What's better than one glorious art exhibition bringing a slice of America to Queensland? Two, obviously, and all in the same gallery. The Gold Coast's HOTA, Home of the Arts is currently filled with pop art from New York, but that's not the only way that the six-level venue is giving its heart — and walls and halls — to the US of A right now. From Saturday, March 11–Sunday, May 21, Lost in Palm Springs has another location firmly in its sights. This free showcase takes inspiration from the titular Californian spot's art, architecture and design — and yes, it's a case of a sunny Aussie city paying tribute to another radiant destination on the other side of the globe. Lost in Palm Springs has tasked 14 artists, photographers and thinkers from both countries to reflect upon and respond to Palm Springs' desert landscape. Doing the honours: talents such as Kate Ballis, Tom Blachford, Paul Davies, Rosi Griffin, Anna Carey and Robyn Sweaney. Unsurprisingly, the idea for the exhibition was first sparked by trips to the US, with Dr Greer Honeywill undertaking three artist research residencies in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in exactly the place expected. But the end result also examines the ties between Palm Springs and Australia, especially via mid-century modern architecture. Feel like watching the Andy Samberg-starring movie Palm Springs right now for obvious reasons? Whether you start streaming ASAP or save it for when you get home from peering at this exhibition, that's perfectly understandable.
When that slice of inner-city delights known as Teneriffe was officially named a suburb back in 2010, locals threw a party to celebrate. More than a decade on, the shindig is still going strong — you know it as the Teneriffe Festival. For its 2022 outing, the event will boast another wide-ranging day of fun, aka the kind of shindig that previous attendees have come to expect. When 10am–9pm rolls around on Saturday, May 28, there'll be music, food, markets and more, all helping locals and visitors alike make the most of the bustling locale. This is all familiar news, because the fest announced its date for this year last month — but now the event has also revealed its lineup. Leading the all-Australian bill: Ben Lee, so expect a 'Catch My Disease' singalong, and also local legends Resin Dogs. If you've lived in Brisbane long enough, you'll know that isn't really a party in this town of ours if the latter isn't on the lineup. The music program is curated by the crew from The Triffid — they are right there in the neighbourhood — and doesn't stop with its headliners. Also hitting Teneriffe Festival's two stages: the likes of The Steele Syndicate, Will Wagner, The Predators, Great Sage and Melaleuca. Between stints of dancing in the street — including at a jazz-fuelled, wine-pouring riverside garden — Brisbanites will be able to sample the area's bars and restaurants, find a feast of from a food truck, hit up pop-up beer gardens, then walk around more than 100 bespoke market stalls. Usually, everywhere from Green Beacon Brewing Co and Zero Fox to Dalgety Public House and Campos join in — and more than 50,000 people have attended in previous years, so you'll also have plenty of company. TENERIFFE FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP: Ben Lee Resin Dogs The Steele Syndicate Will Wagner The Predators Great Sage Melaleuca Yb Danny Widdicombe and Dana Gehrman Pandamic Mojo Webb Jo Davie Holly Joy Miranda vs Arizona House of Harlen Lucy Korts The Verandahs The Dandys Jazz on the River Teneriffe Festival 2022 takes place from 10am–9pm on Saturday, May 28 on Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe.
As a generation, we've watched the internet emerge from its fledgling beginnings to its modern state, where nearly a third of Earth's population is logged on. In mere decades, the internet has gone from nonexistent to a necessity. We are a population obsessed. And then came Facebook. The ever-expanding social network debuted in 2004, turning us all into Facebook-stalkers and using up any free time we had left. It's hard to remember the internet before Facebook, let alone any of the computer technology of yesteryear. Squirrel Monkey's video tutorial, which imagines Facebook if it had been designed in the 1990s, will bring you right back to the horrendous colour graphics and primitive Windows versions of the technology's start. The video, a humourous how-to, takes a new user through the nuances of "the Facebook". The concept of Facebook, set against the simplistic '90s graphics, suddenly seems very ridiculous. And perhaps that is just the point. The subsequent videos, which imagine Twitter in the '80s and Draw Something as an old PC game, similarly put social media into perspective, reminding us not to take our status updates and tweets all too seriously. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xrYRH3PYYT0 [via Flavorwire]
Some events feel like they've always been part of Brisbane's cultural scene, and Stones Corner Festival is one of them — even though it'll only host its seventh fest when it returns in 2022. That's the sign of something special, with this street party swiftly becoming one of the city's must-attend festivals. It's been sorely missed during the pandemic, too. Come Sunday, May 1, Stones Corner Festival will once again unleash a day of food and music on the inner east when it finally makes a comeback after a two-year hiatus. And when that happens, the event is going big. On the lineup: Sneaky Sound System, The Porkers and Quentin & The Tarantino's, as well as Good Will Remedy, Jollee, Full Power Happy Hour, Sofia Isella & Cheap Date. That's who you'll be listening to — or dancing in the street to, to be more accurate — however, the music bill is only part of the Stones Corner Festival fun. You can also expect more than 20 craft breweries pouring beers, including Little Creatures, 4 Pines, Slipstream, Balter, Eumundi, Brookvale Union, Mountain Goat and Green Beacon. Four Pillars Gin, Your Mates Brewing Co, Heads of Noosa and Better Beer will be on hand as well, so you'll have sipping options. Eating-wise, a heap of food trucks will pop up to keep your stomach lined — including with burgers, paella, tacos and pizza. And as for what else awaits on the corner of Logan and Old Cleveland roads — and during the Labour Day long weekend, handily — there'll also be market stalls via The Market Folks. If you're planning a big one, that public holiday the next day is oh so convenient. Also, entry remains free, but giving a gold coin donation to the MND and Me Foundation is recommended. STONES CORNER FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP: Sneaky Sound System The Porkers Quentin & The Tarantino's Good Will Remedy Jollee Full Power Happy Hour Sofia Isella Cheap Date Stones Corner Festival takes place from 12–10pm on Sunday, May 1 on Logan Road, Stones Corner.
You have to hear Noisy Jelly to believe it. This science project-esque game, imagined by Raphaël Pluvinage and Marianne Cauvard, allows you to create your own musical instrument out of jelly. Using water, agar agar powder and a set series of molds (contained in Noisy Jelly's mini chemistry lab) players can create their own set of jellies. The jellies are then placed on the included game board, where they may be touched and manipulated to create sound. If you don't quite get the jelly-to-music correlation either, Noisy Jelly includes a scientific diagram to explain what is actually happening. The game board functions as a capacitative sensor, and the final sound it produces all depends upon the shape and salt concentration of the jelly. The distance and strength of the finger-to-jelly contact can create different sounds, as well.
Thailand's floating cinema blows its drive-in counterparts out of the water. Designed by Beijing-based architect Ole Scheeren, the Archipelago Cinema and Six Senses Resort hosted the final screenings of the Film on the Rocks Yao Noi Festival early last month. Moviegoers were transported by boat to their floating seats, which were situated on a raft-like apparatus in the Nae Pi Lae lagoon of Kudu Island. Opposite the seats, and nestled in between two looming rocks, was the full-sized, floating screen. Scheeren describes the atmosphere of his cinema as "a sense of temporality, randomness, almost like driftwood. Or maybe something more architectural: Modular pieces, loosely assembled, like a group of little islands that congregate to form an auditorium." All components of the floating cinema were composed of recycled materials gathered by local fisherman, who previously used it to build floating lobster farms. The cinema is indeed recyclable itself: after the festival, it is set to be dismantled and donated to the Yao Noi community for use as a playground and a floating stage. [via Architizer]
In 2013, 300 people danced to Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' in a field — and in 2025, the idea is back and bigger than ever. Yes, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is happening in Brisbane again from 2pm on Saturday, July 19. Yes, everyone should be dressed as Kate Bush, complete with a red dress, red stockings and black belt (men, that means you as well). On the day, a clowder (that's the collective noun for Kate Bushes, just FYI) will descend upon Milton and copy Bush's swaying, kicky dance in unison just for the pure joy of it. Support for this weird and wonderful outing has been widespread, and Kate Bush fans from around the world have been inspired to create events in their home cities. So get your gear together (dressmakers are usually flooded with orders for the day) and ready yourself to roll and fall in green, out on the wily, windy moors of Frew Park. If you need an incentive — other than the event itself, of course — it's now 47 years since the song was first released. Also, this year's celebration of all things Kate Bush is taking place a few days before British musician's birthday. Running up that hill beforehand (whichever hill you like) isn't compulsory, but it feels fitting. And yes, when it comes to Kate Bush worship, she sang it best herself: don't give up. A donation is appreciated to attend, to help cover costs at the fan-run event.
After four decades of shows, performances, exhibitions, films, workshops and other creative events, Metro Arts is closing its CBD doors — and re-opening at a new venue in West End's West Village. The move was sparked by the sale of the multi-arts organisation's heritage-listed Edward Street home for more than $10.5 million in December. As well as funding the move, proceeds from the sale will be used to create the Metro Arts Future Fund, which will fund more arts projects and initiatives. When it launches in West Village on Wednesday, April 1, art fans can expect sprawling new digs as part of West End's 2.6-hectare precinct. Metro Arts' new 680-square-metre home will have an underground theatre, two galleries, two rehearsal rooms and access to an outdoor event area. And, obviously, it'll benefit from moving from a 129-year-old building to a development that's barely a year old. It's a huge move, so to mark the occasion — and say farewell to its home for the past four decades — Metro Arts is hosting a two-week festival called Metro Arts, With Love from Saturday, February 1–Saturday, February 15. The organisation will keep putting on shows in Edward Street right up until Tuesday, March 31, before opening its doors across the river the next day. As for the old site itself, its new owners are "committed to restoring the Heritage-listed building to its former glory", according to Metro Arts' statement on the move. It'll be refurbished to feature both retail and office space, with all changes adhering to requirements of the State Heritage Register. Metro Arts will continue to operate at its current home of 109 Edward Street, Brisbane, until Tuesday, March 31, moving to West Village, Boundary Street, West End from Wednesday, April 1. For further details, visit the Metro Arts website. Images: Jason Blight of Blight Rayner.
The announcement of Shane Delia's debut Queensland restaurant made more than a few waves, with Brisbane diners excited to experience a glimpse of Melbourne favourite Maha Restaurant and its many offshoots: Maha North, Maha East and Jayda. Arriving in the form of Layla at the back end of March, guests have been flooding in since. Tucked into a heritage-listed section of West End's Thomas Dixon Centre, Layla continues Delia's focus on Middle Eastern cuisine, offering bold, spice-fuelled dishes shaped by some of the best Queensland produce. With the team settled into its new home, the time has come for Layla to take its weekly offering to the next level. Bringing a little more warmth to the cooler months, Spice & Sound takes over Sunday afternoons with an outdoor hibachi grill, live DJ sets and much-loved Layla cocktails. Suitably rich in theatre — the Thomas Dixon Centre is also the home of Queensland Ballet — guests can expect a menu designed for easygoing sharing and grazing. For instance, grilled dishes like chicken shish or eggplant are paired with soft and springy flatbread. Then, smaller plates span wagyu empanadas, butter chicken and grilled Fremantle octopus. Layla's cocktail menu is also a highlight. Elevated through Middle Eastern spices and aromatic botanicals, refreshing drinks combine classic concoctions with innovative mixology. The Winter Bloom is a go-to option, featuring whisky, arak, apple and spiced honey. Launching from Sunday, August 3, don't overlook the second ingredient of Spice & Sound. DJ Alex will get behind the decks from 1.30pm in Layla's leafy terrace, serving up a sun-kissed set that adds a little more kick to the end of your week. Spice & Sound is happening every Sunday from 1.30–5.30pm at Layla throughout winter — walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are encouraged. Head to the website for more information.
How do you make a huge Charli XCX-headlined festival lineup even bigger? If you're Laneway Festival 2025, you add a piece of Stranger Things to the bill. Before general tickets for next year's events go on sale, organisers have added Joe Keery to the lineup as Djo, who'll be performing live in Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever. When the roster of acts initially dropped, it sparked a question: how much green will be seen at 2025's Laneway Festival given that it's bringing Brat summer Down Under? Now, here's another: how glorious will Keery's hair be when the 'End of the Beginning' talent takes to the stage? [caption id="attachment_728611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] Laneway has also announced another change, with the Sydney event moving locations. Instead of taking place at Sydney Showground, the fest's Harbour City stop is settling in at Centennial Park. For company when the event kicks off in Auckland on Thursday, February 6, the hits Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, Charlie XCX and Djo will be joined by Beabadoobee, Clairo, Barry Can't Swim and Remi Wolf. Also on the list: BICEP doing their CHROMA AV DJ set, Olivia Dean, Eyedress and Skegss — and STÜM, RONA, Hamdi, Joey Valence & Brae, 2hollis, Fcukers, Ninajirachi, Julie, Girl and Girl, and more. [caption id="attachment_975321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harley Weir[/caption] The event started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s is playing Western Springs in Auckland, then hopping over the ditch to Brisbane Showgrounds, the aforementioned Centennial Park in Sydney, Melbourne's Flemington Park, Bonython Park in Adelaide and Wellington Square in Perth. Laneway joins the list of festivals locking in their comebacks after a tough year of cancellations across the live music scene, alongside Golden Plains, Bluesfest (for the last time), Wildlands, Good Things, Lost Paradise, Beyond The Valley and Meredith. Laneway Festival 2025 Lineup Charli XCX Beabadoobee Clairo Barry Can't Swim BICEP present CHROMA (AV DJ set) Djo Remi Wolf Olivia Dean Eyedress Skegss STÜM RONA Hamdi Joey Valence & Brae 2hollis Fcukers Ninajirachi Julie Girl and Girl + Triple J unearthed winners Laneway Festival 2025 Dates and Venues Thursday, February 6 – Western Springs, Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Saturday, February 8 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane / Turrbal Targun Sunday, February 9 — Centennial Park, Sydney / Burramattagal Land & Wangal Land Friday, February 14 — Flemington Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Biik Saturday, February 15 — Bonython Park, Adelaide / Kaurna Yerta Sunday, February 16 — Wellington Square, Perth / Whadjuk Boodjar St Jerome's Laneway Festival is touring Australia and New Zealand in February 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details, and to get tickets in general sales from 10am local time on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Top Djo image: Guido Gazzilli. Laneway images: Charlie Hardy / Daniel Boud / Maclay Heriot / Cedric Tang.
