Multi-tasking isn't just something you do at work or when you're tweeting while watching your favourite TV show — it's a trend Brisbane's eateries are following too. Take The Produce Bulk Foods, for example. The Ashgrove establishment's name makes them sound like a spot to pick up a few groceries, and it is, but it's also a health-focused cafe as well. Given how hungry shopping for food makes most people, it's an ideal combination — and the solution to the age-old advice about never going to the supermarket on an empty stomach. And even if you don't need to stock your cupboards with The Produce's range of serve-yourself staples such as nuts, grains, cereals, flours, pastas, oils, vinegars, sauces and more, you're unlikely to leave feeling anything less than satisfied. Either way, you'd best be thinking all-natural, because that's what you'll find here. Organic fair trade coffee should keep caffeine fiends happy, while fresh cold press juices, smoothies and fruit crushes provide a non-buzzing energy boost. Food-wise, the cafe's display case lineup of salads, wraps and snacks might be modest, but it's tasty. Of course, you can't go past the acai bowl, as topped with whatever is in season — if this isn't the perfect place for them, then we don't know where is.
Australia loves a drive-thru. Before the pandemic, the country became home to the first-ever drive-thru-only KFC in the world. In 2020 and 2021, during various COVID-19 restrictions, every business everywhere seemed to embrace keeping customers in their cars. Brisbane even scored temporary lasagne and wine, mac 'n' cheese, and Ekka-centric strawberry sundae, dagwood dog and Bertie Beetle showbag drive-thrus. Up next: the nation's debut Grill'd drive-thru, which is now open in Mt Ommaney in Brisbane's west. Taking over a site that used to be a Hungry Jack's, it's slinging the chain's burgs in a more convenient way from outside the suburb's shopping centre. [caption id="attachment_909056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Coffee shop soulja via Flickr[/caption] The move comes almost 20 years since Grill'd launched in 2004 in Hawthorn in Melbourne, then started spreading around the country. Now, the chain boasts 165 stores in Australia, plus one in Bali. Hit the drive-thru at Mt Ommaney and you'll find a choice of more than 40 menu options, spanning Grill'd's burger range — including beef, wagyu, chicken, fried chicken, lamb and vegetarian options — as well as its sliders, salads and onion rings. And yes, you can get potato, sweet potato and zucchini fries with that. [caption id="attachment_909053" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adrian Gigante via Flickr[/caption] While the new drive-thru opened at the end of June, Grill'd is celebrating its milestone with a day of $5 burgers — including for drive-thru customers, of course. Head along in your car from 10.30am–9pm on Saturday, July 15. The caveats: you can only nab a Simply Grill'd, Crispy Bacon & Cheese, Simon Says, HFC Classic, Kids Cheeseburger & Garden Goodness Burgers, and only on traditional buns. Also, you can't call in a takeaway order or get delivery. And, everyone can only get two discounted burgers each. Find Grill'd's drive-thru store at 171 Dandenong Road, Mt Ommaney — and it's doing $5 burger deals on orders from 10.30am–9pm on Saturday, July 15.
If you happen to have an outfit in your wardrobe that's the same shade favoured by Squid Game's guards, here's a piece of advice: it'd be best not to wear it to St Kilda Beach on the morning of Tuesday, December 10, 2024. A huge 200 people will already be there in that exact attire, with Netflix sending a continent of pink guards to the sandy patch of Melbourne to remind everyone that the hit series' second season is on the way — and soon — in an eerie fashion. When season one proved a massive success, the creepy Red Light, Green Light doll from the show towered over Sydney Harbour. Ahead of Squid Game's second season, the Victorian capital is getting in on the action. If your morning routine involves hitting the beach in Melbourne, you'll clearly have plenty of company — not just from the guards, but from others keen for a glimpse at the pop-up. And if you're located elsewhere in Australia, expect to see photos all over social media. Netflix is promising "a true Aussie takeover", all to celebrate Squid Game season two sliding into your streaming queue on Boxing Day. It might be wise to avoid wearing green tracksuits to St Kilda at the same time that the stunt is taking place, too, to avoid earning the pink guards' attention. Up at Sydney's Luna Park, you'll have another chance to get some IRL Squid Game action — without any murder, of course — when an immersive experience hits the tourist attraction to get you playing Red Light, Green Light from Monday, December 16, 2024. Three years have passed since Squid Game became an award-winning Netflix sensation — for viewers and, in the show itself when new episodes drop, for Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) as well. Audiences and Player 456 are alike are in for a new round of life-or-death matches when the streaming smash finally returns, although only the series' protagonist will be fighting for survival again while on a quest to shut down this chaos forever in season two. No one watching should ever want Squid Game to end; however, the show itself will wrap up in 2025 with season three. First comes the long-awaited second season to end 2024, though, where Player 456 is back in the game with new fellow competitors for company. Netflix has been dropping multiple early looks at season two, including a teaser trailer to kick off November — and it finished off the month with a new glimpse at what's to come. As the show's protagonist dons his green threads once more for the new season, his new fellow competitors are wary of his motives. Also part of the recent teases: Lee Byung-hun (The Magnificent Seven) as Gi-hun's nemesis Front Man, plus Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) also back as detective Hwang Jun-ho. For season two, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returns as the man in the suit who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place; however, a show about a deadly competition that has folks battling for ridiculous riches comes with a hefty bodycount. Accordingly, new faces were always going to be essential — which is where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all come in. Check out the full trailer for Squid Game season below: Squid Game's pink guards are taking over St Kilda Beach in Melbourne on the morning of Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Keep an eye on Netflix's social media for more details. Squid Game season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, December 26, 2024. Season three will arrive in 2025 — we'll update you when an exact release date for it is announced. Images: No Ju-han/Netflix.
A Brisbane market favourite since 2015, Le Fromage Yard has made the jump to a bricks-and-mortar shop, opening its first permanent base on Wynnum Road in Morningside. That means that dairy lovers can pick up more cheese more often, thanks to a real-world version of its popular online cheese room. Or, you can combine the two — ordering your favourite truffle brie or whisky cheddar from the website, and then collecting it in person. Cheese is the main attraction, obviously, but Le Fromage Yard is also expanding its remit. It already has its central ingredient covered, and custom-made cheese towers, too — however, every gooey slice of camembert and crisp sliver of pecorino needs something go with it. That means meats, pâté, terrine, olives, sweet garlic, crackers, pastes and honey, with the Morningside location designed as a one-stop destination for all things cheesy and all its accompaniments. That said, if you're after breads and baked goods to go with your feast, owners Stephanie Stevenson and Pierre Lantourne recommend heading a few stores down to much-loved Morningside mainstay Flour & Chocolate. If picking up the gouda stuff is a firm part of your market-going routine, don't worry — Le Fromage Yard will still continue to pop up at markets as well. Find its stall at regular berths in Queen Street, Brisbane Powerhouse, Kevin Grove, Mitchelton and Manly. Le Fromage Yard is now open at 7/611 Wynnum Road, Morningside. It's open from 9.30am–5.30pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am–6pm Thursday and Friday, and 7am–2pm Saturdays.
When 2019 rolls to a close, more than 550 films will have screened in Australasian cinemas across the entire year. That's a huge amount of movies — enough to send you to your favourite picture palace almost twice a day. But unless watching films is your actual job, you probably don't have the time (or stamina, willpower or eagerness to basically live in a darkened room) to see anywhere near that many flicks. So, you prioritise. And, based on 2019's box office tallies, that means that most folks see all the big titles. This year, it seems that absolutely everyone caught a session of Avengers: Endgame, The Lion King, Captain Marvel, Joker and Aladdin. Plenty of cinemagoers spent some time with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, Yesterday and Alita: Battle Angel, too. Excellent movies such as Us and Hustlers also found a crowd. Terrible flicks like Men in Black: International and The Angry Birds Movie 2 did as well. And, although it actually first hit cinemas at the beginning of November 2018 (and ranked fourth in last year's box office), Bohemian Rhapsody still currently sits 15th in terms of ticket sales in 2019. While you were watching all of the above flicks (or watching Bohemian Rhapsody again, apparently), you might've missed some of 2019's smaller gems. They're the movies that weren't plastered all over billboards, didn't spend weeks and months on every screen around town, and you could've blinked and missed them. Thankfully, they all still exist — and we've compiled a rundown of the films that rank among the year's best, but you might not have seen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMs28A1s1OA BORDER Rarely has a movie felt as unique, engrossing and electrifying as Swedish film Border, the sophomore feature from Iranian-Danish writer/director Ali Abbasi. Based on a short story by Let the Right One In author John Ajvide Lindqvist, this constantly surprising horror- and fantasy-tinged drama sifts through the life of customs agent Tina (a phenomenal Eva Melander), who is especially suited to her job thanks to her special ability: due to a chromosome flaw, she can smell what people are feeling. When the mysterious Vore (Eero Milonoff) passes through her checkpoint, his scent sets her nostrils ablaze with curiousity. This isn't an unconventional meet-cute in a quirky rom-com, though. In a film that saunters into dark genre territory with a purpose, Border savvily draws on myth, sci-fi and body horror to explore societal limits, the concept of otherness and the search for identity that plagues us all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwJ5LDOl2Tc ACUTE MISFORTUNE If Adam Cullen had been any other artist and Erik Jensen any other journalist, Acute Misfortune may not exist. In 2008, the former invited the latter to stay with him, see him at his best and worst, and channel his life story into a biography — and, as dramatised by actor-turned-filmmaker Thomas M. Wright, the results are blistering. Just as Jensen didn't shy away from Cullen's erratic, frequently controversial nature, nor does this stunning drama, which could never be accused of being a straightforward biopic of the Archibald-winning painter. Aided by stellar performances by Daniel Henshall as Cullen and Toby Wallace as Jensen, as well as a script by co-written by the real-life Jensen, this is a warts-and-all portrait that lays bare not only its subject, but Australia's fascination with festering masculinity, and it's a lively and compelling watch from start to finish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VTFLvLtdYw SKATE KITCHEN Crystal Moselle's first and second films shouldn't share as much in common as they do. With documentary The Wolfpack, the American filmmaker stepped inside a Manhattan apartment inhabited by a homeschooled family, who learned about the wider world by watching and re-enacting movies. With the fictional Skate Kitchen, she glides across New York's streets with the titular all-female skate crew — and it still feels like she's entering a rarely seen realm. That's partly this equally expressive and naturalistic drama's point, as it conveys through the story of 18-year-old Camille (Rachelle Vinberg), a Long Island teen who finds the part of herself she's been missing when she joins Skate Kitchen. A flame-haired Jaden Smith also pops up as one of the boys in the crew's orbit, but this film belongs to its fantastic real-life skater cast, and to the fiercely female perspective it champions. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amB2Ol6wihg HAIL SATAN? Hail Satan? isn't trying to recruit new members to the Satanic Temple, but that might happen anyway. Exploring satanism beyond the usual horror movie trappings, filmmaker Penny Lane crafts engaging and amusing documentary about a controversial group endeavouring to subvert the societal status quo in a broader sense. Yes, goat horns, fetish outfits and heavy metal all feature, but this is primarily a chronicle of concerned citizens speaking out against the the current political climate. They're fighting for true freedom of belief, which doesn't just mean enshrining discriminatory and oppressive conservative Christian values — a topic of particular relevance in Australia at present. They're also battling religious-motivated hate, championing equality and rallying against injustice in general, like any other social activist group. As seen in this sympathetic but illuminating film, that's the kind of satanic panic that many could get onboard with. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTh4uTFWPeg THE THIRD WIFE For her impressive directorial debut, Vietnamese-born filmmaker Ash Mayfair delves into her ancestry. The story: the arranged marriage of a 14-year-old girl to an already twice-wed wealthy landowner, with the late-19th century-set tale drawing its details from Mayfair's own family history. In rural Vietnam, and in the life and experiences of May (Nguyen Phuong Tra My), The Third Wife unpacks the minutiae of a patriarchal system that treats women like property — all as its protagonist is told she must bear her husband a son, and strives to find what little contentment she can in her new life. Favouring lush imagery over dialogue, this is a moving and ravishing film not only aesthetically, but in the simmering emotions clearly felt by May and the other languishing ladies around her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TslErMXUBp4 HAPPY AS LAZZARO At first, Happy As Lazzaro seems straightforward — venturing to a traditional Italian estate, following the interplay between its tobacco farm workers and the arrogant aristocracy who decide their fates, and doing so in both a poetic and naturalistic manner. The film's eponymous figure, the kindly and caring Lazzaro (Adriano Tardiolo), stands out from his agitated rural brethren by virtue of his good-natured demeanour; however writer/director Alice Rohrwacher appears content to watch him navigate the sometimes ordinary, sometimes exaggerated struggles of feudal life. Then, in a twist that needs to be seen to be believed, this Cannes Best Screenplay winner changes. Making a connection with modern-day life, the wry film cements its status as a parable. Equally surreal and astute, the end product is one of the most distinctive films of this and many other years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zch4VPKGBwU ISLAND OF THE HUNGRY GHOSTS Despite its festive name, Christmas Island has been splashed across Australia's news headlines for all the wrong reasons. For much of the 21st century, it has been one of the places where those fleeing hostilities and seeking asylum have been housed — amid protests, controversies, closures and, this year, the re-opening of its Immigration Reception and Processing Centre. In a potent, haunting blend of fact and recreation that proves far more effective than a straightforward documentary, Australian filmmaker Gabrielle Brady ponders the impact of the site and its purpose on those who call it home. Trauma counsellor Poh Lin Lee draws the film's focus, with her discussions with detained refugees, her daily life, her family, the island's migrating crabs and its history all playing a part in this compassionate, deservedly acclaimed movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwgUesU1pz4 UNDER THE SILVER LAKE After working horror fans into a frenzy with It Follows, David Robert Mitchell opted for a neo-noir black comedy for his next film. A thematic companion piece to similarly sprawling, spiralling, slacker-focused California-set fare such as Inherent Vice and The Big Lebowski, Under the Silver Lake hones in on aimless 33-year-old Sam (Andrew Garfield), who stumbles upon several mysteries. Murdered pets, his alluring new neighbour (Riley Keough), a missing billionaire and an underground zine series about local neighbourhood legends all rate a mention in this deliriously labyrinthine movie, as do Hollywood history and ominous conspiracies. Mitchell's technical game is pitch-perfect, as evidenced in both the film's vibrant images and intoxicating score, with every element inviting audiences along for a wild and rewarding ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLIQABWm2mg FINKE: THERE AND BACK The past few years have been memorable for Dylan River. The Alice Springs filmmaker directed Robbie Hood, the delightful SBS web series; was the cinematographer on rousing Adam Goodes documentary The Australian Dream; and worked as the second unit director on Sweet Country, which was helmed by his father Warwick Thornton. He also wrote, directed and shot Finke: There and Back. While the iconic Finke Desert Race is the kind of event that you're either into or you're not — it's a rough, tough, two-day off-terrain trek through central Australia's dust and dirt via motorbike and car, and it's been known to cause casualties — this insightful documentary is for everyone. Through intimate interviews and striking on-the-ground footage, River follows the competitors before and during the race, telling their tales while exploring a difficult feat from the inside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322NzXR3n4o LORDS OF CHAOS According to Euronymous (Rory Culkin), Norway is known for "seal clubbing and a very high suicide rate". If that sounds far from cheery, then this simultaneously dramatic and comic true crime tale won't be for you. Fictionalising a spate of murders and church burnings in the early 90s, Lords of Chaos spends time with the bleak-minded guitarist and his bandmates as they scream and thrash their way through the Norwegian black metal scene, shaping its early days as they go along. History dictates that this is an incredibly dark story, and director Jonas Åkerlund — an ex-Swedish black metal rocker himself — doesn't shy away from its violence. That said, he firmly recognises that he's following wannabe rebels looking for any cause they can find. Åkerlund also made the abysmal straight-to-Netflix John Wick clone Polar, but with Lords of Chaos, he tackles a grim story with both brutal style and weight.
