Spring, plus light- to medium-bodied red wine: what a pairing. It's the duo that not only sits at the heart of Australian wine-tasting festival Pinot Palooza, but has helped the vino-swilling event become such a hit. The weather is sunny, the tipples are heady, and sipping your way through a heap of the latter is on the menu — including in 2023. The Melbourne-born wine tasting festival will celebrate its 11th year by touring the country, including hitting up Brisbane Showgrounds from Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 15. This three-day affair filled with vino-sipping fun will cover organic, biodynamic, vegan and low-intervention wines, and more, as well as bites to line the stomach. In its decade of life until now, the fest has welcomed in thousands of vino lovers. Indeed, an estimated 65,000 tickets were sold globally before its 2022 events. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the popular celebration was shelved for two-and-a-half years, before making a comeback last year. The response? More than 12,000 folks heading along around the nation. Set to share their tipples among producers from Australia, New Zealand and further afield: New Zealand's Burn Cottage and CHARTERIS; Small Island, Ghost Rock and Meadowbank from Tasmania; M&J Becker from NSW and Moondarra from Victoria. The food lineup will feature cheese, salumi, terrines, patê, olives and other perfect vino accompaniments, with Tasmania's Grandvewe Cheese and Victoria's Mount Zero among the suppliers.
A Brit pub with a difference, the Pig 'N' Whistle West End displays the international sophistication you'd expect from a venue in the heart of Brisbane's theatre and entertainment district. Just a short walk from South Bank, this spot has your classy and casual covered in one. The main bar, one of Brisbane's best sports pubs, is divided from the more formal Dining Room by an illuminated wine rack and bar. Clean lines and vaulted ceilings lend the space a mid-century elegance, while the pub's outdoor seating catches a great summer breeze on those hot Brisbane nights. An eclectic mix of pan-Euro, Asian-inflected Modern Australian tastes means dishes like Balinese gado gado sit alongside confit duck or prawn and snapper linguine. These are complemented by the long list of carefully curated European and Antipodean beers and wines.
Paul Rudd probably has an attic. And in that attic, a dusty portrait of the superstar actor is probably ageing, because the man himself doesn't seem to be. That's a perfectly logical explanation for why the Clueless, Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers, Romeo + Juliet, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Parks and Recreation, Wet Hot American Summer and Living With Yourself actor — and Ant-Man star, too — has looked the same for decades. And, it inspires a question: if you keep Rudd's likeness somewhere in your house, will you stop getting older as well? Will you start looking like Paul Rudd instead? That's a situation no one would complain about. Whatever might happen, a very real book written by Rudd's very fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe alter ego is on its way, so soon you can pop it on your shelf and find out. That tome is Look Out for the Little Guy, as penned by Scott Lang — aka Ant-Man. It's just been announced because a not-at-all-tun movie called Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas on Thursday, February 16. And yes, this new text will feature in that flick. See the film, buy the fake memoir: that's what's on offer for MCU fans, Ant-Man stans and Paul Rudd obsessives (so, everyone). In Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lang has penned the book, detailing his time saving the world. Unsurprisingly, the autobiography has proven popular. The Disney-owned Marvel will be hoping the real text does the same, of course, when it hits bookstores on Tuesday, September 5. According to the official synopsis, the memoir steps through "a bracingly honest account" of Lang's "struggles and triumphs, from serving time to being a divorced dad to becoming Ant-Man and joining The Avengers". Readers are also in for "stories of epic battles won and lost, as this everyman turned super hero finally tells all — from the official account of what really happened between The Avengers and Thanos to how shrinking down to ant-size really feels to the challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad". Look Out for the Little Guy also has a trailer, because Marvel and the Mouse House realise that the best way to sell anything involving Paul Rudd is just giving the world what we want: more Paul Rudd. "In this new book I'm almost certain was not written by me, we pull back the curtain and uncover the man behind Ant-Man: Scott Lang," the actor advises. "Who is he? What's he like? Why does he look so much like me?" Check out the Look Out for the Little Guy trailer below: Scott Lang's Look Out for the Little Guy will hit bookstores on Tuesday, September 5, and is available to pre-order now — head to the Disney Books website for further details. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 16.
When Parrtjima — A Festival in Light announced its 2025 program, the numbers were impressive, with the event's tenth edition featuring works by 20-plus First Nations artists, plus more than 100 performers and special guests. But nothing sells this Australian celebration of Indigenous arts more than the spectacular end results each year, when the fest lights up the Northern Territory. For 2025, that time is now, and it's once again a dazzling sight to behold. Parrtjima — A Festival in Light has so firmly established itself as a highlight of Alice Springs, the Red Centre and Australia's cultural scene that it's hard to imagine a time before it. Getting a 2.5-kilometre stretch of 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges glowing every evening is the reliable star of the show; however, that's just the beginning. Heading along this year also means being welcomed by The Gateway at Parrtjima's entrance, for instance, where towering poles by artists from Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe groups are greeting guests. Also, Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt's Three Generations of Station Women is an animated comic strip that honours Aboriginal stockwomen, with actor Mark Coles Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar) on soundtrack duties. Then there's Bobby West Tjupurrula's Hypnotic Reverberations, creating a moving dreamscape out of beams of light, mist and reflections on a shallow pool. From Lyall Giles, Transforming Light & Country isn't just about sand dune patterns — it gets festivalgoers playing with them, using drums to create rings of light. 2025's Parrtjima kicked off on Friday, April 4, and runs until Sunday, April 13. The MacDonnell Ranges Light Show is among past favourites on the bill, again pairing its eye-catching display with classical music and Arrernte language. Another: Grounded, asking attendees to look down instead of up. A festival of lights in the NT was always going to incorporate the red earth, too, which is where large-scale projections turn the soil into a canvas. This year's version features six artworks. Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa is also back, using shapes from Wirliyajarrayi artist Myra Nungarrayi Herbert Patrick's paintings in neon-hued abstract bird sculptures — and so is Johnny Young and David Wallace's four-metre-tall The Language of Stockmen. While the fest's first weekend has been and gone, the program still has the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to come, in what'll be Parrtjima's first-ever orchestral performance. Gigs by Dem Mob, Dobby, Desert Divas and Warren H Williams & Western Wind are also part of the upcoming lineup, as is the festival's debut comedy night, with Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra sparking laughs. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until Sunday, April 13, 2025, at venues around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light / Che-Chorley. 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.
Maybe werewolves are onto something. Forget their mythical slashing and clawing, and consider their situation in another light: when the moon looms large and bright above, they simply want to head out and have fun. Don't worry, they won't be in attendance at Jade Buddha's Shadow Lounge on June 10 — but the riverside hangout will be following in their footsteps at their Full Moon Party. From 6pm, sitting on the deck and staring at the sky is on the agenda (and eating, drinking and dancing too). You'll have one of the best views in the city, and you'll get a two-hour food and beverage package that comes with canapes, beer, wine, sparkling and Thai bucket cocktails. Tickets cost $35 and cover the revelry until 8pm, with entry free afterwards.
A lot can happen in five years. Two people can meet, fall in love, get married and then see their wedded bliss come to an end. That's the tale of budding writer Jamie and rising actress Cathy in The Last Five Years, which sees him share their story from the beginning, her start at the end and work backwards, and both sing about it. And, their individual accounts only intersect once. Of course, a lot can happen in 21 years as well. That's how long it has been since the show premiered in Chicago, and then made its way to off-Broadway the next year. In 2015, it became a film starring Anna Kendrick. Now, Aussie Danielle Remulta and the UK's Robert Tripolino are stepping onto La Boite's stage and stepping into the narrative. Catch their efforts between Monday, May 30–Saturday, June 18 — and catch a powerful tale about love, life and sharing an existence with someone but still feeling like strangers, too. You'll also be seeing a classic penned by Tony-winning playwright Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Bridges of Madison County), and a show that's kept treading the boards for more than two decades now for a reason. Images: Morgan Roberts.
In The Guest Edit we hand the reins over to some of the most interesting, tasteful and (or) entertaining people in Australia and New Zealand. For this instalment, we've enlisted the elegant taste of Aotearoa-based fashion designer Juliette Hogan amid the launch of her super soft — and super kind to the planet — JHL loungewear range. Hogan has handpicked her five favourite sustainable brands that show caring for the planet does not mean compromising on style or quality. After all, who knows style better than one of the country's most celebrated designers? JULIETTE HOGAN: Sustainability is no longer a 'nice-to-have' when making purchasing decisions — it is an absolute essential. As a whole, the fashion industry has a long way to come, but it's encouraging to see change. I'm excited by the continued evolution to a more transparent sharing of knowledge within our industry — both from our suppliers and to our consumers. At JHL, we believe we owe it to our customers to be constantly improving and evolving in the sustainability space in order to create genuine, honest and enduring connections with them. At the end of the day, the power is in the consumer's hands. When you make a more sustainable choice, you are sending a message about what is valuable to you. Every decision adds up, and collectively that begins to have real impact. SANS CEUTICALS Founded by Kiwi Lucy Vincent and made with the intention of taking chemicals and preservatives out of our most soothing daily rituals, Sans Ceuticals is one of my favourite skincare companies. I particularly love the Activator 7 Body, Hair and Face Oil. Find it now: On Sans Ceuticals' website or at Mecca, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. AMISFIELD WINE I really enjoy Amisfield wine and love everything they do, including the restaurant and cellar door. I was pleased to see that they recently received recognition of Riedel Organic Winery of the year in 2020. My favourites would have to be the Pinot Noir and the Pinot Noir Rose. Find it now: At Amisfield Winery in Queenstown or on the Amisfield website, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. JH LOUNGE For obvious reasons, JHL is of course on my go-to list of sustainable labels. There was a gap in my wardrobe, so we looked to fill it with JHL, which are considered basics designed to elevate the everyday. Everything in the collection is developed from sustainable and responsible materials, which we love and are really proud of. Find it now: The JHL website or through The Iconic, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. GOODFOR I love GoodFor's refinery. I've recently started making homemade crackers for cheeseboards and get all of the ingredients here, as I know they're the best out there. Find it now: The GoodFor website with shipping available around NZ only. HABITUAL GOODS This brand was founded in Christchurch and has been built from the ground up, by the best local crafts people, from the best possible materials. The brassware range is incredible. Find it now: The Habitual Goods website, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ.
The BrisStyle team is a rather busy bunch. A few times a year, it puts on twilight markets in King George Square, but that isn't its only regular event. If you're particularly after a treasure trove of handmade goodies — and who isn't? — it hosts another opportunity to browse and buy that's dedicated to exactly those kinds of objects over at the Queensland Museum. And, because it's that time of year, it's putting on a Christmas version of the latter. Fashion, art, jewellery, homewares — if someone's been using their nimble fingers to make it, then you can probably trade your hard-earned cash for their hard work. In fact, there'll be a long list of artisans — normally around 60 locals, actually — selling their wares. And, while you're shopping, you'll also be able to grab a bite at the onsite cafe — and live tunes from local musos usually provide a soundtrack. The BrisStyle Handmade Christmas Markets take place on Saturday, December 2, so that's when you can take care of your gift-buying needs. Head along from 9am–3pm, with it all taking place in the Queensland Museum's whale mall. Image: BrisStyle.
Brisbanites are used to going to Fortitude Valley to get sweaty among colourful lights, and to a pulsating soundtrack. Normally, though, that doesn't involve popping on boxing gloves. But making your next exercise session feel like a night hitting the clubs is the whole remit of Hustle Boxing, the Sydney workout favourite that's just launched its first Queensland studio. Hustle initially opened in Sydney in 2019 courtesy of business partners Tim McGann and Simon Maree, who were keen to give Australia an inclusive, accessible and premium venue for boxing group fitness classes. When it comes to ditching the usual vision that hopping into the ring inspires, the end result definitely packs a punch — including in its sleek new 400-square-metre Brisbane space on Brookes Street. Decor-wise, black walls, pops of colour and bright-hued LED lighting are a big feature, in a venue with high ceilings and a minimalist approach thanks to architect Tomas Scerbo. But Hustle's Valley digs also sport two things you won't find in a nearby bar or music venue: floor-to-ceiling windows to let natural light in, and murals paying tribute to Aussie sporting legends — including Shane Warne and Cathy Freeman. Also helping the vibe are curated playlists by Flight Facilities' Hugo Gruzman, plus commercial-grade lighting and a nightclub-quality sound system. That's what you'll be listening to and standing under when you hit up one of Hustle's personal fitness stations, which feature individual LED displays with instructions for your workout, and also store equipment for your session, such as weights, sliders and resistance bands. Trainer Andrew Papadopoulos oversees Hustle's training programs, with strength and conditioning a huge focus — as well as full-body functional boxing exercises. Expect to combine cardio, speed, and dynamic- and strength-themed routines — and, thanks to its brand-new Hustle Track, to hit the treadmill or floor. This fresh addition to the chain has its own dedicated room filled with treadmills, and also hosts 'Tenzing' classes named after Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa to scale Everest. Yes, running at an incline is on the cards. If you're not usually the most sporty or exercise-conscious of folks, part of the reason for Hustle's eye-catching design and club-inspired atmosphere is to make the joint accessible to everyone — regardless of your fitness, skills and past boxing experience. Introductory offers start at $25 for five days, or ten-day unlimited training passes for $49 — and Hustle's other boxing and track classes also take their names from famous figures. So, you might find yourself taking an eight-round 'Jagger' session or the hefty 16-round endurance-testing class that is 'The Godfather'. There's also the 'Denzel', which'll have you going smooth and easy on the treadmill; the 'Rihanna', where heading uphill is the aim of the game; and the 'Bolt', if you're a fan of running as fast as possible. Find Hustle Boxing at 100 Brookes Street, Fortitude Valley — open 5am–6.30pm Monday–Friday and 8am–11pm Saturdays.
