Our city is constantly changing and evolving, with sky-high stands being erected, new high-frequency trains being built and even plans for billion-dollar precincts being thrown around. And amongst all these big infrastructure changes, small, carefully designed spaces popping up. In Bowen Hills alone, a European-style market — complete with a personal shopper service — and a permanent food truck park have arrived; while the Valley has scored a new resort-style hotel with an all-day bar and an acclaimed restaurant. These are the spaces that are really catching our attention, the ones that are quietly evolving the community — through innovation and sustainability — and are accessible to you. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Brisbane to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new spaces were nominated for Best New Space in Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Awards.
Time for a little serenity? You'll find it in abundance at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit – a new luxury glamping retreat launching over the Easter long weekend. Set between Tamworth and Gunnedah – that's a five-hour drive from Sydney – this picture-perfect accommodation is immersed by the Great Dividing Range from its scenic perch on the edge of Lake Keepit. Created by Reflections Holiday, a leading local outdoor hospitality company, this idyllic escape offers the ideal combination of adventure and indulgence. Designed with a small and responsible footprint, this intimate setting features eight Star Tents and the shared Gilay Lounge, where guests are invited to enjoy social and dining experiences. With each stay offering spectacular panoramic views, sliding into a more comfortable mindset is made easy. Inside each Star Tent, guests will discover plush interiors with all the creature comforts needed for a cosy stay. From king-size beds to a fully enclosed ensuite bathroom and a well-stocked kitchenette, year-round comfort is virtually guaranteed. Meanwhile, the design also factors in the region's remote location, with a skylight positioned above the bed so you can soak in the starry sky once the day's light has faded. Each retreat also features multiple outdoor balconies, as well as an outdoor bath with lake views, ensuring the perfect perspective to admire the beauty of Lake Keepit. Surrounded by lush foliage, expect native birdsongs to soundtrack your stay, while you're sure to catch a glimpse or two of bounding kangaroos and wallabies carving through the bushland. "Wilderluxe Lake Keepit seamlessly blends the untamed beauty of this most remarkable location with an elevated level of sophistication and comfort, catering to the discerning traveller. And with only an easy one-hour flight from Sydney, a weekend of wild luxury in the countryside has never been more accessible," says Nick Baker, CEO of Reflections Holidays. Forming an essential part of the Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experience, the first night includes the 'Big Sky Dreaming' dinner, where local Kamilaroi man, Uncle Len Waters, blends Indigenous and Western astronomy as guests indulge in a gourmet feast. Meanwhile, there's also the chance to design your own adventure for the rest of your stay, with activities like hiking treks, lakeside picnics, farmhouse cooking classes and even scenic cross-country flights on the agenda. Wilderluxe Lake Keepit launches this April at Keepit Dam Road, Keepit. Head to the website for more information.
When Flash Camp brought pop-up glamping to Stradbroke Island in 2016, southeast Queenslanders took note. Among them were the folks at Straddie Camping, who've now set up a permanent glamping retreat at the north island's Adder Rock, bringing luxury beachside camping to this idyllic patch of land all year round. Launching just as the weather heads into prime glamp-friendly territory, and just in time for whale migration season, Straddie Camping's Adder Rock setup features a mini-village of ten tents by the beachfront. Blending the novelty of sleeping under the stars with the comforts of home, each comes equipped with cotton sheets, fresh towels, two bamboo chairs and power. Visitors also have access to the camping ground's communal kitchen, barbecue and picnic facilities. And, in addition to the sound of lapping waves, views aplenty and shelter from native tea tree and pandanus forests, the site is also within close proximity to the more touristy part of the island. That means that following up your beachside bliss with a wander up to Point Lookout's shops, restaurant and all-important pub is on the agenda. For those keen to head to every Brisbanite's favourite island for a leisurely stay by the sea, tents are available for the very affordable rate of $99 per night for two people. Getting in quick is recommended, with the retreat certain to prove popular as Queensland's seemingly endless summer sets in. For more information about Straddie Camping, visit their website.
As all good things should, the 2022 Brisbane International Film Festival will start with an ode to Dolly Parton. Yes, that's literally just the beginning of its stacked lineup for this year. Doing the opening-night honours: Australian comedy Seriously Red, which sees writer/star Krew Boylan (A Place to Call Home) play a Parton impersonator striving to take Dolly's wisdom to heart. "Find out who you are and do it on purpose" is one of Parton's pieces of advice quoted in BIFF's first flick for 2022 — and Brisbane's major annual cinema showcase has been living that idea now for three decades. Indeed, to celebrate that milestone, the fest will also screen the movie that launched the very first BIFF: Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, in its newly restored guise. That said, the 2022 festival marks BIFF's 28th thanks to a chaotic few years — after the event was unceremoniously cancelled after its 2013 fest in favour of the short-lived Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, then revived by Palace Cinemas in 2017, and then run by the Gallery of Modern Art from 2018–20. As it did in 2021, it now sits under Film Fantastic, who also organise the Gold Coast Film Festival, with the organisation amassing a 120-film program for its second spin at the helm. That hefty number, eclipsing 2021's 103-movie lineup, is comprised of 79 features — including 21 from Australia — and 41 shorts, covering films hailing from 34 countries. Also, Brisbane cinephiles will watch eight world premieres and 23 Aussie premieres between Thursday, October 27–Sunday, November 6, including a range of big-name festival-circuit favourites arriving Down Under fresh from debuting at fests such as Venice and Toronto. Among those highlights: the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, which saw the Australian Nightmare Alley and Don't Look Up actor pick up the Venice International Film Festival's Best Actress award for playing a classical composer; fellow Venice-winner The Banshees of Inisherin, an Irish-set drama that nabbed filmmaker Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) the best screenplay gong and lead Colin Farrell (After Yang) the Best Actor award; and She Said, with Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman) and Zoe Kazan (Clickbait) as the two New York Times reporters who brought Harvey Weinstein's abusive history to public attention. Or, there's 80s-set coming-of-age story Armageddon Time, featuring Anthony Hopkins (The Father), Anne Hathaway (Locked Down) and Jeremy Strong (Succession), and written and directed by Ad Astra and The Lost City of Z's James Gray; this year's Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or-winner Triangle of Sadness, directed by Force Majeure's Ruben Östlund and his second Palme winner after The Square; and Broker, the latest from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, who received the Palme d'Or back in 2018 with the sublime Shoplifters. Belgian drama Close, which follows two 13-year-old boys and shared Cannes' Grand Prix prize, comes to BIFF after also winning the 2022 Sydney Film Festival Prize — and Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost does the same after taking out the Melbourne International Film Festival's inaugural $140,000 Bright Horizons Award. Also on the bill sits Aftersun, led by Normal People's Paul Mescal; New York-focused music documentary Meet Me in the Bathroom; the Berlinale Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize-winning The Novelist's Film by South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo (The Woman Who Ran, On the Beach at Night Alone); Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, the stop-motion comedy based on Jenny Slate's shorts and books of the same name; and Mister Organ, David Farrier's (Tickled) new doco. Plus, from the fest's weird and wonderful choices, there's Something in the Dirt, the latest mind-twister directed by and starring Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (The Endless); wild Filipino genre-bender Leonor Will Never Die; Spanish horror Piggy, a Sundance hit; the Rebecca Hall (The Night House)-starring Resurrection; Rubber and Deerskin director Quentin Dupieux's Incredible but True; and Final Cut, a French remake of Japanese cult hit zombie comedy One Cut of the Dead from The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius. Back to the local contingent, BIFF attendees can check out closing night's Sweet As, an outback-set coming-of-age story written and directed by Indigenous filmmaker Jub Clerc (The Heights) that just won an award in Toronto — as well as Greenhouse by Joost, a documentary about zero-waste pioneer Joost Bakker and chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett making a self-sufficient, eco-friendly residence; and the Queensland-shot Black Site, starring Michelle Monaghan (The Craft: Legacy), Jason Clarke (Pet Sematary) and Jai Courtney (The Suicide Squad). Venue-wise, BIFF 2022 returns to a heap of its 2021 locations, screening at New Farm Cinemas, The Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Reading Newmarket, Dendy Coorparoo and GOMA's Australian Cinémathèque — with the latter hosting a 'Flying Fists of Joyce Godenzi' Hong Kong cinema retrospective, as well as a 90th-anniversary live music-backed session of Carl Theodor Dreyer's Vampyr — as well as Dendy Portside and Brisbane Powerhouse. Don't say you don't have anything to watch for 11 days in late October and early November, clearly. The 2022 Brisbane International Film Festival runs between Thursday, October 27–Sunday, November 6. For further information, or to buy tickets, head to the festival website.
With 2020's Soul and 2023's Elemental, Pixar took a few cues from its gorgeous 2015 hit Inside Out, but the animated studio isn't done with emotions having emotions. After the original Oscar-winning film spent time inside an 11-year-old's head, seeing how joy, fear, sadness, anger and disgust bounce around her mind, Inside Out 2 will reach cinemas in June 2024 to explore the feelings coursing through the now-teenage Riley. As the just-dropped first teaser trailer shows, she has a newcomer in anxiety. Like Riley herself (who was voiced by Transmission's Kaitlyn Dias in the first movie), the emotions that she's experiencing aren't just sensations — they're characters trying to guide their human in the best way they can. And when Anxiety (Maya Hawke, Stranger Things) shows up, Joy (Amy Poehler, Moxie), Fear (Tony Hale, Quiz Lady), Sadness (Phyllis Smith, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), Anger (Lewis Black, The Last Laugh) and Disgust (Liza Lapira, The Equalizer) aren't quite sure how to react. The first sneak peek at Inside Out 2 hints at more emotions joining the fold, too, although exactly what they'll be — and who'll voice them — hasn't been announced. The poster for the film shows three other new figures trying to burst through alongside the orange-hued Anxiety, but without enough detail to reveal who they are. Everyone who has been a teenager knows the whirlwind of feelings that can spring, however, and therefore why Riley's mind is about to get crowded. And, you'll also recognise that Anxiety isn't about to just become a barely seen sidekick. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pixar (@pixar) Fans of the first Inside Out will also spot that Hale and Lapira are new additions to the voice cast, replacing Bill Hader (Barry) and Mindy Kaling (The Morning Show) respectively. As Inside Out 2 charts big changes for Joy and the gang — and for Riley — first-time feature director Kelsey Mann (who has a story credit on The Good Dinosaur) directs, while Meg LeFauve (Captain Marvel) wrote the screenplay, as she did with Inside Out. Check out the first teaser trailer for Inside Out 2 below: Inside Out 2 releases in cinemas Down Under on June 13, 2024. Images: © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Do you usually leave your gift purchasing until the last minute? Have you vowed to finally do better this year? Would you like to buy Christmas presents for all of your friends and family members all at once, and in the one spot — even if you currently have zero idea of what you'll get them? Enter The Made Local Market, which is like Etsy IRL — and is hitting Brisbane this spring to lend a hand with your festive shopping. Get a jump on Christmas a month early or treat yo'self; whichever fits, you'll have plenty to browse and buy. In the spotlight here: artisans, makers, artists and designers in local communities, with The Made Local Market giving them the opportunity to sell their creations in a physical space. So, whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. The market will take place in the Exhibition Building at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 4.30–9pm on Friday, November 18; 9am–4pm on Saturday, November 19; and 9am–3pm on Sunday, November 20 — so spreading across three days. Because it focuses on the best local talent, every market is filled with different stallholders and unique creations, but there'll be more than 150 stalls at this one. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer gift for your loved ones is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your shopping sorted. Entry costs $2 — and, the whole thing will be cashless, so don't forget your cards. There'll also be craft workshops, maker demonstrations, food trucks slinging bites to eat, and plenty of places to get caffeinated.
