Canadian artist Jon Rafman has presented viewers with a collection of the most bizzare, quirky and often disturbing images that are captured on Google's Street View. Named after the nine cameras that sit on top of the vehicles used to capture the images that form Google's mapping service, Rafman's work has again expanded notions of art and street photography. The collection includes four masked strangers on a highway in Mexico, a van engulfed in flames on the brink of explosion in Brazil, and a man revealing his bare bottom in Ireland. Rafman states that he collected the images through Street View blogs and his own use of the service, and has offered a lengthy essay detailing the purpose of the work and it's significance. Like the stunning images captured by Aaron Hobson, Rafman has shown us that the Internet is reaching a vastness that allows us to become virtual explorers of the world. With Google's mission to map the entire world and immortalise it online, there will be no shortage of images from fascinatingly random locations that we haven't even heard of. Next time you pass one of Google's vehicles you should quickly comb your hair and flash your best smile. After all, you might become part of an artwork. [via Buzzfeed]
For decades, Park Road has been Milton's go-to bar and restaurant hub; however the popular strip is getting some stiff competition. A few blocks closer to the city, Cribb Street Social is taking up residence on the roadway that inspired its name — and serving up everything from craft beverages to leafy hangout spaces along with it. Set to open in mid-September, Cribb Street Social is the latest venture from the folks behind Mr Edward's Alehouse, which should give an indication of the type of vibe on offer. If their CBD space is the kind of city spot you could while away an afternoon in, then their venture further afield not only aims to replicate the same atmosphere in the city's inner-west, but to do so with a huge al fresco garden, a drinks menu that spans cold brews, cocktails and coffees, and charcuterie leading the food charge. Beverage-wise, the bar and restaurant will feature ten craft beers and four artisan cocktails on tap, plus a hefty list of wines, a focus on whisky and gin, and more spirit-filled concoctions. If caffeine is more your thing — and with the eatery trading across weekday breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch and dinner, it's bound to be at some point — they'll also be brewing Locale Coffee Roasters beans. When it comes to pairing your tipple with something tasty, it'll be a pick-your-own-board affair, allowing patrons to build their ultimate combination of meats, cheeses, antipasti and more — for one, and for groups. European-style meals will also be available amidst decor teeming with natural wood, copper and leather, and for eating on a picnic rug in the grassy outdoor area. Find Cribb Street Social at 19–23 Cribb Street from mid-September. Head to their website and Facebook page for more information.
A brand-new interactive advertising campaign from Play Melbourne jumps energetically away from traditional advertising. In an attempt to allow tourists to experience a city before they actually arrive, the Remote Control Tourist lets online users control the movements of two real tourists and watch the results via live stream. Essentially, you sign into remotecontroltourist.com using your Facebook or Twitter account. You can see the map of where the tourist is, what’s nearby, and their video and audio feeds. Then, just send a request for that tourist to do whatever you want. For example, "Find out if Manchester Press do Brazilian coffee." They don’t. The logic behind the two peeps with camera strapped to their heads seems to be that typical tourism ads just show what the tourism company wants you to see, but as a tourist the experience is always totally different. So why not check out the tourist life before embarking on it, all from the comfort and safety of your own home? The idea is not so crazy. The real-life tourist doesn’t have to acquiesce to every request, so nothing creepy or weird is going to go down. Plus, it appeals to the God complex that hides deep down inside us all — who doesn’t want to have complete control over somebody for a little while? It’s also oddly addictive to watch a total stranger responding to online requests like that. So, if you want a chance to "go before you go" to Melbourne, check out the website between October 9-13. Images via Remote Control Tourist.
Maybe you don't get paid until next week. Perhaps you're saving all your cash for your first holiday of 2019. Or you could've broken your bank account by buying, well, just about anything. However it happened, you're still short on funds. But, as long as you've got a fiver burning a hole in your wallet, you can still have a great Saturday night out. Thank the legends at The Zoo for an evening's entertainment that everyone can afford. If you've ever wondered how the Ann Street icon has managed to keep the tunes pumping and the crowds coming since 1992, it's because of ace ideas like this one. Yes, Five Bands Five Bucks is exactly what it sounds like — and what it sounds like is 100 percent awesome. Blussh, Rich Uncle, Siick Riick, Vivvid and Guava Lava will be on the bill, waiting for you to part with a piece of pink-coloured currency to hear their latest and greatest tunes.
As the director of Flickerfest for the past 15 years, Bronwyn Kidd has programmed thousands of short films — and seen many, many more. She's got such a strong eye, in fact, that one more category in the festival has become Academy® Accredited this year, giving its filmmakers a track to the Oscars. She shared with us her top six films to keep a particularly close eye on at Flickerfest. So no getting distracted by the Bondi stars or ducking out for a drink at the bar when you see these titles flash on the screen. 1. Oh Willy A quirky animation about Willy, who needs to go back to a naturist community after the death of his mother. 2. Zimmer 606 A brilliant blend of live action and animation by Peter Volkart, a master of the craft who has screened many other films at Flickerfest. 3. Life Vest Under Your Seat An hilarious short film about a nightmare passenger you hope you never have to sit next to on any flight from Spain. 4. The Captain A quirky film about a man who winds up in the wreckage of an airline crash having to piece together what happened. Directed by Nash Edgerton and Spencer Susser. 5. A Cautionary Tail A world-class animation with the voices of Cate Blanchett, Barry Otto, and David Wenham. 6. A Story for the Modlins An amazing documentary about the star of the film from Rosemary's Baby. They're all part of the packed Flickerfest 2013 program. Details and screening times are on their website.
By now, it feels like no stone has been unturned by Sydney's big developers. But you know where they haven't developed yet? Underground. So perhaps that's why the NSW Government has set its sights below street level — today it announced its plans to turn the St James tunnels, a large subterranean space that adjoins St James Station, into an underground attraction. The tunnel is, after all, just sitting there. It was built back in the 1920s as part of a plan to connect the CBD with eastern suburbs, but the project was never realised. Since then, it's been used as an air raid shelter during World War II, an operations bunker for the air force and as a location for The Matrix Revolutions. Tours used to run, but now there's no way for the public to access the tunnels. The NSW Government is opening this one up to the floor, and is seeking expressions of interest from both local and international developers. Ideally, it would like something that would turn the tunnel and its platform into a "world-renowned attraction" — perhaps restaurants, bars, shops, or cultural and entertainment spaces. "Spaces like the St James tunnel are rare," said Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance in a statement today. "Around the world, hidden spaces are being converted into unique experiences and we want St James Station to be part of that." Expressions of interest will close November 6 — after they've been received, the process will be managed by Sydney Trains and real estate company CBRE. We'll keep you updated on the next stage of the process.
If it can happen in a pandemic, it can happen in any year. Yes, we're talking about Brisbane Festival. After 2020's event, which had to adjust to the new realities brought on by COVID-19, the annual celebration of arts and culture returns in 2021 — so mark Friday, September 3–Saturday, September 25 in your diary. Most of the 2021 program will be announced much closer to those September dates, as happens each time the festival rolls around. That said, you can expect everything from art, music and theatre to lights, lasers and interactive installations, plus whatever other weird, wonderful, unique and just brand new ideas and shows the fest's organisers and the talented artists they work with manage to come up with this year. If you'd like to get excited already, a few details have already been revealed — including the long-awaited world premiere of Boy Swallows Universe, which'll hit the Brisbane stage during Brisbane Festival. Also on the bill so far: Queensland's Finest, with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcasing top local talent; and Songs That Made Me, with singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock crooning tunes. [caption id="attachment_793650" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Boy Swallows Universe, David Kelly[/caption] Top image: Brisbane Festival 2020, Atmosphere Photography.
When Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Queensland's latest stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions, she gave cinephiles a particularly exciting piece of news. Movie theatres have been closed around the country since mid-March; however, as of Monday, June 1, projectors have been allowed to start whirring again in the Sunshine State. And, while that doesn't mean that it's popcorn-munching business as usual quite yet, local cinemas are gradually beginning to reopen. The first to start welcoming movie buffs back into darkened rooms was New Farm Cinemas, which opened its doors on Friday, June 5. It's now showing flicks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, including movies that were screening in March when cinemas shut, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, 1917, Dark Waters, Emma, Honey Boy, Jojo Rabbit, Richard Jewell, The Lighthouse, The Way Back, The Current War and The Gentlemen. It's also playing new films that were originally slated to hit cinemas during their closure, then switched to video-on-demand releases, and are now brightening up the big screen anyway. That means that if you haven't yet caught the Hugo Weaving-starring Hearts and Bones at home, or watched Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan eat and banter their way through The Trip to Greece, you can now do so in a theatre. While New Farm is currently open — and Yatala Drive-In, which is also run by Five Star Cinemas, too — the company's other sites remain closed. No general relaunch dates have been announced as yet for the Elizabeth Picture Theatre or Red Hill Cinemas, but they are both taking bookings for private hires from Friday, June 12. Also getting back into action is Cineplex Cinemas, with the discount chain's Hawthorne, Hawthorne Deluxe and Victoria Point venues reopening on Friday, June 12 — and screening The Invisible Man, The Trip to Greece and Dolittle. It's also keeping some locations closed for the time being, so don't go heading to Balmoral, South Bank, Nerang or Redbank just yet. And, come Thursday, July 2, Palace's two Brisbane locations at Barracks and James Street will also relaunch. Even better — they'll do so with brand new movies that haven't screened in Aussie cinemas or hit VOD as yet. On that date, film fans will be able to check out The Booksellers and bakery-set British drama Love Sarah. The week after, Waves and A White, White Day will follow suit, before (hopefully) Christopher Nolan's Tenet hit the following week. If Tenet does release on Thursday, July 16 as planned — which depends not only on Australian cinemas, but whether enough US and worldwide cinemas have reopened — it's safe to expect that plenty of other Brisbane picture palaces will relaunch on or around then. In fact, that's the date that the local industry has been working towards. At the time of writing, big chains such as Event, Hoyts and Reading haven't revealed their reopening dates, nor smaller groups like Dendy, or independent Brissie sites such as Blue Room Cinebar, Eldorado or the Regal — but, again, expect that to change as mid-July creeps up. And, like attending any business reopening in the time of COVID-19, patrons can also expect significant changes to the movie-going experience — including online bookings, allocated seating, gaps between patrons, contactless payment, social-distancing requirements and extra cleaning. For more information about what's screening in Brisbane, or to book tickets, visit the websites for New Farm Cinemas or Cineplex. For details about Palace's reopening from July 2, visit the chain's website
Easter in 2020 is going to look a whole lot different. With social distancing and public gathering rules in place across the country, we can't skip town to our favourite holiday spot or even go round to a mate's place for a hot cross bun breakfast. But, joining the Easter Bunny this year to spice up this long weekend is another famous figure: The Colonel. For the first time Down Under, KFC is offering free home delivery on orders over $30 via Menulog. So, round up your housemates for a weekend of eleven secret herbs and spices. The limited-time offer is available nationwide and kicks off on Thursday, April 9. To get your hands on some finger lickin' good chook with no extra cost, head to Menulog's website or use the Menulog app and enter KFCatHOME at checkout. And while you're food is on its way, you can meditate with KFChill, a wellness website that lets you unwind to the sound of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. Yes, it'll make you hungry. While you can't road trip to the world's first drive-thru-only KFC or marry your loved at the famed chicken chain this Easter, free delivery on a Family Feast, Mates Burger Box or Party Starter is sure to lift your spirits. Plus, Popcorn Chicken is a pretty good snack for when you're binging Tiger King or streaming this year's Oscar-winning flick. KFC is offering free delivery across Australia on orders over $30 via Menulog and is available from Thursday, April 9 for a limited time only. To order, head here and enter KFCatHOME at checkout.
It's been 13 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Thankfully, Laneway Festival has just confirmed it will be heading back to its collection of unconventional venues for another year, revealing it's 2018 dates and first two headliners. Returning to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland and Singapore next January and February, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with what looks to be one heck of a lineup. Following on from the announcement of two of 2018's headliners — California's inimitable Anderson .Paak with his live band The Free Nationals, and Canada's Mac DeMarco — the festival has dropped the full lineup. On it is a slew of exclusive sets, which will see you get down to BABADNOTGOOD, Odesza, The Internet, and sway along to The War on Drugs and Father John Misty. The full lineup was initially slated to be announced tomorrow, but has been brought forward after it was leaked online this morning. Visa pre-sale tickets go on-sale this Thursday, September 14 and the rest of the tickets going on sale at 9am on September 18. But, enough chit-chat — here's the full 2018 lineup. LANEWAY 2018 LINEUP Aldous Harding Alex Cameron Amy Shark Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals BABADNOTGOOD (exclusive to Laneway) Billie Eilish Bonobo (exclusive to Laneway) Cable Ties City Calm Down Dream Wife Father John Misty KLLO** Loyle Carner Mac DeMarco Miss Blanks Moses Sumney ODESZA (exclusive to Laneway) Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (Sandy) Alex G Shame Slowdive Sylvan Esso The Babe Rainbow The Internet (exclusive to Laneway) The War On Drugs TOKiMONSTA Wolf Alice (exclusive to Laneway) Image: Andy Fraser.
It's happening again. If you're fond of staring at the heavens with your own two eyes to see a stunning sight, you'll want to spend Thursday, October 17, 2024 looking up. Another supermoon is upon us, with the best time to see it arriving after sunset Down Under — so if you train your peepers upwards this evening, you'll be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year, and one occurred in August 2024 as well as in September — there's still a a good reason to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, we've run through the details below. [caption id="attachment_598533" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Andrew C via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] What Is It? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because October 2024's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a hunter's moon, too, which refers to the time of year in the northern hemisphere. This is the time when hunting was undertaken to store meat for the coming winter in the other half of the world. Of course, that doesn't apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. This supermoon is also the closest of 2024 — which makes it the brightest of 2024, too. [caption id="attachment_769713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Joel Kowsky[/caption] When Can I See It? As mentioned above, your best time to look at the harvest supermoon is from sunset on Thursday, October 17, 2024, although it'll officially be a full moon at 10.26pm AEDT in Sydney and Melbourne, 9.26pm AEST in Brisbane, 9.56pm ACDT in Adelaide and 7.26pm AWST in Perth. The moon always appears full for a few days, however, so if you already thought that the night sky looked a little brighter this week, that's why. To catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside when it gets dark to feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. Head over to timeanddate.com for the relevant moonrise and moonset times for your area. Where Can I See It? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Sunset arrives at 7.10pm AEDT in Sydney, 7.39pm AEDT in Melbourne, 5.56pm AEST in Brisbane, 7.31pm ACDT in Adelaide and 6.29pm AWST in Perth Via timeanddate.com. Image: Elekes Andor via Wikimedia Commons.
Plenty of different noises have echoed across Riverstage over the years, hailing from bands, festivals, Christmas carols, Matildas celebrations — complete with Nikki Webster singing 'Strawberry Kisses' to the champion football team — and more. The next sounds that the inner-city spot in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens will hear: the Ministry of Sound, thanks to its huge dance music orchestra show. When anyone hits 30, they tend to look backwards — to reminisce, lament leaving their twenties behind and avoid accepting that they've just hit a big milestone birthday. Ministry of Sound marked that occasion two years ago, and it's been getting nostalgic ever since. The brand that started as a London club night back in 1991 has been touring an orchestral gig around Australia for a couple of years now, in fact, that's filled with three decades of dance music bangers. Returning to Brisbane for the second year running, this time in a new location, Ministry of Sound Classical is the answer to a question you didn't know you had. Ever wondered what classical renditions of Basement Jaxx, Darude, Röyksopp, Robin, Underworld, Moby, Fisher and more would sound like played by an orchestra? On Saturday, October 14, you'll have the chance to find out. On the bill: the Ministry of Sound Orchestra, of course, as well as Sneaky Sound System and The Potbelleez performing live, plus Mark Dynamix and DJ John Course. Conductor Vanessa Perica will lead the musicians, while live vocals are also part of the show. And yes, it all sounds a lot like Synthony, which does the same thing — but who doesn't love getting multiple opportunities to hear dance-floor fillers given a classical spin? The Ministry of Sound Classical tour will play Riverstage in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on Saturday, October 14. For further details and tickets, head to the tour website.
Sometimes, you can fall out of love with your city, get stuck in a monotonous 9-to-5 routine and start to feel a little like you're living in Groundhog Day. The best thing to do is pack your bags and get outta town for a couple of days, maybe more. Sydney is teeming with new places to while away a sunny day, it's the perfect destination if you want to escape the Melbourne weather or hightail it out of Brissie for a long weekend. But you don't want to get stuck visiting the same old tourist traps. To help you out, we've partnered with Qantas and curated sunrise-to-sunset guide for Sydney's hip 'n' happenin' inner-city suburbs, so you won't miss out on a thing. First destination: Coogee. There's more to this chill beachside suburb than a broad sandy beach, our step-by-step itinerary will show you how to pack the most into a day-long Coogee frolic and see all the best sites. From sunrise boxing on the beach to lounging on the rooftop at Coogee Pavilion, outdoor yoga at the Baths to dog-spotting on the foreshore, you can have an active, ocean-drenched, food-filled day all at once down at one of Sydney's most laid-back eastern suburbs beaches. Now, it's time to explore. 6AM: GO BOXING ON THE BEACH Book one of Beachfit and Wellbeing's outdoor boxing classes to kick-start your day with the zest of a lifestyle blogger. Coogee Beach itself gets fairly packed on sunny days, so the best way to enjoy the sand between your toes is to get down there early. Like, sunrise early. Meet at the centre of Coogee Beach, watch the sun come up and smash out a workout before most of Sydney has even registered that it's a new day. Don't forget to snap an Insta pic to make your interstate friends jealous. 7AM: GRAB COFFEE AND BREKKIE AT THE LITTLE KITCHEN Rinse off the sunrise sweat at one of the council's outdoor showers, and walk towards the south end of Coogee to The Little Kitchen. A family-run cafe open from 7am daily, you'll find modern Aussie cafe food in a relaxed, freshly refurbished setting. Pick a seat at one of the long tables inside away from the sun. Double Roasters coffee or cold drip takes care of all your caffeine needs. Keep brekkie simple with a humble order of fruit toast and ricotta, or have the grilled chorizo with roasted peppers, herb salad, hummus and labne for a more substantial feed. Don't forget to bring a book or the paper — anyone who gets up before 8am truly earns the right to savour that morning coffee. 8.30AM: ENJOY SOME PRIME DOG-SPOTTING Scientific fact: dogs are freaking cute. But you can test this hypothesis for yourself if you must. Grab a coffee to go, meander along the boardwalk towards Trenerry Reserve and you'll be in the heartland of peak dog-spotting action. Remember to wear a hat, some sunscreen and sunnies as those Sydney rays can be quite strong if you're not used to them. 9.30AM: PRACTICE YOUR SUN SALUTATION AT OUTDOOR YOGA Keep the active-wear on for a relaxing outdoor yoga session. From the dog park, just wander 100 metres back towards Coogee Beach to the historic Wylie's Baths for a wholesome al fresco Hatha Flow. Run by Wylie's Wellness, classes take place in the shade of a marquee overlooking the sea, so you can enjoy stunning ocean views while you're stretching it out. 12PM: FISH AND CHIPS AT CHISH N FIPS After an active morning, it's time to chill. Lunch from Chish N Fips is a local favourite and must-try for visitors. It's a reasonably priced, no-frills joint reminiscent of grabbing a feed on a camping car trip with the family circa 1998, but, more importantly, it's very tasty. Order calamari and chips to take away and enjoy unparalleled views of Coogee beach, with the sand beneath your toes and salty ocean breeze on your face. 2PM: COOGEE PAVILION Unequivocally the best place to scout a prime view overlooking the whole of Coogee Beach is from the rooftop balcony of Coogee Pavilion. Nab one of their balcony umbrellas, grab a Pavilion Pina Colada ($18) and some grilled haloumi wrapped in vine leaves ($12.50) and wind down overlooking post-card perfect views of the beach. Ah, how's the serenity? 4PM: SNORKELLING AT GORDONS BAY You don't have to travel to the Great Barrier Reef to live out your marine biologist dreams — check out the teeming aquatic life down at Gordons Bay, the coastal inlet just north of Coogee Beach. The word that comes to mind when describing the bay is 'magical'. This might sound like the overzealous puffery of a high-end Maldivian resort guidebook write-up, but when you're floating in the water looking up at the surrounding cliffs, you will second this assessment. Just think, if you were a Sydneysider you could do this every weekend. 6PM: DINNER AT SUGARCANE RESTAURANT Conclude your Coogee adventure with dinner and drinks at Sugarcane. It's a contemporary Asian dining experience with Japanese, Malay, Thai and Chinese cuisines all featuring on the menu. The decor has Balinese Seminyak vibes, but the ocean view from the restaurant's balcony tables is pure Sydney. Now's probably a good time to start planning your next trip back to this magical place. Ready to get away and experience Sydney? Book with Qantas for great fares to Sydney and NSW until 24 September. Terms and conditions apply.
