This week, the Gillard Government announced their long-awaited arts and cultural policy: Creative Australia. Fashioned as a sort of 21st-century sequel to Keating's groundbreaking Creative Nation, the $235 million policy is perhaps the most comprehensive and wide-ranging articulation of and investment in the arts ever seen in Australia. And thus far the policy has been met with the sort of response that the Gillard Government has grown increasingly unaccustomed to: overwhelming support. But what does Creative Australia actually have to offer? The 152-page policy takes real steps to reflect the artistic diversity of Australia through major investments in Aboriginal art and international artistic partnerships, particularly in Asia. It also demonstrates the government's desire to support the cultural industry as exactly that: an industry. By putting money in the pockets of artists and cultural institutions, the government is hoping to create jobs and expand an industry that currently employs over 531,000 people and has produced an estimated $93.2 billion in profits. Having ploughed through pages of the usual PR guff, it has been a pleasant surprise to find that Creative Australia actually has the potential to radically expand and reform Australia's cultural industry. As the policy states, "culture is not created by government but enabled by it", and while this statement has a distinctly hollow political ring to it, it is a surprisingly accurate way of describing how these four features of Creative Australia could revamp our artistic landscape. A GREATER FOCUS ON ASIA A couple of generations ago, depending on who you speak to, Australians began celebrating and/or bemoaning the invasion of American culture into our own artistic landscape. These days, Asia is the new kid on the block, and the Australian government are hoping to capitalise on Asia’s growing cultural dominance through the creation and strengthening of various formal and informal artistic partnerships with the region. In the world of cinema, this means more co-production agreements between Australian and Asian filmmakers. Such partnerships with Singapore have already produced the Jaws-esque horror blockbuster Bait 3D (which reached number one at the box office in China) and the forthcoming TV project Serangoon Road, which is set to air on the ABC and Home Box Office Asia later this year. In the world of visual art, this means the introduction of new legislation protecting overseas loans, such that more Japanese and Chinese art will be popping up in your local gallery in exchange for Australian artworks gaining greater exposure in Asian galleries. SUPPORTING THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION Australia's most neglected (yet highest grossing) digital artform is finally getting the sort of government attention it most richly deserves: video games. The newly formed Australian Interactive Games Fund is set to receive $20 million over the next three years in an effort to support Australia's independent games studios in the creation of digital content. Digital media has likewise radicalised the way we consume music, films and television and the Creative Australia policy reflects this converging cultural market. The Federal Government has outlined a variety of policy initiatives including the creation of an online production fund, a $10 million investment to support the production of screen and television suitable for digital platforms, a $5.4 million investment into Australian music and radio and a comprehensive review of Australia's copyright laws to determine whether they appropriately reflect Australia's digital media landscape. INCREASED FUNDING FOR SIX PERFORMING ARTS COMPANIES A central component of the Creative Australia policy has been to support artistic institutions that tell distinctly Australian stories. While once upon a time, the term 'Australian stories' was synonymous with ocker comedies and gross stereotypes of the Crocodile Dundee and Barry McKenzie variety, the term has now come to represent a multiplicity of experiences that have a uniquely Australian character. The Federal Government have invested $9.3 million in six performing arts companies who by their estimations have developed a reputation for telling meaningful Australian stories, whether this be through original productions or contemporary reinterpretations of classics. The six companies are Bangarra Dance Theatre (NSW), Belvoir (Company B) (NSW), Black Swan State Theatre Company (WA), Malthouse Theatre (Vic), Circus Oz (Vic) and West Australian Ballet (WA). This funding has the potential to transform these often small, boutique performing arts companies into world-beating artistic hubs. FURTHER JOB CREATION IN THE ARTS Creating jobs in the cultural industry takes one primary form in the Creative Australia policy: nurturing and capturing talent through investment in educational institutes. This investment isn't just for elite training organisations, though the government is pumping an extra $20.8 million into these institutions, but also for younger budding artists and performers. Particularly notable is the investment of $8.1 million into the Creative Young Stars Program, encouraging artists from primary school age to those in their early twenties to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into the arts. The Gillard government have also recognised the increasing difficultly faced by artists and performers in transitioning from tertiary education into the workforce. This is seen in the $9.7 million investment into ArtStart, which focuses on making artists more business-savvy in the dog-eat-dog world of art and the $3.4 million given to the ArtsReady program to support school and university graduates transform their love of art, music, dance, performance or drama into a fulltime profession.
Step aside wine. One of the most exciting movements in the Australian booze scene is the wealth of locally-produced spirits that combine world-class product and craft with indelible branding. Melbourne distillery The Gospel was recently anointed the second best rye whisky in the world, and the Yarra Valley's Four Pillars Gin has repeatedly been awarded in international competitions and rankings since its inception in 2013. Now there's a new Australian-made and -owned gin entrant in the mix that's quietly launching into the local market courtesy of a group of gin-loving founders. It's called Papa Salt Coastal Gin and the founders behind the drop are Tom Ackerley Charlie Maas, Josey McNamara, Regan Riskas and Margot Robbie. Yes, that Margot Robbie. We caught up with the group to discuss the origin story of Papa Salt, their collaboration with Lord Byron Distillery to create the product, and being a collective of gin lords. Firstly: tell us a bit about the relationship between the five of you and how you decided to start a business together? "Regan and Margot worked on a film together in 2015, and we all became friends as we bounced back and forth between LA and London in the years since. Sometime around 2018, Josey, Tom, and Margot started to consider creating a gin brand, and they knew that Charlie and his family were in the spirits industry. The five of us had a few very loose discussions about what it might look like to work together, and a lot of very detailed conversations about our favourite gins. It was clear very early on that we all had a passion for the category; that passion really defines our entire business strategy. We spent five years creating a gin that we wanted to drink; and only now are we trying to turn that into a business." Secondly: why gin? "The simple answer is that we all love to drink gin. Digging deeper, that's probably a credit to the category itself; there's so much variety in gin now that there's always something new to try, or an exciting new cocktail or taste profile for a specific use case. As a consumer, the versatility of gin is so exciting. As a brand producer, that means you can really experiment and try to create something unique to your taste. We love the idyllic notion of a perfect beach day, and when we conveyed that to our distiller he suggested that we try using oyster shell in the botanical mix. Not only did that provide a minerality that we really love in the taste, it's also something that's only possible in a gin." How did you end up working with Lord Byron Distillery to create the gin? "We reached out to just about every distillery you could imagine in Australia, and created a short list of options. Lord Byron Distillery stood out for their sustainability mission: they're a zero waste, entirely renewably powered facility." How involved were each of you with the development of the product and the brand? Is there one of you who is the true gin lord of the group? "Who is the true gin lord?! What an amazing question. We've been wondering what titles we should put on our business cards, and I think you just answered it. There is no one true gin lord in the group — we are all gin lords. We've gone through every single step in the development together. In fact, over five full years of development, we've only had two meetings that didn't include all five of the Founders (and one of those Tom attended via Zoom)." What's your preferred way to drink it? Individual answers please! Josey: "This may sound crazy, but Papa Salt makes a tremendous paloma." Margot: "Salt and soda with an orange rind and a crack of black pepper." Tom: "Dry martini straight up with an olive." Charlie: "Papa Salt and Fever Tree Sparkling Lime and Yuzu. Yuzu is the best citrus, it's not even close, and it pairs perfectly with Papa Salt." Regan: "Papa Salt & Soda with a juicy slice of blood orange and lots of ice." Explain the inspiration behind 'Papa Salt' as the name? I'm getting 'coastal daddy' vibes but I assume there's something more significant to it? "We wanted to name the product Salty Sea Dog Gin, but ran into some trademark issues there. But that was always the idea behind the brand – to celebrate those luxuriously aimless days in the sun. A few months later, on one of those exact sort of days, Tom, Margot, and Josey ended up at a beach bar in Sri Lanka with a salty sea dog who went by the name Papa Salt. He was originally from the Gold Coast, but after circumnavigating the globe a few times, he wound up on this particular beach on this particular day. It's our hope that Papa Salt Coastal Gin, born on the Eastern Australian coast, might travel just as far and create just as many memories." Current stockists for Papa Salt Coastal Gin are Rick Shores at Burleigh Beach, Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay, Icebergs Dining Room & Bar in Sydney and Stokehouse in Melbourne.
They first toured Australia in 1982. They've returned plenty of times since, including on the Big Day Out and Vivid lineups. When they were last here in 2020, the pandemic got in the way, causing them to cut short their plans — and now New Order have locked in their latest visit Down Under five years later. "It's an honour to be coming back to perform in one of our favourite places. We sadly had to cancel a Melbourne show in March 2020, as a consequence of COVID and are so happy we can come back to play again," said the Manchester-formed band, announcing their next Aussie dates. "We've always loved playing in Australia and are excited to be returning for a run of very special shows in 2025. Good things come to those who wait!" [caption id="attachment_976837" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Erin Mc via Flickr[/caption] 'Blue Monday', 'Temptation', 'Bizarre Love Triangle' — more than four decades after forming, the group will play them all on a four-city Australian tour that starts at Perth's RAC Arena, then plays the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne and Riverstage in Brisbane, before hitting the Sydney Opera House Forecourt for two nights, all in March 2025. Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner started New Order out of Joy Division, following the tragic death of the latter's lead singer Ian Curtis, and helped pioneer the synth-pop sound that not only helped define the 80s but has been influential ever since. If you've seen the films Control and 24 Hour Party People, you've seen part of New Order's story on-screen. And if you've caught them live before, you'll know that they're always a must-see. In Sydney, the group join Sydney Opera House's March run of forecourt concerts, which also includes Fontaines DC and PJ Harvey. "The incomparable New Order on the forecourt will be one of *those* Opera House moments to remember forever (and my 16 year-old self with his hopelessly worn-out tape of Substance can't quite believe it). Fontaines DC's moment is right now, and it's an honour to host one of the world's most fiercest live bands on the Forecourt for their massive Australian return," said Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall. [caption id="attachment_976838" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RL GNZLZ via Flickr[/caption] New Order Australian Tour 2025 Wednesday, March 5 — RAC Arena, Perth Saturday, March 8 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Tuesday, March 11 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, March 14–Saturday, March 15 — Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney New Order are touring Australia in March 2025, with tickets on sale from 10am local time on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: RL GNZLZ via Flickr.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Longtime snow bunnies and powder purveyors know exactly what to throw in their duffle bags for a weekend away. But perhaps you've never trekked to the pearly white mountains, endeavoured to carve up snowfields, dangled your skis precariously from a lift only to reach the mountaintop and realise you've picked up the wrong skis. Never done it? Maybe your experience with snow looks like this: With the help of our seasoned snow enthusiasts Rekorderlig we're here to help the ski-pack go smoothly with our surefire list of winter essentials you'll be needing on your snow trip. If you're a seasoned snowgoer, perhaps we've nailed the missing element. From Cards Against Humanity to Out Cold on flickering VHS (all best fuelled with copious amounts of cinnamon-drenched hot cider), here's the ultimate list of what to pack when entering the realms of the White Walkers. Moon Boots Stomping and schlumping in novelty boots is half the fun of trekking to the snow. Bringing NASA to le neige, Moon Boots are just about the most fun you can have walking in a straight line. Tecnica created Moon Boots back in the early '70s, bringing technical finesse to snuggly footwear. They were coveted back then, they're still coveted now — with more ridiculous, customisable iridescent colours to choose from than ever. Even Dior makes Moon Boots. Rainbow Moon Boots are a favourite, also bright gold makes a Riff Raff out of any snowbound citizen. For post-carve-up downtime, whack on a pair of ugg boots. Hot tip, don't wear your uggs around icy areas if you want to keep your beanie-clad skull intact. Another hot tip, don't wear uggs as regular shoes. You may just have to rethink your life. Snuggly Threads Ah thermals, the unsexiest garment in anyone's wardrobe this side of Bridget Jones' nanna pants. But by the power of how unbelievably good a film Frozen is, they keep you mighty warm. Think '80s and look for either lycra or spandex thermals, they're the fabrics that keep the warmth in and let your sweaty ski body breathe. Hit up Uniqlo for the most acceptable of the cheaper thermal options, avoiding the cream lacy spencers of K-Mart. Keep your little paws toasty with some handwarmers and crank one of those ridiculous beard beanies — earning you the esteemed title of That Guy on the slopes for the season. Camera Strap a GoPro to your head, throw yourself down a mountain on a tiny, tiny strip of wood, upload it to YouTube. This is the quintessential essence of going to the snow. A Warm Winter Cider So your face froze off, huh? You've earned a good ol' defrosting session, kicking back with your fellow boarders in the lodge and mulling over the triumphs and epic fails of the day over a warm mug of cider. The Swedish legends at Rekorderlig make winter bearable, with their Premium Winter cider perfect when heated up and cradling in your frozen paws. This delicious apple cider, laced with cinnamon and vanilla, goes down super well at the end of a long, blizzardy, chairlifty day. Board Games If you're hauled up inside while blizzards shut down any lodge bar plans, what possible other way to spend the time than significant cider-fuelled boozing and old school board games — usually graduating from Balderdash to sexy Twister. Many a cold wintry night has been spent after a long, semi-successful black ski run unwinding with a bout of Mouse Trap, a spot of Scattergories or a lightning round of Battleship. There are certain so-called 'fun for the whole family' blatant lies to avoid — everyone knows Monopoly and Risk are ill-advised choices, unless you're up for a good ol' fashioned fallout with your mates. Perfect for a dark and stormy night, Cluedo usually starts out jovially and ends with someone's inevitable demise in the kitchen with the lead pipe. But if you're after the ultimate game to bring to the snow, Cards Against Humanity is your ticket to breaking the ice indoors. Offensive, yes. Inappropriate, yes. GUARANTEED-A-ONE-WAY-TICKET-TO-HADES-FUN, absolutely. Classic Snow Films Like watching the ever-genius Jingle All the Way only at Christmas time, cranking a good ol' snow-themed movie surrounded by the chilly stuff generates some kind of cheeseball magic. Start at the Empire Strikes Back, work your way to Dumb and Dumber and Edward Scissorhands, ice the cake with made-for-adult-viewing kiddie go-tos Frozen and Ice Age. If Cuba Gooding Jr's Snow Dogs just happens to accidentally play itself into your heart, that's cool. No judgement. Just don't let things get all Shining snow maze up in here. Fargo might be stretching the snowery a bit and Ethan Hawke's Alive might give you bad ideas, but if you're a James Bond fan check out On Her Majesty's Secret Service or For Your Eyes Only (plenty of sweet skiing chase scenes in which bullets ping off powder with physics-defying metally noises). Cool Runnings might get you to to the top of the bobsled course, while solid docos like Art of Flight will make you do dumb jumping-out-of-helicopter things the next day. But the most honorable of mentions goes to 2001's rambunctious screwball comedy Out Cold, best viewed on shitty VHS and only truly appreciated by Super Troopers fans. Oh yeah... one more thing. Skis. You'll probably need skis. Or a snowboard. Or the unbridled ability to personally roll down a hill at speed. At the end of the day (however dramatically you reach the base of the mountain) you're probably going to earn a snuggly defrost, a crappy movie and a mug of warm Rekorderlig. Happy packing.
