Kate Martin is a prize of young Australian music. With an impressive recording career under her belt, she boasts a staggering portfolio, having supported The Middle East, Emma Louise and Bluejuice, among many others. Though her style is quiet and delicate, her manner is determined and fierce, and her song writing reputation precedes her. Kate has a new single out now, entitled 'Awaken', and is a snippet of the great things to come from this 22-year-old beyond her years. She’ll be touring her evolving style across November, in preparation for her upcoming album, due for release early next year. Supporting Kate at the ideal venue that is the Black Bear Lodge is Emma Davis, with intricate guitars and classic storytelling, alongside Brian Campeau. Be sure to arrive as the doors open – not only is this sure to be a sell-out show, but the artists beg for a front row view.
The 2020 Queensland Champions Cup tournament is finally happening — in 2022. And although the big event is taking place two years later than planned, it's still set to be one of the biggest events on Brisbane's sporting calendar in 2022. The event with kick off with Brisbane Roar F.C. facing off against Leeds United at the Gold Coast. Then, Brisbane's iconic Suncorp Stadium will host the battleground for a match between English Premier League teams Aston Villa and Leeds on Sunday, July 17. [caption id="attachment_824828" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Suncorp Stadium[/caption] Consider yourself a superfan? You can splurge on one of the special packages on offer that include premium food and drinks, exclusive experiences and more. The Queensland Champions Cup will take place from July 14–20. For more information and to book tickets to this unmissable event, visit the website.
Since opening the Shake Shack-style burger shop back in 2014, founder David Hales has turned his humble Noosa business into an Australian-wide favourite, with pastel-hued locations scattered along the east coast. The folks here are pretty transparent about what they do well — it's in the name, after all. First up, the burgers. There are ten to choose from (plus two for the little ones), including the Betty's Classic, a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce, and the Spicy Chicken, with southern-style fried chicken, bacon, spicy pickles and sriracha mayo. Or, if you're not a meat-eater, opt for the vegan burger, which comes with a crispy brown rice and veggie patty, or the Shroom, with a fried mushroom patty. You can also go bun-less if you'd prefer. Concretes, which are rich frozen custard desserts, complete the Betty's one-two punch of next-level 'fast food'. These decadent desserts come with toppings like almond toffee, marshmallow sauce, crumbled Biscoff cookies and lemon curd.
Fiji has cemented its ongoing status as one of the go-to island holiday destinations for Australian travellers. It's a little further abroad than local spots like The Whitsundays and Bali, but the beaches and rainforests of the South Pacific are magical enough to warrant the extra miles. While you may have spotted honeymooners and influencers paddling about luxury bungalows on stilts in the middle of a private bay (and wished to join) you don't have to empty the bank account to enjoy some of these 300 islands. Instead, you can island hop at your own pace and budget, finding the best hidden beaches and reefs within the archipelago. Here are some of our favourite spots to help you start planning your next Fiji trip. [caption id="attachment_877268" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Fiji[/caption] YASAWA ISLANDS This group of 20 volcanic islands is known for being accessible to people on just about any budget. Within small villages, you can find family-run hostels and hotels as well as larger luxury resorts. But one of the most appealing parts of visiting the Yasawa Islands is the culture. Here, you are significantly more likely to come across locals living a traditional island life, running small eateries and fishing off the shores. Unlike the privately owned islands, these haven't been paved and manicured for tourists. Getting around the islands is also super easy. You can arrive here by ferry and island hop using their Bula Pass — it's essentially a hop-on, hop-off boat pass for the local islands. No need to get a helicopter or private boat to see the best of these authentic parts of the country. [caption id="attachment_877285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Get Lost[/caption] KADAVU ISLAND Kadavu is Fiji's fourth largest island and perfect for travellers looking for adventure. The island has been purposely kept wild, letting nature do its thing. Head to Kadavu Island for hikes up into dense vine-covered forests to find hidden waterfalls and natural springs. Or take to the water on sea kayak tours, paddling from lagoon to lagoon, stopping off at small coral reefs and local villages along the way. You can also take longer treks out to The Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, for more snorkelling and incredible bucket list scuba diving. Despite being just a 50-minute flight from Nadi (where international flights arrive and depart), this island feels far off the beaten path. The stress and hustle of the big city grind will seem a million miles away while you explore this tropical wilderness. [caption id="attachment_877276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kokomo Private Island[/caption] MAMANUCA ISLANDS These famous islands are more orderly and landscaped than the previously mentioned destinations but they're far from being a Joni Mitchell song: they haven't totally paved this paradise yet. You'll find some of most beautiful white sand beaches in these parts alongside a smattering of resorts and private beach clubs. Spend your days island hopping by boat, jet