From its awe-inspiring scenery to its hefty brew tours and the 200 sprawling wineries that call it home, the Margaret River region has become one of Australia's top destinations for those looking to escape the city in style. Situated about three hours from Perth, this bustling coastal setting offers surf beaches, lush forests and ancient underground cave systems all in one spot — which is especially exciting if you're looking for a bit of variety on a weekend trip this winter. With a landscape as diverse as this, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Margaret River is also home to incredible outdoor experiences that are ready and waiting for you to enjoy. There's a lot to choose from, but who doesn't love being spoilt for choice? To help, we've put our heads together with Virgin Australia to come up with the very best activities to make your getaway unforgettable. There'll be wine. There'll be beaches. And, of course, there'll be adventures. [caption id="attachment_719648" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Phil Whitehouse via Flickr[/caption] EXPLORE THE LIMESTONE CAVES OF LEEUWIN NATURALISTE RIDGE When you're viewing it from ground level, the Margaret River region is rather spectacular — but heading underground also reveals incredible sights. Formed around a million years ago, there are over 100 limestone caves throughout Margaret River. They're considered some of the most extraordinary in Australia. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge is where you'll find many of them, with this expansive system featuring alluring crystal formations aplenty. Across a variety of guided and self-led tours, you can follow staircases and boardwalks that'll take you right into the depths of the earth. And if you only have time to visit a select few caves, don't miss your chance to see Lake Cave's imposing entrance or Jewel Cave, with its collection of stalactites that are over five metres tall. ABSEIL DOWN THE SEASIDE CLIFFS WITH MARGARET RIVER CLIMBING CO Rising 40 metres above the Indian Ocean, the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are among the most picturesque in the Margaret River region, stretching along the rugged coastline for a half-kilometre. If you enjoy a bit of death-defying action to go with your holiday, hook yourself into these towering red granite cliffs with the Margaret River Climbing Co — and step off the edge as you abseil your way down the sheer rock face. There's no need to worry if it's your first time. There are plenty of sections that are suitable for beginners, while experienced abseilers will still find a difficult challenge. Hanging from the cliff face presents you with pretty unbeatable ocean views, naturally. Our tip: keep an eye out for the pods of whales and dolphins that are often seen swimming amid these coastal currents. TREK THE CAPE NATURALISTE TO SUGARLOAF ROCK WALK The Cape to Cape Track is one of the most impressive treks you can complete in the Margaret River region. While you'll likely be a little busy indulging in the local food and wine to make the entire 140-kilometre journey, the Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock section offers a pleasant introduction to the outstanding landscape. Setting off from the popular Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, this relaxing three-and-a-half-kilometre stretch will have you stepping along a mix of gentle walking paths and timber boardwalks as you soak up the peaceful coastal views. To get the ideal experience, aim to reach Sugarloaf Rock just as the sun begins to set. Sitting just off the coastline in the Indian Ocean, this majestic rock formation is lit up daily by quite the striking colours as the sun dips below the horizon. TAKE A SUNSET CANOE RIDE ALONG THE MARGARET RIVER Sticking with the sunset theme, the Sunset Canoe Tour is your chance to float down Margaret River in complete serenity as the day draws to a close. You'll drift upstream flanked by wildflowers and forest — and it won't be long before you spy soaring limestone cliffs. Next, you'll watch as the late afternoon light sets the rock faces alight with a radiant glow, before continuing onwards in search of a secluded beachfront. Once you hit the sand, listen out for the chorus created by the local wildlife. It'll provide the perfect soundtrack as you rest on the beach with a glass of wine, a delicious canapé and a view of the last light as it disappears over the Indian Ocean. SEE THE REGION FROM ABOVE DURING A SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT Make the most of your time by getting high above the Margaret River with a scenic helicopter ride. This part of the world provides a wealth of amazing natural wonders, so why not encounter the vast ocean and coastal landscape from the air? From farmland to forests to golden brown cliffs, you'll also hover above the boutique wineries and their seemingly endless rows of grapes — the ones that have helped put Margaret River on the map. Among the highlights, you'll also get to see Rivermouth, Surfer's Point, the Ellenbrook House and Cape Mentelle Vineyards, one of the oldest and most attractive wineries in all of Margaret River. If you're now eagerly planning a visit to Margaret River, check out Virgin Australia's holiday packages — which offer everything from chilled-out cottages to massive resorts.
Lapalux aka Stuart Howard is from Essex. If you’ve ever watched The Only Way is Essex you will get that this is kind of amazing, sort of like how Iggy Azalea came out of the rolling acres of Mullumbimby in regional NSW. The 25-year-old electronic music prodigy is currently the only British artist to be signed to the LA-based label Brainfeeder, the result of a spontaneous email by Howard that was returned with a personal response from Flying Lotus himself. So I guess Lapalux is kind of like electronic music’s answer to the self made YouTube success story of Justin Bieber? He has the beautiful bone structure and serious swagu to further substantiate the comparison. Lapalux will be supported by Wintercoats, Motion Picture Actress and Charles Murdoch. Tickets are available through Silo Arts.
If the name doesn't clue you in (a moniker shared with a Rod Stewart single from five decades back, in fact), then the heaving splashes of mustard, brown and teal should: Newstead newcomer Maggie May sure does love the 70s. That it's badging itself as a supper club gives that away, too — plus the prawn rolls, s'mores and chocolate fondue on the menu — however, this fresh addition to Longland Street is welcoming in punters all day. First announced back in September, and now swinging open its doors on Friday, October 21, Gasworks Plaza's latest spot does indeed have something to say to Brisbanites: when it comes to worshipping the 70s, this is your place. It seems to be a thriving time for new venues inspired by blasts from the past, with the supper club following in the footsteps of freshly opened Fortitude Valley nightclub Superfly Disco. Hit up one, then head to the other: there, that's your next night out planned. At Maggie May, the menu spans share plates, including both small and large bites; wine and cocktails, with a particularly hefty vino list; and a casual vibe that's playful and retro. Standout food options include baked bruschetta topped with whipped feta, duck shanks with chilli caramel, gin-cured salmon, roasted cauliflower gnocchi, South Australian black mussels and stacked charcuterie boards. Or, from the breakfast menu, there's also a baked stone fruit bruschetta and peanut butter pancakes. Among the cocktail selection, drinks come with names like 'Saturday Night Fever', 'Disco Daddies Ice Tea' and 'Soul Sister Spritz' — bringing the 70s to your sips. Serving up coffee and breakfast, long lunches, both quick and leisurely dinners, and cocktail-hour beverages, Maggie May joins Hallmark Hospitality's list of southeast Queensland sites, and settles into The Defiant Duck's old stomping ground adjacent to the Newstead Gasometer. It sits alongside Retro's Cocktail Lounge and Finn McCool's Irish Bar in both Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise, plus Asylum Nightclub, Lefty's Music Hall, Lost Kingdom Nightclub, The Cavill Hotel, The Spotted Cow, The Lord Alfred Hotel and Hey Chica! in company's growing portfolio. "Playful and energetic, the venue boats seventies nostalgia with a modern twist," said Hallmark Hospitality Director Joe Heanen, describing Maggie May ahead of its launch. "Maggie May is a place where patrons can feel at home and ultimately know they're in for a good time — a place that brings friends, colleagues and loved ones together to enjoy great company, good food and even better wine." Find Maggie May at 3/84 Longland Street, Newstead, from Friday, October 21.
