Popping bubble wrap is one of those things which will never grow old. Regardless of who you are, where you are from, and what you do, bubble popping is a universally accepted means of entertainment. For all poppaholics, behold the Bubble Calendar — a poster-sized calendar with a bubble to pop every day. This 122cm x 26cm monolith of a calendar is sure to make up for any dull day of the year. Whether it's returning from a vacation or retreating back to your cave from a tough day at work, Bubble Calendar is sure to provide you with at least one thing to look forward to in the day. [Via Lost At E Minor]
No one has ever just wanted to eat one lonely little chicken wing. Few among us have ever stopped at two, three or less than half a dozen, for that matter. One of the easiest dishes to consume copious amounts of, wings have inspired many a dedicated eatery — and all-you-can-eat joint Chook Wings and Beer is Brisbane's latest such establishment. The newest eatery from the folks behind Phat Elephant, Phat Boy, Chapter IV, Asian Republic and Brisbane Chai Thai, this chicken haven is the city's new go-to for endless piles of its eponymous food. Opening in The Hamptons' former site on Gerler Road at Hendra on Friday, January 24, it'll serve up all the pieces you can handle (and, let's be honest, probably more pieces than you should) for $21.90. You'll also be feasting on unlimited sides as part of the buffet, which includes fries, fried rice and salads. And for covering and dipping those wings, eight sauces will be available, with buffalo, barbecue, and sour cream and chive all featuring on a lineup that's still being finalised. Fancy something other than wings? A range of burgers and sliders will also be on offer separately. Yes, chicken will feature heavily. And, with beer also part of Chook Wings and Beer's name, it'll be serving up a hefty selection of brews — think James Squire, VB, Corona and more, plus a selection of ciders. Find Chook Wings and Beer at 49 Gerler Road, Hendra from Friday, January 24.
There is a newly found appreciation for street art emerging in Brisbane. Art centric events like Lost Movements and RAW have helped foster the street art community and it is now growing legs of its own; becoming more determined to show Brisbane why street art is the next big thing in town. Kerbside has jumped on the street art wagon and has played host to Scribble Slam – a 90 minute live art battle between two established artists. Each artist gets one blank canvas each, black, white and two colours of choice. Every Scribble Slam has a different theme, meaning that each artwork produced is unplanned and entirely unique. This week, Scribble Slam features two interesting contestants. Blu Art Xinja takes on Michael Fitzhywel. This is sure to be a great mix of styles and ideas. Head on over to Kerbside to get your fix of street art this week.
Hedonism’s Second Album is the latest show to grace the La Boite stage as a part of the theatre’s independent season. In the last few years La Boite’s indie season has gained quite a bit of prestige, and Hedonism’s Second Album is an an artistic testament of how far this program has come. Under the direction of Margi Brown Ash, Claire Christian and Dave Burton’s wonderful show has taken shape into one of the best pieces of theatre you might see this year. Hedonism’s Second Album is first and foremost fun. Naturally. Anyone familiar with Christian or Burton’s writing won’t be surprised at the play’s vamped up showcase of humour and thrills. It’s all dick jokes and swears, and the crazy life we imagine Rock’n’Rollers to live; from pub gigs to international record deals, crazy parties and crazier tension. But, of course, there is a downside to fun. In the words of writer, Claire Christian, “It’s a tragicomedy about men who’ve been given permission to live hedonistically and never grow up… but should they?” Director Margi Brown Ash has done wonderful things with this multi-layered, humour-packed script, in order to explore the concept of masculinity, and life without responsibilities. And the cast seem to be having almost as much fun as the audience. Hedonism’s Second Album is a just as much a must see for those who rarely frequent the theatre, as well-versed veterans. The show runs from the August 13 to 30, and tickets start at $22. And it’s pronounced Hedonism.
He's the creative mind behind Uluru's spectacular Field of Light installation, which pulled more than 200,000 visitors in its first eighteen months and has been extended twice to keep up with demand. And now, renowned British artist Bruce Munro has lent his talents to yet another landmark Aussie exhibition. This time, he is illuminating the tree-lined Avenue of Honour in Albany, Western Australia. Field of Light: Avenue of Honour kicks off today and will run until April 25, 2019, in honour of the ANZACs who departed for the Great War from this southernmost point of the state 100 years ago. It's an immersive work, aglow each night with 16,000 flower-like glass spheres, 'planted' by local volunteers to form a glowing carpet through the avenue's memorial trees. Arriving at peak wildflower season, the glowing orbs also nod to this corner of the country's unique plant life, referencing the whites, yellows and greens of the wattle and New Zealand's kowhai. Munro's Field of Light: Avenue of Honour installation will be free to wander during its stint Down Under, which coincides with the ANZAC Centenary commemorations. If you'd like to visit, you'll have to plan a bit of a trip. Albany is located a five-hour drive (or one-hour flight) from Perth. Field of Light: Avenue of Honour runs from October 4, 2018 until April 25, 2019. Images: Mark Pickthall, courtesy of the Bruce Munro Studio
I’m sure you’ve heard of pop-up clothes stores, pop-up movies and pop-up concerts, but I guarantee you’ve never even heard of, let alone attended, a pop-up Art Fair. In conjunction with 'Art on James', local artists from Level have come together to organise Subdivision. Playing on the idea of normal art shows, a group of very talented people will be hiding out in an empty block on James St in Fortitude Valley. During their time there they will be allocated individual space in which they’ll spend their days painting whilst anyone can watch. All artwork will be for sale, with a percentage of the funds being donated to Level. Subdivision will be happening between 12-8pm on 2 June, and 10am-5pm on the 3 through 9 June. The talented artists appearing are: Beata Batorowicz, Courtney Coombs, Megan Cope, Chantal Fraser, Hannah Gatland, Nicole Gillard, Rachael Haynes, Alice Lang, Dhana Merritt, Zoe Porter, Mandy Ridley, Erika Scott, Carly Scoufos, Camille Serisier, Heidi Stevens, Elizabeth Willing and Michelle Xen. (Photo: Chantal Fraser via LEVEL)
I remember back when I was a young’un and City Beach was the coolest thing like, ever, Mambo was always the first thing I looked at (not that I could afford it). My love only grew once the Sydney Olympics happened and Australia’s uniforms were pretty much amazing and leagues ahead of the rest. Years may have passed since then, but the guys behind the genius are still kicking around spreading their unique style everywhere they go. If there are any local fans from Brisbane they are especially lucky and in for a treat as Nine Lives has secured the MERZ collection, which presents the work of four ex Mambo artists. Jeff Raglus, Ben Waters, Gerry Wedd and Chris De Rosa are all extremely talented yet their interests are backgrounds are super diverse. The one thing they do have in common though is a shared passion for the beach and art. This show is practically four for the price of one, as each artist brings a completely different style to the table. From a lino print expert through to a renowned ceramicist, there will certainly be variety. Whether you’re new or old to the world of Mambo, you don’t want to miss this. Image credit: “Head in the clouds” by Jeff Raglus
Maybe you loved the film adaptation of Suicide Squad so much that you signed the petition against Rotten Tomatoes' unfavourable reviews. Maybe you just liked the film more than we did. Or, maybe you know a damn good reason to cosplay when you see one. Whichever of the above categories you fall into — and however many — trust Sabotage Social to have you sorted come September 17. At Sabo-Cide Squad — The Villain's Ball, you'll come dressed as your favourite shady character and enjoy a wicked evening of partying. Don't worry if pretending you're Harley Quinn isn't your thing, or if you can't bring yourself to even contemplate aping Jared Leto's take on the Joker. We're pretty certain that any bad guys are allowed. In fact, trying to come up with different costume ideas is where this fun, cocktail-fuelled night really begins.