When Lunar New Year rolls around, there's one obvious place to go in Brisbane: the Chinatown Mall. Across Saturday, February 1–Sunday, February 2, 2025, lion and dragon dances will saunter through the Fortitude Valley spot, and markets will tempt your wallet — but it isn't the only place in the vicinity getting into the celebratory mood. Also joining in to mark the Year of the Snake is Bakery and California lanes, which'll be home to roving performances on the Saturday. [caption id="attachment_758021" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tanya Dedyukhina via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Chinatown's part of the fun runs from 2–9pm on the Saturday, then from 10am–3pm on the Sunday. And if you're wondering about the tastiest part of Lunar New Year celebrations — the food, obviously — you'll be in the absolute best place thanks to Chinatown's many eateries (and the Valley's in general). We recommend booking in advance, though, as you won't be the only one with that idea. Top image: J Low via Flickr.
If you're a fan of Mariah Carey, then this is a vision of love and also a sweet, sweet fantasy come true, baby: 11 years after she last toured Australia, the iconic singer is returning in 2025 to headline Fridayz Live. First, the festival announced its big comeback this year, plus its dates and venues. Now comes the lineup, led by the music megastar. If all you wanted for an early Christmas is this, it's quite the gift. Mariah is celebrating 20 years since her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi released — and based on recent set lists, get ready to hear everything from 'Emotions', 'Dreamlover' and 'Hero' to 'Without You', 'Always Be My Baby', 'Honey' and 'Heartbreaker'. She'll have company on the Fridayz Live bill, because this event's blend of R&B, hip hop and nostalgia always brings a heap of big names our way. For 2025, Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Jon, Eve, Tinie Tempah and Jordin Sparks are also on the lineup. 'Give Me Everything', 'Timber', 'Fireball', 'Black and Yellow', 'See You Again', 'Young, Wild and Free', 'Get Low', 'Turn Down for What', 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind', 'Who's That Girl', 'Girls Like', 'Miami 2 Ibiza', 'No Air', 'One Step at a Time': expect to hear them all too, then. Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are on the fest's itinerary in 2025. This year's Fridayz Live run will kick off on Friday, October 17 at Brisbane Showgrounds, then head to Sydney's ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, October 18. The following weekend, Perth's Langley Park will welcome the fest on Friday, October 24. The final stop: Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday, October 25. The last time that Fridayz Live was on the concert calendar Down Under, it also went to Adelaide; however, a visit to the South Australian capital hasn't been announced for 2025. [caption id="attachment_1005605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Kelly[/caption] Fridayz Live 2025 Lineup Mariah Carey Pitbull Wiz Khalifa Lil Jon Eve Tinie Tempah Jordin Sparks Fridayz Live 2025 Dates Friday, October 17 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Saturday, October 18 — ENGIE Stadium, Sydney Friday, October 24 — Langley Park, Perth Saturday, October 25 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Fridayz Live is touring Australia in October 2025, with ticket presales from Monday, May 26 and general sales from Monday, June 2. Head to the festival's website for more information. Mariah Carey images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Trust Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, Australia's favourite Kates and funniest double act, to make a killer TV show about chasing a killer that's the perfect sum of two excellent halves. Given their individual and shared backgrounds, including creating and starring in cooking show sendup The Katering Show and morning television spoof Get Krack!n, the pair unsurprisingly add another reason to get chuckling to their resumes; however, with Deadloch, they also turn their attention to crime procedurals. The Kates already know how to make viewers laugh. They've established their talents as brilliant satirists and lovers of the absurd in the process. Now, splashing around those skills in Deadloch's exceptional eight-episode first season — which streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2 — they've also crafted a dead-set stellar murder-mystery series. Taking place in a sleepy small town, commencing with a body on a beach, and following both the local cop trying to solve the case and the gung-ho blow-in from a big city leading the enquiries, Deadloch has all the crime genre basics covered from the get-go. The spot scandalised by the death is a sitcom-esque quirky community, another television staple that McCartney and McLennan nail. Parody requires deep knowledge and understanding; you can't comically rip into and riff on something if you aren't familiar with its every in and out. That said, Deadloch isn't in the business of simply mining well-worn TV setups and their myriad of conventions for giggles, although it does that expertly. With whip-smart writing, the Australian series is intelligent, hilarious, and all-round cracking as a whodunnit-style noir drama and as a comedy alike — and one of the streaming highlights of the year. The place: Tasmania, in the fictional locale that gives Deadloch its name (that Deadloch Lake means 'dead lake lake' doesn't go unmentioned). That first body: a local gym owner and ProBro entrepreneur ("it's protein for bros," is the sales pitch), who'll soon have burning pubic hair, too ("holy shit, his dick's on fire," is the response). The key police duo: Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins (Kate Box, Stateless), a by-the-book type who traded being a stressed Sydney homicide detective for a quieter life for her vet wife Cath (Alicia Gardiner, Wakefield); and Darwin Major Crimes division's Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami, The Breaker Upperers), who asks "how long has shrivel dick been dead for?" about the deceased, is as loud as her Hawaiian shirts and fluoro camouflage getup, and intends to catch the easy culprit ASAP so she can hightail it back north. That Deadloch's initial victim is male gives the standard dead-girl trope an instant a gender-switched twist — even the genre's best, from Twin Peaks and The Killing to True Detective and Top of the Lake, have leaned upon it — but that isn't the source of Deadloch's humour, nor should it be. As recent comedy hits Only Murders in the Building and The Afterparty also know, murder itself isn't amusing either. Rather, it's the chaos around it and the people who get caught up in it that can be comic, which is where Deadloch frequently tickles ribs — that, and lampooning everything from small-town gentrification and tourist-courting winter festivals to arrogant detective archetypes and the male-centric world order, plus the show's glorious way with dialogue and Aussie swearing. Again, the series isn't funny because heterosexual white men comprise its rising body count, or because women are doing the investigating. The way that Deadloch's blokes react, the pressure piled on from the top and the frenzy swirling around is pointedly sidesplitting, though. This is a whodunnit with something to say, because there's no escaping the vast difference between the urgent demands for action from its fictional males and the off-screen reality when women are killed. Who did it? As Eddie leaps to obvious conclusions amid spitting out a non-stop barrage of insults, Dulcie's detective muscle memory kicks in. Deadloch's odd couple have help from constables Abby Matsuda (Nina Oyama, Koala Man) and Sven Alderman (Tom Ballard, Fully Furnished) — one as eager as can be, especially with forensics; the other affable but seeing policing as just as job — and hear theories from almost everyone. That includes doctor and mayor Aleyna Rahme (Susie Youssef, Rosehaven), the driving force behind Deadloch's just-commenced Dark Mofo-influenced Winter Feastival, who is determined to keep the festivities going. And, as Eddie struggles with baggage from back home and Dulcie grapples with investigating her friends, their quest also leads them to Margaret Carruthers (Pamela Rabe, Wentworth), the town's most powerful figure, whose husband was Deadloch's previous mayor. Also adding thoughts and complications: new widow Vanessa Latham (Katie Robinson, Five Bedrooms); bakery owner Vic O'Dwyer (Kris McQuade, Irreverent) and her gastropub chef daughter Skye (Holly Austin, Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears); the rabble-rousing Phil McGangus (Shaun Martindale, Sissy); obnoxious pathologist James King (Nick Simpson-Deeks, Winners & Losers); and aspiring AFLW player Tammy Hampson (Leonie Whyman, Mystery Road: Origin) and her studious cousin Miranda Hoskins (Kartanya Maynard, The Messenger). The list goes on, with the pool of suspects similarly broad. Whether they're vocally vicious — Phil spews misogynist vitriol, particularly about Deadloch's influx of lesbian tree-changers — or seemingly oblivious, this cast of characters is also aware that the town's facade isn't as calm and cosy as it appears. Indeed, McCartney and McLennan examine Australia's horrific race-relations history as well as the country's gender politics, interrogating how both blighted the show's setting long before multiple murders upset its supposed idyll. If The Kates had penned Deadloch as a book, it'd be a can't-put-down page-turner. On streaming, as cinematographers Katie Milwright (The Clearing) and Simon Ozolins (Heartbreak High) revel in a Tasmanian gothic look, their tale is that propulsive and addictive. And, the show's deeply layered writing — with Sami, Kim Wilson (Wentworth), Christian White (Clickbait), Anchuli Felicia King (Class of '07) and Kirsty Fisher (Mustangs FC) scripting with McCartney and McLennan — couldn't have a better roster of actors bringing it to life under directors Ben Chessell (The Great), Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) and Beck Cole (Black Comedy). Playing it straight and giving the series its emotional centre, Box could've walked straight in from Broadchurch. Tasked with thundering in, Sami is a comic genius as Eddie, ensuring that the character's unflinching honesty couldn't be more pivotal, and that Eddie is never a one-note OTT outsider. Trust McCartney and McLennan to give TV another tremendous pairing, swapping their own The Katering Show and Get Krack!n dynamic for Box and Sami killing it. Trust them to leave viewers with the feeling that every The Kates' project leaves: wanting more right now. Their time as a food intolerant and an intolerable foodie ran over two seasons, then their breakfast television stint repeated the feat. Here's hoping that Deadloch at least matches them — while its creators don't grace the screen this time, this crime-comedy ranks among The Kates' best work in every other way. Check out the trailer for Deadloch below: Deadloch streams via Prime Video from Friday, June 2.
Hate to see food going to waste? Saving your favourite treats from the bin and scoring a great deal in the process is now easier than ever, as Too Good to Go launches in Queensland. Following successful launches in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, the world's largest marketplace for surplus food connects local businesses with customers, allowing for excess stock to go where it belongs — in someone's mouth. With the app having helped over 600,000 users save more than 400,000 meals, food-conscious consumers in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Goldy and beyond are invited to explore what cheap goodies await in their area. While the app only launched in Australia in August 2024, it has already grown to include over 1,300 partners, with more than a few names you know and love using the app daily to offer 'Surprise Bags' filled with assorted goods. "Expanding our footprint to include Queensland is an important step in our goal to help halve Australia's food waste by 2030," says Joost Rietveld, Too Good to Go Australia Country Director. "Queenslanders are known for appreciating fresh food, and we are eager to empower Brisbane and greater Queensland locals to take meaningful action and contribute to a more sustainable future." Eateries like Bakers Delight, Muffin Break, Jamaica Blue, Sushi Sushi and Roll'd are all active on the platform, with delicious food available at a significantly reduced price. While most people are aware that food waste is an issue, the scale of the problem might spark surprise. Each year, 7.6 million tonnes of food is discarded, with over two-thirds still edible. As food loss and waste account for around 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the issue is a seismic one. Forming a neat part of the solution, Too Good to Go's model is win-win-win. Food businesses can recover costs on food that would otherwise be wasted, app users snag great food for an even better price, and the process has a tangible impact on greenhouse gas emissions. With more than 100 million users across 19 countries, the app's expansion in Australia highlights how locals are keen to do their bit. "We have seen an incredible response from Australians so far, with more than half a million people joining our community to save food from going to waste," says Rietveld. "There has never been a better time for food businesses to start saving food with Too Good To Go instead of seeing the food they have created with pride and joy ending up in the bin." Too Good to Go is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Head to the website for more information.
When the Blockbuster Video closed down we should have seen it coming: Nundah, a once sleepy suburb in Brisbane's inner north, is changing. And now it's home to some pretty great spots for a bite to eat. The latest place to go for a bit of brunch is Nundah Corner Cafe & Bistro. The menu is a perfect exercise in options — there's just enough to choose from. Choose from smashed avo on dark rye with feta with pumpkin hummus ($14.50 or $18.90 with poached eggs) or the eggs Benny with bacon, mushroom or smoked fish ($18) — or just grab the Nundah Grill with bacon, sausage and haloumi ($22) and maybe wander home for a nap after breakfast. They do lunch too, with a selection of sarnies ($11.90) and a takeaway cabinet if you're in a rush with pre-made lunch treats galore. If you've got a decent lunch hour, get a wagyu burger with chips ($19.50). They're going to be licensed soon — but in the meantime, they've got a solid range of smoothies and drinks to tide you over.
