Set on a serene peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, the Queenstown Gardens boasts stunning lake and alpine views as well as a beautiful collection of blooms. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the gardens' tranquil setting is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. As the gardens are conveniently located a short walk from downtown Queenstown, many community activities are held within the grounds. We suggest taking a rug, a picnic and some friends, kicking back and enjoy the views of the lake through the Douglas Firs. Once you're sufficiently relaxed, stretch your legs and take a stroll around the beautiful lawns. Be sure to check out the water feature and rose garden for an added bit of pretty.
The oldest floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival focuses on the hundreds of lilac-blossomed trees that line the town's streets. First held in 1935, the festival brings together art exhibitions, live music, markets and parades for a week-long celebration from October 25 through November 3. While the jacaranda blooms are of course the main attraction, it's by no means the only event you'll have to look forward to during the festival — think hot air ballooning, and a carnival sideshow, along with buskers, fireworks and stallholders aplenty. Grafton takes its tree heritage seriously and currently holds the title for biggest jacaranda on the National Tree Register of Big Trees (yes, it is a real registry). While in town, visit 'The Gorge', a tree which measures at a massive 30 metres high with a six-metre circumference. It deserves a nice big hug, we reckon. For the full event program for Grafton's Jacaranda Festival visit their website.
Australia's human history makes for a dense history book, filled with highs and lows from tens of thousands of years of culture, war and identity recorded in words and stories alike. But what about the history before then? The millions of years that only survive by etchings and impressions in the rock? Australia's prehistoric past is filled with creatures you wouldn't believe, and they're the stars of the show in the first-ever Queensland Dinosaur Week. Queensland is home to many of Australia's paleontology sites, and a lot of what we know about the giants of the ancient land, seas and skies of our country comes from the dirt and stones of the north. So, to expand on the already-existing National Dinosaur Day, Dinosaur Experiences Australia is inviting Aussies to explore that history in full over the course of a week, Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10. Throughout the week, events will be hosted at museums, science centres and dig sites across the state, welcoming experts from the Australian paleontology community to share their knowledge of Australia's ancient history and its ongoing impact on us today. Choose from events like Dinosaurs After Dark at QLD Museum Kurilpa and seeing Australia's most important fossil finds in person — you can also venture into the outback and see the biggest bones in Australian history or become a volunteer fossil preparator to handle and prepare fossils (under supervision, of course). If you prefer a more choose-your-own-adventure-style itinerary, you can browse a number of pre-prepared road trip itineraries to visit Queensland's biggest and best fossil sites and most famous discoveries — such as the big seven. These fossils chart Queensland's history from the ancient Eromanga sea to coastal floodplains and ice-age riverlands that giant mammals and birds called home before humans hunted them to extinction. The legendary finds, scattered everywhere from Mt Isa to Eromanga, are among the largest and most fearsome animals ever to exist in the world, let alone Australia. They include Banjo, the most complete Australovenator (a vicious carnivore) to ever be discovered, Cooper the Australotitan, one of the biggest animals of all time, Krono, the killer king of Australia's Cretaceous-era seas, and the so-called demon ducks, giant flightless birds that lived just before the ice age. Whether you're planning on attending one of the many events or designing your own prehistoric adventure, Karen Hanna Miller, Executive Officer of Dinosaur Experiences Australia, says you'll see that "Queensland's fossil story is not complete. Every season, new finds reshape our understanding of ancient ecosystems and evolutionary changes. Visitors are not just observing history, they are stepping into a landscape where science is still unfolding." And as Dr Scott Hocknull, Principal Research Fellow in Applied Palaeontology & Palaeotourism at CQUniversity puts it, "When most Australians think of dinosaurs, they picture Hollywood blockbusters or far-flung fossil fields overseas. But if you want to stand where giants actually walked — or swam — you don't need a passport." Queensland Dinosaur Week runs from Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10. For more information, visit the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: supplied
Spring dips, summers on the sundeck, getting steamy no matter the weather and staring out over the city from a West End rooftop: now that bathhouse chain Soak has made its way to Brisbane, these have all become a reality. The Gold Coast-born company has launched its first site further north, opening in a sky-high perch in West Village. Get ready to chase your bliss in seven spas and mineral pools, while also hitting up the infrared saunas, steam rooms and relaxation gardens. Soak first announced its plans to head to Brisbane back in 2021, aiming to open in the first half of 2022 — but its October launch is a case of better late than never. Those doors open on Monday, October 10, after 18 months spent planning and developing West End's first rooftop bathhouse. There aren't many ways to improve a trip to a wellness spa, but literally dialling things up a level will do it. Accordingly, those dips, steams, massages and LED facials come with a sweeping vista — turning the rooftop spot into an inner-city oasis. "We're ecstatic to be bringing Soak Bathhouse to West End, as we've not seen a bathhouse like this before in a major Australian city," said co-owners Alexis Dean and Niki Dean. "We wanted to bring Brisbane an authentically natural space that prioritises the city lifestyle in a unique way. With the rooftop views overlooking the city, it's the perfect place to have an energising soak as the sun rises or a relaxing soak in the evening when the sun sets." Soak's pools are meant to be shared, so you can book in for a plunge with your mates and use the occasion to treat yo'selves over a catch up. A big part of the vibe at the bathhouse is about being social, hence the communal facilities, capitalising upon a largely untapped niche: turning wellness sessions into excuses to gather the gang. That said, the venue also provides individual services and experiences — catering to relaxing visits for solo patrons looking to disconnect from absolutely everything as much as group hangouts. As well as getting your mates together and soaking in everything the bathhouse has to offer — or doing so during some much-needed alone time, too — Brisbanites can also book in for special occasions. That's great to keep in mind if you have some milestones to celebrate, or just feel like a relaxing birthday shindig. As it also does at its Gold Coast setup at Mermaid Beach, Soak offers both casual pricing and multi-packs — and, like that spot, it's trading across extended hours seven days a week. It's only at West End, however, that you can enjoy the facilities from 6.30am daily, or head along until 10pm each evening. A sunrise soak? A sunset steam? They're all now a reality as well. Soak Bathhouse opens at West Village, level two, The Eaves, 111 Boundary Street, West End, from Monday, October 10 —operating from 6.30am–10pm daily
Next time you're hankering for a pastry and you're in the vicinity of West Village, let Hungary's cylindrical-shaped kürtőskalács tempt your tastebuds. The traditional dish, also known as chimney cake, is caramelised, crunchy and flaky on the outside, soft on the inside, and can even come filled with Nutella — and it gives West End newcomer Kürtősh its name. Open at the Boundary Street precinct seven days a week, the bakery takes its cues from Central Europe, as its name and favourite menu item makes plain. Here, you'll also find burekas in a range of flavours — ricotta and feta, potato and mushroom, and sweet potato, rosemary and thyme, for starters — plus chocolate brandy balls. Croissants, danishes, chocolate twists and cookies, too. Another highlight: cakes by the slab that are sold by weight. Owner Ben Haikin takes his kürtőskalács seriously, travelling to learn how to make them and coming back with a 70-year-old recipe. But his now ten-store chain of bakeries also serves up everything from cheesecakes to coffee, and mixes up its menu regularly. Making many of its dishes onsite, the West End store marks Kürtősh's first in Queensland, with its other shops spread across New South Wales and Victoria — and new outposts to come in Melbourne, too. Visitors to Kurtosh West End can expect both indoor and outdoor seating, a packed cabinet full of baked goods, and a drinks lineup that also includes iced drinks — coffees, teas, chocolates and mochas — and juices.
Before the pandemic, it was one of the annual highlights of Sydney's art calendar. If you don't live in the Harbour City, it has long been reason enough to book in a weekend spent walking around Bondi. And, in 2022, for the first time since 2019 — for obvious reasons — super-popular free outdoor exhibition Sculpture by the Sea is finally making a comeback. The dates to lock into your calendar: Friday, October 21–Monday, November 7. That's when Sculpture by the Sea will unveil more than 100 large-scale artworks by Australian and international sculptors, all along Sydney's two-kilometre Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. While the full lineup of artists hasn't been revealed for 2022's event as yet, keen Sculpture by the Sea attendees can start looking forward to the return of a few exhibition favourites. On the lineup: Marina DeBris and Stephen King, recipients of the Helen Lempriere Scholarship; and Danish artist Naja Utzon Popov, the first person to nab the new $15,000 Friendship Society of Denmark, Australia and New Zealand Danish Artist Award. [caption id="attachment_860366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katja Grinling[/caption] 2022 will mark the exhibition's 24th year and, as always, it's set to draw a crowd. In 2019, Sculpture by the Sea attracted approximately 450,000 visitors over three weeks, with the same number of art lovers expected this time around. "It is great to be planning to stage the exhibition without the spectre of almost certain cancellation hanging over our heads," said David Handley, Sculpture by the Sea's founding CEO and Artistic Director. "The excitement is building as the artists, our staff and everyone who supports us financially believe the exhibition will go ahead." Indeed, the event's return won't just unleash a heap of eye-catching sights upon Sydney, and give locals and tourists alike an excuse to soak in the scenery as well — it'll cap off an understandably tumultuous few years for the exhibition. Sculpture by the Sea tried to make a comeback in October 2021, but had to scrap those plans due to the pandemic, marking the second year it went through that process. In 2020, the event initially planned to go ahead as normal in October, then aimed for an early 2021 berth. It did successfully stage a CBD spinoff, Sculpture Rocks, in autumn 2021, however. [caption id="attachment_860364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Jensz[/caption] That said, even before the current global health situation interrupted its annual plans, it had been already been an eventful period for Sculpture by the Sea. To rewind a little, in mid-2019, organisers were at loggerheads with the Council over the construction of a new path, and were scoping out alternative locations for the long-running art exhibition. In fact, it was only early in 2021 that the parties came to an agreement to remain in Bondi until 2030, with the organisers and Council agreeing to a ten-year deal. Amid all of the above, the Sculpture by the Sea team also branched out this year, opening the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. It's a permanent 100-kilometre collection of outdoor art along the Snowy Valleys Way, passing through the towns of Adelong, Batlow and Tumbarumba, the hamlet of Tooma, plus the Tumbarumba wine region's cellar doors. So, as well as checking out what dazzling delights this year's array of sculptures in Bondi has to offer come spring, you can add even more huge art to your must-see list — and your travel list, too — in the Snowies whenever you like. [caption id="attachment_860363" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danai Kotsaki[/caption] Sculpture by the Sea is will return to the Bondi–Tamarama coastal walk from Friday, October 21–Monday, November 7. For more information, head to sculpturebythesea.com. Images: Henrique Fanti / Clyde Yee / Charlotte Curd.
Australia's festival scene keeps delivering heartbreak, with Mona Foma the latest major event to announce that it's no longer going ahead. 2024's fest has already taken place, running back in February, but it will now go down in history as the last-ever Mona Foma. Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, aka Mona, has called time on its summer festival after a 16-year run of showcasing music and art — and giving Dark Mofo a sunny counterpart — during the Apple Isle's warmer months. Mona owner and founder David Walsh revealed the end of Mona Foma in a statement, bidding farewell to the event because "it's been magical, but the spell has worn off". [caption id="attachment_784488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia[/caption] "At Mona Foma — Mofo — at the Peacock Theatre, we joined the Zen Circus, and Italian punk came to live, rent free, in my head," starts Walsh's missive, which begins by running through past festival highlights. "In 2023 Peaches turned us all on with her sexy songs, but the thing that turned me on the most was the sign language interpreter signing 'peg'," he continues. "Guy Ben-Ary in 2017, wiring living neurons to speakers and cajoling them to scream. Gotye playing the ondioline. Robin Fox's beacons. David Byrne and Philip Glass. Wire and Cale. The Saints and St Vincent. Dresden Dolls and Dan Deacon. Sun Ra and Neneh Cherry. Kate Miller-Heidke and Vieux Farka Touré." "And the finches playing guitar. From Here to Ear. That was the first one, in 2009. We bought that work, but we've never shown it again. It was too much the first time." [caption id="attachment_880158" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mona/Rémi Chauvin. Image Courtesy Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] "Mona Foma took us around the world. But it ends here. Maybe the end started at COVID. Maybe it's because the last festival was a poorly attended artistic triumph. But those aren't the reasons I killed it," Walsh notes. "I know that we live for experience but, more and more, I seek permanence, a symbolic immortality. At Mona, I'm building this big thing, hopefully it'll be a good thing, but it's a costly thing. I'm addicted to building, and my addiction got out of hand. Some things have to go before I'm too far gone." "Mona Foma is one of those things. It's been magical, but the spell has worn off. Only these words, from Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle, remain: 'live by the Foma that makes you brave and kind and healthy and happy.'" [caption id="attachment_832077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford, Mona[/caption] Ending Mona Foma is the latest big change for Mona's festivals. As announced in 2023, Dark Mofo is taking a breather in 2024. A number of the latter's regular events, such as Winter Feast, the Nude Solstice Swim, Night Shift and the Mona Gala are still happening this year, however. With Dark Mofo, the plan is to press pause for 12 months to take stock and come back even better. "The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite in 2023. The Mona Foma news comes after both Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo cancelled their 2024 festivals mere weeks after announcing their lineups. Falls Festival took summer 2023–24 off, Summergrounds Music Festival at Sydney Festival was cancelled and This That hasn't gone ahead for a couple of years now. [caption id="attachment_926552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Brown, image courtesy of Street Eats @ Franko Hobart and Mona Foma.[/caption] 2024's Mona Foma featured Queens of the Stone Age, Courtney Barnett, TISM, Paul Kelly, Mogwai, Shonen Knife, and Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, for starters — and Holy Fuck, Wednesday, Michael Rother and Friends (playing Neu! songs), and Lonnie Holley with Moor Mother and Irreversible Entanglements. The lineup goes on from there. "Gratitude to all of you that came. And to those who didn't, a silver lining: you'll no longer suffer from FOMO for FOMA. And anyway, repetition is regimentation. And regimentation is ridiculous," said Walsh in his announcement. "Greatest gratitude to those who helped put it together. I hope it was as good for you as it was for me." [caption id="attachment_830704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Remi Chauvin, Mona.[/caption] Mona Foma's last festival took place in February 2024. Head to the MONA website for further details. Top image: Mona/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
When Hotel X opened in February, it added a new boutique hotel to Brisbane's ever-growing list, and also marked the brand's first-ever venue anywhere in the world. And, if you're in need of somewhere different to eat and drink, it gave Fortitude Valley's hospitality scene a new French restaurant, thanks to the launch of Bisou Bisou. Hotel X is also set to welcome a Mediterranean-themed rooftop bar and restaurant called Iris; however, for now, Brisbanites can visit the site's ground level and pretend they're in a different part of Europe. The Ghanem Group is behind both venues, adding to a portfolio that already includes Boom Boom Room Izakaya, Donna Chang, Byblos Bar and Restaurant, Blackbird Bar and Grill, and Lord of the Wings. At the brasserie-style Bisou Bisou, Ghanem has enlisted head chef Anthony Donaldson (ex-Blackbird) and executive chef Jake Nicolson to head the menu. Think seafood bouillabaisse ($26), parmesan and thyme-crusted chicken schnitzel ($24), escargot and bone marrow on toast ($21), steak tartare ($21) and, of course, steak frites ($43). There's also an oyster and caviar bar, a freestanding rotisserie and a cheese trolley. Other food highlights include croque monsieur ($19) and French toast with strawberries ($18) on the brekkie lineup, Lyonnaise sausages first up ($24) and on the mains ($20) menu, and multiple types of sorbets ($15) for dessert. Many of Bisou Bisou's dishes are available on the bar menu, if you're heading by for a cocktail or a glass of wine with a snack while sitting on luxe red bar chairs. And, decor-wise, the restaurant heroes neutral tones, marble tables, patterned and textured finishes, and exposed brick walls, as paired with splashes of deep greens and reds. There's also indoor and outdoor seating, and the wine collection takes pride of place along one wall.