The year may be drawing to a close, however the same should not be assumed for the fun and frivolity. Lust for Life are throwing a celebration for the festive season the best way they know how – a massive party, and you’re invited! Head along to Crowbar on Brunswick Street, where the tunes drown loudly and the drinks are always flowing, to meet your friends at Lust for Life Tattoo. Your golden ticket is your cover charge, which will get you a night of great music, as well as great people. Appropriately named bands will be on stage, including The Gifthorse and Deer Lord, as well as Arrows and Army of Champions. Doors are at 8, not to be a minute late, for the fun will be had from early hours and in great doses. If you’ve been to a Lust for Life party before, you’ll know to prepare for mass celebrations, as we reflect upon and rejoice the year that was.
Break out the Wensleydale! Following in the footsteps of the massively popular Pixar and DreamWorks Animation exhibitions, the latest show at Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image pays tribute to the studio behind stop motion's most iconic duo. Originally created for the Art Ludique – Le Musée in Paris, Wallace & Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman is ACMI's contribution to this year's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series. The delightful exhibition features more than 350 objects, including props, models, storyboards, concept art, photos, clips and behind-the-scenes interviews. It's a comprehensive survey of the history and creative process of the beloved animation studio, whose clay creations have charmed audiences for more than 40 years. Naturally, the exploits of Wallace and Gromit take centre stage. You can see the rocket the pair took to the moon in A Grand Day Out, admire the veggies growing in Gromit's carefully tended garden, and shake your fist at early character sketches for the dastardly Feathers McGraw. There's also an entire section dedicated to cracking contraptions that's sure to get your imagination working overtime. But there's much more to Aardman than what goes on at 62 West Wallaby Street, Wigan. From Creature Comforts to Chicken Run to the deeply unsettling Angry Kid, the exhibition leaves no stone unturned. You can even get a glimpse at a number of the studio's more memorable commercials and music videos, including their groundbreaking clip for Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer'. Frankly, we could have spent all day exploring the exhibition. But for those of you who might be short on time, here are five things on offer you absolutely have to see. THE ORIGINS OF WALLACE & GROMIT Early sketches reveal the secret history of Gromit and his eccentric owner, who it turns out was originally a postman named Jerry. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it? Reckon we can all agree creator Nick Park dodged a bullet there. THE CHICKEN RUN FLYING MACHINE A key model from Aardman's first feature-length film, the flying machine is a bizarre contraption born of hard work and a belief in the impossible. In that way, it is the item that best exemplifies the spirit of the studio itself. THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS PIRATE SHIP Admittedly, the flying machine is somewhat overshadowed by what is inarguably the piece-de-resistance of the ACMI exhibition: the five-metre-high ship from The Pirates! Band of Misfits. So impressive is the model that you could be forgiven for thinking it's about to sail off at any moment. MAKE YOUR OWN CLAYMATION Fancy yourself the next Nick Park? Then why not try making a short animation of your own. Visitors will get the chance to mould a colourful clay character, before bringing them to life frame-by-frame. They say it's meant for kids and families, but don't let that stop you. AN EARLY LOOK AT EARLY MAN Round off your visit with a behind-the-scenes look at what Aardman are up to next. Due for release in early 2018, the prehistoric Early Man features the voice talents of Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and Maisie Williams, and looks like an absolute blast. Wallace & Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman is showing at at ACMI from June 29 until October 29. Images: Charlie Kinross.
International headline acts are fun and all, but if you like your festivals with a little more adrenaline, this one's for you. The inaugural Seal Rocks Adventure Festival is crashing onto the mid-NSW coast later this month. Descending on Seal Rocks Treachery Camp, about 90 minutes north of Newcastle, it's set to deliver a weekend of hands-on blood-pumping fun over the weekend of May 17–19. The program of this boutique BYO camping festival is jam-packed full of activities, balancing out an after-dark schedule of live tunes and film screenings. By day, you'll have the chance to battle your mates in an interactive game of Archery Attack, learn some new moves in a circus skills workshop, go deep with a free-diving short course, and flit between rock climbing, surfing, slacklining, yoga and zorbing — yep, this one involves crashing around a field in a giant bouncing bubble. There'll be a disco-themed 'doofercise' workout class to kick things off each morning, classes to teach you how to start fire with just a couple of sticks, and an ongoing challenge to see who can fit the most humans on a giant stand-up paddleboard. Booze is BYO, but vendors like The Perfect Paella, Dr Drool and Tim's on Treach will have pop-ups to help fuel your adventures — and a restaurant will pop-up on the Saturday night for a four-course Saturday feast. Or, you can boost your own cooking skills at a pizza making class. By night, there'll be moongazing tours and campfires, while the stage heats up with local acts like Thunder Fox, The Regime, Elaskia and Belle Badi. And if you're after more inspiration, there's the Adventure Film Festival, emceed by Alice King in the Talking Tent each night. Adult camping tickets clock in at $340, which gets you an entry pass, a campsite and access to as many of the weekend's activities as you can handle. Groups of mates and families are welcome, and capacity is capped at 500. There are glamping and cabins options, too, for those who want a little more comfort at the end of a long day of adventuring (and have extra cash to spare). Seal Rocks Adventure Festival will take over Seal Rocks Treachery Camp on May 17–19. Tickets start at $340 and can be bought over here.
"They're more scared of us than we are of them," many mothers have told their offspring, soothing fears of monsters, spiders and other scary forces — and in The Boxtrolls, the adage proves accurate. The village of Cheesebridge is intent on exterminating the cardboard-wearing, subterranean-dwelling titular creatures, driven by tales of child stealing, people eating, and rivers of blood. All the benevolent grey critters want, however, is to play with junk and tinker with machines. A lost baby is the source of the boxtrolls' bad reputation, after the villainous Archibald Snatcher (Ben Kingsley) convinces the townsfolk of their involvement. A decade later, the missing boy has been raised by his new pals and christened Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright), happy in his existence beneath the streets. Then Winifred (Elle Fanning) spots him, her morbid curiosity soon turning to affinity. Alas, Snatcher's pursuit continues, with the rest of the populace ambivalent to the girl's protests. From animators Laika, The Boxtrolls is steeped in the offbeat and styled in the eccentric; this is the stop-motion studio that brought Coraline and ParaNorman to life, after all. Adapted from Alan Snow's novel Here Be Monsters!, the film shares many aspects with their previous hits: gorgeously grotesque imagery, smart gags slipped amongst endearing detail, a winning blend of the sweet and surreal, and intelligent messages for young and old. With a steampunk aesthetic, directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi lovingly revel in their intricate world, complete with rusting metal, slops of mud, unattractive adults and more. They remain unafraid of letting the harshness of life manifest in the gothic look, albeit lightened by the sense of adventure, the cuteness of the boxtrolls, a celebration of cheese (food, not corniness) and a story concerned with acceptance outside the norm. The weighty themes don't stop there, nor does the studio's penchant for a specific type of material. Outcast children find fondness in things typically considered strange, looking beyond accepted bounds to discover their identities and values. Open-mindedness is championed, just as the blinkered view of most — Snatcher's coveting of social-climbing grandeur, and Winifred's father's (Jared Harris) preference for dairy over his daughter — is skewered. The thoughtful feature even contemplates self-determination and the outsourcing of immoral deeds to the poor through the comic conversations of Snatcher's employees, voiced by Richard Ayoade, Nick Frost and Tracy Morgan. Such high-profile casting tops the delightfully dark film, its talent deepening the characters rather than merely inciting the usual celebrity spotting (although Ayoade and Frost's banter is always a treat). Stitching together the sensibilities of Tim Burton and Roald Dahl, The Boxtrolls is a warm and witty excursion through the weird and wonderful, as well as a true slice of cinematic enjoyment for all ages. https://youtube.com/watch?v=uHfkJMILG4U
Streaming platforms have become one of modern life's certainties, with new instances continuing to pop up all over the place. In fact, this year along will see two huge players giving Netflix, Amazon and the like a run for their money — not only Apple, which will release Apple TV+ in the second half of 2019, but Disney as well. First revealed last year, Disney+ will boast a swathe of high-profile content, including new Star Wars and Marvel TV shows, plus all of your favourite Disney animated movies in one place. Now the service has announced a US launch date of November 12, as well as "plans to be in nearly all major regions of the world within the next two years." Just how long viewers Down Under will have to wait is yet to be seen; however given the array of titles heading to the platform, here's hoping it's sooner rather than later. With Disney recently merging with competitor Fox, Disney+'s US range is hefty — not only spanning Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, but National Geographic and the entirety of The Simpsons, too. During its first year of operation, it's due to release more than 25 original series and 10 original films, documentaries and specials. And, to make its catalogue available from US$6.99 per month, in both HD and 4K, and "on a wide range of mobile and connected devices, including gaming consoles, streaming media players and smart TVs". [caption id="attachment_689920" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Marvel Studios[/caption] In the Marvel sphere post-Avengers: Endgame, new series Loki, WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will all focus on their eponymous characters — Tom Hiddleston's trickster Loki, Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany's Vision, and Anthony Mackie's Falcon and Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier, with all of the actors retaining their roles. A Hawkeye series with Jeremy Renner is also in the works, as is animated program Marvel's What If…, which'll take inspiration from the comics of the same name, asking the titular question about important Marvel Cinematic Universe moments. Fans of Star Wars can not only look forward to the $100 million live-action series The Mandalorian from The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Iron Man and Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau (and with Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi helming an episode), but look forward to it soon — it'll launch when the platform does in the US. Also zooming to screens from a galaxy far, far away is a spinoff from Rogue One about Diego Luna's Rebel spy Cassian Andor. Set before the events of the film, it — like all of Disney+'s big-name series — will also feature the star reprising the character. Elsewhere, two new Toy Story-based projects — animated short series Forky Asks a Question and one-off short film Lamp Life — are on their way, well-timed to hit after the release of Toy Story 4. If you just can't let it go, a Frozen 2 making-of special will also feature, about the sequel headed to cinemas later this year. And, because everyone loves Jeff Goldblum, National Geographic's The World According to Jeff Goldblum will involve the actor delving into the fascinating stories, science and facts behind seemingly familiar objects. Going big when it comes to bringing the company's well-known properties to the new streaming platform, a High School Musical TV series, another show based on Monsters, Inc. and a live-action Lady and the Tramp movie will also be on the bill. On the classic front, Fox titles like The Sound of Music, The Princess Bride and Malcolm in the Middle have been named as part of a lineup of more than 7500 television episodes and 500 films — alongside "the entire Disney motion picture library" according to CEO Bob Iger, which should be available "at some point fairly soon after launch". Viewers can also likely expect Disney and Fox's recent flicks to be made available on Disney+, and for subsequent cinema releases due to hit the service within a year of their big-screen release. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrXNtj84owc Disney is also reportedly contemplating buying a bigger stake in existing streamer Hulu according to Variety, which would give it full control over that platform. Like the timing of Disney+'s international rollout, just how the purchase might affect the company's new service hasn't been revealed. In Australia, a big batch of the aforementioned existing Disney content is currently available on Stan, spanning both movies and TV series — but you can reasonably expect that that arrangement will be impacted by Disney+, whenever it does finally hit locally. Top image: Marvel Studios.