Musicals don't get much bigger than Les Misérables. That's been evident on the stage for more than four decades. When the production has been adapted for the screen, too, it's also been clear. In Australia, next comes Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular, which will put on a show set in 19th-century France on a three-city tour from April 2025. Do you hear the people sing? Audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane definitely will when the production gets the music of the people, plus the songs of angry men, echoing. A stacked cast and a 65-plus-piece orchestra will bring Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular to life at ICC Theatre, Rod Laver Arena and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, with the format heading Down Under after playing the UK and across Europe. Starting on Wednesday, April 30 in the Harbour City, Australia is getting a five-week-only run, before the show travels through Asia — including Japan, Taiwan and China — and then returns to Europe, with American and Canadian seasons also planned. What makes this an arena spectacular, other than the venues that it's playing? The production isn't just taking the stage iteration of Les Misérables as is to sizeable sites — as a concert, it has been specifically created and designed for such locations. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular was born to celebrate a hefty milestone for the song-filled theatre take on Victor Hugo's famous 1862 novel: the London production of Les Misérables reaching its 40th year in 2025. Yes, it's West End's longest-running musical. But the arena spectacular's origins hail back earlier, to not long after Les Mis debuted on the stage in 1980 — and also have ties to Australia. "I have long dreamt of taking an Arena Tour of Les Misérables around the world, but I am especially thrilled to be bringing it back to Australia where the outrageous of idea of doing Les Mis as a concert began," explains producer Cameron Mackintosh. "When I first did the stage production of Les Misérables in Sydney in 1987 — with the wonderous Marina Prior as Cosette (only two years after its London opening) — we were invited to do a concert in Sydney's Domain in January 1989 as part of the Sydney Festival. It was very early in the life of Les Misérables, so we had no idea if anyone would turn up, let alone know the music, as the show had only been playing for a year in the 1000-seat Theatre Royal. But, to our astonishment, 135,000 people turned up and embraced the show with a mighty roar — it was a night I will never forget, and the concert was born." On its three Aussie stops, Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular will star Tony-winner Alfie Boe and British talent Killian Donnelly sharing the role of Jean Valjean, while Michael Ball — who featured in the original London 1985 production — plus Bradley Jaden are doing the same with Javert. Prior is back as Madame Thénardier, as part of an international cast that also includes Little Britain's Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, Jac Yarrow as Marius and Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular Australian Dates 2025 From Wednesday, April 30 — ICC Theatre, Sydney From Wednesday, May 14 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne From Wednesday, May 28 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular is touring Australia from April–June 2025. Ticket presales start at 1pm local time on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with general sales from 1pm local time on Friday, November 29, 2024. Head to the production's website for more details and to sign up for the waitlist. Images: Danny Kaan.
This year's best food-lover gifts are all about small-batch craftsmanship and flavour with personality. Whether you're shopping for a dinner party host, a coffee obsessive or that friend who has opinions about olive oil, we've rounded up thoughtful presents that celebrate local makers and independent producers. Think edible luxuries, clever kitchen tools and design-led homewares that make every meal feel special — plus a few foodie-friendly experiences for good measure. Also have an avid arts lover in your life? Check out our guide to the best gifts for culture seekers. The Fish Weight, Mr Niland Equally nailing the brief of form and function, this stainless steel fish weight from celebrated chef Josh Niland helps you achieve a restaurant-quality cook on anything your heart desires to sear — while doubling as a sleek bench-side sculpture. Shop now. Apéritif Gift Set, Maison Balzac Handblown in the brand's signature sculptural style, this colourful glassware set will elevate any afternoon spritz session. A dreamy choice for design-minded entertainers. Shop now. Butter Blue Seersucker Apron, Mosey Me A cheerful, design-forward kitchen essential from Melbourne's Mosey Me. The seersucker fabric gives it a retro edge — perfect for the friend who loves to cook and coordinate. Shop now. Food For Everyone Art Prints, Food For Everyone These limited-edition prints turn iconic recipes into gallery-worthy art, with a portion of proceeds going to food security initiatives. It's the gift that looks good and does good. Shop now. Messina Make-at-Home Gingerbread Cookie Pie, Two Good Co x Gelato Messina Two Good Co has teamed up with Messina to create a rich, gooey cookie pie you can bake at home. Sweet, festive and socially conscious — every purchase helps support women in need. Shop now. The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, Michael and Zara Madrusan This beautifully bound cocktail bible from Heartbreaker's Michael and Zara Madrusan dives into the history and craft of modern classics. Ideal for the person who always insists on stirring, not shaking. Shop now. Lowe Rehoned Kitchen Knife 40, The Hub General Store A limited-edition knife handcrafted by Melbourne maker Andrew Lowe using a repurposed Japanese blade and a Curly Blackwood handle. Exclusive to The Hub General Store, it's a precision tool with heirloom-level craftsmanship. Shop now. Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Basil, Yiayia and Friends Greek heritage meets playful packaging in this small-batch olive oil infused with basil. Perfect for drizzling, gifting or just admiring on the benchtop. Shop now. Lemon Squeezer Fish, Mesa Collections Whimsical yet functional, this fish-shaped lemon squeezer adds charm to cocktail hours and seafood dinners alike. Because even citrus deserves good design. Shop now. Bubblegum Chopping Board, CHOPIT Boards Made from 100 percent recycled plastic, this bubblegum pink board is naturally odourless and non-absorbent, and turns everyday chopping into a moment of joy. Shop now. Full Set of Hot Sauces, Thousand Apologies A complete lineup of this female-owned Australian hot sauce brand's creations — from mild to blow-your-head-off. For the mate who measures love in Scovilles. Shop now. Balthazar Oyster Dish, Aretae Gifting Lovingly handcrafted, these sculptural dishes take cues from oyster shells — ideal for serving, styling, or simply admiring. A luxe, coastal-inspired addition to any table. Shop now. Moccamaster Select, Alternative Brewing Precision-engineered and endlessly reliable, the Moccamaster is a design icon in the coffee world. For serious caffeine lovers who like their brew as beautiful as it is consistent. Shop now. Meat Masterclass, Victor Churchill Give the gift of experience with a hands-on masterclass at Sydney's legendary Victor Churchill. Learn from expert butchers and chefs how to prepare and cook premium cuts to perfection. Shop now. Panettone Negroni, Never Never Distilling Co. This festive twist on a classic negroni blends Never Never's Triple Juniper Gin with bitter citrus aperitif, sweet vermouth and the warming flavours of aged muscat, orange liqueur and vanilla bean. It's rich, bright and unmistakably Christmas. Shop now. Pick-Your-Own-Label Wine, Good Reason Co If you're looking for a way to make gifting personal this Christmas, head to Good Reason Co for a bespoke wine bottle label. Depending on the gift-receiver, say anything from "Happiness looks good on you" to "Good riddance". Shop now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to fabulous Fiji for a special stay at Castaway Island. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive five-night travel deal — including a complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit platter on arrival, free use of snorkelling equipment and selected water activities and a guided sunset kayaking tour and island walk. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? It may share the same name as the fictional survival drama starring Tom Hanks but, coconuts aside, guests at Castaway Island will experience an entirely different version of island life thanks to everything on offer at this decidedly indulgent escape. Castaway Island Fiji blends the charm of traditional Fijian bure (bungalows) with contemporary comforts to deliver luxurious relaxation to those who travel there. THE ROOMS Nestled amongst either the lush tropical gardens or at the water's edge, Castaway Island's Fijian-style thatched bungalows offer spectacular blue-to-green views to start the day, regardless of which suite you stay in. Rooms range in size from simple two-sleepers ideal for a romantic rendezvous to super-sized group spaces perfect for getaways with a crew of friends or the whole family. Each stay offers airy vaulted ceilings lined with individually designed hand-painted 'Tapa' cloths, an outdoor patio, those incredible vistas, and daily house keeping. They're also air-conditioned, in case being lulled to sleep by warm island breeze isn't your thing. FOOD AND DRINK Castaway Island offers travellers an excellent introduction to South Pacific cuisine, especially those who book this Concrete Trips package. As well as a complimentary tropical fruit platter on arrival, guests can spoil themselves with the a la carte selections at Water's Edge Restaurant (including the chargrilled wild caught fish of the day), or Polynesian-inspired snacks like Crispy Ura Salad with prawns and fruity cocktails at Nuku Maru Pool Bar & Grill, or fine Fijian-Asian fusion served to you at tables on the beach under the stars at Restaurant 1808. Ready to DIY? Enrol in one of Castaway Island Fijian Village cultural programs, which includes a Fijian culinary workshop so you can finesse your own cooking skills. THE LOCAL AREA You can spend most of your days diving into bright blue waters and walking along the sandy white beaches of Castaway Island. But, should you be looking for something more, the resort's all-ages all-interests program is packed with alternatives that allow you to take advantage of the natural landscape and discover the local area. Popular activities range from sunrise yoga to sunset snorkelling, kayaking to coconut-weaving classes, beach volleyball to traditional bracelet making. THE EXTRAS One of the best ways to experience the Fijian concept of Bula (a greeting wishing the person good health and a good life) is to accept an invitation to Castaway Island's weekly management meeting. An exclusive offer included in our Live the Luxe Castaway Life deal. Okay, given that you'll actually enjoy free cocktails and staff Meke (Fijian Dance) performances, it's probably more accurate to refer to it as a party. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Everyone should make the trip to Victoria's Grampians at least once, and here's as ace an excuse to do so as any: the return of much-loved camping festival Pitch Music & Arts. In 2024, it'll host its seventh edition, taking over Moyston again — and the fest's just-dropped lineup is worth getting excited about. The long-running celebration unleashes its fun across the Grampian Plains, with next years' festivities happening from Friday, March 8–Tuesday, March 12. Not only will its three stages play host to a sparkling lineup of local and international musical talent, but the tunes will be backed by a hefty program of interactive art and installations. Basically, you're in for a very big, very busy four days. On the lineup: Janson, Patrick Mason, I Hate Models, 999999999, Job Jobse, Marcel Dettmann and VTSS, for starters. X CLUB., CC:DISCO!, DJ BORING, Kia and Jennifer Loveless are also on the bill, plus everyone from Chaos in the CBD, Sally C, Gabrielle Kwarteng and SALOME to jamesjamesjames playing back to back with Willaris. K, Glass Beams, Sophie McAlister and Tangela. The tunes will be paired with a yet-to-be-announced arts program, but past years have seen street artist Adnate, installation king Clayton Blake (winner of Best Art at Burning Man 2018) and Gumbaynggirr woman Aretha Brown from KISS MY ART do the honours. In between all the dance-floor sessions and arty things, festivalgoers can again make themselves at home in the Pitch Pavilion, which is where yoga classes, meditation and sound baths usually help patrons unwind. If that all sounds like your true calling, you'll have to enter the Pitch Music & Arts 2024 ballot where, just like in 2023, entrants will be required to make a 'Pitch Pledge' — a written commitment to positively contributing to the Pitch community, leaving no trace and behaving respectfully while onsite. PITCH MUSIC & ARTS 2024 LINEUP: 999999999 Ahadadream Akua Anz Aroha Aurora Halal Bailey Ibbs Bambounou Bertie Bitter Babe Cakes Da Killa CC:DISCO! Chaos in the CBD Chippy Nonstop Chlär Clara Cuvé Cromby dameeeela b2b DJ PGZ Dan Shake Daniel Avery DJ BORING DJ Gigola Gabrielle Kwarteng Gerd Janson Glass Beams Hasvat Informant Horse Meat Disco I Hate Models jamesjamesjames b2b Willaris. K Jennifer Loveless JNETT Job Jobse Kessler Kia KiNK KSMBA LB aka LABAT Mac Declos Mama Snake Marcel Dettmann Mark Blair Matisa MC Yallah & Debmaster MCR-T Memphis LK Moopie Narciss Nene H Nite Fleit ØTTA Patrick Mason priya RONA. Sally C SALOME Sedef AdasÏ Shampain SHERELLE Sophie McAlister Special Request Spray Surusinghe Tangela THC TYGAPAW VTSS X-Coast X CLUB. Yikes Pitch Music & Arts will return to Moyston from Friday, March 8–Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ballot before 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 8. General tickets will go on sale from 6pm AEDT on Monday, November 13. Top Images: Duncographic, William Hamilton Coates and Ash Caygill.