If you're going to open a new burger place in what must surely be the country's burger capital by now, you probably want to give the concept a bit of a kick in a different direction. Or a sonic boom, or maybe a hadouken, perhaps? Don't worry, once you're done eating, you won't have to travel to a different country to do it all over again. Yes, that '80s and '90s arcade and Super Nintendo staple that is Street Fighter is the source of inspiration for Super Combo, which joins the growing number of eateries making the Brisbane's Showgrounds' King Street precinct some of the most coveted culinary real estate in the city (with The Lamb Shop, GG's Espresso, The George, Fat Dumpling, Il Verde, Sushi & Nori and Hello Chicken also among the current or coming tenants). And now it will be slinging burgs with the same fury that Ryu, Blanka and company approach brawling in public — that is, with plenty. The retro-styled joint comes from childhood friends Michael Nham and Hao Vu, who, as you might've guessed, found hanging around their local Brissie takeaway shop smashing out super Street Fighter combos the best way to spend their time. They're also behind Melbourne's NSHRY, with Nham boasting two Vietnamese restaurants including Banoi on his resume (which is set to open in Brisbane this year). When it came to opening a place with such strong ties to their youth, however, it made sense to get things started in Brisbane. Indeed, the King Street digs is being trumpeted as Super Combo's first in Australia, so you can bet that more burgs will be flying to more cities in good time. As for just what those edible morsels will be, expect a menu influenced by international cuisine, plus sides, globally sourced speciality sauces and epic shakes. Yep, everyone really is a winner here. UPDATE MARCH 7, 2018: To celebrate a year of operation, Super Combo is unleashing its slickest moves yet: $5 burgers. From 11.30am on March 10, the first 1000 customers that walk through the Bowen Hills' eatery's doors will get their burg for little more than pocket change. The offer isn't available via UberEATS, Deliveroo or Foodora.
Blues, Booze and BBQs is coming to MANIAX Newstead on Sunday, July 27. The event, which runs in two separate, two-hour sessions, combines axe throwing, ice-cold beers, good tunes and a barbecue showdown. The first round of the barbecue battle sees Flaming Horns Barbecue take on Peteʼs Barbecue Catering. All you have to do is taste test and vote for your favourite. The winner earns the right to return for the next showdown and has a shot at being crowned Brisbaneʼs Barbecue Champion. Once you're fuelled up and well and truly in the competitive spirit, head to the axe range and test out your range while channelling your inner Viking. Along with axe-throwing and barbecue battles, there will also be live music from Jake and the Cadillacs, and two tasting plates from Brisbaneʼs top barbecue crews. Keep yourself quenched with booze from Black Flag Brewing and Travis Fimmel's Travla. Two sessions are available from 12–2pm or 2.30–4.30pm. Spots are limited, so booking is recommended. Images: Supplied.
A slice of Italy has come to Bulimba and a waterside favourite has undergone facelift. After attracting eager diners to the end of Oxford Street since 2009, The Jetty has sailed off into the sunset, with Il Molo taking its place. The site has a whole new focus for the kitchen and bar, but owners Jason and Katie Coats are still nodding to their past restaurant in a fitting way. If you know much Italian, you'll be smiling at Il Molo's moniker: translated to English, it means The Jetty. Amidst black, white and wooden decor or on the sun-lit outdoor deck, patrons will still enjoy views of the Brisbane River at its most scenic; however the revamped space now serves up flavours and meals that will make you dream of a European jaunt. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, think prosciutto and mozzarella-filled omelettes, a seven-pizza menu, pappardelle pasta with a pork shoulder ragu, and lamb shanks with parmesan polenta and green tapenade. Il Molo also offers Italian coffees, pastries and cakes to take away, wine and beer for those after a stiffer drink, and a decadent range of desserts. Who can pass up sweet ricotta and orange zest-filled Sicilian cannoli? Italian chocolate and raspberry doughnuts with hazelnut gelato? Here, a change really is as good as a holiday — for your tastebuds, at least. Il Molo is now open at 1b Oxford Street, Bulimba, or check out more information on their website and Facebook page.
From anime-inspired gyoza hubs and teppanyaki riverside bars to cheap and cheerful sushi joints, Brisbane has developed an insatiable taste for the delicate culinary delights of Japan. Gear up for mouth-melting sashimi, hearty ramen and fresh nigiri worth lining up for as we take a tasty tour through Brisbane's best Japanese spots. HAI-HAI RAMEN, PADDINGTON Shiyo or shoyu? You gotta do you. Whatever you choose, your fragrant ramen from Hai-Hai in Paddington will be flavoured à la minute. This means your big bowl of pork broth with pork belly, black garlic, nori and tsukemono is going to be the freshest business on the block. Vegos chow down on a truly divine kelp and shiitake concoction and you can pimp your ramen with miso butter, among other treats. They sell Hitachino Nest beers. Why are you still reading? Go. Go now. 102 Latrobe Street, Paddington. OISHII SUSHI BAR, SUNNYBANK HILLS Cheap and cheerful is the order of the day at this Sunnybank Hills fixture. Do you feel like sushi and your mate wants a big bowl of udon noodles? No worries. With a combination of sashimi, sushi, noodles and other delights everyone will find what they want at Oishii Sushi Bar. Top tip: try the spider roll ($14). Shop 2, 70 Pinelands Road, Sunnybank Hills. SAKE, CBD Dining at Saké is all about choice. Where to sit? How to order? What to eat? What to drink? Choice is usually a good a thing; it means you don't have to settle. If you're not a fan of zashiki seating (traditional, on the floor), ask to be seated at a communal table, nab a spot at the sushi counter, kick back in the bar or book out a private dining room with your buds. 1/45 Eagle Street, Brisbane. BIRD'S NEST YAKITORI, SOUTH BRISBANE Food served on a stick has always held a certain appeal. This interest probably started with dagwood dogs and has now become a full-blown obsession. If you too are a things-on-sticks aficionado, please get yourself to Bird's Nest Yakitori immediately. With sophisticated offerings to satisfy meat eaters and vegetarians alike (and a stonking saké list) you will be in yakitori heaven here. Shop 5, 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane. HARAJUKU GYOZA, FORTITUDE VALLEY Things to bring to Harajuku Gyoza: 1. Your inner anime character, 2. A sense of celebration, 3. An empty stomach, 4. Paracetamol for your ear-ache afterwards. From the minute you step through the giant heavy sumo-like door, you are greeted with a loud "Irasshaimase!", which is Japanese for "Welcome, come in". The gyoza (dumpling) menu is impressive and for all the lovers of these parcels of pleasure, the peanut butter and white chocolate gyoza dessert is a bucket-list worthy treat — as is the famed raindrop cake. Without a doubt, Harajuku Gyoza is renowned for its fun atmosphere and gorgeous staff equipped with some serious pipes. Don't believe it? Order a shot of celebratory sake and watch what happens. 394 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. SONO, HAMILTON With delicious food, impeccable service and a sleek, minimalistic interior, there's a lot to love about Sono Japanese restaurant at Portside (the stunning river views don't hurt, either). From the moment you remove your shoes to take a seat at one of the sunken tables by the window at Sono, you'll be immersed in the modern Japanese dining experience. You can order from the lengthy a la carte menu, take a seat at the Teppanyaki bar, or stick to the six-course tasting menu for an indulgent meal. 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton. SUSHI KOTOBUKI, EAST BRISBANE Kotobuki is cheap, cheerful and no fuss, with great staff and a good vibe. The sushi is all made-to-order — guaranteeing delicious freshness. Don't walk past the crunch chicken ($8): this fusion double roll is filled with a generous serve of (usually warm) fresh crumbed chicken and thinly sliced cabbage, seaweed on the inside, rice on the outside and, like icing on the cake, it is dressed with a tempura crumb and served with a sweet soy. 3/53 Lytton Road, East Brisbane. MIZU, TENERIFFE Mizu has been a Teneriffe fixture for nearly a decade, and recently opened a second restaurant in West End. It is BYO as well as licensed and boasts a wide range of Japanese beers and sake. The izakaya-style menu revolves around fresh seafood, fried snacks such as gyoza and karaage, and larger plates for sharing. For something different on a weekend morning, try the Japanese breakfast (although this is only available at Teneriffe). 2 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe. [caption id="attachment_585914" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jamie Hamel-Smith[/caption] LR SUSHI, CBD The queue is a permanent fixture outside this incredibly popular takeaway sushi joint. Don't worry though — it moves quickly and the sushi is well worth the short wait. Fillings such as lobster salad, chicken, peach and cream cheese, and California roll may not be all that authentic, but they sure are delicious. Other fillings include fresh sesame tuna, prawn and wasabi, grilled unagi (eel), and Japanese omelette. 149 Adelaide Street, Brisbane. WAGAYA, CBD Entering Wagaya is a little like floating into a Miyazaki film. Wooden interiors play on patterns of light and shade with occasional splashes of stone, giving the impression you're wandering into a Japanese forest. Touch screens sit at the end of every table, allowing you to browse the menu, order at your leisure and stay updated on your meal while it's sizzling. The menu is authentically Japanese, with common favourites like gyoza, karaage and tempura at your fingertips, a point away from Wagaya's eclectic selection of sashimi, ramen and hot pots. Rounded out with a generous beverage list, Wagaya serves up all your Japanese go-tos with gumption. Level 1, 315 Brunswick Street, Brisbane. By Meegan Waugh and Laura Dawson. Top image: Sake. View all Brisbane Restaurants.
At 131 Leicester Street in Coorparoo, embracing Italian-style neighbourhood joints keeps working a charm. First came Ramona Trattoria, which gave the area an inexpensive and casual restaurant featuring traditional meals. After that eatery proved a hit, chef and owner Ashley-Maree Kent has now launched sibling spot Bar Rocco, an osteria that's all about pairing drinks with bites — Italian cocktails, wines and beers for the former, and shareable snacks for the latter. "The concept is a natural next step following the opening of Ramona Trattoria," explains Kent, after debuting her first Leicester Street venture in 2022 and then Bar Rocco at the end of 2023. "It is a response to what our patrons are calling out for — a lively and charming place to come together over relaxed and traditional Italian flavours." Kent describes Bar Rocco as "a welcoming place for locals to enjoy a friendly European atmosphere over a late-afternoon drink or an exquisite culinary experience in a more casual setting". And, it too is born of her enthusiasm for Italy's culinary offerings, with the European Australian restaurateur noting that it reflects her "passion for crafting authentic Italian dishes while adding a twist of playfulness and charm". Seating 40, Bar Rocco's wine list and cocktail options are reason enough to stop by; however, so is the Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired food. Matching its eats and drinks perfectly is one of the venue's key aims, whether you're enjoying burrata with oxheart tomatoes and wood-roasted peach, barbecue swordfish, a gluten-free torte made with Italian dark chocolate, or prawn or flatbread dishes. The community vibe that's such a significant part of its big sister is also a driving factor at bar Rocco, especially in the al fresco area surrounded by greenery — and featuring street views. Kent's latest venture comes after she set up Roma Trattoria in Coorparoo fresh from Coolangatta's Cross-Eyed Mary, and joins a resume that also boasts time at everywhere from Quay, Three Blue Ducks and Biota through to Tartine Bakery and Paper Daisy. Find Bar Rocco at 131 Leicester Street, Coorparoo — open from 4.30pm Wednesday–Sunday. Visit the venue's website for further details.
