Locals to Brisbane understand the significance of the river that flows throughout our city. While the overflow of the river can be brutal every few decades, Brisbanites cannot get enough of the heart of our city and admiring it from absolute waterfront vantage points. Heading into the summer months there are many reasons to celebrate, Christmas (and bonuses), weddings, birthdays, babies... and there's no place better to celebrate in true Brisbane style than down on the river enjoying a meal and a drink. So we have narrowed down our Concrete Playground top five riverfront spots in Brisbane. Watt Restaurant + Bar Watt is perfect for a long lunch, or lazy afternoon drinks with friends. The food is beautiful and the service is consistently great. Sundays at Watt are always atmospheric with live music and a great casual vibe. If you're after a serious treat, why not indulge in the chilli crab for two and eat until you are deliriously full on delicious crab. Overlooking the New Farm stretch of the river, there is plenty of people watching to do as joggers and casual strollers move along the boardwalk. For a wonderful and relaxing treat, Watt is the place to go. 119 Lamington Street, New Farm; 07 3358 5464; www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au Sono For a special lunch or dinner occasion it's hard to beat an exquisite Japanese meal. Whether you want to go for the extravagant tasting course option or keep it simple with sushi or dumplings, Sono has it all. Located at Portside in Hamilton, your waterfront view overlooks the wide stretch of river (unless of course there is a P&O cruiser) and then you can just check out all of the intriguing passengers. 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton; 07 3268 6655; www.sonorestaurant.com.au Riverbar & Kitchen The brains trust behind Aria have opened their second restaurant in Brisbane just this week, and we can tell it's going to be a winner. Right down on the boardwalk at Eagle St Pier, Riverbar and Kitchen has the nautical feel of a sailing club. With beautiful fresh prawns (and many other delicious items on the menu), jugs of refreshing summer cocktails and plenty of seating, this new venue will no doubt be housing many post-work revelers as well as families on weekends. The relaxed vibe and good food is sure to create many loyal customers. Promenade level, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane City; Open Mon-Fri 7am to late, Sat-Sun 8am to late Cove Bar and Dining Enjoy relaxed alfresco dining at its best at Cove. Down on the river at South Bank, Cove is the perfect place to enjoy sumptuous food, ice cold drinks and the sun setting over the Brisbane river. Their oysters are fresh from Coffin Bay; the menu is unique and delicious; the drinks list impressive. Start with the chicken crackling and duck spring rolls and you will be starting off a night of unbridled joy. River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3844 3993; www.covebardining.com.au Stokehouse For a meal that will leave you totally stoked, look no further than Stokehouse. Exquisite river frontage and an exquisite menu will guarantee a happy experience. Stokehouse has a stylish but relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the mediterranean inspired food, wine and views of beautiful Brisbane city. If you're after a more casual drink and a snack then just pop in to the Stoke Bar where you can get something as simple (but deliciously done) as a cheeseburger. You'll be stoked, mate. Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3013 0333; www.stokehousebrisbane.com.au
VJing on now-defunct pay TV music channel Channel [V], then hosting Australian Idol, The Bachelor franchise and The Masked Singer: they're dream gigs. So is appearing as yourself on Neighbours and Offspring, narrating Bondi Rescue, popping up on everything from Thank God You're Here to Have You Been Paying Attention?, running successful podcasts and writing a book. Since getting his start in radio in Brisbane, Osher Günsberg has ticked off all of the above and more for over two decades, and has rarely been far from the spotlight — but he's also always wanted to make fun of the news live in front of an audience. That show now exists, complete with the requisite tongue-twister name: NTNNNN: Night Time News Network Nightly News with Osher Günsberg. "It's an old joke, but it works," Günsberg tells Concrete Playground, his enthusiasm evident over the phone. "How many Ns can you make it? I think The Chaser had four and I wanted to get more than that, so I've gone with five Ns." Premiering in January and playing Marrickville's Factory Theatre in Sydney until Friday, February 17, then set for a debut Victorian stint at Malthouse's Beckett Theatre from Thursday, March 30–Sunday, April 9 as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, NTNNNN is a fully improvised live satire of the news of the day. The show's targets don't stop with whatever's earning attention before each gig, however, also parodying the entire news industry plus Günsberg's stardom. "It's just such a ripe field to plough. It deserves fun being poked at it," Günsberg notes. "Essentially, it's a news show. It's like the six o'clock news or the late news, the 10.30 news. And it's the headlines of the day, with my intrepid NTNNNN news team out in the field — on stage," he continues. "It's completely unpredictable. It's news in the way you've never seen it before. It completely takes the piss out of what people want to cling to in times of uncertainty, which is someone being super sure on television — whether it be a leader or a news anchor or someone who's paid to do long-form editorials late at night on television. We have commercial breaks, because you've always got to have commercial breaks. And if you've never been in a TV studio for a filming, the commercial breaks are a very strange time. People at home are watching ads, but you in the studio are still there, and all the TV people are still in the room. So that actually happens." The end result: Günsberg in a comedic role that he doesn't usually get to slip into, and one that's worlds away from hosting The Bachelors and the like. He's also hoping that it's a step towards making NTNNNN an on-screen reality, as he explained in a chat about the onstage show, his own fame, his need to always give 100 percent and the best advice he's ever been given. "I've always wanted to host a live satirical news show. I'm going the long way about it, but yeah, absolutely, would I want to see this on TV one day? For sure. By the time that it gets there, will what we call television exist? Who knows. I'm only interested in building things that scale, so I'm going to see how far I can take it." ON MAKING HIS LIVE SATIRICAL NEWS SHOW DREAMS COME TRUE "I've always wanted to host a satirical news show since I was a kid. I've always felt that satire, particularly satire of news and current events, was as valuable in the public discourse as a really solid, well-researched editorial or a really great newspaper article that exposes something. I think satire has the ability to expose stuff that is usually shrouded in solemnity, for example the solemnity of office. 'Ooh, we can't say that, that person's very important' — but look what they've done, you know? When you use satire, you can break out of that stuff and look at things from a different angle. So I've always wanted to host a show like that, and I've had a few chances here and there — I've done a stint on a panel once or twice. And I guess I figured out that no one was going to walk down my front path knock on my door and say 'hey, we've got this great television show, can you come and host it?'. It was going to be up to me to create it, so that's what I've done. It's the news show that I've always wanted to host — it just isn't on television at the moment. But it plays with all of the language of television and television news, which is ridiculous. It's a product just like any of the TV shows that I make, and it deserves to have a bit of fun poked at it as well. So that's the show we've made." ON WHY MAKING FUN OF THE NEWS IS SO FUN — AND IMPORTANT "I think as the news becomes more and more of a product, in that it's a business — whether it's a website or a newspaper or a radio station, or a television network or program on a television network, essentially that's a product — it needs to rate. It needs to be able to justify the expense of it being created, so hopefully it brings in more money than it costs to make. There are ways to get that to rate. There are ways to get eyeballs onto your content, and it doesn't matter what's in the news — the way the news is framed is to try to push those numbers, which is also worth having a crack at. Those are the laughs that we find, I think: the laughs of just the ridiculousness of how the news is told, and the ridiculousness of the way the systems and the people who are in charge of those systems play the news against itself from one publication or one network to another. There's a way that you'll get quoted on one particular network and then the very same press conference will have a completely different soundbite, because that is the lens through which those networks view the situation. I think it is in exposing those moments and having fun with that, those are where the laughs are. So it doesn't matter what's in the news cycle, there's always something funny — there's always something to laugh at." ON TAKING THE PISS OUT OF HIMSELF AS WELL "I've been working in TV for nearly 25 years. It's ridiculous that I'm even still on air, so I think it's important — most of this is me taking the piss out of myself as well. I think I'm this ridiculous character on television, and I really enjoy taking the piss out of the way that I do some of the jobs that I do on television. I know I'm very good at them, but that's not everything about me. So it's funny for me to take the piss out of the person I become when I do those jobs — I think it's quite funny for me to have a crack at him, too. There's a lot to work with. I think there's this mystical idea of a person on television. I enjoy busting the bubble of what people think life is like when you have a job like the job that I have. Because there's only one person who's actually really living the mega mega mega mega dream, and that's the man who's the smartest with his money than any of us — that's bloody Larry Emdur. Me, I'm paycheque to paycheque, and I think that's hilarious — and well-worth making fun of. I was in television before the global financial crisis, and maybe there was a time when I was getting paid that kind of money. But, that was also a time when I was drinking very heavily, and I was doing really dumb stuff, so all that money's gone. And they don't pay that kind of money anymore, so it's pretty funny. I am going do whatever job people want me to. I have kids and a mortgage. I'm in the business of topping up my super and making sure I pay off my mortgage. I'm making sandwiches after this. I've got two podcasts going on, I'm trying to get this live show happening — I've got not enough room on my stove, there's that many irons in the fire." ON THE PATH TO NTNNNN "I'm nearly 50, and what you want in life changes over time. When I was working in radio at B105 in Brisbane, what I wanted in radio is certainly not what I want in radio now. Through this show, am I exorcising that need to question authority or challenge the status quo that I just adored watching people on television do when I was a kid? Yeah! I think that's important. Systems should be challenged, status quos should be challenged, because that's how you refine them. There's always 'ooh, you can't say that about the Prime Minister' — but you can. And it's useful when you do, if you do it in the right way. I'm thrilled to be calling back to that 14-year-old watching TV at night in Brisbane, feeling he was being naughty hearing someone say something about the leader of the country that he in his heart felt was also true. ON THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE HE'S EVER RECEIVED "I lived in America for about ten years, and my manager was an absolute legend of the game over there, a bloke by the name of John Ferriter — a really big bigwig. I was so lucky to get in with him, and he's the one who told me that only you know how hard you've worked to make your dreams come true. He's right. Because you can tell everyone around you, 'oh, I didn't get into that course' or 'oh, I didn't get the job' or 'oh, he doesn't want to go out with me'. And people will go, 'yeah, no problem, moving on'. But you're the only one that knows 'did I actually pick up the phone enough times, did I put the work in, did I study hard enough, did I train hard enough?'. You're the only one that knows that, and you're going to have to be okay with that. That means that whether you're going for a job on television, or you're going for a job at the coffee shop down the road, or you're studying for your grade ten exams or your grade 12 exams, or you're trying to pass your apprenticeship certificate, or you're going for uni — or you're trying to meet someone and convince someone to fall in love with you, or you're trying to date somebody — only you will lie in bed at night knowing how much effort you actually put in. For someone like me, I am no good if I haven't put in everything. So I'm pretty stuck, I've got to do it as hard as I can, because I can't rest if I don't." NTNNNN: Night Time News Network Nightly News with Osher Günsberg plays Marrickville's Factory Theatre in Sydney until Friday, February 17, and will then head to Malthouse's Beckett Theatre from Thursday, March 30–Sunday, April 9 as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
What's better than one party? Two. The answer is always two. You know it, we know it, and the folks at both Green Beacon Brewing Co and the Teneriffe Festival know it. Just like last year, the former joining isn't just joining in the fun of the latter — from 1pm on Saturday, July 7, it's shutting off the street and throwing its shindig as well. Yep, it's a good ol' fashioned Green Beacon Block Party (and yep, something can still be classed as old fashioned even if it's only the second time it has ever happened). Expect everything a brewery get-together should have, aka multiple beers and bars, a feast of food trucks and plenty of live music. Plus, as well as GB's usual tipples, there'll be apple cider on tap and wines — in case beer isn't your thing, or you need to alternate your tipples. Mr Burger and King of the Wings will be on culinary duties, so expect burgs and wings galore. And because it's often sunny in Brisbane, even in the middle of winter, there'll be shady seating so you can get comfy.