The third season of The Bear is a season haunted. Creator and writer Christopher Storer (Dickinson, Ramy) — often the culinary dramedy's director as well — wouldn't have it any other way. Every show that proves as swift a success as this, after serving up as exceptional a first and second season as any series could wish for, has the tang of its prior glory left on its lips, so this one tackles the idea head on. How can anyone shake the past at all, good or bad, it ruminates on as Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw) faces a dream that's come true but hasn't and can't eradicate the lifetime of internalised uncertainty that arises from having an erratic mother, absent father, elder brother he idolised but had his own demons, and a career spent striving to be the best and put his talents to the test in an industry that's so merciless and unforgiving even before you factor in cruel mentors. Haunting is talked about often in this ten-episode third The Bear dish, but not actually in the sense flavouring every bite that the show's return plates up. In the season's heartiest reminder that it's comic as well as tense and dramatic — its nine Emmy wins for season one, plus four Golden Globes across season one and two, are all in comedy categories — the Faks get to Fak aplenty. While charming Neil (IRL chef Matty Matheson) is loving his role as a besuited server beneath Richie aka Cousin (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, No Hard Feelings), onboard with the latter's commitment to upholding a Michelin star-chasing fine-diner's front-of-house standards and as devoted to being Carmy's best friend as ever, he's also always palling around with his handyman brother Theodore (Ricky Staffieri, Read the Room). They're not the season's only Faks, and so emerges a family game. When one Fak wrongs another, they get haunted, which is largely being taunted and unsettled by someone from basically The Bear equivalent of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Boyles. For it to stop, you need to agree to give in. In Storer's hands, in a series this expertly layered, this isn't just an amusing character-building aside. Joining the Disney+ menu Down Under on Thursday, June 27, 2024, season three opens with an episode called 'Tomorrow', setting the action on the titular day following the soft relaunch of Carmy's pride and joy. Season one followed his immersion in The Original Beef of Chicagoland, which his elder sibling Mikey (Jon Bernthal, Origin) ran before his death, and the call to turn it into the restaurant that Carmy has always wanted. Season two charted the hard yards traversed to make the plan happen and bring The Bear to fruition, culminating in an unveiling to family and friends that had them raving about the food while The Bear's staff were in bedlam. With Carmy, who was stuck locked in the fridge for most of the big hurrah, then ended it with his girlfriend Claire (Molly Gordon, Theater Camp) out of his life and his relationship with Richie at a new low, the third go-around asks how you whisk that difficult kickoff — and all previous difficulties — out of your brain and somehow move forward. The Bear has been posing a version of this question from the outset, because it's one of existence's defining queries: how does anyone go on when our heads are swirling with the pinnacles and plunges, achievements and traumas, and riches and missteps gone by? This is a show that sees baggage and, Station Eleven-style, remembers damage. So, how could Carmy, Richie, Carmy and Mikey's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, Cheaper by the Dozen), their pseudo-uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt, Chicago Med), and The Beef's loyal staff Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas, IF), Marcus (Lionel Boyce, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) carve a path — any path — after losing Mikey? With newcomer chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2), after they ensured it was still a place that he'd approve of, how could they pivot to The Bear? And with Jimmy's money backing them and the culinary world watching, how can they now guarantee that their new restaurant not just simmers but boils? 'Tomorrow' is a tone-poem first instalment to The Bear's third course, flitting through Carmy's history — the other kitchens that he's been employed in feature heavily — to establish how being haunted will season everything that follows. It's a mindset episode, and a smart and absorbing one, as his time working for the unpleasant David Fields (Joel McHale, Animal Control), the kindly Andrea Terry (Olivia Colman, Wicked Little Letters) and the IRL René Redzepi at Noma all flash up. Its mood then turns haunting itself, persisting atmospherically as Carmy makes some blunt decisions solo about what the restaurant will be and do, then Syd, Richie and the crew are confronted with his choices. The Bear will now operate under a list of non-negotiables. It will change its menu entirely daily. It'll actively seek Michelin's covered five-pointed endorsement. It isn't overtly stated, but it will also exist in a state of fear over what a review by the Chicago Tribune might deem it, be it innovative, excellent, delicious, confusing, overdone or inconsistent. The aftertaste of what's come before, and how impossible it is to cleanse it from your palate, lingers in every moment of kitchen and dining-room chaos — of which there's a buffet — alongside every plot strand. Syd struggles with the realisation that she's still the entree to Carmy's main, clicking the button on the partnership agreement that will formalise her stake in The Bear and whether to leave what she's toiled so hard for to take a new opportunity. Richie has the reality of his ex-wife (Gillian Jacobs, Invincible) moving on to deal with. The pregnant Nat's due date speeds closer. Marcus endeavours to cope with his grief by focusing on the job. Tina's route to The Beef gets its own episode. And The Computer (Brian Koppelman, the creator of fellow TV series Billions), Jimmy's no-nonsense numbers guy, has thoughts as The Bear keeps booking out and generating buzz but battling financially. Season three's performances in roles not only lead and supporting but also among the guest stars — well-known names pop up again, some returning, some new — remain delectable. Leading the show, no one better provides the faces of those tormented by their choices, hopes, yearnings, chances, mistakes and regrets, sometimes as motivation and sometimes as an anchor for Carmy, Syd and Richie, like the one-two-three punch of White, Edebiri and Moss-Bachrach. No one on- or off-screen across the whole series shows any sign of being plagued by living up to the one of the best new shows of 2022 and best returning shows of 2023, or knowing what to do, either. Although the second and third seasons of The Bear have had the program's own past to match, doing so hasn't been a problem to-date, including when Storer can so effortlessly segue between experimental and classic, and wide-spanning to ultra-focused as well. One of the reasons that the exploits of Carmy and company satisfied audiences from the show's initial arrival is its authenticity, understanding the pressures and anxieties, plus the hustle and bustle, of the hospo grind at the sandwich-diner level and the cream-of-the-crop tier alike. The Bear is equally as emotionally astute and frenetic beyond the kitchen, as every spoonful of its third season reminds viewers. The reality of trying to make it as a chef, cook, restaurateur and server collides with the reality of simply trying and being; it's a perfect recipe. In the show, the feeling of sitting down to your dream meal but proving incapable of dislodging your inner mayhem is inescapable. For those watching, The Bear is the streaming equivalent of the ultimate dish — and, because we all have our own internal turmoil, also the cure for being haunted across its superb 14 hours now over three seasons. Check out the full trailer for The Bear season three below: The Bear streams via Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand, with season three dropping on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Read our review of season one and review of season two. Images: FX.
For a month in 2026, The Phantom of the Opera will be there, on a floating stage on top of Sydney Harbour. Each year, Australia's most-stunning performance venue welcomes a big-name Opera Australia show to unleash its wonders with a spectacular backdrop. Just like in 2022, 2026's production involves the music of the night echoing over the ocean. The extremely popular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has repeated titles before, but there's a particular reason for Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera haunting its scenic setup again so soon. 2026 also marks the stage musical's global 40th anniversary. There's phenomenal ways to commemorate a milestone and the there's this. When it takes to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's picturesque waterfront digs at Mrs Macquaries Point for 2026 — across Friday, March 27–Sunday, April 26 — this run of The Phantom of the Opera will kick off a worldwide program of events planned for the year to celebrate four decades of the show. The production will also increase the huge audience numbers that've spent time with The Phantom and Christine, given that it has already been seen by 160-million-plus people in 205 cities across 58 territories across its lifespan so far. Simon Phillips, who recently helped bring Round the Twist from the screen to the stage, initially directed the 2022 Handa season — and is back for 2026, too. Also a highlight: the eye-catching production design that includes a giant chandelier. "We're honoured to be playing such a prominent role in the 40th-anniversary global celebrations for this iconic musical, in the same year that OA is marking its own significant milestone with its 70th anniversary," said Opera Australia Acting CEO Simon Militano. "Our spectacular staging of The Phantom of the Opera, with its magical setting on Sydney Harbour, and the sweeping gothic romance and unforgettable music, all combines to create a fantastic showcase of OA's artistic excellence, and an event not to be missed." As always, included in the new The Phantom of the Opera Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour experience is not just the show on the overwater stage, but also fireworks each evening, dazzling Sydney skyline views and hitting up pop-up dining spots that are constructed onsite each year. The Phantom of the Opera at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run from Friday, March 27–Sunday, April 26, 2026 — with tickets via Opera Australia subscription packages available from Tuesday, August 5, 2025; single-performance presales on offer from Tuesday, August 26, 2025; and general tickets available from Tuesday, September 2, 2026. Images: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's 2022 production of The Phantom of the Opera © Prudence Upton / Hamilton Lund.
Wes Anderson movies and Marvel films generally have little in common, but one fact remains true about both: they know how to stack a cast (sometimes with the same talents). The Phoenician Scheme, the latest from cinema's foremost fan of symmetry and pastels, is a case in point for the former. Benicio del Toro (Reptile) stars, joined by everyone from Mia Threapleton (The Buccaneers, and also Kate Winslet's daughter) and Michael Cera (Christmas Even in Miller's Point) to Riz Ahmed (Fingernails), Tom Hanks (Here), Bryan Cranston (The Studio), Mathieu Amalric (Why War), Richard Ayoade (Dream Productions), Jeffrey Wright (The Agency), Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon), Benedict Cumberbatch (Eric), Rupert Friend (Companion) and Hope Davis (Succession). Many of the above actors are Anderson regulars but, as the just-dropped trailer for The Phoenician Scheme shows, the writer/director never puts his ensemble to work in the same way twice. This time, he's enlisted his all-star roster to tell another of his tales of family chaos — one officially badged "the story of a family and a family business" — revolving around del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of Europe's richest men. Korda, an "international businessman" and "maverick in the fields of armaments and aviation", has nine sons and a daughter. The latter, Liesl (Threapleton), is a nun — and, as the first look at The Phoenician Scheme outlines, also newly appointed the sole heir to his estate despite not having seen her father for six years. Korda has his reasons. He also has a land and sea infrastructure scheme that's the "most important project" of his lifetime, plus the attention of rebels determined to get in his way however possible. Anderson's new movie doesn't just have a trailer — it has a date with cinemas soon. After it likely plays at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it will release Down Under on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The Phoenician Scheme marks the filmmaker's first project since 2023's Anderson bonanza, when Asteroid City hit cinemas and Oscar-winner The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar went straight to streaming alongside fellow shorts The Swan, The Rat Catcher and Poison. While the writer/director penned the script for The Phoenician Scheme solo, he reunited with Roman Coppola, another of his frequent collaborators — see: The Darjeeling Limited, Moonrise Kingdom, Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch and Asteroid City — on its story. Check out the first trailer for The Phoenician Scheme below: The Phoenician Scheme opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
It's that time of the year again. Time to dig out your old witch hat or join the vampires and grow some fangs. Perhaps the only thing scarier than your fake blood and broomstick are these vintage Halloween get-ups. Nothing says Halloween in the '70s like a shiny plastic devil mask, after all. Halloween garb in the '60s, '70s and '80s was dominated by two costume companies, Ben Cooper Inc. and Collegeville. Ben Cooper had relationships with multiple media companies often leaving Collegeville to create their own version of Frankenstein and Batman, resulting in hilariously similar characters with pathetic names such as 'The Monster' and 'The Bat.' Despite the name of the costume, both companies survived off excitable youth desperate to avoid their mother's home-made sheet-ghost costume for the third year in a row. For better or for worse, the companies have retired their Halloween costume services and the awkward one-piece jumpsuits and thick plastic masks have graduated and become classic vintage collector's items.
