One of Fortitude Valley's live music mainstays, The Zoo is no stranger to lively gigs — but, come Saturday, January 25, it'll be making some noise for charity. To raise money to support the bushfire appeal, the Ann Street venue is hosting a huge benefit show, with local favourites Regurgitator as headliners. Also hitting the stage for a good cause: The Gutterbirds, Being Jane Lane, SixFtHick and Dicklord. That's one helluva lineup of Aussie talent, and quite a variety of tunes. Dance to the Gurge's 90s hits — '! (The Song Formerly Known As)' never gets old, and neither does the rest of the Brissie legends' back catalogue — then enjoy everything from all-female punk to swamp rock. It's all taking place on Saturday, January 25, with doors open at 6.30pm. All proceeds will be donated to Indigenous organisations looking after First Nations peoples affected by the fires, as well as non-profit wildlife organisations. Top image: The Zoo.
To celebrate the latest drop in its Bonded series, Triple Mash, Jack Daniel's is hosting a series of immersive whiskey tastings dubbed Triple Mash Medley. It promises to be a sensory session like no other, featuring whiskey (of course), country music compositions crafted for the tasting, cocktails and canapes. It's landing in Brisbane at the luxe underground bar Boom Boom Room on October 9. The Bonded Series is named for The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, which stipulates that the whiskey must be from a single distillery, a blend of whiskies from a single distilling season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof (American parlance for 50 percent ABV). The Triple Mash meets these requirements as a blend of three straight bottled-in-bond whiskies made in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It is 60 percent Jack Daniel's Straight Rye Whiskey, 20 percent Jack Daniel's American Malt Whiskey and 20 percent Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Triple Mash is a bold whiskey ideal for sipping. Its dried fruit aromas, warm, rounded mouthfeel, and honeyed sweetness are balanced by subtle grain spice and a spicy finish. It also serves as a rich base for complex whiskey cocktails. Triple Mash is best enjoyed with soothing country music, which is exactly why the Jack Daniel's crew is curating a series of sonically immersive tastings in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The Brisbane event will be held at the Boom Boom Room, a luxe underground bar and restaurant in a heritage-listed art deco building. The former bank is now decked out in deep reds, blues and blacks with old-school furniture, recess lighting and private rooms in what were once bank vaults. Music is big game here with 80s tunes and disco beats dominating the DJ nights. Now, Jack Daniel's is bringing a country element. At the tasting, guests will be invited to put on headphones — but rest assured, this isn't a silent disco. They'll be guided through a one-of-a-kind sensory journey, listening to tracks created by Professor Charles Spence, a leading sensory expert from the University of Oxford, alongside award-winning musicians from String Musicians Australia. These tracks pair classic country sounds — acoustic guitar, fiddle and double bass — with the whiskey tasting and experience how the music can bring out tasting notes like grassy herbs, peppery spice, rich toasted oak and deep caramel to enhance the whiskey's flavours. If you're a whiskey lover, get yourself to the Boom Boom Room. Book your spot via the link. Please drink responsibly.
Queensland might be hot, steamy, wet and stormy come summer, but it is also the place to be. Staying in the city isn't in keeping with the spirit of the season, even when there's plenty of fun to be had in the Brisbane sun. Head to a beach, hole up in the mountains or otherwise embrace the elements in that break you know you need: a summer getaway. SURFERS PARADISE See: Descending upon the centre of the Gold Coast sets any summer trip up for sun and fun. The beach is never more than a stroll away, and Cavill Avenue boasts more than its fair share of bars, clubs and restaurants. Wander down the road for a spot of mini golf, head to Broadbeach for some shopping, or jump on a bus to Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld or Wet'n'Wild. Rest assured, you'll never be bored. Stay: QT Gold Coast is one of Surfers Paradise's newest hotel, and it shows. With its own bar, cafe and spa on site, you might not even want to venture further. Drink: Before your head starts thumping, why not enjoy a Pain Killer? This twist on the Pina Colada combines 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 120ml pineapple juice, 30ml coconut cream and 30ml orange juice, shaken, strained and served over ice. Add a Maraschino cherry and an orange slice for garnish. TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN See: A mountain getaway is just as enjoyable as a beach break, and more so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the coastline. Tour the breweries, browse the galleries and trek along the many trails. Conquer your fear of heights on the rainforest skywalk, or bask in the glory of the glow-worm caves. Stay: Take your pick – of places, and styles. Camping embraces the back-to-nature vibe, and Thunderbird Park even has its own theme park, as well as lodges if sleeping under the stars isn't for you. Drink: Things might get Dark and Stormy staying up high, and we're not just talking about the weather. Pour 60ml Appleton 8yr Old, 90ml ginger beer and 15ml lime juice into a short glass filled with ice, stir and savour as the clouds form. NOOSA See: Which Noosa do you want to visit? Take your pick! Head to Noosa Heads for Hasting Street's boutique shopping strip, cavalcade of cafes and patrolled Main Beach. Go to Noosaville for chilling in, on or by the river. At Noosa North Shore, you'll find sand dunes, a national park and secluded swimming spots. Stay: If you can't choose where to stay – or want to take in all that Noosa has to offer – then why not try a houseboat? Bring your friends for the ultimate in waterfront accommodation. Drink: Kick back and relax with that summer-time favourite: the Daiquiri. You only need three ingredients and a cocktail glass, and you're on your way to liquid glory. Mix 60ml Appleton V/X, 40ml fresh lime juice and 20ml sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker full of ice, then strain and serve. MOOLOOLABA See: Home to Underwater World's aquarium delights, and a mighty fine surf club too, Mooloolaba is a little sleepy and a little stylish – and that's the way it likes it. Your trip might coincide with a local surf competition, if watching is your thing. Or cruise the canals all year round, and dream about permanent beachside living. Stay: You won't get closer to Mooloolaba's many esplanades of action than the Aegean — or better views, either. Everything you need is in walking distance, be it food, fun or the ocean. Drink: The Mai Tai is a cocktail classic, best enjoyed with a stunning summer view. Throw 30ml lime juice, 15ml orange Curacao, 7.5ml sugar syrup, 7.5ml Orgeat, 30ml Appleton V/X, and 30ml Coruba dark into a shaker, strain and pour over ice. Add a mint sprig and a lime shell, then look longingly out into the distance RAINBOW BEACH See: Known for its shaded sands of up to 72 different colours, Rainbow Beach is the quiet spot to end all quiet spots. Indoor types need not apply, unless you're happy reclining by the sea while others get active. There's fishing, boating and surfing – and diving and gliding, too, of the scuba and sky, and hang and para varieties. Four-wheel driving is the real thing to do, both along the beach and on specific tracks. Stay: Keep close to the main drag while peering out over the sea at Plantation Resort. As an added bonus, The Rainbow Beach Hotel is part of the same complex. Drink: You've enjoyed a spot of fishing – and maybe even caught your own dinner – so here's the drink to match. Mix up 45ml Appleton 8yr, 15ml cognac, 5ml peach brandy, 20ml lemon juice, 45ml water and 10ml sugar syrup, and you have yourself some Fish House Punch. Multiply all quantities by 10 to fill a punch bowl. MONTVILLE See: The only way is up if you want to eat your way through a summer feast. In Montville and its mountainous surrounds, you'll find candy stores, dairies, wineries, the ginger factory and strawberry fields ripe for the picking. You're also a short drive away from the famous Eumundi Markets for more supplies, and from the Glasshouse Mountains if you want to walk it off afterwards. Stay: This one's for the lovers, who'll want to relax the only way you should in such a setting: in a free-standing tree house. With a spa bath overlooking greenery, and a fire to snuggle up around, you'll soon forget what season it is. Drink: Holed up in a cabin and inspired to put pen to paper by your surroundings? You'll want a Hemingway Daiquiri to keep those creative juices flowing. All you'll need is 60ml Appleton V/X, 15ml maraschino liqueur, 20ml lime juice and 15ml grapefruit juice – and a Maraschino cherry for garnish – shaken up with ice. STRADBROKE ISLAND See: First, there are the ocean sights of the ferry ride across. Then, there's beach and bush as far as the eye can see. Checking out the flora and fauna – be it walking under koala-dotted trees, or going whale watching – are common pastimes. And then there's the famous Straddie Pub at Point Lookout. The old buildings may have been torn down, and new ones built, but its reputation remains. Stay: A private lodge suits the laidback island atmosphere, and is perfect for groups. Try Straddie Bungalows, set against nearly 2 acres of Moreton Bay waterfront. Drink: It does get mighty windy over at Stradbroke; however, the only Hurricanes you will see will be in your glass. The original fruity punch is a concoction of 60ml Appleton V/X, 20ml passionfruit puree, 30ml orange juice, 15ml lime juice, 5ml grenadine and 5ml sugar syrup, shaken, strained and served over ice. Then add as much seasonal fruit as you can find. STANTHORPE See: Head inland to eat, drink and be merry, courtesy of a plethora of gourmet food producers of all kinds and styles. There's a foodie event almost every weekend, but Stanthorpe isn't just known for its on-site tasty treats. Take a cooking class during your stay, and learn how to recreate the magic at home afterwards. Stay: When in wine and cheese country, there's only one type of accommodation that fits the bill: bed and breakfast. Head to Diamondvale Cottages to sample the local hospitality not only while you're out and about but overnight too. Drink: Being surrounded by so much wine and cheese might just set your sugary cravings into overdrive – and in need of Treacle. Add 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 10ml sugar syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and ice slowly to the serving glass a little at a time, constantly stirring. Float the 15ml freshly pressed apple juice over the drink, tasting as you're making, and add orange zest as garnish when it hits the sweet spot. CASUARINA See: So we've ventured over the Queensland border and into the wilds of Northern New South Wales – but this sleepy new stopover is worth the trip. Not yet a tourist trap, but with plenty to explore, this place just past Kingscliff is perfect for baking on the beach, lazing by the pool and doing little else. Well, there's also the nearby Tropical Fruit World, if you need some sights to see. Yes, that's a themed destination devoted to lychees, mangos, papaya and the like – and the home of the big avocado. Stay: Go all-out at Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, with its lagoon pool and top-notch day spa. If there's one spot for spoiling yourself, this is it. Drink: Hang out at a beach resort and channel the essence of a movie star such as Mary Pickford. The silent siren's cocktail namesake will perfect the picture, combining 60ml Appleton V/X, 45ml un-sweetened pineapple juice, 5ml Maraschino liqueur and 5ml grenadine in an ice-filled shaker, then straining and adding a Maraschino cherry. BYRON BAY See: What isn't there to see and do in Byron Bay? Swimming, surfing, sunbaking – all the typical beach activities are covered. Shopping, eating, drinking – all the fun holiday things, too. Depending on the time of year, there's probably a festival in town. And for something different, head to the hinterland to check out the serenity of the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. Stay: Accommodation is abundant in this popular destination, but there's only one place to experience the lifestyle of former lighthouse keepers: Lighthouse Cottages. You'll be surrounded by the peace and quiet of a national park, and gifted a truly amazing view. Drink: Find the right part of Byron, and come nightfall, you might feel like the only ones around. Whip up a Zombie to embrace the mood. Blend 30ml Appleton V/X, 30ml Appleton 8yr old, 25ml lime juice, 15ml grapefruit juice, 45ml unsweetened pineapple juice, 7.5ml Falernum, 10ml Maraschino, 5ml grenadine, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 2.5ml Pernod with ice until evenly mixed through, then top with a pineapple spear, orange slice, cherry and a mint sprig. Avoid brains.
