Whether it's the start of a brand new year or time for a mid-year rest, a bit of re-centring and rejuvenation is always in order. And there's almost no better way to do that then with a few days at a yoga retreat. Not sure where to go for your R&R? We've rounded up eight stellar retreats across the country — ranging from the budget-friendly to the all-out luxurious — that are guaranteed to leave you feeling calm, contented, and ready to take on the world. BILLABONG RETREAT, MARAYLYA, NSW Set in 12 acres of natural bushland, this 30-bed eco yoga retreat offers relatively affordable escapes that include beginner-friendly yoga, meditation workshops and accommodation in gorgeous treetop cabins. Extra perks include a magnesium-infused swimming pool and delectable vegetarian food. Don't have time for a weekend retreat? Drop in for a cheeky day visit and you'll be back in Sydney by dinner time, all relaxed and centred. When? Retreats vary between one and seven nights, and run all year round excluding over New Year. How much? Around $250 for one night to $1260 for a week, which includes all meals, twice daily yoga and meditation. Day retreats cost $200. EDEN HEALTH RETREAT, CURRUMBIN VALLEY, QLD Located in the lush rainforest on the Gold Coast hinterland, Eden Health — one of Australia's first retreats — offers guests an individually tailored experience. Want to improve your general health? Manage your stress? Or just chill the hell out? Eden Health will design a program to meet your specific goals over the course of your stay. The centre's extensive facilities (a spa, a natural mud bath, tennis courts, and a heated pool are just a few of the offerings) also mean you'll have plenty to keep you occupied during your downtime. When? Retreats run each week from Sunday to Saturday all year round. How much? Prices start from $3350 for the week, which includes all meals, classes, use of facilities and $300–400 of therapies. YOGA CUCINA, NSW If you thought yoga retreats were all silence and brown rice, Yoga Cucina invites you to reconsider. Initiated by a trio of yoga instructors — and wine drinkers — it's a new kind of yoga-inspired getaway. The retreats — which run a few times a year — let you spend a weekend practising your salutes to the sun and downward dogs, in between sampling several drops, feasting on Italian fare, playing darts and swimming beneath waterfalls. On the first night you'll meet for a pre-dinner wine tasting, then sit down to a big Italian feast. The rest of the weekend will see you waking up to yoga sessions, honing your practice in workshops, trundling off to national parks for swimming under waterfalls, learning how to make pasta, eating, drinking and playing games. When? The next retreat will run over the weekend of September 6–9, 2018. How much? The weekend costs $1050–1200 per person, which includes all activities, food, wine and accommodation. RADIANCE RETREATS, BYRON BAY, NSW As Australia's yoga capital, Byron offers wellness retreats aplenty. While many are geared towards yoga buffs (and can, therefore, be rather intimidating to the beginner), Radiance Retreats focuses on deep, slow vinyasa, making it a great choice for newbies. Run by renowned yogi and author Jessie Chapman, the retreats supplement top-notch yoga classes with meditation, hikes, beach walks, and spa therapies. When? Five- and six-night retreats run about six times a year, with the next two happening on on November 9–14, 2018 and over NYE 2018. How much? Around $2000–2800, which includes all meals, classes, activities and a massage. GLAMPING YOGA RETREAT, WARRANDYTE, VIC Not all retreats have to cost you your yearly yoga member ship. Melbourne-based yoga teacher Maud Léger has just launched a new retreat in Warrandyte, and instead of fancy lodgings, the accommodation is a glamping village. While the camping vibe helps keep costs down, you will in no way rough it — all tents include mattresses, nice linen and rugs, and you'll practice in the estate's studio and deck. When? The next retreat will run from November 3–6, 2018. How much? Prices start from $767 for a shared tent. TRANQUIL POINT BIKRAM YOGA SCHOOL, CYGNET, TAS Searching for a Bikram (that is, hot yoga) retreat? Tranquil Point Bikram Yoga School in Cynget, Tasmania, specialises in this variety. Located 45 minutes from Hobart, the school boasts gorgeous ocean views, an orchard, and an organic vegetable garden. Anyone can drop in for a class, but you can sign up for one of the many retreats on offer — these vary from beginner retreats to weekend getaways to 30- and 60-day challenges. It's a good option for those who are interested in a more active retreat as you can fill your hours off the mat with bushwalks, kayaking and leisurely swims. When? Classes and retreats run throughout the year. How much? Rooms start at $250 a night and retreats can go all the way up to $7500. GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT, TALLEBUDGERA, QLD A firm favourite among the yogi crowd, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat last year won Luxury Travel Magazine's Best Australian Health and Wellness Property award. The all-encompassing wellness experience pairs yoga and meditation classes with naturopathy, nutritional advice, an award-winning spa and stunning accommodation. While a few days at this luxurious retreat will put a serious dent in your wallet, if you can afford it, the experience is well worth it. When? Retreats vary between one and seven nights, and run all year round. How much? Around $1000 for the weekend to $3485 for the week, which includes all meals, classes, use of facilities and airport transfers and some therapies. PREMA SHANTI YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT, DAINTREE RAINFOREST, QLD It doesn't get much better than working on your downward dog in a world heritage rainforest. Two hours north of Cairns, Prema Shanti is a secluded, intimate, and eco-friendly retreat that offers a yoga temple, meditation room, and boutique accommodation. Rather than booking in a set retreat, you just book in how many nights you want to stay, from two days up to two weeks. Greet the day with a meditation session, wind down with an evening yoga class, and spend the hours in-between relaxing with a massage or another spa treatment. Best part? Rooms start at $90 a night. When? Classes run throughout the year. How much? Rooms cost $90–120 a night.
On the big screen, Beetlejuice is making a comeback, with a sequel currently in the works. The original 1988 film is rarely far from cinemas anyway, proving a staple at retrospective screenings. But watching the ghost with the most sing and dance onstage? That's a brand-new experience for Australian theatre audiences. Start chanting three times: seeing the Beetlejuice musical Down Under will become a reality in 2025. Penned by the nation's own Eddie Perfect and debuting on Broadway in 2019, this take on Beetlejuice still focuses on the character from Tim Burton's beloved 80s flick, of course — just with songs and dance routines. Cinema's famous 'bio-exorcist' will start haunting Melbourne's Regent Theatre sometime in April 2025, in what'll be its Aussie-premiere run. "While Beetlejuice began on stage in America, this show has a macabre sensibility and twisted humour that Australians will delight in," said Perfect, announcing the Aussie premiere. "I always hoped it would have a life here at some point and I am thrilled that moment has finally arrived. I can't wait to share it with a home crowd for the first time." "Australian fans were some of the loudest begging us to bring Beetlejuice to Australia. We listened and we can't wait to expand our community of Netherlings down under. We are thrilled to bring this hilarious and remarkably touching show to a whole new place and share the electrifying experience that audiences on Broadway, and now throughout North America, have fallen in love with," added Mark Kaufman, Beetlejuice Executive Producer and Executive Vice President of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. You don't need a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in your ghostly hands to head along, but you will spend time with a couple with one: Barbara and Adam Maitland. And, you'll see what happens when they start to suspect that they're no longer alive, a new family moves into their house and they decide they need that bio-exorcist. When Beetlejuice first burst into picture palaces, it did so with The Flash's Michael Keaton, Stranger Things' Winona Ryder, Schitt's Creek's Catherine O'Hara, GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin all starring. Who'll follow in their footsteps in Melbourne is yet to be revealed. No matter which actors take to the stage in the Beetlejuice musical's Aussie debut, audiences are in for an acclaimed production directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), and with a book by Emmy-nominee Anthony King (Broad City) and Scott Brown (Sharp Objects) — plus Perfect's Tony-nominated original score, of course. The show picked up a whopping eight Tony nominations in 2019, and won Timbers a Drama League Award for Excellence in Directing, plus both Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nods for set design. The Beetlejuice musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, from April 2025 — head to the production's website for further information and to join the ticket waitlist. Images: Matthew Murphy, 2022.
Hayao Miyazaki is back to spirit audiences away — again. Ten years ago, the Studio Ghibli great released The Wind Rises, which was expected to be his last film. The movie maestro even announced his retirement. Thankfully, however, he changed his mind quickly. Now, more than half a decade after that welcome news, his next film exists, has hit cinemas in Japan, is doing the rounds of the film festival circuit and just dropped its first trailer. Prepare to be enchanted: this sneak peek at The Boy and the Heron is pure Miyazaki magic. The My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle icon's latest was confirmed back in late 2022 for a 2023 release, at least overseas. Back then, it was known as How Do You Live, but has changed its title since. In what's described as "a semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death and creation" in the official synopsis, The Boy and the Heron follows a boy called Mahito. Pining for his mother, he experiences the realm where the living and the dead converge — and yes, plenty of Miyazaki's trademarks already exist in that short synopsis. While The Boy and the Heron hit the big screen in July in Miyazaki's homeland, it did so without the usual promotional campaign, which is why a trailer is only dropping now. Indeed, the subtitled teaser is part of the movie's US release, which is slated for December. At the time of writing, the feature doesn't have a release date Down Under — but it'll obviously get one. There's nothing quite like a Miyazaki movie. While Studio Ghibli isn't short on gorgeous on-screen wonders hailing from a range of filmmakers, the Japanese animation house's best-known co-founder truly does make films like no one else. The Boy and the Heron already looks stunning — unsurprisingly — in its debut glimpse, complete with lush greenery, mysterious spaces and floating critters. And, of course, with Mahito and the picture's titular bird making appearances. The trailer opens with a city on fire, too, then includes beckoning frogs and a figure made of flames. A traditional Japanese home, a lit-up corridor, swords and arrows, a blazing sky: they all pop up as well. The Boy and the Heron marks Ghibli's fifth film since Miyazaki's last movie, following Isao Takahata's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, page-to-screen treat When Marnie Was There, gorgeous French co-production The Red Turtle and the CGI-animated Earwig and the Witch. Check out the first trailer for The Boy and the Heron below: The Boy and the Heron is already open in Japan, and will release in the US on Friday, December 8, 2023. The film doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced. Images: © 2023 Studio Ghibli.
Croissants aren't easy to make, and no one in Australia knows that better than Kate Reid. For a decade, she's been the face of Lune Croissanterie, the bakery acclaimed by everyone from Yotam Ottolenghi (who called its flaky wares "the croissant that should act as the prototype for all others") to The New York Times (who anointed them "the finest you will find anywhere in the world"). The Melbourne-born chain's pastries didn't just luck into that effusive praise, however. Drawing upon her background as an ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid took to the task of making the perfect croissant with scientific precision back when she changed fields. Lune's climate-controlled glass cubes, where its croissants are made and baked, have also become famous — adding even more complexity to an already-intricate pastry-creating process. After ten years spent crafting its titular treat, and also expanding the brand across Melbourne and Brisbane (plus Sydney in 2023), Lune has its croissants down to an art — and a science. Australia's pastry fiends clearly agree, spanning the chain's classic OG number through to its rotating array of monthly specials; head to any Lune location and the lines are proof enough. But Reid doesn't want croissant aficionados to only covet Lune's baked goods by heading in-store, not that anyone needs much encouragement there. Cue recipe book LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night, which endeavours to share and demystify the croissant-making method — the butter, layers and laminating all included — across its hefty 272 pages. [caption id="attachment_871783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lune's Kate and Cam Reid[/caption] Reid hasn't found a croissant-making shortcut for the masses, but she has reworked Lune's greatest hits to whip up at home. "Making croissants is really hard, and there's a reason why it's normally a bakery with commercial equipment," she tells Concrete Playground, chatting while touring the country launching the book. When it came time to write the tome, the pandemic struck. Reid describes herself as "a hermit" as a result, but put the situation to good use. "It was coincidental that we ended up in a lockdown, and I was basically stuck in my kitchen at home," she explains. "I was like, 'okay, well what I'm surrounded by is what everyone who buys the book is going to be surrounded by'. So I basically rewrote the recipes from scratch with the home baker in mind." Yes, while everyone else was trying out sourdough, Reid was creating the world's next home-cooking obsession. (When Concrete Playground suggests that perhaps readers will approach Reid's recipes Julie & Julia-style, baking their way through them all from start to finish, she laughs approvingly.) If that commitment sounds like the act of a perfectionist, it is, and Reid freely uses the label to describe herself. You don't get to be an Australian who's globally renowned for a French pastry — so much so that LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night is being snapped by up folks with bakeries in Wales and Prague, Reid advises — without being diligent and meticulous. You also don't get there without learning plenty. When Reid founded Lune, she did "honestly just want to make the best croissant". She was dedicated to that task — starting work at 5am and putting in 10–12-hours-plus a day rolling croissants up until just a couple of years ago — but didn't once dream of having "five stores around Australia, soon to add to Sydney to the mix (which we're all super-excited about), a book, 170 staff and a wine bar", as she itemises. She credits that modest initial outlook and the genuine passion behind it for Lune's success. It might seem surprising for someone clearly so detail-oriented, but she also champions discovering when to not sweat the small stuff, as she talked through in a chat about croissant dreams, cookbook essentials and the best advice she's ever received. ON STARTING LUNE TO CHASE THE PERFECT CROISSANT "The story's well known about leaving Formula 1 and coming back to Australia, and being interested in being a baker or a pastry chef. But it was going to Paris and spending the time at Du Pain et des Idées, and working exclusively in their raw pastry kitchen. Prior to that, I'd been working in cafes, and making cakes and tarts and biscuits — and while I enjoyed that, I needed something that presented far more of a technical challenge. Discovering that at a bakery in Paris, I finally felt like every single one of the receptors that I needed to be stimulated to feel fulfilled in my work were. I was working in a bakery in France where I had to speak French, and learn new techniques that are physically challenging. I came back from Paris so inspired by what I'd learnt — and then wanting to find a croissant in Melbourne that had matched what I'd been eating and making in Paris. I couldn't really find anything that came anywhere near it, so I guess that was where the idea for Lune was born." [caption id="attachment_668102" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk.[/caption] ON SWAPPING A CHILDHOOD DREAM FOR A PASTRY-FILLED FUTURE "I think I'd turned 30 the year I started Lune. For 20 years just preceding that, I'd been laser-focused about a career in Formula 1. I'd literally planned out my retirement. I was going to be the first female technical director of an F1 team, and wanted to retire in Scotland. When I got sick and came back to Australia, the thought of planning too far ahead scared me, because planning so far ahead had put me in a pretty dark place and things hadn't panned out the way I'd thought. So Lune was a bit more of a one-step-at-a-time approach. Like, 'okay you've discovered this new thing that you love, and you've got an ideal to open a little wholesale bakery in Melbourne — let's start there'. Maybe that's been one of the keys to the success of Lune, in that I didn't have a hard and fast outcome that I needed to achieve other than continuing to hone and perfect this pastry, and therefore it has grown in quite an organic direction. The right people have come along at the right time. Cam [Reid's brother and co-owner] came along 18 months in and he's been instrumental. And Nathan [restaurateur Toleman, of Dessous, Hazel and Common Ground Project] came onboard another year or so later, and he's been instrumental as we've been growing in Victoria and interstate. And then there's the chefs that've crossed our paths over the years. We didn't even know that we were going to go to Brisbane up until two years ago, when the opportunity presented itself. I think now where we are, it's important for us to have a growth plan and a vision, but I think all of us — myself, Cameron and Nathan — are all aware that you don't know what life's going to throw at you, or what your business or you are personally going to have to face, and what challenges are going to come. And it's better to be open-minded, as doors will open when you don't expect." ON WRITING A LUNE COOKBOOK TEN YEARS ON — AND CATERING FOR ALL BAKERS "I've had experiences, not just with bakery books but cookbooks in general, where you follow a recipe to the letter in a book and somehow the end result isn't exactly what it promises to be in the photo or the inscriptions. You always blame yourself, because you're like 'well I'm not a professional chef that wrote that recipe, and I don't work in that restaurant, so I must've done something wrong'. I really wanted to write a book that, short of having me in the kitchen with you, the person who bought it and wanted to cook from it really felt like I was like coaching them through the process in a very detailed way. So, the recipes had to be achievable by a home cook. In order to do that, I discovered over probably six or seven weeks of pretty frustrating trials at home last year that I couldn't just replicate what we did at Lune, obviously, because no one in their home kitchen has all the commercial bakery equipment that we have at Lune. I make no bones about it: there's a reason that we don't make croissants at home. But I think especially over the past few years — and with thanks to people like Chad Robertson from Tartine, who's really normalised and championed more technical baking at home, especially with the understanding of making sourdough bread — people out there want a bigger challenge. Especially over the last couple of years with going in and out of lockdown, people got really savvy in their own kitchens making things that otherwise they might've just wandered down to the local bakery to get. There will be many people who read the recipes I've written and, at the start it tells you you've got to dedicate three days to it —there's managing of temperatures, and pulling batches of pastry in and out of the fridge to make sure the butter's the right consistency; it's very technical. The technical home baker will absolutely dive into the recipes. But for those people who don't want to dedicate three days of life to try to make them from home, there's a couple of chapters in the book dedicated to twice-baked recipes that are cult-classics at Lune — like our coconut pandan or the carrot cake, the mocha, the choc-chip cookie-slice bake — and then there's also a leftovers chapter. Those chapters mean that you can just walk down to your local bakery, buy half-a-dozen plain croissants, then engage with the book and cook from it in a couple of hours of cooking in the kitchen, rather than three days." ON PICKING THE RECIPES — AND PLAYING FAVOURITES "I actually compiled a list of every single special we've ever done at Lune, and the list is hundreds long. Then I looked through it, and basically went and picked out my 60 favourites. The book had to come from my heart, and I needed to make sure that there was a really lovely story behind each recipe included. I also wanted it to be a good balance of sweet and savoury, of simple and complex, and pastries that Lune customers remember from the last ten years. It'd be very hard for me to go past the traditional croissant, and just the challenge of mastering the plain croissant at home. Anyone who embarks on that recipe is going to have a great amount of satisfaction when they pull them out of the oven on day three. But in terms of what to do with the croissant pastry and be creative with it, there are so many recipes in the book. The fish pie one is genius because it uses the scraps of the scraps, so nothing needs to get thrown in the bin. And then with the kouign-amann recipe, which isn't a cult Lune recipe — it's a classic French pastry — even if you've stuffed up your lamination a bit in the raw pastry, you are going to get the most delicious pastry you've ever made at home." ON THE BEST ADVICE REID HAS EVER RECEIVED "It's probably been from Cam, my brother. I am absolutely a perfectionist, maybe to my detriment, and had Cam not come along I potentially could've gotten really stuck in the detail of perfecting the croissant — and at the expense of making a viable business. I'm a control freak as well, so it took me a long time to be able to step back and let go of control of elements that ultimately I didn't need to have control of. The advice is to let go of the things that don't matter, and let other people take hold of things, because somebody's always better at something than you are. If you can find someone that's better at it than you, it's going to be to the benefit of the business and the product, and ultimately you as well. And trusting in people. I think my biggest learning is that to grow a business, 100-percent the most important thing is to have a really good recruitment program, because to get the right people involved in your business is the only way for a business to grow and succeed." AND SOME ADVICE FOR LUNE: CROISSANTS ALL DAY, ALL NIGHT READERS "Source really good ingredients to start with, because you can't make something great from bad ingredients – you just can't. They're your foundation, your good ingredients. If you live in a really hot, humid environment and you don't have air-conditioning, it's probably going to be the most frustrating recipe of your entire life. It's really not designed for warm environments, and if you don't have the ability to control the room that you're doing the pastry in, then you're not going to have a great time. And please tag me on Instagram if you try to make it, because I'm so excited to see everyone's results. That's not advice — that's a request!" LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night is available at Australian bookstores and online, with the hardback edition retailing for $55.