Carrie Fisher is bringing back those famous bagel buns and reprising her role as Princess Leia in the upcoming Star Wars trilogy. Or at least, so says Carrie Fisher. Since Disney and LucasFilm confirmed the new Star Wars trilogy scheduled for release from 2015 would concern the post-Return of the Jedi era, the casting rumour mill has gone into hyperdrive. However, when asked by Palm Beach Illustrated if she would be back for the new saga, Fisher confidently declared "yes". She ventured that an older Leia "would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle." Whilst Mark Hammil, the original Luke Skywalker, has said he is keen and Harrison Ford has not dismissed the notion of playing Han Solo, neither have been as definitive as Fisher. When contacted by Entertainment Weekly, LucasFilm representatives stated that "we haven’t made any announcements about casting". We hope Fisher is telling the truth though, else we are looking for casting information in Alde-wrong places. In the meantime, with no script written, fans can only speculate over what her role may be, but we reckon that bikini will be staying in the wardrobe this time round.
Snorkelling in the rainforest? Absolutely. About 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, Back Country Bliss Adventures offers a tour where you'll drift down the river through the Daintree. Sometimes it's a gentle journey through shallow waters where you can see fish and freshwater turtles, as well as water lizards and possibly even the elusive little platypus. But, if there's been a fresh downpour of rain, you'll find yourself on a more adventurous and fast flowing trip. The full-day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day takes you along the Mossman River and includes lunch and a smoking ceremony by the Traditional Custodians of this area, the Kuku Yalanji People. If you'd like an even bigger adventure, take the ten-kilometre Manjal Jimalji Hike and encounter the flora and fauna of the forest and boulders as you climb up for spectacular Daintree views. Plus, you can donate to Rainforest Rescue when booking your trip to help protect the future of the Daintree Rainforest long after your visit. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Our team of editors have curated a Hobart getaway package for Concrete Playground Trips, taking guests on an exclusive tour of Tassie's art, wine and culture scene. This trip covers your Hobart essentials, but then we've stepped things up a notch for you. Take a scenic flight over the iconic Wineglass Bay, get the 'posh-as' MONA experience (with a long, boozy lunch included), and squeeze in a series of wine tastings across the region. Plus, all the organising has been done in advance. No need to scour the internet for the best accom (the trip includes a four-night stay at the fantastic Henry Jones Art Hotel), book cabs or create an itinerary of your own. We've done it all for you. But we also know how important it is to keep holiday plans flexible — that's why there's no formalised itinerary for this trip. Instead, you can lock in the below included experiences at a time that suits you. MONA ON A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL If you haven't heard of MONA, you've been living under a rock. This art institution is a can't-miss Hobart experience. And this package doesn't just give you a ticket to the galleries and grounds. Booking through Concrete Playground Trips gives you a ferry ride to MONA and a private guided tour and wine tasting at their Moorilla winery. Then you'll enjoy an excellent two-course lunch that comes with even more locally produced wine, plus a bottle of Moorilla's Muse to take back to your hotel. If you're going to visit MONA, do it this way. WINEGLASS AND WILDLIFE TOUR On another day, guests take to the skies over Wineglass Bay. During a 45-minute flight, you'll soar further above Freycinet National Park, home to dramatic pink granite mountains, secluded bays, crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. Leaving the peninsula, you'll fly over the seal colony of Ile Des Phoques and continue towards Maria Island, where you'll touch down to explore the island on foot. Known for its abundance of wildlife, Hobart's Maria Island is home to rare and endangered species like the swift parrot and Cape Barren goose, wombats, kangaroos and of course, the Tassie Devil. We even manage to squeeze a decadent seafood and vino lunch into the day – bring on all the local oysters! ACCOMMODATION We have the hotel picked out for you too. The Henry Jones Art Hotel will be your home for four nights, giving you somewhere historic and calming to rest your head. The jam warehouse turned dedicated arts hotel comes with in-house restaurants and cocktail bars serving up innovative feasts and cocktails from Tasmania's best seasonal produce. [caption id="attachment_865273" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania[/caption] Luxe amenities and foodie delights aside, what's most intriguing about a stay at The Henry Jones Art Hotel is the unique opportunity it poses to stay inside a – very comfortable, very cosy – art gallery, essentially. Some 400 artworks (most by emerging Tassie artists) adorn hallways, guest rooms and public spaces here, and you might just spot an artist in residency toiling away on their masterpiece in the lobby. Need further inspiration? Read our Long Weekender's Guide to Hobart and travel further afield to get a taste of all things Tassie with our extensive guide to the best of Tassie's fantastic food, produce and culinary culture. Book tickets to this exclusive getaway through the Concrete Playground Trips website. Main image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
You've putted your way around Holey Moley's neon-lit themed mini golf greens at its two Brisbane venues. When the most festive time of the year rolls around, you've tap, tap, tapped through Victoria Park's Christmas-adorned site. And, when it stopped by the city, you swung a club at Pixar Putt as well. But one thing even the most enthusiastic Brisbane mini golf fan hasn't done is head to Redcliffe and channel your inner Happy Gilmore on an underwater-inspired 18-hole course — until now. Open since Thursday, November 12 but officially launching on Saturday, November 14 at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Undersea Putt & Play features everything from sharks and fish hanging above the course to turtles and pirates scattered among the greens. Some holes are decked out in glowing hues, like you're in the deepest parts of the ocean, while others have tropical backdrops. You'll enter through the jaws of a dunkleosteus, an extinct ancient fish that grew up to eight metres long, and you'll also spot squid, jellyfish, whales, turtles, stingrays, mermaids and treasure chests (all fake, of course). It's all family friendly, so expect to have company of all ages. That's the type of game that mini golf is, after all. The same applies to the arcade that's also part of Undersea Putt & Play — if you've ever wondered what Timezone would be like if gropers and crocodiles were part of the decor. Open seven days a week, Undersea Putt & Play also has a cafe and bar onsite for pre-golf snacks and post-match celebrations. Find Undersea Putt & Play opens at Shops 2-5 Bluewater Square Shopping Centre, 20 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe — open from 10am–8pm Monday–Saturday and 10am–6pm Sunday.
Every Sunday since early June, Gerard's Bar has been throwing shawarma parties. From the name, you obviously know what's on the menu. For Brisbane Good Food Month, the James Street spot is giving the concept a tiny tweak — because, from 2pm on Sunday, July 25 only, you'll get something to eat and a cocktail for $30. On the food side of things, you'll be tucking into whichever type of shawarma takes the venue's fancy on the day. It has been rotating through brisket, Hawaii chicken, harissa pork neck and machoui lamb neck, if you're wondering what might be in store. Also included: sumac spiced chips with tahini mayo, because every shawarma needs a side dish. As for a beverage, Gerard's signature Beirut punch will help you wash down your meal. [caption id="attachment_584695" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Emily Jane Davies[/caption]
Once the site of Expo 88, and now a sprawling riverside precinct with everything from pools to eateries, South Bank is about to become a Christmas wonderland. When Friday, December 1 hits, festive cheer will take over the waterside parkland with activities for Brisbane's merriest residents. Chief among them: the return of the annual free outdoor Christmas cinema. Getting jolly by the river has meant settling in for themed films without paying a cent for years now, and 2023 is no different. With two screenings per night from Monday, December 18–Saturday, December 23 — at 6pm and 8pm — at River Quay, Christmas movie lovers can settle in for a selection of yuletide favourites, including Elf and The Holiday. Those dates will see the bulk of South Bank's Christmas festivities start raining down on the precinct, including a seasonal song-and-dance show, photo opportunities with Santa, carols by the river and live tunes performed on the lawn nightly, soundtracking bites and drinks from nearby eateries. When December kicks in, however, South Bank's Christmas tree will light up from that very day, with decorations set to dazzle the parkland until Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Another huge drawcard, especially if you're a last-minute shopper, is the return of The Collective Markets Christmas Edition from Friday, December 15–Saturday, December 23. Under twinkling lights, rows of stalls will sell everything from clothes to homewares — with a big focus on handmade goods — to help you find gifts for your nearest and dearest.
Airbnb have a habit of coming up with wacky, adrenaline-inducing places to stay the night — like this shark tank, the end of a ski jump, or the Catacombs of Paris. Their latest listing is no less exciting, though it may have your heart pounding for an entirely different reason. On October 15, Airbnb is giving one lucky chump and three of your best (and most musical) mates the opportunity to spend a night in Studio 3 of Abbey Road Studios. And on top of that, you'll be hosted by legendary DJ, singer, songwriter, producer and all-round super musician Mark Ronson. Yep, imagine snoozing in the same studio where Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon was recorded. The last time anyone slept in Abbey Road Studios was in June, 1969, when an artist requested it. Thanks to Airbnb, the next person could be you (and Ronson will be your tour guide). Ronson grew up just around the corner from the studios and will greet the four lucky guests before they explore the entire building. They will have access to everything the historic studios have to offer, from the Beatles' cigarette-burned piano to the world's largest mixing board, and will be immersed in the rich musical history of the iconic building. Later in the evening, after hearing some of Mark's tips and stories about the building, they will even have the opportunity to pick up an instrument and record their own song. All you have to do to enter is click here and tell Airbnb a bit about yourself, which song you wish you'd been at the studios to see recorded and why. And the best bit? They'll even fly you to London from anywhere in the world. The house rules are pretty simple. Among a few other directions, you can crank up the volume (they have good sound proofing, as you'd expect) and answer the phone with a simple "Hello, it's me." They also ask that you "Don't go chasing pavements," although we think they might offer an exception if it's the zebra crossing out the front. And the last rule? "Leave your mark." Don't mind if we do.
