best you can." Meghann: "Yeah, day by day. 100 percent. I completely agree." Drop opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
When it comes to new places to watch films on the big screen, the past few years have been kind to Brisbane movie buffs. The city has welcomed cinemas in New Farm, Elizabeth Street in the CBD, Red Hill, Coorparoo and Newmarket — and now, to the delight of western suburbs residents, it's Jindalee's turn. If you don't live on that side of town or you haven't in the past, you mightn't realise how much of a big deal this opening is. For decades, film lovers in the area have needed to trek to either Indooroopilly or Graceville to get their movie fix — which isn't too far, but it also isn't the same as having a cinema just a stone's throw away. Cinema chain Readings is running the venue, which forms part of the revamped DFO Jindalee complex and will open on Boxing Day (giving cinephiles a nice post-Christmas gift). It'll feature six shiny big screens, including Brisbane's second Titan Luxe cinema — which boasts a huge screen, 4K digital projection and Dolby Atmos sound. If you've seen a movie in Newmarket's version, you'll know it's a mighty fine place to watch a film. All six of Jindalee's auditoriums will also feature fully reclining seats, so you can put your feet up no matter what you're seeing. And, because it wouldn't be a cinema without them, food and drinks are definitely on the menu. As for what you can see when the site's projectors start whirring, you'll have a choice from Wonder Woman 1984, The Croods: A New Age, The Witches and Superintelligence — with regular tickets starting at $10 as an opening special, and Titan Luxe sessions costing $12. Find Reading Jindalee at DFO Jindalee, 16 Amazons Place, Jindalee, from December 26. Head to the cinema's website or Facebook page for further details.
We’ve all been to the Elephant Hotel before, either for an after work drink on Friday, a Saturday night rager or a simple Sunday session, most pub aficionado’s have stepped through the doors of this gi-normous establishment. Whether you were impressed or not, the tewam behind the Elephant Hotel have been far from complacent when it comes to making this bar top-notch, and now they’ve gone all out with a serious makeover and attitude adjustment. Flaunting an open style layout, new architecture and hip art displays, the Elephant Hotel might just be the next big bar in Brisbane. To kick things off with a bang, the Elephant is hosting a kick-ass launch party with live music from Velociraptor, delicious delights from the outdoor kitchen, and like any good pub, tonnes of drink to satisfy your thirst. Give it a shot and see if the new look woo’s you.
Whether you're self-isolating or social-distancing, we bet your couch has seen more of you in the past week than it has all year long. And if you've been looking for some motivation to (temporarily) pause powering through your chocolate reserves and flipping between Netflix and COVID-19 news, here it is: free fun workouts. While you can't get to the gym or go to your bootcamp, you can work up a sweat at home without spending a dime — and without running 66 kilometres in laps around your apartment like this guy. Here are some actually fun (and free) ways to work out at home. NIKE TRAINING CLUB If you want to get fit like the pros, the Nike Training Club is the way to do it. The app offers over 190 free workouts focused on strength training, cardio, endurance and even yoga and mobility. These workouts have been designed by the Nike Master Trainers, who offer video guidance via the app. Workouts are designed for all fitness levels and heaps are body weight-only, so you don't need at-home equipment, either. The more workouts you complete, the more customised the app becomes, and it even offers daily recommendations for regular users. Basically, it's created to make you feel like you have a personal trainer in your living room. Download the free Nike Training Club app for iOS or Android. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--jhKVdZOJM YOGA WITH ADRIENE Yoga trainer Adriene Mishler must be doing something right — she has over 6.55 million subscribers to her YouTube channel. Her chilled-out and calming disposition make her one of the best online yogis out there. And she has a lot of videos up, with more to come, too — so you you won't run out of workouts anytime soon. Her classes are also much more specialised than your average hatha, with videos themed around yoga for almost anything and anyone. Yoga for hangovers. Yoga for writers. Yoga for chefs. For runners, self-love, cramps, couch potatoes and lower back pain — which may be particularly important in this work-from-home culture. Mishler also offers a 30-day class flow, which you can follow along with daily. Oh, and you'll also get to work out with her dog, Benjamin the blue heeler. Check out all of Yoga with Adriene's videos on her YouTube channel. SMILING MIND Odds are, you aren't just going stir crazy physically, but mentally, too. It's important now more than ever to check in with yourself, watch your stress levels and look after your mental health. One of the ways to do this from home is through guided meditation. While there are heaps of meditation and mindfulness apps out there, Smiling Mind is absolutely free. So, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a meditation guru without the monthly subscription fee — and without leaving the house. The app only suggests ten minute a day, so it isn't a huge commitment, either. Its offering is broken down into age groups, too, and even offers meditation for kids and teenagers. Download the free Smiling Mind app for iOS or Android. 30-DAY SQUAT CHALLENGE When you're staring down the barrel of a few weeks (or more) at home, it can be good to have a daily exercise goal to keep you sane. This 30-Day Squat Challenge app offers just that. The month-long workout plan focuses on — you guessed it — squats, but there isn't just one way to do this move, either. The app focuses on a whopping 13 squat variations used across six different workouts. The intensity of the workout increases by the day, so that on day 30 you'll be a squat master — and have the booty to show for it. Download the free 30 Day Squat Challenge app for iOS or Android. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofddKYnkxTQ&t=5s THE FITNESS MARSHALL For a fun workout at home (that'll have you smiling if not sweating), it's time to start following fitness teacher Caleb Marshall. His YouTube channel already has 2.3 million subscribers, and for good reason — his workouts are actually fun. They're more dance classes than workouts, and you'll be grooving along to pop songs. Think Work by Rhianna, Truth Hurts by Lizzo and Womanizer by Britney Spears. Marshall's dance moves are for novices, not the pros — so anyone really can join in. And most of his videos are only the length of one song (three–four minutes long), so you can even dance along as part of a quick five-minute break. Check out all of The Fitness Marshall's videos on his YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukDLb3rAmTY JANE FONDA ON BEFIT If you haven't watched the famous 1982 VHS Jane Fonda's Workout, you've definitely heard of it. Selling over 17 million copies, the video workout accompanied Fonda's bestselling book of the same name. While you can't watch the OG VHS for free, you can watch a heap of Fonda's slightly-more-recent videos on the BeFit YouTube channel. These oldies-but-goodies are fun, easy and a bit of a laugh. Fonda offers a wide range of workouts, from cardio and fat burning to yoga energy booster and even a questionable dance class. So dust off your leg warmers and sweatbands and prepare for some indoor aerobics. Check out all of BeFit's Jane Fonda YouTube videos over here.
Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art boasts plenty of highlights, including its location right next to the Brisbane River. Art lovers can walk through the venue's halls, enjoy a snack at its waterside cafe and even relax on the grass while taking in the view — but they can't usually walk along a massive indoor riverbed. 'Usually' is the key word, with GOMA due to serve up just that during its huge 2019–20 summer program, Water. As part of an expansive exploration of the titular liquid substance in all of its forms between December 7, 2019 and April 26, 2020, the site will become home to Olafur Eliasson's Riverbed installation. Created by the Berlin-based, Danish-Icelandic artist, the huge piece will use more than 100 tonnes of rock to recreate an Icelandic stream inside the South Brisbane venue. The artwork has been described as both pre-historic or post-apocalyptic — and, to answer the question that immediately popped into your head, you can indeed walk on it. When Riverbed arrives in Brisbane, it'll be on display to the public for only the second time ever, following its debut at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Obviously, that means it'll be visiting the southern hemisphere for the first time as well. [caption id="attachment_725225" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cai Guo-Qiang. China, b. 1957. Heritage (installation view) 2013, Animals: polystyrene, gauze, resin and hide. Installed with artificial watering hole: water, sand, drip mechanism. Purchased 2013 with funds from the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation through and with the assistance of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © The artist. Photograph: Mark Sherwood, QAGOMA.[/caption] With more than 40 works by international and Australian artists included in the exhibition, Riverbed will have some serious company. Cai Guo-Qiang's installation Heritage will make its return to GOMA, with the piece inspired by Stradbroke Island, featuring more than 40 life-size animals drinking around a waterhole, and appearing at Water in a new arrangement. Queensland artist Judy Watson will also create a major new work with a local theme, not only drawing upon on the cultural memory of water, but reflecting upon the obvious nearby body — the adjacent Maiwar, or Brisbane river. And if you're fond of art that you can interact with and learning about the biggest threat facing humanity — and climbing — then keep an eye out for William Forsythe's The Fact of Matter, which is comprised of suspended gymnastic rings. As visitors make their way through the space, they're asked to contemplate the weight and strength of their body, the impact it has on the earth, and the power we can exert if we all come together to combat climate change. Expect topical pieces all round, with pondering the importance of water one of the exhibition's main aims. Overall, "the artworks featured in Water will make connections with many of the major environmental and social challenges faced by the world today," explains Queensland Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch. Water exhibits at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from December 7, 2019 to April 26, 2020. Images: Olafur Eliasson. Denmark, b.1967. Riverbed 2014 (detail). Site specific installation. Pictured: The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk, Denmark. Photograph: Iwan Baan. William Forsythe. America, b.1949. The Fact of Matter 2009. Site-specific installation comprising gym rings, fabric straps, gym mat and truss system. Dimensions variable. Pictured: Installation view, William Forsythe: Choreographic Objects, The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, 2018-19. Image courtesy the artist. Photograph: Liza Voll. © William Forsythe.
It happens all the time in movies and TV shows: someone stays in a swanky hotel in a gorgeously sunny locale, then spends their time lazing by the pool, swimming up to the bar for mid-splash sips and, when they're out of the water, walking straight down to the beach. It's now happening at the Gold Coast's newest addition, too, with The Langham opening its third Australian site in the Queensland getaway spot. Welcoming in holidaymakers since Thursday, June 23 — and making its home inside the Jewel towers between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach — The Langham Gold Coast joins the brand's existing Australian hotels in Sydney and Melbourne. It's also part of a worldwide portfolio that dates back to 1865 in London. But, as first revealed back in May, the new five-star venue's two big drawcards are all about the water, drinks, sand and surf: direct beachfront access, a rarity for new towering places to stay in the tourist destination; and a pool bar you can swim up to while still staring at that ocean view. Being able to mosey directly from the hotel to the beach — without having to cross any roads — is obviously as straightforward as it sounds. As for the pool bar, it's serving up light snacks, as well as champagne, rosé and spritzes. There are low-alcohol cocktails, too, to either sip in the water or on one of the 60 loungers around the edge. Also included among The Langham Gold Coast's range of food and beverage venues: Palm Court, a 74-seater that goes big on pastries and pool views, with signature cocktail service from 4pm. Here, you can tuck into an 11-option afternoon tea daily, or pair drinks with oysters, sesame-crusted fried salmon and camembert, truffle fries, and caviar with waffle-cut chips by night (the latter if you're feeling particularly decadent). Or, there's all-day dining spot Akoya, a casual eatery serving meat, fish and poultry over cocktails, as well as the requisite seaside vistas. For lunch, the menu switches between set options from Monday–Wednesday and a buffet from Thursday–Saturday, and also includes champagne brunches on Sundays. Seating 235 inside and out, it also goes heavy on seafood for dinner. For drinks and small bites, The Langham Gold Coast's lobby bar is your destination. On the beach, there's 26 & Sunny, too, which does fish and chip katsu sandos, Korean barbecue chicken burgers, halloumi fries, coffees, shakes and other casual fare. And, still in the works is Coral Moon, another openair bar that'll seat 50, and hero cocktails made with Asian spirits and Aussie herbs and botanicals grown onsite. Food-wise, it'll serve up crispy pork belly mantou, prawns with XO sauce and peking duck pancakes. Due to open in spring, T'ang Court will focus on Cantonese dishes — think: peking duck again, this time with Cantonese-style barbecued pork; crispy salty chicken; and baked seafood rice that's paired cream sauce and served in crab shell. It'll also give the hotel a sister venue to the brand's Michelin-starred restaurants overseas. As for actually slumbering between all that swimming, drinking and eating, the hotel has 17 different types of rooms and suites across its 339 places to stay. They're decked out in coastal hues, and with a huge emphasis on luxury. Gorgeous sea views are a big feature, but if you find yourself in a room on the other side of the building, you'll be peering out over the Gold Coast hinterland instead. Between zipping into the waves and knocking back beverages, guests will soon be able to hit up Chuan Spa, The Langham's wellness centre. There, traditional Chinese medicine will guide the treatment selection — and leaving you feeling blissed out is the number-one aim. A health club with a gym, plus yoga, pilates and meditation sessions are all part of the onsite offering as well, and — as the pool bar makes plain — places to swim besides the ocean. There's two pools, in fact, one indoors and the other outdoors. You'll need to be outside for those lagoon-style swim-up drinks, though. Find The Langham Gold Coast at 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise. For more information or to make a booking, head to the hotel's website.
