For three years, Night at The Barracks has popped up in Manly in Sydney with a lineup of live tunes under the stars. For Harbour City residents, that's continuing in 2025. But the New South Wales capital is no longer the only city with a concert series from event promoter Second Sunday to look forward to this spring. Brisbanites, meet Night at The Parkland. Sydney's returning event is again headed to North Head, taking place across Friday, September 12–Sunday, October 5. In Brisbane, Night at The Parkland has a date with The Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland from Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14, 2025, and falls into the still-to-be-announced Brisbane Festival program. Music lovers in both cities will be treated to a packed roster of Australian acts, including Icehouse, Lime Cordiale, Amy Shark, Grinspoon, Cut Copy and James Johnston playing Brisbane and then Sydney. The Sunshine State is also welcoming Xavier Rudd, while the NSW bill features Kate Ceberano, Hoodoo Gurus, Ian Moss and Mark Seymour, and Missy Higgins among its other headliners. Weekends are the focus for Night at The Barracks and Night at The Parkland alike, primarily with Friday–Sunday shows — but given that Brisbane's series is condensed across two weeks, there's also a Thursday gig. "We're absolutely thrilled to build on the incredible success in Manly and bring the magic to Brisbane," said Second Sunday co-Founder Cameron Coghlan. "Pairing a stunning, iconic venue with world-class artists and a premium experience — we can't wait." "We are proud to be able to showcase to audiences in Sydney and Brisbane a quality all-Australian artist lineup that showcases the true depth of musical talent in this country. This not only includes our brilliant headliners but also a great roster of support artists that will grace our stages across the series," added fellow Second Sunday co-Founder Brendan Maher. "Brisbane deserves world-class music experiences in extraordinary settings, and Night at The Parkland delivers just that. We're thrilled to welcome this epic outdoor concert series to Roma Street Parkland as part of Brisbane Festival. It's going to be seven unforgettable nights under the stars," said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzin. Night at The Parkland Lineup Friday, September 5 — Icehouse with Rolling Holy Saturday, September 6 — Lime Cordiale with Jack River Sunday, September 7 — Xavier Rudd with Birren Thursday, September 11 — Amy Shark with Chloe Parché Friday, September 12 — Grinspoon with Bad//Dreems and Loose Content Saturday, September 13 — Cut Copy with KLP Sunday, September 14 — James Johnston with Zac & George Night at The Barracks Lineup Friday, September 12 — Cut Copy with KLP Saturday, September 13 — Icehouse with Rolling Holy Sunday, September 14 — Kate Ceberano with Mahalia Barnes and Gypsy Lee Friday, September 19 — Hoodoo Gurus with Dallas Crane Saturday, September 20 — Lime Cordiale with Lola Scott Sunday, September 21 — Amy Shark with Chloe Parché Friday, September 26 — Ian Moss and Mark Seymour with Sam Buckingham Saturday, September 27 — Furnace and the Fundamentals with Nicole Tania Sunday, September 28 — Yesterday's Gone: The Fleetwood Mac Legacy Featuring Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Fanny Lumsden, Charlie Collins and Karen Lee Andrews with Phoebe Over Friday, October 3 — James Johnston with Zac & George Saturday, October 4 — Grinspoon with Bad//Dreems and Purple Disturbance Sunday, October 5 — Missy Higgins with Rachael Fahim and Tilli Kay [caption id="attachment_1004776" align="alignnone" width="1920"] www.charliehardy.com.au[/caption] Night at The Parkland runs between Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14, 2025 at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Roma Street, Brisbane — with ticket presales between Monday, May 19–Monday, May 26 and general sales from 9am on Tuesday, May 27. Head to the event's website for more details. Night at The Barracks runs across Friday, September 12–Sunday, October 5, 2025 at North Head, Manly, Sydney — with ticket presales between Friday, May 16–Tuesday, May 20 and general sales from 9am on Wednesday, May 21. Head to the event's website for more details. Top image: Charlie Hardy.
If you're a music aficionado, you know there's no substitute for vinyl — and the real experts know that Dutch Vinyl record pressings are some of the best. This Brisbane offshoot of the beloved Melbourne institution is bringing new, second-hand and collectable quality vinyl to local music lovers. Dutch Vinyl's ever-changing library covers all genres, from pop, hip hop and Latin to film soundtracks and vintage soul and funk, and is assessed and graded from 'good' to 'mint' condition. Flip through the trove of Australian, US, UK and European pressed vinyl, some never seen before in this country. It also sells turntables, replacement parts and maintenance accessories, as well as protective record sleeves to keep your collection in tip top condition. Watch the news on its website for updates on new arrivals at both stores, and keep an eye on socials for highlights. Looking to sell? It buys records, too, and it's always on the hunt for something special to add to its collection. Images: Kiel Wode
Already the home of Kabuki Teppanyaki, and enticing in travellers and locals alike, Brisbane's riverside Stamford Plaza has expanded its culinary range. Diners can now mix up their Japanese feasts with a trip to La Boca, the hotel's new Argentinian eatery that takes ample advantage of the site's prime CBD location. As well as that riverfront perch, Argentinian grilling and cooking techniques are the star of the show at La Boca Bar and Grill, which also joins sibling venues in Sydney and Adelaide. At Brisbane's outpost, those South American culinary methods are unleashed upon local Queensland produce — much of which the ends up on the parrilla grill. La Boca opened its doors over summer, and does breakfast, lunch and dinner service seven days a week — all with that Argentina-meets-Australia blend. Here, you can pair short ribs with pecan- and toffee-stuffed dessert empanadas, and sip Argentinian sangria and mango chilli margaritas. Or, opt for grilled octopus with potato salad, a half-split grilled spring chicken, and burnt Basque cheesecake with strawberry gelato. The lunch lineup heroes sweet corn and cheese empanadas, grilled chorizo in chargrilled flatbread topped with pico de gallo salsa, and wagyu rump with truffle fries. Come dinner, seafood is a hefty focus, including Moreton Bay bugs with paprika and garlic, and grilled rock lobster with butter and lime. Or, there's a citrus-heavy red emperor dish, and two barramundi options. Also a highlight: the asador menu, where you can choose your pick of meat — pork belly, dry-aged lamb shoulder, wagyu shoulder blade and grain-fed scotch fillet — to be slow-cooked over the wood fire pit. And, La Boca also does meat- and seafood-stacked platters to share (one including asador dishes and saltbush lamb sausages, the other mixing the ocean's finest in chilled and parrilla-grilled forms), serves up Australian and Argentinian wines, and features orange espresso cocktails and roasted sugarcane daiquiris among its drinks selection.
Dinosaur Designs began in 1985 as a stall in Sydney's Paddington Markets. Since its humble beginnings, it has gone on to open stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as New York and London. Over the years, the independent designer has gained a loyal following thanks to its colourful, chunky and bold jewellery and homewares that remain instantly recognisable in the market. Everything Dinosaur Designs produces is made in Australia using sustainably and responsibly sourced materials like resin, brass, pearls, leather and, most recently, clay. In Brisbane, based on the corner of James and Arthur Street, you'll find a bricks-and-mortar boutique for the artistic brand, which is open seven days and stocks all of the latest collections. A second store can also be found at the Wintergarden in the CBD.
Mt Coot-tha isn't Brisbane's only lofty peak. D'Aguilar Range's Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious may be a 45-minute to an hour venture by car, but you'll still be in Brissie. Make a full day of the trek, because there's plenty to keep you occupied. Take a bushwalk on your first stop at Mount Nebo, wander through the tiny township and visit the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre for a coffee and a glimpse of some local wildlife. Then, set your sights up, and make the climb through Mount Glorious' Rainforest Circuit walk. While Mount Nebo is 550 metres above sea level, this mount reaches 680 metres — but never fear, the walk through the rainforest is scenic but a low-intensity affair. Post hike, drop by the Elm Haus café for a much-deserved German bite and a Devonshire tea. Image: @explore.with.hannah / Instagram.
For a couple of years now, Queensland Vegan Markets has been popping up around town to take care of your cruelty-free shopping and eating. Sometimes, it heads north, setting up a berth at Toombul until the floods, and then moving to Portside. Sometimes, it ventures south instead — which is where the South Brisbane Twilight Vegan Markets come in. Once a month, you can browse, buy and grab a bite as the sun sets at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, all on a Friday night. For the rest of 2022, that involves heading along from 5–9pm on Friday, October 7, Friday, November 4 and Friday, December 2. On the plant-based menu: usually everything from burgers, nachos, pizza and pasta to coconut ice cream sundaes, doughnuts, cupcakes, fudge, brownies and almond croissants. Entry is free, as is parking. You will need to pay for a game of mini golf if that takes your fancy — because there are three different courses at the showgrounds. And, the market is dog-friendly — although not on the greens.
We all have movies that change us, open up the world to us and/or make us feel seen. Most folks, whether they're filmmakers or not, don't then bring new versions of those pictures to cinemas — no matter how much they might want to. Andrew Ahn's feature filmography started with his 2016 debut Spa Night, then delivered 2019's Driveways and 2022's Fire Island, and now adds a fresh take on a Berlin-winning, Oscar-nominated 90s box-office hit that marked just the second film from Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi Best Director Academy Award-winner Ang Lee. 1993's The Wedding Banquet was also the first gay movie, first gay Asian movie and first gay Asian American movie that Ahn ever saw. The man behind the camera on 2025's The Wedding Banquet was eight when he watched the original picture courtesy of a video-store rental. When he started on the path to becoming a filmmaker himself, and even once he had a movie or two under his belt — long before this project came his way, then — crafting his own version didn't ever occur to him. "Oh, it never crossed my mind — like, not a direct remake," Ahn tells Concrete Playground about the fourth feature on his resume, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. "I think I thought about similar themes and ideas, but to make something that would be called The Wedding Banquet, I could never have imagined. It really took the producers approaching me. Our producers had been chatting before I was in the picture, and I think their scheming led to this." Three decades back, The Wedding Banquet focused on Manhattan-based gay Taiwanese man Gao Wai-Tung (Winston Chao, Daughter's Daughter), whose parents (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's Sihung Lung and Qing yu nian's Ah-Lei Gua) had no idea that he wasn't straight, let alone any awareness of his long-term American partner Simon (Mitchell Lichtenstein, Modern Houses), and so had matchmaking their son with a future bride and stressing their yearning for grandchildren firmly on their minds. As co-written by Lee with James Schamus (The King's Daughter) and Neil Peng (The Candidate), the film makes Wai-Tung's mother and father's dreams come true via Wei-Wei (May Chin, now a Taiwanese politician), a Chinese artist who'll be deported if she doesn't get a green card. Of course the eponymous event takes place, with Mr and Mrs Gao in attendance and in the dark that it's all a sham. Lee's movie is a comedy, romantic and screwball alike, and equally a deeply considered and thoughtful relationship drama, plus a compassionate family drama. A reimagining rather than a remake, 2025's The Wedding Banquet falls into all of the above categories still, so it's a rom-com, it's screwball, and it's both a relationship and family drama as well; however, Ahn and Schamus — who returned to co-write another The Wedding Banquet, after initially collaborating with Ahn by producing Driveways — have their eyes firmly on the queer experience right now. As a result, while there's winks and nods to the original, and clear affection for it evident across its frames, this take on the film is guided by how the initial flick's setup would truly play out two decades into the 21st century as it explores queer identity, cultural heritage and community. Accordingly, audiences meet two Seattle-based queer couples: Angela (Kelly Marie Tran, Control Freak) and Lee (Lily Gladstone, Fancy Dance), plus Min (Han Gi-Chan, Dare to Love Me) and Chris (Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live). Among their families, Angela's mother (Joan Chen, Dìdi) wins awards for her allyship, while Min's grandmother (Youn Yuh-Jung, Pachinko) is the head of a Korea-originated multinational company that he has always been expected to take over. Having children is Angela and Lee's priority, but after two unsuccessful rounds of IVF they're now out of money for a third. While cash isn't a problem for Min, the fact that his student visa will soon expire is — and so is Chris' commitment-phobic reluctance to marry him. The plan, then, is for Angela and Min to wed, helping the latter stay in the US in exchange for financial assistance for Lee's next IVF treatment. [caption id="attachment_1003561" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Janice Chung[/caption] One of the key points that's pushed further to the fore this time around is parenthood — and what it means to have a family as a queer couple. Ahn's fondness for the families that we choose, as seen across his filmography so far, remains a pivotal element of The Wedding Banquet, but so does the specific intention and effort needed to pass on your genes when getting pregnant can't just happen accidentally as it can for some in heterosexual relationships. That thread, and even a specific line of dialogue about it, comes from Ahn's own life. As such, he's not just lending his loving eyes to a new iteration of a movie that's personally important to him — alongside his Korean American background, he's lending parts of his existence. Ahn's on-screen ensemble is clearly phenomenal, including Gladstone in a more-comedic role than audiences are accustomed to seeing the Killers of the Flower Moon Oscar-nominee and Golden Globe-winner in, the director giving his Fire Island star Yang a more-dramatic arc, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker's Tran in a film with a smart and funny Star Wars line, Han getting his feature film and English-language debut, Chen after she was almost cast in the original and Youn's first American film since winning her Oscar for Minari. Also exceptional: how lived-in that they make their characters' connections feel. We spoke to Ahn about that, drawing from his own reality to highlight queer parenthood, how his past work — episodes of Bridgerton among them — led him here, fleshing out the narrative for 2025, tonal balance, found families and more. On Ahn's Past Work, Including Spa Night, Driveways, Fire Island and Directing Episodes of Bridgerton, Leading Him to a New Version of The Wedding Banquet "I think everything that I do feels informed by what I worked on in the past. Even Bridgerton I feel like snuck its way into The Wedding Banquet a little bit — the romanticism of it. I think The Wedding Banquet definitely required me to pull from so many different parts of my life, as a person and as a filmmaker, to make this film the best that I could." On Working Out Where to Take a New Iteration of The Wedding Banquet, Including a Broader Range of Characters, Exploring the Korean American Experience, and Examining Allyship, Found Families and Having Children "It was kind of step by step. When I rewatched the film in preparation for my conversation with the producers, there were first instincts that were just inspired by how beautiful the original film is. I wondered 'what if the bride in the original film, Wei-Wei, what if she also were queer and had a lesbian partner?'. And then, thinking about how gay people can get married now, I wondered 'now that we can, should we?'. Like 'do we really want to?' And then in the original film, there's an accidental pregnancy — 'but what if we see a couple trying to get pregnant, and planning to have a baby?'. And so these were very helpful foundation-building elements to the story, and I worked with James Schamus to really breathe life into these characters, and engineer the many different themes and questions that we were wrestling with. It was a very difficult process. We worked very hard, and we were writing the film for more than five years, and so it was a real labour of love. I'm so thankful for James, and just the years of experience that he had — not just as a screenwriter, but also as a producer and a director. You could not ask for a more-experienced collaborator." On First Watching Ang Lee's Film at the Age of Eight, Then Reimagining It Three Decades Later "I think it definitely helped that I had a really special relationship with the original film, but that wouldn't be enough. I think what helped me understand 'this is my film that I can make' was the phase of adulthood that I found myself in when I was working on this — and really thinking about getting married and having children. I had a lot of conversations with my boyfriend about marriage and kids, and I realised that I felt very strongly about how important and how beautiful queer family-building is — and that really was my guiding light through this whole process in making this movie." On Drawing One of the Film's Key Exchanges About the Intention Needed for Queer Couples to Start a Family From Ahn's Own Life "I wanted to talk about how that's a reality of queer people's existences — and one of the challenges of building family that's not even defined by homophobia. It's not like there's a straight person keeping us away from building family. It's our own hesitations. There's definitely, of course, a lot of financial and legal reasons that complicate queer family-building, but we kind of have to get out of our own way first, and just believe that this is something that we can do and that we want. And so I really wanted to talk about this particular nuance that I don't think has been explored in an in-depth way on the big screen. So it was an insight that I had only come to in having a conversation with my boyfriend, and I took that line of 'if it happens, it happens' straight out of my boyfriend's mouth onto the page." On Helping Ensure That Years and Even Decades of Intimacy Shone Through Among the FIlm's Characters Thanks to Its Stacked Cast "It's such an incredible ensemble, and I had so much fun working with them. They were all so game. They wanted to be vulnerable, and they showed so much generosity with each other and with me. I think of directing as creating an environment where these actors can feel safe and inspired, and so there was a lot of conversation that I had with each of the actors before they came to set — and then as much as we could find rehearsal time, we built in rehearsal time in our schedule so that we could fast-track an intimacy. I think these actors are all incredible, incredible actors, and so it's not hard to get a great performance out of them — and so for me, it's just about creating an energy and a space for them to really be present and work with each other well. And for me, I think a lot of that had to do with just putting together a cast and crew that really valued the story and what we were doing, and understood the meaningfulness of our work." On Casting Gladstone in a More-Comic Role Than Audiences Are Used to Seeing Her in, and Also Giving Yang a More-Dramatic Arc "I love being able to work with actors in a mode that they might not be used to or have been cast in before. I think it's fun to broaden the horizon for an audience of who these actors are and can be. Bowen, I loved working with him on Fire Island, and I just see so much charisma and vulnerability that I think is undeniable. And then when Lily, she's so serious in some of her work, but I saw her in some interviews and she's such a goofball. And I love that. And so I had a lot of belief that she could have fun in this role. And the way both of those actors — the way that all of our actors — traverse the balance of comedy and drama, it was very inspiring to watch." On Making a Romantic Comedy and a Screwball Comedy That's Also a Family Drama, and Is Deeply Considered and Thoughtful About Queer Identity, Cultural Heritage and Community "I think tone is one of the hardest things about filmmaking, and it's because it takes the entire process to figure out. You are writing it, you are directing it, you are editing it, and it's not until the very end, even with score and sound design and colour correction, where you've figured out the tone of your movie. And so it's really about trusting the artistic process and giving yourself options. In the script, we had alt lines for other jokes, for different zingers. On set, we would do certain takes more dramatically, do certain takes more comedically. In the edit, we're constantly adjusting. And so we had to just trust in the process — and in some ways trust in my own intuition and just energy. My editor Geraud Brisson [Lessons in Chemistry] mentioned that the film, it kind of feels like hanging out with me. And I used that as a creative north star in helping find that really complicated but fun balance of comedy and drama." [caption id="attachment_1003558" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fire Island, photo by Jeong Park. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved[/caption] On Why the Idea of Found Family Interests Ahn and Keeps Popping Up Through His Work "I think found family, it is something worth celebrating, and I think we can take it for granted sometimes. Our friends, our relationships — there's so much there, there's so much that needs to happen, there's so much work you need to put in in creating your chosen family. And so when you can create your own chosen family, it's really worth celebrating. And so it's something that I feel like whether you're queer or not, it's a very meaningful reminder" The Wedding Banquet opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The Wedding Banquet images: Luka Cyprian, Bleecker Street.
