Every Brisbanite has driven over the Story Bridge, and more than once. If you've headed over from Kangaroo Point to Fortitude Valley, then turned right to go down McLachlan Street, you've also been past the 123-year-old Stewart & Hemmant building on the corner of Marshall Street. In recent months, anyone making that journey would've noticed a major makeover taking place at that very structure — and, since late July, that's where the city's newest Italian restaurant has been serving up Sicilian-inspired dishes. Rosmarino opened its doors before Brisbane's latest lockdown, and has pivoted to running a pop-up bakery and doing takeaway and delivery orders while the city is under stay-at-home conditions. But when it can open for business as usual again, patrons will find a 60-seat dining room and courtyard inside the building's heritage-listed brick walls. Natural lighting streams through, timber furniture complements the brickwork, and the view alternates between looking out over the Valley and peering up at maps of Italy, Germany and France. The venue stems from Lauren Smith and Andrea Gatti, Hellenika's ex-manager and sommelier, with Head Chef Dario Manca (ex-Za Za Ta) leading the kitchen. Smith and Gatti were initially planning to move to Europe, but then COVID-19 got in the way. So, they decided to draw upon Gatti's experience working in Milan's hospitality industry and open their own modern Italian restaurant instead. Diners can choose between four types of pasta, savoury crepes with porcini mushrooms, and mains such as slow-cooked rolled lamb belly, dry-aged duck breast and risotto ossobucco, as well as beef tartare and kingfish crudo on the antipasti menu. Two degustation options are on offer for dinner, either spanning four or six courses (plus bread), and there's a three-course lunch spread for $49. Head by just for a drink, and the bar snacks lineup spans three pages — and features an entire page of cheese. Beverage-wise, you can pick between four different negronis, the same number of spritzes, nine other cocktails and a small range of beers. Wine is obviously a big feature, especially biodynamic vinos and affordable champagnes, all curated by Gatti. And if you're wondering what's on the lockdown menu, the bakery specials change daily, spanning everything from stuffed focaccia and stuffed fried pizzas to duck pie. Meanwhile, the pick-up and delivery range includes burrata with truffle honey and caramelised onion, lasagne bolognese and deconstructed white chocolate cheesecake. Find Rosmarino at 15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley — with the restaurant open 12–2.30pm Friday–Sunday and 5.30–9.30pm Wednesday–Sunday, and the wine bar open from 5pm from Wednesday–Sunday, when Brisbane isn't under lockdown. During lockdown, the restaurant is running a pop-up bakery from 7.30am–12pm Thursday–Sunday, and is also doing takeaway and delivery orders from 5.30–7pm Wednesday–Sunday. Images: Markus Ravik.
As mooted for a few years now, Brisbane's Eagle Street Pier is about to undergo a significant revamp. While that takes place, it's also welcoming in a new riverside eatery, with Naga opening its doors on Wednesday, September 30 to serve up contemporary Thai dishes in Pony's old digs. It's the latest venture from The Gresham and Libertine's Andrew Baturo, alongside partner Jaimee Baturo, as well as ex-Libertine chef Suwisa Phoonsang. Open five days a week to start with — from Wednesday–Sunday — Naga will serve up a range of modern favourites for lunch and dinner. In fact, Phoonsang is drawing upon her family recipes and giving them a twist, while favouring dishes with ginger, garlic, tamarind, turmeric and herbs. [caption id="attachment_784871" align="alignnone" width="1920"] #dontbekoi by Darcy Starr[/caption] On the menu: massaman beef milk buns, five-spice soya duck, pork and tiger prawn egg nets, and spicy pork and jasmine rice balls, and that's just from the starter selection. Diners can also opt for a barramundi stir-fry, six types of curry including fish dumpling green curry, Moreton Bay bug pad thai, and a salad with braised banana blossom and poached coconut chicken — plus chilli vodka dark chocolate mousse with ginger coconut sticky rice pudding for dessert. To pair with the above, Naga's drinks list spans wines that go well with spicy dishes, beers from both local and Asian breweries, and a range of low-alcohol and no-alcohol options that include creative iced teas, sours and a chai vanilla shake. For those who prefer a cocktail, expect signature drinks like the Plum Nagaroni (with gin, Campari, plum juice, sweet vermouth and bitters) and the Wango Mango (bourbon, peach, mango and lime), plus the #dontbekoi (strawberry and cream tea-infused gin and rhubarb bitters, topped with strawberry coconut mousse and served in a fished-shaped glass). [caption id="attachment_784872" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darcy Starr[/caption] As for the 150-seater's decor, designer Anna Spiro is nodding to the 60s and 70s in colour choices, fabrics, retro furniture and the heavy use of lamps. Look up, and you'll spy 150 lanterns hanging from the ceiling, too — if you're not too busy sitting on the terrace and soaking in the river view, of course. Technically, given Eagle Street Pier's changing state, Naga is a pop-up; however, it won't be going anywhere soon. That means you've got ample time to head by the long-term spot — whether settling in for a meal, or opting for a drink and a bite from the snack menu while sitting at the ten-metre-long bar. Find Naga Thai at Eagle Street Pier, 45 Brisbane Street, Brisbane — open from 11.30am–3pm and 5.30–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11.30am–11pm Friday and Saturday, and 11.30am–10pm Sunday. Images: Darcy Starr
After the disrupted and predominantly domestic-only ski seasons in 2020 and 2021, thrill-seekers from both sides of the ditch could be hitting New Zealand's pristine slopes from as early as June. That means it's less than 70 days until some of our major fields, including Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and Canterbury's Mount Hutt, are up and running for winter. If you're making the trip across the ditch, you're in luck: there's plenty set for this season, including new trails and night-skiing events. Mount Hutt is set to be the first to open from Friday, June 10 until Sunday, October 16. It will be open seven days a week, with capacity on the mountain having increased thanks to the last year's recently opened Nor'west Express eight-seat chairlift. With a ride time of only two minutes, the lift has the capacity to carry up to 3000 skiers per hour. It also features a loading carpet to assist those who are new to using chairlifts. The field's full moon skiing event will also return on Saturday, June 11. [caption id="attachment_849337" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NZSki[/caption] Coronet Peak will be open from Friday, June 17 right through until Sunday, September 25. The ski field plans to operate its popular after-hours night skiing nights every Wednesday and Friday from June 22 onwards. The 48th dog derby is also on the cards. Fellow Queenstown favourite The Remarkables will be open every day of the week from Saturday, June 18 through to Sunday, October 16. The mountain's Sugar Bowl development includes two recently opened trails and a new snowmaking system, which means better snow coverage on the Serpentine side of the mountain. [caption id="attachment_849335" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NZSki[/caption] Cardrona Alpine Resort's Olympic-sized superpipe will be open from Saturday, June 11 until Sunday, October 16. The ski field also added another chairlift to its network last year, which opened up a new major section of skiable terrain on the southern face. Sibling ski field Treble Cone is scheduled to open from Saturday, June 25 until Sunday, September 25, and for cross-country skiers and snow-shoers, Cardrona's Snow Farm is intending to open for the 2022 winter from mid-June — dates are yet to be confirmed. The largest ski area in the nation, Mt Ruapehu, is preparing to open its Happy Valley (Thursday, June 23), Turoa (Saturday, July 9) and Whakapapa (Friday, July 8) fields, too, which will give skiers and snowboarders access to the mountain's natural pipes, steep chutes and a vertical drop of 722 metres. The alpine village says the opening will be subject to snow conditions. With the borders set to open, quarantine-free, to Australian tourists from Tuesday, April 12, this ski season will definitely see a rise in visitor numbers across all the country's fields. Tourists will be required to test negative for COVID-19 with a PCR or RAT before leaving for New Zealand, then provide negative tests on day one and day five of their stay. If you need a refresher on the rules, check out the Government's COVID-19 website. All ski field 2022 season plans are dependent on snow conditions, as well as COVID-19 guidelines and expectations set out by the New Zealand Government. Images: NZSki.
Love community radio? Can't stop playing Pokemon Go? Or maybe you fall into the former category, and your bestie is in the latter camp. Don't worry — local music fiends and poke-addicts alike can band together at 4ZZZ's latest event. Consider it the best of both worlds. Actually, it's a very savvy way to get more than the usual listeners interested in the 41-year-old station's annual radiothon — and one that deserves to be rewarded. They'll throw open the doors to their Barry Parade digs for a People Powered Open Day, and pair it with a Pokemon Go party, too. The least you can do is throw open your wallet. Those keen on getting a tour of the place responsible for broadcasting many a Brisbane band can check out the new studios, meet station announcers and enjoy a barbecue in the carpark. And those wanting to hit the Valley's best pokestops can follow 4ZZZ volunteers on a 2.5 kilometre walk around the area before joining the rest of the fun.
