American artist James Turrell is known for his manipulation of light, colour and physical space in large-scale art installations. His new exhibition See! Colour! has opened in Järna, Sweden, and features five key works which use intense combinations of colour and real-world light phenomena to create a mind-blowing visual spectacle, specific to locations in space and time. Light sways between the red/blue spectrum in Ganzfeld; while Skyspace (best viewed during twilight or dawn) includes illuminated walls which transform the sky with programmed lighting elements. Bindu Shards transports a single observer on a 15-minute journey of light and sound. Provided with headphones and a panic button, you are situated inside a sphere. The experience triggers "Behind the Eye Seeing," which Turrell explains to be the sensation of having your entire field of vision extended through to 360 degrees. [Via Cool Hunting]
Florists are a dime a dozen in Brisbane, but it's worth arguing that Flour and Bloom is a cut above the rest. The Camp Hill florist and greenspace is filled with seasonal blooms, indoor plants and greenery that are sure to brighten up both your day and your living room. It offers same-day delivery from Tuesday to Friday to selected suburbs in Brisbane and the Bayside area. Choose from a set range of flowers and exquisite bouquets or, if you're looking for something even more personalised, talk to the team about creating a custom arrangement. Alongside its floral selections, you'll also find decor items and homewares — think ceramic pots and bowls, premium bath products from Salt By Hendrix, candles and organic wines, too. Make sure you keep an eye on its Instagram page for updates on seasonal flower arrivals — peony season is particularly popular. Images: Kiel Wode
Been there, done that, repeating it all over again: in cinemas and among direct-to-home movies alike, that's sequel territory. Not all second efforts, or third or fourth or 15th, retread the first flick. Some expand the initial story instead. Others take the OG concept in completely different directions. If there's a way to jump back into a hit — or even just capitalise upon a well-known movie name — however, then someone has tried it. With a handful of such films, Monster Fest Weekender III Part 2: The Spawning is celebrating the art of the sequel. As the event's 2025 name makes plain, it's having fun with its chosen theme this time around, too. Monster Fest Weekender initially popped up a few years back, giving fans of genre cinema a second chance to enjoy Monster Fest each year — and yes, the film festival itself is a sequel as well. Monster Fest's main festival will still return later in 2025 — it took place in October in 2024 — but this'll help tide you over until then. From I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and Return to Oz to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and Robocop 2, the three-day Monster Fest Weekender III Part 2: The Spawning is jam-packed with follow-up flicks, all playing at Event Cinemas Brisbane City from Friday, April 4–Sunday, April 6. You can also check out Return of the Living Dead Part II, Phantasm II, Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh and Re-Animator 2: Bride of Re-Animator.
The OXO multicharger is like an executive penthouse for your devices. Technology enthusiasts can now charge their favourite devices in a slick and convenient home. It features a stainless steel bed that can house up to three devices. This bed is lined with soft ribs to prevent the device from scratching or slipping, and can then be raised in a swinging motion meaning that devices never have to be unplugged. Underneath there are individual cord slots which prevent any cords from tangling with one another. Then all you have to do is simply plug the device charger into the outlets, which accommodate for any adapter worldwide. A four foot power cord then connects the OXO multicharger to a power source. This is a helpful tool for those who remain forgetful about which devices they have and haven't charged. Now you can keep up to three of them in one spot, and ensure that they're always on full battery. This is also a good way to take good care of the pieces of technology that have been such an integral part of your life.
Maybe you grew up listening to Jeff's tunes. Maybe you grew up listening to your dad tell you that Tim's were better. Either way, there's something about the two fated generations of Buckley men that has entranced music lovers for decades, and not just because of their tragic ends. For two nights only, Brisbane Festival will pay tribute to two of the most beloved, iconic and inspirational voices in rock, as overseen by guitarist and producer Gary Lucas. Given that he was the co-writer of Jeff Buckley's ‘Grace’ and ‘Mojo Pin’, it's safe to say that he knows what he's doing. Given he'll be joined on stage by the likes of Martha Wainwright, Efterklang's Casper Clausen, Willy Mason, Camille O’Sullivan, Steve Kilbey and Cold Specks, it's also safe to say it'll be something special.
The first WorldPride to ever be held in the southern hemisphere is upon us, boasting more than 300 shows, gigs, exhibitions and parties, and taking over Sydney across 17 days from Friday, February 17–Sunday, March 5. On the program: everything from art exhibitions and film festivals to dance parties and big-name international headliners, in one helluva jam-packed festival. We've pulled together a list of ten events popping up throughout the festival that feature once-in-a-lifetime lineups or celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride in their own unique way. From the long-awaited return of the annual Mardi Gras parade to its spiritual home through to multi-day party programs, these are the cream of the crop that will have you considering last-minute flights to Sydney. Explore our picks for the best WorldPride events this massive program has to offer. LIVE AND PROUD: SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE OPENING CONCERT Who else to open the Southern Hemisphere's first WorldPride than Australia's pop princess Kylie Minogue? Sydney shall be so lucky, with the iconic hitmaker taking to The Domain for a blockbuster concert kicking off the festivities on Friday, February 24. But, it doesn't end with Kylie. Live and Proud will also feature appearances from Charli XCX and Jessica Mauboy, with local legends Casey Donovan and Courtney Act on hosting duties. If you can't be there in person, the performance will be broadcast live nationwide on the ABC as well. [caption id="attachment_749877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Feng[/caption] MARDI GRAS PARADE One of Sydney's biggest nights of the year is returning in a massive way in 2023. Not only is this Mardi Gras parade the event's 45th anniversary, as well as its return to Oxford Street, but it's also part of WorldPride. It's all happening on the streets of Darlinghurst on Saturday, February 25. The theme: gather, dream, amplify. All of the colourful floats and community groups the parade is known for will begin to march from 6pm, with the parade continuing until 11pm. Expect more than 12,500 marchers and 200 floats throughout the five-hour celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. DOMAIN DANCE PARTY Two days after Kylie takes to The Domain, another megastar will arrive, with Kelly Rowland headlining DJ Dan Slater's Domain Dance Party. DJ Suri and DJ Isis Muretech will also be on the decks, but the big star is clearly the former Destiny's Child member, who'll work through tracks from across her career. Fancy getting sweaty on the dance floor with 10,000 people? That's what's on offer on Sunday, February 26, with Rowland, the DJ lineup, onstage dancers and surprise acts all providing good times. MARDI GRAS FAIR DAY Fair Day is traditionally one of the first events of Mardi Gras each year, but in 2023 it's going one better: happening on Sunday, February 19, it's also the first major event of WorldPride. Get ready for a family-friendly, pup-friendly, eco-glitter-friendly day in Camperdown's Victoria Park that's inclusive, relaxed and free. This year's Fair Day will feature a fancy dress competition for dogs, over 300 market stalls, pop-up bars, a main stage with leading queer performers in Australian music, plus the chance to shine brightly with your nearest and dearest chosen family. Highlights from the performance lineup include Eurovision champion Conchita Wurst, a Sissy Ball vogue showcase, The Buoys, Nana Miss Koori, Carla Wehbe, Jamaica Moana and Latifa Tee — plus pop-up bars from the likes of Archie Rose and Squealing Pig. RAINBOW REPUBLIC: SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE CLOSING CONCERT While we'd love the celebrations to continue year-round, nothing lasts forever, and WorldPride will be coming to an end on Sunday, March 5 — but not before one last pop-filled party. Wrapping things up will be Rainbow Republic, another hit parade in The Domain featuring German pop star Kim Petras. Joining the 'Unholy' and 'Coconuts' hitmaker is MUNA, G Flip, Peach PRC, Alter Boy, BVT and Vetta Borne. Keiynan Lonsdale (Love, Simon, The Flash, Eden) will also be performing and taking to the stage between acts on hosting duties. MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL The annual Mardi Gras Film Festival returns with a bumper edition celebrating both WorldPride and its own 30th anniversary. Fans of queer cinema, rejoice: this annual Sydney film fest is screening 166 films at eight venues around the city, running from Wednesday, February 15–Thursday, March 2. MGFF highlights include All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, 2022's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion-winning documentary about queer artist Nan Goldin, her life and career, and her battle against the billionaire Sackler family — plus closing night's The Venus Effect, with the Danish movie about two young women in love enjoying its Aussie premiere. The full fest program includes 100-plus sessions in cinema, outdoors and on-demand, alongside panel discussions, workshops, networking events and parties. Plus, there's an online component showing 21 movies nationwide. [caption id="attachment_887917" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Davies[/caption] DAY FOR NIGHT: THE PLEASURE ARC Festivalgoers should prepare their endurance for The Pleasure Arc, a 24-hour party packed with incredible talent set to immerse attendees in an extravagant queer utopia. Enjoy some of Australasia's best queer artists including House of Sle, House of Silky, Marcus Whale, Basjia Almaan and imbi during the opening weekend of the festival across Saturday, February 18–Sunday, February 19 at Carriageworks. In charge of keeping the tunes rolling during the overnight extravaganza will also be the Your Pleasure DJs, meaning there won't be a dull moment across the non-stop party. [caption id="attachment_887907" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] MARRI MADUNG BUTBUT Also at Carriageworks is Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts): Sydney WorldPride First Nations Gathering Space. This six-day program from Thursday, February 23–Tuesday, February 28 celebrates Indigenous LGBTQIA+ artists and communities. Kicking off the festivities is a free-to-attend opening night party, the Djarraba Disco, featuring some of Eora and Naarm's best performance artists lighting up the dance floor. From there, you can head along to 11 different free events and several ticketed pop-ups ranging from variety shows to heartfelt plays. "Marri Madung Butbut is a place where everyone is welcome to experience the rainbow heart of the oldest surviving culture on the planet," explains Festival Creative Director Ben Graetz. ALL THE SEX I'VE EVER HAD We've all heard of the saying "the older you are, the wiser you are" — and in this case it stands true. It is common knowledge that we can glean so much from our elders with their breadth of experience. So when it comes time to learn about experiences pertaining to love, romance and sex, who better to ask than the ones with the most expertise? Strap in — or on — for a wild ride, as All The Sex I've Ever Had returns to Sydney completely revamped for WorldPride. The Darlinghurst Production Company has teamed up with Canada's Mammalian Diving to bring an LGBTQIA+ edition of the hugely successful, 90-minute tell-all production back to Sydney. From Tuesday, February 21–Friday, February 24, plus a 5pm show on Sunday, February 26, you can draw upon the wisdom of queer local senior citizens at the Eternity Playhouse Theatre. You'll also experience the climaxes of truly raw storytelling as these generous elders recount some of the highest highs and lowest lows when it comes to dating, relationships and sexuality. THE ABERCROMBIE WORLDPRIDE PROGRAM Following years of lockouts and lockdowns, the dance floor has finally made an emphatic comeback in Sydney. Part of this return is the reopening of storied nightclub The Abercrombie, which is making full use of its 24-hour license and multiple dance floors for WorldPride by rolling out a stacked program of parties. Curated by DJ Kate Monroe and party-starter Xander Khoury, the program runs from Friday, February 17–Sunday, March 5, and enlists the help of party crews like Heaps Gay, Kerfew, Fur Ball and the Queer House Collective to bring together three weeks of packed dance floors, thumping bass and joyous energy. From full-venue takeovers and post-parade kick-ons raging until 8am to rooftop recovery brunches, this lineup has packed in as much dance music and good times to WorldPride as possible. The entire program features plenty of free events as well as a few ticketed nights — and all events are free for drag performers and First Nations attendees. Sydney WorldPride runs from Friday, February 17–Sunday, March 5 — for information, or for tickets, head to the event's website.