Young South Korean artist JeeYoung Lee is generating quite a buzz for herself in the art world these days, and it's not hard to see why. A recent graduate of Seoul's Hongik University, the artist's dreamy, highly imaginative work surpasses our traditional expectations of photography. Plus, it's totally spectacular to look at. It's hard to believe it, but Lee's images aren't Photoshopped. Instead, displaying admirable patience, she spends weeks and often months turning her tiny little studio (only 3 x 6 metres) into an unimaginably intricate, detailed set. Once she's captured the essence of the particular dream, desire, nightmare, hope or conflict she had in mind, she places herself within the image, never facing the camera directly — in fact, often with her back to it. The result is a strangely beautiful kind of reality. JeeYoung Lee is considered an up-and-coming artist in her native South Korea. She won last year's Sovereign Art Prize and has exhibited at Seoul's OCI Museum, the Incheon Foundation for Art and Culture, the Kyoto Photographic Museum in Japan and early next year will open her first European exhibition at France's Opiom Gallery with this ongoing series of self-portraits, entitled Stage of Mind. Broken Heart Black Birds Nightmare The Little Match Girl Maiden Voyage Last Supper Treasure Hunt Top image: Resurrection. Story via Colossal.
It was the early 1950s when the world got its first glimpse of Andrew Geller's holiday home designs. On the beach and full of light, Geller's unique homes were created to serve one purpose: an escape. Nicknamed 'the architect of happiness', Geller left behind a legacy of beautiful beach-dwelling designs. Holiday houses hold a special place in the heart of peace-seekers and sun-worshippers. Andrew Geller dedicated most of his career to making that place of relaxation and sunshine just right. His homes are considered modest but distinctive. Popping out of dune grass in interesting wooden shapes, Geller's work reflects his creativity and desire to create useful designs. Many of his designs have fallen victim to reconstruction and the test of time. And though he passed recently, Geller's iconic designs live on through memories and photographs of homes once filled with laugher and sandy feet.
At the 2024 British Film Festival, when you're not watching movies starring Saoirse Ronan, Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh and Barry Keoghan, you'll be catching the latest performances from Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter. There's never any lack of big-name talents gracing the screen at Australia's annual celebration of the UK's latest and greatest contributions to cinema, but this year's is particularly jam-packed — so much so that there's not just one feature boasting Ronan among its cast, but two. Blitz, which sees the Foe, Little Women and Ammonite actor team up with 12 Years a Slave, Widows and Small Axe filmmaker Steve McQueen, is the British Film Festival's 2024 opening-night film. Playing Down Under fresh from also launching the London Film Festival, the period drama heads back to World War II, and starts the fest's month-long run from Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 with one of the year's must-see movies. At the other end of the festival, the also highly anticipated We Live in Time will close out the event's seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Byron Bay and Ballarat. Pugh (Dune: Part Two) and Garfield (Under the Banner of Heaven) lead the romance from Brooklyn filmmaker John Crowley, which follows a couple's relationship across a decade. The second Ronan-led flick on the full 2024 British Film Festival comes courtesy of page-to-screen adaptation The Outrun, where the four-time Oscar-nominee plays a recovering addict — and there's plenty more highlights on the program from there. Hard Truths sits in the fest's centrepiece slot, reuniting iconic director Mike Leigh (Peterloo) with his Academy Award-nominated Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Surface). Also boasting the coveted pairing of an impressive helmer and an exceptional on-screen talent: Bird from Andrea Arnold (American Honey), which is where Keoghan (Saltburn) pops up. As for Fiennes (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), he stars with Juliette Binoche (The New Look) in The Return, a British spin on Homer's Odyssey — and also in papal thriller Conclave with Citadel's Stanley Tucci, Killers of the Flower Moon's John Lithgow and Spaceman's Isabella Rossellini. Law (Peter Pan & Wendy) plays King Henry VIII opposite Alicia Vikander (Irma Vep) as Katherine Parr in Firebrand, while Brosnan (The Last Rifleman) and Bonham Carter (One Life) feature in romance Four Letters of Love. Other standouts include the century-hopping dark comedy Timestalker from Garth Marenghi's Darkplace alum Alice Lowe, the Gillian Anderson (Scoop)- and Jason Isaacs (Archie)-led The Salt Path, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (You Hurt My Feelings) facing death in Tuesday, and Kelly Macdonald (Operation Mincemeat) and Damian Lewis (Billions) in vampire comedy The Radleys. For music fans, there's a dedicated themed sidebar featuring both Blur: To the End and Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium — one about the band's most-recent chapter, the other a two-hour concert film — as well as the Led Zeppelin-focused The Song Remains the Same and The Rolling Stones-centric The Stones and Brian Jones. This year's British Film Festival is also peering backwards via retrospective sessions of Ratcatcher, the debut feature from You Were Never Really Here's Lynne Ramsay; the Bonham Carter- and Dame Maggie Smith (The Miracle Club)-starring A Room with a View; and classic British historical dramas such as A Man for All Seasons, Heat and Dust, The Lion in Winter and Kenneth Branagh's (A Haunting in Venice) Henry V. British Film Festival 2024 Dates and Venues Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema, Melbourne Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Regent Ballarat Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Leederville and Windsor, Perth Wednesday, November 6–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Byron Bay Thursday, November 7–Sunday, December 8 — Palace Norton Street, Palace Moore Park, Chauvel Cinema and Palace Central, Sydney The 2024 British Film Festival tours Australia in November and December. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
In a glorious era where phones can be unlocked using facial recognition, what are we still doing slumming it with pesky plug-in chargers? Well, chaining your smartphone to a power point and fumbling with tangled cords could soon be a thing of the past, when San Francisco company Pi releases what it says is the world's first ever contactless, wireless charger. The brainchild of a pair of MIT alumni, this little guy does away with the cords, the charging pads and even the need for your phone or tablet to be touching anything at all. Instead, Pi harnesses groundbreaking electromagnetic charging technology developed by the founders, John MacDonald and Lixin Shi, over more than three years. That's a whole lotta math problems. The cone-shaped Pi can simultaneously charge four devices within around 30cm, at full speed. It can charge additional devices on top of that, albeit at a slower pace. Perhaps most enticing, you can use your phone and move it around while it's juicing up. Of course, this kind of modern day witchery doesn't come easy. As MacDonald explains, "creating this technology required solving one of the most difficult mathematical problems in electromagnetics, and that's why no one has done it before." It sounds like Pi will be available sometime next year, although you can reserve yours right away. MacDonald and Shi believe it will retail for under US$200. The first 314 people in the world to order will score a $50 discount.
In a place like Sydney where the state of our public transport system is constantly being debated and criticised, the Subway Etiquette Posters by NYC artist Jason Shelowitz, or Jay Shells, could provide some relief to regular commuters. Despite NYC being in a different hemisphere, it's good to know that Sydneysiders are not the only commuters who experience run-ins with nail clippers and subway polluters. Jay Shells' Subway Etiquette posters are the product of a survey of 100 commuters and their pet peeves, poking fun at things like eating on public transport, noise pollution, seating priority and physical contact. [via Trendhunter]
Last month, McDonald's spread some lockdown cheer for a few days, offering burger-loving customers free delivery for an entire weekend. From now until the end of June, it's doing the same. Sharing the fast food love, the huge chain is doing free home delivery on orders over $25 via UberEats — every single weekend. If you're craving a Quarter Pounder or a box of chicken McNuggets and you don't fancy leaving the house, that's obviously great news. To get your hands on a burg, some fries, a Happy Meal, McFlurry or a hot fudge sundae — or anything else on the chain's regular menu — with no extra delivery cost, head to UberEats' website or use the UberEats app and enter the weekly code. This week's code, valid until Sunday, May 11, is MACCAS2U; however it will change each week. To get the new details every Friday, you'll need to head to Macca's Facebook page. The entire transaction will be contact-free, including when it hits your doorstep. And, if you're after a few household staples, Macca's is also delivering milk, plus six-packs of English muffins and its gourmet buns. Or, of course, you can ignore whatever time of day it is and go straight for a McMuffin, hash brown and some hot cakes. McDonalds is offering free delivery across Australia on orders over $25 made via UberEats, with the special available every weekend until the end of June. To order, head here and use the weekly code. Until Sunday, May 11, the code is MACCAS2U, with new codes announced every Friday via the Macca's Facebook page. Images: McDonald's.