In The Guest Edit, we hand the reins over to some of Australia's most interesting, tasteful and/or entertaining people. For this instalment, we've enlisted premiership-winning Brisbane Lions AFLW players Cathy Svarc and Sophie Conway to talk us through their favourite places to get active in and around Brissie when they're not kicking goals — literally — on the field. Passionate, determined, ferocious, fearsome: watch Cathy Svarc and Sophie Conway on the football field, even for mere seconds, and these words instantly spring to mind. Not only 2021 premiership-winning players with the Brisbane Lions AFLW team, but lynchpins of the successful squad — including across eight wins out of ten games during the 2022 home-and-away season — the duo are match-controlling, game-changing stars. For her efforts so far this year, before finals, midfielder Svarc topped the entire league for tackles. Playing on the wing and constantly zipping from defence to attack, Conway tied for top spot in the Lions' goal-kicking. Game in, game out, Svarc and Conway visibly give their all on the field — including across a couple of years that've been marked by fixturing chaos. Due to the pandemic, as well as Brisbane's recent floods, exactly when and where the Lions might play has frequently been up in the air. "A little mantra we go by is 'anywhere, anytime'," explains Conway. "We're just happy to be playing footy," she continues — "we get to, we don't have to," Svarc adds. Those statements could also apply to the pair's approach to getting active, too. That's not just about bringing their best to Lions matches, but also navigating being a professional athlete overall, especially with the AFLW program currently only running for part of the year. It's little wonder that Svarc describes herself and Conway as "very active outside of football in general, and in the off-season" — and, as they head into finals, who better to tell us where to work up a sweat in and around Brisbane? [caption id="attachment_847554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR A SCENIC STROLL, RUN OR CYCLE: THE KANGAROO POINT AND UQ RIVER LOOPS Cathy: I don't think you can go past the old Kangaroo Point stairs and walk, and that river loop there — that's probably one of our go-to walks. Probably walk, maybe running. Sophie: I'm huge for all of it in the off-season. I love getting my hands on something different. Obviously, we still have our programming, gym and running to do, but even if it's getting on my bike and doing the river loop out to UQ, out to Tennyson and back, that's probably one of my go-tos. Getting there: find the Kangaroo Point Cliffs at 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point — or head over to UQ via foot or bike via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge. [caption id="attachment_847553" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthew Taylor, Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR TRAIL RUNNING, OR JUST WANDERING: MT COOT-THA Cathy: I love trail running as well, and that's definitely something we don't get to do during the season. But going somewhere like Mt Coot-tha, there's so many different little spots there — and you can either do the walk and trek up to the lookout, or you can sort of get lost along the way a little bit and follow some of the trails. That's always quite a nice way to get active and get out. It's a little getaway there in the middle of Brisbane. I think that's a pretty cool place to get out back into nature. Getting there: head to Mt Coot-tha via either Sir Samuel Griffith Drive or Gap Creek Road. [caption id="attachment_847550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR A TRUSTY FAVOURITE WITH A BIT OF EVERYTHING: NEW FARM PARK Sophie: You can't go past New Farm Park. It's got a lot there, even from a tennis court point of view. Cathy: To get the competition side out again. Sophie: Yeah, get the competition side out again and turn off from footy. And obviously go for a walk and just enjoy the scenery around there because it's an unreal spot. Cathy: It's a great location. Getting there: find New Farm Park at 1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm. [caption id="attachment_847559" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council[/caption] FOR A QUIET SPOT IN THE CITY: CAPTAIN BURKE PARK Sophie: Under the Story Bridge is really nice. It's a really nice spot to just sit there and even do some yoga. Yeah, that's a good spot to go to, because it actually can be quiet. New Farm Park and under the Story Bridge — those two places are probably our go-tos. Getting there: find Captain Burke Park at 117 Holman Street, Kangaroo Point. [caption id="attachment_847552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR BEACH AND CREEK SWIMS: BURLEIGH, CURRUMBIN AND TALLEBUDGERA Sophie: If you go south, anywhere from Burleigh and Tallebudgera to Currumbin — there's some obviously nice beach spots there to get in and among. And some unreal cafes. I think anywhere along there is really nice. Talle Creek is obviously really nice, it's a nice little swimming spot. Cathy: And you've got the walk around there as well Sophie: Yeah, that unreal walk around the headland there. Getting there: head to Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin on the Gold Coast. [caption id="attachment_847555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR ESCAPING INTO NATURE: NERANG AND SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARKS Cathy: The other place I love going down to is Nerang National Park, down that way. That's always one of my little go-to getaways — to go for a walk or a run in the forest and just get away from people. It's beautiful. Sophie: We do like getting in among it, doing a climb as well. That's always fun. And trying to find your way to a waterfall — there's definitely some nice ones there. Cathy: And around Springbrook. Getting there: head to Nerang National Park via Beaudesert–Nerang Road, and to Springbrook National Park via Gold Coast–Springbrook Road, Nerang–Murwillumbah Road or Currumbin Creek Road. [caption id="attachment_828680" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR A SURF, NO MATTER HOW WELL YOU HANG TEN: MUDJIMBA Sophie: If you want to go north, I'm a big fan of Mudjimba. Pretty quiet, not much to do there — there's an unreal cafe there actually. You can go for a swim, enjoy the sun and have a coffee. Cathy: And attempt surfing. That'd be a great thing to be better at. We're just beginner surfers, but we're aiming to be better. That's an amazing activity, though. I actually wish I was a much better surfer to be able to go out. The times that we've been able to get out and do that, it takes you away. Sophie: It's quite therapeutic when you're out there, because you don't really think of anything. Cathy: You're just there, in the moment. Sophie: You're just there, and you're like "what wave am I going to catch? Am I going to get dumped? Am I going to absolutely get axed here? Will I get up?" It's good fun. Getting there: head to Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast. [caption id="attachment_847548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR A COASTAL WALK: NOOSA NATIONAL PARK Cathy: The other good one up north is Noosa National Park. That's an absolute go-to as well. It's stunning. Around to Hell's Gate, that's a great run. We've done that many a time. Sophie: That's unreal up there. That's a nice walk, even run, to get to the point there. Cathy: And see some snakes and dolphins. Getting there: head to Noosa National Park via Park Road or Viewland Drive, Noosa Heads. FOR A COFFEE BEFOREHAND OR AFTERWARDS: FLORENCE CAFE Sophie: My go-to cafe is Florence in Camp Hill. I think it's an absolute ten out of ten. There is a park just around the road, and when Cathy used to live in Coorparoo, we definitely made the most of that area. It's definitely more of a hilly walk in the burbs — but I'd do anything to go for a coffee there, to be honest. Cathy: We still drive to go there. Sophie: I reckon I'd drive 15 minutes out of my way to go there. Getting there: find Florence Cafe at 54 Martha Street, Camp Hill. Top image: photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images via AFL Photos.
When Michael Crichton put pen to paper and conjured up a modern-day dinosaur-filled amusement park, he couldn't have known exactly what he'd done. The author easily imagined the story making its way to the big screen, because the Jurassic Park novel started out as a screenplay. He could've also perceived that a whole film and TV franchise could follow, and that folks would be quoting the movies for decades. And yet, we're guessing that he didn't predict the latest development: a recreation of the Jurassic World movies, which started with the fourth flick in the series back in 2015, made completely out of Lego. Jurassic World by Brickman first popped up in Melbourne in 2021, then Sydney in 2022. Brisbanites can wander through it, too — and peer at more than 50 dinosaurs, props and scenes from the Jurassic World movies that have all been fashioned out of the popular plastic bricks in the process. That's all on display at Queensland Museum from Friday, December 8, 2023–Sunday, July 28, 2024 as the exhibition keeps touring the country (including extending its Brissie dates for an extra two weeks, after it was initially due to close on Sunday, July 14). More than six million Lego blocks have been used in Jurassic World by Brickman, each brick stacked together to create the four-metre-tall park gates, the lab where the dinosaurs are genetically engineered, those instantly recognisable jeeps, a heap of creatures and more. Welcome to... your Lego Jurassic World fantasy, basically. Lego dinosaurs are clearly the main attraction and, yes, this event has gone big. There's a life-sized brachiosaurus that weighs more than two tonnes, a huge tyrannosaurus rex, two life-sized velociraptors (Blue and Delta), and everything from a stegosaurus to a triceratops, too. Plus, you'll see some prehistoric creatures in the baby dinosaur enclosure, encounter more on the loose and learn how to track them over the exhibition's recreation of Isla Nublar (while using your imagination a whole heap, obviously). If it all sounds rather sizeable, that's because Jurassic World by Brickman is the largest Lego exhibition in Australia. It also lets Lego aficionados get building while they're there, with 2.5 million bricks to play with. This is a family-friendly affair, too, so expect to have plenty of small dinosaur fans for company. Images: Anna Kucera. Updated Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
This year may have gotten off to a chaotic start, but that doesn't mean the country's (or your) cultural calendar is looking too bare. Some of 2022's most exciting and immersive art and museum exhibitions have either just opened their doors across the nation or are on their way before the year is out — which means you've got plenty to see in plenty of places. That's especially exciting now that interstate borders are all fully open across the entire country, and cheap flights keep popping up with frequency, too. So, get out your diaries and plan trips to dive into all things Disney, peer at Yayoi Kusama's finest in two different cities, scope out Picasso's best and fall in love with Elvis paraphernalia — aka some of the art and museum exhibitions set to brighten up 2022. Top image: Raemar, Blue, 1969, James Turrell. Tate: Presented by the Tate Americas Foundation, partial purchase and partial gift of Doris J. Lockhart 2013. © James Turrell. Photo: Tate.
At this point in human history, we've left the world 'normal' far behind us. We live in an age of out-there ideas across all mediums, from entertainment to food and beyond. So why limit yourself to routine plans, basic weekenders and tickets to the same old festivals when you could shake up your calendar with something a little more unique? There's no shortage of offbeat events taking place in New South Wales in 2023, so we've partnered with Destination NSW to showcase some of the more left-of-centre and memorable attractions across this vast state. From existential dread to fabulous festivals and some good old-fashioned silly fun, we invite you to consider the following...
For four decades, The Shining has been responsible for many a nightmare — not only due to Stephen King's 1977 bestseller, which helped cement him as a horror maestro, but courtesy of Stanley Kubrick's unnerving and acclaimed 1980 film. If you've ever been spooked by twins, garish hexagonal hotel carpet designs, sprawling hedge mazes, elevators filled with blood, someone shouting "here's Johnny!" or just Jack Nicholson in general, you have this macabre masterpiece to thank. From parodies to homages to overt recreations, The Shining is also the unsettling gift that keeps giving. Everything from The Simpsons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Ready Player One has nodded the movie's way — as has documentary Room 237, which attempted to delve into its many secrets, meanings, theories and interpretations, too. But they've got nothing on the actual sequel to the eerie story. It picks up decades later, following the now-adult Danny Torrance as he tries to cope with the fallout from his supernatural gift. (Oh, and the memory of being terrorised by his axe-wielding dad as well.) In the just-released first trailer for Doctor Sleep — which is based on Stephen King's 2013 novel of the same name — all work and no play make Danny (Ewan McGregor) something something. He's perturbed, mainly, as he grapples with the trauma he experienced in The Shining. Then he meets a mysterious teenager (Kyliegh Curran) who also has the gift, and things get creepier than a ghastly woman peering out of a bath or the word 'redrum' written on a mirror. In a teaser filled with references to its predecessor, both of these appear. Rebecca Ferguson, Bruce Greenwood and Room's Jacob Tremblay also star, with The Haunting of Hill House's Mike Flanagan in the director's chair. While King was famously unhappy with Kubrick's take on The Shining — even writing the script for a three-part TV mini-series version in the 90s — here's hoping that he approves of Flanagan's vision. This is actually the filmmaker's second King adaptation, after Netflix flick Gerald's Game. Check out the Doctor Sleep trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFEVyTlTqYo Doctor Sleep releases in Australian cinemas on November 7, 2019.
Before 2025 is out, BENEE will release her second album. Before that, she's supporting Tate McRae's UK and Europe gigs, and already has a tune on the soundtrack for A Minecraft Movie. That's a huge year for any musician, especially after touring with Wallows in North America and Olivia Rodrigo in Australia in 2024, as well as making her Coachella debut in 2023 and singing the official song of the same year's Women's World Cup with Mallrat. But something else that's massive has been happening for Stella Bennett around the above achievements and highlights, plus her own first world tour in 20222: Head South, her debut film. Written and directed by fellow Aotearoan Jonathan Ogilvie (The Tender Hook, Lone Wolf), Head South is based on his own experiences. The filmmaker calls it "an almost-true story"; "everything in it happened, and mainly to me", he also notes. Given that the movie shot in 2022, then premiered at International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2024, then played New Zealand International Film Festival and hit cinemas in NZ that year, Head South has been a part of Bennett's life for a few years ahead of opening in Australia on Thursday, April 3, 2205. And while she can't wait for what's ahead for her musically in 2025 — "I'm so excited. I love touring. It's pretty fun being on a bus. That makes it weirdly easier, because you're not checking into hotels or being in a sprinter van, but you get rocked to sleep in the bus. It's quite strange. It doesn't sound fun, but it is fun," she tells Concrete Playground — she's always wanted to be in a film. Indeed, she hopes that more will follow. BENEE wasn't actively looking for the project that'd take her to the big screen when Head South crossed her path. "It was just an opportunity that came up," she advises. That said, "I'd definitely been saying that I want to do acting", she also reflects. "I grew up doing auditions and voiceovers, so it was definitely, when it came up, I was like 'heck yeah, definitely, I'm down'." The bug has firmly struck, though, including genuinely seeking out new parts moving forward. "I am. I've just got a new agent in America, so there are hopefully going to be some opportunities. And I want to be in a horror movie. I would love to be in a scary movie." With Head South mining Ogilvie's teenage life for inspiration, Australian talent Ed Oxenbould (Nugget Is Dead?: A Christmas Story) is the picture's lead — and the lone Aussie among the NZ cast and crew, he tells us. As Angus, it's the Puberty Blues, Paper Planes, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, The Visit, Better Watch Out, Wildlife and Irreverent star's task to virtually play his director, and to find himself thrust into Christchurch's post-punk music scene in 1979. Always trying to seem cool, the character swaps his blonde surfer-style locks and trying to pass off parsley as marijuana with his schoolmates for a cropped cut, a bass and the world revolving around Middle Earth Records. Listening to Public Image Ltd, John Lydon's band post-Sex Pistols, is one of those life-changing music moments that every teen has. Attempting to put together the band that Angus claims that he already fronts — endeavouring to impress Malcolm (Demos Murphy, The Gulf), the singer from local favourites The Cursed — isn't as straightforward as he expects, however. Angus' made-up group has a name: The Daleks. It soon has a gig as well, opening for The Cursed. BENEE plays Kirsten, who works the counter at a pharmacy, is a wiz on the guitar and is Angus' only hope for making good on his music claims. That Ogilvie's narrative focuses on a journey sparked by exaggerating to fit in, then scrambling to back it up, is indicative of its warts-and-all honesty. There's warmth to Head South, yet it's also deeply bittersweet as it balances Angus and Kirsten's growing connection, and the former's quest to truly find himself amid his self-doubts — plus "all these cute characters vibing around Christchurch", as BENEE puts it — with more than a few people taking advantage of Angus, the awkwardness with his father (Marton Csokas, Cuckoo) at home after his mother has moved out and navigating a tragedy. In Head South's performances, emotions, personal ties, portrait of a moment in music history in a specific city, soundtrack and aesthetic — scratches and splices among the visuals included — Ogilvie pushes authenticity to the fore. Much about that commitment appealed to both Bennett and Oxenbould; this isn't the kind of project that comes either of their ways often. "You don't see these type of things every day, and that's what immediately jumped out about it, was the quality of it, how unique it was. It was something that I knew nothing about, which is always exciting as an actor, to dive into a different world. And the fact that it was personal and true adds a whole new gravity and weight to it, which makes it really exciting. There was so much about it that was so interesting and tantalising as an idea," Oxenbould says. Among the pair, Oxenbould was the veteran on-screen, but Bennett had the music experience. Drawing upon each other's expertise was a key part of the production for both. We also chatted with the duo about being about to lean on each other, the weight of making a film that's so personal for its guiding force — and, as Oxenbould characterises it, "such a unique mix of genres" — as well as music research and more. On How BENEE Knew That Head South Was the Right Film for Her Movie Debut Stella: "I think when I initially got sent the script and story, I was obviously like 'okay, this is sick'. This is set in Christchurch, in the post-punk scene, which I honestly didn't know a lot about when I first got sent it. And then I read the script and I learned about Kirsten, and I was pretty attached to her quite early on — because I was like 'oh, there's something so vulnerable and sweet and kind of damaged and quirky about this character'. And I just instantly fell in love with the whole story. It just felt right. And also Jonathan was so nice. He was so enthusiastic from the get-go. And I was like 'he believes in me, and I'm so down to be a part of this'. I've always wanted to be in a film. And I love acting. It's a lot of fun. And it's fun to just be a different character, because I feel like my whole thing is BENEE and it's more myself — but performing, but myself. So it was cool to just completely take a different role. I want to be in a horror movie next. I want to be every different kind of character." On Whether It's Daunting Making a Project That's So Personal for Its Director — Including, for Oxenbould, Playing a Version of Ogilvie Ed: "100 percent. It's very daunting. Look, it's good. Thankfully, it was really good that Jonathan wasn't like 'you have to get me word-perfect'. It was so relaxed, and he knew that it was just a basis. And there were things that he changed and stretched in his story, so we found a really good middle ground of character and real life. But it is always daunting, knowing that these things happened to him. It adds to it — it's not just like 'ooh, how would I react?'. There was a lot of me asking him 'how did you react? How did you feel here? How can I try to bring some of that authenticity and truthfulness to that?'. But it is definitely daunting." Stella: "It definitely was. And even I remember that last scene, I feel like I got — as you got — pretty emotional, because I was like 'damn, he went through this and we're just acting this out right now in front of him', and 'what a crazy thing to experience in life' and to do it justice, basically." Ed: "Yeah, that's it. But it is surreal. Like you're saying, Stella, it's kind of weird to think 'ohh, we're acting out this crazy pivotal moment in Jonathan's life'." Stella: "Yeah." Ed: "And he's watching, and there's a whole crew watching." Stella: "You did a great job, mate. You did a great job." Ed: "Thank you. You too." On the Balancing Act of Navigating the Movie's Mix of Comedy, Darkness, Coming-of-Age Antics, Awkwardness and Heartbreak Ed: "It definitely is, but I think it comes down to Jonathan's great sense of direction — that he knew when to reel it in, he knew when to accentuate it. But I think that's also what read in the script, is the sense of humour, and all these gags that were in it that made it really fun and light. And it's also that really nice, quirky, very Kiwi sense of humour, which also just sets it apart from so many other things. But I think he just did such a good job with, on the day and in editing, just really finding that balance of heart and extremities of both sides." Stella: "Definitely. There's so much depth. And like, yeah, you were laughing — like I was hysterically laughing at times —and then other times I'm like 'well, this is dark and kind of twisted' or 'this is really sad'. I feel like that's what I want out of every movie. I want it to make me feel a bunch of things — and then I come out of it, and I feel a little bit hurt, but I also feel kind of hopeful." On the Research Required for a Film Set in the Late 70s, in the Post-Punk Music Scene, Telling a Very Specific Slice of Christchurch Life Ed: "For me, so much of the film is about these experiences that Angus goes through and he's extremely unprepared for them, and he kind of gets taken off his feet. So I had an element of that, of wanting to be a little bit carried away and swept up by the music and by everything. But I think in basic preparation, it was just a lot of looking at a lot of reference material; listening to the music; listening to what came before, what came after, what came during; and just to try to build the scene in your head — so that we were really well-versed in just that world, so that we could do our jobs truthfully and as close as possible to how these people lived and sounded and acted." Stella: "Yeah, totally. And for me, I think what was really helpful was just sitting down with Jonathan and hearing everything that he has to say about that era, and what it was like for him being in a band — because it is so different to how it is now, and making music and releasing and recording music. And he's so passionate about it because he's not only a director but also musician. So just learning from him, and then feeling prepared by that. He was like an encyclopaedia, for real — a thesis." On How BENEE's Music Experience Helped Her Make the Leap to Her First Movie Stella: "Maybe for the performance at the end. That was really fun. But also, I feel like music is my life, so it felt quite comfortable just doing this film because it was all about the music. And yeah, I think that in maybe some subtle ways that it did help me, maybe. I don't know how, but I think it did." On What Oxenbould Makes of His Journey of an Actor, From Starting Out as a Child to the Path That's Brought Him to Head South Ed: "That journey is bizarre. I've been so, so lucky, and I wouldn't change anything. I've met incredible people. I've made my strongest friends by doing it. It's given me access to a whole host of opportunities that are very, very fortunate. So I feel so lucky. But I don't know — I don't really know where it goes from here. I don't know if I hit my peak and now I've plateaued." Stella: "No, you have not." Ed: "Or I'm on a downward spiral. But it's good. It means everything to me. I'm so lucky, and I hope I can continue to do it for the rest of my life. And I'm excited to explore other areas of the industry. It was a fantastic way to learn and to grow up. I've picked up all these great things and it's made me who I am as a person. I'm very, very fortunate to the people who let me get away with all things I get away with." On What It Means to BENEE to Make Her Movie Debut in a Homegrown Film That's So Proud of Being From NZ, and with Such a Strong Connection to Music Stella: "It feels really special and authentic, and just like it was meant to be. It was just the universe being like 'girl, you're going to do this right now and it's going to be really cool'. And it feels really special that it is my home, and I am part of the music, and the music that shapes the music from Christchurch. That made no sense." Ed: "I got it." Stella: "Did you get that? But it does feel pretty special. I wouldn't have wanted it to be any other role. And also just the people, it was so nice. I don't have any other experience of working with actors or directors from America or anything, so it was pretty special that it was on this Kiwi-Aussie bus. Everyone just gets it and is super down to earth and very chill. So it was a great environment to be in, especially as a first-timer, I would say." On Being Able to Lean on Each Other While Making the Film Ed: "100 percent. It's that beautiful acting thing where you just bounce off each other, and you don't realise it but you learn so much from other people. And then by the end you're like 'ohh, thank you'. And it's not this explicit 'let me help you, ;et me sit you down, Buster'." Stella: "No, no." Ed: "You just absorb." Stella: "Yeah." Ed: "It was great." Stella: "It was a lot of fun. It makes it easier, I guess, just being able to vibe with who you're working with in any field — but especially because Ed is so good. I was like 'okay, I'm taking notes and I'm learning, and I'm going to get better at this'. So it was a pretty awesome experience." Ed: "Watching you just perform and on stage — okay, that's how you do it." Stella: "No! I was literally faking the guitar. It was insane. I was learning how to play bass — oh wait, no I wasn't, I was actually playing guitar." On What Oxenbould Looks for in an Australian or New Zealand Project — and What's Special About Working Down Under After His Success Overseas Ed: "It just means a lot more. It's a lot nicer to be talking in your own accent, and talking to people that you know. and you're in a familiar land. It just feels better. It feels nice. It means you can stay and you can work and still live with family. When you work over there, you have to kind of give up — at least I have to give up everything to go over there. But working in Australia, I love. And then working in New Zealand was an honour. I love, love, love, love New Zealand. I love Kiwis. And I was the only Aussie." Stella: "You were." Ed: "I was only one in the cast. I think the only one on the crew. So I was very intimidated." Stella: "New Zealand loves you." Ed: "But you felt very welcomed, and I was very happy. And it meant a lot that that Jonathan trusted me to be the lead of this very distinctly Kiwi film — to get a traitor in the mix." Stella: "No! No. You made peace, bro." On What BENEE and Oxenbould Learned From Making Head South Ed: "You learn so much from every project and every film, which is the best part about it — you just pick up so much from the people, from around you. But I think the main thing that I learned was just about the punk scene. It's just awesome to dive into a whole new topic. And it's not something that I ever would have probably researched or probably would have sought out a lot of information, but then having Jonathan, having this crazy, knowledgeable guy who's just always there and able to fill us in on the gaps of history, it was just great. You walk away learning a lot more about these real institutions that have shaped the music industry here and in New Zealand." Stella: "Totally." Head South opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, April 3, 2025 — and is available to stream in New Zealand via Arovision.