George RR Martin is joining forces with art collective Meow Wolf to produce the most insanely magic art complex imaginable. Attempting to raise $100,000 on Kickstarter, the installation artists and the Game of Thrones mastermind want to build one epic art space: The Meow Wolf Art Complex in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Built within the site of an old bowling alley Martin bought specifically for the project, the complex will house 19 affordable artist studios, two rotating gallery spaces, and The David Loughridge Learning Center with arts education programming by local non-profit ARTsmart. But the real jaw-dropper here is Meow Wolf's plan for unprecedented 20,000 sq. ft. complex to be constructed by over 75 artists — dubbed The House of Eternal Return. Celebrated for their large-scale, immersive installation experiences, the Sante Fe-based collective Meow Wolf have just the ideas Martin was looking for when he bought the bowling alley. Following Meow Wolf's wildly successful interdimensional ship installation The Due Return in 2011, the team will likely be using most of the Kickstarter funds toward Meow Wolf's first permanent exhibition, The House of Eternal Return. Visitors will be able to crawl, climb and be immersed within the 'rooms' of the house, from trailer parks to crazy tree houses to spaceship-like condos. "The House of Eternal Return will be a radical new form of storytelling, where audiences are immersed within a multimedia art experience that unfolds through an interactive and magical narrative," says the team on their Kickstarter page. Here's their artist renditions of what's planned for the House: 'Crazy Tree Houses' 'Cactus Trailer Dream' 'Portals Bermuda' Martin and Meow Wolf have so far raised $45,654 of their $100,000 goal with 13 days to go. Martin intends to fully renovate the space ahead of Meow Wolf's 10-year lease on the property. Whattaguy. Check out the Kickstarter campaign here.
Great minds create great things, but what happens when you combine two great minds and get them to create a body of work together? The result is something that Seven With Another seeks to achieve by pairing artists of contrasting disciplines and getting them to create new works of art – pushing the boundaries of their own practice and exploring new practices in the process. This Friday marks the launch of the fourth edition of Seven With Another, mashing the likes of Benjamin Reeve (contemporary artist/painter) with Philip Unwin (“maker”/physical computing) and Kathryn Lee (costume designer) with Suzie Wiley (architect), amongst others. Seven With Another doesn’t seek to create ‘high art’, but to inspire and delight audiences with something completely unique. The Seven With Another opening is from 7pm on Friday February 3, with the exhibition running daily until Friday February 10. If you’re in need of stepping out of your comfort zone, head down to Substation No. 4 this week and see what your mind is capable of with collaboration.
Come Friday, February 14, every eatery in Brisbane will roll out their most romantic menu. That's not news — it happens every year. On Bakery Lane, however, eating a delicious dinner for two is just the start of the fun. The Valley laneway's restaurants will have plenty of culinary treats on offer, as they always do. They'll also be pairing it with a night of free outdoor movies. Forget Love Actually — it's Love Animated when Bakery Lane turns its tiny stretch of pavement into an openair cinema for the occasion. In conjunction with the Animation Alliance Australia, 14 animated shorts about romance will grace the big screen, including one of this year's Oscar nominees for Best Animated Short Film. Sure, the whole evening might just offer dinner and a movie, which sounds like typical date fare. But watching inventive, vivid and creative animation in a laneway is a far cry from your average night at the multiplex with some popcorn and choc tops. Images: Animation Alliance Australia.
Wonder Woman. Ghostbusters. Annihilation. Hollywood has come a long way since the film days of yore, when female characters were under-represented and over-sexualised. Hasn't it? Well, maybe not quite. The costuming in this year's Tomb Raider reboot isn't quite as pervy as in the 2001 original, but outside of that there isn't much improvement. Certainly, things aren't different enough to really warrant a remake – or to catch the franchise up with the momentum of progressive feminism. This new film sees a young, broke Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander, replacing Angelina Jolie) follow in the footsteps of her mysteriously deceased adventurer father, crossing land and sea to find out what happened to him. Vikander does her best as the butt-kicking, braid-flicking protagonist – her guts and grizzle were enough to make me ponder my own laughable levels of fitness. That said, the fact I found myself thinking "grrrl you are ripped" about a zillion times gives you an indication of how little else there is to latch onto. Turns out a kick-ass heroine isn't enough to counteract crap writing. The dialogue in Tomb Raider is horribly stilted, so much so that the film's villain sounds like a parody of himself. If you had a dollar for every cliché out of his mouth – or for every time someone says something along the lines of "that's not the type of Croft I am – you'd easily have enough to cover the cost of your ticket. Despite what the writers might think, you can't just take a sub-par line of dialogue and repeat it until it becomes a zinger. The film's plotting, meanwhile, plays like a lazy mix of tropes from Raiders of The Lost Ark and The Hunger Games, with the moody origin story vibes of Batman Begins thrown in. Director Roar Uthaug doesn't manage any of it particularly well, although there are – spoiler alert – a lot of scenes where Vikander struggles in bodies of water, and they're all convincingly shot (I wrote the word "STRESSFUL" several times in my notes). The film also fails to take advantage of its strong supporting cast. Kristin Scott Thomas is chronically underused, while Nick Frost shows up all too briefly to deliver one of the movie's only genuinely funny moments (as opposed to its many unintentionally funny ones). At least the producers thought to cast someone other than a generic Hollywood white guy as Lara's partner in crime. Sadly, Daniel Wu's Lu Ren is relegated to the background in no time, and only pops up when required by the plot. The best bit of the entire Tomb Raider ordeal? To be honest, it was the very attractive promo men swinging around ropes in the foyer before the media screening. When that's the case you know you've got a dud on your hands. Our advice: give this flick a miss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ndhidEmUbI
Colour blocking, laser cuts, statement jewelry and the lot. Trends come and go, but I’d say that at the moment there’s a lot less opportunity to proverbially colour outside the lines when it comes to what we wear. Sometimes I don’t want to wear a maxi dress and a blazer (actually, I’ve never wanted to wear a maxi dress and a blazer) and so there aren’t many options when I need new rags to adorn my bones. Enter Kate Stein, who has distinguished herself as one of Brisbane’s most eclectic stylists by consistently going against the grain and never ever colouring within the lines. Instead of boozing in the kiddy pool over the summer, Stein lost herself in the bazaars of India, gaining culture, inspiration and materials and collating them into her second collection: Bang Lassy. Bang Lassy represents the expression of Stein’s third world journey, with Stein’s trademark psychedelic touch. If you’re seeking an excuse to go against the grain as well, shuffle down to Nine Lives and revel in the ethnic delight that is Bang Lassy.
UPDATE, April 24, 2023: Slowdive are no longer on the Daydream bill, after drummer Simon Scott was injured. This article has been updated to reflect that change. Float on, festival fans: come April, Australia's newest excuse to see a heap of bands in one spot will make its way along the country's east coast. That touring event: the just-announced Daydream, which joins the country's ever-growing roster of excuses to see and support live music. Daydream is hitting the Riverstage in Brisbane on Sunday, April 30 with quite the roster of indie-rock talent — headlined by Modest Mouse three decades after the Washington-born group first got together. Don't listen to the title of the band's acclaimed 2004 album, though — this is good news for people who love good news, not bad. Joining Modest Mouse on the bill are Australian favourites Tropical F*ck Storm, and the roster keeps going from there. The lineup varies slightly per city, with Beach Fossils and Cloud Nothings also taking to the stage at all stops. [caption id="attachment_817946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Somefx[/caption] Top image: Modest Mouse by Matthewvetter via Wikimedia Commons.