One of the world's most acclaimed galleries is coming to Australia, and it's bringing more than 70 works that chronicle the past 200 years in art history with it. For a five-month season from mid-June, the UK's Tate will take over Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image with a hefty exhibition that'll span everything from painting, photography and sculpture through to drawing, kinetic art and installations — and, of course, the moving image. Given the time period covered by Light: Works from Tate's Collection, the list of artists that'll be on display is a varied one — as drawn from pieces in the Tate's four separate sites in Britain. Art lovers will be able to see works by famed English romantic painter and watercolourist Joseph Mallord William Turner alongside the light- and space-focused efforts of American artist James Turrell, plus pieces by impressionist Claude Monet and Japanese favourite Yayoi Kusama. Running from Thursday, June 16–Sunday, November 13, the unifying theme is light, as the exhibition's name makes plain — and if you're wondering how this connects to ACMI's remit as a museum for the moving image, light is obviously crucial to all recorded vision. While Light: Works from Tate's Collection will step through art history, ACMI will further put its pieces into broader artistic context by presenting it alongside its permanent The Story of the Moving Image exhibition, which examines the origins and genesis of film and television. From the impressive roster of art and artists, Turner's 1805 painting The Deluge will make its Australian debut, while Kusama's characteristically kaleidoscopic 2005 sculpture The Passing Winter gets viewers peering into a mirrored cube. Turrell's Raemar, Blue, from 1969, is an immersive spatial environment that surrounds visitors in infinite and immersive light. And among the other highlights sits paintings by John Constable, Wassily Kandinsky, Bridget Riley and Joseph Albers; more impressionist pieces from Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley; and rotating crystalline sculpture Stardust Particle by Olafur Eliasson. The ticketed exhibition will be accompanied by talks, performances, workshops and late-night events, as well as film screenings. Although the events lineup hasn't yet been revealed, masterclasses with cinematographers, artist discussions, and magic lantern and 16mm presentations will all be on the bill, as will two free exhibits — from Australian artist Mikala Dwyer in ACMI's lightwell and by Lis Rhodes in Gallery 3, with the latter's Light Music also coming from the Tate Collection. [caption id="attachment_858887" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raemar, Blue, 1969, James Turrell. Tate: Presented by the Tate Americas Foundation, partial purchase and partial gift of Doris J. Lockhart 2013. © James Turrell. Photo: Phoebe Powell[/caption] [caption id="attachment_858889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Passing Winter, 2005, Yayoi Kusama. Tate: Purchased with funds provided by the Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee 2008. ©Yayoi Kusama. Tate. Photo: Phoebe Powell.[/caption] Top images: Installation view, 'Light: Works from Tate's Collection', showing at ACMI, 2022. Photos by Phoebe Powell.
For those who love the finer things as much as much as they love nature, there's Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Between Cairns and Port Douglas lies a private headland of 145 acres that is your ultimate eco-resort luxury getaway. But the resort is more than a private beach and spa treatments — it's a leader in ecotourism, too. After a rigorous vetting process in 2018, it was handpicked for membership of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World as well as being awarded Green Travel Leader with Ecotourism Australia after meeting strict criteria for a decade. Throughout the site you can enjoy complimentary wildlife walks, stargazing by the sea, expert-guided flora and fauna explorations, and Australia's only coconut tour. Dine on seasonal local produce in the treetops at Ospreys Restaurant with the sights and sounds of nature as entertainment. Or, grab a gourmet picnic basket and head into the nature reserve. The eco-resort is your oyster. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon. Image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
The great drive-thru trend of 2020 and 2021, when everything from lasagne and wine to mac 'n' cheese, dagwood dogs, Ekka showbags and strawberry sundae-inspired beers were available without getting out of your car, is behind us. But not having to leave your vehicle to nab whatever your tastebuds are hankering for was never just an early-pandemic trend. So, cue a handy way to pick up ramen in a hurry right now: Ramen Danbo's Pimpama drive-thru. Sitting halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the chain's sixth southeast Queensland location is only convenient if you'll be in the vicinity; however, if that applies, it's mighty practical. Ramen to go doesn't get much easier than this, with the brand calling its new store Australia's first drive-thru ramen joint. The Pimpama location on Pimpama Jacobs Well Road does dine-in, takeaway and pick-up orders as normal, should you not be in such a rush or be keen on stepping inside. On the menu either way: eight types of ramen, from Ramen Danbo's classic to its miso tonkotsu (and shoyu and vegetarian as well), all of which can be customised with spice, extra pork slices and other toppings. The brand began in Japan in 2000, before making the leap to Australia. Next time that you're in North America, you'll also find offshoots in Vancouver, Seattle and New York. Images: Andrew HZ.
So, you want to save some money. Perhaps you're looking to finally put a deposit down on your first home. Or maybe your ol' clunker of a car is on its last kilometres. Or do you simply want to treat yourself to that pair of Gucci sunnies you know you don't actually need but you can't stop thinking about? Often, while we're in savings mode, we switch to totally denying ourselves the things we love, making ourselves miserable in the process. But the good news is you don't have to give up everything. Save smarter, not harder. And have fun doing it. To help get you started, we've partnered with Great Southern Bank to come up with some easy ways to save without having to live a totally joyless existence. From chopping your weekly food bill to a banking hack that'll have you adding to your savings without even noticing, these tips will keep you on track. BECOME YOUR OWN BARISTA We know, we know. You need your caffeine fix. We're not saying to cut that double-shot oat milk latte altogether, but buying one or two a day adds up really quickly. Keen to crunch some numbers? Let's say your average coffee costs $4 and you buy two every day — that's $2920 spent on java every year. Add that up over five years and it's a whopping $14,600. Instead, invest in a bit of kit to get your coffee hit at home. Proper espresso machines are great, but also pricey. Keep an eye out for a secondhand one and you might be able to score a bargain. Alternatively, get a good percolator and some quality beans. You can score a percolator for as little as $12 (that's three coffees) that'll last for years to come. For beans, you can get your fix from top Aussie coffee roasters. While price varies due to blends, beans and all sorts of things, beans from local roasters will usually cost somewhere between $15–23 for 250 grams (about 35 cups worth). You might even want to throw a milk frother into the mix, then you'll be whipping up deluxe coffee at home in no time. Best of all, you can do it all in your dressing gown. Then, once a week or so, treat yourself to the real deal at that local cafe with the cute barista. You're only human, after all. DITCH THE CROWDED COMMUTE This one is kind of a no-brainer for inner-city dwellers. Why go through the hassle of being packed onto hot and crowded public transport, especially in the age of social distancing? The same goes for driving — nobody wants to waste time (and petrol) sitting in traffic. Even if it means starting half an hour sooner than you would normally, walking to your destination means you're getting exercise and saving money. For longer trips look into getting a bike, scooter or skateboard (again, secondhand bargains are everywhere). If you have to travel quite the distance, electronic bikes are a godsend. Whether you're already in the office or are going back when restrictions further ease, ditching the public transport life even once or twice a week is better for the bank, the environment and your physical and emotional wellbeing. MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO Meal prepping: it sounds tedious at first, but once you get into the swing of it, it's really not that much of a hassle. And, spoiler alert, it can actually be fun — or, at least, it'll give you a sense of achievement on an otherwise unproductive Sunday. If you're a novice, start simple: try roasting a whole chook with veggies. You'll easily get a couple of dinners out of it, and the leftover meat can be used for sandwiches, salads and burrito bowls. Oh, and don't bin the carcass — it'll make a great homemade stock that you can portion out and freeze for later. Don't eat meat? Dust of that slow cooker and make a huge dhal for an easy-yet-nourishing feed. The more prep you do, the better and more inventive you'll get with it. Soon your homemade lunches will easily surpass that underwhelming $18 toastie you ordered on Uber Eats. FOLLOW THE SEASONS Now that you're on the way to becoming a whiz in the kitchen, you'll want to know how to cut down that grocery bill. It's just simple supply and demand, really. Shopping seasonally means that if you're buying something that's readily available the price is lower as there are fewer costs going into acquiring it. We're incredibly fortunate in Australia to have amazing fruit and veg available all year round, but certain things grow in abundance in summer rather than winter and vice versa. So, embrace shopping and cooking seasonally. You'll eat well and expand your repertoire while saving so that it feels almost natural. [caption id="attachment_737580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt[/caption] GET THRIFTY Thrift shops, Salvos, Vinnies, Depop, Facebook Marketplace — there's no end to the bargains and unique pieces you can find without the hectic price tags. More often than not, op shops are located near other op shops so you can make a day of traversing a few and seeing what you can find. Pro tip: go to affluent suburbs, where you're more likely to uncover some rare gems in top condition. And while you're mindlessly doomscrolling on your phone at night, try browsing on Depop. You'll be surprised and delighted by the great designer pieces you can find from the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne Studios, Zimmermann and more. EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Spring is here, so it's time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. And it'll be lighter on the wallet than a night on the town. Pack a picnic and head to the park for a long-awaited catch-up with your mates. If you're lucky, you'll be able to snag a public barbecue to have a cook-up and embrace the simple pleasures of a DIY outdoor feast. Toss a frisbee or a football, challenge your buds to a game of Finska, and stuff sausages into your pockets so all the dogs come to play with you. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. BANK BETTER Knowing where your money is and why you're choosing to put it there is important in terms of goals and improving your overall financial literacy. If you're clamouring to get your first home, choose a bank that maximises your saving potential, such as Great Southern Bank. Great Southern Bank is empowering young Aussies with their banking to get them to their savings goals faster. Whether you're saving for a house deposit or just want to develop better banking habits, Great Southern Bank has a number of smart tools and features to get you there. One is The Boost, where you can set a predetermined amount (between $0.01 and $5) from your everyday transaction account to be automatically transferred to your savings account every time you make a purchase. That means every sambo, short black and schooner is subtly boosting your savings. Once you've got that all set up, you'll want to keep your savings fund from shrinking. For instance, if you get a bit tap happy when you're out having a good time (who doesn't), your bank balance can take quite the hit. This is where having a spending cap on your account can come in handy. Be realistic about how much you'll need depending on the activity. And, here's the tricky part: don't transfer more. You'll thank yourself later. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt
Five years in the making, W Hotel's luxury Darling Harbour development will finally bring the global hotel chain back to Sydney in October this year. Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the unmistakable harbourfront hotel has faced several delays and setbacks, but will finally swing its doors open in three months' time — and it has just revealed the next-level dining options that are in store for Sydneysiders and guests alike. The flagship restaurant and bar for the hotel will be called BTWN, playing on the building being wedged between its neighbouring expressways. This ambitious all-day eatery's kitchen is led by Head Chef Chris Dodd (ex-Aria, The Blue Door and Bistrot Plume), whose menu places emphasis on sustainability and local New South Wales produce. Hotel breakfasts and hearty dinners will be available here, with expected highlights from the mains menu including poached Murray cod, slow-cooked yoghurt-rubbed lamb shoulder and mushroom ragout. The level-three restaurant can be seen from the adjacent highway, acting as a living, breathing billboard for the hotel. Inside, designer Bowler James Brindley uses urban hallmarks and a slick chrome fitout inspired by airstream food trucks to celebrate the hotel's place in the heart of the city. Come sundown, a one-of-a-kind dessert bar labelled 2AM will open inside BTWN. Acclaimed Singaporean dessert chef Janice Wong is in charge of this venue within a venue — her first permanent outpost in Australia. Wong has twice been named Asia's best pastry chef on The World's Best Restaurants list, and runs restaurants and dessert bars across Singapore, London, Korea and Tokyo. The accomplished lover of all things decadent has crafted a menu that will appeal to both sweet tooths and more conservative dessert-enjoyers — and one that is designed to pair with BTWN's wine list and custom cocktails. 2AM's cacao forest is created using chocolate mousse, passionfruit chocolate, and consommé made from mango, lime and lychee. Or, there's the cassis plum, which places a bombe with yuzu pearls on top of elderflower yoghurt foam and choya granita. Rounding out the offerings at the sleek inner-city venue is the cocktail bar, which will keep things rolling from midday till late with a meticulously designed drinks list and sweeping views of Darling Harbour. Located within The Ribbon, the multimillion-dollar development has been designed by HASSEL architects and sits on the former IMAX theatre site (don't worry, the new IMAX is scheduled to also reopen this year). Outside of the dining options, W Sydney's drawcards include 585 stunning rooms and suites, plus exuberant shared spaces throughout the hotel including a heated rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water, a luxury spa and a gym. If you want to be one of the first to stay in the massive Darling Harbour accommodation, bookings are now open for stays starting from Wednesday, November 1. [caption id="attachment_909978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Janice Wong[/caption] W Sydney will open its doors in October 2023 at 31 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour — head to thee Darling Harbour website for further details.
In order to help you celebrate all things vinyl, CD, band shirt and street press, here are some of the places you'll want to check out on National Record Store Day on April 20. These are just our suggestions — for the official list of participating stores (who will stock the Record Store Day releases) head along to the website. 1. Record Exchange Brisbane's Record Exchange, tucked up on Adelaide Street in Brisbane's city centre, is a hidden gem among music enthusiasts. Its walls are bursting with all of the musty vinyl, oversized (and psyche- fluorescent) posters, obscure clothing and vintage collectibles you could possibly want in a store; it currently stands as the largest record store in the southern hemisphere, for its collection rather than floor space. You can easily spend a day flicking through LPs, CDs, DVDs (or even VHS), purveying the instruments on sale, weighing up the choice of Beatles or KISS bobbleheads. The Record Exchange is best tackled with an open yet decisive mind, unlimited time and perhaps a like-minded friend who can tell you if those embellished, knee-high Doc Martens really do go with that tartan ballet skirt. 2. Rocking Horse Records Just around the corner from the Record Exchange is where you’ll find Rocking Horse Records. It’s the oldest independently owned store of its kind in Queensland and has proven itself as a dear treasure to its regular customers when it was saved from closure last year. They stock CDs from international to indie, selected vinyl and T-shirts, and an impressive collection of music books and magazines and posters. Rocking Horse is also a stockist of Brisbane’s best music street press magazines, and inside its walls plastered with tour posters, you can’t help but be kept up to date on all things music in Brisbane. 3. Tym’s Guitars A guitar haven first and a record store second, Tym Guitars in Fortitude Valley holds its own amongst the bigger names in records sales if only for the passion behind their products. They are a unique instrument shop who specialise in vintage and pre-loved guitars and repairs, recording equipment, tour gear, and a collection of music, merch and memorabilia that boasts quality over quantity. To further prove their dedication to the cause, Tym Guitars are hosting a party for Record Store Day, with bands, new vinyl, giveaways and a sausage sizzle. 4. Jet Black Cat Brisbane’s cultural mecca, West End, has many options when it comes to record collecting, however Jet Black Cat are in a league of their own. They are dedicated to maintaining their 'indie' status; not at all in an ironic, inaccessible way, but rather their left-of-field, novel approaches to products and how they sell them is remarkable and longstanding. If they don’t have it, they’ll get it for you, however you won’t leave unsurprised or, as is the affliction of the music obsessed, empty handed. Be sure to cross this Black Cat’s path come Record Store Day. 5. Egg Records Walk into Egg Records in West End, and you’re sure to find a treat. Alongside pre-loved and new vinyl, CDs, DVDs and merch shirts, you’ll find quirky collectibles (dancing James Brown action figure, anyone?). Conveniently and competitively located across from Jet Black Cat, you’ll get the true West End treatment of golden tunes and the friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you find the treasure you thought you’d never track down. Egg Records is often quoted as having the supreme of selections, with its regulars swearing by its secrets.