Lucky Egg and The Brightside once went hand in hand. Hitting up the latter to see live tunes in Fortitude Valley meant tucking into fried chicken, be it as pieces or via three types of burgers, from the former while you were there. It was a perfect pairing, but not all dreams last. Thankfully, this match made in heaven — and on Warner Street — is now recurring. At the end of May 2024, The Brightside celebrated ten years of hosting gigs with a weekend-long party — and it couldn't mark the occasion without welcoming back Lucky Egg. The reunion wasn't just a once-off, however. Brisbanites will now find the chicken joint serving up its burgs and chook four nights a week on a permanent basis. Whether you have a date with a heap of bands on The Brighty's states or you're just dropping by to hang out in the beer garden, you can add Lucky Egg's wares to your visit. You'll just need to be at the venue from Wednesday–Saturday from 6pm. And if you're keen to just nab takeaway, you can do just that within the same window — from the Warner Street window, in fact. As well as slinging juicy poultry at The Brightside, Lucky Egg expanded to the Good Time Bar at Max Watts in West End in 2017, then served up its dishes via Blute's Bar in Fortitude Valley. But since 2021, it's been a quiet few years for the brand.
Bars, restaurants and a cinema have long been part of the Portside Wharf experience, but hitting the pub for a pint over a parmigiana hasn't previously featured at the Hamilton precinct. That's changing. The inner-north area is in the middle of a $20-million revamp, with a gastropub among its upcoming additions. That food-serving watering hole: Portside Social. If you're already thinking about Newstead Social, you're on the right track. The same team is behind both venues. All Stars Hospitality Group is taking its cues for its new venture from what'll now be a sibling venue to Portside Social, after the model has proved a hit since Newstead Social opened in 2022. At Portside, All Stars Hospitality Group co-directors Justin Kong and Patrick Donohue are overseeing a pub that'll sprawl across 224 square metres in the precinct's riverfront village, near Gusto da Gianni and Burrito Bar Portside, and join the company's stable of hospitality sites alongside Wonderland Nightclub, Soul Pantry and more. Fingers crossed that the full Newstead Social setup makes the jump, including bingo, trivia nights and live sports. Expect to start sinking drinks and playing games of pool around June, with the fitout kicking off in mid-March. Clui Design is overseeing the venue's decor, plus Builder Lowry Group. The vibe will be down to earth and the look will hew industrial. And on the food menu: burgers, bangers and mash, fish and chips, chicken schnitzels and parmis, salads and steaks, so traditional pub grub. The drinks will also stick with classics, aka beer, wine and cocktails. "Portside Social will be your good old fashioned local pub, with an elevated ambiance and menu," said Kong, who also called it "a space to relax and unwind with family or mates and a hotspot for locals to catch up and connect". "I live locally and think it's such an incredible location," he continued. "There's a diverse demographic in and around Hamilton who will benefit from having a bar like Portside Social in the mix, with few venues of this kind available in the area." Portside Social might be Portside's first pub, but it's part of a fresh wave of bars and eateries that've started calling the Hamilton spot home over the past year. Rise Bakery, Rosé Gelateria, Birds Nest Yakitori and Fosh are all 2023 newcomers. Choo Choo Sushi opened at the beginning of February 2024, with Sugee Ramen and Chinese restaurant Uncle Wang set to follow in the very near future. This Portside makeover is separate to the also-announced Northshore Hamilton expansion. That other project is set to see the neighbouring precinct gain an extra 1.2 kilometres, and is focused around hosting the Brisbane Athlete Village for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, then giving residents something to enjoy afterwards. Find Portside Social at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, sometime from June 2024 — keep an eye on the Portside Wharf website for further details.
Brisbane's music scene is about to get a little quieter, losing West End's Rumpus Room before summer is out. Perched on the corner of Russell and Boundary streets, the bar and music venue has been serving up drinks, gigs and top-notch nights out since back in 2006; however, it has announced that it'll shut for good on Saturday, February 26. In a Facebook post, the team behind the venue said that "all good things must come to an end". The post continued: "it is with a heavy heart that we'd like to announce that after over 16 years of full beers, sweat and tunes, Rumpus Room will be closing its doors for the last time on Saturday the 26th of February. It has been our privilege to be an integral part of the West End community for such a long period of time." Home to plenty of big nights over the years, and the kind of place that every Brisbanite has visited at least once, Rumpus Room is also a favourite for its weekday cocktail and beer happy hour, cheap tequila Tuesdays, and for hosting everything from record fairs to vintage markets in its time. Unsurprisingly, it'll be ending its run in the same style that's served it so well for so long: with one helluva party. Actually, make that parties. "In true Rumpus style, [we] will be throwing a series of parties over our last few weekends," the venue team advised in its closing announcement. "Throwing homage to the genres of music we have championed over the years, we'll be culminating in a grand finale party on the 26th featuring some of our longest serving favourite DJs." At the time of writing, details and lineups haven't been revealed — but keep an eye on the venue's Facebook page if you're keen on a big last Rumpus Room hurrah. [caption id="attachment_841631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Google Maps[/caption] Find Rumpus Room on the corner of Russell and Boundary streets, West End, until Saturday, February 26.
Sydney's Taronga Zoo hasn't been humming with crowds over the past three months, given that it's been closed during the city's ongoing lockdown. It'll be roaring a little louder in its lion enclosure from now on, though. Back on Thursday, August 12, the zoo welcomed five African lion cubs — three females and two males — and this quintet of cuteness actually marks the first lion cubs to be born at the venue in more than 18 years. These little balls of fluff were born to experienced mum Maya and first-time dad Ato, and they've grown from weighing around 1.5 kilograms at birth to hitting the scales at between five and six kilograms now. As they've been growing, Taronga's staff have been keeping an eye on them via the zoo's CCTV cameras. And, if that sounds like a great way to spend your own day, you can now join them via a new 24/7 live-stream. Taronga already lets you fill your time staring at capybaras, seals, meerkats, otters, sumatran tigers, lions and elephants, all without leaving your home, thanks to its online TV channel. All those animals are all well and good. They're great, and they're very easy to spend too much time staring at, actually. But, because we all grew up watching The Lion King, we all have an extra fondness for lion cubs. The zoo's cub cam is doing things a little differently, however. This time, you'll need to make a tax-deductible donation of $7 to access the all-day camera footage. Your cash will then help support Taronga, its ongoing research and conservation programs, and its work to save African lions — and if you're able to, you can donate more if you like. There's your background viewing sorted. Popping the stream on in the background while you work from home suits these kinds of feeds, in fact, because sometimes the critters in the spotlight aren't in view. Or, in this case, those cubs like to sleep between 12–20 hours per day. Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo started their online streams in 2020, and they're back now for obvious reasons. Taronga is also releasing regular videos across its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, and making keeper talks and other clips available online as well. To subscribe to Taronga Zoo's cub cam, head to the zoo's website. To check out Taronga TV, head to the channel's website — or keep an eye on its videos on its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages.
What does a race car driver do when they move away from life behind the wheel? If they're Dan Pappas, they go from the buzz that comes with vehicles zipping around a track to trading in caffeinated jolts. It was back in 2010 that he founded Fonzie Abbott, the coffee roastery that uses a lightning bolt as its logo — and while it isn't hard to find the brand's cuppas around town, it has just expanded to a new Newstead location to make that task even easier. Fonzie Abbott's espresso bar and roastery on Ross Street joins its existing Brisbane venues in Albion, New Farm and Lutwyche in slinging coffee to River City residents. Open since mid-April, the Newstead outpost isn't just about pouring coffees, but about letting folks see what goes into the chain's beans. "We are thrilled to open our doors to the Newstead community and share our passion for exceptional specialty coffee," said Pappas. "Our espresso bar not only offers delicious coffee, but also provides a unique experience where customers can witness the roasting process up close." Patrons can add wraps, toasties, bagels and pastries to their visit, too, with the spot strictly a daytime operation, opening from 6am–1pm Monday–Saturday. With Fonzie Abbott's latest venue situated near a Bunnings, a Petbarn and a gym, it has a few particular niches cornered: pre- and -post hardware store visits, pet supply runs and working up a sweat. Arrive early enough and you might also see running club members fuelling up. Behind its white brick exterior — with the brand's name and logo taking pride of place — the espresso bar and roastery takes the monochrome tones and airy vibes inside, with greenery scattered around the joint to help. Find Fonzie Abbott's Newstead Espresso Bar and Roastery at 20 Ross Street, Newstead — open 6am–1pm Monday–Saturday. Head to the brand's website for further details.
The middle of the year means shorter days and longer nights — and, rather than yearning for Brisbane's summer sun, you might as well embrace the two. Here's one way: Milton by Moonlight, Milton Markets' returning midyear shindig. On the agenda: everything that makes this inner-west market a firm favourite, but during an early winter evening. Taking place from 4–10pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the event will start serving up bites to eat — and setting up 140-plus stalls to shop — in the late afternoon, so you can jump into the fun as twilight approaches. Then, when the moon comes out, you can browse, buy, sip, munch and dance the night away. With gourmet street food, artisanal wares and live entertainment on offer — the former usually including dumplings, tacos, noodles and wings; the latter normally across multiple stages — you'll have plenty to see, taste, purchase and listen to. And to drink as well, thanks to the pop-up craft beer bar, and also glühwein. Entry costs $3 at the gate — and if you're driving there, parking usually costs $2 as well.
Already home to Gelato Messina's original Brisbane store and Lune's only local croissanterie so far, South Brisbane just welcomed another tastebud-tempting spot: Lisboa Caffe, purveyors of flaky, tasty, widely beloved Portuguese custard tarts. Setting up shop on Hope Street, the bakery's new bricks-and-mortar home is now serving up pasteis de nata — those coveted egg custard pastries — and pairing them with Padre coffee, all at a cute, white-tiled, hole-in-the-wall joint. On the menu: custard tarts, obviously, as well as Nutella, goat's cheese, chicken and herb, and walnut and honey tart varieties. So, you can go for both sweet and savoury options. And, if you're keen for a bite-sized snack, the custard tarts also come in miniature versions — and Portuguese almond tarts are also on offer. The tiny venue has been in the works since 2021, but everyone in Brisbane knows how the last year turned out. Now, it has finally become a reality. Lisboa Caffe's permanent shopfront comes after its signature treats proved big hits at markets around southeast Queensland, and among the pastry range at plenty of local cafes. In other words, if you're a fan of custard tarts, you've probably already tried them. 2022 marks seven years since owner Joe Rocha first started Lisboa Caffe back in 2015 to share his Portuguese culture with Brisbane, focusing on custard tarts as an anchor. And as the name makes plain, Rocha always had dreams of setting up a cafe. Joining South Brisbane's growing lineup of sweet treats is clearly just a welcome bonus. Find Lisboa Caffe at 58 Hope Street, South Brisbane — open from 7am–3pm Wednesday–Saturday. Images: Markus Ravik.
It's already been decided. You must go to Vintage Kitchen and you must order the salad. Yes, you heard us. Salad. That healthy leafy green stuff your mother used to bribe you into eating. Now if only our mamas were as savvy as Mrs Kitchen, then we'd all be lettuce munching addicts. Sitting unsuspiciously in the middle of the menu, the haloumi salad ($13), just as the name states, is a generous stack of squeaky haloumi atop a bed of rocket, roast pumpkin and beetroot, accompanied by a garlic yoghurt and drizzled in a Moroccan dressing. No guarantees, but this may the best salad you ever eat - truly. As for the ambience, Vintage Kitchen is a retro delight for the eyes. With bold wallpaper print curtains, a mish-mash of laminate tables and chairs, and eclectic wares, Vintage Kitchen doubles as Vintage Closet, and as you venture further in past the tables you'll be greeted with racks of very reasonably priced vintage clothing, crockery, toys and knick knacks. There is no musty scent of days past here, just quality retro goods, fresh coffee, tasty meals and trivial pursuit on each table. If salad is more foe than friend, the retro kitsch cafe also offers a classic BLAT sandwich, falafel sliders and bruschetta as well as an extensive and almost 'all-day' breakfast menu with smoked salmon, savoury mince and organic banana bread topping our list, and a favourite, eggs benedict with real hollandaise, just a mere $13. Front of house displays rotating specials and cakes in a glass counter case, including a number of tasty gluten-free sweets, and besides coffee an extensive range of smoothies such as the banana smoothie with dark chocolate ganache ($6-8) will tempt your taste buds. Vintage Kitchen and Closet is proving yet again that the 'burbs have what it takes to rival the inner-city chic of cafes and, of course, that you can indeed make friends with salad. Lettuce turn up the beet (on vinyl)!