We're simply spoiled for choice in Brisbane when it comes to heading off for a mini-break or weekend away. Sure, as the halfway point between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, it's de rigueur to jettison yourself towards the beach during the warmer months, but what about when it's too cold for all that? Winter demands bracing walks, warm antique stores and hearty meals — and when the sun goes down, an open fire, a cosy armchair and maybe a glass of red. Is that too much to ask? Not in Ipswich, it's not. Close enough so that you don't spend half of your day driving just to get there but far enough so that you feel like you've stepped away from it all, Ipswich is the perfect spot for a romantic escape or a fun-filled country weekend with mates. Plus, this southeast Queensland gem is packed with so many activities you might just find yourself planning to return while you're still here. We suggest driving out after work on Friday and staying for two nights. That way you can wake up early and launch straight into a day of activities on Saturday — or sleep in and enjoy the luxury of nothingness. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within Queensland are now permitted, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_770956" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Four Hearts Brewing via Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] EAT AND DRINK If, like us, the day doesn't begin until you have some caffeine in your system, your first stop should be local favourite Strictly Coffee. For a filling brekkie, we suggest popping into Rafter and Rose. Grab a seat in the leafy courtyard and soak up the atmosphere with a Single O coffee and selection of sausage rolls, pies, croissants and cakes. Everything, including the pastry, is made in-house. If you opt for something savoury, be sure to add a side of the bacon jam, which is every bit as amazing as it sounds. For lunch, make tracks to Ruby Chews in Riverlink Shopping Centre for American-style burgers, hot dogs, wings and milkshakes. This retro diner also does classic frozen custards, but if you're craving something sweet, we suggest holding out for a scoop or two at Ungermann Brothers. This gourmet ice-creamery is known for its experimental flavours including salted caramel, bacon and pecan; blue cheese and fig; coffee, cardamom and liqueur; and — wait for it — roasted garlic. Next up, the guys at Four Hearts Brewing have you covered for afternoon bevvies. Located in a stunning red brick, heritage listed, 100-year-old building, the focus here is on full flavour, high quality, chemical-free brews. With pilsner, pale ale, red IPA and stout just some of the varieties on offer, be prepared to settle in for a full afternoon of gruelling beer sampling. You can continue the drinking session over at Tap'd, a craft beer bar set within the PA Hotel, which boasts a whopping 72 craft beers and ciders on tap. It also offers a selection of classic pub feeds, including chicken schnitties, pizzas and burgers, to keep your stomach well-lined. [caption id="attachment_580756" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Homage Restaurant[/caption] Or, you can pop over to German beer hall Heisenberg Haus. Pull up a seat at one of the communal tables, order a beer and a pretzel, and later on maybe grab a serving of käsespätzle, which, if you haven't had it before, is a big ol' gooey serving of wheat dumpling noodles, fried onion and cheese. Lots and lots of cheese. This dish is a long-cherished chalet staple — and while it's not Arctic weather, the chill of a Queensland winter is reason enough to indulge, don't you think? But if you're after something just a little bit special for dinner (okay, a lot special) the hatted Homage Restaurant at Spicers Hidden Vale is the order of the day. Select something from the a la carte menu or opt for either the two- or three-course tasting menu. The focus here is on paddock-to-plate dining and there's a real emphasis on sustainability. With such incredible local growers and farmers to choose from nearby, it makes a lot of sense. Feast on greens plucked from the kitchen garden, lamb from Mulgowie, steak from Toowoomba — you get the idea. This is truly a special spot, and dinner here would be a decadent and wonderful way to mark a birthday or anniversary. [caption id="attachment_580777" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Nerima Gardens[/caption] DO Start the day with a stroll around Queens Park, which is home to a Nature Centre packed with native Aussie animals, including wombats, wallabies and bilbies. Yes, they're adorable. And yes, you will squee. Also in the park is Nerima Gardens, a Japanese retreat devised in close consultation with Ipswich's eponymous Japanese sister city. Soak up all the serenity as you meander around these picture-perfect grounds. Next, head for the bustling couple of blocks known as the Top of Town. Take your time exploring the quirky stores dotted around and be sure to visit The Vintage Advantage for that perfect 50s-style frock and CJ Vogler & Son, a hobby store that's been trading since 1877. Fans of antiques must go for a poke around the Ipswich Antiques Centre for quirky and impressive art, collectables, furniture and jewellery. For a truly memorable experience, take the plunge and see Ipswich from the air. Pterodactyl Helicopters offer a range of tours to check out the scenery and surrounding sites (including wineries and pubs). The packages are super flexible, so you can craft a trip based on your interests and budget. Captain Mike is your main man, pilot, tour guide extraordinaire, and also possibly the most affable chap around. Take off with him to visit sights like Woodlands of Marburg — a stately plantation manor house built in 1890 but only opened to the public in 2002 — or maybe hop over to the Ironbark Ridge Winery for a tasting. [caption id="attachment_770932" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ipswich Central Cottage[/caption] STAY To be right in the heart of the action, make this chic little cottage your home away from home for the weekend. This charming spot sleeps up to four guests, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living areas, and is in easy walking distance to many of the sites mentioned above. But if spoiling yourself is on the cards then head directly to Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester, which is a 30-minute drive from the town centre. Equally suited to couples and groups of friends, this spot has country luxury down pat. Your accommodation comes equipped with thoughtful details, and may very well have a fireplace or a spa — or both — meaning it may be hard to leave your room. When you do venture outside, be sure to check out the kitchen garden, smokehouse and orchard or complete one of the nearby walking trails. As dusk settles you might play a game of pool in the games shed, take a dip in the spa or toast some marshmallows around the campfire. Yep, there's plenty to do around here. That said, you'll likely be just as happy to just pull up a chair on your verandah and watching the sun dip below the hills. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Spicers Hidden Vale 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.
By the time the triple-headline Blind Date Tour comes to an end with final shows in Sydney and Brisbane, the bands will have visited seven cities across Australia, bringing the nation together for eight fantastic shows. Sydney’s Jinja Safari were recently called “a bristling force of nature” by New York label Neon Gold. And before jetting off to the UK for a massive set at the Isle Of Wight Festival, they’re eager to remind their fans exactly why they’ve been given that title. Auckland’s Opossum deliver a sound drenched in groove-laden psychedelia, with homespun tales about love and drugs from the just-released Electric Hawaii that’ll take the crowd on a hazy roller coaster. Playing a set labelled as “a cul-de-sac of orgasmic, sweet indie-synth psychedelic-pop” that’ll blow minds, Los Angeles’ White Arrows round off the triple bill.
The most perplexing pieces of contemporary art are those that stem from the most absurd briefs, and the premise of The Hold Artspace’s new exhibition Odd Home, is true testament to that. Asked to critically deconstruct long held conventions through the individual art practice, the artists on display at this exhibition have not held back. From ideals of forced reality and imagination, to the stark differences between normality and discomfort, Odd Home seems to the most appropriately named exhibition on the market. It gets funky. Artists James Barth, Marisa Culpo, Spencer Harvie, Lilly Heenan, Aishla Manning, Naomi O’Reilly, Anya Swan are Trevor Tierney will be doing their best and draw from the everyday and pop culture art of conflicting ideas. Think everything from processed food to alternative lifestyles, and sometimes even an integration of both. All and all, if you don’t leave Odd Home a little squeamish and confused, then these artists haven’t done their job, but we can assure you this exhibition is in fine hands. Odd Home runs from July 9-12, with opening night July 11 from 6pm.
When Halloween rolls around, some folks like to celebrate the occasion in the eeriest way possible. For others, it's all about balancing scares and frights with some fun. Whichever category you fall into, both creepy and entertaining flicks are on offer as part of Yatala Drive-In's end of October program. Across Friday, October 30–Saturday, October 31, the southeast Queensland spot is putting on a heap of horror films — some new, some recent-ish, some retro. If you're keen to settle in for the long haul, you can go old school with a double of Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street, or opt to get spooked by The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2. Or, if you're only in the mood for one, you can pick between Hocus Pocus, the perennial favourite that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show and this year's new The Craft: Legacy. Yes, it's the kind of movie night that calls for gathering the gang and heading down the highway. Tickets will set you back $35 for a carload for one film, and $49 for a double feature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxZ774gziwU
Putt putt fans of Brisbane — so, everyone in Brisbane — it's time to do the monster mash while you're tap, tap, tapping your way around a mini golf course. This city of ours is home to more than a few places to unleash your short game, but only one of them keeps busting out seasonal theming and giving you a reason to celebrate special occasions with a putter in your hand. For the past two Christmases, the Victoria Park Putt Putt Course has given itself a festive revamp. Mini golf is more fun with reindeer, obviously. Earlier in 2021, the venue celebrated Easter as well, courtesy of a candy-themed course. Now, it's getting into the Halloween spirit by giving its greens a spooky makeover. No, missing a hole in one won't be the most terrifying thing about your next stint on the course. From Friday, September 17–Sunday, October 31 (naturally), the site will become home to all things frightening. If a haunted house was to meet up with a mini golf course, this is what it'd look like. So, you'll be putting around greens with names like Pumpkin Patch, Witch's Way, The Freaky Forest and Skeleton's Graveyard. Obviously pumpkins will feature heavily — plus skeletons, spiderwebs, grave headstones, ghosts and all the usual scary paraphernalia. Bookings are essential, with the course open from 6am–10pm daily. Fancy a few holes before work? Want to add some fun to your lunch break? Need something to look forward to come quitting time? They're all options. Just remember that it's a family-friendly affair, so you'll likely have plenty of company. Halloween Putt Putt takes over the Victoria Park Putt Putt Course at 309 Herston Rd, Herston from Friday, September 17–Sunday, October 31, open from 6am–10pm daily — with tickets costing $22 for adults. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Pandora Photography.