Brisbanites are gifted brag-worthy sunshine and clear skies almost all year around, which makes for perfect outdoor gig and picnic weather. So, as the site has since 2018, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is letting everyone make the most of Brissie's ace climate with a Gigs & Picnics series. Taking place on the last Saturday of each month from February — running from 12–4pm on February 25, March 25, April 29 and May 27, in fact — the event will rustle up some of the city's best food trucks, put on some free tunes and invite folks to get cosy on their own blanket all afternoon. Entering through the main gateway at the intersection of Alice and Albert Streets, attendees can expect everything from jazz and modern reggae to dub and gypsy, all in gorgeous greenery-filled surroundings. You can also order a picnic basket in advance, which'll be there for you on the day. Or, if you're bringing your own feast, just remember that the gardens aren't BYO. Images: Gigs & Picnics.
One of the biggest questions in Brisbane now has an answer. That query: where will the sports that are usually played at the Gabba move to when the stadium is completely demolished and rebuilt for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics? The response, as announced by the Queensland Government on Friday, December 1, 2023: the RNA Showgrounds. The Bowen Hills location's main arena has been earmarked as the site for a temporary 20,000-person stadium for both AFL and cricket to use from the start of the 2025–26 cricket season, as tearing the Brisbane Cricket Ground down and building the Gabba 2.0 will begin in 2026. This will require a $137-million upgrade, including a temporary grandstand at Machinery Hill and a permanent seating bowl, the latter of which will also benefit the Ekka. [caption id="attachment_929048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The RNA Showgrounds, JRA_WestyQld2 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "The Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with cricket and the AFL to find the best alternative venue for teams, spectators and the community while the Gabba is out of action. Upgrading the RNA main arena means keeping the big games in Brisbane and supporting the visitor economy while delivering an Ekka legacy for uniting city and country," said Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. "I want to thank the Lord Mayor for his public backing of an upgrade to the historic main arena at the RNA Showgrounds to retain the economic benefits of sport and jobs here in Brisbane." [caption id="attachment_782238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gabba, Your Next Kid via Wikipedia Commons[/caption] The RNA Showgrounds plan has been chosen after a review of options in southeast Queensland, given that the Gabba will be out of action until 2030. The Queensland Government's announcement also mentions that it was cost-effective choice; however, only $45.7 million of that funding is set to come from the government. It is asking for the rest of the $91 million to be provided by not only the Brisbane City Council and the RNA, but the primary tenants, who'll be forced to make the move, even though teams such as the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls will only berelocating because there'll be no Gabba to play at due to the Olympics-focused rebuild. Work on the RNA Showgrounds will need to begin in 2024 to meet the timeline. After the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the venue's seating will sit at 12,000. As for the new Gabba, it'll be part of a new Woolloongabba precinct that the Queensland Government hopes that people will enjoy regardless of whether there's a game on, complete with more dining and retail options, plus open spaces to hang out in. [caption id="attachment_927842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artists' impression of the redeveloped Gabba[/caption] For more information about the plans for RNA Showgrounds, head to the Queensland Government website. Top image: Queensland Government.
Before 'indie' meant more than 'independently signed', Neutral Milk Hotel fit the term by all accounts. Reaching cult status only after their 1999 breakup, the American outfit have since inspired Tumblr posts the world over with angst-soaked lyrics such as "How strange it is to be anything at all." As part of their reunion tour, Neutral Milk Hotel were set to headline the dust-biting Harvest Festival, but made sure to remember their generation-spanning fans here in Aus. Yep, for their first Aussie shows ever, the full lineup from everyone's favourite record — 1998's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea — will be brought to The Tivoli on November 12. The once-in-a-lifetime shows will see NMH joined by M. Ward and Superchunk. So c'mon fanboys and girls, grab the last of the tickets that went on sale Friday October 11; they mightn't last much longer.
Beirut have a gift. Within their own distinct sound they capture the music of the world. ‘Nantes’ has us shaking our hips and doing salsa moves, ‘Elephant Gun’ has us reminiscing about Serge Gainsbourg and imagining ourselves dancing slow and close in Paris, and listening to ‘Postcards from Italy’, it feels as if a mariachi band has entered the building and has you stomping your feet in time. Amongst all of this, Zach Condon’s gorgeous soulful, but lilting, voice guides us on stories of life, love and friendship. At their essence Beirut play indie pop music, but the truth is they play so much more and have re-engaged with the idea of world music in a genuinely exciting way, opening it up to new audiences and new possibilities. In fact, in Brazil there is a music movement called ‘Beirutando’ where Brazilian musicians get together to play Beirut’s songs, but they add a Brazilian beat and styling to the sound! This week they grace Brisbane with their beautiful music presence and play the Hi Fi. I don’t want to build your expectations too much, but apparently on top of being glorious musicians generally, they are even better live!
Fear, dread, tension, apprehension, just being creeped out — they're all strong emotions. They're also exactly the types of reactions that Darkfield and Realscape Productions trade in. The two companies have been teaming up for a couple of years now, with UK creators Darkfield first collaborating with the Melbourne-based Realscape Productions on Seance, Coma and Flight, those eerie shipping container installations that have popped up around the country. Then, when the pandemic hit, the pair pivoted to at-home audio experiences. If you've listed along to Double, Visitors and Eternal as part of the Darkfield Radio series — all of which are back streaming again now — you'll know that putting people on edge is firmly on the agenda here. Announcing their latest Darkfield Radio project, Darkfield and Realscape aren't messing with their successful formula — so audiences can expect another unsettling experience designed to be listened to at home. But this duo never serve up the same thing twice, even if their current works all spin nerve-jangling tales and unfurl creepy audio experiences. With Knot, which'll make its Australian premiere on Friday, June 25, you won't just sit in one place, don your headphones and listen attentively, for instance. You'll initially head to a park bench to listen in — still wearing those headphones, of course — and then you'll need to sit in a car. For the last section of this three-part experience, you'll then get comfy in a room in your house. To get the full experience, you need to work through all three of Knot's sections in one evening — untangling them in your head, naturally. Darkfield and Realscape always keep the minutiae of their shows close to their chests, so that audiences experience them for themselves while listening, but they have released one clue for Knot: "Here I am, I have come from nothing, created in this moment, as your brain improvises me into existence, improvised into existence... but with no hidden depths." "Season one exposed audiences to the mysterious and supernatural inside their homes, magnified by Darkfield's signature 360 degree binaural sound,", said Realscape Productions Amy Johnson. "We're looking forward to getting audiences outside of their homes for Season two — in COVID-safe settings of course — and pushing them out of their comfort zones even more." Leading Darkfield Radio's second season, Knot will arrive in Australia fresh from playing as part of the Tribeca Film Festival's 2021 immersive lineup. The company's shows have been earning that kind of attention over the past year, with season one becoming the first audio-only experience to ever be a part of Venice International Film Festival last year. Knot will be available to listen to every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Friday, June 25–Sunday, September 30. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the Darkfield website. Images: Empty Bottles Media.
Before Succession first graced TV screens back in 2018, you mightn't have quite realised exactly how entertaining it is to watch people squabbling. Not just everyday characters, either, but the constantly bickering — and ridiculously wealthy and privileged — family of a global media baron. It's not just the arguing and power plays that make this hit HBO series compulsively watchable, however, but the witty words flung about, the scathing insults shot back and forth, and the pitch-perfect performances that deliver every verbal blow. The result: one of the best shows currently airing on television. Of course, Succession hasn't actually been on our screens for a couple of years now, with the series' last season dropping back in 2019. Now, after a pandemic delay, the show is set to return sometime this spring. Neither HBO nor Foxtel, who airs the series in Australia, has announced an exact date, but they have just dropped a welcome new trailer. Yes, it's time to soak up your latest glimpse of the fictional Roy family, including the always-formidable Brian Cox (Super Troopers 2) as patriarch Logan, and Jeremy Strong (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Kieran Culkin (Infinity Baby), Alan Ruck (Gringo) and Australian actor Sarah Snook (Pieces of a Woman) as his four adult children. If you've seen the past two seasons, you'll know that this brood's tenuous and tempestuous relationship has only gotten thornier as we've all watched. Based on the heated words swapped in this new teaser, that obviously won't change any time soon. For Succession newcomers, the series follows the Roys as Logan's offsprings try to position themselves as next in line to his empire. It's clearly set among the one percent, in lives that most folks will never know — but the idea that depiction doesn't equal endorsement is as rich in Succession as its always-disagreeing characters. Created by Peep Show's Jesse Armstrong — someone who knows more than a thing or two about black comedy — this Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Writers Guild and Directors Guild Award-winner is savagely smart, darkly biting and often laugh-out-loud funny about its chosen milieu. And in the words of cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun, Zola) in this new sneak peek, yes, that sounds kinda dramatic. Check out the Succession season three trailer below: Succession's third season is set to air on Foxtel in Australia sometime this spring — we'll update you with exact details when they're announced.