Japan has continued to grow in popularity as a holiday destination. A (relatively) short flight away, it offers nature, cities, unbeatable food, cultural experiences, and a famous public transport system that makes getting around a breeze. But if you want to see the real Japan, you need to explore its culture a little deeper. In collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization, we've selected eight traditional events that will allow you to dive head-first into the country's lesser-known regional culture. [caption id="attachment_916162" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mu Mu via iStock[/caption] Yuki Matsuri — Sapporo Snow Festival People may know Japan for its fantastic skiing, but fewer are up to speed with this fascinating winter festival, which showcases some of the most inventive culture that Sapporo has to offer. What began in 1950 as a festival with 50,000 attendees organised by a local high school in a park is now an eight-day artistic winter extravaganza that attracts over two million visitors every year. The February 2025 incarnation takes place across three separate sites and features snow sculptures from world-renowned artists, plus winter sports exhibitions and a range of family-friendly sub-zero activities. [caption id="attachment_972213" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Japan National Tourism Organization[/caption] Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri — Osaka Harvest Festival Danjiri matsuri are "float" or "cart-pulling" festivals that are held across Japan, and while the coastal town of Kishiwada may be small in stature, it hosts one of the largest such events in the whole country, all to kick off the harvest season. A tradition that dates back three centuries, crowds come from afar to witness teams pull their elaborately decorated danjiri festival floats — which can weigh up to four tons — through the city streets. This important historic festival is held every September in the quaint locale in southern Osaka Prefecture. [caption id="attachment_972214" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] RnDmS via iStock[/caption] Nada Kenka Matsuri — Dynamic Hyogo City Festival Nada Kenka Matsuri is a "fighting festival" where teams of local men carry intricately carved floats through Himeji City before smashing them into one another to assert dominance and claim the honour of a blessing at the local shrine. Over 100,000 people every year come to witness this traditional, not to mention dangerous, ritual. It's believed the winners will be blessed with a bountiful harvest. So, if you're keen to experience something that ties organised choreography, all-out carnage, and traditional beliefs together, head to Hyogo Prefecture in October — Nada Kenka Matsuri could be exactly what you're looking for. [caption id="attachment_972223" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Subajogu via iStock[/caption] Eisa Matsuri — Okinawa Dance Festival Eisa is a form of folk dancing that originated in Okinawa and every year, the region pays homage to its heritage with this festival. Over three days, hundreds of thousands of visitors watch the people of Okinawa honour their ancestors and traditions. On the final day, spectators get the opportunity to join the eisa dancers in a celebratory denouement. As if that wasn't enough, there's a dramatic climax, during which a technicolour fireworks display closes out this unique part of Okinawa culture during summer. Chichibu Yomatsuri — Saitama Winter Night Festival You'll have realised by now that if the word "matsuri" is somewhere in the title, there will be a float parade involved. Chichibu Yomatsuri is no exception. This festival, held annually at the start of December, features floats on which kabuki (traditional Japanese dance theatre) is performed. What sets this apart from some of the other similarly-sized festivals is its two-and-a-half-hour fireworks display — a highlight for attendees enjoying the sights and sounds of the area. Don't forget to make the most of the musical performances and street food stalls that have been set up to mark the occasion. [caption id="attachment_972236" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Grandspy707 via iStock[/caption] Usuki Takeyoi — Oita Bamboo Festival In case you're wondering what a bamboo festival might entail, the answer is over 20,000 bamboo lanterns lining the streets of eight different towns. This beautifully illuminated spectacle is held to retell the legend of Princess Hannya, who, legend says, needs the lights to light the path for her soul to return to its rightful place. Oita Prefecture is famous for its bamboo, so it's only natural that it's the material celebrated at Usuki Takeyoi. The lanterns are lit around sunset, providing a warm, otherworldly experience that has to be seen to be believed. [caption id="attachment_972241" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] RealdWorld8 via iStock[/caption] Nachi no Ogi Matsuri — Wakayama Shinto Festival Wakayama is home to a picturesque waterfall known for its beauty and tranquillity. However, once a year, the peace is shattered thanks to Nachi no Ogi Matsuri, a festival of fire where roaring flames and religious chanting combine. This is a sacred rite where heavy torches are carried along the staircase to the local shrine, transforming the waterfall into a thrilling collision of water and flame. It's held every year on July 14 and is a popular event, so make sure you arrive early to get a good vantage point for the festivities, which kick off at 2pm sharp. [caption id="attachment_972243" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kuremo via iStock[/caption] Oga no Namahage — Akita Demon Festival How did you spend NYE last year? Did you brave the eye-watering prices to go to an event in the city, or did you just spend it with friends? Whatever you did, chances are you didn't have an evening like the people of Oga. Every December 31, local men in demonic masks roam the streets, searching for young children to scare. The demons can be satiated with rice cakes and sake, before leaving the house with a blessing for the year ahead. No one is entirely sure where this tradition originated, but in 2018, UNESCO awarded it the classification of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It'll certainly be a New Year's you'll never forget. Discover more and start planning your trip to Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Anything that Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo and Aladdin can do, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan and now Pinocchio can, too — if by anything you really mean get the live-action remake treatment by Disney, that is. The Mouse House sure does adore giving its animated classics do-overs with actors, realistic CGI or both, and it's now doing just that with the wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. Indeed, the company's new take on Pinocchio will arrive on Disney+ on Thursday, September 8, Pinocchio has hit screens before with humans rather than pixels filling the frames, including recently via a fantastical Italian movie that starred Roberto Benigni as Geppetto. Also, back in 2002, Benigni made his own version first, but played the titular role instead. The key difference with this new Pinocchio: Disney remaking Disney, although the underlying tale behind every version always hails back to 1883 children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Disney boasts two big drawcards for its latest remake: America's dad Tom Hanks and filmmaker Robert Zemeckis. The former returns to the screen fresh from getting somewhat villainous in Elvis, the latter opts to give an already-beloved book-to-film story another spin after not faring so well with The Witches, and the pair reteam following everything from Forrest Gump and Cast Away to The Polar Express. Hanks plays Geppetto, obviously. And in the just-dropped full trailer for the new film, he looks the kindly, loving part. As always, the story sees the wood carver build and care for a wooden puppet who then wants to become more than timber, but faces challenges finding his way in the world. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Haunting of Bly Manor) voices Pinocchio, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber) does the same with Jiminy Cricket — and the cast also includes Cynthia Erivo (Chaos Walking) as the Blue Fairy, Keegan-Michael Key (The Bubble) as 'Honest' John, Lorraine Bracco (Blue Bloods) as new character Sofia the Seagull and Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers) as The Coachman. Clearly, this is one of those Disney remakes that considers hefty doses of CGI as closer to live-action than animation. No need to wish upon a star to see the end result, Disney fans — and yes, that song does feature, as performed by Erivo. If you're wondering why Mouse House's latest remake is heading to Disney+, and so soon, it'll drop on what the Mouse House has dubbed 'Disney+ Day' — alongside Thor: Love and Thunder's streaming debut, a behind-the-scenes look at Obi-Wan Kenobi, and sing-along versions of Frozen and Frozen 2. Check out the trailer for Pinocchio below: Pinocchio will be available to stream via Disney+ from Thursday, September 8. Images: courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
New media and Shakespeare are not things that one would usually associate together. That is until Kereen Ely-Harper and Andrew Burrell got their hands on Macbeth. A modern twist and fresh approach to a classic is refreshing every now and then! Director Ely-Harper and new media artist Burrell felt passionate enough about combining Shakespeare with technology to create Making The Green One Red, a virtual performance of Macbeth set to bring the Bard into the twenty-first century. Showing at QUT’s The Block from 24 April to 5 May, this unique event is certainly something to witness. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shakespeare or not. Accessing modern techniques like voiceovers, lighting effects, and video screens, Making the Green One Red is undoubtedly a new way of looking at a classic text. Combined with live actors performing the piece, albeit in an adapted format to fit the scene, the experience is sure to be full body for the audience and a truly unique way of looking at Macbeth.
We're calling it: this summer is the summer of fresh and fruity cocktails in the backyard with as many mates as possible. Nothing is going to ruin the gin-filled summer we know we deserve — not even La Niña. To celebrate the warmer months, we've teamed up with Whitley Neill Gin to bring you five original cocktail recipes that go well beyond your usual G&T. For the uninitiated, Whitley Neill Gin produces handcrafted artisanal gin from the first gin distillery in London, dating back 200 years — and it's still the only gin distillery in London today. Of course, it's got a London Dry gin, but it's also known for its innovative flavoured gins which take cocktails to new heights. So dust off your cocktail shaker, make a spread of your favourite cheeses and call your mates for an afternoon sip session. [caption id="attachment_838645" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] MELON PATCH Serves one If you like your cocktails packed with real fruit and with a slight herby twist, the Melon Patch will be right up your alley. This take on a classic G&T features the Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin which, with its rich juniper notes, citrus and exotic botanicals, pairs well with the fresh watermelon chunks and mint. It's bound to be a winner after a long day at the beach, when your guests roll in sandy-footed and sun-kissed. Ingredients: 30ml Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin 3 watermelon chunks 120ml Strangelove Coastal Tonic Water Basil Ice (crushed) Method: Add watermelon pieces and gin into the bottom of a tall glass. Add tonic water and top with crushed ice. Garnish with basil. [caption id="attachment_838646" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] BRUNCH MARTINI Serves one Think martini, but fit for brunchtime. In this concoction, the grapefruit gin, tonic and lemon complement each other to make a perfectly sweet and zingy cocktail. And there's a dollop of marmalade, which is an interesting addition to impress your pals. Whether a hair-of-the-dog or a summery concoction to start a long lunch, this one will go down a treat. Ingredients: 30ml Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin 15ml pink grapefruit juice 15ml lemon juice 1 barspoon (or teaspoon) of marmalade 30ml Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Ice Method: Shake gin, both juices and marmalade together over ice. Add 30ml Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water to shaker — but don't shake again. Then, simply strain into a cocktail glass. [caption id="attachment_838648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] POMME SPRITZ Serves one It's a universal truth that spritzes are the go-to balmy weather drink. This one features the Whitley Neill Quince Gin, which has a distinctive flavour that's a real winner. Pair that with a dash of cloudy apple juice and a good pour of prosecco for a fun, bubbly finish. Ingredients: 45ml Whitley Neill Quince Gin 60ml Strangelove pear soda 30ml cloudy apple juice 60ml prosecco 3 thin apple slices Cucumber ribbon Ice Method: Build all ingredients over ice in a highball or balloon glass, then garnish with green apple and cucumber. [caption id="attachment_838649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] CRIMSON COCO COOLER Group serve Serve a jug of this cooler on those sticky summer days when the only activity you can carry out without breaking a sweat is walking from pool to freezer. Refreshing coconut water and fizzy cranberry soda make it the perfect arvo cocktail. Plus, it's ridiculously easy to make — just chuck all the ingredients in a carafe with some ice, give it a quick stir and you're good to go. Ingredients: 120ml Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin 250ml Capi cranberry soda 360ml coconut water 30ml lime juice Raspberries (to garnish) Lemon (to garnish) Cucumber (to garnish) Mint (to garnish) Ice Method: Add gin, cranberry soda, coconut water and lime juice into a carafe and fill with ice. Stir to combine. Garnish with raspberries, lemon wheels, cucumber wheels and mint. [caption id="attachment_838650" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] ALL SEASONS Group serve This is a drink for those who like their cocktails fresh, fizzy and sweet. It's also perfect when for when you've got your mates over and you need to look impressive while maintaining conversation and effortlessly whipping up a jug of something. If you really want to impress, make sure you have some edible flowers on hand to garnish. Ingredients: 180ml Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger Gin 200ml mango nectar 300ml Strangelove mandarin soda 90ml lime juice Dehydrated citrus (to garnish) Edible flowers (to garnish) Ice Method: Combine gin, mango nectar, soda and lime juice in a carafe and top with ice. Garnish with dehydrated citrus and flowers, and serve. For more information on the innovative Whitley Neill gin range, head to the website. Top image: Paul Liddle
"It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful." These are the words of one Vincent van Gogh, part-time ear surgeon, all-time famous artist, declaring the artistic beauty inherent within books. Some artists have elected to take his words literally, adopting literary works as their medium and through careful artistic surgery have constructed intricate and engrossing works that put even the greatest of pop-up books to shame. The best of these have now been collated together by Laura Heyenga in the new book Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculptured, Carved, Transformed. The volume features the varied book-based work of 27 different artists, each with their own technique of sculpting. Whether it is transforming a hardback book into a miniaturist tableaux of surgical precision or carefully operating with scalpel and tweezer to encapsulate a new literary work like the one below, each artist has their own means of message-construction. "Some of these artists are making comments about the role of reading in contemporary culture, others find that books are a handy art form," says Alison Kuhn, author of the introduction to Art Made From Books: Altered, Sculptured, Carved, Transformed, in an interview with Fast Co.Create. "They see books as a backdrop for their creativity." Whilst some may think of these works as vandalism, many are merely breathing new life into tired books or outdated telephone directories. "The information is outdated, the paper is probably yellowed or worse, so the fact that a book can become something charming and creative and valuable in a new light is kind of great." Amidst the depths of the digital age and the advent of the Kindle, these works just go to show that van Gogh was right; there is no replacing the enchanting aura of a book. Let the bookception begin. BRRRRRRRAAAAAWWWWRWRRRMRMRMMRMRMMMMM!!! Via Fast Co.Create
Tasmanian tourism entered 2026 on the back of a record-breaking season, welcoming an all-time visitation high of 1.36 million travellers over the previous 12 months. Yet the island is looking to keep the good times flowing, especially over the cooler months, with Tourism Tasmania releasing its 2026 Off-Season Events Guide. Designed to inspire all Australians to become winter people, this stacked cultural calendar highlights what's happening in local arts and culture, cuisine, music, wellness, and more from May to August. While Hobart's reputation continues to grow internationally, Agfest Field Days is a chance to get to know Tassie's rural landscape and community. Running from Thursday, May 7–Saturday, May 9, over 55,000 visitors head to Carrick in Northern Tasmania, where over 600 exhibitors present machinery, locally made clothing, artisan food and loads more. Meanwhile, the experiences on offer span woodchopping competitions to working dog trials. So, pack your wellies and make tracks to this whip-cracking festival. Of course, Tassie is also a world-class adventure destination, home to bucket-list treks such as the Overland Track and the Three Capes Walks. Yet a new experience debuts in 2026 — Diverge Skyruns. Held from Friday, May 1–Sunday, May 3, the event introduces two of Australia's most daring skyruns: The Mt Lyell Skyrun 50km and the Mt Owen Skyrun 25km. Centred around Queenstown on Tasmania's wild west coast, this historic mining town will also feature community events for would-be fitness freaks, like a carb-loading pasta dinner at The Paragon Theatre. On the culinary front, staying warm is made easy at Maltstock Down Under. Taking over the picturesque Ratho Farm Highlands Resort from Friday, May 15–Sunday, May 17, this not-for-profit, community-led whisky festival features visits to local distilleries, fireside tastings with distillers, a blind-tasting competition and a series of relaxed communal gatherings. All told, over 80 whiskies are ready to be sampled, while visitors are invited to bring and share their own bottles amid Tassie's alpine reaches, probably around a soothing open fire. For something a little more occult, Dark Mofo returns in 2026 with another provocative midwinter solstice festival from Thursday, June 11–Monday, June 22. Since taking a break for a "period of renewal," the renowned festival has gone from strength to strength, with this year's star-studded music lineup featuring Princess Nokia's brash raps, Danny Brown's chaos-inducing energy, Dry Cleaning's sardonic wit and more. Plus, returning fire-lit rituals include the Winter Feast, Night Mass, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim, if you're brave enough. Then, not too long before warmer weather returns, Permission to Trespass offers visitors from near and far rare access to private properties across Wynyard and Table Cape. Held over two weeks, from Wednesday, July 1–Wednesday, July 15, this event unlocks parts of Tasmania's North West, with places usually closed to the public brought to life by long-table dinners, twilight markets, art exhibitions, local pub choirs, and creative workshops. Throw on your hiking boots and scope out the sights, this time with the community's go-ahead. 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. Images: Supplied.