As we enter holiday mode, it's time to celebrate with our nearest and dearest. But entertaining can be stressful — and we can't all be master cocktail makers. Luckily, Archie Rose has made it easy for us to enjoy a delicious cocktail without needing to do any heavy lifting, thanks to its range of limited-edition bottled cocktails that bring the bar to you. Whether you want a refreshing beverage on a hot summer's day or a classy nightcap to impress guests at your next dinner party, these pre-made cocktails are a sure thing. And even though the drinks are already taken care of, you can take your serve to the next level with our picks of easy (but effective) garnishes that will make anyone look like a master bartender. THE MOOD: Bright and summery THE SERVE: Salted Mango Spritz with sparkling wine and dehydrated mango For something bright and fresh, grab a bottle of the limited-release Salted Mango Spritz. This cocktail is summer in a bottle, and features Archie Rose Native Botanical vodka, tropical mango, salted caramel and chamomile. This salty sweet beverage is impressive enough when served straight from the fridge neat. However, you can really up your game with a couple of additions. Balance out the sweetness — and add a bit of sparkle — by topping up your glass with a splash of champagne or sparkling wine. Finally, add a slice of dehydrated mango as a garnish for an extra special touch. THE MOOD: Cool and refreshing THE SERVE: Cucumber Collins with elderflower tonic and a ribbon of cucumber If you're after something refreshing and aromatic to enjoy poolside, the Cucumber Collins is a perfect addition to any summer's day. It features juniper notes from Archie Rose's Bone Dry Gin, as well as accents of cucumber and jasmine. This cocktail will impress any guest for your end-of-year entertaining, especially with a couple of simple tweaks. Sure, you could serve it neat, but we recommend you jazz it up with soda or tonic water — try Fever-Tree elderflower for an extra hint of sweetness. Finally, add a cucumber ribbon (simply by taking a peeler to a cucumber) to enhance the flavours in the serve. THE MOOD: Smooth and sexy THE SERVE: Red Centre Negroni with pink grapefruit tonic There's nothing like a negroni on the rocks to kick-start an evening. This bottled version is from the Archie Rose Native Australian range celebrates local ingredients and adds a homegrown twist to the classic. This all-Australian negroni features gin with sweet vermouth by Victorian-based maker Maidenii, and Økar Island Bitter sourced from South Australia's Applewood Distillery. With notes of native riberry and strawberry gum, this cocktail is bursting with flavour. To take it to the next level, top with soda water, sparkling wine or Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit, a slice of orange, or a sprig of rosemary to compliment those native flavours. THE MOOD: A classy nightcap THE SERVE: Caperberry Martini garnished with a rosemary-speared olive For a classy nightcap to impress your guests, try a Caperberry Martini. This twist on the classic is crafted using Bone Dry Gin, Belsazar dry vermouth, sake and caperberry. Keep your bottle in the freezer and serve neat, or over ice if that's your thing. Or, you could enhance the subtle savoury flavours with a garnish to really bring the bar into your home. A classic Sicilian olive speared in a sprig of rosemary is a great addition for some fragrance. Or keep it simple with a whole-stemmed caperberry. If you really want to impress, then make a lemon twist with a knife or a peeler and wipe around the rim of the glass before serving to add an aroma of citrus. Discover Archie Rose's full range of pre-bottled cocktails at the website.
When Za Za Ta launched back in 2019, it brought Middle Eastern-style dishes and drinks to Fortitude Valley's Emporium precinct. Then, in 2020, it kept the same culinary focus while switching to an entirely plant-based menu. Now, the team behind the Ann Street spot has branched out — launching Tel Aviv-inspired cocktail bar Kazba in the same part of town. Kazba is serious about its boozy concoctions, with 27 different types leading a menu that also features a small range of wine and beer. With the watering hole forming part of Fortitude Valley's Ovolo hotel, as Za Za Ta does, the accomodation chain's Director of Food and Beverage Jared Thibault has overseen the lineup, which incorporates Middle Eastern-style cordials made in house from the region's produce, as well as creative garnish choices. Standout sips include a Turkish coffee martini ($21), which features spiced rum, caramelised yoghurt and chocolate cardamom bitters among its ingredients; a fig rum old fashioned ($25), complete with almond bitters and dehydrated fig; and a Tel Aviv sazerac ($21) made with an applewood smoke blend of arrack musar, za'atar rye, peychaud bitters, demerara, lemon zest. The venue's version of the Israeli Gazoz, called the Fizzy Bubbly ($17), comes in five different types — and if you'd like to try The Sun Also Rises ($34), which adapts the Hemingway daiquiri and is named after one of the author's novels, your drink will be poured from a flask hidden in a novel. To complement Kazba's cocktails, Executive Chef Roy Ner's street food-inspired vegetarian menu features fried sesame falafel with tahini and amba pickles ($14), hummus ($18), wood-fired flat bread ($6), and chilli haloumi savoury doughnuts ($16) paired with pomegranate and chilli jam. From 10pm, the late-night range also spans murtabak gozleme ($18), falafel wraps ($16), and arayes with kofta ($20). While eating and drinking, patrons will hear tunes from the venue's vinyl collection, including Afrobeat, funk, soul, disco, and Mediterranean and Arabic music. And, decor-wise, interior designers Luchetti Krelle have taken cues from the Victorian era, 1940s cocktail joints and traditional Queenslander architecture.