"Didn't seem fair on the young lad. That suit at the funeral. With the braces on his teeth, the supreme discomfort of the adolescent." That's how what just might be your favourite new novel of 2024 starts. The book in question? Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. The acclaimed Irish author, who previously penned Conversations with Friends, Normal People and Beautiful World, Where Are You, will release her fourth tome on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. It arrives three years after her last, which also hit three years after Normal People. And if you're already wondering if it will get the TV treatment, as Normal People did first — and made everyone obsessed with Paul Mescal in the process — then Conversations with Friends, it's obviously too early to answer that. Cross your fingers, though. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faber Books (@faberbooks) Intermezzo will follow two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, as they're grieving the loss of their father's death. The former is in his 30s and a successful Dublin lawyer, but turns to medication to sleep to cope with his loss. The latter is 22 and plays chess competitively. Peter also has complicated bonds with two women, his first love Sylvia and college student Naomi — which will sound familiar to Rooney fans — while Ivan meets the older Margaret not long after his dad's passing. "For two grieving brothers and the people they love, this is a new interlude — a period of desire, despair and possibility — a chance to find out how much one life might hold inside itself without breaking," says the official blurb for the book. "Intermezzo is a story of brothers and lovers, of familial and romantic intimacies, of relationships that don't quite fit the conventional structures," explains Alex Bowler, the book's publisher at Faber & Faber in the UK. "After three miraculous books, Sally Rooney's millions of readers will recognise the beauty and insight, the pain and hope that radiates from this new novel. But it marks an exquisite advance, too, in the work of a writer who seems so attuned to our lives, our hearts and our times." [caption id="attachment_842444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Enda Bowe/Hulu[/caption] Intermezzo will be published on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. For further details, head to publisher Faber & Faber's website. Images: Normal People / Conversations with Friends.
Just because you haven't got an actual kid, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on that time-honoured tradition of taking some festive shopping centre snaps with the jolly man himself. As has been the case for a few years now, Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand are teaming up with a crew of expert pup-arazzi to once again offer Christmas-themed pet photography shoots in 2023. Yes, your fur baby can get a family paw-trait with Santa Claus. A heap of Westfield's shopping centres are offering an extended festive photography series this year, with the details varying per site. If your local is doing pics, sensitive, Auslan and pet-friendly options available. Unfortunately, not quite all creatures great and small are allowed — dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can book in at most centres, but you'll need to double check before bringing in something like an alpaca, snake, frog or goat. Westfield has two sites in the Australian Capital Territory, three spots in South Australia, four in Western Australia, six in Queensland, seven spots in Victoria and a whopping 15 in New South Wales. Over in New Zealand, there are four in Auckland and one in Christchurch. The Santa photography sessions have opened for reservations now — and you'll be getting snapped between Sunday, November 12–Sunday, December 24. Those bookings are a must and can be made via your local Westfield's website, where you'll also find some guidelines for you and your four-legged mate. Most centres will have a dedicated pet zone where you'll be met and escorted to the set, and your animal companion needs to be brought in on a lead or in a cage. There's a range of photo packages to choose from, including The Vixen ($30.95) for one 6x8 photo, one 4x6 photo and four wallet snaps. Fancy sending everyone Christmas cards featuring your pet and Santa? You can get 12 for $40.95. At the higher end, you can also splash out on Santa's Gift Pack ($49.95), which includes a hefty array of photos, gift tags, digital files, bookmarks and even a calendar. Santa photography is available at various Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand, with from bookings open now for Sunday, November 12–Sunday, December 24. Check your local's website for details.
Blissfully kayaking down a crystal-clear mountain stream between Queensland's two highest peaks and stopping along the way to swim and snorkel sounds pretty idyllic to us. Thankfully, the team at Babinda Kayaking can make this dream your reality. Choose between a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour that'll weave along the beautiful Babinda Creek. Then, look out for fish, turtles and the elusive platypus as the current gently encourages you downstream toward secluded beaches that you can stop at along the way. The trip is self-guided so you can take your time exploring the creek. We recommend packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picturesque sandy patches you'll discover along the way. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
If you've ever had a hunch about a company that's gone on to make it big, or you think you can predict the future, you might have considered investing in the stock market. One way you can do this — without dropping a heap of cash — is by trying out Superhero, a new Robinhood-style trading platform, which has super-low fees and an easy-to-understand dashboard that lets you monitor the progress of all your stocks. Backed by the founders of Afterpay and Zip Co, Superhero offers Australia's cheapest brokerage fee of just $5 per trade. Plus, it lets you invest in ETFs (Electronic Traded Funds) and pay no brokerage fees at all, and has a $100 minimum investment — so you don't have to be moneybags to get started. While the website won't turn you into Eddie Morra (aka Bradley Cooper) from Limitless, it will let you pretend you're that good, with tips on how to spot the next big thing. At the moment, three of the most-traded shares on its platform include Zip Co, an Australian buy-now-pay-later company (think Afterpay); Brainchip, an artificial intelligence company; and Emerge Gaming, an e-sport platform. All three have seen their share prices grow between 43 and 620 percent in the last 12 months. Superhero itself has been super popular, too, with the Australian Financial Review reporting that a whopping 10,000 Aussies signed up in its first three weeks. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can sign up to Superhero for free over here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Tasmania's longstanding farming traditions and wealth of inventive small-batch producers have turned the state into a must-visit culinary destination for food lovers. With the island's cool climate and diverse landscape providing incredible conditions, Tasmania is blessed with some of Australia's top seafood, fresh produce and wineries. If you're looking to fill your next Tassie trip with a plethora of palate pleasers, you've come to the right place. We've teamed up with Tourism Tasmania to help you navigate your way to the finest food festivals and farmers markets. From the rugged northwest coast to the bustling streets of Hobart, here's all you need to discover incredible food and drink on your travels. [caption id="attachment_866907" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Adam Gibson[/caption] GREAT EASTERN WINE WEEK Sample some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia at the lavish 10-day Great Eastern Wine Week festival. Held in September across venues from Bream Creek to St Helens, the festival brings together the coastline's top winemakers, growers and producers to celebrate everything special about the region's viticulture and cuisine. Whether you're a lover of good food or a staunch oenophile, the festival's gourmet events and experiences will accompany your journey with exceptional flavours in tow. Discover what makes this wine region so celebrated as you enjoy coastal oysters and high tea among the vines, sipping on a high-end pinot noir or chardonnay. [caption id="attachment_865311" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Tony Crehan[/caption] WYNYARD TULIP FESTIVAL Tasmania's northwest coast is admired for its craggy landmarks like Cradle Mountain and Gunns Plains Caves. However, you can take the relax-factor up a notch with a visit to Wynyard Tulip Festival. Set in a charming regional hub, the one-day event is held at Gutteridge Gardens, along the banks of the Inglis River, in the picturesque town of Wynyard. The floral festival will take place on Saturday, October 8, with live music, children's entertainment and market stalls spotlighting the craft goods from local makers and producers. While you're in the area, head to nearby Table Cape Tulip Farm to walk through hectares of colourful flower fields while they're in full bloom for the month of October. [caption id="attachment_866908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Jason Charles[/caption] STANLEY & TARKINE FORAGE FESTIVAL Set on the dramatic tip of Tasmania's northwest coast, Stanley is an ideal base to explore the remarkable takayna/Tarkine — the second-largest cool-temperate rainforest in the world. But this spectacular part of the world isn't just home to jagged clifftops and sprawling nature walks. Soon, the inaugural Stanley & Tarkine Forage Festival, showcasing the region's delicious produce, will also be attracting visitors. The 10-day festival will run from Friday, November 11 till Sunday, November 20, at multiple locations throughout the surrounding Circular Head region. Expect a program filled with events aplenty: tastings, live performances, markets and exhibitions that capture the heart and soul of the region. From grass-fed beef to fresh seafood plucked from the nearby coastal waters, the festival will acquaint you with this remote area's burgeoning food scene in no time. [caption id="attachment_866909" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liza Jane Sowden[/caption] EFFERVESCENCE TASMANIA Courtesy of a cool climate delivering the high acidity and purity needed to produce a superior product, Tasmanian sparkling wine has quickly achieved a world-class reputation. Now in its ninth year, Effervescence Tasmania invites the island state's top sparkling wine makers to showcase their drops to local and visiting epicurists. From Friday, November 11 till Sunday, November 13, the region's most beloved chefs and food producers will present a refined Tasmanian feast — paired with stand-out bubbles, no less. Through dinners and masterclasses hosted by industry experts, this event will provide all the answers you need as to why Tassie's reputation for sparkling wine is exploding internationally. [caption id="attachment_865149" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania[/caption] FARM GATE MARKET A visit to Farm Gate Market is essential for any weekend spent in Hobart. Every Sunday on Bathurst Street, you can purchase locally grown goods and have a chat with the people who grow and make them. With the market held year round, there's likely to be something new to try each time you visit. Alongside farm-fresh fruit and veggies, you'll also find everything from artisanal raw honey to homemade sourdough and more. Plus, there's street performers and live musicians in attendance too — creating a bright, buzzy atmosphere at this quintessential Hobart festivity. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more, visit the website. Top images: Tourism Tasmania
In the latest development of wearable tech, luggage company Samsonite has teamed up with Google to bring you a smart backpack that syncs to your smartphone. The Konnect-i Backpack can receive calls and text messages, sync to your navigation and music apps and even take selfies — just to name a few features. It's basically the wireless headphones of backpacks. The bag — powered by Google's latest toy, dubbed Jacquard — connects to the users smartphone via Bluetooth and allows you to perform heaps of commands by moving your hand over and tapping the left strap panel. Users can control music, receive phone calls, use navigation apps, drop pins, save locations and receive rideshare alerts. Jacquard can also start a photo countdown for selfies and, if you have a Google android, it can chat to Google Assistant, too. You can also fix the LED light on the left strap to light up according to different alerts. Of course, the Jacquard will still need to be charged, but a single charge can last ten days-to-two weeks, depending on how much you use it. Keen shoppers can choose between two styles, slim or standard ($299–329) — which come with a vertical or horizontal zipper, respectively. Each is water-repellent, easy-care fabric coated and comes with matte silver reflective trimming. Yes, it looks (and sounds) like something Batman would own. Apart from the futuristic elements, the backpack comes with all of the usual features of a pricey bag, including extra padding along the back panel and shoulder straps, plus a padded laptop compartment and heaps of storage pockets. If you have the cash to splash, hands-free travel is in your future. The Konnect-i Backpack is now available Australia-wide. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
If Fisher could pick anywhere to put on a massive beachside dance party-slash-music festival, where would he choose? The Gold Coast DJ — and former pro surfer, too — went with his hometown when he started OUT 2 LUNCH, of course. When it debuted in 2024, giving Australia its biggest beach party ever, the event sold out within minutes. For the fest's return in 2025, it's unsurprisingly scaling up. While the first-ever OUT 2 LUNCH took place at Coolangatta Beach and welcomed 30,000 attendees, the second fest is taking over to Surfers Paradise Beach instead — and hosting 40,000-plus music lovers this time around. The dates for your diary: Saturday, May 3–Sunday, May 4. If you're a Queenslander, you'll be excited to know that the festival falls on the Labour Day long weekend. On the lineup, the man behind the fest is on headline duties on both nights at what's set to be the Gold Coast's biggest-ever dance party, with plenty of company from a mix of international names and local acts. Chris Lake, DJ Boring, Little Fritter and Shimmy will also hop behind the decks on the Saturday, while Hayden James, Patrick Topping, Noizu and Jake Smith are set to do the same on the Sunday. Keen to seem them all, including Fisher twice? Two-day tickets are available. If you can only make it on either the Saturday or the Sunday, so are single-day passes. "OUT 2 LUNCH Festival is back this May for the second year running and I can't wait to do it all again!! We've got a great lineup and there's no better place than Surfers Paradise to have a beach bash. Aussies just love a party and I'm ready to put it on for you," said Fisher, announcing the 2025 lineup. Heading along, whether you're a local or travelling from interstate — which plenty did in 2024, resulting in $50 million being injected into the local economy — means helping a great cause, too. Last year, OUT 2 LUNCH raised money for the Starlight Foundation and The Pink Elephants Support Network. This year, it's donating $1 per ticket sold to the Make a Wish Foundation. OUT 2 LUNCH Festival 2025 Lineup Saturday, May 3 Fisher Hayden James Patrick Topping Noizu Jake Smith Sunday, May 4 Fisher Chris Lake DJ Boring Little Fritter Shimmy [caption id="attachment_992031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Ghnassia[/caption] OUT 2 LUNCH Festival is returning for 2025 across Saturday, May 3–Sunday, May 4 at Surfers Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast — with ticket presales from 9am AEST on Tuesday, February 25 and general sales from 1pm AEST on Wednesday, February 26. Head to the event's website for more details. OUT 2 LUNCH Festival images: tommynortz.