Don't give a shit about what Justin Bieber is tweeting these days? Stick it to social media by ordering toilet paper rolls printed with your Twitter feed. Matt Delprado, a creative director at Profero Sydney, along with David Gillespie, created Shitter. The company's motto, "Social media has never been so disposable", says it all. Place your online order and have four rolls delivered to your doorstep so you can literally flush all the hashtagging and online ranting down the loo. It's much better revenge for an obnoxious tweeter than an 'unfollow'. #dontgiveashit [via Lost at E Minor]
You don't need an excuse to visit the Adelaide Hills and spend the weekend sampling local wines and regional food — but this free three-day festival makes a convincing case for planning a trip over the January long weekend. Crush is a family-friendly event that features long lunches in the sun, wine-matched degustation dinners, live music from local bands and DJs, plus kids' entertainment, art and theatre. It all takes place in Adelaide Hills — and the festival runs shuttle services from Adelaide CBD from $32–43 per person if you don't want to be designated driver. The 2020 festival program features lots of cool climate wines to taste at more than 30 wineries, a 'Friday Knockoffs' event that's all about lounging on the grass with live music and lawn games. On Saturday and Sunday (11am–6pm), food truck Syrian Mobile Disco will be serving up Syrian-inspired street snacks as you sample local wines and beers. The Lane Vineyard is hosting 'Hamptons in the Hills' (Sat, Sun 10am–5pm), which is a chance to enjoy frosés on the terrace with food by the hatted restaurant on site. Plus, the biggie — Alfresco Tomato Crushing — is when you get to squelch your way to fresh pasta sauce in advance of a long lunch on Saturday or Sunday. General entry is free, but you'll want to pick up a Spiegelau or Riedel wine glass for $10 to make the most of the ample wine pours. Some events are ticketed, so check the festival's website for the full program closer to January. Images: Nick Lawrence.
When you're a bar that nods to all things spooky in your name, and you boast more than a couple of monster-themed pinball and arcade machines, then you're going to like the end of October. Netherworld does, of course. Indeed, the Valley pub celebrates Halloween in the expected style each and every year. So, what's on the agenda, other than a few pumpkins around the place? The venue's themed beer fest is back, and so is its annual A Netherworld Halloween party. The latter hits on Monday, October 31, getting into the spirit of the occasion on the appropriate date — on a day that the bar is normally closed, too. Expect a ghoulish night of scary fun, complete with those horror-centric pinball tables. Yes, you can call it a monster mash if you like. You know that the track will get a spin, and you know that you're going to dance to it, creepy cocktail in hand. [caption id="attachment_605021" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sarah Ward[/caption] The Salty Sirens will also help provide tunes, singing live onstage — and the Hellmouth Diner is catering its menu to suit the theme, too. And, there'll be a karma keg for Bat Conservation and Rescue Qld Inc, so your drinks will help a good (and apt) cause. Plus, if you dress up for this evening of Halloween gaming goodness, you'll score five free tokens for your trouble. You might also win the costume contest. Entry is free, with the spooky fun going down between 6pm till late. [caption id="attachment_669756" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Top image: Sarah Ward.
Do we really need another movie about male mid-life malaise? The answer, obviously, is no. Still, don't discount the partially crowd-funded Anomalisa on account of its seemingly familiar storyline. Springing from the mind of Being John Malkovich, Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind writer Charlie Kaufman, who also co-directs with stop-motion specialist Duke Johnson, this animated effort is far from commonplace. Kaufman's latest sad-sack protagonist is author Michael Stone (voiced by David Thewlis). In Cincinnati overnight to speak about his latest book at a customer service convention, he's lonely and restless, not even raising a smile when he calls home to talk to his wife and young son. Instead, he meets up with an ex-girlfriend, an interaction that unsurprisingly ends badly. Everyone he encounters seems the same, until he comes across visiting call centre worker Lisa (voiced by Jennifer Jason Leigh). She looks and sounds different to everyone else. In a sea of blandness, she stands out. As they spend an evening together, Michael realises why: Lisa is an anomaly. Yes, there's some titular trickery at work, though there's much more than that to this perceptive, precisely paced feature. Stylised touches of the classic Kaufman kind — everyone other than Michael and Lisa is stripped of their individuality because they're all voiced by actor Tom Noonan, for example — amplify an atmosphere that's both mundane and surreal. However, what shines brightest is Anomalisa's haunting understanding of the frailties and anxieties that linger inside all of us, whether we're following our usual routines, falling in love when we're not supposed to, witnessing romantic bliss turn sour, or simply stewing over our unhappy place in the world. There's something about animation that, in the right hands, can get to the heart of such existential, universal angst — and that's not just one of Kaufman's specific skills, as the astute and affecting works of Don Hertzfeldt also show. Perhaps it's a product of forcing viewers to emphasise with figures rather than actors. Perhaps it's the act of focusing on emotions over appearances. Perhaps it's the ability to splash even the strangest thoughts and feelings across the screen. Perhaps it's all of the above. Certainly, the vocal work of the mournful Thewlis, radiant Leigh and versatile Noonan deserves ample credit in Anomalisa's case, particularly given its dialogue-heavy nature (a remnant of the material's origins as a play that wasn't initially intended to make the leap to cinema). One of the movie's main pleasures stems from listening to Thewlis and Leigh talk, whether Michael and Lisa are sharing stories about their lives or awkwardly engaging in puppet sex. In fact, their fluid tones help achieve Kaufman's ultimate aim: making the audience forget they're not actually watching real people. There's nothing strained or tiring, or remotely ordinary, about that.
In 2020, we all kept saying three words: pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions. None of those terms have gone away this year, but vaccinations have joined them among the COVID-era's most-discussed topics. Australia's leaders have been talking about jabs, and stressing the importance of getting vaxxed in helping the country find a sense of normality. Pubs, breweries and denim brands have been discussing them, too, and offering incentives for vaccinated folks. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brought up the subject while emphasising that vaccinations are our pathway to doing all the things we love again — and now local hospitality figures are championing the cause while reflecting upon how tumultuous the past 18 months have been for their industry. The message of the just-launched hospo advertising campaign: "put a jab on the menu". It's rolling out across print media, radio stations, TV and websites, and includes a 60-minute ad featuring a long list of well-known names all encouraging Aussies to get the jab. Also featured in the television commercial: oh-so-many empty spaces, all absent of customers during lockdowns. Figures involved include both chefs and restaurateurs, with Matt Moran, Danielle Alvarez, Neil Perry and Shannon Martinez among the participants — and Maurice Terzini, Anna Ugarte-Carral, Victor Liong, Adam d'Sylva, Jacqui Challinor and Morgan McGlone as well. They all know exactly how the pandemic has been affecting the restaurant business, because they've seen their eateries sit empty due to Australia's COVID-19 outbreaks and the understandable stay-at-home rules, takeaway-only mandates and capacity caps that come with them. And, alongside the likes of Frank Camorra, Ross Lusted, Munoz Labart, Massimo Mele and Nick Holloway, all of these prominent hospo figures are now asking everyone to roll up their sleeves so they can start welcoming in diners again. Obviously, when the latter happens, that'll mean you'll be able to visit the likes of Barangaroo House, Smith & Daughters, The Old Fitz and Nomad in-person — and all the other Aussie restaurants that've been impacted during the pandemic. Check out the "put a jab on the menu" television commercial below: Guillaume Paddington chef Guillaume Brahimi is helping lead the charge as the campaign's industry ambassador, and explains that "vaccination is the only way to save our industry and open it up again without restrictions. If we don't get it done, we're going to lose some amazing businesses." "Chefs and hospitality workers are resilient people — we have to be because what we do isn't easy at the best of times," he continues. "Whether it's a small suburban Thai restaurant, a country pub, a cafe, a 300-seat fine diner, every person who works in hospitality does it because they want to bring happiness to people by service or food… but, regardless of our shared passion, there's one thing that we can't overcome — and that's empty tables." You can also view the "put a jab on the menu" television commercial by heading to Vimeo.
Gravity promises to be the most stressful film of 2013. For those yet to hear about the Alfonso Cuarón-directed thriller, it features George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as astronauts separated from their spacecraft after a collision. They must then try to survive floating through space. Oh, and there has been absolutely no hint one way or the other as to if they live. Intense, right? As if imagining that or watching the trailer was not enough to whip us into a frenzy of tense anticipation, Warner Brothers has now released a truly terrifying film promotion tool. To simulate what Bullock and Clooney's characters experience, they have created an online 'game' that requires you to navigate through the vast loneliness of space. Free and playable on iPhone, iPad, Google play or through your browser, it's certainly worth a go. Given nothing but the instructions of "You are floating alone in the vastness of space. Use your thrusters to navigate", you are confronted with the scariness of this task. It is made all the more bleak by the incessant breathing of your character and static radio transmission. The tone of desperation and despair is set brilliantly and will certainly leave you wanting to see the film even more than you did already. Via Fast Co.Create.
If your go-to cocktail owes a debt to Pascal-Olivier de Negroni — as well as its name — then you probably celebrate Negroni Week however you can. Actually, we're sure you mark the occasion in the best possible way: by drinking the Campari-red beverage of honour, obviously. South Brisbane's Fish Lane is getting into the spirit, and also helping you sip spirits, with seven days of specials. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure negroni fest, with different places doing various specials — and different events popping up on certain days. One part of the fun you shouldn't miss, though, is the Town Square Negroni Block Party, which is taking over the titular patch of pavement from 4pm on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17. Fish Lane aperitivo go-to Bar Brutus is behind the two-day shindig, with co-owner and bartender Stefan Angelovski overseeing the negroni-sipping shenanigans. Whether you're popping by after work, before a bite to eat or after dinner, you know what'll be on the menu — and plenty of them. Heading along is free, but you'll obviously pay for what you drink from the pop-up bar.