The world's most famous plumber siblings wearing colour-coded matching outfits? Tick. Earworm tunes? Tick again. Mushrooms aplenty, castles, tunnels, blocks that need bumping and flowers that let you shoot fireballs? Just keep ticking. All of the above are accounted for in the second and full trailer for The Super Mario Bros Movie, aka the animated flick that's bringing Mario, Luigi and all of the Nintendo-created gang back to cinemas. Also on that hefty list of inclusions: a rainbow road, and racing along it Mario Kart-style. This just-dropped sneak peek at The Super Mario Bros Movie arrives after an initial teaser back in early October, and gives Nintendo fans a bigger look at the world of the film and its characters — all of which look very faithful to their gaming counterparts. And yes, basically everyone's a fan of Mario. We've all played Nintendo's Mario games, including on Google Maps and mobile phones. We've tried our hands at Mario Kart in reality, too. And, we've made plans to hit up the Super Nintendo theme park in Japan, or perhaps the upcoming second site in Hollywood. (Also, if everyone hasn't watched 1993's live-action Super Mario Bros, which starred Bob Hoskins as the titular figure, John Leguizamo as Luigi and Dennis Hopper as King Koopa, then they need to at least once.) Come March 2023, however, cinemas will be pressing start on the new The Super Mario Bros Movie, which has enlisted Chris Pratt (The Terminal List) to voice the Italian plumber. Clearly, the former Parks and Recreation star doesn't have enough big franchises on his resume already; see: Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World and The Lego Movie. So far, there's only one new Super Mario Bros, but predicting there'll be more if it does well at the box office is as easy as collecting mushrooms in the games. This new full trailer includes a heap of other nods to Mario and the crew's time behind all of our controllers, sees Bowser (Jack Black, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood) proclaim his desire to rule the world and casts Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as the Mushroom Kingdom's comedic sidekick. Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Menu) is determined to take on the challenge, and dispense words of advice in general, while battling Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen, Pam & Tommy) also features. The Super Mario Bros Movie's voice cast also includes Keegan- Michael Key (Wendell & Wild) as Toad, plus Fred Armisen (Wednesday) as Cranky Kong. And, it hails from directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies), is penned by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and is produced by Illumination Entertainment (aka the studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions flicks, and the Sing films). Check out the full trailer below: The Super Mario Bros Movie releases in cinemas Down Under on March 30, 2023.
One of the top ways to treat yourself is to check into one of the best hotels in Melbourne for a few nights. At these joints, you get a little bit of everything (or even a whole lot of everything). Expect fresh plush sheets (this may seem basic, but god we all know how good this feels), room service that you can eat in bed, pampering packages at spas, pools with epic views and just about anything else your luxurious self desires. And Melbourne is packed full of five-star hotels and brilliant boutique stays that will help you live your best life. So check out our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne, perfect for those after a luxury staycation or out-of-town visitors in need of a base for exploring the city. Recommended reads: The Best Day Spas in Melbourne The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Victoria
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But during these pandemic times while scores of venues are closed, it might also be the only way to get your mitts on your favourite cult dish. Right now, dining out is off the cards and we're all inside racking up plenty of spare hours perfecting those kitchen skills. So, what better time for the minds behind some of the world's greatest cult dishes to share their culinary secrets? From Disneyland's sugar-dusted churro bites, to IKEA's much-loved meatballs, a bunch of famed spots have revealed their secret recipes for you to recreate at home. Add a few of these classics to your iso cooking repertoire. DISNEY'S CHURRO BITES AND MICKEY MOUSE-SHAPED BEIGNETS Disney's renowned collection of theme parks might be temporarily closed in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, but your inner child will be chuffed to hear it's simply relocating the magic...to your house. Along with virtual tours and new online offerings, the company's keeping that whimsical spirit alive by sharing some of its best-known recipes through its Disney Magic Moments series. Top of everyone's kitchen hit-list are the classic Disney churro bites, which are on the menu at every single Disney park across the globe. The recipe is fairly straightforward and if you've been lucky enough to wrangle some flour (if not, here's where you'll find some), you should already have most of the ingredients at home. Oh, and we're sure the four-person serving size is just a suggestion… Elsewhere on the site, you'll find recipes for its sugar-dusted Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets. PIZZA EXPRESS'S DOUGH BALLS Internationally loved, UK-born chain Pizza Express has done its many fans a solid, by releasing the recipe for its legendary dough balls into the world. While its restaurants are shut in accordance with public health measures, the group's fluffy, buttery snacks are yours for the making. Nab some yeast and flour, along with a few other pantry basics, and you could be pulling a tray of these beauties out of the oven in no time at all. Fancy something a little heartier? Pizza Express has also dropped the recipe for its classic margherita, so bring on the at-home pizza parties. https://twitter.com/PizzaExpress/status/1250363279945367553 IKEA'S MEATBALLS IKEA's Swedish meatballs have earned almost as much buzz for the furniture giant as its signature flatpack home accessories. And while those blessed balls are off the menu with the chain's in-store restaurants temporarily closed due to COVID-19, there's nothing stopping you recreating the goodness at home. IKEA has released its once-secret meatball recipe to the internet gods, complete with a handy, illustrated step-by-step guide. Each batch makes enough pork and beef meatballs — and matching rich cream sauce — to serve four. And chances are, you can knock it all together in less time than it takes to assemble one of IKEA's flatpack creations. DOUBLETREE BY HILTON'S CHOC CHIP COOKIES If you've ever stayed at a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, chances are you're a sucker for the complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies the group serves each of its guests on arrival. But you no longer need to book in an overnight stay to sink your teeth into one of these cult baked goods — the recipe's now available online. With most travel plans on hold while the world's in pandemic fighting mode, Hilton has shared the blueprint for its covetable cookies so you can have a crack at baking them yourself. Whip up a batch of these minimal hassle treats and inject a little jet-setting, hotel-living style into your iso situation. [caption id="attachment_768714" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr/Alpha[/caption] MCDONALD'S SAUSAGE & EGG MCMUFFIN Thanks to the magic of drive-through and delivery, there's pretty much no need to forego your Macca's fix here in Australia, even when self-isolating. But if you've jumped on the home cooking bandwagon hard, you can now have a go at perfecting your own version of the humble McDonald's sausage and egg McMuffin. After shutting all of its stores in response to the pandemic, McDonald's UK has gifted the world with the recipe for the brand's globally-loved breakfast treat. With just four ingredients and only a handful of steps, this one sure seems like a pretty easy culinary project and judging from the #McDonaldsAtHome feed on Twitter, has proved successful for plenty of folks. How will your DIY McMuffin stack up to the original? ACME-STYLE PASTA DISHES FROM MITCH ORR It was a sad day when Rushcutters Bay favourite ACME shut its doors for good last year. But the award-winning restaurant is back in spirit — kind of — to help cure those isolation blues and answer all your pasta cravings. Chef and co-owner Mitch Orr has taken to Instagram to share a slew of his own go-to recipes and it's about as close as you'll get to having ACME reincarnated, at your house. Jump over to his page for a step-by-step photo guide to dreamy dishes like pasta arrabbiata, creamy boscaiola, a classic bolognese and a 'turbo schnitty' featuring Lao Gan Ma chilli sauce.
Another year, another new version of Cinderella. Some stories just can't stay away from the screen, and this is one of them. Filmmakers have been drawn to the fairy tale since the silent era, resulting in beloved animated flicks, playful takes on the tale such as Ever After and Ella Enchanted, and Disney's 2015 live-action adaptation. Arriving next, and soon: a new musical that combines glass slippers and pining for a better life with singing, dancing and a fairy godparent named Fab G — with the latter played by Pose's Billy Porter. This version of Cinderella stars singer Camila Cabello as the titular character, while The Craft: Legacy's Nicholas Galitzine plays Prince Robert. Also popping up: Idina Menzel (Frozen II) as Cinders' stepmother, Minnie Driver (Starstruck) and Pierce Brosnan (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) as the king and queen, and Romesh Ranganathan (Staged) and James Corden (The Prom) as both footmen and mice. The latter is a producer, too, and came up with the idea for the film, while Pitch Perfect writer and Blockers helmer Kay Cannon sits in the director's chair. Clearly, if a new version of Cinderella doesn't hit the screen every few years, Hollywood must turn into a pumpkin. While musical takes on the tale aren't new — see also: the stage version that's slated to hit Australia — this one is set to feature pop songs. So, you'll be seeing Cabello, Menzel and company singing tracks you know, as well as crooning their own new original tunes. Just how that'll turn out will be revealed on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, September 3, with the film originally slated for a cinema release, but then snapped up by the streaming platform instead. In both the initial first-look trailer and a just-dropped first new sneak peek, there's plenty of songs, colour and empowerment. Cinders won't stand for her stepmum's terrible treatment, or for simply being a dutiful princess when she hits it off with Prince Robert. There's also humour in this version, crucially, including around Fab G and the abilities that come with being a fairy godparent. "Do you want to go to that ball?" asks Fab G, to which Cinders replies: "yes, I was just crying and singing about it like two minutes ago". Check out the latest Cinderella trailer below: Cinderella will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, September 3. Top image: Kerry Brown.
Normally, no one plans to go to sleep at the movies. If an uninspiring film, being in a cavernous darkened room, the comfort of recliners and daybeds, simple tiredness or any combination of the above can cause your eyes to get heavy, however, there's now a session where dozing is encouraged. More than that, having a nap is exactly what patrons are meant to do at southeast Queensland's Limelight Cinemas when its new Snooze Sessions kick off. Is this the first trip to the flicks that's all about drifting off? This chain thinks so. Its Ipswich venue initially floated the idea as an April Fool's gag, but it's now officially on the lineup, kicking off on Monday, July 14, 2025. If you hear snoring during it, well, don't be surprised. Those chaotic A Minecraft Movie screenings with "chicken jockey" screams and other mayhem that were packing cinemas earlier in 2025? Consider Snooze Sessions the exact opposite. The projectors will still get whirring, but there'll be no shouts and thrown popcorn. Also, you won't be slumbering through a big franchise hit, side-splitting comedy, affectionate rom-com or any other type of movie. Instead, relaxing visuals are on the agenda. At its first edition, Snooze Sessions is going with a rainforest theme, not just in what graces the screen but in the dialogue-free soundscape as well. Tickets cost $10 for a recliner and $20 for a double daybed — and places are limited to ensure that it truly is a restful experience Maybe this is your moviegoing dream, because picture palaces always make you sleepy. Perhaps you already know that dropping off will be impossible. Or, if you're spending cash at a cinema, you could want to actually see a film. Whatever fits, Limelight Cinemas is giving Snooze Sessions a try for a short time — and it's not joking about it.