When Jurassic World Dominion was being written, three words must've come up often. No, they're not Neill, Dern, Goldblum. Those beloved actors reunite here, the trio appearing in the same Jurassic Park flick for the first time since the 1993 original, but the crucial terms are actually "but with dinosaurs". Returning Jurassic World writer/director Colin Trevorrow mightn't have uttered that phrase aloud; however, when Dominion stalks into a dingy underground cantina populated by people and prehistoric creatures, Star Wars but with dinosaurs instantly springs to mind. The same proves true when the third entry in this Jurassic Park sequel trilogy also includes high-stakes flights in a rundown aircraft that's piloted by a no-nonsense maverick. These nods aren't only confined to a galaxy far, far away — a realm that Trevorrow was meant to join as a filmmaker after the first Jurassic World, only to be replaced on Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker — and, yes, they just keep on coming. There's the speedy chase that zooms through alleys in Malta, giving the Bond franchise more than a few nods — but with dinosaurs, naturally. There's the plot about a kidnapped daughter, with Taken but with dinosaurs becoming a reality as well. That Trevorrow, co-scribe Emily Carmichael (Pacific Rim Uprising) and his usual writing collaborator Derek Connolly (Safety Not Guaranteed) have seen other big-name flicks is never in doubt. Indeed, too much of Dominion feels like an attempt to actively make viewers wish they were watching those other movies. Bourne but with dinosaurs rears its head via a rooftop chase involving, yes, dinos. Also, two different Stanley Kubrick masterpieces get cribbed so blatantly that royalties must be due, including when an ancient critter busts through a door as Jack Nicholson once did, and the exact same shot — but with dinosaurs — hits the screen. What do Star Wars, Bond, Bourne and The Shining have to do with the broader Jurassic Park film saga, which started when Steven Spielberg adapted Michael Crichton's book into a box-office behemoth? That's a fantastic question. The answer: zip, zero and zilch, other than padding out Dominion as much as possible, as riffs on Indiana Jones, The Birds, Alien, Mad Max: Fury Road, Austin Powers, the Fast and Furious movies, cloning thrillers, disaster epics and more also do. In nearly every scene, and often at the frame-by-frame level, another feature is channelled so overtly that it borders on parody. And, that's on top of the fact that recycling its own history is just Dominion 101. There's no theme park, but when it's mentioned that dinosaurs are being placed in a sanctuary, everyone watching knows that the film's human characters will get stranded in that spot, trying not to be eaten by a Tyrannosaurus rex and the like. From all of the above, a loose narrative emerges — an overstuffed and convoluted one, too. A few years on from 2018's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, people are endeavouring to co-exist with dinosaurs. Unsurprisingly, it's going terribly. Run by Mark Zuckerberg-esque entrepreneur Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott, WeCrashed), tech company BioSyn owns that safe dino space in the Italian Dolomites, although palaeobotanist Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern, Marriage Story) and palaeontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill, Rams) also tie the firm to giant dino-locusts wreaking existence-threatening havoc. Plus, ex-Jurassic World velociraptor whisperer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt, The Tomorrow War) and his boss-turned-girlfriend Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard, Rocketman) head BioSyn's way when the adopted Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon) — who links back to the first Jurassic Park thanks to Forbidden Kingdom's ridiculous storyline — is snatched. Oh, and mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum, Search Party) works there, as does cloning whiz Henry Wu (BD Wong, Mr Robot). Just by finally managing to corral Neill, Dern and Goldblum back together, Dominion already had three exceptional elements going for it. None of its powers-that-be give the returning stars much to do, though, other than help the movie up its fan-service nostalgia quota. They're still among the best parts of the film because Neill and Dern's chemistry still sparks, and Goldblum's line delivery is still as winning as ever — because they're actors as talented as Neill, Dern and Goldblum, basically. They certainly make more of an impression than Pratt and Howard, who are saddled with the dullest versions of their characters yet. Also standing out far beyond the movie's top-billed duo: The Harder They Fall's DeWanda Wise as pilot Han Solo Kayla Watts, plus Archive 81's Mamoudou Athie as BioSyn employee Ramsay Cole, who is assigned to show Sattler and Grant around. If this franchise doesn't go extinct after this giant lizard-sized crater, fingers crossed that Wise and Athie are its future. Six movies and three decades into all things Jurassic, this dino series now has itself a dino problem as well. Dominion shoehorns dinosaurs into pale imitations of other pictures, gets Pratt to break out his now-routine raised hand movement at Blue and her baby Beta, and has various characters point out how big different creatures are. It doesn't seem to care about its jurassic-era critters, however, which are treated as an afterthought. Despite boasting bigger and new species, the film's dinos also look less impressive and distinctive than they ever have in this franchise. It doesn't help that Dominion arrives so soon after David Attenborough's Prehistoric Planet, which basked in observational nature-doco intimacy even with all of its animals merely CGI renderings. Here, the pixels and green screen of it all are bland rather than awe-inspiring or frightening. And when Dominion does glimmer visually, it's always aping another movie (but with dinosaurs) or lifting iconic shots straight from other Jurassic films. Being generous, you could say it's fitting that Dominion is the mess it is. Life finds a way and all that, even to give an awful feature some purpose. Mirroring the saga's own repeated narrative, Dominion rampantly splices together disparate parts and gleefully reanimates the past — and it pays a price for doing so, and carelessly. But making a film this trying clearly wasn't the point, even if that end result neatly matches the movie's themes. Also, displaying any depth about anything at all seems to concern Trevorrow as much as serving up a logical plot and directing coherent action setpieces, aka not at all. There's always been a hefty case of Frankenstein-meets-slasher flicks to the Jurassic realm, but smartly, thoughtfully, thrillingly and entertainingly when it's at its best — so, back in 1993. Dominion is a devolution, and primarily shows that bloated blockbuster franchises keep finding a way to chew up screens, time and attention, no matter the consequences.
The oldest floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival focuses on the hundreds of lilac-blossomed trees that line the town's streets. First held in 1935, the festival brings together art exhibitions, live music, markets and parades for a week-long celebration from October 27 through November 4. While the jacaranda blooms are of course the main attraction, it's by no means the only event you'll have to look forward to during the festival — think a dragon boat race and a riverside circus and carnival, along with buskers, fireworks and stallholders aplenty. Grafton takes their tree heritage seriously and currently holds the title for biggest jacaranda on the National Tree Register of Big Trees (yes, it is a real registry). While in town, visit 'The Gorge', a tree which measures at a massive 30 metres high with a six-metre circumference. It deserves a nice big hug, we reckon.
English comedian Russell Brand is in town on Monday for a night of belly laughs. This December sees Brand return to Australia for his first full national tour entitled, I Am A Walrus. Brand first broke onto the scene as the stand out character Aldus Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Since then, he has a list of successful movies and books under his belt and an equally long list of celebrity flings. However, Brand is no stranger to stand-up comedy and his history of stand-up runs back to 2003. The I Am A Walrus tour will be the last time that Brand will feature in the spotlight for a while as he plans to have a crack at directing and weave his magic behind the scenes. Make sure you catch the show and prepare for an onslaught of hilarity. Brand has led a colourful life and is now a former sex and drug addict, so, keep in mind that the show will contain strong adult themes and coarse language.
Melbourne will be stepping up its hotel game in the coming years, with Adina's new Pentridge Prison development, Bennetts Lane's proposed jazz-era hotel, and the upscale CBD outpost of Mornington Peninsula's Jackalope. And now the city's is set to welcome yet another luxury accommodation offering into the fold, as the internationally renowned St. Regis Hotels & Resorts makes its Aussie debut, with a 168-room hotel slated to open in 2022. The grand hotel will spread over ten floors of the yet-to-be-built, 33-storey Flinders Bank precinct, towering above the CBD on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. And it's set to be a pretty swanky operation, sporting luxury interiors by famed design studio Chada and a cutting-edge building design by Melbourne's own Fender Katsalidis Architects. It will have an onsite wellness and fitness centre, too, complete with a spa, a salon and a 25-metre indoor pool, and the acclaimed St. Regis Butler Service will let guests customise every last detail of their stay. The hotel will also feature a bunch of upscale wining and dining options, including a specialty restaurant and the elegant St Regis Bar. For the uninitiated, the St Regis New York's King Cole Bar was the supposed birthplace of the Bloody Mary back in 1934 and the hotel brand has claimed the spicy cocktail as its signature sip ever since. Here, the bar will be whipping up a special Melbourne edition of the drink — we wonder just what that entails. The St Regis Melbourne has 40 hotels worldwide — including in New York, Mallorca and the Maldives — and is one of the Marriott International's brands. The parent company has announced more plans to open hotels Down Under, too, with the recent launch of the W Hotel in Brisbane and W Hotels also planned for Sydney and Melbourne. St Regis Melbourne is slated to open in the new Flinders Bank precinct in 2022.
For the past few months, Australia's pandemic-era rules and restrictions around travelling have been easing — covering both heading interstate and venturing abroad. If spending more time at home over the last two years has left you with a hefty case of wanderlust, you've likely noticed another big trend, too: flight sales aiming to make your next getaway far more affordable. Just after New Zealand announced that it'd be letting Aussies head across the Tasman for holidays earlier than expected, Virgin has started a sale that'll help you scratch that ditch-crossing itch. Actually, with 1.5 million fares up for grabs to both Aussie and international destinations, it'll help you get flying to wherever your next vacation spot may be. So, whether you're keen to see your mates interstate or head overseas for some rest and relaxation, you've got options. Among the domestic routes, one-way fares start at $45, which'll get you from Sydney to Ballina. Other sale flights include Melbourne–Hobart from $55, Brisbane–Whitsunday Coast from $59, Sydney–Sunshine Coast from $65 and Melbourne–Adelaide from $89. And if you're wondering when you'll need to travel, you can book trips between July 27–December 14, 2022. Internationally, one-way fares cover getaways to Bali, Fiji and Queenstown — including from Sydney (from $269 to Bali, $229 to Fiji and $289 to Queenstown), Melbourne ($269 / $259 / $279) and Brisbane ($239 / $249 / $309). Again, that means you've got choices, including if multiple getaways to different spots are in your ideal future. As always when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until midnight AEST on Monday, April 4 or sold out, whichever arrives first. In a bonus for anyone travelling with kids, Virgin is also taking an extra 25 percent off sale fares booked for children between the ages of 2 and 11. Across all of its sale flights, only some fares cover seat selection and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing last year that it is now splitting its economy range into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. Also, depending on where you're travelling to internationally, you'll obviously need to check border restrictions and any entry requirements. Virgin's Back to Holidays sale runs from until Monday, April 4 — or until sold out. Find out more about current Australian border rules via the Australian Government's Health Direct website and its Smart Traveller website.