Many local hospitality venues excel at one thing in particular. Whether they pour the best wine or serve a cold brew that'll have you buzzing for a week, most of these venues focus on one specialty during a particular part of the day. For the Japanese café Kahii, located on Kent Street in Sydney, however, flexibility and variety are what keep the spark alive. "Adding a night offering gave the venue a whole new life," says Kahii's director, Matthew Wong. Open from 8am until 3:30pm Monday to Friday, and re-opening from 5pm 'til 12am Tuesday to Saturday, Kahii serves freshly brewed coffee by day and cocktails by renowned mixologist Fumiaki (with a curated bar snack menu from Kuro's Executive Chef, Taka Teramoto) by night. "Flexibility isn't just a survival tactic — it's a growth mindset," Wong tells Concrete Playground. When Kahii opened in 2016, it was purely a day-trade cafe inspired by the Japanese tea room, kissaten. "Quiet, minimal, refined". After the venue survived the pandemic (and subsequent lockdowns and venue regulations that gutted the city as a whole), Kahii wanted to do something "exciting" again. "Licensing conditions had relaxed, and we saw the opportunity to introduce a tea and coffee-inspired cocktail program that reflected our identity while giving people something unique in the city," Wong adds. "It was both strategic and personal — a natural extension of who we are and what we enjoy." Pros of Flexibility According to Wong, the advantages of running a business that opens at different times of the day are plentiful. "It creates diversity—not just in revenue, but in the types of experiences we offer and the people we attract." "During the day, we serve office workers, creatives, and locals grabbing their daily coffee or matcha. At night, the crowd shifts to people seeking somewhere intimate to unwind with a drink and a bite." Wong also notes that increasingly, regulars are starting and ending their day at the cafe. "There's crossover, too." In addition to attracting a diverse range of patrons, from a business standpoint, Kahii is maximising the value of a "sunk cost"—rent. "Activating the space in the evening was a strategic way to make full use of it." Being open throughout the day also creates a buffer from trade volatility. "Things like school holidays, transport disruptions, and weather don't hit quite as hard when we have more than one audience," Wong adds. How to Adapt Your Business to Two Offerings If you want to expand your hospitality business beyond its current offerings, Wong recommends starting with what you love. Then, build systems that support flexibility. "If you're transitioning from day to night, make sure the space is designed to shift moods—lighting, music, staff training, and menus all need to adapt seamlessly." He also suggests thinking about operational flow. From bookings, orders, payments, and prep change, how will you widen your service? "The clearer your identity and the smoother your systems, the more your guests will feel like it's all part of one cohesive experience—not two separate businesses," Wong explains. Tools like Square can help build upon this flow. Kahii uses Square for POS during the day and Square for Restaurants at night. The platform handles everything from payments to open orders and integrates with booking platforms. As he explains, "[Square] makes a huge difference to our workflow, especially as we transition between different trade periods and customer expectations." Kill Your Darlings Running a hospitality business comes with a lot of decision-making. Part of this means making calls that impact your day-to-day. "There were offerings we loved but had to let go of—sometimes because they didn't resonate with guests, other times because they were operationally clunky," says Wong. One of the biggest lessons for Kahii has been knowing when to separate personal attachment from business performance, which Wong notes is never easy, but often necessary. "Looking back, every time we've made that call, it's created room for something better. Something that fits the brand, the customer, and the moment we're in." If Wong could give any advice to other adventurous business owners in the same position, it would be to be honest about what's not working. Be open to new formats, offerings, or even the times of day you operate. And most importantly, don't be afraid to pivot with purpose. "Talk to your team. Listen to your customers. Look at the data. Sometimes the smallest insights, like consistent feedback on a menu item or noticing a dip in trade at a certain time, can spark the biggest changes." Square empowers local businesses to thrive by making it easier to run, manage, and grow their operations. Find out how Square can help your business grow. Images: Kahii
If you've always thought that Brisbane could use a twice-yearly food market that doubles as a pop-up arts and culture festival, rejoice — because you're about to be in luck. Announced in 2022 among a slate of additions and changes to Brisbane Powerhouse, Night Feast is that event, and it'll unveil its debut outing from Wednesday, March 1–Sunday, March 26, 2023. And, the neon-lit riverside setup just keeps adding excitement to its evolving lineup. First, the food. Already on the culinary bill from past program drops: Longrain's Martin Boetz, e'cco Bistro's Philip Johnson, Lyndon Tyers at Donna Chang and Tuan Nguyen at Ngon, plus Lek Senee from Lek's Thai and Patricio Sarno from Mary Mae's Kitchen & Bar — and City Winery's vino thanks to winemaker Dave Cush. [caption id="attachment_886620" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bruce McKinven Design[/caption] After a wave of Night Feast's headlining chefs and eateries were announced in late January, the event has now revealed a heap more. Get ready for dishes from Taro's Ramen and Ham on Rye, as well as from Saison Salumi and Wine & Dine Em. The full bill will still add a few more names to come, but it also spans chef Anchalee Kasurin whipping up poffertjes pancakes. All up, operating 4.30–9.30pm from Wednesday–Sunday at the Powerhouse forecourt and its surrounding parks during its first-ever run, Night Feast will survey Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Greek, modern Australian cuisine and more across 20-plus gourmet food stalls. Communal feasting will be one of Night Feast's big focuses — and getting the restaurants taking part in Night Feast to dish up the absolute top thing on their menus is another. That means tucking into their signature dishes, but by the river in New Farm. [caption id="attachment_637609" align="alignnone" width="1620"] Taro's Ramen, Anwyn Howarth[/caption] Night Feast will also feature an open fire pit for roasting and a dedicated dessert bar, plus cocktails and a top-notch wine list to wash it all down with. But, the food side of the program is just one of the highlights. The arts and music program looks just as ace, giant illuminated humanoids and laser beams that look like intergalactic events included. Those towering glowing figures come courtesy of Amanda Parer's Fantastic Planet, which has been to Brisbane before alongside other the artist's past works such as Intrude, What's That and Lost. And those lasers are the product of Australian audiovisual artist Robin Fox, who is part of Night Feast's lineup and Powerhouse's also-debuting "festival of other music" ΩHM. His site-specific Brisbane Constellation is all sound and light, as aided by a matrix of crystal refractors. The aim: to make you hear what you see and feel. Attendees can also look forward to Zimoun's symphony made with everyday materials; Rising Lotus, a series of large triangular sculptures that'll loom over the venue; the refracted sunlight-focused Tower; Theatre of Thunder's Succulenticca, aka costumed creatures roving around; and an old-school gaming den courtesy of Netherworld. Or, via Swiss site-performance designer and fog artist Tom Mùller, Steam Works will deploy four large industrial fog generators to pump out steam twice a day, in a piece that responds to Brisbane Powerhouse's industrial past. The music roster features Akala Newman, GLVES, Lucy Francesca Dron, Mark Crotti and Nicole McKinney on different dates, plus Paris Irwin, Paulina and the QUIVR DJS. [caption id="attachment_703786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Also included at Night Feast: Blade Runner-meets-Queensland theming with a dash of Cantonese culture, thanks to site design by Bruce McKinven (Dark Mofo). After its March debut, the market will take place again from Wednesday, October 4–Sunday, October 29, 2023, then return each March and October moving forward. [caption id="attachment_882045" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Night Feast will debut at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, from Wednesday, March 1–Sunday, March 26 — operating 4.30–9.30pm Wednesday–Sunday. For more information, head to the event's website. Night Feast will then return again from Wednesday, October 4–Sunday, October 29 — plus twice a year after that.
It was a busy couple of days in Melbourne as the city's hospitality and retail industries enjoyed their first weekend of trade post-lockdown, but it was especially momentous for online activewear retailer Stylerunner. On Saturday, October 31, the brand celebrated the launch of its first-ever bricks-and-mortar store, opening the doors to a 200-square-metre flagship space on Armadale's High Street. With eight years and an ever-growing following under its belt, Stylerunner has now created an IRL shop space in collaboration with local creative studio Noise Noise Noise. It has a bright, mood-boosting colour palette and is filled with shapes and curves referencing organic forms and nature. Soothing natural scenes play out across the store's digital screens, while a cloud-inspired neon number floats above the rear lounge area. Shoppers can expect a suite of thoughtful touches, from the styling suite call buttons promising speedy service to the complimentary water and luxe, recyclable packaging. There's even a signature store scent to enjoy while you get in that retail therapy. Gracing the racks is a lineup of threads, sneakers and accessories from dozens of well-loved local and international sportswear labels, including La Detresse, Nike, PE Nation, Exie and many more. Stylerunner's upcoming namesake line will also be on show. There's more to come, too, with Founder Julie Stevanja, revealing plans for at least two more stores coming soon to NSW and Queensland. Find Stylerunner's flagship store at Shop 1152-1154 High Street, Armadale.
Yangon is the former capital of Myanmar and the subject of Judith Sinnamon's latest exhibition. In her collection of works, she explores the current, changing people and scapes of this city. "Yangon is a city in transition,"says Sinnamon of the place she has been living and painting in this year. Indeed, its population is one facing poverty, and the city itself is experiencing a tidal wave of consumerist culture. Sinnamon lists teenagers with sparkly t-shirts featuring English slogans, monks with Samsung Galaxy phones and the recent opening of the first KFC as the telltale signs of western influence in the air. In her collection of pieces, she exposes the stories that pass through her everyday life, specifically those of the women who shared her street. She even invited some of the women to her apartment to sit for portraits, with some turning up proudly in traditional Burmese clothing and others in work clothes. Judith Simmon's exhibition beautifully combines the subjects of portrait, still life and the stories from a city experiencing change. The exhibition runs from 28 November to 19 December at the Edwina Corlette Gallery.
In 2013, the Oxford Dictionary deemed 'selfie' the word of the year. Given that advances in mobile phone technology mean that no one can stop taking them, that's hardly surprising. When everyone started carrying around compact, high-resolution cameras in their pockets, taking a constant stream of self-portraits was kind of inevitable. We're sure that Marisa Georgiou, Kristian Fracchia and Chloe Waters have captured more than a few happy snaps of themselves over the years; however you won't see those at Self Imag(in)ing. Instead, you'll find an exploration of the way in which navigating issues of identity, gender and corporeal experience via a perpetual state of self-imaging has become the norm. Think of it of an artistic dissection of how and why we're compelled to not only photograph ourselves, but share the resulting pictures with the world via social media, and construct a visual narrative of our lives as a result. You'll never look at your Instagram feed the same way again, because you haven't thought about selfies quite like this before. Image: Marisa Georgiou Afternoon Fountain Reverie 2016, Video still.
As soon as they step off the plane in Tropical North Queensland, most people make a beeline for the Great Barrier Reef. After all, this marine wonderland is the largest coral reef system in the world and attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. The reef is bold and beautiful but it's also a delicate ecosystem, so it's important to take care when travelling to help protect it and to remember a few quick tips before you explore. Even simple actions like swapping to reef-safe sunscreen or checking you're fishing where you're allowed to do so can have long-lasting positive effects on the health of this natural wonder. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways you can help keep our reef beautiful for generations to come. [caption id="attachment_842448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] OFFSET YOUR TRIP Offsetting your trip is an easy way to travel responsibly — especially with many tourism and travel providers of all sizes now providing you an option to do so. One Tropical North Queensland tourism provider that is both dedicated to eco-friendly explorations and aids sustainability efforts is the award-winning Cairns-based Passions of Paradise. The company offers reef tours as well as snorkelling and scuba diving with all gear included, too, so you can get up close to turtles, fish and all the coral-dwelling creatures of the reef with ease before relaxing on board with a buffet lunch. Passions also gives certified divers the chance to engage in citizen science with its Eco Tours. Under the direction of a Master Reef Guide, divers who opt for this experience can contribute to ongoing reef conservation projects and support the work of local conservationists on the Great Barrier Reef through things like surveying reef locations, monitoring reef health or assisting in coral planting. Not a certified diver? You can still make a difference — Passions of Paradise work with researchers to help grow coral through the Coral Nurture Program and offset carbon emissions by planting trees in the Daintree. If you're visiting the reef from Port Douglas, consider a trip with Sailaway. This full-day tour with a qualified marine biologist is a great way to learn more about the wonders beneath the shimmering blue waves. The best bit? The company donates $20 from every ticket to its reforestation and carbon offsetting project. [caption id="attachment_830381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SEE THE REEF WITH FIRST NATIONS GUIDES If your idea of a perfect day in the ocean is seeing beautiful reefs and getting an insightful connection to the sea, put Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel on your itinerary. Offering a unique experience, this local team of First Nations sea rangers will invite you to step into the Great Barrier Reef's Dreamtime. Cairns' only Indigenous-focused cruise, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is recognised as one of Australia's leading ecotourism providers thanks to its Advanced Eco accreditation awarded by Ecotourism Australia and a Climate Action Business Certification, with its tours and activities carried out in line with industry-best standards. Some proceeds from ticket sales go to local conservation initiatives and further research through GBR Biology group, a dedicated team of marine biologists, educations and rangers that delivers immersive experiences and invests in coral reef monitoring and research. [caption id="attachment_845484" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mikhail Nilov (Pexels)[/caption] USE REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN (OR WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SO YOU DON'T NEED SUNSCREEN) If you went to primary school in Australia, then you are probably pretty familiar with the 'slip, slop, slap' campaign. Sun protection is always paramount when you live in a scorching country, but there are ways to keep yourself protected that also help protect the planet. Certain sunscreen ingredients are known to cause coral deterioration, so it's worth being savvy when choosing your products. An easy guide is to look for reef-safe ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and avoid nasties such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Also, look for packaging that is recycled or recyclable and stay away from spray sunscreens that cause excess product to land on the sand. But if you're looking for the easiest (and most effective) way to escape sun damage, opt for protective clothing that is dark and densely woven. Unlike sunscreen, it doesn't need to be reapplied, and never washes off. [caption id="attachment_845201" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET INVOLVED IN CITIZEN SCIENCE It's easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef, but there are some simple ways we can all help. The Eye on the Reef app allows you to quickly log information about reef health and wildlife sightings, allowing anyone who visits to contribute to its protection. It's simple to use, free to download and use and requires zero special equipment — it takes just seconds to record any spots of coral bleaching or instances of sick animals. The app also uses GPS settings to give you specific zoning rules for each area, so you don't get caught out fishing or diving in restricted spots. [caption id="attachment_845200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] PLANT SOME CORAL Want to help the reef in an immediate and hands-on way? Scuba divers: assemble. All you need is a PADI certification and a ticket on the Passions of Paradise reef tour. This proud ecotourism operator has spent decades on the reef via its 30-metre catamaran. Its Coral Nurture Program is a collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney and allows previously damaged sections of coral to flourish. Divers are carefully guided underwater and shown how to harvest tiny pieces of coral that they then relocate to a coral nursery where they can safely grow up to 30 centimetres each year. This is an immersive and educational activity that gives divers a tangible connection to coral rehabilitation. [caption id="attachment_845197" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] ADOPT SOME CORAL Keen to help with coral conservation but don't have your diving licence? We've got you sorted. The Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF) is a not-for-profit social enterprise that challenges the idea that the reef is damaged beyond hope. Following a coral bleaching event in 2016, keen diver and soon-to-be RRF founder Gary McKenna observed that the coral in his home aquarium could regrow and create new fragments. He expanded his research worldwide, and discovered that there were several coral replanting methods that hadn't been tried on the Great Barrier Reef. International experts came on board, and grant funding allowed the RRF coral nurseries to double. While these steps are incredibly positive, reef restoration is a long-term project. By adopting your own patch of coral through RRF, you can provide much-needed funds to keep resources flowing. Plus, you will receive regular growth updates on your cute coral patch. [caption id="attachment_845797" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Juergen Freund[/caption] VISIT THE OUTER REEF When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, it's tempting to look for the quickest tours that have you zipping there and back before nightfall. However, for those who want to really immerse themselves in the region, the Eco Tourism Australia-accredited Coral Expeditions offers seven- and ten-day adventures to the outer stretches of the reef, far beyond the reach of most tourist vessels. Jump on board one of the company's purpose-designed small ships for an immersive voyage to uninhabited sand cays and pristine reef systems, taking in some of the most impressive and untouched dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The expeditions visit both the Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with on-board experts to guide you through unforgettable moments like meeting green sea turtles, a Welcome to Country in the world's oldest rainforest and many more. LEARN ABOUT REEF CONVERSATION A useful resource for reef conservation information are the Master Reef Guides. These marine experts must meet a long list of criteria before they can carry the title, as well as having to undergo additional training in public speaking and storytelling. If learning more about the iconic destination is on your list while in Tropical North Queensland, be sure to book a tour that has a Master Reef Guide – they work across both tourism and research vessels. Ready to be rewarded for living responsibly? For more information on obtaining Green tier status via the Qantas Frequent Flyers program, visit the website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland Words: Eliza Crisp, Courtney Ammenhauser, Stephanie Monteith, Nik Addams.