Celebrating Oktoberfest year-round over a game of putt putt mightn't be the standard way to mark the occasion, but it became a reality in Brisbane when Hey Caddy opened its doors in North Lakes in 2022. From April 2024, it'll also be on the agenda at South Bank. That's where the mini-golf chain is setting up its next venue, as part of a golf-centric hub that'll also include indoor golf simulator business X-Golf. Hey Caddy is an offshoot of X-Golf, so they're no strangers to each other. When both open on Grey Street on Tuesday, April 4, it'll mark Hey Caddy's second location in Brisbane, third in Queensland and tenth nationally — and for X-Golf, its third in the city after North Lakes and Enoggera, eighth in the Sunshine State and 26th in the country. Back in 2022, Hey Caddy advised that South Brisbane was in its sights that same year, but it's clearly just taken longer to get there. Patrons will be able to tap, tap, tap their way around 12 holes, then give their swing a try at five simulators. Hitting up the bar, hanging out in the games area, grabbing a bite from the in-house kitchen and watching screens showing sports: that'll all be offered by the site, too, in what's being badged an "indoor golf-entertainment hybrid". The aim is to cater to all levels of golfing interest, whether you're only interested in having fun with your short game, you'd like to take lessons from PGA-certified coaches or X-Golf's X-League competition — which feeds into venue, state and national championships — gets you excited. Other than playing mini golf, you'll be honing or showing off your skills on virtual greens, of course. Aside from an Oktoberfest-themed hole and one that nods to Spain's running of the bulls, exactly what putt putt fans will be hitting around hasn't been revealed. When the North Lakes venue opened, however, it did so with Coachella, Area 51 in Nevada, New York, Miami, Bora Bora, Egypt, Melbourne and Mars all getting a nod. Hey Caddy also themes its cocktails to its courses, which you'll be able to enjoy in the al fresco dining area. The hybrid venue will feature party rooms as well, if that's your ideal way to gather the gang to commemorate an occasion. Find X-Golf and Hey Caddy at 275 Grey Street, South Brisbane, from Tuesday, April 4, 2024 — head to the X-Golf and Hey Caddy websites for further details.
Do you have a whole shrine filled with gin? A shelf? A decent section of your liquor cabinet? If so, it's likely that many of those bottles hail from Australia's own Four Pillars. And, thanks to the gin-making superstars' just-released new tipple, you're probably about to add to them. From now on, your gin cocktails will all taste like yuzu — because that's the ingredient in the spotlight in Four Pillars' latest drop. The brand has played with fruit before, including just last year; however, this newbie is going straight to its core range. Like its past experiments, the Fresh Yuzu Gin uses locally grown yuzu. In fact, the fruit is grown just up the road from Four Pillars' Healesville base. And, while that's what you'll be tasting in a big way, expect other citrus flavours as well — and even green tea. As Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cam Mackenzie explains, "yuzu brings amazing aromatics that are a mix of lemon, mandarin, cumquat and grapefruit — all bright and fresh citrus notes — while the addition of finger lime adds some deeper citrus character." "We've also learnt a lot (from the best) in our adventures making gin with Japanese friends, so in our take on yuzu gin, we've used ginger, turmeric and sencha genmaicha, a Japanese green tea with roasted brown rice, for depth of flavour," Mackenzie continues. "[Plus] a canvas of strong pine-needle juniper and a bit of lemon myrtle add a touch of lemon curd." Four Pillars recommends that you drink the Fresh Yuzu Gin in a highball with lots of ice, soda or light tonic, as topped with any kind of citrus garnish (although yuzu would obviously be best). If you're now hankering for a beverage, the new yuzu gin is available from the distillery's website for $80 per bottle, and also from Four Pillars' gin shops at its distillery door in Healesville and its Sydney Laboratory in Surry Hills. It'll start hitting bottle-os throughout April as well. For more information about Fresh Yuzu Gin, or to buy it, head to the distillery's website.
If you love to hunt for treasure, look no further than Woolloongabba Antique Centre. This mega-warehouse is filled to the brim with 65 dealers pedalling furniture, crockery and knick-knacks from yesteryear. Open 9-5 seven days, the stores specialise in everything from kitsch tea towels and vintage clothes, to Danish design and designer goods. The air conditioned space also houses a retro cafe (hot tip: grab a milkshake), and there is a pop-up barber on the last Sunday of every month.
If there's one surefire way to relax on a weekend, it's with a bottomless lunch. Everything is decided for you — from what to order to how much to spend. So, you'll be pleased to know that Lúc Lac, which serves up Vietnamese and Thai deliciousness on Queen's Wharf, is now doing bottomless weekends. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11.30am–3.30pm, you can sit down to one-and-a-half hours of Vietnamese delights accompanied by stunning cocktails. The menu is all about share plates — from braised duck leg lettuce cups with Vietnamese herbs and apricot hoisin to Hanoi-style chicken in broth with spring onion, ginger and garlic. Then there are the crispy vegetable parcels with dipping sauce, and, come dessert, coconut sago pudding with pandan jelly, pineapple and dragon fruit. Equally thoughtful is the four-strong cocktail list. Sip your way through a lemongrass-coconut mojito, a lychee martini and a melon spritz, before trying the signature take on the Tommy's margarita with makrut lime, tequila and agave.
It's one of Fortitude Valley's most distinctive and historic buildings, and it'll finally start welcoming in Brisbanites again within weeks. Back in 2022, Artesian Hospitality announced that it was giving GPO Hotel a huge revamp, and earlier this year it revealed that the venue's new guise would arrive this winter. Now, the revitalised GPO has an official launch date: Saturday, July 8. There's no changing the iconic facade that surrounds the Fortitude Valley General Post Office building, of course, which has stood on Ann Street since back in 1887. But when GPO reopens its doors, it'll do so following a massive $9-million makeover behind its heritage-listed exterior. Brisbanites can expect new spaces aplenty inside — including a Gatsby-themed lounge bar, a second bar called The Tax Office and a sprawling ground-floor restaurant filled with natural light. [caption id="attachment_896922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gatsby[/caption] Clearly, it's a significant makeover for the 136-year-old site, which will sport a focus on food and drinks. Two venues within the precinct will open to celebrate the site's relaunch: the fittingly named The Gatsby and TAMA, a contemporary dining venue. The first is a late-night, walk-in-only cocktail and whisky bar on the building's upper level. The mood here will be luxe and upscale, as the name makes plain, including velvet booths, leather accents and brass features as part of the design. It'll also feature the building's original, now-restored 1887-era vault, pride itself on its drinks, and soundtrack the sipping with DJs and a live saxophonist. [caption id="attachment_896924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gatsby[/caption] "Our impressive beverage selection spans 50 pages, drawing inspiration from across the globe. Our skilled sommeliers and mixologists are ready to help you find the perfect drink or craft a bespoke cocktail tailored to your personal tastes," says Alan Hunter, the sommelier and ex-General Manager at OTTO Brisbane, who is helping oversee the GPO's new guise. "Choose from timeless classics like the old fashioned, manhattan, negroni or martini — or explore exclusive creations like the tantalising chilli-infused tequila and mango Gasper." As for TAMA, the 100-seat restaurant is taking over the site's ground level, offering diners a radiant experience thanks to the high ceilings and double-storey windows in the two-storey atrium that doubles as the main dining room. There'll be stone and marble flooring, bursts of greenery, velvet-clad booths and soft furnishings, too, while making use of the original beams and custom chandeliers. And the vibe: thoroughly old-school. Expect the wine to be a big drawcard, given that there's a cellar stocked with 1000 handpicked bottles of vino and champagne. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Richard Ousby will use his experience overseas and locally to shape the restaurant's menu. [caption id="attachment_896918" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAMA[/caption] "TAMA offers something for all occasions with an expansive ground floor restaurant and a mezzanine that can play host to private dining for 40 guests, and more intimate rooms for parties of six to eight," Ousby notes. "From pastas served tableside to carefully selected seafood and steaks, including a two-kilogram angus tomahawk and cut-to-order wagyu scotch fillet, TAMA's menu will cater to anyone looking for a casual meal through to those wanting a seriously elevated experience," he continues. "The majority of bottles won't break the bank, sitting between $50–200; however, we will have a variety of selections and vintages that are exclusive to the venue and sit within our private cellar. There's something to fit every budget, taste and occasion," says Hunter of the vino list. [caption id="attachment_896919" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAMA[/caption] Hunter comes to the new GPO with plenty of accolades, including being named the Pol Roger 2013 Sommelier of the Year, and helping lead OTTO Brisbane to nabbing the Wine List of the Year award in the Good Food Guide in 2019. As for Brisbane local Ousby, he's drawing upon his time in England at Michelin three-star restaurant Waterside Inn, in Sydney at Sous Chef at Quay, and as Executive Chef of Stokehouse's restaurants in Melbourne and Brisbane. Down the track, GPO will also feature The Tax Office. When it starts welcoming in patrons, it'll do so around an island bar with lounge-style seating — and it's being put forward as a go-to for post-work drinks and midweek dinners. Outside, the building's Victorian Italianate facade has been preserved, as have its balconies, stairwells and ceilings (with heritage paint tones a big feature after a colour study). And back inside, the design pairs modern finishings with OG touches — so exposed beams and brick, plus fireplaces. The end product is the result of a collaboration between The Royal Historical Society of Queensland, Brisbane City Council, heritage architects, Zero9 Builders (The Dorsett Hotel, The Star, and Edwards and Co) and Space Cubed Design Studio (Donna Chang, Iris Rooftop and Boom Boom Room). [caption id="attachment_896925" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tax Office[/caption] GPO Hotel is located at 740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, and will reopen from Saturday, July 8 — head to the TAMA and The Gatsby websites for more details
Autumn and winter might seem like the ideal seasons to stay indoors, but, if you don't mind the occasional gust of wind or spot of rain, then regional Victoria presents some incredible adventures. Leave behind familiarity and head to untrodden areas of the country which provide plenty of outdoorsy romps to discover — taking you to some scenic locations that might just include some great food and drink as well. Over the past few decades, Macpac has been providing new and expert adventurers with high-quality technical clothing that keeps everybody warm and dry no matter the conditions. So together, we've picked out five great outdoor expeditions around Victoria that showcase the very best of that state's natural landscape. Plan an unforgettable trip down to the southeast — just remember to pack a jacket. [caption id="attachment_717214" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rob Blackburn.[/caption] GO FROM IGLOO TO SKIDOO This time of year, Victoria's High Country becomes covered in snow and frost, making it an ideal winter destination. One unconventional trip you can take is the Igloo to Skidoo tour, which leads you on a two-day journey through Mount Hotham's icy landscape and includes some delightful winter-warmer treats. Set off at sunset, and snowshoe your way through the backcountry, making your way to a hearty feast of French fondue. Stay in a remote eco-village as you slide into your plush, wood-heated snowdome and settle in for one of the best night's sleep of your life. In the morning, you'll wake up to a big brekkie before you round out your wintery escapade with a one-hour snowmobile tour through the sprawling alpine resort. GET SUBTERRANEAN AT BRITANNIA CREEK CAVES Formed thousands of years ago, the Britannia Creek cave system is one of only five found in the state. Featuring a series of huge underground granite boulders, this place isn't for the claustrophobic. The massive subterranean chasm exhibits flowing streams, phosphorus glow worms and tightly packed rock climbing to delight the keenest of explorers. This Adventure Caving experience is not for the faint of heart. Prepare to get grimy on your hands and knees as you squeeze and slide your way through dozens of obstacles. Less than a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the Brittania Creek cave system is one of the best adventures you can have this close to the city. [caption id="attachment_717215" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Josie Withers.[/caption] TAKE AN OVERNIGHT KAYAK TREK Winding its way down from the Victorian Alps, the Ovens River is flanked by several scenic red gum forests and wetlands that are home to numerous threatened and endangered species. This Overnight Kayaking Adventure tour showcases many of the region's top features as you paddle down the river and make camp once the sun sets. Crowd around the fireside and crack open a beer beneath the sprawling, starlit sky. Kayakers can choose to use the Tarrawingee Camp Ground as a base, with food and equipment provided throughout the journey, or you can build your own adventure, launching from wherever you please and choosing how many days you'd like to paddle. Once you experience the Ovens River's serene atmosphere, you may be tempted to stay here forever. MILAWA GOURMET RIDE Renowned for its fantastic collection of wineries, pristine countryside and farm-to-table restaurants, Milawa can be found three hours northeast of Melbourne. It's also quite flat, making it ideal for taking a slow peddle through the charming community. The Milawa Gourmet Ride offers visitors a ten-kilometre return bike ride from the Brown Brothers Cellar Door to the Sam Miranda Winery. There's a wealth of gourmet cafes and eateries along the route that highlight the region's much-loved producers and growers, so make sure you stop in and grab yourself a finely crafted block of cheese or a perfectly made coffee. GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL Undoubtedly one of Victoria's most spectacular regions, the Grampians are hard to beat when it comes to native scenery. The lakes, bushland and wildlife found here are simply remarkable. The Grampians Peaks Trail puts the very best on display. Covering 37 kilometres of astounding countryside, the trail is ideal for a multi-day hike. Plan your trek and take in some of the key highlights. Climb to the summit and admire the impressive view of the entire range, explore the ancient rock formations at the Grand Canyon and take in the views from Mount Rosea, which presents panoramic vistas that span across the Serra and Mount William Ranges.