ski or kayak to explore some of the 20 picturesque islands. Great surf breaks are also a starring feature in these parts, with the famous heart-shaped Tiny Tavurua and Namotu island resorts being perfectly situated for any activities involving stellar waves. Another big drawcard for the Mamanuca Islands, is the ease at which you can get here. It takes about 20 minutes to get here from Nadi via ferry. And, thanks to its popularity, it's also simple to organise trips around the islands — either ask your accommodation to recommend a good one or find your favourite guide hawking their tours on the beach. Editor's tip: book a romantic seven-night holiday at an adult's only resort here (which includes all transfers, a couple's massage and a dolphin safari tour). [caption id="attachment_877272" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Malamala Beach Club by Brook Sabin[/caption] VANUA LEVU If you're truly wanting to get away from the tourist crowds head to Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji. Here, you'll find just one paved road which connects the two main towns of Labasa and Savusavu (as well as plenty of dirt tracks where the buses and cars will still traverse). Explore the rambling countryside, hike up into the hills and hit up some of the peaceful beaches. When staying here, make sure you also visit the neighbouring island of Taveuni. It's another of Fiji's forgotten islands (at least when it comes to international travellers), but boasts the stunning Bouma National Heritage Park — a haven for hikers and bird watchers, and home to the famous Tavoro Falls and pools. [caption id="attachment_877286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Grafton[/caption] LOMAIVITI ISLANDS A collection of 16 islands make up this region to the east of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, and they are significantly less touristy than the Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands. The inner islands of this group are relatively developed and welcome a small number of tourists regularly. But, as soon as you get to those on the outer islands and the even-further-afield Lau islands, you find yourselves significantly more isolated. It's a lot harder to travel these parts, with only the most patient and well-prepared travellers heading beyond — to be well rewarded for their efforts. When visiting the Lomaiviti Islands, we recommend you stay on Ovalau or one of its nearby islands which are all connected by colourful coral reefs. Come here to get away from the crowds and experience a more chill island life. [caption id="attachment_877270" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Fiji[/caption] Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Top images: Turtle Island Resort
From giant Godzilla statues to karaoke ferris wheels, you can find almost anything in Tokyo. Top-notch Australian coffee also belongs on that list. Sydney-based roaster Single O has been giving Japan a taste of its caffeinated brews for a decade, and opened its first international cafe in the country's capital back in 2021. Hit up the city from now on, however, and you'll have the brand's second overseas cafe to head to as well. While Single O has boasted a roastery and tasting bar in Ryogoku since before its Hamacho spot for a cuppa launched, Ryogoku Roastworks is now a cafe, too. All in one swoop, the chain has moved into bigger digs and added its second space for aficionados to grab a brew. And yes, coffee on tap — which first became available at Single O's Surry Hills cafe in 2019 — is part of the setup. If you're keen to pour your own beverage, the self-serve counter will rotate its range of single-origin brews. Otherwise, the cafe will also serve up espressos and long blacks made from a changing array — and, of course, Single O's signature blend Reservoir, with its notes of stonefruit and milk chocolate, will be in the spotlight. Aussie patrons won't just sip a taste of home at Ryogoku Roastworks, but will also find dishes from the brand's Surry Hills and Newstead cafes on the food menu. So, if you're in Tokyo and craving Single O's banana bread with espresso butter, you're in luck. The same goes for The Avo Show, which is made with rye, achiote cashew cheese and pickled fennel, plus a seasoned crumb, chilli oil and sweet lemon aspen. Other culinary choices span the Reservoir Dog (Tesio sausage, caramelised onion and tomato sauce), as named after Single O's street address in Surry Hills — and also Boris' Beans (a Turkish-inspired bean stew that comes with tomato, chilli oil and labne). Or, opt for two types of jaffle: prosciutto, gouda and maribo; and Vegemite butter, camembert, cheddar and onion jam. As for the warehouse digs themselves, Ryogoku Roastworks has received Luchetti Krelle's design touch, with the Sydney-based firm heroing industrial flourishes and sustainability in their approach. A corrugated metal facade greets customers, inside which a freestanding pod is home to the cafe, with the roastery behind it. "We hit the ground running in Japan a decade ago, and the response we've had since then has honestly blown us away — we're now roasting for 130 wholesale partners across Japan," said Single O co-founder Dion Cohen. "Moving the roastery into a bigger and better space is really an opportunity to double down in support of those partners and grow our offering." Launching its new Ryogoku site allows Single O to quadruple production in Japan — and is just one of the chain's big 2024 openings in Tokyo. The other is set to arrive in July in the form of a Shibuya venue, the brand's third in the city, which will debut a new coffee bar concept. Find Single O's Ryogoku Roastworks at 3-21-5, Kamezawa, Sumida, Ryogoku, East Tokyo, open from 10am–6pm Wednesday–Sunday. Head to the brand's website for more details. Images: Koji Shimamura.