A Sydney lad and a Brisbane gent meet in a Berlin bar, email plotting begins and a master plan is born: a double A-side cassingle and an east coast tour featuring two of Australia’s finest singer/songwriters. Richard Cuthbert and Edward Guglielmino have paired up in the name of music and nostalgia. Don't worry, you're not the only one who is puzzled by the release format. A cassette? Fortunately, there will be a download code included with the purchase for those who are not harbouring a working boom box or similar on which to play it. The rationale behind the dated release format harks back to the birth of the artists’ love of music, and the anticipation that mounts when waiting to hear your favourite song. They hope to recreate that feeling for their fans, and to offer a time capsule of a keepsake featuring songs you should be excited about. Head along to the Brisbane leg at Black Bear Lodge to finally hear what all the fuss is about.
It’s time to fire up your barbecues and perfect your spice rub recipe, because the big boys are in town — and they're about to show you how it's done. The Yaks Barbecue Festival is about come to Melbourne for the second year, and Sydney for the first time. The one-day event will feature free classes and demonstrations, more barbecued meat than you can poke a skewer at, live entertainment and, of course, the great barbecue cook-off. The cook-off is sanctioned by the too-legit-to-quit Kansas City Barbeque Society, and the winner will go on to compete at the world championships in the U.S., as well receive as a sweet cash prize and — most importantly — unrivalled barbecue glory. And just because you're not able to attend the festival doesn't mean you can't learn a thing or two — we spoke to festival director Matt Vitale about getting into the craft, the different styles of American barbecue, and got all the pro tips on how to barbecue like a boss. MEET THE EXPERT: MATT VITALE Matt had always been an avid backyard barbecue cook, and a few years ago he decided to try his luck at the big time by entering a barbecue competition for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Matt teamed up with his wife and they won — sending them to the World Championships of barbecuing, held at the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. "It was an amazing experience, and unexpected," he says. "I met a bunch of great people from the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), which is the largest organisation of barbecue enthusiasts in the world, and the organising body for this sport — it is a sport in the States.” The KCBS wanted to sanction a contest to Australia, and with Matt's assistance the first Yaks Barbecue Festival was brought to Melbourne. Now, it's back for a second year, with the festival also being held in Sydney for the first time. THE FOUR TYPES OF AMERICAN BARBECUE According to Matt, there are four different regional styles of barbecue in the U.S. Texas barbecue is mostly beef-focussed; the rubs are a lot simpler, mostly salt and pepper, with not much sauce that is usually served on the side. In Memphis, they generally favour a dry rub on their ribs, and again sauce is usually on the side. North and South Carolina have more of a focus on pork where the sauce is more vinegary with a bit of chili thrown in for good measure. But it's Kansas City, Matt says, that takes the best elements from all of the regions. "They're really well known for their beef brisket and burnt ends, which are these cubes of meat taken from the point end of the brisket. They’re also known for their ribs with rich, tomato, sticky sauce, which I think a lot of people really associate American barbecue with. That’s what Kansas City barbecue is really famous for.” [caption id="attachment_555155" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dollar Photo Club[/caption] HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT BBQ CHOOK Kansas-style barbecue may be well known for their trademark tomato-based sauce, but sometimes it's worth knowing how to perfect the basics before you go slathering on a sticky sauce left, right and centre. One never-fail barbecue recipe that Matt is happy to divulge is his cherrywood-smoked chicken. "Smoked chicken is an achievable dish to do," he says. "A lot of these things you need to cook for a long period of time, but chicken you can get done in a couple of hours." So how do we recreate this magic for ourselves? First, grab a split chicken from a good butcher or poultry and game supplier, as getting it split makes it easier to cook. You're going to need a smoker for this recipe — a very worthy investment if you're serious about your meat. Fire it up to a bit over 100 degrees celsius, and put some wood chunks in there. Matt recommends cherrywood because it's easily available in Australia. Cook the chook for about an hour and a half breast-side down, then turn it over, baste it with olive oil, and leave it for another 30 minutes. Unlike beef brisket, which can take 10-12 hours, this takes a little over two hours and you're ready to eat. Matt recommends pairing this with fresh vegetables cooked over charcoal, such as charred corn, sliced eggplant and asparagus, as they get nice and caramelised. Drink of choice? Beer, of course — either a Fat Yak or a Lazy Yak goes perfectly with any barbecue. PRO TIPS FOR BBQ NOOBS While a lot of Australians love to consume barbecued goods, not all of us are as talented at making it as we are eating it. Matt recommends starting with a solid fuel BBQ to get the most out of your meat. "Gas BBQs are great, but there's so much more that you can do on a solid fuel BBQ. Cooking with wood and charcoal, you'll always get a better result.” Another piece of advice Matt leaves us with is to not be afraid to just give it a go: “sometimes you’ll get it right, other times you’ll get it wrong, but the more you practice, the more you'll get it right." The Yaks Barbecue Festival is happening in Sydney this Saturday, January 30 and Melbourne on Saturday, February 6. For more information, check out the event. Top image: Dollar Photo Club
The latest cure for festival FOMO is here: for the first time ever, two of Glastonbury's headline performances are being livestreamed around the globe for everyone to watch. Won't be in the UK during the fest? Always wanted to see big names take to the event's famed Pyramid Stage? A fan of Dua Lipa and/or Coldplay? Thanks to the BBC, you're now in luck. When Coachella rolls around each year, it's not just an exciting time for folks fortunate enough to be on the ground in California, but for audiences worldwide via the fest's arrangement with YouTube. Glastonbury and the BBC might only be streaming two sets across the planet and not the majority of the British event, but it's still a welcome development. [caption id="attachment_926976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Lee[/caption] Your destination: the BBC's Glastonbury website, where you can catch Dua Lipa's set on the morning of Saturday, June 29, then Coldplay's — before the Chris Martin-fronted group returns to Australia and New Zealand later in 2024 — on the morning of Sunday, June 30. Dua Lipa's stint in the high-profile slot also marks her first-ever time on the Pyramid Stage. As for Coldplay, they're headlining the fest for the fifth time, albeit in their first visit since 2016. [caption id="attachment_963580" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Raph_PH[/caption] "The Glastonbury Festival is an icon of British culture, and this livestream will give fans around the globe a front row seat to headline performances like never before. This is just the latest example of our focus on bringing more cultural-defining moments like Glastonbury to fans on our platforms outside the UK so users can experience the best of British culture wherever they may be," said BBC Studios' Chief Commercial Officer Tara Maitra, announcing the global livestreams. "From this exciting live music experience from two of the biggest names in music, to the BBC News channel livestream that is coming soon in Australia, our digital platforms offer immediate, unrestricted and tailored access for all audiences," added BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand General Manager Fiona Lang. Also on the Glastonbury 2024 bill across Wednesday, June 26–Sunday, June 30 UK time but not being beamed to the world, sadly: SZA, LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, Cyndi Lauper, Janelle Monae, Shania Twain, Disclosure, The Streets, Camilla Cabello, Bloc Party, The National, Avril Lavigne, Jessie Ware, Sugababes, Jamie XX, Kim Gordon, James Blake, Sleafod Mods, Orbital, The Breeders, Peggy Gou, The Cat Empire, Eric Prydz and a whole heap more. Glastonbury 2024 Livestream: Saturday, June 29 — Dua Lipa, 7–8.45am AEST / 6.30–8.15am ACST / 5–6.45am AWST / 9–10.45am NZST Sunday, June 30 — Coldplay, 6.45–8.45am AEST / 6.15–8.15am ACST / 4.45–6.45am AWST / 8.45–19.45am NZST [caption id="attachment_963582" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Raph_PH[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Lee[/caption] Glastonbury's 2024 livestream will broadcast Dua Lipa's set globally on the morning of Saturday, June 29 Down Under, and Coldplay's show on the morning of Sunday, June 30 — head to the BBC's Glastonbury website to watch. Dua Lipa images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
If heading to the tuckshop was your favourite part of the school day, then Woolloongabba's newest cafe might inspire a few twinges of nostalgia. A kiosk-style spot at South City Square on Logan Road, Tuckshop Time is all about schoolyard-style snacks. That said, we're guessing that you didn't feast on Nutella mousse brownies, peanut butter waffles or stacked roast chicken baguettes when the bell rang back in the day. They're just some of the eatery's offerings, with vegetable-filled bowls, pizza rounders and cauliflower mac 'n' cheese also on the menu, plus vegan and gluten-friendly wares as well. Drinks-wise, patrons can sip on 'fruit cup' smoothies, fresh juice (not in popper form, though), beetroot and turmeric lattes, and coffees. The latest venture from Greg Mclean and Caity Jones, the forces behind Decisions Cafe on the Sunshine Coast eatery, Tuckshop Time also keeps school-like hours — it's open from 6am–6pm seven days a week, for both dining in and taking away. And, while you're harking back to recesses gone by, you'll do so on a vibrant patch of greenery, complete with chairs, garden views and cushions along the deck. There's also undercover seating for when the Brisbane heavens open, and dogs are welcome.
