Like tequila? Lime? Salt? Love all three combined in one of summer's ultimate cocktails: the margarita? Then you'll want to be sipping riverside for 11 days between Thursday, February 20–Sunday, March 2, 2025. How better to celebrate International Margarita Day? Howard Smith Wharves is getting into the spirit of the occasion with ample spirits, all at returning festival HSW Margarita Week. Yes, it goes for longer than seven days, but that just means more excuses to hit up the inner-city precinct's venues for drinks. From day one, venues around the waterside spot will all be serving up 'ritas — or marg-inspired sips — in flavours including watermelon, frozen mango, tom yum, blood orange and Chinese gooseberry. Beer lovers are covered, too, thanks to Felons Brewing Co's Paloma Sour Ale, which is made with tequila, salt and grapefruit zest. Food-wise, Stanley Chef Louis Tikaram is hosting a pop-up Margarita Week food stall over the event's two weekends, from Thursday, February 20–Sunday, February 23 and again from Thursday, February 27–Sunday, March 2. On the menu: pork chicharrónes and refried black beans, plus tacos in varieties such as achiote chicken, grilled kingfish, wagyu tromba and mojo roasted local mushrooms. And, because knocking back 'ritas is an excuse to party, that's what the food stall will be a part of on Howard Smith Wharves' main lawn. Think: music courtesy of a mariachi band, as well as Latin and Cubin musicians, alongside piñatas and games.
While the details are still scarce, pastry fans should prepare themselves to jump in line when Lune Croissanterie opens the doors to its first-ever Brisbane shopfront. From a tiny store in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood in 2012, Lune has grown into a converted warehouse space in Fitzroy (with perpetual lines out the front), opened a second store in the CBD and was even dubbed "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times. Now, Founder Kate Reid, who co-owns Lune with her brother Cameron and restaurateur Nathan Toleman (Dessous, Hazel, Common Ground Project), has confirmed they've signed the lease on space in South Brisbane to expand their empire to the Sunshine State. Permanently. The Reid siblings and Toleman posted the below photo on Instagram, showing off what will be the future home of Lune Brisbane and saying: "we are incredibly excited to announce that in Winter 2021 Lune will be opening a flagship store in Brisbane!!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lune Croissanterie (@lunecroissant) An ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid brings scientific precision to her craft, including the climate-controlled glass cube Lune croissants are made and baked in, and the time-consuming process used to perfect each flaky pastry. It's too early to say what form the Brisbane store will take — it could be similar to Melbourne CBD's standing room-only outpost or more of a spectacle like the Fitzroy warehouse and its cube — or when it will open, but we're hoping for a menu of Lune Croissanterie favourites. The Lune team also has plans in the works to open a Sydney store, but they have been pushed back due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our mouths and stomachs are ready for twice-baked croissant aux amandes (stuffed with almond frangipane and generously topped with flaked almonds) and the Ferrero cruffin: a muffin-croissant hybrid filled with hazelnut and chocolate custard, dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts. Oh, and its perfectly flaky traditional croissant, of course. Lune Croissanterie is set to open a flagship store in South Brisbane in winter 2021. We'll let you know when more details are announced. Images: Marcie Raw.
In the late 70s, when Texas housewife, mother of two and popular church choir singer Candy Montgomery had an affair with fellow congregation member Allan Gore, commenting about her being a scarlet woman only had one meaning. If anyone other than Elizabeth Olsen was stepping into her shoes in HBO miniseries Love & Death — which streams via Binge in Australia from Thursday, April 27 and Neon in New Zealand from Friday, April 28 — it would've remained that way, too; indeed, Jessica Biel just gave the IRL figure an on-screen portrayal in 2022 series Candy. Of course, Olsen is widely known for playing the Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as seen in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness most recently. So, mention 'scarlet' in a line of dialogue around her, and it calls attention to how far she is away from casting spells and breaking out superhero skills. And she is, although she's also again playing a woman succumbing to her darkest impulses. There's a reason that Montgomery keeps fascinating Hollywood, dating back to 1990 TV movie A Killing in a Small Town (a film directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, dad to Ambulance's Jake and The Deuce's Maggie). There's also a reason that she's been the subject of plenty of true-crime podcast episodes since — and had journalists John Bloom and Jim Atkinson writing the 1983 non-fiction book Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs before that, plus Texas Monthly articles 'Love & Death on Silicon Prairie, Part I & II'. On June 13, 1980, Allan's wife Betty was murdered with an axe. She wasn't just killed; she was bludgeoned 41 times. Within days, Candy was a suspect. From there, she was accused, arrested and put on trial. And, she ultimately admitted swinging the blade, albeit with a caveat: that after her friend discovered her relationship with Allan, Candy was defending herself. It's with pluck and perkiness that Olsen brings Candy to the screen again, initially painting the picture of a perfect suburban wife and mum. She keeps exuding those traits when Candy decides that she'd quite fancy an extra-marital liaison with Allan (Jesse Plemons, The Power of the Dog) — slowly winning him over, but setting ground rules in the hope that her husband Pat (Patrick Fugit, Babylon) won't get hurt, nor Betty (Lily Rabe, Shrinking) as well. The quartet have known each other for years when Love & Death starts, through their faith and due to their pre-teen daughters Jenny (TV debutant Amelie Dallimore) and Alisa (Harper Heath, Forever and a Day). Then Allan bumps into Candy during a volleyball game, which gets her thinking about them slipping between the sheets. "He smelled like sex," she tells her pal Sherry Cleckler (Krysten Ritter, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie), convincing herself about getting adulterous with every word. Candy is straightforward when she propositions Allan, as they both are when they meet for strategy sessions to work through the pros, cons and parameters of cheating on their partners together. A sense of foreboding hangs in the air, though; for viewers that don't know the outcome when first sitting down to the seven-episode series, Betty's bloody end is referenced in the first instalment. Much that eventuates between Candy and Allan until things get violent is a tale as old as time, with what was meant to be a purely carnal liaison becoming far more complex as affection blossoms. She feels stuck in a rut with the mild-mannered Pat, seeing her time with Allan as an adventure. He's so accustomed to a reserved form of romance with Betty that he doesn't even know how to French kiss. And when Allan and Betty choose to work on their marriage at a counselling weekend, Candy can't hide her jealously while she minds the pair's children. As it leads up to Betty's death, Love & Death also surveys the local scandal when beloved pastor Jackie Ponder (Elizabeth Marvel, Mrs Davis) leaves for another town, with the younger Ron Adams (Keir Gilchrist, Atypical) her replacement. Jackie's move robs Candy of one of her closest confidants, while Ron's arrival, his visible youth and the changes he's intent on making upsets Betty. Series creator David E Kelley could've told this tale without dipping into church business, but this subplot is pivotal to his take on the story. He isn't just retelling the murder, as so many other projects have explored before. Rather, he's drawn in by who these women were in their everyday lives, and by the fact that they're ordinary folks with routine dramas before the worst occurs. Of late, prolific TV producer and writer Kelley has carved himself a niche with twisty tales about existences upended, beginning with Big Little Lies, then following with The Undoing and Nine Perfect Strangers (Nicole Kidman, the star of all three, is also an executive producer on Love & Death). With directors Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) and Clark Johnson (Mayor of Kingstown), he isn't interested in sensationalising his latest narrative, instead crafting a series about a gruesome crime with restraint and sensitivity. That's one of the factors making yet another version of Candy and Betty's encounter so gripping — that, and the show's outstanding performances. Indeed, no past iteration has boasted Kelley behind the scenes, or the stellar Olsen in career-best form at its centre. When Love & Death turns its attention to the inevitable law-and-order proceedings, Kelley also slides easily into one of his preferred modes: legal dramas. He's been bringing such shows to TV since late-80s/early-90s hit LA Law, with his resume also featuring everything from The Practice, Ally McBeal and Boston Legal to Goliath and The Lincoln Lawyer — and an episodic version of Presumed Innocent in the works as well. It's no wonder, then, that She Said's Tom Pelphrey is so magnetic as Candy's lawyer Don Crowder, who jumps into criminal defence for the first time with an immensely difficult case. Although Love & Death is never merely a courtroom series, it's canny about deepening its character study of Candy while she's protesting her innocence by self-defence, and in putting the attitudes and figures around her under a magnifying glass as her life becomes news fodder. Even if there wasn't a 'scarlet woman' reference to remind audiences that Olsen isn't in the MCU here, her complicated lead portrayal makes that plain. Whether she's being bubbly, dutiful, calculating or unsettling, she's terrific, especially in the mid-series episode that depicts Candy's last meeting with Betty, then shows her returning to her errands afterwards. Olsen is particularly masterful at grappling internally with Candy's choices and emotions right in front of viewers' eyes — see also: the spark that clicks when she chooses to pursue Allan, and her reactions under interrogation — and with an also- (and always-) excellent Plemons, is similarly exceptional at selling the love part of series' title. Love & Death never forgets that it's about murder, or who is the victim, but it's always about people rather than headlines. Check out the trailer for Love & Death below: Love & Death streams via Binge in Australia from Thursday, April 27 and Neon in New Zealand from Friday, April 28. Images: Jake Giles Netter/HBO Max.
First, it was Taco Bell. Now, another big American food brand has set up shop in southeast Queensland: TGI Fridays. In fact, if you head to Robina on the Gold Coast, you can now choose between the two — because that's where TGI Fridays has opened its first eatery in the state. While the US-based chain of bar and grill-style restaurants already has 13 other locations around Australia, it hadn't yet made the jump up north. Thankfully, that's now changed, meaning that Queenslanders can tuck into its array of steaks, ribs, wings and burgers while sipping a hefty array of cocktails. The Robina Town Centre store's menu falls in line with its interstate eateries. Food-wise, the general range includes wraps, salads, starters such as mozzarella sticks and mac 'n' cheese-loaded potato twisters, and mains that span chicken tenders, cracked pepper calamari with fries, and cajun chicken and prawn fettuccine. The dessert selection goes heavy on American favourites; think brownies, sundaes and apple crumble. As for drinks, TGI Fridays takes its beverages seriously, with its standard menu serving up 30 types of cocktails and seven kinds of mocktails. Wine, beer by the bottle and on tap, and both boozy and non-alcoholic shakes are also on offer. And, so is TGI Friday's famed daily happy hour. Patrons can enjoy their meals and beverages on the Robina Town Centre Promenade, with the store featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, a central bar, TV screens playing sports and an open kitchen. The fitout keeps the signature TGI Fridays look, which includes timber accents and industrial-style lighting installations. When it comes to the venue's vibe, TGI Fridays pitches itself as part-way between a restaurant and a hangout spot. Back when the brand launched in the 60s, it was actually a singles bar; but these days it's focused on casual, novelty-based American dining. Find TGI Fridays at Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina — open 11am–midnight daily.
A huge 1908 entries were submitted for the the 2022 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes. From that hefty number, 52 works were shortlisted for the Archibald, 34 for the Wynne and 29 for the Sulman. But only one artwork in each category can be named the winner of these three prestigious Australian art awards each year — and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the prizes' hosts, has just unveiled the 2022 recipients today, Friday, May 13. All three decisions were unanimous, and they provide an impressive snapshot of the Aussie art scene right now. Taking the big gong, the Archibald Prize — which is Australia's most prestigious portrait award, has now reached its 101st year and hands out $100,000 to its annual winner — is Blak Douglas' Moby Dickens. The painting depicts Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, who lives on Bundjalung Country in Lismore, and is designed as a metaphor for northern NSW town's floods earlier in 2022. And yes, the title references Moby Dick. Douglas — a Sydney-based artist with Dhungatti heritage, who was born Adam Hill — made history, too, as the first New South Wales First Nations artist to win with a painting of a New South Wales First Nations artist. "I'm elated," he said, accepting the award. "It's a major historic win." Douglas has been an Archibald Prize finalist in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, all with portraits of Aboriginal sitters. "I'm making up for lost ground in the failure to memorialise First Nations people," he said, accepting the 2022 award. 'In the past I've considered each entry to the Archibald Prize a memorial to that individual and that's why I only paint First Nations people." Measuring three metres by two metres, Moby Dickens stands out in another way, too: it's the largest Archibald painting in this year's exhibition. [caption id="attachment_853908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.[/caption] Also picking up some love from the Archibald's judges: Jude Rae, who was highly commended for The big switch, a portrait of scientist, engineer and inventor Dr Saul Griffith. For the Sir John Sulman Prize, 491 works were submitted, with Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro winning for Raiko and Shuten-dōji. The first collaborative duo to do so to win the award — which is presented to the best mural, subject or genre painting — they nabbed the prize for their rendering of the battle between the warrior and the demon that gives the colourful piece its title. [caption id="attachment_853910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Sulman Prize 2022, Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro. Raiko and Shuten-dōji, acrylic gouache, jute and tape on helicopter shell, 159.5 x 120 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] With the Wynne Prize — which recognises the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture — Nicholas Harding emerged victorious from 601 entries with painting Eora. The artist has a long history with the awards, being shortlisted for the Wynne nine times, and also for the Archibald 19 times, including winning the latter in 2001. Two artists were highly commended among the Wynne Prize finalists, too: Lucy Culliton for painting Mooresprings, a good season, and Juz Kitson for sculpture An unwavering truth. She walks in beauty, of the night and all that's best of dark and bright. In memory of the wildfires. And, the Roberts Family Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prize — an annual prize of $10,000 awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist who is a finalist in the Wynne Prize — went to Sally Scales for Wati Tjakura. [caption id="attachment_853909" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Wynne Prize 2022, Nicholas Harding. Eora, oil on linen, 196.5 x 374.8 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] Also a winner, but announced last week, on Thursday, May 5: Sydney-based artist Claus Stangl, who picked up this year's Packing Room Prize. He won for a portrait of the one and only Taika Waititi, because there really is nothing that the Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok filmmaker can't do. The winning portraits and finalists will now be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from Saturday, May 14, up until Sunday, August 28. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, July 27. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2022 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — May 14–August 28, 2022 Bunjil Place, Melbourne, Victoria — September 2–October 16, 2022 Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, NSW — October 22—December 4, 2022 Grafton Regional Gallery, NSW — 17 December, 2022–29 January, 2023 Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, NSW — 10 February–26 March, 2023 Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, NSW — 8 April–21 May, 2023 Western Plains Cultural Centre, NSW — 3 June–30 July, 2023 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Excerpt of winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.
Wondering which restaurants around the globe should tempt your tastebuds each year? There's an annual Top 100 list for that. Keen to sip drinks made by Australia's best bartenders, too? There's a countdown of those as well. Fancy tucking into a meal made by the only Aussie figure to nab a spot on the Top 100 Best Chefs list for 2022? Yes, you can also do that — and you'll be making a beeline to Josh Niland's various eateries. The Sydney seafood king has just scored some love at The Best Chef Awards 2022, becoming the only Australian to make this year's gongs. He placed in 78th spot, and also won another accolade: the Best Chef Innovation Award, for his nose-to-tail approach to the ocean's finest. [caption id="attachment_855330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Niland[/caption] Sydneysiders will be familiar with Niland thanks to Saint Peter since 2016 and Fish Butchery since 2018 — the latter now in both Paddington and Waterloo — as well as sustainable fish and chip shop Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay. As for everyone else, Niland has been winning fans and awards for a few years now, including via his applauded The Whole Fish Cookbook. It earned him the prestigious James Beard Book of the Year Award back in 2020 (becoming the first Australian to ever take out the prize, in fact). The reason that Niland keeps proving such a hit? His culinary philosophy, with an ethical and sustainable approach to seafood paramount to his cooking. The Whole Fish Cookbook's recipes include cod liver pate on toast, fish cassoulet, roast fish bone marrow, and the chef's 'perfect' version of fish and chips — and the tome also collected the Food Book Award at the 2019 André Simon Awards, and was named illustrated book of the year at the 2020 Australian Book Industry Awards. [caption id="attachment_866128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Pynt[/caption] While Niland is the only Aussie to receive recognition at The Best Chef Awards 2022, Dave Pynt, the Perth-born chef-owner of Burnt Ends in Singapore, made the long list of candidates that the Top 100 was chosen from — after placing 86th in 2021. Also, the UK's Clare Smyth took 35th spot in 2022 — fresh from opening Oncore 26 levels above Sydney Harbour, her first restaurant outside of the United Kingdom, in late 2021. [caption id="attachment_830929" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clare Smyth[/caption] Unsurprisingly, the bulk of the male-dominated list for this year includes well-known global names such as Spain's Dabiz Muñoz in top spot, Denmark's René Redzepi in second place, Spain's Joan Roca in third, Italy's Massimo Bottura in fourth position and Spain's Andoni Luis Aduriz coming in at fifth. And if you're wondering what The Best Chef Awards are about, and how they came about, they were created in 2015 by Polish neuroscientist Joanna Slusarczyk and Italian gastronomist Cristian Gadau. The aim: to showcase the best of the world's gastronomic scene, including its experienced, passionate and determined talents. For the full The Best Chef Awards 2022 list, head to the awards' website. Josh Niland images: Rob Palmer.