Since 2015, gin lovers around the country have tripped over themselves to get their spirit-loving fingers on a bottle of Four Pillars' Bloody Shiraz Gin — and that's before they've even had a sip of alcohol. The limited edition shiraz-infused concoction really is that good. It's one of the most coveted booze releases of each year, in fact. So, we thought you'd like to know that the next batch goes on sale on Tuesday, May 31. If you haven't come across the gin before, it's basically what it says on the label: gin infused with shiraz grapes. This gives the spirit a brilliant deep cerise colour and some sweet undertones (without a higher sugar content). That, along with its higher alcoholic content — 37.8 percent, compared to an average 25 percent in regular sloe gin — makes the Bloody Shiraz Gin a near-perfect specimen. It can be used in cocktails where you'd usually use your regular gin — or you can keep things simple with a G&T. Four Pillars initially created the game-changing gin when it came into a 250-kilogram load of shiraz grapes from the Yarra Valley. Experimenting, the Victorian distillers then steeped the grapes in their high-proof dry gin for eight weeks before pressing the fruit and blending it with the gin, and hoping like hell it would turn out well. It did. 2022's bloody great Bloody Shiraz Gin also comes as a limited-edition option, with Australian photographer and artist Luke Shadbolt helping create an eye-catching bottle. His impressive artwork is printed directly onto the glass, using a copper etching of one of his photographs of the Australian ocean — and is designed to take its cues from Hokusai's The Great Wave. Also bloody excellent: doing more than just selling the cult-favourite drop, Four Pillars has also made Bloody Shiraz Gin chocolate. Using leftover grape skins from crafting the tipple in the spotlight, these fruit and nut chocolate bars have been whipped up by Hunted+Gathered using ground grape skins mixed with cocoa butter and raw sugar, plus cashews and sultanas. If your tastebuds are tempted, it's super-limited, and you can get it in bundles with the Bloody Shiraz Gin. Clearly, it's been a bloody nice time for Four Pillars of late, with the Bloody Shiraz Gin range dropping just weeks after it relaunched its revamped Healesville base. And yes, that's one of the places that you can pick you the new gin and chocolate. The 2022 Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin and Bloody Shiraz Gin chocolate will go on sale around the country on Tuesday, May 31. Bottles cost $85, while bundles with chocolate cost $90. Head to the Four Pillars website to make a purchase — or hit up the Four Pillars Distillery at Healesville, Victoria and the Four Pillars Lab in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Tucked behind Harveys Bar and Bistro on the bright lights of James Street, Tinderbox Kitchen is staking a claim as one of the city's pizza frontrunners. Using free-range pork, Moree stoneground-wheat and seasonal produce, Tinderbox ticks many boxes when it comes to tasty ethical pizza. Crowd favourites, including mushroom arancini and pork and veal meatballs, kick off proceedings. Mains include a small selection of Italian classics, such as duck pappardelle and veal scallopini, but we know you're really here for the pizza. Expect authenticity here — bases are crisp and smoky courtesy of the custom-made woodfired oven. The toppings are simple yet inspired, including 'nduja, roasted corn and handmade ricotta. The Tinderbox signature sports Mooloolaba prawns, chilli and zucchini. Adjacent to the Palace Centro cinemas, Tinderbox Kitchen is an ideal pre-movie stop-off.
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that are practical, keep you busy or get you feeling crafty. We're talking gardening, tools, all things arts and crafts and the latest gadgets. Finding things to keep you occupied and using your hands is super important, especially over the holiday season, when most people have more time on their hands than they know what to do with. Luckily, Amazon has heaps of cool stuff to support your DIY era over the summer break. Here are some of our top choices. 1. Self Watering Pots Gardening can be harder than you think, so starting off with these SpringUp Self-Watering Pots is a good way to beat the summer heat. These pots come with a detachable saucer and a water storage system that automatically keeps your plants hydrated. Plus, drainage holes prevent plants from being overwatered. Made from sleek white, durable, recyclable plastic, they can be used indoors or outdoors — the perfect gardening gift for your green-thumbed friends and family. [caption id="attachment_840175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Spiske (Unsplash)[/caption] 2. Sewing Starter Pack If you can't afford expensive new clothes as a gift, sewing clothes yourself is a great backup. Gifting the Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy kit will not only give your friends some cool new threads (eventually), but it'll also provide them with endless hours of fun DIY-ing. This colourful, size-inclusive book is perfect for sewers of all stages and abilities, from beginner to master, with guides on everything you need to get started, including equipment, materials, basic techniques and step-by-step projects. 3. Beer Cooler There is nothing worse than warm beer, and if you've noticed your dad's still using the scruffy stubby he has had since the 80s, maybe it's time for an upgrade. Enter the Huski Beer Cooler. Made from marine grade 316 stainless steel and triple insulated, this little thing means business. Our favourite thing about this beer cooler, however, is that it adjusts to fit differently sized cans or bottles – so no matter what you're drinking, it will fit. 4. Gardening Gloves These PHIRAH Gardening Gloves are everything we've ever dreamed of. Cute, practical and comfortable, we'd wager anyone with these will be inspired to spend much more time out in the garden. Offering full protection from dirt and bugs (no dirty fingernails with these gloves,) they're made from breathable and sweat-absorbent canvas material, which means they actually feel good to wear. Our favourite thing about them has to be the ergonomically designed thumbs, which make it easy to grip those pesky garden tools. Say no more. 5. Storage Rack Organizer Don't quote us, but organising the home and pantry has to be one of the most common things to do over the Christmas and New Year's break. After a year of putting it off and with no more excuses, the time always comes. Here, to make it all a bit easier is the HuggieGems 4 Pack Magnetic Spice Storage Rack Organizer. For the fridge, it's got a strong magnet attachment that allows you to store extra items on the outside, which is especially useful for those who live in small spaces. It is also super easy to adjust when needed. 6. Candle Making Kit Why buy candles when you can make them yourself? This candle-making kit has everything you need. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make your very own soy candle using natural soy wax, pure spices and easy-to-use tools. Not only do you get to make a candle, but you can also have fun doing it. It also comes in a cute gift box, so you don't even have to wrap it. 7. Origami Kit A cute gift for kids or origami beginners, the Complete Origami Kit is bound to provide hours of fun. The kit includes clear and easy-to-follow instructions for creating 30 projects, including step-by-step diagrams, as well as 96 sheets of origami folding paper and two sheets of gold metallic paper. [caption id="attachment_978071" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kicia Papuga via iStock[/caption] 8. Jewellery Pliers Apparently, making jewellery isn't actually that hard, you just need the right pliers for the job. Enter the Shynek Jewellery Pliers. Coming in a set of three including needle-nose pliers, round-nose pliers and wire cutters, the kit is not only great for jewellery making but is also handy for jewellery repair, wire wrapping and other DIY crafts. 9. Gardening Tools Another idea for the green thumbs, this Grenebo Gardening Tools set has it all. Made from stainless steel, the set includes eight tools, including pruning shears, a weedier, a transplanter, a cultivator and more, all in a cute little bag so you can carry your tools wherever you go. The bag also doubles as storage, so it's a win-win. 10. Cross Stitching Kit Embroidery is well and truly trendy again. So the AUTOWT Beginner Cross Stitching Kit may be the ideal gift for anyone looking for a new hobby. The kit includes all the gear you need, as well as needle art illustrations for instructions. Once finished, the embroidery can be hung on the wall for decoration, or can also be embroidered on pillowcases, towels and backpacks. Images: Supplied by Amazon. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, Concrete Playground may earn a commission when you make a purchase through links on our site.
If you like nabbing bargains, then Christmas has come a month early in 2022. Black Friday is here, and sales, sales and more sales are popping up everywhere on and around Friday, November 25. So, maybe you're keen to treat yo'self to whatever is on your wishlist. Perhaps you're getting your festive shopping done early. Or, you could be getting a jump on your 2023 holiday planning. If it's the latter that has you most excited about Black Friday, here's a destination to add to your itinerary: the Northern Territory. Via Tourism NT and a range of holiday providers, you can now score $89 flights to Australia's Red Centre and Top End, plus up to 25-percent off holiday experiences. [caption id="attachment_846391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] The specials are running for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and those $89 airfares will take you from Sydney to Uluru with Jetstar. The full range of flights includes discounts to both Uluru and Alice Springs from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns, with all fares under $150. Also on offer: packages via Flight Centre, some including airfares, all with hefty discounts. Flights, accommodation and a three-day cultural getaway at Uluru start at $1435, or you can get the same setup for a wildlife and desert ranges jaunt in Alice Springs from $1380. Hotel-only packages start at $503 per person for four nights in Darwin, if you're travelling as part of a couple — and, whether you're just nabbing flights, hotels or both, there's a heap of tours and experiences up for grabs for cheap as well, with discounts between 20–25-percent off. Fancy a self-driving tour of the Red Centre? That's on the list, too, and so are Kakadu jaunts, and hitting up waterfalls and national parks. Basically, if you haven't yet made the trip to the NT, this sale gives you zero excuses to keep it that way. To check out the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday deals, head to the Tourism NT website. First top image: Tiwi Island Retreat, Tourism NT. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
When The Market Folk first brought a heap of stalls to Newstead's old gasometer a couple of years back, it was clearly a smart move. Browsing and buying beneath one of inner-city Brisbane's most striking sights — what's not to love? Because some ideas are too great to stop, this winning combination has made a comeback for 2022. And, it's happening on a regular basis. Once a month — usually on Friday evenings when the weather's warm, and on Saturday mornings when it's cooler — you'll be heading to Newstead and shopping for fashion, art, homewares, plants, pots and ceramics. First taking place for the new year from 5–9pm on Friday, February 11 — and after that on Friday, March 25 and Saturday, May 14, plus from 9am–1pm on Saturday, July 9, Saturday, August 13 and Saturday, September 10 as well — the Gasworks Markets will feature plenty of artisanal goodies to tempt your wallet. As always, Brisbane creatives will be in the spotlight, so you'll also be showing them some love as well. And, there'll be live music on the lawn, soundtracking your shopping. Plus, bringing your pooch is 100-percent encouraged. Top image: Andrew S via Flickr. Updated June 29.
It's slime time on the big screen in Brisbane this spring. Expect toxic ooze, plenty of goo and even ectoplasm to feature at New Farm Cinemas, too. Continuing to prove that there's a film festival dedicated to everything, the River City's own BORLFF is back, but with a difference for its second year. In 2022, that acronym referred to the Brisbane Only Rotoscoped Lightning Film Festival. In 2023, it means the Brisbane Only Repulsive Liquids Film Festival. So, movie lovers hitting Brunswick Street from Friday, September 22–Sunday, October 1 won't be seeing flicks with hand-drawn lightning effects this time around. Instead, sludge and its fellow liquids are in the spotlight, as is viscera as well. And yes, there are enough features to flesh out a film fest that solely focuses on repulsive liquids — starting with not only an ooze-filled classic, but a film that comes with its own smells. BORLFF is opening its 2023 season with the world's most fearsome fighting team — or so the catchy theme tune goes — and their live-action 1990 film. At this session of the OG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, the audience will catch Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael (and Sam Rockwell in a blink-or-you'll-miss-it part) in stink-o-vision. Everyone will receive scratch 'n' sniff cards, which they'll then use to emit appropriate scents as they watch. From there, the 11-film lineup is presenting themed double features on five nights. Most evenings will let you come along to just one session, other than the Troma lineup of The Toxic Avenger and Class of Nuke 'Em High — or you can get comfortable for the full oozy 80s, green gunk, sickly science and putrid pink experience. On the lineup: David Cronenberg's The Fly paired with John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness, complete with a Q&A with veteran special effects artist Chad Atkinson (The X-Files, Alien Resurrection, Starship Troopers) — and also experiments gone awry in Australia's own Body Melt (with director Philip Brophy in attendance) and the Frankenstein spin that is Re-Animator. Or, see plenty Kermit's hue in a new light in Japanese American co-production The Green Slime and fantasy-horror effort Troll 2, then go pink with 1988's The Blob remake and Ghostbusters II. BORLFF stems from Netherworld, Two Bit Movie Club — aka the regular cult and classic movie event that often screens at the arcade bar — and will also feature an art show via Feature Presentation that showcases new interpretations of movie posters for the fest's films. They're on display at the bar throughout September, and you can buy prints of them, too. The Brisbane Only Repulsive Liquids Film Festival runs from Friday, September 22–Sunday, October 1 at New Farm Cinemas. For more information, head to the festival's website.
If there's one event in Australia that's turned speed dating into a fun, no-pressure affair that doesn't even feel like dating, it's Dear Pluto. And, now, you lucky, lucky Brisbanites, it's coming your way. So, if you're single, you'd best get ready to mingle. "The atmosphere is super-casual," said Emma Daniels, founder of Dear Pluto. "There's a real focus on having a fun night — having a few drinks and talking to a bunch of people you've never met before." One of Daniels' tricks is the use of unconventional venues — from Dear Pluto's Sydney headquarters, which is a former coach house, to warehouses, rooftops and old theatres. In Brisbane, the host will be Barbara in Warner Street, bringing the concept to one of Fortitude Valley's cosiest little bars. For the event's Queensland launch, there'll be two speed-dating nights. The first, on Monday, September 10, will be for LGBTQI singles and the second, on Wednesday, September 12, will be for the straight crowd. After that, they'll run monthly — and if you're wondering who normally heads along, Dear Pluto's attendees are usually made up of young creatives, aged between 20 and 35. Here's how it works: for your $20 ticket, you'll go on 15–20 short dates, all while enjoying drinks specials and listening to a DJ spinning tunes. If you get stuck for conversation, each table will boast cards filled with topics — featuring the things you actually want to talk about, such as loving doughnuts. Dear Pluto has been around since 2008. Daniels started out with the hosting of monthly vintage sales in Sydney's Hibernian House and has since expanded to makers' markets, workshops, exhibitions and talks, in addition to speed dating. The aim is to "promote a slower way of living, making thoughtful purchases and ditching the swipe, whilst keeping everything we do accessible, novel and, most importantly, fun." Dear Pluto pops up in Brisbane from Monday, September 12. For more information, visit their website.
Anyone who tucks into one scoop of ice cream, proclaims themselves satisfied afterwards and doesn't immediately reach for seconds — well, we don't want to say that they're lying, but they mightn't be truly listening to their dessert-loving tastebuds. No one is ever happy with just one taste of creamy frozen goodness. No one. Not ever. Never. And at Crema and Cream's gelati party, no one will have to be. Happening from 2.30pm on Sunday, February 17, this shindig involves the very words every ice cream lover wants to hear: all-you-can-eat gelato. And all-you-can-eat sorbet too, should you want to mix up your frosty sweet treats. You'll taste your way through the Stafford cafe's range, and your stomach will thank you (although your ice cream headache mightn't). This endless feasts costs $15 for adults and $10 for kids, should you be treating both yourself and some littluns.
Whether you're keen to kick on once lockout time comes, are hankering for a bite in the evening's early hours or need somewhere to dance the night away, Fortitude Valley's new watering hole offers a one-stop-shop — and, now that Beirne Lane has opened its doors in the heritage-listed T.C. Beirne Building, it's not closing them. Settling into the Brunswick Street spot from early November, Beirne Lane trades 24 hours a day. The indoor and outdoor two-level space is the latest venture from Trent Meade and Matt Blyth at the Celissa hospitality group, and it combines the vibe of some of their other projects, blending the gastropub aspect of Isles Lane in the CBD with the hangout feel of fellow Valley residents The Met and GPO. Mixing things together drives the venue's food menu, too, which takes inspiration from Beirne Lane's namesake in an interesting way. If you're not up on the city's past, Thomas Charles Beirne came to Brissie from Ireland, opened a department store in the Valley at the turn of the twentieth century, and initially employed James McWhirter — who would then open a competing department store across the street. Beirne also apparently loved Japanese culture. What this mini-history lesson means is that Beirne Lane slings an Irish-meets-Japanese menu in its iconic location, complete with a dedicated katsu sandwich menu featuring the likes of beef with spicy miso mayonnaise and tonkatsu sauce, and fish with Kewpie tartare, bacon, Sriracha and pickled jalapeño. Also on offer are chips slathered in Japanese curry, cob loaf with beer cheese, plus spicy pork rinds with seaweed crisps and peanuts, as well as king prawns with black garlic butter and marinated spatchcock with charred lime from the charcoal grill. In another nod to Brisbane gone by, the spot is reviving the 'shilling meal'. A plate of oysters, steak and more, it was available to T.C. Beirne's employees for just a shilling. The new version isn't as cheap, but it does feature four oysters, dry-age rib-eye steak, buttermilk onion rings and a clotted cream cannoli, and is recommended for sharing. Drinks-wise, rotating beers and a range of natural, organic wines are joined by a cocktail list that throws together combos of Australian native produce, house-made syrups and whatever's in season. That's evident in the Oh Boys! We Must Have Another!, which blends gin, brandy, rum, orgeat, lime and orange juice, and sherry, and is inspired by — like most of the joint — T.C. Beirne's past. Find Beirne Lane at 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, open 24/7.