Like most major cities, there are some well-known must-dos when you visit Canberra for the first time. The Australian War Memorial? Check. The National Gallery of Australia? Obviously. A paddleboat on Lake Burley Griffin? Of course. But once all those major attractions are ticked off the list, what's next? Well, there is more to Canberra than meets the eye. The capital is teeming with hidden gems — think social enterprise cafes, farmers markets and teeny tiny galleries — that locals love to frequent on their days off. And now you can, too. Make the most of your next Canberra adventure with this list of lesser-known spots. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Forty years after first forming, Cirque du Soleil still knows how to notch up firsts among its lineup of dazzling circus shows, especially for Australian audiences. In 2023, the Montreal-based company headed Down Under with CRYSTAL, its first-ever ice production on ice. In 2024, it's following that up with LUZIA, which takes inspiration from Mexico, and also marks Cirque du Soleil's first touring performance that features rain in its acrobatic and artistic scenes. LUZIA's name is a combination of the words 'lux' and 'lluvia' in Spanish, with the first translating as light and the second as rain. What that means in the production will be unveiled to Brisbane audiences from Wednesday, September 25 next to Royal Queensland Golf Club, off Curtin Ave East. While it has been four decades since Cirque du Soleil was created back in 1984, 2024 is the 25th anniversary of the troupe's performances in Australia, making LUZIA the tenth big-top show to hit our shores. So, although it's already an ode to Mexican culture, the production has even more to celebrate as it spends the bulk of 2024 and into 2025 making its way around the nation. Packing their bags to help: a team of 120 people, which includes 47 artists from 26 countries. First staged in 2016 and becoming Cirque du Soleil's 38th original production at the time, LUZIA has already been seen by 4.5-million people, a number that'll grow in Australia. Audiences are in for a trip to an imaginary version of Mexico, where the performance gets playful and surreal amid the light and rain. Some of the settings include an old movie set, the desert, the ocean and a dance hall, all backdropping the company's acrobatics, trapeze displays, contortionist feats, juggling and more. In the Cyr wheel, artists will roll and spin through the rain. And that trapeze work? That happens through showers. LUZIA also spans hoop diving on giant treadmills, a natural sinkhole, seven pins being flung in the air by jugglers and street dancing that includes footballs. Daniele Finzi Pasca wrote and directs the production, which begins with a parachutist falling into a field of cempasuchil flowers, turning a huge metallic key, then taking a magical journey. From there, the clown antics give LUZIA a beach clown and clown scuba diving, the acrobatics even take to a bike, a luchador mask makes an appearance in the swing segment — 1000-plus costumes are seen across the show in total — and a hair-suspension act features. Images: Anne Colliard.
This favourite Brisbane event is back for its ninth instalment on Thursday night. The popularity of this unique fiesta is ever-growing as it showcases local artists and musicians; attracting hoards of like-minded people. This time around The Zoo is hosting bands such as Terrible Truths, Major Leagues and more to be announced. View work by local artists such as Alice Rezende, Steph Hughes, Loretta Lizio and Kool Thing. This year there is a bit of a twist as only the lovely ladies of the Brisbane art scene will be showcased. Sorry boys. As always, the girls will be serving up awesome artwork on skate decks as this is the feature of the event. Whether I Used to Skate Once has been on your calendar since last June or you don't know the difference between an ollie and a shove-it, make sure you check it out before its gone for another year.
Street art, public art, towering murals, creativity, urban transformation, outdoor works that liven up the River City: at Brisbane Street Art Festival, they're all in the spotlight. Each year for ten years now, this festival has splashed around a celebration of literally painting the town. In 2025, it's marking that milestone with nine days of installations, exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops — and by adding new art around the Queensland capital. Leans, Carley Cornelissen, Fintan Magee, Sofles, Dean Tyson, Rossella RZ and Simon Degroot are among the artists who are using their talents across Brisbane — some of whom have joined the festival before — with this year's BSAF taking place between Saturday, May 10–Sunday, May 18. If you're keen to see how their mural work will give Brissie a new coat of paint, you'll be wanting to head to Northshore, Spring Hill, the CBD, Fish Lane and DFO Brisbane. At Northshore, Superordinary is again acting as a base for the fest, and will gain a number of new pieces — while also hosting the Aussie return of Meeting of Styles across Saturday, May 10–Sunday, May 11. This is the first time that the graffiti initiative has hit Brisbane, with 40 local and international artists taking part. Think of it as a fest within the broader fest, complete with live painting, revelling in the art of spray painting and passing on skills. [caption id="attachment_848397" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sheep Chen and Adnate by Joshua Taten.[/caption] The first-ever Brisbane/Meanjin Paste Up Festival also falls into both BSAF and Meeting of Styles — also at Superordinary. Here, paste-up as a form of street art gets some love, giving it recognition that it doesn't always receive as a type of public art, and acknowledging the format's many guises from single posters to both intended and unintentional collages. BSAF overall commences with a party, again at Superordinary — and again also celebrating Meeting of Styles — on Saturday, May 10. If you're keen to up your knowledge among watching the festival's talents make art, sessions span aerosols, graffiti lettering, sticker art, calligraphy, collage and brushwork. Or, if you'd like to appreciate Brisbane's street art while cycling around the city, you can take one of two tours — the first starting at Howard Smith Wharves, the second kicking off at Fish Lane. [caption id="attachment_848405" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cam Scale.[/caption] Top image: Drapl and Treazy by Aimee Catt.
Just as NAIDOC week kicks into gear for 2019, Australia's Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List — becoming the first Australian site to receive recognition exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. During its current meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation added the south-west Victorian site to its list of landmarks and areas that are legally protected due to their significance. Located on Gunditjmara country, the region spans the Budj Bim volcano, Tae Rak (Lake Condah), the Kurtonitj wetlands, and Tyrendarra's rocky ridges and large marshes. It also includes remnants of more than 300 round, basalt stone houses, which demonstrate the Gunditjmara people's permanent settlement in the area. Of specific interest to UNESCO, Budj Bim features a system of channels, dams and weirs, all made possible due to basalt lava flows that have been carbon-dated back to 6600 years. The complex network is considered one of the the largest and oldest aquaculture setups in the world, and is used not only to contain floodwaters, but to trap and harvest the kooyang eel. The listing comes after five years of work between Gunditjmara people and the Victorian and Australian governments to develop Budj Bim's World Heritage nomination, and marks Australia's 20th entry on the list — alongside the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Fraser Island, the Tasmanian wilderness, the Greater Blue Mountains area, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, among others. [caption id="attachment_729904" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tae Rak channel and holding pond,Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation[/caption] In total, UNESCO has added 21 new sites to the World Heritage List as part of its 2019 conference, which runs through until Wednesday, July 10, and will examine 35 nominations in total. In addition to Budj Bim, the new entries showcase spots in China, Iran, France, Iceland, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Czechia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Burkina Faso and Iraq, including Babylon. The list of new cultural sites chosen so far is as follows: Migratory bird sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China — natural site. Hyrcanian forests in the Islamic Republic of Iran — natural site. French Austral Lands and Seas in France — natural site. The fire and ice of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland — natural site. The culture and biodiversity of Paratyand Ilha Grande in Brazil — natural and cultural site. Ancient ferrous metallurgy sites of Burkina Faso — cultural site. Babylon in Iraq — cultural site. Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain — cultural site. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Australia — cultural site. Archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City in China — cultural site. Jaipur City, Rajasthan in India — cultural site. Ombilin coal-mining heritage of Sawahlunto in Indonesia — cultural site. Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group of mounded tombs from Ancient Japan — cultural site. Megalithic jar sites in Xiengkhouang — Plain of Jars in the Lao People's Democratic Republic — cultural site. Bagan in Myanmar — cultural site. Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies in the Republic of Korea — cultural site. Writing-on-Stone /Áísínai'pi in Canada — cultural site. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří mining region of Czechia and Germany — cultural site. The landscape for breeding and training of ceremonial carriage Hhrses at Kladruby nad Labem in Czechia — cultural site. The water management system of Augsburg in Germany — cultural site. Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region in Poland) — cultural site. UNESCO also extended the heritage listing of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region, to not only include northern Macedonia but also Albania. Prior to the 2019 meeting, the World Heritage List included 1092 different sites spread across 167 countries. Need some travel inspiration — or a reminder of just how wondrous our planet is? Browsing the full list will take care of that for you. Top images: Lake Condah, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation / Tae Rak in flood, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
First, Vincent Lombino and Jared Thibault gave Woolloongabba a stylish neighbourhood-style Italian trattoria. Now, they've added a new Chinese Peruvian restaurant and bar to the same precinct. Open since late July 2022, Casa Chow has followed in Sasso Italiano's footsteps, joining the inner-east suburb's South City Square. The former Ovolo and QT Food and Beverage Directors are heroing Chino Latino cuisine, aka Chifa, in their latest 100-seat venture — a culinary style that matches Cantonese flavours with Peruvian staples. On the menu: dishes such as lomo saltado, a stir fry made with marinated wagyu, onions and aji amarillo chilli, and served over fries, as well as anticucho marinated skewers, plus a blend of dim sum and ceviche. Executive Chef Gabriele Di Landri focuses on Chifa dishes that are designed to share. And, patrons tuck in while listening to Latin tunes spun at the venue's DJ booth, and sitting within a pastel-hued space with blue and pink walls, flowing curtains, booth seating and an open-style bar. To wash Casa Chow's bites down with, Thibault and Bar Manager Shawn Brown are going big on pisco, the brandy made in Peru and Chile's winemaking regions. Expect to sip Scorpion bowl cocktails, pick from a hefty rum list and enjoy the best vinos that South America has to offer. In collaboration with Aether Brewing, there's also be a bespoke rice lager, which features hints of Peruvian purple corn.