Shane Delia hasn't farewelled Melbourne, where his flagship restaurant Maha has been one of the Victorian capital's go-tos for Middle Eastern flavours for almost two decades, and where his fellow eateries Maha North, Maha East and Jayda also reside. That said, the acclaimed chef and restaurateur has still made a leap familiar to Queenslanders: heading from the southern city to the Sunshine State. Brisbane is now home to a first on his resume, with Layla Delia's debut restaurant in this part of the country. 2025 has been waiting for this, after news arrived in 2024 that Delia was set to launch his first Brissie venue — and first in Queensland as well — in the Thomas Dixon Centre, Queensland Ballet's base, in West End. Open since Friday, March 28 in the heritage-listed section of the building, Layla continues its guiding force's Middle Eastern focus, but pairing the rich, bold, spice-fuelled dishes on the eatery's evolving menu with local Queensland produce. "I'm honoured to open Layla as my first venture in Brisbane, a city that is continually showing ambition as a vibrant new culinary destination in Australia," said Delia about the launch. "There's so much incredible produce in Queensland that you can't get anywhere else in the world. It's been a lot of fun experimenting with ingredients that I'm not typically known for — kaffir lime, ginger, lemongrass. I'm excited to test something new at Layla," he continued. "We'll be exploring spice in an inventive way, but we're not here to educate people. At the end of the day, Layla is about bringing people together around the table, sharing really tasty food and memorable experiences," Delia also noted. "It has been amazing working alongside Shane, learning from him and his unique approach to spice, and coming up with what we believe is a new offering to Brisbane's dining scene," added Simon Palmer (ex-Black Hide by Gambaro, -Urbane, -Gerard's Bistro, -E'cco Bistro), Layla's Head Chef, who worked with Delia on the restaurant's menu. Whether you're visiting before a show, for a date or to celebrate an occasion — and whether you opt to sit in the main dining room or make the most of the outdoor courtyard — diners can look forward to both a la carte and banquet options, the latter with drink pairings on top if that also tempts your tastebuds. King crab with coriander, lime, charred pineapple and smoked pepper is one of the starter highlights, as is Hervey Bay half-shell scallop with carrot hummus. Or, there's pistachio-crusted Brisbane Valley quail and arak-cured kingfish among the small plates. Getting the whipped smoked hummus or fragrant sweet eggplants if you're going with Layla's signature flatbread brushed in toum and fennel seed za'atar is recommended. There's few strangers left to butter chicken, but habibbi butter chicken gives the dish Layla's own twist courtesy of Moroccan spices, and is part of the mains menu. Prefer an eight-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder with smoked eggplant, roast lemon and za'atar sauce instead? That's another choice among the large dishes designed to share, as is the coal-grilled swordfish T-bone with burnt orange and saffron. And for dessert, if you're not tucking into the whipped kanfeh with lemon verbena syrup and pine nut ice cream, you can give the watermelon and rosewater granita a try — it also comes with chocolate mousse, Turkish delight jam and peppermint crisp ice cream. Sommelier Darcy Curnow (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Delia Group) has put together a 150-bottle wine list, opting for tipples that suit the Brisbane climate. Think: "crisp whites, vibrant rosés, and elegant, lighter-bodied reds", he advises. The cocktail range heroes native Queensland ingredients, with both boozy and non-alcoholic sips on offer — and if your chosen concoction isn't on the menu, the bar staff will make it happen. A small selection of beer and cider helps round out the beverages, as do a few arak and raki choices if you're keen on anise-flavoured spirits. In a structure with more than a century of history, dating back to 1908, a moody vibe permeates inside, complete with dim lighting, exposed brick walls, walnut timber, touches of brass, blue velvet upholstery and blue terrazzo floors. Outdoors, Melbourne-based architecture outfit Studio Y — which also worked its magic on Delia's Jayda, plus Stomping Ground Brewery, Nick & Nora's, Brick Lane Market and Starward Distillery & Bar — has gone with softer hues, greenery aplenty, beige umbrellas and stone-topped tables in the sunlight. Delia joins the list of well-known hospitality folks setting up shop in Queensland in the past year or so, after Adrian Richardson launched BŌS, and Andrew McConnell opened both Supernormal and Bar Miette. Layla is a partnership with Queensland Ballet, with Delia Group teaming up with the former's hospitality partner VenuesLive. The restaurant anchors the Thomas Dixon Centre's dining options, not only adding to the performing arts precinct but helping it become a new arts and hospitality hub. Equally new to this patch of West End: cafe Tom's Kitchen, which started welcoming in patrons in mid-March. Find Layla at the Thomas Dixon Centre, corner of Montague Road and Raven Street, West End — open from 5.30–10.30pm Tuesday–Wednesday and from 12–10.30pm Thursday–Sunday. Head to the venue's website for more details and reservations. Images: Jason Loucas.
2024 marks eight years since Holey Moley first combined pop culture-themed mini-golf courses with cocktails and other beverages right here in Brisbane. How is the brand celebrating that fact? By continuing to expand. Your latest tap, tap, tapping destination is Westfield Mt Gravatt, which is now home to a shared 350-person hub featuring not only Funlab's club-swinging chain, but also Hijnx Hotel. Next time that you're keen to escape your routine with a few beverages in a bar that does more than serve up drinks, the River City has a new haven for boozy games and activities, then. First announced back in May, the southside spot opened its doors on Friday, July 26, 2024. On offer: 18 holes of putt putt and ten challenge rooms, as well as karaoke in three function rooms across the site, and two bars slinging cocktails and food. Hit up the precinct and you won't be able to say that you're bored. Funlab, which is also behind Strike, Brothers Cirque Electriq, and B Lucky and Sons, has rolled out its familiar format for both Holey Moley and Hijnx Hotel — so if you've been to either before, including the former's OG Fortitude Valley digs and its Brisbane CBD spot in the Wintergarden, and the Holey Moley and Hijnx Hotel at Chermside — then you'll know what's in store. At Holey Moley, you'll be tap, tap, tapping your way around holes themed around space, The Simpsons, art, music, other games and more. Among the mini-golf courses: the already-popular Moon & Pars and 742 Evergreen Tce, which have become favourites at fellow Holey Moley locations, alongside everything from Vincent Van Golf, The Great Holedini and A Pineapple Under The Tee to Draw Fore, Super Mega Mini Golf, and Skate or Golf. Mt Gravatt's Caddyshack bar is also keep the theming going — and the drinks. Sipping a cocktail out of a bathtub, anyone? That's one beverage that's on the brand's menu. Images: Markus Ravik.
Sometimes, we're all looking onwards, upwards and forwards because we're thinking about the future. In a 16-month period that's seen normality as everyone knows it change and evolve rapidly, that's hardly surprising. But don't forget to look up literally, too — especially when must-see sights keep gracing the night sky. When it comes to vibrant astronomical visions, the past few weeks have well and truly delivered. First, the Lyrids meteor shower lit up the night. Then, the 'pink' supermoon did its lunar thing. Every autumn, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower also sets the sky ablaze, and it's that time now. This year, the shower will be at its most spectacular early on Friday, May 7 — very early, in fact. If you're eager to catch a glimpse, even from just your backyard or balcony, here's how. WHAT IS IT The Eta Aquarids might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but the shower is actually a distant relation — because the bits and pieces you see flying around were on Halley's path a really, really long time ago. And, rather than only being visible every 76 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), the Eta Aquarids come around every year, usually between April 19–May 28 every year. The shower's name comes from the star from which they appear to come Eta Aquarii, which is part of the Aquarius constellation. So, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. Luckily, being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world. On average, you can see up to 20–40 meteors per hour. [caption id="attachment_769233" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Friday, May 7, but will still be able to be seen for a few days on either side. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am. This year, at that time, you'll be in the running to see as many as 50 meteors every 60 minutes. Each will be moving at about 225,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. HOW TO SEE IT Usually, when a meteor shower lights up the sky, we'd tell city-dwellers to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the best view. If you can't venture out of town at the moment, you can still take a gander from your backyard or balcony. To help locate the shower, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also has a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Eta Aquarids. It has been updating this daily. The weather might get in the way of your viewing, though. Sydney is set for showers until Friday — fingers crossed that the wet weather takes a break during the early hours. It's also forecast to be partly cloudy in Melbourne until the weekend, mostly sunny in Brisbane, showery and cloudy in Perth, and partly cloudy in Adelaide. This year, the meteor shower will also have to compete with the moon, which is expected to reduce visibility — so catching a glimpse pre-dawn after the moon sets is your best bet.
With international borders regulated — and looking to stay that way for a while — a trip to Europe is a pipe dream at this point, but you don't actually need to leave Australia to feel like you've left the country. Right here in our own backyard, we have white sand beaches rivalling those on the Mediterranean, wineries that wouldn't be out of place in the rolling hills of Tuscany, quaint fishing towns similar to port villages you'd find in Ireland (and Normal People) and hotels in underground caves like those in Turkey. Go ahead and start dreaming, these trips may not be as far off as you think. [caption id="attachment_720252" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vasse Felix by Tourism WA[/caption] FOR TUSCAN WINERIES, VISIT MARGARET RIVER IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA While Australia is home to heaps of wine regions, one of the most idyllic is Margaret River. Located a three hours' drive from Perth, it's one of the most isolated wine regions in the world. And, its maritime-influenced climate and rich soils make it perfect for grape growing, as well as feel like the old-world vineyards of Italy and southern France. Margaret River's principal grape many varieties you'd find in French terroirs, include cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, chardonnay, semillon and sauvignon blanc; while a number of wineries also use Italian grapes such as vermentino, sangiovese and fiano. The region is home to over 90 cellar doors and has wineries ranging from the well-established Vasse Felix to the rule-breaking Blind Corner. To add to the European atmosphere of your trip, rent a villa set among those rolling vineyards. [caption id="attachment_782264" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone via SATC[/caption] FOR TURKEY'S CAVE HOTELS, VISIT COOBER PEDY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA The desert surrounds of Coober Pedy are best known for two things: opals and villages located underground. After the discovery of opals, many miners descended on the outback town and dug their homes into the landscape to escape the heat. It's unlike anything else you've ever seen — unless, of course, you've been to the Turkish region of Cappadocia. Also known for its cave dwellings and impressive rock formations, Cappadocia bears an uncanny resemblance to this South Australian counterpart. Which makes a lot of sense — approximately 60 percent of Coober Pedy's tiny 2500 population has southern and eastern European heritage. To this day, about half of the opal capital's population live in homes that are excavated into hillsides. When you visit, you can stay in one, too, thanks to plenty of underground cave accommodation, including this Airbnb stay. [caption id="attachment_782390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn via Visit Victoria[/caption] FOR QUAINT IRISH VILLAGES, VISIT PORT FAIRY IN VICTORIA Live out your Normal People fantasies at the charming fishing village of Port Fairy. Think old stone churches, cottages built in the 1800s and greenery abound. Set along the Great Ocean Road, this coastal town reminds you of Ireland for a reason. The town's original name was actually Belfast, named after the hometown of one of the early European settlers. Many Irish immigrants settled here in the mid 19th century and their influence is still evident today thanks to over 50 heritage buildings that are protected by the National Trust. And, much like the Republic of Ireland's coastal town Sligo, the filming location of Normal People, you'll find rolling green hills, quiet beaches and buildings rich in history. [caption id="attachment_784301" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] FOR GREEK ISLAND BEACHES, VISIT GRANITE BAY IN QUEENSLAND Warm turquoise waters, secluded swimming holes and long stretches of sand await you at Granite Bay, located within Noosa National Park. You could easily use that exact same description to depict the stunning coastal beaches of Greece, but since you can't make it to the likes of Zakynthos or Milos right now, opt instead for Noosa's fairy pools. These natural tide pools lie between basalt rock and are as dazzling as any you'll find on the Greek Islands. There are also sandstone caves, walking tracks and lookout points to enjoy here. Granite Bay has one perk over Greece, too: its renowned surf. [caption id="attachment_784203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tilba Festival[/caption] FOR OLD-WORLD UK TOWNS, VISIT CENTRAL TILBA IN NEW SOUTH WALES The National Trust-classified village of Central Tilba is nestled in the foothills of Mount Gulaga and will transport you back in time — or to the many old-world villages that dot the rural areas of the United Kingdom. The lush backdrop is matched by the town's heritage-listed cottages, artisan shops and quaint growers markets. The region's architecture and bucolic landscapes will make you think you're road tripping around Scotland, not New South Wales. And it also has the added benefit of striking coastal views. FOR BAVARIAN BIER HALLS, VISIT HAHNDORF IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA Few Aussie locations hit the European vibes as on the nose as the South Australian town of Hahndorf. It's Australia's oldest German settlement, made rather obvious by the Bavarian name. Settled in the 1800s by Lutheran migrants, the small town's German-style architecture is matched by its many German pubs, restaurants and shops. If you want to learn more about the town's history and culture on your visit, head to the Hahndorf Academy, which houses the German Migration Museum. Or travel a bit north of town where you can find the artist studio of German-born painter Sir Hans Heysen. The entire region feels like something out of a folktale. [caption id="attachment_797856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vijay Chennupati via Flickr[/caption] FOR PROVINCIAL BLOOMS, VISIT BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER FARM, TASMANIA You don't need to travel to Provence, France to explore the famed lavender fields found there. Tasmania is home to its very own bucolic lavender offering, and it was founded with proper French blossoms at that. That's thanks to London perfumer CK Denny, who migrated to Tasmania in 1921 with a packet of French Alps lavandula angustifolia seeds in his pocket. Bridestowe Estate is set on 260-acres of Nabowla farmland, about 45-minutes' drive northeast of Launceston. The region's climate is rather similar to Provence, and now produces some of the finest lavender the world has to offer. If the expansive, bright purple views aren't enough to draw you here, the soothing bath products will. FOR THE AZURE WATERS OF MALTA, VISIT FOR COCOS KEELING ISLANDS OFF THE COAST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Why go to the blissful Mediterranean archipelago of Malta when you can find true paradise right here in Australia? The Indian Ocean boasts its own group of islands that you'll never want to leave. Instead of overlooking the North African Coast, embrace the azure waters of the Cocos Keeling Islands, an Australian territory roughly a six hours flight from Perth. Both locations offer some of the best diving in the world, with abundant marine life unique to the area. Not to mention plenty of other water sports to choose from and, in Cocos Keeling's case, 25 uninhabited islands to explore. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Top image: Vijay Chennupati via Flickr
Peer around Azteca and shades of green await, hanging from the ceiling, painted across walls and spotted from its prime riverside position. Located at Brisbane's Queen's Wharf, and part of the suite of venues from Potentia Solutions Leisure — the team behind Lina Rooftop, Soko Rooftop, Carmen Tequileria, and Claw BBQ in both Bowen Hills and Carindale — this eatery and bar takes inspiration from Latin America. It goes luxe with its fitout, too, befitting its location in the River City's latest waterfront precinct. Plants are suspended from above, fill planters placed around the restaurant's indoor seating and can be found dotted acrpss its outdoor terrace. The lines of bottles backdropping Azteca's bar sit against a striking emerald wall. And gazing over at South Bank means spying a canopy of foliage, as diners have been able to enjoy since mid-October 2024. Celebrating greenery inside and out is an apt touch for an eatery that sprawls between the two spaces itself. Another choice in the same manner: the fact that water features are built into Azteca's walls, complementing its views of the Brisbane River. Also key to the design and decor in the 126-seat venue: mosaic tiles, Aztec artwork and custom-made brass tables, as well as a secret private dining room featuring custom ceramics that's located behind a handcrafted wooden door. Latin America might influence Azteca's name and aesthetic, but its menu under Head Chef Zac Sykes (ex-Merivale and Rockpool groups) also takes cues from Asian cuisine. The listing of dishes dubs the restaurant's fare "a culinary bridge between two continents" — and this is the type of place where raw scallop tostadas with shiso powder, yellowfin tuna tacos with kimchi, chicken liver parfait and truffle churros, and kangaroo tartare with hot sauce are just some of the options. Other standout bites include Elgin Valley free-range chicken covered in dark chocolate mole sauce; pork chops paired with grilled pineapple and fermented jalapeño; wagyu short ribs featuring sake, mirin, soy and asian leaves; and pot-roasted South Australian lobster with chipotle. The dessert range starts with alfajores with dulce de leche, coconut, macadamia and tonka bean ice cream, then serves up popcorn cheesecake with salted caramel ice cream, liquid nitrogen tres leche with white chocolate mousse, and cinnamon tostones with pineapple jam and star anise plant cream. Banquets are also a feature, giving customers a choice between an $89 seven-dish spread, a nine-dish option for $129 and a ten-dish feast for $149 — each with wine pairings available for an extra cost. To sip in general, the 16-page beverage menu spotlights the São Paulo-born Brazilian cocktail caipirinha, which is made with sugarcane hard liquor cachaça — and gives patrons a choice between types of cachaça, and also flavour blends (think: pineapple sage, watermelon jalapeño, pomegranate hibiscus, lychee dragonfruit and vanilla passionfruit). Or, try an old fashioned crafted with banana rum and chocolate bitters from the 12-strong signature cocktail list; opt for a house-made zero-proof limonata for something booze-free; or peruse the beer, wine and spirits — including agave — picks.