The summer festival season was marked by tragedy this past weekend, when a suspected mass-overdose event saw a fatality at techno festival Dreamstate and another six attendees hospitalised, with one in a critical condition at the time of writing. This follows a warning issued early last week about high-dose MDMA tablets in circulation in NSW that were detected to contain synthetic stimulants. While a police investigation into the event is still underway, NSW Health has confirmed its commitment to working with festival organisers to ensure the festival was as safe as possible. A spokesperson for the government organisation said, "A range of harm reduction initiatives are in place at festivals, including support and health promotion workers, health messaging, free chilled water, misting fans, chill-out spaces and well-equipped medical services," all of which are required by NSW law. However, the ABC confirmed that NSW's pill testing trial was not available at Dreamstate. [caption id="attachment_965220" align="aligncenter" width="1917"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] That pill-testing trial was a 12-month commitment that began in March of 2025, during which free, anonymous testing would be made available at up to 12 music festivals. As mentioned, Dreamstate was not on the list of participating festivals — however, Laneway Festival, which took place the day after, was the eleventh and most recent festival to take part. Run on the ground with staff from the harm-prevention organisation NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA), the program was not a commitment to a fixed testing site, but a case-by-case trial of mobile testing planned by NSW Health with the music festival industry and harm-reduction organisations. Because this is a case-by-case offering, not every major festival has participated in the trial. Discussing the tragedy at Dreamstate with the ABC, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham, said these events were a reminder that pill testing allows health warnings to reach the public before they come into contact with dangerous substances, adding that "We really want to get the word out about the dangers here." Across NSW's test program and national drug-testing services, there is an acknowledgment that illicit substances will always be present in the live music scene, and that festivals should prioritise patrons' safety through free, anonymous, on-site testing, free from prosecution. The program in NSW uses rapid testing technology, allowing patrons to present substances to testing staff, who will, in turn, provide information about what is present in the sample and its potency when applicable, and tailored advice on how to reduce risk if patrons still intend to consume the substance, or safe disposal methods if they decide not to. In 2024, a study published by Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, from Monash University's Department of Forensic Medicine, revealed that between 2000 and 2019, 64 drug-related fatalities occurred at Australian live music events. According to a 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household survey, 64 percent of Australians support drug checking services as a whole, not exclusive to festivals. So, what are state governments actually doing about it? Canberra led the charge, opening CanTest, the country's first fixed pill-testing site in 2022, with funding to operate until June 2027. Victoria opened its first permanent pill-testing facility in August 2025, alongside a mobile testing program that saw 65 percent of participants have their first-ever harm-reduction conversation. On the opposite side of the conversation, Queensland pulled funding for its two fixed testing sites in Brisbane and the Gold Coast last April, before banning pill testing outright in September. In the NT, the ABC reported in 2021 that 73 percent of surveyed festivalgoers supported pill testing, but no government actions have been taken to enact it. In Tasmania, the state government remains opposed to pill testing rollouts despite 65 percent of voters calling for the services to be made available. That negative sentiment is shared by state governments in South and Western Australia, who remain firmly opposed to pill testing. [caption id="attachment_965685" align="aligncenter" width="1917"] Jordan K Munns[/caption] Government sentiment aside, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation reports that in almost all cases, pill testing trials have led to less consumption of potentially dangerous drugs and greater awareness of the risks involved in drug use. Additionally, the ADF highlighted that public support for pill testing has steadily been rising across the nation in the last decade, so what's going to happen next in NSW? The NSW Government will seemingly still conclude the testing trial next month, following appearances at Yours and Owls, HTID, Field Day, Lost Paradise, EPIK, Hypersonic, Strawberry Fields, Knockout Outdoor, Hyperdome, Midnight Mafia and Laneway. But currently, the program home page does not outline where the trial will conclude, nor has the NSW government announced any intention to extend the trial or establish a fixed testing site from April 2026 onwards, leaving safety to the individuals for the foreseeable future. If you or anyone you know would like more information or harm-prevention support in NSW, the Alcohol and Drug Information Service provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs. Alternatively, PeerLine is a confidential peer-support service that offers support, referrals and individual advocacy, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
When it comes to food, nothing is as fun as eating it — but talking about it, learning more and discovering new skills comes mighty close. That's what's on the agenda at the Museum of Brisbane's Good Food Club, a weekly chat-focused session running alongside the venue's Tastes Like Sunshine exhibition. Whether the ins and outs of bee keeping, the Brisbane gardening scene or the food and wine from the Scenic Rim region take your interest, you'll find them on the program. Or, get into Australian bush foods, delve into the city's food dynasties, step through the requirements of tea and coffee ceremonies, or find out the benefits of mindful eating. Most afternoons also include acoustic music, bespoke teas, hand-crafted sodas and a sweet treat. Sessions commence at 3pm each Sunday, running through until 4.30pm. Tickets are $15, unless you're keen to get some green thumb tips from Gardening Australia's Jerry Coleby-Williams, with his three sessions on September 3, 10 and 17 costing $25 each.
Start packing that suitcase and plotting your annual leave, because there's a new Aussie beachside resort to add to your bucket list. And this one's a little different to most. Making its home amongst natural bushland at NSW's Cabarita Beach, The Hideaway is a boutique escape offering guests a rare chance to go glamping by the sea. Here, you can fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, just metres from your pillow. Doesn't that sound like a total treat? The resort features three different styles of luxury bell tent, all kitted out with comfy Koala beds, soft furnishings and bath towels, charging sockets, floor rugs, proper lighting and tripod fans for those balmier evenings. In addition to the luxe suites, the unique resort boasts modern bathrooms and communal entertaining spaces, nestled cleverly within repurposed shipping containers. You'll also find plenty of open green space throughout, with native plant life lining the pathways and open fire pits primed for cosy communal gatherings in the cooler months. [caption id="attachment_747560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristy Mason Photography[/caption] And when it comes to entertainment, there's no shortage. The Hideaway's carefully located near a world-class surf break, with opportunities for swimming, whale watching, hiking, bush walking and more right at your fingertips. Meanwhile, the nearby coastal town of Cabarita boasts its own award-winning restaurant, Paper Daisy, along with a solid offering of shops, cafes and eateries, all within strolling distance. Of course, the striking views of the Border Ranges, Mt Warning and that glistening ocean should keep you pretty occupied as well. Plus, if you need something to sweeten the deal, Cabarita Beach was named the best beach in Australia by Tourism Australia's Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM. The beach is located a two-hour drive south of Brissie and a nine hours north from Sydney (or a short flight to Gold Coast Airport and 30-minute drive). Find The Hideaway at 2-6 Tweed Coast Rd, Corner of Tweed Coast Road and Cypress Avenue, Cabarita Beach. Prices start from $189 a night. Images: Kristy Mason Photography Updated: December 20, 2019.