If you haven't watched Nicolas Cage pour a bottle of vodka over himself while growling with sorrow and menace, have you truly lived? If you haven't seen him milk an alpaca, get creepy about eating peaches or lend his voice to a black-and-white film noir-style Spider-Man (yes, really), then you probably should ask yourself the same thing. And if you haven't witnessed him chase a terrible CGI white jaguar around a hijacked ship, fight space ninjas, battle demonic animatronics and seek revenge over a stolen pig, well, you know you now want to after reading that sentence. The same applies to Cage playing Cage as well, naturally. That's the thing about Cage — sometimes his films are fantastic, sometimes they're terrible, but he's always compellingly, intoxicatingly watchable. He's the type of actor that no one wants to stop watching and, for better and for worse, his mighty prolific career just keeps delivering more and more movies. Currently got a Cage-sized itch that desperately needs scratching? Don't we all, and always. Indeed, there's plenty to watch from his 100-plus on-screen credits. That's a lot of flicks to choose from, so we've picked out 26 of his weirdest, wildest and most wonderful films, paired them up in double features, and basically planned out your next 13 nights of movie-watching. Consider this the viewing marathon you didn't know you needed. MANDY AND COLOR OUT OF SPACE One features Cage as a heartbroken lumberjack wreaking havoc with a chainsaw while chasing down demonic bikers. The other initially puts him in kooky dad mode, until a strange meteor unleashes mayhem and monsters — and Cage's unhinged best, of course — on a rural property. If these descriptions didn't already make it obvious, when it comes to excellent recent Cage flicks that pair out-there premises with excellent performances from their leading man, both Mandy and Color Out of Space sit at the top of the pile. They also provide quite the mind trip filled with psychedelic visuals and vivid soundscapes, all thanks to filmmakers Panos Cosmatos (Mandy) and Richard Stanley (Color Out of Space). Mandy is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Color Out of Space is available to stream via Shudder, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. CON AIR AND FACE/OFF If you're a Cage-loving movie buff, then you probably know exactly when cinema reached its peak. Back in June 1997, two films hit the big screen within weeks of each other, delivering a double dose of Cage action, chaos and craziness that people still watch and rewatch today. Yes, Con Air and Face/Off made their way to cinemas in the same month — and yes, that's a whole lotta Cage to soak up in a darkened room in short succession. In Con Air, he plays a former army ranger-turned-paroled convict who's trying to head home when his prison flight is hijacked by fellow criminals. In Face/Off, he's a sociopathic terrorist who switches faces with the FBI agent (John Travolta) on his trail. Unsurprisingly, neither film is subtle. Face/Off is available to stream via Disney+, iTunes and Prime Video. Con Air is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. RAISING ARIZONA AND ADAPTATION Often, when you're watching a Cage film, laughter is inevitable — even if you're not watching a comedy. So when Cage flexes his comic chops on purpose, the results are usually genuinely spectacular. In the case of Raising Arizona, Cage and the Coen brothers make a perfect pair. Also mighty fine: the movie's premise, following an ex-con and his wife's (Holly Hunter) zany scheme to kidnap a baby (and a quintuplet at that) so that they can start a family. With Adaptation, Cage pairs up with Being John Malkovich's Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman, and they also make quite the team — as you'd expect with Cage playing a version of Kaufman, as well as Kaufman's fictional twin brother. Raising Arizona is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Adaptation is available to stream via ABC iView, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. WILD AT HEART AND MOONSTRUCK Speaking of Cage and phenomenal director combos, Wild at Heart boasts one of the very best there is. The movie David Lynch made between Twin Peaks' initial run and the series' big screen prequel and sequel Fire Walk With Me, it features one of Cage's greatest performances — because Cage playing one half of a couple on the run (opposite Laura Dern), singing Elvis tunes like he was born to and navigating a Lynchian crime-romance flick is what dreams are made of. The actor also dabbles in affairs of the heart in Moonstruck, this time as an opera-obsessed baker who falls for his brother's (Danny Aiello) fiancee. It's the movie that won Cher a Best Actress Oscar, too, as the object of Cage's affection. Wild at Heart is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Moonstruck is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT AND PIG If there's one thing that's been a constant in Cage's career, it's range: you name it, he's probably played it. His two most recent big-screen releases demonstrate that perfectly — including taking on the part he was born to, and also turning in one of his best-ever performances. In The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Cage is Cage. Yes, this Cage-loving film tasks him with jumping into his own fictionalised shoes, and he has a blast doing so. In Pig, he's seeking vengeance against the people who stole his beloved truffle pig, and he's as phenomenal as he's ever been on-screen. It sounds like the kind of premise that'd be a joke in other hands, or just a John Wick ripoff, but not with Cage at his finest and debut feature writer/director Michael Sarnoski behind this revenge thriller. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is available to stream via Google Play, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Pig is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. WILLY'S WONDERLAND AND JIU JITSU Sometimes, we all just want to see Cage fight things. Clearly, that's an easy sell to get film financing, too. Otherwise, there's no justification for either Willy's Wonderland or Jiu Jitsu to exist — because both films' entire concepts revolve around Cafe going fist to fist with improbable adversaries. In Willy's Wonderland, he faces off against possessed animatronic mascots at a family-friendly restaurant. He also put in a silent performance for the ages, with his drifter character grunting and growling rather than speaking. Then, in Jiu Jitsu, he's part of an ancient order of skilled martial artists who have to do combat with vicious aliens every six years. No, we didn't make all of this up — but, in each case, someone else did. Willy's Wonderland is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Jiu Jitsu is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. LEAVING LAS VEGAS AND JOE Never forget that Cage, when he wants to be, is a truly talented actor. His resume can scream otherwise at times, but an exceptional Cage performance is a sight to behold. Exhibit A: his Oscar and Golden Globe-winning work as a suicidal alcoholic in Leaving Las Vegas. Exhibit B: his role as a troubled man who gives a similarly tormented 15-year-old (Tye Sheridan) a job in Joe. Made almost two decades apart, this pair of films show that Cage always has a great performance in him, no matter what else he's been acting in lately. And, while he's often known for his wild and wacky ways — in no small part due to his resume over the past decade or so — he's impressively attuned to telling bleak tales. Leaving Las Vegas is available to stream via iTunes. Joe is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. BRINGING OUT THE DEAD AND THE ROCK Speaking of Cage's absolute best performances, Bringing Out the Dead features a powerhouse effort from its main star. He's directed here by the great Martin Scorsese, so how could it not? As a paramedic who works the graveyard shift, has his own demons, and is wearied by life and the world, this is one of the greatest films on both Cage and Scorsese's resumes. It sits in stark contrast to The Rock, but sometimes a good double is all about contrast — and seeing someone at the height of their powers in two different ways. Working with king-of-the-overblown Michael Bay (the Transformers franchise), Cage tries to break into Alcatraz to diffuse a hostage situation, and he hits every mark he's asked to. He also makes a great double act with Sean Connery. Bringing Out the Dead is available to stream via Disney+. The Rock is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. MOM AND DAD AND MATCHSTICK MEN In Mom and Dad, Cage is no one's ideal father. Along with Selma Blair as his wife, he's trying to kill his kids. So are all the other parents in town, all thanks to a violent and murderous bout of mass hysteria. That means horror-comedy antics aplenty, as well as a whole heap of over-the-top expressions from Cage — the kind that only he can do justice to, of course. He grapples with being a dad and gives his facial muscles a workout in the entertaining Ridley Scott-directed drama Matchstick Men, too, although in a completely different scenario. This time, Cage plays a conman who discovers he has a teenage daughter (Alison Lohman) just as he's about to pull off a big job with his protege (Sam Rockwell). Mom and Dad is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Matchstick Men is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. KICK-ASS AND SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE Still getting fatherly, Cage isn't just a dad in Kick-Ass — he's a former cop-turned-crime fighter called Big Daddy, and he's training his 11-year-old daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) to follow in his footsteps. Focusing on their run-in with the eponymous wannabe superhero (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), this caped crusader flick isn't always as funny as it thinks it is, but Cage consistently delivers. And, if you've always fantasised about hearing Cage as Spider-Man, he delivers in the sublime and surreal Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He's just one of many webslingers in this animated delight (and the best Spider-Man movie out of the lot); however he's a great one: Spider-Man Noir, a black-and-white Spidey from a 1930s universe. Kick-Ass is available to stream via Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is available to stream via Disney+, Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. VAMPIRE'S KISS AND GHOST RIDER If you think you've witnessed Cage at his most manic but you haven't experienced Vampire's Kiss, we have some news for you: you're wrong. Nothing in the actor's filmography compares to this 80s comedy-horror film. We'll say that again: nothing. In terms of out-there Cage performances, this is ground zero. You'd expect that given that Cage plays a literary agent who starts to believe he's a vampire, and begins acting accordingly. After you've watched it, you'll spot shades of Vampire's Kiss in every other Cage film — including in Ghost Rider, where Cage blazes away as the titular bounty hunter of the damned. Adapting a Marvel comic, Ghost Rider isn't great, but like Vampire's Kiss, it's the type of movie that really has to be seen to be believed. Vampire's Kiss is available to stream via iTunes. Ghost Rider is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL — NEW ORLEANS AND PRIMAL Let these five words tell you all you need to know about Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call — New Orleans: Nicolas Cage and Werner Herzog. One acts, the other directs, two inimitable titans of their fields combine, and the movie that results — a crime thriller about a corrupt cop — firmly marches to its own beat. It also features a memorable iguana scene, which might've prepared Cage for his role in Primal. There, he plays a big-game hunter stuck chasing a white jaguar around a hijacked ship, all as a deranged murderer also stalks the crew and passengers. One of Cage's most recent movies, it turns out exactly as you expect it does (and with oh-so-much awful CGI). Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans is available to stream via Stan, Google Play and YouTube Movies. Primal is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. KNOWING AND DRIVE ANGRY When it comes to Cage, there's no avoiding the obvious: he has made a whole heap of ridiculous and trashy movies. Lately, they've been going direct to streaming — but, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, these kinds of Cage flicks were still hitting cinemas. The Australian-shot Knowing is one of them. Made in Melbourne, co-starring Rose Byrne, Ben Mendelsohn and Liam Hemsworth before they were Hollywood fixtures, and proving a box office hit, it casts Cage as an astrophysics professor certain he's found a code that predicts the future. Or, there's Drive Angry, where Cage escapes hell with a gun stolen from Satan, all so he can get revenge on the cult leader who killed his daughter. Knowing is available to stream via Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Drive Angry is available to stream via iTunes and Amazon Video.
When you've just won one of the international film world's most-prestigious prizes, where do you head next? For Iranian writer/director Jafar Panahi, who took home the Palme d'Or at 2025's Cannes Film Festival for his new feature It Was Just an Accident, this is the answer: a trip to Australia to attend Sydney Film Festival. His latest picture was already on the Harbour City event's program. The fest is also celebrating his entire body of work with its featured retrospective Jafar Panahi: Cinema in Rebellion. What better special guest, then, than the man himself? "From Cannes to Australia" has been an ongoing theme of Sydney Film Festival's 2025 program announcements. See: its main lineup drop, adding Eddington to the bill, closing-night pick Splitsville, and a late round of newcomers primarily comprised of Cannes award-winners and hits that was revealed just two days in advance of the event raising its curtains. Panahi's surprise trip to Australia is the stuff of Festival Director and cinephile dreams, however. The filmmaker is already in Sydney, as SFF's Nashen Moodley announced to the opening-night crowd at the State Theatre on Wednesday, June 4. There's launching with a bang, as every major film festival aims to — and then there's kicking things off with not just a highly anticipated opening-night pick (body-horror flick Together) but with this kind of news. Panahi attending fests around the world or even having any freedom at all has not been assured across his time as a filmmaker. Throughout his career, Iran's ruling regime has banned him from making movies, forbidden him from leaving his homeland, and placed him both under arrest and imprisonment. Accordingly, the significance of Panahi being present at Sydney Film Festival cannot be understated. As he's made the reality of life in Iran today under censorship and oppression the focus of his pictures, persevering with his acts of resistance through cinema regardless of the repercussions that've come his way, the importance of Panahi's work has been clear to moviegoing audiences for decades. His films have a long association with SFF, including across the fest's program whenever his new pictures drop and in a 2011 retrospective that also highlighted his compatriot Mohammad Rasoulof (The Seed of the Sacred Fig). That said, every single one of Panahi's features is playing at Sydney Film Festival in 2025, with the filmmaker set to introduce a number of retrospective sessions and also get chatting at a free talk at the event's Festival Hub. It Was Just an Accident is part of SFF's official competition, and therefore in the running to collect another huge film festival prize. Indeed, Panahi's filmography is filled with award-winners, a term that applies to every feature that he's ever crafted. The White Balloon gave Panahi his first Cannes accolade, for best first film. Then 1997's The Mirror took home the Locarno International Film Festival's Golden Leopard, 2000's The Circle nabbed Venice's Golden Lion, 2003's Crimson Gold earned an Un Certain Regard prize back at Cannes and 2006's Offside collected a Silver Bear in Berlin. More Cannes love came for 2011's This Is Not a Film (the Carrosse d'Or at the Director's Fortnight) and 2018's Three Faces (for best screenplay), plus more Berlin recognition for 2013's Closed Curtain (another Silver Bear) and 2015's Tehran Taxi (the Golden Bear), and more again from Venice for No Bears (a Special Jury Prize). Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
It tells of gold rushes, of brave and dusty new worlds, and of yellow frontiers stretching out beneath shimmering and inky blue skies; however, the true colour of the western is and always will be red. This isn't a genre for the faint-hearted, because it's a genre that spins stories about power and its brutal costs — power over the land and its Indigenous inhabitants; power-fuelled in-fighting among competing colonialists; and power exercised with zero regard for life, or typically for anyone who isn't white and male. It's a rich and resonant touch, then, to repeatedly dress Emily Blunt in crimson, pink and shades in-between in The English, 2022's best new TV western. She plays one instance of the show's namesakes, because the impact of the British spans far beyond just one person in this series — and the quest for revenge she's on in America's Old West is deeply tinted by bloodshed. In her first ongoing television role since 2005 — and following a varied array of big-screen parts in the last couple of years, including navigating theme park ride-inspired chaos in Jungle Cruise, monsters that pounce on every sound in A Quiet Place Part II and bad Irish accents in romance Wild Mountain Thyme — Blunt dons such eye-catching hues as Lady Cornelia Locke. With a mountain of baggage and cash in tow, she has just reached Kansas when The English begins, seeking vengeance against the man responsible for her son's death. But word of her aims precedes her to this remote outpost's racist hotelier (Ciarán Hinds, Belfast) and, with stagecoach driver (Toby Jones, The Wonder), he has own mission. That the aristocratic Englishwoman arrives to find her host torturing Pawnee cavalry scout Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer, Blindspot) is telling: the plan is to blame her end on him. Before the first of this Prime Video miniseries' episodes ends — all six of which stream from Friday, November 11 — Cornelia and Eli have rescued each other and notched up a body count. She's still determined to get her retribution, he's trying to head home to Nebraska to claim land promised for his military service, and they're each endeavouring to find peace in their own ways. This isn't the genre for that to come easily, either, as stop after stop on their journeys makes clear. The bulk of The English takes place in 1890, but to survey the way that rampant and engrained imperialistic violence and dehumanisation — of First Nations Americans, and of women — leaves scars that linger, the series also jumps backwards 15 years, and takes a flashback trip to Cornelia's native London. Writer/director Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman, Black Earth Rising, The Shadow Line) charts pain that bakes as unforgivingly as the frontier sun: massacres of Indigenous Americans and non-English-speaking settlers alike, the ruthless money- and power-first mentality to staking claims and seizing everything in view, and the dark hearts festering inside abhorrent men who can only hate what they refuse to spend time knowing. The English is a show of shootings, scalpings, stabbings and slaughter, and blood is an oh-so-frequent sight. But Blick also makes a compelling and compassionate series about two kindred souls fighting for what they hold dearest, and against the kinds of horrors that everyone should battle, no matter the cost to their own personal survival. The tone isn't quite as unrelenting bleak, and the setting is on the other side of the world, but Jennifer Kent's Australian masterpiece The Nightingale springs to mind — and The English doesn't suffer in the comparison. As the iconic spaghetti westerns of the 60s and 70s, exceptional TV series Deadwood, and recent big-screen period-set westerns like The Harder They Fall and The Power of the Dog have all shown, this genre also serves up a gallery of rogues living, dying, striving and thriving amid such inhospitable surroundings. The English is no different; when Black-Eyed Mog (Nichola McAuliffe, The Man Who Fell to Earth) shows up, she isn't quickly forgotten, and nor are Gary Farmer and Kimberly Guerrero (both of Reservation Dogs) as a Native American couple getting by, or Rafe Spall (Trying) at his most operatic and nefarious (and with quite the accent and wardrobe). Including Stephen Rea (The Stranger) as a small-town sheriff in Hoxem, Wyoming and Valerie Pachner (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as another put-upon woman greeted by hardship in her adopted homeland, there's no weak link among The English's cast. Even brief appearances make a mark, as aided by banter that recalls Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight western-genre best. That said, Blick never lets his two stars slip from the limelight — from the golden beams that colour his setting with far more splendour than sites of such grim events deserve, to be exact. Traversing the birth of colonised America, his narrative does what the greatest westerns do, unfurling a clash between good and evil, right and wrong, and the outdated and the modern against landscape that lends itself to myth; his series is always about people first and foremost, though. Blunt's resume overflows with highlights, given that it spans My Summer of Love, The Devil Wears Prada, The Young Victoria, The Muppets and Looper through to Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario, Mary Poppins Returns and more, and her phenomenal efforts in The English slot in swiftly besides her finest work to-date. Spencer comes to the series with less fame (The Twilight Saga, Banshee, Sneaky Pete and Jessica Jones are among his other credits) but with just as much command and presence. Indeed, to watch Blunt as Cornelia is to watch a woman wield her strength, grief, heartbreak and empathy like no one expects her to, and keep picking herself up to do so again and again. She won't let her pain subside, or submit to anyone that tells her otherwise — and while the action-hero aspect of the series is nothing new to its best-known talent, she's phenomenal every time the camera peers her way. To watch Spencer is to watch a star-making turn, a part of brooding and swagger as well as deep soul and honesty, and a performance that's as riveting as Clint Eastwood and John Wayne ever delivered. In a TV realm that is welcomely starting to centre Indigenous American actors and stories (see also: Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls), as it should, he's a magnetic powerhouse. To watch The English is also to luxuriate in spectacular imagery, as lensed by Arnau Valls Colomer, that says as much as the show's stars and dialogue. The cinematographer arrives fresh from making every detail of every frame matter in stellar Spanish filmmaking satire Official Competition, and the same approach is pivotal here. One particularly glorious detail: the way that extreme long shots keep showing Cornelia and Eli galloping both towards and from their destinies, often in static compositions that let their horses storm in from each side of the image, then start being swapped for slightly closer vantage points in later episodes. It's a thoughtful move that mirrors its two protagonists' paths, and also never lets the world they're rallying against fade from view. It's also stunning and powerful filmmaking in a series that earns those terms several times over. Check out the trailer for The English below: The English is available to stream via Prime Video from November 11.