Located just across from the City Botanic Gardens and the riverfront, there is a distinctly Queensland vibe about Moda. Perhaps because the usual clinical-white tableware and glistening glassware has been shunned in favour of a cheerful mishmash of bright patterned plates and colourful water glasses. More likely it's down to the fact that the entire restaurant is basically one big courtyard, with an upper deck for functions. Even in winter, the restaurant is open plan, with discrete heating elements to keep things toasty. Though far from southern Europe, Moda's location and breezy setup are perfectly suited to the blend of French, Catalan and Italian influenced dishes served up by chef/co-owner Javier Codina. Though definitely not a taperia, Moda's menu includes entremeses that diners are encouraged to mix and match as share plates ($16 each, three for $46 or five for $78). The WA octopus with persimmon and passionfruit and the zucchini flowers with goat cheese and golden raisins vinaigrette are lovely as light starters. There is an interesting variety of mains, including the angel hair pasta (not Italian capellini, instead more along the lines of Catalan fideus) with scallops, clams, prawns and aioli ($37), and the wild hare pie with persimmon, purple potatoes and five spice sauce ($38). For those who can't decide on sweets, the dessert tapas for two ($30) gives you a sampling. If you must pick only one, the cardamom panna cotta with orange granité and fennel ($18) is an enlivening finish. If you have any trouble navigating the wine list (a liberal mix of Spanish, Italian, French, Australian and NZ wines, along with an intriguing assortment of liqueurs), staff are very approachable. In fact, one of the most impressive things about a meal at Moda is the service. There are some restaurants that, having reached a certain level of acclaim, grow quite pleased with themselves and come to exude a slightly off-putting air of self-satisfaction. Moda is not one of these restaurants. Far from being complacent, they instead demonstrate a firm commitment to old fashioned hospitality. It is essentially the difference between 'aren't you lucky to be here', and 'we are glad to have you here'. Moda goes so far as to say so, with co-owner and manager Francois Le Savéant busily greeting and thanking each table of guests. Though an informal dining restaurant, Moda is elevated by a level of savoir-faire and excellence in service that never comes across as posh.
In accomplished The Box style, this creative little art-space brings together a cross-pollination of talent that have long been riddling Brisbane but in only the humblest of manners. Bloody Oath gives the long awaited recognition to a set of artists who encompass work expressing diverse cultural heritage, and a play on stereotypical Australian culture This string of artist's projects and designs are recognised as some of our best local exports, from Holly Ryan's coneptual yet classic jewellery to Frank+Mimi's signage which is taking over almost every Brisbane street. From design to detail, the art of Ellie Anderson is as intricate as the environment she paints. Exploring patterns, print-making and flaura and fauna, her art has featured in Brisbane's very own Bleeding Hearts Gallery, Oh Hello and Brew as well as being collected locally and abroad in the UK and Canada. Be it a strong use of Australian iconography, symbolism, or artwork derived directly from a culture, ‘Bloody Oath’ presents a visual snapshot of the modern Australian identity through the works of these local creatives.
If you've been to the Brisbane Powerhouse, you've probably been to WATT. The restaurant on the venue's lower level is the kind of place where whiling away a bright afternoon feels like a breeze — and not just because of the zesty riverside air. Next time you head there before a show, a tasty brunch or just because you're in the area, prepare for a refreshing atmosphere on two fronts. The relaxed vibe remains the same, as does the name, but everything else has been transformed. Playing on its enviable location, WATT has decided to bring the outside in, complete with sunny dining areas, outdoor seating and a retractable roof. They’ve spruced up the bar snack, share plate-heavy menu to match, of course, with chilli popcorn, mini hot dogs, soft shell fish tacos and salt and pepper cuttlefish among their delicious-sounding offerings. And, in news certain to thrill arts lovers and theatre attendees everywhere, a special pre-theatre option has been added — plus, it's guaranteed to be ready before the curtain rises. For those looking for something more substantial — or with more time to spend eating and drinking— WATT also welcomes a sibling eatery to the fold. At New Farmer’s Kitchen, a produce-to-plate focus sees food fresh from the sea, farm and garden made into mouthwatering meals, including seafood chowder, Cone Bay barramundi, Caboolture roasted beetroot salad and a vegetarian antipasto board. Come September, the duo of dining establishments will start playing host to Sunday sessions with live music and DJs, if you needed any more reasons to stop by. After a few month's absence from Brisbanite's routines, WATT is back and better, it seems. Expect crowds of people finding out why. Find WATT and New Farmer’s Kitchen at 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, or check out the WATT website.
Flying into Tokyo means wanting to hit the ground running. The moment that you're in the Japanese capital — or even above it — you want to roll out of that plane and into the city's many sights and sounds ASAP. So, the news that Qantas is now soaring into Haneda Airport from Brisbane is a massive deal, saving travellers more than a hour's commute each way once they've landed. First, the other crucial part of this development: Qantas has also just restarted its direct flights between Brisbane and Tokyo for the first time in the pandemic era, effective Thursday, December 1, 2022. The move comes less than two months after Japan fully reopened its borders to international visitors, including without visas and package tours, after the country retained stringent travel restrictions right up until October 2022. In shifting its Brisbane flights to Narita, Qantas is the first carrier with a direct connection between Brisbane and Haneda. Before COVID-19, the Aussie airline already flew direct to Tokyo from the River City; however, those legs went to and from Narita Airport. Any airport that gets you to Tokyo is a good airport, clearly, but Narita is located out of the city itself, hence the lengthy bus ride there and back. "Pre-COVID, Japan was one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers and we're seeing the demand for Tokyo bounce back strongly," said John Simeone, Qantas Regional General Manager for Asia. "The new flight from Brisbane into Haneda Airport gives our customers much easier and faster access to downtown Tokyo and one of the world's most important business markets, saving more than an hour of transit time in getting to the city." Brisbanites keen to book their dream Tokyo trip immediately will fly on Qantas' Airbus A330 aircraft, which includes business suites and lie-flat beds. It's hitting the sky three days per week, offering 1700-plus seats weekly, travelling on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information about Qantas' Brisbane–Tokyo direct flights, head to the airline's website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
A skating session that's all about exercise — and sometimes rolling freely — Rollerfit finally arrived in Brisbane a few years back. It's still going strong in 2024, and it still wants you to go for a spin. Two days a week, you can hit the rink at the PCYC Lang Park at Suncorp Stadium in Milton, including if you're a beginner just learning to skate. If this is the first time you've ever even thought about living out your Whip It or Xanadu dreams, don't worry — you're covered. The novice classes take place on Fridays from 6.30–7.30pm and Sundays from 3.30–4.30pm, while the more experienced skaters lace up on Friday nights from 7.30–8.30pm. And if you do just fancy rolling around openly, without instructors giving you tips, that's also on the agenda during the social hour from 7.30 on Friday evenings. Dropping in costs $25, or you can take that down to $20 if you plan to visit regularly and sign up for a $45 membership. Five, ten and 20-class passes are also on offer, which can bring your per-session fee down to $16.50. If you don't have your own wheels, you can also rent them for an extra $5 per session. Rental covers sizes 5–13, and it's a first-come, first-served kind of deal. Images: Susie Yang.
Canberra might once have been described as 'the ruination of a good sheep paddock', but tables have turned. Global travel publisher Lonely Planet has ranked the Australian capital third on its 2018 Best in Travel: Top Cities list. That's the highest position ever achieved by an Australian city — Melbourne and Sydney included. What's more, Canberra's the only of our metropolises to have made the top ten for next year. The guide describes Canberra as packing "a big punch" for a small city, noting its abundance of "national treasures", "boutique precincts" and "gastronomic highlights". Next year the capital will also host its first test cricket match and the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice. "These are the cities our travel experts say you should experience in 2018," Alex Howard, managing editor of Lonely Planet magazine US, told CNN. "Whether they've been overlooked, are celebrating milestones next year or have crept up on our radar lately, they all offer compelling reasons to go soon." Topping the list is Seville, a city in southern Spain that featured in Game of Thrones, but is probably better known for its tapas and flamenco. Seville is currently preparing to host the 31st European Film Awards next year. In second position is Detroit, also known as the Motor City, which took a hit when the US motor industry collapsed, but has since developed a thriving arts scene. If you're keen to take up Lonely Planet's recommendation, our weekender's guide might come in handy.
Always fancied hanging a gallery-worthy masterpiece on your wall, but don't have anywhere near the hefty budget needed to make that dream a reality? Adore that idea, but believe that great art belongs in galleries where the general public can see it? Whether you're an art lover without deep pockets or a huge supporter of art museums, here's a handy, creative and gorgeous new alternative: building one of the most famous paintings ever crafted out of Lego. If you can construct flowers out of the colourful plastic blocks, brightening up your home with succulents, orchids, bouquets and bonsai fashioned out of bricks, then recreating phenomenal art is the easy next step. The toy brand has come up with the kit to do just that in collaboration with New York's Museum of Modern Art — and the pair have chosen quite the piece to reimagine in 2316 pieces. Painted in 1889, and a mesmerising, twinkling, blue-dripping sight to behold, Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night is a post-impressionist wonder. When you're making it out of Lego, we recommend busting out the bricks next to a window with a view — given that van Gogh created the OG piece, entrancing colours, brush strokes and all, after taking inspiration from his vantage at the Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy, France. Unsurprisingly, The Starry Night is a big hit at MoMA, where it has been on display since 1935 — but now you can put together a version to look at whenever you want. Firmly designed for adults, Lego and MoMa's The Starry Night set measures 40 centimetres long, 21 centimetres wide and 28 centimetres high. And, yes, you can hang the 3D piece on your wall. Also included in the kit, which'll cost AU$259.99 / NZ $279.99 when it goes on sale on Wednesday, June 1: a van Gogh minifigure. It comes with a paint brush, palette, easel and mini painting on a printed tile, and there's an arm that you can attach to the big version of the The Starry Night, too, to show the artist painting the scene. It's been a great few years to be a fan of van Gogh Down Under — so if you went to the National Gallery of Victoria's huge van Gogh exhibition back in 2017, or enjoyed stepping into The Starry Night during multisensory showcase Van Gogh Alive's past Australian and New Zealand stops, this is the Lego set for you. For more information about Lego's new The Starry Night, which goes on sale on Wednesday, June 1, head to the company's website.
Birds chirp, rainbows form and the sun shines a little brighter when the Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival comes around. And in 2024, it's returning for another year of pats, licks and parades on the weekend of Saturday, March 9–Sunday, March 10. The place to head: the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre — and yes, there'll be a dedicated puppy cuddle zone. The Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival will see thousands of dedicated pooch fans celebrating the noble four-legged monarch of human companionship. There'll be dozens of furry friends available for adoption from dozens rescue groups across Queensland in the adoption zone, where you can learn up on what's actually involved with the process. Plus, DockDogs will be back, featuring a competitive long jump and high jump for talented dogs who want to flop into a pool of water. Dogs, amiright? But hold up — you came here to cuddle pooches. We're getting there. Punters can make their way to the Pat-a-Pooch zone to cuddle up to a wide range of Australia's most loveable and popular breeds from puppy to adult dogs — we're talking uppity dachshunds to fluffball samoyeds. This has undeniably been the main attraction of previous year's events, and gives kitten cafes a run for their money. There's plenty more happening over the two days of furry friended fun, including appearances from celebrity vets. Not sure which type of pooch is perfect for you? Sign up to find your pawfect match, at sessions where you'll be paired with your ultimate dog breed. Already found your tail-waggin' soulmate? Get some expert tips on training, behaviour, first-aid and nutrition in handy seminars. Also, over the same two days, the Brisbane Cat Lovers Festival will be on next door.
UPDATE, March 15, 2021: Deerskin is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. You've heard the first words uttered in Deerskin before, but it's unlikely that you've heard them in this specific order: "I swear never to wear a jacket as long as I live". In the film's opening moments, three people exclaim the phrase as they dump armfuls of clothing into a car boot. Watching on, Georges (The Artist Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin) makes sure that they say the sentence in exactly the right way. The film offers no further explanation at this point, as if these dramatic declarations are the most normal thing in the world. Next, though, it shows Georges putting his own brown corduroy jacket in a public toilet, flushing, and leaving the bowl clogged and overflowing. His subsequent destination finally helps clarify what's going on, at least in part — with Deerskin's protagonist buying himself a new secondhand jacket made from the eponymous material. How far would you go for the perfect piece of clothing? And can one ideal fashion item completely change your life? They're two completely relatable questions that Deerskin ponders, after aspiring filmmaker Georges takes a strong liking to said Italian-made vintage fringed deerskin jacket. And, we mean strong. Obsessed, fanatical and passionate, even. In the way that anyone can, but that vain, middle-aged, just-divorced men are stereotypically known to, Georges is certain that this one luxurious object is perfect for him. In fact, he thinks he just can't live without it. It doesn't matter that said coat costs him nearly €8000, a price tag that most would stumble over. Similarly irrelevant: that the jacket looks just a tad too small while he's wearing it. Instead, how it makes Georges feel is far more important than any logical drawbacks — to him, at least. Also pivotal is how it catches the attention of small-town waitress and wannabe film editor Denise (Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Adèle Haenel). The latest feature by the inimitable Quentin Dupieux (also known, in his electronic music guise, as Mr Oizo), Deerskin luxuriates in Georges' devotion to the newest addition to his wardrobe. Again, that's putting it mildly. The film revels in this fixation to a purposefully absurdist, always amusing and even sometimes comically unnerving extent, especially when it comes to the character's ultimate goal: that his will be the only jacket remaining in the world, and he'll be the only person wearing it. When Georges is told that it's the jacket of his dreams before he makes the hefty purchase, it's one of many similar statements to come. When two women at a bar comment on it, he says that "it's no ordinary jacket", for example. Later, when one of them remarks on his overall appearance, he asks "don't you see my killer style?". And in bed that night, playing with the video camera that came with the coat as a package deal, he vocally and effusively lavishes praise upon the inanimate item. The above paragraph stresses the point, but so does Deerskin. If you're going to make a movie about a man's crazed fetish for a jacket, his willingness to do anything for it and his belief that it's the only jacket that should exist from this point forward — and his outlandish, even violent actions to make sure that's the case as well — there's no room for being subtle. This is a concept that requires the same level of commitment as Georges' to his beloved possession, and Dupieux doesn't hold back. That's his nature anyway, with Deerskin the latest of the writer/director's movies to fixate on an inanimate object. If you saw the French filmmaker's 2010 cult hit Rubber, about a homicidal car tyre, then you'll know just what kind of weirdness he both relishes in general and unfurls here. Dupieux makes films that instantly seem ridiculous, yet both express and interrogate their central idea with smarts as well as a sense of humour, and Deerskin couldn't better fit the bill. Still, while this French Alps-set horror-comedy is a typical Dupieux movie through and through, a few things particularly stand out. Indeed, from a resume that also includes 2012's Wrong, 2013's Wrong Cops and 2014's Réalité, this might just be the filmmaker's most accessible film to-date. The deadpan performances, including from a fantastic Dujardin, are a delight. The commentary about consumerism, male egos and the potential brutality of both at their most over-the-top proves as funny as it is astute — and even though it's also rather obvious, it's constantly entertaining. Also, the fact that the movie well and truly knows that it's stretching a thin basic idea to its most overblown extreme means that everything is a joke, and the film is all the better for it. Then there's the visual symbolism, the lingering shots, the beige-hued colour palette and the editing, too, all of which follow their own rhythm as much as anything Dupieux has ever made. But, perhaps the most impressive element of this warped, weird, always beguiling movie is that — despite the all-round offbeat premise — Dupieux never forgets that he's actually fashioning a love story here. Yes, it's a twisted, troubled romance between a man and his jacket (and, later, his deerskin hat, shoes and pants as well), but it's a romance nonetheless. In a feature that'd make a great double with Peter Strickland's In Fabric, every element of this sublimely silly, sometimes savage, 100-percent suede-coveting film is crafted with that in mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_u4YDiGH3k
If you haven't nabbed tickets to see Kendrick Lamar when he tours Australia at the end of 2025, you now have more chances to head along. First, in news worth exclaiming "DAMN"- and "LOVE" about, he was announced as Spilt Milk's 2025 headliner. Then, not content with taking to the stage Down Under in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and on the Gold Coast, the acclaimed hip hop artist locked in two solo Aussie stadium shows — one each in Melbourne and Sydney. Now Lamar has expanded those standalone gigs on his Grand National tour, adding an extra date in each city. Accordingly, after making its way around North America and Europe, Lamar's latest string of live dates now spans two nights apiece in the Victorian and New South Wales capitals. First up: Melbourne, at AAMI Park across Wednesday, December 3–Thursday, December 4, 2025. Then comes Allianz Stadium in the Harbour City over Wednesday, December 10–Thursday, December 11, 2025. [caption id="attachment_1008775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gregory Shamus/Getty Images[/caption] Lamar's Aussie stadium shows still kick off before his Spilt Milk dates, then slot in-between the festival's two weekend runs. The fest hits Ballarat on Saturday, December 6; Perth on Sunday, December 7; Canberra on Saturday, December 13; and the Gold Coast on Sunday, December 14. For company at his solo gigs, he'll have ScHoolboy Q in support on Wednesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 10, as previously announced. On the new dates — so on Thursday, December 4 and Thursday, December 11 — Doechii will be doing the honours. December clearly suits Lamar for a jaunt Down Under — that's when the Pulitzer Music Prize-winning musician also made the trip in 2022. Lamar is one of the most-critically acclaimed and successful hip hop artists of our generation. He currently has 22 Grammys to his name, plus an Academy Award nomination for one of his contributions to the Black Panther soundtrack. He won the 2017 Triple J Hottest 100 and, when he nabbed his Pulitzer in 2018, he also became the first ever artist to take out the prestigious award for contemporary music. GNX, his most-recent studio album, dropped in November 2024 — with his extensive catalogue also spanning 2011's Section.80, 2012's good kid, m.A.A.d city, 2015's To Pimp A Butterfly, 2017's DAMN and 2022's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Kendrick Lamar Grand National Tour 2025 Australian Dates Wednesday, December 3–Thursday, December 4 — AAMI Park, Melbourne Wednesday, December 10–Thursday, December 11 — Allianz Stadium, Sydney Spilt Milk 2025 Dates Saturday, December 6 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, December 7 — Claremont Showground, Perth Saturday, December 13 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, December 14 — Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Gold Coast Kendrick Lamar is touring Australia in December 2025, with ticket presales for his second Melbourne gig kicking off at 11am on Thursday, August 7, and for his second Sydney gig at 12pm on Thursday, August 7 — with general sales from 1pm on Monday, August 11 in Melbourne and 2pm on Monday, August 11 in Sydney. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for pgLang, Amazon Music, & Free Lunch.