Forget grey. Come October-November, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales will be covered in 50 shades of purple when the historic town of Grafton gives off big main character energy through its annual showcase of violet-hued blooms. With roots as the oldest floral festival in the country, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival really knows what it takes to celebrate one of Australia's most-loved flowers. And, for one week between Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November, visitors and locals alike will line the main street of Grafton to watch the annual float parade, settle in for a round of drag queen bingo (complete with lavender eyeshadow), enjoy a lazy long lunch underneath a floral lilac canopy or watch the beautiful trees of See Park illuminated as the sun goes down. While the fest will feature a mix of ticketed and free activities, if there's one event which we recommend committing to, it's Jacaranda Thursday. On this day Grafton's main street will close down as people meander throughout the CBD, soak up the atmosphere and simply stop and smell the jacarandas. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
More and more Australians are reassessing their drinking choices, and choosing to ditch or simply limit the booze. In response, clever bartenders, winemakers and beer brands across the globe have been busy dreaming up new and creative alcohol-free beverages to make that no-booze night out a satisfying option. And, there's now one Melbourne haunt that'll leave teetotallers more spoilt for choice than ever before — with the Brunswick Aces Bar, the city's first dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail lounge, now open. From Saturday, May 1, local distillery and booze-free gin producer Brunswick Aces is welcoming patrons into its much-anticipated Brunswick East watering hole, which also marks the first of its kind in the country. The 150-person Weston Street space is not only a temptation-free drinking destination for the teetotaller or sober curious, but also just a neat spot to hang and imbibe when alcohol's simply not on your night's agenda. The bar's rocking a look best described as industrial baroque, with lots of plush furniture covered with velvety textiles, walls filled with gilded frames and moody floral arrangements trailing from the ceiling. While Brunswick Aces does make regular gin, it's perhaps best known for its range of sapiir — a non-alcoholic distilled drink crafted on botanicals. The brand uses aromatic ingredients like lemon myrtle, pepperberry, wattleseed and that all-important juniper to create a concoction that's akin to a gin, sans booze. And in this new bar, you've got a front-row seat to the sapiir distilling operations, while you sip the spoils just metres from where they're made. The menu might be short on alcohol, but it's sure not wanting for choice. In fact, there's more than 100 booze-free options available. You can expect to find an ever-evolving range of crafty cocktails, led by boozeless takes on the classics such as a negroni and an espresso martini. There's be a focus on local ingredients, too, with appearances from some premium international labels and regular product features. And, alongside the cocktails sits an impressive lineup of non-alcoholic beers and wines sourced from all over the world, as well as mixed drinks made on booze-free spirits and sapiirs. While you're there, you can browse and buy some hangover-free tipples in the country's first physical non-alcoholic bottle shop. This retail section will be slinging local brands including Heaps Normal, Ovant and Songbird Wine, as well as international offerings like the Netherlands' Vandestreek Playground IPA. [caption id="attachment_801275" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brunswick Aces' signature sapiir.[/caption] If you're hanging for the real deal, that's okay, too. In the spirit of inclusivity — and celebrating Brunswick Aces' other pursuits — the bar will be serving a single alcoholic option: a gin and tonic, made on the brand's own Spades and Hearts gin blends. Find The Brunswick Aces Bar at 124 Weston Street, Brunswick East, from Saturday, May 1. It's open Thursday–Saturday 3–11pm, with the bottle shop open Monday–Saturday 11am–5pm. Top images: Griffin Simm
Experiencing the best of Byron's Bay serenity is made easy when you're tucked away in luxe accommodation at Australia's easternmost point. Designed as an uncompromising beachside escape, ESTE Wategos combines stellar design with nature-driven wellbeing, ensuring your trip to the easygoing surf community is every bit as tranquil as you imagined. Perched above Wategos Beach, virtually within the shadow of the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse, a pair of architecturally designed three-story residences — known as North, South or Estate when combined — nest within a lush forest landscape, just a short journey from Byron's bustling centre. Stacked with top-notch amenities, private rooftop terraces, glass-bottom pools and a curated concierge service ready to cater to every guest's whim are only the beginning. Crafted by Shaun Lockyer Architects for Co-Owners Chris Bissiotis and Dr George Bilios, ESTE Wategos features more than enough space for 12 guests. Offering just a little more serenity than the backpacker dorms you'd find in town, it's hard to imagine a more suitable spot for hosting a chic family holiday, celebrating a special milestone or escaping with friends. "Both George and I have travelled extensively, and through our travels we became inspired to create a tranquil yet luxurious getaway in one of our favourite locations," says Co-Owner Chris Bissiotis. "With ESTE Wategos, we're excited to share a unique sanctuary unlike anything seen before in Byron Bay." With prices starting at $5000 per night, the interior is as meticulous as you'd expect. Fashioned by Fiona Dunin of FMD Architects, bespoke furnishings from Mark Tuckey and Jardan level up the experience. Meanwhile, hand-laid Italian travertine stone walls continue throughout the residence, blending indoor and outdoor spaces that culminate with stunning views over Wategos Beach. "The proximity to both the ocean and rainforest isn't just about aesthetics," says Bilios, explaining how the property revolves around the concept of prescribing nature. "It's about creating a space where guests can disconnect, recharge, and experience the well-being benefits of being immersed in nature." ESTE Wategos is now open for bookings at 11 Brownell Dr, Byron Bay. Head to the website for more information. Images: Courtney King.
American food has experienced a surge in popularity in Brisbane in the past year or so, but the Smoke BBQ (formerly Blue Smoke) is far from a mere bandwagon jumper, having been around since 2004. The interior does not call to mind the stereotypical American diner or food hall, instead it’s all rather understated and a bit chic. Though it does display its roots through a few decorative touches – an American flag plaque hangs behind the cow hide upholstered bar, and gridiron matches are screened on the television. If you’ve ever spent time wistfully watching Travel Channel shows where fortunate hosts travel the US, indulging in all manner of comfort food along the way, then you will be very happy to read the Smoke BBQ menu. So many speciality items that at one time Brisbanites may have had a hard time getting their mitts on: North Carolina pulled pork, cheese steak subs, fried shrimp po’ boy sandwiches, hickory chicken, beef brisket, buffalo wings with blue cheese dipping sauce and banana cream pie. It’s hard not to get excited. If you’re going to make the effort of going out for American smoked BBQ, then you really should be getting some ribs. The Big Rib Combo (Texas beef short rib, Memphis pork belly & North Carolina pulled pork for $50) and the ‘New’ Signature Rib Combo (Texas beef ribs, Bourbon lamb ribs & thick cut pork ribs for $65) are designed for sharing and come with basic accompaniments. If for some reason ribs just aren’t for you, then the Pork & Chicken Platter will do (Memphis pork belly with a side of Memphis sauce, North Carolina pulled pork & a half hickory chicken with a side of Memphis BBQ for $50). The ribs are tender, with distinctive smoke rings – a result of quality time in the restaurant’s in-house smoker. With a Sam Adams or Brooklyn Lager it goes down very nicely. You may be expecting huge platters overladen with smoky bounty, however, portions are definitely on the small side, especially for the price. That said, you won’t leave hungry, but if you plan to go all out, prepare to spend some money.
Life hack: pretending that you're still on your best-ever Tokyo getaway (or the dream one you plan to go on when Japan fully reopens to international travel) is a perfectly acceptable way to get through the daily grind. Eating Pocky as a snack works. Hitting up your favourite ramen joint for lunch does, too. Going home to a few post-work cans of -196 — aka the premix from the makers of Strong Zero — definitely fits the bill as well. The ready-to-drink -196 launched in Australia in 2021, with a double lemon variety that you probably sipped ASAP — it sold out when it first arrived. What's better than one such tipple, which hails from Japanese brewing and distilling company Suntory? Two, naturally. Prepare to start knocking back -196 in double grape, again blending shochu, vodka and soda — but with a whole lot of grape flavour. Wondering about the name? That's because the fruit for both varieties is frozen at -196 degrees Celsius, then crushed, powderised and infused with spirits. In Japan, Strong Zero comes in double grapefruit, double ume and double shekwasha, if you're holding out hope for more flavours in the future. For now, you'll be able to pick up -196's double grape variety from the end of October, available in bottle-os nationwide. Suntory's -196 double grape will hit bottle shops across Australia at the end of October.
For cheese fiends, there's only one suitable way to tuck into the beloved dairy product: all the time, or at least as much as possible. That's an idea that Australian cheese festival Mould not only understands but encourages, and has since 2017. In 2023, those cheese dreams will be continuing as well. Because you can never have too many occasions to eat cheddar, brie, camembert, raclette or whatever other cheese takes your fancy, Mould is back for another year, letting dairy lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. The event hails from Bruny Island Cheese Co cheesemaker Nick Haddow and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, and will hit up the John Reed Pavilion at Brisbane Showgrounds from Friday, May 12–Sunday, May 14. There won't just be a few cheeses on the menu. In 2023, more than 100 artisan cheeses from around the country will be ready and waiting for you to devour, spanning dairy from 25-plus producers. This year's lineup includes Grandvewe, Section 28, Coal River, La Cantara, Long Paddock Cheese and Vannella — and Bruny Island Cheese Co is usually involved, naturally. Also, past years have featured Milawa Cheese, Yarra Valley Dairy and Stone & Crow, as well as Red Cow Organics, Nimbin Valley Cheese, Dreaming Goat and Second Mouse Cheese. Alongside unlimited tastings of Australia's best cheeses — snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you — the fest features cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and talks. 2023's fest will span Mount Zero olives, artisan honey from Bee One Third, and small-batch preserves from Women's Work to sample, too. And it wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie wines, whisky, vodka, gin, beer, cider, cocktails and sake, all of which match nicely to a bit of cheese. Archie Rose, Hartshorn Distillery and Brick Lane Beer will all be doing the honours, as will a Pinot Palooza Wine Bar — and the Picolo Bar for no- and low-alcohol options. Unsurprisingly, Mould is mighty popular. In 2022, 10,000-plus attendees tucked into a six tonnes of artisanal dairy across the fest's three cities. So, if this the kind of event that your cheese dreams are made of, you'll want to nab a ticket ASAP. Sessions run from 5–9pm on the Friday, 11am–3pm and 4–8pm on the Saturday, and 11am–3pm on Sunday. Updated March 10.
It was once a thriving hospitality empire with giant doughnuts on seemingly every corner, pink-hued ice cream parlours slinging hip hop-themed desserts, over-the-top cakes tempting tastebuds, and everything from luxe hotels to cruisy bars lining the streets (and sometimes the same block) of Brisbane. And, as far as those round, doughy iced sweet treats were concerned, Damian Griffiths' footprints spread right throughout Sydney and Melbourne too. Now, however, the mogul's string of businesses have faltered. Given how prominent Doughnut Time's heaving presence proved across the east coast — rapidly expanding to 30 locations in the three years between 2015 and 2017, plus its own food truck at one point — the brand's demise has been impossible to miss. After a tumultuous few months, where its pastel green-coloured hole-in-the-wall outlets once littered Brissie, Sydney and Melbourne's streets, empty stores painted stark white now sit. But Doughnut Time is just the tip of the iceberg — Griffiths has been caught up in bankruptcy proceedings, liquidation, attempted sales and more since late 2017. Hundreds have lost their jobs (some reportedly without payment) and there's been a huge cloud of uncertainty around what this means for the slew of venues that operate under Griffiths' name, particularly in Brisbane. If you're wondering what the situation means for some of your former favourites, here's a rundown. DOUGHNUT TIME The doughnut chain has been splashed across the headlines in recent weeks, and for good reason. Reports include failing to pay staff, breaching rental contracts and racking up huge debts, which ultimately led to a potential sale to former Doughnut Time CEO Dan Strachotta. When that fell through, the company went into liquidation and promptly closed all of its stores. There's now no salvaging the business — as reported by the ABC, liquidator Michael Caspaney has noted that "there is no money anywhere". Staff owed backpay and superannuation can seek compensation through the Australian Government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee, but only if they're an Australian citizen or permanent resident. MISTER FITZ While Doughnut Time has monopolised attention of late, Mister Fitz's apparent demise has flown under the radar — but visit one of its three former Brisbane sites and you'll find empty stores. Indeed, East Brisbane has been closed for at least a month, pre-dating the shuttering of Doughnut Time next door. Over at South Bank, where it also shared space with Doughnut Time, a sign advises "our lease has ended and we are planning bigger and better things." And, at the original Mister Fitz site in the Valley, a sign states "we are taking a little holiday while we undergo renovations" — with the confusing addition of "but don't worry, you can still find us at South Bank". LES BUBBLES Opening in 2015, Les Bubbles courted controversy from the outset. When you launch a bar and steakhouse in a site that was once Bubbles Bathhouse, a seedy underground casino and 'massage parlour' back in the late 80s, then you're clearly asking for attention. The Wickham Street joint got it — not just via its neon sign announcing "we regret to inform you we are no longer a brothel", but courtesy of a wind-up application from the ATO in November 2017, then administration this year. At present, it's still trading, after being sold to a business owned by Strachotta last year. CHESTER STREET BAKERY Les Bubbles wasn't the only Griffiths business in trouble in 2017. Around the same time that the ATO was pursuing the Valley joint, Chester Street Bakery was collapsing. The Griffiths-owned KTG Bakeries went under in November, with CSB's once-bustling Newstead store now sitting empty — with not a towering, rainbow-coloured piece of cake in sight. THE LIMES The original jewel in Griffith's hospitality crown, The Limes is up for sale, under the instruction of the receivers charged with managing the business at present. Expressions of interest close in April, but this isn't the first time it's been in this position, with an attempted sell-off in 2015 failing to come to fruition. The Limes is currently still taking bookings. ALFRED & CONSTANCE Alfred & Constance is also up for sale — separately from The Limes, but under the same instructions — with expressions of interest also closing in April. The Valley hangout has also garnered news headlines in the past few months after unexpectedly shutting up shop over the Christmas period, and failing to open for a planned New Year's Eve party, despite selling tickets (and not even bothering to notify patrons). Amidst questions about the venue's future given Griffiths' situation, it reopened in February and continues to trade. On-site restaurants Kwan Bros and Alf's Place remain closed, however. A&C and Kwan Bros have also been put up for sale previously, back in 2016.
It's the market equivalent of one of cinema's new favourite gimmicks — instead of all your favourite superheroes jumping into one film, two of Brisbane's markets are joining forces for one day. At Carseldine's Christmas in July Markets on Saturday, July 25, the weekly northside market is teaming up with the folks at Love Handmade Markets and focusing on all things crafty and handmade. And Christmas-themed too, because this market mash-up is pretending it's five months down the track for some extra fun (and, given the year we've all had so far, a much-needed distraction). You could always browse, buy and go home with all your gift shopping taken care of well in advance — or that's what you could tell yourself, at least, while you tuck into some festive bites to eat. There'll be Brisbane's biggest array of local handmade artists and makers, as well as Carseldine's usual 150-plus food, flower and fresh produce stalls. The market opens as normal at 7am, entry is free and it all runs until midday. [caption id="attachment_776684" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Carseldine Markets[/caption] The Carseldine Christmas in July Markets run from 7am–12pm on Saturday, July 25. Image: Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets.