No big deal, but just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane is where you'll find the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. Okay, actually it's a huge deal. Springbrook National Park is just part of the massive Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which extends down to Newcastle, and you'll want to spend at least a day there. To be honest, you'll want to spend an entire day at the stunning Natural Bridge alone, where you'll find a rock arch and waterfall over a creek that's unlike anything you've ever seen before. We could keep listing Springbrook's epic natural features, such as waterfalls, lookouts, swimming spots and walking trails, but that's the thing about National Parks, they just have so many. If Parks and Recreation's Leslie Knope was to visit, she'd fall in love instantly. Just remember to bring a hamper full of goodies for mid-hike snacking. Four of the park's picnic areas have barbecues, too. Image: Jason Clark / Flickr.
An artist turned filmmaker, Julian Schnabel largely specialises in films about visionary artists, however he can't be accused of settling into a comfortable niche. Whether he's focusing on American painter Jean-Michel Basquiat in Basquiat, exploring the life of Cuban poet and playwright Reinaldo Arenas in Before Night Falls, or examining the experiences of French writer Jean-Dominique Bauby in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Schnabel does more than present straightforward biographical dramas. Rather, his pictures are dedicated to channelling their subject's mindsets with every stylistic touch — to steeping viewers in each real-life figure's perspective as deeply and immersively as possible. There's no formula at play, just an unflinching dedication to capturing each artist's essence. And with the writer-director turning his attention to Vincent van Gogh, At Eternity's Gate hits the mark perfectly. To many, van Gogh's name inspires three well-known details: his Sunflowers still-life paintings, the moody blue swirls of The Starry Night and the liberation of his ear from his head by his own hand. All three rate a mention in At Eternity's Gate, though they're hardly the most crucial aspects of the film. With Willem Dafoe plays the artist with urgent, revelatory intensity (and earning a much-deserved Academy Award nomination for his troubles), Schnabel seeks to understand rather than faithfully chronicle. As written with Jean-Claude Carrière and co-editor Louise Kugelberg, his movie happily draws upon not only van Gogh's personal letters, but on fiction, myths and speculation, including about the artist's death. A suitably post-impressionist portrait of the iconic Dutch post-impressionist, At Eternity's Gate recounts van Gogh's final years — a period of challenge, pain and immense productivity. Feeling adrift in the Parisian art scene, where galleries remain uninterested and his art-dealer brother Theo (Rupert Friend) can't sell his work, van Gogh decamps to the French town of Arles upon the advice of fellow artist Paul Gauguin (Oscar Isaac). But if van Gogh hovered on the fringes of his chosen community in the city, he's an outright pariah in his new small-town setting, with his drinking, temper-driven outbursts and psychological unravelling grating against the locals. While Theo arranges for Gaugin to join his sibling's sojourn, the solace of good company proves merely a temporary fix to van Gogh's inner woes. It would've been a revolutionary move, but Schnabel could've trained the camera solely at Dafoe for At Eternity's Gate's entire running time, and he still would've crafted an exceptional film. There's such power to the actor's performance — the power that springs not from force, or from seeing every ounce of effort, but from so convincingly stepping into someone else's shoes. van Gogh's work has always seethed with both passion and fragility. In every stroke, even in his most striking compositions, it seems as if he's feverishly exorcising the visions that are haunting his mind. In the movie's finest accomplishment, its commanding leading man gives flesh, heart and soul to that sensation. Although Isaac is memorable as Gauguin, and both Mathieu Amalric and Mads Mikkelsen make an impression as a doctor and a priest, respectively, Dafoe conveys both the emotional delicacy and the damning turmoil that made van Gogh who he was — and made his art so astonishing. Of course, Schnabel doesn't just train the camera at his star, and his film is all the better for it. How the filmmaker composes At Eternity's Gate's frames is as important as what's within them, with cinematographer Benoît Delhomme wielding the lens almost as if it's a paintbrush. There's rarely a still moment, with the image swirling, roaming and playing with focus in the same way that van Gogh's artwork does. The movie also borrows the artist's use of colour, particularly when gazing upon the French landscapes that he frequently committed to canvas. And yet, Schnabel never forgets that film is an audio-visual medium. His potent visuals say plenty about his complicated subject, but so does his layered soundscape. Staring into Dafoe's penetrating blue eyes, peering at every fleck of dirt and grass that marked van Gogh's life, and marvelling at the painter's pieces only feels complete when the artist's words float like the wind — and when the wind itself conjures up his deep-seated struggle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcPLAz1LG1U
Let’s get this out of the way early: As pretty much every article ever written of The Tallest Man on Earth will tell you, no, folk troubadour Kristian Matsson is not particularly tall, and no, he doesn't make any secret out of channeling his hero, Dylan. But you wouldn’t call Mattson derivative. As anyone who has ever seen this not-so-tall man live will tell you, Matsson has become known for coming on stage alone with just an acoustic guitar, and blowing everyone away with his charisma and stage presence. This tour offers a great chance to get a taste of songs off the back of his latest offering, There’s No Leaving Now, a home recorded album which explores different territory to his last two releases. To his intricate guitar work he’s added layers of woodwinds, drums and songs that explore more grounded, relaxed territory. The stage might be bigger, and the arrangements more complex, but Mattson’s reputation as a performer will remain. If you’re a seasoned fan, chances are you’re already salivating over the chance to see Mattson again. If you’re not, chances are he’ll win you over with his honest, humble performance that has charmed audiences the world over.
Grab a choc-top and a bucket of popcorn and head to the Judith Wright Centre for Flickerfest. This special festival is not only a great platform for filmmakers to show off their skills, it's also an absolute treat for movie buffs. The short film festival is renowned for being Australia's only competition accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science and recognised by BAFTA, which means award winners here go on to be considered for Oscars. It's a huge badge of honour for Flickerfest, which had its humble beginnings 22 years ago at Sydney's Balmain High School. Brisbane gets a three-day 'best of' this year's competition, which ran at Bondi Beach in January. A huge number of entries were submitted, and the top 100 were chosen to screen in Brisbane. The most inspiring, creative, and edgy short films our nation and the world have to offer will be available for viewing, and our Sunshine State will be represented by two short films. Past participants of the festival include Sundance-awarded director David Michod (Animal Kingdom) and Cannes Film Festival winner Warwick Thornton (Samson and Delilah). Catch these outstanding quick flicks and support the talented people involved. Each film is loaded with energy, emotion, and creativity, so fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride. We have one double pass to give away to each night of Flickerfest, including opening night on Thursday 21 February. To be in the running, subscribe to our newsletter (if you haven't already) and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Sun, splashing around, sipping drinks right beside to your closest patch of water: all of these things scream summer in Brisbane. But thanks to our sweltering climate, escaping into the airconditioned comfort of an art gallery is also a quintessential warm-weather activity in this sultry town of ours — and this year's exhibition lineup is top-notch. Whether you're keen to wander through a masterpiece, bounce around an immersive installation, or embrace something weird and wonderful, that's all on the bill this summer. So next time you're looking to break up your pool sessions with peering at art, add these ten showcases to your must-visit list.
When September rolls around in Brisbane, it always means one thing: for the majority of the month, the city erupts with a wave of shows, gigs, art installations, and other entertaining performances and activities, all as part of Brisbane Festival. In welcome news for everyone who looks forward to this annual city-wide celebration — especially given the way 2020 has panned out so far — that'll remain the case this year, too. While many an event has been forced to cancel or postpone its plans due to COVID-19, Brisbane Festival is still forging ahead, taking over Brissie from Friday, September 4—Saturday, September 26. The fest won't announce the bulk of its program until Tuesday, July 28, so just what Brisbanites will be watching, dancing to, peering at and checking out hasn't been revealed as yet. Still, the fact that Bris Fest will happen at all proves exciting as it is. With Australia's international borders still currently closed and likely to remain that way until 2021, and with the music industry not expected to restart international tours until next year as well, it's safe to expect the 2020 festival will have a strong local focus. Bris Fest has unveiled one inclusion on its 2020 lineup already — and it's definitely setting its sights firmly on Brissie. Called A Concert At Yours?, the event will stage a concert featuring local music stars in a Brisbane cul-de-sac. If you live in one and you'd love to attend a gig literally at your doorstep, you can nominate your court, place or close, too. Brisbane Festival will run from Friday, September 4—Saturday, September 26, with the full program announced on Tuesday, July 28. For further details, keep an eye on the festival's website.
Nuggets: Antipodean Interpolations of the First Psychedelic Era is an anthology of some of the best garage and psychedelic rock of the '60s. Put together by Lenny Kaye, who played in the Patti Smith Group, Nuggets is a defining piece of work and deserves a re-visit. This new anthology is a live tribute by some of Australia’s best, current and exciting bands. Playing at Alhambra Lounge this Sunday are three bands who feature on the new recording. From Brisbane, 12-headed monster group, Velociraptor (pictured) are headlining, supported ably by the much-loved psych-heads, Tiny Migrants. From Newcastle comes the rowdy punk duo, The Gooch Palms, who have shocked and soaked Brisbane audiences many times before.