Right now 3D printing is best known for its fun applications, such as making action figures of yourself or of your foetuses. But 3D printing is also a technology that's hugely useful and has the potential to reshape many industries. Somewhere in between is the 'Landscape House', the first 3D printed house, to be built in 2014. The house, by Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Dutch architecture studio Universe Architecture, has a two-storey design in the form of a single, flowing Mobius band. The architect worked with mathematician and artist Rinus Roelofs to develop the design, which will be printed in pieces and then assembled (ruining our daydream of a giant, multi-storey printer that spits out houses existing somewhere in the world). The Landscape House is part of the Europan competition, which gives 15 architects 15 blocks of land and two years to create something impressive with. Via 3ders. Images from Universe Architecture. Read more about 3D printing in our interview with The Beehive.
The meat's in the oven, the pavlova's ready to decorate and the Christmas carols are cranked. All that's left to do is take a load off with a drink of choice. This year, that might be Four Pillars' Australian Christmas Gin, with the much-loved distillery bringing back this limited-edition release for another festive season. Conceived as holiday spirit distilled in a bottle, this tipple combines all flavours and notes you'd normally taste in a classic Christmas pudding. That means warm spices and dried fruit like nutmeg, sultanas and citrus peel alongside pine-like juniper, cassia and star anise. The result? Gin that has that familiar botanical scent, but tastes like Christmas. Now on its tenth annual release, the inspiration for Four Pillars' Christmas Gin involves more than just the mere arrival of the holiday season. Instead, Co-Founder Cameron Mackenzie wanted to replicate his late mother Wilma's Derby Day tradition. With the family listening to the races, she'd whip up a Christmas pudding, with its warming scent taking over the entire house. To make each release even more special, Four Pillars teams up with a different artist every year, asking them to produce a brand-new label that reflects what an Aussie Christmas means to them. For this merry season, 2021 label artist and 2023 Archibald Packing Room prize winner, Andrea Huelin, has composed a piece incorporating elements from every past release. "Who would've thought ten years ago that Australian Christmas Gin would still be the gift that keeps on giving? This recipe is one we'll be passing down for generations to come, and all thanks to Wilma and Cam," says Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse. Alongside complementary stocking stuffers like jars of gin and orange relish and Christmas gin puddings, Four Pillars has also revealed four jolly cocktails in collaboration with award-winning bartender Nick Tesar. From Gin & Ginger to Strawberry Smash, these easy-to-make concoctions will make listening to your odd uncle's ravings a little more bearable. Four Pillars' Australian Christmas Gin is now available online and from select bottle shops. Head to the website for more information.
You get the best of both worlds with fan favourites LANEIGE and Frank Green joining forces to redefine self-care on the go. The beauty and hydration powerhouses are officially launching a one-of-a-kind innovation: a glossy 34oz Frank Green ceramic reusable bottle with a detachable lip gloss holder — complete with a full-size LANEIGE Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum. This limited-edition release marks the next evolution of water bottles, and is available in three shades inspired by LANEIGE's viral lip serums. Each bottle mirrors the same high-shine finish of the raved gloss. The launch also debuts Frank Green's brand-new accessory, a sleek clip-on lip gloss holder, designed to keep hydration and beauty essentials in one place. The drop caters to the rise of luxury drinkware and the craze for lip oils. "We saw the perfect opportunity to create a bespoke product that ensures our community stays hydrated and glowing all day long — inside and out," says Frank Green founder and CEO, Ben Young. The limited-edition set includes a glossy 34oz Frank Green ceramic reusable bottle paired with a matching detachable lip gloss holder, designed for both function and style. Each bottle comes with a full-size LANEIGE' Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum in the coordinating shade, creating a cohesive beauty-and-hydration essential that celebrates the viral lip gloss finish fans love. Launching on October 28, 2025, the collection will be available in three shades — Sugar Glaze, Peach Glaze, and Cinnamon Sugar — and will be sold exclusively through Frank Green and LANEIGE's official websites, as well as select retail partners. This is hydration with main character energy, and it's guaranteed to sell out fast. Shop the LANEIGE x Frank Green collab. Images: Supplied.
You're busy, we get it. You've got work to do, friends to see, grandparents to call and a pile of dirty clothes which won't wash itself. Sounds like you are in need of a refresh, my friend. And, no, that doesn't mean you have to find a new job, give up lactose or join the F45 cult — nothing that drastic. All it takes is a few little changes — some minor tweaks — and you can get a whole lot more out of your week. We've put our heads together with our mates at Coopers Dry to bring you seven easy wins to help get you inspired and feeling great all week long. [caption id="attachment_593141" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Emily Davies.[/caption] MONDAY: EAT YOUR LUNCH AT A PARK After spending all morning staring at a screen, eating your lunch al desko can be downright depressing, or, if you get crumbs all over your keyboard, totally infuriating. With spring now in full swing, why not bundle up your tucker and take it to the park. Trust us, even a sad sandwich tastes better in the sun. Not only will you get a good dose of vitamin D, but taking the lunchbox away from the inbox can do a world of good for your mental health, helping you stay happy and productive all afternoon. If you're super keen, pack a blanket, cutlery and a thermos of iced tea and have a legit picnic — it'll feel like you're on a mini-holiday from work and that's a massive win. TUESDAY: BAKE SOME COOKIES Are you looking to win friends and influence people? Forget reading that self-help book, bake cookies instead. An offering of soft-centred biscuits can be a great way to fast track your relationships, whether it's with new colleagues, disgruntled housemates or noise-complaining neighbours. Just a simple plate of chocolate-studded rounds can convey a range of sentiments, from "sorry for downloading that virus on your computer" to "thanks for not shutting down my 3am kick ons". As well as filling the home with delicious vanilla and choc smells, an evening of baking can be highly therapeutic after a long day at work. As can eating the raw dough, a very easy win. WEDNESDAY: MISS YOUR TRAIN ON PURPOSE While it may ensure you get your toe in the door exactly on time, catching the 8.13am train to work can make for a pretty stressful start to the day. Lengthy queues, crowded platforms and people encroaching on personal space is enough to put anyone in a snarky mood. Instead, try switching up your commute and catch a less-packed earlier or later service. Not only will you score a seat for your troubles, but you'll also have a quicker trip. And, depending on what time you hop on, it'll be cheaper, too. Opal, myki and Go cards all offer off-peak discounts. THURSDAY: ENJOY BREAKFAST IN BED Who said breakfast in bed was just for loved-up couples or mums on Mother's Day — we can all get in on the action. Instead of sitting in the kitchen like a schmuck, take that fresh fruit salad back to your kingdom of cushions for the horizontal brekkie that you know you deserve. You don't need an excuse. It doesn't have to be a special occasion (Thursday is good enough) nor an elaborate breakfast, in fact, it might be a little easier on the sheets if you go for a vegemite toast rather than full-on egg soldiers. And, as a pleasant side effect, you might even find it's easier to get up in the morning knowing that there's always the possibility to get back in. FRIDAY: HOST A MOVIE MARATHON Need to unwind after an exhausting week? Nothing says complete and utter relaxation like a movie marathon. While you could always head out to a ticketed showing, what's even easier and cheaper is to host one yourself. Not only have you got the obvious trackie pants advantage, but you also get to choose what you watch or don't watch. That means you can enjoy all of the Star Wars films sans The Phantom Menace because no one needs to sit through that — pick and choose as you please. We suggest whipping out some classics, like Home Alone, Independence Day (trust us) or The Breakfast Club because everybody loves a bit of cheese. SATURDAY: THROW A POTLUCK PARTY Dinner parties are magnificent things. There's nothing more glorious than tucking into a homemade meal with friends, exchanging stories through mouthfuls of mash and enjoying ice-cold beers straight from the fridge. What's not so great is crafting the dinner party menu, shopping and paying for the ingredients, then spending your day cooking like crazy until you're too stressed out to enjoy your own flambéed crepes. To share the love (and cooking load), host a potluck dinner party, where everyone contributes a dish. It's a great way to experience a whole bunch of different cuisines and cooking styles. Just grab a case of beers, and you're all set. SUNDAY: DO A SPRING CLEAN No more excuses, it's time for a good old fashioned spring clean. Not only will you find a multitude of long-lost chargers, but you might even find your sanity along the way — you'll be surprised how truly free you will feel after untangling those cables. If you can't decide whether or not to keep those ski pants that've been collecting dust for the past five years, consider the KonMari method: hold the item close to you and ask, "does this spark joy in my heart?". It's a surefire way to get rid of any unnecessary items (which you should then take to a charity shop). Having a cold hard look at your hoarding habits might just inspire you to start consuming a little more responsibly, which is always a good thing. Pro tip: if you need a little bit of motivation, it never hurts to get your best four-legged friend involved. It's a proven fact that pooches help calm the nerves. So when it all seems a bit overwhelming, pause for some pats and break it down area by area. Kick off your 'easy wins' by enjoying a Coopers Dry, or two, with your mates.
If you're looking for another reason to be proud of this wide, brown land that we call Australia, have you considered becoming a huge fan of our indie games scene? Like our musicians who grace festival stages overseas, and movies that go gangbusters at foreign box offices, Aussie-made indies regularly take the internet by storm and garner awards around the world. With increased development funding from state and federal governments, the future is looking bright for Australian games. But there are already a bunch of bangers you can download and play today — like the five below. UNPACKING Who would've thought that one of the most arduous personal tasks that you can undertake would turn out to be such great fodder for a game? Developed by Brisbane-based studio Witch Beam, Unpacking puts you in the shoes of a woman as she opens unmarked boxes and distributes her belongings throughout the various spaces that she moves into over the course of her life, starting with her childhood bedroom and carrying through university dorms, sharehouses and more. It's immensely satisfying gameplay, with enough of a puzzle element to add rewarding "aha!" moments throughout. Despite having no dialogue and very little text, Unpacking is rich with a narrative borne through details, from the items that stay with its character over the course of her life to the limitations you encounter when trying to fit yourself into certain living situations. And, without giving too much away, there is a twist at the end of moving into your boyfriend's apartment that will send your emotions skyrocketing. Available on: PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/S/X, Playstation 4/5, iOS, Android. UNTITLED GOOSE GAME There's no more succinct way to sum up Untitled Goose Game than the opening line of the description written by Melbourne-based developers House House: "it is a lovely morning in the village, and you are a horrible goose". As you might have guessed, this game sees you controlling a feathered menace whose sole purpose is to sow gentle chaos throughout a quintessential small English town. Each area has a checklist of broad objectives — from stealing a farmer's keys to trapping a small boy in a phone booth — and it's up to you to figure out how they can be achieved by honking, flapping, waddling around and generally being a mischievous little shit. With graphics that could've come straight from a children's book and a soundtrack based on Debussy's Preludes that reacts to what you do in the game, it's an experience both refined and hilarious — and, thanks to a multiplayer update, you and a friend can live out your avian scamp dreams together. Available on: PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/S/X, Playstation 4/5. HOLLOW KNIGHT Metroidvania is a genre with almost four decades of history behind it — the name springs from Metroid and Castlevania, which both debuted in the 80s — so for a modern iteration to be considered a masterpiece, it has to come correct. Hollow Knight, developed by Adelaide's Team Cherry, satisfies that requirement. Set in an underground insect kingdom decimated by a supernatural plague, you play as the Knight, a little sword-wielding bug who must descend into the gloomy ruins to discover what happened, as well as the part you play in what comes next. With tight, frenetic combat, brutal boss battles, compelling exploration, a stirring soundtrack and gorgeous, moody visuals, it's a game that will command your attention for a long time. Sequel Silksong is tantalisingly just over the horizon, so there's never been a better time to start your descent into Hallownest. Available on: PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/S/X, Playstation 4/5. THE FROG DETECTIVE TRILOGY The intersection of the Venn diagram of 'crime' and 'wholesome' is razor slim, but sitting dead in the centre is the Frog Detective trilogy, developed by Worm Club out of Melbourne. As the name suggests, you're Frog Detective — the second-best detective around, in fact — and, over the course of three cases, you tackle a potential ghost, an invisible wizard and a hat thief, conducting your investigations in first person with the help of your trust magnifying glass and notebook. The blocky, bright polygonal art is both retro and adorable, and your interactions with the various characters that inhabit each game are relentlessly charming. It's not the most taxing game in terms of puzzles — you'll mostly be finding objects and giving them to the right person — but that makes the Frog Detective series the perfect entry-level games to enjoy with kids. Of course, if you're an adult that loves cute and funny experiences, it's perfect for you too. Available on: PC/Mac. THE ARTFUL ESCAPE We've all had dreams of becoming a rock star. In The Artful Escape by Melbourne's Beethoven & Dinosaur, you can live out this fantasy on a cosmic scale. The game sees you controlling Francis Vendetti, the teenage nephew of a deceased folk music legend who is about to make his debut performing his uncle's songs. The only problem: he doesn't want to simply strum, he wants to wail. A chance encounter sends him out into the universe to overcome his doubts and find his true artistic self, the details of which are in your hands. It features a star-studded voice cast (Rocky's Carl Weathers, Wes Anderson favourite Jason Schwartzman, Kingsman's Mark Strong and Game of Thrones' Lena Headey all lend their talents), plus a story that balances heartfelt and hilarious deftly. On the gameplay front, it tends towards simplicity, with basic platforming and Simon Says-esque button prompts forming the bulk of the experience; however, it more than makes up for this with a eye-wateringly psychedelic visual spectacle and a button dedicated to searing guitar solos. Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/S/X, Playstation 4/5.
Cashed-up visitors to the Gold Coast will soon have a new upmarket place to stay, and the southeast Queensland getaway destination will score some more bragging rights in the process. In 2027, the Glitter Strip is already set to welcome the first Aussie outpost from luxury brand St Regis. Now, in the same year, it'll become home to Marriott International's debut Luxury Collection resort on the country's mainland as well. The Marriott International hotel chain is behind St Regis, too, plus The Ritz-Carlton, which will open its third Aussie location on the Gold Coast in 2026. Accordingly, it's set to be a huge few years for the brand Down Under, adding the Marina Mirage Gold Coast to its existing JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast in the city. If your bank balance allows, your future holiday plans will also benefit. Boasting 110 spots to slumber around the globe, The Luxury Collection made its local premiere with The Tasman in Hobart back in 2021, and also spans everywhere from the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Prince de Galles in Paris to the Suiran in Kyoto. The Gold Coast's addition to the list will feature 122 rooms as part of the new precinct planned for the site of the existing Marina Mirage on The Spit, transforming Seaworld Drive. As part of their stay, guests can get excited about hanging out at the rooftop bar and pool, eating a meal at the signature restaurant and chasing bliss at the day spa. There'll also be a jacuzzi, wellness and beauty centre, garden, and function and event spaces. Exactly what each will entail — menu items, cuisine styles, relaxing treatments and the like — hasn't yet been revealed. Marriott International Inc is working with Makris Group on the Marina Mirage Gold Coast, with the family-owned company owning the site since 2013. The full resort-style overhaul of the Marina Mirage will also include a new marina, restaurants and shops, and both villas and residences. "The reimagination of the iconic Marina Mirage precinct presents an inspiring opportunity to expand our luxury footprint on the Gold Coast — a market we know very well, after more than 35 years' experience operating the city's two leading resorts under our JW Marriott and Sheraton brands," said Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International. "The destination's resilience during and post-pandemic has been remarkable, and we are very confident that proven demand for high-quality hotel experiences will be a strong foundation for the success of our first Luxury Collection property on mainland Australia." Find the Marina Mirage Gold Coast on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach from sometime in 2027 — keep an eye on the Marriott International website for further details in the interim.
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.
Consider the following two scenarios, and think about your answers. What's better than heading to a burger joint to pick up something tasty between two pieces of bread? And what's better than paying for it? A food truck that brings the deliciousness closer to you is the correct response to the first question. Munching away for free is clearly what you're contemplating when it comes to the second. Enter MooFree Burgers, their new meals-on-wheels venture, and a two-hour party to celebrate. Simply head along to Charlie's Fruit Market at Everton Park from 5pm on February 23, and prepare to spoil your tastebuds in the ultimate cruelty-free way. There's a one burger per person limit, with a choice between The Fun Guy or the Chick'n Licken on offer. You can also buy chips, give a donation to Farm Animal Rescue Australia, and drop by anytime between 2pm and 8pm for some merchandise, music and hanging out fun.
Godzilla is finally an Oscar-winner. It's about time. But the septuagenarian reptile didn't score Hollywood's top trophy for curling up in the Colosseum for a snooze, rocking electric-pink spikes, thundering into Hollow Earth — the world literally within our world where titans spring from — and teaming up with King Kong to take on a rival giant ape that rides an ice-breathing kaiju and uses a skeletal spine as a rope. Japan's exceptional Godzilla Minus One, which took home 2024's Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, wasn't that kind of monster movie. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which hails from the American-made Monsterverse, definitely is. Reaching cinemas in the same month as one of its titular figures received such a coveted filmmaking accolade, this sequel to 2021's Godzilla vs Kong is patently from the goofily entertaining rather than deeply meaningful brand of Godzilla flicks. Yes, there's room for both. It might seem a hard job to follow up one of the best-ever takes on the nuclear-powered creature with an action-adventure-fantasy monster mash that also features a Hawaiian shirt-wearing veterinarian dropping in via helicopter to do dental work on King Kong, the return of the Monsterverse's resident conspiracy-theorist podcaster and a mini Kong called Suko — plus, in its very first minutes, several other animals being ripped apart by Godzilla and Kong. When he took on the gig of helming pictures in this franchise, however, You're Next, The Guest, Blair Witch and Death Note filmmaker Adam Wingard chose fun chaos. His two entries so far aren't dreaming of competing for thoughtfulness with the movies coming out of the country that created Godzilla. Rather, they're made with affection for that entire legacy, and also Kong's, which dates back even further to 1933. Getting audiences relishing the spectacle of this saga is the clear aim, then — and Wingard's attempts put exactly that in their sights above all else. It may also appear difficult for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to arrive so swiftly after related streaming series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters achieved a feat that hasn't been easy in the Monsterverse: delivering human drama that leaves an imprint. Godzilla vs Kong couldn't. 2014's Godzilla, 2017's Kong: Skull Island and 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters seesawed in their efforts (some admirably, some woefully). The small screen continues to reign supreme, but Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire values its people. There's fewer of them than in its predecessor, with just four at its core. Dumping exposition or acting as comic relief stay among their tasks, respectively, and yet Rebecca Hall (Resurrection) and Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) are treated better by the material in their saga comebacks. As the aforementioned monster zoologist, Dan Stevens (Welcome to Chippendales, and also from Wingard's The Guest) knows exactly the type of part and flick he's in; he's the bulk of the film's mood personified. As the orphaned teenager tied to Kong, and similarly cast out from her home as he has been, Kaylee Hottle (Magnum PI) capably remains the feature's human heart on what also becomes a coming-of-age journey. Doing the scripting, Godzilla vs Kong screenwriter Terry Rossio (also The Amazing Maurice), Wingard's regular collaborator Simon Barrett (You're Next, The Guest, Blair Witch), plus Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight) — all working with a story by Rossio, Wingard and Barrett — can't be accused of putting people first in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. It's a low bar to say that they don't play as an afterthought, but it's an improvement from the last movie. The storyline's quest: to show how its eponymous beings are managing to co-exist, then must join forces to protect the world. Initially, they're like a divorced couple still sharing the same abode. Godzilla has taken over the planet's surface, while Kong is swinging around in Hollow Earth. The Skar King can't be quickly vanquished, though, requiring their combined might to try to stop his maliciousness wreaking havoc upwards as well as down. Around the simple but welcome Godzilla + Kong = titan siblings-in-arms saviours equation, and before pop culture's biggest lizard and monkey pal around, the humans-driven aspect of the narrative is likewise as straightforward. Kong's troubled tooth, odd signals from below and visions seen by her adopted daughter Jia (Hottle) have Dr Ilene Andrews (Hall) pondering what's happening beneath the planet's crust. Still as obsessive as ever, whistleblower-turned-blogger (and documentarian wannabe) Bernie Hayes (Henry) is one of her ports of call for assistance. The Ace Ventura-esque Trapper (Stevens) is another. Also, Jia's shared time on Skull Island with Kong as one of the landmass' indigenous Iwi tribe, alongside the fact that the teen, who is deaf, can communicate with the simian using sign language, keeps proving relevant. By throwing away the obligation to dig thematically below any surfaces, akin to a beast disposing of the carcass of its last meal — apart from knowing that its namesakes are guardians, and the blunt Jia and Kong connection — Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire revels in animals being animals. Painting Godzilla and Kong empathetically, and as more than fright-inducing monsters, has always been Wingard's angle, even when they were going claw to paw; Andrews is the Jane Goodall of Kong, after all. Here, the movie's main pair are basically towering pets, including while clambering around, snatching some rest, needing medical attention and securing their territory. As the film hops to Cairo, Paris, Gibraltar and Rio de Janeiro as well — and does ample exploring in Hollow Earth, where the Skar King has an army obeying his commands, but Suko sides with Kong — it's no wonder, then, that the good doctor and company are left endeavouring to react and respond as best they can. Cat owners especially can relate. Although Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire's VFX crew likely won't nab the same Oscar as Godzilla Minus One, this CGI-heavy affair has a vibrant look to it. Nothing matches the neon-lit Hong Kong throwdown of Godzilla vs Kong but, amid 80s needle drops, that isn't Wingard's mission. Instead, he enjoys putting iconic landmarks in peril and going all Journey to the Centre of the Earth — and his splashes of pink, purple-topped mountains, crystals, other eye-catching titan and animal designs, and the swirling cinematography by fellow returnee Ben Seresin (The Mother). Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the cheese to Godzilla Minus One's chalk, clearly, as it fittingly tells of a chalk-and-cheese twosome, but always eagerly and happily.