In an unassuming area of Bowen Hills, Fireworks Gallery is an Aboriginal art paradise housed in a spacious, concrete warehouse. Established in 1993, the gallery was born out of the desire to present Indigenous artworks and non-Indigenous artworks side by side to connect and build a community through contemporary art. Since then, heaps of leading artists have exhibited their works in the two-storey building, making this gallery a must-visit for art lovers. Images: Kiel Wode
It's time to get social in a different part of Brisbane. Two years after Newstead Social first opened its doors, the team behind it is now pairing brews and pub grub at the chain's second location. Portside Social started welcoming in patrons on Thursday, September 19, 2024, with a familiar — and popular — formula at play. Think: pints, parmigianas and pool, plus beers, barbecue ribs and burgers. The venue also hosts live music, drag bingo, trivia evenings and weekend bottomless brunches. "After building a loyal following over at Newstead Social, we're bringing our signature energy over here at Portside — a proper drinking hole where you can come along whether you're in a sundress or your activewear," explains owner Justin Kong. "I live locally and think it's such an incredible location," he also noted back in February when the venue was initially announced. "There's a diverse demographic in and around Hamilton who will benefit from having a bar like Portside Social in the mix, with few venues of this kind available in the area." Bars, restaurants and a cinema have long been part of the Portside Wharf experience, but hitting the pub for a cold one over a parmi hasn't previously featured at the Hamilton precinct — until now. The inner-north area is in the middle of a $20-million revamp, with Portside Social joining fellow newcomers such as The Ballpark, Rise Bakery, Fosh, Rosé Gelateria and Birds Nest Yakitori from over the past two years. More venues are on the way, too, including French brasserie Mademoiselle, Italian restaurant Sbagliata and burger joint Dumbo. For All Stars Hospitality Group, which is behind Portside Social, this is a case of taking a successful concept to a different area of town to create a sibling venue — after the Newstead Social model has proven such a hit. Their latest venture sprawls across 224 square metres in the precinct's riverfront village, near Gusto da Gianni and Burrito Bar Portside, and joins the company's stable of hospitality sites alongside Wonderland Nightclub, Melt Brothers and more. Going big on green in its decor by Clui Design and builders Lowry Group — in hue, as well as with plants around the place — Portside Social mixes earthiness with industrial touches. Customers can sit inside or out. Go with the first and you can perch around the eye-catching central bar beneath pendant lighting. Opt for the second and you'll get comfortable at high tables while taking in the fresh air. From the food menu, patrons can tuck into crispy wings, arancini balls, honey chicken skewers, and a choice of halloumi, pulled pork and grilled fish tacos to start with. The mains include fried chicken burgers, vegan schnitty burgers, barbecue beef and bacon burgers, wagyu bolognese, slow-cooked barbecue garlic ribs and three different steaks, while chocolate brownies are the sole dessert choice. Really love parmis? There's a challenge to eat 1.7 kilograms of the beloved dish, aka four pieces stacked together. It'll set you back $70, but if you finish it — and the 400 grams of fries and house salad that it comes with — within 25 minutes, you'll win a $150 venue voucher for your next visit. Like the culinary range, the drinks also stick with classics, aka beer, wine and cocktails. Drop by from 11.30am on weekends for the boozy bottomless brunch, which serves up signature dishes with non-stop brews, vino and mimosas. Find Portside Social at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton — open from 11.30am–10pm Tuesday–Thursday and Sundays, and from 11.30am–11.30pm Friday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for further details.
The response to COVID-19 in Australia doesn't just change by the day, but by the hour and even minute, as the country endeavours to stave off the spread of the coronavirus throughout the community. Indeed, already today, Wednesday, March 18, the Australian Government has banned non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and effectively scrapped all international travel from our shores. Now, we're now seeing our first national cinema closures as well. Palace Cinemas has just announced that it is shutting down all of its Australian venues from Thursday, March 19. Like many other closures across the arts and entertainment industry at present, this is a temporary but currently indefinite shuttering — with a re-opening date to be determined as the situation progresses. In a statement emailed to customers and available on the chain's website, Palace said that it made the decision after it "reviewed advice from the Australian Government regarding non-essential services and public gathering mandates, as well as examined safety concerns for our patrons and staff". Venues affected include Palace Norton Street, Verona, Central and The Chauvel Cinema in Sydney, as well as Palace Byron Bay; Palace Cinema Como, Balwyn, Brighton Bay, Westgarth, Palace Dendy Brighton, The Kino and The Astor Theatre in Melbourne; Palace Barracks and James St in Brisbane; Palace Electric in Canberra; and Palace Raine Square and Cinema Paradiso in Perth. As a result, all Palace screening events and Palace-organised film festivals are also obviously currently on hold — including the cancellation of the remainder of this year's Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, which Palace doesn't run but many of its venues host. Palace ticket holders will be contacted regarding refunds if they booked online, and are asked to contact their relevant cinema if they booked in-person. It's highly likely that more Aussie cinema chains will also close, especially with such a large number of films postponing their upcoming releases. No Time to Die, A Quiet Place Part II, Fast and Furious 9, Mulan, The New Mutants, Black Widow, Spiral: From the Book of Saw, The Woman in the Window, Antebellum, Peter Rabbit 2, Trolls World Tour and The Secret Garden were all due to hit screens between mid-March and late May, but have now delayed their plans. The news of Palace's temporary closures came on a big day for the Australian film industry, with the Sydney Film Festival cancelling its entire 2020 festival, which was scheduled to run from June 3–14. It's the first time in the fest's 67-year history — so since it started in 1954 — that the huge annual celebration of cinema has been scrapped. The festival will return in 2021. Palace Cinemas across Australia will close from Thursday, March 19. For further details, visit the chain's website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
For proximity to Brisbane and stunning scenery, make North Stradbroke Island your next camping spot. There are a stack of beachside campsites and among the best is Cylinder. Pack your board — there are waves. When you're done with ruling the surf, go koala spotting, stroll along North Gorge walk or play pool with watery panoramas at the Beach Hotel. Facilities are pretty posh — you can count on showers, toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and nearby cafes and restaurants. Book before you go.
If you want to devour something a little different, be sure to check out Scrumptious Reads. Born out of a passion for food and books it is the perfect place to fuel your cookbook obsession and inpsire an appetite for the kitchen. A visit to this specialty culinary bookstore is sure to satisfy any hunger for gastronomical literature. Beyond the books, the store acts as a hub for the Brisbane foodie community, hosting culinary events such as wine master classes, and food and beverage pairing dinners.
Since July 2022, Brisbane has boasted something that no other Australian city has: Butler Wine Bar, the first vino-pouring venue from New York Times-approved bakery Lune Croissanterie. But if you haven't stopped by the intimate 30-seater already, you've missed your chance, with the watering hole making the shock announcement via social media that it has already closed its doors. Butler wasn't a pop-up, but a permanent venue. Still, Lune's Kate Reid, Nathan Toleman and Cameron Reid have decided to bring it to an end. "We regret to inform you that Butler Wine Bar has made the difficult decision to close. Our final service was Wednesday 1st March," the venue's team announced on Instagram on Friday, March 3. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Butler Wine Bar (@butlerwinebar) "We have been so grateful for the relationships with our guests, suppliers and the exceptional hospitality community in Brisbane. We've hosted a few amazing parties, drank an incredible amount of beautiful wine and crafted dishes that will remain in our memories. We very much hope they stay in yours, too," the statement continues. "From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone who played their part or came in Butler Wine Bar. Butler could not have been what it was without your support and loyalty." Butler was one of Brisbane's best new bar openings of 2022, and its closure comes just days after the intimate neighbourhood bar hosted a party with its sibling Lune, pairing pastries with wine. During its eight-month run, the venue heroed premium drops and sips from sustainable producers, particularly focusing on vinos from close to home, and served bites such as prawn tartare, mushroom tarts and chicken liver parfait. Nestled into a long, cosy space designed by Hogg & Lamb — who also did the honours with Lune Brisbane — it also poured beers, spirits and cocktails, including miso caramel old fashioneds and pumpkin highballs. Lune still operates its South Brisbane bakery, plus a CBD outpost in Burnett Lane that also opened its doors in July 2022. The news of Butler's closure comes just a day after Three Blue Ducks announced that it is closing its W Brisbane restaurant; however, shutting after five years of operation, it'll keep serving diners until the end of May. Butler Wine Bar closed at 15 Manning Street, South Brisbane, next to Lune, on Wednesday, March 1.
Every precinct packed with eateries and bars wants patrons to head by more than once. At Portside, Harry Ohayon and Maxime Bournazel have fulfilled the restaurateur take on that concept: they've opened two venues in this riverside patch of Hamilton. First came Rise Bakery. Now arrives Mademoiselle. Both adore France — which is what happens when two French friends go into business together. With croissants and pains au chocolat staples of its menu, Rise Bakery has been serving up French fare for years, baking that affection not only into its OG Sanctuary Cove venue, but into the patisserie's Portside spinoff since mid-2023 as well. At Parisian-influenced brasserie Mademoiselle, which was first announced earlier in 2024 and opened in October, replicating classic French bistros is now in the spotlight. [caption id="attachment_972000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bastion Photography by Paul A Broben[/caption] "We are proud to introduce Chef Laurent Hoffarth, whose extensive culinary background spans both Michelin-starred kitchens and the vibrant Melbourne dining scene," says Ohayon. "Our menu offers a dynamic selection of French classics, from our signature braised wagyu beef daube à la provençale to the delicate oeuf mimosa. We aim to provide an unforgettable dining experience, where every bite is a celebration of French gastronomy." In a place that Ohayon described as "a warm, inviting space where people can enjoy long lunches, hearty dinners and Sunday roasts with their loved ones" prior to opening, Mademoiselle is serving up traditional French dishes given a modern twist. Rotisserie meats and gourmet salads are a feature of the comfortable and cosy 245-square-metre venue, which takes its design cues from France, of course, under Sydney-based architect Tom Mark Henry. Alongside the devilled eggs with fennel cream and confit prawn, the appetisers include French salami served with ribbons of carrot picked in rosé, plus mussels in garlic and chervil butter, while the entrees range from ham hock terrine and skewered scallops to flash-seared sardines and a cured meat board. For something more substantial, steak frites made with a 300-gram grass-fed sirloin sits alongside duck breast with blackberry and juniper reduction, gnocchi, and the catch of the day poached in an aioli-infused broth with mussels and prawns. Fancy sharing? That's where the rotisserie chicken, which comes in half and full serves, is a handy option. Mademoiselle also does a set menu featuring its showcase chook as one of the mains choices, alongside three entrees for the table and a choice of two desserts. Both the crème brûlée and dark chocolate sauce-topped vanilla ice cream are on offer in the group meal and the standalone menu, with Rise Bakery cakes by the slice and a selection of French cheeses also on the latter. Stop by for lunch from Monday–Friday to pick from a one-, two- or three-course spread from a condensed listing, including Julia Child's salad niçoise, a black angus burger with fries, and warm goat cheese and prosciutto on toast. The drinks selection boasts four pages of wine — champagne, sparkling and rosé included — plus black raspberry margaritas, French martinis, Chambord spritzes and mimosa among the cocktail choices. For a non-boozy sip, two mocktails are available. For seating, you can choose from booths indoors or to go al fresco — and if the concept is a success, the hope is to roll it out beyond Portside, including more Brisbane locations and at the Gold Coast. But each won't be exact copies of the other, with tailoring menus to suit each community that Mademoiselle calls home also the plan. The French restaurant joins an ever-growing list of new additions to Portside as part of the inner-north spot's current $20-million revamp. Not just Rise Bakery but also Fosh, Rosé Gelateria and Birds Nest Yakitori set up shop at the Hamilton precinct in 2023. Portside Social, a gastropub from the Newstead Social crew, has opened already in 2024, as has burger joint Dumbo and baseball-loving bar The Ballpark Portside (complete with its own batting cage), while Italian restaurant Sbagliata is on the way. Find Mademoiselle at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton — open from 11.30am–9.30pm Sunday–Thursday and 11.30am–10pm Friday–Saturday. Head to the restaurant's website for reservations and more details. Images: Markus Ravik.
No one is ever going to mistake a visit to Brisbane's Queen's Wharf with a trip to France — with its perch right beside the Brisbane River and views across to South Bank, there's no confusing where it's located — but Pompette wants your tastebuds to make the journey abroad anyway. Joining the precinct's smorgasbord of restaurants serving up international cuisines, this newcomer from Tassis Group goes all in on Gallic dishes. It's not only an eatery, in fact, but also a champagne bar. First announced in mid-2024 and open since December the same year, Pompette adds French eats to the Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Italian, noodle, steak and seafood meals already on offer at Queen's Wharf. Under Head Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet, think: escargot, steak frites, raw beef tartlettes, chicken parfait, gruyere soufflé, baguettes with blue cheese butter, Parisian-style gnocchi, duck à l'orange, steak au poivre, côte de boeuf, crème brûlée, crêpes suzette flambée and more. At the 140-seater spot on The Terrace, there's also caviar bumps that come with a shot of frozen vodka, plus a dedicated oyster bar. Here, seven days a week from 11am onwards, classic French fare clearly features across the menu, but with two guiding principles in mind. Firstly, Pompette's dishes give traditional meals a modern spin. Secondly, if sending your tastebuds to Paris normally gets you thinking about extravagant fine-dining, this spot is aiming to be more accessible. For patrons eager to say cheers to a glass of champers, more than 40 types of the French tipple are on the drinks list. Wine lovers can choose from 150-plus different bottles, while cocktails, spritzes, beer, seltzers and non-boozy sips are also among the options. Regular Tassis collaborators Clui Design and Allo Creative are responsible for the venue's look and feel, taking their cues from Paris, of course. Expect to be surrounded by pink and navy hues, plus brash touches and eye-catching artworks. Champagne and oysters are served from the site's 16-metre-long marble bar, while the outdoor terrace boasts bursts of greenery. And for special occasions, Pompette also features three private dining rooms.