Reckon your pup gets a bit lonely sometimes? Well, now you can find him a bunch of new mates with just a few swipes of your phone. It's all thanks to a clever new smartphone app, which helps dog owners to connect their pooches with other local doggos and dog communities. Created by Queensland University of Technology business student Josh Fritz — who came up with the app when he moved to Brisbane, adopted a cavoodle called Quincy and wanted to find him some buddies — PatchPets works a little bit like Tinder. Users create a personalised profile for their pup, and then use the app to find and network with other fur parents in their area, based on location. You can scroll through photos of local hounds, check out their details and get in touch with their owners to set up doggy play dates. To keep you informed about your pooch's possible new pal, profiles feature information about which vaccinations each dog has had, whether it's been desexed and what their all-important Instagram handle is. Got a particularly picky pupper? You can even filter the results by dog breed and size. PatchPets also comes loaded with plenty of other nifty features, including a directory that lists pet-friendly businesses nearby, plus real-time dog park maps — allowing you to see when four-legged friends are hanging out at your local park. No more rocking up to the park for a play sesh, only to find there's no one else there. And, you can use the app's message function to join group chats with your dog's new mates. Having launched in May, PatchPets has already clocked up over 5000 users — which means your doggo will be totally spoilt for choice in the friends department. PatchPets is now available to download for free, for both iOS and Android, from the iTunes App Store and Google Play. Images: QUT Media
So. You've watched all the documentaries on VICE's YouTube channel. You're up to your second viewing up just about everything on SBS's Food Network. You definitely don't want to watch A Current Affair. What's a news-hungry millennial to do? In answer to your free-to-air TV dreams, SBS and VICE today launched not only a new show, but a whole goddamn TV channel for your viewing pleasure. The new channel was announced earlier this year, but was set live at 4pm today, Tuesday, November 15, replacing SBS 2. It will be an extension of VICE's online TV channel VICELAND, and will be called by the same name. Along with some of SBS 2's news, sport and entertainment programs, VICELAND's programming will include VICE's own newscasts and doco series including Black Market (starring The Wire's Michael K Williams), Ellen Page's Gaycation, and F*ck That's Delicious with Action Bronson. VICELAND launched online earlier this year with a collection of Spike Jonze-produced docos. You can view the full schedule here or switch on your TV to SBS 2.
According to fast food joints, taxis and supermarkets, living in southeast Queensland is a little like living in the future. Already, the region has trialled KFC delivery by drone. And, using self-flying cabs for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics has been floated. The latest move in this same space, aka the Sunshine State's skies? Coles' new store-to-door grocery deliveries by drone. If finger-lickin'-good chicken pieces, burgers, nuggets and fries can be ferried to hungry Queenslanders' homes via air, then household staples can, too — and the same drone company is behind it. As well as working with KFC, on-demand drone outfit Wing is teaming up with Coles to bring groceries to consumers within minutes. For now, the trial is limited to southeast Queensland, and to the Gold Coast — to the suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills and Yatala, to be exact. That's where Coles' first store-to-door deliveries will be tested from Wednesday, November 2, soaring to customers from the supermarket brand's location at Ormeau Village Shopping Centre. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a drone carrying bread, fresh produce and snacks? Clearly, the latter now applies on the Gold Coast. Wing's Coles deliveries will also carry convenience meals, health care items and other household essentials, with 500 of the supermarket chain's most popular grocery items available for the drone service. After this trial, the plan is to expand to nearby suburbs on the Gold Coast. Also, Wing will offer Coles items for delivery in Logan in the near future, departing from the rooftop of Grand Plaza — where locals have been able to get goods flown to them by drone from select onsite businesses for more than 12 months. And, given that Gold Coast deliveries follow a Canberra pilot program that started in March 2022, albeit flying groceries from a Wing drone centre rather than direct from a Coles location, watch this space — and the heavens — for more developments. If you're now wondering "will people actually get their groceries sent by drone?" — a fair and reasonable question, and also a sign of the times — the answer based on the Canberra test is yes. Wing says that it made more than 5000 trips in the ACT, bringing folks everything from fresh fruit, milk and eggs to confectionery and cold drinks. Residents of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills and Yatala will need to download the Wing delivery app to have their pantry and fridge items swoop down from above — and the service will only operate from 9am–4.30pm Tuesday–Sunday. Here's how it works: after you place your order, Coles staff members will process and pack them. They'll then hand your goods over to the Wing team, who will operate a fleet of delivery drones in the Ormeau Village Shopping Centre carpark. Once loaded, the drone will fly to your house within around ten minutes, slow down upon arrival, bring itself to a delivery height of about seven metres above the ground, and gently lower your food on a tether — which'll automatically release. You don't need to unclip anything, and the drone doesn't need to land, either. Don't live in southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast and those three specific suburbs? Fingers crossed that you'll be living in the future soon, too. To order groceries from Coles via drone from Wednesday, November 2 if you live in Ormeau, Ormeau Hills and Yatala, download the Wing delivery app.
It's that time of year, again. After another 12 months interrupted by the pandemic, summer is almost here, Christmas is creeping closer and you're probably thinking about your end-of-year holiday shenanigans. While jetting overseas is about to become an option for Australians once more, exactly when that'll kick in is set to vary state by state. So, depending on where you live, you still might want to make plans to roam around this very country — and, if you're a Queenslander, South Australian or Western Australian who'd like to head down to Tasmania before 2021 is done and dusted, the Tassie Government wants to give you an extra incentive. As part of the new Tassie Holiday Voucher Program, the Tasmanian Government is giving away $300 vouchers to use in the state between Thursday, November 4–Friday, December 31. There are 10,000 on offer, and you have to use them in a set way — with $200 available for accommodation and $100 able to be put towards tours and attractions. When other states have run these types of programs, such as South Australia's 2021 scheme to attract interstate visitors, they've proven immensely popular. Accordingly, the Tassie vouchers are being allocated via ballot, with entries opening at 9am AEDT on Friday, October 29. Again, these vouchers are only open to residents of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, with the ballot closing at 5pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 2. After that, lucky recipients will be informed via email and SMS on Wednesday, November 3. And, to book, you'll be directed to an online Tasmanian tourism marketplace. Announcing the scheme in a statement, Tasmanian Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Sarah Courtney said that the Tassie Government knows "that visitors from Victoria and New South Wales traditionally make up 70 percent of total interstate visitation to Tasmania, and the ongoing border restrictions with these markets have significantly impacted our visitor economy." "This program is expected to stimulate travel from interstate markets that currently have open borders with Tasmania, providing vital economic support for our accommodation, tours and attractions sector," the Minister continued. Border-wise, Tasmania currently doesn't require visitors from Queensland, SA and WA to quarantine; however, it does have rules in place if you're from those states and you've been to a venue in your state that's classed as high-risk. In the latter case, you won't be permitted into Tassie — so, as has always proven wise during the pandemic, keeping an eye on border rules is recommended. For further details about the Tassie Holiday Voucher Program — or to enter the ballot between 9am AEDT on Friday, October 29–5pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 2 — head to its website.
Australian artist Natalya Hughes has been creating incredible paintings and drawings for 10 years now. This month, Woolloongabba’s Milani Gallery is home to quite a significant exhibition from this Brisbane art scene veteran – a collection of works entitled Significant Men. The works included in Hughes’ exhibition are just as the name suggests (don’t you love that!), with each of the pieces delving into the stories of significant men in Hughes’ life - whether they be real or imaginary. Each of the twelve works is quite symbolic, all depicting portraits of men that has been composed in very a decorative and abstract sense. A seemingly post-feminist theme is woven throughout the exhibition, and marks a new page for Hughes’ artistic direction. Despite having maintained her signature style – an eclectic combination that incorporates pop culture themes with historical art methods - Hughes has taken a slightly more “masculine” path in these new pieces. Previously, Hughes’ work explored the links between feminism and art theory, however this exhibition takes a definitive turn towards the “other sex”. If you're a fan of her work, be sure to check out her current installation at the Gallery of Modern Art, titled Contemporary Australia: Women which compliments her exhibition at Milani Gallery.
Ahead of Abbott and Putin's showdown at the G20 summit in Brisbane, get your fix of Russian entertainment at the 2014 Russian Resurrection Film Festival. Although not exactly the most popular of global citizens right now, Russia is still a superpower when it comes to the world of movie-making, as the lineup at this year's festival can attest. The program begins with Vasilia, a sweeping historical drama set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic invasion circa early 1800s. In a similarly epic vein comes the WWII movie Stalingrad, about the bloody urban battle between Germany and Russia that marked a major turning point in the war. Dialogue-free arthouse film Test depicts the country's first successful atom bomb detonation, and was a big winner at the Sochi Open Film Festival earlier in the year. Perhaps a little more accessible, not to mention family friendly, is the animated kids film Space Dogs 2. Of course, it's entirely possible that without having seen the original Space Dogs you won't be able to make heads nor tails of the story... although somehow, we suspect you'll be okay.
No matter where you are in Australia, you've probably spent the majority of the year in your own state (if not the majority of the year in your own bedroom), with many states and territories keeping their borders firmly closed. But, the last of the interstate restrictions are starting to ease. With the exceptions of WA (which has flagged easing its hard border restrictions from tomorrow), Sydneysiders not being able to visit Queensland and Victorians being restricted to intrastate travel for the moment (but interstate travel to NSW and Tasmania is set to be allowed later this month), Australians can pretty much visit anywhere in the country without quarantining. To celebrate, Virgin Australia is selling over half-a-million fares to destinations around the country, starting from just $75 a pop. Hang on, Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, just months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital, launched a comeback sale in early July and its voluntary administration is set to officially end on Tuesday, November 17. The domestic flight sale kicks off at 8.30am today and runs until midnight on Friday, November 20, or sold out. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights on more than 52 routes to destinations across the country, with travel dates between December 1 and June 23, 2021. If you've been waiting to book Christmas flights home — or a summer getaway — now might be the time. Discounted flights are economy and include seat selection and a 23-kilogram baggage allowance. Some of the routes on offer include Sydney to Ballina from $75, Melbourne to Launceston from $79, Brisbane to Hobart from $139, Adelaide to Sydney from $119, and Melbourne to Perth from $169. [caption id="attachment_743607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitsunday Beach by Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] The discounted flights are part of Virgin's new travel campaign, 'You Can't Keep a Good Thing Down' celebrating both the company's return and the country's reopening. As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers (but wearing them is not mandatory). Virgin is also waiving change fees and allowed unlimited booking changes between now and January 31, 2020. You can read more about its new flexible options over here. Virgin's 'Go You Good Thing' domestic sale runs from Friday, November 13 until 11.59pm AEDT Friday, November 20, or until sold out. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
Brisbane might already be swarming with burger joints, but there's always room for one more, particularly when Ze Pickle is involved. Not content with offering up epic servings of meat and salad-filled bread (and doughnuts) on the Gold Coast, in Fortitude Valley and via their own food truck, they're setting up a third Queensland joint in Camp Hill. Currently under construction, but due to start slinging their famous creations in August, Ze Pickle is headed to the corner of Martha Street and Newman Avenue to deliver burgs, burgs and more burgs, as well as 12 taps pumping out frosty craft brews. Menu-wise, expect all of the favourites: the Ya Mum (with wagyu beef patty, ze fries, jack cheeze and truffle butter), Doughnutfukwitdis (with Nutella-smoked bacon, and using a Doughnut Time doughnut instead of a burger bun), and King Jong Illest (crispy fried chicken tossed in barbecue salsa roja, k-town slaw and pickles), of course — as well as their chocolate nachos (house-made chocolate tortilla chips, marshmallows, ice cream and brownie salsa) and Oreogazm (deep fried Oreos in doughnut batter with ice cream and liquid Nutella) for dessert. The new Camp Hill digs will mark the slowly growing chain's fourth store across the country, with Surry Hills also getting New South Wales-based burger lovers in on the action. And, it seems that they're not done expanding yet, with The Courier-Mail reporting that a fifth venture us being scouted down south for Sydney's northern beaches. Find Ze Pickle Camp Hill on the corner of Martha Street and Newman Avenue, Camp Hill from August. For further details, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page.