Celebrating ten years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005, Laneway Festival returns with one of its biggest lineups yet. After Burger Records' Lee Rickard took a BIGSOUND opportunity to confirm the Laneway attendance of Mac DeMarco and his mum Agnes, the entire 2015 lineup has finally been dropped this morning. Returning to the Australian touring circuit is UK on-repeat outfit Jungle, festival jaw-droppers Future Islands and Melbourne's lives-up-to-the-hype queen Courtney Barnett. Two of the biggest hypecards of the bunch, FKA Twigs and BANKS, will fight for the midnight hushed vocal crown. Then there's the ever-epic St. Vincent, punk-as-fuck UK band Eagulls, smooooooth king Flying Lotus, Harlem's top-of-the-game hip hop outfit Ratking and the triumphant returns of Lykke Li, Rustie, Jon Hopkins, POND and crisp-as-blazes Caribou. But enough talk, here's that lineup you're after. Laneway Festival 2015 Lineup: Agnes DeMarco* Andy Bull Angel Olsen BANKS Benjamin Booker Caribou Connan Mockasin Courtney Barnett Dune Rats Eagulls Eves*** FKA Twigs Flight Facilities Flying Lotus (Layer 3) Future Islands* Highasakite Jesse Davidson** Jon Hopkins* Jungle Little Dragon Lykke Li Mac DeMarco Mansionair Perfect Pussy Peter Bibby POND Ratking Raury Royal Blood* Rustie Seekae SOHN St Vincent* Vic Mensa *Exclusive to Laneway: no sideshows **Laneway Adelaide only ***Exclusive to East Coast shows only Kicking off in Singapore on Saturday, January 24 in The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, Laneway will run through seven dates finishing up at its new home in Fremantle's Esplanade Reserve and West End on Sunday, February 8. St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2015 dates and venues: Saturday 24 January — SINGAPORE - THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY Monday 26 January — AUCKLAND - SILO PARK Saturday 31 January — BRISBANE - BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BOWEN HILLS (16+) Sunday 1 February — SYDNEY - SYDNEY COLLEGE OF THE ARTS (SCA), ROZELLE Friday 6 February — ADELAIDE - HARTS MILL, PORT ADELAIDE (16+) Saturday 7 February — MELBOURNE - FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE (FCAC) + THE RIVER’S EDGE Sunday 8 February — FREMANTLE - ESPLANADE RESERVE AND WEST END Image: Aaron Webber.
Trends come in cycles. That's a fact that everyone has not only heard but experienced, and it's also a reality that helps us travel back in time. Missed the grunge era? Fashion revived it in 2023. Love 80s synth sounds? They're not hard to find among pop tunes recently. Wish that you could deck out your home with 60s and 70s decor? In comes IKEA, which is making peering backwards its focus right now. The reason that the Swedish retailer is feeling nostalgic is the same reason that plenty of us do: a big birthday. In 2023, IKEA celebrated 80 years of operation. To mark the occasion, it unveiled the Nytillverkad collection, which scours the company's design archives to hero pieces that've proven a hit in the past, and also riff on its prior highlights in general. That wasn't just a once-off, either. Accordingly, the range keeps dropping new pieces, including a big dose of 60s and 70s items earlier in 2024, and now another batch that's especially fond of the period's flower power. The latest homewares will hit IKEA stores in Australia in April, focusing on bright colours, bold designs and retro florals. Sure, it's autumn here at the moment, but that doesn't have to be the theme of your interior decor. Highlights include floral patterns first introduced in the 70s by designer Göta Trägårdh, including on quilt covers and cushions; a pendant lampshade that initially hit IKEA in 1964; and plant stands and coffee tables that also debuted in the 60s. Or, there's the ÖNNESTAD armchair, which reincarnates the brand's GOGO chair that first arrived in stores in 1972 and remained on offer at the time for more than a decade. It's made out of steel tubes, with updating the piece seeing the chain cutting back from 6.8 kilograms to 3.3 kilograms of the material — and now using high-strength steel — so that it can create twice as many. Prices range from $8 for cushion covers to $199 for chairs, with everything from vases ($19) to mirrors ($99) — available in-between. If all these blasts from IKEA's furniture and homewares past has you thinking about its history, there's a reason that almost everyone can't remember a time before the chain was a homewares go-to. Started by Ingvar Kamprad, aka the IK in IKEA's moniker, it began in 1943 and moved into furniture in 1948. The company then opened its first store in Sweden a decade later — and came to Australia in the 70s. The latest pieces in IKEA's Nytillverkad collection will hit Australia, in store and online, from April 2024 until stocks last. Head to the IKEA website for further details.
For over 50 years, Artisan has backed the makers and lovers of contemporary craft and design. The not-for-profit organisation runs exhibitions, events and workshops for the Australian art community as well as the bricks-and-mortar Artisan store on King Street. In-store you'll find colourful and far-out hand-crafted jewellery, homewares and accessories that are the works of Australian designers and creatives with new artisanal products added regularly. Community-run events like book clubs, sculpting classes and market days are held there regularly for like-minded individuals to meet and get inspired.
UPDATE, Monday, March 10, 2025: Due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Gluten-Free Expo has been moved from Saturday, March 15–Sunday, March 16, 2025 to Saturday, March 29–Sunday, March 30, 2025. If you were diagnosed with coeliac disease over ten years ago, you were given a packet of rice crackers, an apple and an apologetic smile as you were sent out into the big, bad, wheat-filled world. Now, it's thankfully a different story. For folks that can't tolerate gluten, there are now ample options — and not just at home. There's also an expo over an entire weekend just for gluten-free foods, which is returning to Brisbane in 2025 for the first time since 2022. On the weekend of Saturday, March 29–Sunday, March 30, 2025 — taking place during Coeliac Awareness Week — the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will be wall-to-wall with gluten-free snacks. We're talking plenty of free samples from the likes of Well & Good, Brat Haus, OMG! Decadent Donuts, Senza, Two Bays Brewing Co, Beach Tree Distilling Co and more. Plus, you can learn more about coeliac disease at one of the talks happening throughout the day, or get tips on cooking without contamination. If there's ever a time you don't have to worry about pesky traces of gluten, it's here. Go forth and feast, friends.
The world ignoring the threat of global extinction, an exploding volcano, the collapse of the USA, a potentially rocky romantic turn: the trailer for Futurama season 13 is here and features all of the above, as seen in the just-unveiled trailer. Also pivotal: a giant Bender doing battle with a kaiju, aka the type of moment in the longrunning animated series that we can't say you didn't know you needed because it has been probably on your wishlist for years and even decades. Rampaging robots and amorous rivals are just the beginning in the show's ten-episode latest run, which drops on Disney+ Down Under on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. As always, Futurama will continue charting the antics when a 20th-century pizza delivery guy gets cryogenically frozen for a thousand years, defrosting when 2999 is flicking over to the year 3000, then navigates chaotic days at an intergalactic courier company. Futurama has been telling that tale for more than a quarter of a century now, focusing on Philip J Fry (voiced by Billy West, Spitting Image), distant uncle to Planet Express cargo company Professor Hubert J Farnsworth (also voiced by West), plus the rest of the outfit's crew: one-eyed ship captain Turanga Leela (Katey Sagal, Dead to Me); robot Bender Bending Rodríguez (John DiMaggio, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts); fellow employees Hermes Conrad (Phil LaMarr, Craig of the Creek), Amy Wong (Lauren Tom, Dragons: The Nine Realms) and Zoidberg (also West); and everyone from self-obsessed starship captain Zapp Brannigan (West again) and his amphibious 4th Lieutenant Kif Kroker (Maurice LaMarche, Rick and Morty) through to scheming corporation owner Mom (Tress MacNeille, The Simpsons). The animated series hasn't spent the full 26 years since its 1999 debut on-screen, weathering a on-again, off-again run; however, it keeps coming back again, baby — thankfully. The Matt Groening-created show about life in the 31st century has been in vintage form across its recent 11th and 12th seasons, which both embraced the fact that anything and everything can and will happen as it always has. When Futurama's return was first announced in 2022, it was for a 20-episode run, so season 12 was always going to follow. Then in 2023, the show was also renewed for two more seasons beyond that, so not only is 2025's season 13 on the way, but also season 14 as well. Clearly, you can put a beloved show into suspended animation, but someone is going to thaw it out one day — and more than once, as fans have experienced for decades now. Initially airing from 1999–2003, the futuristic series then returned from 2008–2013, before now being given another run. Check out the trailer for Futurama season 13 below: Futurama streams Down Under via Disney+, with season 13 available on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Read our review of season 11.
Tokyo is a city of extremes. It has the physicality of a big city, which it is, yet the people are personable and warm. The toilets sing, the streets are immaculate and everything from dentist's surgeries to street signs is adorned with a cartoon character. This bite-sized whirlwind guide to Tokyo is here to give you a snapshot of what you should add to your trip list. Whether you're going to experience the breathtaking blooms of the cherry blossom season, to shop till you drop or to consume your weight in ramen, half the fun of exploring a new city is discovering your own favourite locations. Armed with a guide to Tokyo, you'll be set up to scratch the surface and carve out your own perfect-sized Tokyo trip. First, some general tips: walk everywhere (sneakers a must), explore a new district each day and do not commit to using a toilet unless you're 100% confident you know how to flush it. Trust us. ACTIVITIES Street Go-Karting What better way to explore this vibrant city – especially for Mario Kart lovers – than on a street go-karting experience? Discover downtown Tokyo including Asakusa, Ueno, the sky tower and more. Just don't forget your driver's licence. Top points on Nintendo won't count for squat when you're on the ground in the city. District: Akihabara Mori Tower Take in panoramic views of Tokyo from the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck in Mori Tower. This place is also home to contemporary art gallery Mori Art Museum — located on floors 52 and 53 — where exhibitions are varied and world-class. Head up high and take in both the art and spectacular views. District: Roppongi Cherry Blossoms You cannot think of Japan without the cherry blossoms — they are truly iconic and an absolute must-see if you're there. If you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo during cherry blossom season, there's everything from petal-filled festivals to optimal viewing spots in the city. So, no matter what you feel like doing in sakura season, you will be spoiled for choice. District: all over Shibuya Crossing There are countless things to see and do in Tokyo, but one of the greatest pleasures can be those brief moments when you are doing nothing but sitting and watching the crowds of fantastically dressed locals walk by. If you're after some truly spectacular people watching, head to the renowned Shibuya Crossing, and wonder at the flashing neon lights as throngs of people come and go. Want a bird's eye view? Head to Shibuya Sky and take in the city from the Sky Edge, the rooftop deck with glass railings. theLet the lights absorb you as you become one with the energy of Tokyo. District: Shibuya [caption id="attachment_893096" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tsukiji Fish Market.[/caption] EATING Food Courts Apart from the toilet flushing thing, the other best practical Tokyo tip we can share is to explore the food courts below all major department stores. Descending into the midst of what is the most plentiful display of every food item ever created is akin to what it probably felt like for Augustus Gloop at Wonka's Factory. You can buy a salad and it can come with a mini ice pack to keep it cool. Pure genius. Hit up Tokyu Foodstore if you're near Shibuya Station, but you will find one of these food courts in the basement of any department store. District: all over Fish Markets Lovers of Japanese cuisine should not pass up the chance to visit one of the largest food markets of its kind and explore Tokyo's food culture and culinary history at the Tsukiji Fish Market and Toyosu fish market. Toyosu is the new inner market located in central Tokyo. Weave your way through the stalls, hear stories from the stall holders, and taste the authentic and fresh sushi. District: Tsukiji, Toyosu Izakaya Ism Izakayas have a casual bar-like atmosphere and also serve food. There are thousands of them in Tokyo. With a distinctly local vibe and with the addition of English menus, the food here is brilliant, the atmosphere energetic and the sake flowing. District: Shimokitazawa [caption id="attachment_893088" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tokyo.[/caption] SHOPPING T-Site Tucked away in dreamy Daikanyama is T-Site, the architecturally stunning Tsutaya bookstore that demands hours of attention. A beautiful place to spend the afternoon pouring over the never-ending shelves of books that cover every conceivable topic, this huge double-storey space houses an incomparable selection of both English and Japanese titles. There's also a cute cafe on the second floor where you can rest your weary eyes. District: Daikanyama Dover Street Market Joined at the hip with the Uniqlo store in snazzy Ginza, Dover Street Market is an absolute must. Renowned for being the Comme des Garçon's mothership, IRL it's kind of like six super beautiful boutiques stacked on top of each other stocking many trendy designer labels (like Jacquemus, Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens and the entire Comme des Garçons range). District: Ginza Loft You cannot make it to the end of your trip without purchasing a sparkly sticker, glitzy notepad or wacky highlighter. Brighten up your office supplies at the stationary floor of Loft, where all your wildest kawaii organisation dreams become realities. Countless pens, stickers and colourful folders await you here. Multiple locations 1LDK Be the most well-tailored version of yourself at 1LDK, an amazing clothing and lifestyle store with locations in trendy Aoyama and Nakameguro. Stocking brands like Maison Margiela, Bless, COSMIC WONDER Light Source and Orphic, it's a real haven for high-quality everyday wear in a minimalist, timber-fitted space. District: Nakameguro, Aoyama Parco If you've come to Tokyo to indulge in some retail therapy, a great one-stop shop is Parco. The one-stop shop features all the classics, like Frapbois, Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons, as well as a range of pop-ups and event stalls that can change overnight. Grab an onsite iced coffee to give you the energy boost you need to continue your Tokyo adventure. District: Shibuya Once you've booked your trip to Tokyo, Klook will ensure the rest of your trip is easy, affordable and full of all the highlights. To start planning, head to the website.