Carraway Pier, a cult fish and chip favourite. Oh, it had been a while - years in fact. But a trip down memory lane – to QUT Kelvin Grove – called for a stop by Carraway Pier. And it is safe to say (unlike many nostalgic childhood memories I’ve ruined by recreating) it lived up to the good name. Student favourite, the establishment dishes up fresh fish and chips, salads and burgers to the masses. It's student prices for everyone here - a fillet of barramundi is just $9.90, while a cod, three calamari, two prawn cutlets and chips will only set you back $12. Fortunately low prices doesn't equal poor quality or small portions. The decor is simple with cafe tables and blue plastic chairs, but you can eat in and dine on white ceramic plates using real cutlery and service with a smile. We went with the salt and pepper calamari, chips and salad. The calamari was tender and stacked high, the chips were crispy and the salad, fresh. Be sure to order a tub or tartare or aioli to dip. If fish and chips ain’t your gravy, Carraway’s hearty home-style burgers come in at $7.50, and fruit smoothies are just $5.50. The store just celebrated its eighth birthday and we hope the legendary store sticks around for at least another eight. At nearly half the price of my local fish shop and with no compromise on quality, I might have to go back to uni or move to the other side of the city.
Blooming gardens, citrus fruits and delicious local food and wine are on the lineup of the annual Griffith Spring Fest. Headlining the event — which will run between Sunday, 8 October and Sunday, 22 October — is the Garden Festival where green thumbs can wander through six delightful landscaped sites, created and nurtured by local gardeners. If you can make it to the official launch party on Friday 13 October, we highly recommend you do. If for no reason other than to tuck into the super-sized communal paella that will be whipped up on the day (it's served in a very covid-safe and hygienic way, just in case you had concerns). Other standout activations include over 50 unique citrus sculptures which will line Banna Avenue for two weeks. Made from more than 100,000 locally grown oranges and grapefruit, these displays are proof that when life gives you lemons in Griffith, you transform them into robots, reclining chooks or a giant giraffe. Go old-school and join a guided bus tour, or DIY and discover the best that Griffith has to offer all by yourself. The only non-negotiable is that you squeeze the day. (Sorry). Griffith Spring Fest will run from Sunday, 8 October till Sunday, 22 October 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
A visit to New Zealand's South Island is filled with breathtaking views, invigorating treks and some seriously fine drops of wine. What to do is the easy part. But, with so many accommodation options out there, deciding where to stay can become a bit tricky. While camping within the country's incredible national parks is an excellent choice, camping may not be your thing — even if it is glamping. But, there are still tons of out-of-the-ordinary stays available. On your next trip to the South Island, do things a little differently when it comes to your accommodation — whether that's by staying in tiny homes, converted railway wagons, two-storey silos or on a floating catamaran. Here, you'll find five alternative places to book on a South Island journey. SILOSTAY, LITTLE RIVER Little River's multi-award-winning SiloStay "goes against the grain" and puts up visitors (instead of farm grain and feed) in two-storey cylindrical silos. Inside the one-bedroom metal structures, the ground floor is fitted with a custom-built kitchenette, living room, small toilet and balcony. Take the winding steel staircase to the upper floor bedroom, and you'll find the bedroom and a balcony. While the silos may have a rustic feel (originally being grain-holders and all), each comes with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, a mounted stereo unit in the headboard and free wifi, as well as bike and kayak racks. Plus, the silos are eco-friendly, using a sustainable pellet boiler system, a planet-friendly waste-water system and natural wool insulation. SiloStay also offers one-level accessible silos with the same features. Prices range between $200–$230 depending on the season, with discounts available for bookings of two nights or more. AQUAPACKERS, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Comforting, soothing — there's just something about being rocked to sleep. Those babies really have it good. Enter Aquapackers. This converted catamaran offers floating accommodation set in Anchorage Bay in the centre of the Abel Tasman National Park where you can be rocked to sleep by the gentle ripples of the bay. And when you're not enjoying that rock-a-bye sleep, you can relax with some sun on the upper deck or a trek around the peaceful national park. After something a bit more energetic? Sign up for a coastal trek or water sports like sailing and kayaking — Aquapackers specifically offers guided kayaking and coastline walking tours. Rooms range from shared backpacker dorms ($110 per person) to private cabins ($245 per cabin) and each night's stay includes breakfast and a barbecue dinner, plus complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. GOLDEN BAY HIDEAWAY HOUSE TRUCK, WAINUI BAY Though Wainui Bay's Golden Bay Hideaway offers five secluded, solar-powered and energy-efficient eco-home options, our favourite is the House Truck. Set in a remote bush location and overlooking the sea, this restored 1950s Commer truck has been transformed into a two-storey tiny house. The home features a woodfire stove, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor picnic table, two queen beds and, the best part, an outdoor bath looking out over the bay towards the mountains. The isolated setting means guests can comfortably enjoy a long bath under the stars with a glass of the region's finest wine in hand. All of Golden Bay Hideaway's homes are also solar-powered and energy efficient so you won't be Prices range depending on the season, with discounts for longer bookings — which can get you down to $110 per night if you book four or more nights. WAIPARA SLEEPERS, WAIPARA Set in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, 45 minutes from Christchurch, the team at Waipara Sleepers has converted a group of 1940s railway cars into stationary accommodation. The owners have maintained the original features of each upcycled wagon, securing each to a piece of train track in their country garden. Cars range from traditional four-berth bunk rooms ($25 per person) to more homey fit-outs with brass double beds, refrigerators and televisions ($50–$70 per room). All wagons have internal heating, a balcony and a separate seating area. Accommodation ranges from $25 per person in the shared bunk rooms to $50–$70 a night in private accommodation. For a cheaper, private space, there's also the Railway Hut ($40–$60 per night) — a tiny cabin that once housed railway workers. ST BATHANS POLICE CAMP, OTAGO If you've ever been even the teensiest bit intrigued by what it's like to spend the night in gaol, St Bathans Police Camp is happy to give you a little (but certainly more luxe) taste. The owners have repurposed the tiny town's historic 1864 gaol into a self-contained apartment. Plan a trip to the historic St Bathans, founded during the goldfields mining era (and now only home to six permanent residents), to wander the reserve formed by the gold mining processes and to check out some of the town's historic architecture. The gaol cell accommodation is located near the old constable's cottage — a much bigger three-bedroom option you can also rent — and looks out over the pristine Blue Lake. The old cell is now fitted with a queen bed, and the former lobby and office are now the kitchen, with an ensuite bathroom and veranda also installed. It's an old-fashioned fit-out, complete with rocking chair, timber walls and jail-house door. St Bathans Jail (Gaol) is available for $145 per night, including a continental breakfast. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
When Eagle Street Pier was torn down, making way for a yet-to-be-built new riverfront precinct, Fatcow Steak & Lobster was forced shut up shop. The Tassis Group isn't letting its expertise with beef and the ocean's finest go to waste, however. Next stop: Rich & Rare, which'll open in West End this spring to serve up plenty of high-end steak and seafood. Sprawling both indoors and out, seating 150 people and due to welcome in patrons from September, then new Manhattan-style joint will make West Village its home, joining the array of eateries settling in at the park-filled precinct. Indeed, the hospitality crew behind Rich & Rare know the place well, given that Tassis also runs Yamas Greek + Drink. That eatery launched in 2022, giving the Boundary Street site an excuse to tuck into oysters with ouzo, lamb and chicken souvla, and cotton candy-topped spritzes — plus lobster from the tank. "Having witnessed the way West End has wholeheartedly embraced of Yamas, the opportunity to establish another venue in the illustrious West Village precinct is nothing short of a dream," said restaurateur Michael Tassis, announcing Rich & Rare. Lobster is a highlight at his new venue, too, again from the tank. Also set to grace the seafood menu: oysters that'll be opened 'on order', plus Mooloolaba swordfish steak on the bone, which Rich & Rare hopes will become one of its signature dishes. Beef-wise, prime dry-aged steaks will star across the menu, with cuts hailing from Australian farms. If you only try one, the tomahawk steak looks to be it — it'll be cooked over an open flame, then rested to up its juice game, then carved and served at your table. To wash down your choice of protein, Rich & Rare's bar will go heavy on local and international whisky, wine and spirits, including for after-work tipples, pre-dinner cocktails and late-night digestifs. Tassis has assembled a culinary team led by Cameron Croad, who was most recently General Manager at Spicers Hidden Vale, plus Head Chef Felipe De Souza Oliveira (Urbane, Greca) guiding the kitchen crew. The look and feel: sleek and sophisticated, with both a cylindrical glass walk-in dry-aging room and a temperature-controlled walk-in cellar greeting patrons as they arrive, plus manicured gardens. And yes, it's proving a big time for Tassis, which already boasts not only Yamas but Opa Bar + Mezze and Massimo in its stable. The group's Hamptons-inspired seafood restaurant Fosh is to open at Portside Wharf in August, and overwater restaurant and bar Bombora, plus landing cafe Mulga Bill's will be part of Kangaroo Point's new green bridge in 2024. Find Rich & Rare at West Village, 97 Boundary Street, West End, from sometime in September 2023 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced. Images: Allo Creative & Markus Ravik / Clui Design.
Keli Holiday — the solo project of Peking Duk's Adam Hyde — is set to play two special headline gigs in Melbourne and Sydney this November, giving fans the chance to experience the energy of his latest single 'Dancing2' live on stage. The shows are locked in for Melbourne's Howler on Thursday, November 14, and Sydney's Mary's Underground on Saturday, November 16. Both will see Holiday deliver his signature mix of raw emotion and euphoric sounds, with Hyde describing the sets as a chance to "share some joy together and let's sweat." Born during the creative standstill of the pandemic, Keli Holiday became Hyde's outlet for heartbreak, sonic experimentation and reinvention. Now, with 'Dancing2', he's channelling it all into a slow-burning, string-laced modern love story inspired by meeting his partner Abbie Chatfield. "This song is about meeting a love that seemed a world away," Hyde explained. "There's so much noise and distraction going on constantly … We were both just dancing through the show as we all are. There was a definitive moment when we decided to connect with each other on an unspoken battlefield and we have been dancing together ever since." 'Dancing2' has been climbing the ARIA charts, peaking at number one on the Top 20 Australian Singles list. It's also made its way onto Spotify's Daily Top Songs, cracked the Shazam Top 50, and hit number one on TikTok's Viral Chart. The track marks a bold step toward the next chapter for the 2025 Rolling Stone Australia Readers' Choice Award winner, following 2022's KELI and 2024's JESTERMAN EP. Tickets for Keli Holiday's Sydney and Melbourne shows are on sale now via the official website.
Everyone should be able to fill their walls with art no matter their bank balance. That's the idea behind Affordable Art Fair, and has been since 1999. Back in the 20th century, the event initially popped up in London to share eye-catching pieces with the world at manageable prices, and then started spreading its art-for-all ethos around the world. A quarter-century later, it's now set to make a Brisbane appearance. For four days in May 2024 — from Thursday, May 9–Sunday, May 12 — the first-ever Affordable Art Fair Brisbane will debut at Brisbane Showgrounds. On offer at the Bowen Hills venue will be original artworks by the thousands, with prices starting from $100. If you are feeling flush with cash, however, costs will max out at $10,000 per piece. The fair's arrival in the River City adds to a footprint that spans 17 fairs in 16 cities, including in Melbourne and Sydney already. The 2024 run will also see both Berlin and Austin join Affordable Art Fair's ranks as host spots. Making repeat visits, the event will return to London, Brussels, Hamburg, Stockholm and Amsterdam in Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong in Asia, and New York in the US as well. Unsurprisingly, democratising art has been proving the hit as Affordable Art Fair notches up the years. Across its stops worldwide since 1999, the event has sold 568,000 artworks at a value of over AU$820 million. In Brisbane, more than 40 independent Australian galleries will have pieces up for sale, alongside Asia-Pacific institutions. Among the Aussie contingent, Studio Gallery, Revival Art & Design, The Toowoomba Gallery, Wentworth Galleries, MG and Co and JUMBLED will all be represented. Buying art isn't the only drawcard, though, with talks, tours, workshops, live tunes, bites to eat, drinks and live artist demonstrations all also on the agenda. "Affordable Art Fair focuses on the fun side of viewing and buying art and seeks to put art into every home, no matter the size or buyer's budget," explains Australian Fair Director Stephanie Kelly. "The mission of the fair is to democratise and demystify the art world and make art accessible to all. Unlike traditional art fairs, every exhibited work is from a living artist, every artwork on display lists a sale price and every artwork is looking for a new home." Affordable Art Fair Brisbane will take place from Thursday, May 9–Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills — head to the event's website for tickets and more details.