Slow motion drips, close-up pourovers, helicoptered overheads of sprawling plantations — Brandon Loper knows how to write a love letter to his favourite bean-shaped subject. Premiering his straight-up stunning A Film About Coffee in Seattle in April, Loper's celebrated project has been subject to pretty limited screenings worldwide. Lucky for coffee fiends and doco lovers, the film is now available to stream online (for a teeny fee, just over the price of a cappuccino). Created with adorably-named production company Avocados and Coconuts, A Film About Coffee is an indulgence for the eyes and a bit of a wake-up call (fittingly), meandering through the story of specialty coffee from its organic beginnings to your morning cup. Loper's jaw-dropping cinematography makes for some serious foodporn — any hardcore baristas or coffee tragics need to get over here — but also captures some intimate interviews with the world's top coffee aficionados (featuring Kent Bakke, Devin Chapman, James Freeman, Katie Carguilo, Chris Owens, Darrin Daniel, Peter Giuliano, Eileen Hassi Rinaldi, Kyle Glanville, George Howell, Michael Phillips, Ben Kaminsky and Kevin Bohlin). While the film is scheduled to screen throughout Europe, the UK, US and Canada, plans haven't yet been announced for an Australian screening. For now, you can rent the film at home and stream until your caffeine addiction's content. Just throw the team a measly $4.99 for a 72-hour streaming rental (or $12.99 to own it, if that's a Thing any more) and hold your own screening with all the cheaper-than-Event-Cinemas popcorn you bloody well want. Here's the trailer, so, so pretty. Via Daily Coffee News.
If all you want for Christmas this year, or at any time of the year, is to make your own gin, Brisbane's latest distillery is here with excellent news. First, Comiskey Distillery has revealed that it exists, opening on Friday, November 25 just in time for 2022's festive season. Secondly, as well as whipping up vodka, rum, bourbon and whisky itself, it also hosts gin-making workshops where you can craft your own 500-millilitre bottle of spirits, then take it home to drink. The latest addition to Comiskey Group's Eatons Hill setup, settling in next to the Eatons Hill Hotel on South Pine Road, Comiskey Distillery will offer cocktail classes as well, and also operate as spirit and cocktail training facility for the company's staff. And, obviously, it's where a heap of booze will be made — for use at Comiskey sites, and to buy at them as well. The Comiskey portfolio includes Eatons Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, Samford Hotel and Beachmere Hotel, plus bottle-os, so there'll be no shortage of places to pick up a tipple. That's due to happen from early 2023, and the new distillery will sell it online from then, too. Overseeing the booze-making: award-winning Master Distiller Colleen Walters, who boasts more than 12 years experience in food and spirits. She'll be guiding a range of beverages made in a 1000-litre copper still onsite, which takes pride of place in the space. Take one of those gin workshops, though, and you'll be using a mini traditional Alembic copper still, and picking from 100-plus botanicals. Announcing Comiskey Distillery, Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said that "tThis really is a passion project of ours, something my dad, brother and I have talked about for a long time. Having owned pubs and bottle shops for many years, it feels like a natural progression for us. We've been actively working on this project for over a year and are very much looking forward to seeing the concept come to life." Eleven years after the Eatons Hill Hotel opened its doors, this new addition also forms part of a big renovation of the Harry Brown bottle shop — where patrons can access Comiskey Distillery. The revamp is underway now, with the bottle-o still trading while it happens. Decor-wise, expect 300 authentic wine barrels, antique trucks and exposed brick touches, as well as a European-marketplace look and a glass window to see the the distillery's still. Also in the works for Comiskey Group: a new 150-hectare music and camping festival site 80 minutes north of Brisbane, as well as a big new Sunshine Coast music venue and hotel next to an 11-hectare parkland. Find Comiskey Distillery next door to at Eatons Hill Hotel, 646 South Pine Road, Eatons Hill.
Prepare to stare at the moon in all of its glory — up close, without a telescope and without zooming into space. Measuring seven metres in diameter and featuring renderings of the celestial body's surface based on NASA imagery, the Museum of the Moon is a detailed installation by UK-based artist Luke Jerram. The giant sculpture has been touring the world since 2016, displaying in New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai and plenty of spots around Europe. Between December 1, 2018 and April 28, 2019, it'll add Melbourne to its orbit. Inspired by Jerram's time living in Bristol and "noticing the huge tidal variation as he cycled over the Avon Cut each day" according to the Museum of the Moon's website, the artwork recreates the moon at a scale of approximately 1:500,000, with each centimetre equating to five kilometres of the lunar surface. And if you're wondering just how intricate the 120dpi imagery is, the high-resolution NASA photograph that it uses is 21 metres wide, and was taken by by a satellite carrying the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. The spherical sculpture is lit from within, so it'll add a glow when it comes to Scienceworks for five months. It also combines its imagery and light with a surround sound piece created by composer and sound designer Dan Jones, and just how each venue displays it is up to them. Basically, it's never the exact same installation twice. Jerram has multiple moons, with several touring simultaneously — so the Museum of Moon will also be on display in Newcastle in the UK across some of the same period. Its stint at Scienceworks will mark the Museum of the Moon's second visit Australia, following 12-day showing on the Gold Coast during the city's Commonwealth Games-adjacent arts festival earlier this year.
Whether it's the start of a brand new year or time for a mid-year rest, a bit of re-centring and rejuvenation is always in order. And there's almost no better way to do that then with a few days at a yoga retreat. Not sure where to go for your R&R? We've rounded up eight stellar retreats across the country — ranging from the budget-friendly to the all-out luxurious — that are guaranteed to leave you feeling calm, contented, and ready to take on the world. BILLABONG RETREAT, MARAYLYA, NSW Set in 12 acres of natural bushland, this 30-bed eco yoga retreat offers relatively affordable escapes that include beginner-friendly yoga, meditation workshops and accommodation in gorgeous treetop cabins. Extra perks include a magnesium-infused swimming pool and delectable vegetarian food. Don't have time for a weekend retreat? Drop in for a cheeky day visit and you'll be back in Sydney by dinner time, all relaxed and centred. When? Retreats vary between one and seven nights, and run all year round excluding over New Year. How much? Around $250 for one night to $1260 for a week, which includes all meals, twice daily yoga and meditation. Day retreats cost $200. EDEN HEALTH RETREAT, CURRUMBIN VALLEY, QLD Located in the lush rainforest on the Gold Coast hinterland, Eden Health — one of Australia's first retreats — offers guests an individually tailored experience. Want to improve your general health? Manage your stress? Or just chill the hell out? Eden Health will design a program to meet your specific goals over the course of your stay. The centre's extensive facilities (a spa, a natural mud bath, tennis courts, and a heated pool are just a few of the offerings) also mean you'll have plenty to keep you occupied during your downtime. When? Retreats run each week from Sunday to Saturday all year round. How much? Prices start from $3350 for the week, which includes all meals, classes, use of facilities and $300–400 of therapies. YOGA CUCINA, NSW If you thought yoga retreats were all silence and brown rice, Yoga Cucina invites you to reconsider. Initiated by a trio of yoga instructors — and wine drinkers — it's a new kind of yoga-inspired getaway. The retreats — which run a few times a year — let you spend a weekend practising your salutes to the sun and downward dogs, in between sampling several drops, feasting on Italian fare, playing darts and swimming beneath waterfalls. On the first night you'll meet for a pre-dinner wine tasting, then sit down to a big Italian feast. The rest of the weekend will see you waking up to yoga sessions, honing your practice in workshops, trundling off to national parks for swimming under waterfalls, learning how to make pasta, eating, drinking and playing games. When? The next retreat will run over the weekend of September 6–9, 2018. How much? The weekend costs $1050–1200 per person, which includes all activities, food, wine and accommodation. RADIANCE RETREATS, BYRON BAY, NSW As Australia's yoga capital, Byron offers wellness retreats aplenty. While many are geared towards yoga buffs (and can, therefore, be rather intimidating to the beginner), Radiance Retreats focuses on deep, slow vinyasa, making it a great choice for newbies. Run by renowned yogi and author Jessie Chapman, the retreats supplement top-notch yoga classes with meditation, hikes, beach walks, and spa therapies. When? Five- and six-night retreats run about six times a year, with the next two happening on on November 9–14, 2018 and over NYE 2018. How much? Around $2000–2800, which includes all meals, classes, activities and a massage. GLAMPING YOGA RETREAT, WARRANDYTE, VIC Not all retreats have to cost you your yearly yoga member ship. Melbourne-based yoga teacher Maud Léger has just launched a new retreat in Warrandyte, and instead of fancy lodgings, the accommodation is a glamping village. While the camping vibe helps keep costs down, you will in no way rough it — all tents include mattresses, nice linen and rugs, and you'll practice in the estate's studio and deck. When? The next retreat will run from November 3–6, 2018. How much? Prices start from $767 for a shared tent. TRANQUIL POINT BIKRAM YOGA SCHOOL, CYGNET, TAS Searching for a Bikram (that is, hot yoga) retreat? Tranquil Point Bikram Yoga School in Cynget, Tasmania, specialises in this variety. Located 45 minutes from Hobart, the school boasts gorgeous ocean views, an orchard, and an organic vegetable garden. Anyone can drop in for a class, but you can sign up for one of the many retreats on offer — these vary from beginner retreats to weekend getaways to 30- and 60-day challenges. It's a good option for those who are interested in a more active retreat as you can fill your hours off the mat with bushwalks, kayaking and leisurely swims. When? Classes and retreats run throughout the year. How much? Rooms start at $250 a night and retreats can go all the way up to $7500. GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT, TALLEBUDGERA, QLD A firm favourite among the yogi crowd, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat last year won Luxury Travel Magazine's Best Australian Health and Wellness Property award. The all-encompassing wellness experience pairs yoga and meditation classes with naturopathy, nutritional advice, an award-winning spa and stunning accommodation. While a few days at this luxurious retreat will put a serious dent in your wallet, if you can afford it, the experience is well worth it. When? Retreats vary between one and seven nights, and run all year round. How much? Around $1000 for the weekend to $3485 for the week, which includes all meals, classes, use of facilities and airport transfers and some therapies. PREMA SHANTI YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT, DAINTREE RAINFOREST, QLD It doesn't get much better than working on your downward dog in a world heritage rainforest. Two hours north of Cairns, Prema Shanti is a secluded, intimate, and eco-friendly retreat that offers a yoga temple, meditation room, and boutique accommodation. Rather than booking in a set retreat, you just book in how many nights you want to stay, from two days up to two weeks. Greet the day with a meditation session, wind down with an evening yoga class, and spend the hours in-between relaxing with a massage or another spa treatment. Best part? Rooms start at $90 a night. When? Classes run throughout the year. How much? Rooms cost $90–120 a night.
A much-loved staple in the Port Douglas community, Origin Espresso specialises in sourcing sustainably produced beans. Pull up a cushion-topped beer keg and order a signature blend or single origin. Either way, the coffee beans are roasted in-house, and the coffee goes exceptionally well with a baked treat — think custard-filled spiced pumpkin doughnuts from local baker Duke's Doughnuts or a gluten-free brownie. Image: Andrew Watson via Tourism and Events Queensland.
UPDATE, April 1, 2021: The Wild Goose Lake is available to stream via Binge, Amazon Prime Video, Stan, Foxtel Now, Google Play and YouTube Movies. If you only watch one sultry, sprawling, neon-lit Chinese film noir this year — one where umbrellas are deployed as lethal weapons, zoo animals bear witness to a shootout and strangers dance in the street in glowing sneakers to Boney M's 'Rasputin' — make it The Wild Goose Lake. To be fair, no other feature will match that exact description anytime soon. No other movie will make a routine police search of a half-demolished building look like a real-world diorama, either, or watch as a character turns the tricky art of self-bandaging into an acrobatic performance. From its yellow-tinted opening frames, where two strangers meet outside a train station in drizzling rain, Diao Yinan's first film since 2014's acclaimed Black Coal, Thin Ice firmly carves its own visual niche. That's one of the evocatively shot gangster flick's charms. Spread across speedy motorcycle chases and frenetic underground brawls, too, these eye-catching images all tell the story of mob heavy Zhou Zenong (Hu Ge) and 'bathing beauty' Liu Aiai (Gwei Lun-mei). Following a mass underworld meetup to discuss stealing techniques, an impromptu contest dubbed "the Olympic Games of thievery" and the accidental shooting of a cop, he's on the run in the titular area. Both the law and fellow criminals are on his trail, and a ¥300,000 bounty is on his head. She's been dispatched as Zhou's escort by her gang-affiliated boss Huahua (Qi Dao) — and although she's just supposed to deliver messages and take the fleeing gangster where he needs to go, Liu is also a sex worker who plies her trade by the water. In flashbacks, the movie fleshes out their intertwined tales, including why Liu is the one meeting Zhou instead of his estranged wife Yang Shujun (Wan Qian). Visually, The Wild Goose Lake leaves a continued imprint; however there's a boilerplate flavour to Diao's script. After Black Coal, Thin Ice — another stylish, crime-filled neo-noir brimming with complex motives and ample duplicity — it almost seems like the filmmaker is painting by numbers in a narrative sense. He's certainly playing in a well-populated field, with no shortage of high-profile Chinese releases delving into the country's seedy underbelly of late (as seen in Jia Zhangke's Ash is Purest White and Bi Gan's Long Day's Journey Into Night). And yet, as recognisable as much of The Wild Goose Lake's story appears, it never feels like it's sending viewers on either a routine journey or a wild goose chase. Rather, that air of familiarity ripples with purpose and meaning. Indeed, the fact that these kinds of Chinese tales keep popping up and using the nation's unseemly side as a way of tackling societal uncertainty, restlessness and change makes a clear statement. Diao isn't yelling his views at anyone, though, or even conveying as strong a message about the state of his country as he did with his last film. Largely, he uses his narrative as the connective tissue that holds his stunning visuals together. If the writer/director and his returning cinematographer Dong Jinsong had planned out each strikingly shot and choreographed set-piece, then built a story around them, it wouldn't come as a surprise. The Wild Goose Lake is far more textured than a movie made in such a way ever could be, but its imagery is still the undoubted star of the show. If Nicolas Winding Refn was to splash his usual creative trademarks across a China-set gangster flick as a companion piece to the Los Angeles-based Drive and the Bangkok-set Only God Forgives, the end result wouldn't look as inky yet inescapably luminous as Diao's darkly gorgeous piece of cinema. With such alluring pictures flickering across the screen — including so many vivid amber and pink lights casting shadows across murky alleyways and rooms that the overall look should get repetitive, but doesn't — it's no wonder that Diao paces the film patiently. He gives audiences plenty of chances to soak in The Wild Goose Lake's sights, naturally. In taking his time to unfurl the feature's tale, he also conveys an apt sense of inertia as Zhou runs, Liu follows, both the cops and other crims try to track their every move, but no one ever really goes anywhere. And, in the process, he fittingly tasks his cast with giving quiet yet still expressive performances. This is the type of movie where, when dialogue is uttered, it usually says less far less than a look, a gesture or an actor's posture. Viewers don't get to know the film's characters as deeply as we could've, but it's still a very canny approach — with a feature this arresting, the audience is luxuriating in every inch of every frame from start to finish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpmpD3-CBqg
In cinemas everywhere in 2023, to more than a billion dollars at the global box office, Ryan Gosling is "just Ken" in Barbie. He's also fantastic. Jump back almost two decades, however, and he was getting attention for locking lips with Rachel McAdams (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) during a downpour in The Notebook — and that Nicholas Sparks-penned effort isn't done spreading its sappy brand of romance just yet. 2024 will mark exactly 20 years since The Notebook hit the big screen, as based on Sparks' 1996 debut novel. It'll also see the musical version of The Notebook make its Broadway debut. The production was first announced back in 2019, then premiered in Chicago in 2022 and now heads to the Big Apple. While Gosling can sing — see: Barbie, La La Land, his band Dead Man's Bones — he likely isn't part of the stage show's cast. Exactly who'll be crooning through the book-turned-movie-turned-musical's lovestruck drama in New York's prestigious theatre district hasn't been announced yet, though, so you can hold onto your Gosling fantasy for a bit longer. Either way, expect singing in the rain, obviously, as well as belted-out declarations of love in a rowboat. Expect a song-filled account of heiress Allie Hamilton falling in love with lumber mill worker Noah Calhoun in the 1940s, too. Should tissues be handed out with every ticket? As The Notebook jumps from tear-soaked pages to weep-inducing celluloid to a stage version, that wouldn't be the worst move. This treading-the-boards take on the A Walk to Remember, Dear John, The Last Song and The Lucky One author's best-known tome will start Broadway previews on Tuesday, February 6, if you have an NYC trip in your future. Public tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 26. The Notebook musical's script and songs stem handled by Bekah Brunstetter and Ingrid Michaelson respectively. The former was a writer and producer on TV show This Is Us, and the latter is best known for singles 'The Way I Am' and 'Girls Chase Boys'. And on directing duties: Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen) and Schele Williams (Motown the Musical). Check out a glimpse of The Notebook musical's Chicago season below: The Notebook musical opens on Broadway, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, with previews from Tuesday, February 6. Head to the show's website for more information, plus public tickets from Tuesday, September 26.