With Richmond experiencing a bit of a rebirth in recent times, it's no wonder that cafe owners, retailers and barkeeps are zeroing in on the heightened demand for eating, drinking and shopping in the area. As a result of this renewed love for the northside suburb, we've put together a list of some of our favourites, including the newest places to have cropped up and a few of the stalwarts that make Richmond what it is today. Nutrition Bar For all those that walk along Swan Street during business hours, you would be forgiven for thinking that Richmond was home to the headquarters of every gym conglomerate the world had ever known. So, given the high amount of protein-laden, tight t-shirt wearing personal trainers in Richmond, it was no wonder Nutrition Bar honed in on this market and opened up shop. They've become the go-to Swan Street purveyors of all things containing quinoa, acai, chia seeds, kale and anything else society can find to put under the superfood umbrella. So pull up a stool, grab an acai bowl and a green smoothie, and before you know it you'll be eating cleaner than Gwyneth Paltrow. 121 Swan Street, Richmond, (03) 9995 4329, thenutritionbar.com.au Bar Economico In direct contrast to Nutrition Bar, Bar Economico is a place where getting liquored up is not only called for, but encouraged. Previously the home of Der Raum, where at one point you needed a swipe card to gain access, Bar Economico has moved in and become a far less stately affair. The ambience in this bar could be described as slum-like and disheveled, but it somehow remains inviting. With a menu that sways heavily towards the rum side of the spectrum, both pirates and bar hoppers will be equally impressed. 438 Church Street, Richmond, bareconomico.com.au Happy Kappa Run by the enigmatic, efficiency machine that is Katsu (yes, that is his name!), those who frequent Swan Street at lunchtime will know that there is no place else to get your katsu curry fix. It is rare to find a restaurant that manages to combine consistency and speed without fail, everyday, so much so that it is a common occurrence that your meal will arrive at your table before you do. It has long been said that Katsu is waiting for the day when he will need to take up his post as commander of the universe (and what a glorious universe it will be). But until then, he'll be serving up Japanese fare for the weariest of Richmond natives with a steaming hot side plate of bitterness because he knows he is above all of us. We know it too Katsu, we know it too. 4/85 Swan Street, Richmond, (03) 9428 8672 Nelson Brown Situated a little off the beaten track, 191 Swan Street is yet another charming store that manages to always have impeccably curated windows and shelves full of the best, locally crafted gifts and homewares that Melbourne has to offer. We're not entirely sure who Nelson Brown is, but he claims to be your new best friend — and from the moment you enter the store, owners Leigh and Sue will welcome you like one of theirs. Whether you're in the market for a gift for someone you barely know or are looking for the perfect multi-coloured hammock chair for your balcony, these guys have your back. 191 Swan Street, Richmond, 0437 847 746, nelsonbrown.com.au Touchwood Okay, so just in case you needed another cafe that has incredible coffee, amazing food, a great atmosphere and ridiculously attractive staff, Touchwood is the place for you. This place really needs no introduction, but if you are yet to go, make sure you add it to your list because this place ticks all the boxes. Touchwood is really the needle in the haystack that Bridge Rd was desperately looking for. They've managed to find a balance in giving customers some of the ultra-health conscious options like coconut water and dishes with 'superfoods' in them, but also whacked in things like peanut butter and jelly waffles and wagyu beef burgers. If you choose one thing from each column that cancels out the calories — right? 480 Bridge Rd, Richmond, (03) 9429 9347, touchwoodcafe.com Cheerio Being relatively new in the plethora of new places in the Swan Street precinct, Cheerio have formed a loyal following through great coffee and even better personalities. These guys are some of the friendliest faces in Richmond and are also particularly perky in the morning. When we're all stumbling to our 9-5's, these guys give us our coffee and make us feel a little happier about the world. The gypsy ham sandwich complete with bechamel sauce also deserves a mention here, as it is up there on the list of life changing sandwiches. And it'll only set you back $10 — it's really all the therapy you'll ever need! 323 Lennox Street, Richmond Hut 13 This store is really the first appearance in Richmond of what we like to call the 'Collingwood Effect': the opening of stores that stock lots of nice things that can be somewhat overpriced, but for some reason you find yourself wanting all of them anyway. Whether it be the lure of beautifully finished throw rugs made from the hair of a goat aged between 9 and 12 months or that insatiable desire for plant stands to house your myriad of succulents growing in hand painted, concrete pots, Hut 13 will have you covered. A great store for a casual peruse or buying a present for that person that is a pain to buy for, they sell rings in the form of Cheezels. If that's not something for the person that has everything, then we don't what is. 79 Swan Street , Richmond, (03) 9428 1750, facebook.com/HUT-13 Rowena Parade Corner Store Opened in 1956 and hidden away in one of the lesser-known pockets of Richmond, the Rowena Parade Corner Store is, without a doubt, one of Melbourne's better-kept secrets. As members of the old guard of Richmond's food scene, they have no shame in presenting their customers with such menu items as BELTAC's, SmERTAC's and decidedly 'outta this world' milkshakes; it's no wonder these guys stay relevant in a cafe scene that sees more change than a tip jar on a Saturday night. This charming cafe is incredibly popular with both Richmond locals and anyone else who knows about it, so keep it on the down low. 44 Rowena Parade, Richmond, (03) 9421 3262, rowenacornerstore.com Nutrition Bar image credit: Hamish Ward
By now, we all know that plenty of streaming platforms are constantly vying for our eyeballs. We know that those services boast always-expanding catalogues of movies and TV shows, too. And, we're well aware that picking what to watch when you're settling down on the couch is rarely a simple exercise. So, while the fact that Australia's latest streaming service features 20,000 episodes and films is definitely great news, it won't simplify your viewing choices anytime soon. Australians now have another streamer to choose from, with new streaming service Paramount+ launching on Wednesday, August 11. The platform actually rebrands the existing 10 All Access streaming service, with parent company Viacom CBS Australia and New Zealand bringing it into line with the global Paramount+ subscription offering that launched in America in March this year. Paramount+'s big drawcard? Its library of titles from Paramount Pictures — obviously — as well as from Showtime, CBS, BET Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, the Smithsonian Channel and Sony Pictures Television. So, if you're the kind of viewer that loves rewatching your favourite flicks, you'll be able to head to the service to stream movies from the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones, Transformers, Jackass, Batman and Dark Knight Trilogy franchises. Plus, the likes of Austin Powers in Goldmember, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Grease and Good Will Hunting will also be available on the service, all as part of the $8.99 per month subscription fee. On the TV front, existing series like The Good Fight, The Twilight Zone, Why Women Kill, Charmed and SpongeBob SquarePants will find a new home. Paramount+ is also betting big on new television shows being a big drawcard, so you can expect to add a heap of titles to your must-watch list — including revenge-fuelled miniseries Two Weeks To Live, starring Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams; Leonardo, a historical drama about Leonardo da Vinci; and Anne Boleyn, with Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) as the titular figure. If you're feeling nostalgic, there's also the revival of Nickelodeon's iCarly, following the characters now they're adults; the return of Rugrats, this time with computer-generated animation; and Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, which gives everyone's favourite absorbent, yellow and porous character an origin story. New Mark Wahlberg-starring movie Infinite, which sees him play a man haunted by memories of a life he didn't live, also launches in Australia with the service — and as does new seasons of Five Bedrooms, Why Women Kill and Evil. And, before August is out, you'll be able to stream the Nancy Drew TV series, the latest season of In the Dark, all of Ziwe and Coyote, six-part satire The Bite and horror anthology Monsterland as well. Down the track, Paramount+ will also be home to the new Dexter revival; the Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Old Guard)-starring TV adaptation of The Man Who Fell to Earth; The First Lady, which sees Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) play Michelle Obama; and page-to-screen adaptation The Luminaries. New Australian drama Last King of The Cross is also destined for the platform, as are Melbourne-shot comedy Spreadsheet and coming-of-age feature film 6 Festivals. The list goes on, including spy drama Lioness, a TV adaptation of video game Halo and The Offer, a scripted drama about on the making of The Godfather. Paramount+ is available in Australia from Wednesday, August 11, rebranding the existing 10 All Access streaming platform, with subscriptions costing $8.99. For further information, head to the Paramount+ website.
How many hours have you spent playing the best karting game ever made? Too many? We'll throw a shell at that idea — when it comes to Mario Kart, there's no such thing as too much. In fact, you should race on out of the house and down to Netherworld to play more at their very own speedway. Between midday and 6pm on Sunday, July 8 the Fortitude Valley bar will become a haven for everyone that knows just when to sling a ghost at their opponents — and just how to press buttons in the right order to get an early boost. The Mario Kart-obsessed afternoon has two components: bring your Switch along and play with other aficionados, or feel the need for speed at the venue's 48-player Mario Kart 64 tournament. By coming along and taking part, you'll also have the chance to win your own Switch (with Mario Kart included, obviously), so you can keep the speedy gaming wherever you are. There'll also be beers on offer, given it's all taking place at a bar — and we're assuming that there won't be any banana peels to throw around the place, but maybe watch where you're walking anyway.