2023 was the year of the Matildas. Here's hoping that 2024 will be as well. Australia's national women's soccer team made history on the pitch and on TV screens at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and inspired the word 'Matilda' to be chosen as the Australian National Dictionary Centre's 2023 Word of the Year. The squad's current aim: making it to this year's Paris Olympics, with two matches standing between them and playing at the games. The Tillies competed in three qualifiers in Perth in October and November 2023, winning all three. The next step is a two-match fixture against Uzbekistan, which will determine whether the Aussies score one of the Asian Football Confederation's two places in Paris. First up, on Saturday, February 24, the Steph Catley-led squad will play at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent. Then, they're coming home to take to the pitch at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Wednesday, February 28. If you'll be in Melbourne on the second date and you don't already have tickets, you've missed your chance to head along live. But, as always, 10Play and Paramount+ are your destinations — plus Network 10 on regular TV — to watch from home. As for the squad, Sam Kerr won't be playing after injuring her ACL at a training camp for Women's Super League team Chelsea, which is why Catley will wear the captain's armband. Familiar names abound from there, including Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso, Emily van Egmond and Tameka Yallop. Cortnee Vine will sit out the games for personal reasons, while Michelle Heyman rejoins the squad for the first time in six years. The Matildas are hoping not only to get through to the Olympics, but to best the 2020 games' fourth placing, which is the team's best result yet. In the qualifiers, Japan will play North Korea in two matches on the same February dates, with the winner securing the other Asian Football Confederation spot. Whatever happens against Uzbekistan, the Tillies will hit the turf again in April, thanks to a friendly against Mexico in San Antonio in the US. Matildas Final Paris Olympics Qualifying Matches vs Uzbekistan: Saturday, February 24 — kickoff at 8pm AEDT / 7pm AEST / 5pm AWST Wednesday, February 28 — kickoff at 8pm AEDT / 7pm AEST / 5pm AWST The Matildas' final Olympic qualifiers take place on Saturday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 28 — and you can watch via 10Play and Paramount+. Images: Tiff Williams.
Cinema is one of humanity's greatest artistic inventions — and the joy of sitting in a darkened room, locking your eyes on the screen and becoming immersed in the movie in front of you will never grow old. But, now that the medium is well into its second century, it's worth acknowledging a bleak truth: most movies are average. It's a numbers game, really. With thousands of new films hitting screens and streaming platforms each and every year, they can't all be masterpieces. They're not all rubbish either, which is why so many sit in the middle. Some are watchable trash, others are almost better than okay, but a whole heap fall between those two points. If you're thinking "hang on, isn't this an article about the best films of the 2019?", you're not mistaken — the two topics are related. When a movie isn't average, it stands out. When it's something special, magnificent, glorious and astounding, it sticks in your mind for days, weeks, months and more. In fact, the best films are even more exceptional because they've found the perfect blend of components to soar far beyond the standard. They're the movies that make you excited when you leave the cinema, even if you've just been put through the emotional wringer or scared out of your wits, because you're ecstatic that these films exist. 2019, like every other year, had its share of great, excellent and outstanding movies — and with all of the above in mind, we've picked our best. We could've gone on, so apologies to the films that barely missed the cut. The Souvenir, If Beale Street Could Talk, Midsommar, Vox Lux and Ad Astra are all worth seeking out. So are Knives Out, Booksmart, Weathering with You, Apollo 11 and Hustlers. But we could only choose ten, which is a tiny fraction of the 550-plus movies that released on Australasian screens this year — and our favourites are the absolute opposite of average. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEUXfv87Wpk PARASITE 2019 may be the year that the best film of the past 12 months wins cinema's top two awards. At the Cannes Film Festival in May, Bong Joon-ho's Parasite nabbed the Palme d'Or — and the twisty thriller is one of the frontrunners to be named Best Picture when the Oscars roll around in February. If it scores the latter as well, it'll be the first movie since 1955 to win both — and only the second film ever. Parasite deserves to earn that feat, but it'll still remain an astonishing, smart and supremely enjoyable picture if it doesn't. Following the intersection of two South Korean families — one wealthy, entitled and oblivious to their privilege, the other unemployed and scraping by however they can — this is a precisely layered feature that unravels an engrossing mystery while making a decisive statement about class disparities. The puzzle-like social satire is also written, shot and acted to perfection by the Okja and Snowpiercer helmer, with Bong regular Song Kang-ho leading a dynamite cast. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfPxmnMAyZw THE NIGHTINGALE Back in 2018, after The Nightingale first screened for media at the Venice Film Festival, it hit headlines. Barely a handful of people had seen it, but word of its tough nature spread quickly — as did news of vocal reactions and walkouts. Such reports would only continue as the film toured the festival circuit overseas and in Australia; however Jennifer Kent's second feature after The Babadook wants to evoke that response. Tracking an Irish convict (Aisling Franciosi) on a quest for revenge against the British soldier (Sam Claflin) who brutally took away everything she loved, and following her trek through Van Diemen's Land with an Indigenous guide (Baykali Ganambarr), this isn't meant to be an easy watch. Clawing through the misogyny, racism and oppression baked into Australia's history, and the violence with which it has been dispensed, should leave a visceral impact. Making a different kind of horror movie, Kent uses every tool at her disposal to put viewers in her protagonists' shoes, including a boxed-in 4:3 aspect ratio that stares at assault, death and more front-on. The results don't just leave an imprint — they leave a scar. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn_-YoG69Sw PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE In a film that's sumptuous and striking from start to finish, Portrait of a Lady on Fire's approach to its love story stands out. This is a subtle, slow-burning movie that simmers with restraint and yearning as its central women fall for each other, but it's also bold and uncompromising in depicting what society demands of their lives — and how the expectations placed upon them are incompatible with their happiness. In the 18th century, artist Marianne (Noémie Merlant) has been commissioned to paint the portrait of bride-to-be Héloïse (Adèle Haenel). With Héloïse reluctant about both her nuptials and being immortalised on canvas, Marianne must pose as her new companion, study her closely as they spend time together and paint in secret. As romance blooms within Celine Sciamma's (Girlhood) radiant, exquisitely detailed frames, her equally luminous feature explores both the freedom they find in each other's arms and the stark reality of their future. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEDh4ikcWA PAIN AND GLORY It's impossible to look at Antonio Banderas in Pain and Glory and not think of the man who put him there. Pedro Almodovar has directed the Spanish actor to many of his top performances over the past four decades, and here he gives him a formidable task — with Banderas virtually playing a fictionalised version of the filmmaker. His character, Salvador Mallo, looks like Almodovar and even wears his clothes. He's also a director and, via a collaboration with a star from his past, he's in the process of taking stock of his life in a new project. The result is a rich and deep exploration of choices made, dreams forgotten, paths followed and possibilities lost, as rendered with Almodovar's usual bright, expressive colour palette. Penelope Cruz also features in flashbacks to Mallo's childhood, playing his mother, but it's the marriage of Cannes Best Actor-winning Banderas and Almodovar in reflective mode that makes this gorgeous, heartfelt, bittersweet movie a piece of cinematic perfection. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavqDA_3vIo US As a filmmaker using genre to lay bare society's oppressive ills — and to entertain audiences with audacious and ambitious horror stories in the process — Jordan Peele is now two for two. Just a couple of short years ago, Get Out felt like a breath of fresh air with its smart and savage tale of racial alienation. That feeling remains with his second feature, Us, which simultaneously splashes in the same thematic pool and rides its own narrative wave. Focusing on a family of four, a summer vacation to Santa Cruz and sinister lookalikes who start stalking their every move, Peele finds a new way to ponder America's divisive reality both historically and at present, all while making an immensely unnerving addition to an already unsettling genre: the doppelgänger movie. Playing dual roles, Lupita Nyong'o puts in one of the year's very best performances as the matriarch doing whatever it takes to fight for both her family and her freedom, while many of the film's meticulously crafted visuals are pure nightmare fodder. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZeIHrx7Oyc HIGH LIFE Not only sending Robert Pattinson into space with a baby, but marking the first English-language film by acclaimed French director Claire Denis (Let the Sunshine In), High Life was always going to stand out. Pattinson plays Monte, who's caring for an infant alone on a space station when the film opens. Sci-fi history dictates that this was never going to be a cosy situation, with said intergalactic vessel hurtling towards a black hole. While flashbacks fill in the story, they never tell the expected tale. In a film that also stars Juliette Binoche as a twisted doctor experimenting on convicted criminals — and features a masturbation chamber called The Box — nothing was ever going to fit a nice, neat template. Belonging to the contemplative side of space-set sci-fi, High Life is unflinching in its depiction of the dark, cruel side of human nature, with its haunting and distinctive portrait of our species at its worst not easily forgotten amongst its weighty existential musings. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI9UYcEwUYA BURNING On cinema screens Down Under, 2019 has been an exceptional year for South Korean movies by acclaimed auteurs. Parasite has earned so much deserved attention that it's easy to forget that it was the second of this year's big-name theatrical releases from the country — and the second to explore class and gender divisions in a thrilling manner, too. The first was Burning, the visually detailed and emotionally loaded masterpiece by Lee Chang-dong that's based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. Here, society's inequities come to the fore in a blend of contemplative mystery, intricate character study and exquisitely observed examination of human relationships. It all starts when part-time deliveryman Jongsu (Yoo Ah-in) crosses paths with his former neighbour Haemi (Jun Jeong-seo), feels a connection between them, but finds himself pushed to the side when she returns from an African holiday with the wealthy Ben (Steven Yeun) by her side. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELeMaP8EPAA ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Three words: Rick fucking Dalton. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic as the 60s TV cowboy who pines for a career renaissance; however, he's just one of the film's stellar components. As the stuntman and driver that Dalton relies so heavily on, Brad Pitt oozes complicated cool. As Dalton's neighbour Sharon Tate, Margot Robbie sits at the heart of the film — and demonstrates that dialogue isn't the only indicator of an excellent performance. Jumping back to 1969, and to the summer that the Manson family famously wreaked murderous havoc, Quentin Tarantino plays with real-life details, but he's in the revisionist mode that served Inglourious Basterds so well. The end product is an intricate, mature, laidback and thoroughly enjoyable film that's also purposefully shaggy, and invites audiences to not only ponder its perspective on weathering seismic personal and cultural shifts, but to enjoy the time spent hanging out in its world. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHi-a1n8t7M MARRIAGE STORY Noah Baumbach makes movies about unhappiness, whether he's following titular New Yorker in a state of arrested development (as seen in Frances Ha), a middle-aged couple at a crossroads (While We're Young) or dysfunctional adult siblings sorting through their issues (The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)). And, although Marriage Story commences with odes of love penned carefully and thoughtfully, the film's once blissfully wed protagonists Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are far from content. Rather, in a story that spans both US coasts, they're divorcing. In the process, they're locked in a bitter custody battle over their young son (Azhy Robertson). Sharp, naturalistic and devastatingly astute, this always-empathetic drama follows the pair's efforts to adjust to their new status quo — with Driver in particularly blistering form as a New York-based experimental theatre director expending all of his energy on a fight that his heart might not be in. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHXxVmeGQUc THE IRISHMAN Only the very best filmmakers can continually return to the same domain, but still make each new visit feel like something new. Martin Scorsese is one of them, as The Irishman illustrates. On paper, it seems like a typical Scorsese-directed movie. It's about gangsters, it stars Robert De Niro, and it even coaxed the great Joe Pesci out of retirement. As anyone with even a passing interest in cinema knows, that's Goodfellas and Casino territory. But with this lengthy epic, the masterful auteur shows that he's not one for needlessly repeating himself. Based on the life of truck driver-turned-mob hitman Frank Sheeran (De Niro) and his time working for union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), this potent saga may revisit familiar themes — but, as pieced together with patience and impeccable performances (especially from Pesci), its portrait of two forces constantly fighting for supremacy, even to their own detriment, is also keenly relevant today. Read our full review. These are our ten favourite films of 2019, and we listed ten other standouts above as well. But we've also put together a list of the best films hardly anyone saw this year — y'know, the ones that sort of went in and out of cinemas without much fanfare but definitely deserve a watch.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Wotif.com. Writer Benjamin Law recently performed a glorious piece of erotic fan fiction about his two culinary idols, Stephanie Alexander and Maggie Beer. We'll spare you the gory details, but the story involves a fair bit of verjuice and self-saucing pudding. The two food goddesses both call South Australia home, because, basically, that's where the good food and wine is. Restaurateurs in Adelaide respect the exceptional produce and wine at their doorstep. Here are ten who are doing it very nicely indeed. BISTRO DOM South African born chef Duncan Welgemoed brings the best of his training under Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal to Bistro Dom on Waymouth Street in the CBD, where he’s serving up French-inspired cuisine such as steak tartare ($19.90) and duck with boudin noir, apple and cinnamon ($39.90). While Welgemoed has a keen interest in the science of cooking, you’ll see no clouds or foams here; his focus is on showing off the produce, unadorned and simple. Bistro Dom boasts a truly varied wine list of French, German and boutique local wines. Make sure you have a crack at the Alpha Box and Dice ‘Tarot’ from McLaren Vale — an elegant blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Tempranillo. 24 Waymouth Street, Adelaide Street ADL and Orana A two-part venture from chef Jock Zonfrillo, together Street ADL and Orana span two levels, offering two unique dining experiences within the one venue. Downstairs is Street ADL; it's informal, casual and accessible, offering up ‘Australian street food’ such as pulled kangaroo sangas, cheeseburgers, Goolwa pipis and lamingtons. Venture upstairs, however, and it's a whole different story. Orana is delicate, intimate (it only seats 25 guests) and very much a fine dining experience. The food continues to tread the line of Australiana, with Zonfrillo paying homage to rich flavours of the land. 285 Rundle Street, Adelaide RUBY RED FLAMINGO Ruby Red Flamingo has an ever changing menu of Italian share plates and a blackboard wine list with Italian wines including Nero D’Avola. Snuggle down in front of their open fireplace with a comforting favourite like macaroni with eggplant and smoked mozzarella or osso bucco risotto. 142 Tynte Street, North Adelaide Peel Street Tucked away on Peel Street (go figure) this restaurant may not look like it's got a lot going on, but once you step in, see the food slapped on the concrete bench, let the smell of freshly baked goods hit your nostrils and take a seat, there'll be no desire to ever leave. Open from 7.30am on weekdays and serving up dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Peel Street has quickly become a favourite amongst city dwellers — particularly those who frequent the small bar scene in the adjoining streets. If you like what you see on the counter, order 'from the concrete', or otherwise order something bigger 'from the blackboard'. Whatever you go for, you won't be disappointed. And you will be taking a muffin, pie or cupcake on your way out. 9 Peel Street, Adelaide Gin Long Canteen Gin Long has been open for little over six months, but already it's a favourite. You might be hard off getting a seat on a Friday or Saturday night; don't let that deter you because this is possibly the closest Adelaide comes to modern Asian. As well as rice paper rolls and betel leaf cigars, expect to chow down on gin long wings, nom nom barramundi, spicy caramel chicken and sticky braised pork belly. The cocktail list makes it extra fun, and the whole space is spot on — worth the wait, if you ask us. 42 O'Connell Street, North Adelaide MAGILL ESTATE RESTAURANT Magill Estate is the showcase restaurant for Penfolds wines just out of the city in the Adelaide foothills. Head chefs Scott Huggins and Emma McCaskill deliver an ever changing degustation menu designed to show off the Penfolds range (and not just the '51 Grange) starting off with calamari, chlorophyll and preserved lemon and finishing with South Australian Mayura wagyu with radishes and mustard. 78 Penfolds Road, Magill PRESS FOOD AND WINE Press Food and Wine is a new addition to the Adelaide dining scene, and a very welcome one. The two-level restaurant on Waymouth Street is at once homely and elegant. Head chef Andrew Davies prides himself on in-house pickling and curing and their custom-made chargrill. A la carte and degustation menus are on offer, with sophisticated starters such as king fish and pickled radish ($21) and heartier mains such as house-made pappardelle with blue swimmer crab ($29). 40 Waymouth Street, Adelaide EROS OUZERI Eros Ouzeri is a bit of an Adelaide institution. The grand daddy of Rundle Street, its cafe is home to the best damn kataiffi in town and the restaurant proper will sort you out with classic Greek mezze fare such as grilled haloumi, octopus and gyros as well as heartier mains such as lamb shoulder ($29.90) or a charred Angus fillet with mustard skordalia ($35). All this deliciousness is accompanied, of course, by a robust, SA-faithful wine list. Head in for a lunch banquet ($45) and let the famously hospitable Eros staff welcome you to the fold. 277 Rundle Street, Adelaide The Grace Establishment Located on The Parade — which is generally busy with shoppers and alfresco diners, but don't let that put you off — The Grace Establishment is a nice option for a sit-down lunch without breaking the bank. Relatively new and still very shiny, it's part bar, restaurant and beer garden, meaning you can sit indoors or out for a charcuterie board, plate of Kinkawoona mussels or a hearty SA sirloin. 127 The Parade, Norwood GOLDEN BOY RESTAURANT Golden Boy Restaurant popped up last year to feed the hungry punters at the Botanic Bar at the East End of the city and it has quickly become a destination in its own right, serving honest, home-style Thai food in a relaxed setting. Open till midnight, Golden Boy offers the perfect late-night fix of spicy chicken wings and pork belly — you can lick your fingers in style. 309 North Terrace, Adelaide Words by Lauren Vadnjal and Jessica Keath. Peel Street image courtesy of Kristina Dryža via Facebook.