Here's a sentence that would've made zero sense two years ago: from 1am on Saturday, January 15, getting into Queensland will become a whole heap easier. The Sunshine State has had various levels of border rules in place during the pandemic, and currently only allows double-vaccinated interstate visitors to travel to the state and stay without quarantining first — but come 1am on Saturday, January 15, it'll scrap all domestic border restrictions. That means that whether you're a local keen to visit Sydney or Melbourne and then return home, or you reside in those cities and you've been dreaming of a sunny beach holiday, you'll no longer need to show a border pass or provide proof of a rapid antigen test to make the trip into Queensland. Border checkpoints will be taken down as well. "Anyone coming domestically across into Queensland, either by our road or by air, they do not have to show that they have had their border pass, they don't have to show that they have had a rapid antigen test," announced Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today, Thursday, January 13. "This is the time and the time is now right as we head towards hitting that 90 percent [double-dosed vaccination target] next week." BREAKING: Domestic border restrictions will be removed from 1am on Saturday with Queensland expected to hit 90% double vaccination next week. #covid19 pic.twitter.com/fXAhpVz8rL — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) January 13, 2022 Queensland's rules around international travel are set to change, too once the state hits 90-percent double-jabbed, with restrictions lifting for double-dosed overseas arrivals. That said, an exact date for when the loosened requirements will kick in hasn't yet been confirmed. The Premier advised that further details will be announced once Queensland reaches the vaccine threshold. While restrictions around travel are changing, the Sunshine State's rules regarding visiting venues all remain in effect. As previously announced, you need to be double-jabbed to enter places such as restaurants, bars, cafes, cinemas, stadiums, festivals, libraries, galleries and museums — but all of those types of sites across the hospitality and entertainment industries no longer have capacity restrictions. Queensland reported 14,914 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, January 13, and currently has 145,294 active cases. Queensland's border rules will ease at 1am AEST / 2am AEDT on Saturday, January 15. For more information about Queensland's border policies and border passes, head to the Queensland Government website.
If you heard the name 'Funland' in Australia, you'd think it was one of two things: an offshoot of Dreamworld where you'd be surrounded by obnoxious tourists, or an offshoot of Sexyland where you'd be harangued by middle-aged sex pests. Neither sound all that desirable. But in New York this week, Funland is an 'erotic playground' designed by British artists Bompas and Parr at the Museum of Sex — a bizarre combination of both Dreamworld and Sexyland that's infinitely better than either. One of the most obviously titillating (lol) attractions at the frisky fairground is an enormous bouncy castle full of giant protruding breasts. Appropriately titled, Jump for Joy this artwork is for those of us constantly frustrated by the absence of adult playground equipment, and also for lovers of big squishy Skywhale-scale boobies. In addition to this absolutely amazing thing which might be worth booking a flight for on its own, Bompas and Parr are also presenting four other fairground attractions with a sexual bent. There's an R-rated cinema, The Tunnel of Love — a mirrored labyrinth where patrons must go in search of the Gräfenberg (G) Spot, a mechanical horse-riding game where the animal is replaced by a certain male appendage, and a climbing wall made out of body parts knowingly titled Grope Mountain. The artists behind this utter excellence actually have quite the reputation outside of giant grope-able genitals too. Known for their extraordinary culinary innovations, they were responsible for London's NYE celebrations last year creating the world's first edible fireworks display. They also make the most incredible artisan jellies you've ever seen. What a life, eh? The entire Funland installation is of course a great celebration of sex positivity — an important principle of the NY institution in which it will be held. But the artists also claim they're responding to the erotic nature of fairgrounds themselves. Bompas explained to Wired this week that fairgrounds were a place to "hold hands and have a snog"; they're a place of thrills, pleasure and climaxes. Gives you a whole new perspective on the Royal Easter Show, right? Via Wired and Gothamist.
UPDATE, February 1, 2023: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is available to stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, February 1. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever isn't the movie it was initially going to be, the sequel to 2018's electrifying and dynamic Black Panther that anyone behind it originally wanted it to be, or the chapter in the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe that it first aimed to be — this, the world already knows. The reason why is equally familiar, after Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer in 2020 aged 43. At its best, this direct followup to the MCU's debut trip to its powerful African nation doesn't just know this, too, but scorches that awareness deep into its frames. King T'Challa's death starts the feature, a loss that filmmaking trickery doesn't reverse, no matter how meaningless mortality frequently proves when on-screen resurrections are usually a matter of mere plot twists. Wakanda Forever begins with heartbreak and pain, in fact, and with facing the hard truth that life ends and, in ways both big and small, that nothing is ever the same. Your typical franchise entry about quick-quipping costumed crusaders courageously protecting the planet, this clearly isn't. Directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler (Creed) like its predecessor — co-scripting again with Joe Robert Cole (All Day and a Night) — Wakanda Forever is about grief, expected futures that can no longer be and having to move forward anyway. That applies in front of and behind the lens; as ruminating so heavily on loss underscores, the movie has a built-in justification for not matching the initial flick. The Boseman-sized hole at Wakanda Forever's centre is gaping, unsurprisingly, even in a feature that's a loving homage to him, and his charm and gravitas-filled take on the titular character. Also, that vast void isn't one this film can fill. Amid overtly reckoning with absence, Coogler still has a top-notch cast — returnees Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke, plus new addition Tenoch Huerta, most notably — drawing eyeballs towards his vibrant imagery, but his picture is also burdened with MCU bloat and mechanics, and infuriating bet-hedging. The emotional tributes to T'Challa and Boseman hit swiftly, after the former's tech-wiz sister Shuri (Wright, Death on the Nile) agonises over not being able to save him. In a swirl of song, dance, colour, movement, rhythm and feeling on par with the first instalment, but also solemn, Wakanda erupts in mourning, and the film makes plain that the Black Panther audiences knew is gone forever. A year later, sorrow lingers, but global courtesy wanes — now that the world knows about the previously secret country and its metal vibranium, everyone wants a piece. Such searching incites a new threat to the planet, courtesy of Mesoamerican underwater kingdom Talokan and its leader-slash-deity Namor (Huerta, Narcos: Mexico). The Atlantis-esque ocean realm has vibranium as well, and it's not keen on anywhere else but Wakanda doing the same. If Queen Ramonda (Bassett, Gunpowder Milkshake), Shuri and their compatriots don't join Namor to fight back, Namor will wage war against them instead. Given Coogler and Cole's basic premise, bringing back Okoye (Gurira, The Walking Dead), head of the Wakanda's formidable Dora Milaje warriors, is obviously easy. The same applies to fellow soldier Ayo (Florence Kasumba, Tatort), and to introducing Aneka (Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You). Straight-talking tribal leader M'Baku (Duke, Nine Days) makes a seamless comeback and, although she's working in a school in Haiti, former spy Nakia (Nyong'o, The 355) does the same. Even excusing seeing CIA operative Everett Ross (Martin Freeman, Breeders) again is straightforward enough, but keeping overarching Marvel saga cogs turning means a pointless reappearance for another character familiar from the broader series but new to Black Panther movies. And, it results in the clunkiest of kickoffs for "young, gifted and Black" college student Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne, Judas and the Black Messiah), the star of upcoming MCU Disney+ TV show Ironheart, who is needlessly shoehorned in on the big-screen. Serving itself first and foremost, rather than the behemoth of a franchise it's in, was one of the OG Black Panther's many glorious delights. That picture felt alive, unique, rich and impassioned — and dedicated to standing out, including via its Afrofuturism — in a way that nothing else in the MCU has. While the colours lensed by cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Loki) are more muted now, befitting the tone of mourning, the grand visual spectacle and love for everything Wakanda stands for thankfully remains in the second go-around; however, 30 films in instead of 18, Wakanda Forever sadly isn't allowed just to be concerned with its own patch. Worse, that box-ticking, piece-connecting switch comes with an unwillingness to be truly bold where it matters: the future of Black Panther. The women of Wakanda get their time to shine here, and to show they deserve the spotlight. Alas, then arrives an end-credits scene that's sentimental where the rest of the flick firmly isn't, and gives Marvel a convenient way to change course if Wakanda Forever sparks a manchild backlash. Coogler knows that viewers will watch wondering what Wakanda Forever might've been if it was the movie originally intended. Indeed, grappling with that within the film itself will always be its smartest move. Accordingly, come for the meaningful musing on grief and lost possibilities, and a heartfelt tribute. Come, too, for plenty that made the initial Black Panther engaging and resonant: the cast and their stellar performances, especially Wright and Bassett; Wakanda's look, vibe and sound; and the commanding yet nuanced and fleshed-out antagonist, with Huerta nailing his MCU debut (and following capably in Michael B Jordan's footsteps). There's also the inherent commentary, this time pointing out battles over the earth's resources, and how colonial powers push people who should be aligned into conflict among themselves. And, yes, come for brief flashbacks of Boseman — although in a better all-round film, they wouldn't be as key a highlight. Staying — and with a 161-minute duration, viewers are in for an overlong sitting — heralds much that's simply standard, far less impressive, curious or a missed opportunity, though. Some examples: the workmanlike climax despite eye-catching action beforehand, shortchanging Wright and Bassett's scenes together, too many easy comic-book tropes, too many subplots, trying to do to many things, all the blue and undersea dives so close to Avatar: The Way of Water's release, and failing to give T'Challa's death a named cause. (Imagine how potent it would've been to say that cancer claimed this mighty superhero, as it does to too many ordinary folks every single day, and also to recognise the disease that took Boseman.) When Wakanda Forever is at its most by-the-numbers, too, it plays like Marvel dragging its most diverse and distinctive arm down rather than lifting it up. Of course, the film tells you how it wants you to respond to its struggles and messiness, because it acknowledges that they're a part of mourning. But forging through can resemble treading water — it does have the wing-footed villain for it.