Is there a better time than 5pm on a Friday? Not only is the working day done and dusted, but the working week as well. That's a fact worth celebrating — and whether you've kicked a few goals that day, scored an unexpected win, ticked a couple of things off of your to-do list or just met your regular deadlines, you may as well mark it in style. Brisbane's bustling bar scene isn't short on upscale options for just this type of everyday occasion. From old favourites to lofty newcomers, and spanning everywhere from Woolloongabba to South Brisbane to Newstead, there's a levelled-up watering hole near you. The world's finest French vodka, Grey Goose, celebrates its versatility and commitment to quality ingredients as it allows bartenders to create incredible cocktails that upgrade any summer occasion — starting with those Friday night drinks. Grab your colleagues, welcome the weekend and live it up — we've found seven spots that'll bring a dash of fanciness to your regular Friday evening tipples.
Everything about the Bavarian Beer Cafe screams Germany — its theming, its menu of schnitzel, German sausage, roast pork, apple strudel and black forest cake, and its lengthy list of schnapps and weissbier. And yet, one glance out of the Eagle Street Pier establishment's windows or over its balcony, and there's no mistaking that this slice of Bavaria is smack-bang in the middle of Brisbane. Looking at the Brisbane River will do that, naturally. It's the best of both worlds — as well as one of the CBD's best spots to grab a beer and a bite if you want a killer view.
Eight of the country's most talented cocktail makers have been unveiled as finalists in the 2025 Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition. The national final for this global competition takes place at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Monday, June 30, and will bring together drinks industry leaders for a high-stakes day of creative cocktail mastery, as finalists shake, stir and pour for their chance to represent Australia on the world stage at the global finals in Toronto later this year. Now in its 16th year, World Class has established itself as one of the world's most prestigious bartending competitions, running in more than 60 countries and having helped to foster the development of more than 400,000 bartenders through its training and advocacy program. The eight Australian finalists represent a cross-section of some of the country's most talked-about venues, from Brisbane's Milquetoast and Adelaide's trap., to Saint Peter in Sydney and Caretaker's Cottage in Melbourne, currently ranked number 21 on the World's 50 Best Bars list. [caption id="attachment_1010120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Irvine[/caption] This year's finalists come from around the country, and feature a mix of established and emerging talent. Returning to the competition this year are Shirley Yeung from Perth's Foxtrot Unicorn and Samuel Cocks from Sydney restaurant Saint Peter — and they'll be joined by Darren Leaney and Tom McHugh (Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne), James Irvine (Merivale, Sydney), Aidan Perkins (Milquetoast, Brisbane), Darren Burton (Kiin, Adelaide) and Lachlan Gunner (trap., Adelaide). The national final will put competitors to the test across three distinct challenges, designed to push each bartender's creativity, speed and technical skill. Proceedings open with the Single Origin Soirée, which will see these mix masters craft original cocktails with Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur. Next is Celebration, Curated, where bartenders must deliver a trio of drinks, including one using Tequila Don Julio Minis. The final test marks the return of Diageo's signature Check On! Reserve Challenge, in which competitors race against the clock to produce up to nine classic cocktails using Diageo's premium spirits portfolio. Events will take place in the hotel's bar tilda and the expansive outdoor terrace of Wentworth Bar. The winner will earn themselves the right to represent Australia at the Global Finals, set to take place in Toronto, Canada, from Saturday, September 27–Thursday, October 2, where they'll compete against bartenders from around the world in a unique multi-format event. "Diageo World Class stands as the ultimate showcase of bartending excellence, and the Australian competition never fails to inspire," says Kate McGraw, Diageo's Head of Trade Advocacy. "This year's top eight finalists represent the epitome of talent and innovation in the industry. Their mastery, creativity, and dedication to the craft of hospitality promise a final round that will be nothing short of extraordinary." [caption id="attachment_1010121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Irvine[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1010125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shirley Yeung[/caption] The Diageo World Class Australian national final takes place at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Monday, June 30. For more information, head to the Diageo Bar Academy website.
It's not every day that the icy blue Cardwell Spa Pool thrives which makes seeing this stunning pool come to life during autumn truly magical. The pool is situated on the scenic Cardwell Forest Drive —about 2.5-hour drive south of Cairns, or a 30-minute drive from Mission Beach — which makes it an excellent activity for a day trip. Wondering how it gets its incredible blue colour? It comes from the chemistry of the rocks and water. The pool is filled by underground water which collects minerals and sedimentary rock and ultimately higher levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. After your swim, head to the township of Cardwell and enjoy fresh fish and chips at one of the picturesque waterfront picnic tables near the jetty. Images: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Coolangatta has scored itself a slice of Europe by the sea courtesy of Luna's Deli, the beachside boulangerie, gelateria and sandwich deli by chefs and partners Yazmin Maestre and Loic Trouiller. With experience at Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe, the duo brings a wealth of expertise to their bright and welcoming venue on Marine Parade. Head in for buttery pastries baked fresh each morning — the daily-changing display features handcrafted goodies prepared over three days, using French butter and sustainably sourced flour. You'll also find a tight breakfast menu, a selection of stacked sandwiches made to order on house-made, slow-fermented focaccia and gooey toasties available all day, like a leek cacio e pepe and a sky-high reuben starring Bangalow pastrami. Also on offer: small-batch, preservative-free gelato churned in-house. [caption id="attachment_1018979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mathilde Bouby[/caption] The light-filled space pairs coastal ease with European elegance, with its Riviera-inspired yellow-and-white palette, soft textures and views of Coolangatta Beach. It's designed for breezy breakfasts, leisurely lunches and afternoon pick-me-ups, with coffee available well into golden hour. Alongside the daily offerings, Yazmin — a former pastry instructor at Le Cordon Bleu — will also host hands-on classes in baking, chocolate and pastry, sharing her craft with the community. [caption id="attachment_1018980" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mathilde Bouby[/caption] Images: Mathilde Bouby.
There's no shortage of delicious fare wherever you go in New South Wales, but there aren't many spots where you can feast on two-hatted dishes while gazing at the Tasman Sea. Paper Daisy Restaurant, within Halcyon House, near Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast, is one of them. Here, Executive Chef Jason Barratt (ex-Circa, The Prince, Attica) is in the kitchen whipping up ocean-inspired combinations. Start with lobster, white radish and granny smith apple, before moving onto kingfish baked in local kelp, sweet corn, smoked onion and dried prawn. Then for dessert, pear with spiced date, almond and roasted fennel ice cream. Images: Destination NSW
February 14 means different things to different people — but if you're a fan of Yellowjackets, that date in 2025 is now all about just one thing. Two years after its second season, the survivalist thriller will return on Valentine's Day to kick off its third round, again following the survivors of a plane crash both in the immediate aftermath and a quarter of a century later. As viewers discovered when it debuted in 2021 and became one of the best new shows of that year, the instantly intriguing (and excellent) series follows a New Jersey high school's girls soccer team in the 90s after their plane plummets into the forest, and also checks in with everyone that's left 25 years later. Across two seasons so far, life and friendship have proven complex for Yellowjackets' core quartet of Shauna (The Tattooist of Auschwitz's Melanie Lynskey as an adult, and also No Return's Sophie Nélisse as a teenager), Natalie (I'm a Virgo's Juliette Lewis, plus MaXXXine's Sophie Thatcher), Taissa (Law & Order's Tawny Cypress, and also Scream VI's Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Misty (Wednesday's Christina Ricci, as well as Atlas' Samantha Hanratty). The full setup: back in 1996, en route to a big match in Seattle on a private aircraft, Shauna, Natalie, Taissa, Misty and the rest of their teammates entered Lost territory. The accident saw everyone who walked away stranded in the wilderness — and those who then made it through that ordeal stuck out there for 19 months, living their worst Alive-meets-Lord of the Flies lives. As well as announcing the show's return date, Yellowjackets dropped a first teaser trailer for season three, although it's brief at just 15 seconds in length. In quick flashes, the sneak peek does feature violent altercations, screaming and mask-wearing figures among the 90s-era group, however. So, business as usual, then. [caption id="attachment_894499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Colin Bentley/SHOWTIME.[/caption] After swiftly getting picked up for a second season because its first was that ace, Yellowjackets was then renewed for a third season before that second group of episodes even aired. In Australia, viewers will be heading to Paramount+ come Friday, February 14, 2025. In New Zealand, the series streams via Neon. In season three, the returning cast — which includes Simone Kessell (Muru) as the older Lottie and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) as the older Van, characters played in their younger guises by Australian actors Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Liv Hewson (Party Down) — will be joined by Hilary Swank (Ordinary Angels) and Joel McHale (The Bear). Check out the first teaser trailer for Yellowjackets season three below: Season three of Yellowjackets will start streaming from Friday, February 14, 2025 via Paramount+ in Australia — and streams via Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one and review of season two, plus our interview with Melanie Lynskey. Via Variety.