Your mission, movie lovers, should you choose to accept it: watching the first sneak peek at the new instalment in one of cinema's biggest franchises. The initial teaser trailer for Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One is here and, yes, it's filled with espionage intrigue, explosions, chases, fights and Tom Cruise wearing masks. Also covered: stunts, stunts and more stunts, plus even more stunts still. At this point in his career, all new Cruise movies seem to belong to a broader saga. That'd be: "one of the world's biggest stars does death-defying stunts to lure audiences into cinemas". The Mission: Impossible flicks have been keeping those daredevil flames burning for almost three decades now, and its leading man just keeps upping the ante. And yes, he's still committed to doing as many dangerous feats as he can himself, including riding a motorcycle off a cliff this time around. Arriving more than a year before the movie hits cinemas — it'll release Down Under on July 13, 2023 — the debut glimpse at Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One isn't big on plot. There is a story to stitch together all those stunts, though. First, Cruise's Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt is told that his "days of fighting for the so-called greater good are over", and that the mission now is to control the truth, as well as the concepts of right and wrong. So, that leaves him needing to pick a side. So far, so vague — but that's what first glimpses are usually about, including at Tom Cruise-starring future blockbusters that are debuting their initial sneak peeks because another Tom Cruise-starring certain blockbuster (that'd be Top Gun: Maverick) is reaching the silver screen this week. The Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One trailer does cover plenty of other familiar faces, however, including the characters of Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg, The Boys), Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson, Dune), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames, Father Figures), and Alanna Mitsopolis (Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman). Also popping up: Hayley Atwell (Avengers: Endgame) and Esai Morales (How to Get Away with Murder), both as new figures — and the latter as the movie's key villain. Four years after helming the series' sixth film, 2018's Mission: Impossible – Fallout, writer/director Christopher McQuarrie returns for Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One — his third M:I flick in a row after also doing the honours on 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. And yes, as the name makes plain, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One will have a sequel, which is set to release sometime in 2024. Check out the trailer for Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One below: Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One releases in cinemas Down Under on July 13, 2023.
Not every horror movie changes the way that its audience thinks, even if it conjures up haunting, engaging and entertaining bumps, jumps, spooks and scares. Since it first made its way to cinemas in 2000 after starting its life as an unsolicited and unproduced script for The X-Files, Final Destination and the franchise that it has spawned has indeed had that viewpoint-altering impact. For viewers, watching along with any of the saga's six films so far can get you seeing the deadly potential of every situation. That's the whole premise, after all: death's inevitability, plus how mortality stalks and creates fatal danger, including by taking everyday anxieties and fears to their worst and grisliest cause and effect-style possible outcomes. HBO's Six Feet Under, which arrived on the small screen the year after the first Final Destination movie, also played a little in this terrain, beginning most of its episodes with someone shuffling off this mortal coil, sometimes via accidents and misfortunes. But where it was a thoughtful and moving prestige TV drama, the Final Destination movies embrace their place in the horror genre, as well as blood and gore. After the OG flick, Final Destination 2 followed in 2003, then Final Destination 3 in 2006, fourth effort The Final Destination in 2009 and Final Destination 5 in 2011. Now Final Destination Bloodlines has following after a 14-year gap — and with a new twist, sending the end that awaits us all slaying its way through families. Is spying death lingering around every corner one of the side effects of directing a Final Destination movie, too? For filmmakers Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein (who also co-helmed Freaks and Kim Possible), the answer is yes. "Absolutely, yeah. I mean, I think we've always been fans of how Final Destination really brings anxiety to life. And definitely when we're working with the writers and producers on all the things we could ruin for people in this movie, you really have to mind your own anxieties and your own fears to figure all that out," Stein tells Concrete Playground. "But we also had the fun of basically becoming death for this movie, because in Final Destination there's no killer with a knife coming after you. It's the filmmaking that comes for the characters. It's all the little close-up shots edited together that come for the character. So we got to be death in this movie, also." "I was driving down the highway just a few weeks ago," Lipovsky shares, "and a garbage bin came flying out of the back of the truck and kind of bounced down the road. And I saw it coming a mile away, because I was like 'ohh, here we go. I've seen this movie'. And I was able to pull out of the way." Pipes in Stein immediately: "Final Destination could save your life." In Final Destination Bloodlines, a huge scene-setting setpiece again establishes the story, this time harking back to 1968, to the opening of a sky-high restaurant in a new tower where young couple Iris (Brec Bassinger, Stargirl) and Paul (Max Lloyd-Jones, The Irrational) are excited to be in attendance. Premonitions have their part in the narrative, but this is a killer opening in more ways than one. From there, the film jumps to the present day, with college student Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana, The Friendship Game) and her loved ones learning that they're the next in death's grasp. Her younger brother Charlie (Teo Briones, Chucky) and estranged mother Darlene (Rya Kihlstedt, Orphan Black: Echoes), plus cousins Erik (Richard Harmon, The Flash), Bobby (Owen Patrick Joyner, Julie and the Phantoms) and Julia (Anna Lore, Gotham Knights), then start discovering what it's like to live your days attempting to outsmart eternal rest. Does spotting lethal peril IRL carry over to a Final Destination movie's cast, too? Bloodlines' lineup of actors vary in their answers when asked. "I feel like I've always been a little psychic. I'm not kidding. I have really great intuition. I'm so good at it. I mean, not as far as predicting that somebody's going to die. I have a really strong gut feeling and I feel like I can sense things around me," says Santa Juana, who, as Stefani, is the sleuth of the picture — the character who is definitely discerning everywhere that death might pop up. "Accident-wise?" Kihlstedt, her on-screen mum, poses in return. "Yeah. That's why I'm so afraid of power chords, because I know that those things are pesky little buggers, and they will, if you get some water on them, they'll explode." Kihlstedt doesn't think that way. Nor does Briones: "I just sort of stumble around life, no care in the world". And Harmon believes that "life's too short to be worried". Lore, though, advises that "I think that watching it, being in it, being around a Final Destination film, yeah, makes you very makes you a little paranoid". Notes Joyner: "it's a little spooky". They're all now part of not only Final Destination's comeback, but also of a wave of 90s and 00s horror becoming new again. Scream returned in 2022, dropped another sequel in 2023 and has Scream 7 on the way in 2026. The fourth I Know What You Did Last Summer film, also just called I Know What You Did Last Summer, hits cinemas in July 2025. News of more Urban Legend with Until Dawn's Gary Dauberman penning the script is mere weeks old as Final Destination Bloodlines releases. Bloodlines' stars and filmmakers also worked alongside a Final Destination original, with genre and franchise great Tony Todd (Candyman), who passed away in November 2024, making his final appearance in the saga. We spoke with Lipovsky, Stein, Santa Juana, Briones, Kihlstedt, Harmon, Joyner and Lore about what it means to step into a beloved franchise like this one, too, alongside Todd's involvement, shifting the way that audiences think, the family connection in Bloodlines, intergenerational trauma, great deaths in the saga, the fun of dying on-screen and other topics. On What Makes a Great Final Destination Death Setup Zach: "I think the key thing is what Adam was talking about, which is ruining something. Meaning it's something very relatable that we all experience, we all can run into in the rest of our lives, and figuring out a way to just dement that in a way that is incredibly scary and graphic and anxiety-inducing. And then figuring out all the different ways that you can make that ultimate death surprising. And so creating all sorts of misdirects around it with other relatable, realistic things that could theoretically happen — so that it's a sequence that is relatable, that is surprising, and ultimately incredibly graphic and gory." On Knowing You've Had a Part in Making People Think Differently About Everyday Objects and Situations Adam: "We hope people still go get their necessary MRIs. Let's just say that." Zach: "Even safer than they would have before." Adam: "But I think that's what's made Final Destination so iconic, that things just stick with you. Logging trucks — 20 years later, nobody can take it. We just hope that we can live up to the logging truck — and maybe when you have a frosty glass full of ice or you hear the song 'Shout', you think of our movie 20 years from now." Anna: "Very proud. Yeah, very proud. I mean, the goal of these movies is to ruin things for people." Richard: "Yes." Anna: "And the more everyday the thing, the better." Owen: "That's the number-one ambition." Anna: "The number one." Owen: "Not to entertain." Anna: "Even before making a movie of any kind or filming it or …" Owen: "How can we traumatise people?" Anna: "How can we traumatise?" Richard: "And I hope we did our jobs." On Whether the Cast Tap Into a Seize-the-Day Perspective While Making a Movie Where Death Can Be Anywhere Kaitlyn: "I think for this one it's a little bit different, because it's about a family. And when I think about what I would do to protect my family, I don't really think risk for myself is involved. I love my family and Stefani also loves her family, even though they are a little bit distant off the top. So I can only imagine that she would pretty much do anything and risk her safety to make sure that the others are safe, too, because that's what I would do." Rya: "I mean, the truth is if we could all carry that a little more into our day-to-day lives, it would be really great." Owen: "I guess that helps, right? That's a great tip. Maybe I should have used that. It could have helped. But, I don't know, it was such a weird flip-flop where you go through some traumatic moment with a family member, and then the next scene you're supposed to take the audience through a light-hearted scene and allow everyone to relax before you get into the next big scary murder plot. So, for me, it was really just taking it scene by scene, and trusting the writers and the directors of knowing how to transition out of different moments to lead the audience through a fun time." Richard: "Yeah. Hey, that's well-put." On Adding a Focus on Families as Death's Target to the Franchise for the First Time Zach: "That was the best part of hearing that they were making a new Final Destination movie, as we heard that it was about a family tree — because it does so many different things at once. Right away, it allows for the structure of Final Destination to be a little bit different, which freshens the franchise. Because now you have a whole group of people that are related but are different ages — and that creates a lot higher stakes because they really, really love each other. And we have this beautiful element of this family that starts with a rift and they're kind of apart from each other, having to come together as death comes for them one by one. And it really enriches each of the characters, because they can all have family secrets and grudges and alliances and history. And that allows for a Final Destination movie that I think people will be surprised has a lot more heart and depth to it on the character side — and all that comes from that bloodlines idea." Adam: "I heard the cast talking about it earlier today, and what they settled on as their tagline is: 'bigger heart, bigger stakes'." Zach: "Nice." On Playing Bloodlines' Sleuth, and Trying to Solve the Puzzle of What's Happening — and How to Save Stefani's Loved Ones Kaitlyn: "I have really strong family morals, so just thinking about what I would do to protect them. I would do all of these things to protect the people that I love. Another thing is, throughout the film with my acting coach, I worked on the three different people that Stefani is in this movie. And in the first little bit, she's the detective. Like you said, she's trying to figure out what's going on. In the middle sequence, she's what I would deem as a protector. And in the end sequence, she's a survivor. You shoot everything out of sequence, and just grounding myself and remembering 'who am I right now?' and 'what would I do in this scenario?' was what helped me stay true to my character arc." On Digging Into Intergenerational Trauma When Death Starts Stalking Families Rya: "I was really intrigued by and am very interested in the idea of family constellations and carried trauma — I feel like most of us carry some kind of trauma that maybe does not belong to us, that's been carried down for generations, that's not ours to own. And I think that's Darlene. That sums her up. She is carrying trauma from her mother, and suddenly realises that her daughter is now carrying this. She thought she left in the hopes that she was going to save her daughter from the same trauma. Exactly what she did is exactly what she didn't want to do. And I love that idea." On What It Meant to Be Able to Bring Tony Todd Back to the Franchise for the Final Time Adam: "He's an absolute legend. We were really grateful to be able to work with him, and it was so important to have him in this movie. We weren't sure if he would be able to do the movie, because we knew he was sick. And he kept telling us 'do not write me out of this movie, I have to be in this movie'. It was very important to him to be in the movie, and to do a couple of things. One, to give Bludworth a bit more of a backstory, a bit more of a human character to this character who, in the other movies, has been a bit mysterious and undefined. And it's led to a lot of fan theories about 'is he an angel? Is he death itself?'. And Tony was very excited to be able to bring a bit more of a backstory on a human level to the character, so he would have that explanation to why he is the way he is. And, to give him not just a proper beginning but a proper goodbye, because we were pretty sure this would be his last Final Destination movie — just because they take years to make and we knew he was sick. We didn't realise it would be his last movie overall, which is, of course, very tragic. And he was very excited, though, to say goodbye to the fans of Final Destination — to the point that on set, we asked him if he would be willing to put the script aside and speak directly to the fans in that final goodbye moment. 'Is there anything he wants to say? Is there anything he wants to leave the fans with?'. And the final lines he says in the movie were just spoken off-script, from the heart, of what he wanted to leave the fans with as a final message, and I think that's why it's so emotionally powerful." On What You Draw Upon to Convey the Fear That Clearly Has to Sink in for Bloodlines' Characters Richard: "Well, the acting went out of the window when they lit the fire underneath me. I think the acting just ... " Owen: "You went method right there." Richard: "You no longer act. You're just like 'I don't want to burn to death'. So yeah, I feel like that Final Destination does such a good job of that, even with like the fake blood and everything, where the acting just goes out of the window and you just do it." On the Fun of Playing Death Scenes Teo: "This might just be me, but I've died a few times at this point on-screen — I love filming those scenes. They're the most fun things to film. It's awesome." Rya: "I was going to say the same thing. They're really fun." Teo: "They're really fun." Rya: "They're hard work. It depends on how you die. it depends on the situation." Kaitlyn: "It's so epic. There's something so epic about doing it." Rya: "Particularly in this, because they're so heightened and so dramatic." Kaitlyn: "I know, it's beautiful." Rya: "It's bloody, gory." Kaitlyn: "It's honestly beautiful. It's so romantic. There's a romance to it." Richard: "It's some of the most fun I've ever had in my career, for sure." Owen: "It's the honour of the whole experience." On Adding a New Standout Opening Sequence to the Franchise Zach: "I think knowing that you're doing a Final Destination movie, the first thing you think is 'oh boy, that means that we're going to have to make an iconic opening', because these movies are known for their openings. And to even be given the torch to add one more to that pantheon is quite a weight to bear. And so we spent years, we were working on that opening setpiece to try and make it worthy of being in a Final Destination movie. We tried to give it a huge amount of scope. We tried to give it a huge amount of heart. We tried to prey on all sorts of relatable fears. Adam has a fear of heights, and so we really tried to bring a fear of heights into it and play with that in creative new ways. We didn't want to just do the standard push-pull vertigo shot. We wanted to try experimental other ideas to really create a sense of vertigo when you're that high up — and give people something that's also really beautiful and touching at the same time that it's horrifying. And we were really inspired by like movies like Titanic that balance all of those things — of being epic and beautiful and personal, but also just horrifying and stick with you forever so that you always think about them. And we're really glad to see that people are responding to that setpiece, because we spent years trying