How much green will be seen at 2025's Laneway Festival? With Charli XCX headlining, expect the Brat hue to be everywhere. Given the event's February timing, and the fact that Charlotte Emma Aitchison is headlining, it's going to be Brat summer Down Under. It's set to be a Djo, Beabadoobee-, Clairo-, Barry Can't Swim- and Remi Wolf-soundtracked summer as well, with the quartet also among the big names on Laneway's lineup. Charlie XCX was last in Australia in 2023 for Sydney WorldPride and For the Love, and before that in 2020 at Laneway. If you're keen to see the 'Guess', '360', 'Apple', 'Speed Drive', '1999', 'Doing It' and 'Boom Clap' talent this time, you'll need a Laneway ticket, as she's playing exclusively at the fest. [caption id="attachment_975321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harley Weir[/caption] In 2025, she'll have company from BICEP doing their CHROMA AV DJ set, Olivia Dean, Eyedress and Skegss, too, alongside STÜM, RONA, Hamdi, Joey Valence & Brae, 2hollis, Fcukers, Ninajirachi, Julie, and Girl and Girl. The event started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s is playing Brisbane Showgrounds in the River City on Saturday, February 8, 2025. [caption id="attachment_974759" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Hardy[/caption] Laneway Festival 2025 Lineup Charli XCX Beabadoobee Clairo Barry Can't Swim BICEP present CHROMA (AV DJ set) Djo Remi Wolf Olivia Dean Eyedress Skegss STÜM RONA Hamdi Joey Valence & Brae 2hollis Fcukers Ninajirachi Julie Girl and Girl + Triple J unearthed winners Top images: Charlie Hardy/Maclay Heriot. Updated Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Call it fate, call it symmetry, call it pairing the perfect place with the perfect spot: whichever fits, opening Viva La Cali in Fortitude Valley's California Lane instantly sounds right. Marc Grey and Steve Maiden are no strangers to the laneway, launching their first venue 1st Edition — a 22-seater themed around caped crusaders in its decor and menu — there back in 2021. Now, the pair is doing double duty with their new California-inspired joint. Announced in May and greeting patrons since early June, Viva La Cali sees Grey (Destino Sanctuary Cove) and chef Maiden (Baja Fortitude Valley) team up with fellow hospitality figure Morgan Webster to celebrate the cuisine and vibe of southern California — and, reflecting the region, to mix dishes from Central and South America into the menu as well. At this bar and restaurant, diners can chase an endless summer to match Brisbane's usually sunny climate. The palm tree-heavy artwork by Steen Jones, which wraps around one side of the venue including under the bar, heartily champions that mood. So does the setup in the 80-square-metre space, thanks to an openair and undercover abode that caters to 50 folks seated — including at a sizeable communal high table — or 70 cocktail-style. The menu unsurprisingly heroes tacos while also getting creative. A banh mi-inspired taco made with pulled chicken, pickled veg and chicken pate tops the must-try list, alongside pork belly with fermented cabbage, apple wild rice and smoked yoghurt; fish ceviche with cucumber, pickled jalapeño and mango; and beef carnitas with pineapple habanero salsa. Diners can also enjoy snacks such as Peruvian empanadas, beef tartare with egg yolk and the Viva La Cali's take on popcorn chicken with chimichurri. Short ribs, wagyu smoked in-house with cherry and apple wood (then paired with cactus salsa), and spiced eggplant with cacao mole are highlights among the bigger dishes, while the dessert options include picarones, aka crispy fried Peruvian doughnuts. "As chefs, we strive to create dining experiences that are vibrant, fresh and, in our case, a little bit quirky. It's about delighting the senses and pushing culinary boundaries," says Maiden. "When it comes to my favourite dishes, I simply can't resist the King River wagyu and the spiced eggplant." To wash all of the above down, margaritas are Viva La Cali's signature sip from a tequila-centric drinks list. Whether you go with the classic sip whipped up with house-made orange bitters, a version with coffee lime agave or a Tommy's, you'll be picking from a range featuring tipples that require a comprehensive gastro process to come to fruition — a source of pride for the venue's team. Among the standouts: the Watermelon Margy Hiiiii, made with house-made watermelon cordial and a natural watermelon rind sour strap; the Bugs Bunny Margarita, which uses house-made sour carrot juice; and chilli mango coconut slushies. Operating Wednesday–Sunday, Viva La Cali also does $79 two-hour bottomless margarita and bottomless taco sessions on Sundays, and will host California Lane laneway parties with live music, and local chef and kitchen takeovers. "Above all, our ultimate desire is for our guests to embark on a flavour-filled journey. We want them to feel a sense of casual relaxation, fun and energy. Picture Sundays with a contagious laneway party vibe, all while upholding our uncompromising standards of quality. We want to make a first great and longlasting impression," says Grey. Find Viva La Cali at California Lane, 22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley — open 5pm–late Wednesday–Thursday and 12pm–12am Friday–Sunday.
When Longtime closed up its Ann Street restaurant, it left a hole in Fortitude Valley's dining scene — but, post-pandemic lockdowns, something new has sprouted in its old digs. That'd be Eterna, a fresh venture from Salt Meats Cheese's Stefano de Blasi. And yes, just like SMC's eateries in Newstead and South Bank, it has a big Italian focus. Fans of pasta and cocktails will find two differences, however. Firstly, as its name suggests, Eterna kicks on well into the evening — so, for those hankering for a late-night dish over a few drinks, the kitchen is open until 11pm. And, the Valley newcomer also focuses on bites and beverages inspired by Rome, while trying to bring a bit of New York-style energy to the place as well. Think simple recipes, seasonal produce, house-made pasta and an after-hours vibe, which have all been on offer since Eterna opened its doors at the end of July. On the menu: classic Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe and carbonara, as well as the likes of suppli (arancini, but street-food style), the chicken-heavy pollo alla romana and seasoned pork in the form of porchetta di ariccia. The latter two are designed for sharing and, if you're still hungry afterwards, a crostata ricotta e visciole (ricotta and sour cherry cheesecake) feature on the dessert menu. Drinks-wise, expect to sip local and Italian wines, a range of spirits, and cocktails that include gin martinis and cardinales — aka a Roman-style negroni. Eterna is open for dinner and drinks from Tuesday–Saturday to begin with, and plans to add lunch service down the track. Find Eterna at 610 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, from Thursday, July 30 — open from 5pm–12am Tuesdays–Thursdays, and 5pm–1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Images: Lewis Lotherington
Once, not that long ago, Brisbanites still had to drive to either Noosa or Surfers Paradise for their Betty's Burgers fix. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case for a couple of years now. Indeed, Betty's keeps opening new stores, with its latest now trading in West End's West Village — and it's throwing a three-day village party to celebrate. This shindig has a few different components, but they all revolve around the same thing: heading to the new site for a burger. Between Friday, July 9–Sunday, July 11, you'll be able to nab two-for-one burg specials, in fact, as long as you're hankering for one of Betty's deluxe, classic vegan or crispy chicken supreme burgers. Also on offer: $5 beers, including Betty's new Village Beer brewed by Pirate Life. Buy the latter, and you'll get a free stubby cooler, too. And, speaking of not spending a cent, there'll be free ice creams in cups and cones as well. Yes, that means you can get a cheap burg, cheap booze and a free dessert.
First announced in late 2022, Ippin Japanese Dining in West End's West Village finally opened its doors on Wednesday, April 12. It's Brisbane's new go-to for everything from sushi and sashimi through to wagyu and yuzu cocktails, and it's also the first Brisbane venture from Sydney restaurateur Kenny Lee (Kuon Omakase, Allta and Funda). And, it's perched up on the second floor of the precinct's Garden Pavilion, so it comes with leafy views. Fancy trying it out — and eating your way through plenty of the menu — for $118? Meet the restaurant's chef's tasting menu launch special, which is running until Monday, April 17. It's serving up 11 dishes for that reasonable price, although that is just the starting point. You'll pay an extra $30 to add a wagyu strip loin, and various courses have matching wines available by the glass for an additional fee. Still, opt for the standard package and you'll start with bluefin tuna paired with sea urchin and caviar, then move onto wagyu tartare and tempura Moreton Bay bugs, and also enjoy barramundi san choy bow, sushi and sashimi, and snow crab. It all ends with roasted green tea warabi mochi over vanilla ice cream. And if you'd like cocktails or sake, that'll also cost you extra.
This five-day, four-night outback expedition leaves from Cairns each Monday with guests returning on Friday afternoons with a palpable sense of peace. You can get there via a 4.5-hour drive from Cairns, with the option to splash on a helicopter ride if you feel like taking the express option. Aside from the optional flights, the Kinrara Expedition is all-inclusive with an impressive selection of tours and activities on the itinerary. Guests stay in safari-style tents with comfortable queen-sized beds and private timber balconies. The homestead sits on the edge of a sparkling volcanic lake which is home to more than 200 bird species. The O'Brien family have lived on this property for five generations and operate in partnership with the Traditional Custodians of the land — the Gugu Badhun people. Images: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Located in prime real estate on James Street is Calexico. The Brisbane-born business has made a name for itself by stocking hard-to-find fashion from some of the biggest labels in the game. Last year marked the ten-year anniversary of the store, which now stocks around 125 international labels as well as smaller, emerging designers. Brands like Nili Lotan, Rag and Bone and Jimmy Choo are right at home here. The stylists take a mix-and-match approach to their suggestions and aren't shy about pairing clothes in unexpected ways to suit your style. Book in a session with a stylist and get complimentary tailoring or check out the online store here.
There's no summer like a Sydney summer. From long days spent underneath beach umbrellas to leisurely lunches with friends, Sydney looks best when drenched in sunshine. If you're looking for a summer plan to fill your weekends with, the waterfront Mosman restaurant, St Siandra, is bringing back its much-loved deck chairs by Business & Pleasure Co. to its private beach this summer. Running from Friday, January 2 until Tuesday, March 31, every Wednesday to Sunday, the pop-up allows diners to settle into deck chairs right on the beach with uninterrupted harbour views and the full menu delivered right to your seat. From fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired share plates to summer-ready cocktails and chilled wines, you can order the best of St Siandra to your own private beach with just a tap of your phone. Talk about a luxury staycation. Secure your spot on St Siandra's private beach by booking in advance. The beach deck chairs are available to book in two-hour sessions in groups of two to six. Given the luxury of this offering, spots are limited, so it's best to lock in a few summer days with your friends and family ASAP. Inside, away from the sandy shores, St Siandra's continues to exude vacation vibes with a menu that's an ode to holiday dining and the flavours of the Mediterranean. Freshly caught seafood plays a starring role on the menu, which has been designed by head chef Sam McCallum. His experience is evident in his commitment to sourcing the highest-quality produce and ingredients, with a preference for local suppliers wherever possible. Visually, the vacation vibes don't end with the restaurant's beachfront location either. Touches throughout combine to transport you to Europe at its summery best. Every seat in the restaurant boasts views of the water, conspiring with the warm-hued, Amalfi-inspired interiors by interior designer Sally Taylor, featuring furniture sourced locally and from Italy. Together, it all beguiles guests into momentarily forgetting they're in fact in Mosman, not the Mediterranean. So much so, it's even possible to sail straight into St Siandra's private beach aboard your own (or a rented) vessel and disembark immediately into an awaiting deck chair or a seat inside. Whether you're planning a leisurely long lunch or just looking to soak up the sun in style, this unique Sydney experience blends barefoot luxury with laid-back Sydney coastal energy. See you on the deck chairs. See out summer from a beachside deck chair and book now at St Siandra. Image credit: Supplied
When Marc Grey and Steve Maiden launched their first venue in Fortitude Valley's California Lane, they leaned into Grey's fondness for comic books, theming 22-seater 1st Edition around caped crusaders in its decor and menu. Less than two years later, they're adding a second venue to the same stretch of pavement off McLachlan Street, and also going all in on a concept. Indeed, when Viva La Cali opens its doors to kick off winter, it'll be in the perfect location. California Lane was always going to welcome a California-inspired joint at some point, and Viva La Cali is that place. Set to start greeting patrons from Saturday, June 3, it sees Grey (Destino Sanctuary Cove) and chef Maiden (Baja Fortitude Valley) team up with fellow hospitality figure Morgan Webster to celebrate the cuisine and vibe of southern California — and, reflecting the region, to mix dishes from Central and South America into the menu as well. At this bar and restaurant, diners can chase an endless summer to match Brisbane's usually sunny climate. The palm tree-heavy artwork by Steen Jones, which wraps around one side of the venue including under the bar, heartily champions that mood. So does the setup in the 80-square-metre space, thanks to an openair and undercover abode that caters to 50 folks seated — including at a sizeable communal high table — or 70 cocktail-style. The menu unsurprisingly heroes tacos while also getting creative. A banh mi-inspired taco made with pulled chicken, pickled veg and chicken pate tops the must-try list, alongside pork jowl with fermented cabbage, apple wild rice and smoked yoghurt; fish ceviche with cucumber, pickled jalapeño and pomegranate; and beef carnitas with pineapple habanero salsa. Diners can also look forward to snacks such as Peruvian empanadas, beef tartar with egg yolk and the Viva La Cali's take on popcorn chicken with chimichurri. Short ribs, wagyu smoked in-house with cherry and apple wood (then paired with cactus salsa), and spiced eggplant with cacao mole are highlights among the bigger dishes, while the dessert options include picarones, aka crispy fried Peruvian doughnuts. "As chefs, we strive to create dining experiences that are vibrant, fresh and, in our case, a little bit quirky. It's about delighting the senses and pushing culinary boundaries," says Maiden. "When it comes to my favourite dishes, I simply can't resist the King River wagyu and the spiced eggplant." To wash all of the above down, margaritas are Viva La Cali's signature sip from a tequila-centric drinks list. Whether you go with the classic sip whipped up with house-made orange bitters, a version with coffee lime agave or a Tommy's, you'll be picking from a range featuring tipples that require a comprehensive gastro process to come to fruition — a source of pride for the venue's team. Among the standouts: the Watermelon Margy Hiiiii, made with house-made watermelon cordial and a natural watermelon rind sour strap; the Bugs Bunny Margarita, which uses house-made sour carrot juice; and chilli mango coconut slushies. Operating Wednesday–Sunday, Viva La Cali will also do $79 two-hour bottomless margarita and bottomless taco sessions on Sundays, and host California Lane laneway parties with live music, and local chef and kitchen takeovers. "Above all, our ultimate desire is for our guests to embark on a flavour-filled journey. We want them to feel a sense of casual relaxation, fun and energy. Picture Sundays with a contagious laneway party vibe, all while upholding our uncompromising standards of quality. We want to make a first great and longlasting impression," says Grey. Find Viva La Cali at California Lane, 22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley from Saturday, June 3 — open 5pm–late Wednesday–Thursday and 12pm–12am Friday–Sunday.