Sometimes, celebrating a big occasion means gathering the gang. This Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Snake, Brisbane isn't short on spots to party — and eat and drink — in a crowd. But if you're after a tasty two-person feast to usher in the new lunar calendar, Luke Nguyen's Fat Noodle has you covered, . The Queen's Wharf eatery is serving up banquets for couples — whether you're dining with a date or a mate — starting with wok-tossed lemongrass beef salad. You'll also tuck into Vietnamese spring rolls, chargrilled turmeric spatchcock and braised pork belly with quail eggs, plus prawn, calamari, mussels, diamond clams with tamarind soup. And for dessert? Mango trifle. Running from Sunday, January 12–Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Fat Noodle's Lunar New Year banquets cost $168, and also come with a glass of wine each. While you're onsite at The Star, the full Lunar New Year festivities include a wishing tree, so you can place your hopes and dreams for the year ahead; specials at other eateries around the precinct; and lion dances on select dates.
Young Adult tells the story of Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron), a teen author and recent divorcee who lives in a spacious apartment in Minneapolis. Tired of spending alcohol-soaked nights alone, she decides to venture back to her hometown of Mercury in an attempt to rekindle a romance with her high-school sweetheart, Buddy (Patrick Wilson). However, Buddy is recently married and has recently become a father. Always determined and slightly sinister, Mavis develops a plot to break up Buddy's marriage and further her own love interests. Along the way she manages to form an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt), who is also keen on reliving his earlier teenage years. Young Adult is a romantic comedy with an unusual twist, exploring the concept of forbidden love and the extreme lengths at which we go to recapture happiness. Although we may see Mavis as a villain, we identify with her sense of nostalgia and desperation. What results is a hilarious insight into human nature and our adaption to change and age. The film marks the reuniting of director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody, who previously collaborated on the Academy Award-winning Juno. To win one of twenty double passes to see Young Adult, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
For a week each year, the town of Maryborough honours one of its most famous former residents: Pamela Lyndon Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books. The week-long Mary Poppins Festival celebrates Travers and her works with unusual activities that bring her beloved characters to life. Think chimney sweep challenges, kite flying competitions, costume parades and, of course, the Great Nanny Race, during which 20th century-dressed 'English nannies' push prams to the finish line. The festival kicks off with a steampunk afternoon tea and a good old fashioned street party, and culminates a week later in a community day in the park, complete with carnival rides, roving performers, sidewalk artists, workshops, activities and a grand parade. Next year's festivities will take place in July, leaving plenty of time to plan your trip to the Fraser Coast region — complete with a visit to Fraser Island and a dip in the pristine waters of Hervey Bay. We'll let you know when the exact dates are confirmed.
For those, like us, who like their festivals a little more niche and boutique, you can't go past St. Jerome's Laneway Festival. From its modest debut in a Melbourne back alley, the festival has grown to tour nationally and has consistently provided audiences with the newest and most innovative independent artists. After last year's successful international launch in Singapore, St. Jerome's Laneway Festival returns in 2012 with another instalment that is sure to please. French electronic project M83 is the festival's greatest drawcard, fresh off the release of his widely-praised album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. Combining a beautifully mellow sound with pop appeal, M83 will close the festival in spectacular fashion. A refreshing break from the brash sounds associated with the dubstep genre, British producer SBTRKT will perform his brand of deep bass music behind his trademark mask in February. SBTRKT has recently remixed the likes of Basement Jaxx and Franz Ferdinand, and labelmates Young Turks Sound System will also be in attendance. After a four-year hiatus, Feist returns to treat audiences at St. Jerome's Laneway Festival once again. With the recent release of her album Metals, audiences can expect a powerful performance from this Canadian songstress. Jonti will grace audiences with his diverse instrumentation and distinct arrangements, while he has collaborated with the likes of Santigold and Mark Ronson prior to even releasing an album. The renowned musician, deisgner and photographer Toro Y Moi will bring his live show to Australia, which has been described as "a flashy, sex-fueled 80s rooftop fiesta." Need I say more? Pitchfork and NME heroes Girls will also make an appearance. Begin ironing your vintage-print shirts in excitement, because St. Jerome's Laneway Festival is not to be missed. Want to win a double pass to St. Jerome's Laneway Festival in Brisbane? To go in the running , just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au by 5pm on Thursday, January 26. https://youtube.com/watch?v=r-hMISLG8nY
If you're a Stranger Things fan, you probably already have plans for October 27 onwards. If you're a Sydney-based Stranger Things fan, you might've even scored tickets to get a sneak peek of the '80s-set sci-fi/horror series' second season before it drops on Netflix. Either way, it's safe to say that excitement for the show's next chapter is as strong as Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) love for Eggos — and the just-released final trailer isn't going to change that. With the first season proving everyone's new favourite TV program — and leaving viewers with plenty of questions — that's completely understandable. Indeed, when the last trailer offered a 'Thriller'-scored glimpse of things to come, we all started wondering what awaits Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and his pals, how tall Steve's (Joe Keery) hair will be and how many time Barb (Shannon Purser) will get a mention. The latest trailer still keeps audiences guessing, but it does reveal more than we've seen to date — particularly when it comes to the monster terrorising the town of Hawkins. Watch it and keep counting down the days until the full series hits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=R1ZXOOLMJ8s
Do you ever gaze at a portrait in a museum and wish the person inside it could speak? Maybe you'd ask them what it was like to be painted by the artist — boring, intimidating, thrilling? — maybe you'd want to know more about their life story, particularly if they're a well-known figure. Or maybe you'd simply be curious to hear what it's like to have your image hung on a wall and stared at by streams of strangers each day. They're not questions you often hear the answers to; when it comes to portraiture, it tends to be the case that the subject is recognised but the artist gets interviewed. So, to redress this, we sought out three 'muses' behind portraits selected as finalists in this year's Archibald Prize to get a sense of how it feels to be a subject in Australia's top portraiture prize. [caption id="attachment_634779" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Loribelle Spirovski: John Bell at home, oil on canvas, 2017.[/caption] JOHN BELL BY LORIBELLE SPIROVSKI The subject of not one, but two paintings in this year's Archibald, legendary actor, director and Bell Shakespeare founder John Bell appears in paintings by Loribelle Spirovski and Jordan Richardson. Having met him earlier this year when he worked with her partner, classical pianist Simon Tedeschi, Spirovski found Bell at first a slightly daunting figure to paint. She used a minimal background and flesh colours tinged with a gleam of Australian sun to channel the viewer's attention towards Bell's piercing gaze, just as she herself "was immediately drawn to that powerful, chiselled face with its deep-set features and inscrutable personality." The resulting portrait of a seated Bell feels both relaxed and intimidatingly regal. Bell was very excited at the prospect of being painted by the artist, who he describes as "a restless creative spirit". He admires her bold experimentation, speed and confident execution: "She can deliver a portrait of photographic realism or one that ventures into the darker reaches of the psyche in a most startling manner." Although he'd seen a number of her paintings, including several of Tedeschi, the finished work nevertheless came to him as "something of a shock," Bell says, describing it as "very intense, brooding and introspective but expressed with a violent palette of colour and craggy vigour of execution. I find it unsettling to look at but very persuasive." He is yet to visit the work alongside the public, but when he does he's looking forward to eavesdropping on their comments (you've been warned). Image: Loribelle Spirovski, John Bell at home, oil on canvas, 2017 [caption id="attachment_634780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Lloyd Greensmith: The inner stillness of Eileen Kramer, oil on linen, 2017.[/caption] EILEEN KRAMER BY ANDREW LLOYD GREENSMITH It's not every year that a prominent plastic surgeon has a painting in the Archibald. For Andrew Lloyd Greensmith, ex-chief of the Department of Craniofacial Surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, art was a childhood obsession that he's only recently begun to seriously pursue. His muse? Eileen Kramer — who, at 102 years old, is the world's oldest working dancer and choreographer. She toured with the avant-garde Bodenwieser Ballet for a decade, and has called New York, London, Paris and India home. To Andrew, "she embodies beauty as that intangible thing which cannot be fixed on the surface nor defeated by the wear and tear of age." When asked to sit for the portrait, Eileen thought, "I love the portraits of the great Dutch masters, especially Rembrandt. I hope I look like that!" She found Andrew "extremely sympathetic" to work with during the sitting process. Drawing on memories of being painted several times in Paris, Eileen offered up a series of poses she thought would be suitable — until stopping for a moment to rest. This was, of course, the moment Andrew began sketching. After seeing the stillness and quiet grace of the finished work, Eileen felt that Andrew understood the dancer in her. "I didn't know he'd seen that in me," she comments. "To me it looks like the portrait of a dancer. I did not expect to like it, but I do." As for the idea of thousands of people staring at her everyday? "That is an extraordinary feeling. I wish my mother would have been here to see it." [caption id="attachment_634671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dee Smart: The Major of Bondi, oil and acrylic on canvas, 2017.[/caption] JOHN MACARTHUR BY DEE SMART Picking up her first paintbrush 15 years ago while housebound with a new baby, Dee Smart's artistic drive revolves around the desire to capture the human condition — and it was John Macarthur's humility and sense of humour that drew her to him as a potential muse. The result (and her first Archibald selection) is a joyous portrait positively singing with colour, reflecting the 'vibrating hues' of Macarthur's home and wider world. Fondly known as the 'Mayor of Bondi', Macarthur is famous for his internationally coveted, extremely colourful knitwear brand Purl Harbour. And it sounds like he has a similarly colourful life story. In fact, while living in Spain he apparently very nearly became muse to another painter — Salvador Dali, to be exact — who wanted to paint him as an angel. No big deal. His initial reaction when Smart asked him to sit? "I was absolutely gobsmacked. What on earth and how and why?" The painting's progression was, however, a relaxed one, and by the sounds of it, he made an obedient subject. "She said jump, I said how high. That's basically how it went. We laughed a hell of a lot." Observing Smart's close attention to line and angle, Macarthur savoured his behind-the-scenes vantage point, and found the big reveal of the finished painting to be "quite extraordinary". He particularly enjoys the eye-catching palette of his beloved pinks and oranges — stating that "these are definitely my colours" — his "happy and veracious" look and the "intensity in the eyes" captured by Smart. "I identify totally with what she's done." Catch the 2017 Archibald Prize at AGNSW until Sunday, October 22.