According to Dean Sewell — Moran Prize winning photographer and part of the Oculi collective — there was this duffel bag. Inside it was a banner a hundred foot long, decorated with two words. This was on the maiden voyage of the Sydney to Hobart ship, the Spirit of Tasmania. There was strict security. Four passengers waited to get on as that security looked at the huge lump of canvas inside their bag. It was a spinnaker for a yacht, claimed the four men, and time consuming to fold back up. The security guards considered if it was worth unrolling for a closer look, squeezed it a little, and let it through. As the ship pulled out, most passengers and security wandered upstairs. Amid empty decks, the four men clipped themselves onto the boat, jumped over the side and unfurled their banner. The four had spent months preparing for the stunt, doing photo recon on the boat and practicing abseils down the side of a car-park at the University of New South Wales. They had even made sure the banner's font matched the writing on the side of the ship. And as they unrolled the result, Dean Sewell was across the harbour on a water taxi taking photos for the Sydney Morning Herald. He had been covering these men, part of the activist group the Lonely Station, since the previous year. A highly-skilled successor to BUGAUP, the group would meticulously rework ads into satire, leaving a much more political message in their place. As time went on Sewell became involved in the group's actions, and his photos form the basis of a new exhibition at the Museum of Sydney, Culture Jammers. Dean recently sat down with Concrete Playground to talk about the Lonely Station, photography and the usefulness of good rope skills. What happened after the banner dropped? They ripped the four Lonely Station guys off the boat. A police launch met up with the pilot launch, took 'em back and processed them. They wore a $6,000 fine for it. Who were they? The Lonely Station was a pretty loose collective of artists, environmental activists and legal minds, about 2004 to 2007. I think it was really born out of the environmental movement. A couple of them were arborists, highly skilled abseilers. So that allowed them to pull off all these actions. You can search globally for culture jamming, you'll be hard pressed to find anything the size of the works these guys were doing: they were hanging off building tops, off boats, all sorts of things. I think they were just looking at giving people a moment of pause. Being that circuit breaker. The spin cycle was in overdrive and they just really wanted to stop it, if only just for a moment in time, to let people recalibrate. Did you have a go at it? I did partake in some things. I think there were times when I was behind the camera, and other times I was taking an active role in producing work. What sort of things were done? One my favourites was a Vodafone billboard at Kingsford Smith Airport. They used that now infamous image from Abu Graib. They climbed up in early hours of morning, abseiled off, put it on, even had ropes dangling off the fingers. It looked very authentic. There was a sub quote under the main slogan, How are you? Underneath that they wrote "Liberated!" They got to hammer the telco company, and at the same time send a message straight to Canberra. It was on the evening news on Channel Ten. Vodafone got hauled over the coals. Vodafone had pulled a stunt, maybe twelve months earlier, where they'd had a guy arrange secretly to run onto a football match naked in New Zealand. It was great. So, the question put to them was "Is this a stunt you guys did? Because if so, it's in really poor taste." You've said that, as a photographer you look for 'the extraordinary in the ordinary.' For me that's the challenge in photography. Exacting something special out of the mundane, ordinary situations. A lot of people think that photographers chase around incredible things. We do sometimes, fantastic and incredible situations. But also it's the ordinary that attracts us. So becoming a full time paparazzo doesn't appeal? The interesting people are real people. The people living out in the middle of nowhere. Living quite humble lives, just in suburbia. Mostly no-one ever hears of these people. You go sit in a pub in outback Queensland or go up to the Corner Country. That's where you find really interesting people. They're normally not in front of you walking a red carpet. One of the images I got, I was just coming back from Cockatoo Island with my friends. We went to the Biennale on Cockatoo Island. And I took a picture on a the ferry. I won the Moran photographic prize with that. You'll see a lot of photographers take flight, chasing this and that. "Oh, it's too boring here, nothing happens here." And they want excitement or thrills or something. I just think I have a certain level of responsibility to document the issues here. You got these interesting, cosmopolitan suburbs of bustling, thriving places. They've got character. You know, you go to Auburn: where all these enclaves of culture exist. And for me, the most interesting cultural scene here is the Inner West, Marrickville, those areas. All the artists collectives. Underground stuff. It's thriving. Leading image of Dean Sewell (c) Tamara Dean. Images Spirit of Tasmania and Helping You Communicate Better (c) Dean Sewell.
For half a century, no trip to the Sunshine Coast has been complete without visiting a 16-metre-high pineapple. In 1983, even Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles went there, as throngs of tourists have before and since. Stop by now and you'll still see a giant piece of tropical fruit, but one that's had a revamp, with the Queensland big thing officially reopening after undergoing renovations. Plenty of changes have been floated for The Big Pineapple and its 165-hectare site over the years, with a craft brewery, water park, and places to stay via an RV park, an eco resort and a hotel all among the ideas under the attraction's master plan. For now, however, owner Peter Kendall and his company CMC Property have focused on repairing and restoring the main highlight itself, as well giving the location's train the same treatment. The Big Pineapple has also scored a new cafe, new viewing platform and new children's playground. If the towering sight looks extra shiny — and ready to gleam in the obligatory snaps that everyone takes while they're in its presence — that's thanks to sandblasting, repairs and marine paint by the hundreds of litres. To get a good glimpse, that's where the new viewing platform comes in. Dating back to the 50s, the train now has a similar sheen after a restoration process, including to its carriages and track. "We are awaiting some final certification for the train and hope to start public train rides soon, providing rides across the property including access to Wildlife HQ," said Kendall, also mentioning the zoo with 200-plus species of animals that's been onsite since 2014. Stopping by The Big Pineapple hasn't just been about its fibreglass namesake for some time, given that TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast and its high-ropes courses and ziplines also calls it home. So does coconut foods producer COYO, as well as Sunshine & Sons distillery. Come October, The Big Pineapple Festival — the locale's music festival — will return for the first time since 2021. The fest started in 2013, then ran annually surrounded by pineapple fields until its present three-year break. Getting a ticket isn't just about seeing live tunes in the location's natural amphitheatres in such close proximity to The Big Pineapple, but also pitching a tent at event's 4000-person campground. [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] "The Big Pineapple is undoubtedly the most-recognisable tourism icon of the Sunshine Coast and so I am very proud of the team's work to restore the pineapple to its original glory," said Kendall. "This is just the first stage of the regeneration project. Our number-one priority was to reopen the main pineapple structure and cafe, and to get the train running again." "Our next priority is to complete the renovations to the inside of the pineapple structure itself and we hope to reopen it for tours later on." [caption id="attachment_698027" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anne and David via Flickr[/caption] Find The Big Pineapple at 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye, Queensland — open 8.30am–4pm daily. For more information, visit the attraction's website.
Since his 2018 Cannes Palme d'Or win for short film All These Creatures, the world has been waiting for Australian writer/director Charles Williams to make his feature debut. Everyone should be thankful that Cosmo Jarvis is among the cast. Already one of the best Aussie movies of the year, Inside is the sum of stunning parts. It tells a prison-set narrative that's penned and conveyed with the utmost compassion. It hails from an acclaimed Aussie filmmaker not only making his first full-length picture, but taking inspiration from details close to him. It boasts The Brutalist Oscar-nominee Guy Pearce turning in yet another powerhouse performance, plus newcomer Vincent Miller (Plum) proving a spectacular find. And it also has Jarvis, fresh from the first season of acclaimed TV drama Shōgun, portraying what might be the most-complex role in a flick filled with them — and doing so with haunting and mesmerising potency. Miller's youthful Mel Blight sits at the heart of the film, as he's transferred from a juvenile facility to an adult prison. There, two men cast considerable shadows his way. Pearce's Warren Murfett is so close to parole that he's permitted on day release to reconnect with his son (Toby Wallace, The Bikeriders). The fact that Mark Shepard, played by Jarvis, has been dubbed "Australia's most-despised criminal" — and, after years calling a cell home, that the media still speaks of him and his crime with vitriol — sums up his contrasting chances of freedom. Incarcerated since he was 13 for a brutal act, the latter is trying to find a way to his own forgiveness, however, including by embracing faith and becoming the prison's self-styled man of the cloth. After jumping over to acting from music — initially making his film debut by writing, directing and starring in The Naughty Room — Jarvis has enjoyed a diverse range of projects. On a resume that also includes the Florence Pugh (We Live in Time)-led Lady Macbeth, episodes of Peaky Blinders and Raised by Wolves, Irish crime drama Calm with Horses with Barry Keoghan (Bird) and Jane Austen adaptation Persuasion, award-winning Japan-set TV shows and Australian prison dramas are just two recent examples. In 2025, Inside is just one of three films starring the English actor that'll hit the big screen, in fact. Opposite Robert De Niro (Zero Day) playing multiple characters, he'll next be seen in The Alto Knights. Then comes Warfare, Alex Garland's latest, after an uncredited appearance in the Civil War filmmaker's Annihilation. As Inside reaches cinemas Down Under, Jarvis is in production on Wife and Dog, directed by Guy Ritchie's (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) — featuring alongside Anthony Hopkins (Those About to Die), Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time), Benedict Cumberbatch (Eric), James Norton (Playing Nice) and Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon). When we chat, he's working on an accent for it. Ask Jarvis about what's clearly been a huge couple of years for him — there's been nothing bigger on the small screen in the past 12 months than Shōgun, and it has a swag of Emmys, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards to prove it — and he downplays it. "It's the same as it ever was, I guess, to quote the song," he tells Concrete Playground. "It's just the same but different. It's still trying to find interesting projects, trying to find interesting characters and attempting to execute the work competently." That start in music was a means to an end — "it was just sort of what allowed me to become an actor," he advises — but it did give Jarvis a connection with Australia long before Inside came his way. As a singer-songwriter, he achieved one of the pinnacles of Aussie music success, charting in the Triple J Hottest 100 in both 2011 (hitting number 85 with 'Gay Pirates') and 2012 (reaching number 59 with 'Love This'). On a trip Down Under during his musician days, he even performed a cover of Kylie Minogue's 'Spinning Around' for Like a Version. That history and making an Aussie film now is just a coincidence, though, Jarvis says. On the motivation for joining Inside, "it was the script. It was the script and the subject matter," he notes. "But I do obviously love the country, and I love the specificness of the culture, and I love the humour that the people have. And I've always found it very refreshing and just nice to be around." A movie like Inside doesn't pop up often — "a really emotional, beautiful movie," Pearce told us; a film about prisons, rather than being a breaking out-style prison picture; and one that sees clearly the disadvantages experienced by people who end up in prison, and that the prison system places on them, for starters. Neither does a part like Shepard. Williams has described Jarvis as fearless in the role, noting that even if he doesn't like the character himself, he doesn't take shortcuts in bringing them to the screen. This all came up in our discussion with Jarvis, too. So did the feature's compassionate refusal to see anything in black and white, including people who've caused harm to others; the research that goes into portraying someone in Shepard's situation, where he's been in the system since he was a kid, convicted of a horrific crime, confined alone for decades, drawn his own interpretation of faith, and is attempting to find forgiveness and connecting with Mel; cultivating empathy with a filmmaker who fills every frame with it; working with Miller and Pearce; and more. [caption id="attachment_944116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shogun, Katie Yu/FX[/caption] On the Diversity of Projects that Jarvis Has Enjoyed Since Making His Film Debut with The Naughty Room — Which He Wrote and Directed — Through to Shogun and Inside "I never really want to play the same person twice. I've been quite fortunate to have found, to have had scripts for things that had original ideas and original, specific characters that have come my way. And, in some cases, I've been fortunate enough to have won the job or gain the employment. So that's been good. And I hope to continue to try to search for specific worlds, specific narratives that involve specific people, but are potentially, at the same time, archetypal in some way. And so yeah, it's sort of an ongoing thing, really." On What Appealed to Jarvis About Inside and Playing Mark Shepard "Initially it was Charles' script — which, at first, I was really pleasantly surprised by the situation, the setting and the kinds of people that it was concerned with, because that's not something that I often see in scripts. It's not a world that's very often explored, despite the fact that everybody, a lot of people will say they have a favourite prison movie, or they might know a prison movie, what they call a prison movie. But realistically there aren't that many of them. Well, I haven't seen that many of them myself. And so when this came, I was interested basically because of that, but then also I was interested because there was, between the three principal characters, there was this sort of unmistakable symmetry in the triangle of how they came to relate to each other. And the shape of that was very appealing. It felt like something that had been really thought about and structured very deliberately. And so that was why I was really interested, was because I could tell that whoever made this had a strong, potent idea for something, and they'd taken a lot of time to structure these three relationships — the relationships between these three men." On the Importance of Inside Clearly Seeing the Disadvantages Experienced by Its Incarcerated Characters, and That the Prison System Places Upon Them "I guess one of the interesting things about it was about how it, despite the elements of it which are in keeping with a thriller, and despite the parts of it which you could say are archetypes of a crime thriller that is set in the prison, its chief concern — that is prominent throughout its entire runtime — is the internal capacity for rehabilitation of these people. And that's not to say just the lead, the three principal characters, but also all the other prisoners that are involved in the film in a sense. Its concern with the person's capacities and limitations for real internal rehabilitation was something that I really hadn't seen before, and it was really ripe ground for a unique exploration on that topic." On Whether the Film's Compassionate Refusal to See Anything in Black and White, Including Its Characters, Influenced Jarvis' Approach "It doesn't really, because no matter what the character and no matter what the film, nothing is really, really black and white. I suppose they can seem that way in hindsight. But my main concern was trying to take Mark for what he was at the time, at whichever point he was concerned with throughout the script, and trying to make sure that there was nothing about his terrible past that was relied too much upon to cloak him in entirely — because doing something like that would have ceased to allow him to be as real of a person as the script needed him to be. Like all the characters, all the characters within it are incredibly complex people, and they have so many — yes, okay, they are by definition all criminals, but they are all their own people despite that. And they all have very unique internal struggles despite that. And they all have their unique senses of humours despite that. And so allowing for those things, those sort of benchmarks of character, to be allowed to breathe was quite important in preparation for Mark." On the Research and Preparation That Went Into Playing a Man Convicted of a Horrific Crime But Now Trying to Find His Own Sense of Forgiveness "At first it was a case of looking at people who shared or seem to share a demographic with Mark — any examples that I could find of people who seemed to share something in common with him, whether it was from where he was from or what his early years had looked like, or the kind of activities he'd been involved with, the kind of upbringing he'd had. And then also looking into people who had found a sense of moral rehabilitation through things like an interpretation of faith. So I spent a lot of time looking through various materials trying to find examples of people that I felt had at least something in common with Mark. And then it was a case of amalgamating them all together into something that I felt, something that allowed the text to flow through. He's a very specific case. As I said, I mean everyone, all the characters in this film are very specific cases, and that's a credit to Charles and the research that he's done, and the fact that he really wanted this to be authentic — and the fact that he really cared about this setting, and he really cared about the complexities of the people within this setting. And so ultimately that's why I liked the script in the first place, was because it was so specific. So there was there were lots of different pieces from reality in Australia to draw on. I got lots of video materials, audio materials, lots of articles and internal information about the rehabilitation process, about the prisons, about people from severely underprivileged backgrounds and about people who have endured terrible things during their upbringing, and about people who have inflicted terrible things when they've grown up. So there's so much to draw on — and it was a case of amalgamating that into something that Charles' depiction of Mark on paper could then pass through." On Collaborating with a Filmmaker Who Is Just as Interested in Exploring Empathy as Conveying It "One of the good things about Charles is he's — really, I always got the impression that the emotional core of a person is what he's really concerned with. He's very concerned with the truth of the individual. And so that, it was actually pretty straightforward in that sense, because it was never the case that we were trying to humanise, there was going to be this effort to humanise this guy — because it was always obvious that this was a story about humans in a situation with their own plights and their own histories and their own attempts at futures. So it was never really a case of trying hard to find the humanity within that. It was always given as a sort of explicit permission from the outset." [caption id="attachment_777103" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Calm with Horses[/caption] On Williams Describing Jarvis as Fearless — and If That's How He Tackles Every Role "Well, yeah, I try, I suppose. That's very nice of him to say, but I suppose I try. But it's not for any particular reason — it's just because people are specific. Even the most boring, nondescript people are incredibly specific. And so every character presents a challenge to try to arrive at them, to try to find them somehow and live in them. In a lot of ways, the superfluous trappings of any given character — where they may be from or what kind of person they might be, or their intellect, or all these things — they're irrelevant to the actual work that must go into them, because it's always the same amount of work, regardless of the character. You just, for me, it's always a case of finding the person that the script is alleging or the script is depicting. It's very difficult to talk about — it's much easier to do than talk about." On Working with Newcomer Vincent Miller and Oscar-Nominee Guy Pearce "It was just great. It was just amazing working with both of them. Aside from the acting, you couldn't really hope for two better colleagues in general than the both of them. And when it came time to begin our work — and I suppose this is also partly credit to Charles — there's this environment of just wanting to work with each other and wanting to get to the truth of the matter, and wanting to strive to try to get to what's at the core of this moment of this scene. Both of those guys were just a just a pleasure to work with and just lovely guys. And yeah, like I said, I couldn't really hope for two better colleagues. Young Vincent is just amazing — and particularly with Vincent, some of the scenes contained some nastiness, and you really felt like he's got a really amazing energy about him where things just seem to roll off his back. But then when we begin, he's always right there where he needs to be. And so going through those scenes with him, it was great, and I really couldn't hope for anyone that better than those guys to be working with." Inside opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Inside images: Mathew Lynn.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we set the compass to regional New South Wales and take a trip to the Hunter Valley for an idyllic countryside escape at Wallaringa Farm. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? Ever dream of leaving it all behind? Maybe escaping to a nice farm somewhere, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills and a picturesque countryside backdrop. Spending your evenings relaxing with a glass of wine as you watch the sunset over the horizon, before settling by the fire pit for a romantic evening of star gazing, free from the stress and light pollution of the city. Wallaringa Farm turns this dream into a reality. Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this beautifully restored three-bedroom farmhouse seamlessly blends modern comforts with rustic farmhouse charm, making it an ideal destination for families, friends or a romantic escape. Located on 750 acres of a working cattle farm and surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery Australia has to offer, the farm exudes tranquillity — perfect for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. THE ROOMS The spacious rooms are designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a comfortable and cosy stay. The master bedroom features an ensuite, while each room is equipped with comfy bedding — two rooms feature an extra-large double bed, and one room has two bunk beds, while the air-conditioned interior provides respite on warmer days. However, the true highlight is the verandah with its comfortable deck chairs, offering breathtaking sunset views and a perfect spot to sip morning coffee or an evening beer. FOOD AND DRINK One of the best things about the Hunter Valley is its food and wine, so you're in for a treat as Wallaringa Farm is the perfect spot to indulge in local delights. First off, you'll be treated to a complimentary bottle of Boydell's wine upon arrival (perfectly enjoyed on the verandah as the sun sets). A tempting selection of local jams and honey also awaits. The property also includes a fully equipped chef's kitchen, allowing guests to prepare meals using locally sourced produce (or you could just make toast with some of the local jam, we won't judge). And for the times you don't feel like cooking, why not embrace the opportunity to explore the nearby towns of Dungog and Paterson for a taste of delicious Hunter Valley cuisine? THE LOCAL AREA The Hunter Valley is your oyster, and Wallaringa Farm is your perfect base camp to explore… that oyster. Dip your toes (or jump right in) in the Allyn River's cool waters — the hidden oasis of Ladies Well is a particularly nice swimming spot. You'll come out feeling refreshed and revitalised — that water is something special, or perhaps it's just the breathtaking location that makes it feel so, surrounded by large granite boulders and lush rainforest at the foothills of the World Heritage Barrington Tops National Park. For the history buffs out there (or anyone seeking some old town charm), the towns of Dungog and Paterson are a good shout, with their grand colonial buildings and charming markets. So whether you want to explore the beautiful wine region, go for a nice bushwalk, or immerse yourself in the charm of old country pubs, the area surrounding Wallaringa will have something for you. THE EXTRAS Set your out-of-office, pack those bags, leave the city stress behind, and head to Wallaringa Farm for a countryside escape. Aside from its storybook setting and charming farmhouse, Wallaringa Farm stands out with its commitment to nature and adventure. The farm's owners have a genuine love for nature and have crafted a peaceful haven for others to share in this passion, so if relaxing by the rustic fire pit under the starry night sky sounds like your idea of a good time, look no further. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Images: Alex Jack Photography
Brisbane is already home to a mini-golf bar, multiple arcade bars, several axe-throwing bars and a digital ping pong bar — and soon it'll welcome a huge new two-storey darts hangout, too. Usually the domain of old-school pubs, the projectile-flinging sport will be the main attraction at Oche Brisbane, though, it'll get a thoroughly 21st-century update. With its OG location in Oslo, Norway, Oche (pronounced ockey) is set to open its first Australian digs in Fortitude Valley on Friday, December 6. It'll feature dart boards that look exactly how you remember — but they'll have an electronic component. Each board comes with dozens of games built in, so you can pick between the knockout-style Killer, high-scoring High Striker and points-accumulating 201, among other options. The boards also keep score, so there's no need for a pencil and paper (and no room for arguments). And, for unknown reasons, some of them will chat to you as well. Setting up shop within the brick walls of the 115-year-old Old Flour Mill Building on Constance Street, Oche's darts sessions run for 85 minutes, and are designed to get patrons to do something that's definitely not common these days: put down your phone. The idea is that you'll head along with your mates, get drinking, throw a heap of darts, and forget about your emails, Insta feed, DMs and the like. (You'll probably keep picking up your phone to take and post snaps, but hey, getting folks to switch off is a noble aim). [caption id="attachment_749136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oche Oslo[/caption] Inside the 700-square-metre, heritage-listed spot, Oche will also feature an outdoor terrace, plus two separate bars, with one dedicated to local beverages. It'll spotlight different local breweries, distillers and winemakers each month, starting with Green Beacon in December. Or, you can sip your way through the regular beer and wine list, or opt for cocktails that'll pay tribute to Brisbane. Food-wise, Ben Williamson (Gerard's Bar) is overseeing the menu — and, so you can hurl darts and eat simultaneously, everything will be designed to be eaten with one hand. In fact, Oche won't be stocking cutlery. The food lineup hasn't been revealed, but there is talk of cheesecake on a stick, and vegan and vegetarian options will also feature. Expect to have plenty of company while you're throwing darts at boards for bragging rights — Oche will be able to accommodate 360 people. Once Oche Brisbane is open, the company plans to expand to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. Find Oche Brisbane at 111 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley, from Friday, December 6.