There's no wrong way to do a European holiday. But if you ask us, it's the experiences that really make a trip special. A boat cruise along Sorrento's coastline, a dip in Budapest's outdoor baths, or a bike ride through the French countryside to Monet's garden – these are the moments that you'll remember long after you return home. With our dedicated travel platform, Concrete Playground Trips, it's never been easier to plan your dream Euro adventure. So we've rounded up eight of the best bookable activities across some of Europe's most underrated destinations, all made even better thanks to an exclusive 10% discount for Visa cardholders. Just lock in your pick, pay with your Visa and watch the savings roll in. From food and wellness to culture and history, here are the top experiences to add to your itinerary.
There's only one thing that's wrong with The Soul Trembles, the Chiharu Shiota exhibition that's now sprawling across the entire ground floor of Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art until Monday, October 3: it isn't happening in Tokyo, at an art museum towering 53 levels above the busy streets, and against the inimitable backdrop that is the Japanese capital's twinkling skyline. That isn't a criticism of GOMA, its South Bank berth next to the Brisbane River, or the otherworldly display now gracing its halls and walls. But when this enchanting and entrancing Shiota showcase first debuted back in 2019, it did so in quite the striking Tokyo spot. The background now differs, but the art itself remains just as impressive — and as eager to live up to the exhibition's name. Japan-born, Berlin-based artist Shiota crafts works that force everyone who sees them to take in their place in the world, all while musing on their own inner worlds in the process. Her art skews existential in both a big and an intimate sense. The macro and micro alike lingers piece by piece, and through The Soul Trembles as a whole. That's all there in the masses of string, the wall of miniatures and the detached body parts. It also dwells in the dangling suitcases and the compilation of window frames, and in the paper cascading upwards — aka the GOMA exhibition's major new commission. [caption id="attachment_859135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] Indeed, when you peer at Shiota's mazes of inky-black wool, including when they're woven around chairs and pianos, it's impossible not to think about infinity, mortality, obliteration, the darkness that awaits us all, the fragility of life and the fact that all things eventually turn to ash. When you take in her labyrinths of blood-red yarn instead, it's equally difficult not to ponder the crimson stuff pumping through our veins, all that makes our bodies work and function, and the reality that being alive is so physically complex, emotionally tangled and tangibly fragile. Also inescapable: that, just as one exhibition after the next proves in any gallery's ongoing calendar, humanity's very existence is oh-so-fleeting. Comprised of over 100 works from across 25 years of Shiota's career, and marking her largest exhibition to-date, The Soul Trembles is unsurprisingly a deeply gorgeous and wondrous showcase — and a deeply contemplative one. It's a ruminative artistic landscape to get lost in, and to think about who you really are and what you want out of life while you're standing within it. For Brisbanites now eager to do exactly that — plus interstate art-lovers keen to make the trip north to see the Australian-exclusive exhibition — here are eight pieces to look out for. [caption id="attachment_859136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] UNCERTAIN JOURNEY Every exhibition that settles into GOMA makes a splash in its main gallery hallway. The venue's presentations fill plenty of its other spaces, but the South Bank spot loves a bold entrance. When Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection was on display, a Skywhale-like balloon did the honours. During David Lynch: Between Two Worlds, a mini cinema inside a cube sat in the foyer, offering attendees a complication of music clips from his movies. Yayoi Kusama: Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow boasted yellow polka-dotted orbs, while Water featured suspended rings that you could climb through. At The Soul Trembles, Shiota's Uncertain Journey is no less spectacular — or memorable. Dating back to 2016, it features a series of metallic frames shaped like boats, all strung together by red thread. They're linked in a giant woven mass that spreads from wall to wall, making a wool canopy for a ceiling, and includes cavernous tunnels within the flame-hued strands. As far as welcoming you into Shiota's mindset, and making sure you're in the right headspace yourself, it's a perfect opening piece. Wanting to simply stand and stare comes with the territory. [caption id="attachment_859137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] WHERE ARE WE GOING? Much about The Soul Trembles deals in contrasts: life and death, big and small, red and black, and beginnings and endings. But this is also an exhibition about the here and now, as well as the journeys that life takes us on from one extreme to another. That idea is plain in many of the artwork names, such as the aforementioned Uncertain Journey and now Where Are We Going?. And, in both, it's evident in Shiota's frequent use of vessel-shaped structures — all either encased in or hanging via threads. Dangling its wire boats from the ceiling, Where Are We Going? uses a monochrome colour scheme — letting the white wool of the ships' bodies clash with the black rope suspending them in mid-air. The installation sits just inside a doorway, but expect that passage to be clogged; just try not to stop immediately as soon as you lock eyes on the piece. That's a fitting reaction that speaks volumes about what strikes us in life, and where existence's bottlenecks reside. Still, thanks to its size and scale, you'll also want to take a minute to walk around Where Are We Going? as well. [caption id="attachment_859138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] IN SILENCE When Shiota was nine years old, the house next door to her home burned down. The following morning, a piano remained — scorched black, and drawing