If you, like us, spent most of last year ordering take out and binge watching Ted Lasso in your undies, there's a good chance your adrenal glands are in need of a proper work out. And, with the warmer weather slowly fading, there's no better time to line up a holiday in the tropics to stretch out your summer. One place that's filled with truly incredible activities for the thrill-seekers among us is Tropical North Queensland. From hiking through World Heritage-listed rainforest to abseiling down flowing waterfalls and camping on tropical islands, there's something for every type of adventure lover in this spectacular natural playground. So, if you're keen for a holiday that's adventure-filled, and want to support operators who are committed to sustainable tourism practices, hit this list of unmissable things to do in the region to ensure your extended summer is a slam dunk. [caption id="attachment_828484" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland.[/caption] ABSEIL DOWN WATERFALLS WITH CAIRNS CANYONING If Cairns Canyoning existed in 1994, we're convinced that TLC would have actually sung: "do go chasing waterfalls". With the help of expert guides, here you'll have the truly thrilling opportunity to abseil down waterfalls, hurl yourself from towering boulders into crystal-clear water and zipline through World Heritage-listed rainforest all in one trip. You can choose between the half-day adventures through Behana Gorge or Crystal Cascades or, if you're feeling a little more hardcore, sign up for the full-day Spillway Canyon trip. [caption id="attachment_829726" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raging Thunder[/caption] GET WET AND WILD ON A WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP Imagine sitting on the edge of an inflatable raft as you float down a river through a spectacular gorge surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Sounds pretty incredible, right? Now, picture taking that same boat down steep ravines and raging rapids and you've got the wet and wild adventure that is white water rafting. In Tropical North Queensland, you can choose to conquer a number of courses on the region's world-class rafting rivers. For a full day of adventure filled with thrills and spills on 45 rapids, book a trip on the Tully River with eco-certified rafting company Raging Thunder. Or, if you'd prefer to, quite literally, test the waters on a shorter course, try the half-day trip on The Barron River. [caption id="attachment_829728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AT AUSTRALIA'S ONLY BUNGEE JUMP If you consider yourself a bit of an adrenaline junkie, then visiting SkyPark is a must on your trip to Tropical North Queensland. Not only is it the one place in Australia where you can bungee, but you'll get to do so while being cradled by lush tropical rainforest. Located 15 kilometres north of Cairns, here you can leap from the 50-metre bungee that teeters over a stunning natural lagoon. Or, strap into the giant swing to reach speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour in just three seconds with up to two mates side by side. If you're not quite ready to take the bungee plunge, try the 140-metre-high walk-the-plank obstacle instead. Whether you're a seasoned jumper or are ready to take your very first leap, the 16 different styles on the jump menu will accomodate for all levels of thrill seeking and ensure you experience a rush like never before. [caption id="attachment_829729" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SAIL OVER TREETOPS IN AN OPEN-AIR GONDOLA If you want to get up close and personal with the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world, make tracks to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway located 15 minutes north of Cairns. Aboard the cableway, you'll glide over the pristine jungle canopies between Smithfield and Kuranda, soaking in panoramic views of the rainforest and beyond before ending your trip near the banks of the heaving Barron River. You can also opt for the open-air Canopy Glider to sail top-down over the treetops with the expert guidance of a Skyrail Ranger or upgrade to the diamond view to experience a gondola with a glass floor. To maximise your adventure, combine your treetop adventure with the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to see the sights from a different perspective on your round trip. Plus, if you want to help maintain the tropical rainforest, you can donate to the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation which distributes funds to research and education projects that help protect and conserve this natural wonder. [caption id="attachment_828482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] PUT YOUR STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING SKILLS TO THE TEST ON THE MOSSMAN RIVER Feel like you're pretty familiar with stand-up paddleboarding by now? Well, if you've managed to tackle the task atop local lakes and seas, it might be time to level up your balancing bravado with a paddleboarding trip on the Mossman River. The team at Wind Swell will take you on a three-hour trip upstream to soak in the sights and sounds of the buzzing tropical rainforest. Along the way, you'll learn about the local habitat, have a chance to try out some paddleboard yoga, taste exotic flavours of local tropical fruit and cool off in the freshwater swimming hole before floating back to base. And, if that's not enough adventure, check out the company's other tours in wing surfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding and more. [caption id="attachment_828487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GO KAYAKING WITH TURTLES IN PALM COVE Ever wanted to set off kayaking from balmy tropical beaches lined with palm trees? Well, at picturesque Palm Cove, approximately 25 minutes drive north of Cairns, you can. The Kayak Turtle Tour, run by Pacific Water Sports, is an unmissable half-day ocean adventure in Tropical North Queensland. Departing at 7am, you'll kayak across The Coral Sea to nearby Double Island and Haycock Island to spot green and hawksbill turtles basking in the coral reefs below. Then, you'll paddle further afield to sight rays and shovelnosed guitarfish (sometimes called shovelnose sharks) before making your way back to the shore at Palm Cove. [caption id="attachment_828491" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] FLOAT ABOVE THE HILLS IN A HOT AIR BALLOON To experience a truly exceptional adventure, sometimes you have to sacrifice a little sleep to make it happen. And, after returning from a trip with Hot Air Balloon, you'll be more than glad you got out of bed before the sun to see it rise over the magical Atherton Tablelands. Departing from Cairns's northern beaches and Port Douglas, this tour will take you approximately one hour west to Mareeba for your ballooning take off. Once afloat, you'll experience the soft colours of dawn as you glide high over the Atherton Tablelands, soaking in panoramic views of the region. You'll arrive back in Cairns between 9-9.30am, just in time for breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes. [caption id="attachment_828494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] SEE A SMILE FROM A CROCODILE AT HARTLEY'S CROCODILE ADVENTURES If you've ever wondered what it would be like to have a close encounter with a real-life dinosaur, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is about as close as you can get. Located between Cairns and Port Douglas at Wangetti, this eco-certified tourism operator has plenty of thrilling crocodile action that'll get your heart racing. For $43, your park pass includes a cruise with crocs at the on-site lagoon, access to the daily wildlife presentations such as crocodile feedings, snake shows and the nail-biting crocodile attack show. Plus, if one dinosaur-like creature isn't enough, you can also check out the cassowary feeding. Or, if you want keep things cuddly, make sure you stop by the koala talk. [caption id="attachment_828495" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET OFF THE MAINLAND WITH CAMPING AT DUNK ISLAND Camping on a tropical island might seem like it's reserved for films and fantasies. But, in Tropical North Queensland, you can make it your reality at Dunk Island in the Family Islands National Park. Drive two hours south of Cairns to the idyllic coastal town of Mission Beach. Then, take a ten-minute ride across the glittering Coral Sea with Mission Beach Charters to Dunk Island where you can pitch a tent at one of only eight sites on the island. The campground comes with all the essentials — picnic tables, barbecue facilities, hot showers, drinking water and a loo — but, you'll need to take everything else with you. Pack snorkelling gear to catch the marine life in action at Muggy Muggy Beach, a good pair of walking shoes to complete the 11-kilometre Island Circuit hike, and plenty of food to refuel and enjoy on the sands of this tropical paradise. [caption id="attachment_828496" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] HIKE THROUGH RAINFOREST TO THE SPECTACULAR NANDROYA FALLS If you consider yourself a bit of a hiking fanatic, taking the 6.6-kilometre trek through the spectacular Wooroonooran National Park to Nandroya Falls is essential while in Tropical North Queensland. Not only will you get to walk through the incredible Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforest, you'll get to wash off under a thriving waterfall, too. Start from the Henrietta Creek campground where you'll venture 700 metres into the rainforest to the start of the circuit fork. Take the right-hand track to take in smaller waterfalls, rock pools and rapid streams before reaching the immense Nandroya Falls. Cool off with a swim and enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls before completing the circuit and heading back to camp. Ready to book your tropical escape? For more information and to discover more about a holiday in Tropical North Queensland, visit the website. Image: Nandroya Falls, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
A picture is worth a thousand words, but can a picture capture the unique sound of a moment, of laughter, of a single word? With Bespoken Art, your words can in fact be translated into a work of art, a canvas that depicts the exact sound waves of your voice. Founder and CEO David Caulkins launched the company to create "art that speaks volumes," and his vision has given individuals the opportunity to hang on to a particular sound. By uploading sound bites to the Bespoken Art website or recording a word or phrase over the phone, sound waves are captured and printed onto a canvas. You can personalize the picture even more by choosing the color and size of the canvas and sound wave, making it a true original. Bespoken Art allows you to capture a quote, sound or word with the Classic Sound Portrait, combine up to five different voices on the Multiple Voice Sound Portrait, pair up with your significant other to share vows in the Double Pane Sound Portrait or print a smaller laser-printed version with the Desktop Sound Portrait. You can even capture audio over 30 seconds with the Song Sound Portrait, for meaningful songs or messages. Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but words can now paint beautiful pictures.
There's so much more to experience in Europe than what Tripadvisor will have you believe. If you're planning a multi-country, multi-city trip, don't break your spirit negotiating flights, sleeper trains, wild taxis and hellish overnight buses — cruise from stop to stop and set out to do things a bit differently. Experience an unfamiliar side of these countries at your own pace with the freedom of a river cruise, which includes food, a bed and most importantly, a unique waterside view of Europe's cities. And while you're in the planning stages, be sure to jot one or two of these ideas in your itinerary to make your Euro trip worthwhile. EXPLORE PARIS BY ROOFTOP Sure, The Catacombs of Paris are pretty mind-blowing, but once you've had a squiz at your 30th underground skull, we suggest you set your sights up. The Paris skyline is one of the most inspiring in the world; it's a city filled with rich and wonderful buildings, iconic slate and zinc rooftops, windows and façades of unrivalled grandeur, plus the Eiffel Tower, of course. Take your time sightseeing from Paris's rooftops. Join a Parisian Rooftop tour on the Seine cruise or choose to wander and show yourself around town. Start the morning doing the touristy thing at Notre Dame (if you get there at about 9.30am you shouldn't have to wait too long to get up top), head up to Canal Saint Martin for a weekend brunch or weekday evening charcuterie planche on the rooftop at the water-side Point Éphémère, and round off your day with drinks at Le Perchoir, overlooking the 19th and 18th arrondissements with Sacré Coeur in the distance. CLIMB SOME ROCKS IN SWISS FRANCONIA If you've sunk a few too many of Bamberg's famous smoked beers during your cruise through Deutschland, here's your opportunity to sweat it all out. This area of Bavaria, known as Swiss Franconia, is one of the most popular climbing regions in the world boasting over 6500 different routes. Test your strength and Spidey skills traversing crags, chimneys, boulders and overhangs, and you will be rewarded with some pretty spectacular views. If you're a climbing pro, you may want to give the Action Directe route a try, which has long been considered one of the most difficult free-climbing routes in the world. But novices needn't worry as there are plenty of guided tours, too. DINE IN AUSTRIA'S OLDEST WINERY After a day of strolling through Dürnstein's cobblestone lanes and castle ruins, head to the Nikolaihof winery. Steeped in over 2000 years of history and tradition, the estate is something to behold: the stone walls, which are left over from the site's time as a monastery chapel, are covered in creeping vines; the cellar is set in an ancient Roman crypt; and the courtyard is dominated by an enchanting 100-year-old linden tree. The Saahs family have been running the winery since the late-19th century and are seen as pioneers of organic winemaking; no herbicides or artificial fertilisers are used on the vines and grapes are harvested by hand. Settle in for a few top-notch drops and a home-cooked Austrian feast prepared with organic produce, before you continue on your way down the Danube. LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC IN VIENNA You don't need to know your Schubert from your Strauss to appreciate the musical nightlife of Vienna. While cruising the Danube, put aside a night to do nothing but sit back, relax and enjoy a schnitzel and bier at Vienna's famous concert cafes. Most of these cafes have an in-house pianist with others offering small bands and a rotating program of live music. Concert café Schmid Hansl is one of the city's most famous — during the war it still hosted jazz sessions. It's open late every night but closed Saturdays. The Cafe Museum is another worthy of a visit. Gustav Klimt, Peter Altenberg and Adolf Loos were all regulars of this little joint and we can't blame them; it's a great place to relax during the day and a magnificent option for a night of music. TASTE AUTHENTIC DUTCH CHEESE IN AMSTERDAM Between all the bike-riding and club-hopping, you're likely to expend quite a bit of energy in the 'dam during the Rhine cruise. So, what better way to refuel than with an afternoon of traditional Dutch cheese? Over the course of an hour, you'll learn all the ins and outs of Dutch cheese: how it's made, how to identify the characteristics between different varieties and how to pair them with wine like a pro. All with plenty of samples, of course. Your course will take place in the tasting room of the famous Golden Age Cheese shop, based in the heart of Amsterdam. It's a real gouda time. Next Euro trip, opt to explore the continent via their rivers. Find out more here.
If there's a surefire way to brighten any average day, it's this: looking at YouTube videos of charming animals. We were all doing it before the pandemic. Thanks to plenty of live feeds, we kept doing it when we were all staying home, too. And now Guide Dogs Australia wants you to keep watching — and to start going "awwwwwwwwwwww" while checking out its new eight-episode behind-the-scenes series. Born to Lead is the insider look at adorable guide dogs you did actually always know that you needed. Dropping new ten-minute instalments weekly, it follows super-cute guide dogs from birth through to retirement. In the process, it also tells the tales of the people who help the pups' development, plus those who benefit afterwards — spanning volunteers and trainers, as well as Australians with low vision or who are blind who welcome a guide dog into their homes. Launching at 4pm AEST today, Monday, June 27 via the Bondi Vet YouTube channel, and filmed this year at Guide Dogs campuses and cities in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, Born to Lead also aims to give an insight into what it takes to raise a guide dog — from being a tiny little newborn pooch through to making an enormous difference in someone's life. "It takes up to two years and $50,000 to breed, raise and train just one guide dog, so we are beyond excited to have this incredible journey and many amazing stories from within the Guide Dogs community captured on film," said Charlie Spendlove, Head of Marketing and Communications at Guide Dogs Australia. If you're the kind of person who considers looking after a pup every time that Guide Dogs Australia puts out a callout, this is obviously the show for you. If you'll watch anything about humanity's barking besties — Tony Armstrong's ABC series from earlier this year, Netflix's two seasons of the docuseries Dogs and big-screen release Stray all included — then this is clearly as exciting as throwing a ball or heading to a dog park is to a pooch. Born to Lead hits screens courtesy of producers WTFN, who are also behind Bondi Vet and Mega Zoo. And, although it's only airing online for now, that might just be the beginning. "While Born to Lead will get a run on our Bondi Vet digital channels, which have over 2.5 million subscribers itself, we envisage it becoming a broadcast project in the future," said Daryl Talbot, WTFN's CEO. Check out the first episode of Born to Lead below from 4pm AEST Monday, June 27: Born to Lead will start streaming via the Bondi Vet YouTube channel from 4pm AEST on Monday, June 27, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Think you're great at pushing buttons? Okay, not just mashing and smashing them, but timing your touches so perfectly that you manoeuvre pinball flippers like a wizard, and send shiny chrome balls rolling, roaming and sprawling around the machine of your choice? Think your talents could stand up to scrutiny? Want to find out? Now that Brisbane has its own arcade game bar, Netherworld, we're guessing that events like Flip Frenzy are about to become a whole lot more frequent. One of the venue's owners fancies himself as quite the pinball player, after all — and you can try to follow in his footsteps. Here how it works: book in advance, pay $20, arrive at 9.30am, and then prepare to strut your stuff until 1pm. Only 50 competitors are allowed, and they'll be paired up at random, vie for supremacy, and then move on to the next opponent and machine. The games will be fast, but they'll also be fun — and all players of all skill levels are welcome.