If you’re a chocaholic and a Hunger Games fan, take a deep breath and try not to hyperventilate with greedy excitement. Two American chocolate companies have teamed up to create a range of chocolate bars inspired by The Hunger Games. Only in America, right? Themed around both the districts and lead characters, the range created by Vosges Haut Chocolates and Wild Ophelia includes a 'Katniss' bar — milk chocolate combined with what they describe as the “subtle, salty crunch of hickory smoked bacon accented by sweet, crisp apples. Yum. But some dozen times better is the 'Chocolate Bar Library' — a collection of 12 bars representing all 12 districts of Panem. Included are such imagination- and tastebud-stirring numbers as the mined salt and milk chocolate (District 12, which specialises in mining), beef jerky and smoked mesquite in milk chocolate (District 10, livestock), smoked chipotle chilli and milk chocolate (District 7, lumber) and crispy crunchy caramel corn and dark chocolate (District 5, power). The smartarses at BuzzFeed pitted the whole range of bars — or chocolatey 'tributes' — against each other and ranked them in order of deliciousness. The victor? District 9's milled oats, vanilla, hemp seeds and dark chocolate (representing grain). Sadly they don’t ship to Australia, but if you’re in the US, Canada or the UK (or are willing to test out parcel forwarding on a meltable item) you can get your gluttonous little hands upon these slightly ridiculous, slightly overpriced yet undeniably tempting goodies. Via Buzzfeed.
It’s not super hard to be cool – all you’ve got to do is grow a beard, get heaps of cryptic, messy tattoos and cuff your jeans like the floods are coming. Or you could get Beats by Dre's and sport expeno nikes, drink beer out of brown paperbags, or sit on milk crates instead of real, life chairs. Your options are endless, but if you’re a after a quick fix to being cool then free up this Friday night – Alhambra Lounge is getting ice cold. As an unofficial element next to the BIGSOUND showcases, they’ll be having a bit of a ‘cool’ party that showcases some pretty ‘cool’ musicians, and some pretty ‘cool’ DJs and some pretty ‘cool’ attendees (you could be one). Anthony Fantano DJ Set (aka The Needle Drop), Oscar Key Sung, Oisima, Tincture and Fossils are just a few of the bands/DJs that will be creating dance music to do your cool moves to. We suggest you split the dance floor, get all eyes on you, and attempt the Elaine – that would be very very cool. There’s free entry for Bigsound delegates, and tickets are $5 for passholders and $10 for the general public – that’s dirt cheap for the talent on show. Go be cool.
You can never have too many places to fling bladed weapons at targets, and safely, all while hanging out in viking-worshipping surroundings. Or, that's what the team at Maniax clearly believe. The chain has been offering Australians this exact experience for almost a decade, after launching in 2014. In Queensland, it has notched up five years since initially opening in Brisbane in 2018. And just as that latter milestone hits, it's giving the River City a second venue. Maniax also boasts a Gold Coast site, two in Melbourne, plus one apiece in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Newcastle — and will launch in Canberra in November 2023. That month is when the brand's second Brissie venue will welcome in hatchet hurlers, with the axe throwing beginning in an Adelaide Street basement from Thursday, November 23. A big drawcard at the new Brisbane location: a full bar and a restaurant. Ragnar & Sons takes its cues from all things vikings, as the venue around it does, and will pour appropriately themed cocktails in drinking horns. As for the food, there'll be house-made pizzas, burgers, and also vegan and vegetarian options. The brisket and pulled pork burgs come highly recommended, while the snack range will feature chips and chocolates if you're not having a meal. The Ragnar and Sons bar concept debuted on the Gold Coast, and also serves up local craft beers, cider and wine, as well as non-alcoholic sips. That said, although Maniax's Brisbane CBD locale will be licensed like Newstead and the Goldie, there are rules given that you're in a place where chucking around sharp implements is the main attraction. There's a limit of three drinks per person during any axe-throwing session — and if you're under the influence, you can't join in. BYO booze also isn't allowed. When it comes to the flinging, patrons will get hurling in special axe-throwing lanes, with the Adelaide Street venue featuring six private lanes with two targets, as well as 12 lanes with single targets. As is always the case, no one lifts a hatchet without being shown the ropes — and taught all the necessary safety essentials, crucially — by one of Maniax's axe-perts first. From there, folks will be able to pick between a range of blade-hurtling activities. The chain's locations do solo and small group sessions, axe-throwing events for larger parties and also date-night options (because the couple that hurls hatchets together stays together). And, if this seems like your kind of sport, it also hosts a competitive league. As for how it all works, it's comparable to darts. Basically, you chuck axes at a board and try to hit a bullseye. Don't even know the first thing about picking up a hatchet? Again, that's completely to be expected, which is why those lessons are included in every session, as well as in the league competition. And, the axe-throwing experts are also on hand to help even when you think you've mastered the basics. You won't need any guidance if you want to sit on Maniax's warrior's throne and take some snaps — including of the helmets, shields, axes and horns around the place — of course. Find Maniax on the basement level at 79 Adelaide Street, Brisbane from Thursday, November 23. Visit the venue's website for further details and to make a booking.
Take in the vista of Anzac Square from the floor-to-ceiling window of the Cuvée Lounge. Watch, negroni in hand, as the city lights blink to life. Chat over the chilled-out jazz filling the open-plan French-inspired bar. Cuvée is a spot for sophisticated socialisation, with a champagne and wine list to match. The whisky selection features some significant single malts, and the bar offers a range of Australian and imported beers. The cocktail menu includes a signature espresso martini and, if you can't see what you're looking for, Cuvée's skilled mixologists will indulge your fancy. The main restaurant of the Sofitel, Prive249, sits right beside Cuvée but the lounge also caters for various appetites, offering gourmet platters, all-day desserts and delectable nibbles. After all, what's a martini without a prawn cocktail, or champagne without fresh oysters? Cuvée provides a little Continental flair in the heart of Brisbane CBD.
Whether or not you believe that time is a flat circle — and everything we've ever done or will do, we're gonna do over and over and over and over again, too — watching new True Detective episodes is about to become a reality again. January 2024 will mark ten years since the HBO series first started, and five years since it dropped its third season. So, there's clearly no better point for True Detective: Night Country to arrive. This six-episode fourth season will focus on a new cop duo: detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster, The Mauritanian) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis, Catch the Fair One). In the show's two trailers so far, this pair isn't happy to be working together; however, they've got an icy mystery to solve. Set in Alaska, True Detective: Night Country follows the aftermath when eight men working at the Tsalal Arctic Research Station in Ennis disappear. Cue calling in the police, and also ample complications, with Danvers and Navarro endeavouring to ascertain what has happened and why. When it hits Down Under on Monday, January 15 — via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — True Detective: Night Country will also feature Finn Bennett (Hope Gap), Fiona Shaw (Andor), Christopher Eccleston (Dodger), Isabella Star LaBlanc (Long Slow Exhale) and John Hawkes (Too Old to Die Young) in front of the camera. Behind the lens, every one of the series' six new episodes is written and directed by Tigers Are Not Afraid filmmaker Issa López, with Moonlight's Barry Jenkins an executive producer. Each season of True Detective tells its own tale, so there's no need to catch up on past chapters if you watched the Matthew McConaughey (The Gentlemen)- and Woody Harrelson (White House Plumbers)-led first season in 2014 — as everyone did — but didn't keep up from there. Taylor Kitsch (Painkiller), Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Rachel McAdams (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret) starred in season two, while Mahershala Ali (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) and Stephen Dorff (The Righteous Gemstones) took over in season three. Check out the two teaser trailers so far for True Detective: Night Country below: True Detective: Night Country will stream in Australia Monday, January 15, 2024 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand.
Milky Lane might be best-known for its burgers named after Kevin Bacon, Drake and Post Malone, but that isn't the only reason that Australians hit up the chain's eateries. The sides menu is just as indulgent, including mac 'n' cheese croquettes and hot skillets of liquid cheese. So is the dessert range, complete with deep-fried Golden Gaytimes, plus Biscoff and Nutella pancakes. And the drinks? If you like creaming soda spiders but boozy, you'll find them here. Keen to sip Milky Lane's cocktails at home, too? Enter the brand's new range of tinnies. Three varieties are on offer — and yes, the creaming soda spider, a canned take on the cocktail that's made with vodka, watermelon, creaming soda and an ice cream mix in-store, is one of them. You can also get cans of lychee and passionfruit mojito, as well as the Bondi sour. In-stores, the first is a blend of white rum, sauvignon blanc, passionfruit soft drink, lemon, lychee and mint in-store — and the second is made with vodka, Aperol, passionfruit, pineapple, vanilla and egg whites. So, that's the mix of flavours you'll be tasting, but in versions made for tinnies. Your summer picnics, barbecues and beach trips can all now include Milky Lane's sips, with Milky Lane founder Christian Avant advising that the canned range was born of the growing demand "for high-quality, convenient cocktails at home". Available in packs of 16, or as a bundle that includes a pack each of all three varieties, these are limited-edition drinks with just 8000 cases available. There's no word on whether any other Milky Lane boozy concoctions will get the same treatment, but fans of its grape Hubba Bubba spiders, bubblegum sours, pine lime Splice sips, Nerd cocktails and shared sour apple Warhead beverages can cross their fingers. Milky Lane's RTD cocktails are available online via the chain's website.