Here's an incredibly obvious but still always true statement: the finest sushi you'll ever eat is found in Tokyo. That's just a delicious reality, but so is struggling to get into the best sushi joints during your Japan holiday because they're impossible to book. Thanks to Melbourne eatery Uminono, however, there's now a tour jetting out of Australia this spring that'll let you spend five nights eating your way through Tokyo's finest sushi restaurants. And yes, it takes care of all the reservations for you — including to quite the selection of exclusive spots. First, you'd best check your bank account. The Uminono x Plan Japan Luxury Sushi Discovery Experience doesn't come cheap, costing $9600 if you're willing to share a room and $11,900 if you want to bunk solo. But that fat stack of cash will get you the kind of Tokyo holiday you've only dreamed of, as co-guided by Uminono sushi chef Arnaud Laidebeur. Between Sunday, September 25–Friday, September 30 — departing out of Melbourne, and presumably assuming that Japan allows tourists back in by that time — this trip will hit up the likes of eight-seater boutique Sushi Amamoto, which boasts two Michelin stars, plus acclaimed chef Masamichi Amamoto in the kitchen; and Sugita, an extremely well-known standout that uses traditional Edomae skills to make its sushi. Also on the list are Ginza's Hakkoku, a six-seater that serves up to 30 different fish varieties; and Sushi Kimura, which is all about aged sushi and non-conventional fish varieties. While sushi is the main focus, the tour also includes a range of Tokyo fine-diners with a particular focus on French-Japanese fusion. So, that means a meal at the world-acclaimed Sugalabo, as well as Florilège and Été, with the latter only seating up to four guests a day. The exact itinerary hasn't been locked in just yet, but other restaurants on the list include Arai, Shimazu, Takamitsu and Sushi Ryujiro among the sushi spots; Ode from the French-Japanese eateries; and also eight-seater upmarket seafood and steak joint Tacubo, yakitori standouts Torishiki and Yakitori Eiki, yakiniku spot Yoroniku, the wagyu-covering Wagyumafia, Toyosu market, and a heap of street food and ramen places. Only six seats are available for the tour's September dates — so if this'll let you live your sushi dreams, and you can afford it, getting in quick is obviously recommended. And, you'll be slumbering in hotels to match the luxe culinary experience on offer, such as Palace Hotel Tokyo in the Marunouchi district and Shangri-La Tokyo, which is right near Tokyo Station. The Uminono x Plan Japan Luxury Sushi Discovery Experience arrives in Tokyo on Sunday, September 25, then returns to Melbourne on Friday, September 30. For more information or to register your interest, head to the Plan Japan website.
Whether you're a lifelong Queenslander or heading north to escape the oncoming cooler months, Mooloolaba has a soon-to-open new address that might encourage you to soak up the Sunshine Coast sooner rather than later. Opening the doors in May 2026, the Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is one of the most anticipated new arrivals to hit the beachfront. In large part, that's because it's the first full-service internationally branded hotel to launch regionally in more than four decades. So, if you're keen to experience what might be the most contemporary hotel on the coast — it will certainly have the freshest coat of paint — you're invited to make a booking ahead of the official opening date on Monday, May 11. Bringing an up-to-date appeal to Mooloolaba's stunning shores, the new property rises to 12 storeys, making for some impressive views from its position at the intersection of the ocean and the esplanade. All told, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will feature 180 rooms and suites, with each designed to reflect the region's coastal character. Don't stress — you won't find any tired seashell decor. Instead, the newly revealed rooms are light-filled and layered with urbane textures and materials that still capture that evocative coastal palette. Ranging from 27 to 45 square metres, there are interconnected options for families and group stays, so you can organise that annual holiday knowing there's space for everyone. What's more, the dining amenities are no second thought, featuring a selection of sophisticated options. The standout, Sully's Rooftop, offers a soaring perch for dining, with a focus on modern Australian cuisine that combines seasonal produce and local seafood to celebrate the Sunshine Coast's makers, producers and growers. Also on the 12th floor, a rooftop pool offers 180-degree views, spanning Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright and the coastline beyond. No doubt the spot to spend a lazy afternoon on your next getaway. Meanwhile, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will also include a street-level lobby bar primed for morning coffee and evening cocktails, as well as a fitness studio and in-room wellbeing programming. Then, following the launch, guests can expect First Avenue Cellar & Bar to open, rounding out a brand-new way to experience the Mooloolaba coastline. Bookings are now open for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, which is expected to launch on Monday, May 11. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
For the past year, Sweat Social has been giving Brisbane and the Gold Coast a workout in nightclubs, gyms, studios and even on rooftops. To celebrate 12 months of getting physical, the active-minded outfit is slinging a heap of classes together across one big day and calling it a festival — Sweat Social Festival, naturally. You mightn't be used to wearing lycra and getting your stretch on at Lightspace in Fortitude Valley, but there's a first time for everything. And, depending on which pass you opt for, a second time too. From 9am–4pm on Sunday, October 28, there'll be sessions dedicated to dance barre, bodyweight pilates, Muay Thai, yoga and more, all thanks to Dance Barre, Fitstop, Science of Fitness, That Pilates Passion, HIIT Geebung and Bend & Fly Yoga. Wellness markets, food stalls run by Cheeky Poke Bar and Tatty's Superfoods, and DJs are all part of the event. If you're keen on the VIP treatment, bottomless Bucha of Byron kombucha and a massage from The Health Place are as well. Tickets range from $40 for one class and $70 for two classes, both with market access, to $80 for a single session, the markets, entry to the VP area and a goodie bag — and $110 for two sessions with all of the aforementioned extras.
For the past four years, Seoul Bistro has been known for two things: delicious Korean and Japanese-inspired dishes, and a hefty array of fried chicken. So, when it comes to celebrating their birthday, they're giving the fans what they want. More than 400 kilograms of it, in fact. Come midday on December 2, the Sunnybank eatery will be offering up plenty of poultry at their first Customer Appreciation Day — which could also be called "customers appreciate free chicken day", too. Chook, glorious chook is on the menu, in winged portions, and for free. Expect original and honey soy flavours in four-piece takeaway packs, complete with fries and iced tea, with a limit of one per customer. No, this isn't the kind of dream you have when you've eaten too much fry fry chicky chick — you'll get all of the above for nothing as long as you drop by before 2pm. The first 50 folks in line will also receive a $10 voucher for their next visit, in case you needed more motivation. Needless to say, it'll likely be busy, so showing up early is recommended.
Assuming you haven't been hiding away from the internet for the better part of 2015, you should be well aware of the work of Jon Ronson. Prior to this year, the Welsh journalist, author, filmmaker and radio presenter was perhaps best known for writing the book The Psychopath Test and co-writing the film Frank partly based on his own experiences. Then his latest publication, So, You've Been Publicly Shamed, was released, shedding light on the insidious side of our online behaviour. Seeing him chat, in the flesh, about his three years spent researching the worst of social media-facilitated public humiliation is a rare occasion — and if you want more pearls of Ronson wisdom, then check out his Brisbane Writers Festival 2015 opening address and discussion on the state of 21st-century investigative journalism.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ivHf4ODMi4 JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH The last time that Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield appeared in the same film, Get Out was the end result. Their shared scene in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning horror movie isn't easily forgotten (if you've seen the feature, it will have instantly popped into your head while you're reading this), and neither is Judas and the Black Messiah, their next exceptional collaboration. With Kaluuya starring as the Black Panther Party's Illinois Chairman Fred Hampton and Stanfield playing William O'Neal, the man who infiltrated his inner circle as an informant for the FBI, the pair is still tackling race relations. Here, though, the duo does so in a ferocious historical drama set in the late 60s. The fact that O'Neal betrays Hampton isn't a spoiler; it's a matter of fact, and the lens through which writer/director Shaka King (Newlyweeds) and his co-scribes Kenneth Lucas, Keith Lucas (actors on Lady Dynamite) and Will Berson (Scrubs) view the last period of Hampton's life. The magnetic Kaluuya has already won a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his performance, and is bound to be nominated for and likely win an Oscar as well — and if he wants to keep acting opposite Stanfield in movies this invigorating, ardent, resonant and essential, audiences won't complain. It's 1966 when O'Neal falls afoul of the law for trying to impersonate an FBI agent to steal a vehicle. With J Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen, Grace and Frankie) directing his employees to "prevent the rise of a 'messiah' who could unify and electrify the militant black nationalist movement" — his real-life words — the car thief is offered a deal by actual FBI Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons, I'm Thinking of Ending Things). If O'Neal cosies up to Hampton, then reports back on his comings, goings, political moves and general plans, he'll avoid jail. Initially apprehensive, he acquiesces to keep his freedom. With Hampton's raging speeches earning him a firm following, and his charisma and canny strategies broadening the crowds hanging on his words, O'Neal's task isn't minor. And the further he ingratiates himself into Hampton's confidence, becoming his head of security, the more he's torn about keeping tabs and doing the government's increasingly nefarious bidding. This isn't just a story about one young Black man coerced into bringing down a rising leader and revolutionary, however. It's also a tale about the figure who mobilised the masses as Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X had, until he was shot while he slept at the age of just 21. And, it's an account of the powers-that-be's abject fear of progress, equality, and the crusaders willing to put their lives on the line to fight for justice and a better world. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBjcbZla2cA GIRLS CAN'T SURF Exploring the gender imbalance in professional surfing, especially during the 80s and 90s as women in the sport were starting to attract the world's attention, Girls Can't Surf feels like a floodgates-bursting documentary. Watching female stars of the era talk about their experiences, including the vast disparity in prize money between men and women and how that affected their efforts to make a living, it's easy to see this candid and detailed film setting a template for a wealth of other movies. As fans of any type of women's sport well and truly know, differing treatment, pay, sponsorship and levels of respect aren't restricted to hitting the waves. Indeed, as the doco's high-profile parade of talking heads offer their thoughts and recollections — such as former world champions Frieda Zamba, Wendy Botha, Pam Burridge, Pauline Menczer, Lisa Andersen and Layne Beachley — many of their words could be uttered by any number of female athletes in a wide range of fields. That truth doesn't undercut the doco's power, or downplay what women surfers have been through. Rather, it underscores the importance of continually shining a light on the way the sporting arena has routinely sidelined, undermined and devalued anyone who isn't male. "If you can't see it, you can't be it" is one of Girls Can't Surf's resonant and universal sound bites, and it's easily applicable far beyond the film's specific stories and the sport in focus. Indeed, when Beachley talks about how she used to mill around surfing contests as a teen starting out in the field, and annoy the ladies she'd soon be competing against, you can see those words in action; if earlier generations of women hadn't already been hanging ten, Australia's seven-time champ wouldn't have had any footsteps to follow in. The film is filled with astute insights and telling connections such as these. It all leads to the well-publicised recent development, only back in 2018, of equal winnings for men and women being mandated by the World Surf League from 2019 onwards. That happy ending benefits today's stars, such as Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler Wright and Carissa Moore, but it came too late for Girls Can't Surf's interviewees. Once again, knowing that significant change has finally come to the sport doesn't diminish the potency of hearing about the horrors, struggles and rampant sexism that female surfers endured for decades — with two-time feature surf documentarian Christopher Nelius (Storm Surfers 3D) smartly bringing those tales to the fore, and the people sharing them as well. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb9PBr7Qhec MAX RICHTER'S SLEEP Since first opening its doors back in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has played host to a wealth of performances, spanning far further in genre than just the art form that gives the venue its name. But it was only during Vivid Live 2016 that the iconic locale serenaded visitors into an evening-long slumber, all as part of Max Richter's live recital of his eight-and-a-half hour work Sleep. Across 31 tracks comprised of 204 movements, the German-born British composer's concept album unfurls music based on the neuroscience of getting some shuteye. In its intonation, the ambitious yet soothing piece favours the range that can be heard in the womb for much of its duration. When performed for an audience, it is played overnight, with beds set up — and doing as the work's title suggests is highly encouraged. Attendees recline, listen and let Richter's blend of strings, synthesisers and soprano vocals lull them into the land of nod. If they'd prefer to stay awake, that's fine as well, but soaking in Sleep's ambient sounds while you're snatching 40 winks is all very much part of the experience. In its live version, Sleep has echoed through spaces in London, Berlin and Paris, too; however, it's the first openair performance in Los Angeles' Grand Park in 2018 that takes pride of place in the documentary Max Richter's Sleep. A filmmaker was always bound to be so fascinated with the concept that they'd turn their lens Richter's way, and that director is Natalie Johns (an Emmy nominee for Annie Lennox: Nostalgia Live in Concert), who endeavours to capture the experience for those who haven't had the pleasure themselves. The resulting film doesn't run for more than eight hours, or anywhere close — but those watching and listening will quickly wish that it did. As a feature, Max Richter's Sleep isn't designed to advertise its namesake. Rather, it documents, explores and tries to understand it. Still, the movie so easily draws viewers into the music, and so deeply, that making its audience want to snooze in public while Richter and his band plays is a guaranteed side effect. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZSLvFo0eus COSMIC SIN Reminding viewers of far better movies while they're watching yours isn't a smart or recommended filmmaking tactic, but it's what writer/director Edward Drake (Broil) does best with Cosmic Sin. By casting Bruce Willis in this science fiction slog, it immediately brings The Fifth Element to mind. That influential 1997 movie just keeps inspiring flicks that don't feature Willis of late — see also: Chaos Walking — but it leaves a particularly heavy imprint here. Indeed, it's impossible not to think of the rosier era in the actor's career that The Fifth Element represents as Willis is grimacing his way through scene after scene in Cosmic Sin, and visibly putting in zero effort. It's difficult not to think of 1998's Armageddon, too, a movie that isn't at all great but is certainly better than this new space war-fuelled picture. Drake clearly wants audiences to make these connections, which is why his feature spends far more time than it should watching Willis meander around looking unimpressed and wearing plastic armour, all while playing a disgraced military head honcho on the comeback trail. And, it must be why the film squanders Frank Grillo, who also hasn't had a great run of late (as seen in Jiu Jitsu and Boss Level), but has been screaming for years for a movie that makes the most of his presence. The year is 2524. Earth is now an old hand at attempting to colonise other planets. And when one such celestial body tried to break away five years earlier, Willis' James Ford handled it by committing mass murder. Now, a group of aliens from a just-discovered civilisation is attempting to give humans a taste of their own medicine. Ford is brought back as part of a ragtag team tasked with defending life as everyone 500 years in the future knows it, which also includes General Eron Ryle (Grillo), his nephew Braxton (Brandon Thomas Lee, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser), quantum tech Fiona Ardene (Adelaide Kane, Once Upon a Time) and fellow veteran Marcus Bleck (Costas Mandylor, In Like Flynn). Cue a movie that's never as over-the-top as it needs to be to keep viewers even remotely interested, and a bland affair all-round. The film's fondness for tech jargon-heavy nonsense dialogue doesn't help. Cosmic Sin's vision of the future — including its laughable robot bartenders — also looks as awkward as its narrative and performances feel. And while Drake and his co-writer Corey Large (Breach, and also a co-star here) endeavour to ponder deeper themes, including humanity's historical penchant for exploring the world and conquering everything in sight, that too proves flimsy. It isn't intentional, but Willis' bored look says everything it needs to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVOH9540Sbg THEN CAME YOU With film distributors playing it coy and cautious when it comes to releasing their hopeful box office hits during the pandemic, movies that mightn't have otherwise made their way into cinemas are currently getting a shot at the big screen. In some cases, that's excellent news for small but exceptional features that would've likely been dwarfed by blockbusters. In others, flicks that no one should have to pay to endure are also reaching theatres. Then Came You falls into the latter category. A vanity project for American talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford, who stars in and wrote the not-at-all romantic or comedic rom-com, it'd test patience even if it was watched with just one eye half-open and after several drinks in the middle of a long-haul flight. As well as lazily using culture-clash tropes to throw obstacles in the way of its chalk-and-cheese central duo — a newly widowed American hardware shop owner (Gifford, Sharknado 5: Global Swarming) and the Scottish Lord (Craig Ferguson, Hot in Cleveland) whose crumbling mansion she books for the first stop on a globe-hopping getaway — this trite affair hasn't met a clunky double entendre it didn't love, or a predictable plot development that can be seen from Nantucket to Scotland. First, Annabelle Wilson and Howard Awd converse via email, which Then Came You has the pair read aloud in its opening moments. Then, she announces to her empty house that she has to make new memories or the old ones will kill her, heads to the UK, is shocked that Scotland has working trains, and alternates between flirting and arguing with her host. He has a sob story, too, and he's also struggling to retain his sprawling, stereotypical-looking estate. He has a high-powered London-based bride-to-be (Elizabeth Hurley, Runaways) as well — but there's never any doubting how Then Came You will end. Rom-coms frequently stick to a template; however, it is possible to liven up a creaky formula with snappy dialogue and warm, charismatic performances. As directed with the forceful gloss of a TV commercial by second-time feature helmer Adriana Trigiani (Big Stone Gap) and often set to the same repeated song (also co-written by Gifford), this film sadly struggles with both its core rapport and its leading lady's overacting. He's worlds away from his own former TV hosting gig on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and from his sitcom tole on The Drew Carey Show, but the fact that the reliably charming Ferguson fares best here, even with the grating material, hardly comes as a surprise. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on November 5, November 12, November 19 and November 26; and December 3, December 10, December 17, December 26; and January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11, February 18 and February 25; and March 4. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive, Brazen Hussies, Freaky, Mank, Monsoon, Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt), American Utopia, Possessor, Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, The Prom, Sound of Metal, The Witches, The Midnight Sky, The Furnace, Wonder Woman 1984, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters, The Little Things, Chaos Walking and Raya and the Last Dragon.