As long as current release dates hold, 2023 is a year of threes for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Viewers will see three MCU flicks. They'll also watch three new streaming series. And, among those movies is The Marvels, which teams up a trio of female superheroes. Those characters: Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, Fast X), Ms Marvel's Kamala Khan (debutant Iman Vellani) and WandaVision's Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris, Candyman). As seen in a debut sneak peek earlier this this year and now the just-dropped full trailer, they're joining forces and trading places. The film acts as a sequel to both Ms Marvel and Captain Marvel, also marks third entry in the MCU's Phase Five, and features Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton, The Handmaid's Tale) on a mission to destroy worlds. Apart from the whole universe-in-peril situation, this is clearly a dream come true for massive MCU superfan Khan, who has always been thrilled and surprised at everything happening to her. Loving the MCU, going to MCU fan conventions, obsessing over Captain Marvel, then learning that you have superpowers just like your heroes: that's enough to leave you perpetually astonished and overjoyed in tandem, an emotional state that's still in play in The Marvels. Ms Marvel was always leading up to this big-screen release, which is also the 33rd movie in the MCU, following fellow 2023 cinema releases Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It's due in cinemas in November, and is clearly making the most of having three caped crusaders in its frames in the trailers. If you're wondering, Carol has her identity back from the Kree and she's taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence; however, that has consequences, and the universe has become destabilised. So, The Marvels need to team up to do the usual MCU thing: save everyone and everything. Also returning: Secret Invasion's Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey) and a whole heap of Flerkens, including Goose. As well as Larson, Parris, Vellani, Jackson and Ashton, The Marvels features Park Seo-joon (Parasite). Behind the lens, Candyman's Nia DaCosta directs, and co-wrote the screenplay with Megan McDonnell (WandaVision), Elissa Karasik (Loki) and Zeb Wells (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law). And those three MCU shows this year? Secret Invasion, the return of Loki and newcomer Echo. Check out the full trailer for The Marvels below: The Marvels releases in cinemas Down Under on November 9, 2023. Images: Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
The top end of the Northern Territory is postcard-perfect Australia — World Heritage-listed national parks, islands, wetlands, pristine beaches and off-the-beaten-track (and croc-free) swimming holes are all within its borders. And Darwin is its gateway. Darwin is Australia's only tropical capital city. With hot, balmy summers and dry, sunny winters, it feels worlds away from the inner-city hustle of our nation's other capitals. On top of its incredible natural beauty, there are plenty of action-packed adventures to be had. From a helicopter pub crawl around the Darwin region to an outdoor deckchair cinema and a music festival right on the beach, the city is the perfect launchpad. Really, it's the perfect summer getaway for when it's cold everywhere else and it's right on our doorstep. Go on, get acquainted with Australia's Top End. SAIL INTO THE SUNSET Darwin is a city known for its harbour and close proximity to the crystal-clear Timor Sea, so kicking back on a cruise is a must when it comes to exploring. Grab a beer and sail into the sunset. You won't have a care in the world with that balmy breeze and endless ocean as far as the eye can see. There's a variety of sailing tours available from Darwin Harbour, lasting from a few hours to adventurous overnight and multi-day trips. But if you're just after a relaxing mini jaunt, the sunset harbour cruise is a winner. Operated by local company Darwin Harbour Cruises, you can choose to either just jump on board and see the sites or indulge in a sunset buffet dinner while being ferried around. Darwin Harbour Cruises sunset tours typically run between April and December, from 6–8.30pm daily. For more information and online bookings, visit the website. SWIM WITH CROCS No trip to Darwin is complete without saying hello to a few crocodiles. Get up close and personal with the prehistoric beasts at Crocosaurus Cove — a croc and reptile haven in the heart of Darwin. It houses the world's largest display of Australian reptiles and is home to Australia's only crocodile dive for the Steve Irwin enthusiasts among us. If the Cage of Death is too far out of your comfort zone, there's a bevvy of other scale-studded attractions like the aforementioned reptile house, croc feeding shows — where you'll see Burt (the star of iconic Australian film Crocodile Dundee) — a freshwater aquarium, a swimming pool and a chance to hold a baby croc. Better to see a croc here than while sunning yourself at the beach. Visit the website for more details and bookings. BOOGIE ON THE BEACH Going to music festivals isn't strictly a summer activity — at least, not in Darwin. Mid-May sees the return of Darwin's huge one-day music shindig, the People's Choice BASSINTHEGRASS festival. This year's lineup features a stack of ace musicians, including Hilltop Hoods, Nick Murphy FKA Chet Faker, Amy Shark, Broods, Meg Mac, PNAU and more. Plus, for the first time in its 17 years, BASSINTHEGRASS will take place at Mindil Beach. So, in between catching your favourite artists, you can gaze out at the Timor Sea and forget that winter is waiting for you back home, as you soak up bucketloads of Top End sunshine. BASSINTHEGRASS 2019 will take place from 11am–11pm on Saturday, May 18. For the full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit the website. WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Run by the local not-for-profit film society, Darwin's Deckchair Cinema grew from the desire to screen films that were not otherwise available in the city. Since it began in the 90s, it has become a go-to activity for locals and passersby alike, hosting an eclectic mix of films in a beautiful outdoor setting. Based on the edge of the harbour, Deckchair Cinema is decorated with fairy lights, artworks by local artists and, of course, deckchairs. There's also a licensed bar and food by local caterers, plus complimentary cushions and (very mandatory) bug repellent. It's the ideal balmy evening activity. Deckchair Cinema runs from mid-April to mid-November with daily screenings. Visit the website for more information and the current program. VISIT DARWIN'S MASSIVE WATERFRONT PRECINCT Darwin Convention Centre, shopping, restaurants, a park, swimming lagoons and a wave pool are all part of the mammoth precinct along Darwin's harbour. The lagoons and wave pool are notable drawcards, offering croc-and-stinger-free cooldowns in the Top End heat. Plus, it's home to some of Darwin's top eateries, including casual Vietnamese eatery CHOW!, Il Lido and the luxe Oyster Bar, which boasts waterfront views and some of the best seafood in town. For more information on the Waterfront Precinct, visit the website here. WANDER THROUGH MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKETS Held every Thursday and Sunday night from late-April to October, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are undoubtedly Darwin's largest and most popular markets. Alongside arts, crafts, and entertainment stalls, there are over 60 food vendors offering up cuisines from almost every international corner — Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Sri Lanka, South America, North Africa, India and across South East Asia. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, then check out what the jewellers, tarot readers, indigenous artists, tailors and leatherworkers have on offer. Oh, and expect street theatre, magicians and plenty of musicians to keep you entertained while you peruse. For more information, visit the website here. [caption id="attachment_718143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emma Pritchett[/caption] EXPLORE KAKADU NATIONAL PARK AND STAY IN A LUXURY SAFARI LODGE If you're planning a visit to Darwin without venturing to one of its surrounding national parks — Litchfield, Mary River and Kakadu — you're really missing a trick. Australia's Top End is abundant with wildlife, exotic flora, rock art, waterfalls, floodplains, colossal termite mounds and swimming holes — it's some of the most diverse terrains in the country. World-Heritage-listed Kakadu, the largest national park in Australia, is 253 kilometres east of Darwin. Cruise down the remarkable Yellow Waters, visit Nourlangie Rock — famed for its indigenous rock art — and see some crocs and Australia's most diverse bird population. Be sure to fit in a visit to Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and dive into a few of the croc-free swimming holes, too. While day tours from Darwin exist, we recommend going all out and staying at Bamurru Plains — Australia's version of an upscale safari lodge — situated on the Mary River floodplains on the edge of Kakadu. Nine bungalows, artfully kitted out in timber and corrugated iron, are enclosed in mesh that offers sheer views over the wetlands. Be warned though — it'll set you back a cool $1360 per night. Visit Kakadu National Park's website for more information. For bookings and more information on Bamurru Plains go here. GO ON A HELICOPTER PUB CRAWL Being a tourist is thirsty work. Luckily, Airborne Solutions has got you with its helicopter pub crawl, which stops at some of the region's more remote watering holes. While up in the air, you'll see unparalleled views of the Top End's natural beauty, covering Darwin, its harbour and coastlines, eucalypt woodlands, termite mounds, billabongs and mangroves. Offered as both a half-day and full-day tour, this pub crawl is sure to get you rubbing shoulders with some quintessentially Aussie characters. You'll visit The Lodge of Dundee, Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern and Goat Island Lodge, before deciding between Humpty Doo Hotel and Noonamah Tavern for your final stop. Although the tours don't come cheap — $795 each for a half-day and $975 a pop for the full Monty — it's a pretty fair dinkum deal for a chopper ride and a beer (or few). For more information and bookings visit the website. To help get you to Darwin this season, and BASSINTHEGRASS festival, Northern Territory Major Events has partnered with Virgin Australia to release a bunch of discounted holiday packages. For more information and to book a flight and accommodation package, head this way. Top Image: Emma Pritchett.
Unfortunately, the art of letter writing is nearly extinct. Can you remember the last time you sat down and wrote a thoughtful and carefully constructed letter to a friend expressing your innermost feelings in beautiful prose? No, neither can I. In this day and age it's much easier to text, email, call, instant message, post on someone's wall, Skype and the list goes on. After last years success, The Zoo is once again hosting the event, Men of Letters, to celebrate the charming art-form of letter writing. This Sunday Michaela McGuire and Marieke Hardy, co-curators of the event, will bring together a mixed bag of gentlemen all of whom were asked to pen a letter to 'The Woman Who Changed My Life'. Speakers include actor Lucas Stibbard, host of ABC Conversations Richard Fidler, manager of Regurgitator Paul Curtis and author John Birmingham, amongst many others. Be sure to make a booking for this special event. As well as listening to the humorous, heart-warming and inspiring letters, attendees are also invited to stay for a glass of wine and to create their only short notes. The cherry on the top of this delightful afternoon – all funds raised go to non-profit organisation, Edgar's Mission.
Australia's war on waste has received a significant boost, with the Federal Government pledging to ensure that 100 percent of the country's packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable in the next seven years. Announced by Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg, the target will be implemented by 2025 or earlier. The Commonwealth will also work with state and territory governments to increase the nation's recycling capabilities — and prioritise 'waste-to-energy' projects, which convert waste that is unable to be recycled into energy. Also on the agenda: ramping up the purchase of recyclable materials by the various levels of government by using more recycled paper, and building roads and construction projects out of recycled mattter. The focus not only on mandating the widespread uptake of recyclable packaging, but also finding ways to use and process it forms part of the country's response to China's decision to stop importing waste. Since the beginning of 2018, Australia has been struggling to find solutions for the 1.3 million tonnes of recyclable materials it previously sent to Chinese facilities each year, a figure that accounts for 35 percent of our recyclable plastics and 30 percent of our recyclable paper and cardboard. Earlier this month, it was discovered that one Queensland council had been sending recyclable matter to landfill instead. The promise to scrap non-recyclable packaging in general arrives as several other eco-friendly bans are coming into effect — or, in the case of Hobart's Australia-first commitment to get rid of single-use plastic containers, are set to by 2020. Single-use bags are on their way out in most states, with Queensland joining the fold this coming July and Victoria following suit, leaving New South Wales as now the only state that hasn't made the same pledge. Elsewhere, Aussie bars venues have begun phasing out straws, and campaigns to reduce the use of single-use takeaway coffee cups also continue.