Help the environment, save money, restock your wardrobe: buying secondhand fashion ticks all three boxes. Tired of your old threads? Want to save perfectly good textiles from landfill? Feeling a budget crunch? Then plan a trip to the brand-new Portside Wharf Love Me Again Markets. The broader Love Me Again Markets aren't new, but this excuse to turn someone else's unwanted outfits into your next favourites is now hitting up Hamilton's riverside precinct in 2024. Find it in its new home on the second Saturday of each month, near Rise Bakery. You'll be indoors, too, and with change rooms on hand. Here, you'll have more than 20 stalls to peruse. Clothes, shoes, accessories: they'll all be on offer. Among them, so will designer wares and popular labels, and a range of shapes and sizes. The market runs from 9am–1pm, so you'll want to roll out of bed early to head along. Live tunes will provide a soundtrack, and entry costs $3 — and you'll need your card to pay. Updated Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
First planned for 2021, and now finally happening this year, Springtime is the huge new — and free — beachside music festival that's taking over the Gold Coast to start off September. And, it's big. The lineup spans more than 25 names already, including Skegss, Thelma Plum and Hermitude as headliners. The fest's hefty array of acts and activities has just expanded, too. Sneaky Sound System, Alex the Astronaut, JK-47, Skunkhour, Haiku Hands, Ninajirachi and Teen Jesus & The Jean Teases are also among the impressive music talents heading to Surfers Paradise across weekend of Friday, September 2–Sunday, September 4 — and taking to multiple stages, including in outside spots and at sideshow venues. Now, they'll be joined by Hauskey, Aodhan, Sh#t Shirt Disco and Lily Papas, plus an arts and skate lineup. A huge highlight at the three-day fest: an interactive installation by performance makers Shock Therapy, with The Cleaners set to live up to its name. It involves a giant slingshot and paint-filled balloons, which attendees can use to create havoc. You might've seen and enjoyed it at Splendour in the Grass back in 2018. Here's how it works: in a container suspended seven metres above the ground and decked out to look like a living room, two cleaners in white uniforms are trying to keep the place pristine. But that slingshot sits below them, on the ground — and those balloons are right there also. Also joining the bill: a pop-up skate plaza that'll connect the fest's two beach stages, and give Australian and New Zealand skaters plenty to navigate around. Among the folks who'll be busting out their best tricks: Tommy Fynn, Nixen Osborne and Mike Lawry, plus folks from the Precinct and Parliament skate shops. If you're planning to make a weekend of it, the lack of entry fee means you'll have more cash to splash on a hotel room. With Australia's tourism industry taking a hit over the past couple of years or so, enticing music lovers to the Goldie for a three-day getaway is obviously one of the fest's aims. Some sideshows will be ticketed, though, so you might want to factor that into your plans. As for who you'll be seeing when, Hermitude and Sneaky Sound System are headlining the Friday, Thelma Plum is doing the honours on Saturday, and Skegss on Sunday. The Gold Coast Music Awards will be part of the fest as well — as will celebrating spring's arrival just by soaking in the location, obviously. SPRINGTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP: FRIDAY: Hermitude Sneaky Sound System JK-47 Peach Fur DVNA Buttered Girl & Girl VICES Sh#t Shirt Disco + triple j Unearthed Winner SATURDAY: Thelma Plum Skunkhour Ninajirachi Haiku Hands IVEY Ebony Boadu Hauskey Aodhan Saint Lane EUCA Fletcher Giv & Latour (Elsewhere DJs) Samin & Lotnic (Elsewhere DJs) Lily Papas Gold Coast Music Awards SUNDAY: Skegss Alex The Astronaut Teen Jesus & The Jean Teases The Lazy Eyes Teenage Dads The Oogars South Summit Just Jessie Geniie Boy THE SPRINGTIME SKATE PLAZA: MC Tora Waldron Tommy Fynn Mike Lawry Parliament team: Dennis Durrant Andrew Brophy Joel Mcilroy Pedro Day Mathew Boggis Pat Pollock Louise Riley Gavin Clarke Mitchell Mashy House Joey Cormack Joel Wilshire Chris Walsh Reef Condon Mitch Owens Karl Baydon Ash Linaka Precinct team: Adam Pirihi Barry Taniwha Brandon Kier Indi Russell Jim Perry Julian Lee Mitch Morrison Noah Bowden Sam Arnold Trent Bonham Zephyr Still Springtime Music Festival will take place across the weekend of Friday, September 2–Sunday, September 4. For further information, head to the festival website.
If you've been paying attention to recent bar, restaurant and cafe openings in Brisbane, you might've noticed a whole heap of activity happening in Nundah. Fitz + Potts, The Village Social and Blockhouse Nundah have all opened their doors in the suburb in the last year. And, only recently, so did Australia's first-ever tapioca-focused establishment. Sounds like things are happening on the city's northside, which is as good a reason as any to drop by. Here's another: from September 9 to 11, Nundah is hosting its annual Village Street Festival and Art Show. Because there ain't no party like a suburb party, expect everything from a film screening to the best art the area can offer to a day-long feast of music, performances, stalls and food. Yep, it's well and truly a community event. If you head along on the fest's last day — aka when the bulk of the festivities take place — it's also a great way to spend a Sunday eating, drinking and being entertained.
Any time is a good time for coffee and wine, right? It is if you're at Little Bloomfield Cafe and Wine Bar. Sure, most folks get their caffeine hit of a morning and swap to a glass or two come evening; however here, happy hour rolls around a little earlier. That's what happens when a beverage-focused hangout champions their favourite boozy tipple in their name, but then promptly closes before the typical working day is done. With that in mind, perhaps patrons should think of the latest establishment in the space behind Cleveland's library as their new go-to place for a buzzing breakfast, a leisurely brunch and wine-soaked lunch. The drinks list isn't the only thing worth checking out, though, with the accompanying food menu certainly to get your stomach rumbling. When it comes to starting your morning with something hearty, you can't beat the classic combination of mince and crusty bread. As the hours pass by, expect everything from salmon on the savoury side of things to a selection of fruit-topped tarts and raw treats for those with a sweet tooth.
While there are exceptions, most BYO restaurants are on the more casual end of the dining spectrum. And the ones that aren't, well, those often charge big bucks for corkage. Brisbane newcomer Marlowe is looking to solve both these conundrums, offering a brand-new weekly event they're calling BYO, But Make It Marlowe. Evoking the spirit of a well-hosted dinner party, this Tuesday night experience invites guests to pair their own wine with the restaurant's modern Australian bistro cuisine. Best of all, there's no corkage fee, so that bottle you've been holding onto for a special occasion can be poured free of charge around the dinner table. There's also a high chance that the wine will be treated with even more care and consideration than you'd muster up at home. At Marlowe, expect your BYO wine to be decanted by the hospitable waitstaff, then enjoyed in premium Riedel glassware. What's more, Marlowe's team can also advise on menu selections based on your wine of choice. Once you've guzzled down your burgundy, barolo or bordeaux, Marlowe's drinks menu is as carefully conceived as the food on the plate. Celebrating modern producers that have reshaped Australian wine, the restaurant's beverage program pays tribute to local winemaking and distilling, playing on nostalgia and the vinous gifts in our own backyard. Images: Jessie Prince.
Pilates is more than a just a fitness routine and the team behind Movement Principle knows that. This boutique studio is all about embracing the joy of movement and improving the way you move every day, as well as the overall health and strength of your whole body. After ten years' experience at the CBD studio, it's now expanded its offerings to include an additional location in Paddington. The passionate team offers a welcoming way to start pilates, focused on your individual needs and preferences. From simple mat-based exercises to reformer machine workouts, TRX or weights, balls and bands, in the 45-60 minute sessions, the team will be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and design a movement routine to suit. Private one-on-one tailored sessions are ideal for injury rehabilitation and additional guidance, while the studio sessions are bespoke circuit classes for up to four people and larger group classes are available at the CBD location. Drop-in on a one-off casual pass to try it out before signing up for an ongoing membership or class pack to suit your lifestyle. Images: supplied.
A day tour on the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises will take you to more places in one day than you could visit in a week anywhere else in the world. And, its tour features the shortest open water crossing to the reef in Cairns — ideal for those who are prone to seasickness. Start the day with a quick coach trip from Cairns through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest mountains to the Mulgrave River. Here, the luxurious riverboat will carry you downriver and across the sea to your base at Normanby Island. Then the day is yours to explore this secluded National Park island. You can snorkel right off the beach or explore the reef and marine life a little further afield on a guided snorkel safari experience. And sure to take a walk around the island with the tour's marine biologist who'll help you discover the diverse wildlife that flourishes in the island's rainforest and rock pools.