Caitlin Park Electronic whiz kids don't come more stylin' than Sydney's multitalented Caitlin Park. With her 2011 debut album Milk Annual applauded Australia-wide and the 2012 Qantas Spirit Of The Youth Award under her belt, Park inked a deal with Create/Control in February this year (home to fellow Aussies Oliver Tank, Feelings, Go Violets and internationals Parquet Courts and Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros). Marking the team-up with the release of her second album The Sleeper, the smoky-voiced Sydneysider will bring her brand new tunes to The Hive on Saturday, August 2. Disarmingly catchy singles like 'Lemonade' are sure to get this all-ages gig significantly toe-tappin'. Saturday at The Hive. More info here. Marie Ellis OAM Prize for Drawing 2014 Recognised nationwide, the Marie Ellis OAM Prize for Drawing is a significant event on the Brisbane arts calendar. Hundreds of entries are submitted for consideration, showcasing the amount of depth and imagination within our artistic community. Now in its fifth year, the prize exhibition will be one of the best yet. The 2014 exhibition is directed by Holly Riding (founder of Nancy Zine) and Peter Breen, and will run until the 18th of August. The opening night festivities will include the announcement of the winner and a vote for the People’s Choice Award. This is an important night for many, and everyone is encouraged to attend to support all the selected artists and to witness Brisbane art history in the making. Saturday and Sunday (until August 18) at Jugglers Art Space. More info here. Devil's Knot It’s the movie that was always going to be made, the re-enacted version of one of the most heartbreaking small-town murder mysteries and biggest miscarriages of justice the United States has seen. It’s also the movie that never should have been made, for the devastating true tale as told in four documentaries now — the Paradise Lost trilogy, and West of Memphis — can’t be embellished, fictionalised or bested. Yet exist Devil’s Knot does, a cinematic facsimile of the originals, albeit with an ample dose of star power. Though the potency of the facts remains, the sensationalist and the sentimental combine in an attempt to craft a cautionary case of tragedy crippling a community not just in its initial appearance but in the way it is then handled. Saturday and Sunday, various cinemas in Brisbane. More info and our review here. Jungle Love Festival Launch The Jungle Love Festival is a brand new music and arts festival, set to take place in November at the picturesque Moogerah Dam. Details are still being kept hush-hush at the moment, but anticipation is building steadily. To further stoke the fires of expectation, the team behind the festival are hosting a launch party at new West End venue, The Motor Room. There will be live art from Brisbane art collective, Lost Movements, a performance by Leanna Donovan aka Pent Upglamour and musical performances by Desmond Cheese (pictured) and HRBRT. Also, Stone and Wood Brewing will be on tap and the Bun Mobile will be parked right outside. Also, Trainspotters will be hosting the launch-party after party, so you can get all your pent up partying out in one night. Saturday at The Motor Room. More info here. New Farm Cinemas Everything old is new again at the New Farm Cinemas, the iconic Brisbane venue formerly known as the Village Twin finally reopening its doors. On August 1, the revamped theatre will welcome the public into its retro-styled confines for the first time since 2003. Boutique in style but big in impact, stage one of the renovated venue sees two screens entice cinephiles with a lineup of new and recent blockbusters — Guardians of the Galaxy, Lucy and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes among them. Patrons will enjoy state-of-the-art digital projection equipment and an Australian-first audio system as they sit in either all-new cinema seating or beanbags. Saturday and Sunday (and so forth) at New Farm Cinemas. Head behind the scenes over here. Claire Stening: Shutter Light Grab a paintbrush, find something pretty, pick a surface, add a little texture, finish it off with some shadow, and you’ve got yourself a still life. While these types of paintings tend to shoot straight as far as execution, Brisbane artist Claire Stening adds a unique tranquility to her depiction of everyday objects. Stening has exhibited extensively throughout Australia, was the finalist in the Portia Geech Memorial Award 2010 and was invited to show with the Salon Des Refuses from 2008 to 2010. Now, you can see her calming and creative work in the flesh at Edwina Corlette Gallery till August 16. Saturday and Sunday (until August 16) at Edwina Corlette Gallery. More info here. A Healthy Nosh Mission Not so long ago, going on a health kick meant shutting yourself off from the world, rejecting all dinner invitations and telling yourself you could never eat out again. Not anymore it seems. Brisbane restaurant meal options now include organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, raw — the list goes on. To think we can still remember a time when white rice was considered good for you and only coeliacs had to worry about gluten. Mindful eaters and health fanatics should find much to celebrate in our list of the top ten healthy eating spots in Brisbane. There may even be a little something for everyone else. All weekend long, make it a healthy one. Our top ten is over here.
The city might be all fun and games, but the concrete jungle can be draining at times. It's well and truly time to get out and get immersed in nature. And, what better way to appreciate our sprawling rainforests and charming bushlands than by perching yourself up in a tree? These stunning treehouse properties will provide you with a secluded wilderness stay, placed high above the surrounding landscape with all the luxuries of a five-star retreat. Book a stay deep in the Blue Mountains, nestled above the Yarra Valley or a stone's throw away from the Great Barrier Reef. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia The Best Australian Stays with Outdoor Baths The Best Australian Islands to Visit Anytime of the Year Coolgarra Bush House, Queensland This hand-built recycled timber treehouse sits in picturesque Springbrook, less than an hour southwest of the Gold Coast. The three-bedroom stay will provide you with a secluded nature retreat surrounded by towering trees filled with fauna including king parrots. Cook up a feast on the barbecue and sit out on the deck to enjoy the warm Queensland air. From $475 a night, sleeps six. Butchers Creek Treehouse, Queensland Head north towards Cairns and you'll find this secluded stay surrounded by endless flora and fauna. Here you can head out to explore the nine-kilometres of walking trails and discover the rainforest, mountain scenery and waterfalls of the area. The house is fitted out with everything you need to cook a feast after a tough day hiking or plenty of space to kick back and relax if you don't feel like venturing out. From $538 a night, sleeps two. The River Room, New South Wales Designed by architect and Order of Australia recipient Richard LePlastrier, this north-coast NSW treehouse is split into three sections. Here in the River Room you'll wake to the view of a lush rainforest. Wander down to the Never Never creek for summer swims or head out on a hike through the surrounding national parks. When it comes to dinner, local towns like Bellingen have plenty of great eats on offer. From $300 a night, sleeps three. Tarzali Treehouse, Queensland This secluded cabin sits among the canopy of the trees surrounded by 100 acres of rainforest in the Cairns Highlands. The owners aim to make your stay as environmentally sustainable as possible, combining the feel of a luxury retreat and an eco rainforest stay. The two-bedroom home sleeps up to six, making it ideal for a group getaway up north. From $444 a night, sleeps six. Mountain Tiny House, Victoria Combine multiple unique stays into one with this tiny house perched among the trees on a mountain. Wake up to views of the redwood trees and the sounds of the area's wildlife which includes kookaburras, lyrebirds, wallabies and the local wombat if you're lucky. While this house is quaint, it's still fitted out with a full kitchen, a coffee machine, a TV and a fire pit. From $215 a night, sleeps two. Strawbale Cottage, New South Wales This affordable Blue Mountains treehouse is ideal for a short getaway for couples or small families. The open plan design, exposed wooden pillars and surrounding bushland give the property playful treehouse energy. Curl up in front of the fire during the colder months or bask in the sun out on the deck. From $150 a night, sleeps three. Bodhi Treehouse, New South Wales Located just outside Byron Bay, this three-storey treehouse sits on 17 acres of subtropical rainforest and lush gardens. The bedroom is perched above the rainforest, meaning you'll wake to a view of the sprawling green landscape. With multiple balconies, a spacious interior and lounge chairs out front, you can choose a different part of the house to relax every couple of hours and never run out of new serine spots to soak in nature and disconnect from the world. From $275, sleeps two. Rocks and River Glamping Experience, New South Wales Drive north-west of Sydney for a little over an hour and you'll come across this secluded tent hidden in the trees. Nestled among the trees alongside a river, this next-level glamping stay is all about immersing yourself in nature. On the property you'll find a luxe bedroom with an indoor fireplace, a patio with views of the valley and an outdoor bamboo shower. From $190 a night, sleeps two. The Treehouse Denmark, Western Australia If you're looking for a nature-heavy stay near Perth, this treehouse stay at the southmost point of WA is propped between two karri trees and surrounded by wilderness and huge granite boulders. Inside, the furniture plays into the surrounding boulders with a grey and charcoal colour pallet. Climb the ladder to recline in the reading nook/bedroom perched above the living room or soak in the bathtub as you look over the surrounding bushland. From $250 a night, sleeps four. Bombah Point Eco Cottages, New South Wales Get lost in a 100-acre wildlife reserve when you book this property just north of Newcastle. The spacious house lends itself to couples and families looking to stretch out and relax while on holiday with a large living room and kitchen, plus a pool out back. Explore the surrounding land or water with bike and kayak hire available. From $390 a night, sleeps five. Top image: Tarzali Treehouse. All images courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has won three Grammys and 11 Latin Grammys, starred in Bullet Train and hosted Saturday Night Live, among plenty of other achievements, but he hasn't hit the stage in Australia — yet. By the time that summer 2025–26 is out, Bad Bunny will tick a trip Down Under off of his list, after announcing that his new DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS world tour includes a visit to Sydney. Locking in dates in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Poland, Italy and Belgium, too, Bad Bunny has confirmed 23 shows between November 2025–July 2026 so far. Named for his latest album, which released in January this year and spent three weeks in a row atop the Billboard 200 chart, the tour will see him become the first Latin act to headline stadiums globally. Only one stop on Bad Bunny's jaunt around the planet is Australia, however: at ENGIE Stadium in the Harbour City on Saturday, February 28. He's playing the New South Wales capital in-between dates in Brazil and Japan, two other countries where the 'Mia', 'Callaíta', 'Qué Pretendes' and 'Vete' singer will perform live for the first time ever. The Puerto Rican superstar's global jaunt will follow his upcoming No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí gigs, a 30-date residency at José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in his homeland. Before that, he toured North America in 2024, and both North and Latin America in 2022. His DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS shows will take him to Europe for the first time since his 2019 X 100pre tour. On the charts, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, his sixth album, has kept garnering love — also sitting in the Billboard 200 top ten for 13 weeks, taking the number-one slot on Billboard's Latin Albums chart for 16 consecutive weeks and helping him become the first-ever Latin artist with 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries. Before both his No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí residency and DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS world tour, Bad Bunny also has another date with SNL, this time as the musical guest on the season 50 finale that's being hosted by Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon). Bad Bunny DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour 2026 Australian Date Saturday, February 28 — ENGIE Stadium, Sydney Bad Bunny is playing ENGIE Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with presales from 10am on Thursday, May 8, 2025 and general sales from 11am on Friday, May 9. Head to the tour website for more details.
Skip the hassle of flights, long airport queues and overcrowded tourist traps, and embark on a Euro-inspired adventure in the renowned food and wine region of Orange, NSW, instead. With world-class wineries and notable restaurants dotted across rolling hills and endless vineyards, Orange combines a European bon vivant lifestyle with the easygoing, laidback charm of Australia. Its spectacular views, superb eateries and top-notch wineries will have you feeling like you've crossed continents, without having to leave the country. Want to know where to start? Here's how to soak up those Euro-summer feels in Orange and its surroundings. Scenic Views First, you'll need to set the scene so you can really kickstart your cross-continental holiday. Channel the serene beauty and rustic magic of the European countryside at one of Orange's scenic landscapes. Situated below Mount Canobolas, Lake Canobolas is an idyllic spot for swimming, hiking, cycling or just basking in the sun with a picnic. Spice up your Euro-inspired adventure with some uniquely Australian flora and fauna — you are still home after all — as you make your way up to Pinnacle Lookout or Federal Falls for panoramic views across Towac Valley, Canobolas and beyond. For those seeking an expedition with a Euro twist, hop on a bike and pedal through the picturesque countryside of Orange and its surrounding villages. There are numerous trails to choose from in the region, no matter your skill level. With endless scenic routes, you'll be stopping every few kilometres just to take in the views. Delightful Dining Now that you've worked up an appetite, it's time to settle in for a leisurely long meal with indulgent dishes, flowing wine and good company. Transport yourself to Italy at Lucetta Dining or Fiorini's, which both offer authentic Italian fare in the heart of the region. Hidden in an unassuming barn, Fiorini's serves a selection of traditional dishes — think rigatoni alla carbonara, spaghetti alla vongole, saltimbocca alla Romana — in a warm, homey space that feels like a family-run restaurant in the Italian countryside. Lucetta Dining is a touch more glamorous, dishing out contemporary plates in an intimate, industrial space. The menu includes pesce crudo with yuzu; burrata with fermented chilli oil and bottarga; pappardelle with mixed mushroom ragu, mascarpone and truffle pecorino; and lamb rump with leek, bronze fennel and rosemary caramel. For dining with a view akin to feasting under the Tuscan sun, head to Rowlee Dining & Bar for family-style, farm-to-table plates amidst the winery's sprawling rows of vines. If you're just after a quick bite, you can also nibble on snacks and smaller plates at the Garden Bar. With a restaurant, outdoor courtyard and bar, The Union Bank will see you through from day to night with aperitifs, wines and modern-European plates. Housed in a historic bank dating back over 165 years, the spacious venue slings dishes such as crudo with blood orange, bone marrow with salsa roja, and sirloin with miso bagna cauda, along with additional options for an express lunch and set menus for groups. Sun-drenched Sips You don't need to jet off to sip world-class wines amid breathtaking scenery — Orange's 40-plus cool-climate vineyards bring a slice of Europe to you. Start your journey at celebrated local winery Nashdale Lane, where you can savour local drops as you take in sweeping views across the vineyard. In fact, Nashdale Lane Wines was dreamt up while the team were visiting a vineyard in Radda in Chianti, so you can expect strong European influences. Continue your taste of Italy at See Saw Wines, where you can sit al fresco and sip the only locally produced prosecco in the region. Next up on your vineyard tour is a stop-in at Tamburlaine Organic Wines. Sample Tamburlaine's range of organic, vegan-friendly and low-sulphur wines at its cosy cellar door in nearby Millthorpe. While you're there, discover the village's charming assortment of boutiques, cafes, wineries and bed-and-breakfasts. Head to Mayfield Vineyard or Logan Wines for more impressive vistas and unconventional wines. At Mayfield Vineyard, you'll be able to taste elegant minimal-intervention wines in rustic, French-inspired surrounds, before kicking back with a vino in the airy and sun-filled cellar door at Logan Wines' new Orange location. If you're overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wineries to choose from, let someone else handle the decisions (and the driving) with Orange Private Tours or Orange Trike Tours. Plan your trip now to the Orange Region at the Orange360 website. Additional author: Orlaith Costello Images: courtesy of Destination NSW and Orange360.
Despite our country being stereotyped as 'always sunny', us Aussies know it can get pretty cold mid-year. So, if you're currently trying to warm up your toes next to your office heater, dreaming about the return of summer, you're in luck. We've teamed up with travel company Klook to give away a four-night getaway to a tropical oasis: Bali. If you're the lucky winner, you and your partner in crime will be heading off on a short flight headed for Bali's stunning beaches, hot weather and next-level food. As well as flights and four nights of four-star accommodation in Seminyak, Klook — being an activities and tours booking platform — will also organise day trips for you and your bestie, plus airport transfers to and from your hotel and SIM cards. So, all you'll need are your cossies, sunscreen and a good read. It won't be your typical Bintang-fuelled Bali trip, either. The folks at Klook work with local vendors to uncover hidden gems and offer trips to many of the surrounding islands (there are more than 17,000 in total). So, expect plenty of off the beaten track adventures and get ready to unearth some undiscovered parts around the island. One day, the two of you will be heading off to West Nusa Penida and its crystal clear waters, so you can expect plenty of swimming and snorkelling. The next, you'll be trekking up an active volcano — Mount Batur — to watch the sunrise over the island. An early morning start will reward you with sweeping mountain views and a visit to a coffee plantation afterwards. Plus, don't forget all the poolside cocktails and Balinese feasts you'll be having. You'll be on holiday, after all. You've got anytime before the end of the year to go, so you can escape Australia's cooler weather ASAP. If you're keen to head off on a trip to Bali — which obviously you are — enter your details below to be in the running. [competition]731537[/competition]
Let's call it 'splash in the city': at The Westin Brisbane, the onsite swim-up Nautilus Pool Bar lets guests take a dip and a sip right in the heart of the CBD. Each summer, it also gleans inspiration from different parts of the world, adding more holiday vibes to an already cruisy spot — and welcomes in everyone, whether you're staying the night or not, to its annual beach club. Grab your togs, plus your mates or date, then get ready to indulge your love for swims and cocktails, because this yearly River City summer highlight is returning. The Mary Street hotel doesn't just feature 298 rooms and suites with views, its own eateries and bars, and a spa — it's also a go-to when the weather is warm, this time with a Los Cabos-influenced atmosphere. Nautilus Beach Club: Los Cabos runs from Friday, November 8, 2024–Sunday, February 23, 2025 — and again, you don't need to be a guest at the Marriott-owned international brand's first Queensland location to go for a splash while enjoying a cocktail in the water. The Los Cabos theme comes after nodding to The Maldives in 2023–24 and to Amalfi in 2022–23. On offer: live DJs spinning tunes on the deck, poolside cabana service and a dedicated margarita menu. You'll be sipping classic, chilli, coconut and frozen 'ritas, plus Aperol margs also made with orange and tequila. Or, there's a strawberry mint punch spritz; a grapefruit, lime, agave, Campari and tequila tipple; and a range of Brouhaha craft beers. Those beverages can be paired with Baja cod soft shell tacos — or buttermilk chicken, crispy prawn, charred pork and barbecue beef brisket varieties. If you're looking for something sans meat, the seasoned corn ribs come with smoked paprika and aioli, or you can dip homemade tortilla chips into guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. 2024 marks five years since the hotel opened in Brissie's CBD, finally filling the giant hole in the ground that sat in the middle of the city for years in the process — and swims, bites to eat, drinks and gazing at views over the city skyline while you're pretending that you're on the other side of the world are again on offer to celebrate. The 2024–25 iteration of Nautilus Beach Club runs from 11am–5pm Friday–Sunday weekly, with a number of options available for Mexican-influenced lounging by the pool. The $29 ticket covers access, a towel to use while you're there and your first spritz. If you and a date or mate are feeling like treating yo'selves, there's also a cabana experience for $199 for two, which gives you your own cabana to hang out in, that spritz upon arrival, a taco platter and a margarita jug. And the pool itself? It's heated to 28 degrees, perfect for comfortable swims during Brisbane's sultry summer. Nautilus Beach Club: Los Cabos runs from Friday, November 8, 2024–Sunday, February 23, 2025 — taking place from Friday–Sunday until the end of March weekly — at The Westin Brisbane at 111 Mary Street, Brisbane. Head to the Nautilus Pool Bar website for further details and tickets.