You've obsessed over the series, watched the movie that followed, thought about buying Laura Palmer's house and even read The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer (yes, it really exists). You know that the pattern on the floor inside the Black Lodge also pops up in David Lynch's Eraserhead, and that the actress who played Double R Diner owner Norma, Peggy Lipton, is the real-life mother of Parks and Recreation's Rashida Jones. If you know all this, you're ready for the Twin Peaks Trivia Night — and even if you don't, you should still try your luck. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the TV series like no other, the folks at Man vs Bear have compiled a very special challenge, covering everything from cherry pie to the Log Lady. Think clues, coffee and a damn fine night of fun, in the latest event to accompany the Gallery of Modern Art's David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition. Teams of two to eight people can enter, and bookings are essential. Note: you can dress up as Agent Dale Cooper if you like, but you can't ask your friend Diane for help with the answers.
What’s your favourite thing about Twin Peaks? Other than the fact that it's coming back in 2016, of course. We know, we know, there’s just too many to choose from. Any list would have to include Kyle MacLachlan as Agent Dale Cooper, cherry pie and damn fine coffee, and David Lynch’s zaniness on screen and off — as well as the haunting music. From those first distinctive notes of composer Angelo Badalamenti’s theme tune, to the ethereal sounds of Julee Cruise’s Falling — a number one hit in Australia at the time — it is the show’s soundtrack that still echoes through our minds. Courtesy of GOMA’s David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition, that isn’t going to change any time soon. In fact, Xiu Xiu will ensure the series’ score gets permanently lodged in your brain. For two nights only, the American experimental group will appear live to interpret the iconic music through their mix of post punk and synth pop. Prepare to amazed, delighted and perhaps even disturbed by this new take on Twin Peaks’ chaos, drama, fear, noise and sidelong leering glances. The performance also comes with a serious warning: BOB will be conducting.
Despite Brisbane being one of Australia's most vibrant art and culture hubs, world music isn't the first thing people seek out on a Friday evening. That's a little shocking, so the Triffid is about to change the situation. A Night of World Music features three of Australia's most exciting, up-and-coming bands who all fall under that super-broad genre of world music, i.e. music produced in developing countries, with occasional western influence. If 'Graceland' just popped into your head, then you're kind of on the right track. The night will be headlined by MZAZA, one of Australia's most individual bands, as lead by acclaimed French-Sephardic vocalist Pauline Maudy and made up of cultural refugees from Bosnia, Latvia, Greece, Turkey, France, Sephardic Spain and Australia. They'll be joined 25-piece street band Unusual Suspects as well as Brazilian bossa nova act Coisa Linda. Get into the spirit of world music and head along to this unique and diverse night at The Triffid. Tickets cost $18.70 and the evening kicks off at 7.30pm.
If you care about what you wear, you probably don't just care about how you look. Interested in the future of fashion? Eager to think locally and sustainably about the industry? Keen to pick up a few new textile tricks, meet makers putting the environment and ethical production first, and shop for new and vintage threads? Then you'll care about heading to Fashion Revolution. Held across the three days, this new event brings together a heap of fashion-minded folks for talks, workshops and markets, diving into the sartorial folds in many ways. It all kicks off between 5–9pm on Friday, April 26 with homegrown wares (and drinks and nibbles), then offers the same plus classes and discussions between 9am–4pm on Saturday, April 27, before getting into the pre-loved game between 9am–3pm on Sunday, April 28. Artists Alike in Albion is the place to head, and the list of topics is as hefty. Explore the other side of fast fashion, hear all about the sewing renaissance, get stylist tips, learn how to be sustainable with your outfits and up your mending skills. You can also chat with 12 local creatives, and tuck into Holistic Wholefoods' vegan and gluten-free dishes. Entry is via gold coin donation.
Need an excuse to attend Cloudland's latest themed shindig? We have one for you — because you can can can. With the Fortitude Valley venue paying tribute to all things Moulin Rouge over one decadent night, the end result promises to be spectacular spectacular. From 8pm on Friday, September 28, the Ann Street spot will turn its already decadent digs into the closest approximation of a Parisian music hall that it can manage — complete with live entertainment, burlesque dancers and roaming performers. And, the Moulin Rouge party will span across two levels, taking over both Madame Hedges and the Crystal Palais. No word yet if someone will be swinging from the ceiling and singing 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend' like Nicole Kidman's Satine. With two levels comes two types of ticket. The good news is that general admission is free and gets you into the ground floor glitz, although tickets are still required. Or go all out for $75, and you'll get access to the upper reaches plus a three-hour drinks package. Come what may, indeed.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. On October 21, the Newstead music venue is joining forces with Stone & Wood, shutting down Stratton Street and serving up Brisbane's most delayed trend festival: the Brisbane Burger Fest. That's a big call in a year that has seen ice cream, mussels, Japanese culture, espresso martinis and specialty coffee all get their own shindigs. For those wondering about the festival's burger credentials, Ze Pickle, Miss Kay's, Ben's Burgers, Mr Burger, 5 Boroughs, Red Hook, Lucky Egg and The Triffid's own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don't think you can handle taking part, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a free burger street party even better, The Triffid's beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, and Stone & Wood will be taking care of the brews. Brisbane Burger Fest takes place from 11am on October 21 at The Triffid, 7-9 Stratton Street, Newstead. For more information, visit the event Facebook page. Image: Lucky Egg.
What's better than one Brisbane store dedicated to all the cakes, pastries, pies and other sweet and savoury baked products your stomach can handle? Two, of course. Yes, Jocelyn's Provisions is finally spreading their delicious wares around town and opening up a second shop. The sibling location will be called Albion Provisions — and, as the name suggests, it'll serve up all the handmade goodies Jocelyn's fans know and love in the northside suburb. Come October, Sandgate Road will be abuzz with Turkish delight cheesecakes, triple choc brownies and poached fruit and almond tarts, plus beef and red wine pies and Cornish pasties. The latest news comes hot on the heels of a few recent changes, including Jocelyn's move just up the road from its original Fortitude Valley site, and the introduction of chocolate and chilli mini bars, four new types of savoury tart and two new sausage roll flavours to their menu. We hope you're hungry, because additional dishes are just going to keep on popping up. With another venue will come even more biscuits, chocolates, nougat, panforte and preserves, just to name a few of their delectable offerings. That's quite the way to mark Jocelyn's twentieth birthday, with Albion's purpose-built bakery certain to be pumping out mouth-watering concoctions in no time, and its test kitchen also opening its doors to on-site cooking classes. It's also the best news we've heard since the woman who initially started the whole endeavour opened up a different venture. Let's be honest, you really can't have too many of these tasty treats. Find Albion Provisions at Sandgate Road, Albion from October. Keep an eye on the Jocelyn's Provisions website and Facebook page for further details.
Gear up for one of the year's most anticipated (and inevitably raved about) national tours. The ever-impressive, ever-epic musical mastermind Ty Segall is currently on Australian shores to kick around on our stages for his biggest headliner tour yet — and set to show Brisbane what San Fran sludge rock is all about. Segall is probably best known for his insane levels of productivity and painstakingly thought-out approach to his garage-rock jams. This year, the 27-year-old Californian released one of the great albums of 2014, glam-rock grail, Manipulator. Over the years, Segall already made significant waves with Sleeper, Twins, Hair, Melted, and Lemons. More EP vending machine than an album-a-year kinda guy, he's already racked up eight albums under his belt, and has a four song EP called Mr Face due out in January. Segall has already hit Melbourne and Meredith Music Festival with full force to rave reviews, selling out his first sideshow and adding another date to keep the people happy. Brisbanites, if you see one show this year, catch this rock savant at The Zoo and thank us later. Supported by The Babe Rainbow and Thigh Master. Image credit: Denee Petracek.
More Neil Perry hamburgers are rolling out in Brisbane, with the announcement of a second venue headed for Edward Street this June. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Australian foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. The burger joint has since expanded to Melbourne and finally hit Brisbane in February 2017. And now, they're set to open Burger Project Number 12. Rockpool Dining Group and Perry will serve their first burgers at 144 Edward Street in the CBD on Tuesday, June 20 (Perry will be personally manning the kitchen from 11am on launch day). Designed by architect Grant Cheyne, the new 134 pax venue features an outdoor garden terrace overlooking Charlotte Street, takeaway counter for app-ordering customers, an open kitchen and interior murals. It'll be open until 9pm Sunday to Wednesday and until late Thursday to Saturday. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect 12 tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. Pair these with a classic shake or iced tea, or a cheeky brewski from Urban Craft Brewing Co — you'll find a rotating range of seasonal small batch brews on tap or bottled. For dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. The Edward Street store is the twelfth Burger Project to open around the country, and the second in Brisbane. Neil Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year, and, as the newly formed Rockpool Dining Group. Burger Project is set to open at Shop 1, 144 Edward Street, Brisbane in Tuesday, June 20. Open Sunday to Wednesday, 11am – 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am – late. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Dropping in from the UK to play Groovin' the Moo, Brit singer-songwriter Charli XCX will be 'Boom Clap'ping her way through sideshows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In her own words, Ms XCX (AKA Charlotte Emma Aitchison) wants to give you "an hour of sweating and totally losing your mind, no matter what's going on that day or what you're worried about." Aitchison first attracted international attention in 2012, when she co-composed and performed on Icona Pop's hit 'I Love It', which played on Lena Dunham's Girls. In 2013, she released her own debut EP, True Romance, before joining forces with Iggy Azalea in 2014 on 'Fancy'. She and Azalea have since performed together all over the planet. Then, of course, along came 'Boom Clap', of The Fault in our Stars soundtrack, and the bratty 'Break The Rules'; confirming Charli XCX as a popstar in her own right. At the Met, she'll be supported by Adelaide's rising rapper Tkay Maidza, another bright spark changing the rules of pop. Image: Mike Massaro.