After hosting a sellout weekender in 2024 to celebrate its 15th birthday, Strawberry Fields is turning sweet 16 in 2025 with another three-day festival filled with impressive acts hitting the decks and the stage, all on the banks of the Murray River. When you're not catching Detroit Love featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann, Gilles Peterson, Chaos in the CBD and Interplanetary Criminal at Tocumwal in regional New South Wales this November, you'll be seeing Tommy Holohan, Malugi, Lady Shaka and ISAbella. They're a mere few of the 80-plus DJs and live acts on the lineup. Other names on the bill across Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23 include KOKOROKO, WITCH, and Circle of Live featuring Albrecht La'Brooy, Move D and Sebastian Mullaert — plus Dita, Wax'o Paradiso and Horse Meat Disco. Or, for more than three hours, Mama Snake, DJ Scorpion and Andy Garvey will play B3B. Aurora Halal, DJ Sweet6teen, Fafi Abdel Nour, DJ PGZ B2B Yikes and Karen Nyame KG are on the roster, too. Strawberry Fields is among the Australian music festivals that aren't just about who's providing the soundtrack, even though it clearly doesn't skimp on talent. This fest boasts a setup and setting worth spending a weekend enjoying no matter which acts are on the bill, with its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. Having multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, and also a bush spa for a soak between sets, will do that. Folks lucky enough to nab a ticket can look forward to epsom salt baths, plunge pool sessions and sauna trips, then, plus hanging out in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, and hitting up an expanded range of workshops and talks — alongside onsite glamping and camping. Strawberry Fields 2025 Lineup DJ Afrodisiac Anu Aurora Halal Ayebatonye Baby J Bella Claxton Chaos In The Cbd Dameeeela Detroit Love (featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann) Dita DJ Friday B2B Sweetie Zamora DJ Pgz B2B Yikes DJ Sure DJ Sweet6teen Fafi Abdel Nour Gene On Earth Gilles Peterson Horse Meat Disco Interplanetary Criminal ISAbella Jenny Cara Josh Caffé Karen Nyame Kg Kirollus Kuzco B2B Quicksticks Kyle Hall Lady Shaka Malugi Mama Snake B3B DJ Scorpion B3B Andy Garvey Mazzacles Messie Mismeg Move D Myles Mac B2B DJ Possum Naycab Neptunes Trident Poli Pearl Regularfantasy Roka Sampology B2B Frank Booker Slothboogie Super Flu THC Tommy Holohan Toni Yotzi Vanna Wax'o Paradiso Wolters B2B Ned Bennett Zalina Live Asanti Beats Becca Hatch Bumpy Circle of Live (featuring Albrecht La Brooy, Move D, Sebastian Mullaert) Close Counters Corto.Alto D.D. Mirage Devaura Drifting Clouds Drmngnow / Bricky B Ella Haber Ella Thompson Empress Ferrari Party Flewnt Inkabee Jerome Thomas Juman Kokoroko Mathew Jonson Minyerra Moontide No News Rodriguez Jr. Serebii The Pro-Teens (MF Doom Tribute) Waari Wilson Tanner Witch Wrong Way Up Xpress Point Images: Duncographic / Will Hamilton-Coates / Max Roux.
There is a tendency for some barbershops to get hung up on tradition. And, look, we get it. There are centuries of history connected to the trade to honour — and these barbers are wielding some pretty sharp objects, too. But one barbershop that doesn't take itself too seriously is Tommy Two Blades. You'll find this barbershop inside a sweet little weatherboard cottage in Teneriffe. Aside from the retro barber chairs, it has a mostly contemporary fit-out, including pendant lighting and illustrations all over the wall. Oh, and we can't forget the resident shop pup who is always up for a cuddle while you wait. Not only are the barbers always up for a little cheeky banter, but they're also willing to get a little experimental with hairdos. So if you've been considering a blue tint or some creative fades, you needn't worry about being talked out of it. Prices vary based on which stylist you get but start at $42.50 for a standard cut and $45 for a hot towel cut-throat shave $45 using a facial steamer.
Returning for its fourth iteration, The Fork Festival sees top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for up to half the usual price. Yep, that's a nice discount off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. Up and running as of Friday, April 22, the offer is a blessing for those feeling a little light-pocketed after Easter — or thanks to the spate of long weekends we're currently enjoying. For Queenslanders, however, you've got just one spot to snag a 30-percent-off meal: TGI Fridays at Robina. So, next time you're down the coast, you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app for a lunch sitting from Monday–Friday during the six-week period. On the set menu, which is the only part covered by the deal: burgers, salad, chicken tenders, wraps and a drink — for $17.90 with soft drink and $20 with a beer or wine. And yes, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discounted feasts before the festival wraps up on Sunday, May 29. Images: TGIF Robina.
The Sunday roast is a tradition for a reason — and at Emporium Hotel's Signature Restaurant, it's going festive until Sunday, January 3. Fancy swapping your usual end-of-weekend lunch for a five-course version that serves up a few twists on a traditional Christmas lunch? Keen to do so throughout the month, because we all now that seasonal celebrations don't just happen on one day? Well, that's what's on the menu at the South Bank spot. On Sundays between 12–2.30pm, Signature is hosting Signature Sunday Festive Lunches — and arriving hungry is definitely recommended. You'll start with Moreton Bay bug tortellini, then tuck into scallops and pork belly, before moving on to the roast duck main course. Tete de moine with flavours of pumpkin pie, saltbush and candied pecan follows, as does a cherry dessert number (because it wouldn't be Christmas without them). This five-course meal will set you back $75 — or $120 if you'd like to add matching wines.
For the days when peeling yourself off the couch seems a little unlikely, a steaming bowl of noodles is a pretty heavenly thought. Whether you are craving ramen, udon or lo mein, we have you covered. Brisbane is packed with Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Korean options that'll have you slurping solo in no time. Any couch-bound warrior will tell you that convenience is king when it comes to a day under the doona, which is where DoorDash really shines. It'll have your expertly packaged noodles and sides delivered straight to your doorstep with just a few taps on your phone. All you need are some chopsticks (and the TV remote) and you have all the requirements for a sloth session on the sofa. It's 'self-care', right?
Airbnb Australia has just launched #UntilWeAllBelong, a marriage equality campaign that involves wearing an 'incomplete' ring in an act of LGBTQI+ marriage support. The company is using this physical symbol as a way to further publicise the equality gap conversation, as well as to give individuals the chance to have their voices heard through direct action. Designed in partnership with influential Australian designer Marc Newson, each limited edition ring has an electroplated matte black finish and has been inscribed with the phrase "Until we all belong" — supporters promise to wear the ring until marriage equality legislation is passed. The ring also features a 2.2mm gap in its loop, which is meant to symbolise the current inequality of marriage in Australia. Participants can purchase the ring for a postage and handling fee of $3.50, with absolutely no profit on the rings going to Airbnb. Per unit costs cover only the postage and handling within Australia. "This incomplete ring symbolises the gap in marriage equality that we need to close," reads the website. "Until the day comes when two people who love each other can celebrate that love through commitment, will you wear this ring and show your acceptance of marriage equality?" A video supporting the campaign was released on the Airbnb Australia Twitter account yesterday and it promotes the fight as one which all Australians should be participating in — whether you're showing support for your sibling, parent, neighbour, friend or yourself. This incomplete ring symbolises the gap in marriage equality in Australia. Wear this ring & show your acceptance #untilweallbelong pic.twitter.com/hiTRtChHks — Airbnb Australia (@airbnb_au) April 2, 2017 Airbnb's public support of marriage equality comes after a wave of Australian businesses and brands speaking up, with a major marriage equality campaign backed by 30 of the nation's largest companies in March. The letter, coordinated by Australian Marriage Equality, urges PM Malcolm Turnbull to legislate same-sex marriage and is signed by the chief executives of such big businesses as Qantas, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Holden and ANZ, to name a few. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has continued to speak out on his and the company's support of the campaign, despite backlash comments by immigration minister Peter Dutton, who has made bold claims that the businesses were "bullied" into supporting the letter — though no proof of this claim has been offered by Dutton. The debate around marriage equality has been continuously escalating in recent months, with Skyy Vodka's Cheers to Equality and Smirnoff's We're Open campaigns also recently launched, and following last month's consumer boycott against Coopers after an uncomfortably timed video run by the Bible Society. According to Galaxy Research polls, 64 percent of Australians support marriage equality, so its likely more brands will herald their support for the cause.
For the five years leading up to 2018, festival-loving Brisbanites have descended upon a secret Sunshine Coast location for the Jungle Love Music & Arts Festival, which combined a laidback atmosphere, a campground surrounded by luscious greenery, plenty of stellar tunes and performances, and the chance to go for a swim in the creek while you watch a gig. Alas, that specific event is no longer happening; however, Yonder Festival sprung up in its place in 2019 and 2020 — and the latter is back in 2021. A three-day celebration of creativity, Yonder takes Jungle Love's vibe, runs with it and shapes it into something new. Running between Thursday, November 25–Saturday, November 27 in a yet-to-be-revealed spot in the Mary Valley, the fest boasts everything from a stacked music lineup across four stages to a feast of roving, theatrical and visual artists, plus a heap of workshops and panels on wellbeing. It also places a significant focus on Indigenous producers, artists and communities, as well as local creatives. It's the kind of event where you can check out King Stingray, Alter Boy, WAAX, Sahara Beck, WIIGZ and more — then listen to Ruckus Slam's poetry, wander through the visual arts displays, take part in a laughter yoga session, walk across a slackline, do water aerobics, and browse the boutique food and market stalls. Everything will operate under a COVID-19-safe plan, of course. Camping is also part of the fun (and the price), so bring your own tent or campervan — and tickets are on sale now. Also, you can BYO alcohol — but it needs to be in plastic containers, and you can also show up with a reasonable amount of booze. YONDER FESTIVAL 2021 LINEUP: Agrammeofsoma Alter Boy ARIFUG Bcharre بشري Boom Boom Bean Selecta Cheek 2 Cheek Chesmond Deese cyberBanshee DancingWater DeepBlue Dream Coast George Hickman George x FreeJ Golden Age of Ballooning Great Sage Greshka Half World Takeover Hazards of Swimming Naked Holiday Party Jazz House Kairos Kin Kallidad King Stingray Kitch Linsey Pollak Luke Jaaniste Molecules to Minds Monet's Pond MYSTERYFACE Natural Steps Takeover Nice Biscuit NO.ONE NETWORK Oscill Ether Passion Cactus Pipin Pocketmoth Takeover Quivr Takeover Respect Guy Ruby Gilbert Sahara Beck Seasoning Shandy Takeover Spirit Lights Sunderhaus Taylah J and Stone Moth Tess King The Abstract Human Radio The Dharma Chain THE RIOT Tokyo Twilight Unregistered Master Builder UQ Taiko WAAX WIIGZ Yonder Festival runs from Thursday, November 25–Saturday, November 27 in the Mary Valley in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the festival website.