Shiota in with both its appearance and its quiet. In Silence responds to that event, and to the memory of it that still lingers. It muses on the things that tangibly remain, as well as those that haunt without a physical presence. It's also one of The Soul Trembles' most vivid sights. Visitors to GOMA have to walk through a few rooms to get to In Silence, which dates back to 2008. In the process, you'll take in installations, photos, paintings and videos first. But when this piece appears, filling a room with black thread — and wrapping up a piano, as well as chairs ready for an invisible audience, within all those fibres — it's as arresting as the exhibition gets. While it screams with physicality, it's also a ghostly vision. And, among everything else, its interplay of light and shadows is ethereal. [caption id="attachment_859134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] REFLECTION OF SPACE AND TIME The Soul Trembles isn't focused on fashion, but it does feature two eye-catching dresses in one black cube. Like much within the exhibition, they're trapped within Shiota's beloved black yarn. A mirror also sits in the centre of the steel frame, dividing the space. Accordingly, as well as the items themselves, viewers also spy their reflections — and the setup is designed to make you merge the real and the illusory in your mind. It isn't by accident that, with her ever-present threads, Shiota covers an object that's already designed as a covering. With her mirrors, she also muddies the lines between what exists to touch — not that GOMA visitors can — and what only exists to the eye. A piece about skins and illusions, Reflection of Space and Time thinks big, as its name makes clear. It's a compact work compared to Shiota's installations, confined as it is to its cube, but it's also both stunning and weighty. [caption id="attachment_859140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] INSIDE — OUTSIDE Eyes may be the windows to the soul — one that trembles, or not — but windows themselves are revelatory in Inside — Outside. This installation nods to Shiota's adopted home of Berlin, which she moved to in 1996. Attached together to form a barrier that fences off one corner, this piece takes inspiration from one of the German capital's most infamous structures: the Berlin Wall, obviously. Shiota has crafted Inside — Outside out of discarded Berlin windows, in fact, all gathered from construction sites in the mid-2000s when the city was being redeveloped extensively. The structure sits adjacent to images of the city, with the combination sparking thoughts about separation, destruction and renewal, boundaries, and open and closed-off spaces. It's another work that makes gorgeous use of light, too. [caption id="attachment_859139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] CONNECTING SMALL MEMORIES When wool stretches across vast hallways and fills rooms, The Soul Trembles is immense. It can be tiny, too, though. That said, the feeling that emanates when you see Connecting Small Memories and its array of miniatures is definitely voluminous. Big things can make an impact and leave an imprint, as plenty of Shiota's works do — and their minuscule counterparts can as well, including when arranged together along an entire wall. It features items you won't see elsewhere in GOMA — ironing boards, rocking horses, tables, beds, chests of drawers, curtains, cupboards and more, all looking like something out of Honey I Shrunk the Kids — but Connecting Small Memories also resembles The Soul Trembles made pocket-sized. Red threads link its pieces, doing what the artwork's moniker promises. [caption id="attachment_859132" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] A QUESTION OF SPACE AND TIME The Soul Trembles comes to Brisbane from Japan, where Shiota was born. It features a piece made about Berlin, where she has lived for decades. The exhibition also has a strong and vivid link to Australia, too, in the form of newly commissioned work A Question of Space and Time. Shiota spent part of the 90s Down Under, studying at the Canberra School of Art from 1993–94 and travelling — including visit Uluru, which this installation contemplates. Yes, string is once again a feature. Strands of black rope hang from the ceiling, taking up an entire room. Within it, items of found furniture sit within the middle. A Question of Space and Time then tops that desk and chair with hundreds of suspended pieces of ordinary 80gsm paper, all leaping upwards like someone has just thrown an entire ream into the air. The result: a work that's mysterious and mesmerising, and another piece that's worth viewing from multiple angles. [caption id="attachment_859141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] ACCUMULATION — SEARCHING FOR A DESTINATION If you're a frequent GOMA attendee, you'll remember what once filled the gallery where Accumulation — Searching for a Destination now hangs. Over the summer of 2019–20, the room was piled with 100 tonnes of rocks, recreating an Icelandic stream. That Olafur Eliasson piece was phenomenal. So is the unrelated installation that now calls the same space home. They feel like mirror images: Accumulation slopes from left to right, affixed to the roof, where Riverbed reached right to left from the floor up. Experiencing both, even three years apart, is something special. Accumulation suspends hundreds of suitcases on red thread, all jostling in the air. This isn't a new work, and it wasn't a response to the pandemic and the barriers to travel it sparked, but it's easy to muse on both while standing in front of it. This is another of The Soul Trembles' pieces about journeys, of course, and also about valuing minutiae. What is a suitcase if not a receptacle for all we see fit to keep with us when we venture away from home, and a physical item to which we attach our fondest travel memories? Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles displays at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from Saturday, June 18–Monday, October 3, 2022. For further details, visit the GOMA website. Images: installation views: Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2022 © Chiharu Shiota. Photography: Natasha Harth / Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA.