Summer is coming to an end, but — thankfully — that doesn't mean your time at the beach is. We're blessed with sunny weather for a lot of the year here in Aus, which means we need a few pairs of togs to get us through. If you're looking to snag a new pair, Jets has just launched its new collection of swimwear. To celebrate, the brand is offering Concrete Playground readers 15 percent off, too. Elysian is Jets' first collection under new Creative Director Rachel Allen. The star of the collection is the range of burnt clay swimwear. For example, this sophisticated high neck one piece and this high waist bikini. Jets also has a range of resortwear including dresses, kaftans, flowing shirts and sarongs that'll make you feel like you're holidaying in the Maldives, even if you're just enjoying a cocktail on your back porch. Jets' print collections are made using Renew Plus fabric, which utilises recycled and regenerated Econyl as a replacement to nylon. If you want the first look at the new collection, head to the Jets website and score yourself 15 percent off you order while you're at it. Just use the code CONCRETE15 before 11.59pm on Tuesday, March 30. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
For the cinephiles, TV addicts and all-around lovers of entertainment, the gifting season can sometimes be a little challenging. After all, everything they want, they can just watch…right? Wrong. It's 2025, physical media is making a comeback, and home cinema technology is better than ever. The only thing stopping you from getting your favourite movie lover a quality present is your attitude. Here's a list curated by our own film-addicted writers for all the blockbuster fans, Letterboxd diehards, nerds and tech heads who know how to make screentime into quality time. Shopping for someone who's never home? Check out our guide to the best gifts for frequent travellers. Two-Room Speaker Set, Sonos Anyone who knows their Hollywood blockbuster from their independent arthouse flick probably dreams of replicating theatre audio at home. With this speaker duo, they'll be able to precisely shape an immersive soundscape for all kinds of movies at home. Shop now. Popcorn Maker, Heller No true movie experience is complete without a bowl or box of hot, buttery popcorn. Sure, you could get a microwaveable packet from the shops, but this adds a novelty feeling to the in-home popcorn experience. Shop now. Freestyle Portable Projector, Samsung With some creative thinking and a smooth, vertical (and preferably white) background, this portable projector can upgrade any space into a theatre with pictures up to 100 inches across, 360º sound and inbuilt Samsung Smart TV tech. Shop now. TV Backlight Kit, Govee The dream of any at-home cinema curator, a tv backlight can synchronise the colour display of its lights to the colours on-screen, blending the picture into the room and making for a seriously immersive viewing experience. Compared to other brands, this kit gives you all the gear you need for a very reasonable price. Shop now. 120" Portable Projector Screen, AIWA Perfectly matched with the Samsung portable projector, this lightweight and reliable screen means you can set up a movie night anywhere with a power supply. If that's not a cinephiles dream, we don't know what is. Shop now. 4K DVD Player, Panasonic You heard it here first: physical media is making a comeback, at least among film lovers. If your loved one has a long-forgotten collection of ancient DVDs or a burgeoning collection of new ones, this player will give them the best quality possible for every sweet, ad-free, unbuffered moment. Shop now. One Year of Pro or Patron, Letterboxd Any movie diehard has either already downloaded or desperately wants to get into Letterboxd. A social media platform designed for film lovers, by film lovers, you can gift the Letterboxd user in your life a year of paywalled goodies and bonus features for their account. You just need an account of your own. Shop now. 'Star Wars' The Skywalker Saga DVD Box Set, Lucasfilm If a special someone in your life has a soft spot for the stories set in a galaxy far, far away — and has a compatible disc drive (any DVD player, external disc drive or disc-compatible gaming console will do) — you can gift them all nine feature films that come free of streaming hassle for the rest of their life. Shop now. Movie Log, A24 If Letterboxd, or social media as a whole, isn't the style of your giftee, maybe they'll prefer something more tactile? Available on a waitlist via independent production company A24, this paper logbook is a great print method for someone to track their movie-watching activities. Shop now. 2026 Daily Tear-Off Calendar, A24 Part calendar, part shopping list for some of the best films in the game, this desktop-compatible gift offers up 365 days of A24's award-winning movies in seasonal order. It's a great accessory, and an even better guide to going from general audience member to certified cinephile. Shop now. Gift Card, IMAX At long last, IMAX screens in Australia are on the rise. These massive theatre screens are the biggest and indisputably best way to watch a blockbuster, but tickets don't come cheap. Save your resident film nerd some precious movie snack money and cover their tickets with these gift cards. Shop now. Gold Class Ultimate ePackage, Event Cinemas If movies mean date nights for you and your special someone, you can save this for the next romantic release to get admission, a welcome drink, three small plates of food, nachos and popcorn for two. Yes, the food comes into the theatre with you. Shop now. Cinephile: A Card Game, Cinephile If you want to test the knowledge of a film lover, this party game is the best way to do it. With 150 cards covering difficulties from beginner blockbusters to diehard cinephiles, it can bring a bit of friendly competition to your next cinematic trivia sesh. Shop now. 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster, Uncommon Goods Do you feel like your special someone doesn't have enough experience with Hollywood's undeniable classics? This scratch off poster makes for a decorative and motivating reason to watch 100 one of the most classic films in human history. Shop now. Movie Night Bingo Cards, Uncommon Goods Admittedly, not all movies are classics, and some are classics for the wrong reasons. If you're the sort of person who hate watches a bad film, gamify your next predictable, cliche or uninspired watch with these genre-specific movie bingo cards. Prizes not included. Shop now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
There's no denying that the United Kingdom has given the world a lot in the way of music. The nation is steeped in musical culture, from The Beatles to Bonobo; Oasis to One Direction; Elvis Costello to Elton John. It's given us The Spice Girls and 'Careless Whisper'. In short, its veins run thick with musical wealth — but there's more to it than just strolling through The Beatles museum in Liverpool. With the European summer just around the corner, we've been thinking about seminal musical experiences you can tick off your bucket list in the UK. And luckily, Contiki has launched a tour that covers exactly that. Dubbed Contiki Sounds, this ten-day journey includes stops in England's major cities — London, York, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool— and culminates in a VIP experience at long-running rock and pop extravaganza Reading Festival. This Aussie winter, pack your guitar (probably sacrificing some undies for space), head over the water to (somewhat) sunnier plains and prepare to pay homage to some legends. Tell your mum you love her and let her know you're off to find your inner John Lennon. ABBEY ROAD CROSSING, LONDON There's no getting around the Fab Four's reputation as paving the way for modern pop music and music fandom. Speaking of paving the way, the Abbey Road crossing in London's St John's Wood neighbourhood is certainly one of the enduring symbols of the band. The crosswalk is traipsed by countless fans of The Beatles daily in a bid to recreate the iconic Abbey Road album cover — undoubtedly frustrating traffic to no end. You can join the crowds and stroll your way across the road in tribute to the fallen members, John and George, and enduring larrikins Ringo and Paul. Sneak a peek at the current musical talent who might be ensconced inside the famous Abbey Road Studios across the way, where many of The Beatles' hits were recorded. [caption id="attachment_717739" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: David Dixon via Wikipedia Commons.[/caption] DENMARK STREET, LONDON Another London road worth a visit is Denmark Street. Traipsing this patch of pavement will have you walking in the boots of the ghosts of the London music scene founders. Somewhat of a musical mecca in the mid-20th century, the street is even referenced in a song of the same name by The Kinks. Here, many bands quintessential to the British music world either rehearsed or recorded, and David Bowie even lived on the street in a campervan. Bowie has passed but the street's resonance lives on. Today it's a hotspot for musical instrument sales and repairs, as well as being home to famous grungy livemusic venue Crobar. READING FESTIVAL, READING There's no greater musical experience than packing up a tent, dancing to live music in your gumboots with your best friends for a few days and coming back having had the time of your life. If you're seeking a definitive musical experience and are up for a good time, an all-in UK music festival is a must — and this is one of the best. Reading is the longest-running pop music festival in existence and serves up a jampacked lineup of pop, rock and alternative heavyweights each year in conjunction with its partner festival in Leeds. It also boasts a number of important moments in musical history, including Nirvana's first ever UK show and Arctic Monkey's launch into superstardom in 2005. And if you're going tick this musical mecca off your bucket list, you'll want to do it in style. If you hop on board the Contiki Sounds trip, the on-site crew will take care of all the logistics — from setting up your tent and mattress to making sure you've got brekkie every day — so you can concentrate on donning your boots and moshing in front of the main stage. [caption id="attachment_717914" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: travelmag.com via Flickr.[/caption] SALFORD LADS CLUB, MANCHESTER Made famous by the sleeve art of The Smiths 1986 album The Queen Is Dead, Salford Lads Club has been on the scene since 1903, when it was still a boys club. Over 100 years later, the club has had a whole fleet of musical legends as members (The Hollies also used to practise there). A decade or so ago saw some necessary refurbs, partly financed by Morrissey himself. These days, it's often used as a film and TV location for the likes of British series Coronation Street and hosts a variety of sports and talks geared towards young people. While that might sound like a far cry from The Smiths posing moodily outside, true fans need not fear — there's still an entire room dedicated to the band inside. The Salford Lads Club's musical pedigree is impossible not to acknowledge. [caption id="attachment_717753" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image by Hens Zimmerman via Wiki Commons[/caption] CAVERN CLUB, LIVERPOOL A guide to the British music scene wouldn't be complete without Liverpool — the epicentre of a huge part of the UK's music roots. And yep, it's generally down to The Beatles. Every year thousands of people flock to the harbourside town, many wanting to explore The Beatles Story museum. The Cavern Club is equally as important and just as drenched in musical history. Step inside and take a deep breath — you'll be inhaling the atmosphere of years of musical history (along with beer). Still an important live music venue to the town, The Beatles made a name for themselves here, playing their first gig in 1961. Over the years, countless other British bands have followed suit, including The Wombats and The Rolling Stones. Pay your respects to this holy stage. Travel around the best spots in the UK with Contiki at Reading Festival. Unearth the UK's musical heritage, then experience an unforgettable party at one of the world's best and biggest music festivals. Contiki wants to take you there — all you have to do is choose from the 7- or 10-day trip. Plus, if you bring a mate, it'll give you both $200 off. Find out more here.
Fancy spending your next coastal getaway in Queensland's far north, splashing in the tree-lined waters of Palm Cove? If so, you'll be swimming in the best beach in the world. That's the verdict of Condé Nast Traveller, which has picked the Sunshine State locale near Cairns as the top patch of sand globally. While plenty of folks Down Under happily trade our own beaches for Hawaii's when it comes to enjoying a tropical holiday, Palm Cove pipped Honopu Beach in Kauai, which came in second. In fact, half of the top ten on the list of 34 beaches hails from Australia and New Zealand. Wategos Beach in Byron Bay took out fourth, Mona Vale Beach in Sydney sits at sixth, Noosa Beach in Queensland ranked eighth and Awaroa in Abel Tasman National Park in Aotearoa came in at ninth. Elsewhere in the top ten, Brekon in Shetland, Scotland placed third; Ora Beach, Maluku, Indonesia sits in fifth spot; Dune du Pilat, France ranked seventh; and Die Plaat, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa notched up tenth. [caption id="attachment_944619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove[/caption] Palm Cove was chosen for being a quieter spot that's "usually free of crowds", although that might change after topping this ranking. "The combination of leaning palm trees on powdery sand makes Palm Cove Beach the epitome of a tropical paradise," said Condé Nast Traveller, also pointing out its proximity to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as being able to see dolphins and whales from the Palm Cove jetty. Queensland's tourism bodies are already hoping for an influx of visitors thanks to the attention. "The Condé Nast Traveller selection of Palm Cove as the first in this curated list will bring international travellers to its coconut palm-fringed shore to dine in beachfront restaurants and cafes and relax at stunning resorts," said Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen. [caption id="attachment_944618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove[/caption] In total, seven Down Under beaches made the cut, with Western Australian beaches getting some love, too. Turquoise Bay in Exmouth placed 22nd and Gantheaume Point in Broome came in at 25. All Australian and NZ destinations included on the list were in the top 25. Palm Cove being named the world's best beach comes shortly after Sydney's Manly Beach was picked as the seventh best beach in the world for 2024 by Tripadvisor, and Victoria's Squeaky Beach was chosen as Australia's best beach for this year by beach expert Brad Farmer AM. Queensland keeps scoring attention as well, with Brisbane named one of the best places to go in 2024 by The New York Times, travel guide Frommer's also selecting the city as one of 2024's best spots to visit, TIME putting it on its world's greatest places list for 2023 and the World's Best 50 Hotels picking The Calile as its only Australian and Oceanic entry in its inaugural countdown in 2023. [caption id="attachment_944621" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove, Emma Shaw[/caption] Condé Nast Traveller's Top 34 Beaches: Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Brekon, Shetland, Scotland Wategos Beach, New South Wales, Australia Ora Beach, Maluku, Indonesia Mona Vale Beach, New South Wales, Australia Dune du Pilat, France Noosa Beach, Queensland, Australia Awaroa, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand Die Plaat, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa Grand Anse, Grenada Keem Bay, Achill Island, Ireland Fakarava, French Polynesia Marathonisi, Zakynthos, Greece Praia do Sancho, Brazil Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, Canada Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji Hidden Beach, Palawan, Philippines Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Turquoise Bay, Western Australia, Australia Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Gantheaume Point, Western Australia, Australia Dolfynstrand, Namibia Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, North Carolina Rauðasandur Beach, Iceland Jibei Island beach, Taiwan Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis, Scotland Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique Al Mughsail, Salalah, Oman Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cuba Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides [caption id="attachment_651421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mona Vale Beach[/caption] [caption id="attachment_944620" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Palm Cove[/caption] [caption id="attachment_835908" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Noosa[/caption] [caption id="attachment_791437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Awaroa, Kiwi Canary[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844181" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Turquoise Bay, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_897204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gantheaume Point, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] For more information about Condé Nast Traveller's best beaches, head to the publication's website.
Whether he's delving into revenge noir, taking on Italian giallo horror or spinning a cinematic story about a haunted dress, it's safe to say that no one makes films quite like Peter Strickland. That's the type of statement that every director aims for, but the proof is in the British auteur's distinctive frames — and in their immensely textured combination of images and audio. From 2009's Katalin Varga and 2012's Berberian Sound Studio, to 2014's The Duke of Burgundy and 2018's In Fabric, you can pick one of Strickland's features just by looking at and listening to a mere snippet of it. The same rings true with his electrifying concert film, Björk: Biophilia Live, too. If you're keen to discover his wonders for yourself, all five movies will screen at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art across a three-day retrospective dedicated to the filmmaker. Four of Strickland's audio works will also play, so you can realise just how masterful his use of sound is, especially when he's not pairing it with visuals. The added bonus: Strickland himself is also coming to Brisbane, and will chat about his work across a 60-minute in-conversation session following a screening of In Fabric. Presented by GOMA's Australian Cinémathèque in partnership with the Queensland Film Festival, it's a rare chance to see an inimitable film talent discuss his craft — and cinephile catnip.