If you know anything about the golden era of Hollywood, then you'll have heard of Edith Head. Today celebrated as the single most significant costume designer in the history of cinema, she spent nearly 50 years working at Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios, dressing the stars and starlets of the era in nearly 1000 movies. She also holds the records for the most Academy Awards won by a woman (eight, by the way — no big deal). The Costume Designer exhibition at Bendigo Art gallery draws from the archives of Paramount, the Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design and private collections, collating over 70 costumes designed by Head from the 1930s to the 1960s. You'll see designs from classic films like Vertigo and Sunset Boulevard and costumes worn by iconic performers including Veronica Lake, Gloria Swanson, Olivia De Havilland, Dorothy Lamour, Jane Russell, Hedy Lamarr, Fred Astaire and Yul Brynner. Costume lovers should definitely make the trip for this rare opportunity to see these seldom-displayed designs. Image: Edith Head and Hollywood, 2017, installation view, courtesy Bendigo Art Gallery.
The final year photography students over at QCA have quite the year ahead of them. But before the lack of sleep, frustrated tears and exhausted tantrums begin, the student body are inviting you to come along to White Box Galley to support their creative endeavours and purchase some prints. The art auction will include prints from QCA's 3rd year students as well as works from a selection of well known photographers including Tim Page, John Rodsted, Siegfried Manietta, Henri van Noordenburg, Ray Cook, Earle Bridger, Camilla Birkeland and Alix Perry. All together there will be more than 50 quality prints up for auction on the night. Some ridiculously priced alcoholic beverages will also be on offer t to add some festive mood to the evening. And there's no need to feel guilty for indulging in a cheeky and cheap glass or too because all funds from the night will go towards the faculty and graduating class. The goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of the year in order to fund the end of year exhibition and catalogue. Those pricey printing costs are no match for a full time student's measly wage. You've heard the student's cry poor - now don't let the opportunity to nab the next generation's answer to Annie Leibovitz for a steal, go by. Image by Louis Lim
In February, Brisbane Powerhouse launched a brand-new festival dedicated to boundary-pushing performances. In March, the New Farm site hosted its first-ever Night Feast food market. Across April and May, the venue let laughter echo in every space it could thanks to its annual Brisbane Comedy Festival. And, now that winter is upon the River City, it's launching into June with some else just as impressive: a killer music lineup. Where can you dance to a French disco king, and also check out a supremely talented Icelandic singer-songwriter? At the Lamington Street spot, which is welcoming in Cerrone and Ásgeir. The former is a legend, selling over 30-million records worldwide; being sampled by everyone from Public Enemy, Jamie XX and Daft Punk to Run DMC and Paul McCartney; and known for 70s tracks 'Love in C Minor', 'Supernature' and 'Give Me Love'. The latter is a folk-pop star that's up there with Iceland's best-known talents, and will be playing through his decade-long discography. If that sounds like an eclectic duo, hitting Powerhouse's stage one night after the other, that's because it is. Pinballing between vastly different sounds, vibes and shows has always been a driving force behind the venue's lineups, and this wintry music season is no different. Here's two more cases in point: Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, who'll kick off the program, plus Desire Marea. The Melbourne-based Savage and her band head north fresh from releasing their new album So This Is Love, as well as singles Keep Working At Your Job' and '$600 Short On The Rent'. As for Marea, the South African-based artist also arrives with a recent release, On the Romance of Being, a blend of post-gospel, spiritual jazz, and the ancient music of the Nguni and Ndau peoples which was recorded live with a 13-musician ensemble. WINTER SOUNDS AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE: Thursday, June 1 — Cash Savage and The Last Drinks Friday, June 2 — Cerrone by Cerrone Saturday, June 3 — Ásgeir Thursday, June 15 — Desire Marea Brisbane Powerhouse's winter music program kicks off on Thursday, June 1 — for more information, head to the venue's website.
Ah, summer days in Brisbane. Ask anyone who lives in the river city and we will all tell you that they are long and hot. But, Queenslanders being Queenslanders, battle through — while sweating profusely — seeking solace in every air-conditioned space and breezy open terrace. And even if you can't bear to be outside during the height of the day, we all know when the sun begins to set and that welcome breeze blows in, there's nothing quite like a balmy summer's night out in Brisbane. From riverside to rooftop, the city's dining scene embraces the climate and caters to summertime nightlife. So, to help you plan your next al fresco outing, we've put together a list some of Brisbane's latest and greatest outdoor spaces. These beauties have popped up just in time to make the prospect of a summer stinker more than bearable.
Finding a way to celebrate Christmas in Brisbane isn't hard at the moment. In fact, there's a whole program of events across the CBD and South Bank literally called Christmas in Brisbane, and running right up until Christmas Eve — so consider that your festive fun well and truly sorted. On the lineup: glowing lights at Roma Street Parkland's Enchanted Garden, a Christmas jazz lounge in the Queen Street Mall, and plenty of other performances and markets. Oh, and a Tinsel Tavern over on the Little Stanley Street Lawn. What's a Tinsel Tavern? It's a pop-up bar serving tipples nightly from 4.30–10pm — and thoroughly saying cheers to the silly season. You'll want to stop by between Saturday, December 17—Thursday, December 22, and it's a pay-as-you-go type of seasonal affair. Brisbanites can grab Christmas cocktails and pick up takeaway from the riverside precinct's eateries — yep, there's your relaxed sting of merriment sorted. Or, pack a picnic from home and tuck in while you're saying cheers. Whichever you pick, you'll also get a soundtrack thanks to live gigs by local musicians. Tinsel Tavern's dates coincide with two other big festive drawcards at South Bank: The Collective Markets Christmas Edition for 2022 and this year's South Bank Christmas Cinema. So, as well as drinking and eating, you can get shopping and movie-watching. No one will be saying "bah, humbug!" to that.
Inspired by a true and almost timeless love story and adapted for contemporary stages, Holding the Man is a tale of love and loss that manages to communicate all of the nuances of modern relationships, transcending gender and sexuality boundaries all at once. Timothy Conigrave's memoir of his own relationship in the mid-'70s was transformed for the stage by Tommy Murphy and has since been performed in London’s West End as well as enjoying sell-out seasons across Australia. The production is finally back in Brisbane for a limited season at La Boite, so make sure you jump on tickets early before they sell out again. This is sure to be a magical story, addressing separation, temptation, heartache and devotion.
UPDATE, March 17, 2022: Due to Brisbane's floods, Frozen the Musical was cancelled up to and including Thursday, March 17, reopening on Friday, March 18. The season will now run through until Sunday, May 8. More than ever, we're looking for opportunities to immerse ourselves in another universe for a few hours. Luckily, that's exactly what you can do from February when the hit Frozen the Musical comes to Brisbane. The stage production, based on the legendary 2013 Disney animated film, opened on Broadway in 2018 and proceeded to break box office records. After a US tour in 2019, the production is expanding to international markets — and has already hit up Sydney before coming north. If the cultural phenomenon has somehow passed you by until now, Frozen was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen tale The Snow Queen, and it tells the story of Princesses Anna and Elsa. At the latter's coronation to become Queen, she accidentally reveals her magical powers to control and create ice and snow and inflicts an eternal winter on her kingdom, Arendelle. She flees to the North Mountain and, while singing the iconic ballad 'Let it Go', builds herself an ice castle in which to hide. Anna sets out to find her sister, proving the bonds of sisterhood can overcome all obstacles. The musical adaptation brings the beloved story to life before your eyes with opulent costumes, stunning sets and awe-inspiring special effects. All of your favourite tunes from the film will be performed — including 'For the First Time in Forever' and 'Love Is an Open Door' — plus 12 new songs as the stage production expands upon the film's narrative. Running from Friday, February 11–Sunday, May 8, Frozen's Brisbane production has an all-Australian cast, led by Jemma Rix (Wicked) as Elsa, Courtney Monsma (Aladdin, Six) as Anna and Matt Lee (Mary Poppins) as the lovable Olaf. General public tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, November 12. Images: Frozen the Musical, Original Broadway Cast, Deen van Meer, courtesy of Destination NSW.
This Is Spinal Tap set the benchmark for mockumentaries way back in 1984 and has reigned supreme ever since. Now it may finally have an equal with What We Do In The Shadows, a collaboration between writer/directors Taika Waititi and Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement. Billed as "a couple of interviews with a couple of vampires", it's a fly on the wall 'documentary' about four vampires sharing a flat in present-day New Zealand and is, quite simply, hilarious. Key to its appeal is the way What We Do In The Shadows presents the needs, problems and activities of vampires as entirely commonplace. The flatmates cruise the clubs of Wellington seeking victims like others seek a one night stand, they jeer each other on when a back-alley argument descends into a 'bat fight', and they projectile vomit blood when they absentmindedly eat actual food. Yes, they've their share of 'vampire' problems (sunlight, vampire hunters, etc), but also more normal ones, like having to tell your best friend you're the undead and suppressing the unceasing desire to kill him. What We Do in the Shadows is in cinemas on September 4. Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have a What We Do in the Shadows prize pack to give away, with a double in-season pass and DVDs of Submarine, Bernie and Prince Avalanche. Eight runners up will also get double in-season passes to see the film. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review of the movie here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cv568AzZ-i8