Roll up, roll up — but not to the usual placed filled with carnival-themed antics at this time of year. Over at Kangaroo Point, Sea Legs Brewing Co is also getting in on the Ekka-themed action. And, sure, the real thing is great, but here you can also sip strawberry milkshake IPA. Also on offer at the inner-city brewery's four-day festivities: a heap of food, such as dagwood dogs, loaded fries, churros and pizza rolls; plenty of games, spanning both the carnival and arcade-type; and, unsurprisingly, fewer people than you'll find at the showgrounds. The last one really can't be overstated, especially if you're fond of avoiding the annual Ekka flu. If that sounds like your ideal way to get into the spirit of show season, head along from midday daily between Tuesday, August 13 and Friday, August 16. That includes the Ekka public holiday, should you be in need of a watering hole to while away your day off.
First planned for 2021, and now finally happening this year, Springtime is the huge new — and free — beachside music festival that's taking over the Gold Coast to start off September. And, it's big. The lineup spans more than 25 names already, including Skegss, Thelma Plum and Hermitude as headliners. The fest's hefty array of acts and activities has just expanded, too. Sneaky Sound System, Alex the Astronaut, JK-47, Skunkhour, Haiku Hands, Ninajirachi and Teen Jesus & The Jean Teases are also among the impressive music talents heading to Surfers Paradise across weekend of Friday, September 2–Sunday, September 4 — and taking to multiple stages, including in outside spots and at sideshow venues. Now, they'll be joined by Hauskey, Aodhan, Sh#t Shirt Disco and Lily Papas, plus an arts and skate lineup. A huge highlight at the three-day fest: an interactive installation by performance makers Shock Therapy, with The Cleaners set to live up to its name. It involves a giant slingshot and paint-filled balloons, which attendees can use to create havoc. You might've seen and enjoyed it at Splendour in the Grass back in 2018. Here's how it works: in a container suspended seven metres above the ground and decked out to look like a living room, two cleaners in white uniforms are trying to keep the place pristine. But that slingshot sits below them, on the ground — and those balloons are right there also. Also joining the bill: a pop-up skate plaza that'll connect the fest's two beach stages, and give Australian and New Zealand skaters plenty to navigate around. Among the folks who'll be busting out their best tricks: Tommy Fynn, Nixen Osborne and Mike Lawry, plus folks from the Precinct and Parliament skate shops. If you're planning to make a weekend of it, the lack of entry fee means you'll have more cash to splash on a hotel room. With Australia's tourism industry taking a hit over the past couple of years or so, enticing music lovers to the Goldie for a three-day getaway is obviously one of the fest's aims. Some sideshows will be ticketed, though, so you might want to factor that into your plans. As for who you'll be seeing when, Hermitude and Sneaky Sound System are headlining the Friday, Thelma Plum is doing the honours on Saturday, and Skegss on Sunday. The Gold Coast Music Awards will be part of the fest as well — as will celebrating spring's arrival just by soaking in the location, obviously. SPRINGTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP: FRIDAY: Hermitude Sneaky Sound System JK-47 Peach Fur DVNA Buttered Girl & Girl VICES Sh#t Shirt Disco + triple j Unearthed Winner SATURDAY: Thelma Plum Skunkhour Ninajirachi Haiku Hands IVEY Ebony Boadu Hauskey Aodhan Saint Lane EUCA Fletcher Giv & Latour (Elsewhere DJs) Samin & Lotnic (Elsewhere DJs) Lily Papas Gold Coast Music Awards SUNDAY: Skegss Alex The Astronaut Teen Jesus & The Jean Teases The Lazy Eyes Teenage Dads The Oogars South Summit Just Jessie Geniie Boy THE SPRINGTIME SKATE PLAZA: MC Tora Waldron Tommy Fynn Mike Lawry Parliament team: Dennis Durrant Andrew Brophy Joel Mcilroy Pedro Day Mathew Boggis Pat Pollock Louise Riley Gavin Clarke Mitchell Mashy House Joey Cormack Joel Wilshire Chris Walsh Reef Condon Mitch Owens Karl Baydon Ash Linaka Precinct team: Adam Pirihi Barry Taniwha Brandon Kier Indi Russell Jim Perry Julian Lee Mitch Morrison Noah Bowden Sam Arnold Trent Bonham Zephyr Still Springtime Music Festival will take place across the weekend of Friday, September 2–Sunday, September 4. For further information, head to the festival website.
Every major exhibition gives art lovers two gifts: the joy of discovering what'll display on its walls and halls when that first announcement hits, and the thrill of actually seeing the end results IRL while wandering, peering and contemplating. With Boston Dynamics robot dogs, work by Yoko Ono, a collaboration with Paris haute couture house Schiaparelli, and Tokyo-based artist Azuma Makoto's room-sized tribute to plants all on the just-revealed NGV Triennial 2023 bill, that initial round of delights starts now. Since 2017, the Melbourne-based National Gallery of Victoria has hosted the art showcase every three years, with this upcoming summer's iteration from Sunday, December 3, 2023–Sunday, April 7, 2024 the third. Designed to provide a portrait of the world each time it is staged — if art trends and breakthroughs; the artists making them; and the themes, ideas and events they're responding to — each NGV Triennial delivers a hefty program. This time, there'll be 75 works from 100-plus artists, complete with more than 25 world-premiere projects, all tying into the themes of magic, matter and memory. [caption id="attachment_896126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Azuma Makoto, Block Flowers 2020 ©️ Azuma Makoto Courtesy the artist.[/caption] A big highlight: those mechanical pooches, who will also show off their very good painting skills. This clearly isn't Black Mirror, with Polish-born Agnieszka Pilat training the robot dogs to make art, which NGV Triennial attendees can then watch happen. They'll create a monolithic durational work, with Pilat exploring technology's power in modern life in the process. While attending NGV Triennial is free, you won't have to go inside the NGV International on St Kilda Road to see Yoko Ono's contribution. Drawing upon six decades making art, including her famed Instruction Pieces and major public art commissions, she's providing a large-scale text-based piece that'll display on the building's façade. [caption id="attachment_896130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Sheila Hicks's Nowhere to go 2022 at Off Grid, The Hepworth Wakefield, United Kingdom. Proposed acquisition, NGVWA.Courtesy the artist and Alison Jacques.[/caption] One of the joys of an exhibition like this is the sheer variety of works — although Schiaparelli's involvement would be a standout anyway. Artistic Director Daniel Roseberry is picking items from recent collections to display, plus a range of gilded surrealist accessories and body adornment. And, as well as showing his penchant for pushing boundaries and pairing art and fashion, there's set to be a celestial theme. Also immersive: Makoto's homage to nature, specifically plants and their magic, beauty and life force. The artist is freezing Australian flowers and botanicals into acrylic blocks, then combining them with a multi-screen film about the life and death of blooms. Yes, you'll be thinking about nature while you take it in. [caption id="attachment_896127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Shrigley, Really Good, 2016, bronze, 680 x 380 x 160 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London © David Shrigley. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2023.[/caption] Tracey Emin is also contributing a series of works, including five-metre-high text-based neon light installation based on the British artist's own handwriting. From Paris-based and American-born sculptor Sheila Hicks, Nowhere to Go will stack her blue-hued bulbous sculptures against a wall. Or, there's David Shrigley's Really Good — a seven-metre-high thumbs-up. Elsewhere, the massive one-hundred-metre-long woven fish fence, Mun-dirra, was made over two years by ten artists and their apprentices from the Burarra language group Maningrida, Arnhem Land — while large-scale commission Megacities is tasking ten street photographers to snap Cairo, Dhaka, Jakarta, Delhi, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Seoul, Lagos, Tokyo and Mexico City in all their urban glory. Don't miss Hugh Hayden's The end installation, which recreates a primary-school classroom but gets apocalyptic with branches and dodo skeletons. The full list of featured artists also spans Petrit Halilaj, Betty Muffler, Hoda Afshar and Fernando Laposse, plus Flora Yukhnovich, Yee I-Lann, Joyce Ho, Shakuntala Kulkarni and SMACK — and more, obviously. [caption id="attachment_896128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of the NGV.[/caption] "In the three years since the last NGV Triennial, the world has experienced a great many structural shifts, including a global pandemic. Through the work of more than 100 artists, designers, architects and collectives from Australia and around the world, the NGV Triennial offers a powerful insight into the ideas and concerns empowering creative practice in 2023," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood, announcing the program. "The artists, designers and architects of our time play an important role in helping us to understand, navigate and relate to the world around us. The 2023 NGV Triennial offers audiences a valuable opportunity to experience new and surprising forms of creative expression from around the globe, which, together, present a compelling snapshot of the world as it is, while also asking how we would like it to be." [caption id="attachment_896129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Hugh Hayden's The End 2022. Courtesy of the artist.[/caption] NGV Triennial 2023 will display from Sunday, December 3, 2023–Sunday, April 7, 2024 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Head to the gallery's website for further details. Top image: Aaron Richter.