Australia Day is always a big deal. Not simply because, um, well, we are Australian, but because it gives us a chance to celebrate everything great about this land of sweeping plains with friends and family. Everyone enjoys getting into the ‘Strayan spirit, so naturally there is a heap of stuff on. I can’t pick just one to share, so here are some great Aussie Day parties for everyone to enjoy. Henrik Schwarz and Danny Daze at Bakery Lane This will be a good old fashioned block party with some amazing tunes from some great DJ’s. Two bars and a street style BBQ in the heart of the Valley. Tickets are $33. Strange Yonder Oz Day Party at Black Bear Lodge We featured a chat with Brisbane creative talents Strange Yonder last week. Surprisingly good timing as they are hosting a show at Black Bear Lodge on Australia day. Performances from Tsun, The Furrs and The Ottomans. Entry is $10 on the door. Future Classic Australia Day Party at Oh Hello! The Future Classic family are taking over Oh Hello on Australia Day to play some great tunes and party like it’s the arrival of the First Fleet all over again. There will be some great performances from the likes of Jacques Renault, Medlar, Touch Sensitive, Panama and Charles Murdoch. Tickets are $23.50. Best of The West End Film Festival at The State Library of Queensland This is for those who would rather an activity with less boisterousness and a little more air-conditioning. The West End Film Festival is prepping for their 2014 season and to get people in the mood they are screening some gems from previous years. This one is free and ideal for all cinephiles. There is plenty more out there to do, just make sure you have a memorable Australia day this year!
Come December 31 at 633 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, things are going to get pretty mammoth. It's all there in the name, and it's simple maths. What's better than one New Year's Eve party? Two, of course. From 11am, the fun kicks into gear with One Last Dance, which rocks on through until 5am the next day. There'll be two stages, 25 DJs, and a whole lot of house and techno — and that's just the first of the venue's shindigs. As for the second, you'd best pack some fancy threads because Woolly Mammoth is hosting a ball. Drinks, canapes, unleashing your inner animal — 'tis the night for it, after all.
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama. Oh, sorry, it’s easy to daydream of tropical paradise when the weather in Brisbane has been as gloomy and chilly as it has been lately. And what better way to reminisce and look forward to the Spring and Summer (only a mere 5 months away) than to have a Tropicana party? Oh Hello! are here to bring the summer back and let the good times roll with the slightly overdone tropical themed fiesta. But, this time it’s a bit different. This Hawaiian inspired shindig ain’t no backyard flop, it’s going to be headlined by old-hand KATO, who has been Dj-ing for over 10 years. His mix of party hits, new shit and old favourites will warm you up and has the potential to make you think you’re actually in a tropical paradise. Accompanying him is Charlie Hustle, Alex Terrell, Van Tovier, Caramel Funk and Yahn. You won’t want to miss this golden opportunity to mix and mingle with the best in the business, as well as sip cocktails and whip out that old Hawaiian shirt you’ve been hoarding for that special night. All Autumns and Winters should be like this!
Never meet your heroes. Kill your darlings. A murderous rampage through the Hundred Acre Wood — a slasher take on a childhood favourite, too — Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey sticks its paws in both pots. Based on AA Milne's famed creation, which initially appeared in kids' poetry book When We Were Very Young in 1924, this schlockfest is exactly what a headline-courting low-budget horror flick about a homicidal Pooh and Piglet seemed sight unseen, and in its trailer. Blood and Honey is all about that high-concept idea, and splashing around as many instances of bloody bother as possible, to the point of repetition. It slathers on well-executed gore, but isn't anything approaching good or so-bad-it's-good. That said, it's also a reminder that everything changes, even a cute, cuddly stuffed animal revered by generations — and that carving away cosy notions about comforting things is a fact of life. Commenting on ditching one's safety blankets and inevitably being disappointed by one's idols is an unexpected — and perhaps unintended — bonus here. With so little plot and character development to writer/director/producer Rhys Frake-Waterfield's (The Killing Tree) script, making a statement is hardly Blood and Honey's main meal. This is a film of opportunity. Milne's loveable bear of very little brain entered the public domain at the beginning of 2022, which is what gave rise to this gruesome spin on figures seen on the page, in plenty of cartoons, and also examined in recent movies such as Goodbye Christopher Robin and Christopher Robin. As sure as the titular teddy's historical love for ditching pants and palling around with Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga and Roo, this Texas Chainsaw Massacre-style Pooh twist primarily exists because the premise was too irresistible thanks to copyright laws. Now gone all lumberjack, Pooh does don dacks in Blood and Honey. He's also fond of sadistically ripping people apart with a range of weapons, particularly inflicting head traumas. Why? To satisfy bloodlust that's sprung from feeling abandoned by Christopher Robin (Nikolai Leon, also Frake-Waterfield's The Killing Tree) when he went off to college, then having to carnivorously rely on a friend to survive. Unsurprisingly, much of the picture is filled with stalking and killing, as the bear and his porcine companion dispense with anyone who dares go down to the woods on any day. Just as much focuses on lingering shots of Pooh and Piglet in all their human-sized, fully clothed glory — their faces rubbery, twisted, grinning and grotesque, and never resembling anything but two guys (Craig David Dowsett and Chris Cordell, both alumni of Frake-Waterfield's The Area 51 Incident) in masks. Often, they lurk in the background like they're Michael Myers, waiting to strike cinema's go-to throwaway victims: out-of-towners on a rural vacation, and women at that. Blood and Honey uses illustration-style animation to set the scene before getting cold-blooded, and to establish not only Christopher leaving the Hundred Acre Wood crew, but also the latter's decision never to speak again after the hunger, resentment and tough decisions that follow. Dubbed "abominations" by the opening narration anyway, they maintain their mute promise even when their former friend returns brimming with excitement to show his boyhood haunt and its residents to his disbelieving spouse Mary (Paula Coiz, Tooth Fairy Queen of Pain) — and when that reunion turns feral, when they spark the torture-porn onslaught. Blood and Honey isn't the product of many savvy decisions past its central idea, and can't even decide whether Mary is Christopher's fiancée or wife in its early dialogue; however, removing the possibility of ill-fitting voices for Pooh and company slicing the mood to pieces is at least one smart move. What's a man-shaped bear and pig to do when Maria (Maria Taylor, Mega Lightning), Jess (Natasha Rose Mills, Return of Krampus), Alice (Amber Doig-Thorne, Summoning Bloody Mary 2), Zoe (Danielle Ronald, Shockwaves), Lara (Natasha Tosini, Quarantine Leap) and Tina (May Kelly, also Mega Lightning) mosey their way not long after Christopher's comeback? Get kill-happy, complete with slaughtering a few other folks who stumble along in Frake-Waterfield's straight-faced, by-the-numbers affair — and prolific producer Scott Jeffrey's latest cheap horror effort, including almost every film mentioned above in the Blood and Honey's cast's previous credits. How are any of the movie's humans supposed to stand out, or make an imprint beyond being grist for the grindhouse mill? They can't, although Maria is introduced as the victim of a prior attack, a background detail that's barely explored and then utterly ignored. Otherwise, two of her friends are a couple, and one likes taking bikini-clad selfies — which is all that the feature shares about them. How's a director meant to find tension in the monotonous array of deaths, and with dispatching with such one-dimensional, forgettable prey? Frake-Waterfield can't, especially given there's zero doubt from the outset that Pooh and Piglet are deranged and demonic, the body count and accompanying splatter will be high, and a sequel will be on the way based on the viral response to the feature's existence alone. Blood and Honey's creative forces are indeed planning a second jaunt for violent Pooh and his pals, as revealed before the first movie hit cinemas. More than that, they have their sights set on other children's favourites now in the public domain, such as Bambi and Peter Pan, all in their own Marvel Cinematic Universe-esque interconnected realm. Like the MCU, DC Comics Extended Universe and the like, they're also clearly fine with filler in their franchise. Perhaps future serial-killer Pooh flicks will find more to bother with. To keep audiences coming back now the 'beloved character gets unhinged' bit has been so dully done, they'll need to. More nods to Milne's pages would be a start, because Blood and Honey plays like a generic slasher with familiar names and a heap of honey thrown in (using Eeyore's detachable tail to get whipping is a rare and welcome touch). Perhaps whatever returns to the Hundred Acre Wood from here will give viewers a reason to care about someone — anyone — and their fates. Maybe there'll be dialogue that actual people would genuinely say, or a much-needed sense of OTT humour. Ideally, there'd be some weight behind the slaying of childhood innocence. If 2023's other big bear-focused release is a hit, though, maybe the best that can be hoped for is Winnie-the-Pooh meets Cocaine Bear — a notion that doesn't sound bad on paper, but neither did Blood and Honey before the movie started rolling.