When Bonnie Stevens helped establish Mous Magazine, she wanted to start a conversation, not finish it. With co-founder and editor Allie Speers, the creative director and business manager aimed to spark discussions that engaged intellect without repressing creativity. Now, after expanding from online to print, she is trying to bring that chat to life, crafting something more experiential for the publication's readers. A series of workshops and a month-long pop-up shop are the first steps in making her dreams a reality. The events provide an extension of Mous's focus on design and creation, which sits alongside three other categories — live, inform and fornicate — in written form. If the text of their first issue, as well as the articles on their website, uncovers new artists and draws attention to topical subjects, then their physical offshoots dive into the practical side beyond the printed page and the flicker of the computer screen. "I think a lot of the time it’s easy to be focused on engaging with people online, but what people are craving is real-life interaction," says Stevens. Mous's workshops are designed to allow "readers to meet and be taught by some of our favourite artists," while the pop-up store offers "easy access to the artworks, homewares and publications we’ve featured both online and in print." In the workshops, taking place in Mous's headquarters at Bardon Fairy House until October 31, keen Brisbane creatives can learn about everything from calligraphy and loom weaving to macramé and DIY zine making from local experts. Classes are kept small to ensure quality one-on-one time with the facilitator, as well as affordable and open to all skill levels. As Stevens puts it, "You don’t have to be the world’s most incredible artist to be creative." At the pop-up store during the month of October, shoppers will see the publication's pages come to life, offering a range where "most items we stock, particularly the artwork, magazines and zines have an awesome story behind them," says Stevens. "We are also focused on paying homage to the creators of the items we sell, so our store is laid out similarly to a gallery with didactics telling you about the artist or founder and their process." With a new monthly magazine club also about to be added to the mix, it all makes for a hub of activity and dialogue, as well as a showcase of up-and-coming Australian talent — another of Mous's motivations. "Whether it’s through art, furniture design, publishing or numerous other ventures, there are so many young people just excelling in their fields and we want to make sure we tell as many people as we can," advises Stevens. For more information on Mous Magazine, visit their website or Facebook page. Mous's /create/ workshops are held on Saturday afternoons at Bardon Fairy House, 24 Macgregor Terrace, Bardon. Their pop-up store is open from Wednesday to Sunday until October 31.
Change is a-coming to Brisbane — and while that statement applies to most parts of the city these days, it's about to prove particularly accurate in Woolloongabba. In fact, the corner of Logan Road and Deshon Street has been earmarked for transformation. You may have already noticed the construction zone, but you might not know just what's about to pop up. That'd be South City Square, an inner-south hub that combines residential, retail, dining and entertainment all into one precinct. If you think that sounds pretty standard, then you haven't heard all the details. Fancy a new neighbourhood that takes inspiration from the former industrial area's past, while adding a marketplace, laneway eateries and a five-star, 144-room hotel? Or the titular centrepiece: a 5,000sqm central square? How about a brand new, eight-screen cinema? Of course you do. While the project has been on the cards for a while, it has just earned the tick of approval from the Brisbane City Council, which means it's full steam ahead from here on in. Just don't go making plans to hang out there just yet. Work might have commenced, with the first residents due to move in next year; however the full development isn't due to be completed until 2022. For more information about South City Square, visit the development's website.
Are you a Thai food lover who spends your days somewhere near Post Office Square? If so, your culinary prayers have been answered. By the end of June, the inner-city space will boast Brisbane's newest Asian street food haven: Phat Elephant. Yep, Pad Thai lovers will have a new CBD... uh... pad to call their own. However, Phat Elephant won't just be serving delicious meals — they also want to become your new drinking spot, too. Sure, making every all-day eatery do double duty as a bar seems to be Brisbane's latest craze, but it's a trend that we're well and truly into. Phat Elephant's menu hasn't yet been revealed, but we think it's safe to assume it'll include versions of the classic Thai dishes you know and love, and possibly add a few new favourites to your must-eat list. And, in good news for anyone that loves sharing meals with a posse of pals, the restaurant will also feature large seating options for big groups. Huge Thai feast dinner with your extended gang of nearest and dearest, anyone? Phat Elephant will open in Post Office Square, 280 Queen Street, Brisbane in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
It's the news no Brisbanite wants to hear: another beloved venue could soon be shutting its doors. If you've been to a gig or seen some standup over the last decade or so, or enjoyed an evening of dinner theatre before that, odds are that you've been to the latest place to grace the endangered species list — and probably more than once. Yes, we're talking about Fortitude Valley's own Tivoli Theatre, the spot where everyone from Bob Dylan to The Dandy Warhols to The Presets has played. Yes, the 99-year-old, art deco-styled building that was once a bakery (!) is up for sale, with the expression of interest period ending on March 10. Current owners and operators, the O'Rourke family, have put the venue on the market before, but this time they're unable to keep the business going for personal reasons. Eager to see the Tiv live on beyond its current calendar of events — which includes Sarah Blasko, Millencolin, Violent Soho and The Rubens between now and September, among others — they're hoping a music-minded buyer will step in and save the day. So are the folks behind the latest public plea to retain a part of the city's cultural landscape. Where there's the threat of one of the city's landmarks disappearing from the map, there's also an online petition to stop it. Key to the change.org letter to the Queensland government is the venue's heritage status, or lack thereof. Without heritage protection, whoever snaps up the building could demolish it. Given the Tiv's prime position right next to the recently redeveloped RNA Showgrounds, no doubt developers will sniffing around. At the time of writing, 2983 people have pledged their support, so here's hoping that the powers that be take notice. Social media certainly is, if the below posts are anything to go by. https://twitter.com/girlgerms/status/702609824190582784 https://twitter.com/LotteNaughton/status/704408546272636929 If you're wondering why everyone is fearing the worst, well, all you have to do is look to the past. Sadly, news of iconic Brisbane cultural venues getting torn down has become all too common in recent years. Two cases in point: Festival Hall was replaced by an apartment tower, and the Regent Cinema has been a construction site for more than half a decade. Here's hoping that the Tivoli doesn't join them. Sign the petition over here. Image: Sherwin Huang, Flickr.
Missed The Preatures on their huge sold-out 'Cruel' tour this spring? How'd you like to catch them live this summer, for free? The Sydney fivesome are gearing up for another national escapade, this time joining forces with Corona Extra for a huge free November tour. Locked in for 20 locations across the country, Corona Sunsets will see the Sydneysiders play unplugged shows everywhere from Bondi Beach's Bucket List to the Portsea Hotel. Kicking off in Yallingup, Western Australia on November 6, the tour will wind through some of The Preatures' favourite bars in WA, NSW and Queensland before finishing up in Victoria on the last weekend in November. Isabella Manfredi, Gideon Bensen, Jack Moffitt, Thomas Champion and Luke Davison will be careening through their 2014 debut album Blue Planet Eyes, from crowd favourite singles like 'Cruel', 'Somebody's Talking' and 'Is This How You Feel?' to lesser known album gems like 'Ordinary' and 'Whatever You Want'. Fingers crossed for a raucous pub singalong to The Preatures' go-to cover, The Angels' 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'. All shows are free entry, over-18s only and it's first-in, best-dressed. If Corona Extra's previous free Australian tours, like Cloud Control, are anything to go by, you're going to want to get there pretty damn early. For details head to Corona's website. THE PREATURES' CORONA SUNSETS AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: WESTERN AUSTRALIA November 6 Caves House Hotel, Yallingup, 7.30pm November 7 The Leftbank, East Fremantle, 2.30pm The Northshore Tavern, Hillarys, 7.30pm November 8 The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Barrack Square, 2.30pm Ocean Beach Hotel, Cottesloe, 7.30pm NEW SOUTH WALES November 13 Towradgi Beach Hotel, Towradgi, 8.30pm November 14 Watson’s Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay, 3.30pm Manly Wharf, Manly, 7.30pm November 15 The Bucket List, Bondi, 2.30pm Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale, 7.30pm November 22 Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads, 8pm QUEENSLAND November 20 Beach House Hotel, Scarness, 8pm November 21 Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, 3pm Noosa Heads S.L.S.C, Noosa Heads, 9pm November 22 Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta, 3pm VICTORIA November 27 Lambys, Geelong, 9pm November 28 The Deck est 2013, Frankston, 3pm Westernport Hotel, San Remo, 9.30pm November 29 The College Lawn, Prahran, 2.30pm Portsea Hotel, Portsea, 7pm
Just when you thought New York-style nosh had the American food trend covered in Brisbane, along comes a different interstate taste sensation. The latest Brisbane eatery about to open its doors at Portside Wharf is taking inspiration from the flavours of New Orleans. Indeed, NOLA's name says it all — it's an abbreviation of New Orleans, Louisiana, after all. The city's famed blend of Cajun specialities and French influences are certain to feature on a smoky bourbon sauce and chipotle-heavy menu. There'll be ’N’awlins bites’ like naked oysters ($3 each), popcorn shrimp with New Orleans remoulade ($14), Southern wings with bourbon and maple sauce ($12 for eight pieces), Corn cobs with chipotle butter ($6) and shoestring fries with smoky aioli ($8). Our stomachs are already rumbling. In addition to the delicious-sounding tapas, live music and innovatively-themed cocktails will keep things spicy down by the water. With NOLA following in the footsteps of Papa Jack's and Bourbon Street Louisiana Creole, perhaps we'll soon see crab cakes, jambalaya, po boys and gumbo replace burgers and fries as everyone's favourite go-to meal. The new venture from the folks behind The Crosstown Eating House at Woollongabba doesn't open until mid-year, with an exact date yet to be announced and a full menu announce set for June; however there's good news for those who just can't wait that long. Portside's Restaurant Manx is giving diners a sneak peek of the menu to come, courtesy of some aforementioned tapas teasers (available from 3pm Tuesday to Sunday). Who's hungry? NOLA will open in June at 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton. For more details, check out the restaurant's Facebook page.
Prepare to say goodbye to that problematic daily necessity — aka agonising over what to do for dinner. In good news for indecisive people everywhere, and for those just too busy to whip something up, not in the mood to dine out or simply sick of the usual takeaway options, Brisbane is getting a new dinner delivery service. Meet Din Din Club, or your new local personal saviour. The Teneriffe-based business is partnering with a range of local providers to serve up freshly prepared meals of the organic, vegan, vegetarian and paleo variety. Sun and Earth Organics is Din Din's first food partner, which means salads and wholegrain sushi rolls are on the menu. Sounds like Din Din really is trying to make your life easier — right down to their mode of delivery. After ordering online, you'll find their cute Dutch cargo bikes at selected spots such as the Teneriffe Ferry Terminal, waiting for you to collect your tasty wares. To the joy of tastebuds everywhere, this means that snacking on whatever you can grab on your way home — or whatever lurks in the back of your fridge — is no longer the fate awaiting the time-poor. Neither is shopping, cooking and even washing up, too, with Din Din's dishes ready to eat from their containers. Now that's convenient. For more information, check out Din Din's Facebook page, or sign up to their mailing list via their website.
Think buzzy laneways are the inner city's domain? Think again. As Brisbane keeps embracing the Melbourne trend, little nooks and crannies have started popping up everywhere. Woolloongabba's latest alley addition is even going Italian. In the news that hungry east- and south-siders will love, a couple of Trafalgar Lane's first tenants have been announced, with Ristorante La Famiglia and Lola Coffee chief among them. The former will serve up authentic Italian dishes and drinks; think feasts of pasta, sips of limoncello and a family restaurant feel. The latter will cure your caffeine fix and make their steaming hot cuppas — whether made with Coffee Alchemy beans or Zokoko chocolate — a focus. They're not the only eateries gracing the new precinct, which spans the space between Stanley and Trafalgar streets. It was designed by the architects behind Melbourne's Prahran Hotel, and is due to open in May. Anyone with a carnivorous appetite will want to head to Ribs & Burgers, with the James Street meat-lover's paradise opening a second outlet. If the whole laneway sounds like an exciting addition to the area, and all just a hop, skip, jump and footy handball away from the Gabba stadium too, well, that's because it is. And, it's just one of a wave of changes transforming Woollloongabba. Sure, everyone has been heading out for dinner and drinks at the end of Logan Road for years — but with these eateries, and the new South City Square development in the works as well, prepare to drop by much more often. Find Ristorante La Famiglia, Lola Coffee and Ribs & Burgers at Trafalgar Laneway, Woollongabba. Check out the precinct website for more information.