For the first time in the award's 98-year history, a portrait of an Asian Australian has taken out the coveted Archibald Prize. The winner of the 2019 prize, announced today, is a painting of contemporary artist Lindy Lee by Sydney painter Tony Costa. Costa's oil painting, titled Lindy Lee, was chosen from 51 finalists, which include Tessa MacKay's Packing Room Prize-winning hyperreal portrait of actor David Wenham. In the portrait, Costa attempts to capture the energy of Lee — a practising Zen Buddhist and Taoist, who explores her Chinese ancestry and spirituality through her paintings and sculptures — through his use of minimal colour. "I have kept the colour minimal to avoid any visual noise," said Costa in a statement. "The challenge for me was to capture the energy of Lindy — the emotional over and above the physical. Costa said it was this energy — as well as her "wisdom, humility, courage, humour" — which attracted him to Lee, who was herself a Archibald finalist in 2002, and sat for portraits in 06 and 12. Costa's works are known for their distortion of form and colour, which he employs in this most-recent work. [caption id="attachment_721079" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lindy Lee by Tony Costa.[/caption] In more good news, the winners of the Wynne and Sir John Sulman prizes were also revealed today. Sylvia Ken took out the former — which awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture — for her depiction of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands (Ken's homeland) and skies where the Seven Sisters story takes place. This is the fourth year in a row that an Indigenous Australian artist has been awarded the prize. [caption id="attachment_721082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seven Sisters by Sylvia a Ken. Photo by Jenni Carter.[/caption] The Sir John Sulman Prize goes to the best mural, subject or genre painting, and was this year awarded to McLean Edwards' work entitled The first girl that knocked on his door, depicting a young man looking for love. [caption id="attachment_721081" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The first girl that knocked on his door by McLean Edwards. Photo by Mim Stirling.[/caption] The winning portraits and finalists will be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from tomorrow — Saturday, May 11 — up until September 9. If you do't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2019 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney — May 11–September 9 TarraWarra Museum of Art, Victoria — September 14–November 5 Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, NSW — November 15–January 12, 2020 Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, NSW — January 24, 2020–March 8 Bank Art Museum Moree, NSW — March 20, 2020–May 3 Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, NSW — May 15, 2020–June 28 Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, NSW — July 3, 2020–August 16 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website.
You would think that for a country girt by sea, comprising a shitload of bewilderingly great beaches and a population who love a good bevvy, we'd have more opportunities to drink by the ocean (you know, outside of a sneaky goon sack stroll down the shore on NYE). But we haven't, legally, until now. Fremantle's Bathers Beach House has been granted Australia's first liquor license for alfresco beach dining (and drinking). The WA establishment is currently the only place in Australia where you can (legally) drink on the beach. Of course, they've arranged sun lounges in their newly licensed sand and will be serving a range of food and drinks from their beachside menu, delivered straight to your sunbathing face. General erosion, gradual ecosystem destruction and environmental impact aside, generally speaking, it could be the impetus the rest of Australia needs to start amending the laws that forbid the pairing of our nation's two strongest assets: a hot beach and cold beers. The Gold Coast toyed with the idea in 2015 but to no avail. Come on local Australian councils, legalise beach beers. Think of the boom in sales of those fold-out chairs with in-built drink holders. We can't afford not to follow suit on this one. Via Hospitality Magazine.
For the chilli lovers among us, that endorphin rush from a good capsaicin burn — or the component of peppers that makes them spicy — results in the exhilarating desire for more. Apparently, we're all gluttons for punishment. Thankfully, there's a world of fiery sensation out there for us chilli-chasing folk. Once the need takes hold and you start searching for that next my-face-is-on-fire-and-I-regret-nothing hit, you need not look further, we've got some Brissie hotspots to share with you. Maybe you're a sucker for the Sichuan numbness, or you live for the slow-building curry sweats, or you just want to push your personal Scoville-scale limits in a tongue-burning challenge; whatever you prefer, we've partnered with Zantac to ensure you don't have to miss the best spice in town. So, all you hot-sauce-carrying heat aficionados out there, hit up these Brisbane-based burns and get ready to sweat. [caption id="attachment_669545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts.[/caption] FIRE TONKOTSU RAMEN AT TARO'S RAMEN, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Not only does this ramen have an ultra-fiery pork broth — with chilli oil and chilli sauce topped with chilli powder and shredded fresh chilli for good measure — but it can also be turned up another notch (somehow) thanks to Taro's 'high heat' option available for no extra charge. (How much more chilli elements are there?) Thankfully, the renowned ramen joint doesn't sacrifice flavour for heat. While it builds from a spicy frisson to a satisfying chilli glow with each slurp, this beautiful bowl delivers the usual craftsmanship you'd expect from the ramen joint: hand-made noodles, a rich broth base, nori sheets, shallots, Bangalow sweet pork and a gooey boiled egg. A well-stocked condiments station means you can add all the chilli oil and shichimi you may need to hit the spot. CHONGQING CHILLI CHICKEN AT HAPPY BOY, FORTITUDE VALLEY This chilli fan favourite has made it back on the menu after a hiatus, and, boy, we couldn't be happier. Even the most stoic have been known to shed a tear over Happy Boy's Chongqing chilli chicken: a garlicky, salty Sichuan stir-fry with rich little morsels of chicken wok-fried alongside an abundance of dried chillies. And with its fiery oiliness, the spicy number makes sure that mouthwatering Sichuan buzz lingers on the tongue long after your last bite. Even beyond all that heat, there are a lot of flavours going on, so balance accordingly with rice. RON JEREMY HOTDOG AT BUFFALO BAR, CBD Please give a warm welcome to Buffalo Bar's Ron Jeremy hotdog. Not only is this 'dog not one but two feet long, but it also comes with a four-chilli rating and an eating challenge — if you can scoff this baby down in ten minutes, you'll get it for free plus a $50 bar tab. The hotdog comes topped with bacon and smoked sour cream and the spice factor from lashings of 'Hell Bound' chilli sauce and American mustard. If you're not so keen to down this hot, hot heat in a mere few minutes, you can also get the hot dog to share. And, if hotdogs just aren't your thing, you can get the 'Hell Bound' hot sauce on a basket of Wet Wings instead. SICHUAN BOILED FISH AT THE LITTLE CUBE, SUNNYBANK Hands down one of the best Sichuan places in Brisbane, The Little Cube offers a range of chilli-packed options perfect for every kind of spice lover. But, the go-to dish if you really want some heat is the Shui Zhu Yu: poached white fish swimming in a sea of dried chillies and enough Sichuan peppercorns to get that unmistakable electric-current tingle with each bite. Warning: this huge portion comes in a group-size serve only — so bring your chilli-chasing mates unless you are especially daring. DEATH SENTENCE WINGS AT YARD DOGGS, FORTITUDE VALLEY A menu item that comes with a spice warning? Yes, please. If you crave watering eyes and singed sinuses, chow down on a plate of these deep-fried wings and drummies slathered in high-octane heat. Slicked all over with a searing habanero sauce — you can actually see the chilli skins and seeds — these succulent bites are not for the faint-hearted. Mercifully though, Yard Doggs (formerly Yard Bird) provides cool ranch dipping pots to rescue your flame-engulfed mouth. You'll concentrate so hard on beating the burn you won't stop to wipe your hands and face. Prepared to get messy and sweaty — and definitely, don't touch your eyes until you've thoroughly washed this sauce off. CHICKEN HAI HAI AT CURRYVILLE, MORNINGSIDE The menu description starts with "Australia's hottest curry" and ends with a prayer, so trust us when we say this curry packs military-grade firepower. With chicken, onion, capsicum and lots and lots (and lots) of chillies, the dish is the most serious of Curryville's fresh, home-style curries. This fella carries a spice-radius that'll make even your dining companion's eyes water. The restaurant strongly recommends sharing this one for your own wellbeing, but if you think you can take it, just don't forget the extra raita. HOTTEST BURGER IN THE WORLD AT OFF THE WALL DINER, WELLINGTON POINT If none of the other suggestions seems serious enough, and you're really just craving a punishing chilli bodyslam, head out to Wellington Point for this infamous mega-burger challenge. Not only is it a mighty big burger, but it also possesses the most fearful of chillies: the Carolina Reaper (regularly judged the hottest in the world). Even spice enthusiasts struggle with this one — sweating, gasping, hiccupping, fighting against their body's instinct to run for the soothing safety of milk. If you've got a point to prove and nothing to lose except your dignity, get into it. ACHAARI CURRY AT KLAY OVEN, TENERIFFE You've gotta love any restaurant with a customisable spice level. To that end, most curries on Klay Oven's menu can be heightened to whatever extreme heat you desire. For some real fire, we'd recommend the Achaari curry to get the full chilli hit. Since it's not as creamy as other curries, there isn't much of a cool factor to soften the blow. With pickling spices and tomato, it's a sharp, slightly sweet and very rich main dish. Kick the experience up a notch with a Lahriya Mirch starter — pastry-wrapped stuffed chillies — to get a base-layer of embers before lighting the flame. AYAM GORENG AT SHALOM, SUNNYBANK HILLS Shalom serves legit Indonesian heat in a no-frills Sunnybank setting. And quite frankly, you wouldn't want to be somewhere fancy when facing spice like this. Rated five chillies, the Ayam Goreng Shalom —marinated fried chicken with fresh chilli sauce — is not for a spice newbie, but it's worth the burn and sinus cleanse. You'll be glad it also comes with a crisp salad to take some of the edge off so you can appreciate the soft, moist flesh of the bird. Shalom does chicken really, really well, guys. Kick it up with extra house-made Shalom sambal for a zingy, fiery burst. AUSSIE CRY THAI BEEF SALAD AT MY THAI, AUCHENFLOWER Infamous among Brisbane's spice seekers, this sassy little number issues a challenge with its very name. Don't be turned off by the fact that it's a salad; My Thai's Aussie Cry comes in at a shocking six-chilli rating on the menu, where most of the regular curries sit at two. Oh, and there's no buffer of coconut milk or rice between you and the fire. With vibrant, fresh Thai flavours, this warm salad included sliced beef, birds eye chillies, onion, lemongrass, lemon juice, Thai herbs and a burn that'll wreck the tastebuds of the unwary — at least for a little while, that is. To find out more about Zantac, visit the website. Zantac relieves heartburn. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your health professional. Top image: Happy Boy.
Summer means sunny days, escaping to your closest body of water whenever you can, openair drinks aplenty and treating yo'self to all the tastebud-cooling ice cream you like. This summer, it also means making sure that your home also smells like sweet treats — like Bubble O'Bills, Paddle Pops, Golden Gaytimes and Splices, to be exact. Some scents will always stay with you — and for anyone who grew up eating as many rainbow Paddle Pops as they could manage whenever the weather was warm, that sweet treat's caramel-meets-vanilla aroma is 100-percent the scent of summer. Now, it can be the fragrance that wafts through your home when the weather is warm (and during every other season, too), with Dusk bringing back its range ice cream-flavoured candles. The company first launched these enticingly scented, dessert craving-sparking goods back in winter and they promptly sold out, but now's clearly an ideal time for them. In a collaboration with Streets, the two-wick candles are hitting the shelves in-store again — and online — from Thursday, November 24. Obviously, one candle is scented like rainbow Paddle Pops, the go-to gem of supermarket freezers. Yes, each one smells like vanilla bean, strawberry and caramel. Yes, you'll feel hungry. Among the candles scented like fellow classic sweet treats, the Golden Gaytime version emits the aroma of toffee, vanilla and chocolate, while the Bubble O'Bill number smells like strawberries and raspberries — not bubblegum. As for the Splice, the scent of pine lime and vanilla will be floating through your home. Each two-wick candle costs $54.99, and drops not only in time for summer, but also for Christmas. Yes, buying one/some for yourself as a gift is perfectly acceptable. Constantly being hungry for ice cream is about to become your new reality, clearly — and if you also decked out your abode with Gelato Messina candles a few years back, and Tim Tam candles as well, consider this your latest sweet-smelling must-have. Dusk's range of Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime, Splice and Bubble O'Bill candles hit stores and online again from 9am AEST on Thursday, November 24. Head to the company's website for further information.