Craving Thai food, but a bit tired of ordering the same pad thai dish every damn time? We feel you. Luckily, the team at Chai Thai in New Farm is serving up some seriously worthy alternatives. This eye-popping menu is extensive, covering everything from curries and soups to dumplings and fishcakes. Here are a few favourites to get you started. We love the barramundi with shiitake mushroom, ginger and vegetables. We also rate the red curry with pineapple and lychee or, if you want something crunchy, try the crispy tiger prawns with tamarind sauce. If you're after a sweet treat to finish off the feast, there are two excellent options: tapioca pudding with lychee and black sticky rice with coconut cream. Order both — we won't tell anyone. Images: Hennessy Trill
When bushfires raged across Australia over the spring of 2019 and the summer of 2019–20, the Hunter Valley's wine community was among the areas affected. Due to smoke from the blazes, huge hordes of grapes can no longer be used for their original winemaking purpose — so distillery Archie Rose is getting experimental and salvaging more than 50 tonnes as part of a new spirit range. The first of the series' three products is eau de vie Hunter Valley Shiraz Spirit, which is made from smoke-tainted Hunter Valley 2020 shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Clear, colourless and fruity, it's described by the company as having "notes of shortbread, icing sugar and vine leaves" — as well as hints of pineapple, guava and honeydew. Expect to taste mango, raspberry jam, crème fraîche and wafers, too, plus a slight suggestion of campfire. When you're sipping a glass, you'll be aiding Archie Rose's efforts to help Hunter Valley producers and growers, especially those with team members and and families affected by crop and income write-offs due to the fires. As well as receiving support themselves, Tulloch Wines and First Creek Wines worked with the folks at Archie Rose to identify eight smaller growers in need of assistance — particularly in the Pokolbin, Broke Fordwich and Upper Hunter sub-regions. On sale from Monday, May 25 from the Archie Rose Bar in Rosebery, Sydney, bottle shops and the company's website, 1000 bottles of the Hunter Valley Shiraz Spirit are available — in 700-millilitre sizes, for $99. Archie Rose has also suggested a range of cocktail recipes using the Hunter Valley Shiraz Spirit, so prepare to pair it with oat milk in the 'Milk & Honey' and with grapefruit in 'The Pokolbin'. Also in the works is a Hunter Valley Shiraz Brandy, using the salvaged smoke-tainted grapes — however, given that the spirit will need to be aged, it'll be available in future years. Archie Rose's Hunter Valley Shiraz Spirit goes on sale on Monday, May 25 from the Archie Rose Bar in Rosebery, Sydney, bottle shops and the company's website, with pre-orders currently available online.
For those nights when you just want to belt out a song, tuck into Japanese bites and drink like you're in Tokyo, Goros Brisbane is now your go-to. On offer here: karaoke, karaage and cocktails, all in a sprawling izakaya-style bar. From Friday, February 21, 2025, you'll find the venue on Warner Street in Fortitude Valley, adding a new stop to your next big evening out. This isn't just a slice of Tokyo in Brisbane, but also a slice of Sydney. In the Harbour City, Goros is a favourite if you want to party like you're in Japan without the plane fare. As initially announced in late 2024, that's equally the setup in the River City, complete with yakitori, sake and Japanese spirits as well. Gyoza, bao, sashimi, matcha soft serve, boozy boba, whisky highballs: they're all on the menu, too, at the chain's second venue Australia-wide and first in Queensland. For its arrival in the Sunshine State, Goros has gone big. Taking over the space that was previously home to Kickons, the bar spreads over multiple levels and can cater to 500 people. And yes, that means that group occasions are on the itinerary if you need a new spot to celebrate your next birthday, or anything else worth commemorating, with sake bombs, prawn crackers, squid karaage and skewers fresh off the robata grill. Goros' inspiration isn't merely Japan in general or even Tokyo as a whole — it's the latter's street bar culture and nightlife scene. Whether you're keen to pick up a microphone or are happy sipping cocktails while others sing, neon lighting features heavily across the venue's decor. The bar also boasts a dance floor, because karaoke isn't the only way to enjoy tunes here, and is set to host games nights and ping-pong tournaments. If you just want to drop by for an after-work sip or dinner, though, that's also an option. "I wanted this to be a fully immersive experience — from the glow of neon lights to the aroma of yakitori sizzling over an open flame, and the thrill of stumbling upon an unexpected experience that brings the night to life," said Solotel CEO Elliot Solomon. "At its heart, the concept draws inspiration from a Japanese izakaya, while incorporating the very best elements of Japan into one venue." The culinary lineup for Goros Brisbane also spans everything from UFO beef burgers and share buckets of Japanese fried chicken to saltbush tempura with chilli miso mayo. Matcha piña coladas, Midori sours, sake spritzes, four different types of frozen cocktails (one alcohol-free), Asahi on tap: they're among the drinks picks. For fun while you eat and imbibe, Goros Brisbane's roster of regular events also includes DJs spinning tunes every Friday and Saturday, Tuesday-night watch parties, sake bomb bingo for an hour on Fridays and monthly Goros twists on Takeshi's Castle. Find Goros Brisbane at 6 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley from Friday, February 21, 2025 — open from 4pm–12am Tuesday–Wednesday and 4pm–3am Thursday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for more details. Images: Alana Dimou / Markus Ravik.
The area once known as Bacchus pool bar has recently undergone a makeover and relaunched as Soleil Pool Bar, a new summer spot in South Bank to be enjoyed by Brisbanites from sunrise to sunset. Soleil Pool Bar is all about celebrating the sun. A chic palette of gold, white and timber decorates the space and creates an air of elegance on the podium level at Rydges South Bank. Sun yourself on the pool deck or lounge around the main bar while DJs spin soundtracks of summer and a team of mixologists stir, shake and serve a brilliant array of cocktails. Soleil invites you to enjoy a poolside party vibe with a little bit of glamour as Brisbane settles in for a summer of fun in the sun. A giant LED screen embedded in the ceiling above the main bar begs to steal your attention, but it is behind the bar where the magic happens. An extensive cocktail list sees creativity, flair and a passion for the art of mixology extend well beyond the meagre mojito. She's A Daydreamer ($18) alludes to childhood as Belvedere pure vodka, lemon and vanilla syrup, raspberry puree and lemonade fizz over a scoop of vanilla ice cream (complete with a paper straw). The Sloe Loris Adventure Time ($19) will have you licking your lips as you sip a balanced combination of Hayman's London Dry Gin, Hayman's Sloe gin, Massenez Creme de Mure, lemon, pomegranate tea and orange bitters. Ra, The Egyptian Sun God ($19) is a powerful tiki cocktail designed to honour the magnificence of summer, while Velvet Downtime ($20) — made with Patron XO Cafe Dark and fresh espresso and topped with dark chocolate shavings — is best described as sipping on tiramisu. The folk tending bar have a penchant for theatrics, but we don't want to spoil all the surprises. If the multitudes of pages seem overwhelming, the welcoming staff relish in the opportunity to give recommendations. Alongside cocktails, the menu is rounded out with punches to share, international and Australian wines by the glass or bottle, and a selection of draught and bottled beers. As sister venue to Brisbane culinary gem Bacchus, Soleil isn't just about the drinks. Morning, noon and evening menus offer guests a wide selection of snacks tailored to poolside dining. For a light breakfast try the granola parfait ($14) or housemade toasted fruit and nut loaf ($9). As the day wears on, graze on a selection of pizzas ($18-22), charcuterie ($32) or a cheese board ($24) as you soak up the sun. Food is served until 10pm.
There's no prizes for guessing why Beenleigh's Distillery Road has its name. All you need to do is look for the red building on the banks of the Albert River, where Beenleigh Artisan Distillers has sat since 1884. The heritage-listed site is no longer just a go-to for fans of spirits, however. It's also home to a restaurant serving pub-style dishes that often come slathered with — what else? — rum sauce. Order the signature beef ribs, the corn ribs and sticky pork belly bites and you'll be eating rum condiments whether or not you've opted for the eatery's beverage of choice to wash down your meal. Thanks to the dessert lineup, you can also finish your lunch or dinner with rum liqueur coffee creations. And yes, from mojitos using Beenleigh Artisan Distillers' white rum and a distiller's iced tea made with spiced rum through to a rum sour, rum old fashioned and rum-based twist on the espresso martini, the drinks list goes heavy on rum as well. Seating 80, Beenleigh's new Distillery Restaurant heroes not only its favourite tipple, but also local produce and Aussie flavours. Other dishes to try include spicy chicken wings, brisket and veggie burgers, char-grilled chilli garlic squid and a 300-gram Darling Downs porterhouse steak. Plus, the sweets range spans a meringue stack paired with dragonfruit compote, as well as a sticky toffee pudding with burnt orange caramel, coffee and wattleseed gelato. Seasonal sips feature alongside the distillery's regular cocktails on the drinks list, plus seven of Beenleigh Artisan Distillers' own drops. El Toro's tequilas, vodka and gin from 23rd Street Distillery, Bearded Lady bourbon, Vale and Fox Hat brews, and Queen Adelaide and Beresford wines round out the libations. Fancy not only stopping by for a meal and a drink, but for rum tastings, tours of the distillery and masterclasses? That's also available.
The Constance Hotel Fortitude Valley had us at rooftop bar. Then they won us over with the gallery-like lineup of contemporary art inside and outside the building. The Constance Hotel partnered with local and international artists to create this distinct look and feel, including Magee, Numskull, Rone and Beastman. The massive murals all help make The Constance a totally unique place to sleep and hang out at. These unique features help make The Constance Hotel Fortitude Valley one of the best hotels in Brisbane. The rooms themselves come with all the trimmings. The distinctive accommodation options include private courtyards, internal spas and themed artist rooms. Free wifi, 40-inch TVs, an in-room coffee machine and iPod docking stations come as standard for all guests, too. But back to The Constance Hotel's rooftop bar – we can see ourselves 'working' up here with a pint cider in hand any day. Alternatively, we could hire out a shisha, order all the Turkish street food, and dance late into the night with their resident DJs. But non-smokers don't need to worry – those on the hookah are kept separate. It's the ultimate urban hotel.
Since Dark Mofo first introduced House of Mirrors back in 2016, the installation has sat at the top of everyone's must-do list. Created by Australian installation artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, it's exactly what it sounds like: a walkthrough space filled with reflective surfaces that will not only strands you in a maze of your own image, but turns your likeness into a kaleidoscope. After touring the country, the world's largest travelling mirror maze has returned to Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art. The installation was unveiled in late 2020 as part of the museum's post-pandemic revamp and reopening. Is it fun, creepy or both? Wander through the disorienting, perception-altering, panic-inducing, optical illusion-based labyrinth and decide for yourself. The modern, minimalist twist on the fairground classic features 40 tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of mirrors — with no added gimmicks, no special effects, no soundtrack or soundscape. If your trip down to Tasmania coincides with this year's Dark Mofo celebrations, check out our round up of the best things to eat, see and do on the island during the winter months. House of Mirrors is open from 10am–5pm Friday–Monday. Images: House of Mirrors (2016), Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney. Photo by MONA/Jesse Hunniford, courtesy of MONA, Hobart, Tasmania.
Is heading to Bribie Island to see if you can devour a one-kilogram doughnut on your to-do list this festive season? Will this jolly time of year feel all the more merry if you can enjoy a coffee- or hot chocolate-filled doughnut? Are you just a fan of giant baked goods and sweet treats-turned-beverage containers all year round? Get excited about Kenilworth Island Bakery's big opening on Friday, December 15, then. As announced earlier in 2023, the Kenilworth Bakery chain is launching its third outpost — and the Sunshine Coast favourite's closest to Brisbane. This one sees brother-and-sister pair Nathan and Jenna Sanders set up shop at a beachfront store near the Bribie Island jetty, adding to the brand's OG spot in its namesake hinterland town and its coastal store at The Wharf in Mooloolaba "Our bakeries aren't just a place to grab a pie or sausage roll; they're a destination in their own right — a place people actually have on their southeast Queensland bucket list to visit, said Jenna. "It's a place where kids spend forever debating which flavour (or two) of doughnut they want; where adults savour that first bite into a crispy, chunky meat pie; and where caffeine lovers sip from our unique coffee doughnuts. With this in mind, it made perfect sense to look to Bribie for our latest store, given its popular appeal as a holiday and day-trip location." "It's also moving that little bit closer to Brisbane, where we have a dedicated fan base," Jenna continued. Everyone should love country bakeries for a pie, sausage roll, finger bun or lamington on any road trip, but Kenilworth Bakery isn't any old spot for a bite. If you're new to the bakery, it's particularly famous for its special menu item, which does indeed involve pouring coffee or hot chocolate into a doughnut. Ordering a cuppa and a round orb of dough separately is a thing of the past here, then. Instead, the doughnuts are hollowed out so they can be filled with your choice of beverage (an espresso shot and milk if you go for the caffeinated option). Also a highlight: one-kilogram bites both savoury and sweet. Cue chocolate-covered doughnuts, strawberry-iced doughnuts, jam- and cream-filled doughnuts, Nutella and cream doughnuts, Gaytime-flavoured versions and sausage rolls all on offer at that weight. If your tastebuds are tempted, you can take the challenge, which spans ordering one online in advance, finding it waiting when you arrive, eating it in-store, and then getting your money back and a plate on the bakery's wall of fame if you finish it all. The Bribie Island menu will feature dogaccinnos, doggie biscuits and doggie donuts, too, as well as sourdough bread baked onsite. Hit up Kenilworth Island Bakery from 8am on its launch day and you'll also score a free doughnut — while stocks last. Kenilworth Bakery's new opening comes just shy of the brand's 100th anniversary, with the OG site operating since 1924. Its Kenilworth venue sits in a heritage-listed building, unsurprisingly — which makes it still worth a trip even when the Bribie Island outpost opens. Kenilworth Island Bakery opens at 3 First Avenue, Bongaree on Friday, December 15, operating from 8am–3pm Wednesday–Sunday — head the chain's website and social media for further details.