Melbourne's fashion fiends are in for a serious treat, with the NGV International kicking off its dazzling new exhibition — The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift. A treasure trove of sartorial delights, the free showcase features over 150 haute couture pieces from some of the world's most iconic fashion houses. Prepare for wardrobe envy to hit hard as you take in this intriguing collection, which has been gifted to the NGV by leading philanthropist Krystyna Campbell-Pretty. There are a swag of legendary designs on show, from Le Smoking Suit — the avant-garde Yves Saint Laurent women's tuxedo, circa 1967 — to that tartan Alexander McQueen creation made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2006 Met Gala. Taking a style trip through the ages, the exhibition also showcases Madame Grès gowns, a rare collection of little black dresses from the one and only Chanel, and Dior designs from as far back as the label's 1947 debut. On display daily until Sunday, July 14, the threads are backed by a curation of original sketches and workbooks, rarely seen early-edition fashion magazines, embroidered samples and a suite of fashion photography. And for those keen to dive in further, The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift is accompanied by a program of talks, including an International Women's Day chat about women's fashion in the 20th century. Images: Tom Ross.
Warwick Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Deborah Mailman, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis: name a better Australian quintet. The director of Samson & Delilah and Sweet Country, the two-time Oscar-winner and recent Tár tour de force, the local screen mainstay, and the Bad Seeds bandmates and seasoned film composers all combine not for the ultimate Aussie dinner party, but for The New Boy. None are debuting in their jobs. All are exceptional. They're each made better, however, by the luminous and entrancing Aswan Reid. As well as playing the titular part, the 11-year-old first-time actor lives it among such a wealth of acclaimed and experienced talent — and he's such a find in such excellent company, while saying little in words but everything in every other way, that Thornton's third fictional feature owes him as much of a debt as its applauded and awarded household names. There's a spark to Reid from the moment that he's first spied grappling with outback law enforcement under blazing rays as Cave and Ellis' (This Much I Know to Be True) latest rousing score plays. His sun-bleached hair couldn't be more fitting, or symbolic, but it's the confident way in which he holds himself as New Boy, plus the determined look on his face, that sears. Wily and wiry, the feature's eponymous figure is toppled by a boomerang, then bagged up and transported to the remote Catholic orphanage doted on by Sister Eileen (Blanchett, Nightmare Alley) in the 1940s. The cop doing the escorting notes that the kid is a bolter, but the nun is just as fast in her kindness. She sees what Thornton wants his audience to see: a boy that beams with his presence and through his sense of self, even though he's been snatched up, taken from his Country and forced into a Christian institution against his will. Sister Eileen is as drawn to him as the movie, but — and not just due to the red wine she likes sipping and the subterfuge she's keeping up about the resident father's absence — she isn't as certain about what to do. The path that any new arrival at the monastery is supposed to follow is preordained: uniforms, a dorm bed, porridge, helping in the fields, obedience and church. New Boy barely subscribes, donning only shorts, sleeping on the floor and cutting in front in the food line, which Sister Eileen permits. The abbey's two other adults, the nurturing Sister Mum (Mailman, Total Control) and farmhand George (Wayne Blair, Seriously Red), are welcoming yet know the reality that's facing all of the boys in their care, particularly the First Nations kids. In the priest's name, Sister Eileen might write letters to the government urging them not to send her charges away when they're considered old enough to work — the endgame to the state, especially with the Second World War impacting labour — but Sister Mum and George are lived proof that acquiescing and assimilating is the only outcome that will be accepted. There's a spark to the new boy, too, and literally. He's meant to pray away his Indigenous spirituality in the name of dutiful conformity, and in favour of Christianity, but the faith and culture that's as old as Australia's Traditional Owners glows. He's curious, though, including about the ornate, life-sized wooden cross that's sent from France for safekeeping during the war. He wants to undo its nails, free Jesus from crucifixion and give it the property's snakes as gifts. As Thornton peppers in religious imagery, New Boy displays more in common with its carved figurine than Sister Eileen knows how to handle. This is a tale of survival and, while always its namesake's story first and foremost, it also sees two sides to it: the First Nations lad ripped away from all he knows, as well as the nun that's gone renegade within a system that sees her as lesser because she's a woman. Writing and directing — as he did with Samson & Delilah, but not Sweet Country — Kaytetye man Thornton takes inspiration from his own experience as a child sent to a missionary boarding school ran by Spanish monks. In the process, he makes a moving and needfully blunt statement about the clash that's too often been enforced upon the country's First Peoples since colonisation. Indeed, simmering with anger but also hope, The New Boy is a clear, unshakeable rebuttal of the perennially ridiculous idea that only one faith, culture or way of life can exist. And, crucially, it feels as personal as Thornton's work gets; he isn't in front of the lens as he was with the also-remarkable The Beach, where he charted his own escape away from the incessant hustle and bustle of modern life, but the sensation that emanates from the screen is overwhelmingly the same. Thornton works as his own cinematographer on The New Boy, another trademark touch — see also: anthology film The Darkside, documentary We Don't Need a Map, plus the episodic Mystery Road and Firebite — which allows him to load every inch of every immaculate frame with deep and blistering emotion. There's no such thing as a passive image anywhere in any film by any director, but Thornton's beautifully shot movies ensure that his viewers can't evade the landscape that's been forever changed by white settlement. Here, he roves over the plains outside of South Australia's Burra, where every structure for the feature was erected from scratch, and where shimmering yellow fields of wheat grow atop the ochre earth that's been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. He sees how the terrain has been reshaped, but never forgets who was there first. With his oh-so-perceptive eye, Thornton's visuals stunningly do what New Boy does: expresses everything with little speaking necessary. In her first on-screen role in a solely Australian film since 2013's The Turning, Blanchett talks, of course. Where much of the picture around her bubbles with loaded patience, and Reid's innate naturalism, The New Boy's biggest star is the storm amid the deceiving calm. Consumed by her struggles with her own faith while tasked with instilling it into her charges, and also now challenged by the new boy that defies her sense of logic, Sister Eileen rarely stops moving, fretting, surveying, asserting, preaching and confessing — and Blanchett is magnetic to behold. That said, it's a performance with a needed counterbalance. Without Reid's serenity, Blanchett might've come on too strong. Without Reid, too, the fact that the eponymous character's quest to endure is tinged with hard-won optimism amid its palpable fury mightn't have shone through. No matter what happens, or how rarely he's accepted for who he is, New Boy always persists.
When choosing a Greek restaurant (or, frankly, any restaurant) to visit, the crowd it pulls can be the deciding factor. So you know you're getting the real deal at Lefkas Taverna, which still manages to pack out daily after three generations of operation. While the longstanding West End spot has had some facelifts in its time, the home-style Greek cuisine that comes out of the kitchen has remained much the same since the day it opened. When you find something that works, right? Start with a selection of traditional dips with pita, triple cheese croquettes and grilled halloumi. Next, move on to bigger plates of souvla, yiros and stifado, which is braised for five hours with red wine and white onions. With low prices, big portion sizes and a lively atmosphere, this spot is perfect for big group celebrations. Lefkas Taverna offers BYO wine and beer. Image: Hennessytrill
If there's anything more nerve-racking than a first date, it's meeting the parents. Picking the perfect place to do it is a balancing act — you need somewhere that isn't too loud or crowded but is busy enough to combat any awkward silences. Also essential is a spot that's trendy enough to impress the future in-laws, but not so upmarket that they're concerned. And, of course, you want somewhere that takes bookings. Everyone knows that parents don't love being waitlisted. Thankfully, Brisbane's bustling dining scene just keeps getting bigger and better. But, as anyone who's ever been in charge of the restaurant selection knows, narrowing the River City's culinary choices down to that one perfect spot isn't always easy. That's why we have American Express on our side to help sift through our directory and pick the best casual dining spots across the city. We've narrowed them down and found a few excellent destinations to help you nail that first meeting — and increase that stock of Amex points you've been collecting. Read on and impress the parents with more than just your dazzling smile. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Oki & Oro is an independently owned Brisbane Optometrist specialising in boutique eyewear (oki) and timepieces (oro). All frames and watches are sourced from local designers, as well as internationally. The team pride themselves on finding and stocking unique designs, and using their expertise to help customers choose frames to suit their personality and style. Having recently celebrated their first birthday, Oki & Oro is committed to helping Brisbanites look and see their best.
This quaint establishment is the latest venture from the team behind Alcove Cafe and Esher St Deli, and their experience in hospitality and passion for produce shine through once again. Samson and Sophie opened its doors in March 2014, and after finding their footing along the river, the team is proud to deliver the freshest and finest locally made produce. An eclectic mix of shabby-chic tables and chairs sprawl along the pavement of Macquarie Street. As potted herbs hang from the fence and umbrellas attempt to shield the harsh Brisbane sun, patrons sidle up and settle in for both breakfast and lunch, seven days a week. While the venue is not suited for long and large lunch gatherings, it's a pretty rad spot for a quick catch up. Let the baristas brew you a fresh cup of coffee or a thirst-quenching frappe while you take a long, hard look at the menus. Like any good breakfast menu should, Samson and Sophie's delivers a range of options to suit almost every morning appetite. If you're after something light, the cinnamon fruit toast ($10.90) or hobby mix house muesli ($12.90) have got you covered. For something a little heartier, check out the slow-cooked beans ($16.90), Wrapped Up ($12.90) breakfast wrap, or the roast pumpkin fritters with fresh greens, honey carrots and Bahbah's yoghurt cheese with a poached egg ($18.90). Of course, there is the option to add sides to any of the meals. The fresh flavours from breakfast seemingly roll over to the lunch menu. Delicious options like the Farmers Bowl of hot buttered corn with parmesan, thyme roasted mushroom, rocket, cherry tomato salad and organic sourdough ($14.90) or the Baking Dish, a changing hot lunch creation, should tide you over till tea. Fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps are also available into the afternoon. If you're not in the mood for a meal, grab a coffee, pick up some fresh flowers or treat yourself to a locally made Italian pastry and relish in the cafes relaxed charm.
There's nothing like a big, warm welcome to make you feel instantly at home, whether you're wining and dining out or enjoying a hard-earned weekend escape. At some places, it might be a traditional greeting, called cheerfully when you walk through a restaurant's front door, for others, a thoughtful gesture that's steeped in culture. Then, there are the greeting rituals that'll please your taste buds as well as give you the warm and fuzzies — like DoubleTree by Hilton's signature 'cookie welcome', which sees all of its guests gifted with a freshly baked, warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival. Keen to feel at home away from home? We've scouted out some of Melbourne's best global eateries dishing up warm welcomes of their own. BHANG, BRUNSWICK At contemporary Brunswick spot Bhang, Indian street food gets a freshen-up with classic flavours married to modern techniques and served up in a funky, new-school setting. Here, a lot of thought goes into making visitors feel welcome, with gestures both traditional and not. If you're digging the vibe, it could be because the figure of Hindu deity Ganesha is given fresh flowers at the start of each service, as a way of increasing the positive energies and inviting health and prosperity. You'll also catch welcoming wafts of incense throughout the restaurant and enjoy complimentary house-made pappadums to kick-start your meal. 1/2A Mitchell Street, Brunswick. DOC, CARLTON Enter through the doors of Carlton's legendary DOC and you'll be welcomed with the scent of baking pizza dough, as well as a cheery chorus of ciao, Italy's well-known greeting. Here, crisp-based traditional pizzas are the stars of the show, but to start things off right, let the friendly staff invite you aboard the aperitivo train. An alcoholic sip designed to help fire up the appetite, consider this the proper Italian welcome to any hearty meal. At DOC, fuel up with a glass of prosecco or a spritz, and you'll know you've been invited to enjoy some serious feasting. 295 Drummond Street, Carlton. AKACHOCHIN, SOUTH WHARF For fresh, honest Japanese fare served with a side of warm hospitality, you'll find it hard to beat a visit to South Wharf's Akachochin. Named after the red paper lanterns you'll often spy strung up outside a Japanese izakaya, this waterfront spot plays to tradition — from the serious knife skills on display in the open kitchen to the menu of sushi, sashimi and tried-and-true classics. Of course, you'll find it hard not to get swept up in tradition yourself, when you're greeted with a cheerful staff chorus of irasshaimase — Japan's customary call of 'welcome' or 'come on in'. 33 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf. MOVIDA, CBD Spain's renowned tapas culture is about much more than just chowing down on tasty small food — it's about sharing a meal and wine with friends and celebrating social interactions. And when you partake in the tradition, it's hard not to feel like you're part of some big Spanish eating club. Here in Melbourne, Frank Camorra's famed MoVida is one of the best spots to get your authentic tapas fix — all funky tunes, moody lighting and a menu filled with top-notch small bites, like mini beef tartares and pressed pork tostadas. 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne. PASTUSO, CBD Dining at ACDC Lane restaurant Pastuso is a bit like embarking on a journey through the many flavours of Peru, from the lively seafood dishes of the dedicated ceviche bar to the charry, meaty offerings coming hot off the traditional grill. And of course, the proper welcome to any authentic Peruvian adventure comes in the form of a fresh, tangy pisco sour — Peru's widely celebrated national cocktail, made from a grape-based spirit. To have you dining like a true Peruvian, the staff here are always eager to steer you towards an expertly crafted concoction from the pisco bar. 19 ACDC Lane, Melbourne. BON AP', FITZROY This cosy Fitzroy gem is like a little slice of provincial France, with fare as charming and authentic as the staff's French accents. The aim here is to replicate the familiarity of a quaint village bistro from back home, so expect a hearty bonjour upon entering, a warm bon appétit and an easygoing energy for as long as you stay. It's an inviting spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner — settle in with some charcuterie, a serve of mussels and a few glasses of great French wine and you'll find it pretty hard to say goodbye. 193 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. LOS HERMANOS, BRUNSWICK At cosy Brunswick haunt Los Hermanos, bank on being greeted by authentic Mexican eats, a festive vibe and a serious collection of Mexico's national drink, tequila. But for all the choice, you won't be left daunted, with staff always keen to help hook you up with your ultimate agave match — their way of welcoming you into the fray. For full effect, pair your chosen drop with a few of the kitchen's drool-worthy tacos, featuring fillings like beer-battered fish, slow-cooked lamb leg and bold chipotle chicken. 339 Victoria Street, Brunswick. SON IN LAW, COLLINGWOOD Rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to unleash its creativity, Collingwood's Son In Law is one of Melbourne's best-loved Thai joints. Named after the dish of deep fried eggs that's said to be served up to misbehaving Thai sons-in-law, it's a colourful spot that's guaranteed to charm. Owner Piyawut Tony Rungpradit says his aim is to welcome diners to an authentically Thai dining experience by offering this namesake dish, as well as traditional share plates like the rich green curry and pad see ew noodles. Expect a sunny Aussie welcome to make you feel at home while you tuck into a proper Thai feast. 56 Johnston Street, Collingwood. DIN TAI FUNG, CBD Famed for its signature dumplings and boasting venues across the globe, Din Tai Fung sure knows how to pull the crowds. But no matter how busy the Melbourne Emporium restaurant might get, you'll always be met with a friendly call of ni hao — a Mandarin version of 'hi' or 'how are you' that's commonly used in China and Taiwan. It's just a kind little reminder of the Taiwanese deliciousness that awaits — drunken chicken, fragrant wonton soup and, of course, a parade of juicy, perfectly-crafted dumplings. Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. HOFBRAUHAUS, CBD In Germany, one of the world's largest consumers of beer, the heartiest welcome you'll find comes in the form of a nice, cold stein. For centuries it's been part of the social fabric, bringing people together and creating homes away from homes. And you'll experience exactly this with a visit to Market Lane's historic German restaurant, Hofbrauhaus. Here, staff sport classic Bavarian outfits, live German tunes set a cheerful tone and generous serves of pork knuckle are primed for feasting sessions. A range of traditionally brewed biers rounds out the whole lively experience. 18–28 Market Lane, Melbourne. Discover the many ways to feel welcome in Melbourne — from an authentic aperitivo hour to a chorus of 'irasshaimase' to the warm, freshly baked cookies waiting to welcome you to your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton on Flinders Street.