Go on Brisbane, get dotty. When The Obliteration Room is on display, that's exactly what's on the agenda. Yayoi Kusama's famed interactive project doesn't just feature the circular shapes beloved by the iconic Japanese artist, as featuring in many of her pieces. Turning everyone who enters its space into a fellow contributor, this artwork is all about adding dots, more dots and then even more, all in sticker form, to completely fill every surface. Here's how it works: you step inside a room that has been painted white from floor to ceiling. All surfaces, fixtures, furniture and objects are white — every single one. It's then up to each and every visitor to add spots of colour via those stickers. Kusama calls the process "obliteration", hence the piece's name. Joining in is as fun and therapeutic as it sounds. [caption id="attachment_1008415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama / Japan b.1929 / The Obliteration Room (installation view) 2002–present / Furniture, white paint, dot stickers / Dimensions variable / Collaboration between Yayoi Kusama and Queensland Art Gallery. Commissioned by the Queensland Art Gallery. Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2012 / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Yayoi Kusama / Photograph: N Harth © QAGOMA[/caption] The Obliteration Room and Brisbane have been intertwined since Kusama first conceived of the work, because it was developed for the Queensland Art Gallery in 2002. Since then, the piece has toured the world, but keeps returning to the River City — with its next visit courtesy of the Gallery of Modern Art's huge new free Wonderstruck exhibition across Saturday, June 28–Monday, October 6, 2025. Initially announced at the beginning of the year as part of QAGOMA's massive 2025 program, this showcase features over 100 works hailing from 70-plus international and Australian artists. As its name makes plain, this collection from is all about awe and wonder. Expect playful pieces, imaginative creations, and works big and small. Expect extraordinary art and everyday objects morphed into marvels, too — as well as an all-ages experience, as The Obliteration Room has long provided. [caption id="attachment_1008416" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Patricia Piccinini / Australia b.1965 / The Observer (installation view) 2010 / Silicone, fibreglass, steel, human hair, clothing, chairs / 220 x 140 x 48cm / Purchased 2018. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Patricia Piccinini / Photograph: N Harth © QAGOMA[/caption] Indeed, while The Obliteration Room has always been a feature of GOMA's Children's Art Centre, witnessing and participating in the transformative process is a delight for big kids as well. That theme carries across Wonderstruck as a whole, whether it's also displaying pieces by Patricia Piccinini, Ai Weiwei and American artist Nick Cave, or from Ah Xian, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Gordon Hookey, Madeleine Kelly, Yvonne Koolmatrie, Ron Mueck, Craig Koomeeta, Jemima Wyman, Rosemary Laing, Sandra Selig, Gemma Smith, Yuken Teruya, Brian Robinson, Judy Watson and Louise Weaver. "Wonder enters our world through play and imagination, and can be inspired by our interactions with nature and encounters with the intangible," explains Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Director Chris Saines. "This exhibition, drawn from the gallery's collection and the rich catalogue of projects developed by QAGOMA's Children's Art Centre in collaboration with contemporary artists, also considers how wonder emerges from combinations of colour, pattern and visual illusion, and an appreciation of the extraordinary within the ordinary." [caption id="attachment_1008417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kohei Nawa / Japan b.1975 / PixCell-Double Deer#4 (installation view) 2010 / Mixed media / 224 x 200 x 160cm / Purchased 2010 with funds from the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Kohei Nawa[/caption] Across its six chapters, other specific highlights span the wearable sculptures of HEARD from Cave; Piccinini's The Observer, featuring a child peering down from a stack of chairs; Ai Weiwei's Neolithic pottery painted in bright colours; vivid hues aplenty in Pip & Pop's Rainbow Bridge and Emily Floyd's Steiner Rainbow; Mueck's giant In Bed; and Connection from Slovenian artist Tobias Putrih, which turns cardboard boxes into an arch. Or, Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan's contribution In Flight (Project: Another Country) will get you making sculptures fund materials to to the piece; Lightning for Neda by Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian is a mirror mosaic; and Notice — Forest from Yuken Teruya refashions shopping bags. [caption id="attachment_1008418" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ron Mueck / England b.1958 / In bed (installation view) 2005 / Mixed media / 161.9 x 649.9 x 395cm / Purchased 2008. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Ron Mueck[/caption] As it frequently does given that it's home to the Australian Cinematheque, GOMA is pairing Wonderstruck with a free film program, too, exploring how the themes at the heart of the exhibition translate to the big screen. The medium's earliest days are covered via Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon — and so is Wes Anderson's fondness for pastel hues in The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel. The buzzing hummingbirds of documentary Every Little Thing, Studio Ghibli's wonders via My Neighbour Totoro, Michel Gondry's imaginative approach via The Science of Sleep: they're among the sights set to flicker through the gallery's cinemas as well, all between Friday, June 27–Sunday, October 5, 2025. [caption id="attachment_1008419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yuken Teruya / Japan b.1973 / Notice - Forest 2006 / Paper and glue / Dimensions variable / Purchased 2007. The Queensland Government's Gallery of Modern Art Acquisitions Fund / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Yuken Teruya[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gemma Smith / Australia b.1978 / Boulder prototype #2 2008 / Laser-cut Perspex / 53 x 39 x 53cm (irreg., approx.) / Gift of Dr Morris Low through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Gemma Smith[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Floyd / Australia b.1972 / Steiner rainbow 2006 / Two-part epoxy paint on medium density fibreboard / Nine parts. Part a (dark blue): 54 x 131 x 60cm; part b (light blue): 82 x 160 x 60cm; part c (teal): 96 x 188 x 60cm; part d (dark green): 110 x 217 x 60cm; part e (light green): 124.5 x 245 x 60cm; part f (yellow): 139 x 275 x 60cm; part g (orange): 154 x 303 x 60cm; part h (light red): 166 x 334 x 60cm; part i (deep red): 180 x 362.5 x 60cm. / Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Emily Floyd/ Courtesy: The artist and Anna Schwartz Gallery[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alfredo Juan Aquilizan / Philippines/Australia b.1962 / Maria Isabel Gaudinez-Aquilizan / Philippines/Australia b.1965 / In-flight (Project: Another Country) (installation view) 2009 / Courtesy and © Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan / Photograph: R Fulton © QAGOMA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian / Iran 1924 - 2019 / Lightning for Neda (installation view) 2009 / Mirror mosaic, reverse-glass painting, plaster on wood / Six panels: 300 x 200 x 25cm (each); 300 x 1200 x 25cm (overall) / The artist dedicates this work to the loving memory of her late husband Dr Abolbashar Farmanfarmaian. Purchased 2009. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Monir Shaharoudy Farmanfarmaian[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pip & Pop / Australia 2007–11 / Tanya Schultz / Australia b.1972 / Nicole Andrijevic / Australia b.1981 / 'Rainbow bridge' from 'we miss you magic land!' 2011 / Dioramas: Polystyrene, wax, fluorescent pigments, sugar, glue, glitter, synthetic polymer paint, plastic plants, plastic flowers, pipe-cleaners, modelling clay, paper, adhesive vinyl, pigment ink, beads in vitrine with internal electric lighting with Perspex inserts; installed with wallpaper: digital adhesive on paper (produced from digital file) / Four dioramas: 91 x 110 x 55cm (each); overall installed dimensions variable / Gift of the artists through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2013 / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © The artists / Photograph: K Bennett © QAGOMA[/caption] Wonderstruck displays at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, between Saturday, June 28–Monday, October 6, 2025. Head to the venue's website for more information. Top image: Yayoi Kusama. The obliteration room 2002–present. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. © YAYOI KUSAMA
Brisbane's inner-city spread might be alive with the smell of yeast, but brewing up craft beers isn't confined to quarters close to the CBD. Over at Salisbury, Ballistic Beer Co has been flying the flag in the suburbs. The brewery also has an alehouse and kitchen in West End, but you'll need to head south to hang out at its sizeable headquarters. It's worth the trip — for plenty of brews, obviously, but also for an atmospheric place to drink them. And if you're keen on a little entertainment with your tipples, the McCarthy Road site loves an event, with beer yoga, brewery tours, mini festivals and street truck shindigs all regular occurrences. As for what you'll be drinking, it's a growing range that caters to all beer palettes. Love a classic done well? That's where Ballistic's core series comes in, with a lager, pale ale, IPA and oaked IPA on offer. More brews range across brewery's speciality and seasonal lineups, too. Indeed, for a brewery that's only been open since 2017, Ballistic punches above its boozy weight.
Describing the wonder that is Monkey Monkey Shake Shake just doesn't do them justice. The two-person organic dance band is the kind of musical act that really does need to be seen to be truly appreciated, as well as something that everyone has to experience at least once. Think songs, dances, bongos, harmonicas and costumes all put together with an eclectic attitude and aimed at just about everyone. That includes audiences in Korea, where MMSS just participated in an emerging arts showcase. Now, thanks to a one-evening-only exhibition and performance, it also includes the folks of Brisbane once again. Expect all of the above — and expect the unexpected, of course — at Junky Comics on June 10. As well as busting out their tunes, MMSS will be displaying their latest artwork. Attendees will be able to buy stickers, badges, patches and maybe even a comic, and even wear special MMSS hats on the night.
When you call yourselves The Travelling Sisters, you'd better live up to the name. Don't worry, these ones do. The trio of ladies have played Edinburgh, London, Berlin, Prague, Bedford, Glastonbury, Bath, Hong Kong, Woodford, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne — where they were shortlisted for best newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. On their behalf: phew. In Brisbane for the Anywhere Theatre Festival, they're stopping by from their adventures absolutely everywhere around the globe for six nights of showing Queensland just what they do best. On May 4 to 6, and then again on May 18 to 19 and 21, they'll unfurl an array of characters, physical comedy and songs. And talk about their jet-setting, obviously. When they lived in London, they played 150 gigs in a year. They went to Albania for Halloween last year, and had to wear their potato costumes from their show even when they weren't performing. They've been chased by stray dogs. We're sure they've done much, much more. Yep, they have comic tales to sing about and tell.
Since 2017, watching The Handmaid's Tale has meant wishing for one thing: the end of Gilead, the totalitarian, male-dominated society that rules the show's dystopian version of the United States. (No, not the masterplanned Sydney community of the same name.) In the award-winning series adapted from Margaret Atwood's book, that outcome is finally coming in a way — with American streaming platform Hulu announcing that the hit show will finish up when its sixth season airs. That said, it's highly likely that The Handmaid's Tale won't truly wrap up with the destruction of Gilead, because Hulu also has revealed that The Testaments in the works. It too is based on an Atwood novel — on her sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, which hit shelves in 2019 — which means that her fictional nightmarish realm isn't going far. The news that The Handmaid's Tale will end after season six comes ahead of the show's fifth season, which starts airing from Thursday, September 15 — so fans still have two more batches of episodes to soak up, sweat and stress through, and enjoy. "It has been a true honour to tell the story of Margaret Atwood's groundbreaking novel and chillingly relevant world, and we are thrilled to bring viewers a sixth and final season of The Handmaid's Tale," said creator, showrunner and executive producer Bruce Miller in a statement announcing the news. "We are grateful to Hulu and MGM for allowing us to tell this story, which unfortunately has remained as relevant as ever throughout its run, and are in awe of our incredible fans for their unwavering support, and without whom we never would have gotten to this point," Miller continued. If this all sounds a bit familiar, that's because The Handmaid's Tale isn't new to plotting out its future a couple of seasons in advance. Back in 2020, it was renewed for this fifth season before the fourth even dropped, too. Miller will also work on The Testaments, which doesn't yet have a release date — and neither does The Handmaid's Tale season six. If you haven't read the book, The Testaments is set 15 years after the events of its predecessor, and also includes familiar characters. How that'll play into the end of The Handmaid's Tale on-screen obviously hasn't been revealed. For now, blessed be your streaming queue with The Handmaid's Tale season five, which promises one helluva reckoning. Of course, things are never well here — but now June (Elisabeth Moss, Shining Girls) faces the fallout from her actions in the show's last go-around, and Serena's (Yvonne Strahovski, Stateless) in-mourning getup speaks volumes. In the show's recent trailers, June doesn't just navigate more than a few consequences. Still fighting Gilead from afar, with Luke (O-T Fagbenle, Black Widow) and Moira (Samira Wiley, Breaking News in Yuba County), she admits how much she enjoyed her most recent choices. As for Serena, she's in profile-raising mode in Toronto, as Gilead's influence creeps into Canada — and Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford, Tick, Tick... Boom!) and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd, Rebecca) are endeavouring to reform Gilead. Also returning among the cast in season five: Max Minghella (Spiral: From the Book of Saw), Madeline Brewer (Hustlers), Amanda Brugel (Snowpiercer) and Sam Jaeger (The Eyes of Tammy Faye). Check out the trailer for The Handmaid's Tale season five below: The fifth season of The Handmaid's Tale will hit start airing in Australia and New Zealand from Thursday, September 15 — on SBS TV, and to stream via SBS On Demand and Neon, with new episodes arriving weekly. Season six doesn't yet have a release date and neither does The Testaments, but we'll update you when they do. Images: Sophie Giraud/Hulu.
Geelong may not strike you as an obvious destination for a weekend away. The small port city is currently straddling that awkward growth stage between small town and bustling metropolis. As such, it manages to feel like both. Although Geelong wears the vestments of a big place, it still treats you like a small town would. You don't feel anonymous (an odd feeling for veteran city dwellers) and people look you in the eye while genuinely questioning how you are and what you're doing in town. Nowhere is this more pronounced than the food and art scene, hidden away on the quiet side streets of the small city. The cheap and abundant studio space makes it a paradise for creatives, weirdos and anyone who errs on the side of the non-commercial — this relatively small pond attracts some remarkably big fish. Some of Melbourne's best foodies, chefs, entrepreneurs and taste-makers have forsaken the big city in favour of a smaller scene where gimmicks are left at the train station and what shines through is something surprisingly authentic. Leave all that big city pessimism at home and let V/Line (or your car down the M1) carry you to the unexpected cultural oasis of Geelong. Whether you devote your whole weekend to Victoria's second largest city or a few hours on your way down the Great Ocean Road, here's what to do when you get there. [caption id="attachment_569243" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Craft Space[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Before heading down to Geelong, you may want to fast for a few days — there is some serious eating to be done here. Your first port of call should be Craft Space on Little Malop Street. Craft Space is, as the name suggests, a cafe-craft hybrid. You'll find tubs of markers and zines strewn across the mismatched (but colour-coordinated) furniture, a mint green La Marzocco espresso machine filling the back corner and sweet ornaments lining every nook. There's no stone left uncrafted — even the pot plants have been knitted. It's a haven for people who like to occupy their hands while catching up over organic, small batch tea and boutique cakes by Melbourne's Little Bertha. It's a warm little nook and the owners operators Cathy Slarks and Loretta Davis are the kindling in the hearth. The welcoming pair also run craft workshops most weekends and make a mean, towering chocolate milkshake. [caption id="attachment_573393" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hot Chicken Project[/caption] Once night falls it's just a hop, skip and a jump over the way to the Hot Chicken Project for dinner and a bit of atmosphere. Hot tip: undo your pants as you walk through the door (no one will judge). You may feel a sense of déjà vu as you glance the menu as HCP is owned by Aaron Turner, who previously engineered Belle's Hot Chicken on Gertrude Street. The menu is conceptually similar – a hero serve of southern fried chicken (as spicy as you can handle) and a down-home side (think turnips, greens and coleslaw) for $16. The simplicity of the menu works in its favour as the entire wine list is paired for salt, crunch and spice. It's dominated by light, fruity wines from some of Australian's most innovative winemakers — and if you're not literate in wine speak, your best bet is to ask a staff member to choose a wine for you. They know their stuff. We highly, highly recommend indulging in a side of the crispy chicken skin (drizzled in honey, hot sauce and thyme) because you will see God. The place is usually buzzing on the weekend, and with plans to expand into the next shop front, HCP can only get better with time. If you're hankering for a cold one after that, drop into the Little Creatures Geelong Brewery for one straight from the source. [caption id="attachment_569247" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Freckleduck[/caption] The final must-eat destination on your Geelong tour is Freckleduck. The sweet corner café is light, airy and — dare we say it — produces the best coffee in Geelong. The pumpkin smash, served with tortillas, roasted pepitas, fresh asparagus, onion jam and prosciutto ($17) is a salty, sweet and crunchy affair and absolute heaven on a plate. They've just announced plans for a brother venue in Belmont, so we're clearly not the only ones feeling it. [caption id="attachment_569246" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lola's Kitchen at Boom Gallery[/caption] SEE AND DO Geelong's art scene is intimate. There aren't new openings every night of the week with free flowing Champagne and lines around the block full of hungry young social climbers desperate to be seen; instead, it's more of a community of makers, painters and creatives who quietly and rigorously curate thoughtful and provocative shows. That's what first strikes you as you enter a Geelong gallery — the exhibitions have been created by locals, for locals. And secondly, you might be a little surprised at how many of them there are. There's a lot more art galleries nestled in Geelong than meets the eye — you'll find them hidden in quiet corners, behind demure shopfronts and residing in rustic warehouses. Boom Gallery should be your first stop. From the centre of town, grab an Uber (yes, Geelong has Uber) out to the Rutland Street address and make your way down the row of warehouses to the end. The gallery itself is curated by Ren Inei, whose name you may recognise from some of the works on the walls. They just wrapped up a phenomenal show about local legend William Buckley (of the saying 'Buckley's chance') and one called PLAY, a unique exhibition by Melbourne furniture designers Dowel Jones that encourages attendees to play with their creations. Inei may be a curator, but his attitude is more docent — turn up on any day of the week and you'll likely find him getting amongst it, hanging out with exhibiting artists in the café, chatting with visitors and giving personal insights on the show. Boom also has a small, chic café attached the gallery space named Lola's Kitchen which serves up bite-sized tacos and smooth coffee. For details on current and upcoming exhibitions, go here. [caption id="attachment_573394" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Boom Gallery[/caption] The National Wool Gallery in the centre of town is another must-do. While the museum is housed in the former Dennys Lascelles wool store and chronicles the history of Australian wool in more detail than strictly necessary, the space also hosts some amazing (and random) exhibitions, including the current Wildlife of Gondwana. While you're in the city centre, make sure you stop in at the Geelong Gallery too, a stately old building which has enough clout to host the bigwigs of Australian and international fame. The current exhibition — Land of the Golden Fleece, running until June 13 — is a retrospective of one of the big names in Australian landscape impressionism, Arthur Streeton. The exhibition is beautifully curated and as much about Streeton's life as it is about his works. If you don't want to leave without a souvenir, make your way our to the Mill Markets. They're a little way out of town, but if you've got a car (or just a strong will for vintage shopping) it's well worth trekking to. It's a two-storey veritable paradise of vintage clothes, books, antiques and weird shit, and your bound to find something to at least consider buying. But if you're worn out with food, art and busyness, a picnic basket and veg out session in the lush Johnstone Park is the perfect way to round out your stay. LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Geelong is about one hour from Melbourne. You can drive (the M1 makes it a cinch) or take a V/Line train from Southern Cross to Geelong Station. The city isn't bursting with hotels, but the Mercure Geelong is situated in the centre of town and Airbnb is (as always) your friend. Imogen Baker travelled as a guest of Tourism Greater Geelong & the Bellarine. Top image: Little Creatures Geelong Brewery.
Ever since news broke that The Cure, The Strokes and The Avalanches were coming to Australia for Splendour this year, every punter and his dog have been trying to predict when and if The Cure would be announcing solo sideshows to coincide with the festival (unlike the other two bands, they didn't have a big fat 'only Aus show' next to their name). And today they've gone and done it, with Live Nation announcing this morning that the iconic British band will be touring to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth later this year. Just like in 80s rock heaven, The Cure will be playing full-set arena spectaculars. Their retrospective shows have been known to go for two hours plus, so if you can't make it to Splendour, this really is the next best thing. It's the first time the band have toured Aus since 2007. The dates for Sydney and Melbourne have been locked in: Monday, July 25 at Qudos Bank/Allphones Arena and Thursday, July 28 at Rod Laver Arena, respectively. However, the Adelaide and Perth shows are still being finalised and will be announced at a later date. You're going to have to get your best ticket-nabbing game on though, because these babies are going to wildly sought after. The Melbourne and Sydney shows will go on sale next week. There will be a Telstra customer pre-sale at 10am on Tuesday, May 3, followed by a Live Nation pre-sale at 10am on Thursday, May 5, and general tickets will finally go on sale at 10am on Friday, May 6. Phew. THE CURE 2016 TOUR DATES Monday, July 25 — Qudos Bank Arena (formerly Allphones Arena), Sydney. Thursday, July 28 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Adelaide and Perth dates to follow. To keep up to date and to buy tickets, head to livenation.com.au.
If pale pink suits, burgundy striped blazers and shiny gold cufflinks don't sound truly fabulous, then think again, because they totally are. Double Academy Award-winning designer Catherine Martin has created an authentic 1920s style costume collection for Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of The Great Gatsby — as well as a dapper consumer line that you can own a piece (or two or twenty) of. Martin teamed up with America's oldest clothier, Brooks Brothers, in a unique collaboration to produce the 500+ outstanding men's costumes that will surely be a highlight of the film. Writer of The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald was a lifelong Brooks Brothers customer, so it only made sense that the filmmakers would team up with the clothing company to create an attractive and authentic line, something that Fitzgerald would approve of. On the Brooks Brothers website Martin says, "It was the most basic and fundamental connection that has made our collaboration so authentic." The main inspiration for the collection came right from the Brooks Brothers archives. Martin rummaged through the extensive archives and found incredible designs that typified classic 1920s style. Since the designs were inspired by real 1920s clothing, they do a great job of adding period-specific authenticity and really bring the film to life. The best part? Brooks Brothers has adapted the costumes into an exclusive collection, including both formalwear and daywear, that is now being sold in stores and online. Below are some of the (gorgeous) items that are being showcased and sold on the Brooks Brothers website.