If Parasite and Burning introduced you to the spectacular world of Korean cinema, we have great news: there's much, much more where they came from. As well as delivering two of the very best movies of 2019, Korea's film industry is filled with other gems. And, each year, the Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) brings the latest and greatest to local screens. In 2020, KOFFIA in streaming its lineup to everyone's screens, actually. Adapting to the pandemic, the fest has curated a program of 18 features that'll be available to watch digitally nationwide from Thursday, October 29–Thursday, November 5. Plus, if you need some extra motivation to spend more time staring at your TV or phone, the event is entirely free. On the bill: crime caper By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture, sporting comedy My Punch-Drunk Boxer and sibling drama Family Affair, the latter of which stars Parasite's Jang Hye-jin. Or you can check out the multiple stories in Fukuoka, page-to-screen adaptation Kim Ji-young: born 1982 and assassination thriller The Man Standing Next. The list goes on — but you will need to note the exact date and time that each film is available, with every title only on offer to start viewing within 30 minutes of its scheduled timeslot. Also, courtesy of SBS On Demand's free Korean Film Festival Selects, seven more flicks from past KOFFIAs will be available to stream — at your leisure — from Sunday, November 1–Sunday, November 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT5w9y7OVy8
Nature's stunning sights never fail to impress in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, but all that greenery shines a little brighter when Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside hits town. For ten nights each year, this free luminous festival adds dazzling lights to the CBD spot's leafy inhabitants. From Friday, May 12–Sunday, May 21 in 2023, that means everything from glowing trees, spectacular structures, giant lilies and mini Queenslanders to a woven pavilion, a kaleidoscope of butterflies, porcelain leaves and hovering hills. For newcomers to this annual after-dark art and light festival, it turns the inner-city patch of grass by the river into a radiant outdoor art gallery — and yes, taking full advantage of the night hours is one of its key elements. Running from 5–10pm daily, Botanica's fifth run will see the gardens will come alive with ten artworks, installations and projections responding to the theme "tread softly", including pieces from local, national and international artists livening up the already-scenic inner-city spot. On the talent lineup: Phoebe Paradise, Theatre of Thunder and Keemon Williams, plus Slow Art Collective, Christian Reitano, Lyn Nagayama, Shelby Lee, Soma Lumia, Adriaan de Man, Mel Robson, Ellis Hutch, Lyn Haddon, Dan Luo and Weixin Huang, Together, they're all helping to give everything from the gardens' plant life to its furniture and buildings quite the vibrant makeover. Also, with Noa Haim on the bill, Botanica features its first-ever international artist, in its latest step to cement itself as one of Brisbane's and Australia's top cultural events. Among the highlights, Paradise's Foundation takes over the lower lagoon with a tribute to Brisbane's once-standard style of housing. With flickering lights, the artist imagines a vision of suburban Brisbane where extreme weather events have become mundane because they're so common. Art collective Soma Lumia has contributed Vestigia Arborum, a light-based installation taking over a tree and responding to its visitors. The more people that view it, the more it will change, all while offering a reminder of how humanity impacts the planet. Slow Art Collective's Slow Botanica Pavillion is another eye-catching piece, using weaving to build layers of colour via strings that attendees can knot, bind and connect to create patterns. And, there's also Haddon's Blue Butterfly Effect, which is where those robotic insects come in — resting on heritage-listed fig trees and glowing blue (and fluttering their wings) when people approach. As for Haim, the Dutch architectural designer's addition to Botanica 2023 arrives in collaboration with fellow designer Adriaan de Man: Light Lilies, which takes its cues from the water lilies in gardens' lagoons. It also has an interactive element, with the work able to be deconstructed and rearranged, fashioning it into new guises. All these shimmering sights — and more — are paired with twilight walks, performances, and a discovery trail for children. Visitors can also hit up food trucks and an outdoor bar nightly. Of course, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens has always been more than just that patch of grass and trees at the edge of the CBD thanks to its gorgeous greenery, ponds filled with cute turtles, free exercise classes and more — but it's never more alluring than during this fest. Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside 2023 displays at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens from Friday, May 12–Sunday, May 21. For more information, head to the Brisbane City Council website. Images: Bec Taylor.
Round the Twist isn't the only favourite from 90s childhoods and beyond that's following the path from page to screen to the stage of late. Back in 2022, Looking for Alibrandi took the same route, adapting the Melina Marchetta book that's been devoured by teenagers for three decades, and then received the movie treatment in 2000. Melbourne and Sydney audiences saw the results at the time — and come 2025, it's southeast Queensland's turn. Playing HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast from Thursday, June 19–Saturday, June 21, 2025, Looking for Alibrandi will still chart the same multi-generational story that it has always told no matter the format, with 17-year-old Sydney student Josie at its centre. She's in her last year of school, dreaming of a bright future and trying to navigate the clash of cultures that comes with being Italian Australian. She also gets to know her dad, and falls in love for the first time. In cinemas, Pia Miranda (Windcatcher) played Josephine Alibrandi. When the tale first hit the stage, Chanella Macri (Australian Realness) followed in her footsteps, with Looking for Alibrandi also starring Lucia Mastrantone and Jennifer Vuletic (Because The Night) as the show's fellow Alibrandi women. Director Stephen Nicolazzo (Loaded, Merciless Gods) has been guiding this stage version of the best-selling book to theatres, as adapted by Vidya Rajan — based on Marchetta's novel, of course. Expect passata made live, both Italian classics and Aussie pop on the soundtrack, and a show full of heart. And yes, name an adored Australian movie or book — or a film that was adapted from a novel — and, in plenty of cases, there's a theatre version as well. The same works vice versa, too. As a result, we've all had multiple ways to enjoy Muriel's Wedding, Moulin Rouge!, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Wake in Fright, Bran Nue Dae, Jasper Jones and now Looking for Alibrandi, plus plenty more. Looking for Alibrandi will play HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, from Thursday, June 19–Saturday, June 21, 2025 — head to the venue's website for further information and to buy tickets. Images: Daniel Boud.
Until September 23, the Spring Hill Reservoir won't just be an old source of the city's water. It'll also be a luminous, otherworldly playground. Artist Meagan Streader has descended down the site's stairs, one whole kilometre of electroluminescent wire in hand, and turned its darkened depths into something glowing and magical. Called The Weight of Light, and open Monday to Saturday, the installation plays with the original boundaries of the space, tracing its architectural features using lines of light. The end result proves a re-interpretation of a historical landmark, as well as an enticing, mesmerising playground calling for visitors to explore — and quite the bright example of the past meeting the future. In total, Streader hand-made 170 custom brackets to thread the wire along the heritage-listed reservoir walls while keeping them intact, an important task given that the site was used for Brisbane's water from 1871 until 1962. And if you're wondering why — other than the best answer, why not? — the piece forms part of a bigger effort by McCarthy-Swann Projects, which aims to use intangible materials to turn public spaces into examples of wonder, fascination and art. Image: Louis Lim.
First, it was Taco Bell. Now, another big American food brand is coming to southeast Queensland: TGI Fridays. In fact, if you head to Robina on the Gold Coast from mid-December, you'll be able to choose between the two — because that's where TGI Fridays is opening its first eatery in the state. While the US-based chain of bar and grill-style restaurants already has 13 other locations around Australia, it hasn't made the jump up north until now. That'll change from Monday, December 9, when Queenslanders will be able to tuck into its array of steaks, ribs, wings and burgers while sipping a hefty array of cocktails. Exactly what'll be on the Robina Town Centre store's menu hasn't been revealed as yet; however, at its interstate eateries, it serves up 30 types of cocktails and seven kinds of mocktails. So, yes, it takes its drinks lineup seriously. Wine, beer by the bottle and on tap, and both boozy and non-alcoholic shakes are also on offer. And, so is TGI Friday's famed daily happy hour. Food-wise, the general range also includes wraps, salads, starters such as mozzarella sticks and mac 'n' cheese-loaded potato twisters, and mains that span chicken tenders, cracked pepper calamari with fries, and cajun chicken and prawn fettuccine. The dessert selection goes heavy on American favourites; think brownies, sundaes and apple crumble. Patrons can expect to enjoy their meals and beverages on the Robina Town Centre Promenade, with the store featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, a central bar, TV screens playing sports and an open kitchen. The fitout will keep the signature TGI Fridays look, which includes timber accents and industrial-style lighting installations. As for the vibe, TGI Fridays pitches itself as part-way between a restaurant and a hangout spot. When the brand launched in the 60s, it was actually a singles bar; but these days it's focused on casual, novelty-based American dining. Find TGI Fridays at Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina from Monday, December 9.
Sit down, get comfy and prepare to gain a whole new appreciation for the emerging local comedy scene at QLD Born and Bread's showcase night. Every comedian has to start somewhere, and if you want to see the Sunshine State's comedy stars of tomorrow today, this is your Brisbane Comedy Festival event. See up-and-comers Danielle Walker, Tim Hewitt, Joe Shaffer, Dan Rath and Cameron Duggan before their tickets are very expensive.
Truffle season has arrived at The Star Brisbane, with the venue's signature restaurants — Aloria, Sokyo and Cucina Regina — transforming beloved dishes and degustations with aromatic, earthy bliss. Overlooking the Brisbane River, this exclusive destination's first truffle takeover features a myriad of ways to indulge in one of the world's most sought-after ingredients. For instance, Sokyo serves prawn and scallop ravioli with truffle and shellfish butter, while the A5 wagyu and truffle toban makes an extravagant meal even more special. At Aloria, there's another quartet of truffle-elevated dishes, like Fraser Island spanner crab and pork jowl. Moreover, guests can order the Truffle Set Menu, featuring all four dishes with added snacks. Then, Cucina Regina's Italian-style comfort food is a natural fit for this truffle-led experience. Featuring limited-time dishes like crispy polenta and mousse di cioccolato, savoury and sweet interpretations are fused with bougie umami flavour bombs. Indulgent and luxurious, expect sensory overload from every bite. However, The Star Brisbane isn't finished with its truffle experience yet. With 70 dishes served across the three restaurants, guests can request that truffles be shaved tableside on any à la carte dish for $5 per gram. Showcasing some of Australia's best truffles from Manjimup in WA and the NSW Southern Highlands, this fleeting winter feast is an immense truffle celebration.