If you're lucky enough to score tickets to Meredith Music Festival in any year via the event's ballot, one of Australia's best fests awaits no matter the lineup. 2025's roster of acts is characteristically impressive, however. On the bill: TV on the Radio, Atarashii Gakko! and Perfume Genius, for starters, as well as Thee Sacred Souls, Pa Salieu, HAAi, Bar Italia, Colin Hay and Mildlife. And, there's still more where the came from. Folk Bitch Trio, Saya Gray, RONA. and Omar Souleyman are on the lineup, too. So are Dames Brown, Radio Free Alice, Sam Austins RP Boo, Wax'o Paradiso, Florist and Jack J. Add in Drifting Clouds, Dr Sure's Unusual Practice, Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir, Mouseatouille, Brown Spirits and Lazy Susan on MC duties, and expect a jam-packed three days across Friday, December 5–Sunday, December 7, 2025. [caption id="attachment_1017125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chip Mooney[/caption] How is the fest crew describing this year's event? "One of the best places on earth to spend a weekend, the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre has been natured and nurtured and then natured again, for the singular purpose of hosting the time of your life," organisers advise. So, expect "a permanent and purpose-built underground wunderland that provides optimal conditions for rarefied reverie", as well as to get "lost in music, lost in one another, for three days and two nights of Sup'ed up saucery". [caption id="attachment_1017126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sumner Dilworth[/caption] Meredith Music Festival 2025 Lineup TV on the Radio Atarashii Gakko! Perfume Genius Thee Sacred Souls Pa Salieu HAAi Bar Italia Colin Hay Mildlife Folk Bitch Trio Saya Gray RONA. Omar Souleyman Dames Brown Radio Free Alice Sam Austins RP Boo Wax'o Paradiso Florist Jack J Drifting Clouds Dr Sure's Unusual Practice Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir Mouseatouille Brown Spirits Lazy Susan Top images: Leah Hulst, Cody Critcheloe.
Life is full of golden moments. An early-morning swim and sipping beers in the afternoon sunshine are some of our favourites. But what comes out on top for us is a long weekend. This April, we're being treated to two long weekends in a row. Luckily, we know a thing or two about making the most of our time out of office. Whether you're seeking luxury experiences in Victoria, a multi-day hike in the wilderness or an excuse to soak up the best of the harbour city, we've got your back. Our mates at Ferrero Rocher love a long weekend, too. So much so that the chocolate company has released a range of Easter treats including creamy hazelnut-filled Ferrero Collection Easter Eggs, an impressive Golden Easter Egg Gift Box and more (ideal for indulging in while on holiday if you ask us). To celebrate our mutual love of a long weekend, we've teamed up with the chocolate connoisseurs to give you a $1000 gift card to spend on a long weekend away. But it doesn't stop there. You'll also receive a stack of delicious chocolate from the Ferrero Rocher Easter range. Egg hunt anyone? If you miss out on the major prize, don't fret. We've also got 29 Ferrero Rocher chocolate prize packs up for grabs. The packs include one grand Ferrero Rocher, a boxed egg, three packs of Easter eggs and one dark chocolate grand Ferrero Rocher. To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less what your ultimate long weekend looks like. Want to nab one of these incredible prizes? To enter, fill out your details below. [competition]849038[/competition]
The wickedly weird and wild Dark Mofo lineup has been announced for 2023, and culture lovers all over Australia are poised to fight over tickets on Wednesday, April 5. But the most popular events and accommodations in Hobart are expected to book out ASAP — most local hotels tend to be fully booked even before tickets are released. That's why we've gone ahead and reserved a stack of rooms for those who book our totally unique Dark Mofo travel package, only available through Concrete Playground Trips. We'll put guests up in Hobart for two nights — with brekkie included — while throwing in a bunch of tickets to events. [caption id="attachment_895365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo/Rosie Hastie, 2021. Image Courtesy Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] First off, you'll get access to the Winter Feast — a food-, art- and music-filled winter solstice celebration. Gather around the fire pits and long communal tables, grabbing drinks and food from local vendors while checking out live music, art installations and roaming theatrical performances. We've also organised your tickets to one of Dark Mofo's late-night parties, better known as Night Mass. While just about anything can happen here, you can expect debaucherous art experiences and an epic lineup of musical performances and DJ sets that'll keep you dancing into the wee hours. These infamous parties sell out really quickly, so thank us later for your entry being sorted already. [caption id="attachment_854707" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo's In the Hanging Garden[/caption] And to keep you busy during one of the afternoons, we have organised your entry to Mona itself. Arrive in style, via the ferry's Posh Pit and explore the gallery's eccentric exhibitions. This package hits most of the best bits of Dark Mofo, giving you the ultimate Hobart getaway without the need to do heaps of planning and separate bookings. It's also a bargain, coming in at just under $600 per person. [caption id="attachment_895370" align="alignnone" width="1921"] Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2022. Photo credit: Rémi Chauvin, 2022[/caption] Head to Concrete Playground Trips to book one of the exclusive (and strictly limited) Dark Mofo travel packages. Top image: Jesse Hunniford (Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2021)
Upon returning from a winter escape to sunny Vietnam, my response to the obligatory "how was it?" was consistent in message, and in enthusiasm. "THE FOOD! Oh my God!", pretty much sums it up. Most surprising was just how regional the cuisine is and how it can differ from the north to the south, east to the west. Of course, if you go along looking for pho, spring rolls and banh mi, you will indeed find — and no doubt enjoy — them everywhere. However, if you open your eyes and mind a little wider, you'll discover each region has a set of specialties, and an approach to food that differs slightly from everywhere else. What does consistently run through the entire country is a commitment to freshness and flavour; fragrant fresh herbs liven even the simplest of meals, and local dishes are borne from what's available to be caught from the sea or picked from the ground. In one reasonably short trip you can experience vast differences in not only the food, but also in the scenes and 'scapes. From city madness — which mostly entails throngs of scooters careering around the roads and tourists closing their eyes and hoping for the best when crossing the street — to beautiful beaches, and mountain peaks to rice fields in the valley. Here are a few highlights to be discovered with eyes, mind and mouth wide open. HANOI Hanoi in the north is the country's capital, and yet seems a touch more modest and visitor-friendly than Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). The traffic system will leave you aghast for the first day, and after that you must embrace it, roll with it and trust in the controlled chaos of the road when you close your eyes and run towards the other side. Taking the city on foot will let you discover hidden laneways, a hint of French architecture, buzzing street food stalls, plenty of cheap fake goods for sale, and a snippet of local life. The Old Quarter and area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect base to explore the city. Hit the lake early one morning to get a glimpse of what keeps the locals so happy, healthy and vibrant: plenty of Tai Chi, stretching, breathing and all manner of interesting morning rituals. HANOI FOODNOTE Here it seems nearly all to do with rice noodles and soup (yes, you will find pho aplenty in Hanoi). One of the local specialties here is bun bo nam bo — which is not only delicious, but incredibly fun to pronounce. This is a beef noodle dish of vermicelli, barbecued beef strips, a tasty stock sauce, chopped peanuts and lashing of fresh herbs on top. At Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu – be careful of imitators who have popped up nearby), you need only to walk in and tell them how many serves and you will be presented with a bowl of this tasty meal for all of about $2.50. Similar local options include bun cha (pork and noodles) and bun ca (crispy fish and noodles, this time served in a soup), while cha ca is a slightly different local treat – barbequed fish with chilli and lemongrass, served with dry rice paper, fresh salad and peanuts, and a dipping sauce all to be wrapped, dunked and downed. An unsung hero of Hanoi cuisine, cha ca will prove its worth if you seek it out. MAI CHAU Mai Chau lies about four hours south-west of Hanoi and is home to a White Thai community of people. There are small villages that can be reached by wandering through the rice fields (among the song of frogs, geese and cows), where you'll find homestay options, stalls selling woven scarves, bags and clothing, and even a few traditional looms on display or in use. It's a beautiful change from the city and a real taste of rural life. If you stay at Mai Chau Lodge, there are plenty of activities to book, such as walking tours with local guides, cave explorations, market trips and cooking classes. MAI CHAU FOODNOTE Because this area is inhabited by White Thai people, the food is highly varied and pulls strong influences from Chinese and Thai cuisines. So while dishes such as tom ka ghai and fried noodles might have you wondering if you've strayed from traditional Vietnamese cuisine, just think of how little you worried about the 'Frenchness' of that banh mi baguette. The cuisine here holds a very interesting identity, and that is precisely thanks to the different influences. Of course, being in the rice fields, the ubiquitous white grain features heavily, and is served with pretty much everything. As are the flavours of lemongrass, lime, garlic, chilli and salt. And, somewhat surprisingly, sweet potatoes that are grown in the fields and sold at the local markets in abundance. HOI AN Hoi An in central Vietnam is a quaint little delight of a town that seems highly geared towards tourism, yet still retains some element of small-town charm. Lanterns hang outside the shops and the old town's cobbled streets are filled with wanderers of the non-motorised variety, in very European fashion. Don't be overwhelmed by all the clothes tailors and shoemakers. Save time and energy and head straight to Miss Forget-Me-Not (37 Phan Chu Trinh Street) for clothes and shoes, and Tu Chi (24 Phan Boi Chau Street) for bags — they come highly recommended by many travellers, including this writer. Then find respite from it all at An Bang Beach, about four kilometres out of town. My recommendation is to base yourself out there, in one of the few homestay properties (there are no hotels, per se, but Beach Hideaway and Seaside Village both offer glorious villa-style cottages), and cycle into town when the days calls for dining or shopping. For the other times, the beach provides long stretches of white sand dotted with traditional fishing coracles, warm calm water to float about in, and a stretch of bars and restaurants with shaded beach lounges for their customers. Watch the local families descend on the beach as the sun recedes — they bring tables, chairs, big pots of rice and grilled meats, make a fire and settle in for an evening on the sand. It's quite a sight. HOI AN FOODNOTE Perhaps the jewel in Hoi An's food crown is cao lau, a traditional dish of noodles made using water from the well to give them a heavier, chewier texture. These noodles are sandwiched between rich, salty stock at the bottom and grilled pork and fresh leaves on top. It's served at breakfast time (although you can find it any time of the day) and is a surprisingly great way to start the day of eating. Other treats specific to Hoi An include white rose (rice paper dumplings filled with minced prawns) and com ga, shredded chicken with yellow rice. Of course, being by the sea, fresh seafood also features heavily. Ordering the fish special often means whatever the local fishermen have brought back in their coracles that morning, so you can guarantee it will be fresh, and local. Beyond all that, wherever you are in Vietnam, remember to wear sunscreen, cross the road with bravery, barter with a smile, look for regional specialties and try ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at least once, if not daily. Photography by Greg George and Julia Gaw.
If furniture could talk, the couch from Friends would have plenty to say. For a decade up until 2004, the orange-hued lounge played a pivotal part on everyone's favourite 90s sitcom, as Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe whiled away the hours in Central Perk, reclined upon the sofa's comfortable-looking cushions, drank copious amounts of coffee and nattered non-stop about their lives. As far as on-screen seats go, it's up there with the most famous. And, almost two decades since the show went off the air, it's coming to Australia. The Friends Experience is bringing that bright-coloured sofa Down Under, finally hitting our shores after stops in New York City, Long Beach, Detroit, Birmingham and Brussels. This isn't the actual couch that Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer plonked their butts on for ten seasons, but it is a replica — as is much at The Friends Experience. That includes a version of Central Perk itself, as well as the fountain, Monica's kitchen, and Chandler and Joey's recliners. Why? Nostalgia and all those snaps everyone is going to take, obviously. Keen to sit where your TV besties once did (or on a settee that resembles the one they sat on, to be precise)? Then you can do just that from Friday, September 1 at The District Docklands in Melbourne, where The Friends Experience will make its Aussie debut. We can't promise that the sofa will always be empty, like it magically was whenever Monica, Rachel and the gang wanted to grab a caffeine hit, but you will be able to see and touch the replica either way. Yes, a version of the couch has done the rounds Down Under before, but that's not going to stop Friends diehards from heading along. Also, this is an official dive into the Friends world, complete not just with set recreations, but costumes and props, plus a gift shop filled with merchandise if you need a souvenir. There's no word yet if The Friends Experience will tour to other Australian cities, but cross your fingers — and get whichever five folks you'd like to hang out with at Central Perk to as well. Could you all be any more excited? The Friends Experience hits The District Docklands Level 1, Corner Star Crescent and Studio Lane, Docklands, Melbourne from Friday, September 1, with tickets on sale from 10am on Thursday, July 27 — join the waitlist now. Images: Original X Productions.
When you're rallying the crew for a long-overdue catch-up, there's one surefire way to turn an ordinary get-together into a guaranteed good time: bottomless lunch. Luckily, Cloudland in Fortitude Valley is delivering the ultimate bottomless experience to add to your weekend rotation. Set in the vibrant, newly renovated urban oasis Cloudland Garden, this two-hour bottomless lunch is equal parts indulgent and affordable. It's all about relaxed, share-style feasting paired with premium bottomless sips—served to the laidback soundtrack of local DJs spinning all afternoon. Devour a carefully curated selection of gourmet share plates, like butter-poached bug rolls made with creme fraiche, dill, capers, trout roe, and sorghum, butternut pumpkin and taleggio arancini, seared beef skewers served with sauce ravigote and fried garlic, and fried calamari with Sichuan salt and charred lime mayo. Plus, moreish bowls of shoestring fries with spiced salt and house-made dips teamed with woodfired bread—and a Basque cheesecake with lemon curd finale. As for the bottomless drinks menu, you won't be disappointed with an elevated and generous mix of cocktails featuring Malfy Gin, Altos Tequila, Jefferson's Bourbon, along with Mumm Prestige and a selection of premium wines and beers. For more information or to book a table at Cloudland Bottomless Brunch, click here. By Elise Cullen.