The world won't end in April, but video game and television fans will be whisked off to an irradiated wasteland just by sitting on their couches. Here, living inside luxe vaults has been the way of life for two centuries; however, it's no longer a reality for Lucy (Ella Purnell, Yellowjackets). So goes the plot for the new Fallout streaming series that's following 2023's The Last of Us from mashed buttons to TV. This one comes via Prime Video, dropped its first teaser last year, and has now unveiled a full look that shows that it's sticking closely to its source material. The streaming platform has also announced that Fallout will arrive earlier than initially planned, by a day — so you'll be watching on Thursday, April 11, 2024. It's been almost three decades since Fallout first hit computers back in 1997, with three released sequels, a fourth on the way and seven spinoffs all following. The live-action television take doesn't just star Purnell, but also a swaggering Walton Goggins (I'm a Virgo) as bounty hunter The Ghoul, plus Kyle MacLachlan (Lucky Hank) as Overseer Hank. Here, it's a post-apocalyptic future, where everything went pear-shaped 200 years back. Hence living in vaults, because a hellscape filled with mutants, wild west vibes and plenty of violence awaits outside those cosy confines — as the optimistic Lucy, daughter of Hank, who oversees Vault 33, is about to find out. On the surface, Goggins' The Ghoul has a secret past — and Aaron Moten (Emancipation) also has a pivotal part as Brotherhood of Steel soldier Maximus. The retrofuturistic dystopian series features Moisés Arias (Samaritan), Sarita Choudhury (And Just Like That...), Michael Emerson (Evil), Leslie Uggams (Extrapolations), Frances Turner (The Boys), Dave Register (Heightened), Zach Cherry (Severance) and Johnny Pemberton (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) as well — plus Rodrigo Luzzi (Dead Ringers), Annabel O'Hagan (Dear Edward) and Xelia Mendes-Jones (The Wheel of Time). For The Last of Us, HBO enlisted a creative force from one of the US premium cable network's past hits in Chernobyl's Craig Mazin. Prime Video has done the same with Fallout, but with Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy — who also executive produced Prime Video's own The Peripheral. As well as executive producing with Joy, Nolan directs the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) are similarly among Fallout's executive producers, as well as the series' writers and co-showrunners. And yes, Bethesda Game Studios has a hand in finally bringing the games to the screen. Check out the full trailer for Fallout below: Fallout will start streaming via Prime Video from Thursday, April 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
Ah, the humble loo — a place of peace and sometimes panic when you realise the roll is empty (or was simply never there to begin with). Here in Straya, not only do we have stunning landscapes, amazing surf and adorable native critters, but there are loos with views so sensational that they'll make you forget about the TP entirely. We decided to make a list of a few of the best, and in order to cover as much ground as possible, we asked our readers and social followers to chip in with your reccos. The following list is made up of our favourite submissions. So if you've decided to head off on an adventure this long weekend, here's where you should head when nature calls — plus some nice spots to chill over the weekend with a bev from our mates at The Bottle-O. [caption id="attachment_942303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Wellington, Darren Tierney[/caption] Kunanyi (Mount Wellington), TAS If you fancy a Tassie road trip, head up to Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) for the best bathroom views, according to reader Alan: "There's a public toilet at the top with the best views even on a cloudy day. The window is literally above the sink, so you can look out while washing your hands." Once peak dunny has been achieved, continue on the adventure to Huon Valley or down to Bruny Island, stopping in at local The Bottle-O to grab a haul of evening beers to crack with your road trip buds — ideally over a roaring fireplace. Closest The Bottle-O: Grove [caption id="attachment_942299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kalbarri Skywalk, Gagliardi Photography[/caption] Kalbarri National Park, WA Are you keen on an outback adventure in WA this long weekend? Explore the dramatic coastline and striking red sandstone gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Take it all in at the Kalbarri Skywalk – and make sure you pay your respects at the toilets next door. Our IG follower Tanya paints a glorious picture: "You step out of the bathroom, and there are just uninterrupted views of the landscape. Just breathtaking." Then, make your way to Dongara's The Bottle-O for a well-deserved beverage to enjoy with your mates at the local campground. Closest The Bottle-O: Dongara [caption id="attachment_942305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sunset Beach, Penny Britt[/caption] Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach, Onslow, WA Concrete Playground commenter Laura recommends this spot: "There are bathrooms with showers, so whether you're arriving first thing for a dip at sunrise or chilling in the evening, there's everything you need to get sorted and perfect sunrises and sunsets over the ocean with a bev." If you're WA-bound and the beach is calling you this long weekend, enjoy epic sunrise and sunset views at Sunrise Beach (or front beach, ideal for swimming and chilling) and Sunset Beach (or back beach, perfect for fishing and picnicking) after picking up your drinks at The Bottle-O and snacks at the local grocers at Onslow. Closest The Bottle-O: Onslow [caption id="attachment_942304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Wellington, Nick Clark[/caption] Mount Solitary, Blue Mountains National Park NSW Every Sydneysider has gone to the Blue Mountains at least once. But have you made it over to Mount Solitary? Reader Michael recommends the Mount Solitary walking track for the views and the drop toilets: "There are two toilets and a water tank near Ruined Castle if you need to take care of business. There's never too many people about, and the views are unreal." Keep in mind this walk is for experienced bushwalkers, but once you've successfully completed the journey, nothing will taste better than that first drink back at the campsite once you've kicked off your walking boots. Stock up your dinner supplies at Hazelbrook and drinks at the local The Bottle-O on the way to the track's starting point. Closest The Bottle-O: Hazelbrook [caption id="attachment_942302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lord Howe Island, A Goyen[/caption] Lord Howe Island, NSW If you're looking for a long weekend adventure with a whole lotta luxury, Lord Howe Island, with its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, make it a straight-up paradise. And apparently, the public toilets stick to the same high standards. Concrete Playground follower Pat confirms: "Everything is lush on this island. There's a stunning view from every window, especially the public toilets at Ned's Beach." There are a few ways onto the island, but unless you and your mates have access to a boat, you'll have to fly over. Regional flights head from Port Macquarie, head there to stock up on supplies and bevs from The Bottle-O toast to island life for the long weekend. Closest The Bottle-O: Flynn's Beach, Port Macquarie [caption id="attachment_942300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lake Bellfield Toilets, Tracie Louise[/caption] Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park VIC Melbourne-based readers: are the mountains calling you for a long weekend getaway? Trek along the ridges and clicks of the epic mountain range before chasing emus off your campsite at Smith's Mill Campground. Once you've arrived in the Grampians, you're not going to have the opportunity to head down to the local shop for snacks, so get sorted at Sebastopol and head to The Bottle-O there for any campsite brews to enjoy with your mates. David recommends Lake Bellfield for a loo with a view, and sounds like prime real estate: "Just off the main road from Halls Gap, in this large two-storey wooden shelter, you'll find the toilets with views out over the lake, perfect for stretching your legs." Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol [caption id="attachment_942306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Wirestock[/caption] Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, TAS Want to get a little wild for the long weekend? Head into the wild west of Tassie to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. According to reader Natalie, the dunnies located near Nelson Falls are among Australia's most scenic: "A perfect sidetrack if you're road-tripping from Cradle Mountain to Queenstown or vice versa. Toilets themselves are nothing special, but the waterfalls are gorge". Once you've finished admiring the scenery, head over to Queenstown to pick up a drink at The Bottle-O and toast to the wonders of the Tasmanian wilderness at the free campsite at Lake Burbury. Closest The Bottle-O: Queenstown Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Canva Stock
Not even Australia's balmy December temperatures can keep us from embracing the ironic ugly Christmas sweater trend. Christmas in July is here, my friends, and so too is a new line of OTT Yuletide-themed pullovers from the Colonel. Yep, KFC has just dropped its 2022 Christmas jumper range — and this time, there's a matching outfit for the furry mate in your life, too. Available to snap up from today, Friday, July 1, the limited-edition designs are primed for cheesy family photos, rocking a cheery red-and-white pattern and emblazoned with a cheeky nod to fried chicken: "Tis The Seasonings". Both the human sweaters and the pet versions come in a range of sizes, so you're sure to find a good fit no matter how hard you — or Murphy— have gone on the winter comfort food this year. What's more, there's zero shame to be felt in this daggy knitwear purchase, since all profits from the jumpers are going to support KFC's charity partners, The Black Dog Institute, ReachOut Australia and Whitelion. While Santa might not be squeezing down the chimney any time soon, KFC has also pulled together a new Festive Bangers playlist to get you in the mood. You can find it over on Spotify. And if the matchy-matchy outfits have left you and your pooch really wanting to cash in on that Christmas in July spirit, KFC's also releasing a limited-edition themed festive feast, featuring a family-sized feed that includes the new Christmas Cranberry and Christmas Mayo Stuffing dipping sauces. KFC's new Christmas in July sweaters are available to buy online, clocking in at RRP $59.95 (plus postage) for the human jumpers and RRP $34.95 (plus postage) for the pet designs.
Forty years after first forming, Cirque du Soleil still knows how to notch up firsts among its lineup of dazzling circus shows, especially for Australian audiences. In 2023, the Montreal-based company headed Down Under with CRYSTAL, its first-ever ice production on ice. In 2024, it's following that up with LUZIA, which takes inspiration from Mexico, and also marks Cirque du Soleil's first touring performance that features rain in its acrobatic and artistic scenes. LUZIA's name is a combination of the words 'lux' and 'lluvia' in Spanish, with the first translating as light and the second as rain. What that means in the production will be unveiled to Aussie audiences throughout the year, starting in Melbourne in March. Seasons in Adelaide from June, Perth from July, Brisbane from September and Sydney from November will all follow. While it has been four decades since Cirque du Soleil was created back in 1984, 2024 is the 25th anniversary of the troupe's performances in Australia, making LUZIA the tenth big-top show to hit our shores. So, although it's already an ode to Mexican culture, the production has even more to celebrate as it spends the bulk of 2024 and into 2025 making its way around the nation. Packing their bags to help: a team of 120 people, which includes 47 artists from 26 countries. First staged in 2016 and becoming Cirque du Soleil's 38th original production at the time, LUZIA has already been seen by 4.5-million people, a number that'll grow in Australia. Audiences are in for a trip to an imaginary version of Mexico, where the performance gets playful and surreal amid the light and rain. Some of the settings include an old movie set, the desert, the ocean and a dance hall, all backdropping the company's acrobatics, trapeze displays, contortionist feats, juggling and more. In the Cyr wheel, artists will roll and spin through the rain. And that trapeze work? That happens through showers. LUZIA also spans hoop diving on giant treadmills, a natural sinkhole, seven pins being flung in the air by jugglers and street dancing that includes footballs. Daniele Finzi Pasca wrote and directs the production, which begins with a parachutist falling into a field of cempasuchil flowers, turning a huge metallic key, then taking a magical journey. From there, the clown antics give LUZIA a beach clown and clown scuba diving, the acrobatics even take to a bike, a luchador mask makes an appearance in the swing segment — 1000-plus costumes are seen across the show in total — and a hair-suspension act features. Cirque du Soleil's LUZIA — Australian Tour 2024–25: From Sunday, March 24, 2024 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne From Sunday, June 9, 2024 — Adelaide Showground, Adelaide From Thursday, July 25, 2024 — Claremont Showgrounds, Perth From Wednesday, September 25, 2024 — Next to Royal Queensland Golf Club, off Curtin Ave East, Brisbane From Sunday, November 24, 2024 — Entertainment Quarter, Sydney Cirque du Soleil's LUZIA tours Australia from March 2024. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the show's website. Images: Anne Colliard.
Is Brisbane's northside becoming the River City's relaxation zone? Not content with scoring a new bathhouse in Lutwyche, this part of town is getting another before mid-2024 hits: The Bathhouse Albion. The European-inspired wellness haven is setting up shop on Nariel Street as part the Albion Fine Trades precinct, with everyone that's keen for a soak, float, plunge and steam able to make its acquaintance from June. The vibe here is indulgent, opulent and luxurious — all in an architecturally designed space that boasts Hogg & Lamb's fingerprints, as Brisbane restaurants Babylon and Gemelli Italian already do. Travertine stone is a key element, giving the venue not just a Euro look and feel, but an old-school one as well. Moody lighting and high ceilings also feature. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bathhouse Albion (@thebathhousealbion) Within the atmospheric bathhouse, patrons will be able to take a dip in both hot and cold pools (the latter gets down to 12 degrees), then get sweaty in traditional and infrared saunas — and in a Finnish sauna with a fireplace. The six-degree ice bath will cool you down. The tiered steam room will heat you back up. If you just want to drift, there's the float room. And, in-between treatments, the relaxation lounge awaits. Turning chasing bliss into a multi-sensory experience, The Bathhouse Albion will also feature calming fragrances and sounds — and there's no phones allowed, and no alcohol as well. It'll also have a cap on guest numbers for each session, so you won't have too much company. Vanderbilt Wellness is behind the wellness spot, which Managing Director James Walsh — an experienced long-distance and ultra-marathon runner — explains aims to "create a space where our guests can re-energise and restore, as part of a balanced lifestyle in an unmatched setting". He's dubbing it "one of the most luxurious bathhouses in the world", too. "I've had the opportunity to run ultra marathons all over the world and the privilege of experiencing some of the world's most well-regarded and award-winning wellness and recovery centres." "Our aim is to transcend the standard of service and experience available in the Australian market." The Bathhouse Albion will open at 64 Nariel Street, Albion in June — head to the venue's website for more details in the interim.
In 2025, Sydney Opera House's annual All About Women festival is welcoming than 50 speakers, including artists, thinkers and storytellers from both Australia and overseas, to explore gender, equality and justice. This year's lineup will participate in sessions that span women in sport and the influence of the Matildas, racism and sexism in the music industry, the impacts of skincare routines, and plenty more. For 13 years, marking International Women's Day with talks, panels, workshops and performances has been as easy as attending this highlight of the cultural calendar — a must-attend event not only in Sydney, but also nationally in recent years, thanks to the streaming of sessions online (which continues in 2025). For this year, Kate Berlant and Gina Chick joined the All About Women bill first, as did the return of the Feminist Roast. Kara Swisher, Rachel House, Jaguar Jonze and Grace Tame are among the folks joining them come Saturday, March 8–Sunday, March 9. Berlant is making her first trip Down Under, with the comedian and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Don't Worry Darling and A League of Their Own actor set to debut a new stand-up show. Alone Australia's first-season winner Chick is on the bill fresh from releasing her memoir We Are the Stars in October, and will chat about following your own path, grief and resourcefulness. On a lineup overseen by the Sydney Opera House Talks & Ideas team — as led by Chip Rolley, alongside 10 News First's Narelda Jacobs and actor and writer Michelle Law — journalist and Burn Book: A Tech Love Story author Swisher will dig into the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter, while Heartbreak High star and The Mountain director House will chat through the importance of community and her Māori culture in her career. Jonze is on the panel discussing the present state of the music industry, as is Barkaa. And Tame is part of the Feminist Roast alongside Michelle Brasier, Nakkiah Lui, Lucinda 'Froomes' Price and Steph Tisdell. The Tillies are on the roster via former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, plus Football Australia, the Matildas and the ParaMatildas Media Manager Ann Odong, with their session exploring the current situation for women in sport. Elsewhere, Dr Michelle Wong, Jessica DeFino and Yumi Stynes — plus Price again — will examine the impacts of beauty standards, especially upon younger generations. All About Women's 2025 program also spans sessions on the women who gave testimony at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, the rise of domestic violence-related deaths in Australia, systems that are meant to protect First Nations children, perimenopause and how women's health is being commercialised, tradwives, grief, motherhood, the nation's declining birth rate, bodily autonomy and abortion, and being friends for life.
Two cheers-worthy ideas sit at the heart of Stickybeak, Woolloongabba's latest place to enjoy a glass of wine. Here, on the corner of Logan Road, making the world's top drops affordable is a main motivating factor. Also, so is letting patrons pour their own tipples. Throw in an 80-vino drinks list on offer across two levels, too, and Brisbane has a new must-visit watering hole. Dropping into at a wine bar for a sip doesn't usually involve getting your own drink, instantly ensuring that Stickybeak stands out — as it has since it was first announced in 2024, and will continue to do so since opening its doors at the beginning of February 2025. How does it work? The venue's method for allowing patrons nab their own beverages, a cutting-edge self-serve dispensing technology, provides 25-, 75- and 150-millilitre pours. That's also how the bar can offer impressive wines without breaking the bank. The new 60-seater vino haven has taken over the site that was previously home to Thai Rose Cafe and Bar, with 64 of its wines on the menu upstairs and 16 on offer downstairs. For something to line the stomach while you're sat either indoors or out — including on the upstairs balcony — there's a small array of bites chosen specifically to pair well with its drops. And if you feel like knocking back something other than wine, canned craft beer is also on the drinks menu. Stickybeak is the latest venture from the crew behind BTG Wine, marking the team's first venue — and if you're wondering about the types of top global drops at that it's making available at wallet-friendly prices, non-vintage champagne and blanc de blancs also feature among the curated range, but championing Australian winemakers earns special attention. If both picking and pouring your own vino sounds like being spoiled for choice — and the possible reason to get indecisive — the bar's staff are on hand to help chat you through the wine selection. "Australia has some of the most-diverse and exciting wines in the world, and Stickybeak is all about celebrating that. This venue is not just about pouring wine — it's about sharing the stories of the winemakers, the vineyards and the passion that goes into every bottle," advises co-owner Anthony McConnel. "We want our guests to feel connected to the incredible heritage and innovation that defines Australian wine." Find Stickybeak Wine Bar at 2 Logan Road, Woolloongabba — open from 3pm–late Wednesday–Sunday. Head to the venue's Instagram page for more details.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from February's haul of newbies. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW KIMI For the second year in a row, Steven Soderbergh has made one of the year's standout movies — even if 2022 is still a mere two months in — and it has completely bypassed Australian cinemas. Unlike last year's No Sudden Move, however, Kimi was always destined for streaming. The latest in his series of paranoid thrillers that also includes Contagion, and once again female-fronted as Haywire, Side Effects and Unsane were too, this Zoë Kravitz-starring standout takes its cues from smart devices, humanity's increasing dependence upon technology, and the kinds of events that a virtual assistant like Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant might eavesdrop on. As a result, Soderbergh has crafted another movie that riffs on a growing area of real-life interest, then turns it into a tense, potent and devilishly smart feature. A bonus: focusing on a protagonist who doesn't feel safe leaving her house, Kimi couldn't better capture how the pandemic has felt without overtly needing to be a COVID-19 film. Kravitz (Big Little Lies) plays Angela Childs, who works for Seattle-based tech corporation Amygdala from the comfort of her own sprawling loft — and from her own audiophile's dream of a computer setup — listening to snippets of conversation captured by smart speaker Kimi for quality assurance. In one clip, she hears what she believes to be a horrible crime and is compelled to follow up; however, her bosses aren't thrilled about her probing. Complicating matters: after being the victim of an assault a couple of years earlier, Angela suffers from anxiety and agoraphobia, making leaving the house to investigate a fraught task. As he did to particularly stellar effect in Unsane as well, Soderbergh styles his latest psychological thriller after its protagonist's mindset, making unease and suspense drop from every aesthetic choice — camera angles and placement, jittery frames and a voyeuristic perspective all included. Kimi is available to stream via Binge. STARSTRUCK It's official: after a dream of a first season, Rose Matafeo's rom-com sitcom Starstruck is back to make you fall head over heels for its 21st-century take on dating a famous actor all over again. It's also official for Matafeo's (Baby Done) Jessie, who is now dating Tom (Nikesh Patel, Four Weddings and a Funeral), the celebrity she had a one-night stand with on New Year's Eve, then navigated an awkward will-they-won't-they dance around every time they ran into each other in London. But this next batch of six episodes poses a key question: once you've enjoyed the wild meet-cute, ridden the courtship rollercoaster and been bowled over by a grand romantic gesture (see: Starstruck's The Graduate-style season-one finale), what comes next? It's the stuff that rom-com movie sequels might cover, except that for all of Hollywood's eagerness to rinse and repeat its most popular fare, this genre is sparse in the follow-up department. Season two picks up exactly where its predecessor left off, with Jessie and Tom's bus ride segueing into a WTF realisation — as in "WTF do we do now?". That's a query that Jessie isn't ready to answer, even though she's made the big leap and missed her flight home. So, she avoids even tackling the situation at first, and then eschews fully committing even when she's meant to be in the throes of romantic bliss. Basically, it's messy, and the kind of chaos that rom-coms don't show when they end with a happily-ever-after moment. Like everyone, Jessie and Tom endure plenty. In the process, this gem of a show's second season is light but also deep, a screwball delight while also sharp and relatable, and still filled with fellow romantic-comedy references. And, as well as continuing to showcase Matafeo at her best, it remains a rom-com that's as aware of what relationships in 2022 are really alike as it is about how romance is typically portrayed in its genre. Starstruck's second season is available to stream via ABC iView. Read our full review. HELLBENDER Meet the Adams family — no, not the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky characters that've featured on pages and screens for decades (including in two terrible recent animated flicks), but the filmmaking collective comprised of couple Toby Poser and John Adams, plus their daughters Zelda and Lulu Adams. The quartet might be missing a letter from their well-known counterparts' names, but they're just as fond of all things horror. Case in point: their second feature Hellbender, a self-financed gem that's both a spellbinding tale of witchcraft and a clever coming-of-age story. It starts in a house in the woods, and also spends most of its time there. It includes the arrival of an unexpected stranger, shattering the status quo. But formulaic and by-the-numbers, this must-see isn't. In making exceptional use of its setting, and of a cast that's primarily comprised of Adams family members, it's also a masterclass in lockdown filmmaking. In the most expected aspect of Hellbender, the film's name does indeed refer to a punk-metal band, with 16-year-old Izzy (Zelda Adams, The Deeper You Dig) and her mother (Toby Poser) its sole members. No one else has ever heard them play, either, given that Izzy is both homeschooled and confined to the family's sprawling mountainside property, as she has been since she was five. Her mum tells her that she can't venture into town or around other people due to a contagious autoimmune disease; however, when a lost man (John Adams) wanders their way and mentions that his teenage niece Amber (Lulu Adams) lives nearby, Izzy gets the confidence to go exploring. As both written and