Set in the backstreets of suburban Brisbane, Trent Dalton's award-winning 2018 novel Boy Swallows Universe is destined to become an Aussie classic. It follows a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. And it's about to come to life on the stage. Between Monday, August 30–Saturday, October 9 this year, the stage version of the novel will world premiere in Brisbane. Originally slated to debut in 2020 before the pandemic postponed much of the year's events, it'll now arrive this year instead. It's a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival, with the former's ex-Artistic Director Sam Strong directing the adaptation, which is written by playwright Tim McGarry. When it was first announced, Brisbane-born author Dalton said in a statement it was only fitting that the stage show should premiere in his hometown. "It was the people of Brisbane who took that wild, strange book and ran with it first and that book belongs to them now and this production will belong to them, too." Boy Swallows Universe has snagged a slew of local awards, including Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards. The novel, which has sold 160,000 copies in Australia alone, was also been longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin Award in 2019. Fans of the novel will be excited to hear that it won't stop at the stage, either — Boy Swallows Universe is also destined for the small screen. Harper Collins had sold the television rights to the novel, with Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton (who recently wrote, directed and produced Boy Erased) set to produce the show alongside Dalton as executive producer. Tickets for Queensland Theatre's production of Boy Swallows Universe are currently on sale — and they've been proving popular. In fact, the show's end date has just been extended to October 3 — the second time it has been extended — to meet demand. Top image: David Kelly. Updated September 29.
Finding a job you're passionate about isn't always easy, but turning to your hobbies and interests for study and career inspiration is a great start. There are many benefits to building a career you love. According to research by Yale professor Dr Amy Wrzesniewski, people who orient their work around a 'calling' rather than seeing their job as purely a transaction for money, tend to be more satisfied with their work and lives overall. Here are five ways to connect what you love to a study option that will steer you towards an enriching career. What's more, these options can all be studied online through Open Universities Australia, which partners with universities across Australia to bring you over 150 degrees and 1300 subjects. [caption id="attachment_660244" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Casey Fiesler.[/caption] YOU LOVE: LISTENING TO TRUE CRIME PODCASTS Consider Studying: Criminal Justice with University of South Australia or Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University Serial, S-Town, Dirty John, My Favourite Murder — everyone loves a good true crime podcast. But if you like taking things that extra mile — analysing the cases from all angles on Reddit — you could consider pursuing this passion outside of conspiracy forums. Angered by wrongful convictions? Discover how the criminal justice system works with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with University of South Australia. Or are you more curious about theories behind who commits crime and why? If the human side appeals to you more than the technical side of law, explore a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University. YOU LOVE: BLOGGING ABOUT FOOD, FITNESS AND HEALTH Consider Studying: Food and Nutrition with La Trobe University Your friends may laugh at you photographing your every açaí bowl for Insta, but it turns out you may be onto something. Aussies spend $8.5 billion a year on gym memberships, sports equipment and fitness crazes, which means if you're thinking about a career in health and fitness, there is plenty of demand. It's difficult to turn a passion for food and fitness into a viable career without some sort of credentials. Stand out from the Fitspo crowd with a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition with La Trobe University — you'll learn how to separate spurious health claims of the weight-loss tea variety from evidence-based claims supported by actual research. [caption id="attachment_670821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atsuko Sato: Doge.[/caption] YOU LOVE: SCROLLING MEMES, REDDIT AND VIRAL INTERNET CONTENT Consider Studying: Internet Communications with Curtin University Believe it or not, being a lover of all things meme, subreddit and retweet related is a legitimate interest that you can turn into work. To go from your average Internet humour consumer to a better than average content producer, check out a Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications) with Curtin University. You'll level up your skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications. In today's increasingly digital world, these are useful abilities to have. YOU LOVE: SAVING THE PLANET Consider Studying: Sustainable Development with Murdoch University You were the first to bust out a KeepCup, and you spend your time at parties explaining to strangers why the huge plastic island forming in the Pacific Ocean is a huge deal. Because without the planet, nothing else matters right? To really make a difference, learn how to transform your personal passion for environmental issues into broader policy changes and strategies. A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Development with Murdoch University will give you a deeper understanding of the issues and help you influence sustainable policies in government and the private sector. [caption id="attachment_636262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption] YOU LOVE: GOING TO CULTURAL EVENTS Consider Studying: Society and Culture with Macquarie University If you like spending as much of your spare time as possible visiting museums, art galleries and music festivals, there are a myriad of ways you can turn your penchant for all things culture into an actual job. Studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Society and Culture with Macquarie University is a good option. Learn how to critically analyse society and culture, expose yourself to different ideas, and empower yourself to work in an arena related to your interests. Explore all the degrees on offer from Open Universities Australia and turn your passions into an actual career.
If you've ever needed your texts in physical form, designer Joe Doucet has created a nifty little mobile printer that produces your text message conversations on paper. The 'Blackbox SMS Printer' simply connects to your phone through a cable to produce two identical records of any conversation, no matter how long, using a "standard, non-carbon receipt printing system." Importantly, the designer states that this printer is appropriate "whether the communique is of a loving or legal nature." So if you're keen on treasuring some heartwarming messages from your lover, and also scared of the inevitable cracking of your iPhone screen making them illegible, the Blackbox will be right up your alley. Furthermore, it's only a matter of time before these little text message scripts become evidence of communication between dodgy drug dealers in high profile court cases. [via PSFK]
Quandamooka Festival's return for 2024 will begin with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony. The celebration of First Nations music and culture is also enjoy a homecoming. It's been two years since the event was last held on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, after popping up at Wynnum Fringe instead in 2023. This is its first full-scale event since 2022, then, and only the second time since 2019 that the fest has returned to Country. Accordingly, the tribute to the Quandamooka Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Quandamooka Estate that have ties to Minjerribah dating back 20,000 years, will feel even more meaningful. Of course, no one should ever need a specific excuse to honour and embrace Australia's Indigenous culture, but Quandamooka Festival offers one anyway, this time in the form of a two-day event across Friday, August 30–Saturday, August 31. On the agenda: heroing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, music, dance, food, stories and more via live performances, Kunjiel (corroborees), arts and crafts, movies, panel discussions, cuisine and tours. On the lineup: Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung woman and QMA Indigenous Artist of the Year 2022 Jem Cassar-Daley is headlining the Friday night, while Uncle Joe Geia and Quandamooka musician Sachem are also on the bill. On the Saturday, traditional dance is the focus, as is the drive in-style first-ever Quandamooka Film Festival featuring the work of locals on the silver screen. Entry to the event at QYAC campus Minjerribah Gunaba on East Coast Road is free, kicking off at 4pm on the Friday, but registration to attend is mandatory.
Since mid-2022, Queensland Vegan Markets has been setting up shop every few months at Portside Wharf, and giving northsiders — and anyone keen on browsing for cruelty-free wares by the river — a new go-to range of stalls. That's fine for most of the year, but Christmas calls for something special. So, for the first time at the Hamilton venue, QVM is hosting a twilight (and festive) market. Christmas Sunset by the River Vegan Markets will take place from 5–9pm on Friday, December 9, giving you an after-work shopping option as well. As the daylight version does, this event will let you peruise more than 30 stalls, all selling animal-friendly wares. And, if you're hungry while you browse, the plant-based spread will include everything from burgers, bao and katsu to custard-filled croissants, cupcakes and other sweet treats. Yes, you know the motto here: all of the taste, absolutely none of the animal products. You'll have plenty of option, food-wise, as well as other cruelty-free wares to scope out. Also, the markets are pet-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along. Entry is free, and so is the live music that'll soundtrack your vegan shopping.
Even before the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic visiting an Australia supermarket to buy groceries had become a rather fraught affair. First came panic-buying of household staples. Then, limits on everyday items were put in place. Even after that, shelves normally stacked with toilet paper, paper towel, tissues, hand sanitiser, pasta and rice can still be found empty in plenty of stores around the country. To help — and to help you stay home if you're social distancing or self-isolating — Deliveroo has announced that it has added kitchen and household products to its delivery range. As well as restaurants and other takeaway eateries, you can now order from local stores and supermarkets to get basic supplies dispatched to your door via the service. The range varies depending on your area, as is always the case with Deliveroo; however, for those keen on staying home, it's a handy option. Deliveroo has also implemented a 'no-contact' drop-off service, which lets you request that your rider leaves the food on your doorstep — so that you can still place an order if you are feeling unwell, have just returned from overseas or you're being cautious about coming into contact with other people. To order via Deliveroo, visit the service's app or website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
The Sydney-born monarchs, the sultans, nay, the emperors of iced confection, Gelato Messina, have extended their cold, creamy love to the north with a brand new store opening in Coolangatta. No more interstate escapades for salted caramel crack. Opening a shiny new store in Marine Parade's brand new retail complex, The Strand, Messina have set-up right across the road from the beach. The team know how to make themselves at home too — with a locally-themed flavour. Slurp up a special edition 'Cool in Gatta' flavour (bravo guys), vanilla gelato and mango sorbet with macadamia crunch. Bringing 40 special gelato flavours with them, the whole Messina team have trekked up for the occasion, including head chef Donato Toce and Messina co-owners Declan Lee and Nick and Danny Palumbo. After opening multiple stores in Sydney and their very first Victorian store in Fitzroy last year, Messina have been long-awaited in our fair city. Sure, we've got our fair share of frozen treat spots in Brisbane — Cowch must be pretty shaky right now — but we've never been able to dabble in the weird and wonderful Messina flavours without fronting an airfare. So what's behind the northern trek (besides countless pleading requests from Queenslanders)? "Why Coolangatta you ask? We handpicked this to be our second interstate stomping ground because of its iconic sunshine and surfing reputation," says the Messina team on their website. "We’ll be front and centre at Quicksilver and Roxy Pro comps as well as The Strand to be part of the new foodie epicentre of Queensland, wedged between hatted restaurateurs and like-minded retailers." Find Gelato Messina Coolangatta at The Strand, 72–80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, Open daily from 12pm–10pm.