If you thought there was some pretty good drinking to be found here in your own backyard, it turns out you were spot on. Sydney has proven it's delivering some world-class drinks skills, with new entrant Maybe Sammy nabbing a spot in this year's prestigious World's 50 Best Bars awards – the only Australian bar to do so. And as if ranking at number 43 on the list wasn't enough, the cocktail bar also beat out plenty of contenders to be named the awards' Best Bar in Australasia. Not too shabby at all, considering co-owners Stefano Catino, Vince Lombardo and Andrea Gualdi only opened the bar in The Rocks at the start of this year. Catino said he is "blown away" by the ranking, saying a big thanks to the team for bringing their "clear vision" for the bar to life. Referencing the glam hotel bars of the world, while pulling inspiration from the 50s Rat Pack's era, Maybe Sammy has made quite a splash in its first few months of life. Its luxurious styling nods to old-school Vegas glamour, all blush pink velvet banquettes and lush indoor greenery, while the list of theatrical signature drinks pays homage to the classics. [caption id="attachment_744476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vince Lombardo and Stefano Catino at the awards.[/caption] This isn't Maybe Sammy's first time in the winner's circle, either — it also took out the title of Best New International Cocktail Bar at the revered Spirited Awards in the US earlier this year, and bartender Guali was the Australian bartender of the year in 2017 for his work at sister venue Maybe Frank. And while Sydney might have trailed behind a certain southern city in this year's Global Liveability Index, you could argue it reigns supreme when it comes to drinkability. Melbourne scored just one spot in the World's 50 Best Bars' 51-100 list for 2019, with long-time contender Black Pearl clocking in at number 80. As well as claiming the country's only Top 50 position, Sydney had three other bars in the mix for the Top 100: PS40 ranking at 95th, The Baxter Inn placing 79th and long-running favourite Bulletin Place taking 66th spot. Just saying. The best of them all, though, is New York's all-day restaurant-bar Dante's — it was named the World's Best Bar at the ceremony in London earlier this morning, jumping up from its 2018 position of 9th. The World's 50 Best Bars awards were this year judged by 510 expert voters across 58 countries. If you're in Sydney, you can drop by Maybe Sammy for a celebratory drink — the bar does a $5 happy hour on mini martinis, negronis and irish coffees from 4.30–5.30pm. You can check out the full lineup of the World's 50 Best Bars 2019 here, and see 51-100 here.
When it comes to the Brightside's latest music-themed party, do believe the hype. They're trawling through the beats and rhymes of hip hop over the past three decades, and they're going to be putting on a mighty good time. In fact, the Fortitude Valley hotspot is promising to pull out every single classic hip hop and party tune from the '90s, '00s and now, and then play them all back to back. That's an enormous feat, but if they can pull it off, then prepare to be in music heaven. Pony Club with Jerry Blam, plus Vijazzle + D-Pain will all be on hand to help get things pumping, while drink specials will set the mood as well. And, Ur Boy Bangs will be in the house, fresh from his war of words with Jimmy Fallon. Yep, there's no other word for it — this is going to be one epic evening.
UPDATE, January 31, 2023: Skinamarink streams via Shudder from Thursday, February 2. Age may instil nocturnal bravery in most of us, stopping the flinching and wincing at things that routinely go bump, thump and jump in the night in our ordinary homes, but the childhood feeling of lying awake in the dark with shadows, shapes and strange sounds haunting an eerie void never seeps from memory. Close your eyes, cast your mind back, and the unsettling and uncertain sensation can easily spring again — that's how engrained it is. Or, with your peepers wide open, you could just watch new micro-budget Canadian horror movie Skinamarink. First-time feature filmmaker Kyle Edward Ball has even made this breakout hit, which cost just $15,000 to produce, in the house he grew up in. His characters: two kids, four-year-old Kevin (debutant Lucas Paul) and six-year-old Kaylee (fellow newcomer Dali Rose Tetreault), who wake up deep into the evening. The emotion he's trading in: pure primal dread, because to view this digitally shot but immensely grainy-looking flick is to be plunged back to a time when nightmares lingered the instant that the light switched off. Skinamarink does indeed jump backwards, meeting Kevin and Kaylee in 1995 when they can't find their dad (Ross Paul, Moby Dick) or mum (Jaime Hill, Give and Take) after waking. But, befitting a movie that's an immersive collage of distressing and disquieting images and noises from the get-go, it also pulsates with an air of being trapped in time. It takes its name from a nonsense nursery-rhyme song from 1910, then includes cartoons from the 1930s on Kevin and Kaylee's television to brighten up the night's relentless darkness. In its exacting, hissing sound design especially, it brings David Lynch's 1977 debut Eraserhead to mind. And the influence of 1999's The Blair Witch Project and the 2007-born Paranormal Activity franchise is just as evident, although Skinamarink is far more ambient, experimental and experiential. Ball has evolved from crafting YouTube shorts inspired by online commenters' worst dreams to this: his own creepypasta. Driven more by mood than story — sleepwalking more than driven, perhaps — Skinamarink sees its two pint-sized protagonists react to their parents' absence by embracing a childhood staple: camping out in front of the TV, where those animated shows play, with cereal, blankets and toys to help comfort them. It isn't Saturday morning, though, and they can hear odd noises echoing from the floor above. Also, those cartoons seem to be looping. Plus, this unnerving spin on Home Alone also involves doors and windows vanishing in glitches, then the toilet disappearing. Household items, such as chairs, dolls and video tapes, suddenly become attached to the ceiling and walls as well. And, amid the ASMR-style whispering that the film's central siblings utter at each other, there's a disconcerting voice attempting to get Kaylee to venture upstairs into her parents' bedroom — and to do the one thing that kids know they shouldn't at night, aka look under the bed. Has something horrific happened, leaving Skinamarink's two tots on their lonesome? Is this a case of parental neglect, abandonment or abuse? Has divorce disrupted the family unit ("I don't want to talk about mom," Kaylee says at one point), and this is the fraught and fractured aftermath? Or, are supernatural forces — demonic even — at work? Is it just panic, but in that innocent-minded way where everything seems scarier and more catastrophic in a young brain and heart that trusts in its guardians as a main source of comfort, safety and protection? And why is there no end to the agitated night, and to the accompanying atmosphere of fright? Writing plus directing, and leaning on first-time cinematographer Jamie McRae heavily, Ball lets all these questions and thoughts flow through his disorientated audience's heads. As Skinamarink sparks queries but gleefully eschews clearcut answers, saying that it sees Kevin and Kaylee isn't quite accurate. The slow-cinema effort does indeed focus on two kids alone at night when weird things occur, but that narrative summary can't cut to the movie's heart without being paired with a description of how the picture tells its tale. An exercise in precise framing and just-as-meticulous editing, it flits between patient glimpses around the potentially haunted house, all at angles as off-kilter as the events being captured. The feature peers ahead from low to the ground, mimicking a preschooler sitting — or stares upwards, spotting what someone with their eyes trained at the ceiling while they can't sleep might. It cycles between shots frequently, with little in the way of logic. And, in these barely lit snippets, faces are non-existent. Rather, legs and backs place people in sight, any glance someone's way feeling stolen, surreptitious and another signal that all isn't right. Even in its most blatant examples, and even exploring existential themes applicable to us all as the whole genre repeatedly does, horror flicks have always been a Rorschach test. What upsets one person when it's splashed across a screen mightn't raise a goosebump in another — but Skinamarink takes that concept a step further, building it into the entire process of watching its artificially grained-up imagery. Plenty that lurks in this always-flickering film is dim, fuzzy and hardly distinguishable. Scattered Lego blocks, a toddler's chatter telephone, corners of walls and ceilings, narrow hallways, fragments on the TV screen: they're among the movie's most distinctive visuals. What else one makes out in the coloured static is often up to them, although Ball does deploy some shots as jump scares. He uses the same approach to audio as well, with parts of the sparse dialogue indecipherable and almost inaudible, and not all of it earning on-screen subtitles. Most viewers of Skinamarink likely won't be watching it in their own childhood homes, but Ball wants to transport his audience there anyway: flailing around in the dark, hazily unsure of what's happening or why, stress stretched far further than one would like, and firmly anxious and alarmed. His film smartly understands how our imaginations can conjure up our biggest fears from nothing but the unknown, and gets ample mileage out of putting that idea into practice. And, when it can be seen in dark houses, it'd make a spectacular double with fellow recent horror flick We're All Going to the World's Fair. Both get creepy in everyday abodes, reflect upon screens, know the inescapable power of perturbing images, couldn't exist without online horror and feel like festering collective nightmares — insidiously and unshakeably so.
A trip to Northshore Hamilton usually means taking in the scenery, whether you're staring at the river, the grassy surroundings right there on its banks or both. But for two spring months, there's something else to look at that you won't see at the northside spot all-year-round: sculptures big and small. Presented by Sculptors Queensland, returning exhibition Northshore Sculpture by the River is showcasing works by its members, featuring pieces on display both indoors and out — and in all shapes and sizes, too. Peer at sculpted wildlife, people, abstract forms and more, all for free. There are two parts to the event. The indoor portion runs from Saturday, October 7–Sunday, October 22, open 10am–4pm daily, all in The Shed at the Hamilton precinct. Or, wander around outdoors from Saturday, October 7–Sunday, December 3 to spot sculptures around the Hamilton Northshore walkway — along with the river view, of course — with the outside component open all the time.
A new player is stepping up to bat in the Australian hospitality scene, and in Melbourne. Introducing The StandardX, scheduled to open in Fitzroy in February 2024. The StandardX is the latest brainchild of Standard International, known for its lifestyle hotels in cosmopolitan hotspots like New York, Miami and London. But The StandardX is set to be a new direction for the brand, with the Fitzroy concept acting as "a rebellious younger sibling" of The Standard Hotels across the globe, distilling The Standard experience to its "x factor", and going for a more minimalist and cool approach. It seems that Fitzroy is the perfect location for the new concept. Melbourne's own Hecker Guthrie has infused the hotel's 125 rooms and public spaces with a contemporary yet unpretentious aesthetic. As for the food, don't expect the standard hotel restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, the rooftop dining area will be exclusive to hotel guests, offering an array of Medellin-inspired dishes, including tacos and ceviche. The rooftop bar will be the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail after dinner, or before a night out, or at 10am — it's a hotel after all. With panoramic city views and the privacy that comes with exclusivity, it's set to be a pretty nice spot to have a sip and take in the majesty of the Melbourne skyline for locals and tourists alike. For those after a more casual bite, the all-day Thai diner and The Box, a retail concept offering on-the-go snacks and drinks, will ensure you're never far from curing a rumbling belly. With room rates expected to hover between $250–350, The StandardX is positioning itself as a premium choice for travellers and Melburnians looking for a unique hotel experience that blends luxury with Fitzroy's artistic and cultural heritage. Nick Cave, Ollie Olsen, Stuart Grant and Rowland S. Howard are even among the hotel's inspirations. The StandardX is set to open in February 2024 at 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy — head to the hotel's website for further details.