Hear that? It's the sound of the collective population shutting windows, zipping up jackets and switching the AC setting from cool to warm. Summer is officially over. You may have bemoaned what felt like an endless summer after one too many sunburns or sleepless nights. You also may have excitedly unpacked your winter coat and thought giddily of cosy nights in with Netflix and hot chocolate for company. But truthfully, for us coastal-dwelling folk who thrive in the great outdoors, the appeal of winter can wear off before it has even truly begun. And soon enough, you'll be plotting ways to escape to sunnier pastures. Well, lucky for you, we've teamed up with Coopers to handpick some the best destinations around Australia where summer never really ends. Just like the new Coopers Session Ale, a fresh and fruity brew, these spots keep the summer dream alive all year long. [caption id="attachment_605628" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Petra Bensted via Flickr.[/caption] RUN TO PARADISE IN THE WHITSUNDAYS Imagine this: rather than a blaring alarm, you're woken by the call of a native bird or lapping waves. Rather than woolly socks and slippers, you sink your bare feet into glorious white sand. This is Whitehaven Beach, one of the most popular spots in the Whitsundays. The picturesque surroundings and tropical climate (no frosty mornings here — temperatures sit pleasantly in the mid-20s during winter) are enough to please even the most cynical of campers. A maximum of 36 people is permitted at the beach's campsite, so the morning is yours to explore the oasis in relative seclusion before the day-trippers arrive. Time your 1.3-kilometre walk to the Hill Inlet viewing platform at Tongue Point to coincide with low tide, and witness a stunning display of swirling silica sands. The vista is the ultimate reward for 'roughing it', as is returning to the campsite for a cool beer as the sun sets. Winter blues be gone. EXPLORE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND Tropical North Queensland is the perfect distraction from your wintery reality. Average water temps sit at a very acceptable 24-degree mark, and low rainfall vastly improves water visibility in the Great Barrier Reef, which will please both scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts. If donning a wetsuit is not your style, there are plenty of land-based activities around to keep you active, too. Cape Tribulation, where Daintree Rainforest meets the ocean, offers plenty of exploration options: foot, horseback, kayak, four-wheel drive or flying fox among them. Whichever you choose, the area has a real 'untouched' vibe to it, with pristine beaches, lush plant life and native wildlife waiting to be discovered. [caption id="attachment_619578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall.[/caption] VISIT OUR RED CENTRE Arguably our most famous natural icon, Uluru is a bucket list item for many. Witnessing a kaleidoscope of colours cross the sacred rock as the sun sets over the horizon — it's truly something to behold. Winter is actually the preferred time to visit as temperatures are milder — around the mid-20s during the day — which makes trekking the 10.6-kilometre base circumference a more achievable task. As night falls, so does the temp. Avoid shattering the summer illusion, and jump onto a helicopter tour for a birds-eye view of the spectacular Field of Light installation. Extended until December 2020, the artwork uses 50,000 glass spheres to transform the arid plains into an illuminated, multi-coloured blanket. It may help you temporarily forget the winter chill but you'll remember this magical experience forever. [caption id="attachment_669247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Broome Visitor Centre.[/caption] RIDE A CAMEL AS THE SUN SETS IN BROOME Nestled along the coastline in the Kimberley region's far west, Broome is completely unique and yet quintessentially Australian. It's where the beach meets the outback with a tropical climate that encourages an itinerary of strictly outdoor activities. Start the day by hunting for dinosaur prints at Gantheaume Point before venturing to Willie Creek Pearl Farm for a boat cruise across crystal waters, complete with lessons on pearling. After you've properly explored the clear waters and rugged coastline, head to Cable Beach to watch a stunning sunset atop a camel — cliché be damned, it's an unmissable tourist attraction for a reason. Finish off the day with a visit to the over 100-year-old Sun Pictures, the world's oldest outdoor cinema still in operation. Those chilly nights will be a distant memory. TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA'S TOP END Darwin may be the oft-forgotten state capital, but in recent years it has established itself as a hot destination (pun intended) — particularly for younger travellers due to its thriving art and nightlife scenes. If you weren't quite ready to say goodbye to summer sundowners, waterside Darwin Ski Club will ensure your beers-by-the-bay quota is met. Kakadu National Park is usually a drawcard for visitors when up north. But if you're short on time or want to try something a little more off-the-beaten-track, the less-frequented Tiwi Islands provide an equally rich indigenous experience. There are two main islands, Melville and Bathurst, plus nine other smaller, uninhabited islands which are all just a 30-minute scenic flight from Darwin. Art is a hugely important part of the culture here and is best appreciated at morning tea with some local ladies from the Wurrumiyanga community. Over a snack of billy tea and fresh damper, you can watch the Tiwi ladies weaving and painting. Finish off your day trip with a scenic drive around the island exploring the lush tropical gardens, plus a visit to a Tiwi burial site. Grab a Coopers Session Ale and make the most of summer, all year round. Top image: Coral Beach, Gareth McGuigan.
Trade the crowded trains and constant hum of Tokyo's city streets for otherworldly views of volcanic terrain, subtropical jungles and subterranean lakes on your next trip to Japan. From deep-blue waters dotted with islands to towering snow-covered mountains and mangrove forests, Japan boasts a truly diverse mix of natural landscapes, which are home to not only thousands of years of culture and tradition but also impressive wildlife such as brown bears, orcas and red-crowned cranes. Together with the Japan National Tourism Organization, we've put together a guide to some of the most spectacular natural sights across the country — so you have yet another excuse to visit Japan. [caption id="attachment_965458" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jodogahama Beach via Shutterstock[/caption] Pacific Coast, Iwate Prefecture Experience sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Iwate's coastline, which features a striking stretch of cliffs, distinctive rock formations, underground lakes and tranquil beaches in Japan's north. Part of Sanriku Fukko National Park, the Iwate Coast can be explored by land or water. Take in the 200-metre-high Unosu Cliffs at Kitayamazaki on a boat tour; venture into the Ryusendo Cave to see subterranean lakes with stalactites and bats overhead; and cool off with a post-hike dip at peaceful Jodogahama Beach. [caption id="attachment_965460" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mount Aso, Masafarnorth via iStock[/caption] Kuju Mountains, Oita Prefecture Down south, get your steps in at the Kuju mountain range in Aso-Kuju National Park, home to the highest peaks in Kyushu. Whether you choose to make the ascent on one of the hiking trails or opt for a more leisurely stroll on ground level, you'll be treated to remarkable views across the volcanic landscape, especially when the foliage changes in autumn. There's also natural hot springs nearby at Kurokawa Onsen, for you to relax your tired muscles with a long soak at the end of the day. [caption id="attachment_965463" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Seto Inland sea, SAND555 via iStock[/caption] Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kagawa and Ehime Prefectures There's no shortage of things to discover around the Seto Inland Sea. The 400-kilometre stretch of water connects Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, with 700-plus islands in between. Reconnect with nature on a sustainable sailboat tour, or take in the sights from a cycling track – such as the 46-kilometre Tobishima Kaido (which crosses seven bridges) or the 70-kilometre Shimanami Kaido (which spans six islands). For a cultural fix, see world-class artworks scattered against the breathtaking backdrop of the Seto Island Sea at Naoshima, explore the charming canals of Kurashiki, and take in the view of the floating torii gate at Miyajima Island. [caption id="attachment_965462" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kurobe Alpine Route, courtesy of JNTO[/caption] Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Toyama Prefecture Immense in size, Chubu-Sangaku National Park has plenty of activities for every season, from trekking the 3000-metre-tall Japan Alps to snow sports and chasing waterfalls at Sanbondaki. In summer, popular pastimes include hiking, wildlife-spotting, biking, fishing and camping, while winter sees the area blanketed with snow. Not to be missed is the famed Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which transforms into a stunning snow corridor from April to June, with stacks of snow reaching heights of up to 20 metres. [caption id="attachment_965457" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Iriomote Island via Shutterstock[/caption] Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture If you'd prefer to be in warmer weather year-round, head south to the lush Iriomote Island. You'll find more than pristine beaches here, with subtropical jungles, mangrove forests and cascading waterfalls throughout the island. When you're not kayaking through mangroves or cruising through the jungle, make your way across to Yubu Island on an unconventional (and unforgettable) mode of transport — hop on a cart and a buffalo will pull you across the strait while a local guide sings traditional Okinawan songs. [caption id="attachment_965456" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ago Bay via Shutterstock[/caption] Ago Bay, Mie Prefecture Culture and scenery collide at Ago Bay, which is dotted with approximately 60 small islands and famed for its pearl farming and Ama divers. These female free-divers have been collecting pearls and seafood in Mie Prefecture for over 2000 years, and still utilise many of their traditional methods to this day. Visit Ama Hut Satoumian to chat with Ama divers while feasting on fresh seafood at the restaurant. Don't leave without getting a bird's-eye-view of the bay from the Yokoyama Observation Deck, which offers impressive views of the peninsula and across the water from 200 metres above sea level. [caption id="attachment_965461" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shiretoko Mountains, Saturo S via iStock[/caption] Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture Get close to some of the locals at Shiretoko National Park, where you'll come across wildlife such as brown bears, owls, sea eagles, seals and orcas. With a range of landscapes — from mountains to forests and rivers — the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is home to almost 60 land and marine animal species. Come during winter to walk across drift ice, snowshoe through the icy forest and witness the snow-covered landscapes. In spring and summer, visitors can spot brown bears and waterfalls on a boat tour, cycle through the Shiretoko Pass, explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes, or hike along the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls (which are fed by natural onsen waters). [caption id="attachment_965459" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kushiro Shitsugen National Park via Shutterstock[/caption] Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture For even more wildlife spotting, head nearby to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park to catch a glimpse of deer and numerous bird species, including the iconic and endangered red-crowned crane. Kayak, canoe, or hike through Japan's largest wetlands for views of towering waterfalls, the port city of Kushiro, the Kushiro River and the Pacific coastline. If you'd rather take it slow and steady, head to one of the many observation decks by car or with a leisurely stroll, or you can even hop aboard a steam train that meanders along the river. Discover more and start planning your trip to Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Over the past two years, we've already spent too much time burning through our streaming queues, so simply settling in for a stint of TV has lost a bit of its lustre. And, there's also the fact that our day-to-days are pretty well dominated by screens anyway. From waking up and checking the weather/news/Instagram to then packing our days with staring at a computer at our nine-to-fives, sitting on the loo watching TikToks and cooking the recipes we view on iPads, it's no wonder we've got screen fatigue. So, put that remote down and treat yourself to another way to kill time: a jigsaw puzzle. Yep, it's time to get analogue. For many of us, 2020 was the year of hobbies and home activities. So, no doubt you already have a jigsaw or two lying around — which means you're in need of fresh puzzle talent. Or, you might've resisted the recent trend, only to now realise that you missed out on some wholesome, puzzle-piecing times. Either way, we're here to help. Here are our eight puzzle picks for when boredom next hits like a tonne of bricks — whether you just have a few spare hours, you're spending time in isolation or you feel like you've watched every streaming series there is to watch. AUSTRALIA UNSEEN Bring the beach to your living room with these serene coastal scenes in puzzle form. Australia Unseen's Vincent Rommelaere takes photos of Australian beaches and rock pools, and usually sells them as prints on his website. But in 2020, as iso-life became the new normal, Rommelaere began transforming some of his snaps into jigsaw puzzles. At the moment, he offers seven different puzzles available as 1000-piece ($49) jigsaws. If you're into ocean pools, you can keep your fingers busy with a puzzle of Bondi's famed Icebergs. Otherwise, there's shots of the Coogee Beach rainbow path, the Bronte Baths and people sunbathing at Bondi. Or, if you'd prefer to look at Melbourne, you can opt for one of the city's CBD skyline. Delivery within Australia is $10 and international shipping is also available, with cost and delivery time dependent on region. All jigsaw puzzles in stock are shipped from Sydney and you'll score free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Australia Unseen's website. OKAY LADY Chances are at least one of your housemates developed a penchant for puzzles over the past two years and, if that's the case, a pressie from online jigsaw puzzle company Okay Lady will be a winner. Think of it as the perfect 'thanks for putting up with me' gift that you benefit from, too. Okay Lady puzzles champion Aussie women illustrators and come in environmentally friendly packaging — no plastic in sight. The artists also receive royalties from every single sale, which we love to see. If you happen to live with your bestie, there's a super-cute 400-piece jigsaw by Queensland artist Sophie Beer that features two besties and some adorable pups. Or, nab the Night Dancer puzzle, designed by artist Alice Lindstrom, for a truly vibrant work of puzzle art. All Okay Lady jigsaws are $59 and each 400-piece design is aimed to be more of a mindful activity than a super challenging, days-long process. Shipping is free across Australia with orders shipped from the Melbourne office every weekday, so expect about five–seven business days for your package to arrive. Can't wait? Opt for express delivery for $15. Buy via Okay Lady's website. SMOOCHY POOCHEY Ever wanted to piece together a portrait of your adorable pooch? Of course you have — which is why Queensland-based company Smoochy Poochey exists. While the company allows you to pick whichever kind of personalised puzzle you like, getting a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with your pet's cute little face is a clear winner. Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw you've ever done. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Just simply upload multiple pics of of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo and create a collage. A number of sizes are available, ranging from a simple, kid-friendly 30-piece jigsaw to challenging 1000-piece ones for when you have hours upon hours to kill. Prices range from $28.25 for the smallest puzzle and up to $59.95 for the largest. Delivery is via Australia Post, with a standard $12.95 flat rate across Australia, or you can opt for express delivery for $16. Buy via the Smoochy Poochey website. PUZZLE POST You've done it: you've reached peak puzzle madness. You can't get enough of the brain-tickling activity and you want a regular rotation of jigsaws landing on your doorstep. Enter: Puzzle Post — Australia's first jigsaw puzzle subscription. Puzzle Post delivers a new jigsaw to your doorstep every month, and factors in your tastes. Now that's a service. From the same minds behind book subscription service Bookabuy, the idea for this new venture spawned after owners Chris and Mel Tantchev noticed something of a jigsaw puzzle resurgence. Look around these pandemic days and you'll notice those little cardboard pieces have made quite the comeback. There are a bunch of themes from over 20 categories — including cats, nostalgia, flowers, Disney and food — ranging from easy (500 pieces) to harder, 1000-plus piece puzzles. By answering a few quick questions at checkout, you'll end up with a jigsaw haul personalised just for you. You can opt for a one-off puzzle delivery ($29) or organise a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, which'll set you back between $87–348 up front (or $29 per month). If every month is too frequent, you can choose to get a new puzzle delivered in two- or three- month intervals, too. Subscribe via the Puzzle Post website. JOURNEY OF SOMETHING Journey of Something is a female-founded and Australian-owned company dedicated to combining art with activities (read: beautiful puzzles, art kits and games). But, you're here for puzzles — not the other stuff — so we'll get right to it. It stocks a bunch of jigsaws, ranging from mini puzzles to 1000-piece beasts, which are all designed by local artists. Order yourself a puzzle decorated with iconic women such as Dolly Parton, Frida Khalo and Malala Yousafzai — or, there's a cute mini puzzle that'll have you doing your daily affirmations in no time. Puzzles range from $20–64, and Journey of Something also offers some duo packs and a 12-month subscription. Shipping costs depend on how much you're buying — starting at $10 for one puzzle. Buy via Journey of Something's website. [caption id="attachment_708992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rone[/caption] RONE If you're bored of putting together rainforest scenes or that 500-piece Monet puzzle was just too easy, Melbourne street artist Rone has come up with the goods, releasing three of his large-scale artworks (Home Wrecker, The Dining Room and The Study) as jigsaw puzzles. For those not in the know, Rone normally creates large-scale artworks on the sides of nine-story buildings or in abandoned spaces throughout Melbourne. He's particularly known for his massive portraits that combine elements of beauty and ruin, alongside concepts of new and old. Since bursting onto the local scene in the early 2000s, his work has been shown in London, New York, San Francisco, Miami and Hong Kong. So, he's kind of a big deal — and you can now build a piece of his art in your living room. Rone's puzzles are priced at a reasonable $64, considering his art prints are selling upwards of $400. Each art-cum-puzzle is comprised of 1000 pieces and includes enough detail for a challenging afternoon of puzzling. Shipping to locations across Melbourne costs $10.95, while it's $14.89 for the rest of Australia. Hot tip: buy two puzzles and you save yourself the delivery fee, thanks to Rone offering free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Rone's website. SALTY GALLERY Similar to the popular Australian Unseen puzzles, photographer Dharma Bendersky and his gallery Salty Gallery have turned his stunning shots of Sydney beaches into 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles. So, if you're missing sunny afternoons at the beach and simply can't get enough of creating intricate cardboard artworks, then add these beauties to your cart. There are currently four idyllic puzzles on offer, featuring a selection of spots. If you're more a fan of concrete-covered bays, Bedersky also plans to unveil more designs. Each puzzle is $59, includes free shipping Australia-wide, can be delivered internationally, and are shipped in eco-friendly compostable bags. Buy via the Salty Gallery website. [caption id="attachment_822202" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Charles Conder, 'Rainy Day', 1888. Art Gallery of NSW's online art puzzles range.[/caption] ONLINE ART PUZZLES We know, we know — we told you to lay off the screens. But these digital jigsaws come in handy if you're an absolute puzzle fiend who can't wait till your next one arrives in the post, or you're a try-before-you-buy kinda person. Either way, these art-filled gems are sure to fill many hours (and save you some cash). First up, the Art Gallery of NSW has some killer online puzzles — seven to be exact — so you can digitally put together masterpieces such as E Phillips Fox's Nasturtiums and Paul Cézanne's Banks of the Marne. Melbourne Museum also has digital jigsaws on its website, including ones of fur seals, the Royal Exhibition Building and Phar Lap. Or, check out the National Library of Australia website to complete puzzles using its collection, with everything from art by Ellis Rowan to Australian birds. Head to the AGNSW, Melbourne Museum and National Library of Australia websites for some free — and wait-free — puzzling adventures. Top image: Australia Unseen
If you need proof that a lot can change in a decade, look no further than DMA's. From writing indie tunes in a rundown Newtown flat to conquering the world's biggest stages, the band is officially returning home for a nostalgic one-off Sydney show. Held at The Metro Theatre on Friday, March 27, this special 10th anniversary performance celebrates where bandmates Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell's journey really began — the release of their debut album, Hills End. Performing the album in full, DMA's are also making this show an unforgettable experience for diehard fans. That means you can expect tracks they've never previously played live, alongside a selection of fan favourites from across their acclaimed catalogue. Coinciding with the release of the Hills End 10th Anniversary Edition, featuring previously unreleased original demos, you have the perfect excuse to jam to 'Delete', 'Lay Down' and 'Step Up The Morphine' while reminiscing about where you were and what you were doing ten years ago. Pre-sale tickets are available from 10am on Wednesday, February 4 to 9am on Thursday, February 5, or until allocation is exhausted. If you miss out, general public tickets are on sale from 10am on Thursday, February 5. Head to the website for more information. Top image: Mclean Stephenson.