In a genre often constructed around male anxieties and fantasies, Carrie is perhaps the ultimate girl-horror film. All the things that have at some point terrified us — pregnancy, periods, prom — are there, as is the ultimate fantasy: a secret power that gives you real, total control over the world. So it was pretty exciting to hear that the Stephen King novel and iconic 1976 Brian De Palma film were to be remade, with three very kick-arse women at the helm — Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie, Julianne Moore as her scary fanatical mother and Boys Don't Cry's Kimberly Pierce directing. Unfortunately, the completed film not only doesn't add anything particularly new to the mix, it fails to stand on its own feet and cohere its somewhat disparate components. The splatterfest comes late in any version of Carrie; for the most part the story is a different kind of unsettling. Having grown up in the hermitic and abusive care of her mother, a religious zealot, Carrie is a true misfit at school. Excruciatingly, it means she has no way of knowing, when she begins bleeding in the locker room showers, what menstruation is. Her classmates' shock and disbelief turns them into an animalistic pack, who descend upon her jeering, pelting her with tampons and, of course, recording the whole ordeal on their smartphones. It's a gut-turning scene — if only it set the mood for the whole movie. The episode affects the students involved in different ways. That's one of the most effective parts of Carrie; its nuanced depiction of schoolyard morality brings a lot of humanity to the usual portrayal of bullies versus victims, cool kids versus losers and even good teachers versus naughty kids. So a remorseless Chris (Portia Doubleday) refuses to cop the punishment from tough-but-fair gym teacher Miss Desjardin (Judy Greer) and gets suspended. Prom-Queen-in-waiting Sue (Gabriella Wilde), meanwhile, will not only run Miss Desjardin's mandated 'suicides', she'll convince her egotistic but basically nice boyfriend, Billy (Alex Russell), to take Carrie to prom instead of her, determined to give the besieged kid a nice experience of high school and assuage her guilt. Unbeknown to anyone, Carrie is starting to realise she has telekinetic powers and is giving them a work out. She has no reason to think she'll need them at prom, but at the same time, she's a little bomb waiting to go off — and brutal Chris will be providing the trigger, with a bloody prank she's masterminded to crown the evening. It's here, in Carrie's climactic revenge rampage, that the film comes most unstuck. It goes really schlock, which degrades the more earnest and intense mood of so much of the lead-up. It's also not the finest schlock available, as Carrie racks up deaths that are unoriginal (or were original, 40 years ago) and comical. Laughter is not the best release valve to have pulled at this point in the film. While Moretz is good as Carrie (there's just enough alien about her that she can pull off the outsider role), she adopts a mentally vacant robot face for this portion of the proceedings that jars. Moore is exceptional as the true villain of the piece, ultimately vulnerable but probably irredeemable. The whole thing is watchable, but for a story that actually contains multitudes of messages about girlhood, bullying and adolescent violence all while combining revenge fantasy and tragedy, it doesn't rise to the occasion. Sadly, Carrie is set to go down as another example of a film whose ingenious viral marketing stunt will outshine its cinematic impact. https://youtube.com/watch?v=j-VcPDkTySQ
The 2014 Big Day Out lineup has been revealed, and it... sort of lived up to all those weeks of hype. Organisers spoke of their excitement at landing three "white whales", and the top of the ticket is pretty monumental. Pearl Jam is a classic choice for BDO headliner, Arcade Fire a welcome return visitor to the main stage, Blur a seriously impressive 'get' — and Snoop's good-natured, laaiiiiidbaaack style will be a nice counterpoint to the snarling grunge and indie-rock mania. And lucky Regine and that chick from The Lumineers — they'll have the backstage ladies loos virtually all to themselves! Here's the line-up in full: Pearl Jam Arcade Fire Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion Major Lazer Steve Angello Flume The Lumineers Tame Impala Dillon Francis Mac Miller Ghost Grouplove Flosstradamus Portugal. The Man Toro Y Moi DIIV The Naked And Famous Big Gigantic PEZ Mudhoney Cosmic Psychos Northlane The 1975 Loon Lake Kingswood Bo Ningen The Algorithm DZ Deathrays Peking Duk Ben Morris Rüfüs Gold Coast tickets are on sale on August 7; Sydney August 8; Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide on August 9 and Auckland on August 12 from the Big Day Out website.
After a year that saw the deaths of Mitch Lucker and Tony Sly rock the Californian music world, the appearance of The Story So Far on Australian shores is a welcome sight indeed. Currently working on album number two with New Found Glory rhythm guitarist and lyricist, Stephen Lee Klein, The Story So Far are far from being a conventional pop-punk band. With honest, sincere and emotional songs infused with catchy and melodic tones toeing the line between hardcore and hard rock, the Bay Area band have been making waves since they broke into the limelight and are expected to do great things. The band's trip to The Zoo will be just one of two stops in Brisbane on a tour that will take them to Australia's biggest cities. Fans can expect to hear favourites from Under Soil And Dirt, as well as classics from While You Were Sleeping and their split EP.
For those who love the finer things as much as much as they love nature, there's Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Between Cairns and Port Douglas lies a private headland of 145 acres that is your ultimate eco-resort luxury getaway. But the resort is more than a private beach and spa treatments — it's a leader in ecotourism, too. After a rigorous vetting process in 2018, it was handpicked for membership of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World as well as being awarded Green Travel Leader with Ecotourism Australia after meeting strict criteria for a decade. Throughout the site you can enjoy complimentary wildlife walks, stargazing by the sea, expert-guided flora and fauna explorations, and Australia's only coconut tour. Dine on seasonal local produce in the treetops at Ospreys Restaurant with the sights and sounds of nature as entertainment. Or, grab a gourmet picnic basket and head into the nature reserve. The eco-resort is your oyster. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
The 90s are the decade that keeps on giving — to nostalgic Australians, at least. On any given weekend under regular circumstances, you can usually find a party dedicated to kicking it old school-style. And, at the moment, you can still get retro with Isolation Trivia's 90s Music Trivia edition. Know everything there is to know about the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, grunge, 'Gangsta's Paradise' and chasing waterfalls? Then, come 6.25pm on Thursday, June 4, it's time to put your 90s-loving brain to the test. The Isolation Trivia folks will be asking the questions, your lounge room will be doing the hosting and you'll be slinging back your answers — if you wannabe the trivia champ, that is. No bookings or registrations are required — all you need to do it hit up the event Facebook page when it's time to strut your stuff. Our tip: prepare to channel Alanis when your competition gets something wrong — aka to have 'You Oughta Know' stuck in your head. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPcyTyilmYY
Frontmen rarely come as charismatic as Henry Wagons. A storytelling character and a half, the Melburnian native has returned from the dark desert highways of the US to reunite with his band and bring Wagons' shiny new album to the townspeople. Seeing music as a joyous occasion rather than a moment to wallow in your sorrows, Wagons' shows are downright shindiggerous in their approach. "'Music is a public activity — the very birth of music was designed to be joined in on,'' Wagons told SMH. ''The first music was played at celebrations. The insular emo songwriter in the bedroom is this recent offshoot of what music is at its core. Music for me is for other people. I write it alone, but with the idea of playing it for other people.'' These "other people" make up the remaining five members of Wagons, one of Australia's best and most underrated live bands. Wagons have just released their latest single 'Beer Barrel Bar', taken from brand new, sixth studio album Acid Rain and Sugar Cane and nabbing a four-star rating from Rolling Stone. Landing feature album at 2ser and RTR, Wagons' new release heralds the end of a long period between drinks for the band — Henry Wagons released his own lovelorn ballad-filled solo album in 2013 and spent many months on the dusty highways of America touring his wares. With Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds) behind the mixing desk and Wagons himself bringing his US-inspired country stomping style to the plate, Acid Rain and Sugar Cane has quite the Nashville twang to it. Best enjoyed with a whiskey in hand and a soulmate far away, the LP is a natural evolution of Wagons' indie country blues into an Ameristralian tavern hootenanny. Kicking off their national tour in Adelaide on May 22, Wagons will make their way through major cities and regional centres, hopping from Fremantle to Hobart, back up to Geelong, Melbourne and Ballarat, up to the Canberran capital, east to Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle before heading north to Brisbane and finishing up at Darwin's Railway Hotel on June 21. Warming up the stage at The Zoo for Wagons is Nashville singer-songwriter Jonny Fritz, known for his wise-cracking, storytelling onstage persona and his former moniker of Jonny Corndawg. Fritz signed his contract with ATO Records in gravy at Nashville landmark Arnold's Country Kitchen. Yee-ha. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WXoiX2bFPDY
Trivia is one of my weekly rituals, despite my inability to get more than half of the questions right. I thought after years of watching RocKwiz that I'd be filled with musical facts to make even the most trivial of trivia buffs fall at my feet in praise. Alas not, but that doesn't mean that I can't pretend I'm doing research instead of actual work when I tune in. RocKwiz has been SBS's flagship musical quiz program for the last 6 years, and has enjoyed 8 seasons of Julia Zemiro's sexy dimply smile. The show isn't your traditional game show format, mate, it includes an orchestra (eat on that, Letters and Numbers), musical guests and some pretty hard questions. Christmas specials are often dull and are filled with clichés and cheesy gimmicks, but RocKwiz isn't one to follow the crowd. The annual RocKwiz Christmas special (now a tour), is like the regular show but it has more surprise guests, more music and the legendary 'Contestant Karaoke', which is not to be missed. Forget the stocking fillers, seeing Julia and co in the flesh will tide me over until next year. Witness RocKwiz live at the Tiv – you might even learn something, and isn't that the greatest gift of all?