An insidious approach to work/life balance. The making of a villain. Hollywood satirising Hollywood. Vacation chaos. Traumatic teens. In the past year, all of the above has graced the small screen in stunning fashion. Each of these series — Severance, The Penguin, The Studio, The White Lotus and Adolescence, that is — is excellent, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences agrees. Among 2025's just-dropped Emmy nominations, they've all picked up a swag of nods, making them top contenders. Rebellion in a galaxy far, far away. Trying to survive in dystopian times. Chasing comedy dreams. Kitchen stress. Hospital heartbreak. True crime. Tech nightmares. The Emmys has also shown the love for Andor, The Last of Us, Hacks, The Bear, The Pitt, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and Black Mirror, too. Which of the above multi-nominees will collect shiny trophies will be revealed on Monday, September 15, Australian and New Zealand time. Severance season two leads the pack with a huge 27 nods, followed by The Penguin with 24. With its 23 mentions, The Studio matched The Bear's record from 2024 for the most amount of nominations by a comedy in a single year. That's the same number of nods that the third season of The White Lotus picked up, while season two of The Last of Us nabbed 16. Andor and Hacks both scored 14. Adolescence, The Bear and The Pitt each collected 13. Rounding out the shows with double-digit hauls, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story was nominated 11 times and Black Mirror ten. That's 2025's Emmy contenders by the numbers. Dying for Sex's nine nominations, plus Only Murders in the Building and Shrinking's seven apiece, are also hefty achievements. Even just from the shows notching up sizeable nods, it's clear that this year's batch is fond of both returning favourites and newcomers. Also getting some love in the first category: The Diplomat, Slow Horses, Abbott Elementary, What We Do in the Shadows, Bad Sisters and Somebody Somewhere. And in the second, Paradise, Nobody Wants This, Presumed Innocent, Dope Thief, Disclaimer, Sirens, The Four Seasons and The Residence are all represented. Although plenty of shows earned the Emmys' attention across the board, the same series pop up again and again in the acting fields. It seems like almost every The White Lotus cast member grabbed a nod, for instance, and the same for everyone who starred or even just popped up on The Studio. Filmmakers Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Ron Howard (Jim Henson Idea Man) are now Emmy-nominated actors for the latter, for instance. Cate Blanchett is flying the flag for Down Under talent in the acting categories thanks to Disclaimer, with Australian Babyteeth director Shannon Murphy also recognised for helming episodes of Dying for Sex. And if you're after a few records, Matlock's Kathy Bates is the oldest Best Actress in a Drama nominee ever, Harrison Ford has finally collected his first Emmy nod at the age of 83 for Shrinking, The Last of Us' Bella Ramsey is the only non-binary talent to be nominated twice, Saturday Night Live's Bowen Yang has become the most-nominated Asian male performer and Adolescence's Owen Cooper is the youngest-ever contender in his Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie field. Here's a rundown of the nominations in the major categories: Emmy Nominees 2025 Outstanding Drama Series Andor The Diplomat The Last of Us Paradise The Pitt Severance Slow Horses The White Lotus Outstanding Comedy Series Abbott Elementary The Bear Hacks Nobody Wants This Only Murders in the Building Shrinking The Studio What We Do in the Shadows Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series Adolescence Black Mirror Dying for Sex Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story The Penguin Outstanding Television Movie Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy The Gorge Mountainhead Nonnas Rebel Ridge Lead Actor in a Drama Series Sterling K Brown, Paradise Gary Oldman, Slow Horses Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us Adam Scott, Severance Noah Wyle, The Pitt Lead Actress in a Drama Series Kathy Bates, Matlock Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters Britt Lower, Severance Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us Keri Russell, The Diplomat Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This Seth Rogen, The Studio Jason Segel, Shrinking Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jeremy Allen White, The Bear Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Uzo Aduba, The Residence Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Jean Smart, Hacks Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Colin Farrell, The Penguin Stephen Graham, Adolescence Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent Brian Tyree Henry, Dope Thief Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer Meghann Fahy, Sirens Rashida Jones, Black Mirror Cristin Milioti, The Penguin Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Zach Cherry, Severance Walton Goggins, The White Lotus Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus James Marsden, Paradise Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus Tramell Tillman, Severance John Turturro, Severance Supporting Actress in a Actor in a Drama Series Patricia Arquette, Severance Carrie Coon, The White Lotus Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt Julianne Nicholson, Paradise Parker Posey, The White Lotus Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Ike Barinholtz, The Studio Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons Harrison Ford, Shrinking Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear Michael Urie, Shrinking Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live Supporting Actress in a Actor in a Comedy Series Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear Hannah Einbinder, Hacks Kathryn Hahn, The Studio Janelle James, Abbott Elementary Catherine O'Hara, The Studio Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary Jessica Williams, Shrinking Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Bill Camp, Presumed Innocent Owen Cooper, Adolescence Rob Delaney, Dying for Sex Peter Sarsgaard, Presumed Innocent Ashley Walters, Adolescence Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Erin Doherty, Adolescence Ruth Negga, Presumed Innocent Deirdre O'Connell, The Penguin Chloë Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Jenny Slate, Dying for Sex Christine Tremarco, Adolescence Guest Actor in a Drama Series Giancarlo Esposito, The Boys Scott Glenn, The White Lotus Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt Joe Pantoliano, The Last of Us Forest Whitaker, Andor Jeffrey Wright, The Last of Us Guest Actress in a Drama Series Jane Alexander, Severance Gwendoline Christie, Severance Kaitlyn Dever, The Last of Us Cherry Jones, The Handmaid's Tale Catherine O'Hara, The Last of Us Merritt Wever, Severance Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Jon Bernthal, The Bear Bryan Cranston, The Studio Dave Franco, The Studio Ron Howard, The Studio Anthony Mackie, The Studio Martin Scorsese, The Studio Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Olivia Colman, The Bear Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear Cynthia Erivo, Poker Face Robby Hoffman, Hacks Zoë Kravitz, The Studio Julianne Nicholson, Hacks Writing for a Drama Series Dan Gilroy, Andor Joe Sachs, The Pitt R Scott Gemmill, The Pitt Dan Erickson, Severance Will Smith, Slow Horses Mike White, The White Lotus Writing for a Comedy Series Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky, Hacks Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Locke-Norton and Eric Notarnicola, The Rehearsal Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen and Bridget Everett, Somebody Somewhere Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Frida Perez, The Studio Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis and Paul Simms, What We Do in the Shadows Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, Adolescence Charlie Brooker and Bisha K Ali, Black Mirror Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether, Dying for Sex Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin Joshua Zetumer, Say Nothing Directing for a Drama Series Janus Metz, Andor Amanda Marsalis, The Pitt John Wells, The Pitt Jessica Lee Gagné, Severance Ben Stiller, Severance Adam Randall, Slow Horses Mike White, The White Lotus Directing for a Comedy Series Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Lucia Aniello, Hacks James Burrows, Mid-Century Modern Nathan Fielder, The Rehearsal Seth Rogen, The Studio Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Philip Barantini, Adolescence Shannon Murphy, Dying for Sex Helen Shaver, The Penguin Jennifer Getzinger, The Penguin Nicole Kassell, Sirens Lesli Linka Glatter, Zero Day The 2025 Emmy Awards take place on Monday, September 15, Australian time. For further details, head to the Emmys' website.
The shock of unkempt hair, the Irish brogue, the misanthropic attitude: there's no mistaking Dylan Moran for anyone else. It was true in beloved British sitcom Black Books, when his on-screen alter ego abhorred mornings, ate coasters and claimed that his oven could cook anything (even belts). And it's definitely true of the comedian's acerbically hilarious live shows. Moran is no stranger to Australia, but if you haven't guffawed at his bleak wit live, he's coming back late in 2019 to give you another chance. This time around, expect the kind of deadpan gags, wine-soaked insights and blisteringly sharp one-liners that've kept him in the spotlight since 1996, when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Edinburgh Fringe's Perrier Award. From late October to early December, Moran will tour the country with his latest show, Dr Cosmos, bringing his grumpily lyrical musings on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life to 14 Aussie cities. Kicking off in Wollongong and ending up in Brisbane, his upcoming visit marks his first Australian trip since 2015, when he was eliciting giggles with his Off the Hook tour. That mammoth effort took in a whopping 149 cities worldwide. As well as his stint as the world's worst bookshop owner in Black Books, Moran has popped up in films such as Notting Hill and Shaun of the Dead, should you been keen to get watching (or rewatching) before his new gigs. Nabbing tickets to his Dr Cosmos early is recommended — his shows usually sell out quickly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gy3C7cMNeg DYLAN MORAN 'DR COSMOS' 2019 DATES Wollongong — Wednesday, October 23, Town Hall Canberra — Friday, October 25, Royal Theatre Sydney — Tuesday, October 29, Sydney Opera House Melbourne — Saturday, November 2, Hamer Hall Launceston — Saturday, November 9, Princess Theatre Hobart — Sunday, November 10, Wrest Point Entertainment Centre Adelaide — Tuesday, November 12, Thebarton Theatre Perth — Thursday, November 14, Riverside Theatre Darwin — Monday, November 18, Entertainment Centre Cairns — Wednesday, November 20, Convention Centre Townsville — Friday, November 22, Entertainment Centre Gold Coast — Saturday, November 23, Star Theatre Newcastle — Monday, November 25, Civic Theatre Brisbane — Monday, December 2, QPAC Concert Hall Dylan Moran's 'Dr Cosmos' tickets go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, May 14, with pre-sales available now. For more information, head to the AB Presents website.
In news that will probably not surprise anybody, the ill-fated oBikes of Melbourne are set to vanish off the streets for good. Confirmed by Port Phillip Mayor Bernadene Voss and Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, the move is a reaction to new guidelines imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, in which abandoned bikes blocking streets for more than two hours would prompt $3000 fines. According to reports, the Singapore-based bike sharing service would rather move out of Melbourne than risk having to cough up the hefty fines. These fines are on top of earlier restrictions Melbourne councils imposed on oBike back in late 2017. oBike was introduced to Melbourne a mere year ago, a station-less bike service which in theory is convenient — as users don't have to dock them at the end of a ride — but in practice resulted in abandoned oBikes being strewn all over the place, including many in the Yarra. The past year has also been rough waters for oBike in the media, with reports about violence being carried out with the bikes emerging (luckily, the target was just a train; unluckily, the damage totalled $300,000). The abandoned bikes on the streets of Melbourne, of which there are many, are currently being rounded up, and the oBike storage facility in Nunawading has been cleared. It's the next troubled chapter for bike sharing companies in Australia. Earlier this year in Sydney, oBike — and three other major bike rental operators Reddy Go, Ofo and Mobike — all had to comply with a new set of guidelines designed to target bike dumping and vandalism. Six Sydney councils developed the guidelines, focusing on the distribution and redistribution of the bikes post-ride, as well as timeframes for removal of faulty bikes on behalf of the bike company. Mobike has its sights set on Melbourne next, so we can only hope that it's able to comply with council restrictions — and less of them end up as river pollution. Via The Age
Big, bustling blockbusters have been absent from cinema screens for much of the past 12 months, as film studios adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to coronavirus restrictions, hygiene requirements and protocols, huge movies filled with hordes of people haven't been the easiest things to shoot of late, either. So, cinephiles can expect more than a few new features to hit both the big screen and streaming services in the coming weeks, months and years that have been made under much more intimate circumstances. Malcolm & Marie is one of them, and it's heading to Netflix from Friday, February 5. The black-and-white film stars recent Euphoria Emmy-winner Zendaya opposite Tenet and BlacKkKlansman's John David Washington, with the pair playing a couple who've just returned home from a movie premiere — and end up spending what started as a celebratory evening working through the ups and downs of their relationship. The streaming service has just dropped its first trailer for the feature — which, as well as proving as intimate as expected, also promises an acting showcase from its two stars. Malcolm & Marie may be a talk-heavy film, focusing on its titular characters chatting about their feelings, but both Zendaya and Washington look set to continue their recent impressive runs. In Zendaya's case, she's also reuniting with writer/director Sam Levinson, who created Euphoria. Cinematographer Marcell Rév also has a history on the show — so if you're fond of vivid and expressive imagery, you'll be able to see what he can do while working in monochrome. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGZmwsK58M8 Malcolm & Marie will be available to stream via Netflix on Friday, February 5. Images: Dominic Miller/Netflix.
Tempted by all your friends heading to Europe this winter, but cost of living got you down? If it's time for an interstate getaway that's not going to set you back a couple of months' rent, Victoria has delivered a swathe of brand spanking new hotels with all the luxe vibes of a southern White Lotus. Warm weather not guaranteed. Here are three of the best new openings in Victoria right now – from a converted Rolls Royce showstopper in South Yarra, to an interior designer's dream in Ballarat. THE ROYCE Following a two-year renovation of their gorgeous heritage building, The Royce has opened in the most understated way possible – which is perfectly befitting the luxury hotel, formerly a Rolls Royce showroom but now aimed at high-end business clientele and weekend travellers looking for impeccable service, generous rooms and luxe amenities. Speaking to Nick McLennan, General Manager at The Royce, he tells me they're not looking for a packed roster to fill their 94 rooms and suites – but rather a repeat customer who values discretion and design detail in equal parts. And the detail really has been carefully considered here; everything from the second bathroom in the two-level suites that repurpose the old mechanic's workshop offering a guest option for in-room meetings that ensures no awkward moments, to the separated lounge areas ensuring the bed is out of mind, and out of sight, when a client pops in for a nightcap. Breakfast in the Parisian glass conservatory is a treasure trove of Instagramable moments – particularly as you wander through the hand-painted chinoiserie frescos, matched perfectly to sorbet velvet armchairs, evoking the building's art deco bones without any of the pomp. The elegant Showroom Bar delivers sophisticated, but classic, dining almost all day and night, with an impeccably detailed marble staircase leading up to a mid-sized ballroom for any dramatic event moments in mind. The Royce is delightfully decadent, but never garishly so – and its spot on St Kilda Road in South Yarra delivers city fringe convenience with excellent location amenity for those keen on a morning run around The Tan or a late night cocktail on Chapel. Their press release may have described the "capacious lounge" adorned with a 2-metre wide chandelier and a 14-metre curved marble fireplace, but this is certainly no Burberry tote housing fold-up ballet flats. HOTEL VERA Tucked away behind the façade of a quiet heritage townhouse on Ballarat's main drag is an interior designer's dream. As you enter through the front door, Hotel Vera's masterclass in colour theory unfolds before you – the inspiring result of owners David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew's impeccable taste. With only seven spacious suites on offer, Vera's focus is on a personalised experience that translates into easy-going hospitality, long chats over breakfast, and a fascinating tour of their 19th-century mansion – now transformed into a contemporary, lovingly-crafted modern guesthouse. Each room has its own unique flavour: individual two-tone wall colours are complemented by textured, sculptural design choices, original artworks and locally-sourced decorative pieces; a pet friendly suite offers a private courtyard and convenient, separate shower bench for dog washing; and an accessible suite redefines what is often an afterthought, featuring gorgeous interior touches that allow for easy use. As Cook-Doulton leads me through the building, pointing out intricate historical details that they have weaved into their contemporary renovation, it's clear that this is a heartfelt project lovingly brought to life. As custodians of the history they've inherited, Cook-Doulton and Shew clearly understand that their properties (they also run Hotel Ernest in Bendigo) can offer modern amenities whilst still respecting the unique fabric of the regional towns they reside in. And Hotel Vera is just that: a quietly luxurious home away from home – with repeat visitors who request specific suites they've come to love – that also embraces its historical context. Add a table for the night at the 14-seat, intimate in-house restaurant Underbar, helmed by Michelin-trained chef Derek Boath, and you've got the ultimate weekend getaway on your hands. That it offers a treasure trove of interior inspiration for anyone looking to update their own space back home? Well, that's just a bonus. LE MERIDIEN MELBOURNE Walking into Le Meridien on a Friday night straight from the office, the day after their rollicking Parisian-themed opening launch (featuring a sparkling champagne tower), is admittedly not quite as glamorous – but still enjoyable nonetheless. Positioned at the top end of Bourke Street and occupying the former Palace Theatre site, the Melbourne iteration of Mariot Bonvoy's five-star brand is smack bang in the middle of the theatre district. So, with its film-themed fine diner Dolly downstairs, and movie concession-style ground floor café Intermission, it takes its cues from its own rich creative history on site. Now a 12-story building featuring 235 rooms tucked behind a heritage art deco façade, its design encompasses the performing legacy of previously hosting a theatre, cinema, nightclub and live performance venue at various times in its 180 year history. And although there are many subtle nods (like an incredible popcorn-flavoured bomb Alaska desert at Dolly, and the restaurant's name itself referencing – no, not Parton, but an obscure camera technique), its presentation is thoroughly modern. With rooms and suites overlooking either Parliament or the city – with a view to the chic pool deck below – there really isn't any bad room on offer, although the lower-pricepoint rooms are admittedly on the smaller side. Its selling point for weekenders is definitely Le Splash, a poolside dining offering featuring a small selection of cocktails and luscious lobster rolls delivered straight to your deckchair, with a view to Parliament House. Outdoor pools are a rarity in Melbourne, for obvious reasons, but when you get the weather just right, this is the place to be. Images: supplied.