to make it worthy of that title." On Why the Final Destination Films Have Enjoyed Such a Following Over a Quarter of a Century — and Being Tasked with Carrying on That Legacy Zach: "I think that everyone has some amount of anxiety and has that little voice in their head saying 'you know what, this feels a little off — aaah, it's probably fine'. And in Final Destination, you see that 'no, it's not fine and it's actually horrible'. And so I think there's something that's kind of delightful about that. I also think that Final Destination is really unique as far as being an experience where you can have a lot of fun with how people are dying, I think that's quite unique. A lot of films that are gory end up being really dark in a non-fun way — and I think Final Destination strikes this perfect balance where you can kind of cheer and root for death, because death is so clever, but also root for the characters to escape and hope that they're okay. And it gives you all the different emotions that you can have in a movie theatre. And it just sticks with you — from the moment you leave that theatre, all the different things that are in a Final Destination movie, you'll never be able to look at the same way again. And every little weird accident or something that happens in your real life, even if it's not in a Final Destination movie, you'll think that it could be in a Final Destination movie, and that's just a testament to these films' staying power." Anna: "I think we all felt the pressure of it." Owen: "The thing that helped me was, there was plenty of pressure in terms of making sure that we made millions of fans happy, but we had an amazing team that really understood what the fans wanted and the fabric of the franchise, and what was important in each of them. But it did help that the real stars of the movie are the deaths, right? So as long as you can execute on those, I don't think you have to dig deep and bring out some riveting performance — just try to have fun with the audience." Richard: "Make it enjoyable. Make it entertaining." On the Significance and Fun of Joining the Franchise for the Cast Rya: "I think it's really finally hitting us. I guess I'll speak for myself, but I think we've been talking about this a little bit — I think it's finally hitting us how much this movie and this franchise means to its fans. So we're really aware of what an honour it is and how lucky we are." Kaitlyn: "Absolutely." Teo: "Something that was always on my mind while we were filming is making a movie that, because I'm a huge fan of this franchise — I just wanted to make sure that we were making a film that the fans would love, and the fans would love to watch over and over and over again. Because that's what these movies are for me. They're movies that you watch — I watched these a couple times a year, honestly. And I was just hoping that we'd be able to recreate that. And I think we really did." Kaitlyn: "I think so, too." Teo: "And I think the fans are going to really love it. And the fans are already loving it." Richard: "I was 11 when the second one came out, and I saw the second one at a friend's sleepover that we were having — and we got it and were were like 'we shouldn't be watching this'. And I just fell in love with it. Then I went back and watched one, and then I watched all of them when they came out after that. I've been a massive fan of the franchise since then — and this was, I literally cried on the phone when they told me that I booked this role, because I get to bring my dreams to reality by being a part of horror royalty. I'm not saying I'm horror royalty. I'm just saying Final Destination is horror royalty." Owen: "We are. We're saying it." Richard: "We're all horror royalty." Anna: "My first memory of Final Destination, I didn't see it, but I remember I think being in sixth grade or something and everyone talking about the rollercoaster. And they were like 'oh yeah, there's a rollercoaster, there's an accident with a rollercoaster'. And I was like 'what, that sounds really scary'. But I didn't watch the movies until actually after I auditioned for this, because, I was like 'I'm going to watch them all the way through before I go shoot it'. So I just started with one — and my boyfriend was a huge fan. He changed my name in his phone to 'Anna Final Destination' when I auditioned for it. I'm still to this day in his phone: 'Anna Final Destination'. And so while we're watching them, I was just like 'these movies are awesome'." Richard: "Fun." Anna: "Like 'these are so great'." Owen: "I think for me, I was at the age where it was just already such a big part of our pop culture, so I feel like it's just always been this thing for me. I was never like 'I woke up one day and I saw the film and there was like an explosion for me' — it's just always been huge." Richard: "It's been lingering over the top of you your entire life." Owen: "It's been lingering, sprinkling trauma." Anna: "Omnipresent." Owen: "And feeding my anxiety for years." On Everyone's Favourite Death Setups — in Bloodlines and in the Rest of Franchise Adam: "If we had to pick one individual death, the MRI sequence, usually it gets the biggest reaction from audiences — except for one death in the opening where a little boy gets killed. That really, I still remember the first screening we had for audiences while we were editing. When the audience cheered when that boy was killed, I realised 'okay, we're on to something here. This is a real audience movie'. And that was — it's just so much fun, every time." Rya: "The piano's a good one." Teo: "The piano's good. MRI machine is my favourite." Kailtyn: "I like the piano one, because I love music." Rya: "And I've got to say I like the Reese's peanut butter cups." Kailtyn: "Yeah, I like those too." Teo: "Those are good." Owen: "If Richard were to die. If Richard were to play a character named Erik, and that character were to die." Anna: "If he died." Owen: "I think that would be my favourite." Richard: "I'm emotional." Anna: "I really like all of them. It's hard to think what I don't like. But first thing comes to my mind is in the fourth one, this guy gets squished through a chain-link fence. That one was really gross. Because when you see him up against the chain-link fence, just standing there, you're like 'they're not going to squish him through the chain-link fence, right?'." Owen: "I thought a really smart one was the gymnastics one." Richard: "It's brutal." Owen: "Because I feel like if you're not involved in gymnastics and you see people do that, I feel like you naturally think that that's just going to kind of happen." Richard: "It's inevitable." Anna: "And that's a great swerve, too, the gymnastics one, because you're like 'what's going to happen' — and then it's so simple." Richard: "And then it's just the chalk up — and then it's so good." Anna: "Yeah, exactly." Richard: "I like Timmy in the second one getting squished by a pane of glass. I like that one." Final Destination Bloodlines opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
They're famous for singing about an island in the sun. Come October, they'll be playing on one: Australia. Yes, add Weezer to the list of acts that first made it big decades ago that are hitting our shores again, and soon, with the Los Angeles-formed alt-rock band just announcing three big Aussie arena gigs for this spring. Expect the supremely cruisy, holiday vibe-heavy 'Island in the Sun' to get a spin, plus 'Undone — The Sweater Song', 'Buddy Holly', 'El Scorcho', 'Beverly Hills', 'Hash Pip', 'Pork and Beans' and more, all from across the group's three-decade career. Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Scott Shriner and Brian Bell will take to the stage in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on a whirlwind three-day, three-show trip between Friday, October 6–Sunday, October 8. [caption id="attachment_912637" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Murphy[/caption] Music lovers in Victoria and Queensland's capitals, you'll be catching Weezer play through its hefty discography as headliners, with the band picking up their instruments at John Cain Arena in the former and Brisbane Entertainment Centre in the latter. In support, Brissie legends Regurgitator will warm up the crowd in both cities — another favourite that began rocking the airwaves in the 90s. In Sydney, Weezer fans will need to see KISS, too, with Weezer's only Harbour City show in support of KISS in what's been dubbed the makeup-clad icons' last-ever Australian concert. Weezer love a bit of a nostalgia, at least where their Aussie tours are involved. Back in 2020, they were announced for the Hella Mega Tour's Down Under run, which was meant to hit the country that November with Green Day and Fall Out Boy also headlining. Then the pandemic hit, and the trio's successful worldwide combined gigs cancelled its Australian plans. WEEZER 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: HEADLINE SHOWS: Friday, October 6 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Sunday, October 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane KISS: THE FINAL CURTAIN WITH SPECIAL GUESTS WEEZER: Saturday, October 7 — Accord Stadium, Sydney Weezer will tour Australia in October 2023, with early-bird pre-sale tickets for their solo shows available from 9am AEST on Tuesday, August 15, and general sales from 9am AEST on Thursday, August 17. Head to the tour website for further details — and to Ticketek for KISS tickets now. Top image: Hunter Kahn via Wikimedia Commons.
Hidden away in a historic, inner-city laneway, Marchetti is a tiny Italian cafe and wine bar. With classic leather booths, glossy black bar stools and a checkerboard floor, these guys have been doing aperitivo hour since well before it was trending on Instagram. If you've been there, you're a fan. If you haven't, consider it a new (old) discovery. Their famed rose latte — in the sweetest shade — is a highlight when it's on the menu. But if you need a little boost that requires more than caffeine, head to their martini and antipasti menu for the 5pm Friday aperitivo hour.
Grab your bowling ball and swap your bathrobe for your best purple outfit — The Jesus Rolls, the two-decades-later sequel to the Coen Brothers' 1998 cult comedy The Big Lebowski, is due to hit the big screen in 2020. Instead of abiding by The Dude (Jeff Bridges), this follow-up spends time with John Turturro's Jesus Quintana, whose love of flinging gleaming balls down lanes means that he obviously isn't a golfer. Of course, if you still want to pour a white russian to celebrate this return excursion to the Lebowski universe, that's both understandable and warranted. Turturro not only stars, but writes and directs The Jesus Rolls, which was actually filmed back in 2016. Cast-wise, he's joined by a heap of familiar faces, including Bobby Cannavale, Audrey Tautou, Jon Hamm, Susan Sarandon and Pete Davidson. The movie will be released in the US early next year just in time for The Big Lebowski's 22nd anniversary — and while plans Down Under haven't yet been revealed, start crossing your fingers. As well as following Quintana's exploits post-Big Lebowski, The Jesus Rolls will also act as a remake of 1974 French film Going Places. As per the official synopsis reported by IndieWire, the picture will chart: "a trio of misfits [Turturro, Cannavale and Tautou] whose irreverent, sexually charged dynamic evolves into a surprising love story as their spontaneous and flippant attitude towards the past or future backfires time and again, even as they inadvertently perform good deeds. When they make enemies with a gun-toting hairdresser, their journey becomes one of constant escape from the law, from society and from the hairdresser, all while the bonds of their outsider family strengthen." The Jesus Rolls doesn't have a teaser just yet, but there's never a bad time to revisit its predecessor's trailer, should you need a reminder of Quintana's initial big-screen antics. If you're keen to watch the The Big Lebowski in its entirety, it's currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd-go0oBF4Y The Jesus Rolls hits US cinemas at a yet-to-be-revealed date in early 2020. We'll update you with local release details when they come to hand. Via Deadline / IndieWire.
Houseboats are the aquatic equivalent of packing up a camper and taking yourself where the road leads. Rather than traversing the neverending highways that cut across our broad country, why not try cruising the rivers and waterways that trail like veins through some of the remarkable landscapes Australia has to offer? From fishing on the Ord River to skippering your own sailboat in the Whitsundays, sleeping on a boat opens up a whole new world of adventure holiday. For a cruisy vacation you haven't thought of yet, here are our top ten picks of houseboats around the land, and a couple that aren't technically houseboats, but provide an unmatchable experience on the water nonetheless. FIVE STAR SPA, WISEMAN'S FERRY, NSW Able Houseboats on the Hawkesbury River has a berth for 12 people, and as the name suggests, has a nice spa for soaking while boating. Wiseman's Ferry only takes an hour or so to reach by car from Sydney, so the boat is perfect for a cheeky weekend on the river. A weekend for 12 people on the stunning Hawkesbury River starts at $4820, which is starting to verge on the exxy side, but can you really put a price on happiness? Particularly happiness induced by houseboat? THE RIVERDREAM BOATEL, RENMARK, SA So, there's a luxury houseboat, then there's an insanely luxurious houseboat. Then there's the Riverdream. Boasting five king-sized bedrooms, a spiral staircase that leads you to the control room, a tinted ceiling, central heating, barbecue and everything short of its own helipad, this is the houseboat that Elton John would probably hire if he had any interest in houseboats. Operating along the Murray River, this boat shows off some of the most picturesque landscape that South Australia has to offer, all in the comfort of a floating five star resort. Prices start at $180 per night, per person. OCEAN SPIRIT, HOPE HARBOUR, QLD It's a general rule with boat-bound holidays that the stronger the pun, the better the boat. So Ocean Spirit (from Fantaseas) has to be one of the best boats out there. Ocean Spirit is moored at Hope Harbour, just north of Surfer's Paradise. It has four bedrooms, all lined with leather and panelled with polished wood, plus a barbecue on deck and what's that? A spa? Yep, there's one of those, too. Midweek prices in the normal season start at $3200 for four nights, and the boat can sleep you and 11 friends. CRUISE AWAY, WALPOLE-NORNALUP, WA A houseboat getaway doesn't mean you have to take a whole squad of mates. Instead, tear it up peacefully on the waterways with a romantic getaway for two. Cruise Away, a four-berth houseboat moored in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park on the southern tip of Western Australia, provides ample opportunity for exactly that. Cruise through the park, set off up the rivulets on the dinghy provided, try your hand at fishing for dinner, or simply sit on the deck and soak up the natural beauty of this less-explored landscape. Three nights in the peak season starts at $1225. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, KUNUNURRA, WA From the bottom of Australia's western edge to the top, Love At First Sight is a six-berth houseboat moored in Kununurra on the banks of the Ord River. This boat will take you away from the hubbub of urban living into the complete embrace of nature. Keep a line out for bream, catfish and even barramundi to catch yourself your very own dinner. Prices start at $1500 for three nights in peak season. PINK LADY, MILDURA, VIC It's all too often that a holiday house is a stark reminder that you've travelled far from the comforts of home. Pink Lady, however, aims to make this less and less obvious with an injection of what All Seasons Houseboats call the Platinum Indulgence. The boat has all the trimmings necessary for a fancy hotel, including a barbecue, spa, bar and a fitout worthy of a luxury hotel. Prices for a three-night sojourn on the Pink Lady start at $3200, but the upshot of this is that some of this coin goes towards the Breast Cancer Network Australia. HERO, ECHUCA MOAMA, SA Another entry on the list that isn't exactly a houseboat, but worth mentioning nonetheless. Echuca Moama sits on the banks of the Murray River, and has long been known as the paddle steamer capital of Australia, but only by those who knew Australia has a paddle steamer capital. Hero organises overnight stays in the floating hotel, where guests experience the luxury of 1874, the year that Hero was built. The crew do their best to maintain the beautiful interiors, which only accentuate the views of the countryside as they scroll past. The cost of staying on Hero varies, depending on your stay. SCALLYWAG, BLANCHETOWN, SA Although houseboats are an amazing idea for groups, it's always nice to spend a little time with just you and a special someone. In that case, the two-berth Scallywag has you covered. You can crew Scallywag, just the two of you, up the Murray River, soaking in the rugged scrub that lines the riverbanks. The queen bed sits below a panoramic window, so you can watch the moon and stars as you sleep. The roof is decked with timber, so there's plenty of space up there to soak in the sights. Scallywag is moored at Blanchetown, and prices start at $1050 for three nights in the normal period. LEOPARD 48, WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, QLD Houseboats, given their general lack of the ability to brave any kind of surf, usually stick to rivers and canals. But what if you're feeling like an overnight holiday on the ocean? Bareboating uses the same principals as houseboating, where you acquire yourself a boat, a skipper and crew it yourself, and then return it when you're done. Whitsunday Escape provides everything from sailboats to powered yachts, including the very fancy catamaran, Leopard 48. Nightly rates for the five-star boat start at $1950 per night in the peak season, but when split between 11 mates, that's not too much to pay to captain your own sailboat around the Whitsunday Islands. SOLWAY LASS, WHITSUNDAYS, QLD While not exactly a houseboat, I think we can all agree that the Solway Lass definitely deserves to be on this list. I mean, look at it. It's a pirate ship. Tours start out at Airlie Beach, and the skipper takes you on a three-day voyage around the Whitsunday Islands, so you can cruise about on a 100-year-old pirate ship without worrying about having to steer the thing. The trip carries you to Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, and through a whole heap of bushwalking opportunities. Prices start at $560 per person for three days with meals included, and accommodates groups of up to 30 people.