Aaaah, Mt Coot-tha. She's a beauty, isn't she? But unless you have friends visiting from out of town, it's easy for Brisbane locals to forget about the view from the lookout. Whatever the weather, do yourself a favour and mosey on up to Summit Restaurant & Bar. Treat yourself to a bottle of Ruinart while the sun slowly dips into that thick Queensland humidity. Bonus points if you stay after dark — this is the ultimate vantage point for viewing those cracking summer lightning storms. All-year-round, you'll find lunch and dinner also on the menu, plus coffees for caffeinated stares off into the horizon.
With the Greater Brisbane area about to head into a new lockdown from 5pm on Monday, March 29 until the same time on Thursday, April 1, home cooking and takeaway is back on the menu. Fancy the latter more than the former? Spent too much time baking during January's similar stint at home? Eager to order in for any reason possible? If you fall into any of the above categories, and you're keen to both support local eateries and keep an eye on your bank balance, Deliveroo is ditching its delivery fees for orders from most restaurants for three days. From 5pm on Monday, March 29 until the end of Wednesday, March 31, the service is doing free delivery from a hefty range of Brissie restaurants. And we mean hefty, with the deal available across more than 1000 eateries in the Brisbane area. The aim: to encourage Brisbanites to help local restaurants during this second 2021 stay-at-home period and, because that's the world we live in, to help stop panic buying at supermarkets as well. To ensure that all of the eateries involved aren't missing out on revenue or left out of pocket, Deliveroo is footing the bill for the discounted amount, too. If you're suddenly hungry, you'll need to place an order via the Deliveroo app from 5pm today. And if you're what's on the menu, Sushi Kotobuki, Arrivederci Pizzeria and Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers are some of the eateries participating in the free delivery deal. Deliveroo is doing free delivery from 1000-plus Brisbane eateries from 5pm on Monday, March 29 until the end of Wednesday, March 31. To make an order, head to the Deliveroo app.
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for pups, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs and even pigs surrendered into its care from all over the country, it's lowering the adoption fee to $29 this weekend. The weekend-long initiative is called Clear the Shelters and will run from Friday, February 22 until Sunday, February 24. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new four-legged friend will bring, it's hoped that the low adoption fee will encourage people who have been thinking about adding a pet to their fam (and have considered it thoroughly) to make the commitment this week. Last year, the RSPCA found new homes for 2792 pets Australia-wide. [caption id="attachment_708671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Heidi is available for adoption in Sydney, Animal ID 345082.[/caption] This year, Clear the Shelters will run across Australia in all states and territories except NT and Tasmania. The adoption fees — which usually range from $20–600 — help cover some of the costs of vaccines, training, desexing and microchipping for the animal. Whether you're in NSW, Victoria, WA or Queensland, there are hundreds of animals that need a new home full of love and pats. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal is serious business. Top image: Han is available for adoption in Sydney, Animal ID 441478.
Six movies, one night, two cinemas, nothing but classics: welcome to Dendy Portside and Coorparoo's Halloween House of Horror lineup for 2024. On Thursday, October 31 — when else? — the two picture palaces are dedicating their screens to scary movies. You can catch all six at Coorparoo, and just a couple at Portside. Wherever you hit, however, you'll be in horror heaven. If you've ever wondered how a couple of cinemas celebrate the spookiest day of the year, this big-screen scary-movie takeover — a one-day fright fest as well — is the answer. On the lineup everywhere: a date with Leatherface courtesy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, plus Shaun of the Dead's horror-comedy fun. Just at Coorparoo, the program also features Takashi Miike's (Lumberjack the Monster) Audition, the OG 1922 version of Nosferatu before the new remake drops, Sissy Spacek (Night Sky) getting bloody in 1976's Carrie and Kurt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) trying to survive in 1982's The Thing. Because this is a one-night-only affair, some of these titles are showing at the same time, so you'll need to pick your Halloween scary-movie viewing wisely. Tickets cost $18 per film. Also, if you dress up in an October 31-appropriate costume and buy a ticket to any of the Halloween House of Horror sessions, you'll score a free small popcorn.
Brisbanites are gifted brag-worthy sunshine and clear skies almost all year around, which makes for perfect outdoor gig and picnic weather. So, as the site has since 2018, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is letting everyone make the most of Brissie's ace climate with a Gigs & Picnics series. Taking place on the last Saturday of each month from February — running from 12–4pm on February 25, March 25, April 29 and May 27, in fact — the event will rustle up some of the city's best food trucks, put on some free tunes and invite folks to get cosy on their own blanket all afternoon. Entering through the main gateway at the intersection of Alice and Albert Streets, attendees can expect everything from jazz and modern reggae to dub and gypsy, all in gorgeous greenery-filled surroundings. You can also order a picnic basket in advance, which'll be there for you on the day. Or, if you're bringing your own feast, just remember that the gardens aren't BYO. Images: Gigs & Picnics.
What's better than one glorious art exhibition bringing a slice of America to Queensland? Two, obviously, and all in the same gallery. The Gold Coast's HOTA, Home of the Arts is currently filled with pop art from New York, but that's not the only way that the six-level venue is giving its heart — and walls and halls — to the US of A right now. From Saturday, March 11–Sunday, May 21, Lost in Palm Springs has another location firmly in its sights. This free showcase takes inspiration from the titular Californian spot's art, architecture and design — and yes, it's a case of a sunny Aussie city paying tribute to another radiant destination on the other side of the globe. Lost in Palm Springs has tasked 14 artists, photographers and thinkers from both countries to reflect upon and respond to Palm Springs' desert landscape. Doing the honours: talents such as Kate Ballis, Tom Blachford, Paul Davies, Rosi Griffin, Anna Carey and Robyn Sweaney. Unsurprisingly, the idea for the exhibition was first sparked by trips to the US, with Dr Greer Honeywill undertaking three artist research residencies in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in exactly the place expected. But the end result also examines the ties between Palm Springs and Australia, especially via mid-century modern architecture. Feel like watching the Andy Samberg-starring movie Palm Springs right now for obvious reasons? Whether you start streaming ASAP or save it for when you get home from peering at this exhibition, that's perfectly understandable.
Does your version of celebrating whichever occasion takes your fancy involve eating more of the things you love? Do pork belly, chicken schnitzels, chicken wings and German sausages fall into that category? If so, The Bavarian has an all-you-can-eat special that'll tempt your tastebuds — because a bottomless feast is on the menu. On Wednesdays, the German-themed chain is serving up all-you-can-eat meat platters. They come stacked with all of the aforementioned meats — and yes, the pork belly includes crackling — plus sauerkraut and gravy as sides. And, once you've finished your board, you'll get a whole new serving. On All-You-Can-Meat Wednesdays, there's a two-hour time limit to your eating — and it'll cost you $35 per person. There is a two-person minimum, too, so you'll need to take at least one meat-loving pal along with you. Feel like you can fit in fries, mash and salad as well? That'll cost you an extra $5 for each one, or you can get all three for $10. You'll find The Bavarian at Chermside, The Barracks, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Robina, Broadbeach, Coomera, Mackay and Rockhampton in Queensland. And if you want to all that meat with German brews — which is understandable — you'll pay extra for the drinks.
Tuesdays mean different things to different people. Another day closer to the weekend, almost hump day, the day you wish you could sleep through — they're all on the list. But, at The Bavarian each week, the day after Monday also means tucking into $9.95 schnitzels. It's one of the tastiest ways to celebrate any day, and to also save your pennies while doing so. There's no occasion, other than just because — but cheap schnitties for the sake of it is what any Schnitzel Tuesday should be about. For a bargain price, The Bavarian will serve you up a chicken schnitzel with fries and lemon, but you do have to also buy a full-priced drink to get the deal. Fancy another schnitty? That's completely fine — just get another drink. Available all day every Tuesday, this is some good schnitz. To get your fix, you can head to The Bavarian venues around Brisbane and southeast Queensland — you'll find the chain at Chermside, The Barracks, Robina, Broadbeach, Coomera, Sunshine Plaza and Toowoomba, so you've got options. You can also level-up your schnits for an extra $10, getting a 'Godfather' (a giant schnitzel, ham, cheese, kielbasa, napoli sauce and cheese) or a 'Matterhorn' (a schnitzel mountain, cheese spätzle, three layers of Alpen cheese and bacon).
Feeling a lust for life, literature fans of Brisbane? If you're not already, you might be when this year's Brisbane Writers Festival rolls around. No stranger to visiting the River City for this book-loving fest, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh headlines BWF's 2023 lineup. He has a new release, The Long Knives, to talk about; however, given that this year marks a whopping three decades since his Scotland-set debut novel hit shelves, the book that then sparked a Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi)-starring cult-hit movie is also getting its own anniversary session. BWF has plenty more in its catalogue, too, when it unleashes its annual celebration of words and the tales they help tell from Wednesday, May 10–Sunday, May 14 at various venues around Brisbane — and at 150-plus live literary events. The first festival under new Artistic Director Jackie Ryan, this feast for bookworms and literature lovers also spans Booker Prize-winner Shehan Karunatilaka, who emerged victorious in 2022 for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. Plus, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow's Gabrielle Zevin will be on hand to explore the New York Times bestseller. Among local names, Stan Grant, Grace Tame, Tim Winton and Kate Morton all feature. Grant has new tome The Queen Is Dead to chat about, Tame will dive into her memoir The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, Winton's TV series Love Letter to Ningaloo is in the spotlight and The Shifting Fog's Morton will explore her latest, Homecoming. Other highlights from the full lineup span First Nations authors such as Lionel Fogarty, Brooke Blurton, Alexis Wright and Lystra Rose — and a big focus on South Korean authors including Bora Chung, Park Sang Young, Krys Lee and Kim Min Jeong. In a deeply Brisbane inclusion, Regurgitator's Ben Ely also has a 30th anniversary to reflect upon — because that's how long it has been since the Brissie band got together, which he'll dive into with writers Tony Wellington and Andrew Stafford. Elsewhere on the bill, the Blockbuster Crime panel will see Welsh team up with crime-fiction names Tracey Lien, Candice Fox and Garry Disher; Boy Swallows Universe's Trent Dalton will turn his attention to romances; Nat's What I Reckon has a session about being a YouTube hit; and the Literary Death Match, aka a writers' battle royale, returns. Sessions on democracy, YA, refugee and migrant stories, whodunnits, zines, making the leap from the page to screen, rom-coms, heroes and villains, poetry, Australian gothic, sporting books — they're all on the roster as well, in what's set to be a dazzling five days for word nerds no matter what kind of text you like to devour. Images: Bianca Holderness.