Chasing the sounds of summer? Ocean Alley is one of the first Aussie names that come to mind, beloved for their brand of sun-soaked psychedelic surf rock, tinged with funky basslines and buttery-smooth lyrics. Now the band is embarking on a massive national tour, taking their sound on a jam-packed road trip that spans beachy regional towns and capital cities. The upcoming tour comes on the back of Ocean Alley's landmark 2025. The band played to a huge crowd at London's Alexandra Palace, while performing their first dates to fans in Brazil, Chile and Mexico. At the same time, their tracks rocketed up the charts, with breakthrough hit 'Confidence' landing at 65 on triple j's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. The band has also been busy serving up surprise releases, such as Live in Melbourne '23 — a live album and concert film recorded at John Cain Arena during their last Australian tour. Meanwhile, Ocean Alley just released a brand-new music video for their much-loved tune, 'First Blush'. Shot in Hawaii, it captures the many shades of love reflected in the song. As for the 2026 tour, Ocean Alley is kicking things off in Melbourne on Saturday, January 24, in Catani Gardens before hitting Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, January 30. Dates in Sydney, Tasmania, Perth and beyond follow soon after, with the tour wrapping up at Glenelg Beach in South Australia on Saturday, March 21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRZYOPRLh2Q Of course, the band isn't taking to the stage alone. For those catching Ocean Alley on the East Coast, support acts include Nothing But Thieves, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Ruby Fields. For those in the West, expect Skegss, Ruby Fields and Smol Fish, with the likes of Allah-Las, Babe Raindow, The Grogans, Mid-Drift, Le Shiv and Seaside also appearing at various dates. Ocean Alley National Tour 2026 Dates Saturday, January 24 — Catani Gardens, Melbourne Friday, January 30 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Saturday, January 31 — The Domain, Sydney Friday, February 6 — Party In The Paddock, Carrick Saturday, February 21 — Freo Esplanade, Fremantle Sunday, February 22 — 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River Saturday, March 7 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, March 8 — Torquay Common, Torquay Saturday, March 14 — Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie Sunday, March 15 — Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast Saturday, March 21 — Glenelg Beach, Adelaide Ocean Alley's national tour kicks off in Melbourne at the Catani Gardens on Saturday, January 24. Head to the tour website for further details.
There's no shortage of Aussies trying to become global social media stars. If that's your goal too, a first-of-its-kind experience will give your influencing career a significant boost, as Australia's first TikTok content house launches in Adelaide. Known as The Party Games House, this $10 million beachfront mansion in Moana is officially on the lookout for five more influencers keen to live, create and party for free for a minimum of seven days up to two months. The brainchild of Adelaide-based entrepreneur Shane Yeend, a self-made multimillionaire who made his fortune in party games, this extravagant property already has its first tenant, Frida Khalife, a 23-year-old real estate and hospitality worker from Adelaide. With the decision still to be made on who else will be moving into this luxe home, there's still time for influencers of all stripes to submit their applications. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," says Yeend. "We are looking for Australia's next social superstars. Huge global names like Alex Warren and Addison Rae began in content houses just like this one, and now they have billions of views, brand deals, and are selling out arenas. We believe we will find the next generation of stars right here in Australia." It's not Yeend's first venture into viral escapades. He got his start in 2001 — before most even understood the concept — by creating the official Big Brother Board Game. Becoming an overnight hit, pallets of board games were craned over the Big Brother house wall for housemates to autograph. Now Yeend is returning to the world of virality, this time targeting the Gen Z wave of influencers. "In 2026, anyone with a social media presence should be able to make $1 million a year from social commerce. There's no better time or place to get started than the Games House this summer," says Yeend. Set against the backdrop of Moana Beach, the lucky few who call The Party Games House home will have access to a private chef, a massive pool and a dedicated production team, ensuring each TikTok post does massive numbers. Best of all, influencers living in the house retain full ownership of their channels and commercial activity, with any deals made during their stay theirs to keep. Applications to live in The Party Games House are now open. Head to the website for more information. Images: Benjamin Liew.
Every year, the World's 50 Best Bars ranking outlines the innovative drinking spots and watering holes that should be on everyone's must-visit list, with three Sydney bars — Maybe Sammy, Cantina OK! and Bulletin Place — making the cut in 2020. That's one way of scoping out the top establishments and folks currently doing their thing in the hospitality industry; however, the organisation behind that rundown has just come up with another: the 50 Next, which picks the standout next-generation leaders currently shining bright in the food and drink world. The inaugural list has just dropped, and Australia is represented here, too — with four Aussies named as part of the class of 2021. Fish Butchery's Josh Niland, ex-Oakridge Wines pair Jo Barrett and Matt Stone, and agriculturalist and farmer Josh Gilbert have all been highlighted as part of a selection that includes people from 34 countries. The 50 folks were chosen from a pool of 700 candidates, as sourced via applications, nominations and by scouting done by the Basque Culinary Centre. Sydney's Niland — who is fresh off of winning the James Beard Book of the Year Award in 2020 for The Whole Fish Cookbook — has been showcasing his seafood prowess to Sydneysiders for more than half a decade. The chef first opened restaurant Saint Peter in 2016, then launched fishmonger Fish Butchery in 2018. Nose-to-tail seafood is his focus — so using not only the usual parts that end up in dishes, but the rest that's often disregarded as waste. Niland was named in the 50 Next's 'gamechanging producers' category. [caption id="attachment_771911" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rob Palmer[/caption] Jo Barrett and Matt Stone scored nods in the 'hospitality pioneers' field, with the acclaimed chefs considered among the forefront of change in the industry. In their current project, Future Food System, they're working with artist, activist and zero-waste restaurant pioneer Joost Bakker to reconceptualise the way food is grown, all in an attempt to move away from the reliance upon large-scale agriculture. That's meant living together in a house in Melbourne's Federation Square, and serving a daily dish from ingredients grown on the property. Hailing from Gloucester in New South Wales, Worimi man Gilbert has been dubbed one of 50 Next's 'empowering educators' thanks to his focus on interweaving Indigenous knowledge and generational learning into farming practices. His work spans his senior consultant role with Pricewaterhouse Cooper's Indigenous Consulting program, and his efforts as an advocate for agricultural, environmental and Indigenous change — including busting stereotypes and demonstrating how the food industry can help battle climate change. 50 Next lists its fifty impressive next-gen leaders, but doesn't rank them, and aims to promote "positive, sustainable and visionary thinking". As well as the aforementioned categories, it recognises hospitality figures it deems 'tech disruptors', 'entrepreneurial creatives', 'science innovators' and 'trailblazing activists'. This year's selection features 24 women, 19 men and seven groups, with everyone included aged between 20–35. Check out the full 50 Next lineup via The World's 50 Best website.
Whether you're keen for a staycation or descending on town from distant lands, The Westin Brisbane has a two-day relaxation experience designed to promote a powerful reset. Held from Friday, June 20–Sunday, June 22, the Wellness Weekend is a thoughtfully programmed escape filled with expert-led movement and wholesome food. As part of The Westin Brisbane's new wellness guest experience, you can expect yoga, tai chi, and a Run Concierge to be on hand every weekend at the hotel, starting Saturday, July 5. Created to help guests recharge, calm their overstimulated minds and reconnect with how they want to feel, this weekend-long itinerary appropriately falls between Global Wellness Day and International Yoga Day, giving you the perfect way to get involved. Following your arrival, Friday begins with a personalised wellness welcome, where guests attend a private dinner in the exclusive Chairman's Lounge with a feel-good menu curated by Executive Chef Shannon Batten. Day two begins with gentle sunrise yoga on Westin's Pier before a nourishing breakfast at Settimo by Guy Grossi. As the weekend progresses, guests will attend a hands-on superfood masterclass led by dietitian Kiah Paetz, then glide through a Tibetan sound healing and breathwork session. Additionally, fitness personality Phoebe Parsons will present a pilates-inspired workout, complemented by a live set from DJ Simona. There's no need to rush as this experience draws to a close — your stay comes with complimentary late check-out. While this is the first Wellness Weekend presented by The Westin Brisbane, there are plenty more in the works. In September, the hotel promises new experts, fresh programming, and an equally immersive relaxation experience, giving you the chance to feel refreshed time and time again.
UPDATE, May 2, 2021: Little Women is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, Youtube Movies and iTunes. Greta Gerwig doesn't appear in Little Women, but she's as much an on-screen presence as her stellar cast. Two features into her career as a solo filmmaker, the actor-turned-writer/director has established a clear authorial voice, with both Lady Bird's titular teen and Little Women's Jo March feeling like extensions of Gerwig herself. They're characters she could've and would've played had either movie transpired a few years earlier. Dynamic young women eager to leave their imprint upon the world — and refusing to simply accept the niche that others have earmarked for them, too — they're clear kindred spirits to Frances Ha's eponymous New Yorker. Brought to life by Saoirse Ronan, they're also fiercely determined to do what many of Gerwig's own on-screen characters have: battle for the lives that they want, no matter how difficult that proves. If Lady Bird filtered the above idea through Gerwig's own adolescence in a loosely autobiographical manner, then Little Women locates it in what must be one of her favourite books. Notions of forging one's identity, finding independence and fighting societal conventions already exist in Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel; however Gerwig's adaptation thrusts them to the fore — not just because a modern remake should, but because they're the Civil War-era story's beating heart. Accordingly, this version of Little Women opens with the indefatigable Jo (Ronan) selling one of her tales to a New York publisher (Tracy Letts), and shows her confidently holding her own in negotiations over what's expected of her female characters. She needs to make the sale to send money home to Massachusetts, but she's never willing to compromise just because she's told to. Tinkering with the flow of Alcott's classic, Gerwig's decision to start Little Women here is inspired. It conveys the crux of Jo's journey in a concise, witty, lively back-and-forth — because, both before and after this point in the overall narrative, she keeps experiencing this tussle in various forms. Via flashbacks, viewers piece together the whole story. Her mother Marmee (Laura Dern) doesn't push Jo along any specific path, and her sisters Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen) are accustomed to her headstrong ways, but Aunt March (Meryl Streep) has decisive views. With their father (Bob Odenkirk) away at war, the stern matriarch decrees that Jo must marry into money to secure the family's economic standing. Even given her close friendship with the wealthy, besotted Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) — literally the boy next door — Jo steadfastly rejects the prospect that her future is for sale. Gerwig's structural approach has another pivotal impact: it turns this into a tale of women, not girls. The audience first meets the March sisters as adults with precise personalities, and so the film prioritises who they are, not who they once were. This remains a coming-of-age story, but it's savvily reframed to focus on the women that emerge from games, squabbles, crushes, rivalries and stage shows in the attic, rather than on young ladies working out what they want. That might seem a tiny shift, but it makes a vast difference. From the outset, it accepts and foregrounds Jo's unwavering resolve, Meg's desire for a traditional family life of her own, and Amy's pragmatism about the financial realities of being female, instead of making these traits the punctuation that concludes their arcs. All of the above mightn't work so well if Little Women wasn't so superbly cast — especially Ronan as Gerwig's returning on-screen surrogate and Pugh as the thorniest of the siblings. If Gerwig can't play Jo, then no one else but Ronan could've, tapping into the character's intensity and the fact that she's well aware of the cost of her choices. As Amy, Pugh turns in her third excellent performance of the past year (after Fighting with My Family and Midsommar), giving depth and texture to a character who has often been treated as petulant elsewhere. They're surrounded by a wealth of other talent, of course, with Dern and Chalamet each keeping their internet darling status intact with aplomb. Gerwig works wonders with her script and her actors — tasks that might seem easy, but still bear her fingerprints — however she also directs a visually sumptuous film. Little Women sparkles with warmth and charm, not only when dresses catch alight and catastrophic haircuts inspire laughs, but across tender and heartbreaking moments. Cosiness and melancholy aren't mutually exclusive here, and nor are honeyed hues, imagery that resembles vivid period portraits, and a lived-in look and feel. Her trick to adapting Alcott's text for a new era — adding another version to a pile that already includes seven prior big-screen interpretations, including 1994's well-received take with Winona Ryder — is to eschew the idea that something can't be simultaneously dutiful and radical. Gerwig doesn't just make that plain via Jo's story, but bakes it into every frame of this sharp and soulful film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCOpNti_pQ
Films about humanity's affinity with animals are films about our ties to the natural world — and doesn't Blueback splash that truth around. Plunging from The Dry into the wet, writer/director Robert Connolly reteams with Eric Bana for another page-to-screen adaptation of a homegrown book; this is another movie inseparable from its landscape, too, again exploring the impact people have upon it. This time, however, Bana isn't the star. He's memorable as larrikin abalone diver and fisherman 'Mad' Macka, and this Tim Winton-based feature would've benefited from more of his presence, but the Dirty John actor is firmly in supporting mode. Set against the enticing Western Australian coast as the author's work tends to be, this is a picture about the sea's thrall, existential importance and inherent sense of connection — as filtered through the bond between a girl and a wild blue groper, plus the evolving relationship between that same child and her eco-warrior mother. Mia Wasikowska (Bergman Island) plays Blueback's fish-befriending protagonist as an adult, with the text's Abel becoming Abby here. Radha Mitchell (Girl at the Window) shares the screen as Dora, her widowed mother, early in the film's year-hopping timeline. Still, in their second of three movies in succession — arriving before upcoming The Dry sequel Force of Nature — Connolly and Bana dip back into familiar territory. Obvious swaps are evident, including a beachside rather than a farming community, and atrocities against the planet and its wildlife instead of crimes against people, but it's easy to see Blueback's appeal as a reunion project. Among the key differences as Abby and Dora fight to save their town and its aquatic treasures, still battling wrongs to strive for what's right: this is an overtly and eagerly family-friendly affair. When Blueback introduces Abby, she's a marine biologist trying to stop the earth's coral reefs from being destroyed. Then comes a call from home about her mum. In Longboat Bay, Dora (played in her elder years by Liz Alexander, Clickbait) has suffered a stroke — and, in a too-neat move, that medical situation is used to inspire Abby's memories of why she chose her line of work in the first place. While Winton's novella initially hit shelves in 1997, justifying someone caring for the environment is a very 2020s touch. Being concerned about the planet doesn't require an origin story for a second, but they're the tales that flicker across screens in droves of late. Not all heroes wear capes, yet movies about valiant deeds and worthy attitudes keep feeling obliged to couch them in such terms. Wasikowska is sincere and affecting as the older Abby, her performance bathed in equal parts melancholy and determination, but Blueback's best sequences don't always involve the Judy & Punch and Crimson Peak talent. Connolly has cast his three versions of Abby well; taking on the character as a pre-teen and then a high schooler, and conveying resolve buoyed by curiosity and youthful hope in the process, Wolf Like Me's Ariel Donoghue and screen debutant Ilsa Fogg are each commanding and compelling. The biggest scene-stealers? The intricate mechanised puppetry by Creature Technology Company, which brings the movie's namesake to life, plus Rick Rifici's (Facing Monsters) wondrous underwater cinematography. Indeed, Blueback's lack of subtlety about Dora's health is so unnecessary because the film's strikingly shot and staged moments between a kid and a mesmerising fish communicate everything that needs saying anyway, and genuinely make the audience feel as Abby feels. Having read Winton's book over the past quarter-century isn't a prerequisite for knowing how Abby and Blueback's connection flows. Although this is just the latest movie sparked by the writer's prose — see also: Dirt Music, Breath and anthology The Turning in the past decade alone, the latter of which Connolly produced and Wasikowska directed a segment of — spying Winton's usual love of water, the WA coast, the environment and coming-of-age tales isn't, either. The author's regular hallmarks float through Blueback, but a child forging a sense of fellowship with another critter, loving their domain and discovering themselves along the way is its trusty anchor. Cinema in general, and Australian cinema specifically, is so fond of this storyline that the resulting flicks are practically their own genre. Where the two versions of Storm Boy, the Red Dog pictures and Oddball have all paddled before, this feature now swims (with ripples of overseas efforts Free Willy and Pete's Dragon as well). On a varied resume that spans The Bank, Balibo, and TV shows The Slap and Barracuda, too, Connolly also helmed Paper Planes. Consequently, as that film illustrated with its underdog chronicle about mastering a new skill in the pursuit of childhood glory, he knows a thing or two about working with well-worn all-ages formulas that've been sweeping over screens for generations. As glaringly as the sun bouncing off a glistening expanse of blue as far as the eye can see, oh-so-much about Blueback fits an easy template. Chief among them: the conflict between the younger Dora and shady developer Costello (Erik Thomson, How to Please a Woman), who wants to snap up the land that Abby's family's shack stands on, reshape the shoreline to the detriment of its marine life and make a bundle, all with help from nefarious spearfishers. Thankfully, there's also an ocean's worth of heart beating within Connolly's current release, especially whenever the titular creature makes an enchanting appearance. An unflinchingly earnest movie about valuing the natural world and stopping its decimation, as told with visual splendour that helps make its point through spectacular below-the-sea imagery, yet struggling with nuance: yes, add Avatar: The Way of Water to the lengthy list of films that Blueback recalls. This Aussie feature premiered on the festival circuit before James Cameron's 13-years-in-the-making blockbuster, though. It's also a quieter and more tender experience. Nonetheless, while scenic lensing by Nude Tuesday's Andrew Commis catches the eye on dry land as well, Blueback similarly gets caught adrift above the tide. Blunt eco-focused flicks aren't going anywhere, however, and nor should they. As Dora and Abby do for their patch of sand, friendly groper and the blue rock we all call home, this movie is campaigning — broadly, simplistically yet still engagingly, and as a fable for viewers young and old alike.