There is not a lot that can beat a truly great sandwich and banh mi is right up there with the best of them. A French-influenced, Vietnamese creation, the banh mi is a delicious cultural fusion — a baguette spread with pate, butter/mayo piled with meats (preferably pork), batons of lightly pickled carrot and daikon, ribbons of cucumber, whole sprigs of coriander and maybe even a little sliced fresh chilli. Fresh and flavoursome, it is an ideal workday lunch. Though the below list of the best banh mi in Brisbane is ordered, we understand that sandwiches are a highly personal matter, so take it as a guide, not a decree. Minh Tan Bakery If you’re not lucky enough to live nearby to the Minh Tan Bakery it may be quite a trek to get there, but it is at this suburban bakery that you will find probably the best banh mi in Brisbane. On the fringes of the Inala Plaza food court, a banh mi with pork, pork mince, pork loaf or chicken will set you back $4. The bread is exceptional – crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and the fillings are top notch. It is all these factors, plus their generosity with the pate, that takes Minh Tan to the top of this list. 156 Inala Ave, Inala Plza, Inala Scotts Rd Deli In truth, it’s difficult to separate Scotts Rd Deli from Minh Tan in terms of quality. Scotts Rd Deli is a little takeaway shop in Darra, and they only offer one banh mi – a classic banh mi thit. So confident are they of their chosen speciality that its name takes up prime position on their sign ‘banh mi Thit – Pork Roll’. The bread is wonderfully flaky (first and second place on this list is bestowed primarily for the superior baguettes), the pork slow cooked and tender. At a measly $3.50, you simply can’t invent a reason to complain. Service is delightful and they sell Vietnamese iced coffee in plastic sealed cups – the perfect thing to wash down your pork roll. 146 Scotts Road, Darra Mrs Luu’s Moving closer to the CBD, prices inevitably rise and at Mr’s Luu’s the banh mi is $7. You are, however, paying in part for the privilege of eating your meal in the sunny alcove that is their shop. The three little piggies (with Viet porchetta, Viet ham and BBQ pork) is an easy favourite, but they also do grilled marinated flank steak, sweet glazed chicken fillet, soy and shallot grilled pork-chop and omelette with caramelised onions. Drinks include homemade lemonade, coconut juice, orange juice and excellent (very strong and very sweet) Vietnamese coffee. 25 Railway Terrace, Milton Cafe O-Mai At Annerley breakfast hotspot Cafe O-Mai, variety is the name of the game. The options (ranging in price from $5 to $9) abound: bacon and egg, classic pork roll, pork meatball and quail eggs, tamarind chicken, house-made crackling pork, lemongrass beef, BBQ pork, salad and tofu. With baguettes from Patisseries Bakery and De Francs in Sunnybank Hills, any choice would be a good one. 15 Cracknell Rd, Annerley Kim Thanh Hot Bread West End stalwart Kim Thanh has long held the affections of locals for their fresh bread and sweet baked goods. They do good banh mi too, particularly suited to those who prefer their baguette with a nice bit of bite and chew. banh mi thit ($4.50) is the only kind on offer, but this lack of variety is not a problem; best to do one thing well. 81 Vulture St, West End The Rice Hut A favourite amongst patrons of Jan Power’s Farmers Market, The Rice Hut’s banh mi is the priciest on this list, coming in at $8. However, the stall owners are very friendly and they drizzle their banh mi with a zesty dressing that adds a bit of punch. It’s an ideal bit of street food to munch on as you meander around the market, and the ginger beer makes for a nice accompaniment. Jan Power's Farmers Markets Rice Paper Scissors You may be inclined to pity Rice Paper Scissors for having to compete with fellow Miltonite, Mrs Luu’s. An unfortunate position on the face of it perhaps, but they do appear to hold their own. Banh mi are $7 and they season their meats and sandwiches with some atypical condiments and sauces. Fillings include ‘the classic’ (with three types of pork), ‘the brown cow’ (lemongrass beef), ‘the vegetarian’ and ‘the belly bun’ (roast pork belly). A roll here will definitely fuel you for the afternoon, and they have seating too, unlike the majority of places on this list. Shop 13, 1 Park Road, Milton The Roll Shop Not everyone can make their way out to Darra or Inala on a weekday for a sandwich, so for inner-city workers The Roll Shop is the next best thing. Banh mi are priced at $6, and they offer a wider than average variety of meats — BBQ pork, black pepper beef, lemongrass chicken, roast crackling pork and sweet glazed grilled pork. Chances are that it’s the roast crackling pork that really grabbed you, but be warned, it only becomes available after around 9.30 in the morning. Shop 2, 88 Creek Street(in Gresham Laneway), Brisbane CBD
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths have become hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to return to Australia is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of the world's biggest bouncy castle — as certified by the Guinness World Records — plus a 300-metre long obstacle course, a three-part space-themed wonderland and a sports slam arena. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to tour the country in 2022, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns, but there are a heap of adults-only sessions — so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $59, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. Yes, you'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. [caption id="attachment_825374" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarasota Experience[/caption] Before you hit the next, three-part section of the extremely OTT theme park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, as you do only have three hours to explore it all. Either way, at Airspace, aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. After that, you'll certainly need a nap. And, new for 2022, there's also the Sport Slam, which is rather self-explanatory — and will be a must of you're keen to add a competitive spin to all that bouncing. THE BIG BOUNCE AUSTRALIA 2022 TOUR DATES: January 14–16: Eagles Sports Complex, Brisbane January 28–30 and February 4–6: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne February 18–20: Ellis Park, Adelaide March 4–6: Canberra, venue TBC March 11–13: St Ives Showground, Sydney April 8–10: Newcastle, venue TBC May 6–8: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth The Big Bounce tours Australia from January–May, 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
A road trip along Victoria's Great Ocean Road should be on every Australian's travel bucket list. Hit up the small beach towns of Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Warrnambool to discover Aussie surf culture at its finest and spend some time within the region's stunning natural surrounds. But first things first: you've got to sort out your accommodation. You can live that camping life, but we have curated this list of luxe hotels, guest houses and villas for those wanting more comfort. TORQUAY RACV TORQUAY RESORT The RACV Torquay Resort is located right at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road, boasting sweeping views of the coast and the surrounding golf course. Whether you join a chill yoga class, unwind with a sweaty sauna session or treat yourself to a day at the luxurious day spa, there are plenty of ways to unwind at this Torquay property. BOOK IT NOW. THE SANDS TORQUAY The Sands Torquay has been a mainstay of the area's luxe accommodation offerings for quite some time. People come back here, over and over again. And now that it has had a massive makeover, there are even more reasons to stay here. We're talking an indoor pool, outdoor tennis courts, large dog-friendly rooms, and Bunker restaurant, which serves up elevated pub classics to locals and hotel guests alike. BOOK IT NOW. WYNDHAM RESORT TORQUAY This large resort is one of the only hotels located right on the beach in Torquay — most are set back further, with local beach houses lining the shores instead. The location is one of Wyndham's greatest features. You can get down to Torquay's Fisherman's Beach within a couple of minutes and walk right into town in under 20 minutes. It's ideal for those wanting a chill beachside getaway. BOOK IT NOW. LORNE MANTRA LORNE This old-school resort has been a popular place to stay in Lorne for decades, and it's easy to see why. Mantra Lorne's heritage buildings are set right on the beach, within 12 acres of landscaped gardens (including tennis courts and croquet lawns). No other local accommodation will beat this location nor its traditional feel that's been seamlessly blended with modern amenities. The refurbished indoor mineral pool and glam steam rooms are just a couple of examples of such contemporary offerings. BOOK IT NOW. CUMBERLAND LORNE RESORT Cumberland Lorne Resort is located up on the hills above Louttit Bay, boasting stunning views across town. But it isn't up in the middle of nowhere. It's still close to the best bits, surrounded by local cafes and boutique stores. Head here for a sleek and modern stay, with luxurious penthouses as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments available to those road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road. BOOK IT NOW. APOLLO BAY SEAFARERS GETAWAY Few Great Ocean Road accommodations compare to this one. You have uninterrupted views up and down the coast from each of the studios and lodges that sit within eight hectares of grassland. From here, you can either head up to The Otway National Park's undulating green hills and woodland or walk down to the Seafarer's pristine beach within minutes. Whales and dolphins can often be seen in the surf, koalas can be found in the gumtrees and alpacas can be hand fed in the field. What more could you ask for? BOOK IT NOW. APOLLO PANORAMA GUESTHOUSE Perched up in the hills, a little further back from the beach, this five-bedroom guesthouse looks down over Apollo Bay and a big stretch of the Great Ocean Road. It is made for groups of mates or a big family, thanks to its many rooms, the kitchen with double-vaulted ceilings and the large deck with barbecue. We wouldn't blame you for stopping your trek along the coast to spend the rest of your time up here. BOOK IT NOW. PORT CAMPBELL EASTERN REEF COTTAGES Staying here feels like spending time at your mate's old family beach house. It isn't a glam hotel nor is it a bougie bread and breakfast. It is a humble set of cottages set within lush green surroundings not too far away from town. Either go for the large four-bedroom cottage or nab one of the smaller units that look out over the courtyard. Each accommodation has its own kitchenette and all the essential amenities. Eastern Reef Cottages is a really decent budget option in the sleepy town of Port Campbell. BOOK IT NOW. SOUTHERN OCEAN VILLAS If you're coming up this way for the 12 Apostles, then this spot will more than do. The famous cliffs and rock plinths are just a five-minute drive from the accommodation, while the town centre is easily walkable. The villas also offer a variety of different accommodation options. Capable of comfortably accommodating two to six people, each villa has an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room with two or three bedrooms and a scenic outdoor deck (each with a barbecue). BOOK IT NOW. WARRNAMBOOL DEEP BLUE HOTEL & HOT SPRINGS The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Victoria's very first hot springs hotel, is made for those who want to run away and really relax. We mean it — lean into that self-care lifestyle. Book some time in the many indoor and outdoor geothermal pools, treat yourself to a massage and scrub, then finish with champagne and oysters at the hotel's restaurant. You can then spend other days exploring the town and the nearby beaches — which can be seen from many of the rooms' private balconies. BOOK IT NOW. LADY BAY RESORT The Lady Bay Resort in Warrnambool is a self-contained accommodation located right across the street from the beach, allowing guests to do what the locals do — swim along the coast, hit the local bars and pubs and even do some work (if you must). There's also an in-house restaurant, arcade room and outdoor pool for those who just want to rest at the property. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world. Top image: Weyne Yew (Unsplash)
The World Press Photo Foundation is a global platform connecting professionals and audiences through raw visual journalism and storytelling. The organisation was founded in 1955 when a group of Dutch photographers organised a contest to expose their work to an international audience. Since then, the contest has grown into the world's most prestigious photography competition and global travelling exhibition. The 67th edition of the World Press Photo Exhibition is touching down in Brisbane in 2024 at Brisbane Powerhouse, displaying from Saturday, July 6–Sunday, August 4. The winners from this year's contest were chosen by an independent jury that reviewed 61,062 photographs by 3851 photographers from 130 countries — and while the exhibition only showcases a selection, get ready to peer at the best of the best. [caption id="attachment_961797" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gay Space Agency © Mackenzie Calle.[/caption] At the free exhibition — which is open from 9am–5pm Monday–Tuesday and 9am–late Wednesday–Sunday — attendees can spy eye-catching images in a heap of categories, including contemporary issues, the environment, general news, nature, portraits and sports. No matter which corner of the earth these photos are capturing, or what's filling the frame, both the winners and other highlights comprise a stunning bunch of imagery — some arresting in their beauty, some hauntingly striking, many pivotally important. Two Australians feature in this year's winners, too, with Eddie Jim from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and Aletheia Casey both recognised in southeast Asia and Oceania. [caption id="attachment_961796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saving the Monarchs © Jaime Rojo, for National Geographic.[/caption] Top images: A Lost Place © Aletheia Casey // Red Skies, Green Waters © Adriana Loureiro Fernandez, for The New York Times.
No one should ever need a specific excuse to celebrate Australia's First Nations culture, but Quandamooka Festival offers one anyway: a three-day event on Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke Island, that heroes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, music, dance, food, stories and more. Returning to Country for the first time since 2019, this year's event is jam-packed with highlights — including Roger Knox, Shakaya and Electric Fields leading the music lineup. Also on the bill: Sycco , Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, Joe Geia, Benny Maza, Georgia Corowa, Keely and CKNU. And, given that the festival also heroes Quandamooka talent — with the Quandamooka Peoples hailing from the Moreton Bay region — local musicians Sachém, Nix Grose and Maibre Grenfell will also perform. They'll take to the stage across the fest's three-day run between Friday, August 26–Sunday, August 28, as part of a wide-ranging program that'll spans everything from eco boat tours and art exhibitions through to whale watching and cultural tours — and more. Dance groups will come from across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales to perform, and storytelling, plus insights into the region's cultural heritage, will fuel the lineup as well. There's plenty to celebrate; the Quandamooka Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Quandamooka Estate, have ties to Minjerribah dating back 20,000 years. Quandamooka Festival also highlights the diverse landscape across the Redlands and Moreton Bay islands, and the creatures that call it home, as explored from a First Nations perspective. The festival includes food stalls and artisan market stalls, too, alongside fibre art and weaving workshops, plus Kunjiel (corroboree).