If there's one thing that every art exhibition needs, it's art, obviously. But no gallery's walls and halls can be filled without artists, too. At its latest exhibition, the State Library of Queensland knows, understands and celebrates this fact — pairing pieces with chats with the folks behind them, plus treasures that mean something to them. First, those interviews. Courtesy of the James C Sourris AM Collection of Artist Interviews, SLQ has a treasure trove of chats with top art world figures with ties to Queensland, all of which you can watch online as well. Spanning discussions from the last 12 years, this is the first time that these chats have been exhibited — and with Vernon Ah Kee, Judith Wright, Sandra Selig, Eugene Carchesio and more involved, there's quite the lineup of talent. Meet the Artists also pairs those to-camera talks with a selection of items — think: artworks usually held in private collections, studio materials and personal objects — to deepen its conversations, and help art aficionados better get inside each artist's head. Brisbanites can check out the end result daily from 10am–5pm between Saturday, February 24–Sunday, July 9. Images: State Library of Queensland's Meet the artists exhibition. Photo by Joe Ruckli, courtesy of State Library of Queensland.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or 11? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Brisbane, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, May 20, you'll saunter around the city — and between the likes of City Winery, The Gresham, Walter's Steakhouse, The Croft House, Alba Bar and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. Other spots on the list: Banc Brasserie, Before + After, Brew Cafe and Wine Bar, The Embassy, Leonard's Bar and Bistro, and Misdemeanour. [caption id="attachment_795640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Millie Tang[/caption] As for the tipples at each of the 11 spots, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries such as Pizzini Wines, Mary's Myth, Clandestine Vineyards and Small Things, so prepare to get sipping. Tickets cost $79.68, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up a heap of wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for some food.
For cheese fiends, there's only one suitable way to tuck into the beloved dairy product: all the time, or at least as much as possible. That's an idea that Australian cheese festival Mould not only understands but encourages, and has since 2017. In 2023, those cheese dreams will be continuing as well. Because you can never have too many occasions to eat cheddar, brie, camembert, raclette or whatever other cheese takes your fancy, Mould is back for another year, letting dairy lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. The event hails from Bruny Island Cheese Co cheesemaker Nick Haddow and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, and will hit up the John Reed Pavilion at Brisbane Showgrounds from Friday, May 12–Sunday, May 14. There won't just be a few cheeses on the menu. In 2023, more than 100 artisan cheeses from around the country will be ready and waiting for you to devour, spanning dairy from 25-plus producers. This year's lineup includes Grandvewe, Section 28, Coal River, La Cantara, Long Paddock Cheese and Vannella — and Bruny Island Cheese Co is usually involved, naturally. Also, past years have featured Milawa Cheese, Yarra Valley Dairy and Stone & Crow, as well as Red Cow Organics, Nimbin Valley Cheese, Dreaming Goat and Second Mouse Cheese. Alongside unlimited tastings of Australia's best cheeses — snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you — the fest features cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and talks. 2023's fest will span Mount Zero olives, artisan honey from Bee One Third, and small-batch preserves from Women's Work to sample, too. And it wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie wines, whisky, vodka, gin, beer, cider, cocktails and sake, all of which match nicely to a bit of cheese. Archie Rose, Hartshorn Distillery and Brick Lane Beer will all be doing the honours, as will a Pinot Palooza Wine Bar — and the Picolo Bar for no- and low-alcohol options. Unsurprisingly, Mould is mighty popular. In 2022, 10,000-plus attendees tucked into a six tonnes of artisanal dairy across the fest's three cities. So, if this the kind of event that your cheese dreams are made of, you'll want to nab a ticket ASAP. Sessions run from 5–9pm on the Friday, 11am–3pm and 4–8pm on the Saturday, and 11am–3pm on Sunday. Updated March 10.
If you've wandered past the Gallery of Modern Art over the last couple of years, you've probably noticed the elephant in the room. Well, the overturned mammoth on the front lawn by the river, to be more accurate, as commissioned to commemorate GOMA's fifth birthday. That piece — called The World Turns — was sculpted by Michael Parekowhai. In his first-ever major Australian exhibition, the New Zealand artist returns to the gallery with a full show, The Promised Land, proving that there's more to his work than animals tipped over the wrong way. With over 50 works on display, you can walk through more then 20 years of his art — and we really do mean walk through. In something that has to be seen to be believed, a two-storey family home has been built inside GOMA as the centrepiece of a show that also includes a large sculpture of Captain Cook, an intricately carved, functioning red Steinway grand piano and giant, kitset pick-up-sticks. Admit it, you're intrigued. Image: He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu: story of a New Zealand river, 2011
UPDATE, March 15, 2021: Skate Kitchen is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Skate Kitchen begins with a board, a banged-up pelvis and blood gushing down a leg. But stacking it once isn't going to keep Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) from shredding, grinding and nosesliding. Nor are stitches in her nether regions, or her mother's (Elizabeth Rodriguez) insistence that she give up her hobby. Instead, the film takes Camille gliding from the parks and pavements of Long Island to the streets of Manhattan, where a gang of girls skate like the city is their playground. They're the Skate Kitchen of Skate Kitchen. An all-female collective, they air, ollie and amble around town. They hang out, smoke joints, and shoot the breeze about anything and everything. They snap and record their tricks and kickflips, immortalising their antics on Instagram. And when they welcome Camille into the fold, it changes everything for the reserved, quiet 18-year-old. Early in what proves a laidback but layered movie, filmmaker Crystal Moselle captures Skate Kitchen's leisurely vibe and the effect it has on her picture's teenage protagonist. The irrepressibly catchy beats of Junior Senior's 'Move Your Feet' take over the soundtrack as the girls walk, dance and skate their way through New York City, and Camille couldn't look happier. As well as sending the film's frames freewheeling along with the group, cinematographer Shabier Kirchner cloaks his images in a warm glow — the kind that exists in your mind when you're simply content, regardless of what your eyes actually see. It's an ethereal sequence, and yet it's also grounded in naturalism. Sunny, carefree, comforting, vibrant: that's just how being part of Skate Kitchen feels. That's how watching Skate Kitchen feels as well, although Moselle's isn't a rosy coming-of-age portrait devoid of drama. Narrative-wise, the movie charts the push-and-pull that characterises Camille's life — first between the freedom of skating and the scolding of her overprotective mum, then between friends and family, and later between her new buddies and the wannabe photographer Devon (a flame-haired Jaden Smith) who they try to warn her away from. And, while the film marks Moselle's first fictional movie, Skate Kitchen itself is real. The endlessly fascinating Vinberg is one of its crew members. So is the scene-stealing Nina Moran, who plays the joker of the gang, as well as the affectionate Ardelia Lovelace, who becomes Camille's closest friend. Here, art both imitates life and does its utmost best to represent it accurately — even when sometimes packaged with a visual sheen that'd do Sofia Coppola proud. It's unmistakably rare to see a film featuring such authentic and candid conversations between teen girls. Such a diverse yet nuanced female group, spanning different races, sexualities and personalities, is hardly regular screen fodder either. And that's before noting the obvious: that depicting young women as skateboarders, letting them carve out a place in a male-dominated domain, and spending time with them just kicking around is so uncommon that it's almost revolutionary. Indeed, that's exactly why the movie's dreamy aesthetic is such a fitting choice. Until now, a film set in this world — that's intent on fighting back against gendered expectations, and that seems so achingly real — was basically a dream. Moselle knows a thing or two about stepping into an overlooked or undiscovered realm and revealing it to the masses. In 2015, her documentary The Wolfpack was a festival circuit hit, centring on seven home-schooled New York siblings — six boys and their sister — who were virtually forbidden to leave the house by their strict father. To experience the outside world, the factual flick's subjects escaped into movies, which they not only devoured on DVD but re-enacted and re-staged in an elaborate fashion. Skate Kitchen is The Wolfpack's fictionalised female-focused counterpart in many ways, and it also sees Moselle take her doco's core idea to the next level. There, cinema helped a sheltered family feel like they existed. Here, skateboarding does just that for a lonely soul, while the overall film will provide the same sensation for anyone who has ever been a teenage girl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VTFLvLtdYw
For the days when peeling yourself off the couch seems a little unlikely, a steaming bowl of noodles is a pretty heavenly thought. Whether you are craving ramen, udon or lo mein, we have you covered. Brisbane is packed with Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Korean options that'll have you slurping solo in no time. Any couch-bound warrior will tell you that convenience is king when it comes to a day under the doona, which is where DoorDash really shines. It'll have your expertly packaged noodles and sides delivered straight to your doorstep with just a few taps on your phone. All you need are some chopsticks (and the TV remote) and you have all the requirements for a sloth session on the sofa. It's 'self-care', right?
If you have dreams bubbling away of swanning about on the French Riviera and downing cocktails as a gentle wind caresses you, and then an irresistible French person arrives and sweeps you off your feet, we've got good news for you. Well, on the first bit — we can't control the weather or your love life, unfortunately. Grey Goose, purveyors of very fine vodka, have whipped up a very European-style summer pop-up for you: the Fountain of Goose. For five days this October, a white marble fountain will be set up in Broadbeach's Pacific Fair Resort Area and it's going to be offering more than just a beautiful summer aesthetic. It'll be serving up complimentary vodka, lime and soda mini-cocktails — a classic, summery and simple concoction that requires the best quality ingredients, starting with the vodka. At the bar, you can also catch a glimpse at Grey Goose's collaboration with French fashion label Maison Labiche for its limited-edition 'Riviera' bottle. Plus, at the pop-up, you'll enjoy spontaneous entertainment and other experiences. Better yet? You'll also be able to pick up a specialty cocktail coupon which you can redeem at Nineteen at the Star Casino or Hideaway Bar to keep the good summer vibes going. The Fountain of Goose pop-up bar will be open from Wednesday, October 9 through Sunday, October 13. It'll be open from 1–5pm on Wednesday; from 4–8pm on Thursday; from 2–6pm on Friday; and from 1–5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Checking into holiday accommodation, scouring every inch of your new home away from home and savouring your temporary scenic sights is part of everyone's vacation ritual — and most of us have the photos to prove it. And, while the jaw-dropping sensation that stems from peering over a beachside balcony is all well and great, it's certain to pale in comparison to the feeling you get when you stay in a volcano. At Wilderness Safari's Bisate Lodge in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, visitors can check into one of six thatched forest villas that are located within a volcano, and near even more towering peaks. Lava won't be flowing in the accommodation, of course, with the cosy dens built within the amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone. For those after some fiery action, the Bisoke volcano lurks close by, with the site featuring views towards the active land rupture, as well as of the inactive Karisimbi and dormant Mikeno mountains. With the individual lodges fitted out with luxurious furnishings, huge fireplaces and private decks, the 42-hectare site doesn't just offer volcanic thrills, but forms part of an eco-minded trip. Bisate acts as a base for tourists keen to enjoy a gorilla conservation experience, which includes morning treks to view the creatures, tree planting in the massive reforestation nursery, nature walks and more. Unsurprisingly, holing up here for a night or several doesn't come cheap, starting at around AU$1400 per night. Images: Wilderness Safaris.