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. And now more than ever. We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for pups, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs surrendered into its care, it's calling out to the community to help look after its many animal during this tough time. While more of us are working from home and practising social-distancing (and increasingly wanting a four-legged friend as a comforting companion), the RSPCA is encouraging Australians to foster or adopt. So, if you've been thinking about adding a pet to your fam (and have considered it thoroughly), now might just be the time. Last year, the RSPCA found new homes for 2654 pets Australia-wide. Right now, RSPCA NSW has 2577 animals in its care, ready for new homes full of love and pats — temporarily or forever. In a statement, RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said, "As this pandemic escalates, we are asking for your help to find forever homes for the animals in our care." The Victorian and Queensland branches echo this sentiment, with one website saying, "our foster program is now more important than ever". If you're keen to foster a furry friend, you can register in NSW, Victoria and Queensland as usual; however, for adoption, the process has changed a bit in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, Friday, March 27, you must make an appointment before visiting one of the RSPCA NSW's locations, which can be done by filling out this form. Once that's done, they'll arrange a time for a meet-and-greet with your potential new family member. A similar process is in place at RSPCA Queensland's locations — you'll need to fill out this pre-adoption form before heading in — and in Victoria, you must submit an application before you can set up a time. According to the RSPCA, at present there is no evidence that you can contract COVID-19 from a companion animal or that they can become sick if exposed to the virus. If you're thinking about adopting, you can check out all the good boys, kittens, bunnies and birds looking for new homes in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. For details about adopting and fostering animals, head to the RSPCA NSW, Victoria and Queensland websites. If you are going out to meet a potential new family member, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Head to the next instalment of Audiopollen, for your fill of Sunday evening tunes unlike any other that Brisbane may offer. Located in our cultural hub, West End, it is a get-together with cheap admission, like-minded music fans and BYO. This week’s event features mega hometown outfit The Perfect Lovers, Browning Mummery, Bad Intentions, and lo-fi, post-prog, no-wave Scrabbled Music. Audiopollen regularly put together unparalleled evenings of experimental music, giving voice to the alternative and a platform for the uncategorized. These are fortnightly events, always proving a hub of talent and opportunity.
Audible is the world's largest creator and retailer of audiobook content, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about great stories. During Vivid Sydney, Audible is hosting three separate events with some of the city's best names in audio entertainment. On Wednesday, June 1, former MasterChef Australia champion Adam Liaw will be speaking about how the food we cook and eat shapes the world around us. Wednesday, June 8, sees TV presenter Melissa Doyle examine how the world handles – or rather, doesn't handle – the concept of women ageing. Finally, on June 15, writer Laura Nagy and journalist Marc Fennell uncover some of pop culture's more unusual and niche trends.
Summer is here, and so is Brisbane's rainy, stormy season. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the city is expected to be hit with up to 80mm of rain this Sunday, December 16 — and there's a chance of severe thunderstorms this morning, too. https://twitter.com/BOM_Qld/status/1074037768853041152 The warning comes after 63mm of rain fell on an hour on Pomona on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, all before 6.20am. That's a lot of rain. For comparison, in November only 35.8mm of rain was recorded at the Sunshine Coast Airport for the entire month — and in Brisbane, only 13.4mm for the whole period as well. Brisbane City Council and BOM have issued warnings for a huge swathe of the state's southeast, including not only Brisbane, Ipswich, Caboolture and Cleveland, but the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, Jimboomba, Redcliffe, Maroochydore, Rainbow Beach, Gympie and Gatton as well. If you need to head out, don't forget to pack your umbrellas and raincoats — and keep an eye on the warnings.
If there's one thing that Brisbanites can agree on, it's that King of the Wings delivers some of the best buffalo wings in Brisbane. Choose from its range of tasty flavours including a Southern-style spicy dry rub, a smokey American barbecue blend, honey sesame, buffalo and peri-peri. With a six or 12 pack to choose from, either one is sure to stop those hunger pangs in their tracks. King of Wings can be found at a variety of locations across Brisbane, including Howard Smith Wharves, Green Beacon and the Kangaroo Point Lookout. Check its Facebook page for its daily whereabouts.
The best thing about Cairns' smaller size is you can cruise around the CBD hot spots on foot with ease. If you love to shop, check out the small boutiques in Oceania Walk or head to Galleria for high end designer stores. There's excellent eating and drinking to be done here, too. For brunch, my pick is the burrito at Cairns institution The Lillipad Cafe. Then, explore the sprawling waterfront parklands along Cairns Esplanade. If you feel like getting wet, there's a massive free outdoor lagoon to cool off in. Or, you can wet your whistle instead with sunset cocktails at seaside bar Salt House. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Darlings who attend any art exhibition during the day are just so passé, if you want to be seen, it’s all about staying up late now. As always, GoMA is ahead of the curve and has been running Up Late events in support of their special exhibitions for several years now. To coincide with the current exhibit Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams, GoMA have been hosting Friday night events with classic, genre-appropriate movie screenings and even more appropriate DJs and producers creating the right atmosphere for the cultured attendees. This Friday, Sydney's Catcall will be doing her thing and making people dance to a sure-to-be catchy set. Last year her single Swimming Pool was named the best of 2010 by Mess + Noise, so you know she’s good. Also happening on the night will be screenings of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s movies ‘El Topo’ and ‘The Holy Mountain’. Curator’s talks with Nicholas Chambers and Nancy Underhill are also worth catching. On top of all of this, there will also be a bar and nibbles provided, plus...you know, the amazing art on display! No excuses people!
If your Easter routine usually involves a seafood feast, you don't need to alter your plans in 2020. While heading to the shops looks a bit different in these COVID-19 times — and going out for a meal is on hold indefinitely — One Fish Two Fish is serving up plenty of prawns and oysters for the occasion. The Kangaroo Point fish 'n' chippery is currently temporarily closed in response; however, it'll be reopening on Thursday, April 9 so that Brisbanites can get their seafood fix. That's the day before Good Friday, with the eatery doing its part to make sure that everyone has a Great Friday — while eating Sydney rock oysters by the dozen ($24) or half-dozen ($48), or pairing either a half ($34) or full kilo ($68) of peeled Queensland tiger prawns with sriracha, lime aioli and lemon, plus house-made tartare sauce ($2). Because you'll likely be thirsty, too, One Fish Two Fish also has four different types of wine on offer — with bottles available from $35 (for a Buoy Oh Bouy prosecco, Babo pinot grigio or Bouchard Aîné & Fils rosé) to $90 (for Lanson Père et Fils NV champagne). Seafood fiends will need to place their order online by 9pm on Tuesday, April 7, then either pick it up between 2–7pm on Thursday, April 9 or organise delivery on the same day — which is free for orders over $120, and costs $15 otherwise. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Charley's name may invoke a well-known chocolatey tale, but the Mt Edna property is as unique as they come — it's home to Australia's only cocoa tree to chocolate bar experience. The concept of showcasing the full chocolate journey at Charley's is the brainchild of Chris and Lynn Jahnke, the husband and wife team who, a decade after uprooting themselves from Melbourne to farm cattle near Mission Beach, planted their first cocoa seeds in 2012. Since then, the pair have crafted a tour at Charley's that is hands-on, hugely informative and most importantly, includes tasting the delicious chocolatey treats. Charley's core products are single-origin 70 percent dark chocolates and milk chocolates with rare Tropical North Queensland flavour combinations like the davidson plum dark chocolate, lemon myrtle milk chocolate, tropical pineapple milk chocolate and beach coconut dark chocolate.