In 2024, there was plenty of crying over Spilt Milk, when the touring music festival took itself off of Australia's cultural calendar for the year. It still popped up in a few cities to throw events it dubbed house parties, with Troye Sivan, Glass Animals and G Flip leading the lineup, but the full Spilt Milk experience was put on hold until 2025. Here's the excellent news for this year: Spilt Milk is indeed returning, and has just announced its summer 2025 dates. Not every fest that sat 2024 out has made a comeback — both Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass have scrapped their events in both years — but this one has stops in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and on the Gold Coast locked in for December. 2025's run of Spilt Milk fests will take place across two weekends, hitting two locations on each. It all starts on Saturday, December 6 at Victoria Park in Ballarat, before heading across the country to Claremont Showground in Perth on Sunday, December 7. Then, it's Canberra's turn at Exhibition Park on Saturday, December 13, followed by a trip to the Gold Coast Sports Precinct on Sunday, December 14. As for the lineup, it's on the way — and soon. For now, expect the return of sing-alongs at Guilty Pleasures, plus country bar Howdy Howdy and the Bus Da Move party bus. The art component will feature artists from Studio A. When it cancelled in 2024, the festival advised via social media that it was pulling the plug because it "couldn't get you the Spilt Milk you deserve this year". In 2023, Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Latto, Tkay Maidza and Aitch led the lineup. Flume, Stormzy and The Wombats were named as headliners in 2022 — the first Spilt Milk since the pandemic began — although Stormzy subsequently dropped out and cancelled his Australian tour. Khalid and Chvrches topped the bill in 2019, and Childish Gambino did the honours in 2018. Originally only popping up in Canberra, then expanding to Ballarat, then the Gold Coast and finally also to Perth, multi-city one-dayer Spilt Milk had cemented its spot as a must-attend event on the annual Aussie calendar before it took a year off, including for its lineups — and for its food offering as well, which spanned bites to eat from Chebbo's Burgers, 400 Gradi, Chicken Treat, and the BBQ and Beer Roadshow in 2023. Spilt Milk 2025 Dates and Venues Saturday, December 6 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, December 7 — Claremont Showground, Perth Saturday, December 13 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, December 14 — Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Gold Coast Spilt Milk is returning in December 2025, heading to Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast. Head to the festival website for more information Images: Jordan K Munns, Mackenzie Sweetnam, Jess Gleeson and Billy Zammit.
Brent Farrell is a Brisbane icon when it comes to the foodie scene, having successfully run his eponymous restaurant for more than eight years. Rebranding Brent’s Restaurant to 85 Miskin St at the end of last year saw the dining experience shift from “fine” with white gloves and silver service to a more “casual/relaxed” vibe where families are welcome. However, when it comes to the food there is no mistaking Brent’s signature artistry. Each dish is a guaranteed masterpiece, delivering incredible and innovative flavour combinations using the freshest of ingredients from the garden out the back. Plating is an art form, both allowing individual components on the plate to shine as well as being so visually striking that you may experience a sudden urge to take a photo of your food... The menu is designed so that you can “eat as you please” with the option to choose a three-course structure or share multiple starter and main plates. Don’t be fooled by the descriptions – they may seem simple but each dish you choose will pack a complex, mind-blowing punch. To start, opt for an antipasto style option or choose the impeccably light house-made Semolina crusty loaf and cultured butter. For entrée you simply can’t go past the sautéed scallop and broth with cauliflower and lemon oil (kid you not the broth is the tastiest, fluffiest, creamiest soup you will ever experience) or the Citrus cured ocean trout with edible ants (YES, ants!), rosehip sorbet, dill crème fraiche and radish. And for mains the crispy skinned glazed pork belly with mandarin, chilli and ginger and wild rice is a must. Finally, the desserts (although seemingly simple) are sweet surprises that tantalise the tastebuds and leave you in a state of awe. The fresh berries with Madagascan vanilla and garden flowers is served in a terracotta pot with chocolate dirt and the intriguing and unexpected yoghurt, dill and nasturtium comes with fragrant dill ice cream, a tangy yoghurt and French vanilla pannacotta and a halo of toffee. Highly recommended. Whether it’s a fine food experience you seek in relaxed surrounds, or you’re looking for something to excite and delight the taste buds then 85 Miskin St is your ultimate destination.
You can't miss this triangular-shaped structure of the FV Brisbane in Fortitude Valley that purposefully takes inspiration from New York's famous Flatiron Building. It's all part of the ever-growing FV precinct, which includes Altitude rooftop bar. Of course, you're not supposed to miss it. But marvelling at its exterior is just the start — although one of its unmistakable highlights is definitely located outside, and up high as well. Lofty pools with a view are on-trend at the moment but we're certainly not complaining about that. Here, the splash-friendly spot is U-shaped, and it looks out over the city skyline. You can also book private spa lounges (should you be staycationing with a group) and then catch a flick on the outdoor deck. Or, find your bliss in FV Brisbane's yoga studio. Seeking more inspiration? Discover more at our list of the best hotels in Brisbane.
It's a juicy and joyous combination of noodles, protein, veggies, herbs and broth, and it's about to take over Brisbane. No, we don't mean ramen. Prepare your tastebuds for another great kind of Asian-style soup: pho. At Phat Pho on Commercial Road in Newstead, that's exactly what's on offer, as the name makes clear. Nestled into a 1920s-era shop, the new Vietnamese street food eatery doesn't just lean on one type of cuisine, though. Noodle salads, lettuce wraps, rice paper rolls, bao, banh mi thit and dinner-time dishes of pork belly and lemongrass chilli chicken are also on the menu, as is ca phe sua da — aka traditional Vietnamese iced coffee. Of course, the phrase "when at Phat Pho" comes to mind, meaning that if you're going to drop by, you really should try their specialty. If tucking into a bowl of bubbling liquid simmered for four-and-a-half hours, littered with pho rice noodles, topped with basil, sprouts, onion, shallots and lime, available in chicken or beef, and cooked according to owner Hong Nguyen's secret recipe doesn't get you in the slurping mood, then nothing will. Image: Bruce Truong.
How many times have you busted a move on the dance floor to Rihanna and thought you really should do this more often? Well now it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Mad Dance House runs a weekly world dance course, where a style from around the world is taught for six weeks before rotating on to the next one. This week it's reggaeton, which blends reggae, hip hop and latin techniques — so you'll have to get your hips moving and lose any of those lingering inhibitions. All levels are welcome, including absolute beginners.
Goodbye gin shrine, hello doing the environment a solid and scoring some cash. If you'd like to turn your empty glass spirits bottles into money, you now can in Queensland. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 marks five years since Queensland's Containers for Change refund scheme launched, encouraging folks to recycle their drink containers — and also giving everyone who participates some funds back for their efforts. How is the Sunshine State marking that milestone? As announced earlier in the year, it's expanding the scheme to say cheers to glass wine and spirits bottles (after you say cheers to them yourself by sipping their contents, that is). The refund system has proven popular over its run so far, receiving more than 102-million empty drink containers in its first two months, rocketing up to over 400-million containers in its first five months and currently sitting at more than seven-billion recycled containers as at mid-September 2023. Expect those numbers to grow with its big upcoming change, which was first floated back in November 2022 and has now kicked in. Accordingly, your at-home cocktails and vino sips can now help the planet, with each bottle between 150 millilitres and three litres scoring you a ten-cent refund. You'll just need to take the glass remnants of your dinner party or after-work drinks to one of the scheme's 360-plus collection points, as is the case with other containers. The CRS, as the program is also known, previously only accepted water bottles, beer cans, juice containers and more — saving a hefty amount of aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard items from landfill and our waterways, with a focus on beverage containers between 150 millilitres and three litres in volume — but glass vino and spirits bottles weren't covered. To decide whether to change that state of affairs, the Queensland Government ran a consultation period, with 6600-plus folks providing their thoughts, 98.1 percent of which were in favour of adding more containers to the refund program. Queenslanders can still keep popping their glass wine and spirits bottles in their yellow bins at home — and not getting any money in return — if that's easier. Need some motivation to hit up a CRS collection point with your bottles instead? The 7.1-billion containers recycled before now equates to $710 million in refunds. Glass wine and spirits bottles have been added to the Containers for Change program effective Wednesday, November 1, 2023. For more information about Containers for Change, visit the scheme's website.
Whatever you have to say cheers to, there's a place in Brisbane to do it. If you're keen to clink glasses somewhere that you've never sipped before, the River City keeps adding new bars in beloved digs that were once other drinking spots, in old warehouses, by revitalising heritage-listed favourites, cascading down to the water and even cruising on it. So, it's time to make like Santa. We've created the list; now you can get ticking. 'Tis the season not only to get merry over cocktails with a view, brews in a sunny beer garden or vino in a dedicated neighbourhood wine joint, but to check out ten bars that first opened their doors in 2023 and left an impression.
Before Dolly Parton's own musical about her life makes its theatre debut, premiering on Broadway in 2026, always loving the music icon on stage is easy thanks to Here You Come Again. Telling the story of a massive fan of the legend and their imagined version of a star like no other, this fellow song-fuelled production is filled with Parton's tunes. It has her stamp of approval, too, and it's coming to Australia in 2025. Here You Come Again has locked in stops in six cities, starting with Melbourne, playing at the Comedy Theatre from July. From there, it'll enjoy a stint at Theatre Royal Sydney from September, before touring to Perth, Newcastle, Canberra and Adelaide at yet-to-be-announced dates. There's no Queensland season so far, but cross your fingers that one gets added. At each of its Aussie destinations, get ready to hear 'Jolene', '9 to 5', 'Islands in the Stream' and 'I Will Always Love You', among other tracks, as the show's protagonist navigates the ups and downs of life with his own fantasy of Dolly by his side. Playing that pivotal part, so slipping into the rhinestones and blonde hair, is Here You Come Again co-creator Tricia Paoluccio — and yes, she's also a Dolly fan. "I've loved Dolly my whole life and have been singing her songs since I was a little girl. It's been my dream to create a musical comedy that celebrates her music while imagining how she might help someone in a real-life way," said Paoluccio, who conjured up the show with Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and songwriter Bruce Vilanch, plus director Gabriel Barre. "Having Dolly's personal stamp of approval on this piece makes it even more special, and I can't wait to bring this production to Australia!" In the US and UK, Here You Come Again has played soldout seasons — and expect it to prove popular Down Under, too. Alongside Paoluccio, Australian Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) stars, with the local run also set to feature an all-Australian ensemble, plus a live band helping to bring Parton's music to life. Here You Come Again Australian Tour From Thursday, July 10, 2025 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne From Friday, September 12, 2025 — Theatre Royal Sydney, Sydney Dates TBC — Perth Dates TBC — Newcastle Dates TBC — Canberra Dates TBC — Adelaide Here You Come Again starts touring Australia from July 2025, with ticket presales for Melbourne and Sydney from 9am on Wednesday, March 12 and general sales from Friday, March 14 — head to the production's website for more details, and for waitlists for other cities. Images: UK production, Hugo Glendinning.