Immersive and Instagrammable art has been all the rage in Australia for a few years now. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room has taken up permanent residence in Canberra, Sugar Republic's "dessert museum" keeps popping up, both multi-sensory playground Imaginaria and Van Gogh Alive have been touring the country in 2021, and Melbourne now has its own permanent digital art museum. And, after first hitting our shores in Sydney in 2020, Happy Place is about to jump back on the must-photograph list. Dubbed the "world's most Instagrammable exhibit", the multi-room installation had already travelled across the US and Canada before its first Aussie stop, and now it's heading to Crown Melbourne from Thursday, December 2–Sunday, January 30. Once inside the exhibition, you'll find many OTT rooms to explore, including a rubber ducky bathtub room, a cookie room that actually smells like freshly baked cookies, a room filled with 40,000 golden handmade flowers and a giant rainbow with a golden ball pit (no leprechauns though, sorry). If that doesn't have you reaching for your smartphone, there's also a mind-bending upside-down room and the "world's largest indoor confetti dome". When it was on display in the northern hemisphere, more than one million snap-happy folks visited Happy Place — including, supposedly, celebs such as Adele, Hilary Duff, Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Michelle Gellar — and we're guessing it's going to be equally popular during its return Down Under. While the exhibition is "on a mission to spread happiness around the world", thankfully it isn't actually like The Good Place. Obviously, it's likely to sell out — and fast. Happy Place will be operating under COVID-safe guidelines in Melbourne, which means that all patrons over the age of 16 will need to be double-vaccinated — and there'll be contact tracing in effect, as well as increased sanitisation measures. Find Happy Place at Crown Melbourne, Level 1 Metropol Precinct, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank from Thursday, December 2–Sunday, January 30. Adult tickets start at $24.99 and are on sale now.
You may have caught Zoe Coombs Marr on ABC2's Dirty Laundry Live or in post's bloody riff on death scenes, Oedipus Schmoedipus. Separate to her work with post, Coombs Marr's thing tends to be the timely topic of gender, and bending it. The "awkward sapphic high priestess of cool" (that's a description worth milking) confirms she's been dressing up as a dude (intermittently) all her life — like when she skipped schoolies to put on a drag musical. She's also won a Phillip Parsons Playwright Award and FBi SMAC Best on Stage in her time, which is pretty much as close as you get to having a quality guarantee. Catch her in Dave this week at Sydney's 107 Projects. There are lots of comedians named Dave, but none are quite like this one. Or maybe they all are. Ahead of the show, Zoe gave us the lowdown on dressing in drag (just like Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart and Brie Larsen have been perfecting). START EARLY Drag is a skill like any other. Just like violin, tennis, and passive aggression, the earlier you start, the more honed it'll be! Due to a natural aptitude*, I was lucky enough to get a headstart in childhood and the evidence is strewn through our family photo albums. While my sisters played it safe, as fairies, princesses and fairy princesses, I used these formative years to progress from standard beginner 'genie' 'magician' and 'groom' (to my sister), into more challenging impersonations of The BFG and The Hunchback of Notre Dame before graduating to experimental drag looks including 'Box of Sultanas with a moustache' and 'Tim Shore from the Demtel infomercials, but dead'. If you feel the chance has passed you by, why not take a leaf out of the Dance Moms handbook and live vicariously through your kids? This is particularly easy as all babies look like genderless potatoes. You can easily confuse everyone with the simplest acts, like dressing little Sally in blue or adorning baby Jake's head with one of those weird elastic bows that anxious heteros put on their bald infant girls to make sure that no one mistakes her for a boy. *lesbianism Images: Zoe's baby drag looks. BREASTS See also: Boozies, boobs, melons, honkers, jugs, bazookas, norks… I could go on. Once you move out of your genderless potato phase you're going to have to deal with these guys. If you're Hilary Swank or Gwyneth Paltrow, you'll just need a single crepe bandage, or to stand facing into a strong breeze. If you've got big knockers, like me, you'll probably try a number of uncomfortable and complicated methods involving: Tape - Gaffa tape can work in a pinch, but you need to wear a shirt under it and the shirt will be ruined. Bandages - Don't really work, because they either (a) move apart, creating a 'sausage coming out of its casing' effect or (b) crush your ribs, restrict your breathing and make you feel a little panicky. This is my theory as to why Gwyneth got so emotional at the Oscars. Sports bras - One forward, one back. never worked for me. Thanks for nothing wikihow. Glad wrap - Which works so well at first. Until the sweat comes… and more sweat… and then the rash. And other household items. Then, after all of the sore ribs, bruises, breathlessness and rashes, you'll give in and buy a binder online. Why didn't you do this ages ago, you idiot? And a tip: You will need a helper. As awkward as this may seem, it is nowhere near as awkward as trying to do this on your own in a dressing room. Especially if, like me, you tend to do this at all-male comedy nights where the dressing room is just a small gap behind a curtain next to the pub’s coolroom. FACIAL HAIR You have a couple of options here. If you’re planning on maintaining some sort of attractive aesthetic, or getting laid after your gig, you can just google 'Drag King Makeup' and follow their tips to creating a sexy contoured look. Think sharp edged eyebrows and pencil thin sculptured beards (aka "chinstrap" or "douche beard") that will make you look like a member of Backstreet Boys, circa 1998. However, I personally prefer to take the less popular route and glue hair clippings to my face, giving the effect of a lolly that's fallen on the floor. Glue them on with spirit glue. (Don’t make my mistakes. Remember water-soluble is easiest to get off unless you have the removal fluid. I once had to wash my face with nail polish remover.) You can source the clippings from a friend, partner, pet, or your own ponytail. The darker and coarser the better. Secretly I’ve always thought that pubic hair would be the best route, but have never been game enough to try. We all have to draw the line somewhere. Actually, now that I think of it, an actual beard would be the best, so if you know any hipster dudes whose Newtown microbrewery has failed and they have to shave to get a job in a bank, let me know. HEAD HAIR This is easy. If you have short hair, you're set! If you have long hair, you're also set: just sweep it into a low pony and you'll look like you work at Harvey Norman and sell stolen microphones on the side. Done. GENITALIA So now that you're covered in tape and hair, you'll need a penis too. I read somewhere that a small plastic bag of birdseed in the undies makes a great prosthe-dick. Or you can just go the tried and tested rolled-up sock route, which is what I do. Mainly because I generally forget this step until the last minute and as a result I perform about half my shows in only one sock. But whatever you use, you'll be tempted to make it too big. Rookie mistake. Hold back! One sock is fine. In fact, I like to imagine that Dave's penis is slightly smaller than average. The lack of confidence has to be made up in bravado and results in a far more realistic performance. After all that just whack on a graphic tee, a flannie, a pair of Rip Curl jeans and off you go. Remember, your guy is complex, if beer ads are anything to go by, he could be into football or cricket or larrikinism. Dave is on July 25-26 at 107 Projects before heading to Edinburgh. More info here.
For the past 13 years, Qantas cabin crew have been dressed in Martin Grant's creations — French navy wool suits with a ruby-red vent, bold striped dresses and statement trilby hats — at airports worldwide. Now, Ballarat-born designer Rebecca Vallance is preparing to give Australia's flagship carrier a fresh look. Best known for her luxury cocktail pieces, Vallance started her namesake label in 2011 and debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2014. Since then, her collections have expanded to include categories like workwear and denim. This isn't Vallance's first collaboration with Qantas either — she's designed the business-class pyjamas for Qantas' recently-launched Project Sunrise direct flights to New York, a jersey-style navy set incorporating the airline's iconic kangaroo logo, a geometric heart motif and flight numbers QF3 and QF4. As the eponymous label grows globally — it's set to launch a modest clothing capsule in December with the Middle East market in mind — outfitting Qantas' 17,500-plus employees is just the lift-off it needs. The airline's employees are part of the design process, too. In January, it conducted a company-wide survey on the wearability of the current uniform, and the feedback will inform the redesign's fabric choices, fit and more. The project will also mark Vallance's first foray into menswear, and she's approaching it with practicality in mind. "I've been deep-diving into the staff — how they move, what they need. It's not like designing a normal collection. These garments have to withstand bending, lifting bags, and long flights," Vallance says in an interview with Vogue Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Qantas (@qantas) Line up all ten of Qantas' past uniforms and you'd have a museum-worthy exhibition, with designs from fashion luminaries including Yves Saint Laurent and Emilio Pucci. Vallance hopes to carry on that legacy, this time with an emphasis on sustainability. She's exploring low-impact materials and ways to repurpose the uniforms when they reach their end of life. "Martin Grant did such a fantastic job with the current uniform, and I want to build on that. There have been incredible designers before me, who made iconic uniforms for their time period, so I hope to do the same thing, and that my uniform will last just as long when it's done, for the next 10 to 15 years, at least," she tells Vogue Australia. The new Qantas uniforms will be rolled out in 2027. Images: Qantas
Brisbanites, prepare for your next hotel getaway — but don't expect to travel very far. Come March 2018, the CBD will welcome its first new luxury hotel in decades, W Brisbane. A five-star establishment on the northern side of the river, it's the type of place that screams 'staycation'. Views beyond South Bank and Mt Coot-tha from each of its rooms, three dining and drinking venues, a lounge-style lobby that boasts a DJ booth by night: they're all part of the W Brisbane experience. In-room cocktail bars, free Netflix, a barbecue-lined poolside area and 1,100 square meters of function space are as well. Taking over the spot at 300 George Street that previously housed the city's supreme courts, and forming part of the new Brisbane Quarter development, the hotel won't be lacking in lush facilities, amenities or reasons to drop by. Those staying the night can pick from 280 standard rooms, 28 suites, two extra-luxe spaces they've dubbed "wow" suites and one "extreme wow" offering — all decked out with custom-designed furniture inspired by the state's history. If that's not blissful enough, guests can also head downstairs to the spa, which features a hair and nail salon, vitality pools, relaxation pods and rejuvenating salt inhalation chambers. W Hotels is owned by Marriott International. New hotels are also planned for Sydney in 2019 and Melbourne in 2020. As for the rest of Brisbane Quarter, it's slated to include an office tower, apartments and two levels of retail too. Find W Brisbane at 300 George Street, Brisbane from March 2018. For more information, or to make a reservation from November 2017, visit the hotel website.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 — RNB Fridays has this morning unveiled its mystery act for this year's throwback tour: Brandy. The chart-topping R&B singer will be belting out 90s and 00s hits such as 'Never Say Never', 'Wanna Be Down' and, of course, 'The Boy Is Mine'. So, don't try and hesitate and snap up tickets before it's too late. Put down your So Fresh CD. Crack open your teenage piggy bank. Keep practising your Janet Jackson shimmy. Because a full-blown R&B frenzy is set to sweep the nation this November as live party tour RNB Fridays returns for five mammoth shows. Descending on stadiums in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth between November 8 and 16 (not all on Fridays, mind you), the event has managed to pull a pretty serious lineup of international music legends straight from the 90s and early 2000s. Last year, the event saw tens of thousands of people snap up tickets to see Usher, Salt-N-Pepa and T-Pain. Heading the bill this time around is none other than singing, songwriting, dancing royalty Janet Jackson, in what will be the 30th anniversary of her award-winning album Rhythm Nation. Expect to hear bangers such as 'That's The Way Love Goes' and 'Got 'Til It's Gone'. She'll be joined by Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, 'In da Club' rapper 50 Cent, plus Jason Derulo, Keri Hilson, J-Kwon, Fatman Scoop and Sisqo — who will be performing his 90s smash hit 'Thong Song'. All of them. Together. In one show. RNB FRIDAYS 2019 LINEUP Janet Jackson The Black Eyes Peas 50 Cent Jason Derulo Keri Hilson Sisqo J-Kwon Hosted by Fatman Scoop Brandy RNB FRIDAYS 2019 DATES Perth — HBF Park, Friday, November 8 Melbourne — Marvel Stadium, Saturday, November 9 Adelaide — Adelaide Showground, Sunday, November 10 Brisbane — Brisbane Showgrounds, Friday, November 15 Sydney — Giants Stadium, Saturday, November 16 RnB Fridays Live 2019 pre-sale tickets are up for grabs from Monday, August 12 with general admission on sale from August 19. Image: Janet Jackson 2015 Unbreakable Tour via WikiCommons, RNB Fridays by Mushroom Creative House.
Isabella Rossellini is coming to Australia, dressed as a praying mantis and talking about sex. Set to perform her critically acclaimed, one-woman comedy show Green Porno, Rossellini will hit Australian shores in March next year — touring Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and the Adelaide Festival, with her hilarious take on the fascinating sexual habits of land and marine animals. The playful stage show, based upon Rossellini's short film series and subsequent book of the same name kookily exploring mating in the natural world, will first premier in Los Angeles this November. The screen icon — who is currently studying animal behaviour at Hunter College in New York — says that she's always been interested in animal behaviour: "...and I certainly know a lot of people that are interested I sex. So here you have the three elements that make the core concept of Green Porn." The show first originated in 2008, when Robert Redford asked the Italian actress to create short, environmental films for his Sundance TV Channel. Rossellini then wrote the stage production, alongside Jean-Claude Carrier —well-known author, actor, opera librettist and director. Expect a mix of live performance along with some of Rossellini's short films. The actress dresses up in a variety of ridiculous insect and sea-creature costumes, while providing a storyline that is completely scientifically accurate. Provocative, unusual and hilarious, Green Porno will headline the Adelaide Festival on March 15 & 16, then travel to Perth on March 19, Sydney on March 22 and Brisbane on March 24. Short stories about sex and animals — who would want to miss it? Tour dates Adelaide Festival: Her Majesty's Theatre, March 15-16. Tickets from adelaidefestival.com.au Perth: Perth Concert Hall, March 19. Tickets from ticketek.com.au Sydney: City Recital Hall, Angel Place, March 22. Tickets from cityrecitalhall.com or Ticketmaster. Brisbane: Brisbane Concert Hall, March 24. Tickets from qpac.com.au. Update (December 6): Rossellini has added an extra date to her tour — Melbourne. She'll be presenting Green Porno at the Playhouse, Arts Centre, on Wednesday, March 26. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BckqviVaWl0
Everyone loves a trip to the flicks — but if you're only heading to the pictures to check out the latest releases, you're missing out on half the fun. Seeing a classic film in a cinema isn't just an indulgence of avid movie buffs looking to climb off their couches, but a way to relive your love of your favourite big screen fare, discover something old to most but new to you, or both. Indeed, Brisbane is booming with retro programs that celebrate the hits from times gone by, and showcase the otherwise under-seen and under-appreciated. Check out these nine places for your trip down cinema memory lane — or to finally see a beloved classic the way it is meant to be seen: on as large a screen as possible, in the dark, with no distractions. GOMA's AUSTRALIAN CINÉMATHÈQUE If there's one place anyone with even a passing interest in film should flock to, it's the Australian Cinémathèque at the Gallery of Modern Art. When it comes to interesting and diverse cinema programs curated to expand audience horizons, no one does it better. In the nearly nine years since GOMA first opened, their two screens have examined American horror films, monsters in the movies, the wild days of pre-code Hollywood cinema and the wonders of cult Japanese filmmaking — and that's just a taste of their past and present lineups. Their slates tend to alternate between thematic collections of more mainstream fare and avant-garde, experimental and auteurist spotlights, so there really is something for everyone. PALACE CENTRO If you like the hustle and bustle of film festivals, you're probably quite accustomed to going to Palace Centro to devour movies from around the world. If you also like retro cinema wonders, you best get used to calling the James Street mainstay your second home. Their long-running Vintage Centro program keeps going from strength to strength, highlighting the kind of classics that you've either seen plenty of times (Blade Runner and Monty Python's the Life of Brian for example), or really should've (such as Nashville and Picnic at Hanging Rock). There's also usually more than one lineup of older fare gracing their screens, whether fashion on film or cult classics are your thing. Yes, that's their two latest — and maybe greatest — programs. Image: Kgbo. KRISTIAN FLETCHER Sometimes, you'll find all the retro film fun you're after under one roof. Sometimes, you'll find it all in one great movie mind, and then unfurled across a raft of venues. The latter is the case with Kristian Fletcher's focus on all things cult, which often pop up at the Schonell and the New Globe theatres. From The Toxic Avenger to Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and Labyrinth to Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the weird and wonderful are his forte, as well as the all-round awesome. If you've thrown spoons at The Room or sung along to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, chances are you've been at one of his screenings. CINE-RETRO FILM SOCIETY Want to not only celebrate classic films, but enjoy them the way they're meant to be screened? Then the Cine-Retro Film Society is the place for you — aka Brisbane's only organisation dedicated to fostering an appreciation of pre-1960 British and American cinema. Their film nights, usually held monthly at the Old Museum, include an introduction, a reel of shorts before the feature, and project vintage prints from the National Film and Sound Archive Collection on 35mm and 16mm. Whether you're a member or you're heading along to one of Cine-Retro's showcase general admission sessions, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. NEW FARM CINEMAS Since bursting on to Brisbane's cinema scene just one year ago — or returning an old venue to its former glory and then some, more accurately — New Farm Cinemas has proven full of surprises. Screening new releases is their bread and butter, but they've also hosted a brand-new film festival, opened up their foyer to artisan markets, and broadened their movie horizons to include a celebration of Italian cinema during Italian week as well as the Queensland premiere of The Human Centipede 3. Nestled amongst this eclectic mix are one-off sessions of older fare as part of their Flashback Films program, and partnerships with other film-loving entities, such as the Friday Fright Night series with Monster Films. Basically, expect the unexpected — unless you're talking about their movie-themed pizza menu, which is always clever and delicious. EVENT MYER CENTRE Because every mainstream movie house dallies with the retro side of cinema these days, Event Myer Centre in the Brisbane CBD has also gotten in on the action. The top-level theatre is calling their In the House program a cult film festival; however here's hoping popularity will make it a permanent fixture. Flicks to see before you die is their angle, spanning the best of James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Jim Henson, John Landis, Quentin Tarantino and more. If you've never seen Jaws, An American Werewolf in London or Pulp Fiction on a big screen, here's your opportunity. BRISBANE LIBRARIES The days of libraries serving up literature, learning and little else are long gone. The days of books and computers sharing the spotlight with events and film screenings: they're the days we're currently enjoying. Across the city, many a Council-run establishment also boasts a movie contingent, although the programming can be intermittent. Family fare such as James and the Giant Peach often features during school holidays, while beloved golden oldies like The Wizard of Oz also pop up frequently. For those looking for challenging and often-unseen film content as well as classics, the stellar queer film nights are must-attend events, alternating fortnightly between New Farm and West End. MOONLIGHT CINEMA When it comes to cinema under the stars during summer, you can't go past Moonlight Cinema. For many a year, they've hung their giant screen from Brisbane Powerhouse's stores building on the edge of New Farm Park, and welcomed many a patron onto their bean bags. Two things make their program stand out: sneak peeks of new movies yet to reach the multiplexes, and an array of celluloid treasures everyone has some affection for. Sure, you've probably seen Dirty Dancing, Top Gun and Breakfast at Tiffany's there before; however one of the things that makes each a favourite is that they're endlessly rewatchable. OPENAIR CINEMAS Who doesn't want to watch movies by the riverside, particularly when the weather starts to warm up? Come October and November, OpenAir Cinemas allows Brisbanites to do just that when their national roadshow sets up shop at South Bank. What each year's lineup offers is a mystery until a month or so out, though we all know that new and old flicks will happily mingle. A number of the classics that grace other venue's bills always feature — but there's just something special about seeing a movie while relaxing on a deck chair and eating your own picnic dinner.