After a two-year hiatus and a cancelled 2024 run, Groovin the Moo is officially returning — though not quite in the format longtime fans might remember. Rather than its traditional multi-stop regional tour, the festival will stage a single-day, single-stage event in Lismore on Saturday, May 9. Organisers have described the move as a "deliberate and considered return", signalling a slower, more sustainable rebuild for one of Australia's most-loved regional music institutions. "Starting with a single stage and single-day show allows the festival to rebuild with care, while staying true to its regional foundations," organisers said in a statement. For nearly two decades, Groovin the Moo has been a rite of passage for regional music fans — bringing major international acts and emerging Australian talent to towns often skipped by big-city touring circuits. Past lineups have featured everyone from Billie Eilish and The Kooks to Gang of Youths, Amy Shark and The Veronicas, alongside breakout local artists who've gone on to headline their own tours. But like many Australian festivals, GTM has faced mounting pressure in recent years. Rising production costs, shifting audience habits and challenging ticket sales led to the cancellation of its 2024 edition just weeks after the lineup announcement. At the time, organisers cited insufficient ticket sales and a need to rethink the festival's long-term model. Now, with support from Great Southern Nights, the NSW Government and Destination NSW, the comeback show aims to test a more financially viable structure — while still honouring its regional DNA. "The festival belongs to regional Australia," said Fuzzy CEO Adelle Robinson. "Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure." ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd echoed the sentiment, describing the return as "a genuinely special moment for Australian music" and highlighting the importance of regional centres like Lismore in the broader live music ecosystem. For now, the message is simple: Groovin the Moo is back — just smaller, more intentional and (hopefully) built to last. The full lineup and ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks. This article first appeared in Rolling Stone Australia. Images: Supplied
The finishing touches are currently being put on a colourful new hotel with multiple dining options just metres from Sydney's Oxford Street. ADGE Hotel + Residencies is the ambitious new transformation of the Riley Street building formerly known as Cambridge Hotel. The new hotel will open in August with 93 guest rooms before expanding to 242 in early 2023 — all of which will be bursting with creativity and colour thanks to SJB. The Sydney-based practice has been in charge of the interiors as part of the $65-million transformation and has reinvented the space from a straight-and-narrow accommodation provider to a space filled with bold flourishes and personality. On entry to the lobby, you'll notice bright carpets, eye-catching furniture and a huge mural from Australian artist Adrian Hing. These standout features foreshadow what you'll find upstairs in your room, with each suite equipped with more retro-influenced carpets and plenty of colourful, one-of-a-kind light fixtures and eccentric pod-style bathrooms. Down in the lobby, you'll also find one of Surry Hills' best cafes, Soul Deli. The Korean favourite recently relocated from down the road, with owners Daero Lee and Illa Kim transforming its original 185 Campbell Street into a new wine and Korean tapas bar. Soul Deli brings Korean staples to the classic Australian cafe menu. Hotel guests and Sydneysiders alike can stop into the new lobby location for sticky fried chicken, house kimchi toasties, specialty coffee and Korean fried doughnuts. Joining this inventive breakfast and lunch spot within ADGE is longstanding eight-seat omakase restaurant Raida Noda's Chef Kitchen and a soon-to-open Italian restaurant with a high-profile chef set to be in charge. Bookings are now open for the hotel with rooms starting from $199 a night. ADGE Hotel + Residencies is opening in August at 222 Riley Street, Surry Hills.
With international travel set to be off the cards until mid 2021, many Aussies are looking to explore their own backyards a bit more. One of the ways we're doing that is by hitting the trails and mountain paths. While your regular trainers and favourite leggings are probably all good for a one-day hike (depending on terrain), if you're looking to do something a bit longer — like a multi-day adventure across NSW, Victoria of Queensland — you might want to invest in some slightly more serious hiking gear. This can usually cost a pretty penny, but, thankfully, good ol' Aldi is about to drop a heap of adventure gear that won't empty your bank account. Available at stores across the country from Saturday, July 4, the gear includes everything from down jackets to hiking shoes and backpacks. You can snag headlamps for just $4.99, wool hiking socks for $11.99, $12.99 gloves , shoes for $29.99, a $34.99 30-litre backpack, merino thermals from $26.99 and a waterproof jacket starting at $39.99. There's also an Ultralight down jacket, which is water repellent, insulated and can be packed into a easy-to-carry pocket, is on offer for just $49.99 — still less than a pineapple — as well as some outdoor-appropriate technology such as binoculars ($39.99), handheld radios ($49.99) and GPS watches ($79.99). Once you're all kitted out, it's time to start planning your adventure. We suggest you aim high (literally) and tick off these ten epic mountain walks across Australia. The Aldi Adventure Range is available from Aldi stores nationally from Saturday, July 4. From 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1, until at least Wednesday, July 29, stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced in ten Melbourne postcodes, which means their residents can only leave for one of four reasons: work or school, care or care giving, daily exercise or food and other essentials. For more information, head to the DHHS website.
As part of a tour of thirty-five shows spanning five capital cities that will see them play each of their six albums in full, Melbourne legends The Living End are coming to Brisbane’s The Zoo, with support from The Medics. The Retrospective Tour is a tour for the fans. As a thank you for fifteen years of loyalty the band are moving from their normal stadium sized stages, to smaller, more intimate venues, where fans will get a chance to see The Living End pull off their most memorable, fiery live shows ever. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. At The Zoo The Living End will be playing their 2000 platinum album, Roll On, with classics like Triple J favourites Pictures In The Mirror and Roll On, and Dirty Men and Carry Me Home. The Medics are from Cairns. Their debut album, Foundations, is out now.
Did you know there are more pets in Australia than there are people? And yet, when you think of road trips, you might not immediately think of dogs — that's not very fair. How would you feel if you always got left behind while all your bipedal mates grabbed their cars and drove away to have the time of their lives without you? It's time to change that, it's time to start bringing more dogs on road trips. So grab your car and your furry pal, and strap in for one of this country's most popular road trips: Sydney to Brisbane. And no stress if you don't have a car, because SIXT offers stress-free pet-friendly car rentals from a bunch of locations across Sydney and Brisbane — so you can worry less about logistics and focus on making memories. NEW MATES AT NEWCASTLE The journey begins in Newcastle, where the golden sands and rolling waves of Horseshoe Beach make the perfect first pit stop for some off-leash fun. The beach is a mecca for local dogs and dogs passing through alike — it's the only dog beach in central Newcastle, so your little pal can expect to make a lot of mates during this visit. You'll find it tucked beneath Nobby's Breakwall. Other off-leash areas worth exploring are Carrington Foreshore along Throsby Creek, and King Edward Park, which offers stunning views of Newcastle. Islington Dog Park is also worth a visit while you're near Throsby Creek, but it's not the only dog park in town — Acacia Avenue Reserve offers a massive 1.5-hectares of grassy paradise for dogs to run around in. It is also the first enclosed dog park in the Hunter to offer separate areas for big and small dogs, which is pretty neat if your little pal feels anxious around bigger ones. Once you and your pup are sufficiently adventured out, head to Cafe Inu — 'Inu' means dog in Japanese, so to say this cafe is dog-friendly would be an understatement. Fill up on craft coffee and Japanese fast food fare while your furry pal has their choice of puppychinos, puppy ice cream or puppy treats (or all three), which are all on the menu. Yep, there's a dedicated dog section — how cute. [caption id="attachment_913208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samantha Zoratto[/caption] FIND PEACE AT CROWDY HEAD As you continue north towards Port Macquarie, make a quick (or not so quick) stop at Crowdy Head. This quiet coastal spot is anything but crowded. In fact, it's kind of a hidden gem — so keep this between us, capisce? While you're around, check out the cute lighthouse that overlooks Harrington Beach. Your dog will love it — dogs love lighthouses, didn't you know? You'll also get a kick out of it too, given it's been fully operational since 1878. If waves aren't your little mate's thing, Harrington Lagoon offers all the fun of water and sand, sans the surf — for this reason, it's a popular spot for families with kids and little furry pals alike. [caption id="attachment_831355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindsay Moller Productions[/caption] DON'T WORRY AT PORT MACQUARIE Port Macquarie offers an array of dog-friendly activities. Explore the natural wonders of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park or enjoy a splash at the dog-friendly Nobbys Beach. Other dog-friendly beaches include Rocky Beach and Oxley Beach — though keep in mind dogs need to be on leash at Oxley. Feeling hungry? Little Fish Cafe and Cassegrain Wines are both dog-friendly, with the latter welcoming dogs on the deck of the restaurant. Little Shack is also a great dog-friendly option for all times of day, from morning coffee to lunch by the water to a cheeky evening cocktail. Once you're ready to retire, check out NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, a dog-friendly holiday park with powered and unpowered sites. [caption id="attachment_913209" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samantha Zoratto[/caption] CATCH WORLD-CLASS WAVES AT CRESCENT HEAD Known for its consistent waves and stunning coastline, Crescent Head is a paradise for surfers and their furry mates as the beach is dog friendly. It even has a dog swimming area if your dog wants to brush up on its dog paddle while you perfect your… human paddle? [caption id="attachment_913218" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bailey Rytenskild via Unsplash[/caption] ENDLESS ADVENTURE AT EVANS HEAD Nestled between river and sea, Evans Head offers a mix of river adventures and oceanic exploration. Enjoy the calm waters of the Evans River with your dog or take a beach walk — or run if you really wanna stretch those legs. Or why not take advantage of the off-leash area and play some fetch, or have a beach 4WD adventure detour? FIND YOURSELVES IN BYRON BAY Ahh, Byron Bay — the ultimate destination for every dog that aspires to be spiritually awakened. Embark on the iconic lighthouse walk, where you and your furry mate can both ponder the meaning of life while marvelling at the vast expanse of stunning ocean, tourist selfies, and crystals as far as the eye can see. Belongil Beach, Tallow Beach, Seven Mile Beach, and Brunswick Heads Beach are all dog-friendly, so you'll have plenty to do in the surf and sun while you're in town. Byron also offers a plethora of dog parks to explore if you prefer more inland adventure. After all that frolicking, treat yourself at Stone & Wood, Pickled Pig, or Byron Bay breweries, all of which welcome dogs with open arms. GOLD COAST (GO ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO) Forget surfers, the Goldy (we're sorry) truly is a pet's paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the esplanade, visit the absolutely stunning and vast off-leash area at The Spit, or explore the dog-friendly parks the city has to offer — Tallebudgera Offleash Dog Beach, Cabana Offleash Dog Area, and Pizzey Offleash Dog Area are particularly nice. If you happen to be around on a Sunday, head to one of the many dog-friendly markets which pop up every weekend all around the Gold Coast, with Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, and Paradise Point markets being particularly pet-friendly. If you're after a caffeine hit, Elk Espresso, Daymaker Espresso, BSKT Cafe, and Daark Espresso are all dog lovers. Or, you could also head to Wild Flower Gin in Varsity Lakes for dog-friendly dining and relaxation, and if you're lucky you might even meet Ghost, the resident Great Dane cross Bull Arab. Once it's time to rest, check out the lovely NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, which has a number of pet-friendly options including powered and unpowered camp and caravan sites, as well as dog-friendly cabins. BEAUTIFUL BRISSIE Congrats, you made it. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, where you'll find the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Loop — a fun inner-city adventure for humans and canines alike. Or if you're up for more of a challenge, head to the Kokoda Track Loop for a ten-kilometre heart-pumper, located just 20 kilometres out of Brisbane. Once you're ready to relax, check out the various dog-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants. Also, it's been a long journey, so you've earned a treat. Stay at The Ovolo in Fortitude Valley, which is more than happy to welcome your pooch in its pet-friendly rooms. Lastly, if you're wanting to do this road trip in reverse, there are some excellent dog-friendly bars, restaurants and cafes just waiting for your tired legs to perch up. And when it's time to pack up for the night, you'll be spoilt for choice as Sydney is arguably Australia's best spot for dog-friendly hotels. Looking for a pet-friendly rental to take you and your best furry mate on the road trip of a lifetime (or looking for a bigger car to fit your furry mate)? Check out SIXT, which welcomes customers to bring their family and furmily along for the ride, so no one gets left behind. Auto club members including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RACT, RAC and AANT will receive 15% off SIXT's daily rates. Click here to book now
The world-renowned violinist, acclaimed author, sassy singer and all-round enthralling performer Emilie Autumn is stepping on to Australian shores this week and is ready to amaze audiences around the country. The show was announced last year following the release of Autumn's third and most successful studio album, Fight Like a Girl, which was inspired by her book The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls and her own intimate personal experiences. Emilie Autumn describes her musical style as 'victoriandustrial', largely because she draws inspiration from poetry, plays, novels and history, particularly from the Victorian era. Think punk meets classical meets burlesque mixed in with a dash of darkwave and synth pop to create a theatrical musical feast like no other — and, of course, we can't forget the avant garde stage constumes which have helped develop Autumn as a fashion icon over recent years. The beats of all-girl backing band the Bloody Crumpets will add to the already dazzling performance, ensuring that the violin fireworks will be a humdrum point in the evening. With a stage presence as bright and extravagant as her hair, Emilie Autumn is a refreshingly unique addition to the 21st-century music scene who has to be seen to be appreciated. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8NGKQ1UUD40
What's better than one of the Attenborough siblings marvelling over our planet's ancient creatures? None other than David Attenborough following in his brother Richard Attenborough's footsteps, of course. While the latter showed dinos some love back in Jurassic Park — with the now-late actor and filmmaker even uttering the iconic words "welcome to Jurassic Park" — his broadcaster, biologist and natural historian sibling has largely surveyed the rest of the earth's living creatures in his iconic documentaries. In David's next series, however, he's solely focusing on prehistoric critters. That show is Prehistoric Planet, a five-part natural history doco that's coming to Apple TV+ — and yes, fittingly, it's arriving on the small screen just before new Jurassic Park franchise instalment Jurassic World Dominion reaches cinemas in June. Even better: after revealing a few sneak peeks earlier in the month, the streaming platform has just dropped the full Prehistoric Planet trailer. Here, you'll hear David Attenborough talk through everything you need to know about dinosaurs. And, while peering back at what the earth was like 66 million years ago, he'll give the fascinating creatures the same treatment he's rolled out in past shows The Living Planet, State of the Planet, The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet II, Our Planet, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet and Green Planet (as well as Planet Earth and Planet Earth II, plus documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet). Basically, if you're always wanted to see a David Attenborough series about dinosaurs, life just found a way. And, it's clearly a must-see if you'd listen to him narrate anything and you're always awed by dinos (both of those apply to pretty much everyone). Get ready to discover little-known and surprising facts of dinosaur life, step through the environments of Cretaceous times, see how the Tyrannosaurus rex parented, and explore the ancient creatures of both the sea and sky. That's what Prehistoric Planet will cover across five episodes, which'll drop daily on Apple TV+ across Monday, May 23–Friday, May 27. Unsurprisingly, CGI will feature heavily in Prehistoric Planet — David Attenborough can do many things, but time travelling isn't one of them — but the show's special effects-created dinos will be combined with wildlife filmmaking and paleontology learnings. While the broadcaster's voice is always music to anyone's ears, Hans Zimmer will be adding rousing score to the show — fresh from winning his latest Oscar for Dune. And, if you're wondering about the photorealistic imagery that's bringing dinosaurs to life, filmmaker Jon Favreau is one of the Prehistoric Planet's executive producers. Also, the effects company behind his versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King is doing the CGI honours. Check out Prehistoric Planet's full trailer below: Prehistoric Planet will hit Apple TV+ across Monday, May 23–Friday, May 27, with a new episode available to stream each day.
Since 1888, a pub has stood on the stretch of Fortitude Valley's Wickham Street approaching Brunswick Street, albeit under different names over the years. And, that's still the case thanks to The Prince Consort — an eight-venue collective that opened in 2020, and serves up both drinks and bites to eat. As every Brisbanite who has visited the Valley in the past few years will know, The Prince Consort has taken over the heritage-listed hotel most recently known as The Elephant. In the process, it has reinstated the site's 132-year-old original moniker, too — so it's a case of the old combining with the new. Sparking the change is the pub's new owners, Tilley & Wills Hotels, which already boasts Sydney's Greenwood Hotel and Oxford Art Factory among its venues. It has given the premises a thorough revamp, including the creation of different new spaces with varying themes and focuses. As manager Jason Hirt explains, the result allows Brisbanites "to choose between a heritage-style classic English pub, a luxe supper club, a Los Cabos-inspired taco and tequila adventure, a music-driven underground edge, a chilled garden bar and more". Live music venue The Foundry is no longer part of the space, but The Prince Consort remains home to Greaser, which was already part of The Elephant — as well as newcomers La La Land, The Garden Bar, 400 Rabbits Cantina, The Bowie Rooms, The Yorke Suites and The Naughty Corner. The Prince Consort itself resides on the ground floor, in the parlour, and operates as a gastropub. La La Land, which is located upstairs, gives venue a luxurious supper club-style bar with booth seating, VIP private rooms, a tapas-heavy menu and the ability to live-stream events from around the world — plus a dance floor beneath a crystal chandelier. Downstairs, The Garden Bar claims the site's openair space, this time with plants, pastel hues and a stadium screen. As the name suggests, 400 Rabbits Cantina is all about food, especially tacos, while The Bowie Rooms live up to their theme and The Yorke Suites are designed for musicians and creatives. And, as for The Naughty Corner, you'll need to head by to see what it's about — but, among all of these venues-within-a-venue, fans of The Elephant's woodfired pizzas can rest assured that they're still on offer. In the kitchen, head chef Jack Powlay (ex-Gerard's Bistro) is overseeing the menu. Drinks-wise, folks can sip their way through 89 beers on tap across the site, as well as sizeable cocktail list.