A few decades ago, marijuana becoming legal in parts of the western world while cigarettes were banned in public venues would have seemed unthinkable. Now, who knows what the future holds for drugs? In this panel discussion, psychoactive medicines are unpacked by Australian experts. Professor Iain McGregor and Dr Samuel Banister work in the field of medicinal cannabis and will be drawing on the findings of their investigations into the changing stance of big pharma. The pair will be joined by Dr Margaret Ross, who is currently running the country's first clinical trial using psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) and has views that challenge conventional medical perspectives. Chairing the session is journalist and drug advocate Jenny Valentish, so prepare to have your horizons widened.
Cinemas in Melbourne have been given the go-ahead to reopen, but that doesn't mean that you need to farewell that groove in your couch — or, if you're located elsewhere in Australia, that you need to miss out on one of the Victorian capital's top film festivals. After its physical event for 2020 fell victim to March's COVID-19 lockdowns, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival is returning with MQFF Interrupted, a largely online fest that's streaming nationally from Thursday, November 19–Monday, November 30. Film buffs around the country can look forward to 17 features and 40 shorts, all telling lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer stories. And it's an impressive lineup — whether you're keen on Aussie teen rom-com Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt), haunting British thriller Make Up, trans drama Lingua Franca, American vampire comedy Bit or Georgian romance And Then We Danced. Melburnians can also attend an in-person event, thanks to a Coburg Drive-In screening of Happiest Season. It stars Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis as Abby and Harper, a couple who head to the latter's parent's place for Christmas dinner — but said folks don't know that Harper is gay, let alone about Abby. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mxx76RnyVIo&feature=emb_logo
People travel from around the globe to see Uluru. In 2023, the Northern Territory landmark was even named one of the best places in the world to visit by The New York Times. Folks head to the Red Centre from all across Australia, too, of course — and if visiting the large sandstone formation has always been on your travel bucket list, and you're in Melbourne or Brisbane, making that trip is about to get easier. Virgin has announced new direct flights to the heritage site. From June 2024, the Aussie carrier will start two routes, which will mark the airline's first-ever legs to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane. The flights from the Victorian capital will begin first, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, but Queenslanders will only have to wait a day later, until Friday, June 7, 2024. After both routes kick into gear, Virgin will fly between Melbourne and Uluru four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The carrier will zip between Brisbane and Uluru three times a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Virgin is partnering with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia — which runs Ayers Rock Resort — on the new services to get more people to the middle of the country. And it's aiming to send quite a few more tourists in that direction, with 62,000-plus seats a year on offer thanks to the two new legs. "Uluṟu is a special place in Australia and a cultural landmark that identifies this wonderful country to the world. We look forward to once again connecting Australians and international tourists alike to the spiritual heartland of Australia," said Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. "We are also proud to be offering direct flights to Uluṟu from Melbourne and Brisbane for the first time. The forecast demand from these cities, coupled with excellent connectivity from our international airline partners, will provide a much-needed tourism boost to the region. Greater competition in the market and more seat capacity to Uluṟu will also provide travellers with more choice and value next time they fly to the Red Centre." [caption id="attachment_905928" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Salty Travellers[/caption] "Whether it's still on the bucket list or a much-loved destination, visiting Uluṟu is a must-do for international and Australian travellers alike," added Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. "Demand to visit Uluṟu is incredibly strong — driven by a wealth of amazing cultural experiences including the world-first $10-million cultural drone and storytelling experience Wintjiri Wiru — and we can't wait to roll out the red carpet for Virgin Australia's return to the Red Centre." How is Virgin celebrating announcing its new routes? With a flight sale, which is obviously great news for your wallet. Until midnight AEST on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, fares start at $129 one-way in economy, as long as you're keen to travel between Thursday, June 6–Thursday, September 12, 2024. For accommodation, Ayers Rock Resort is doing $150-per-night Lost Camel Hotel stays as well. Virgin's Melbourne–Uluru services will commence on Thursday, June 6, 2024, and its Brisbane–Uluru services on Friday, June 7, 2024. The airline's Red Centre sale is slinging flights from $129 until midnight AEST on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 — head to the Virgin website for more details.
Every studio wants a Marvel Cinematic Universe to call its own, or an equivalent that similarly takes a big bite out of the box office — and that very quest explains why Morbius exists. On the page, the character also known as 'the Living Vampire' has been battling Spider-Man since 1971. On the screen, he's now the second of the web-slinger's foes after Venom to get his own feature. This long-delayed flick, which was originally due to release before Venom: Let There Be Carnage until the pandemic struck, is also the third film in what's been dubbed Sony's Spider-Man Universe. As that name makes plain, the company is spinning its own on-screen world around everyone's favourite friendly neighbourhood superhero, because that's what it owns the rights to, and has started out focusing on villainous folks. So far, the movie magic hasn't flowed. If that explanatory opening paragraph felt like something obligatory that you had to get through to set the scene, it's meant to. That's how Morbius feels as well. Actually, that's being kinder than this draining picture deserves given it only has one purpose: setting up more films to follow. Too many movies in too many comic book-inspired cinematic universes share the same fate, because this type of filmmaking has primarily become $20-per-ticket feature-length episodes on a big screen — but it's particularly blatant here. Before the MCU's success, the bulk of Morbius would've been a ten-minute introduction in a flick about supervillains, and its mid-credits teasers would've fuelled the first act. Now, flinging every bit of caped crusader-adjacent material into as large a number of cinematic outings as possible is the status quo, and this is one of the most bloodless examples yet. Jumping over to the SSU from the DCEU — that'd be the DC Extended Universe, the pictures based around Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad and the like (but not including Joker or The Batman) — Jared Leto plays Morbius' eponymous figure. A renowned scientist, Dr Michael Morbius has a keen interest in the red liquid pumping through humans' veins stemming from his own health issues. As seen in early scenes set during his childhood, young Michael (Charlie Shotwell, The Nest) was a sickly kid in a medical facility thanks to a rare disease that stops him from producing new blood. There, under the care of Dr Emil Nikols (Jared Harris, Foundation), he befriended another unwell boy (debutant Joseph Esson), showed his smarts and earned a prestigious scholarship. As an adult, he now refuses the Nobel Prize for creating artificial plasma, then tries to cure himself using genes from vampire bats. Morbius sports an awkward tone that filmmaker Daniel Espinosa (Life) can't overcome; its namesake may be a future big-screen baddie, but he's also meant to be this sympathetic flick's hero — and buying either is a stretch. In the overacting Leto's hands, he's too tedious to convince as a threat or someone to root for. He's too gleefully eccentric to resemble anything more than a skit at Leto's expense, too. Indeed, evoking any interest in Morbius' inner wrestling (because saving his own life with his experimental procedure comes at a bloodsucking cost) proves plodding. It does take a special set of skills to make such OTT displays so pedestrian at best, though, and that's a talent that Leto keeps showing to the misfortune of movie-goers. He offers more restraint here than in Suicide Squad (not to be confused with The Suicide Squad), The Little Things, House of Gucci or streaming series WeCrashed, but his post-Dallas Buyers Club Oscar-win resume remains dire — Blade Runner 2049 being the sole exception. It mightn't have revived the film, but the answer to one of Espinosa's troubles could've been Matt Smith, who cuts a far more compelling figure as the grown-up version of Morbius' ailing pal Milo. The lanky Last Night in Soho star is saddled with a role somehow more cartoonish than Leto's, and with a character who doses himself with the same bat-derived serum but loves it — and, even without a spot of remorse for the body count he swiftly causes, he's the the most fascinating thing on-screen. Alas, in the latest underwhelming script by Dracula Untold, The Last Witch Hunter, Gods of Egypt and Power Rangers screenwriters Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama, Morbius and Milo are meant to be two sides of the same coin, but there's no depth or poignancy to their relationship. It just feels like a means to an end, giving Morbius another struggle to brood over. That shouldn't come as a surprise seeing that's the movie's whole gambit as well. It doesn't help that the entire idea behind Morbius and Milo's friendship, and their reason for seeking a solution in bat DNA, is abhorrently ableist. Positing that both men can only be happy if they're free of their genetic ailment could never be anything else. Folks with a health situation that causes suffering may wish to farewell it, but the image of throwing away crutches, becoming more mobile, gaining extra senses and floating in the air is thoroughly tasteless when presented as the only alternative to having a medical condition. Doing something different would've required thought, however, which Morbius lacks again and again. No one could be bothered to flesh out its protagonist, or wonder why its villain outshines him, or worry that Leto and Smith have zero chemistry together, after all. And clearly nobody was concerned that the film looks wearyingly dull to suit its story, that its CGI is laughably atrocious and overdone at every moment, or that it's a vampire flick that's afraid of blood and gore. Amid the murky cinematography by Oliver Wood (Holmes & Watson) and erratic editing from Pietro Scalia (Solo: A Star Wars Story), each compounding the movie's woes, Morbius also includes a weak attempt at a romance courtesy of fellow researcher Martine (Adria Arjona, 6 Underground), plus a crime angle via detectives Stroud (Tyrese Gibson, Fast and Furious 9) and Rodriguez (Al Madrigal, Physical) — all thankless. Its stab at giving the superhero/supervillain realm a mad scientist skew, a monster-movie chapter and a gothic horror spin proves dead on arrival as well, as does its evident pilfering from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. That this is the best version of Morbius after almost two years spent sitting on a shelf is as illogical as the film's many plot holes. This misfire only sinks its teeth into bland monotony; vampires aren't the only things that suck within its frames.