Brisbane's latest nightlife spot wants to wow patrons before they even step foot through the door. It's keen to make its customers feel like they've been whisked somewhere far from the Queensland capital, too. First up, to get inside, you need to step along an LED walkway that has the entrance glowing, its stairs as well, then clubgoers once you're in. And those vibes from places far beyond the River City? Ibiza, Miami and Las Vegas are all influences. Enigma opened in Brisbane to start off August 2024, giving Fortitude Valley a new nightclub. The Brunswick Street spot boasts a $9.3-million fitout, which attendees can enjoy on Friday and Saturday evenings. As the luminous sights and overseas inspirations make plain, the aim is to whisk clubgoers away from their routine even if they're not leaving Brissie. "It targets those seeking an escape," explains Hallmark Hospitality Group's Cade Hopman, with the hospitality adding Enigma to its array of venues. Visuals also accompany the beats inside, in a space that joins Maggie May, Lefty's Music Hall, The Lord Alfred and Hey Chica! are among the company's fellow venues in Brisbane. Retro's and Finn McCool's have locations both here and on the Gold Coast. And the latter is also home to The Cavill Hotel, Sandbar, Lost Kingdom and Asylum — while Hallmark is also behind The Spotted Cow in Toowoomba. Enigma's resident tune-spinners include Tasha Lee, Curdin, SF Fudge, Sophie Bridges, Nestor Vargas and Apolloco, setting the mood whether you're hitting the dance floor or hanging out in the seven booths surrounding the DJ in the VIP area. As for the drinks options, classics such as margaritas, Long Island iced teas, Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis sit alongside the club's signature sip. Opt for The Enigma and you'll be drinking vodka, white rum, gin, blue curacao and raspberry, plus Red Bull. Find Engima at 299 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley — open from 9pm–4am Friday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for more details.
Sometimes, we all need to get a little lost. We need to leave our comfort zones and go wandering through an otherworldly realm, too. We need to explore light-filled mazes, bound through inflatable spaces and check out an electronic hall of mirrors, and just completely forget about our day-to-day troubles while we're moseying around a multi-sensory installation. And, we need the chance to do so for a few years. If all of that sounds like your idea of heaven, it first became a reality in Brisbane at Brisbane Festival 2021, and hasn't left since. First called Imaginaria and now named Imaginator Brisbane, this is an immersive playground for kidults and children alike underneath the Goodwill Bridge, next to Queensland Maritime Museum at South Bank — and it currently has Wednesday, January 31, 2024 as its end date. If it sounds a little familiar — and not just from being in the River City for a while now — that's because you might've heard about Imaginaria's Melbourne runs. When it set up shop in the Victorian capital for six months at the end of 2020, it welcomed in a lazy 100,000-plus people. And yes, its Brisbane stint has been busy. The installation is made up of different structures each filled with lights, sounds and smells. First, you take your shoes off — and then you wander. Cue artificial intelligence projections, for starters, as well as LED waves set off by sensors. Fancy interacting with giant silk parachute canopies? That's also on the list, as are cosmic gardens and an anti-gravity sunset. Of course an installation like this has an electronic hall of mirrors — and there's also a digital wishing well to tell your biggest desires. There's ten rooms in total, eight of which are brand new for Brisbane — and it's an all-ages, choose-your-own-adventure kind of experience, so you can spend 15 minutes skipping through or take your time. Images: Annette Dew / William Hamilton-Coates. Updated Monday, December 18, 2023.
Knowledgeable epicureans from around Australia know there's no better way to spend a weekend than hitting a wine region. Cellar doors offer a cornucopia of delights and their proximity to farmland means you're guaranteed the freshest produce to complement your tipple. South Australia's Clare Valley is one such destination, famous for wine, food and glorious scenery. The combination of rich red soil, an undulating valley of varying microclimates, and the cool, dry seasons create the perfect storm of red and white perfection. And, together with southaustralia.com, we've created this comprehensive guide to the famed wine region — from some of Australia's best riesling to excellent specimens of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, you'll find something to suit every wine lover's palate here. And only a couple of hours out of Adelaide, the Clare Valley is so close you can almost taste it as soon as you step off the plane. If you have the time, immerse yourself in the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast, too. Or explore the Adelaide CBD — there are plenty of underground bars and fairy light-lit rooftops to uncover. [caption id="attachment_680370" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Skillogalee[/caption] EAT In the lead up to your Clare Valley weekend, we recommend training your stomach because you're going to want to eat — a lot. There's an award-winning venue around every bend in the road, but we recommend starting strong with a visit to Skillogalee and its winery restaurant. The lunch menu is packed with unexpected combinations (try the wallaby shank if you're feeling adventurous) or grab a picnic basket chock full of local produce and explore the grounds. Next on your list of must-eats is Seed, a modern wine bar and restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated old building on Main North Road. The venue, with exposed stone, wood and a roaring fire, is cosy and sophisticated, beckoning you to settle in with a buttered rum or a glass of the Valley's finest red. The menu is hearty and modern, with a dedicated vegetarian section, and all served with house-made ciabatta. If at this point you haven't melted into a hedonistic puddle of excess, head over to Terroir Auburn, a restaurant in, yes, Auburn that combines ethical produce with old-school service. The light interior of Terrior is offset by the warmth of its wooden décor and the friendly staff. Pick their brains to find your perfect food and wine match. The menu is tight, meat-heavy and the food is beautifully presented and generously served. Finally, Bush Devine in Polish Hill River, located in the Paulett Wines Cellar Door, is an unforgettable experience — and we don't use that term lightly. Bush Devine is an Indigenous Australian Bush Food restaurant with an associated bush food garden where they grow the food you'll eat. The garden is free to explore before you settle down to your meal. We recommend the wattleseed gnocchi with smoked kangaroo, fennel, green olives, peas and sage cream. The share platters are also a great way to get a taste of all the best bits. [caption id="attachment_680373" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sevenhill Cellars, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] DRINK If you thought figuring out where to eat was tough, just wait till you try to pick a winery. You would need a lifetime to explore all of the Clare Valley's amazing venues but seeing as we only have a weekend, let's explore the best of the best. Start your weekend off with a beer at the Clare Valley Brewing Co. You might say "I didn't come to a famous riesling wine region to drink beer!" but trust us, you'll kick yourself if you miss the CVBC. The brewery itself it beautiful, with insane views to take in as you sample their core range of award-winning beers. When you're ready to move onto the main event (i.e. wine) make your way across to Clare Valley's very first winery Sevenhill Cellars. After tasting plenty of wines in the cellar door, head on a tour of the stunning sandstone underground cellar which is where all the fortified wines are stored. Next on the agenda: Mr Mick Cellar Door. It's worth a trip to Mr Mick just to experience the grounds and the venue. And while you're there — oooh-ing at scenes straight out of Hobbiton and ahh-ing at the cosy cellar door decor — try a glass of the novo sangiovese. They've won awards for it. [caption id="attachment_680368" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Mick Cellar Door, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] Speaking of award-winning, Kilikanoon is next on the agenda — and it's won more awards than you can shake a stick at, including winery of the year and best shiraz. The vineyard is in a picturesque location, with lush green rolling hills and a cellar door nestled in a stone farmhouse surrounded by cottage gardens, fruit orchards and tall gums. We recommend adding a cheese or produce board to go with your tasting experience to really lean into the holiday mood. The final must-do is famed riesling producer Jim Barry. The Barry family own and operate the winery (only a five-minute drive from the town of Clare and easily accessible by the Riesling Trail) so you can get up close and personal with your winemakers. At the cellar door, you'll obviously want to try the riesling, but we also recommend exploring some reds, too — the shiraz will round out your trip perfectly. [caption id="attachment_680371" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riesling Trail[/caption] DO If you have a few moments between wine tastings and feasts, the Clare Valley has many wholesome activities to offer. The most obvious (which ties neatly into the wine and food agenda) is cycling the Riesling Trail. It's an easy, 32-kilometre bike track that takes you past the best riesling vineyards between Auburn and Clare. If you do it right and stop at all the best wineries, the trail will take a few days to complete. You can either hire a bike and do the trail solo, or join an all-inclusive tour organised by Tour de Vines. [caption id="attachment_680372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mintaro Maze[/caption] And, because we're still kids at heart, we can't go past the the Mintaro Maze. It takes 800 conifers to create one glorious maze that will have you wandering for, well, hopefully not hours — but at least a little while. Once you've conquered the maze, crack open a picnic and cruise around the grounds. Keep an eye out for the giant chess board too. [caption id="attachment_680306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Neagles Retreat Villas[/caption] STAY After a day of eating, drinking, cycling, and getting lost in the maze shenanigans, you'll want a comfy bed to recuperate in. Thankfully, the valley is resplendent with cute accommodation options to suit any budget. If you want to stay in town, the Mill Apartments in Clare are modern, clean and central. But if you're looking for a more remote stay, Neagles Retreat Villas in Emu Flats are not to be missed. They're located right on the Riesling Trail and close to five big wineries, including Jim Barry — so it's easy to line up with your winery tours. And if you want to rough it, but not really, Bukirk Glamping in Stanley Flat can hook you up with a kitted-out tent (including all the mod-cons and a woodfire) that will still let you rise with the sun and say hello to the day in the middle of nature. To discover more of Adelaide and South Australia, head to SATC. Top image: Riesling Trail, Adam Bruzzone.
Australia Day already has its own menu, with barbecued meats, pies and lamingtons all public holiday staples. It also has its own soundtrack, thanks to triple j's Hottest 100. Trust Brisbane ice cream parlour Mister Fitz to find a way to combine the two. For January 25 and 26 only, the frozen dessert joint is serving up 'The Hilltop Goods', their Aussie-themed special to suit the occasion. Clearly taking its name from the Adelaide hip hop troupe that have charted rather darn well in the country's biggest music poll over their career, it consists of green and gold vanilla-flavoured ice cream between two homemade chocolate coconut cookies. As always, you can make this massive sweet treat even more epic by adding your choice of toppings — think M&Ms, gummy bears, Nutella, marshmallows and Oreos, to name a few. If you're chasing that feeling, 'The Hilltop Goods' will be available at Mister Fitz's three outlets at South Bank, Fortitude Valley and East Brisbane. Check out our guide to everything happening in Brisbane January 26 here.
There's never a bad time to treat yo'self to high tea, but Easter is one of the best. Plenty of spots around town celebrate the occasion with exactly that kind of spread — and, with its antique stained-glass windows and vintage chandelier, Belle Époque at Emporium is among them. So, what makes this high tea stand out? Firstly, there's the fact that it's available for more than just a few days, hanging around for a month this time around. Tuck in daily from 10.30am–1pm up until Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Then, there's the menu. You have a few choices, starting with the most decadent of Easter eggs to share. For $45 for two people, your handcrafted chocolate orb will melt in front of you, turning into fondue — which you can dip fruit, marshmallows and cookies into. Or, for $80 each, opt for a savoury and sweet array, including sea salt caramel whip bunny cookies, an edible garden with cocoa soil, a red velvet and raspberry cake, scones, quiches, and smoked salmon and beetroot sandwiches. A hefty range of tea and coffee is also part of the package. Plus, if you feel like something boozy, you can add a glass of sparkling ($90) or champagne ($100) on top — or go for bottomless champers ($130).