Come to the Powerhouse for three of Queensland’s hottest hip-hop acts. Headed by front man Rival MC, Impossible Odds kick the night off with their intelligent, soulful lyrics and fresh, organic beats. Politically charged they’ve collaborated with Xavier Rudd and Archie Roach. Classik Nawu burst out of the Brisbane suburbs with their vibrant fusion of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and reggae. The two brothers merge natural harmonies with unforgettable flow and presence, all brought together with the help of old-school funky bass and a s unique and startling sound. Kuku Nyungkul clan descendants Cold Walter Band came together playing drums on buckets and tin cans with sticks and guitars with busted, missing strings.
Talk about bloomin' great events: in autumn in the Scenic Rim, golden petals await at the Kalbar Sunflower Festival. For three days each year, a southeast Queensland farm opens its gates to the public for a weekend filled with yellow hues, florals as far as the eye can see, a sunflower maze and other activities celebrating its chosen plant. In 2025, you'll want to make sure that you're free to head along across Friday, May 2–Sunday, May 4. Located just over an hour outside of Brisbane, the Kalbar Sunflowers farm couldn't be more vibrant when it hosts its fest. It's no wonder that the event has become a much-loved and hugely popular autumn mainstay, with 12,000-plus people attending annually. Tickets are a hot commodity, with 2025's going on sale at the end of March. While the complete program for this year won't drop until Saturday, March 1, those lucky enough to score entry will spy sunflowers all around them at the Jenner family farm no matter what's on the full itinerary. In its early years, more than 200,000 blooms reached up to the sky, which is a hefty number. In 2023, over one million sunflowers were planted across 24 acres — and the same number will bloom in 2025. All of those golden petals also help the fest play host to a highlight to get lost in, literally: the popular sunflower maze. Picking sunflowers is on the agenda, too, costing $2 per stem. As happened in 2024, taking florals home with you will support a supremely worthy cause. To pay tribute to her husband Russell, who battled oesophageal cancer for 18 months and passed away in July 2023, the event's organiser Jenny Jenner is donating the proceeds from flower sales to The Mater Foundation and the Ipswich Hospital Foundation. Attendees can also look forward to the event's first animal petting zoo, a Devonshire tea marquee, the return of the fest's special-event lunches and gala dinner, food trucks serving up other bites, sunflower-themed market stalls and the sensory garden. Two murals will be painted, with the proceeds for taking part in making art going to community organisations. Past years have also featured yoga sessions among the sea of gold, art classes amid the blooms, making flower crowns, helicopter rides over the fields, sound-healing meditation classes among the petals and photo sessions, of course. Fingers crossed that they'll all be back. The Kalbar Sunflower Festival came about after Russell and Jenny changed direction during Queensland's ongoing drought conditions. Previously, they farmed lucerne but, with water levels low, they opted to switch to a crop that doesn't require as much H2O. And, with all those sunflowers then looking rather striking, the couple wanted to let everyone else enjoy their golden petals.
Exclaiming "I'm already a star. You don't become a star: you either are one or you aren't. I am!" to get into the hottest party in Los Angeles, aspiring 1920s actor Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie, Amsterdam) has ambition. Gracing the same Golden Age soirée after ending his latest marriage with an overplayed joke that could've sprung from Inglourious Basterds, veteran leading man Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt, Bullet Train) wouldn't have gotten where he is without the same drive and determination. And, helping the shindig be the only place to be, including wrangling an elephant for the night's entertainment (a pachyderm that empties its bowels on everyone pushing it up a hill no less), Manny Torres (Diego Calva, Narcos: Mexico) has the eagerness to do something — anything — in show business. Meet Babylon's zeal-dripping on-screen threesome, a trio matched only in their quest to rocket sky-high as the man conjuring them up: jazz-loving, La La Land Oscar-winning, Tinseltown-adoring writer/director Damien Chazelle. As Babylon unfurls across its hefty 189-minute running time, it takes a colossal heap of ambition — perhaps as immense as the pile of cocaine that Nellie gravitates towards inside the party — to make it or even fake it in the film industry. For his fifth feature, and first since 2018's First Man, Chazelle waves around his own as enthusiastically as he possibly can. Even just considering his hefty list of conspicuous influences makes that clear, with the filmmaker unshackling his inner Baz Luhrmann, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson and David Lynch, to name a mere few overt nods. The Great Gatsby, Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Mulholland Drive: swirl them together with Kenneth Anger's 1959 publication Hollywood Babylon, plus everything from Sunset Boulevard to Hail, Caesar!, and that's just the beginning of Chazelle's plans. The end result also makes for a relentless and ravenous movie that's always a lot, not just in length, but is dazzling (and also very funny) when it clicks. That elephant crap doesn't just make quite the opening, as splattered from a visible opening. Beneath the glitz and glamour, and aiding all things shiny and starry to appear that way, lurks something far less seductive — so Babylon posits from the outset, then keeps pulling back the curtain like it's The Wizard of Oz. Before the film's first 15 minutes are up, it has also sprayed urine, waded through orgies, thrown around furniture, thrust about drugs and danced frenzied dances (Robbie does an entrancing one, No Time to Die cinematographer Linus Sandgren does another with his soaring and swooping camerawork, and Chazelle's usual composer Justin Hurwitz sets the bouncy tone with his Golden Globe-winning score, then keeps doing so). Also, before the initial revelry recedes, Manny is smitten with Nellie, while she has an acting job the next day. Hollywood: it's where shit explodes and snakes are wrestled literally and metaphorically, and where enough wishes are granted on-screen and behind the scenes to keep everyone returning for more. In the rest of its first act, Babylon is a filmmaking western; to spend time on a silent-era set here is to gallop across cinema's frontier. Nellie is a natural, and feted for crying on cue (that she's getting her start when big gestures and performances are a necessity also assists). Manny nabs an opportunity as well, his efforts to secure a replacement camera for a pivotal epic shot before a moody director loses his light instantly one of the film's most hilarious stretches. While the preceding party was a vibe, Babylon's best bursts through this madcap on-the-lot day. Simply surveying the packed-together sets, movies made next to movies upon movies, is a delight — and the pacing, zippily juggling Nellie, Manny and Jack's exploits, is among the picture's tightest. With the feature kicking off in 1926, though, the noisy, frenzied chaos that buzzes in this sequence has a talkie-sparked expiration date. For the fools who dream, Chazelle worships stories of artists chasing lifelong fantasies and meeting stark realities, with Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, Whiplash, La La Land and streaming series The Eddy all leading to Babylon. He's equally fond of Tinseltown's favourite tales about Tinseltown: the path-crossing of new starlets and established players as change reshapes the business forever, as a couple of A Star Is Born versions, The Artist and the masterpiece that is Singin' in the Rain have all covered. It's the boldest of moves that any director can make to fashion a film as a copy or an origin story to the latter, or both, but that's where Chazelle's ambition brilliantly heads. So, with the advent of synchronised sound, and as Manny keeps working his way up, cue Jack striving to maintain his fame and Nellie struggling with her New Jersey voice. Babylon doesn't say anything new — when you're openly going where so many flicks and filmmakers have gone before, is there anything much new to say? — but it does pull off the Luhrmann-esque feat of making its style part of its substance. This has to be a flashy, energetic, excess-laden affair, selling the allure that draws Nellie, Jack and Manny in, plus the emptiness behind it. Babylon has to be slick but messy, decadent but corrosive, and affectionate but clear-eyed about Hollywood's ills, and a heady, hectic experience. It has to be jam-packed at the same time, but it could've been that and given Li Jun Li (Devils) and Jovan Adepo (The Stand) more to do. Their characters, Anna May Wong clone Lady Fay Zhu and talented trumpeter Sidney Palmer, traverse a rise-and-fall trajectory as well. They're exuberant, fascinating, and meant to demonstrate how Asian, Black and queer figures were pushed aside. To genuinely address that point, though, they're deserving of greater focus and a weightier part in Babylon's narrative. Among the trio receiving the bulk of Chazelle's attention, Robbie is exhilarating; understanding how Nellie demands the eyeballs of everyone in her orbit is easy. Nuanced layers of pain and sorrow also linger in her non-stop portrayal when she does slow down, or sometimes glistens in her eyes alone. Her Once Upon a Time in Hollywood co-star Pitt remains in that movie's mode, happily and fittingly so — and relative newcomer Calva is terrific as Manny. Add in a well-cast Jean Smart (Hacks) as a Louella Parsons- and Hedda Hopper-inspired gossip queen, plus Tobey Maguire getting villainous and channelling Alfred Molina, and Babylon keeps stacking in moving pieces as much as moving pictures. On that, this flick doesn't end subtly. But, ambition splashing heavily again, it also has its big finale work as an ode as much as a lament.
Some things are just so stunning that they need to be seen multiple times, and getting to walk through Vincent van Gogh's dazzling artworks at Melbourne's multi-sensory digital art gallery The Lume is clearly one of them. So, the popular exhibition that it first opened with, and that's also toured a version around the country, will come alive again in the Victorian capital from Boxing Day 2024. Made your own Lego version of The Starry Night? Next, you can walk through the iconic painting projected large across the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Arriving a few weeks after Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius closes in early December, the timing of the experience's return means that you'll be able to pair summer's sunny days with some sunflowers. The big two will be back, of course — aka two of van Gogh's most popular works transformed into vivid new guises. Again, when you see The Starry Night, you'll actually be walking through it as it takes over an entire room. Love Sunflowers (the painting, as well as the plant)? Then get ready for the immersive Sunflower room, where golden petals stretch as far as the eye can see. A family-friendly experience, the van Gogh exhibition creates the sensation of diving right into the Dutch artist's paintings — and you definitely won't feel like you're just standing in an ordinary gallery. Attendees encounter van Gogh's world-famous works in fine detail thanks to state-of-the-art technology from the Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which is behind The Lume. Think: high-definition projectors throwing 360-degree images onto four-storey-high walls in a 3000-square-metre gallery, with a classical musical score accompanying the vibrant colours, too, as presented in cinema-quality surround sound. While plenty will be familiar when the experience brightens up Melbourne again — including an immersive cafe inspired by the artist's Café Terrace at Night and an artist studio where you can learn the techniques behind his pieces — Finding Vincent in shared VR is making its global premiere, taking the idea of stepping into van Gogh's creativity up another level. "We have always embraced the fusion of art and technology to reimagine how audiences engage with masterpieces. This shared VR innovation is the latest step in that evolution, merging creativity with cutting-edge digital capability to create moments of awe that go beyond the traditional gallery visit," says Grande Experiences and The Lume Melbourne founder Bruce Peterson. Van Gogh at The Lume opens at The Lume, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, from Thursday, December 26, 2024 — head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Morgan Sette / Miles Noel Photography / Grande Experiences.
If sunning yourself on a beach, surrounded by palm trees and crystal blue waters, sounds like total bliss, we'd say you're not alone. Most of us have a pang of wanderlust from time-to-time and, after a pretty stressful year, kicking back in a bikini or boardies with a cocktail in hand sounds like paradise. Sure, you can't yet jet off to the sandy white shores of Puerto Rico, the turquoise seas of the Maldives or the buzzing streets of Havana, but you can still get plenty of vacay vibes in Australia. We've teamed up with our friends at go-to rum label Bacardi to bring you four cruisy cocktails that you can whip up fuss-free over summer. We bet these tasty tipples will transport you to a tropical island in no time. So, don your favourite holiday outfit, whack on some bossa nova tunes and get ready makes some next-level drinks. THE COOL ONE: FROZEN DAIQUIRI Serves one Aussie summers are hot, so you'll want an ice-cold beverage on those days where the cicadas thrum and the air is thick and sticky. Enter the frozen daiquiri, a cool riff on the classic daiquiri. Basically, it's summer in a glass. To make it, you'll need a blender, so you can make multiple serves at once, meaning it's the perfect party drink. Just be sure to stick to the ratios to ensure you're serving up a sweet-but-equally-tangy concoction. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 30ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 1 lime wedge (optional) 3/4 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass, or, if you're feeling fancy, a martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge and serve. THE PARTY STARTER: SPICED PIÑA COLADA Serves one If you like this fun drink and getting caught in the rain on a sweltering summer evening, then you should be making yourself one stat. Originating from Puerto Rico, the piña colada is typically made with white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice aplenty. But this version, using Bacardi Spiced to hints of vanilla and cinnamon, is sure to get any party going. It has a surprisingly smooth finish, too, and the coconut water instead of cream or milk keeps things fresh. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Spiced 30ml fresh pineapple juice 30ml coconut water 2 teaspoons castor sugar 3–4 cubes of fresh pineapple 1 pineapple slice (optional) 1 tropical leaf (optional) Ice Method Place pineapple cubes and castor sugar in cocktail shaker and slightly crush using a muddler or spoon. Add pineapple juice and coconut water to mixture and stir to dissolve the sugar, then add Bacardi Spiced. Half fill cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a highball glass and add ice cubes. Top with crushed ice and garnish with pineapple slice and leaf to serve. THE COOL ONE'S FUN COUSIN: FROZEN STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI Serves one This frosty, fruity take on the daiquiri is pretty much an adult slushie. Again, to make this frozen delight you'll be using a blender, meaning you can easily make it in batches. Not only is it delicious, but its vibrant colour makes it an ideal go-to throughout the holiday season. Best of all, it is easy as a Sunday morning to whip up. Ingredients 45ml Bacardi Carta Blanca 20ml sugar syrup 30ml fresh lime juice 3–4 strawberries 1 partially sliced strawberry (optional) 1 cup ice Method Combine all ingredients and crushed ice in blender and blitz until a slushie consistency is achieved. Serve in a highball glass or any glass, really. Garnish with sliced strawberry and serve. THE CLASSIC: MOJITO Serves one If there's one drink that has you dreaming of salsa dancing in Cuba upon first sip it's the mojito. It's got all the ingredients for a refreshing summer drink without being utterly dull. There's zesty citrus, the freshness of mint, a slight sweetness and some fizz to keep things light and bubbly. Of course, there's also the rum. If you want to keep things old-school opt for Bacardi Carta Blanca, or you can spice things up a bit by using Bacardi Spiced. Either way, it's an A-class cocktail. Ingredients 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca or Bacardi Spiced 4 lime wedges 2 teaspoons castor sugar 6–8 mint leaves 15–30ml soda water 1 mint sprig (optional) Method Squeeze lime into a highball glass, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add mint leaves and muddle. Half fill glass with crushed ice, pour Bacardi Carta Blanca, or Bacardi Spiced if you're making a spiced mojito, then stir to combine. Top up with more crushed ice, add a dash of soda (to taste) and garnish with mint sprig. Do what moves you this summer with these super-easy tropical cocktails from Bacardi. Once you've mastered the art of rum cocktails, check out Bacardi's competition, where you and 20 mates could win the chance to attend Australia's smallest music festival. Top image: Mushroom Creative House
For many people out there, it is the Good Friday tradition to only eat fish this coming Friday. Whether you're after a fast fix on the day, or wanting to cook some delicious fish for yourself this Friday, we've narrowed down the best options for you. Fast Fish Whichever side of town you live on, everybody has their very favourite fish and chip shop. We have looked north, south, east and west and narrowed down our picks for each side of town so that everybody can be seafood-satisfied this Friday. Northsiders should head to Grilled Fish on Sandgate Road in Albion or Get Fished at Newmarket, both serving delicious and reasonably priced take away fish and chips. Southsiders will swear black and blue about the joys of Swampdog. Their focus on healthy and sustainable serving of fish exists through their motto "Good for you, good for me, good for the sea." It is fish and chips at the highest quality. Westsiders should head to A Salt and Battery, not only bragging some of the best fish and chips in Brisbane, but also one of the best fish and chip shop names of all time. Tippler's Seafood at Gailey Fiveways in St Lucia is also a winner. Eastsiders love the Fishmonger's Wife for the beautiful flavours they prepare their fish with including the wild wattleseed cod and lemongrass snapper. Inner city folks should head to Carraway Pier in Kelvin Grove for fast, friendly and fabulous service. The Fishery in Milton serves top quality fish and always has a great display of fresh fish oysters and prawns to enjoy as well. Fish for home Samie's Girl is one of Brisbane's longest running fish markets. Located near the Breakfast Creek wharf, the selection at Samie's Girl is always top shelf and varied according to availability. Morgan's Seafood has the largest shop display of seafood in all of Queensland so if it's variety that you are after then it is worth making the drive out to Scarborough to pick up some fresh produce to share with family and friends. George's Seafood in West End is perfect for those in the inner city looking for some fresh seafood to take home. Their display is always full of fresh prawns, oysters and bugs and the boys behind the counter are more than happy to provide great tip. Dining in If it's atmosphere that you are after, and you want the food prepared and served to you on a plate then head along to Alfred and Constance's Fish and Chip Pop Up or to Riverbar and Kitchen who are open all day on Good Friday.