Attenzione! Once a year, Australia's cinema screens swap their usual fare for a trip to Italy. That time is almost upon us for 2024. Didn't spend your winter in Europe? Don't have a getaway to the other side of the world planned any time soon? Keen to see an Italian box-office smash without leaving the country? Haven't caught The Godfather Part II on a big screen before? Eager to check out Ralph Fiennes (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar) and Stanley Tucci (Citadel) as Cardinals electing a new Pope? The Italian Film Festival has you covered. For a month between Wednesday, September 18–Wednesday, October 23, the fest will play a range of picture palaces in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Byron Bay and Ballina, Adelaide and Perth — with dates varying per city. Whichever spot you call home, a diverse lineup of Italian cinema will flicker through the projectors, led by opening night's Gloria!. If the name Gloria always gets the song of the same moniker stuck in your head, that's fitting: this movie is directed and co-written by a singer. Margherita Vicario didn't give the world the famous tune, but she is the driving force behind this feature about a maid at a refuge in Venice. Vicario is also travelling to Australia for the Italian Film Festival, attending the opening-night festivities in Sydney and Melbourne. Gloria! is just one of the fest's high-profile picks in showcase slots. The Great Beauty, Youth and The New Pope filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino's latest is playing as the festival's centrepiece film, with Parthenope following a woman in Naples with the same title as the mythical siren that the city was once named after — and co-starring Gary Oldman (Slow Horses). Then, closing out the fest is Conclave, which is where Fiennes and Tucci come in (plus Killers of the Flower Moon's John Lithgow and Spaceman's Isabella Rossellini, too) for papal thrills. The aforementioned cinema hit on Italian shores? That'd be post World War II-set melodrama There's Still Tomorrow, aka 2024's Sydney Film Festival Prize-winner. It follows a wife and mother who dreams of a different future, with actor Paola Cortellesi (Petra, Don't Stop Me Now) both starring and making her directorial debut. And Francis Ford Coppola's (Megalopolis) masterpiece The Godfather Part II is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the festival, in one of two throwback flicks. The other: Bread and Tulips, which opened the first-ever Italian Film Festival back in 2000. Other standouts include Marcello Mio, with Catherine Deneuve (The President's Wife) and Chiara Mastroianni (Monsieur Spade) playing versions of themselves in a comedy that explores the legacy of Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, the mother-daughter pair's respective former partner and father — and also the Thom Yorke-scored, love affair-focused Trust; Commandante, which opened the 2023 Venice Film Festival; Alba Rohrwacher (La Chimera) in drama In The Mirror; and the mystery-led A Dark Story. The lineup goes on, whether you're interested in a revenge-thriller meeting a coming-of-age tale in We Were Children, Monica Bellucci (Mafia Mamma) and Vincent Cassel's (The Three Musketeers: Milady) daughter Deva Cassel starring in the page-to-screen The Beautiful Summer, laughing at actor Margherita Buy's (Ripley) directorial debut Volare or catching Beatrice Grannò from The White Lotus season two in rom-com Bad Conscience. In Sydney and Melbourne, the fest will also say ciao to documentary The Rise of Espresso — so coffee fiends, take note. Italian Film Festival 2024 Dates and Venues: Wednesday, September 18–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Moore Park, Palace Norton St, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, September 18–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra Thursday, September 19–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane Friday, September 20–Thursday, October 17 — The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and Cinema Nova, Melbourne Thursday, September 26–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina Wednesday, October 2–Tuesday, October 22 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, October 3–Wednesday, October 23 — Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth The 2024 Italian Film Festival tours Australia in September and October. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
New festival alert: adding to Brisbane's always-busy cultural calendar, the River City will soon be home to Melt OPEN. From spring 2024, this fringe-style event will celebrate LGBTQIA+ art and performance everywhere from Fortitude Valley to Woolloongabba, showcasing queer work, talents, legends and allies. Brisbanites should already know that Brisbane Powerhouse has hosted Melt Festival for seven years and counting, with that event considered a predecessor to this newcomer. As its name makes plain, Melt OPEN is broadening its scope by building upon Melt's success — spreading beyond the Powerhouse, featuring more artists and venues, and operating as an open access-style shindig. Basically, Melt fans, rejoice: the OG festival is still occurring, but Melt OPEN will also expand upon it from 2024. That means more excuses to revel in LGBTQIA+-led lineups as Brisbane ramps up to hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While exactly what'll be on the bill is yet to be revealed, "prepare to be enthralled by captivating events that engage the city and boundary-pushing art that challenges norms," advises Brisbane Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director Kate Gould. "Expect mass community participation events that celebrate the rich diversity of Queensland's LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies." When Melt OPEN takes over Newstead, New Farm, the Brisbane CBD and West End, too, Powerhouse, the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council all expect it to be a tourist drawcard, attracting more than 4000 people to Brissie each year. "Anticipated to generate more than $8 million for the visitor economy, Melt OPEN is terrific news for the city's accommodation, hospitality, transport and tourism operators and Queensland jobs," said Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. [caption id="attachment_716453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Evans[/caption] "We're proud to support homegrown Brisbane events like this that celebrate our diverse community and culture, while supporting the city's world-class creative industry," noted Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. "Melt OPEN is an incredible addition to the city's jam-packed major events calendar, that will not only attract thousands of visitors to Brisbane but showcase and support our thriving cultural precincts." Melt OPEN will debut across October–November 2024 at various venues around Brisbane, with specific dates, locations and other further details yet to be announced. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website for additional information in the interim — and to submit expressions of interest to be a part of the fest. Top image: Laura Lewis.
When the 2025 FORMULA 1® SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX races on the Marina Bay street circuit from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, it's not just the drivers who'll be getting in on the action. For ten days straight from September 26, Grand Prix Season Singapore takes over and the entire city transforms into a hub of parties, dining experiences, concerts and one-off events that orbit the main race. Between the on-track events and the city's best food, culture and nightlife hot spots, there's more than enough to fill a week-long stay. So, if you're making the trip over, here's your ultimate bucket list to check out beyond the track. Singapore Sidecars If you're going to navigate Singapore during race week, you might as well do it in style. Singapore Sidecars runs 60-minute vintage Vespa tours that give you front-row access to the city's hidden laneways and street food stops. For the GPSS, the rides get an F1 twist, guiding you past iconic landmarks and F1 party venues while you ride shotgun in an old-school sidecar. This year, you can even end your ride at Prego's Italian restaurant for a post-track night out. Book it here Eat. Play. Race at Harry's Race week is all about stamina, and that starts with where you refuel. Local favourite bar collective, Harry's, is getting into the spirit with an 'Eat. Play. Race.' challenge for F1 fans. To get involved, you can dine at Harry's Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and