Driving through Mission Beach on your way to Dunk Island? Make sure you stop in at the local community arts centre for a visit. Mission Arts is located within MARCS Park and features an exhibition space, gift shop, pottery studio and community meeting spaces. Feel like getting creative? The arts centre has regular open workshops in drawing, pottery and knitting that you can attend. Or, stop by to check out the upcoming exhibitions including Focus Photography and Language of Intimacy.
To the casual observer, the rise in plant-based eating has seemingly come about overnight. Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods and V2Food have signalled a major shift in the way we think about meat, while thought-provoking documentaries like Food, Inc., The Game Changers and Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret have sparked conversations around our relationship with food and behaviours of consumption. Elsewhere, online resources like Vegkit — a new initiative by Animals Australia — offer a world of resources that have made it more accessible than ever before to embrace the many ways to eat plant-based. From a culinary choice you used to associate with your kooky aunt to now seeing legitimate alternatives lining supermarket shelves — could it be that plant-based eating has suddenly become cool? It's more than just marketing spin. Factors such as increased awareness of the environmental impact of agriculture, rising meat prices and the health benefits linked to a reduced meat intake have seen Australia's meat consumption hit a 25-year low, according to research released earlier this year. While plant-based diets and meat-centric ones might have once been seen as a one-or-the-other thing, the increased visibility of meat-free options is helping many shift to full- and part-time veganism. Sure, the merits of lab-made meat alternatives are certainly open for debate. But that's kind of missing the point: these products have become a successful gateway to reducing meat intake for the otherwise disinclined. PLANT-BASED EQUALS CREATIVITY Many venues around Australia are embracing the creativity offered by cooking without meat. Karl Cooney of Sydney restaurant Yulli's and brewery Yulli's Brews has been vegetarian for nearly 25 years and vegan for the past seven. He considered his decision to switch to plant-based cooking as both a blessing and a curse. "Being from a very food-oriented background, I wanted to eat good shit, so it forced me to learn ways of seeking out and creating well-rounded dishes that didn't seem lacking for not having meat," Cooney tells us. Co-owner of plant-based Brisbane diner Fitz + Potts, Cassie Potts (pictured above), had a similar experience: "When a meal doesn't revolve around one central, dominating ingredient, [which] is often the case when you cook with meat, you can explore how a range of ingredients and flavours can work in balance and harmony." For celebrated American chef Matthew Kenney (pictured above), plant-based eating and cooking represents a new frontier. "This is the most exciting food sector and the future of how we cook, eat and live," says Kenney, who recently opened Alibi, an entirely plant-based restaurant and bar inside Ovolo Woolloomooloo and his first Australian venue. "Cooking and eating plant-based connects us with seasonality and local ingredients," he continues. "It is also incredibly motivating to work with a cuisine that is not fully developed, allowing us an opportunity to craft a path toward the future." Potts agrees that when it comes to exploring food options that go beyond animal ingredients, we're only just getting started: "I feel like a bit of an alchemist in the kitchen, because plant-based cooking is still such a new concept. When I first became a vegan, there weren't all the [current] meat- and dairy-alternative options, so I learnt to cook creatively," she says. "Coming up with new versions of meat-based recipes or experimenting with fresh new combinations of vegetables, grains and plant-based proteins is hugely exciting stuff for me." This creativity benefits diners, too — walk into any of these chefs' restaurants and you'll be treated to a cracker of a meal. [caption id="attachment_798372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yulli's Surry Hills (supplied)[/caption] PEOPLE THRIVE ON A PLANT-BASED DIET The idea of plant-based cooking being 'new' might seem a little strange — after all, humans have been cooking plants for more than 10,000 years. What has changed, though, are perceptions around a plant-based meal as 'missing' something. "Ironically most people probably think a vegan lifestyle is all about denying yourself of things, but I've always been obsessed with food, and enjoy it in excess," says Potts. Cooney has also found himself responding to many doubters over his years of plant-based eating and cooking. "The biggest misconception [around cooking plant-based] is that you can't create flavour," says Cooney. "The obvious response is well, you're doing it wrong." "[Another] misconception is that you get tired on a vegan diet," Cooney adds. "I don't think I've ever eaten meat in the couple of decades I've worked [in] hospitality — and we all know what a brutal industry it is — and the one thing I never lack is energy. Sometimes I lack patience but that's another story." Kenny adds to this: "The reality is that we always had to overcome perceptions of plant-based not being fulfilling or not having enough protein. However, with elite athletes, many of the world's highest-performing CEOs and the general public thriving on plant-based diets, those misconceptions are thankfully put to rest." [caption id="attachment_663302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alibi (supplied)[/caption] Perhaps, though, it's a cultural thing? "Many cultures don't think anything of eating a purely plant-based meal," says Potts. "I think it would benefit people's health, the planet and of course animals, if western society didn't think it was so unusual to appreciate a tasty meal without getting hung up on the fact there isn't a lump of flesh central on the plate. Plant-based eating is honestly no different to eating any other meal. Good food is good food." Looking for more plant-based meal inspo? Check out Vegkit — it's loaded with hundreds of plant-based meals you can enjoy any time of day.
Ever heard of pasta from a cheese wheel? It's a thing at Il Verde. And it's a thing that you probably want to find out more about. Located in the heart of Fortitude Valley on King Street, Il Verde offers the full gamut of Italian cuisine in an upmarket yet relaxed (and cheese wheel-wielding) setting. You might want to have your next date night here. Make an advance booking and you and your beloved (or fellow pasta fiend) can have your pasta or gnocchi stirred up in a big melty wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and dished up onto your plate. Yep. Dinner also includes a glass of wine and a dessert too, so wear your stretchy pants.
Did you know that Brisbane has its own Zen Buddhist temple? Opening in Logan back in 1993, the Chung Tian Temple is a portal to a different philosophy and a window into an alternative way of life. You'll feel like you're worlds away, without leaving Brissie. You can easily while away your time just looking at the sights of this temple awash in the traditional gold and red of Chinese palace architecture. Explore further, and you'll discover all that the temple has to offer, from the Chan, Zen and Arhat Gardens, to the art gallery and the on-site museum. Entry is free and you can even do a guided tour — all they ask for is a small donation. And no trip is complete without a hot cuppa and dumplings at the Water Drop Teahouse. Image: @alwaysdocumentating via Instagram.
Formerly the location of Bulimba's 'working man' pub in times gone by, the spacious modern venue of Oxford 152 continues the egalitarian spirit by offering something for everyone. The contemporary, open-front layout is immediately inviting, with glass doors and windows sliding back to let in natural light and breeze. Within this local watering hole, you find basically every venue type: lounge, bar, bistro, reception space, gaming room, chilled-out courtyard and a 'club' with a resident DJ. Oxford 152 provides down-to-earth eats in a smart-casual setting, serving up big brekkies, including custom omelettes — and a lunch and dinner menu with crispy pizzas, hearty meat mains and veg options, and premium beef steaks with a range of sides and toppers so you can customise your juicy slab. For sipping, they offer cocktails, juices, craft beer and, like any spot catering for big events and functions, some high-quality bubbly. Images: Grace Smith.
Whether you're craving a weekend in a country hideaway or an unforgettable wining and dining experience at one of the many wineries, the Scenic Rim is where to venture to when you're planning a weekend escape from Brisbane. An hour-and-a-half's drive from the city, the Scenic Rim stretches across the Great Dividing Range and boasts idyllic hinterland areas such as Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Park. You can spend a couple of days exploring the tranquil rocky cliffs at Cedar Creek Falls, watching the sunset over the range or trying your luck camel riding — there's so much to do here. [caption id="attachment_793270" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kooroomba Kitchen via Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] EAT Awarded its twelfth hat in the 2020 Australian Good Food Guide Awards, Kooroomba Kitchen is a must-visit on your trip to the Scenic Rim. The restaurant's most breathtaking feature is its lavender fields, which you can walk through or admire while you eat. Executive Chef Daniel Groneberg's changing menu includes pork loin steaks, lavender honey-glazed quail and slow cooked beef cheek and truffle mash. For a more casual feed, stop in at Mexican-style eatery El Burro Cantina for dinner. Found on the main street of Tamborine Mountain, the fun and vibrant eatery is where you can let loose and enjoy a glass of sangria and a selection of tacos or tostadas under the colourful lanterns in the courtyard. The frozen margaritas and fajitas here are a winning combination. On a sweeter note, the nostalgic The Fudge Shop Springbrook is where you can unleash your inner kid and satisfy even the sweetest of sugar cravings. The family-owned shop is packed with house-made fudges in flavours like classic caramel and Baileys Irish Cream. The multipurpose business also sells soaps, jams and a range of lemon myrtle-scented products, which make for good souvenirs from your weekend away. [caption id="attachment_793281" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tamborine Mountain Distillery via Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] DRINK Witches Falls Winery's winemaking techniques will impress even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts. Witches Falls prides itself on environmentally sustainable processes and its growing conditions are similar to the Northern Rhone region in France, making it especially good at producing merlot and syrah. It also produces a Wild Harvest range of chardonnay, tempranillo, viognier and sauvignon blanc. Situated on Tamborine Mountain is the old-school and romantic Hampton Estate Wines. We recommend the wine tasting experience here; book in on Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 10am till 4pm and try its classic range of wines made with grapes from the Granite Belt. Not into vino? It also has a whisky bar. For a one-stop experience, book into Tamborine Mountain Distillery for a tasting of its many and varied spirits. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of gin and vodka making from the copper pot to the shelf. The distillery offers tastings from just $8 per person and you can choose between a selection of four liqueurs or spirits to sample. [caption id="attachment_793260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] DO For an unexpected, yet fun, mode of transport, try camel riding. Summer Land Camels offers farm tours and 15-minute camel rides from $30. Situated in the volcanic crater of the Scenic Rim, the farm has impressive views out to Flinders Peak, which is all the more entertaining viewed from the hump of a camel. Afterwards, peruse the gift shop for camel milk skincare or try the camel milk-infused vodka. When you want to cool off, spend the afternoon hopping between the Scenic Rim's many waterfalls and swimming holes. Experience the thrill of Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park, or cool off in Cedar Creek Falls, which has a waterhole within easy access of the car park. Or, pack a picnic and watch the hang gliders at Robert Sowter Park. It's also an excellent spot for sunsets. [caption id="attachment_793300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spicers Peak Lodge via Destination NSW[/caption] STAY For a luxurious weekend getaway, check in to Spicers Peak Lodge. It has a range of suites and most include meals from the on-site restaurant as well as breathtaking views. The Lodge also has a spa, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long working week. If you're wanting a true country escape, book in to this unusual Airbnb called Stargazer. The refurbished shipping container offers contemporary accommodation with bedrooms overlooking the hinterland. The best part is the glass ceiling, ideal for spotting shooting stars. There's also an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven for cooking in the cooler evenings. For the semi-adventurous, skip pitching a tent and try glamping at Nightfall. Situated beside Christmas Creek and the rainforests at Lamington National Park, Nightfall's tents are decked out with twin bathtubs and cosy fireplaces. A night here starts at $795. Top image: Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm via Tourism and Events Queensland
A week after new COVID-19 cases were identified, new exposure sites were named and new restrictions came into effect, Brisbane's COVID-19 rules are changing. Yes, again. Following a run of days with low case numbers, including zero new cases today, Friday, October 8 — and after completely avoiding a lockdown in response to the latest outbreak — Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has just announced that Brisbane's restrictions will ease again effective at 4pm this afternoon. As tends to happen every time that the rules either tighten or relax, the new settings will be familiar. We've been cycling back and forth between different sets of rules for a few months now, in fact. Indeed, the restrictions coming into effect today are the same conditions that were in place before last Thursday. And, these eased restrictions will apply not only in the Brisbane Local Government Area, but also in the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Logan, Townsville and Palm Island LGAs. BREAKING: Some restrictions will ease in parts of Queensland following another day with no cases detected in the community. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully to keep Queenslanders safe.#covid19 pic.twitter.com/EfELiDqj5X — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 8, 2021 Accordingly, there'll no longer be any limits on how many people can gather outdoors in public spaces. And, at home, the 100-person cap will be back. For indoor premises — including hospitality businesses such as clubs, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as galleries, museums, convention centres and places of worship — the one person per two-square-metres density limit is in effect once more. Where these types of venues are ticketed and have allocated seating, they can fill those areas to 100 percent, too, as can cinemas, theatres and live music venues. Also, eating and drinking standing is allowed — hello, vertical consumption — so there's something else to say cheers to. And, you always know things are getting loose when dancing is allowed (goodbye, Footloose), as it is under the new rules. Stadiums are back to 100-percent capacity for ticketed events with allocated seating. Indoor events can also either fill to 100-percent if seated and ticketed, or stick to the one person per two-square-metres rule if not. Here's the latest roadmap to easing restrictions in Queensland👇 pic.twitter.com/SX7u8KVqOh — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 8, 2021 Masks are still staying for now, but the rules are easing there, too. So, you can now take off your mask while sitting down indoors in public, reverting back to the status quo before the rules tightened last week. At hospitality venues, you'll actually only need to mask up when you're entering and exiting, in another relaxation of the restrictions. You will still need to always carry a mask with you, of course. Queensland's standing mask mandate for flights, airports and stadiums remains in place as well, so you'll always need to mask up there. And, they remain mandatory on public transport, in ride shares and while waiting for both; outdoors if you can't remain 1.5 metres away from people who aren't part of your household; and indoors in public if you're not sitting or you're not inside a hospo venue. As always, Queenslanders are asked to keep social distancing, maintaining the hygiene practices that have been in place since March 2020, and checking the state's list of exposure sites — and to get tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms. Exactly how long the new relaxed restrictions will remain in place hasn't been announced, but when case numbers are low or at zero, the state reviews the rules every fortnight. Southeast Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions will ease again at 4pm on Friday, October 8. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Ever been to a concert inside a WWII-era decommissioned oil storage tank? Head to Tanks Art Centre you can tick that off your bucket list. When the Cairns Regional Council was looking to reimagine the local Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct, it decided to get a little bit creative. The three enormous tanks now make up a multi-use arts centre, with sheer concrete walls and oil-daubed fixtures giving the venue a mysterious charm. Local and international acts perform in the main space, which boasts a 650-person capacity and a fully licensed bar.