After a hearty brekkie in Brissie's south? Keen on some early-morning grease, though not of the fast food variety? Giving the location formerly inhabited by Azafran Restaurant in Annerley a retro makeover — complete with a record library — Snag & Brown has you covered. And yes, their breakfasts are available whenever their doors are open. With a name like theirs, you can expect to find one particular thing on the menu — and plenty of them. We're talking about sausages, of course. Chorizo, pork chipolatas, chicken, spinach and pine nut, and semi-dried tomato, thyme and polenta bangers are all highlights of various dishes; however pairing them with one of the different varieties of roasted hash browns (including classic, sweet potato, and tomato and feta) is highly recommended. You'll also find the irresistible combo of braised pork belly and slow poached eggs among the breakfast options, and the likes of beef lasagne, flash-fried calamari and roasted vegetable salad for lunch. Warm beverages come courtesy of Bear Bones Coffee and West End Tea Co, while boozy selections are planned in the future. Now that's how you make all-day bangers and hash even better.
For the past decade, South Brisbane's Wandering Cooks has been one of the city's culinary go-tos — initially boasting a bar, restaurant and markets in Fish Lane, as well as acting as an incubator for local food and beverage businesses, then moving to a new home in Vulture Street in 2021. But Brisbanites will now no longer be able to drop by to tuck into its wares, have a meal or browse for farm-fresh produce, with the beloved spot shutting its doors. In a Facebook post, Wandering Cooks owner Angela Hirst announced that the site "is closed for good", after a chaotic few years weathering lockdowns, closed borders, the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, and also moving premises. "It is time to accept that the market has made this decision an obvious, if not extremely difficult, one," Hirst continued, also noting that after the move, Wandering Cooks had "a full-blown commercial kitchen serving up to hundreds a night". But the situation has changed drastically in 2022, with Hirst advising that "borders open. New year, new world. A ghost town, again." During its decade-long run, Wandering Cooks has been an inner-city go-to if you're looking for a bite to eat, something to drink or a tasty dish to take home — and it also helped plenty of local culinary businesses get their starts. "We were, at first, an idea about good food and how it might be innovated. Food trucks in an illegally bonfire-warmed carpark. Little kitchens for great food ideas to germinate and (hopefully) blosssom. A bar. Countless community events and gatherings. Ideas shared, both good and very crap," explains Hirst in the site's farewell post. The West End spot shut its doors on Thursday, May 19. Wandering Cooks has now closed permanently at 63 Vulture Street, West End. For further details, head to its website and Facebook page.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2020 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 24 in South Australia and travel through Canberra, Bunbury, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Maitland on Saturday, May 9. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning recent Hottest 100 favourites San Cisco, Dope Lemon, E^ST, Slowly Slowly, Tones and I and Mallrat to up-and-comers like Kira Puru, Ruby Fields and WAAX. International talent like Bhad Bhabie, Kelis, Clairo, recently reformed 90s rock band Supergrass and Darude — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Sandstorm' — will take to the stage alongside Aussie legends Gang of Youths, The Cat Empire and The Veronicas. After hosting Australia's first (and second) ever pill-testing trial in Canberra, Groovin the Moo's ACT festival will take place in Exhibition Park for a second year. Despite many protests and petitions supporting it, pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country. Here's the full lineup: GROOVIN THE MOO 2020 LINEUP AJ Tracey Bhad Bhabie Blanco Brown The Cat Empire Channel Tres Clairo Darude Dope Lemon E^ST Gang of Youths Hayden James Kelis Kira Puru Mallrat Manu Crooks Maxo Kream Ruby Fields San Cisco Slowly Slowly Sugarhill Gang Supergrass Tones and I The Veronicas WAAX YBN Cordae GROOVIN THE MOO 2020 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 24 — Adelaide Showground, Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 25 – Exhibition Park, Canberra (ACT) Sunday, April 26 — Hay Park, Bunbury (WA) Saturday, May 2 — Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 3 — Murray Sports Complex, Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 9 — Maitland Showground, Maitland (NSW) Tickets for GTM in Bendigo, Bunbury and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, February 11, and Maitland, Wayville and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Wednesday, February 12. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Image: Mackenzie Sweetnam
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Up-to-date information on restrictions are available at your state's health websites (click through for NSW, Victoria and Queensland). Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. There's something special about getting behind the wheel for a long drive, whether you're summiting Australia's soaring mountain ranges or rambling your way up the coastline. There are fascinating adventures awaiting in every corner of the country, so forget about setting a breakneck pace. Just pick out a few waypoints along the way and pull in wherever you please. When you spot a stunning hike or a sandy beach that simply has to be experienced, slide the new Sonos Roam — featuring ten hours of playtime and a drop-resistant design — into your daypack and let the perfect playlist soundtrack your adventures. Exploring Australia has never sounded so good. [caption id="attachment_728931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Kuilenburg, Tourism Tas[/caption] GREAT EASTERN DRIVE, TASMANIA Don't think that you can get away with ignoring Tassie for much longer. The entire state deserves to be explored but, if time is of the essence, the east coast boasts a particularly scenic drive overflowing with stellar restaurants, wineries and landscapes. The fun starts in the island's northeastern corner at the Bay of Fires with its striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders. Heading south, you'll find windswept delights in coastal towns like Binalong Bay, St Helens and Bicheno before arriving at Freycinet National Park and experiencing spectacular views across Wineglass Bay. [caption id="attachment_777954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ensay Winery, Visit Victoria[/caption] GREAT ALPINE ROAD, VICTORIA Victoria offers some wonderfully diverse landscapes with the Great Alpine Road carrying you through some of the best. Stretching for 339 kilometres from Wangaratta to Metung, this adventure sees you cruise through granite mountain ranges and venture into lush rainforests — with dozens of great stops to make along the way. Consider taking a detour into Mount Buffalo National Park to experience the incredible views from The Horn or cool off in the Eurobin Falls. You can also sample eco-conscious wines at Ensay Winery or swing by Bruthen's Bullant Brewery for top-quality beers and a feed that showcases delicious regional flavours. [caption id="attachment_734990" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Paterson, Visit Victoria[/caption] BASS COAST, VICTORIA You don't have to travel far from Melbourne to get amongst some of the state's most scenic locations. Just an hour's drive from the CBD is the stunning Bass Coast region, which encompasses everything from Phillip Island to Inverloch. Catch views of the jagged coastline and sea-bird nesting areas from San Remo before scooting along the coast to charming towns like Kilcunda, Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson. This unforgettable coastal cruise bounces from one relaxed village to the next with outstanding spots for surfing, snorkelling and dining at every turn. [caption id="attachment_813784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Tribulation, Unsplash[/caption] CAIRNS TO CAPE YORK, QUEENSLAND Completing the 1000-kilometre trip from Cairns to Cape York is a tropical adventure like no other. Featuring some of Australia's wildest landscapes, this road trip will take you on a tour of pioneering history via lowland rainforests and sweeping landscapes. Pause at Mareeba to discover why 70 percent of Australia's coffee is grown here before experiencing the reaches of the Daintree Rainforest at Port Douglas and the pristine Mossman Gorge. While much of the Cairns to Cape York route is sealed, having a 4WD to overcome some unexpected obstacles is a good idea. [caption id="attachment_743610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] 75 MILE BEACH, QUEENSLAND Scout out the sights of the world's largest sand island — K'gari (Fraser Island) — and its breathtaking 75 Mile Beach. When the tide is right, you're welcome to take your four wheels onto the white sand beach to live out the summertime getaway of your dreams. Plus, there are more than 100 freshwater lakes found across K'gari — be sure to take a dip in the red waters of Lake Boomanjin. You can also explore the SS Maheno Shipwreck, which ran aground in 1935, before pitching a tent beneath the enormous ferns of Central Station's open rainforest. [caption id="attachment_813791" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Geoffrey Rhodes, Flickr[/caption] ANCIENT OUTBACK MOUNT ISA LOOP, QUEENSLAND Pack plenty of water and sunscreen because a multi-day drive through Queensland's remote northwest is bound to get a bit warm. This trip departs from the mining capital of Mount Isa, taking you east past the rugged Selwyn Ranges. Onwards to Richmond, you'll come across Australia's best-preserved dinosaur skeleton at Kronosaurus Korner, while Winton, about 230 kilometres to the south, is believed to be the birthplace of 'Waltzing Matilda'. Ahead of finishing the loop, experience cinematic history by stopping for a drink at Crocodile Dundee's favourite pub, the Walkabout Creek Hotel, in McKinlay. [caption id="attachment_772492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination Port Stephens[/caption] PACIFIC COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES/QUEENSLAND The road from Sydney to Brisbane is peppered with remarkable attractions. You'll need about a week to experience the top-notch locations along the 1000-kilometre route. After leaving Sydney behind, the first unmissable stop is Lake Macquarie's sparkling rock pools and world-class fishing. Just up the coast, choose any of Port Stephens's 26 stunning beaches for an idyllic picnic and break out the snorkelling gear at Coffs Harbour's Solitary Islands Marine Park. Following a stop in Byron Bay, it's time to cross the Queensland border and experience the Gold Coast hinterland en route to Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_813795" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Broken Hill, Trevor McKinnon, Unsplash[/caption] BROKEN HILL AND THE OUTBACK, NEW SOUTH WALES See both sides of New South Wales as this sweeping road trip transports you from Sydney's bright lights to the frontier town of Broken Hill. You have a variety of fascinating backcountry communities to explore with Dubbo the first major landmark on this adventure. Prepare yourself for the wide open landscapes to come by visiting the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. After you move through historic mining towns like Cobar, Wilcannia and White Cliffs, you'll soon arrive at Broken Hill. Relish a cold drink at the famous Palace Hotel, then head out for an unbeatable sunset surrounded by the sandstone sculptures at the Living Desert & Sculpture Symposium. [caption id="attachment_746256" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Snowy Mountains[/caption] ALPINE WAY, NEW SOUTH WALES Australia might not be best known for its snow-capped mountains, but our alpine region is about as scenic as they come. The Alpine Way links one mindblowing destination to the next with this road trip beginning at the laidback community of Cooma and heading deep into the Snowy Mountains. Learn your local history by paying a visit to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, then make tracks to the picturesque town of Jindabyne for a dip in the lake (weather permitting, of course). As the altitude increases, the isolated town of Khancoban provides the perfect launchpad to explore Kosciuszko National Park's hikes and adventure activities. Find out more about the new Sonos Roam at the official website. Top image: Bay of Fires, Spencer Chow.