Since Netflix dropped the third season of Stranger Things way back in mid-2019, fans of the 80s-set sci-fi/horror series have been left with plenty of questions. Some were answered relatively quickly, with Jim Hopper's (David Harbour, Black Widow) immediate fate covered in an early teaser back in February 2020. Other queries took a while to answer, with the streamer only revealing an exact release date for the show's fourth season in February this year. But here's one train of thought that's been going through absolutely no one's minds until now: do they play guitar in the Upside Down? Arriving after a heap of shorter sneak peeks over the past year or so — with a couple more teasers released in May 2021, then another one in August, followed by yet another in September and one more last November — the full trailer for Stranger Things season four resolves that axe-shredding question. The answer: a wailing yes. But if you're now wondering the obvious — aka why? — you'll need to wait till the show's first new episodes arrive on Friday, May 27, or maybe even until its second batch of season four instalments hit on Friday, July 1. Also covered in this long-waited return trip to Hawkins: mysterious packages, an angry Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, Godzilla vs Kong) setting off sparks, a new D&D club and a levitating Max (Sadie Sink, The Last Castle). Oh, and a new monster who looks like it should've crawled out of The X-Files. And yes, the vibe here is all old-school horror — which is hardly surprising given that one of those past teaser trailers had Steve (Joe Keery, Spree), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo, The Angry Birds Movie 2), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin, Concrete Cowboy) and Max exploring an eerie haunted house. Across the clips so far, viewers have also been taken to California, which is where Eleven, Joyce (Winona Ryder, The Plot Against America), Will (Noah Schnapp, Waiting for Anya) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton, The New Mutants) have washed up following season three. Eleven is settling in as well as she can settle in anywhere, as she explains in a letter to Mike (Finn Wolfhard, The Goldfinch) — but she also can't wait until she can see him in person again. And, we've headed back to Hawkins Laboratory and its whole creepy setup, too. So, piece all these trailers together and Netflix has dropped plenty of clues about what's in store — but facing a new supernatural threat and trying to put an end to the Upside Down's horrors is the gang's main aim in season four. If it feels like series' creators Matt and Ross Duffer are working on their endgame, that's unsurprising. The pair announced a few months back that there'll only be one more season to follow after season four. But, this season has "a runtime of nearly twice the length of any previous seasons," the Duffer brothers also advised. It certainly has a whole heap of trailers, and the full sneak-peek clocks in at over three minutes. May 27 can't come soon enough — but until then, you can check out the Stranger Things season four trailer below: Stranger Things season four will be able to stream via Netflix in two parts, with Volume One dropping on Friday, May 27 and Volume Two hitting on Friday, July 1. Images: courtesy of Netflix.
Following a series of sold out shows through New Zealand, and the immense success of their award winning album One, Tomorrow People are coming to Brisbane for one night only. With a reggae-centric sound with added touches of dancehall raga, Tomorrow People are defined as 'sunshine reggae', a vibe built around strong vocals, soothing harmonies, catchy hooks, aggressive raps and feel good rhythms. Since emerging as a studio project, the seven-piece band have seen their mid-tempo sound burst in popularity, and climb the ladder of Wellington’s respected local music scene. With members of mixed descent with decades of experience in varied genres, Tomorrow People take influence for their music from Jamaican and Hawaiian artists along with roots in traditional New Zealand music, all of which combine to make the clean, laid back sound that has earned rave reviews and radio play.
If summer is Australia's seasonal head honcho, then spring is its cooler, more cultured cousin who introduces you to things like prog-pop music and the flavourful world of microbrews. In the case of Brisbane, it's when the city thaws out to let loose with top-notch festivals, food fairs, world-class art and sporting showdowns. This spring, Brisbane is jam-packed with exciting events, meaning you have a whole lot to add to your calendar. There's an exhibition featuring the likes of van Gogh, Rembrandt and other bigwigs of European art, a three-week arts festival teeming with delightful fare and fun, a double-header footy match for the ages and a grandiose relaunch of one of Queensland's most renowned theatres. In partnership with Visit Brisbane, we've done the hard yards for you and rounded up five must-hit events, so you can warm your post-winter cultural cockles. [caption id="attachment_820625" align="alignnone" width="1920"] European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Official Opening at GOMA Level 1 and Forecourt[/caption] EUROPEAN MASTERPIECES FROM THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK June 12–October 17 If you're craving an art-filled European getaway, Queensland's Art Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is midway through hosting an exhibition featuring some of the most recognisable names in the art world, on loan from New York's prestigious The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dubbed European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the exhibition is a who's who of Euro art masters, and features works from Rembrandt, van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Degas and Renoir. All up, there are a whopping 500 masterpieces on display, spanning everything from portraits and still-life pieces to landscape paintings and figure studies. Running till Sunday, October 17, the exhibition also features daily live music performances in The Studio — GOMA's nod to the Paris Opera — and a handy app with a self-guided tour option so you can mosey your own way through Europe's most dazzling artworks like a true flâneur. Book tickets via GOMA's website. OPEN SEASON AT THE PRINCESS THEATRE July 3–December 10 The quality crew behind The Tivoli, brothers Steve and Dave Sleswick, are breathing life back into yet another much-loved Brisbane venue: The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba. The historic building is Queensland's oldest-standing theatre, and is set to reopen this spring as an arts and culture hub, including a 900-person auditorium, four bars and a cafe. Over the weekend of October 2–3, it's celebrating with an epic Open Housewarming, complete with music, drag, burlesque, theatre, arts, comedy and more taking over the 133-years-young space. Plus, alongside The Tiv, the revamped Princess Theatre is hosting some of this year's Open Season gigs, with acts such as Amyl and the Sniffers, Concrete Jungle, Baker Boy, HTRK, The Murlocs and Julia Jacklin set to take the stage. Check out the full lineup and book tickets via the Open Season website. TASTES OF MORETON BAY August 1–October 10 If you're hungry for a food offering that's a little more substantial than a weekend brunch, make tracks to Tastes of Moreton Bay. Across two (and a bit) months, the annual food event offers culinary tours, exclusive cellar door openings and a sampling of the best local produce the Moreton Bay region has to offer. While things kicked off on August 1, fear not — the food festival runs right up till mid-October, so there's still plenty to eat up. There's the Trawler to Plate Experience on Tuesday, September 14, where you can master the art of fish mongering before tucking into a seafood feast on the waterfront. On Saturday, September 18, head to Basilea Farm Open Day for a free foodie trail where you can handpick and taste the farm's wide selection of edible flowers, herbs and leafy greens. Or, hit up a Jane Austen-inspired afternoon tea at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology on Saturday, October 2, for tea cakes, dances and a spot of shuttlecock. Check out more Tastes of Moreton Bay events and book tickets via the website. [caption id="attachment_819359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sky Castle by ENESS. Photography: Zhu Rui[/caption] BRISBANE FESTIVAL September 3–25 Culture vultures rejoice: this year's Brisbane Festival is back and it's bringing some of Australia's — and the world's — top live performances, art installations and food pop-ups to Brisbane's humble shores. A three-week celebration of all things that are 'Brightly Brisbane', the festival boasts an itinerary of both free and ticketed events running till Saturday, September 25. You can catch the stage adaptation of Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe at Queensland Theatre; meander through immersive art activations such as Airship Orchestra and Sky Castle, two sprawling and luminous dreamscapes that will light up your imagination; and gaze at the skies on the banks of the river with the return of much-loved fireworks spectacular Riverfire, which is set to close out the festival on September 25. Check out the full lineup and book tickets via the Brisbane Festival website. [caption id="attachment_824828" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Suncorp Stadium[/caption] RUGBY DOUBLE-HEADER AT SUNCORP STADIUM September 18 Queensland has had no shortage of unforgettable live sport these past 12 months — and keeping with the theme, our state is playing host to the remainder of the 2021 eToro Rugby Championship season. The most gripping round on the horizon? A world-first rugby double-header at Suncorp Stadium on September 18. First up, the Wallabies will take on South Africa's Springboks, while later that evening, New Zealand will face off with Argentina. Expect plenty of big hits (and a couple of meat pie runs) at this two-and-a-half hour spectacular, where, for lack of a better sporty turn of phrase, the boys will be giving it 110 percent. Book tickets via Suncorp Stadium's website. Check out more epic events happening this spring and start planning your next Brisbane adventure via the Visit Brisbane website. Top image: Airship Orchestra, Ben Weinstein
Way before The Wiggles were ever hopelessly convincing us to eat fruit salad, Peter Combe was telling us to throw caution to the wind and wash our faces with orange juice. His crazy lyrics and unforgettable tunes carried us Gen Yers through early childhood and evidently dominated Australian children’s music. That was, until Peter disappeared into oblivion, leaving us to clutch onto our Juicy Juicy Green Grass dreams, wondering if he'll ever come back (chorus: will you come ba-ack?). Each night of his pub and club tour, Peter has seen crowds of over 18s crowd-surfing and stage diving to childhood faves “Newspaper Mama” and “Mister Clinkety Cane”. For those still a bit foggy, I doubt you've forgotten the words to Spaghetti Bolognese if you can accurately remember every word to Britney Spear's Hit Me Baby One More Time. The point of the matter is that even though it may have been 20-odd years since you've heard these songs, there is every chance your brain has retained their sheer awesomeness and is ready and willing to crack them out at an opportune moment. Obviously no better than this Saturday night, where you can see Peter Combe make your young dreams come true at the Globe.