For not the first time in his career, Steven Spielberg deserves some serious credit. Lincoln is not only the director's most accomplished, audacious, and affecting film of perhaps the past 20 years but also his most surprising given the focus of the story he chose to tell. It's actually hard not to envisage the faces of the DreamWorks executives as he walked into their offices and said: "I'm ready to make another film". Jackpot. "And I want to do it about Lincoln." Double jackpot. Our most beloved president — bring on the inevitable Oscars and fortunes! "But instead of focussing on the Civil War=" ...uh-huh... "-and rather than looking at his assassination" ...yeeeeah… "-I want to spend three hours talking about the passing of some legislation by the House of Representatives." …Okay, umn…Steven, are you SURE you don't want to do it about the War? Because the War was VERY interesting…I mean there were explosions and everything. Well, screw that imaginary Dreamworks executive, because it's precisely that specificity and lack of action that makes Lincoln such an unexpectedly compelling biopic. It's also a notable counterpoint to 2011's Iron Lady in that, instead of covering the president's entire life, it essentially focuses on just a few weeks in January 1865 when Lincoln attempted to enact the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to abolish slavery. The traditional challenge for any historical narrative is that the audience already knows how it ends, meaning tension must be sought elsewhere, in the emotions rather than the events. Apollo 13 is a fine example of this. We all know Lovell and his crew made it back safely, but those final few minutes remain impossibly tense because we're so invested in the characters that didn't know. Hence the drama in Lincoln comes not from 'Would the anti-slavery bill pass?' but rather 'How did it pass, and at what cost?' The result is a beautifully nuanced film about statesmanship, quiet contemplation, and — above all else — principle. After years of devastating Civil War, Lincoln (in another mesmerising performance by Daniel Day-Lewis) finally finds himself presented with an opportunity to end the bloodshed subject only to the southern states' right to maintain slavery. With even his own children on the battlefield, the decision to make peace seems obvious, and yet, so too does equality — something deemed so obvious as to be self-evident. "We are stepped out upon the world stage now," he declares to his cabinet amid fierce opposition to the bill, "with the fate of human dignity in our hands." That he persisted and triumphed is why history reveres him, but how he did it and with whose help is why it's so worth watching.
Last year was hot. We sweltered through Australia's warmest summer on record, a hotter-than-standard autumn, a warmer-than-usual winter and a spicy spring as well. To the surprise of no one, the next few months look set to continue the trend. This week, BOM released its climate outlook for the March to May period, revealing that most of the country is in for warmer days and stickier nights than we usually see at this time of year. Yep, the soupy weather is set to continue. In fact, across the majority of Australia, there's a 60–80 percent chance autumn temperatures will be a whole lot warmer than the median. To give an idea of exactly what that all means, the average daily maximum temperature for March sits at around 23.9 degrees in Melbourne, 24.8 in Sydney and 28 in Brisbane. In May, it's around 16.7 degrees for Melbourne, with 19.5 for Sydney and 23.2 for Brisbane. The BOM is forecasting that we'll see warmer than that across the three months. Unfortunately for farmers, parts of Queensland are looking to struggle through drier-than-average autumns, too. Elsewhere, it's likely rainfall will be relatively average. While recent heavy rainfall across NSW and southeast Qld has helped ease the dry in some areas (and increase Sydney's water storage by a whopping 30 percent), BOM is saying some regions require "several months of above average rainfall" to bring them out of drought — which doesn't look likely to happen this autumn. The recent spate of heavy rain has also helped — thankfully — to ease some of the catastrophic bushfires that have been burning across the country, with the NSW RFS today announcing that for the first time this season all bush and grass fires in NSW are now contained. While that is unquestionably great news, it might not be the case for long, with BOM saying the warmer-than-average days and nights predicted over the next four months will increase the chance of heatwaves and elevate bushfire risk. Image: Kenny Lover by Julia Sansone
It's a shopper's dream: walk into a store, browse the racks, and then nab a highly discounted bargain. Trust those vintage fiends at Vinnies to put the idea into practice, and to keep raising money for charity in the process. The Vinnies 30 Percent Off Sale is exactly what it sounds like. Expect the usual array of clothing, accessories and other items to grace their racks, not that there's anything usual about trawling for secondhand treasure. Not knowing what you'll find is all part of the experience — but, this time, you're paying much less than what you'd normally pay. The sale runs from Friday, October 1–Saturday, October 2 at Vinnies stores across Queensland, with the full list of sites — which includes the Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Paddington, Coorparoo, West End and Stones Corner shops — available on the organisation's website. And, if you spend $20 or more, you'll get a $5 voucher to use before December 24.
Director Takashi Miike transports us back in time — not only into the cruelly executed hierarchy of the 17th century samurai but also into Japanese cinema's Golden Age. His expressive tale of solitary heroism moves with an arthouse patience and poise, and the violence is deeply affecting, rather than for effect. In this respect, Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai represents a departure from the spectacularly bloody epics for which Miike is known, such as 13 Assassins and Audition. This should come as no surprise, though, for those intimately acquainted with the prolific Japanese director's work, which includes at least 70 productions. His filmmaking has never been confined to creativity-crunching limitations — he's dabbled with comedy, children's films and period drama. A story-within-a-story structure propels the narrative. Hanshiro (Ebizo Ichikawa), an out-of-work samurai, seeks permission from the House of Li to commit seppuku (honourable self-disembowelment). Suspicious that Hanshiro might be another in a line of poverty-stricken warriors who have been attempting "suicide bluffs" for financial gain, the feudal lord, Kageyu (Koji Yakusho) regales him with the tale of Motome (Eita). A young man who came seeking a few coins to save his dying family, Motome was forced to self-disembowel on a bamboo sword, having already sold his own. What Kageyu does not realise is that Motome and Hanshiro knew each other well. Hanshiro is on a mission to avenge Li's lack of humanity and expose the lie beneath the front of "honour", which enables the condemnation of the lower classes to unemployment, sickness and death. Miike does not hold back in his critique of sadism. Putting aside broad-brush depictions of bloodletting, he reaches his viewers through specific experiences and emotional investment in character. Motome's horrendously slow suicide is depicted so viscerally, it's not easy to keep your eyes on the screen. As his increasing physical and mental agony is mirrored by the gradual snapping of his pathetic bamboo sword into impossibly blunt pieces, the feudal authorities seem to have no limits on their capacity for brutality. Cinematographically, Hara-Kiri inhabits a shadowy world. Symmetrically positioned characters and 17th-century architecture frame the drama. Contrast is subtle, rather than extreme, achieved through the natural rhythms of day and night and the passing of the seasons — bursts of spring sunshine, fiery autumn leaves and silent snow showers — intensified by Ryuichi Sakamoto's restrained yet haunting score. Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai is one of Miike's finest, saddest and most important films. It's a brave depiction of a brutal world whose romantic mythology has often curtained a pitiless and unjust reality. https://youtube.com/watch?v=R-sp6Xw0jJU