When you've won over one of television's most cynical characters with a serenade, what comes next? Taking the tunes on the road. During his time on beloved and hilarious Emmy-winning sitcom Schitt's Creek, Noah Reid did far more than sing Tina Turner's 'The Best' to Dan Levy's David Rose, of course. When he joined the show from season three onwards as Patrick Brewer, he helped bring balance to the Rose family's fish-out-of-water antics, and became one half of its big love story. But the series kept finding ways to get Reid singing, including having Patrick star in the comedy's version of Cabaret — and now he'll be taking to the microphone Down Under. Off-screen, Reid is indeed a musician, releasing his first album Songs From a Broken Chair back in 2016 before joining Schitt's Creek. Since then, he's dropped two follow-ups: 2020's Gemini and 2022's Adjustments. Next, he's bringing his live gigs to Australia for the first time ever. Yes, 'The Best' usually features on his setlists overseas. Beyond that, the Canadian actor and musician will be playing tracks from across all three of his records when he heads Down Under this spring. Reid will kick off his tour in Sydney, before hitting Brisbane and Melbourne on the east coast, then venturing west for a show in Perth. "Music has always been a space where I get to control my creative output in a way that I don't in my acting career. Acting is really creative and there's definitely artistry to it but I don't thank that just because you're an actor, you're automatically an artist. I've worked really hard for years to create these records," said Reid, announcing his Australian tour. "People might know me more widely as an actor, but music is a space where I've loved working for years, and I'm really excited to finally be able to share my music with people in Australia. It feels like a long time coming!" Reid continued. Since Schitt's Creek, Reid has popped up on sci-fi western Outer Range — and also has past appearances on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Alphas and House of Lies on his pre-Schitt's Creek resume. NOAH REID EVERYTHING IS FINE 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Friday, September 29 — The Enmore, Sydney Saturday, September 30 — Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane Monday, October 2 — The Forum, Melbourne Tuesday, October 3 — The Astor, Perth Noah Reid tours Australia in September and October 2023. For more information, and for tickets from 10am on Monday, May 1, head to the tour website.
The vital war on waste has inspired another eco-conscious new venture: Vessel Nundah, a skincare, toiletries and cleaning product retailer that doesn't sell its products in disposable packaging. Instead, customers looking to stock up on cleansers, moisturisers, dishwashing liquid, soap and more can bring their own clean, dry, reusable plastic containers, then fill them up with their products of choice. The brainchild of Nundah resident Marion Glover, the store came about as part of Glover's attempt to cut down on plastic within her own home. "I wanted to be able to shop for my daily-use items without the new plastic bottle each time," she explains — and with nowhere in Brisbane fulfilling her needs, Vessel Nundah was born. Opening its doors on Sunday, June 17 — then operating from 10am–6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am–12pm on Sundays — the store sells shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion and hand soap among its skincare range; dishwashing liquid, laundry liquid, multipurpose spray and glass cleaner for those looking to give their house a clean; and even car wash and wax. Glover sources her products from the likes of Perfect Potion and Bushby Cleaning Products, supporting local southeast Queensland brands and further reducing the shop's environmental impact. "It's a way to take immediate action on plastic reduction without relying on recycling, or for governments and companies to take action first," Glover expands. For those that don't yet have their own supply of containers, shoppers can also purchase reusable vessels in store. Find Vessel Nundah at 7 Nundah Street, Nundah, or visit the store's website or Facebook page for further details. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
It’s that time of year again where all the freakishly young and talented fashion designers emerge from their studios to showcase what they’ve been working on from within their studio-esque lairs. Yes, the bi-annual Threaded Young Designer Night is happening once again at Alhambra Lounge this Friday, bringing in what is sure to be a highly attractive, sartorially-blessed crowd. The evening will feature shows from the likes of Ox + Hammer, Wind and Water, TEDA, Denver McKenzie and Zhou. Now, I haven’t seen any of their work before, but with names like that I’m pretty sure crazy good things can be expected. Obviously fashionable threads need bodies to be paraded around on, so there will also be a surplus of model types lurking around drinking champagne that you can (attempt to) seduce. As well as clothes, there will be an abundance of good tunes mixed by Charlie Hustle, Aydos, Fidel, LL Cool James and J-Free. So even if fashion isn’t your “thing” you still have an excuse to check out all the beautiful people and swing your hips to the beat.
They’re back, bigger, brassier and well, older than ever. Yes, the ever-lovable ‘Gurge are returning to the Brisbane stage, quite an exciting moment. Most exciting of all though, they are sharing with the stage with the next generation of Hot Brisbane Band, the Jungle Giants! This young Brisbane four piece are proving to be The Next Big Thing with their brand of indie-pop rollicking goodness. The Jungle Giants only formed early this year, but these hard working lads and one lady have recorded their first self-titled EP and are now touring the heck out of it to much acclaim. And this is quite the moment for these peeps as they play alongside a Brisbane band of historic greatness Regurgitator, a Brisbane band of current greatness Ballpark Music, and The Jungle Giants are clearly a band of next generation greatness! This all-ages show at The Edge will give Brisbane audiences a chance to see for themselves, and to do some serious side-step indie dancing to these cats!
Summer might be behind us, and autumn may have hit its last month for 2023, but it's always warm enough to hit the water in a picnic boat in the Sunshine State. Your latest excuse? GoBoat, which is splashing its way through the Gold Coast — again. Since 2014, the Denmark-born company has been busy launching its eco-friendly picnic boats all over Europe, as well as in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney's Parramatta River and Geelong. Back in 2020, it also hit Sanctuary Cove, too, but now it's sailing out of the Isle of Capri instead from Friday, May 5. Aimed at making the whole boating caper more accessible for everyday folk, the Scandinavian-designed vessels are slow-moving, a breeze to operate and don't require a boating licence, making for some fun, fuss-free sailing sessions. In a win for the planet, they also run on silent, pollution-free, electric engines, and are crafted from a mix of reclaimed timber and recycled PET bottles. Each of the contemporary GoBoats clocks in at 18-feet long, boasting a central picnic table with room for eight people (and all the necessary snacks and booze). And despite what you might be thinking, they're even affordable enough to fit your budget — simply BYO food and drinks, find enough eager sailors to jump aboard and a GoBoat session will you less than $13 per person, per hour. A one-hour session starts from $129, with a six-hour sail setting your crew back $479. GoBoat's Gold Coast fleet sets sail from Capri on Via Roma — and before you hit the water, you'll receive a safety briefing and demonstration. All boats are speed-limited, too, and obviously decked out with safety equipment including life jackets. The vessels are family-friendly and, in even more exciting news, they're also pet-friendly. Surely you've got a very good boy who deserves a river jaunt ASAP. Find GoBoat Isle of Capri at Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri, 15-21 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise from Friday, May 5. For more information or to make a booking, visit the service's website.
The one and only time I have seen Yuksek live was when he played a post Splendour 2009 show at the (gone but not forgotten) Empire Hotel. It was a great show except for one small fact: he refused to high five me. My grudge has held strong since then, as I have not had an opportunity to rectify the situation. Finally, however, he is returning and I can get what I deserve – a not awkward at all high five. Playing a Queensland exclusive for Oh Hello, Yuksek will be helping Brisbane’s party-ers bring in the new year the best way he knows how. His years in the international music scene combined with Oh Hello’s party throwing skills will result in a collaboration not to be missed. Amazing live music, great drinks, friends, and a venue worthy of an interiors magazine spread are the only things you’ll need. Throughout the night your ears will be blessed with the sounds of Young Men Dead and Yuksek, as well as various DJ sets from artists including Midnight Tango and Rock PoP and Ju helping you dance the night away. Although there is a general admission ticket that gives you entry to this Oh Hello haven, I myself like the sound of the Pre-Party Exclusive Ticket. It’s a little more expensive, but it’s more than worth it as it gives you access to a buffet of drinks and finger food. So really, what else could you need this New Years Eve?
I have a secret to confess: ever since I saw A Knight’s Tale many moons again, I’ve always had a sneaking desire to attend the Abbey Medieval Festival. A chance to dress up, attend an old-school banquet and potentially meet my own (literal) knight in shining armor? Who could say no? Held over the 9th and 10th of July, the always-popular event attracts numerous visitors who come to embrace a lifestyle lost long ago. The jousting tournament and Turkish Oil Wrestling pit seem to be marketed as the main attractions, however I think the constant re-enactments would provide the most amusement as well as information on the era. I also wouldn’t pass up any of the medieval cuisine on offer, but that could just be my obsession with food. It may seem like a bit of a drive, but I promise it will be worth it. Hot people in costumes! A falcon show! Delicious foods! And off to Caboolture we go.