Brisbane's inner city has come into its own in recent years. Gone are the days of skipping the CBD for New Farm or Mount Tamborine. Areas like South Brisbane, West End, and the inner city now have a laundry list of places to eat, drink, shop and explore. At the edge of the CBD lies Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre. The boutique hotel is perfectly situated for a weekend getaway or an inner-city staycation. Located at North Quay, the hotel is ready to serve as a home base for a weekend that will inspire your creative side. Each Hotel Indigo accommodation draws inspiration from its local neighbourhood, meaning the atmosphere of the city is woven into the design and experience of your stay. The hotel is adorned with hand-painted sculptures and artworks and features an industrial chic aesthetic that complements Brisbane's gritty atmosphere. Plus, the location puts you right in the heart of the action as it straddles the CBD and South Brisbane. Whether you're looking for some new inspiration as a local or you're planning a weekend away, here's how to explore Brisbane's inner city neighbourhood. [caption id="attachment_984027" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Lune Croissanterie[/caption] Fuel the Right Way Start your day with some fuel. Lune Croissanterie CBD is located just around the corner from Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre. Enter via Burnett Lane and you'll find strong coffee and a warm pastry fresh out of the oven. If you need something a little more substantial for your first meal of the day, just down the road you'll find Felix For Goodness, a hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves fresh produce and mouth-watering brunch. For other great Brisbane beans, try Edward Espresso on Edward Street or the hidden gem Coffee Iconic. [caption id="attachment_900348" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Bambi Corro (Unsplash)[/caption] South Bank Stroll Located right on the riverfront, South Bank is Brisbane's premier arts and culture hub. A short stroll over Victoria Bridge will find you in the green gardens of the South Bank Parklands. Here, you can take a dip at the famous Streets Beach, which is actually a public swimming pool with a stunning city view. There's a whole host of cafes and eateries in South Bank, so you could easily spend the day getting lost and enjoying Brisbane's unrivalled outdoor lifestyle. [caption id="attachment_910812" align="alignleft" width="1920"] GOMA[/caption] Cultural Hub In addition to being a place for people to enjoy the great outdoors amidst the concrete jungle, South Bank is also home to several cultural institutions. From the Queensland Art Gallery to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Museum, it's a culture lover's mecca. With an ever-rotating roster of exhibitions, the inner city arts precinct is one to add to your Brisbane list. Plus, the air conditioning is a nice reprieve from the Sunshine State's warmth. [caption id="attachment_937352" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Como[/caption] Dine Like a Local Brisbane has also become a foodie's paradise in recent years. With the opening of Supernormal and the chic James Street precinct, there's a wealth of restaurants to choose from. If you're specifically thinking about Inner City Brisbane, however, consider a trip to Fish Lane. Just a 15-minute walk from Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre, you'll find a number of cuisines to choose from. There's pizza at Como and Julius, Asian fusion at Southside and Chu The Phat and unrivalled cocktails at bars such as Bar Brutus, Midtown and Maeve Wine Bar. In the CBD, you can't go past the riverwalk restaurants: Felons Brewing Co, Babylon, Riverbar & Kitchen and Riverland are all perfect inner city eateries to book for a long lunch and watch the sun set over the river. If you prefer something closer to your accommodation, Bar 1603 is located inside Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre. The speakeasy-inspired space brings together Japanese minimalism and Brisbane flair, perfect for an evening tipple. [caption id="attachment_1034184" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar 1603[/caption] The Perfect Base When you're done eating and drinking your way through Brisbane city and its surrounds, Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre is the boutique accommodation to refill your cup. With modern and stylish rooms and artistic nods to the neighbourhood, you can wind down and prepare to enjoy more of what Brisbane has to offer. Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre here. Lead image: Riverland Brisbane
In the near future, making the most of Brisbane's sunny all-year-round weather will involve eating, drinking and taking in the River City from 100 metres above, all thanks to the new Sky Deck that's coming to the CBD's $3.6-billion Queen's Wharf precinct. But, if you were hoping to spend this summer towering high, you'll need to change your plans. Last targeting a late-2023 opening, this revamped part of Brissie will now start launching in 2024. Mark April in your diaries: at the time of writing, that's when Queen's Wharf and Sky Deck should start welcoming in visitors. The key word is 'should', because this project has been in the works for at least eight years now. The sooner that Brisbane scores a lofty spot with a restaurant, bar, glass-floor viewing platform, and 360-degree vantage out over the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane River, Mt Coot-tha and Moreton Bay, though, the better. Acting Queensland Premier Steven Miles and The Star's Chief Operating Officer Kelvin Dodt have announced that the final Sky Deck piece has been put into place, with the 250-metre long crescent-shaped platform being lifted in three parts. The first went up in September 2022 and the second in March 2023, before the third this July. "The Sky Deck is poised to become a tourist magnet as the centrepiece of the world-class Queen's Wharf Brisbane development, so to be here to mark this milestone is great," said the Acting Premier. "This will become one of the city's most recognisable skyscapes, elevating Brisbane's already-growing international reputation as a must-visit destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Just as importantly, Sky Deck will be for the people of Brisbane as a vibrant public space to enjoy day and night, whether for important occasions, a casual catch up or just to take in the views," added Dodt. When it does open between Alice, George, Queen and William streets, Queen's Wharf's crowning glory will combine bites, sips and taking in stunning views — all sitting atop everything other dining options, hotels, shops, apartments and a heap of public space. While part of one of Queen's Wharf's resident resorts — it's set to feature four hotels — Sky Deck will be open to the public. Also, it isn't small, with a capacity of 1500 visitors at a time. Here, folks keen to scale great heights can also host parties, with an events space part of the setup. Brisbanites, your shindigs are looking up. Specific details about Sky Deck's restaurant and bar, including their menus and operators, haven't yet been revealed; however, that glass-bottomed platform will sit around the midway mark of the structure. From the artists' impressions of the venue, locals and tourists alike can expect ample greenery and crucial outdoor seating elsewhere, the latter giving everyone plenty of places to stop, sit and take in the panoramic vista. Expect Brisbane's Sky Deck to be popular, too. The Queensland Government certainly does, anticipating that an estimated 1.4 million international, interstate and local visitors to the city each year might stop by. As for the rest of the Queen's Wharf Brisbane redevelopment area, it spans across 12 hectares in the CBD, and will include around 50 new bars, cafes and restaurant; a casino; those four aforementioned hotels; approximately 1500 apartments; and a swathe of retailers in a huge new shopping precinct. The full precinct features repurposed heritage buildings, plus the Neville Bonner Bridge and Brissie's first riverside bikeway cafe. For Brisbane inhabitants, Queen's Wharf has been in the making for so long — and the construction around it just seems to be taking forever, too — that it feels like it has always been coming. But "let's meet at Queen's Wharf" is something that'll soon be able to be said, including by visitors. Ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the River City is transformation central, including tearing down and rebuilding the Gabba; renewing and reinvigorating South Bank, complete with a treetop walk, a permanent handmade goods market and new riverside lawns; making over Victoria Park; and revamping and expanding Northshore Hamilton. Also, a new seven-hectare riverside parkland is set to join South Brisbane, QPAC's fifth theatre is under construction and Kangaroo Point is set to score a new green bridge with an overwater bar and restaurant. Queen's Wharf is slated to start opening in the Brisbane CBD from April 2024. We'll update you when a specific date is announced — and you can find out further details in the interim via the development's website.
Get ready for wagyu with a view in West End's West Village, with Ippin Japanese Dining set to join the growing space. When it opens its doors in 2023, the new restaurant will sit inside the precinct's Garden Pavilion, peering down on openair lawn The Common from the second floor — and pairing a menu bursting with Queensland seafood and meat, plus products imported from Japan, with greenery-filled vistas. Mark April in your diaries, Brisbanites, and prepare for company, with Ippin seating 140. It's already badging itself as a hidden gem given that it'll be one level up from West Village's hustle and bustle, but word of great Japanese eats spreads fast in the River City. If you're fond of yakitori grill, toothfish, wagyu beef, tempura cuttlefish and lobster popcorn, prepare to have your tastebuds tempted, too — they'll all be on the menu. If the latter sounds familiar, that's because it's a Sydney favourite thanks to Kenny Lee, the restaurateur and owner of the New South Wales capital's Kuon Omakase, Allta and Funda restaurants, with that dish making the leap to Queensland. Lee has helped whip up Ippin's menu with head chef Tatsuya Miwa, plus owners Helen Lea and Jane Ma, with the culinary lineup also slated to include traditional Japanese seafood starters — and a rotating array of two-to-three desserts made by a specialised pastry chef. Keen on tuna? Ippin will host showcases dedicated to the fish, with Tatsuya chopping up a whole tuna in-venue, then auctioning it off. These will be ticketed, sake-fuelled events, doing their best to make you feel like you're in Japan rather than at a precinct based around Brisbane's old Peters ice-cream factory. Ippin's decor will tie into its both its culinary influence and its setting, however, featuring Japanese touches but working with the timber and brickwork that's prominent around West Village. Drinks-wise, expect sake — naturally — as well as a small lineup of cocktails and spirits, and a list of Australian, French and Italian wines. The new Japanese go-to joins West End's already hefty range of food options, including gelato, burgers, Italian eats, doughnuts, Mediterranean cuisine, Hungarian pastries and Greek eats. Find Ippin Japanese Dining at West End's West Village precinct, 97 Boundary Street, West End, from April 2023 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced.
There's Sunday sessions, and then there's Sunday sessions. As varied as your state of mind on the last day of the weekend, some call for boozy brunches, others for chilled evenings — and as Vieille Branche is happy to demonstrate, some just need a relaxed bit of jazz. That's what Sunday Hot Club is all about: hanging out, soaking in great jazz and French gypsy sounds, and enjoying some cheese and wine. It does take place in a French cafe, after all. Each week, gypsy violinist Jan Van Dijk from Swing Dynamique will take to the stage with a selection of local and French musicians, and offer up the soundtrack to your cruisy arvo. Making an ace shindig even better, there'll also be Emile & Solange cheeseboards on offer, plus French wine and craft beers on tap. Fabuleux! Doors open at 1pm, and while the music doesn't kick off until 2pm, arriving early to score a good seat is recommended.
Since opening in 2014, The Woolly Mammoth has been a mainstay of the Fortitude Valley nightlife scene. Originally opening as a hip craft beer hall and live music venue, the dark, man cave bar downstairs has received quite the transformation in the past couple of years. Enter Ivory Tusk, a vibrant and eye-popping reimagining of what the much-loved locale could be and ultimately still is. Described best as a brother-sister dynamic, the brother has remained upstairs from its sister as the Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage. Local and Aussie acts from all genres regularly play to intimate crowds here with bands like Violent Soho, Gang of Youths and Boo Seeka all finding their way onto the stage. A full bar is available but food has been left up to the Woolly Mammoth's lil sis to deal with. Make sure to fuel up on Mexican-inspired eats and margaritas downstairs before heading up and taking your place on the D-floor.
That wide-open highway between Melbourne and Sydney has so much to offer. So, why settle for the routine route when you can have a rural adventure? In partnership with Canadian Club and Empty Esky, we want folks to make the great Aussie road trip even better. We've plotted the perfect itinerary, spotlighting regional towns that have had a rough go lately but are back to welcoming tourists with open arms. The next time you hit the bitumen, make it a mission to do some good and discover cool new things. Brave a haunted house, explore Aboriginal cultural heritage, splurge on a boutique hotel, treat yourself with sweets and a bakery pilgrimage and admire a really big sheep. WANGARATTA Your first stop should be for a hearty lunch with a side of cultural education in Wangaratta. Hit the all-day breakfast menu at Cafe Prevue — is there ever a wrong time of day for pancakes? Or, opt for fried chicken bao, mushroom arancini or a trusty toastie. Afterwards, wander down to the river and along the Bullawah Cultural Trail. This project was a collaboration between over a dozen Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate the Pangerang people and their long heritage and continued connection to Country. Through artworks, info boards and a bush tucker garden, discover the ways of living and stories that belong to this place and its people. [caption id="attachment_801899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] BEECHWORTH If you're passing through Beechworth, hit Beechworth Bakery for the lunch of champions: the signature Ned Kelly Pie, stuffed with steak, bacon, cheese and egg. You'll find "Australia's Greatest Bakery" in one of the beautiful historic buildings typical of this picturesque gold rush town. Room for dessert? We suggest the classic vanilla slice or one of its famous Beestings: a fluffy, filled bun spilling custard into your hands with each bite. You'll need some treats for the road, too, so visit The Beechworth Sweet Co for the whimsy of an old-timey sweet shop. Admire the glass jars of boiled sweets, sherberts and jellies, and sample some of its handmade fudge. JUNEE You haven't really explored the country unless you've picked up some bric-a-brac and local handicrafts. The Olde School T-House in Bethungra is crowded with curios and collectibles, so stop in for a browse and some morning tea. Then, steel yourself with an ice-cold Canadian Club and Dry at Junee Hotel before you dine with the dead (maybe) at Monte Cristo Homestead. Test your nerve at this grand homestead, which was once the Crawley family's (the town's founding family) seat of power. The homestead ghost tour includes a three-course dinner, accommodation and breakfast — a friendly touch for what's considered Australia's most haunted house. Oh, and there's an additional gift "if you make it through the night". For some comfort the next day, head to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. You can pick up organic chocolates, take a tour around the old mill (currently on hold due to COVID restrictions) or stop at the cafe for a decadent hot chocolate laced with turkish delight, butterscotch or even chilli. [caption id="attachment_795809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] GUNDAGAI You know it for The Dog on the Tuckerbox, now discover Gundagai's fancier attractions. Heritage meets stylish minimalism at the boutique hotel, Flash Jacks. Starting life as a convent in 1891, these Victorian bricks have been born again as the ultimate luxe retreat, where you can splurge on a room with a bay window daybed. The perfect accompaniment to this top-notch stay is one of the best coffees you can get between Melbourne and Sydney. The Coffee Pedaler is a bright, cheery cafe that punches well above its weight. Sit outside for a pretty street view towards the hills, and tuck into a city-worthy brunch with generous country portions. [caption id="attachment_801901" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Public Art Walk, Destination NSW[/caption] GOULBURN Is it an Aussie road trip if it doesn't include at least one Big Thing? Goulburn's Big Merino (Rambo to his mates) celebrates the great Australian wool industry. If you're a dyed-in-the-wool art lover, take a free tour of Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, which showcases some of the best regional contemporary and emerging artists, then wander the Public Art Walk from there to the Information Centre. Afterwards, join the locals at the Goulburn Workers Club for a Canadian Club and Dry and a game of pool. Recover the next morning at Grit Cafe with an espresso and get your granola on. Or, grab a homemade bagel, artisanal sausage roll or brekkie burrito to see you through to Sydney. For more road trip inspiration, check out these guides from Canadian Club and Empty Esky. Top image: Monte Cristo Homestead, Destination NSW
We can't yet zipline around the entire world, though it does sound like something Elon Musk might dream up. We can, however, come up with an increasingly impressive holiday itinerary by touring the globe's scenic zipline spots. From this week, the Grand Canyon joins the list. Zooming along tightly stretched cables is already a reality at the world's longest zipline opening at Jebel Jais in the United Arab Emirates and across Dubai's skyline. London recently had one, currently letting locals and visitors fly across the city, as did Sydney did, stretching between two skyscrapers 75 metres above Circular Quay. Seeing the Grand Canyon from such lofty heights is now on offer at Grand Canyon West, at the Hualapai Ranch in Arizona, reaching 300 metres above the floor of the rock formation. Capable of accommodating 350,000 visitors each year, two ziplines have been strung across the natural wonder, one measuring 335 metres and the other spanning 640 metres while traversing a steeper run. Each consists of four steel cables running side-by-side, which means that groups can enjoy the experience together. Riders will reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour. For those planning a high-adrenaline sight-seeing stint as part of their next US trip, tickets cost AU$115, with the zipline operating from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. The ziplines join the resort's helicopter tours and 1.2-kilometre-high skywalk among its sky-high attractions. Via PR Newswire.