directed by three out of four Adams family members — all except Lulu — Hellbender proves an impressive supernatural affair from its opening occult-heavy prologue through to its astute take on teen rebellion. Here's hoping this Adams family spirits up more DIY horror delights soon, too. Hellbender is available to stream via Shudder. EUPHORIA From the very first frames of its debut episode back in June 2019, when just-out-of-rehab 17-year-old Rue Bennett (Zendaya, Spider-Man: No Way Home) gave viewers the lowdown on her life, mindset, baggage, friends, family and everyday chaos, Euphoria has courted attention — or, mirroring the tumultuous teens at the centre of its dramas, the Emmy-winning HBO series just knew that eyeballs would come its way no matter what it did. The brainchild of filmmaker Sam Levinson (Malcolm & Marie), adapted from an Israeli series by the same name, and featuring phenomenal work by its entire cast, it's flashy, gritty, tense, raw, stark and wild, and manages to be both hyper-stylised to visually striking degree and deeply empathetic. In other words, if teen dramas reflect the times they're made — and from Degrassi, Press Gang and Beverly Hills 90210 through to The OC, Friday Night Lights and Skins, they repeatedly have — Euphoria has always been a glittery eyeshadow-strewn sign of today's times. That hasn't changed in the show's second season. Almost two and a half years might've elapsed between Euphoria's first and second batch of episodes — a pair of out-of-season instalments in late 2020 and early 2021 aside — but it's still as potent, intense and addictive as ever. And, as dark, as Rue's life and those of her pals (with the cast including Hunter Schafer, The King of Staten Island's Maude Apatow, The Kissing Booth franchise's Jacob Elordi, The White Lotus' Sydney Sweeney, The Afterparty's Barbie Ferreira, North Hollywood's Angus Cloud and Waves' Alexa Demie) bobs and weaves through everything from suicidal despair, Russian Roulette, bloody genitals, unforgettable school plays, raucous parties and just garden-variety 2022-era teen angst. The list always goes on; in fact, as once again relayed in Levinson's non-stop, hyper-pop style, the relentlessness that is being a teenager today, trying to work out who you are and navigating all that the world throws at you is Euphoria's point. Euphoria is available to stream via Binge. ALL OF US ARE DEAD The zombie apocalypse has arrived in South Korea — again. Fans of the Train to Busan, Seoul Station and Peninsula film franchise, and of 2020 movie #Alive, will be well-accustomed to seeing the ravenous undead wreak havoc on the Asian nation, of course, which puts Netflix series All of Us Are Dead in particularly great company. The premise here: after a school science experiment gone wrong, Hyosan High School swiftly becomes the site of a zombie outbreak, as students and staff alike start munching on flesh and tearing their classmates and colleagues to shreds. Pick whichever high school-set teen movie or TV show you like, add brain-chewing, face-gnawing fiends, and that's the basic idea. Naturally, all that adolescent angst, teen bullying and unrequited love — and all those class clashes and schoolmate secrets, too — take on extra urgency and intensity when the stakes are literally life and death. It might sound like The Walking Dead-meets-Squid Game but with teens, but All of Us Are Dead is never that formulaic — even though picking where the narrative is going, especially in its first few episodes, proves rather easy. Indeed, as the kids in Class 2-5 and their teachers deal with the zombie chaos, the 12-part series is as interested in what it means to fight and survive as it is in the blood-splattered action. That doesn't mean that it skimps on the latter, though. Hyperkinetic displays of thrashed limbs, gnashing teeth and strewn-about gore pop up often, and put plenty of the zombie genre's big-screen equivalents to shame. That said, exploring the complicated relationship between childhood pals Man On-jo and Lee Cheong-san (House of Hummingbird's Park Ji-hu and Nobody Knows' Yoon Chan-young), and also unpacking rich girl Lee Na-yeon's privilege (Squid Game's Lee Yoo-mi) — to pick just a few of the equally gruesome, entertaining and thoughtful show's lengthy list of characters — couldn't be more crucial. All of Us Are Dead is available to stream via Netflix. I WANT YOU BACK If a rom-com isn't well cast, it might as well not even exist. If viewers can't buy the chemistry between whichever couple has just stumbled into each other's orbit, developed feelings for one another and started wading through all the messy matters of the heart that always follow in the on-screen path to true love, then nothing in the movie will ever make sense. Thankfully, that isn't a problem that the supremely likeable I Want You Back has, all thanks to its ace central duo: the always-welcome Jenny Slate (Parks and Recreation) and Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia). The pair play Emma and Peter, who work in the same building and first run into each other hiding out in the stairwell. They've both just been dumped, Emma by gym trainer Noah (Scott Eastwood, Wrath of Man) and Peter by school teacher Anne (Gina Rodriguez, Kajillionaire), and they're each distraught. As they become friends, stalk their exes via social media, and stumble further into sorrow when they see that Noah and Anne have moved on, they hatch a plan — and yes, getting their past loves back is the number-one aim, as the movie's moniker makes plain. A romantic comedy needn't be surprising to be enjoyable, and I Want You Back was always going to nudge Emma and Peter together. When a rom-com does indeed manage to have two great stars at its centre, that's simply what the genre does best (and should do often). Falling in love while trying to woo back your ex? That's screenwriters Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger's (also co-scribes on Love, Simon) setup, and one that's both goofily and sweetly handled by director Jason Orley — who also showed his skill at tinkering with a seemingly standard formula with 2019's Big Time Adolescence, too. Of course, even with The Good Place's Manny Jacinto also among the cast, I Want You Back wouldn't be a fraction of the warmly enjoyable film it is without Slate and Day anchoring its leisurely stroll through heartbreak and new beginnings. I Want You Back is available to stream via Prime Video. THE TINDER SWINDLER It must be scam month over at Netflix. Example one: The Tinder Swindler. The true-crime documentary tells the tale of Simon Leviev, an Israeli con man who posed as the jet-setting heir to a diamond fortune — among other gambits — on the titular dating app, romanced a series of women and fleeced them of sizeable sums of money. If that all sounds familiar, that's because his fraudulent scheme was exposed in a 2019 article by Norwegian publication Verdens Gang, but stepping through the details on-screen still makes for harrowing, yell-at-the-TV viewing. If your path to love has involved swiping right, the doco-thriller just might be nightmare fuel, too. It treats its interviews, all women who fell for Leviev's scam, with respect and without judgement, but the film also relays a compelling cautionary tale about our always-online lives and the internet as a tool for seduction. When Cecilie Fjellhøy first saw Leviev's Tinder profile, she happily moved her finger in the appropriate direction. That very same day, she was meeting him in a hotel bar, then accompanying him overseas on a private jet. Their whirlwind courtship continued, including talk about starting a family and moving in together — largely via WhatsApp as he was frequently overseas — and then, after his bodyguard was supposedly attacked by one of his enemies, the requests for cash started rolling in. Pernilla Sjöholm has a similar story, although she only ever kept things platonic with Simon. Her time in his inner circle overlaps with Cecille's, in fact. Simon's list of victims doesn't end there, but the trio of Scandinavian women who share the details with first-time director Felicity Morris are candid, earnest and understandably angry as they lay out the facts. A dramatised version of this tale will undoubtedly follow, because of course it will. The Tinder Swindler is available to stream via Netflix. INVENTING ANNA Inventing Anna, aka Netflix scam-month offering number two, doesn't just detail the kind of story that's so chaotic that it can only be true. And, as The Tinder Swindler also achieves (see above), it doesn't simply chronicle another wild case of scheming, conning, pretending, lying and gleefully splashing around fat stacks of cash, either. It's also home to an accent, courtesy of Ozark and The Assistant's Julia Garner as the eponymous Anna Delvey, that's a force of nature all by itself — one that speaks volumes, not just literally, about the woman at its centre as well. When fictionalised writer Vivian Kent (Anna Chlumsky, Veep) starts interviewing the imprisoned socialite's pals for a story, they all provide different descriptions. Little in their thoughts and observations about her gels from person to person, which Kent obviously notices. Evading being easily pinned down — whether in her personality traits, attitudes, clothes, friends, backstory and tastes, or in her voice — is a crucial part to her whole charade. Fiercely spitting out those distinctive tones, which sound more than a touch like The Room's Tommy Wiseau, Garner is nothing less than riveting as Delvey — who, when Inventing Anna begins, has just been arrested for deceiving financial institutions, banks, hotels and acquaintances, charges she vehemently denies. Instead, Delvey claims she's a rich heiress who wouldn't need to do the things she's accused of, but also sports a ferocious lust for fame or even infamy. Kent has to fight to even look into the story thanks to her own complicated history, and the more time that she spends both with Delvey herself and furiously interrogating every aspect of her life, the more fascinated that she becomes. Viewers are swept along the same path in this slick, savvy, super-polished miniseries, which hails from Grey's Anatomy and Scandal's Shonda Rhimes, shares those two shows' loves of glossily packaged twists, and is compulsively watchable. Inventing Anna is available to stream via Netflix. NEW SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK SEVERANCE It's the ultimate in work-life balance, an antidote to non-stop after-hours emails and Slack messages, and a guaranteed way to ensure what happens at work stays at work. In mind-bending thriller series Severance — which plays like Black Mirror meets the Charlie Kaufman-penned Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, with Wes Anderson's aesthetic if he designed soulless office complexes, plus sprinklings of everything from George Orwell to also-excellent 2020 TV effort Devs — switching off when clocking off at Lumon Industries is easy. There's a brain implant for exactly that, and it's a condition of employment on "severed" floors. Accordingly, when quittin' time comes for Macrodata Refinement division employee Mark (Adam Scott, Big Little Lies), he physically steps into a tiny, shiny elevator to descend back into his after-hours life; however, the version of him that works for Lumon won't recall anything beyond the company's walls. The instant that the lift plummets, it goes back up for Mark's "innie", as his office-bound consciousness is dubbed. Voila, it's clocking-on time once more. Severance's attention-grabbing premise springs from creator Dan Erickson, a TV first-timer, and understands how most folks feel about office life. The show is knowing in its lead casting, too, given that Scott is best recognised for two workplace comedies: the joyous hug that is Parks and Recreation, as well as the acerbic, astute and soon-to-return Party Down. But as savvily and evocatively directed by Ben Stiller in its first three season-one episodes (and again in its last three, with Kissing Candice filmmaker Aoife McArdle helming three in the middle), Scott's new series dwells in 'be careful what you wish for' territory. For the part of Mark's brain that blanks out work, Severance initially seems like heaven. For the half that only knows the office, it's hell. For everyone watching, soaking in its twisty mysteries — and enjoying Patricia Arquette (The Act), Christopher Walken (Percy vs Goliath) and John Turturro (The Plot Against America) as fellow Lumon employees, it's a surreal and gripping must-see. The first three episodes of Severance's first season are available to stream via Apple TV+, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. PAM & TOMMY When the first images of Lily James playing Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy dropped, they captured an astonishing transformation. The Pursuit of Love star didn't just look like herself dressed up as the famed Baywatch actor; thanks to the miniseries' hair, makeup and costuming teams, she appeared as if she'd leapt into Anderson's body Being John Malkovich-style. That feeling only grew as several trailers arrived and, in the finished product, her performance borders on uncanny. It needs to, and not merely to ensure that James never just seems like she's simply slipping into a red swimsuit for an easy impersonation. To genuinely lay bare the fact that Anderson's well-known tale with her now ex-husband Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan, The 355) isn't quite the narrative it's been immortalised as for the past quarter-century, the series keeps returning to the fallout for Anderson — and, in the process, it peers well beyond the way she's historically been seen by the world. Focusing on Anderson's marriage to the Mötley Crüe drummer in the 90s, Pam & Tommy is all about the pair's sex tape, because that intimate recording was the pop-culture scandal of that decade. Also, it's impossible to step into Anderson and Lee's romance without it. Indeed, the show knows that it's spinning an out-there story, even by celebrity terms, and that everyone watching will has their own ideas already formed about the incident. Pam & Tommy leans into that exact certainty to begin with — talking penis and all — but, as James' performance demonstrates, it never sees the tale it's telling as a joke. Co-starring Seth Rogen (An American Pickle) as the carpenter who stole the footage after being treated unfairly by Lee, this rollicking ride of a show is also a thoughtful retelling and interrogation of a tabloid-fodder incident that changed multiple lives and wrongly cemented Anderson's reputation. The first six episodes of Pam & Tommy are available to stream via Star on Disney+, with new episodes dropping weekly. Read our full review. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2021, and January 2022 — and our top new TV shows of 2021, best new television series from this year that you might've missed and top straight-to-streaming films and specials as well.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. From the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue for August. NEW STUFF TO WATCH NOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvamPJp17Ds LOVECRAFT COUNTRY Viewing US race relations and the nation's treatment of its black residents through a horror lens has long been Jordan Peele's jam, dating back to his Key & Peele days. Anyone who has seen Get Out and Us, the two films he has directed thus far, also knows this — and it is evident in Hunters, the TV series he executive produced earlier this year, as well. So Lovecraft Country, HBO's new horror drama based on the 2016 of the same name, was always going to be in Peele's wheelhouse. He's an executive producer again, and he's firmly in his element. Set in the 50s in America's south, this extremely well-executed series follows returned soldier Tic Freeman (Da 5 Bloods' Jonathan Majors), his uncle George (Project Power's Courtney B Vance) and his friend Leti Lewis (Birds of Prey's Jurnee Smollett) as they set off on a road trip to both find Tic's missing dad and locate African American-friendly places for George's Green Book-style guide. Their journey takes them to a part of the country where famed real-life sci-fi and horror writer HP Lovecraft found inspiration for his tales, too — and the results are smart and unnerving on multiple levels. The first two episodes of Lovecraft Country are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes added weekly on Mondays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNlKbqHqGcY HOST Not to be confused with Bong Joon-ho's creature feature The Host, nor with the terrible sci-fi romance of the same name based on a novel boy Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, Shudder's engaging new horror flick Host is relevant to the absolute minute. The setup: bored in COVID-19 lockdown, a group of British friends (Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, Caroline Ward and Edward Linard) decide to spice up their weekly Zoom catchup by enlisting a medium to conduct an online seance. Obviously, anyone who has ever seen a scary movie before knows that this is a bad plan, and that things won't end well. It's not so much what happens here that serves up the film's thrills, however, but how director Rob Savage (Strings) unfurls this creepy, timely premise. Frightening and tense features solely set on computer and mobile phone screens are by no means new — see Unfriended, Searching and Profile, just to name a few — but this is a savvy, cleverly staged and suitably spooky addition to the genre. Host is available to stream via Shudder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_EVR1fI68o I'LL BE GONE IN THE DARK One of the true-crime highlights of the year so far (no, Tiger King really doesn't come close), I'll Be Gone in the Dark delves into the search for the Golden State Killer. If that sounds familiar, that's because the case has been splashed across news headlines of late — including this past weekend, when the culprit was sentenced for his crime spree more than three decades after he last committed the 13 murders, over 50 rapes and more than 120 burglaries that made him the scourge of 70s and 80s-era California. Knowing the most recent developments doesn't spoil this six-part series, though. It's too layered, too full of insight and information, and too tied to author Michelle McNamara, too, to suffer that fate. McNamara wrote the book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer, that the show is based on. And, her story is as much a part of the series as the case she spent years fixating over, with the writer's text published in 2018 after her tragic 2016 death from an accidental overdose. I'll Be Gone in the Dark is available to stream via Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYQvesno79Y P-VALLEY Blasted with disapproval by her mother for her choice of vocation, strip club employee Mercedes (Brandee Evans, Lethal Weapon) comes back strong: "Nah ma, it's art. I transport motherfuckers," she retorts. It's a powerful moment in P-Valley's first episode, but this is a powerful show all-round — and one that 100-percent treats its central activity as an art form. Created by Katori Hall and based on the playwright and journalist's stage production Pussy Valley, the series follows the ins and outs at erotic dance establishment The Pynk in the Mississippi Delta. The arrival of newcomer Autumn Night (Elarica Johnson, A Discovery of Witches) provides the program with its dramatic catalyst, but P-Valley is concerned with everyone in The Pynk's vicinity. Bold and vibrant in its storytelling, characters and visuals alike — neon features heavily — this series not only tells tales that aren't often seen on-screen, but does so with a clearcut and compelling vision. It's soapy at times, but it's also detailed, raw and utterly involving. The first six episodes of P-Valley's first season are available to stream via Stan, with new episodes starting again from Sunday, August 30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViiYJZqGC5w BOYS STATE Imagine this: as part of an annual program designed to teach high schoolers about citizenship, leadership and US politics, a thousand teenage boys spend a week building their own (fictional, obviously) government. They form parties, come up with platforms, campaign for votes, endeavour to find consensus on topical issues and, for some attendees, try to reach Boys State's highest office of governor. If you think you already know how this would turn out, especially given the divided nature of American politics today, you're actually right. Still, watching it happen in the excellent documentary that's also called Boys State is another thing entirely. Taking a deep look at the next generation, interrogating their ideals, seeing what rhetoric these 17-year-olds have picked up and witnessing their willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed, this film is exactly what it aims to be, providing a glimpse of the US in a microcosm as well as a potential insight into the country's future. As directed by Jesse Moss (The Overnighters) and Amanda McBaine, it's also engrossing and striking, not to mention unsettling and optimistic in equal measure. Boys State is available to stream via Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4jopG1wX88 HIGH SCORE Maybe you're a Space Invaders aficionado from way back. Perhaps you've always had some sort of Nintendo console in your house. Or, you could prefer computer role-playing games — or mashing buttons in combat titles like Street Fighter II. Whichever category you fall into, six-part documentary series High Score is here to take you through the history of video games, particularly focusing on the 80s and 90s. It provides a wide-ranging snapshot of a broad topic, complete with personal anecdotes from a wide array of folks involved in the industry in various guises, and will certainly get you hankering for some retro fun. That said, there are omissions. If you correctly think Tetris is the best game ever made and deserves all of the attention and adoration possible, you might be disappointed, for example. Still, the whole thing is narrated by Charles Martinet, who has otherwise been known as the voice of Mario, Luigi, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Wario, Waluigi and Toadsworth since the 90s. High Score is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwJ5LDOl2Tc ACUTE MISFORTUNE If Adam Cullen had been any other artist and Erik Jensen any other journalist, Acute Misfortune may not exist. In 2008, the former invited the latter to stay with him, see him at his best and worst, and channel his rollercoaster ride of a life story into a biography — and, as dramatised by actor-turned-filmmaker Thomas M. Wright in one of the very best Aussie films of the past few years, the results are simply blistering. Just as Jensen didn't shy away from Cullen's erratic, frequently controversial nature at any point, nor does this stunning drama, which could never be accused of being a straightforward biopic of the Archibald-winning painter. Aided by stellar performances by Snowtown's Daniel Henshall as Cullen and Babyteeth's Toby Wallace as Jensen, as well as a script by co-written by the real-life Jensen, this is a warts-and-all portrait that lays bare not only its subject, but Australia's fascination with festering masculinity, and it's a lively and compelling watch from start to finish. Acute Misfortune is available to stream via Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QxEh4iadnw HOWARD Disney loves celebrating Disney, and also adores dipping into its own back catalogue. But Howard, its latest project to fit that description, stands out. After spending much of the past decade making or planning live-action versions of its big animated flicks like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, the Mouse House is now going the documentary route to pay tribute to a man pivotal to all three. Indeed, if it wasn't for Oscar-winning lyricist Howard Ashman, fans everywhere may never have sung the lines "be our guest", "darling it's better down where it's wetter" or "you ain't never had a friend like me". A playwright who tasted theatre success and failure, proved a hit at Disney by helping them pump out beloved hits, and also passed away at the age of just 40 due to complications from HIV/AIDS, Ashman's is quite the story. He was behind the musical version of Little Shop of Horrors as well, and collaborated with fellow Disney composer Alan Menken — and, as told primarily via warm recollections overlaid across archival footage by filmmaker Don Hahn (Waking Sleeping Beauty), Ashman couldn't be more worthy of this touching tribute. Howard is available to stream via Disney+. ONES TO WATCH OUT FOR LATER IN THE MONTH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo1CzqSA1D4 HUNGRY GHOSTS If there's one thing that the horror genre is fascinated with — and ghost stories especially — it's the way the past continually lingers over the present. Unsurprisingly given its moniker, Hungry Ghosts also adopts the topic; however this is a gripping four-part Australian supernatural drama with a difference. Following four Melbourne families, three of whom are of Vietnamese descent, the show is tied to the annual Hungry Ghost Festival, where some Asian communities venerate the dead. As the event approaches, an old war tomb is reopened in Vietnam — and, suddenly, spirits start terrorising twenty-something nail salon worker May Le (Catherine Văn-Davies), as well as others in her orbit. Moody and intriguing from the outset, Hungry Ghosts serves up effective spooks and scares. Most impressive, though, is its deep contemplation of the way that people are haunted by their troubles, fears and previous actions (including the long-lasting impact of conflict, such as the Vietnam War, on the program's multigenerational web of characters). Also a standout is the series' diverse cast, with the show starring 30 Asian Australian actors and more than 325 Asian Australian extras. Hungry Ghosts starts streaming via SBS On Demand from 9.30pm Monday, August 24, with new episodes added at the same time each night until Thursday, August 27. CULT CLASSICS TO REVISIT AND REDISCOVER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do_BCA-vR9E ORPHAN BLACK Maybe you couldn't get enough of Orphan Black back when it originally aired, with the Canadian sci-fi thriller hitting screens between 2013–17. Perhaps you heard its name pop up again and again and were intrigued by the premise, but never got around to binging your way through it. Either way, all five seasons of the acclaimed series have now hit Amazon Prime Video, if you're looking for your next marathon viewing session. That's 50 episodes of twisty clone-fuelled thrills — because, yes, that's what Orphan Black is all about. It starts with a woman, Sarah Manning, watching her doppelgänger commit suicide, then assuming her identity. Where it goes from there is too labyrinthine for a quick summary, but Sarah soon discovers that she has more than one likeness as part of an illegal experiment. Obviously, it's an enthralling premise, and one primed for plenty of surprises. And star Tatiana Maslany (Destroyer, Perry Mason) is a powerhouse, deservedly scoring multiple Emmy nominations for her work. All five seasons of Orphan Black are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. Top images: Lovecraft Country, Eli Joshua Ade / HBO; Hungry Ghosts, Sarah Enticknap / SBS.