Fashion, art, homewares and handcrafted goods as far as the eye can see — that's The Village Markets. A Gold Coast favourite ever since setting up shop over a decade ago, this regular browsing and buying mecca combines a specially curated stall lineup with food, drinks, live local music and creative workshops, plus a super relaxed vibe. In great news those living north of Burleigh Heads, TVM has now made the leap to Brisbane. Forget driving down the highway — all you'll need to do is make your way to Stones Corner Village once a quarter, with the next market happening on December 22. Yes, it's always on a Sunday — with this one starting at 9am and finishing at 2pm. Regardless of the time of year, the market is perfect for anyone looking for a gift — for others, and for themselves. Think everything from colourful dresses to luxe jewellery to accessories for your pupper, plus the Brissie version of TVM's famed pre-loved designer and vintage rack sales. Updated December 15.
If you didn't know that 10 Toes Brewery was based on the Sunshine Coast — and, not only that, that it first sprang to life in an industrial shed by the beach back in 2016 — then you could hazard a fair guess from its tinnies. Its Lucid Dreams IPA features crashing waves on its artwork, after all, and its Pipeline Pale Ale clearly references surfing in its moniker. Also unsurprising: the fact that this Alexandra Headlands outfit began as a hobby, is committed to making great brews for the local community, and favours a laidback approach to both making and drinking its beers. It's the epitome of a cruisy coastal brewery, and that attitude shows in every sip. 10 Toes' brewery and taproom is open Wednesday–Sunday, or you can order its brews via the company's online store.
Despite also serving up everything from all-day vegan breakfast to ice cream sandwiches, we still think that fries are the best thing about Lord of the Fries. It's right there in the name, after all. The chain's chips are particularly tasty — as made with Australian potatoes and cooked in a cottonseed sunflower oil blend. There is one thing better than Lord of the Fries' titular dish, however. That'd be free shoestring fries from the chip-loving establishment. And on Wednesday, July 13, the vegan fast food joint is giving away just that. Free. Fries. Yes, really. To snag free fries on Wednesday, you'll need to head to your chosen store in between 4–5pm and you'll be gifted a serving of shoestring deliciousness. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. There is a limit of one freebie per person, though, so take that into consideration if you're feeling particularly peckish. You'll get your choice of classic sauces, too. This is clearly great news for anyone who like fries, aka everyone. Folks in Sydney can head to Newtown, Melburnians can choose between ten different stores, and Brisbanites can flock to Fortitude Valley (or Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast). Also, people in Adelaide can hit up Hindley Street and Glenelg, with Perth residents can visit Northbridge. And if you're wondering why, that's because it's National Fry Day. Of course it is. There are a few caveats, as is always the case with this kind of giveaway. So, the freebies span one Lord of the Fries stickered cup of shoestring fries and one classic sauce, with the latter popped directly on top of the former. Again, you can only get one per person, and only in-store. And, it's only for shoestring fries — not the classic, chunky or sweet potato versions. Lord of the Fries is giving away free fries from 4–5pm on Wednesday, July 13 at all of its Australian locations. To find your closest store, head to the chain's website.
If all you want for Christmas any year, or throughout the year, is to make your own gin, Brisbane's latest distillery is here with excellent news. Comiskey Distillery whips up vodka, rum, bourbon and whisky itself, and also hosts gin-making workshops where you can craft your own 500-millilitre bottle of spirits, then take it home to drink. The latest addition to Comiskey Group's Eatons Hill setup, settling in next to the Eatons Hill Hotel on South Pine Road, Comiskey Distillery will offer cocktail classes as well, and also operate as spirit and cocktail training facility for the company's staff. And, obviously, it's where a heap of booze will be made — for use at Comiskey sites, and to buy at them as well. The Comiskey portfolio includes Eatons Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, Samford Hotel and Beachmere Hotel, plus bottle-os, so there'll be no shortage of places to pick up a tipple. That's due to happen from early 2023, and the new distillery will sell it online from then, too. Overseeing the booze-making: award-winning Master Distiller Colleen Walters, who boasts more than 12 years experience in food and spirits. She'll be guiding a range of beverages made in a 1000-litre copper still onsite, which takes pride of place in the space. Take one of those gin workshops, though, and you'll be using a mini traditional Alembic copper still, and picking from 100-plus botanicals.
Icon alert: in a year that's already bringing everyone from Kraftwerk, Devo and Paul McCartney to Sparks, Ms Lauryn Hill and Christina Aguilera Australia's way, Chaka Khan is also heading Down Under. The American singer and ten-time Grammy-winner will headline the 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, putting on a one-night-only Aussie-exclusive show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. And joining her onstage? Nile Rodgers & Chic while they're in the country for Harvest Rock. That evening of tunes will be all about icons teaming up with icons, clearly. Khan — aka the Queen of Funk — will celebrate five decades in the music industry with talents that've been around just as long. Among the Chicago-born singer's hits: 'I'm Every Woman', which was later covered by Whitney Houston; the Prince-penned 'I Feel for You'; and 'Ain't Nobody' with her funk band Rufus. Rodgers and Chic will bust out 'Le Freak' and 'Good Times', and also revel in their own hefty history. And, there's also the former's prowess as a guitarist to relish — which has seen him pop up on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. As a writer and producer, too, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Khan, Rodgers and Chic will be supported by Kaiit and Horns of Leroy at their six-hour opening-weekend show, which will help launch MIFJ's 26th festival. Running from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne, the rest of the fest's lineup spans more than 100 events, with 11 world premieres and ten Australian-exclusive performances on that list. Lisa Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, will take to Hamer Hall's stage to sing her mother's songs, while the Hot 8 Brass Band will host and lead the Second Line Street Party, a New Orleans jazz parade along the Yarra, Southbank and into Fed Square. The fest's international contingent is bringing Cécile McLorin Salvant, Makaya McCraven, GoGo Penguin and SFJAZZCollective to Melbourne as well, alongside trumpeters Marquis Hill and Ingrid Jensen. Also on offer: Raw Denshi, with the Australian Art Orchestra teaming up with Japanese hip hop's Kojoe and Hikaru Tanaka — and a collaboration featuring William Barton's didgeridoo sounds and Nduduzo Makhathini's jazz stylings. Or, jazz fans can hit up Federation Square to see Bumpy Thndo and Rita Satch play for free, then get their toes tapping to Afrobeat at Beasts of No Nation, where 87-year-old Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor will make his Australian debut. Throw in Australian names such as Elixir and Paul Grabowsky AO, Chapel Off Chapel hosting five days of jazz, JazzLab in Brunswick welcoming late-night jams, and outdoor dining and tunes at Grazeland, and this hefty program keeps throwing up more and more reasons to attend. The 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne. Head to the festival's website for further details, and for tickets from 8am on Tuesday, August 29.
The best dining experiences combine great food, interesting company and a wonderful setting. Sadly, we can't help if your dinner date is a little dull, but we can point you in the direction of fantastic restaurants in prime positions. From mountaintop views to waterside hotspots, these special locations flaunt Brisbane's diverse beauty. Watt Restaurant Watt is located downstairs inside the Powerhouse and nestled well and truly in New Farm park, so pre or post-entertainment options are sorted. Take your pick from the chic inside or cool outside dining areas, both of which have spectacular views of the river and across to Hawthorne. Our favourite from the menu is the chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto, pea puree and preserved lemon basil risotto ($30). The welcoming and attentive staff are happy to accommodate children, as well as park go-ers with their puppies and push bikes. 119 Lamington Street Newfarm, 4005 The Cliffs Cafe Climb to the top of the heritage-listed Kangaroo Point Cliffs and you'll be greeted by a pretty stunning outlook. It takes a few minutes to properly soak up the spectacular view of sprawling city skyscrapers, the lush botanic gardens and flowing river. But, let's face it, an amazing scene won't ease that rumbling in your tummy or quench your thirst – this is where the team at Cliff's Cafe come in. The combination of a picturesque location and platefuls of pleasing food make this spot a Brisbane gem. 29 River Terrace Kangaroo Point, 4169 Pony At any of the restaurants and bars located in this bustling corner of the city you will be greeted with views of the river and Story Bridge. One such restaurant is Pony. Although it's smack-bang in the middle of the CBD, its dark and rustic interior gives a homely feeling of peace from the surrounding hustle and bustle. Satisfy your hunger with spinach and potato gnocchi while you feast your eyes on the stunning view. Eagle Street Pier Eagle Street, 4000 Summit Restaurant and Bar Make the trek up the winding road to the top of Mt Coot-tha. After you catch your breath head to the Summit Restaurant and prepare yourself for a knockout view. This Brisbane icon guarantees gorgeous panoramic views of the city and surrounds. Why not impress your dinner partner and choose from the sunset dinner menu before venturing back into our city below. 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive Mt Coot-Tha, 4066 Byblos Byblos is in prime position for catching a welcomed breeze in summer and a lip-smackingly good cocktail. Squeeze the last bit of fun out of your weekend at this hotspot as their killer drinks menu and DJ sets make for a great Sunday sesh. Why not make your weekend extra special and sip on the aptly named Long Weekend cocktail ($16) as you enjoy some of Brisbane's best waterside dining. Portside Wharf Hamilton, 4007 Customs House Head North and dine in style at the elegant Customs House. Savour their quality food in the open dining area accompanied by a spectacular view of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. We recommend their High Tea sitting, after all a stunning view deserves a little bit of extravagance. Otherwise, watch the bridge twinkle at night while indulging in a cheese platter with wine in hand – perfect. 399 Queen St Brisbane, 4000 The Balfour Kitchen Tired of water views? Then slip into a tropical oasis at The Balfour Kitchen where you can while away the evening overlooking sprawling views of residential New Farm and Brisbane city. The exotic feel of the restaurant is reflected in their Asian-influenced menu, try the wild barra with asparagus, leek and pea risotto and tomato pinenut salsa ($30). 37 Balfour Street New Farm, 4005
It's been 100 years since the art world welcomed an icon with the birth of Jeffrey Smart, who went on to become one of Australia's most celebrated artists. And this summer, the National Gallery of Australia is paying homage to his life and work when it hosts a retrospective exhibition, aptly dubbed Jeffrey Smart. Running from Saturday, December 11–Sunday, May 15, the exhibition will dig deep into the renowned artist's legacy through a major survey of his works. Greatly inspired by the urban environment and the age of industrial modernity, Smart was known for his hyperrealist streetscapes, theatrical stylings and penchant for geometric composition. Vehicles, highways, factories and water towers are common motifs within Smart's art, as are eerily empty streets occupied by solo travellers. The National Gallery of Australia's centenary showcase will feature pieces from throughout his illustrious career and highlight the many varied themes Smart explored via his painting, as well as chronicle his evolution as an artist. Book your timed visit to check out Jeffrey Smart here — it'll be open daily (except Christmas Day). [caption id="attachment_834494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Smart, Wallaroo, 1951, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 1959, © The Estate of Jeffrey Smart.[/caption] Top Images: Jeffrey Smart 'Self portrait, Procida', National Gallery of Australia, copyright The Estate of Jeffrey Smart. Jeffrey Smart 'Corrugated Gioconda', National Gallery of Australia, copyright The Estate of Jeffrey Smart.