You demanded it, Australia. After apparently hypnotising the country with The Ghan, a three hour documentary about a train travelling from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs, SBS Viceland has announced it'll be broadcasting the extended edition of the film, which clocks in at a whopping 17 hours. Take that, Return of the King director's cut! The initial three-hour cut — billed as Australia's first foray into 'slow TV' — was a massive surprise hit for the network, drawing an average of 583,000 viewers. That makes it Viceland's biggest hit of the past 12 months. The doco was also widely discussed on social media, with #TheGhan trending nationally last Sunday night. https://twitter.com/mel_laah/status/949940354588999681 https://twitter.com/sgbrens/status/949959735905722368 https://twitter.com/quinnal/status/949932847497846785 https://twitter.com/kplyley/status/949959657530916864 The extended version will air this Sunday, January 14 starting at the bright and early time of 2.40am. It'll feature the entire 2979 kilometres, minus the sections at night when the screen would just be black, which, even by slow TV standards, doesn't sound all that interesting. In the meantime, you can catch up with the (relatively) short version of The Ghan via SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiG3ipuB0Sw
It's a shot favourite with lemon and salt. There's a surf instrumental track that shares its name. Just thinking about it likely gets the early-90s hip hop cover of that tune stuck in your head. Although it's a famous spirit, tequila isn't always the best-appreciated tipple. Head to Carmen, James Street's newest bar and Mexican eatery, however, and the latter might change. Running through Fortitude Valley and New Farm, this stretch of road has long had Brisbanites flocking to the city's inner north for a sip and a bite to eat, adding dining and drinking options aplenty over the two decades since it rebadged its industrial stretch into an urban precinct. The new reason to head is this 80-seater tequileria from aka Potentia Solutions Leisure, joining a hospitality stable that also features rooftop joints Lina and Soko. While Carmen is an eatery, bar and lounge in one, tequila- and agave-heavy drinks take pride of place on the menu. Standout sips include the El Tigre, which is made on Patron Reposado, plus grapefruit bitters, agave and dehydrated grapefruit; Sueno de Sandia, a citrusy number featuring Patron Silver, watermelon juice, lime, agave and basil syrup; and the Aventura, a mix of The Lost Explorer Espadin, Grand Marnier, St Germain elderflower, lime, lemon and raspberries. In addition to cocktails, plus a hefty list of tequila and agave in general — including a focus on small-batch mezcals — Carmen boasts Coronas, naturally, plus a premium wine list ready for the swilling. Australian vinos get ample attention, as do New Zealand, French and Italian drops. Food-wise, patrons can tuck into poached lobster tacos, Mexican popcorn chicken, charred corn rillettes, kingfish ceviche with fermented pineapple and wagyu steak crudo tostaditos, as well as dulce de leche cheesecake and Patron tequila sorbet. Other dishes also glean their influences from elsewhere around the world, as seen with Sydney rock oysters and beef short rib rendang. Seafood is a big feature, as tends to be the trend no matter what style of cuisine is on offer in Brisbane. Also, sustainability is a hefty focus across both the food and drinks spread. Carmen is working towards a zero-waste cocktail list, setting itself a goal to achieve waste-free tipples — but launching with a menu that's as close as possible in the interim. As Soko does, Carmen is collaborating with the One Tree Planted program, too, donating a portion of funds from some drinks to support global reforestation. And in terms of decor, visitors will find the space decked out in neutral tones amid white walls and curved archways. Find Carmen Tequileria at 70 James Street, Fortitude Valley — open 4pm–late Monday–Tuesday and 12pm–late Wednesday–Sunday. Images: Fortem Media.
More than a few venues have popped up inside 179 Alfred Street, including La Costa restaurant and bar, rooftop bar Cielo and late-night watering hole The Parlour. Also on the premises: La Valle Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, if you're looking for somewhere to sip vino and grab a bottle to take home with you. Whether you're eager to spend some time onsite or you're just popping in for a drop to go, you'll choose from 200-plus bottles. For customers on the run, wine tastings might tempt you to hang around for a little longer. That's a standard part of the bottle-o experience, of course — but being able to choose between cheese platters ($14–28), duck paté with lavosh ($8), three types of bruschetta ($14) and four kinds of focaccia ($14) definitely isn't. Sit inside and peer at all the brands you'll suddenly want to drink, perch yourself by the window and look out onto the street or pull up a chair outside — the choice is yours. And if you're wondering what types of drops you'll be imbibing, La Valle stocks the likes of Payten & Jones, Athletes of Wine and Barbera d'Alba, although obviously the list goes on.
When October hits Brisbane, almost every venue in town busts out the Oompah bands, sauerkraut, wursts and pretzels, with Oktoberfest shindigs happening all around the city. The biggest of them all: Oktoberfest Brisbane, which has been filling steins and serving schnitzels since 2008. In 2023, however, it won't be returning. The always-hefty, always-boozy, always-merry German-themed celebration has experienced a difficult few years, as all events have, including a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. But after making a comeback in 2022, Festival Directors Kim and Boris Zoulek have announced that the big six-day event is saying auf wiedersehen. "All our pretzels were crossed that this message would never need to be written, but the time has come to announce the toughest decision of all — to say auf wiedersehen to The Only Oktoberfest Brisbane," the Zouleks said in a statement. "They talk about decisions not being made lightly, but this one takes the cake. The past few years have brought about the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced. But just last October the team were as excited as they'd ever been to bring back Australia's most traditional Bavarian experience to the people of Brisbane, no less than three years in the making!" "However, over the past few months it has become clear that if the festival were to take place in 2023 we would not be able to deliver the same authentic German experience you have come to expect and love. And if there's one thing we won't do, it's compromise on your experience. So, it's with a very heavy gingerbread heart that we say auf wiedersehen for now (but with one very carefully trained German eye on the future)." Thankfully, the door isn't completely closed on future occasions for Brisbanites to dust off their lederhosen or dirndl at Brisbane Showgrounds — or for the sizeable German culture festival's traditional live music tents, Munich-style biergartens and carnival rides, including yodelling and dance — but there's no immediate plans for another Oktoberfest Brisbane yet. In the past, the event has taken place across two weekends, pairing its entertainment with the opportunity to eat, drink and celebrate all things Bavaria, and attracted more than 35,000 people per year in the process. "When The Only Oktoberfest Brisbane was birthed back in 2008, we had no concept of the authentic, all-yodelling, all-dancing, bratwurst-eating, magnificent teenager it would become." the Zouleks added. "Over the past 15 years, we've welcomed nearly half a million honorary Germans into our family, downed around two million bratwursts, munched on over 1.5 million pretzels, danced to nearly 800 hours of Oompah music and sipped on over a million traditionally brewed biers. While Oktober 2023 will be tough, we say farewell knowing Brisbane was privy to the most authentic celebration of German culture outside of Bavaria." For more information about Oktoberfest Brisbane coming to an end, head to the event's website.
There are many ways to make the most of Brisbane's all-year-round sunshine, whether you're keen on going for a stroll with a scenic view, hitting the pedals or finding a refreshing swimming spot. One activity stands out, though, perhaps because you can do it at so many places around town — including before or after you take that walk, bike ride or splash. We're talking about picnics, of course. And, in most cases, picnics with a watery view. Brisbane boasts many a patch of greenery adjacent to the river, including big hitters such as New Farm Park, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank. If you're after a bite to eat by the coastline, you can head to the Wynnum-Manly foreshore, plus the Sandgate and Shorncliffe region, too. But if you've whiled away more than one afternoon at all of the obvious places — as every Brisbanite has — this city also features plenty of other great waterside picnic spots that you might not have visited. We've listed nine that'll get you thinking about sandwiches, cheese and whatever else you'd like to put in your basket. [caption id="attachment_770752" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Sir John Chandler Park If you don't live nearby, it takes a little time to get to Sir John Chandler Park, even though it's just in Indooroopilly. As a suburb, Indro sprawls along the river, as do its roads — so you'll find yourself enjoying a suburban drive past the golf course before your picnic. Perhaps that's why this park is rarely crowded. It's tucked out of the way and, when you're there, it feels that way. As a result, it also feels particularly cruisy and laidback, which exactly the right atmosphere for a park overflowing with grass, boasting picnic tables and barbecues, and also right next to the river. If you like looking at rather expensive houses, you'll also spy a few across the water. [caption id="attachment_692305" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] Colmslie Beach Reserve Brisbanites, you don't need to head up or down the coast to enjoy a picnic on a beach. This city of ours is home to its own sandy spot, but it's hidden. Don't worry, you won't have to trek too far to find it, because it's actually less than ten kilometres out of the CBD. Head to the secret idyll that is the Colmslie Reserve, and you'll come across a tiny riverside beach — yes, sand and all — as well as tree-lined paths and a boardwalk that catches the cool water breeze. This southside oasis is a great place for a peaceful interlude and a lazy day in the Brissie sun. And, if you fancy going fishing while you're there, don't forget to bring your rods. [caption id="attachment_770753" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Wilson Outlook Reserve When the Howard Smith Wharves precinct opened in 2018, it gifted Brisbane one helluva picturesque inner-city riverside picnic spot. That said, it also stole a little of Wilson Outlook Reserve's thunder. Perched atop the cliffs next to HSW, this scenic space has been welcoming locals for years — but it's not so well-known that it's always jam-packed. Here, you'll take in the eye-popping vantage, which includes the Story Bridge and the CBD, while kicking back beneath jacarandas in New Farm. Fancy an evening picnic? Wilson Outlook serves up quite the sight when sunset rolls around. Just remember, unlike HSW below, you'll want to bring your food with you. [caption id="attachment_770749" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Warren Major via Flickr[/caption] Bullocky Rest Beaches are great. Rivers, too. But there's just something extra special about lazing around by a lake. There's a peacefulness that emanates, and it's very much present at Lake Samsonvale in the Moreton Bay region. Thanks to the lake's dam, aka North Pine Dam, it's also a source of Brissie's drinking water. If you're fond of a nice walk, it's surrounded by tracks as well. But, if it's picnicking you're after — and you're reading this list, so you clearly are — then get cosy at Bullocky Rest. Just be prepared to have company, including of the tiny human kind thanks to the onsite play equipment. [caption id="attachment_814713" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] Rocks Riverside Park Before making the most of its riverside location, this spot in Seventeen Mile Rocks, in the city's west, was home to a cement and lime quarry. So, when you're wandering around, expect to see more than a few remnants of the site's industrial past. Expect plenty of trees and bushland as well, and a plethora of perfect places for picnicking with water views. The park's Great Lawn spans around 8000 square metres, so green is clearly the hue here. Also onsite: a market garden, pathways for that after-lunch stroll, a half-size basketball court and heaps of kids' play equipment — making it an ideal spot if someone in your crew has littlies in tow. [caption id="attachment_770750" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] Porter's Paddock Park Located on Brisbane's eastside, Minnippi Parklands is comprised of several smaller parks throughout Tingalpa, Cannon Hill, Carina and Carindale. Only one of them boasts a lagoon, however, which instantly shoots Porter's Paddock Park to the top of the must-visit list. When you're not eating your way through your picnic basket, you can walk across the boardwalk, peer into the water, and look at both the birds and the plant life. That's a particularly relaxing way to digest all those cheese slices, crackers and sandwiches — or whatever other picnic feast you feel like bringing along. [caption id="attachment_972027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Sherwood Arboretum This heritage-listed gem to the CBD's west has been welcoming the public and its picnics for nearly a century. Here, you'll sit under leafy trees — more than a thousand, in fact — while looking out over your choice of man-made freshwater wetlands or the Brisbane River. Whichever you choose, you're in for both a green and glistening sight — although the plant life is as much of a drawcard as the proximity to water. As the name makes plain, Sherwood Arboretum is all about amassing different species of trees (or collecting them, in a sense), so make time during your picnic to go for a wander. [caption id="attachment_770748" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council via Flickr[/caption] Bulimba Riverside Park It isn't the lengthiest walking track in Brisbane, but the paved path along the Bulimba stretch of the river is one of the nicest places to put one foot after the other while soaking in both the river breeze and the Brissie sun. Naturally, there's a park nearby — and while it's never empty thanks to the fact that it's surrounded by houses, it's still a mighty fine picnic spot. Peering out over the water to Newstead, Bulimba Riverside Park is also a great place for impromptu picnics given that Oxford Street and its shops and cafes are so close by. Stock up, walk down to the river and get munching. It's also just a quick stroll from the CityCat terminal. [caption id="attachment_770747" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Michael Zimmer via Flickr[/caption] Bongaree Beach There are beaches, and there are beaches. Yes, you can claim a sandy riverside spot as a beach (see: Colmslie Beach Reserve above), and that's all well and good. But if you want to picnic at a beach where you can actually go for a swim, then Bribie Island's Bongaree Beach is worth a visit. It features parklands on one side and water on the other, so you can pick between grassy and sandy sitting spots. You can also choose just to go for a dip in shallow water, or to hire a kayak or paddleboard. And, you can do the very Brisbane thing of saying you're heading away to an island, even though it's connected to the mainland by a bridge. Top image: Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Since Queensland's COVID-19 lockdown began in late March, dreaming of spending a night somewhere other than your own house — on a multi-day hiking adventure or a weekend in a luxe glamping resort, for example — has become a regular part of pandemic life. Thankfully, before the June-July school holidays hit, that dream will become a reality, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirming that Queenslanders will be able to travel regionally — and stay overnight — from mid-June. At her daily press conference on Thursday, May 21, the Premier advised that increasing the distance Queenslanders can travel within the state, and allowing them to holiday within the state, will indeed happen next month. "The June school holidays will be coming up very shortly, and of course, with our roadmap, it means that Queenslanders can travel up to 250 kilometres — and they can holiday in Queensland in their regional areas," she announced. As the Premier noted, this was already on the cards as part of the state's "step-down approach to COVID-19"; with a date of June 12 set for the next stage of eased restrictions to come into effect. Confirming that the regional travel component of the roadmap will definitely happen means that folks can start making plans, however, which the Premier noted. "I really want to encourage everyone as much as possible to start planning those holidays and really back our tourism industry," she said. The idea is to get Queenslanders travelling in Queensland to support the local tourism industry. As the Premier already revealed earlier this week, the state's border is unlikely to open soon, and possibly not until at least September — a move that's receiving continuing complaints from her New South Wales counterpart Gladys Berejiklian, as well as from members of the Federal Government, but is based on advice from Queensland Chief Medical Officer Dr Jeannette Young. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1263243047384449025 Discussing the highly publicised border issue today, Premier Palaszczuk noted that "there are 33 times the number of active cases in NSW compared to Queensland" — after after also announcing that Queensland recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Dr Young explained Queensland's position further, advising that "there is plenty of health advice about the importance of minimising the number of cases coming in to a community". She continued, "we saw how effective it was for Australia when the international borders were closed. And then as we started to see in Queensland, the number of cases acquired interstate and then coming into Queensland, we immediately acted here, the Premier took that advice to act, and close the borders to other states. And, most of the states in our country also did that. So we saw Western Australia, we saw South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland close their borders to those states that had significantly higher numbers of cases and local transmission." To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Hiking in Canungra Valley, Gold Coast via Matt Harvey for Tourism and Events Queensland
The Inchcolm is one of Brisbane's most distinctive boutique stays: a heritage hotel that leans into its past while embracing a more playful, design-forward present. Set in Spring Hill just outside the CBD, the building dates back to the 1930s and still carries much of its original character. Now part of Ode Hotels – the group behind Sydney's cult-favourite The Old Clare Hotel – the property carries a similar sensibility: thoughtful, slightly offbeat and rich in atmosphere. Inside, the mood shifts. Dark tones, layered textures and curated artworks create a more intimate, almost theatrical atmosphere, setting it apart from the city's lighter, resort-style hotels. The result is a stay that feels a little more European in sensibility: rich, slightly eccentric and full of personality. Rooms are individually styled, blending heritage features with contemporary touches. The experience feels boutique and personal rather than standardised, with an emphasis on mood, detail and comfort – ideal for travellers looking for something with a bit more identity. Downstairs, The Inchcolm Bar anchors the food and drink offering, serving signature martinis and modern Australian fare (with a touch of French inspiration) in a setting that mirrors the hotel's moody aesthetic. There is a live jazz night on the last Saturday of every month. Brisbane Airport is around a 20-minute drive away, parking options are available nearby, and the location places you within easy reach of the CBD, Fortitude Valley and key cultural precincts.