The Great Barrier Reef is high on many family bucket lists and this adventure at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site makes it all the more accessible. For an entirely unique experience, give the gift of a day with reef tour operators Great Adventures with an underwater scooter adventure. It's the perfect option for less confident swimmers (as no swimming is actually involved). They'll be sitting comfortably with their head and shoulders safely enclosed in an astronaut-like dome supplying airflow and 180-degree sight lines while they cruise the reef. This experience is an optional tour extra ($175 for over 12s) on top of the snorkelling, underwater observatory viewing and catering that a standard tour ticket supplies. Image: Great Adventures
If you’re not a regular of The Tiller, it’s because you don’t live anywhere near Newmarket train station. If you did, you’d be there every morning. Staff (who are lovely) operate out of a battered old orange storage container, serving up cups of liquid gold. Chemex, AeroPress and cold drip methods are used, as are single origin coffees and a variety of ethically sourced blends; however, if you want the best of The Tiller’s coffee experience, we recommend the house espresso blend. Courtesy of Wolff Coffee Roasters, Three Mile Scrub (Newmarket’s former name) is smooth and rounded, a definite crowd-pleaser. Tiller Coffee has a stated commitment to sustainability, and therefore their house blend is often tweaked according to seasonality and availability. Buzzwords like ‘sustainable’, ‘seasonal’, ‘ethical’ and ‘local’ are tossed around these days, but The Tiller appears to follow through. This is particularly evident in the number of local small businesses to feature on their menu. Their traditional kettle boiled bagels ($12) are sourced from The Bagel Boys, their bread and croissants are freshly baked daily by Crust & Co and their relishes and jams are made by Taringa’s Love and Provisions. An assortment of goodies is also available for takeaway, including canisters of Mörk hot chocolate mix and handmade chocolate from Bahen & Co. The food offerings are few, but that’s because there is no padding or filler; the menu is thoughtfully curated to serve the atmosphere and ethos of the cafe and, of course, the coffee. That said, though some other brew bars’ non-coffee options can seem a bit perfunctory, The Tiller really comes through for the non-coffee drinker. In addition to looseleaf teas, they serve up Mörk hot chocolate ($4) and ginger chocolate milkshakes ($6). A brew bar housed in a shipping container with upturned zabuton-topped plastic crates for seating and tree stumps for tables might sound like something of a hipster cliche to the more cynical among us, but rest assured that The Tiller is as much substance as style. A unique establishment, they successfully exercise their philosophy, and come off as sincere in their commitment to coffee and community.
When the fuel light starts glowing, it's easy to pull into the nearest service station and pay the corresponding (and hardly cheap) price. No one likes forking out big bucks for petrol, though, which is why it's always such a huge talking point. No matter what you're driving, when it comes to the pump, every motorist loves a bargain. Opening its first retail outlet, Queensland-based company Mega Fuels is doing its best to entice car owners to Rocklea on Saturday, July 20 by giving everyone what they want: heavily discounted petrol. If you race on in between 9am–12pm, you'll be able to fill up your tank with unleaded for 99 cents per litre. There'll also be discounted premium diesel, should that get your engine running. If you fancy a snack while you're in the city's western suburbs, the new Ipswich Road spot will also be putting on a free barbecue. If hardware and sausages can go hand-in-hand, then servos and and barbies can too. And, for dedicated car fans — as opposed to just cheap petrol fans — Supercars champion James Courtney will be onsite, complete with a show car and other race cars.
If you didn't see The Fall Guy, Twisters, Deadpool & Wolverine, Challengers, Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot or It Ends with Us on the big screen already in 2024, here's the perfect way to catch up with them: under the stars, while sprawled out on a picnic blanket or sat on a bean bed, at the latest season of Moonlight Cinema. And if watching Christmas films is one of your festive traditions, here's a scenic way to do that, too, with this annual opportunity to enjoy a movie outside packing its just-dropped first lineup for this year with seasonal flicks. As it does every summer, Moonlight Cinema is returning for another run of films in the open air, including at Brisbane's Roma Street Parklands from Thursday, November 21, 2024–Sunday, February 16, 2025. Among the brand-new titles, Gladiator II and Wicked are also on the bill, as are an advanced screening of the Hugh Grant (Unfrosted)-starring horror film Heretic. When Paddington in Peru gets the same treatment, you'll want marmalade sandwiches in your picnic basket. The OG version of Mean Girls will grace Moonlight Cinema's screens, too, as will 2023's smash-hit Barbie. For a merry time at the movies — a jolly one as well — the roster of Christmas fare spans the new Red One, as well as classics Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Come January, A Complete Unknown has your Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two) fix covered and the OG Freaky Friday will give you a blast from the past before the sequel arrives later in 2025. Plus, We Live in Time, Heretic and Mufasa: The Lion King will also play under the stars. Other highlights include Gladiator II, Moana 2, Paddington in Peru and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, giving franchises plenty of love; Better Man joining the music-fuelled picks; the Jesse Eisenberg (Sasquatch Sunset)-starring, -written and -directed A Real Pain; and Conclave's tension in the Vatican. Among the retro fare, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shrek and The Princess Diaries will get you looking backwards. As always, the films and the setting are just two parts of the cinema's experience. Also on offer: the returning Aperol spritz bar. Nosh-wise, the event will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks (not booze, though), but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. There'll also be two VIP sections for an extra-luxe openair movie experience and a beauty cart handing out samples. Plus, dogs are welcome — there's even special doggo bean beds. Updated: December 12, 2024.
If there's a question that no employee wants to hear from the person setting company agendas, pulling strings and signing paycheques, it's "what do we do?". In The Consultant, Regus Patoff (Christoph Waltz, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) asks a variation of it early — "what do we make?" he queries at CompWare after he arrives amid grim circumstances. The mobile gaming outfit came to fame under wunderkind Sang (TV first-timer Brian Yoon), so much so that school groups tour the firm's office. Then, during the visit that opens this eight-part Prime Video thriller, a kid shoots and kills the company's founder. That doesn't stop Regus from showing up afterwards clutching a signed contract from Sang and spouting a mandate to do whatever it takes to maximise his legacy. Regus is as stern yet eccentric as Waltz has become known for — a suit- and tie-wearing kindred spirit to Inglourious Basterds' Hans Landa, plus Spectre and No Time to Die's Ernst Stavro Blofield. He first darkens CompWare's door in the thick of night, when only ambitious assistant Elaine Hayman (Brittany O'Grady, The White Lotus) and stoner coder Craig Horne (Nat Wolff, Joe vs Carole) are onsite, and he won't take no for an answer. There's no consultant job for him to have, Elaine tells him. There's no business to whip into shape, she stresses. By the next morning, he's corralling employees for an all-hands meeting and telling remote workers they'll be fired if they don't show up in-person within an hour, even if he proudly doesn't know what CompWare does — or care. Giving the small screen its latest moody and mysterious workplace nightmare, The Consultant adapts horror author Bentley Little's 2016 novel of the same name, but plays like Severance filtered through Servant. Similarities with the former come with the setting, tone and keep-'em-guessing setup, while commonalities with the latter arise from sharing creator Tony Basgallop. Both series kick off with a blow-in, unsettle a group already coping with tragedy and reorder their status quo with severe methods. Both lace the chaos that follows with nods towards the supernatural, and both ask what bargains we're willing to make — or not — to live the lives we're striving for. The Consultant hinges upon two ideas: the disdain all workers have for head honchos who slash and restructure without knowing the daily grind, bothering to understand it or even pretending to get to know their staff; and the lengths someone might be willing to go to, including what they may accept and overlook, to advance their own careers. Regus doesn't waste any time earning ire, whether through arbitrary firings — he claims one worker smells of "putrid fruit" — or by pitting his employees against each other to fight for a management office. But, as he sits in the top-floor suite still splattered with Sang's blood, he also accepts Elaine's self-given title bump to Creative Liaison and rushes Craig's new game into production. There's still plenty getting Elaine and Craig questioning, such as Regus' around-the-clock calls, the basement records room filled with invasive personal files that no one previously knew about, his sudden rule changes — one day, shoes are verboten — and how he whisks off Sang's visiting mother (Gloria John, Shifter), who actually now owns the company, but doesn't take her to her hotel or anywhere else she can be found. Elaine and Craig also have a romantic past to deal with, The Consultant's most obligatory narrative detail. Plus, Craig is preparing to marry the Catholic Patti (Aimee Carrero, Spirited), who isn't fond of his slacker vibe or his at-work friendships. And, there's a helluva mid-series night that involves a sky-high nightclub, a Russian model (Gena Heylock, Chicago Med) with prosthetic limbs and a wild car ride. The heavy splashes of red that colour The Consultant's opening titles and much of CompWare's office lighting aren't subtle. Neither is the "devil made me do it" excuse offered by Sang's boy killer or the soundtrack's use of Elvis Presley's '(You're the) Devil in Disguise'. But Basgallop excels at keeping viewers guessing about whether the diabolical events that come his characters' way have nefarious sources, or if they're as easily explainable via everyday details. His two currently streaming series are also masterclasses in using their confined settings — The Consultant steps beyond CompWare HQ rarely, like Servant and its Philadelphia brownstone — to bubble with unease. The Severance comparisons kick in again here, too, weaponising and satirising a tech company's look and feel, as well as its attitude and atmosphere. While O'Grady backs up her stellar turn opposite Euphoria's Sydney Sweeney in The White Lotus with another astute performance — and character — and Wolff conveys disaffected but driven with ease, The Consultant wouldn't be as quick a binge without Waltz. Quentin Tarantino has built two films around him, with both Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained winning the actor Oscars, and he's perfectly cast here. There's also a slipperiness to Waltz's involvement that matches Basgallop's fondness for the same trait. Viewers know exactly how the series' biggest-name star will play Regus and he doesn't disappoint, but that alone doesn't explain everything about the sinister character. As Waltz gets menacing and malevolent, and O'Grady and Wolff flit from shock to acquiescence and back again and again, The Consultant makes expected points about corporate culture, its cut-throat dynamics and increasingly 24/7 demands; the 21st-century employment landscape and its ruthlessness towards employees; and the engrained mindset that has everyone dutifully complying with authority. Familiar but still topical, sly, smart and shrewd: that's the thematic terrain the series traverses, and well. Try not to think of recent social-media moves when Regus starts throwing his weight around, for instance. Try not to ponder your own horrible bosses — yes, Waltz has played one before in Horrible Bosses 2 — and career pressure points, too. There's no point trying not to get drawn into this tense, suspenseful and slickly made series, however, which boasts Destroyer and Yellowjackets' Karyn Kusama among its directors, and lures in viewers as easily as addictive mobile games. Check out the trailer for The Consultant below: The Consultant streams via Prime Video.
When Brisbane's new Queen's Wharf precinct starts welcoming in patrons from the end of August, a culinary feast will await. They're not all opening upon launch, but this new riverside hub will feature restaurants serving up Indochine, Japanese, Italian, noodle, lamb, steak and seafood dishes — and that's just a taste of the eateries that'll call the site home. Add French fare to the list as well, courtesy of the just-announced Pompette. Escargot? Tick. Champagne? Tick. Oysters? Tick again. Classic French menu items will be on offer at this restaurant and champagne bar, but with two guiding principles in mind. Firstly, Pompette's dishes are set to give traditional meals a modern spin. Secondly, if sending your tastebuds to Paris normally gets you thinking about extravagant fine-dining, this spot is aiming to be more accessible. Tassis Group is bringing Pompette to fruition, with the hospitality group now boasting not one but two Queen's Wharf venues after the lamb-heroing Dark Shepherd. Both are set to open in September, the month after the precinct initially begins launching. For Pompette, you'll be heading to The Terrace on level four of The Star Brisbane. Michael Tassis, Tassis Group's owner, sees the site as "the perfect opportunity to experiment with a fun and fresh venue concept." He continued: "we're so excited to expand on our offerings and bring a slice of France to Brisbane. French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and textures — but many people find it intimidating. The concept of Pompette is to make that French dining experience a little more approachable". The restaurant will be located at at the end of the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge, not only giving it views of the Brisbane River out over to South Bank, but continuing another trend for the hospitality company. Before 2025 hits, it'll add to its growing array of Brisbane restaurants — which also includes Longwang and Fatcow on James Street, both of which also opened in 2024, plus Yamas Greek + Drink, Opa Bar + Mezze, Massimo Restaurant & Bar, Rich & Rare and Fosh Bar & Restaurant — with two new venues as part of Kangaroo Point's green bridge. At Pompette, regular Tassis collaborators Clui Design are responsible for the look and feel, too — taking inspiration from Paris here, of course. As for what else the eatery will serve up under Head Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet, most menu details are still under wraps, other than the aforementioned escargot, oysters and champagne. You can start looking forward to steak au poivre — aka pepper steak — however, and all-day dining will be a big drawcard. Find Pompette at The Star Brisbane, Queen's Wharf Road, Brisbane from sometime in September 2024 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it is announced. Head to the restaurant's website for more details in the interim. Food images: Markus Ravik.