Before real-life American politics started to resemble a farce, HBO's seven-season comedy Veep got there first — and gave the country a female Vice President before 2020's historic election results, too. Starring the always-exceptional Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Senator-turned-VP Selina Meyer, this quick-witted show parodies everything about US government, elections and politics. It was created by renowned Scottish satirist Armando Iannucci, who did the same thing in the UK with The Thick Of It, and it's both razor-sharp and sublimely hilarious. Veep is also impressively cast, with Louis-Dreyfus winning six consecutive Emmy Awards for her work, and her co-stars proving just as deserving of awards. Tony Hale might be best known for Arrested Development, but he's pitch-perfect as Selina's body man Gary. Also, when Hugh Laurie shows up, Veep manages to find a new level of comedy.
If your days spent working from home and social distancing could do with a few more adorable animals, you'll be happy to know the internet is filled with many. Melbourne's zoos are live streaming their penguins, leopard cubs and giraffes, Sydney's aquarium brought us playtime with Pig the dugong and a Queensland wildlife sanctuary has cams on its koalas 24/7. Now, Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo have launched their own television station: Taronga TV. As well as three 24/7 live-streams focused on the zoos' sumatran tiger cubs, seals and elephants, the station is releasing daily videos across its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels. Already online: some adorable koala content, virtual hangs with the world's largest lizard, penguin feeds, baby monkeys, otters and even a video of a hippo doing a backflip. Yes, hippopotamuses — those giant water-dwelling mammals that generally weigh around 1000 kilograms — can do gymnastics better than me. https://youtu.be/qy9tc9zkN_Y As for what's to come, the zoo is promising a lot of behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, chats with keepers, stories from the Wildlife hospitals (including how it x-rays a seal), conservation work and workshops. There's a heap of kid-focused content, too, if you have any littlies at home at the moment. Both Taronga Zoos are temporarily closed to the public. Taronga TV will release videos daily on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and via its website. Top image: Rick Stevens
By now, we're all well and truly in the festive mood. The big day is inching closer by the moment, too, and trying to get ready early is no longer an option. That said, even the most organised among us always have a few last-minute things to pick up. It really wouldn't be Christmas otherwise. While the Milton Markets has already hosted its usual festive shindig at the end of November, it isn't done helping you out with your festive shopping just yet. On Friday, December 23 from 7am–12pm, it's hosting a last pop-up pre-Christmas Eve market. Mark your calendars accordingly. Gourmet food, artisanal wares, farm-fresh produce, gift ideas — they'll all be available. It isn't just your final chance to get market goodies before Christmas, but one of your last opportunities to avoid shopping centres, their crowds, and their rush and chaos. As always with markets, arriving early is highly recommended.
Sometimes, your tastebuds crave something special. They hanker for the kind of dish you're not going to eat every day, aka a treat yo'self type of culinary experience. Here are three things that they'd likely demand in that situation: lobster, truffles and champagne. If that sounds like your idea of an indulgent meal, Lobster & Co has you sorted until Friday, January 27 at the Gasometer at Gasworks in Newstead. During another season of decadence, you'll only find those three aforementioned items on the menu; the Lobster & Co van is solely serving lobster rolls with truffle fries and flutes of Pommery champagne. Prices start at $50 for the food combo, which features a whole confit lobster tail sourced from Western Australia, served warm on a caramelised brioche bun with buttermilk fennel slaw, plus a side of parmesan truffle fries. A chilled glass of the champers will cost you $20 extra. Generally, Lobster & Co operates Wednesday–Sunday, but dates and times vary over the holidays — so keep an eye on the pop-up's website. Updated: January 5, 2023. Images: Karon Photography.
If you want to get up close and personal with the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world, make tracks to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway located 15 minutes north of Cairns. Aboard the cableway, you'll glide over the pristine jungle canopies between Smithfield and Kuranda, soaking in panoramic views of the rainforest and beyond before ending your ride near the banks of the heaving Barron River. You can also opt for the open-air Canopy Glider to sail top-down over the treetops with the expert guidance of a Skyrail Ranger or upgrade to the diamond view experience to ride in a gondola with a glass floor. To maximise your rainforest ride, combine your treetop adventure with the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to see the sights from a different perspective on your round trip. Plus, if you want to help maintain the tropical rainforest, you can donate to The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation which distributes funds to research and education projects that help protect and conserve this natural wonder.
No longer confined to children's birthday parties, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle sources and blow-up labyrinths are currently hot property for adults (and their inner kids, of course). And the next blow-up event to hit Australia is big. Really big. Dubbed 'The Big Bounce Australia', it's an inflatable theme park made up of Guinness World Records-certified world's biggest bouncy castle, a 300-metre long obstacle course and a three-part space-themed wonderland. You're going to need a lot of red cordial to bounce your way through all of this. Set to hit Brisbane between March 7 and 22, The Big Bounce is open to both littl'uns and big'uns — but there are a heap of adults-only sessions, so you don't have to worry about dodging toddlers on your way through. Tickets for adults will set you back $55, which gives you a whole three hours in the park. You'll need it. Inside, you'll encounter the aforementioned bouncy castle — aptly named The World's Biggest Bounce House — covering a whopping 1500 square metres and, in some spots, reaching ten metres off the ground. In this house, you'll encounter a heap of slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and (if you can believe it) a stage with DJs, confetti cannons and beach balls. Then, there's The Giant, with 50 inflatable obstacles, including giant red balls and a monster slide. [caption id="attachment_749668" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Bounce AirSpace[/caption] Before you hit the final, three-part section of the park, you may need to pause, down some red frogs and maybe even have a nap. Or not, you do only have three hours to explore it all. Next up, is AirSpace, where aliens, spaceships and moon craters collide with a five-lane slide, some more ball pits and an 18-metre-tall maze. Now, you'll certainly need a nap.
He wrote about cats wearing hats, grinches stealing Christmas, ham served with green eggs, and a creature called Sam. He was cartoonist Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr Seuss. He jotted down the humorous rhymes and scribbled the colourful images from the books that were a staple of your childhood. All that, you know — but did you know about his secret art? Beyond the 44 children’s stories, more than 400 World War II political cartoons, hundreds of advertisements and countless editorials that made him an icon, he also painted and sculpted for his own enjoyment. At The Art of Dr Seuss, both sides of his creative endeavours are on display as Mitchell Fine Art delves into 70 years of Seuss’ art history. In the Brisbane leg of a project that has toured the world, you can view rare works and buy prints and reproductions. You're also likely to get more than a few rhymes stuck in your head — that's just how Seuss would liked it, after all.
Mid-week treats from Philip Johnson's imaginative and decadent tasting menu at the landmark e'cco bistro are always a good idea. Coming in at a very agreeable $89 per person, you're likely to dine on dishes like venison tartare, pumpkin agnolotti, local organic chicken, steak with sweet soy and a cheeky mango tart for dessert. Not a bad way to enjoy the best of e'cco without putting too much strain on your wallet. Image: @eccobistro via Instagram
'Escape room' has been a bit of a loaded term for the past 18 months or so. We all know how crucial lockdowns are to stopping the spread of COVID-19, but we've all dreamed about escaping our own four walls during stay-at-home stints, too. And, if you're a fan of actual escape rooms — the themed spaces where puzzle buffs track down clues, solve mysteries and try to sleuth their way out the doors — you haven't had too many chances to enjoy your favourite pastime during the pandemic. You mightn't be able to head to a physical escape room at the moment — you could be in lockdown in Sydney or Brisbane, or it hasn't been a priority after Melbourne's last stay-at-home stretch, for instance — but one Australian venue wants you to keep enjoying its mysteries within your own house. Arcadium Adventures set up shop in Spring Hill in Brisbane in 2020, complete with a bar and different spaces for patrons to puzzle their way through. Now, it's also releasing online mystery kits for you to enjoy at home. A Most Mysterious Convention is the first kit in a planned series, and it'll task you with figuring out a secret message — all by printing out and reading the materials provided, and also by doing some cutting and punching of holes (with a hole punch, of course). You'll be solving puzzles in the process, too, with the whole experience expected to take between 90–120 minutes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arcadium Adventures (@arcadiumadventures) If you get stumped, you can also access the Arcadium Archives online for hints and clues as part of the $20 kit price. And, if you'd prefer to get a physical copy that you don't have to print out yourself, you can get one posted to you for $28. Obviously, you now have something else to add to your to-do list while you're spending more time at home. Yes, your streaming queue can wait for a few hours of puzzles. For more information about Arcadium Adventures' A Most Mysterious Convention kits, or to buy one, head to the venue's website. Top image: Arcadium Adventures.
In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, you'll have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Brisbane. The River City's Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2025 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike, making the festival mighty popular across the world today. [caption id="attachment_997959" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pierre Vieira[/caption] Each year, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festivalgoers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, and more. Check out seven of them from Wednesday, May 28–Saturday, May 31 at Brisbane Powerhouse, in a package featuring films about snowboarding on Antarctic icebergs, wingsuit flying in the Swiss Alps, ultra-marathon running, mountain biking in the Dolomites and more. Top images: Christoph Thoresen Ofa / Tamara Susa / Jerome Tanon.
Motivated by Council's plan to revitalise Brisbane's inner-city laneways, Urbane co-owners Andrew Patten and Andrew Buchanan opened the Laneway bar in late 2009. Despite the source of its inspiration, expect no cosy recess or unassuming hole in the wall. Though its perch overlooking Spencer Lane is discreet, the Laneway itself is a slickly designed, elevated room affixed to the back of sister establishment the Euro (via which it is accessible). With a roomy and uncluttered interior, the Laneway is a favoured spot for after-five drinks. The food — a cut above your standard pub snacks — also draws a crowd of workers at lunch. Share plates can be mixed and matched by combining 'substantials' (we recommend the Southern-style fried chicken, seasoned with 27 herbs and spices and served with a chipotle sauce) and 'accompaniments' (barbequed sweet corn with a spiced popcorn dry rub, boquerones served with lemon and garlic). Drinks specials change every week, and the range of beverages should keep everyone happy — domestic and imported beers and wines, some refreshing cocktails and, most significantly, a sweeping variety of spirits (the list of whiskeys is particularly impressive).