The sun is shining, you're out of office is on and you've already spent a good amount of time curled up streaming TV shows. Now's the chance to catch up on your reading — so, find a shady spot on a beach, next to a pool or by a waterfall and start making your way through our favourite books of 2020. Even if the unexpected amount of time spent at home this year has provided you with ample reading opportunities, we're sure you'll find something on the list to fill your days. It's a mixed bag this year — we've been turning the pages of novels about First Nations languages, Nick Cave and bars in Spain. Some of them are hopeful, some are relatable and some are heartbreaking, which makes them perfect for mulling over during the holidays, and providing flavourful fodder for dinner conversations. Take your pick. THE YIELD BY TARA JUNE WINCH Awarded the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award, Tara June Winch's The Yield is a book at odds with itself. It's about language lost as much as it's a celebration of tongue; the beauty of the land, the blood in it and its unearthing; and a culture dispossessed as well as a homecoming. It's about both Indigenous and colonial Australia. A connection to — and raw look at — Ngurambang/Country. When August returns home after her grandfather's death, she learns that the land she grew up on is being repossessed by a mining company. What ensues is a reaping of time, secrets, storytelling and blood. Split into three interlinking narratives — Albert 'Poppy' Gondiwindi and his passing on of his language, the Reverend's tales of starting a mission in Massacre Plains and August's quest to save her ancestors' land — it shows how tied Australia's future is to its past. The Yield is stunningly astute. It's a book worthy of attention; worthy to be placed on every Australian bookshelf. It rips at your heart, but also sings of hope. Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer NEW VOICES ON FOOD A timely and personal look at how we connect through food, New Voices on Food makes room for a diverse collection of voices. Edited by writer, radio presenter and Sydney gem Lee Tran Lam, New Voices on Food is the first edition of a community-oriented anthology that offers new perspectives on our collective love of food. After taking public submissions back in August, the book showcases stories of individuals from underrepresented communities and celebrates the power of diversity. Contributions come in the form of written word, comics, photo essays and sketches. Each piece exudes a deep connection with food and its relationship with family, identity, memory and our tastebuds. Together, the stories demonstrate the importance of difference and promote what will hopefully be a more diverse future culinary landscape. Ben Hansen, Staff Writer HUMANKIND: A HOPEFUL HISTORY BY RUTGER BREGMAN If you hand-counted all the good things that happened in 2020, you would probably struggle to make it past your pinky finger. "Not me," you say? Good on you — go buy a yacht or something. If that statement is accurate, read on — literally. Danish author and historian Rutger Bregman has offered up his latest enlightening view on the world, and it's the most uplifting read you'll come across this year. Humankind: A Hopeful History argues against 'veneer theory': the idea that human compassion is cosmetic, and that underneath our thin layer of kindness lies our true, savage, violent and uncaring selves. Bregman uses the Lord of The Flies scenario as a common anecdote throughout the book, backed up with real-world social experiments that show just how horrible us humans are. But the historian in Bregman digs deeper, a lot deeper, and discovers that most of these 'scientific' social experiments were fuelled by ambition, hypocrisy and self-fulfilling prophecies. It's so satisfying to read through a criminologist's pessimistic magnum opus and have Bregman break it like a matchstick. The book leaves you feeling lighter — it's an absolute joy. Reuben Gibbes, Video Producer KOKOMO BY VICTORIA HANNAN You've probably seen Victoria Hannan's Kokomo in someone's hands on the tram, at the beach or at your local cafe; it's been receiving a bit of traction since its publication in July this year. Set in Melbourne, Kokomo feels familiar. Like Helen Garner's Monkey Grip but without the heroin, it celebrates the city and its ordinariness. In this way, it is far from the tropical paradise of the eponymous song by The Beach Boys. But, at its heart, Kokomo is about relationships and the building and tumbling of them. Mina, living her so-called best life in London, gets a call from her best friend Kira. Mina's mother has left the house — something she hasn't done in 12 years. Wanting answers, Mina returns to Melbourne and, after wading through her past, gets them. Hannan's tender storytelling drives her debut novel, with moments of heartbreak and hilarity and all shades in between. Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer HONEYBEE BY CRAIG SILVEY Craig Silvey established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Australian literature with Rhubarb before following it up with the exquisite Jasper Jones. This year, he returned with another tour de force coming-of-age story. Set in Perth, Honeybee opens with its protagonist, Sam, leaning over the side of a bridge ready to jump. Sam is a transgender teenager and is struggling with self-hatred and the ill-treatment of others. Sam is confused and devastated. As it happens, an elderly man named Vic is also out on the ledge, and that chance meeting changes the trajectory of both of their lives forever. At times heart-breaking, tender, wild and woolly, funny and outrageous, this book is brimming over with luminous language and characters that burrow their way into your heart and stick with you. Your heart breaks repeatedly for Sam on such a difficult journey to find self-acceptance, self-love and to accept love; and ultimately this becomes a heart-warming story of becoming. Susi Reed, Business Development Director ALL OUR SHIMMERING SKIES BY TRENT DALTON In his award-winning debut novel Boy Swallows Universe, Trent Dalton shows you the gritty underbelly of 80s Brisbane through the eyes of 12-year-old Eli Bell. In his second novel All Our Shimming Skies, the gravedigger's daughter Molly Hook takes you on a journey through outback Northern Territory in 1942. Both novels have an undeniably dark undercurrent, with war, death and domestic violence setting the scene for Molly's adventure, but they both have an air of magic. Stone hearts, gifts from the sky and 'sorcerer' Longcoat Bob all buoy Molly and her companions, sharp-tongued aspiring actress Greta and fallen Japanese fighter pilot Yukio, as they navigate greed, grief and can after can of Campbell's Condensed Oxtail Soup on their journey. All Our Shimmering Skies is a dreamlike coming-of-age novel, following Molly on her quest to find buried treasures and secrets alike. It's a novel that'll captivate you with descriptions of big fat orange caterpillars and storms that shake pennies from the clouds, and have you booking in a road trip to explore Australia for yourself. Samantha Teague, Editor INTOXICATING: TEN DRINKS THAT SHAPED AUSTRALIA BY MAX ALLEN In his latest treatise on the history of booze in Australia, lauded wine writer Max Allen describes his experience eating an apple from a 180-year-old tree in southern NSW: "It was a ravishing, moving experience: I felt for a moment as though I was travelling through time and space, from now, back through colonial Australia, all the way to Elizabethan England." The same could be said of his book. Intoxicating: Ten Drinks That Shaped Australia takes you on a journey, from gum trees on the edge of a boggy Tasmanian frost plain to the Victoria Bitter brewery in inner city Melbourne; from a Port Phillip Bay shipwreck in 1841 to a natural Margaret River vineyard in 2019. It's a history lesson — an engaging one, told by a teacher that's charming, witty and honest — a recipe book and social critique all in one. And it touches on an important not-oft-discussed topic: pre-colonial Indigenous-made alcohol and the myth of a 'dry continent'. It's a read best paired with a home-brewed peach cyder — and followed up with Bruce Pascoe's groundbreaking Aboriginal agriculture deep-dive Dark Emu. Samantha Teague, Editor BOY ON FIRE: THE YOUNG NICK CAVE BY MARK MORDUE Mark Mordue's Boy on Fire: The Young Nick Cave offers an enthralling glimpse into the formative years of the mysterious dark prince of Australian music. It's a personal peek under the hood of Nick Cave, a gripping bildungsroman and a looking glass to the wild Melbourne post-punk scene of the 70s and early 80s. If you're a Cave fan, yes, this is probably more than enough for you to run and grab a copy, but the biography goes far beyond the skimming of surfaces. Boy on Fire is the making of ten years of interviews between Mordue and Cave, as well as a revolving cast of characters from Cave's early days and those close to the enigmatic artist, including Cave's late mother Dawn, boyhood mates from Wangaratta and members of The Birthday Party. Mordue's prose is worthy of its subject; it is at once poetic and gritty, humorous and heartfelt, painting a portrait of an uncompromising, ambitious and, at times, erratic musician who came from rural Victoria to take on the world. Ben Hansen, Staff Writer and Cordelia Williamson, Branded Content Producer COCO WAS PARADISE BY GARY BRUN Coco Was Paradise is Gary Brun's debut novel, which is surprising because it reads as if he's been writing for decades. It's a boozy, sun-drenched fable of lust, jealousy, romance and madness — a tale that could have only been set in Spain. 23-year-old Arthur Washington travels to San Sebastián in an effort to escape the rut of his inner city Sydney life. He spends a night on a stolen yacht with a mystifying woman who goes by the name of Coco. Then, after a month-long coma, Arthur wakes up in hospital before being told he had fallen off a cliff. Did he fall? Or was he pushed? Coco Was Paradise is a sensory journey. Brun seems to have drunk in every bar and visited every cultural monument in Spain in the way he writes with such accurate detail. It's the perfect summer read that will leave you with a tan and a hangover. Reuben Gibbes, Video Producer UNCANNY VALLEY BY ANNA WIENER 'Doomscrolling' may be Macquarie Dictionary's word of the year, but writer Anna Wiener will tell you the act of endlessly refreshing the news on your phone is entirely by design. This won't be surprising to anyone who watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix this year (or, let's face it, to any consumer of media), but what might pique your interest is just how toxic the workplace culture is and was at many of the Silicon Valley companies responsible for our daily addictions. Casual sexism? Check. Harassment? Check. Excessive surveillance? You name it. Uncanny Valley is Wiener's memoir of her time at unnamed tech start-ups, but really it's a reality check for all of us to take off the company-branded t-shirts and start tapping into what we're really supporting with every mindless scroll. Emma Joyce, Branded Content Editor THE ANSWER IS... BY ALEX TREBEK There are many reasons to watch Jeopardy!, the long-running TV quiz show that has been on the air in the US in its current form since 1984. Alex Trebek and his love of knowledge are chief among them, though. Yes, it's fun to play along and to see contestants notch up big wins. But none of that would strike such a chord if Trebek wasn't so passionate and dedicated to the cause — even when he's getting a little sassy with the competitors. In a book that's been decades in the making, The Answer Is… By Alex Trebek sees the beloved host reflect upon his life and career across a series of vignettes, touching upon everything from the moustache that earned so much attention when he shaved it off to Will Ferrell's famed Saturday Night Live impersonations. Backstage stories abound, of course, which are catnip for longterm Jeopardy! fans; however it's Trebek's willingness to get personal that unsurprisingly resonates. The candid memoir hit bookstores earlier this year before the television icon died from pancreatic cancer in early November, but it was always going to be a witty, engaging and moving read. And, a definite Jeopardy! clue one day, too. Sarah Ward, Weekend Editor
Heroing Eastern Mediterranean-meets-Middle East cuisine, Babylon started serving up dishes and drinks in Sydney back in 2019, pairing its bites and sips with a prime rooftop location. Making the leap north, the chain has opted for a similarly stellar destination for its Brisbane debut: a riverside spot on Eagle Street in the CBD, aka Babylon Brisbane. At a 120-seat restaurant with a 14-person private dining room, Brisbanites can now tuck into lunch and dinner at Babylon's Sunshine State locale, which hails from Mantle Group Hospitality (aka the Queensland-based company behind the Pig 'N' Whistle pubs, The Charming Squire, Jimmy's On the Mall, The Sound Garden, The Summit, Tai Tai, Milano and more). The kitchen is overseen by Head Chef Ferdinand Sari, who has put together a share-heavy menu with his Babylon Sydney counterpart Robert Taylor. On the Levantine cuisine-inspired lineup: meze, gozleme and house-made breads, plus a heap of dishes cooked over wood and charcoal on a three-metre-long mangal (aka a Turkish grill) — or on two rotisseries — and a big focus on seafood. Sari and Taylor have split Babylon Brisbane's menu into three sections: flora, fauna and ocean. The first includes wood-fired pumpkin kebabs with coriander, lime, Aleppo chilli and muhammara; spiced fried cauliflower with Ras el Hanout, lemon, black tahini, almond and parsley; and wood-roasted broccolini with harrisa tarator, walnuts and pomegranate molasses — as well as everything from pan-fried haloumi to baked rice pilaf. Among the fauna selection, highlights range from wood-fired chicken skewers with kisir, tomato and yoghurt to slow-cooked lamb shoulder with garlic labneh — and also wood-fired angus beef hunkarbegendi-style with chilli butter and radish. And, that seafood lineup features locally sourced king prawns with harissa, raki, lemon and soft herbs; wood-grilled Fraser Coast squid with muhammara, yoghurt dill and lime; and half-shell scallops with salmon caviar. Folks dining in groups can also choose from two set menus, sharing either nine or 12 dishes (for either $75 or $95 per person). For dessert, sweets options span chocolate tahini with caramel sponge, sesame and Turkish coffee ice cream; a range of house-made baklava with walnut pistachio and chocolate; and Turkish delight. If you're keen on a drink, pick between 12 beers on tap and ten by the bottle, a hefty lineup of wines and a 12-strong cocktail list that's filled with standouts. The spritz choices feature elderflower, grapefruit, peach and apricot, and Babylon has even turned baklava into a boozy concoction. Or, try its twists on the sour (made with Yeni Raki), margarita (with mezcal, agave, chilli and green capsicum) and espresso martini (a Turkish take featuring Turkish coffee and cardamom-infused Metaxa 7 brandy, chocolate liqueur, orgeat and cold brew). As overseen by Brisbane's Hogg and Lamb, the architects behind the Sydney venue, the design vibe riffs on the Babylon look and feel already established down south while still taking its influences from the titular metropolis of old. Think: terracotta brick screens, red marble tabletops, mahogany chairs and pink banquettes, plus a ten-metre green marble bar. Also, if you're keen for a drink in the open air, head outside to Babylon Garden — the restaurant's two-tier outdoor sibling bar. Images: Steven Woodburn.