When it comes to experiencing the great outdoors it doesn't get much better than Tasmania. So it's no surprise that, according to Airbnb, the Best Nature Stay in Australia can be found in the Apple Isle. The winning property: Susie Aulich's The Container listing, which is the epitome of the eco-luxe aesthetic. The striking home is made out of a recycled shipping container that's been reimagined into an extravagant one-bedroom getaway blessed with uninterrupted views of the bucolic landscape of Lilydale, a town perched on the foothills of Mount Arthur and just half an hour's drive from Launceston. Catering to solo parties or couples, The Container offers an immersive nature experience. It's set on a stunning farm that's also home to all manner of flora and fauna, like chickens, wallabies, echidnas, incredible birdlife, peonies, waratahs, pepperberries and more. The perfect setting, in other words, to disconnect from reality. Fresh off her win, we spoke with Aulich about her hosting journey and her incredible property. Firstly, what are the qualities that make a good Host, Susie? Authenticity and attention to detail. What do you do to ensure an outstanding experience for your guests? Be who you are. While our guests don't ever meet us, they get a feel for who we are through The Container. We designed The Container and all that is in here for us — it's how we want to stay, travel and experience life. We believe in abundance so we supply guests with an abundance of local produce, fresh flowers and the best our local artisans can deliver. We keep signs to a minimum, which allows guests to truly immerse themselves in their surrounds. They get to experience life here just as we do. What's your favourite thing about your property? It's constantly changing — every day nature is changing. At The Container, you are surrounded by big skies and small wonders. Nature is the true host and our guests get to experience being connected to nature in a creative space. What's something you love about hosting? People are really happy and open when on a holiday — they bring joy to your place and they are open to a wonderful experience. It's an honour to be part of people's lives at such a special time. What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a Host? Start as you intend to continue. Set up your Airbnb to suit your lifestyle. What has hosting allowed you to do? I can live the life I want on my property — Airbnb gives me the freedom to stay, play and live on my farm, and going to work involves wandering from my house to the accommodations, checking on the chooks and my garden on the way. Want to begin your own hosting journey with Airbnb? If you're feeling inspired, head to the website to find out how to get started. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Bec Baxter
Why spend just over a week worshipping the silver screen, as most film festivals do, when you can stretch the in-cinema celebration out to more than a fortnight, and throw in over a week of online viewings as well? That's Melbourne International Film Festival's approach. In 2023, now that the event's full lineup is newly here, it's also asking another question: why just have Tilda Swinton star in a film as one character when she can play two, and a mother and daughter at that? The movie in question is The Eternal Daughter, Swinton's latest collaboration with filmmaker Joanna Hogg after the sublime The Souvenir and The Souvenir: Part II, and it's one of MIFF's big 2023 highlights. Yes, there's more — much, much more. This year's fest will screen 267 films to Melbourne and Victorian movie buffs, in fact, plus a selection of picks virtually and nationally via the returning MIFF Play. 2023's festival footprint mimics the setup that worked so well for the film feast in 2022, which was its first proper year back after the pandemic began. So, it's gracing cinemas in Melbourne from Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 20; hitting the big screen in regional Victorian locations from Friday, August 11–Sunday, August 13 and Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 20; and also going digital from Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 27. Shayda, a Melbourne-set drama that won an Audience Award at Sundance, was revealed as MIFF's 2023 opening-night flick back in May. The world premiere of Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story, paying tribute to the Australian record executive and promoter with help from Kylie Minogue, Dave Grohl, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Jimmy Barnes, was also announced then, taking the fest's centrepiece slot. Now, they're joined by Theatre Camp among MIFF's high-profile sessions, with closing night scoring the Aussie debut of a crowd-pleasing comedy about loving the stage, as starring and co-written and co-directed by Booksmart and The Bear's Molly Gordon. Other standouts include Anatomy of a Fall, a drama about an author (Sandra Hüller, Toni Erdmann) accused of her husband's murder, which won French director Justine Triet (Sibyl) the French festival's top prize back in May; May December, which hails from Carol director Todd Haynes, is led by Natalie Portman (Thor: Love and Thunder) and Julianne Moore (Sharper), and dives into a scandal; Certain Women's Kelly Reichardt reteaming with Michelle Williams again with Showing Up; and Biosphere, about the last two men on earth, with star and co-writer Mark Duplass (The Morning Show) coming to Melbourne in-person with the film. Or, there's the Josh O'Connor (Mothering Sunday)-led La Chimera from Happy as Lazzaro's Alice Rohrwacher, Catherine Breillat's (Abuse of Weakness) return with Last Summer, Paul Schrader's (The Card Counter) Master Gardener starring Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), and Hirokazu Kore-eda's Monster — the prolific helmer's latest on a lengthy resume that also includes Shoplifters and Broker. Keen to settle in for the long haul? Still on big-name filmmakers, Nuri Bilge Ceylan's (The Wild Pear Tree) latest About Dry Grasses clocks in at 197 minutes. In 2022, MIFF launched Bright Horizons, its official competition — and the titles vying for glory in 2023, all from either first- or second-time filmmakers, are impressive for the second year running. Among 11 films, Shayda fits the bill, as does Cannes Un Certain Regard Prize-winner How to Have Sex, about three British teen girls on a boozy getaway; Earth Mama, an A24 release by Grammy-nominated music video veteran Savanah Leaf; and Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, which follows a musical journey across the Vietnamese countryside. Also, the star-cross'd lovers-focused Banel & Adama plays direct from Cannes, Disco Boy stars German talent Franz Rogowski (Great Freedom) and Animalia explores an alien invasion in Morocco. Elsewhere, Cobweb stars Parasite's Song Kang-ho and is helmed by I Saw the Devil director Kim Jee-woon, the prolific Hong Sang-soo (The Novelist's Film) returns with Walk Up, and four-time British Independent Film Award-winner Blue Jean focuses on a lesbian teacher in Thatcher's England. Oscar-winning Amy and Senna filmmaker Asif Kapadia takes cues from Woyzeck and Frankenstein with the expressionistic dance-filled Creature; 2023 Sydney Film Prize-winner The Mother of All Lies heads south; You Can Call Me Bill pays tribute to the inimitable William Shatner; and Soda Jerk's first film since Terror Nullius, Hello Dankness, offers a chaotic yet cutting survey of US politics from 2016 onwards. MIFF 2023 will also feature eerie fare in the form of Sleep, by Bong Joon-ho protégé Jason Yu; birth/rebirth, which also riffs on Frankenstein; Perpetrator with Clueless favourite Alicia Silverstone; and Australia's own Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism. And, no strangers to showcasing giallo, including running a retrospective on Italian horror before, the fest is going all in on Suspiria, Tenebrae and Deep Red director Dario Argento. Among MIFF's shorts are Pedro Almodóvar's (Parallel Mothers) queer western Strange Way of Life starring Ethan Hawke (Moon Knight) and Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), and also Trailer of the Film That Will Never Exist: 'Phony Wars', the last film by iconic French director Jean-Luc Godard before his passing. All of the above — and a whole lot more — joins previously announced titles such as The Rooster, starring Hugo Weaving (Love Me) and Phoenix Raei (The Night Agent); Celine Song's debut feature Past Lives, a bittersweet romance about two childhood friends (Russian Doll's Greta Lee and Decision to Leave's Teo Yoo) who briefly reunite after decades apart; Bad Behaviour, the feature directorial debut of actor-turned-filmmaker Alice Englert (You Won't Be Alone) starring Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick); BlackBerry, which delves into the smartphone's rise and fall — and satirises it — with Jay Baruchel (FUBAR) and Glenn Howerton (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) among the cast; and The Kingdom Exodus, Lars von Trier's latest followup to 1994's miniseries The Kingdom and its 1997 second season. The 2023 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 20 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 11–Sunday, August 13 and Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 20 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide with MIFF Play from Friday, August 18–Sunday, August 27. For further details, including tickets from Friday, July 14, visit the MIFF website.
Where can you play a music game show, watch well-known folks do the same, and possibly spend the evening in the company of Spicks and Specks favourite Myf Warhurst or Murray Cook from The Wiggles — or Broden Kelly and Mark Samual Bonanno from Aunty Donna, Boy Swallows Universe author Trent Dalton, Agro, Ben Lee, Steven Bradbury, Kate Miller-Heidke, Robert Irwin, Ranger Stacey, Craig Lowndes, Tim Rogers, Will Anderson and Adam Hills, plus perhaps members of Powderfinger, Dune Rats, DZ Deathrays, Ruby Fields, Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants and The Go-Betweens? In Brisbane, there's one answer: at Not on Your Rider. Taking some cues from Spicks and Specks and the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, aka the show that the hit Australian TV series is based, Not On Your Rider gives the big name-filled music quiz panel show format the live treatment. Yes, the audience gets to play, too. And yes, the event is back for 2025. This year, there's a few changes in store — not to the format, but to how and when Brisbanites can head along. After the 2025 season kicks off on Thursday, March 20, it'll mostly return bimonthly. So, mark your calendar for Thursday, May 15, plus Thursday, July 10 and Thursday, September 11 as well. Not On Your Rider's Halloween Spooktacular will be back on Thursday, October 30, while the Christmas show will cap off the year on Thursday, December 18. Also, 2025's events are headed riverside, to the Felons Barrel Hall at Howard Smith Wharves in the Brisbane CBD. This might be a case of new year, new venue, but the setup remains the same otherwise. Attendees will be peering at a stage, rather than a screen — and answering questions themselves, of course. And if it has you thinking about pub trivia nights, they don't include The Creases' Aimon Clark (who is also behind Isolation Trivia) and Patience Hodgson from The Grates hosting, let alone a heap of entertainment-industry guests. Here's how it works: Not On Your Rider takes something that everyone loves — showing off their music trivia knowledge — and dials it up a few notches. While the two on-stage teams are always filled with musos, comedians, drag queens and other guests, anyone can buy a ticket, sit at a table and answer questions along with them. The quiz element is accompanied by chats about the music industry, plus other mini games involving attendees. Images: Darcy Goss Media / Dave Kan / Bianca Holderness.
When HOTA, Home of the Arts opened its new six-storey gallery in May, it did more than just give Gold Coast residents a towering place to peer at art. That's obviously on the agenda — the site is Australia's largest gallery outside of a capital city, after all — but the colourful building is also home to a sky-high drinking spot. If walking through art-adorned halls and staring at masterpieces makes you work up a thirst, you'll want to end your visit to HOTA Gallery with a trip to its fifth floor. That's where you'll find The Exhibitionist, an attention-grabbing bar that pairs bites and beverages with views across the city, as well as out to the hinterland. Here, you can sit either indoors or outdoors, then tuck into tapas, sip cocktails and stare at the Surfers Paradise skyline. The drinks lineup goes heavy on cocktails; the 'Heat and Time' pairs gin, mezcal foam, lemon and ginger, for instance. You can also enjoy a glass of wine, knock back local craft brews or opt for a house-made soda. Food-wise, head chef Dayan Hartill-Law has whipped up a menu filled with share options, including salt and vinegar onion rings ($9), suckling pig sausage rolls with burnt strawberry ketchup ($9), oysters with finger lime vinegar ($6) and halloumi with green tomato pickle ($12). Or, there's the duck pie made with sour cream pastry (14), oven-roasted Gold Coast prawns ($16) and a brioche lobster roll with Sriracha mayonnaise ($16) — which you can then follow up with cheesecake mousse ($14) or cake truffles ($4) for dessert.
True Detective started with Matthew McConaughey (The Rivals of Amziah King) and Woody Harrelson (Last Breath) as its leads. Next came Taylor Kitsch (American Primeval), Colin Farrell (The Penguin) and Rachel McAdams (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret). Mahershala Ali (Jurassic World Rebirth) and Stephen Dorff (Bride Hard) did the honours, too, followed by Jodie Foster (Nyad) and Kali Reis (Rebuilding). And if the world is lucky, Nicolas Cage (The Surfer) could join that list. Variety is reporting that Cage is in talks to star in True Detective's fifth season — which The Hollywood Reporter notes is expected to arrive in 2027. So far, the only details confirmed include that the new episodes will be set in New York's Jamaica Bay area, and that Tigers Are Not Afraid filmmaker Issa López, who wrote and directed every one episode of True Detective: Night Country, is due to return. [caption id="attachment_793116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jim Bridges/HBO[/caption] Cage can and has played everyone from Dracula, a man who thinks he's a vampire, himself, a heartbroken lumberjack and an alpaca-milking dad to black-and-white film noir-style Spider-Man, twins, an Elvis obsessive, a terrorist switching faces with an FBI agent, a man everyone dreams about, a serial killer and an Aussie expat who just wants to hit the waves at his childhood beach (and much, much more). A cop on the case in True Detective? It'd be dream casting. The series was renewed for season five after its fourth season dropped in January 2024 and became the most-watched season of the show ever. Across the show's run, it's always been a case of new batch of episodes, new police officers, new case, as the series has been delivering since 2014. "Issa Lopez is that one-of-a-kind, rare talent that speaks directly to HBO's creative spirit. She helmed True Detective: Night Country from start to finish, never once faltering from her own commendable vision, and inspiring us with her resilience both on the page and behind the camera," said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, back when season five was revealed. "From conception to release, Night Country has been the most beautiful collaboration and adventure of my entire creative life. HBO trusted my vision all the way, and the idea of bringing to life a new incarnation of True Detective with Casey, Francesca and the whole team is a dream come true. I can't wait to go again," added Lopez. There's obviously no trailer yet for True Detective season five, but check out the full trailer for True Detective: Night Country below: Season five of True Detective doesn't yet have a release date, but we'll update you when more details are announced. True Detective: Night Country streams via Max in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review. Via Variety/The Hollywood Reporter. Top image: Jason Bollenbacher/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images.
A trip to the Queensland Art Gallery or the Gallery of Modern Art usually brings with it the happy dilemma of deciding what to have for lunch in South Bank. Our recommendation for your next visit: GOMA Restaurant, a regular recipient of two chef's hats from the Good Food Guide Awards. The fit out is simple, not just providing a frame for the view but a blank canvas for the beautiful-looking dishes. Friendly waitstaff pre-empt any questions about the menu you may have. The current menu is pleasingly cohesive: clean flavours with lots of lean proteins, an abundance of native ingredients and creative plating feature throughout. It would be a terribly obvious cliche to describe the dishes as works of art; however, in keeping with their location, the presentation of the food is modern and unabashedly arty. It is hard to smother a goofy smile when presented with the dessert of gianduja & milk chocolate crémeux, hazelnut praline, sour raspberries and violet caramel. GOMA Restaurant always puts on a show with its sweet treats. Two-course and three-course set menus are offered (and are good value), as well as a seven-course degustation. The food not being heavy — you needn't fear leaving the restaurant too full — though you always have the option of walking it off by taking a stroll around the gallery or along the river.
Fancy pairing your next gluten-free doughnut with a mid-morning tipple? Nodo Donuts has you covered, with its Newstead cafe now serving up cocktails, boutique beers and ciders. Designed with boozy brunches in mind, the brand new drinks menu spans acai spritzes, mandarin mimosas, native gin and tonics and cuba libres. There's also an incredibly apt beverage, and one that's likely to be rather popular: doughnut martinis. Ingredient-wise, the drinks range continues Nodo's gluten-free, natural, local-focused and organic ethos. You'll be sipping on fair trade cacao liqueur from Peru, native spiced butterfly pea flower gin and collaborative farming champagne from South Australia. Or, if you opt for something other than a cocktail, you'll be tucking into gluten-free, organic and fair-trade spirits, boutique beers and ciders. As for the food side of the brunch equation, that's up to you to decide from the seasonal menu. There are doughnuts, obviously; however the current cafe lineup also includes crab benedict on house-baked brioche, bacon and eggs on a pretzel bun, sourdough hotcakes and kimchi cheeseburgers. At present, the drinks menu is only on offer at Nodo's Newstead eatery, so you won't find the beverages in the CBD or Camp Hill. Those stopping by the inner north will be able to enjoy a tipple from 10am–3pm daily, with the menu launching on Thursday, July 25. Find Nodo Donuts at 1 Ella St, Newstead, open daily from 7am–3pm, with its boozy brunch menu on offer from 10am–3pm.
Along the 1200 kilometres of coastal glory that stretches between Perth and Exmouth, you can dive with whale sharks, meet some of the friendliest dolphins you'll find anywhere, visit the oldest living fossils in the world, get to know sea lions, lose yourself snorkelling in beachside coral gardens and drink as many cocktails at sunset as you can handle. With all the spectacular views, but much less of the population of Australia's east coast, the Coral Coast provides one wild, beautiful road trip. Here's our guide to making the most of seven days behind the wheel. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are limitations on where you can go on a holiday. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_773124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] DAY ONE: PERTH TO GERALDTON, 420KM From Perth, follow Indian Ocean Drive north. Two hours brings you to the white-sanded fishing village of Cervantes. From here, you can stroll among meadows crowded with wildflowers, nip out to local islands to laze about with sea lions and marvel at The Pinnacles — 30,000-year-old limestone formations within the desertscapes of the Nambung National Park. For the next 200 kilometres, the road hugs the coast, slipping through a collective of laidback beachside towns. Once you hit Geraldton, you'll be ready for a windsurfing lesson among ideal conditions and an over-water sunset, accompanied by a good dose of western rock lobster. It's arguably the freshest, tastiest seafood in Australia. [caption id="attachment_773133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australia's Coral Coast[/caption] DAY TWO: GERALDTON TO CARNARVON, 480KM By the time you reach your next destination, Carnarvon, you're in tropical WA. On the fertile plains of the Gascoyne River, more than 170 plantations produce over 4000 tonnes of bananas and 1300 tonnes of mangos annually, plus tomatoes, grapes, capsicum and more. That's why Carnarvon is known locally as the 'salad bowl of Western Australia'. Wander through lush farms before heading to a local restaurant to indulge in the seafood of your choice: prawns, scallops, crabs and fish are delivered to your plate direct from the sea. Your evening should also include a sunset stroll along the fascine. If you're there on a Saturday morning between May and October, visit the Growers Market, where farmers and producers pour in from all over the region to peddle their wares. [caption id="attachment_773142" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY THREE: CARNARVON TO EXMOUTH, 370KM Make your first stop the Quobba Blowholes, just 75 kilometres north. Slamming against the coast with a mighty force, the swell is pushed through narrow rock openings and sea caves, creating spectacular water jets that spout as high as 20 metres. To decompress afterwards, pop just one kilometre south, where you'll discover a calm coral lagoon, known as The Aquarium, for swimming. Once you reach Exmouth, you're on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef. Kick back on idyllic beaches, jump aboard a glass bottom boat tour, join a snorkelling expedition or, if you're there between March and July, go diving with whale sharks. This would be a good point to treat yourself to a night of comfort at the Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort or go all out with a night at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp. [caption id="attachment_773135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY FOUR: EXMOUTH TO CORAL BAY, 150KM Your return journey south starts with a short day on the road. There's so much to do along this section, it's best to keep driving time to a minimum. What makes the tiny town of Coral Bay so special is that an extraordinarily beautiful section of the Ningaloo Reef is accessible just a few metres offshore. Make tracks to Five Fingers Reef, then simply pop on your snorkelling gear and dive in. To step the action up a notch, take a 20-minute walk from Main Beach to the shallow waters of the local reef shark nursery, where hundreds of sharks gather between October and March. [caption id="attachment_773146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY FIVE: CORAL BAY TO SHARK BAY, 580KM Follow the Northwest Coastal Highway as far as the turn-off to the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. Your first adventure along here — the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool — transports you 3.5 billion years back in time. You're looking at the oldest type of living fossils to be found anywhere on the planet. Also definitely worth a stop are the 70-kilometre-long Shell Beach and the dazzling views from Eagle Bluff. Come evening, Monkey Mia has a friendly school of bottlenose dolphins waiting to make your acquaintance, and there are ample opportunities for waterfront cocktails. [caption id="attachment_773139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nature's Window, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY SIX: SHARK BAY TO KALBARRI, 390KM At Kalbarri, the Murchison River runs into the Indian Ocean. Hop aboard a river cruise and go kayaking or canyoning among the steep gorges of the National Park. Hikers will enjoy the eight-kilometre Loop Track, which begins and ends at Nature's Window. Short on time? Visit the two new skywalks, which project 17 metres and 25 metres over the rim and 100 metres above the gorge. Alternatively, stay coastal with your own beach house at Kalbarri Seafront Villas and enjoy stunning walking trails, the legendary Jacques Point surf break and, between June and November, humpback whale spotting. Finish up your day at an outdoor cinema and start the next one with pelican feeding. [caption id="attachment_773950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oakabella Homestead, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] DAY SEVEN: KALBARRI TO PERTH, 570KM Your seventh and final day brings you an inland experience in the form of the National Trust town of Northampton. Reach it via the coast, taking in the magnificent ocean views south of Kalbarri, or cut straight east through the Kalbarri National Park, keeping a lookout for thorny devils as you go. At Northampton, you can check out a bunch of renowned Western Australian attractions, including the state's oldest public railway and Oakabella Homestead and Tea Rooms. Afterwards, return to the coast and take your pick of sleepy villages for exploration, including the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison, and the tranquil harbour of Jurien Bay. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Tourism Western Australia.