When SXSW arrives in Sydney for the first time ever, it'll give Australia perhaps the biggest tech, innovation, screen, music, games and culture festival that the country has ever seen. It's fitting, then, that the event has just added one of the nation's most famous acting names at home and in America: Nicole Kidman. 2023 marks 40 years since Kidman starred in BMX Bandits, but that's not why she'll be taking to the SXSW Sydney stage as part of its massive speaker lineup. Instead, she'll be chatting with her producing partner Per Saari about her production company Blossom Films. On its resume: the Nickers-starring Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, The Undoing and Rabbit Hole, as well as this year's Elizabeth Olsen (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)-led Love & Death. [caption id="attachment_921120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ryan Pfluger[/caption] Among SXSW Sydney's latest additions, Kidman is joined by a few fellow Aussie talents who also know more than a thing or two about working in Hollywood. Indeed, in a separate session called Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, actor Jason Clarke and filmmaker Phillip Noyce will get talking about working in America's showbiz mecca. Jason Clarke has Oppenheimer, Zero Dark Thirty, First Man, Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty, playing John Connor in Terminator Genisys and more on his resume. Rabbit Proof Fence helmer Noyce's US credits include Salt, The Quiet American, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, The Saint and Revenge (and no, he won't be joining forces with Kidman to dig into Dead Calm). As well as Clarke and Noyce, this session features actor Charmaine Bingwa from The Good Fight, plus Crazy Rich Asians 2 screenwriter Amy Wang. [caption id="attachment_921123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Warrick Page/HBO[/caption] The two new SXSW Sydney sessions hail from the Los Angeles-based Australians in Film, which is about developing screen talent, and add to an already-hefty lineup of speakers. Charlie Brooker is on the bill, diving into Black Mirror of course, while Chance The Rapper will talk about 50 years of hip hop, Coachella CEO Paul Tollett clearly has his own fest to discuss, and Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb also sits among the big names. "Over the past 20 years, AiF has created a unique and supportive community of Australian screen talent in Los Angeles, from emerging actors and filmmakers through to our most revered screen icons. We are excited to have this opportunity to bring the spirit and energy of AiF and our Hollywood community to SXSW Sydney, together with our partner Screen Australia," said Australians in Film Chair Emma Cooper. "From the team at SXSW Sydney, I'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Australians in Film and Screen Australia for their ongoing support. We appreciate the time everyone is taking to travel and join us in our first year — our story will be about these visionaries, and about the diverse and compelling voices emerging alongside them," added SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels. Also on the SXSW Sydney lineup: a 700-plus strong bill of talent, covering over 300 sessions. The event will feature more than 300 gigs across 25 venues, too, including an array of music highlights and must-attend parties. Its dedicated gaming strand will feature a tabletop game expo. And, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will open with The Royal Hotel, then host the world premiere of Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles among a heap of other standout flicks. The entire event — the festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations — will happen within a walkable precinct in the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more, with the SXSW Sydney's footprint operating as a huge hub. Venues include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. [caption id="attachment_910713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brittany Hallberg[/caption] SXSW Sydney runs from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues, with the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival running from Sunday, October 15–Saturday, October 21 at The ICC's Darling Theatre, Palace Cinemas Central and more venues to be announced. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: The Undoing, Niko Tavernise/HBO. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
Takeaway and delivery food are true luxuries of modern living. Unfortunately, for all that time you get back on avoiding cooking or simply enjoying the privilege of watching ten consecutive episodes of Below Deck without interruption, the consequence is an impact on the environment that is less than positive. Excess packaging and un-recyclable waste are both the unavoidable byproducts of the takeaway food system, and have been since the days of styrofoam and plastic straws. Hopefully, that's about to change in Australia. Uber Eats — the service responsible for more food delivery than any other in the country — has just launched a partnership with leading environmental change organisation, Planet Ark, to make a shift toward more sustainable packaging across the industry, from the time it exits the kitchen of restaurants and vendors, to the disposal of waste at the homes of all us Below Deck freaks. So, how will it be done? One of the goals of the program is to get Uber Eats' restaurant partners moving to reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging options by 2030. The roll out will include education of restaurant partners around these options, supported by a $13m investment from Uber Eats to subsidise the uptake of new environmentally friendly packaging types into venues so that positive changes can be made without throwing a spanner into your favourite Thai joint's ability to run a roaring trade. If you're an Uber Eats user, keep an eye out for tips on the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of your takeaway packaging at home — for example, rip off the non-grease-stained top of the pizza box to go in the paper/cardboard recycling bin and throw the greasy box base in the normal bin. Even seemingly small changes can make significant impacts. According to Bec Nyst, General Manager of Uber Eats ANZ: "since making cutlery opt-in, rather than being included by default, we estimate eaters have helped reduce the equivalent weight of four jumbo jets worth of plastic forks, spoons and the like ending up in Australian landfill." [caption id="attachment_937881" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling and Uber Eats General Manager Bec Nyst.[/caption] Images: Caleb Oquendo (top) and Caroline McCredie
Victoria's Grampians National Park has long been home to world-class hiking trails, but it's just scored a giant new one that's a whole trip in itself. Start stretching, hikers, because this is a big one — a 160-kilometre trail that takes 13 days to traverse, in fact. Originally set to be completed in 2020, but finally officially opening to the public on Saturday, November 12 — just in time for summer, handily — the Grampians Peaks Trail connects some of the Grampians' best mountain peaks. If you start at Mount Zero in the north and start heading southwards, you'll pass over the summit of Gar (Mount Difficult), and then hit Halls Gap. You'll also mosey through and past Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mount Abrupt and Mount Sturgeon en route to Dunkeld, spying panoramic views of the southern volcanic plains along the way, and winding through the park's low-lying greenery and waterfalls, too. Eleven hike-in campgrounds are situated along the trail, complete with raised tent pads and communal shelters, plus small huts at two sites. That said, the entire track has been designed so that everyone can get some use out of it — whether you're looking for a leisurely day trip or an overnight hike, or you're ready to commit to an epic two-week adventure. Gariwerd — as it's known by the land's Traditional Owners, the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples — is more than just its rugged, sandstone mountains. The park is heritage-listed for its Indigenous significance, including its ancient rock art paintings and shelters, as well as for its abundance of animal and plant life, plus its damn spectacular views. For the new trail, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation all worked with Parks Victoria to guide the path's route — and to also have input into visitor information and stories, in order to help promote awareness of and respect for the cultural landscape. If you're now raring to get started, there are one-day treks at Mount Stapylton, the lower waterfalls of Gar (Mount Difficult), the Lake Wartook lookout, Signal Peak and from Lake Wartook lookout to Halls Gap. Overnight treks come with stopovers at either the Barigar and Bugiga campgrounds, while suggested three-day itineraries span Gar and Werdug, Bugiga and Barri Yalug, Duwul and Durd Durd, Yarram and Wannon, and Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug. Grampians Peaks Trail was funded via a $33.2 million project, including $23.2 million from the Victorian Government and $10 million from the Commonwealth Government via Horsham Rural City Council. The Victorian Government has also committed cash to other parts of Grampians National Park, with $7.76 million earmarked for upgrading the MacKenzie Falls visitor area, $5.8 million for Brambuk — the National Park and Cultural Centre and $5.5 million to add more access points to the trail. The Grampians Peaks Trail is now open. For further information, head to the Parks Victoria website. Images: Parks Victoria.
The Crown has reached that part of its story: the details that everyone knows no matter how invested you are in Britain's royal family, headlines about them or Netflix's regal drama. With its sixth and final season, the series will step into the relationship between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, including the tragic events of their trip to Paris — all of which will be the focus of its four-episode first half. As the just-dropped trailer for the opening part of the show's goodbye demonstrates, heartbreak is on its way. Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki earns the bulk of the spotlight as Diana, including the frenzied attention she received from the media. Also seen in the sneak peek: the news arriving of Diana and Dodi's car accident, and the Palace's reaction. Start practising your royal wave: it's time to bid farewell to the hit drama in two sittings, with both arriving before 2023 is out. The first four episodes will stream from Tuesday, November 16, and then the second from Saturday, December 16. As well as saying goodbye to the series overall, viewers will also be moving on from The Crown's time in the 20th century in this sixth and final season. After covering Diana's death and the aftermath, the hit show will embrace the 21st century in its latest run. Accordingly, The Crown will cover the early days of Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship, and focus on the man currently second in line to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022. Screen debutant Ed McVey takes on the role of Prince William, while newcomer Meg Bellamy is slipping into Middleton's shoes. The show's sixth season will follow the IRL pair's first meeting at university in St Andrew's, starting the story that's played out in plenty of headlines and a ridiculous amount of worldwide media coverage since 2001. This dramatised take on history's last season will also cover the Queen's (Imelda Staunton, Paddington) Golden Jubilee and Charles' (Dominic West, The Pursuit of Love) marriage to Camilla (Olivia Williams, The Father). When The Crown began, it kicked off with Queen Elizabeth II's life from her marriage to Prince Philip back in 1947. The first season made its way to the mid-50s, the second season leapt into the 60s, and season three spanned all the way up to the late 70s. In season four, the royal family hit the 80s, while season five hopped to the 90s. Just like in season five, Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce wears Prince Philip's shoes — and Princess Margaret is played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. Check out the trailer for the first part of The Crown season six below: The Crown's sixth season will hit Netflix in two parts, with the first four episodes streaming from Tuesday, November 16, and then the second from Saturday, December 16. Images: Daniel Escale, Netflix / Leftbank.
Sydney-based designer Jeremy Saunders has built a career out of transforming films into evocative and arrestingly beautiful movie posters. In the last 10 years, he has produced the key artwork for such modern classics as George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck, the Che Guevara biopic The Motorcycle Diaries, and Heath Ledger's heroin-fuelled love story Candy. Now Saunders has turned his hand to his own artwork, redesigning posters for films of his own choosing. First up is the poster series LYNCHED, based on the stylish and darkly mysterious world of director and cult legend David Lynch. By focusing on key objects in Lynch's films, such as the dismembered ear in Blue Velvet or the videotape in Lost Highway, Saunders has created a series of beautifully minimalist posters illustrating the bizarre details in Lynch's works that have made his filmography so iconic and enduring. Saunders told us that while he was inspired by the distinctive 'Lynch style', the motivation to create the posters came from a sudden artistic impulse. "Over the last few years the rise of the 'minimalist redesign' for existing movies has become more and more prevalent around the web," he says. "I'd always been a bit snooty about it, I think, because designing something that nods to a pre-existing understanding of a film is completely oppositional to the much harder task of creating a desire for something no-one's familiar with yet. "So I'd avoided doing them. Plus, you know, I was kind of busy with making movie posters as my day job. But one afternoon I was watching Lost Highway and the image came to me, and over the course of the next day I created the artworks." Have a look below to see all the posters from LYNCHED and check out Saunders website if you'd like to get your hands on your own movie poster.
When perusing the press release for The Cho Dependent Tour, the only thing I needed to read to make up my mind about attending was that Margaret Cho used to be Jerry Seinfeld’s support act. Seriously. Anyone who Jerry loves, I love. And according to all the accolades Ms Cho has won throughout her career, Jerry and I aren’t alone. Her current tour is based on the album, Cho Dependant, which was recently nominated for a Grammy. As such, her performance is 50% musical comedy and 50% stand up, which sounds like an entertaining concept. Not afraid to discuss her culture and sexuality openly, the stories she tells are apparently full of blush-worthy yet hysterical content. Presented by Adrian Bohm and Just For Laughs, this is a one-off event that you will definitely regret not attending. As well as an evening of laughing-induced cardio, you will also walk away with a new perspective on life. Win-win, no?
When we sniff the word 'birthday' being thrown about somewhere, there's that instant ding in our minds: 'Ah yes. Official right to par-ty!' (never mind whose birthday it actually is). This time around it's our old mate Jack Daniels, and he's made it to 161 fine years. To celebrate, he's throwing one mighty big blow out. This year, a bevvy of musical acts are paying homage to one of Australia's greats, Icehouse – they who brought us 'Great Southern Land', 'Electric Blue', 'Crazy' and more (this would be your cue to hold a mini Icehouse YouTube party in your bedroom). Heading up the pack is Art Vs Science, who are no strangers to the cover, having taken on Daft Punk on Triple J's Like A Version. Along for the ride are Kate Miller-Heidke, Patience Hodgeson of The Grates, and Dappled Cities' Tim Derricourt. Plus, Purple Sneakers DJs will be at the decks to get things moving. To go in the running for one of four double passes to the JD Set, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email us with your preference of Sydney or Melbourne shows. Entries close Friday, September 9 at 5pm. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HRwis9CWcjA