Mark this down as one of 2026's must-see tours: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds are playing a slate of shows in Australia. Three gigs will take over Victoria Park in Brisbane on Tuesday, January 27. The group's Wild God tour is finally making its way to this part of the globe, after dates across UK, Europe and North America in 2024 and 2025. Fans can get excited about a two-and-a-half-hour concert focused on the band's 2024 record Wild God, but also spanning their four-decade career. 'Red Right Hand' and 'Into My Arms' have indeed been on the set list so far. Cave and Ellis last hit the stage Down Under sans the rest of The Bad Seeds on the Aussie run of their Carnage tour in 2022, supporting the 2021 album that shared the tour's name — which actually marked Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo. Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names as well, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Images: Megan Cullen.
Japan might be the land of the rising sun, but the sun isn't something we want to face before coffee. Luckily, Japan does a damn good brew, mixing the best of the American filter scene with antipodean flatties and lattes. We drank our way around the country to find the best buzz this side of hitting the high notes in some J-pop karaoke. ONIBUS COFFEE, TOKYO Let the smell of coffee draw you down an alleyway behind Naka-meguro Station, where you'll find one of the best flat whites in Tokyo. Even better? The magic happens in a Tiny Homes–esque white box house that will blow up your Instagram feed. This is the flagship roaster for Onibus Coffee, and, apart from serving punters, the shop also uses its 15-tonne roaster to pump out beans for Onibus' other shops around Tokyo, including the made-for-Instagram About Life Coffee Roasters in Shibuya. SWITCH COFFEE, TOKYO Switch Coffee, in the backstreets of Meguro, might look like a regular coffee shop. But one sip into the smooth calcium kick of one of their lattes — or, even better, the espresso tonic (espresso shot + tonic water = magic) — and you'll be planning the rest of your Tokyo stay around how many times you can get back to Switch. It's all the work of one man; owner Onishi roasts and brews all of the coffee, and he does different beans day to day — so you've got even more reason to go back and try them all. OBSCURA COFFEE, HIROSHIMA When you think of Hiroshima, you probably don't think of coffee. But that doesn't mean you have to resort to following hipster dudes around town to find a good cup of joe — just head straight to Obscura Coffee. After starting in Tokyo, Obscura has opened a coffee shop in the centre of Hiroshima. The space is cleanly white, almost monastic in appearance. But what's being worshipped here are coffee beans, which Obscura roasts in their Tokyo laboratory and ships down to Hiroshima. Fittingly, a taste of Obscura's perfectly brewed iced coffee is almost a religious experience — it's really damn delicious. [caption id="attachment_613844" align="alignnone" width="1920"] % Arabica by Takumi Ota[/caption] % ARABICA, KYOTO This tiny converted Japanese house with huge windows, minimalist finishes and street seating next to a wide river with overhanging mountains might just be the prettiest coffee shop in the world. But people don't just come to this spot in Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto (and its sister cafe in the city's main temple district) for the Insta props. The house-roasted coffee has a very smooth and slightly dark finish, resulting in perhaps the best iced coffee in town (and it looks prime against the white house for All The Photos). MORIHIKO, SAPPORO Sapporo's coffee scene feels like it landed via the filter coffee capital of the world, Portland, as flat whites have retreated and left the field to milk-free coffee. So don't waste time trying to find a flat white — do like the locals do and head straight to Morihiko. This local coffee chain has a few branches across Sapporo, each one with its own personality. We went from a coffee doughnut paired with American press at the grungy warehouse DxM to a delicate chiffon cake matched with French press at the ivy-covered enchanted house of Morihiko. It's almost enough to stop you ordering a flat white ever again. BROOKLYN ROASTING COMPANY, OSAKA When people talk about coffee in Osaka, Brooklyn Roasting Co. is generally the first name that crops up. It might be because this is another place in a stupidly idyllic spot — this time next to a flower shop on a river overlooking a ceramics museum in Kitahama — but it's also because of the coffee. Now, your coffee experience might be totally different from our coffee experience, and that's because the cafe cycles through different house-roasted beans every day. But we can guarantee it will be good. Go for an iced coffee or an Americano (don't go anything shorter than a latte). TORANOMON KOFFEE, TOKYO Toranomon Koffee is the last remaining Tokyo shop by the owner of the late and much-lamented Omotesando Koffee in Harajuku. We'll be straight up with you: this shop isn't as cool as Omotesando. Even though Toranomon has a nifty set-up of plywood frames and test tubes filled with coffee, well, there's no hiding it — Toranomon is in a huge office building. In the embassy district. On the fancy Ginza line. There. We've told you everything! Now, let's move on to the coffee. Omotesando did the best espresso in town, and Toranomon may very well keep that mantle, with a smooth, full-bodied shot, and no traces of the bitterness and burnt coffee that's often called an espresso in Japan. ALLPRESS ESPRESSO, TOKYO We know, we know — Allpress technically hales from New Zealand, and they have cafes across both NZ and Australia. But with queues of up to an hour on an average weekend day, Allpress has been well and truly embraced by Tokyoites. You'll find both the cafe and the roaster in a sizeable warehouse in the coffee zone of east Tokyo (other coffee notables Blue Bottle and Arise are just around the corner). Once you've managed to get in the door, try the freshly roasted beans in a standard NZ variety flat white, or the more Tokyo-friendly Americano iced coffee. As well as caffeinating the thirsty hordes, Allpress is pumping out beans to cafes around Tokyo, including fellow export Frankie Espresso Melbourne in Shimokitazawa (the latest venture from the good sorts who first brought you Melbourne's Little Ramen Bar). [caption id="attachment_613875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kars Alfrink via Flickr[/caption] CAFE DE L'AMBRE, TOKYO Like a sommelier is to wine, so the baristas at the old-school Cafe L'Ambre are to coffee. This really is a temple to the bean — owner Ichiro Sekiguchi has been roasting coffee since the 1940s. The main difference about the beans here? Some of them have been aged for 20 years (or more). Pick your bean blend from the menu, and sit back and watch the show — the process is strictly hand-drip. When your coffee is in front of you, take a sip. Yup. That's one of the best coffees you've had in your life. DONGREE COFFEE, KYOTO This little one-man coffee stand is proof that you don't need a killer social media manager (or much online presence at all) to be the best at what you do. Dongree doesn't roast any beans — the back of their stall is a tiny shop selling a beautiful hodge-podge of wares — but rather showcases a rotating selection from the best Kyoto roasters. Order an iced coffee and you'll be asked to select your beans, before said beans are lovingly weighed, ground, placed in the filter and slowly hand watered until, drip by drip, the best coffee in Kyoto slowly forms in the cup. It's worth hunting down.
First, hobbits tuck into breakfast. Then, they enjoy second breakfast. In fact, in both JRR Tolkien's books and the movie adaptations that've brought them to the screen so far, they like their meals frequently and with the smallest of gaps between them. That seems to be an approach that Prime Video is taking to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, its upcoming Middle-earth series, too — at least when it comes to dropping sneak peeks at the long-awaited show. The Rings of Power seems like it has been in the works forever, because it's now been 21 years since the first of The Lord of the Rings movies had everyone rushing to cinemas, obsessing over hobbits and elves, and saying "precious" too many times — and, it's also been five years since it was initially revealed that a TV series was in the works. The show will drop in September, starting on Friday, September 2, but early glimpses have been as rare as a pacifist orc until this month. Now, in the space of just a fortnight, Prime Video has dropped not just one, not two, but three new trailers. The latest arrived during San Diego Comic-Con, aka the reason that other big fantasy titles such as Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and game-to-screen adaptation Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves have also released trailers this week — and it's the longest look at The Rings of Power yet. It also provides the most complete overview of the show's storyline, which jumps back into Middle-earth's Second Age, bringing that era from the LOTR realm to the screen for the first time. In past trailers — including the initial sneak peek back in February — gorgeous settings, elves, dwarves, harfoots (aka hobbit ancestors), stormy seas, strange skies, cave trolls, raging fires and orc battles have all popped up. This new trailer pieces together more of the plot around them. The focus: the rise of Sauron, how that gave rise to the rings and the impact across Middle-earth. Also seen in the new sneak peek: more orcs, and even a balrog. The Rings of Power features a young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark, Saint Maud) and a young Elrond (Robert Aramayo, The King's Man), too — and, this time, New Zealand's natural splendours stand in for the Elven realms of Lindon and Eregion, the Dwarven realm Khazad-dûm, the Southlands, the Northernmost Wastes, the Sundering Seas and the island kingdom of Númenór. Amazon first announced the show back in 2017, gave it the official go-ahead in mid-2018 and set its premiere date back in 2021. In-between, it confirmed that it wouldn't just remake Peter Jackson's movies. Rather, as per the show's official synopsis, it follows "the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history," with the action set thousands of years before the novels and movies we've all read and watched. If you're a little rusty on your LOTR lore, the Second Age lasted for 3441 years, and saw the initial rise and fall of Sauron, as well as a spate of wars over the coveted rings. Elves feature prominently, and there's plenty to cover, even if Tolkien's works didn't spend that much time on the period — largely outlining the main events in an appendix to the popular trilogy. The series will "take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness," the synopsis continues. "Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone," it also advises. That's a hefty tale to tell, and The Rings of Power has amassed a hefty cast to tell it — and some impressive talent behind the scenes. Among the other actors traversing Middle-earth are Ismael Cruz Córdova (The Undoing) as Arondir, Nazanin Boniadi (Bombshell) as Bronwyn, Owain Arthur (A Confession) as Prince Durin IV, Charlie Vickers (Palm Beach) as Halbrand and Sophia Nomvete (The Tempest) as Princess Disa. There's also Tom Budge (Judy & Punch), Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (The Accountant), Maxim Baldry (Years and Years), Peter Mullan (Westworld), Benjamin Walker (The Underground Railroad) and comedian Lenny Henry. And, the series is being overseen by showrunners and executive producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, while filmmaker JA Bayona (A Monster Calls, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) directs the first two episodes. Check out the latest The Rings of Power trailer below: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be available to stream via Prime Video from Friday, September 2, 2022. Images: Matt Grace / Ben Rothstein.
Good energy is meant to be shared — and this month, Teremana Tequila is taking that spirit on the road. Founded by Dwayne Johnson, the premium small-batch tequila, which is built on the belief that true mana comes from showing up with purpose, is bringing its feel-good ethos to two community pop-ups, celebrating the unsung heroes who make a difference every day. Head to Bluff Bar at the Alex Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, October 11, or Felons Brewing Co at Howard Smith Wharves (pictured below) in Brisbane on Sunday, October 12, to find the Mana Mobile, a Teremana-branded food truck rolling into town with margaritas, live music and backyard-style games. It's also where you'll find the Mana Mailbox, inviting you to take a moment to express gratitude to someone who brings positivity into your life. You'll be encouraged to craft a handwritten postcard of thanks to an everyday hero who shows up, lifts others up and quietly keeps things running. Once complete, each message is sealed and placed in the Mana Mailbox before being mailed directly to its recipient. There'll be plenty of good vibes across both stops. You can nominate unsung heroes either on the night or online ahead of time via the Mana on the Road website, with all nominees going in the running to score one of 50 exclusive Teremana Añejo bottles tucked inside special gift bags, plus more surprises revealed throughout the evening. Pop in between 4–7pm on the Sunshine Coast or 3–9pm in Brisbane to be part of this moving celebration of gratitude. Good mana starts in the spaces we share — and good energy is best enjoyed together with good people and good tequila. Bring your mates, raise a glass and celebrate the everyday heroes who make a difference with Teremana.
Three shows on the Australian leg of Lady Gaga's The MAYHEM Ball tour were never going to be enough. First, a second Melbourne gig was added during the presale period — and now a second Sydney concert has joined her Aussie trip as well. If you're hoping for more from there to meet demand, however, that's all there'll be. Tour organisers have advised that the latest Harbour City concert is the singer's final Australian date on this run. Little monsters, you were already excited — but now you have more chances to see Mother Monster live. On her December 2025 visit this way, Lady Gaga is playing five gigs: across Friday, December 5–Saturday, December 6 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, then on Tuesday, December 9 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, before finishing up over Friday, December 12–Saturday, December 13 at Sydney's Accor Stadium. When the 14-time Grammy Award-winner takes to the stage at the quintet of massive concerts, she'll not only play her first Australian shows in 11 years — she'll do her first-ever Australian stadium concerts as well. The tour kicks off in Las Vegas in July, a few months after Lady Gaga finishes her two-weekend Coachella headlining gig — the second of which can be livestreamed worldwide across Saturday, April 19–Monday, April 21 Australian time, just as everyone did with the first. Before The MAYHEM Ball tour begins, she's also doing shows in Mexico City, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. After her Vegas dates, everywhere from Las Vegas, New York and Toronto to London, Stockholm, Berlin and Paris will also score Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta's presence. Given that this is Gaga's first Aussie visit since 2014's ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball gigs (with the Joanne and Chromatica Ball tours bypassing this part of the world), tickets for the local leg have understandably been going fast. When she added 13 new dates to the initially announced first shows on the tour overseas, they all sold out swiftly. As the name makes plain, Germanotta is touring on the back of MAYHEM, her latest album — and seventh in a row to go to number one on the Billboard 200. It also debuted in the top spot on Australia's charts, and gave Gaga her biggest streaming week ever by notching up 240-million streams on its first week alone. In addition to MAYHEM tracks such as 'Disease', 'Abracadabra' and 'Die with a Smile', fans can likely look forward to hits from across the artist's career, such as 'Poker Face', 'Bad Romance', 'Paparazzi', 'Born This Way' and 'Rain on Me' — plus, of course, seeing Gaga live onstage, rather than getting your fix via her film work in recent years in A Star Is Born, House of Gucci and Joker: Folie à Deux. Lady Gaga's The Mayhem Tour Australia 2025 Dates Friday, December 5–Saturday, December 6 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Tuesday, December 9 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Friday, December 12–Saturday, December 13 — Accor Stadium, Sydney [caption id="attachment_998819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frank Lebon[/caption] Lady Gaga is touring Australia in December 2025. General sales kicked off at 12pm on Thursday, April 17 for more shows, with times varying per city. For the second Sydney date, presales will start at 12pm on Tuesday, April 22, then general sales from 1pm on Thursday, April 24. Head to the tour website for more details. Live images: Raph PH via Flickr.
Brisbane is a foodie city. It has that perfect mix of vibrant new restaurants (it seems like there's another popping up every weekend) and the tried and true favourites of long-time locals. There's never been a more exciting time to dive headfirst into the Brisbane hospo scene. Not sure where to start? We've got eight must-try dishes that'll change the way you think about Brisbane as a food destination. Here, chefs are slinging some wild flavour combos, pulling no punches and adding signature flourishes that make it utterly Queensland — and delicious. Wear your stretchy pants. We're going on a gourmet adventure.