Jump in your car smack-bang in the middle of Adelaide and, in 40 minutes, you'll be among the rolling hills and idyllic vineyards of McLaren Vale. Very few wine regions on the planet are so easily accessible from a big city. Without leaving the area's four square kilometres, you can visit more than 70 cellar doors, eat your way through Mediterranean-style dishes, cycle along the Shiraz Trail and venture inside an architecturally impressive rubik's cube. And just beyond lies the rugged cliffs and dreamy coves of the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline. We've created this comprehensive guide to the breathtaking coastline, so you can spend more time sipping on great wine and less time lost down dirt roads. If you have the time, immerse yourself in the Clare Valley and the Limestone Coast, too. Or explore Adelaide — there are plenty of underground bars and fairy light-lit rooftops to uncover. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are limitations on where you can go on a holiday. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_680419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Red Poles, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] EAT Thanks to its combination of fertile soils, proximity to the sea and Mediterranean-like climate, McLaren Vale is a chef's — and food lover's — paradise. There's a cornucopia of restaurants and bars to choose from. Start with a caffeine hit and bagel at Dal Mare Coffee, where you can also hire a bicycle, or Mullygrub, which does excellent coffee and hearty brekkies, such as the hot-smoked salmon bowl. For lunch with vineyard views, head to Gather at Coriole; its menu takes inspiration from foraged ingredients — think buffalo curd with citrus and pink peppercorn and potatoes with cultured cream, native juniper and chives. Then there's The Salopian Inn, run by passionate chef Karena Armstrong, who draws on produce from her flourishing organic kitchen garden, and Red Poles, a quirky eatery dotted with artworks and cute courtyards. Alternatively, a mini-trip to Italy is on the menu at Pizzateca for woodfired pizzas with expertly crispy and chewy bases. [caption id="attachment_680418" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maxwell Wines[/caption] However, the most unusual setting for a meal in McLaren Vale has to be Maxwell Wines' underground limestone cave. Dug out single-handedly a century ago for the purpose of growing mushrooms, this extraordinary space is now a 50-seat restaurant. Head chef Fabian Lehmann, who cut his teeth in Europe's Michelin-starred institutions, offers simple yet luxurious dishes, such as lobster with celeriac and yuzu or chicken with mushrooms and leek. If you're exploring further afield (which is definitely recommended), be sure to visit McLaren Flat for lunch or dinner at The Currant Shed. Or, drive to Port Willunga to feast on super-fresh seafood and local produce at Star of Greece. [caption id="attachment_680416" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alpha Box and Dice, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] DRINK The majority of McLaren Vale's wineries are small-batch, boutique operations, so, no matter where you go tasting, you're likely to come across out-of-the-box drops. However, if you're extra adventurous, make Inkwell Wines your first stop. Its wines are all single vineyard, additive-free and made with minimal interference, ensuring their expressiveness. Other spots keen on experimentation are Alpha Box and Dice, where head winemaker Sam Berketa is currently working on an A–Z of wines, and Mollydooker, whose intense drops have their origins in 114 acres of vineyards along Seaview Ridge. Meanwhile, Gemtree is devoted to organic production. [caption id="attachment_680415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitolo Wines[/caption] Meanwhile, Mitolo Wines comes out of a rich Italian heritage, with the family having arrived in Australia from Abruzzo in the 1950s. From there, head to SC Pannell to sample an array of Mediterranean-style varietals from Spanish tempranillo to Portuguese touriga nacional, and on to Hither and Yon — its range includes aglianico, a variety from southern Italy, and Spanish mataro. If beer's more on your mind, there's Goodieson for left-of-field brews — from mango NEIPA to coffee stout — as well as Shifty Lizard in Willunga. While you're seaside, you might as well sample a single malt whisky or two at Fleurieu Distillery. [caption id="attachment_650548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D'Arenberg Cube[/caption] DO With so much food and wine to work your way through, you'll probably want to get active at some point. Do just that on the Shiraz Trail, a 32-kilometre off-road cycle path that winds its way from Willunga to McLaren Vale, passing numerous wineries, restaurants and cafes. Another option is a visit to Goolwa, a sweeping beach a half-hour drive southwest of McLaren Vale, for a cockling session. Cockling, for the uninitiated, involves shuffling in the sand to uncover pipis, which you can take home and turn into a tasty soup or pasta. Note that cockling is only permitted between November and May, and any pipis smaller than 3.5-centimetres wide must be left to their own devices. To add a bunch of local produce to your pipi soup, head to Willunga Farmers' Market, which has been a gathering spot for farmers, growers and producers since 2002. Back in McLaren Vale, there's the famous D'Arenberg Cube. This incredible, five-storey architectural masterpiece, inspired by the rubik's cube, holds all sorts of wonders, including a wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, an alternative realities museum and an array of installations. [caption id="attachment_680411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Jetty Port Willunga[/caption] STAY To sink into total luxury after eating and drinking all day and all night, check into The Jetty, Port Willunga. You'll have an entire apartment to yourself, perched on absolute beachfront, with epic views over Gulf Saint Vincent's azure waters. Plus, you can count on a private deck, a deep hot tub and a king-size bed. Meanwhile, at The Farm Willunga, you'll be sleeping in an apartment on an organic, biodynamic olive grove and vineyard. Expect to arrive to a bottle of complimentary wine and your own balcony overlooking rural vistas backdropped by the ocean. Breakfast takes the form of a gourmet hamper, crowded with local goodies. On the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula lies Port Elliot, home to Jimmy Smith's Dairy, a dairy-turned-bed and breakfast. With the help of Studio AKA's Amy Grundy, local couple Noel and Robyn Akmens transformed the original building into a series of stunning rooms. Original features, such as bluestone and airy ceilings, interweave with contemporary touches, including handcrafted furniture, built by Noel himself. Also on the southern side are the Beach Huts Middleton, a series of super-cute dwellings, painted in cheery, bright stripes. All come with a welcoming bottle of bubbly and, depending on which you choose, dashes of comfort — from spa baths to barbecue areas. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: D'Arenberg Cube via SATC. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Cairns is known for its tropical rainforests and world-famous reef, but what you probably didn't know is that the region also lays claim to a burgeoning craft beer and spirits scene. The Cairns Brewery & Distillery Tour lets you get up close and personal with five of the area's top independent booze-makers in one glorious afternoon. The small, guided group tours run three times a week, as well as on request, usually kicking off with a sit-down lunch and a tap brew at the celebrated Sauce Brewing Co. Other stops might include the likes of Macalister Brewery, Barrier Reef Brewing, Wolf Lane and FNQ Spirits. You'll get to chat to the makers, sample their wares and get a grasp on what goes into your favourite tipple, too. [caption id="attachment_829630" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Top images: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Whether you're keen to kick on once lockout time comes, are hankering for a bite in the evening's early hours or need somewhere to dance the night away, Fortitude Valley's new watering hole offers a one-stop-shop — and, now that Beirne Lane has opened its doors in the heritage-listed T.C. Beirne Building, it's not closing them. Settling into the Brunswick Street spot from early November, Beirne Lane trades 24 hours a day. The indoor and outdoor two-level space is the latest venture from Trent Meade and Matt Blyth at the Celissa hospitality group, and it combines the vibe of some of their other projects, blending the gastropub aspect of Isles Lane in the CBD with the hangout feel of fellow Valley residents The Met and GPO. Mixing things together drives the venue's food menu, too, which takes inspiration from Beirne Lane's namesake in an interesting way. If you're not up on the city's past, Thomas Charles Beirne came to Brissie from Ireland, opened a department store in the Valley at the turn of the twentieth century, and initially employed James McWhirter — who would then open a competing department store across the street. Beirne also apparently loved Japanese culture. What this mini-history lesson means is that Beirne Lane slings an Irish-meets-Japanese menu in its iconic location, complete with a dedicated katsu sandwich menu featuring the likes of beef with spicy miso mayonnaise and tonkatsu sauce, and fish with Kewpie tartare, bacon, Sriracha and pickled jalapeño. Also on offer are chips slathered in Japanese curry, cob loaf with beer cheese, plus spicy pork rinds with seaweed crisps and peanuts, as well as king prawns with black garlic butter and marinated spatchcock with charred lime from the charcoal grill. In another nod to Brisbane gone by, the spot is reviving the 'shilling meal'. A plate of oysters, steak and more, it was available to T.C. Beirne's employees for just a shilling. The new version isn't as cheap, but it does feature four oysters, dry-age rib-eye steak, buttermilk onion rings and a clotted cream cannoli, and is recommended for sharing. Drinks-wise, rotating beers and a range of natural, organic wines are joined by a cocktail list that throws together combos of Australian native produce, house-made syrups and whatever's in season. That's evident in the Oh Boys! We Must Have Another!, which blends gin, brandy, rum, orgeat, lime and orange juice, and sherry, and is inspired by — like most of the joint — T.C. Beirne's past. Find Beirne Lane at 315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, open 24/7.
In the not-so-distant future, every wine lover in Brisbane might be able to call Ardo's their local. The neighbourhood bar and bottle shop first opened in Carl's Bar and Bistro's old Newstead digs earlier in 2023, giving the River City's inner north a new vino haven. Now, the chain is also pouring in Graceville, launching in Brissie's west mere months later. That isn't the end of Ardo's plans, either. Next stop: Hawthorne. For the moment, the just-launched Graceville outpost doubles the brand's footprint — and gives the City Winery crew, which is behind all things Ardo's, yet another venue. You'll find it on Honour Avenue, sticking with the same concept on the other side of town. Accordingly, wine fans in Brisbane's west now have easy access to plonk-slinging chain's curated range of vino, including over pintxos, cheese and charcuterie. "We couldn't be more excited to continue to bring Ardo's to more people in Brisbane after the reception our first location in Newstead received. We always wanted to build small hubs and communities of wine lovers throughout the city, and Graceville should be the perfect setting to grow new friends and fans of Ardo's," says General Manager Doug Gilmour. "Guests can expect a wonderfully curated selection of local and international wines, our delicious small bar bites and our takeaway wine tap. In addition, we'll be launching our functions and events offering, as well as educational masterclasses in food-and-wine pairing." Like its sibling spot, Ardo's Graceville is welcoming in patrons in for a glass and a bite, and will also let folks pick up their favourite tipples — or a new discovery — to take home once the takeaway license kicks in. Again, offering a selection that you wouldn't just find at any bottle-o is a big source of pride, with Ardo's staff on-hand to chat you through its drops, help you make a pick and impart their expert knowledge. Here, customers can enjoy wines by the glass and the bottle. The lineup rotates, but everything you see on the shelf is able to be drunk on the premises or, license pending, taken away. As you're getting cosy, you'll also be surrounded by vino all across the walls, plus a wine tap that looks like an altar. And, you'll be tucking into seasonal snacks. There's no word yet as to when Ardo's Hawthorne will open its doors, or exactly where, but expect it to follow the same formula as well. Given the short gap between Newstead and Graceville's launch, don't be surprised if it pops up soon. Similarly, if the chain of vino hangouts keeps expanding elsewhere, don't be astonished at that, either. Find Ardo's Wine Bar at 335 Honour Avenue, Graceville. Keep an eye on the venue's website for more details.
We've all been there. It's 6pm on a Wednesday. You've just commuted home from a long day at the office, and all you want is to switch your brain off with a good doom scroll. The temptation to tap your trusty delivery app in this moment is high. What could be easier than having a takeaway arrive straight to your door? But we all know the truth. From missing items to cold meals and soggy cardboard, the dream of a takeaway is often tastier than the reality. That's why we've partnered with MasterFoods™ to give you three quick and easy midweek dinner ideas that'll curb your cravings and save some precious dollars (and time) without compromising on flavour. Keep reading (and save this article) to have some easy mid-week meals in your kitchen arsenal. [caption id="attachment_1027005" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Zesty Chicken Wrap Rather than ordering a Greek wrap via delivery (which, realistically, will end up a soggy, mushy mess), this 25-minute dish will have you eating a fresh and flavoursome meal before the delivery driver has even left the restaurant. Ingredients: 500 grams of chicken breast MasterFoods™ Lemon and Pepper Seasoning 1 tbsp of olive oil 4 pitas or flatbreads Sliced red onion Sliced tomato Shredded Lettuce Crumbed Feta (optional) MasterFoods™ Zesty Lemon & Herb No Rules Sauce Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breast and MasterFoods™ Lemon and Pepper Seasoning. Cook until cooked through. Heat the pita in a dry pan or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for a couple of minutes. To serve, spread a generous spoonful of MasterFoods™ Zesty Lemon & Herb No Rules Sauce onto the warm pita, add your chicken, then top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and feta. Fold, serve and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_1027006" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Smokey BBQ Beef Burger Is there anything worse than a cold burger after a long day? (And dropping $30 for the privilege?) This Smokey BBQ Beef Burger takes just 30 minutes, makes four serves, and guarantees a hot, mouth-watering meal. Ingredients: 500g regular minced beef 1 tbsp MasterFoods™ All Purpose Seasoning 1 tbsp MasterFoods™ Smokey Barbecue Sauce ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 2 white onions, thinly sliced 1 egg 2 tbsp of olive oil 1 large tomato Iceberg lettuce Pickles Method: Add the minced beef, MasterFoods™ All Purpose Seasoning, egg and panko breadcrumbs into a bowl and mix until combined. Thinly slice the onions and squeeze out excess moisture to ensure extra crispiness. Divide the seasoned mince into four balls and set aside while you preheat the barbecue — no need to chill. Turn your barbecue flat plate or griddle to high and place the meatballs down, ensuring you have space between each to smash flat. Each meatball should be loaded with a generous handful of sliced onion before being smashed as flat as possible into the pan or barbecue plate. Cook for 3-4 minutes and flip. After another one to two minutes, add cheese, let it melt and remove from the heat. Toast your buns and load up with salad: tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, pickles, etc. Don't forget the MasterFoods™ Smokey Barbecue Sauce to top it off. Hot tip: If you're a huge fan of sauce, why not also add a squeeze of MasterFoods™ No Rules Zesty Lemon & Herb Sauce as well? [caption id="attachment_1030078" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Chipotle Mushroom Tacos A guaranteed crowd pleaser, this vegan recipe will spice up your midweek dinner rotation. Featuring MasterFoods™ Taco Seasoning Mix of paprika, oregano and cumin, this four-serve recipe packs a punch and will be on your plate in just 30 minutes. Avoid the takeaway tax (and time) and turn your week around with these delicious mushroom tacos. Ingredients: 400g king oyster mushrooms 4 tbsp MasterFoods™ Taco Seasoning Mix 1 small white onion, finely diced 1 tsp tomato paste 2-3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for GF version) ¼ cup water 3 tbsp olive oil 1 ripe avocado MasterFoods™ Smokey Chipotle No Rules Sauce 2 limes, halved Pickled red onion Vine-ripened tomatoes, diced Lettuce Vegan sour cream 8 tortillas (flour or corn) Method: Rinse the mushrooms and remove and finely slice the caps. For the stems, make incisions with a fork and pull them apart with your fingers to resemble pulled pork. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan, add the chopped onion, and cook gently for about 10 minutes until translucent and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2-4 minutes until fragrant. Stir in four tablespoons of MasterFoods™ Taco Seasoning Mix and cook for one minute. Mix in the mushrooms, soy sauce, and water, cooking until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Season with pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Spread the pulled mushrooms on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 15 minutes to add a nice crunch. Assemble the tacos with pulled mushrooms, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and add lime and vegan sour cream or MasterFoods™ Smokey Chipotle No Rules Sauce as a topping. Craving more flavour-packed ideas? Head to MasterFoods™ for inspiration. MasterFoods™ — You Made It. Lead image: Getty Images
There's nothing better than putting on a piece of clothing and instantly looking effortlessly cool. The team at Wolfe and Ordnance agrees, which is why it built the whole boutique around that idea and makes sure everything it curates and stocks does just that for its customers. The boutique boasts looks from bohemian brand Spell, Sir The Label's contemporary style and Nobody Denim's casual threads, making it easy for locals and visitors of James Street to snap up the in-demand styles on offer. Think statement accessories, on-trend prints and timeless silhouettes — all the makings of maximum impact with minimum effort.
It's one of Brisbane's go-to waterside spots — for picnics, listening to live tunes and, sometimes, watching movies under the stars — and it's been keeping a picturesque patch of South Bank busy for a decade now. So, hitting the big one-oh milestone, River Quay Green is celebrating with a jam-packed weekend filled with excuses to head by (and to eat and drink while you're there, obviously). Across Saturday, November 27–Sunday, November 28, you have a few options. This is the type of party that lets you choose how you'd like to mark the occasion, because we all have our own speeds. If throwing down a rug is more your style, Otto Ristorante, Popolo Italian Kitchen, River Quay Fish and The Jetty South Bank are all doing both lavish and standard picnics — and Aquitaine Brasserie is also getting in on the former. That means that you can pick between prawns, oysters and prosecco, antipasto-heavy spreads, and Moreton Bay bug bao buns with roast beetroot and watermelon salad — and they're just some of the choices. Go for one of the long table picnics and you'll enjoy a stylish communal experience, while the standard option will require you to bring your own setup. And, if you'd prefer to dine at one of the aforementioned venues, they're all doing in-house specials as well. Otto is pairing negronis with pea and parmesan arancini, Popolo is putting on a six-course Italian feast and Aquitaine Brasserie is serving up a bottomless boozy lunch. There is a birthday to celebrate, after all.