Turning glass containers into plant-filled miniature landscapes, terrariums aren't all that difficult to make. They're an achievable craft project that doesn't require too green a thumb, look great, and can fit in homes of all shapes and sizes. But who wants to whip up a regular ol' terrarium when you can add a splash of Studio Ghibli magic to your pebbles, moss and other plants? At the Totoro Terrarium Workshop, you'll learn all the terrarium basics, including the art of terrarium landscaping, everything you need to know about mosses and lichens, detailed info about tropical species and how to care for them long-term. As the name indicates, you'll also discover how to turn your new creation into an ode to My Neighbour Totoro. As fans of the movie will already know, it's basically screaming out for the terrarium treatment. Your $89 ticket includes all of the above, as well as everything you need to make a Totoro-themed terrarium — with Botanicals by Bella hosting the session at West End's All the Green Things. Book your spot for Tuesday, March 24, with the workshop running from 6.30–8.30pm. Then, be prepared to get spirited away. Top image: Botanicals by Bella.
Next time you sip gin, you could be hanging out in a double-decker bus in scenic surroundings — and either enjoying free tastings of strawberry eucalyptus-flavoured gin on the vehicle's bottom level, or heading upstairs to work your way through a three-drink cocktail flight. Thanks to Brisbane Distillery, this very experience is now on the menu, with the West End-based spirits company launching its new True Spirit of Brisbane bus. Debuting at the Riverside Markets in the City Botanic Gardens on Sunday, May 9, the True Spirit bus sports a blue exterior, serves samples out of the window and features booth seating under the pop-up roof on the top deck. For those happy with a tasting (or several), you'll be able to choose from Brisbane Distillery's Game of Eucalyptus Gin, Queensland Dry Gin and Brown Snake Rhum. You'll also be able to buy bottles to take home with you, too. Fancy hanging for a bit longer? The cocktail flights cost $24.99, and feature three beverages, each coming in at half a standard drink. Two different flight menus are available — both starting with a G&T, of course. From there, you can opt for a tomato-flavoured tipple and a citrusy drink called Parks and Recreation. Or, you can channel your inner Paddington with a marmalade cocktail, then follow it with a pink concoction. Brisbane Distillery will be taking the True Spirit Bus on the road, so expect future market pop-ups. If drinking on a stationary bus sounds like your kind of party activity, the vehicle can also be booked for weddings, birthdays, markets, promotions and other events. When it makes its first appearance, it's doing so on Mother's Day — so if you still haven't nabbed your mum a last-minute gift, or made a restaurant booking for a nice meal, you now have another option. Brisbane Distillery's True Spirit bus will debut at the Riverside Markets in the City Botanic Gardens on Sunday, May 9, and then host sessions every Sunday. For further details and to book tickets, head to the distillery's website.
A long time ago, in this very galaxy, brass instruments sounded, a text crawl started and the first Star Wars film burst onto the screen. Thanks to director George Lucas and composer John Williams, it's one of the most iconic movie openings in history — and, in all of its force-wielding, Death Star-destroying, orchestra-scored glory, the sci-fi classic is making a kriffing special return. With Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens getting the concert treatment in 2017, every jedi, wookiee, droid and even sith around the rest of the country has been crossing their fingers and toes for a similar blend of Star Wars movies and music. Those hopes and dreams are being answered with two screenings of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 7 (at 2pm and 7.30pm). The film will roll, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform Williams' Oscar-winning compositions, and you'll burst with a Millennium Falcon's worth of happiness. Whether you're a huge Star Wars buff eager to ride a wave of excitement past Solo: A Star Wars Story's May release, just have a casual interest, or have no idea what the term R2-D2 means, prepare to experience history — it's the first time that a live performance has accompanied A New Hope in Brisbane. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's associate conductor Benjamin Northey will be leading the charge, as Brissie's finest provide the soundtrack to Luke Skywalker meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia sending a message for help, Han Solo oozing his usual attitude and Darth Vader just being a power-hungry jerk.
Picnics aren't the only way to enjoy a bite in Brisbane's green spaces. Roma Street Parklands boasts The Garden Room, where you can tuck into a cafe spread in the heart of the leafy inner-city spot. Soon, Northshore Hamilton will be home to Riva Kitchen & Events, an all-day eatery from the same team. Opening in mid-April — then hosting an official opening weekend across Saturday, May 4–Monday, May 6 — this new dining venue will get its patrons having breakfast, lunch and more riverside. So, as you start your morning with tiramisu overnight oats or opt for Fraser Island spanner crab linguini later in the day, you'll be eating on the waterfront in the River City's inner north (making the most of the fact that this is the River City, clearly). While the full menu is yet to be revealed, other options that'll be tempting tastebuds include house-cured salmon with a potato cake, soft-boiled egg and dill crème fraiche for brekkie — plus sweetcorn and zucchini fritters that come served with eggplant relish and labneh at lunchtime. Catering for coffee dates, long lunches and weekend brunches, too, the culinary spread's focus is modern Australian dishes, but taking cues from the Mediterranean. Local and seasonal ingredients will also be in the spotlight. The crew behind the restaurant have also designed Riva Kitchen & Events to become Brisbane's next go-to to celebrate occasions, as the eatery's name makes plain. Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a party, or a wedding or corporate event, the site will double as a venue for shindigs — with its openair features and backdrop set to be drawcards. Plenty of change is coming to this side of Brisbane, including Rise Bakery, Rosé Gelateria, Birds Nest Yakitori and Fosh all joining the neighbouring Portside Wharf, which is in the middle of a $20-million revamp. Next up: gastropub Portside Social. Northshore Hamilton is also set to undergo an expansion. That project will see the precinct gain an extra 1.2 kilometres, and is focused around hosting the Brisbane Athlete Village for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, then giving residents something to enjoy afterwards. Riva Kitchen & Events is set to open at 285 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton, in mid-April 2024, and host an official opening weekend across Saturday, May 4–Monday, May 6. Head to the venue's website for further details.
With international travel unlikely to return for some time yet, your 2021 holiday plans probably include vacationing somewhere within Australia. If heading to the country's southern-most state is on your list, and you're keen to do so via car, then you'll welcome the Federal Government's temporary expansion of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme — because it's letting travellers take their wheels to Tassie via ferry for a four month period without paying extra. Announced on Thursday, January 7 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the move sees an existing rebate — which dates back to 1996, and is designed to "reduce the cost of seagoing travel between the mainland and Tasmania" — extended via $6 million in funding from the Australian Government. As part of the scheme, it'll be free for passengers on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to take their vehicles on the journey with them. That also applies to motorcycles and bicycles, if they're your preferred methods of transport. The scheme's expansion covers travel between March 1–June 30, 2021, and can be booked from January 14 — with tickets available until sold out. When you book the journey between Melbourne and Davenport (or vice versa), the rebate will be applied automatically, so you won't need to do anything else. Travellers taking their cars to Tassie with them will save an average of $240 for a return trip. If you're taking a caravan or motorhome with you, you'll still save the same amount — but, unlike with a car, you'll still need to pay an amount on top as the rebate won't cover the full price of the caravan or motorhome fee. There is still a passenger fee, which varies depending on whether you're travelling by day or night, and if it's high or low season. [caption id="attachment_796424" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mattinbgn via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Like plenty of schemes announced by various governments this year — such as Victoria's and South Australia's tourism vouchers — the aim is to get more folks going on local holidays, and spending money to support Australia's tourism industry. Tasmania does currently have border restrictions in place as at the time of writing, affecting those who've been in parts of Victoria and New South Wales. Accordingly, in advice we're all used to by now, it's worth checking the requirements and taking them into consideration when making your booking. For more information about the temporary expansion of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme — or to make a booking with Spirit of Tasmania — visit the latter company's website. Top image: Steve Penton via Wikimedia Commons.