South Beach locations, collect a digital stamp card and test your skills on the virtual F1 tracks to earn your place on the leaderboard. With heaps of exclusive gifts and prizes on offer, it's the perfect place to kick off race week. Explore it here Don Diablo at Zouk Singapore's nightlife is always energetic, but it gets even buzzier during the Grand Prix. Zouk is one of the city's longest-standing music institutions and nightclubs, featuring a rotating lineup of international talent. This year, Dutch DJ Don Diablo is on the decks for one night, playing tracks from his futuristic third album, *FORΞVΞR*. The multi-hyphenate artist is known for collaborating with Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Justin Bieber. He is sure to keep your adrenaline pumping long after the last lap. Book it here Grand Prix Concert Lineup One of the worst-kept secrets about the Singapore Grand Prix? The concerts are just as big a drawcard as the race itself. Each year, the organisers book international A-listers who turn Marina Bay into a full-blown festival precinct. Previous years have seen everyone from Robbie Williams to Blackpink, and the 2025 lineup is promising another mix of global superstars, including Elton John, Lewis Capaldi and Crowded House. Even if you don't know your pit stops from your paddocks, these gigs are reason enough to buy a ticket. Explore it here Singapore Oceanarium After a few nights of partying, you might want to slow the pace with a visit to the Singapore Oceanarium on Sentosa. Recently reopened after a massive revamp, it's one of the world's largest oceanariums, home to more than 100,000 sea animals and immersive digital exhibitions. Wander past towering tanks, learn about ocean conservation, or book a seat at one of its underwater dining experiences. It's a chance to swap the roar of engines for the quiet hum of the underwater world. Explore it here New Bahru If you're looking to experience a different side of Singapore, make time for New Bahru. This creative hub is a cluster of design studios, galleries, boutiques and food pop-ups, all housed in what used to be a girls' school campus. It's where you'll find emerging fashion labels alongside artisan roasters, art collectives and indie events. While the Grand Prix is about the global stage, New Bahru proudly shows off local talent, brands and creativity. Explore it here PERFORMA at Plaza Singapura This year, a series of premium fitness and lifestyle events are popping up at Plaza Singapura for a first-of-its-kind experience. Across the ten days of GPSS, you can wander around the curated line-up of performance gear, join upcycling workshops that turn reclaimed plastics into racing-themed accessories, and squeeze in short, high-intensity workouts at the Speed Series sessions. There's a Refuel Bar for post-sweat refreshments, a gamified Mystery Garage Locker Wall with hidden prizes, and race-themed photo booths where you can walk away with a personalised driver profile card. Explore it here Whether you're an F1 super fan or just along for the ride, the Singapore Grand Prix gives you a chance to tap into one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Between the ten days of culture and music programming and the ever-growing list of new attractions, there's no excuse not to extend your stay. Can't make it in 2025? The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix is on October 9 – October 11. Book your limited release early bird tickets here from 13th October. Regular tickets go on sale from 3rd November
It comes as no surprise that Australia's nightlife scenes have shifted dramatically in the past five years. From COVID-19 to the spiking cost of living, Australians' leisure habits are constantly adapting. It may have taken us nearly half a decade to get back off our couches and into our local pubs and restaurants post-lockdown, but the data shows that it's finally happening. Australians are getting more comfortable with heading back out into the nightlife. The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, provides a comprehensive snapshot of Australian life after dark. From chasing the newest must-try restaurant to heading out to night markets, Australians are finding fresh ways to make our nights count. For one in three Australians, going out at night is "extremely or very important" to their lifestyle. Dining out is the most popular choice for leaving the comfort and safety of their houses, followed by heading to the cinema, visiting night markets and going to bars and pubs. [caption id="attachment_1018636" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Etheus[/caption] The stats also show that, despite the rhetoric around Gen Z being isolated phone addicts, the younger generations are driving Australia's night-time activity, with Gen Z choosing to go out an average of just over nine nights per month, followed by Gen Y (or millennials) with an average of 7.2 nights out a month. With Visa's new data providing a snapshot of Australia's after-dark habits in the second half of the 2020s, we spoke with two hospitality leaders to get a sense check on what the future of our nightlife may look like and how it has changed. Intentionality over consumption Across the country, operators are seeing a clear move towards more intentional nights out. Kingsley Smith, owner of The London Hotel in Paddington, notes that the midweek pub catch-up has dropped significantly. Kingsley says that Australians are drinking "considerably" less midweek. Saturday nights are still booming, however, as Kingsley observes that Australians are saving themselves for a bigger blowout on the weekend. "Saturday is still the big night out, possibly bigger than ever," he tells Concrete Playground. Jason Williams, the Director of House Made Hospitality, echoes this trend, adding that while Australians continue to socialise, caution around spending due to inflation is shaping how people engage with hospitality. "People are spending a little less, but they're still going out. Guests are chasing experiences — not just good food and drinks — but they're more value-conscious than before." [caption id="attachment_836017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Apollonia[/caption] Kingsley believes that the future of the Australian nightlife is "food-focused" with punters looking for "alternative entertainment" outside of bars and clubs, noting that a night out "doesn't need to involve alcohol". This observation is backed up by Visa's data, which found that great food and entertainment take centre stage on Australians' nights out. At the same time, the availability of alcohol ranked low on our list of after-dark priorities. "Australians are drinking less alcohol these days, driven by health and wellness trends, shifting social habits and cost-of-living pressures," says Jason. Despite these trends, Jason remains optimistic about the future of Australian nightlife, particularly in his hometown of Sydney. "Sydney's nightlife is slowly rebuilding after years of lockout laws and red tape, and we're finally seeing real energy from all levels of government to support it," says Jason. "Spending habits are changing, but there's no shortage of passionate operators and creatives ready to deliver great experiences and that enthusiasm will help grow the audience again." [caption id="attachment_1003546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Baptist Street Rec. Club[/caption] Even as our habits change, the magic of our cities after dark remains. "We just need to normalise going out more often and make the city feel alive after dark. More retailers staying open later would help, too," Jason shares. According to Kingsley, al fresco dining is booming among customers, and councils are (thankfully) supporting this shift. "Outdoor dining is growing in popularity, and our councils are listening and approving more sidewalk seating and parklets." A message for the home bodies With the price of a pint, the comfort of streaming services and all of our friends living on the small computer in our pockets, it's often easier (and more tempting) to choose a night in over heading out into the dark. But as the weather warms up, Kingsley offers words of encouragement to the homebodies. "Embrace our city at night," says Kingsley. "The more people out, the safer it is and the more vibrant the city becomes." Jason, on the other hand, shares a timeless and pertinent reminder to help us create the future of Australian nightlife. "Netflix will still be there when you get home. Get out and create your own stories to tell — the world's full of energy, flavour and good company if you go looking for it." Discover the vibe near you.