If you've ever wondered what the chefs behind some of Australia's top restaurants are really like, that lust for knowledge can now be slaked with the launch of new Australian food podcast, The Pass. Having launched this week, each weekly episode will take listeners behind the scenes with restaurant icons including chefs, food critics and other food-related personalities. The podcast's guests — which will this season include Kylie Kwong, Matt Moran, 4fourteen's Colin Fassnidge, blogger and author Sarah Wilson, wine hero Mike Bennie, Dave Pynt of Singapore's Burnt Ends and Josh Niland of Saint Peter — delve into their own personal favourite dishes, ingredients, and restaurants, as well as dishing out answers to burning questions like what they would choose as a death row meal. Broadcaster and meteorologist Magdelena Roze hosts the podcast, which goes all over the country, from quickfire interviews on the streets to in-depth discussions inside secret locations that the guests have chosen themselves. Each episode will also include a bite-sized interview with another food personality at the end, where they endure a barrage of questions about their most (and least) favourite things. It's produced by Roze alongside the podcast's creative director Sam Kennedy and founder Jeanine Bribosia. The podcast itself is perfect to wolf down on the way to work, at the gym or, fittingly, while eating lunch — each episode clocks in at 20 minutes. Episode one of The Pass launched this week, with an episode to be released each Tuesday for the next eight weeks. You can listen to it here.
A boy scampers through the woods, happy in his natural surroundings. He runs, jumps, climbs and scurries, far away from the human world, with a very unusual creature for a companion. Such tales keep popping up in cinemas this year, particularly as far as modern-day, CGI-enhanced remakes of decades-old family fare are concerned. If The Jungle Book wowed you with not only its impressive visuals, but also its tender heart, then prepare for Pete's Dragon to do the same. Just don't expect a scary presence in this gentle effort – regardless of what the title seems to promise. Instead, the eponymous critter, named Elliott by the orphaned Pete (Oakes Fegley), is more like friendly, flying family. For five years after a car accident that leaves the boy stranded in the forest, the pair are inseparable. But when loggers venture into their turf, Pete is spotted by local girl Natalie (Oona Laurence), and taken in by park ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard). Neither Pete nor Elliott cope well with their separation, especially when the townsfolk, led by sawmill owner Gavin (Karl Urban), start trying to track the dragon down. Be it a dragon, a giant robot or an extraterrestrial hoping to phone home, there's a reason that movies about kids connecting with unlikely buddies keep capturing hearts and minds. As demonstrated here by bookend narration offered by Grace's father (Robert Redford), the childlike need to find a kindred spirit doesn't fade with age. With that idea firmly in writer-director David Lowery's mind, his take on Pete's Dragon has more in common, tone-wise, with E.T. and The Iron Giant than it does the 1977 musical film it's based on. His movie is big on sentiment, belief and awe — though it's purposefully small and straightforward in its story. With his regular producer turned co-scribe Toby Halbrooks, the filmmaker best known for the lyrical western Ain't Them Bodies Saints once again opts to evoke emotion and wonder above all else. Accordingly, as much as the earnest feature explores yearning desires, it's also simply about letting audiences experience a world in which a boy can pal around with a dragon that looks like a giant, green, winged puppy. That's an inherently magical concept, made all the more so by Elliott's ability to turn invisible. So it is that for 103 patient, precisely paced minutes, the film invites viewers to not only dare to see the dragon, but to believe that he's actually real. The charming Fegley certainly goes along for the ride, as do his adult costars. But the most crucial figure is the digitally rendered Elliott, who Lowery, his team of Weta animators, and cinematographer Bojan Bazelli bring to the screen with a glow that matches the movie's warm heart. Just be warned: if you're prone to being moved by such sweet stories, you'd best bring a whole heap of tissues.
It's difficult to overstate not only the ubiquity of coffee in Australia, but also the part it plays in our day to day. As Bruno Maiolo, a life member (and incumbent president) of the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA), says: "Coffee is enshrined in our DNA. We cannot function without it." But how has our coffee culture changed over the years — and what's coming next? In partnership with Milklab, we spoke with six Australian coffee experts to get their thoughts. [caption id="attachment_755831" align="alignnone" width="1920"] St Ali[/caption] WHAT'S CHANGED The origin story of Australian coffee culture has become engrained in our nation's lore, but a quick recap. Italian migrants who came to Australia after WWII with the hope of a better future in 'the lucky country', also (thankfully) brought their espresso-making traditions with them. Cafes and espresso bars quickly popped up throughout Melbourne and Sydney, with their appeal quickly spreading beyond European migrant communities. "I refer to the Australian coffee scene as 'the new world'," says Herman Chiu (pictured below), director of Sydney cafe Haven Specialty Coffee. "Just like [Australia's] approach to winemaking, we learned [coffee] from industry pioneers. However, we had less traditional fetters, which allowed us to be more creative and open to new ideas." If one person — and their signature pork pie hat — has come to embody our 'new world', it's Salvatore Malatesta. The founder of the St Ali empire also thinks our being new on the scene has worked to our advantage. "The coffee culture was a broad church with no preconceptions of what was right or wrong," he tells us. "There was a genuine openness... Then there were a handful of evangelists (of which I was and remain one) who made it their life mission to make sure Australian won the coffee Olympics." He reckons we took home gold. Maiolo — who also runs Melbourne roaster C4 Coffee — has seen first-hand how Aussie coffee has changed over the years. "The emergence of 'specialty' coffee, and a whole lot of curious locals, has brought about a shift in what we are looking for in an espresso." He notes that these changes range from the grade of beans being purchased, to how beans are roasted. For coffee professionals, the consequences of this shift border on the existential: "These are now becoming contentious issues. Have we changed espresso too much? Have we created a 'new' drink or just bastardised a classic? Either way we have plenty of choices," says Maiolo. Chiu also notes the rise in specialty coffee as a game-changer. "In the early 2010s, although the specialty coffee scene had already been in Australia for quite some time, the general public still didn't quite understand the concept. Nowadays, walking into a cafe around the corner and ordering a batch brew or a cold drip from Ethiopia is such a normal thing." For Wendy de Jong, director of coffee at Sydney roaster Single O, black coffee is having a moment right now. "I see much more of an appreciation for black coffee in all methods — espresso, filter, drip bags," she observes. "We're pushing that charge a little I think, with innovations like our 'batch tap' (like a pub with a few beers on tap) and our commitment to delivering a high-quality coffee experience outside the cafe with our single-serve drip filters." To that end, home brewing seems to have taken off — perhaps not surprising given how much time we've spent at home these past 18 months. Andrew Wong, head barista at the Sydney CBD outpost of Industry Beans, has noticed this. "Home brewing is very common these days, with people ditching the instant and learning more about brewing their own coffee. It has become very attainable to have cafe-quality coffee at home," he says. This isn't all bad news for cafes, though. "[The rise in home brewing] created a great opportunity for us to communicate [with] and educate our audience about the coffee we source, our roasting and brewing philosophy and coffee knowledge in general," says Chiu. "I am sure [this] will push the industry to grow, as better educated customers will always be better customers, and lead to a better industry eventually." [caption id="attachment_825803" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Salvatore Malatesta by Eugene Hyland[/caption] As for the biggest change we've seen in the way we consume coffee? Many would say the rise of non-dairy milks. "The uptake of alternative milk has definitely had a significant impact on the industry," says Chiu. Maiolo adds: "Whether it is a health or dietary necessity or simply a lifestyle choice, it is an undeniable shift." It's something that Malatesta (pictured above) has also noticed. "Alternative milks are taking market share from the humble cow, with oat milk as my number-one pick as a front runner." Natalie Latimore, marketing lead at Milklab, agrees. "This is the year of oat milk," she says. "It's the fastest growing plant-based milk globally, and we're only just beginning to see the craze take off in Australia." It's not hard to imagine why: oat milk is a smooth, creamy and naturally sweet alternative to dairy — something that this writer can vouch for. Milklab's new oat milk, made with 100 percent Australian oats, has been developed in collaboration with baristas, Latimore tells us, "with the single aim of creating the perfect alternative milk to enhance the coffee experience." WHAT'S NEXT Nootropics and micro-dosing? Naturally infused flavoured coffee? These could be the future, according to the experts. "Nootropics, micro-dosing and adaptogens are all words that will become part of the everyday lexicon," says Malatesta. "The power of mushrooms is just starting to filter down to early adopters from fundamental enthusiasts. We are releasing a mushroom coffee mix soon, so stay tuned." Maiolo thinks that what we look for in taste will continue to develop. "Controversially, I believe we will see an emergence of 'infused' coffees," he says. "At origin, farmers are adding a new step in the processing of raw coffee by soaking them and infusing them with cinnamon, tropical fruit and other alternatives, thereby giving the final green beans taste profiles that you would not find naturally occurring." The knock-on effects of this could be significant, too. "This added process will inevitably fetch more money," Maiolo continues. "Farmers can potentially add interesting flavours to lower grades of coffee that would ordinarily be just a 'filler' and not fetch much money, and thus increase their sell price. Watch this space." [caption id="attachment_706983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Industry Beans[/caption] Wong, meanwhile, thinks conscious consumption is on the rise. "People are more aware of, for example, the impacts of single-use coffee cups that aren't biodegradable — more and more people are using their own cups when buying their takeaway coffees which is great." The uptick in oat milk could be seen to run parallel with increasingly conscious coffee drinkers. For starters, oat milk ranks high on two important nutrients, namely protein and fibre, and it's also allergy-friendly for those with tree nut or soy intolerances. But perhaps even more significantly, oat milk is among the most sustainable and environmentally friendly milks available today, with one study showing that it can generate up to 80 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than dairy. As a sustainable crop, oats also aren't associated with deforestation or excessive needs for water. As for the coffee itself? "There are many places in the world which have no history of growing coffee but are now entering into coffee production," Wong says. "The impacts of climate change will also affect the way coffee is grown, with the ideal altitudes for growing also changing with it." Single O's de Jong also thinks that our changing world will inevitably have an impact on the coffee we consume. "With so many challenges to global supply chains at the moment I think we will continue to see coffee in that rare 'glad we have it' space, where it still feels really special to have a perfectly tasty brew every day." Ask for Milklab oat milk next time you order a coffee. For more information, head to the website. Top image: Julia Sansone