Maybe your house needs the kind of colour and flair that only art can bring. Perhaps you're keen on supporting artists. If the first applies, the second should as well. Whichever fits, one event has you covered without requiring you to bust your budget to enjoy art on your walls. Even better: Affordable Art Fair is doing the rounds of Australia's east coast again in 2025, including popping up for a four-day run in Brisbane in autumn. Everyone should be able to fill their home with art no matter their bank balance. That's the idea behind this event, and has been since 1999. Back in the 20th century, Affordable Art Fair initially popped up in London to share eye-catching pieces with the world at manageable prices, and then started spreading its art-for-all ethos around the world. It only came to Brisbane a quarter-century later — in 2024 — but Australia is no stranger to this event, thanks to Sydney and Melbourne stops before that. Clearly Aussies are fans, given that it's returning again in 2025. Brisbanites will be heading to Brisbane Showgrounds from Thursday, May 8–Sunday, May 11. On offer: original artworks by the thousands, with prices starting from $100. If you do happen to be flush with cash, however, costs will max out at $10,000 per piece. Alongside London and its three Down Under host cities, Affordable Art Fair has brought its budget-friendly wares to Brussels, Hamburg, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Berlin in Europe; Singapore and Hong Kong in Asia; and New York and Austin in the US. Unsurprisingly, democratising art has been proving the hit as Affordable Art Fair notches up the years. Up to 2024 across its stops worldwide since 1999, the event had sold 568,000 artworks at a value of over AU$820 million. In Brisbane, around 50 independent Australian galleries will have pieces up for sale this year — some new to the lineup in 2025, some back from 2024. Buying art isn't the only drawcard, though, with talks, tours, workshops, live tunes, bites to eat, drinks and live artist demonstrations all also on the agenda.
The festive season might be one of the happiest times of year for many, but there's no denying it can come with an all too heady financial hangover in the new year. And that's a shame because summer's most unmissable events do waggle a price tag. That's why we've teamed up with American Express, which offers a solution for Amex Credit Card card members to split a big cost into manageable sections. That's the idea behind Plan It® Instalments, a feature that allows you to split payments into instalments with no interest to be paid over 3, 6 or 12 months — T&Cs apply. But how can you use Plan It Instalments to live your best life? All over Australia's east coast, there are headline events you can secure a ticket to right now. [caption id="attachment_978661" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on March 2, 2023[/caption] Sydney The Harbour City rarely has a shortage of things to do. Many summer events take place in the prettiest (and busiest) parts of town, which only increase ticket prices. For a more relaxed but oh-so-luxurious alternative that's just as close to the water, a Sydney must-see is the Westpac OpenAir Cinema. With a program of indie films and blockbusters alike and food supplied by three on-site eateries from top Sydney chefs against a backdrop of the Sydney skyline and harbour, this isn't your average cinema experience. The pricing is worth it and easily broken down with Plan It Instalments. Finally, one of Sydney's biggest events returns in February to round out the season: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival. This citywide celebration runs from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, March 2 and has a whole host of offerings. Sure, some events, like the main parade, are free — but many of Mardi Gras' most fun experiences are ticketed. Be it drag brunches, boat parties, concerts and more; you can secure a spot for yourself and any fellow partygoers today. [caption id="attachment_913351" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Melbourne Down south in Melbourne, the offering is as stacked as ever in the heat of summer. Don't let the adverse weather stop you from having a good time. Melbourne is kicking off 2025 with a culture-heavy events program and Plan It Instalments will prevent the headline items from denting your savings when you need them. A truly fabulous event is at the top of the cards, TINA: The Tina Turner Story. The musical tells the story of an icon beloved by Australians and is so much more than just a biography. It's a toe-tapping dive into the life of the queen of rock 'n' roll and includes 20 of her most popular songs. Book using Plan It Instalments and get some seats before the show leaves Melbourne for good on Sunday, March 2. If you fancy heading further afield, up in Falls Creek is Feastival. Sure, this alpine town is generally a winter destination, but this three-day festival at the tail end of February will bring a new level of festivity outside of peak season. What's on the cards? Feasting (duh), comedy shows, paint and sips, pilates, heritage walks and a massive weekend of music featuring The Cat Empire, Budjerah, Azure Ryder and more. Make it a great getaway that goes steady via Plan It Instalments. Brisbane Up north in the River City, summer is the season of concerts. The regular summer offerings go on in force, but some of the hottest tickets in town are courtesy of artists stopping by on global tours. Then, on Tuesday, February 25, comes the long-awaited return of The Goo Goo Dolls to Australian shores. On their first visit in 20 years, they'll be joined by Thirsty Merc as they blow the roof off of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre with banging ballads like 'Iris', 'Slide', 'Just the Way You Are' and more. Finally, an icon among icons, Kylie Minogue, is playing two shows at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre as a part of the Tension Tour on Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27. Plan It Instalments is available for American Express Credit Card Holders for plans over $100. For more information, visit the website. Plan It Instalments Terms and Conditions: You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing. We may withdraw this offer, prevent you from creating any new Instalment Plans or cancel any of your existing Instalment Plan(s) at any time if your Card Account is overdue, or if you do not comply with your Card Conditions. The minimum Plan amount is AUD$100. We may also limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan. You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created. This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be disclosed to you at the time of creating your Instalment Plan. Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account. Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle. You may request to cancel your Instalment Plan(s) at any time through your Online Account or the Amex App. Any billed Monthly Plan Fees will remain payable, but no further Monthly Plan Fees will be billed after cancellation is effective. As cancellation can take 24-48 hours to process ("Processing Time"), you may be charged a further monthly plan fee after requesting cancellation if the Processing Time occurs on your payment date. View the full Plan It Instalments Terms and Conditions here. American Express Consumer Credit Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit License No. 291313.
Most people don't imagine themselves making a career out of voicing Disney villains — but, of course, Jemaine Clement isn't most people. So did he see a Disney villain in his destiny? "If I was honest, I'd probably say yes," the comedian, actor and one half of Flight of the Conchords offers. And, lending his distinctive tones to the singing, scurrying character of Tamatoa in Disney's new film Moana, he has well and truly fulfilled that prophecy. Dwelling deep under the sea in the realm of monsters, Tamatoa is a swift-talking 50-foot crab with a fondness for treasure and a David Bowie-esque musical number in which he somewhat joyfully, somewhat menacingly declares: "I'd rather be shiny". He's also one of the formidable forces standing in the way of Moana's titular heroine (newcomer Auli'i Cravalho) as she explores the ocean to save her island-dwelling people, all with a shapeshifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) reluctantly by her side. Yes, Clement voicing a cheeky character and singing a glam rock track is the stuff that dreams are made of, and with his frequent collaborator and What We Do in the Shadows co-scribe and co-director Taika Waititi taking a first pass at Moana's screenplay — along with former Flight of the Conchords opening act and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda co-writing the film's original music — it just gets better. With Moana now in Australian cinemas, we spoke with Clement about working on Disney's Polynesian musical, voicing giant characters and channelling his inner Bowie. ON GETTING INVOLVED WITH MOANA Concrete Playground: How did you get involved with Moana? Jemaine Clement: A friend of mine, Taika Waititi, who I work with a lot, was one of the writers. And when he was doing his draft of the film, he told me that Disney, who I've worked with a couple of times before, wanted me to do something in it. It's a Polynesian story and they've gone for a mostly Polynesian cast — and I'm part Maori, so I think it was pretty natural. And I also, I've played a lot of animated villains. So who else would you get? ON PLAYING A LIGHT-FINGERED, SELF-ABSORBED, 50-FOOT CRAB CP: How did you go getting into character for the role of 50-foot crab Tamatoa? JC: Well, I guess I'm not 50 foot — I'm only just approximately six foot, just over. So I had to work on that. It's the second 50-foot character I've played this year. In The BFG, I was also 50-foot. So I guess I must sound pretty big. CP: People are obviously getting that idea from listening to you. JC: "How this big is this guy? He sounds huge." CP: And then they meet you in person, and they realise… JC: "Oh no, he's only about six foot." ON FILLING HIS RESUME WITH ANIMATED VILLAINS CP: You recently played Fleshlumpeater in The BFG — you've got quite the CV when it comes to playing animated villains now. JC: I hope I can get some use out of that. Maybe just telling my son it's bedtime. I'll do the voice. I always was interested in animation, that was the first job I ever wanted to do. When I was five, I remember seeing a thing on The Wonderful World of Disney about the animation process and I wanted to do that as a first job — I aspired to be an animator. And I imagined that I'd do all the parts, you know, like write it, voice it, animate it, — but I haven't gotten to the other two. ON CHANNELLING DAVID BOWIE — AGAIN CP: Between Flight of the Conchords and Moana, your Bowie impression is getting a good workout too. JC: I don't even think my impression's that good. But it stuck with people. In the TV show [Flight of the Conchords]...my comedy partner is having dreams about David Bowie, so I play David Bowie. But I wasn't supposed to play him. It was very last minute that I ended up playing that character, and I've been asked to do it a few times now. CP: You originally tried to get David Bowie to play himself? JC: We did, yeah. But I think that would've been nerve-wracking. I mean, it would've been amazing as well, but, you know. ON REUNITING WITH LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA CP: How was it working with Moana songwriter and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda again? JC: I'd remembered Freestyle Love Supreme [Lin-Manuel Miranda's hip hop comedy troupe], and I'd even seen them again not that long ago — and I hadn't connected him with the guy I had met [previously]. I didn't realise it was the same person until he said, "Oh we met. We met, we were doing that gig in 2004/2005". And yeah, suddenly it came back. Whoa. I've never seen any musical show have the reaction that Hamilton has. He deserves that. He's very clever, bright, and very talented. Moana is in Australian cinemas now. Read our review here.
Eagle Street Pier has long been home to a lineage of high-rated restaurants, from swank stalwarts to fuss-free franchise staples. And now, among the riverside's good, great and decent, stands a chopstick-wielding Madame Wu, proving her pier-worthiness, one dumpling at a time. If you know your way around Eagle Street Pier, this Asian restaurant should take little hunting to find. It sits high and open, facing the river, in between Fridays, Riverbar and Kingsleys, but by no means crowded by these eating spots. The outdoor space sits facing the Story Bridge, with the inside resembling a high end cocktail bar, architecturally prim enough to be comfortable but showy enough to partially permit the prices. The aromas of Madame Wu could sell this spot alone. Sure, come here for cocktails — we recommend the Koh Samui Colada for sweet teeth, and the Sleeping Dragon if you're a bit more game — but the food is what you want. While it doesn't come out too quickly, it sure disappears in a flash. The Wagyu dumplings are a safe entree choice, hearty in texture and colour. The chicken ribs (who knew they were for eating?) are crumbed and deep-fried in a perfect layer of crunch, with tang sui dressing adding a strangely sweet bite. For lighter options, the smoked ocean trout salad and raw yellow fin with kim chi and crispy lotus let the fantastic flavours of the fish swim delicately in dressings of perfect balance. Some dishes, like the pork hock and butternut pumpkin, are overwhelming, each base over-swept with sweet and somewhat stark braises. The menu, however, is endless, with two banquets on offer, and dishes to suit every bud and his tongue. Take a risk and try something strange, like snapper poached in beer, and you might walk away feeling a little more worldly and a lot less hungry. If you come here, and feel outraged by the three-digit bill that is sure to succeed your evening, you should know better — this is the Eagle Street Pier of course. But the food on show here is presented in a modern way, with service that is politely personal, and sophisticated. Let Madame Wu give you a real taste of Asian dining, with the occasional gastronomic thrill and a view to match.
When it comes to Mother's Day, Brisbane is spoilt for choice this year. If bubbles are high on the agenda, check out our list of champagne-fuelled adventures — from high tea to oyster pairings and decadent buffets. Plus, over here, you'll find a slew of standout restaurants, bars and cafes. But are you looking for something a bit different? Funlab has come to your rescue. It's the name behind some of Brisbane's most entertaining venues — and, this Mother's Day, it wants to treat your mum to the free adventure she deserves. That might be a round of mini golf at Holey Moley while sipping on colourful cocktails, a game of ten-pin bowling at Strike or Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, or a session in a challenge room at Hijinx Hotel. All you have to do is book an activity for a minimum of two people on Sunday, May 11, and make your reservation online with the code MUMFREE.
Artists, skaters, music goers and scenesters unite. I Used to Skate Once is back this Thursday evening for its eight annual instalment. Located within the walls and alleyway behind the Zoo, I Used to Skate Once is an art show comprising local, interstate and sometimes international artists, displaying handcrafted designs for skateboard decks. The aim this year however, is to mix things up slightly and showcase up and coming local talent with a smattering of old favourites thrown in for good measure. The night includes a host of local bands to serenade the viewing public, market stalls for the shopping inclined, a variety of food for the hungry and of course drinks for everyone else. Kicking off at 7.00pm, be sure to arrive a little early if you know you really want to see the art on display, as generally, it reaches capacity fairly quickly. Surely the hallmark of a damn fine event.
Living up to its splendid first date with audiences has never been a problem for Starstruck. When the Rose Matafeo (Baby Done)-starring BBC and HBO series first strode into streaming queues in 2021, its initial episode was an all-timer in the charming stakes, as was the show's entire six-instalment debut season. When Starstruck returned for a second run in 2022, its next go-around instantly proved as much of a smart, savvy and charismatic delight. Streaming via ABC iView from 9.30pm on Wednesday, September 6 and in New Zealand via TVNZ+ since 8.30pm on Saturday, September 2, season three continues the trend — and keeps demonstrating that no romantic rendezvous, no matter how idyllic, can just keep repeating itself. Plot-wise, Starstruck has always had one couple at its centre: New Zealander-in-London Jessie (Matafeo) and British actor Tom (Nikesh Patel, Four Weddings and a Funeral). Frequently, however, they're not actually together, with the show charting the ins and outs of a complicated relationship that started with a New Year's Eve meet-cute and one-night stand. The hook from the get-go: that Tom is an A-list star, which Jessie doesn't know until after they've hooked up. So, Starstruck asks what it's like to live the Notting Hill life. In season three, more accurately, it ponders what comes after that's been and gone. Season two might've finished with a scene right out of The Notebook, and with echoes of Bridget Jones' Diary as well, but its follow-up quickly establishes that Jessie and Tom didn't get their happy-ever-after ending — they're no longer together, and haven't been for some time. Starstruck season three starts with a bold move, spending a few minutes zipping through Jessie and Tom's romance since season two via a heartbreaking montage. That choice is also deeply fitting for a show that's exceptional at endings. One of the best newcomers of its debut year and best returning series of its second, Starstruck's excellence is like a perfect bouquet, with vibrancy blooming everywhere — in Matafeo's lead performance, the show's ability to unpack a genre it clearly loves, its glorious nods to rom-coms past, and its astute insights into 2020s-era dating and life, to name a mere few. How its star, creator and co-writer wrapped up both season one and two was equally as sublime, though. So, season three goes all in on something cherished and blissful approaching its conclusion. If that train of thought has you wondering if this is it for Starstruck itself, a fourth season hasn't yet been locked in. The green light for season three came four months after season two dropped, so not having a future confirmed so far isn't an ominous sign for fans. Matafeo and co-scribes Alice Snedden and Nic Sampson have always treated their series as something to treasure there and then, too; it's the epitome of revelling in the here and now, as anyone in love should. No one knows where life will take them, including Starstruck's guiding hands. So, every season could put a bow on the tale and say farewell — but unboxing more after each finale, whether it involves a The Graduate-style stint on a bus or frolicking in a pond, wouldn't destroy the storytelling, either. Thanks its rush through Jessie and Tom's attempts to make their relationship work, then its huge leap forward afterwards, as much time has passed in Starstruck's world as it has for viewers. Two weddings now loom over the narrative: Jessie's now-pregnant best friend Kate's (Emma Sidi, Black Ops) to Ian (Al Roberts, What We Do in the Shadows), and Tom's to his fellow-actor fiancée Clem (Constance Labbé, Balthazar). It's at the first set of nuptials that Jessie and Tom cross paths again, sparking a torrent of emotions that neither has worked past (some knowingly, some not). While awkwardly trying to avoid her ex and endeavouring to make it appear that she has powered on happily without him, Jessie also connects with kindly Scottish electrician Liam (Lorne MacFadyen, Operation Mincemeat). Chronicling Jessie's blossoming bond with someone other than Tom might seem like another of Starstruck's bold season-three moves, but it's a vintage choice for a series that's obsessed with tearing into rom-com tropes. The idea that there's only one big, sweeping, heart-aflutter, existence-defining affair in anyone's life is foundational in the romantic-comedy genre, and yet that's rarely a guaranteed outcome. In a six-episode batch that's as bingeable as ever, Starstruck grapples with grappling with that fact. Jessie and Tom keep tumbling back into each other's orbits, finding themselves caught between yearning for yesterday, wishing today was different and forging a fresh tomorrow — and tossing and turning over which outcome they want. Deepening their dilemma is Starstruck's focus on reaching that late-20s, early-30s stage where committing and picking a way forward is the norm. Indeed, instead of the tension between the celebrity realm and everyday existence, this season's main clash arises from the contrast between getting settled and still feeling like you'll never have it together. There Starstruck goes, interrogating rom-com conventions again, including the notion that falling in love immediately solves or smooths life's other messes. It's no wonder that the sitcom has become one of the most-relatable romantic comedies there is — and best all round. In the show's writing, performances and directing alike, Matafeo and company understand why their chosen genre spins the fantasies it does. They're well-aware why audiences swoon over such tales as well. And, they're eager to face the reality, but with warmth, humour and empathy. Starstruck's version of laying the truth bare: a sidesplittingly frank chat directed Jessie's way, where she's told that her life mightn't be living up to her wildest dreams but, given that she has a house and a job — and she's "not even that bad of a person" — it's actually not awful. There goes Starstruck's main season-three takeaway again, as given voice: "just appreciate what you have while you have it". Being grateful for this wonderful sitcom as a whole, and for Matafeo's luminous turn at its centre, isn't just easy — it's automatic. Season after season, Starstruck keeps painting a portrait of love, life, friendship and chaos that's both clear-eyed and rosily affectionate, complete with fleshed-out and lived-in performances that embrace the fact that every person and every romance has flaws and joys in tandem. This far in, Jessie, Tom, Kate, their pals and partners are as rich and resonant as any group of long-term friends and acquaintances on-screen and -off. Matafeo, Patel, Sidi and their co-stars' efforts are also that emotionally honest. Everything about Starstruck keeps evolving, too, other than how stellar it has always been. Check out the trailer for Starstruck season three below: Starstruck season three streams in Australia via ABC iView from 9.30pm on Wednesday, September 6, and in New Zealand via TVNZ+ from 8.30pm on Saturday, September 2. Starstruck's first and second seasons are also available to stream in Australia via ABC iView and in New Zealand via TVNZ+. Read our full review of Starstruck's first season — and our full review of its second season, too. Images: Mark Johnson/HBO Max.