How far would you go to keep a roof over your family's head? That's the question posed by 99 Homes, the blistering new moral melodrama from writer-director Ramin Bahrani. Set in Orlando, Florida during the height of the 2010 foreclosure crisis, it is perhaps the most compelling film yet made about the global economic downturn and the everyday people whose lives it tore apart. Forget serial killers wielding machetes. This is a horror movie for the modern age. Trading his spandex and web-shooters for a toolbox and blue collar, Amazing Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield plays protagonist Dennis Nash, a construction worker and single parent forced to move his family into a motel after they're thrown out of their home. Adding insult to injury, the only work Nash is able to find is as a day labourer for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the same ruthless real estate broker who evicted him in the first place. But Carver soon sees potential in the desperate young father and invites him to take a greater role in his business. But what will it take for Nash to sell his soul? 99 Homes is Bahrani's fifth feature effort, although it's the first to receive a significant release here in Australia. Still, those who have seen his earlier work, including Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo and At Any Price, will recognise his signature motifs. He's an unapologetically earnest filmmaker with a strong social conscience, taking major issues that dominate headlines and using them as a basis for intimate human stories. During the film's numerous eviction scenes, he employs handheld cameras and a low, pulsating score, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming helplessness. Watching Carver throw Nash and his family out of their home will likely leave viewers feeling nauseous – although not half as nauseous as they'll feel later in the film, when Nash begins evicting families on Carver's behalf. After a few years languishing in superhero limbo, Garfield recaptures the stellar dramatic form seen in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go. Every compromise Nash considers the actor makes us understand, forcing us to ponder what we'd do in the same situation. Laura Dern is likewise strong in the admittedly thankless role as Nash's kind-hearted mother. Both, however, are overshadowed by Shannon. With the same simmering intensity he brought to Take Shelter and Boardwalk Empire, the Oscar-nominated actor is captivating whenever he's on screen. A callous big screen capitalist in the vein of Gordon Gecko, Carver is at once repellent and uncomfortably persuasive – characteristics best exemplified in a monologue midway through the film in which the e-cig smoking realtor gives us a glimpse into what drives him while raining rhetorical fire down on everyone from federal regulators to homeowners themselves. It is, quite simply, one of the best written, best acted scenes you'll see in a cinema this year. That's not to say that Bahrani's screenplay isn't also without its weak points. Nuance isn't exactly his strong suit, and there are stretches of the film that feel rather histrionic. More frustrating is the ending, in which the writer-director strips away any sense of moral ambiguity in favour of a simpler, less interesting conflict between right and wrong. Yet even in the moments where the narrative falters, the weight and sincerity of Bahrani's intention are enough to carry you through. That, along with the phenomenal work of one of the finest actors working today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfttvNCIJvE
The best glamping sites in New Zealand are made for travellers who want to explore and stay amid the country's spectacular natural landscapes without having to rough it. Either hit a few of these as you road trip through the North and South Islands or find a location you love then stock up and stay for a good few days. Whether you're after seaside glamping or a mountain escape, with fantastic lodgings scattered across the countryside, Aotearoa's best assets are on full display at these glamping destinations that get you closer to nature than any hotel (although there's no shortage of great hotels in New Zealand). Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in Australia The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Bali The Best Spas in Auckland The Best Spas in Wellington Glam Camping, Queenstown At Glam Camping, you'll find a collection of geometric dome tents perched along a hillside looking down on the green valley and lake just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. During the day, take the 90-minute walk around Moke Lake or go horse riding. You can even join a morning yoga class or organise a wine tasting tour around one or many of Queenstown's famous vineyards. But we are particularly excited about the Glam Camping's food and drink offerings. You can opt to cook your own food (with all the produce provided by the hosts) or let a private chef treat you and your travel buddies to a three-course feast on the property. [caption id="attachment_880413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SJL Photography[/caption] Kawakawa Station, South Wairapa This sprawling farming property spans across rolling grassy hills by the South Wairarapa coastline. And until the end of April 2023, the Kawakawa Station team invites guests to stay in a series of large tents hidden within the pastures. But, unlike other bell tents, these have clear ceilings so guests can stargaze from the comfort of their own bed. It also has a fully equipped kitchen on the property, so you can prep your meals without needing to bring a heap of gear. You can easily spend a few days at this New Zealand glamping site, hanging out among the sheep and strolling around the property. But, if you're after a proper adventure, Kawakawa Station also offers an epic hiking experience. The three-day hike along the Station Walk takes you through forests, along creeks and right down to the coast. The team will put you up in a bunch of different accommodations along the way, too. Coromandel Luxury Escapes, Coromandel It's in the name but still deserves being repeated — Coromandel Luxury Escapes is a truly luxurious glamping site in New Zealand. It is all powered and comes with a mini fridge, oil heater, large king bed as well as a private free-standing outdoor bath. A massive deck with a BBQ is also there for you when you want to cook up some locally caught fish. Apart from the site, one of the biggest selling points is the location. It's close to some of New Zealand's best beaches, including the picturesque New Chums Beach. And, if you're up for a 50-minute drive, you've got to visit Hot Water Beach. Here, you can dig a hole in the sand to find naturally hot water bubbling up to the surface — just be careful when digging, as this water can reach temperatures beyond 100 degrees Celsius. Use Coromandel Luxury Escapes as your base when exploring the Coromandel region which is just a two-hour ferry ride from Auckland. Lavericks Bay, Christchurch The Lavericks Bay glamping spot has two tents making up this wonderfully bucolic site. Seclusion is almost totally guaranteed. Apart from the property's wandering sheep. You'll feel as if you have the entire bay and rolling countryside to yourselves — for exploring or just sitting back and taking in the views. During the day, head to the beach for some leisurely swimming at the property's private beach to check out the resident dolphins and seals that tend to float past. And, at night, you can't say no to a dip in the large wooden hot tub in which you can do some proper stargazing. There's no light pollution here, so you'll be guaranteed a stunning night sky. Waitomo Hilltop, Waitomo The Waitomo Hilltop glamping site feels like it's pulled from a fairytale. Atop a hill, in the green Waitomo countryside lies this luxury tent that's been kitted out with everything you could need. Cook up fresh pizzas in its woodfired oven, rug up by the fire pit watching movies via projector or take a dip in one of the outdoor baths overlooking the countryside. There used to be just one glamping tent available, but Waitomo recently finished creating another equally luxurious site. The new campsite has two tents joined together with a glass walkway — including three separate bedrooms, a lounge area and a massive kitchen and dining room. It is technically a tent, but looks far more like a bricks and mortar home. The Black Yurt, Oakura This one is for the keen surfers out there. You're a short walk away from Oakura's surfing beach which is known for having some fairly reliable swell. The Black Yurt is also close to town — walking distance from plenty of boutique stores, restaurants and bars. It may be one of the least remote New Zealand glamping spots on this list but it still feels miles away from crowds. The large yurt is surrounded by palms and native bushland, offering up some well-needed privacy. The interiors of the yurt are also extra cushy. There's a king bed, a queen futon mattress as well as some schmick bathroom facilities. And, if the weather is good, you can open the dome and windows to let the outside in. [caption id="attachment_879080" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Sun Photography[/caption] Tawanui Farm, Cheviot It doesn't take long to find jaw-dropping vistas outside of New Zealand's main cities. Just an hour-long drive from Christchurch lies Tawanui Farm, a working sheep, cow and deer farm. Here, the Loughnan family have set up two geodesic domes, a central camp kitchen (with couches and cooking gear all provided) and a large hot tub looking out over the pastures. It's easily one of the best New Zealand glamping sites out there. Each dome sleeps up to four people, and no matter how many guests you book for, you'll get the entire site — that makes Tawanui Farm great for larger groups. Either laze around playing boardgames and drinking in the hot tub or use it as a base to explore the rest of the region. You can fish at the local Hurunui River, swim and surf at Gore Bay or take an ATV farm tour to learn a little more about Tawanui Farm. Dealer's choice. Kanuka, Rotorua This is just about as remote as it gets. A single Kanuka glamping tent is hidden up in the bush, right next to Lake Tarawera, and can only be reached by a boat ride or hike. The campsite comes with a large tent and queen-sized bed, a bush kitchen with everything you need to cook up some grub, a dining area as well as a separate bathroom. The essentials are sorted. And, once you're all settled in, what you choose to do around here is totally up to you. The Kanuka team can provide a kayak for exploring the lake, there's a sandy beach less than 50 metres away and you can hike along a number of trails (with one leading to a natural hot pool in the bush). Ah, you've got to love New Zealand and all its thermal hot springs. [caption id="attachment_880412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Kerins[/caption] Camp Kekerengu, Kaikoura Coast If you're travelling with a bunch of mates or a big family, Camp Kekerengu is perfect. Here, you will find three large tents, a group kitchen and a covered lounge area — all with uninterrupted sea views. But, be prepared for living it a little rougher than you might like. The entire glamping site is off grid. This will force you to fully unplug and enjoy nature. You're a short walk from the beach, close to several walking trails and simply surrounded by wide open plains and rolling mountains. It's stunning. And is the perfect example of why people love to go glamping in New Zealand. Here, you get the best bits of Aotearoa's natural landscape all in one location. Feeling inspired to book a getaway unlike anything else out there? Only through Concrete Playground Trips, our new travel booking platform, can you now purchase holidays specially curated by our writers and editors. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips at destinations all over the world. Top images: Waitomo Hilltop
A string of long weekends is a joy while it's happening, such as the current Easter and ANZAC Day run (plus Labour Day, too, if you're in Queensland). When it's over and five-day work weeks become a reality week after week again, however, holiday dreams start calling. Clearly Jetstar wants you to get a jump on planning your next vacation, given that the Australian airline has just kicked off its latest big flight sale. Both domestic and international fares are on offer at discounted prices, with 40,000-plus seats available between now and 11.59pm AEST on Sunday, April 27, 2025. You'll want to get in quick, though, given that sale tickets mightn't last that long — and these deals run until sold out if that happens before the scheduled end date. One-way prices start at $49 for Club Jetstar members and $54 for everyone else this time, which covers routes from Brisbane and Melbourne to and from Newcastle. Next up, $97/102 will get you between Adelaide and Sydney, $99/104 from Melbourne to Cairns, and $114/119 between either Sydney or Melbourne and Uluru — and flights to and from the Gold Coast, Whitsunday Coast and Margaret River are also among the discounts. With the overseas options, one-way fares kick off at $159/165 from Cairns or Darwin to Bali, while Melbourne–Singapore ($179/189) and Brisbane ($279/289) or Sydney ($299/319) to Seoul are some of the other choices. Expect to primarily take winter getaways no matter where you're heading, although the international routes cover dates from mid mid-May to late-August 2025 and the domestic fares are for mid-July to late-September 2025 travel. The usual caveats apply: all prices apply to one-way fares; checked baggage is not included, so you'll want to travel super light or pay extra to bring a suitcase; and, as per above, dates vary according to the route. [caption id="attachment_938861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Jetstar's Just Plane Good Sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Sunday, April 27, 2025 — or until sold out if prior. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If you find yourself walking the grounds of the Barracks looking for a bite to eat, you may stumble upon a sunny courtyard, decked out with bright red tables and chairs, well-groomed shrubbery, shaded benches and bright hanging lanterns. This is the outdoor area and entrance to French-Vietnamese restaurant and bar Libertine. Make your way inside and you will find the interior is even more inviting than the exterior. Not sparse or minimalist in the way of many Brisbane restaurants, neither is it ostentatious or homely. Instead, Libertine is done up in self-proclaimed 'French-colonial bordello style'. Warm mahogany colours, red-fringed lampshades, chandeliers dangling from high ceilings, ornate wallpaper and gold leaf accents combine to quite lavish effect. Staff greet you at the door and once they have shown you to a table, are very ready to explain the menu, field any questions, and spruik the 'I'm Hungry!' meal option — $55 per person for seven of the chef’s chosen dishes. The menu is broken down under various headings. 'Street Food' is made up of petite dishes like dumplings filled with either free-range chicken or seven mushrooms and water chestnuts with chilli soy. 'Share Dishes' like the lemongrass, lime and Asahi chicken with galangal chutney and tobacco onions will feed larger groups or appetites. 'Nibbles' (Hanoi eight-spiced popcorn chicken with sweet chilli mayo) and sides (baguette with whipped butter) are plentiful, and desserts include the intriguing sounding chocolate orange chiboust with salted choc orange ganache, sesame croquant and orange vanilla cream. Though the food itself is outshone by the decor, for a convenient dinner before or after a movie at the Palace, Libertine easily fits the bill (especially on Movie Mondays when you can get a four-course banquet plus dessert and a movie ticket for $39 per person). A stone's throw from Suncorp Stadium, it is also a handy place for a pre/post-game tipple. Currently Libertine hosts a live DJ on Sundays from 2.30pm–5.30pm, so with fun-sounding cocktails like Puff the Magic Snap Dragon (vodka, peach, lemon, Vietnamese mint, sparkling) and plenty of French and Australian wines, Libertine would be a pleasant place for Sunday afternoon drinks.