The last two years have been peppered with high-flying hotel openings, with the likes of Next, the W, AC Hotels and Movenpick just some of the brands that have come to make Melbourne home. But the city's next exciting accommodation addition comes not in the form of a sleek newcomer, but an old favourite reimagined. Rydges Melbourne is currently undergoing a top-to-toe transformation, slated to return in its next incarnation from autumn. And it's leaving the past well behind. You can push aside any existing notions you had of this long-running hotel brand — Rydges Melbourne 2.0 is a whole new kettle of fish. Set in the heart of the action on Exhibition Street, the hotel is set to reopen as a Rydges flagship complete with 370 freshly revamped rooms, including 35 suites, plus 25 new apartments catering to the business-leisure set. A completely overhauled look steered by the renowned Luchetti Krelle features soothing interiors of natural stone and pale timber complemented by loads of natural light. An impressive collection of local art has been curated by interior designer Janet Graham, and all the rooms are kitted out with Rydges' signature DreamBeds. Alongside all that, there's a hefty 1500 square metres of revamped event and conference spaces, including a lofty ballroom in the former Bobby McGees digs and a brand-new rooftop terrace. And there'll be more news to come soon about the property's signature restaurant, which is set to "celebrate the theatre of food". Rydges Melbourne is currently taking bookings from June onwards, with prices starting from $270 a night. Rydges Melbourne is set to reopen at 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne some time in autumn. We'll share more details about its offerings as they drop.
Thanks to everything that the last few years have served up, 2019 seems like a lifetime ago. So, waiting for anything since that innocent pre-pandemic time feels like waiting forever. On the top of the list: the next movie by Korean director Bong Joon-ho, after Parasite became the film of 2019. It won almost everything that it could, such as the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the Sydney Film Festival Prize and four Oscars. Thanks to the latter, it became the first film in a language other than English to win Best Picture. The acclaimed filmmaker's next feature is Mickey 17, and it's been in the works for a while. It even dropped an initial teaser trailer at the end of 2022. Back then, the Robert Pattinson (The Batman)-starring flick was targeting a March 2024 release date. Now, however, it won't be hitting the big screen until 2025. Earlier in 2024, Warner Bros took the film off its slate for the year, but it's only now that it has been given a firm new date with picture palaces, as per The Hollywood Reporter. In the US, it will release on Friday, January 31, 2025 — so if Australia and New Zealand get it day-and-date with America, it'll arrive here on Thursday, January 30. Of course, any new Bong Joon-ho movie is biding your time for, as his impressive cinematic resume attests. He's also the filmmaker behind stunning crime procedural Memories of Murder, creature feature The Host, dystopian thriller Snowpiercer and the offbeat Okja, after all. And on his new feature, at least as far as the first sneak peek makes plain, he's embracing sci-fi intrigue. [caption id="attachment_844763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Batman[/caption] Directed, scripted and produced by Bong, Mickey 17 looks set to mark his third movie mostly in English after Snowpiercer and Okja, with Pattinson leading a cast that also includes Steven Yeun (Beef), Naomi Ackie (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody), Toni Collette (Mafia Mamma) and Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things). Story-wise, it adapts Edward Ashton's book Mickey 7 — and no, why the title has added ten to its number isn't revealed in the debut trailer. The novel follows an 'expendable' being sent to colonise an ice world, who doesn't want to let his replacement take his place. On the page, the lead character is the seventh clone trying to fend off the eighth, but Bong has clearly upped that to the 17th version of his lead character. [caption id="attachment_706462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] High Life[/caption] Science-fiction fans will spot that the premise alone gives off big Moon, Sunshine and Voyagers vibes — and brings High Life, RPatz's last exceptional sci-fi flick, to mind. That said, Bong isn't a filmmaker to follow in anyone else's footsteps. How he makes this concept his own will be a treat to see. Mickey 17 will be a return for Pattinson, too, given that he hasn't been seen on-screen since his debut turn as Bruce Wayne — although he could be heard in the English-language version of Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron, adding a movie by another iconic director to his filmography. Check out the first trailer for Mickey 17 below: Mickey 17 now has a Friday, January 31, 2025 release date in the US — we'll update you with local details when they're announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
FBi Radio's boots are getting bigger, better and shinier by the day — for the first time ever, Sydney's independent radio legends launched an Australia-wide competition. Extending their Northern Lights competition nationwide (in which FBi flies two above-and-beyond newbies to Iceland Airwaves Festival in Reykjavik), the team looked for talent across the country this time. After trawling through this year's entries, FBi have announced their ten finalists. The 2014 Northern Lights competition finalists are: Shunya (VIC) Jasia (NSW) Hubert Clarke Jr (NSW) LUCIANBLOMKAMP (VIC) Kucka (WA) GL (VIC) Airling (QLD) WZRDKID (VIC) The Walking Who (NSW) White Hex (VIC) A hotly-anticipated date on the music festival calendar, Iceland Airwaves has seen everyone from Bjork to Omar Souleyman, Savages to Harpa Silfurberg playing to packed halls of Icelandic and international fans. FBi competition's now in its third year, offer two winning spots to join the Airwaves lineup — one solo producer/artist, one band. With the help of philanthropist Mitchel Martin-Weber and the federal government, this marks one of FBi's biggest-scale competitions to date, kicking another goal after the recent FBi Click launch. Winners of the first Northern Lights, Oliver Tank and Rainbow Chan, have seen super success following their Icelandic escapade (with Tank supporting Lorde on her recent national tour and Chan joining the lineup for Vivid LIVE's recent Avalanches tribute Since I Left You, no biggie). "It really changed my life that whole trip. It was so incredible," says Tank. "I got to play music overseas before I’d even done that many gigs in Australia. And there were people over there that were interested in my music and that just blew my mind. It was like a dream come true. It was such an experience." As always, the finalists feature on a special edition compilation put together by FBi Radio, yours to download free here. Northern Lights winners will be announced at the end of August, and will head over to perform at Iceland Airwaves in early November.
Immersive and Instagrammable art is all the rage right now in Australia. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room has taken up permanent residence in Canberra, Sugar Republic's "dessert museum" toured the country in 2019 and an extremely photogenic pop-up "museum" for pets is set to hit later this year. Next on the must-photograph list: Happy Place. Dubbed the "world's most Instagrammable exhibit", the multi-room installation has already travelled across the US and Canada and is now heading to the rooftop of Sydney's Broadway Shopping Centre from Friday, March 6–Sunday, May 3. Once inside the exhibition, you'll find many OTT rooms to explore, including a rubber ducky bathtub room, a cookie room that actually smells like freshly baked cookies, a room filled with 40,000 golden handmade flowers and a giant rainbow with a golden ball pit (no leprechauns though, sorry). If that doesn't have you reaching for your smartphone, there's also a mind-bending upside-down room and the "world's largest confetti dome". As well as the rooms, the exhibition has a lemonade stand — with all money from the Sydney one going to Red Cross Australia — a retail store and a cafe. One million snap-happy folks have already visited Happy Place in the northern hemisphere — including, supposedly, celebs such as Adele, Hilary Duff and Kourtney Kardashian — and we're guessing it's going to be equally popular Down Under. While the exhibition is "on a mission to spread happiness around the world", let's hope it's not actually like The Good Place — or, speaking of Kardashians, as nightmare-inducing as Kylie Jenner's Stormi World. Either way, it's going to sell out — fast. Tickets are on sale now for $39 a pop, so go get 'em if you're keen. Find Happy Place on the rooftop of Broadway Sydney, 1 Bay Street, Ultimo from Friday, March 6–Sunday, May 3. It's open from 3–9pm Monday–Tuesday, 12–9pm Wednesday–Thursday and 10am–8pm Friday–Sunday. Tickets will set you back $39 and are available now via Moshtix.
Since opening late in 2018, Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves precinct has continued to expand. The spot already boasts a riverfront brewery, an overwater bar and a sprawling Greek taverna, as well as an Art Series hotel with a rooftop pool, waterside Betty's Burgers, gelato joint, light-filled restaurant and just-opened Cantonese restaurant and bar — and now it's home to Jonathan Barthelmess' new two-level Japanese izakaya. First announced earlier this year and called Yoko Dining, this is restaurateur Barthelmess' second HSW venue. The new restaurant and bar sits next door to his existing Greca restaurant, and takes inspiration from his time spent in Tokyo, where his fine diner The Apollo is located. If you've ever visited the Japanese capital's izakaya and music bars, you'll be well prepared for Yoko Dining. Think tunes spun on vinyl, an upbeat vibe and a retro-yet-futuristic feel both in the downstairs restaurant and on Yoko's mezzanine level. The upper space also features a hidden bar and a dining space. Decor-wise, renowned interior architect George Livissianis has jazzed up the heritage building's original timber framework with bursts of yellow, concrete fixtures and blonde wood, plus an interesting lighting design, all while keeping to a box-style structure. In the kitchen, Kitak Lee leads the charge, with the head chef already a veteran of Barthelmess's Japanese joint in Sydney, Cho Cho San. A hibachi (a Japanese charcoal grill) sits pride of place in the kitchen, the seafood-heavy menu heroes smoky flavours, and there's a raw bar serving up fresh sashimi, tempura and seasonal gyoza. You'll also find noodles, tonkatsu, wagyu and charcoal chicken among the mains — and plus pork kakuni bossam, which is braised pork belly Japanese-style. As for dessert, choose between shaved ice kakigori, mochi, matcha and mango-flavoured soft serve, and a mille feuille slice made with yuzu and strawberry. As for drinks, prepare to sip your way through yuzu slushies, vodka-splashed iced teas, ten different types of sake, and a range of umeshu (plum wine), yuzushu (yuzu liqueur) and shochu. Japanese whiskeys, Japanese and Australian beers, and sodas with optional booze are also available — as is wine on tap and in bottles from a 100-strong list. Yoko Dining is now open at Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane — Monday–Friday from midday–late, and weekends from 11.30am–late.
Wasting food can often just come down to aesthetics: a bruised apple, a twisted carrot, a dinted onion. So Harris Farm Markets is launching Imperfect Picks, a range of would-go-unloved fruit and vegetables that may not look perfect, but are just as delicious and nutritious as their counterparts who made the 'good looks' cut. Good thing is, the uglies are now available for up to 50% cheaper. Inspired by the success of the 'Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables' campaign by French supermarket chain Intermarche earlier this year, Harris Farm aims to raise awareness of the Australian supermarket industry's overly strict standards of perfection regarding the appearance of fresh fruit and veg. "It is our hope that through this campaign, we encourage Australians and the big supermarkets to rethink what's important when buying fruit and vegetables," says Harris Farm CEO Tristan Harris. "Our commitment to freshness and taste won't ever change, [but] we've come to realise that when it comes to fresh produce, we shouldn't always judge a product by how it looks." https://youtube.com/watch?v=-U23XgEkZf0 But who doesn't search for the roundest orange or the straightest carrot in the bunch when on their weekly grocery run? The startling fact is that our pickiness as customers, coupled with unnecessarily high industry standards, has lead to about 25% of fresh food wasted each year. With the stats being this high, there's no doubt we're facing a food waste crisis. "It's such a crime and everyone needs to get involved. Sustainability is everybody's responsibility," says Rockpool's Neil Perry. "I'm really hoping that the… campaign grows and that it forces the other supermarkets and Australian consumers to realise that there is such great food being wasted," he says. Perry is just one example of chefs taking part in a sustainable table movement spreading across the country, showing us that today's funnily-shaped fruit and veg can be tomorrow's gourmet offering — and proving our pickiness unwarranted. So next time you drop in to your local Harris Farm, why not choose that two-headed potato or that wonky zucchini? Not only will you be helping to reduce environmental waste, but you'll also be supporting Aussie farmers and saving hugely on your grocery bill to boot. On offer in the first range of Imperfect Picks will be Packham pears, Navel oranges, Pink Lady apples, plus bananas, carrots, potatoes, swedes and zucchinis — all deliciously imperfect and in need of some lovin'.
When you're a single player in the arduous dating game, swiping can get old fast. You spend all your time sifting through the timewasters and sleazeballs, while your true love potentially slips through your too-busy-swiping fingers. Thankfully, lovers, there's a new app on the block pulling out all the stops to ensure you have a quality dating experience. The Inner Circle is a unique dating platform that brings together like-minded singles — online and offline. Turns out looking for love can be fun, after all. We've broken down the key features of the app below and paired them with a date idea for you to enjoy with your new flame. Bring on the lovefest. [caption id="attachment_637902" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford.[/caption] NIGHTS OUT The Inner Circle brings members face-to-face through unique events. You can rub shoulders with other singles while enjoying a night out with friends. For a similar vibe, take your date to pub trivia and get to know them within a social setting — and maybe nab a sweet cash prize. It's a win-win, literally. Sydneysiders, head to the Botany View Hotel in Newtown for Thursday trivia with a cash prize. Melburnians, make tracks to The Penny Black for trivia in the beer garden, and Brisbanites, you can catch beer-garden trivia at The Wickham. NO CATFISHING With its involved screening process, The Inner Circle cuts out any risk of catfishing. Basically, all the rotten fish are thrown back to sea. See a literal representation of this and plan a date to go fish picking with your partner. Then, spend the evening cooking your catch with your other 'good catch' while enjoying a glass of crisp riesling. For an upscale fishmonger experience, head to the Fish Butchery (Sydney), run by the Saint Peter crew. Or, for a no-frills affair, head to Ocean Made (Melbourne) or The Fish Factory (Brisbane). PERFECT PAIRINGS The Inner Circle's dedicated team carefully considers each and every application to ensure members are well suited, much like pairing a good wine and cheese. To channel the same meticulous attention to detail and to sample some tasty treats, take your date to a cheese and wine tasting. There are loads of fromageries around, but we suggest, Formaggi Ocello in Sydney, Milk the Cow in Melbourne and Fromage the Cow in Brisbane. If all goes well, grab some gooey delights and vino to go and enjoy them together back at home. ON THE GO The Inner Circle has a ton of travel features that make it is easy to use at any time. So you have access to the best, even when travelling. Take your date on a scenic hike; it's a great way to get to know someone while you both enjoy a nice rush of endorphins from the exercise and get a dose of vitamin D. No matter where you are in Australia, you can always find a good trail. Check out our guides for Brissie, Melbourne and Sydney, then get planning. NO SWIPING Forget about the awkward left and right swipes that have started to hurt your fingers. Say goodbye to RSI. The Inner Circle has no swiping, which means your hands are free to do other fun things, like dabble in pottery or craft a terrarium. Plan a phone-free date with your new main squeeze and not only will you enjoy the use of both hands, but you'll pick up a new skill, too. To relive that pottery moment from Ghost and try your hand at ceramics, head to Bea Bellingham (Sydney) or Céramiques Elsternwick (Melbourne). Or, if you'd prefer something more organic, make a succulent-filled mini-garden at Work-Shop in Brisbane. Get off the tired, old dating apps and jump into The Inner Circle. Sign up here and get exploring.
If the idea of sampling a range of gins from around the world appeals to you, you'd best be planning a trip to Covent Garden sharpish. Drawing on its London namesake for inspiration, the venue is nestled on Boundary Street in West End and is a stunning spot for a first date, a third date, a relaxed Sunday lunch, or late night supper and cocktails. The space positively blooms with beautiful artwork and furniture and there's a fairly stunning backbar just crying out to sit at. Grab a seat, order your first cocktail and then set about the serious business of choosing what you're going to eat. The menu really is best when it's shared, because you can try more of everything. A plate of zucchini fritters ($12) are dressed ever so simply with yoghurt and lemon, allowing the freshness of the zucchini to shine. There's a mezze plate with olives, smoky baba ghanoush, feta, pickles and breads ($17/$32) perfect to graze on pre-dinner, and why not grab a plate of fried squid ($14) for a bit of crispy deliciousness with your drinks? For more serious dinner fare there's seared wagyu ($38) or perhaps pork cheeks with sherry and nashi pear ($22). Helpful staff are only too happy to recommend a drink to suit your food, or some food to suit your drink, and if you simply can't decide on what to get just order the feasting table ($39 per person) which will satisfy everyone. The wine list is restrained but perfectly sufficient, while the cocktail list has to be experienced first hand. Plus, in a delightfully fun twist, you can get high tea ($45 pp) at Covent Garden until 6pm every day with a pitcher of Covent Garden G&Tea and an assortment of sweet and savoury delights. Sounds like Saturday afternoon drinks just got a whole lot fancier. Images: Anwyn Howarth