Hearing about a new bridge in Brisbane is like seeing the sun shining above the River City: it happens all the time. We've been scoring additional river crossings for years now, and there's more on the way. But when Kangaroo Point's next green bridge opens in 2024, it'll also come with an overwater restaurant and bar, plus a cafe on its city landing. Accordingly, don't just get excited about a different way to stroll from the CBD to Kangaroo Point — a car-free route at that, given that the bridge will only be open to pedestrians and bicycles. Indeed, while this town of ours has more than a few eateries and watering holes either perched over the river or next to it (including plenty adjacent to river crossings), the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will mark a first for the city, because no other bridges have built-in bars and restaurants. It was back in 2021 that Brisbane learned of the in-development structure's plan to become a destination for eating and drinking as well, complete with an overwater venue and a cafe in its plaza area. Now, the Brisbane City Council has revealed a heap more details, including that two dining spots will open in 2024 — and that Tassis Group of Restaurants, the hospitality crew behind Opa Bar + Mezze, Yamas Greek + Drink and Massimo Restaurant and Bar, will be behind them. Tassis won the tender, and will open restaurant and bar Bombora for bites and drinks ten metres above the Brisbane River, plus the Mulga Bill's cafe to take care of bridge visitors' caffeine fix. "On the upper level, Bombora will be an elegant, modern celebration of Australia's land and sea, while Mulga Bill's (named after Banjo Patterson's poem) on the bridge level will offer casual all-day dining," explains Tassis Group Restaurateur and director Michael Tassis. Bombora takes its name from an Indigenous term for large sea waves that break over a submerged reef or sand bar, and will be an upscale dining and drinking experience to match its stunning location. Views are clearly a big highlight, which will span over the Brisbane River, CBD, Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point cliffs. Nothing has been revealed about the menu yet, but the venue's design will take its perch to heart, evoking moving water in a homage to its above-the-river spot. As for Mulga Bill's, it'll sit by the river in the new urban plaza that's being created on the corner of Edward and Alice streets. The cafe is pitched as a stopover spot for frequent bridge users, which it'll reflect in its bicycle-themed decor. And, food-wise, it'll serve up wood-fired pizzas, steak and seafood to eat in, plus pastries and picnic boxes to grab and go. Both venues are expected to score ample foot traffic. Indeed, more than 6000 pedestrians, cyclists and e-mobility riders are forecast to be using the bridge every day by 2036. "This is much more than just a bridge project — the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will become a must-visit dining destination for residents and visitors to Brisbane," said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, announcing the new eateries. "Being able to stop for a meal or drink and sit more than ten metres above the Brisbane River is something that is sure to excite residents of all ages and draw tourists in droves." "The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will also provide the perfect way for people to explore our river city during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come." Now under construction, the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will stretch between the corner of Alice and Edward streets in the CBD over to Scott Street at Kangaroo Point. Dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths are a big feature, with the bridge spanning a minimum width of 6.8 metres — and the design features a single-mast cable stayed structure, if you're wondering what it'll look like. The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is one of two that the Brisbane City Council currently has in the works, including one from Albion to Newstead at Breakfast Creek. A couple of others are mooted; however, the structures from Toowong to West End and St Lucia to West End have been paused while the city recovers from 2022's floods. And yes, Brisbane is a city of bridges. Our governments can't get enough of them, it seems. In the CBD alone, we already have the Go Between Bridge, which caters for vehicles, cyclists and walkers between West End and Milton; the William Jolly Bridge that links Grey Street with North Quay; the foot traffic-only Kurilpa Bridge that runs from the Gallery of Modern Art over to Tank Street; the Victoria Bridge from QPAC to George Street; and the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge that spans from the southern end of South Bank over to the Queensland University of Technology. And, the Neville Bonner Bridge from the new Queen's Wharf precinct to the Cultural Centre Forecourt is currently under construction as well. Bombora and Mulga Bill's are slated to open on the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge in 2024. We'll update you with exact launch dates when they're announced. Images: Brisbane City Council.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was hardly a shortage of streaming platforms and online viewing services, all offering up plenty of movies for avid cinephiles to watch from the comfort of their couches. Since cinemas closed a few months back to help stop the spread of to the coronavirus, even more digital options have hit the market, including FanForce TV, Quibi and the Amazon Prime Video Store — as well as the latest newcomer, At Home. A video-on-demand service, At Home has a major point of difference: it's run by the team behind four Australian cinemas. Offering up recent and retro pay-per-view films for online rental, it's the new venture from the folks at Sydney's Ritz and Melbourne's Lido, Classic and Cameo cinemas. Launching today, Thursday, May 14, At Home's range spans movies from well-known distributors like Madman, Umbrella, Roadshow and StudioCanal — as well films that mightn't have received much attention in Australia otherwise, such as classic genre movies from sources like the American Genre Film Archive. New titles are added weekly, with the lineup curated by the teams from the four cinemas. Prices start at $4.99, with movies available for viewing over a 48-hour window. That means that film buffs can currently check out the straight-to-streaming movies like Hugo Weaving-starring Aussie drama Hearts and Bones and sci-fi mind-bender Vivarium; see recent cinema releases such as Parasite, For Sama, Color Out of Space and Portrait of a Lady on Fire; and look back at flicks from the past few years, including God's Own Country, Aquarius and Shoplifters. Themed strands focus on female filmmakers, LGBTQI+ cinema, and Jewish and Israeli films, as well as Australian flicks, music and fashion documentaries, and weird and wonderful genre fare. If the idea of cinemas jumping into the streaming game sounds a little out of character, that's understandable. As the battle between the big-screen experience and streaming at home has heated up in recent few years, cinemas and online platforms haven't always gotten along. Case in point: the number of Australian picture palaces that have been reluctant to screen films such as Roma, The Irishman, Marriage Story, Brittany Runs a Marathon and True History of the Kelly Gang, which all released in theatres just a few weeks before they made their way to streaming services such as Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime Video. That makes At Home an interesting move, with Ritz, Lido, Classic and Cameo owner Eddie Tamir seeing the VOD service as complementing watching a movie in cinemas — when they reopen. "We are thrilled that our new At Home platform allows us to present great films of the recent and distant past alongside our cinema experience," he said in a statement. "Our At Home platform allows us to place the new releases in our cinemas in context of what came before them." For more information about At Home, visit the Ritz, Lido, Classic and Cameo At Home sites.
Native ingredients take centre stage at Ochre, a Cairns institution that has been impressing diners with its creative cuisine for almost 30 years. It's a feast for the eyes, too, as its waterfront location on the Harbour Lights boardwalk offers picturesque views of the adjacent inlet and lush mountains beyond, serving as a reminder of the region's rich and abundant food sources. Take it all in as you tuck into signature dishes like salt and native pepper leaf prawn and crocodile with Vietnamese pickle and lemon aspen sambal; char-grilled kangaroo sirloin with sweet potato fritter, bok choy and a quandong and chilli sauce; and wattleseed pavlova with davidson plum sorbet and macadamia biscotti. The dedication to local is also showcased via the drinks offering, which includes an exclusively Australian wine list with over 30 available by the glass, as well as an impressive selection of Australian spirits.
Not to be confused with recent Australian film Limbo, six-part Aussie dramedy In Limbo takes its title to heart, and also uses its eponymous idea as fuel for a supernatural buddy comedy. Before the end credits run on the show's first episode, Nate (Bob Morley, Love Me) is palling around with his lifelong best mate Charlie (Ryan Corr, House of the Dragon) from the afterlife — and the dearly departed Brisbanite is stuck. He isn't staying by choice. Instead, he hasn't moved on. He can't, and he doesn't know why he's lingering. Audiences can instantly guess in general terms, because ghost fare both comic and spooky overflows with spirits tied to the mortal coil via unresolved business, but In Limbo is never about scares and definitely isn't only about laughs. While Nate grapples with his newly loitering status, Charlie is reeling over losing his best friend unexpectedly at the age of just 38. Initially, he thinks that spying his pal again is a drunken hallucination in his grief-stricken state, especially given that he found the body. No one else can see Nate, not his widow Freya (Emma Harvie, Colin From Accounts); the eight-year-old daughter, Annabel (Kamillia Rihani, The Twelve), he doted on; or his very Catholic mother Maria (Lena Cruz, Wellmania) and affable father Frank (Russell Dykstra, Irreverent). As Charlie does his best to help his pal's family cope, he's the sole one spotting Nate as an apparition — and, more than that, he falls back into their usual rapport. It's Christmas, too, in this Sunshine State-shot and -set series, with facing the festivities after such a shock far from easy. As it heartily deploys Brisbane Powerhouse and New Farm Park as settings, that's a lot for one show to delve into — and delve it attentively does. On paper, In Limbo's mix seems delicate. It's an otherworldly sitcom with an odd couple at its centre, their bond transcending life and death, and it isn't afraid of having a sense of humour. That said, it's also a heartwrenching tragedy. In addition, it delivers a sincere musing on loss, shame and guilt, and a weighty exploration of mental health. And, In Limbo confronts how difficult it is to ask for assistance, and to notice when even your closest loved ones need it, plus the fact that men requiring a hand can still be regarded a weakness. Tackling mourning, mental struggles and suicide isn't simple, even in a show about someone haunting their best mate, and including when such topics have been increasingly popping up on Australian screens lately (see also: Totally Completely Fine). Created by Lucas Taylor, marking his second series for 2023 after Black Snow, In Limbo is clearly crafted with empathy and understanding for its subject matter, its characters and everyone among its audience that can relate. Penned by him as well, with Doctor Doctor's Tamara Asmar co-scripting and Trent O'Donnell (Ride the Eagle) and David Stubbs (Daffodils) directing, the show crucially doesn't attempt to offer any firm answers. Rather, whether facing a tough topic with humour, heart, or clear-eyed and head on, the series acts as a conversation starter — an important function. In Limbo entertains, engages and moves, potently so, but it's even more committed to being meaningful. There's zero doubt that the show knows how immensely hard it is to navigate loss — in fact, it leans in. In its opening episode, before Nate and Charlie switch from the comfortable banter that's flavoured their friendship since childhood to picking it up from the beyond, it sees the pain that becomes Charlie and Freya's second skins. It watches their expressions as everything they thought they knew crumbles. It sits with their confusion, sadness, desperation and yearning. It knows that nothing will ever be the same again, and that this will always be a part of them. In a rarity for on-screen depictions of death, In Limbo also acknowledges the mundane but essential tasks that the experience places on those left behind. It understands that finances need getting in order, funerals require planning and children need guiding. It wades through the conventions and expectations around how the bereaved grieve, and for how long; how they share the traumatic news and where; and how they start working through their new future. As the admin of mourning piles up, In Limbo also knows that everything changes but so much heartbreakingly stays the same. Here, Annabel still has soccer games to play. The festive season remains in full swing. Charlie hasn't forgotten about the looming divorce that he's been avoiding, either, and matters of addiction and domestic violence in his broader circle don't just fade away. It boasts considerate writing, compassionate aims and the right balance of comedy at its core; however, a series like In Limbo was always going to need the best cast that it could get. With Corr and Morley as its leads, it couldn't have managed better. The ever-excellent Corr plays a supremely complicated role with charm and sensitivity, which is no surprise given his Holding the Man, 1% and Wakefield-filled resume, and decades in the business. In a likeable and layered performance, he fleshes out Charlie's troubles, plunges into his doubts and challenges his grin-and-bear-it status quo. In Limbo dives deep into Charlie's whirlwind of emotions without Nate physically by his side, with Nate now his ghostly offsider and with his own problems, and doesn't ever dream of brushing past the character's flaws. Corr also makes such a great double act with Morley that filmmakers should be clamouring to pair them up again ASAP. The focus on 21st-century masculinity and friendship demands that their camaraderie feel real, which it achieves reliably and effortlessly. The series tasks Morley with providing an outwardly spirited portrayal with equal range as Corr, a feat that he similarly perfects. But In Limbo doesn't only value its main duo. Harvie's work is just as complex, Rihani makes an impact as Annabel, and Cruz and Dykstra are never reduced to grating in-laws. Cherishing everything you can while you can and peering beyond what's right in front of you beat at the heart of this thoughtful show, after all — and that's meaningful, too. Check out the trailer for In Limbo below: In Limbo streams via ABC iView.