Everyone loves a comedy festival, but sometimes being so spoiled for comic choice isn't just amusing — it's overwhelming. That's where comedy festival showcases come in. They add laughs to the lulls between annual fests, plus they offer a bite-sized sample of the up-and-coming comedians you might not have seen live yet. The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase certainly promises both, serving up the brightest and most buzz-worthy performers from the 2015 event. If it's highlights of hilarity you're after — from international and local funny folks alike — then this is the place to get it. LA Comedy Awards' comedian of the year Al Del Bene tops a packed bill, as corralled by Ray Badran doing MC duties. They're joined by Nikki Britton, Corey White, Jacques Barrett, Michael Workman and Jared Jekyll, aka the nation's next big comedy names in waiting. Check them out now, and then put their solo shows on your must-see list for the 2016 festival circuit.
It's no overstatement to describe Neil Perry — the restaurateur, chef and revered doyen of Australian cooking — as an icon. Now, however, it's official. On Thursday, June 6, Perry was announced as the winner of the Woodford Reserve Icon Award at a glitzy ceremony in Las Vegas for The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards 2024, one of the culinary scene's most prestigious gongs. The achievement, which is voted for by an international panel of 1080 industry experts, recognises an outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry that's deemed worthy of global notice. "Throughout my career, I've been incredibly lucky to work with some of the finest hospitality professionals in the world, doing what I love and creating memorable experiences for people to enjoy," said Perry of his accomplishment. "I hope this award inspires everyone in our industry to keep going and to never give up." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neil Perry (@chefneilperry) For more than four decades, Perry has been a guiding light of Sydney's restaurant scene. Cutting his teeth in some of the city's top kitchens, including Sails in Rose Bay, he first made his mark in 1986 when he launched the Blue Water Grill in Bondi. However, it was his next major venture — and arguably his most famous — that would catapult him to global stardom. Opened in 1989, Rockpool quickly asserted itself as not only one of Sydney's top fine-diners, but also one of the nation's — and in 2002, it was ranked the fourth best place to eat on the planet by The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards. Today it has grown to be a cherished brand, with sister venues in Perth and Melbourne. Despite Perry stepping down as the group's Culinary Director in 2020, it continues his storied legacy, ranking as the eighth best steak restaurant in the world in May 2024. [caption id="attachment_960466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] One of Perry's defining traits is his ability to project his love and understanding of food through many cultural lenses. From Asian to Italian and even burgers and aeroplane food, Perry's menus are a fusion of top-tier produce and craftsmanship with an accessible attitude and a belief that cooking doesn't need to be gastronomically pretentious to be exceptional. Take, for example, his most recent venture Margaret, a deeply personal "neighbourhood restaurant" named for Perry's deceased mother. Despite its humble billing, the judging panel noted that at Margaret, diners experience "a veteran bringing together his love of super-fresh seafood and Asian flavours to outstanding effect". It also currently ranked as the third best steak restaurant in the world. Since opening Margaret in 2021, Perry has extended his presence on Double Bay's Guilfoyle Avenue to the Baker Bleu bakery next door, and he has two more venues preparing to open in the area in late August: Asian-inspired diner Song Bird and cocktail bar Bobby's. [caption id="attachment_961054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay[/caption] The only other Australian to be recognised by this year's The 50 Best Restaurants Awards was Josh Niland, whose revolutionary low-to-no waste seafood diner Saint Peter placed 98th on the 100-venue longlist. Perry is one of Australia's most-decorated chefs, having earned more Good Food Chef's Hats (Australia's answer to Michelin stars) than any other individual in the country, as well as numerous other accolades. However, this latest laurel makes the point most definitively: if you're someone with even a glancing interest in eating well, you need to experience a dish crafted by Perry at least once in your life. [caption id="attachment_961135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay[/caption] For the full rundown of The World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2024, head to the list's website. Top image: Petrina Tinslay.
Maybe you recall first seeing Rebel Wilson two decades back in Fat Pizza. Perhaps her part as "girl in alley" in the Nicolas Cage-starring Ghost Rider initially caught your eye. Or, it might've been her two big Hollywood breaks: Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect franchise. Whichever fits, the Australian actor has charted quite the path over the last 21 years — and she's keen to share a heap of stories about it. That's happening in two ways: her new book Rebel Rising: A Memoir and a tour of the country's east coast to chat about her career so far. The printed tome fuels the in-person conversations, of course, with the former due to hit shelves in April, then the live sessions happening in May. An Evening with Rebel Wilson has the right moniker, then, with the event heading to the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne. In taking to the stage to reflect upon her journey, Wilson follows in the footsteps of everyone from Henry Winkler to Tony Hawk so far in 2024. That said, no one has taken the same route to fame as the Sydney-born actor, with dog shows, creating TV's Bogan Pride and winning an acting scholarship launched by Nicole Kidman just some of the steps along the way. As well as talking through time in the spotlight that's seen her feature in Cats, Isn't It Romantic, Senior Year and Jojo Rabbit as well — plus How to Be Single, Pain & Gain, Grimsby and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, too — Wilson is set to reflect on her personal experiences. Expect a behind-the-scenes glimpse, then — apparently with a Brad Pitt tale thrown in, and details about martial-arts tournaments and an Oscars hallucination induced by malaria. An Evening with Rebel Wilson 2024 Australian Dates: Thursday, May 9 — Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney Sunday, May 12 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, May 14 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne An Evening with Rebel Wilson hits Australia's east coast in May 2024, with ticket presales from 10am on Wednesday, February 21 — head to the tour website for further details.