UPDATE, January 27, 2023: Sissy is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Scroll, swipe, like, subscribe: this is the rhythm of social media. We look, watch and trawl; we try to find a sense of self in the online world; and when something strikes a chord, we smudge our fingers onto our phones to show our appreciation. If wellness influencers are to be believed, we should feel seen by this now-everyday process. We should feel better, too. We're meant to glean helpful tips about how to live our best lives, aspire to be like the immaculately styled folks dispensing the advice and be struck by how relatable it all is. "You saved my life!", we're supposed to comment, and we're meant to be genuine about it. The one catch, and one that we shouldn't think about, though: when it comes to seeking validation via social media, this setup really does go both ways. As savvy new Australian horror film Sissy shows, the beaming faces spruiking easy wisdom and products alike to hundreds, thousands or maybe hundreds of thousands of followers — 200,000-plus for this flick's namesake — are also basking in the glory of all that digital attention, and getting a self-esteem boost back in the process. Sissy starts with @SincerelyCecilia, an Instagram hit, doing what she does best. As played by Gold Coast-born Australian actor Aisha Dee of The Bold Type in an astute and knowing stroke of casting, she's a natural in front of the camera. Indeed, thanks to everything from The Saddle Club and I Hate My Teenage Daughter to Sweet/Vicious and The Nowhere Inn as well, the film's star knows what it's like to live life through screens out of character. She's been acting since she was a teenager, and she's charted the highs of her chosen profession, all in front of a lens. So, it's no wonder that Dee conveys Cecilia's comfort recording her videos with ease. The actor hops into the spotlight not only once but twice here, but she's just as perceptive at showing how the world crumbles, shakes and shrinks whenever there's no ring light glowing, smile stretched a mile wide and Pinterest-board background framing her guru-like guidance. "I am loved. I am special. I am enough," is Cecilia's kind of mantra. Through her carefully poised and curated videos, such words have sparked a soaring follower count, a non-stop flow of likes and adoring comments. But she's so tied to all that virtual worship that her off-camera existence — when she's not plugging an 'Elon mask', for instance — is perhaps even more mundane than everyone else's. It's also isolated, so when she reconnects with her childhood best friend Emma (co-director/co-writer Hannah Barlow) during a chance run-in at a pharmacy, it's a rare IRL link to the tangible world. Cecilia is awkward about it, though, including when Emma invites her to her out-of-town bachelorette party that very weekend. Buoyed by memories of pledging to be BFFs forever, singing Aussie pop track 'Sister' by Sister2Sister and obsessing over movie stars, she still agrees to go. Sissy's first act is a Rorschach test: if you're already cynical about the wellness industry and social media, unsurprisingly so, then you'll know that nothing dreamy is bound to follow; if you're not, perhaps the blood and guts to come will feel like a twist. Either way, there will be blood thanks to Barlow and fellow co-helmer/co-scribe Kane Senes' game efforts, reteaming for their second feature after 2017's For Now. There will be chaos as well, and bad signs aplenty, and a rousing body count. Hitting a kangaroo en route to their remote destination clearly doesn't bode well, and also kicks off casualty tally. Then the old schoolyard dynamics bubble up, especially when Cecilia's playground tormentor Alex (Emily De Margheriti, Ladies in Black) is among the fellow guests. Pre-teen taunts resurface — "Sissy's a sissy" was the juvenile and obvious jeer spat her way back in the day, and repeated now — and the @SincerelyCecilia facade starts to shatter. If Mean Girls was a slasher film set in an off-the-beaten-track home in Australia, it might look something like Sissy, which is a compliment multiple times over. Every horror movie wants to be smart and savage on an array of levels, but Barlow and Senes manage it again and again, and with grisly fun. Their latest feature weaponises everything from influencer culture and pastel, rainbow and glitter colour palettes to toxic friendships and troubling childhood dynamics, all while spinning a clever, cutting and comedic take on the impact of bullying. Their targets are blatant — well, if you only see terrible things in the picture's version of inkblots, as per above, they are — but that doesn't dull or dampen any point that Sissy makes. That it premiered at SXSW 2022 at the same time as Bodies Bodies Bodies feels oh-so-fitting; they both involve remote houses plagued with twentysomething mess, mayhem and mania, share many of the same points, are delightfully entertaining to watch and would be a stellar double. Would Sissy work quite so well with someone other than Dee playing its eponymous figure, though? Thankfully, that's a question we'll never know the answer to. Her portrayal is as shrewd, amusing and engaging as the movie she's in, and as wonderfully layered — which couldn't be more pivotal in a flick that's also about the vast chasm between our Insta selves and our off-social reality, and how any group of people is mere hours from tearing each other to pieces verbally, emotionally and physically in the right/wrong circumstances. She's in fine company, however, including Barlow's on-screen efforts and De Margheriti relishing her antagonistic part. As Emma's fiancée Fran and friends Tracey and Jamie, Lucy Barrett (Halifax: Retribution), Yerin Ha (Halo) and Daniel Monks (Pulse) each also steal more than a few standout moments. One helluva lead performance, as gloriously diverse a cast as Australian cinema has boasted, grim fates awaiting half the coat of arms, schlock and viscera galore, scathing social commentary: that's Sissy. A knowing-but-never-too-winking vibe, neon hues paired with unsettling images, canny framing, needling sound design: that's Sissy, too. If Carrie was set in today's always-online world, amid cancel culture and plentiful praise at the press of a button, it'd look like this as well. That said, this new instant Aussie horror classic takes its own bold stab at plenty of things, and genres — plus tropes and people — and always remains its own film. Cecilia and her followers could learn from it, because appreciating your faves, incorporating them into your existence but never losing yourself in them is a lesson far removed from their Insta-curated world.
Sydney comes alive in summer — long lunches segue into golden-hour drinks, warm evenings spill into the streets and the city buzzes with new exhibitions and openair experiences. Whether you're browsing a waterside market or diving into a boundary-pushing gallery show, this season is built for discovery. Instead of dipping in for a single exhibition or market visit, treat each outing as the start of its own mini escape. In the spirit of making the most of every sunny moment, we've paired five must-see summer events with nearby neighbourhood gems that showcase the breadth of Sydney's food, culture and creativity. The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition Why it's unmissable Set beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition brings together local makers showcasing their wares for three festive weekends of openair browsing. Add woodfired pizza, gozleme and crepes into the mix — along with furoshiki gift-wrapping workshops — and you've got one of summer's most charming holiday pit stops. Find out more here. Make a day of it Once you've filled your tote, wander a few steps to Hooked and Harvest, The Rocks' sunny new fish and chippery serving market-fresh fish, freshly shucked oysters and flavour-packed salads. If you're after something with a deeper sense of place, Midden by Mark Olive heroes native Australian ingredients via refined dishes like kutjera-braised beef cheek, blue gum-smoked miso eggplant and Olive's signature Bush Pavlova topped with a native fruit coulis and wattleseed cream, all from a breezy spot under the sails of the Sydney Opera House. [caption id="attachment_921470" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Wind down nearby As the sun starts to slip, take the lift up to Martinez, Circular Quay's breezy rooftop bar with Mediterranean coastal vibes, panoramic views and a bright drinks list made for golden hour. Extend your stay Make a weekend of it at The Russell Boutique Hotel, the charming new stay in the heart of The Rocks (and set right above Sydney's oldest pub). With its warm, character-filled rooms — some of which have direct courtyard access — and unbeatable proximity to some of Sydney's most iconic spots, it's an ideal base for an urban summer escape. [caption id="attachment_918689" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] RELICS: A New World Rises Why it's unmissable This immersive new exhibition at the Australian Museum transforms discarded objects into intricate LEGO® civilisations, from a grandfather clock reverse-engineered into a time machine to a cryogenics facility inside a vintage freezer. Part art installation, part nostalgic playground, it's a summer experience for kids and adults alike — and a reminder that creativity and curiosity have no age limits. Find out more here. Make a day of it Kick things off with coffee and a pastry — or an inventive breakfast plate like avo and kale bagel with peanut chilli sauce, or soft scrambled eggs swimming in chicken broth and served with garlic-buttered baguette — in the charming sandstone-framed courtyard of A.P Bread & Wine in Darlinghurst. Post-exhibition, stroll down to Woolloomooloo for a late lunch at Akti, the breezy, coastal-Greek diner serving moussaka croquettes, lamb shoulder with chimichurri and summer-ready cocktails overlooking the Finger Wharf. Wind down nearby Round out your day at Monica, Paddington's new sun-drenched rooftop bar overlooking the bustle of Oxford Street. Head up to take in sweeping skyline views, playful cocktail — like a rhubarb and grapefruit paloma on tap — in hand as the city lights flicker on. Extend your stay Not ready to go home? You don't have to — Monica sits on the roof of the new 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a design-forward Paddington boutique set in a heritage-listed former cinema. Its prime location offers easy access to some of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods, with hire bikes available if you're keen to explore more. [caption id="attachment_1045265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emmaline Zanelli, 'Magic Cave', 2024-2025, installation view, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia © the artist, photograph by Hamish McIntosh[/caption] MCA double-header: Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists and A Conversation with the Sun (Afterimage): Apichatpong Weerasethakul Why it's unmissable While we're never short of reasons to visit Australia's home of contemporary art, this summer, the MCA is giving us two more. Running until early March, Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists continues the annual exhibition's nearly four-decade legacy of providing a platform to Australia's next generation of artistic and curatorial talent. This year's works invite visitors to consider what it means to continue making art in a digital and post-industrial world. Find out more here. Also on show: Palme d'Or-winning filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's new cinematic site-specific installation for the MCA. The large-scale work — on display in the MCA Macgregor Gallery until early February — features video diaries projected onto floating fabric, creating a dream-like experience inspired by pondering the sun while walking in nature. Find out more here. Make a day of it Take a leisurely stroll around Circular Quay and drop anchor at Flaminia, the refined yet laidback venue by acclaimed chef Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) plating up Italian coastal classics alongside sweeping harbour views. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and arrive at Felons Seafood for towering seafood platters, salt and vinegar martinis and a tap pouring Australia's coldest beer. Take a seat in the spacious outdoor terrace to soak up the sun, or nab a seat by the window for uninterrupted views across Manly Cove and Sydney Harbour. [caption id="attachment_1011783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Wind down nearby Next door to its namesake restaurant, Felons Manly brings the award-winning Brisbane brewhouse's beers to an expansive, sun-washed space, with regular events and live music keeping things lively throughout the evening. Or, follow the boardwalk around the shoreline to settle in at The Espy Manly, an alfresco bar serving up spritzes and sunshine in equal measure. If the mood is less wind down and more turn up, venture to neighbouring Freshwater and settle in at Bombies, a late-night bar and live music lounge that brings 1970s beach house energy to the rooftop of the historic Harbord Hotel. Extend your stay If there's a better way to start your day than at the beach, we're yet to find it. And at Manly Pacific Hotel, you'll wake up mere steps from the sand. And whether you choose to start your day with espresso on your sunlit balcony overlooking Manly Beach or you're popping across the road for a pre-breakfast surf, your morning will feel like its own little holiday. The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market Why it's unmissable If you're hunting for holiday gifts with personality, this market at Rozelle's White Bay Cruise Terminal ticks every box: you'll find over 140 stalls selling Australian-made homewares, slow-fashion pieces and artisan treats in a bright, harbour-framed warehouse setting. Add drop-in workshops, kids' zones and free parking, and you've got all the ingredients for some feel-good festive shopping. Find out more here. Make a day of it Start the day with a hearty Middle Eastern-inspired brunch at The Rusty Rabbit, a light-filled corner spot in leafy Concord. If it's views you're after, it's hard to beat The Fenwick. This restaurant and art gallery on the edge of the East Balmain waterfront, set in an 1880s former tugboat store, plates up Italian-inspired fare and postcard-perfect views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. [caption id="attachment_706208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Old Clare Rooftop[/caption] Wind down nearby Swap the Inner West waterfront for its indie bar scene. Start with the Inner West Distillery Trail, where small-batch gin, whisky and new-world spirits are poured straight from the source in tasting rooms across Rozelle, Marrickville and surrounds. The Inner West is also home to some of Sydney's best breweries, and the Inner West Ale Trail links a string of top-tier taprooms within a few easy kilometres. From hazy IPAs in sunny beer gardens to crisp lagers and barrel-aged sours in cavernous converted warehouses, it's a relaxed way to dig a little deeper into one of Sydney's most creative neighbourhoods. Extend your stay Make it a full weekend escape at The Old Clare Hotel, which blends luxe contemporary comforts with the character of a historic Chippendale building. By day, bask by the rooftop pool and bar, soaking up the city skyline with a drink in hand; then, wander into the laneways of Chippendale's buzzy food and bar scene to make a night of it. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com.
Getting into the festive mood? Prefer to do your shopping while the big day is still a few weeks away? Hate leaving your Christmas preparations until the last minute? Then pencil one of the year's must-attend Yuletide markets into your calendar: the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets. Formerly known as Christmas on Cribb, this is the Milton Markets' seasonal shindig, and it's taking place on Saturday, November 30 from 4–10pm in 2024. And sure, you've been to markets before; however, his festive event boasts plenty to get excited about. Here, you'll get your food and gift plans sorted, and lap up music and entertainment while you're there. This Cribbmas, you can also enjoy everything from gourmet food to artisanal wares thanks to the 150-plus stalls that are setting up shop. Grab bites you'll want to eat on the night, produce for your big feast, and presents for your loved ones (and yourself). Plus, there'll be a pop-up bar onsite in case you need a break from the browsing and buying — or an extra excuse to feel merry. Entry costs $3 at the gate, and you can pay $2 more for VIP parking.