Rohin Jones is a face you might find familiar, and with good reason. The singer/songwriter of ex-The Middle East fame is back on the radar since the band’s split back in 2011. Rohin describes himself as a “part-time bum”, drifting about like a great nomad, undetected yet fully emerged in the world around him. Since his solo adventures kicked off, Rohin has released a smattering of material, including a duet with Magic Dirt’s leading lady Adalita. Take up the opportunity to catch Rohin in the very intimate setting of Jet Black Cat Music, where he will be showcasing not only that unmistakable, soul-wrenching voice, but to see what is to come off his pending album, hot off production. A rare chance to see the workings of a very talented mind, an enigma that seems impossible to tie down. What’s more, this is a free event, open to all ages.
The next dancefloor filler from 'Love Tonight' favourites SHOUSE is on its way, but it needs your help in the best possible fashion: by taking part in a huge music party that'll fill Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral for RISING 2024. The Victorian capital's major annual arts festival has announced its first commission for next year, with Ed Service and Jack Madin overseeing Communitas — where hundreds of people will make tunes, then a single will be released. Free to attend, Communitas wants its participants to form a choir; however, not only using their voices but dancing and making sound vibrations will be on the agenda. Think of it as a huge gathering that's also a jam and a ritual, composing collectively and spontaneously as everyone parties and communes. There's no audience here, just folks joining in, connecting and chasing shared joy. The date to pop in your diary: Saturday, June 15, for what's certain to be a standout event on the full RISING lineup. Nothing else has been announced for the fest so far, but the entire program of art, music, installations and performances for its third year will run from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16. Jon Madin is creating handmade instruments for participants to use, while Deep Soulful Sweats is in charge of the choreography. While the end result is something to experience, the single that springs will give everyone who is there a songwriting credit as it aims to share the fun beyond Communitas' one massive night. "Communitas is more than a musical event; it's a collective celebration of the human spirit, a symphony of shared joy that transcends boundaries," said Service. "We're thrilled to collaborate with RISING, and invite hundreds into the heart of St Paul's Cathedral to join us in forging connections through the language of music. Join us in the beat of drums, a chorus of voices, a mass of humanity, finally together in space and time." Getting its audience participating en masse, and not just passively watching, is one of RISING's focuses, including at 2023's fest when 11,000 people formed a kazoo orchestra. RISING 2024 runs from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16 across Melbourne, with Communitas taking place on Saturday, June 15 at St Paul's Cathedral, Flinders Street. Head to the festival's website for further information and to register to take part in Communitas.
Shocking. Controversial. Bleurgh. These are just some words you will need to describe the films you'll watch during World Movies presentation of Films That Shocked The World. This week of outrageous cinema features five of the most contentious films of all time that have been banned globally, resulted in arrests or court cases, or caused an uproar defending morality (or all of the above). For five nights from Monday, 19 August, you can watch them from the sanctuary of your own home free from judgement thanks to World Movies, the only channel in Australia sanctioned to show R18+ films on national television. So if you've been warned against these films, it is time to take a bold step into the unknown and be amazed and horrified. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0piFZXT8Zxo The Human Centipede (2009) Tom Six's disturbing modern horror classic is a perfect film to commence this confronting week, somehow being both repulsive and beautiful. Despite the centipede technically being a few legs short, the film was claimed to be "100 percent medically accurate", which makes it considerably more terrifying given its scientific merits. The genre-redefining story of a demented German surgeon who kidnaps three tourists before joining their gastric systems to form a 'human centipede' more than deserves to be on this list — but be warned: it is not for the faint hearted and will cause countless viewers to watch from behind the safety of their fingers. Monday, 19 August, 9.30pm https://youtube.com/watch?v=Myzec1dgSqc Kids (1995) It is no surprise that Larry Clark's first feature film was deemed shocking in 1995 given it details the unrestrained behaviour of adolescents towards sex and substances. Written by Harmony Korine (Spring Breakers), its controversial subject material is matched by its directing of teenage sex, explicit dialogue and physical and sexual violence that makes anyone watching feel at least uncomfortable. Be prepared for a confronting tale of modern immorality that was released without classification in the US. Tuesday, 20 August, 9.30pm https://youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-Xp6VC7RQ Cannibal Holocaust (1980) Cannibal Holocaust would be shocking purely for its depiction of graphic murders and execution of live animals during filming. However, the added mystery of whether it was a snuff film in which the actors had been allegedly murdered on screen for authenticity caused the film to be almost immediately banned internationally and its director Ruggero Deodato to be arrested for murder — of which he was later acquitted after the actors were proved alive. This is controversial with a capital C. Wednesday, 21 August, 9.30pm Deep Throat (1972) Whilst the film gained notoriety for being one of the premier pornographic films featuring a (ridiculous) plot of obscenity and relatively high production values, its true shock value derives from the later claims of sexual abuse that linger over the film. Leading lady Linda Boreman (also known as Linda Lovelace) initially claimed the film was sexually liberating but later revealed her lack of consent to many of the sexual acts in the film, only being coerced into them by her abusive then-husband Chuck Traynor. If you decide to watch knowing this information, then apparently you can see the bruises on Boreman's body throughout the film. Thursday, 22 August, 9.30pm https://youtube.com/watch?v=hRubuJki4Mk Baise-moi (2000) Concluding the week of controversial cinema is perhaps the most shocking film of all, Baise-moi. The French favourite about two female prostitutes on a road trip towards retribution for their raping still cannot be shown here in its entirety today given the original features a close-up shot of penetration during rape and a scene showing a gun being pressed into a man's anus before being fired. However, World Movies will still be showing the R18+ cut, which is still many adjective levels above shocking that I would get fired for writing here. Friday, 23 August, 9.30pm
If you're a fan of musical theatre, then you know the name Jonathan Larson, the creator and composer behind smash-hit production Rent. And, you likely know his story, too, with the playwright and lyricist passing away at the age of 35 on the day that that now-huge show premiered its first off-Broadway preview performance, and never seeing the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon that it would become. Before that, Larson also created another musical called tick, tick…BOOM!; however, it didn't chart the same path. Instead, the semi-autobiographical piece was performed as a solo work before his death, following a character called Jon who worried that he'd made the wrong decision by chasing his dream of becoming a composer. After Larson died, tick, tick…BOOM! was reimagined as a three-actor show, then made its way from off-Broadway to off-West End, as well as West End itself. And, in 2021, it took the leap to the screen, too, courtesy of Netflix — in a film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, the latter turning in an Oscar-nominated performance as Larson. That's a whole lot of history behind the latest big musical announcement Down Under: that tick, tick…BOOM! will make its Australian mainstage debut in 2023. It'll run two seasons, kicking off at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre from Wednesday, February 1–Sunday, February 5, 2023, then hitting Brisbane's QPAC Playhouse on Saturday, March 4–Sunday, March 5. If you're wondering about tick, tick…BOOM!'s narrative, the rock musical is set in 1990, with promising young composer Jon as its focus. He's almost 30, living in New York City, and life as an artist isn't turning out as he planned — so he has to decide what to do next. The production is an ode to theatre and a tribute to New York, too, and has kept proving popular since it premiered in its current format off-Broadway in 2001. While exactly who'll take to the stage in Australia is yet to be revealed, tick, tick…BOOM!'s upcoming Aussie seasons will be produced by Adrian Storey from StoreyBoard Entertainment (Chess the Musical, Barnum, Follies, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and directed by Tyran Parke (Chess the Musical, Barnum, Follies, Sunday in the Park with George). The Australian production doesn't yet have any footage, either, but you can check out the trailer for the Netflix film below: tick, tick…BOOM! will play Melbourne's Comedy Theatre in February 2023, then Brisbane's QPAC Playhouse in March. For further details and tickets, head to the musical's Australian website. Top image: Macall Polay / Netflix.
Back at the Fortitude Valley space formerly known as The Emporium, another hotelier has settled in. In late 2018, Hong Kong-based chain Ovolo made the place its own, giving the 103-room site a huge $55 million facelift — and just casually taking inspiration from David Bowie in decking out its two ultra-luxe suites. Of course, everything is glam at Ovolo the Valley. If you spend a night or several in one of the 'Rockstar' suites, 1970s-esque velvet lounges and a gold bar await. Elsewhere, think rich hues, an overall design that finds its cues in the Valley's streets and laneways, and the eclectic furniture choices that Ovolo regulars have come to expect. The brand's usual inclusions are also on the menu, such as a free minibar with every room (including a lolly bag full of treats), free breakfast with every stay, free wifi, free laundry and free happy hour drinks each day. When you're not enjoying all of the above, head up — that's where you'll find the rooftop swimming pool, gym and sauna. It's no surprise to see Ovolo The Valley in our list of Brisbane's top hotels.
Many a Brisbanite has spent an afternoon or evening on wheels on Stafford Road, and felt like they've stepped back in time in the process. Entering Stafford Skate Centre will make you feel like you've gone back to the 80s — the venue is four decades years old, so that's hardly surprising. Soon, though, no one will be able to head in and hit the rink at all. The beloved spot is set to close up shop, as announced this week in a Facebook post. The building that houses the rink has been sold, and "this is the decision we have come to amicably with the new owners," the post advises. Exactly when it'll last welcome in eager skaters has yet to be revealed, although The Courier-Mail reports that the lease will end in September, which is when a gym will take over the site. That means that Brisbanites only have a few months at most to literally put their skates on, roll onto the rink, clutch the wall while trying not to fall over or whip out your best moves while imagining that you're in Whip It. And, to whirl around to an often-retro soundtrack, too. Stafford Skate Centre runs sessions on Friday nights (from 7.30–10pm), Saturdays (10am–12pm, 2–4pm and 7.30–10pm) and Sundays (2–4pm), as well as learn-to-skate classes on Wednesdays (5–6pm and 6.30–7.30pm) — other than on public holidays. It's also operating under a COVID-19 plan at present, with numbers limited per session, which is essential to take into consideration if you're planning a farewell visit (or several). Find Stafford Skate Centre at 280 Stafford Road, Stafford. An exact closure date hasn't yet been announced — keep an eye on the venue's website and Facebook page for further details. Top image: Google Maps.
Sundays can be bittersweet. Do you party, or do you prepare for the week ahead? Answer: go ahead and check out these ten great things to do in Brisbane on a Sunday. They'll put in you in the perfect Monday mindset. A Sunday well spent brings a week of content, it's true. Leftover Sundays at Depo On Sunday nights the crew at Depo serve up a special chef’s menu to make use of the leftover produce from the week. As the menu changes depending on the produce available, the only thing I can tell you is that these ain’t your average leftovers. With mains for $20, desserts for $10 and cocktails for $12, the menu is served until it is sold out, so make like your granny and get in for an early dinner. Find a seat among the taxidermy and the sheepskin rugs, soak up the atmosphere and get down with the chill vibe Depo does oh so well. With a DJ on the decks from 4pm until late, you’ll be begging to stay out past your bedtime. All that is left to say is head on over to Horan Street and experience one of the tastiest Sunday sessions in town for yourselves. 16 Horan Street, West End Eat Street Markets If anyone has experienced the tastiness of Eat Street Markets on a Friday or Saturday night over the past few months, you’ll be pleased to know that the markets have extended their trading hours to now include Sundays. That’s right Brisbane, you can now get your cronut fix three days in a row! With stalls trading 10am to 7pm, Hamilton Wharf is a great place to embrace Brisbane’s balmy spring weather and while away the day indulging in the fantastic food, fashion and atmosphere to boot. Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton Limes Rooftop Bar Limes rooftop is a great spot any day of the week but on Sunday afternoons the dress code relaxes and so should you! Drinks, share plates and live entertainment fill guests with merriment and let you pretend that Monday morning isn’t quite as close as it seems. In some parts of Australia rooftop activities might get put on hold during that season they call ‘winter’ but up here in the Sunshine State we can play outside almost any day of the year. So embrace the sunshine and make Limes a Sunday staple because who doesn’t enjoy a pre-week beverage on a rooftop? 142 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley Kettle and Tin A Sunday at Kettle and Tin epitomises just how Given Terrace keeps on givin’. Behind the picket fence, Kettle and Tin serve up one of the best cheese platters in Brisbane, and on a Sunday afternoon you can enjoy your cheese with a side of live music. Order a cocktail jug or a glass from the fantastic wine list and sample the ever-changing but always scrumptious menu while you watch the sun go down on Brisbane Town. 215 Given Terrace, Paddington Livespark at the Powerhouse While free comedy has moved to Friday nights, the good folks at the Powerhouse have not left your Sunday nights bare, as free live music fills the Turbine Platform every Sunday from 3.30-5.30pm. With two acts playing every week, this is a chance to relish in some of the best indie-pop and rock bands from Brisbane and beyond. And if you’re not ready to go home when the music stops, you’re mighty lucky that the Powerhouse has two fantastic on-site restaurants. Both Bar Alto and Watt Bar and Restaurant deliver excellent food and drinks and an unbeatable riverside vibe. An afternoon at the Powerhouse is one of the best ways to appreciate the cultural, edible and physical gems on offer in the River City. 119 Lamington Street, New Farm Chester Street Bakery and Bar Whether you’re an early riser, a slow starter or a late-night craver, on a Sunday Chester Street can cater to all of your needs. Brunch is served 8am to 3pm, and the bar gives you the option to spike any juice or smoothie (I’ll leave you to make that decision depending on how your Saturday night panned out). An array of cooked, griddled and just baked menu items should satisfy just about any Brisbanite’s appetite, so why not make your next group catch up a boozy Sunday brunch at Chester Street? If your bakery cravings hit you a little later in the day (or night), do not fear, dessert is served all day until late. 32a Chester Street, Newstead Sunday Sessions on the Green at River Quay The River Quay Green at Southbank is one of Brisbane’s best riverside destinations, making it another grand spot to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. From 2pm you can enjoy great entertainment as you hang out in the lush green grass. If free live music and lawn games doesn’t quite satisfy, then why not mosey on over to Stokehouse and get Stoked on Sundays. From 4pm you can soak up the spectacular city views and sip on a cocktail or two to the sounds of Brisbane’s best DJs. South Brisbane Sixes and Sevens Should you find yourself in need of rehydration after a day of strolling James Street, make your way to At Sixes and Sevens, where “the speak was easy, the food shared, the drink appreciated” — exactly how a Sunday session should be. The menu is designed for sharing and allows you to eat a little or a lot. Beer, cider, wine or spirits — whatever your poison, the bar at Sixes and Sevens has got you covered. Find a cosy nook inside or lounge around in the sun out back, but whatever you do, make sure you try the smokey eggplant, white bean and feta dip. 67 James Street, Fortitude Valley Australian Cinematheque at QAGOMA The Gallery's Australian Cin ematheque at QAGOMA has an extensive film and moving-image collection, and they want to share it with you, Brisbane. Every Sunday there are two free showings at the cinema (1pm and 3pm). From documentaries to dramas, expect a showcase of works of influential filmmakers and artists to add a little bit of eye-opening culture to your weekend. You can check out the calendar for full details of current and upcoming programs. Stanley Place, South Brisbane Ballyhooed BBQ at The Statler and Waldorf Sometimes on a Sunday you just need to sink your teeth into a hearty meal and eat them feelings about the week ahead. But when your mum isn’t around to cook a roast for you, the beautiful people at The Statler & Waldorf are here to help out. Every Sunday from 3pm at the Ballyhooed BBQ, the chef serves up gastronomical delights that are sure to make you feel better. The offerings changes each week, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page for details and put it in your diary. 25 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace Top image: Limes Hotel Rooftop.