The big names on QAGOMA's 2025 program read like an art lover's dream dinner-party list: who wouldn't want to spend time with Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama, Archie Moore and Patricia Piccinini? Brisbanites and folks visiting from out of town can do just that with their artwork, at least, whether exploring an Australian-exclusive exhibition dedicated to the Icelandic Danish artist who once built an indoor riverbed inside the Gallery of Modern Art or seeing Indigenous Aussie talent Moore's history-making Venice Biennale Golden Lion-winning kith and kin. No strangers to the River City, Kusama and Piccinini will have pieces featured in a showcase called Wonderstruck. For locals, the 2025 lineup reads like a list of reasons to make regular dates with GOMA and Queensland Art Gallery. If you're elsewhere in Australia, consider it motivation to holiday in the Sunshine State several times. The year's program has already begun, of course, thanks to The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. On display until the end of April, it boasts 500 works by 70 artists and collectives — and as each APT is when it fills QAGOMA every three years, it's a sight to behold. [caption id="attachment_992350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Riverbed (installation view, GOMA) 2014 / Water, rock (volcanic stones [blue basalt, basalt, lava], other stones, gravel, sand), wood, steel, plastic sheeting, hose, pumps / Dimensions variable / Purchased 2021. The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Charitable Trust Collection: The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Charitable Trust, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © 2014 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: N Harth © QAGOMA.[/caption]From December, Eliasson will help GOMA end 2025 — and then take 2026 almost to its midpoint — with an exhibition that'll explore three decades of his career complete with rocky landscapes, Lego cities and optical puzzles. Yes, the wonderfully immersive, aforementioned Riverbed will be back. So too will The Cubic Structural Evolution Project, which is where everyone's favourite toy bricks come in, getting gallery patrons playing with it all a part of the piece. Thanks to Beauty, visitors will see a rainbow in a veil of mist as well — and via Your Psychoacoustic Light Ensemble, audio waves will become visual. [caption id="attachment_992353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Beauty 1993 / Installation view: Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Italy, 2022 / Spotlight, water, nozzles, wood, hose, pump / Dimensions variable / Courtesy: The artist; neugerriemschneider, Berlin; and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York/Los Angeles / © 1993 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: Ela Bialkowska, OKNOstudio.[/caption] "Olafur Eliasson's artworks suggest new ways of seeing and experiencing. His practice, spanning diverse installations and other works, invites reflection on our relationships — with ourselves, the environment, culture, and society," said QAGOMA Director Chris Saines "The exhibition will feature a range of artworks, many never before seen in Australia, and will include two new site-specific installations created especially for our expansive galleries." [caption id="attachment_950473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama. The obliteration room 2002–present. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] Between APT11 and Olafur Eliasson, Wonderstruck will take over GOMA from late June–early October — and as the name makes plain, this 100-plus-artwork collection from 70-plus artists is all about awe and wonder. The full list of pieces that'll be included hasn't yet been revealed, nor has the roster of talents involved, but the wearable sculptures of HEARD from Nick Cave (the American artist, not the Australian musician) will be among them. Also, get ready to pop stickers everywhere, because so will the return of Kusama's The Obliteration Room. From late September — a month later than initially announced — Moore's kith and Kin will make its Australian debut. When the First Nations artist earned Australia the top gong at the Olympics of the art world for the first time ever, he did so with an exhibition curated by QAGOMA's Ellie Buttrose, and with a date with Brisbane locked in for this year. Gifted to the galleries permanently, the piece didn't just make history with its Venice Biennale accolade. A hand-drawn genealogical chart that spans back 65,000 years, it also chronicles it. [caption id="attachment_951573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archie Moore / kith and kin 2024 / Australia Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 / Photographer Andrea Rossetti / © the artist / Images courtesy of the artist and The Commercial.[/caption] Similarly on the way to South Brisbane before 2026 hits: marru | the unseen visible, which showcases works by Danie Mellor; Great and Small, heroing the role of animals in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture; and a dive into the space where devotional imagery and pop culture cross paths via The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture, with oleographs by Raja Ravi Varma at its centre, but works by Natee Utarit and Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan also featuring. Pieces by artists such as Kenneth Macqueen, Vida Lahey, William Bustard, Gwendolyn Grant, Joe Rootsey and Sidney Nolan will be a part of Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s. Tony Albert, Michael Cook, Brenda L Croft, Destiny Deacon, Fiona Foley, Genevieve Grieves, Tracey Moffat, Michael Riley, Darren Siwes, Leah King Smith and Christian Thompson are among the talents set to be in the spotlight via Snap Blak: Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Photography From the Collection. And Queensland's Pat Hoffie will display a range of works on paper in I have loved/I love/I will love. [caption id="attachment_992351" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danie Mellor / Ngadjon-jii/Mamu peoples / Australia b.1971 / Dark star waterfall (still) 2023–24 / Digital projection / Courtesy: The artist / © Danie Mellor.[/caption] Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art 2025 Program Until Sunday, April 27, 2025 — The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art Saturday, March 15–Sunday, August 3, 2025 — Danie Mellor: marru | the unseen visible Saturday, June 21, 2025–Monday, May 3, 2027 — Great and Small Saturday, June 21, 2025 –Monday, October 5, 2026 — The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture Saturday, June 28–Monday, October 6, 2025 — Wonderstruck Saturday, August 16, 2025–Monday, January 26, 2026 — Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s Saturday, August 30, 2025–Sunday, September 13, 2026 — Snap Blak: Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Photography From the Collection Saturday, August 30, 2025– Sunday, February 1, 2026 — Pat Hoffie: I have loved/I love/I will love Saturday, September 27, 2025–Sunday, October 18, 2026 — Archie Moore: kith and kin Saturday, September 27, 2025–Sunday, October 18, 2026 — Inscribing a Life Saturday, October 4, 2025–Sunday, March 1, 2026 — Contraptions Saturday, December 6, 2025–Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Olafur Eliasson [caption id="attachment_992352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Riley / Kamilaroi/Wiradjuri peoples / Australia 1960– 2004 / cloud (portfolio) (detail) 2000 / Inkjet print on banner paper / Ten sheets: various dimensions / Purchased 2002 / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Michael Riley Estate.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_951569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archie Moore / kith and kin 2024 / Australia Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 / Photographer Andrea Rossetti / © the artist / Images courtesy of the artist and The Commercial.[/caption] For more information about Queensland Art Gallery's 2025 exhibitions, plus Australian Cinémathèque's 2025 lineup — all of which will occur at Stanley Place, South Brisbane — visit the venue's website. Top image: Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Your psychoacoustic light ensemble (installation view, Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York, 2024) 2024 / Spotlight, glass lens, mirror foil, tripod, transducer, embedded computer system / Dimensions variable / Courtesy: The artist and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York / © 2024 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: Pierre Le Hors.
Is it a balloon? Is it a giant beach ball? No, it's (This is) Air, the National Gallery of Victoria's 2023 Architecture Commission. Thanks to the St Kilda Road arts institution's annual commitment to livening up its garden by celebrating design, a towering sphere is making Melbourne home until June 2024. This isn't just any old 14-metre-tall globe: as everyone can see while in its presence, it breathes, inhaling and exhaling to draw attention to air. When the NGV International hosts this yearly architecture commission, almost anything can grace the venue's grounds. In the past, that's meant a colourful mini Parthenon, a bright pink pool to wade through, a bamboo garden with its own deck and a pink carwash, all memorable. Among a series of pieces all literally designed to stand out, (This is) Air might just have them beat. A lofty sphere that expands with air, then releases it — doing so all day from Thursday, November 23 — isn't easily forgotten. One of (This is) Air's aims: to make the invisible substance that's there in its name visible. Australian architect Nic Brunsdon has joined forces with ENESS — the art and technology company behind public artworks such as Sky Castle, Airship Orchestra, Cupid's Koi Garden, Lost Dogs' Disco and more — on the work that promised to make quite the sight when it was announced back in July, and proves the case now that it has been installed. No one in the vicinity will be able to miss it, either, thanks to that 14-metre height when it's fully inflated. To get to that measurement, it uses air as a building material. And when it breathes out, it does so by releasing gusts, forming different cloud-like shapes, then filling back to capacity again. Brunsdon and ENESS also want everyone taking in (This is) Air to think about humanity's need for and relationship to air. While you're peering at the commission, you'll see air in action and notice how essential it is. Also highlighted: how dependent we all are upon the element, how finite it is and how its quality is being impacted. "The idea for this project was conceived by the architect during the global pandemic, when the air we breathed was suddenly at the forefront of everyone's mind. Taking the form of a giant inflatable sphere, this living structure inhales and exhales before our eyes, giving presence to that omnipresent yet invisible element that connects us all," said Ewan McEoin, the NGV's Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture. "Air can be understood as part of our global economic, social and ecological realities. And yet, the quality of air we breathe varies depending on where and how we live. Air is universal, yet clean air is not." As (This is) Air gets viewers pondering, it's also designed to be uplifting. As is always the case with the NGV's yearly commission, it'll provide a place for accompanying performances and other public programs in the NGV Garden, too. (This is) Air also forms part of this year's NGV Triennial exhibition, which will display from Sunday, December 3, 2023–Sunday, April 7, 2024. On the agenda: robot dogs, a room-sized ode to plants, Yoko Ono's work and more, with 75 works set to feature, including more than 25 world-premiere projects. The art showcase will respond to the themes magic, matter and memory, with (This is) Air fitting in with the matter strand. (This is) Air displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 3, 2023–June 2024 — head to the NGV website for further details. Images: Installation view of the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air designed by architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS. (This Is) Air is on display from 23 November 2023 until June 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Ben Hosking
Nothing says summer in Europe quite like gelato in a cone. The good news for Brisbane is that it’s always good ice-cream weather, and while the frosty treat mightn’t be dripping down your arm this time of year, it just gives you more time to savour the flavour. And flavours indeed, Shlix’s fine mix packs a punch. This hole-in-the-wall ice creamery uses only the finest ingredients and boy does it show. Made on site, Shlix’s take on Italy’s famous sweet makes the ingredients shine - with no additives or preservatives mind you. Unlike other ice creameries where the cream part often detracts from the flavour, Shlix’s scoops taste surprisingly strong and true to their origins. Each mouthful of gelati proves smooth, light, creamy and rich at the same time - no easy feat. Alongside the classics, such as vanilla bean, hazelnut, chocolate, lemon sorbet, you can find a changing range of more adventurous ones such as chai, peanut butter, cheesecake, ‘Walnut on a Date’ and ‘Cheeky Cherry’. At lunchtime crowds are are treated to a range of salad options. Using the make-your-own principle, customers are invited to pick a salad base and add meats, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and dressing. Just be sure to save room for ice-cream. And if you need a reason to visit or are trying to play the ‘diet’ card, don’t just go the salad, Shlix claim their scoops are 94 to 100 per cent fat free. Here’s to eating cheesecake with less calories!
Australia's first Angelika Film Centre. Italian bar and eatery Sasso, Chinese Peruvian joint Casa Chow, Palm Springs-inspired gin-pouring garden bar Purple Palm, and European-influenced wine bar and wine shop South City Wine. Two holes in the wall, one a La Macelleria gelateria and the other taqueria Los Felix. They're just some of the reasons to drop by South City Square in Woolloongabba — and, if you have a hankering for Japanese rice bowls, so is Uncle Don. The chain already boasts eateries in Paddington and West End slinging donburi and, with its newest location, it has brought 20-plus variations of the dish to its biggest venue yet. You'll find Uncle Don catering to up to 100 guests in the Logan Road precinct, complete with both indoor and outdoor seating — to begin with, for lunch Wednesday–Friday and also on Sundays, and for dinner Wednesday–Sunday, but seven-day trading is on the way. On the menu, Uncle Don splits its donburi offering into seven sections: seafood, chicken, beef, pork, vegetable, curry and keto. Within each, a heap of choices await. So if you're having a hard time picking between salmon sashimi and baked salmon, grilled eel, chicken katsu, karaage and egg, grilled duck, wagyu steak, crispy pork, shiitake mushroom and scrambled egg curry varieties, for instance, that's understandable. Among the starters, lotus root chips with miso pumpkin dip, a tower of eggplant chips, pork gyoza, parmesan chicken karaage and pork katsu sandos are all options. And for dessert, there's also a don — a matcha tiramisu don, which is made with mascarpone ice cream, honeycomb, biscuits and matcha syrup.
Little Black Pug in Mount Gravatt, south of Brisbane CBD, has three main focuses: good food, good coffee and, yes, pugs. Bowie and Mate are the fur babies of owners Louise and Josh, who bring their scientific backgrounds and environmental consciousness to the cafe, which was a winner of Toby's Estate Local Legends competition in 2023. The menu has a focus on local produce and the diversity of the local community, so breakfast staples like scrambled eggs and smashed avo sit alongside field mushrooms and miso carrot lentil hummus on vegan crumpets, and fermented chilli tofu with pickled daikon on a toasted croissant. As you'd expect, there are options for your four-legged friend, too, with lactose-free puppycinos and grain-free beef meatballs available. There are three separate dining areas to enjoy your meal in, including a secluded garden. The cafe always announces on social media when Bowie and Mate will make a VIP (Very Important Pooch) appearance. There's also an events space within the same complex, which you can hire and set up for group dining and functions. But really, all you need to remember is those three Little Black Pug priorities: good food, good coffee and good dogs. And not necessarily in that order.
Seen every part of Brisbane there is to see? That's all well and good — but have you seen your hometown turned into an interactive, animated illustration? At the Museum of Brisbane, artist Megan McKean has created an exhibition called Bristopia that will help you explore the place in a completely different way. Adding Brisbane to her list of illustrated locales (alongside Paris, Palm Springs, London and Sydney), McKean's largest commission to date is a six-metre-wide rendering of all of the cities landmarks, from the usual suspects to the other elements that are part and parcel of living in Brissie. Think the Story Bridge, the Gabba and the snaking river, plus all those palm and jacaranda trees that locals just stop noticing. Oh, and scrub turkeys, of course. More than that, the interactive aspect of the exhibition lets you create your own ideal version using Megan's illustrated bits and pieces. If you've always dreamed of a city filled with more parks than Leslie Knope could even conjure up, here's your chance to turn it into your own picture — as part of a showcase that not only wants attendees to explore Brissie as it currently stands but to also think about its future.
Brisbane has caught a serious case of burger fever, and the pandemic shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Ben's Burgers has taken up residency in Winn Lane (at Flamingo Cafe’s old digs) to help medicate the good people of Brisbane and treat their burger lovin’ symptoms. Ben's Burgers are all about simplicity. From the food to the fit-out, everything is fuss free and fairly fantastic. They’ve got the business of burger building down to a fine art and have only one rule — no alterations. But that’s ok, because why mess with perfection? You can choose BB Classic, BB Special or BB Veg ($11 each), and rest assured that what comes out between two halves of brioche will be fresh, juicy and damn tasty. The BB Classic is exactly that: a classic. The tender, juicy beef pattie is in perfect proportion to the soft and sweet brioche bun, gooey melted cheese, and precisely placed pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard and mayo. This masterpiece is the perfect size to get your mouth around as you enjoy all the fixings all together, bite after bite. Don’t be afraid to make a mess as the succulent juices trickle down your wrists — this is a real burger after all. If you’re one to push the boundaries, why not try the BB special — its foundation is the same tender, juicy beef pattie as the classic, but it comes dressed up in jalapenos and a special sauce — or the BB veg where a whole roasted mushroom replaces the meat. In true American style, you can wash down whichever burg you choose with a cup of housemade cherry cola or ginger ale, or if you’re feeling game, a Hershey’s chocolate milkshake. But it seems Brisbane’s burger urges aren’t restricted to lunch and dinner. From 7am until 11am, Ben's Burgers can satisfy your morning cravings with three breakfast burgers ($7 each) on offer. You’ve got your usuals — bacon, egg, cheese and special sauce, and sausage, egg, cheese and bourbon barbecue sauce — and your unusual: the BB Elvis. Give your arteries a King-sized workout with bacon, peanut butter, banana and maple syrup hugged by a brioche bun.
It might be warm and sunny in Brisbane more often than it's not, but that doesn't mean the city is blessed with beach weather all year round. Sometimes it's just too cold to dip your toes in the ocean out at Wynnum or splash around in South Bank's riverside pools — let alone to trek to the coast. That's where heated facilities come in, offering up the watery fun Brisbanites know and love while keeping the temperature much more pleasant than nature intends in winter. If you're after a steamy dip even when it's chilly or rainy outside, we'd recommend giving these five heated pools a try. [caption id="attachment_777649" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] VALLEY POOL There are plenty of pools in Brisbane, but there's a reason that the Valley Pool remains one of the city's favourites. No, it's not just because everyone walks and drives past it on Wickham Street all the time — although location does have something to do with it. This local institution boasts history dating back to 1925, as well as ideal conditions for taking a dip regardless of the weather. High walls keep the wind out and blessed heating keeps the temperature up, but you can still feel the fresh air on the back of your neck as you're doing laps. At present, the Valley Pool is only open to lap swimmers, not spectators or sunbathers. Open Monday–Friday 5.15am–7.30pm, Saturday 5.15am–12pm and Sunday 7.30am–12pm. NEWMARKET POOL Who needs one heated swimming pool when you can splash around in two? That may be Newmarket Pool's main claim to fame — well, that and their slides and water features for kids — but it's reason enough to head slightly north of the city. While the eight-lane 50-metre pool is currently closed for maintenance, as is always is in winter, the smaller 25-metre body of water is open, and lets you enjoy all the benefits of a toasty warm dip. You'll be doing laps here, because that's what the 25-metre pool is all about; however you can also make a date with an aqua aerobics class, which are held eight times a week. 25-metre pool open Monday–Friday 8am–3.30pm and Saturday 12–1pm. QUT GARDENS POINT POOL If you spend your weekdays in the inner city, QUT Gardens Point Pool should be your swimming spot of choice. It's located within Queensland University of Technology, but it's open to the public — and it's also the only Olympic Standard, 50-metre indoor 27-degree heated pool in the Brisbane CBD. For those serious about their watery activities, that should be all the convincing you need. The shiny facility also offers learn-to-swim programs, squad training and just plain old leisure swimming. Open Monday–Friday 5am–6.45pm. [caption id="attachment_777651" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council[/caption] CENTENARY AQUATIC CENTRE The best pools in Brisbane cater for as many kinds of wet and wild fun as they can, and Centenary Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill is no exception. If it's a central spot to splash and swim laps in comfortable temperatures that you're after, then that's just what you'll get — as well as a diving platform for anyone looking to leap from a great height, a health club onsite, and a group fitness program. Plus, it's super close to the city. Open Monday–Thursday 5am–3.30pm and 5.30–8pm, Friday 5am–3.30pm and 5.30–6pm, Saturday 8.30am–6pm and Sunday 7am–6pm. [caption id="attachment_777652" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council[/caption] COLMSLIE AQUATIC CENTRE Located within the Colmslie Recreation Reserve at Morningside are two pools and a water play park just waiting to get you wet. The Colmslie Aquatic Centre may be one of the relatively newer additions to Brisbane's map of public swimming spots, opening in 2010, but it remains an enticing one nonetheless. Both pools are heated and accessible all-year round, and play host to squad training as well as fitness classes. Open Monday–Thursday 5am–3.15pm and 5–8pm, Friday 5am–3.15pm and 5–6.30pm, Saturday 9.30am–6pm and Sunday 8am–6pm. Top image: Centenary Aquatic Centre, Brisbane City Council.
Seeing dinosaurs at Queensland Museum isn't new, but they aren't usually made out of Lego. From Friday, December 8, 2023–Sunday, July 14, 2024, however, the South Brisbane venue is saying welcome to... Jurassic World by Brickman, which gets building with plastic bricks based on the Jurassic World movies. Can't wait to see how more than six million Lego blocks have been used to create the four-metre-tall park gates, the lab where the dinosaurs are genetically engineered, those instantly recognisable jeeps, a heap of creatures and more? Life has found a way to get you a sneak peek the night before the exhibition opens. On Thursday, December 7, QM is hosting an exclusive preview that'll have you pretending you're in the movies from 5.15–8.30pm. At this night at the museum — a night at the largest Lego exhibition in Australia as well — Lego and Jurassic World aficionados will meet Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught, aka the man behind the showcase. You'll also get insider knowledge from him at a Q&A. Attendance also includes a signed copy of the exhibition guide and a branded tote bag, but it doesn't come cheap, costing $189 per person. There'll be drinks and bites to eat as well, which you'll need to purchase on top — and you can't take them with you while you're scoping out Lego dinosaurs. Images: Anna Kucera.
Australia's drinks scene moves fast, and the most interesting releases rarely sit neatly in one category. Right now, Australian distillers, winemakers and beverage brands are pushing beyond tradition, experimenting with how drinks are made, served and enjoyed — from limited-edition spirits to low-fuss cans built for long sessions. This edit rounds up standout recent releases from producers across the country, spanning seasonal gin, expressive new wines, locally driven aperitivos and modern RTDs designed for summer lunches, late nights and everything in between. Planning where to drink rather than what to pour? Explore our guide to the best new venues to visit in Melbourne and Sydney right now. Australian Christmas Gin 2025, Four Pillars Created by Four Pillars co-founder Cameron Mackenzie, this cult annual release captures the flavours of an Australian Christmas using real Christmas puddings distilled alongside juniper, spice and dried fruit. Finished with a touch of aged Muscat, it delivers piney depth, rich sweetness and unmistakable festive character. Shop now. RoRo Aperitivo Spritz, Zonzo Estate From the team behind Zonzo Estate, this bottled spritz takes cues from classic Italian aperitivos while leaning into Australian drinking rhythms. Expect red fruit, dark spice and subtle bitterness, designed to be poured straight over ice with minimal effort. Shop now. 2025 Fiano, Oliver's Taranga Made by sixth-generation winemaker Corrina Wright, this McLaren Vale Fiano balances texture and freshness with ease. Nutty, savoury notes meet preserved lemon, basil and citrus lift, finishing with creamy length and food-friendly acidity. Shop now. Emergency Marg, El Toro Tequila This pocket-sized margarita kit pairs El Toro Blanco Tequila with citrus mixer for a fast, no-frills cocktail solution. Just add ice, shake and pour — ideal for spontaneous drinks that still deliver proper balance. Shop now. Sparkling Sake with Yuzu, Snow Monkey Brewed using premium Japanese sake liqueur and blended in Australia, this naturally fermented sparkling sake is finished with yuzu for brightness and lift. Gluten-free and lightly aromatic, it offers a refreshing alternative to beer or wine. Shop now. Cherry Vanilla Cola, Barry Co-owned by AFL stars Bailey Smith, Charlie Curnow, Nick Daicos and Josh Daicos, this whisky-based RTD taps into early-2000s nostalgia with a modern edge. Low in sugar, carbs and calories, it's built for easy drinking without sacrificing flavour. Shop now. Tequila Cabernet Sauvignon, Casa Tinto Distilled in Mexico and infused with pressed Australian wine grapes, this tequila-wine hybrid delivers dark fruit richness alongside agave warmth. Expect black cherry, cassis and vanilla, best enjoyed slowly over ice. Shop now. Vodka RTDs, UDL An Aussie classic reintroduced with a bold new look, UDL's refreshed range spans multiple fruit-forward flavours with a cleaner, more contemporary finish. Still unmistakably nostalgic — just updated for modern summer drinking. Shop now. Halfy Ultra-Low Carb Lager, Better Beer From The Inspired Unemployed's beer brand, Halfy delivers half-strength refreshment at just 2.1 percent ABV. Brewed light and crisp with the same hop profile as the original, it's made for long days and steady pacing. Shop now. Saltbush & Olive Vodka, Fellow Distilled with olive leaf, saltbush and pink grapefruit, this coastal-leaning vodka delivers savoury aromatics and clean texture. At 37 percent ABV, it shines in simple serves with grapefruit soda and fresh herbs. Shop now. Australian Aperitif, Tanica Founded on Sydney's Northern Beaches, Tanica uses native botanicals like Davidson's plum and strawberry gum leaf to create a distinctly local aperitif. Tart, vibrant and designed for spritz-style drinking in warm weather. Shop now. Sparkling Rosé NV, Red Hill Estate This newly refreshed cool-climate sparkling rosé delivers fine bubbles with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry and gentle savoury minerality. Elegant yet easygoing, it's built for aperitivo hour and summer entertaining. Shop now. 2025 Arinto, La Chica Con Tinta Created by the team at Hirsch Hill, this Heathcote-grown Arinto draws inspiration from Portuguese whites while staying firmly rooted in Australian soil. Bright citrus, melon and stone fruit meet a textured, refreshing finish. Shop now. Unico Mando, Unico Zelo Made by Riverland winemakers Brendan and Laura Carter, this vibrant mandarin liqueur uses Dekopon mandarins — prized for their size and sweetness — sourced exclusively from South Australia. At 20 percent ABV, it's bright, juicy and designed to shine in spritzes, particularly when paired with amber wine and soda. Shop now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence our recommendations, but they may earn us a small commission. For more information, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Back in 2018, when Milton welcomed its first rum microdistillery, it challenged the suburb's beer-loving status quo. This is the home of the XXXX brewery, its giant neon sign and its constant yeasty smell, after all, as well as Newstead Brewing Co's second site, fellow brewery Milton Common and beer-loving dive bar The Scratch. But there's room in this inner city spot for more than one type of booze, or even two — as Warehouse 25 is also keen to demonstrate. Setting up shop on Finchley Street — so, in the shadow of both XXXX and Newstead Brewing — Warehouse 25 is all about gin and vodka. If you like clear spirits, you'll be happy here. It distills both on site and serves them at its bar, too. It also bottles them for folks to take home under the Calm Spirits Co label from its soon-to-open bottle shop. Everyone stopping by for a drink can see the distilling magic in action, with the 100-litre vodka still and 50-litre gin still in full view. Walk through the converted warehouse's barn-style doors and you won't miss them. You'll also spot wooden tables galore, as part of an indoor and outdoor area that includes an underground function space — and twinkling lights strung up above. Owner Cameron Lee has designed the space to cater for a number of purposes, too: casual drinks, live music, art exhibitions and vintage garage sales, for instance, plus both block and private parties. But, in addition to the spirits lineup, it's the in-house pizzeria that's a big drawcard. Patrons can choose from nine different types, including ricotta and meatball, and a potato bake pizza — and pair them with other Italian-style bites such as caprese and arancini. As for the drinks themselves, obviously gin and vodka feature heavily in the venue's cocktails, which span its own signature tipples and a range of classics. If you're in the mood for a different type of tipple, yes, there's beer on the menu (and yes, XXXX is one of them). Plus, there's also a small wine selection.
If you've ever walked down Edward Street from the Queen Street Mall to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, or vice versa, then you've walked past the site of modern-Asian restaurant Longwang from Tassis Group. But, no matter how many times you've passed by, we're guessing that you wouldn't have ever picked that you'd be able to get feasting there — let alone hit up a rooftop bar or cocktail lounge. What was once a gap beside 144 Edward Street is now an eatery. While it only measures three metres wide, the two-and-a-half-storey spot stretches back 30 metres and can welcome in up to 175 guests for functions. How does a restaurant, even one as slender as this, take over a former alleyway? Courtesy of custom-built digs. Although there's a formal dining room, as well as the sky-high bar and venue for cocktails, being flexible is key — including in its function spaces. The idea is that patrons have a different experience onsite each time that they stop by. One constant is the culinary guidance of Executive Chef and partner Jason Margaritis (ex- sAme sAme and Donna Chang in Brisbane, and Spice Temple Melbourne and Sydney). His contemporary take on Asian cuisine, inspired by more than 15 years working with the style, heroes seafood, plus a mix of traditional flavours with modern techniques. Think: a live seafood tank with local mud crabs and Tasmanian rock lobsters, whole fried baby barramundi paired with dry red curry snake beans and bug tail kung pao. From the range of starters, oysters come with spiced coconut vinegar, the prawn and chive pancake is doused in XO sauce, and the fried calamari features tom yum flavours. Smoked river trout and green papaya are the stars of one of the salads, while a hiramasa kingfish curry is also among the mains. Dishes that don't involve the ocean's finest include pan-fried wagyu beef dumplings, braised lamb shoulder massaman curry, tea- smoked and fried half duck, and chicken bao — plus pork belly wok-tossed with sichuan pepper, black bean and chilli. Or, opt for a half chicken from the charcoal grill, as coated in tamarind-heavy satay sauce. For lunch, Longwang does lamb rib sandwiches and dan dan noodles. For dessert, mango pudding, pandan kaya toast and deep-fried ice cream are your choices. If you're hankering for a banquet experience, a seven-course option is only served before 5.30pm and is available for one person for $58 — or, if you're dining with a date, mate or more, there's $89 and $119 feasts. Taking care of the wine list to match is Tassis Group Beverage Director and sommelier Ron Almera, who has curated a mix of old- and new-world wines — all specifically to go perfectly with Asian flavours. And as for the cocktails, you can ask for them to be mixed up to suit your tastebuds whether you're hitting the rooftop or the lounge. While the "long" part of the restaurant's moniker might sound apt given the site's narrow dimensions, the name actually hails from Chinese mythology. Also known as the Dragon King or Dragon God, Longwang commands the seas, so the title reflects the menu's focus. Images: Markus Ravik.