Queer Screen doesn't just host two LGBTQIA+ film festivals in Sydney each year, with Mardi Gras Film Festival arriving in the first half and Queer Screen Film Fest in the second. It also takes those fests to the rest of Australia via online versions. So, to start September, you can get cosy on the couch while streaming your way through a number of movies from the QSFF lineup without leaving home. While the fest runs from Wednesday, August 28–Sunday, September 1, it goes virtual from Monday, September 2–Sunday, September 8. Closing night's Gondola, about female cable-car conductors expressing their emotions in the sky, is among the titles you'll be able to catch on your own screen. So are the gay, sapphic and trans and gender-diverse shorts strands, with Lukas Gage (Road House) and Keiynan Lonsdale (Swift Street) making appearances via the bite-sized Stay Lost. Plus, at-home viewers have American Parent, about a lesbian couple raising a toddler during the pandemic; Big Boys, focusing on a teen with a crush; All Shall Be Well director Ray Yeung's 2019 film Twilight's Kiss; and The Judgment, about US-based Egyptian boyfriends returning home and dealing with the supernatural, among their other choices.
At the end of September, Newstead farewelled a recent favourite, with City Winery pop-up Carl's Bar and Bistro closing its doors on Wyandra Street as part of a move to a yet-to-be-revealed new location. But the team that gave Brisbane its first inner-city winery isn't done with the space, or with pop-ups there. Ahead of a new concept that'll also focus on vino — unsurprisingly — the crew has launched a temporary seasonal bar and bottleshop for the holiday period. Dubbed City Winery Christmas Pop-Up, the Wyandra Street site is currently serving wines by the glass, cheese and charcuterie, and pintxos-style bites — and selling bottles for customers to take home. So, you can stop in for a drink and something to eat, chat about ace vino and nab something for your wine rack. The pop-up is operating six days a week, from 3pm Tuesday–Friday and from midday on Saturdays and Sundays — with public holiday closures from December 25–27 and January 1–2 — and is likely to stick around until the end of January. When it says farewell, the City Winery team will move onto renovating the venue for that aforementioned new concept, with details about what'll settle into the space permanently still under wraps. Patrons at Carl's short-term successor can expect Australian wines aplenty, as well as a curated selection of European drops. And, as for those bites, the City Winery Christmas Pop-Up has the likes of caramelised onion jam and goat's cheese tarts with candied walnuts, truffle mushroom duxelle tarlets with confit button mushrooms and sage, citrus-cured trout with smoked crème fraîche and dill, and mini pavlovas with house-poached strawberries on its menu.
It has been 23 years since Australian audiences have been visited by Rick Astley, and now fans can reacquaint themselves when he returns to The Tivoli. It is the pop hits of the ‘80s that catapulted Rick Astley into international stardom, with classics such as “Whenever You Need Somebody” and “Together Forever” holding him in good stead in the UK Top 10 charts. That was until the release of his ultimate success with the song “Never Gonna Give You Up” which not only soared to number 1 in 25 countries, it became an internet phenomenon by means of the classic “Rickroll” – the official video for which has been viewed over 55 million times online. It is the power of the internet and the maintained affection for Rick Astley that brought him back into the spotlight in 2008, and his reignited passion for live performances is bringing him to Brisbane.
When the cool air starts to move in and the days get shorter, we know there's really only one thing you want to do: put your slippers on, stay in, order takeout and binge on anything even remotely worth watching. But by staying put, you miss out on all the eats you could be eating, drinks you could be drinking and things you could be thinging, erm, doing right-damn-now. So instead of whiling away your winter nights in front of the TV learning far too much about Call the Midwife (no judgement), we suggest grabbing your jacket, calling up a willing friend or two and setting out for the Boundary Street Markets. In partnership with Samsung, we road-tested the new Galaxy S9 and S9+ and its camera's low light abilities to snap some shots of our favourite dishes being served up every Thursday and Friday night. So, go on, seize the night and eat your way through the markets, documenting all the bites you happen upon for your 'gram without worrying about the lack of bright lights. SEAFOOD LAKSA FROM LITTLE NYONYA Few things say winter comfort food more than a steaming bowl of laksa, and at Little Nyonya, they seem to understand precisely what makes for a magnificently balanced bowl of the fragrant soup. Here, the laksa has a bit of a kick with a lightly spiced broth — but the Little Nyonya crew will be happy to sling some more chilli your way if you're after more of a punch. Along with the warming broth, your bowl will come heaped with prawns, fresh bean shoots, assorted veggies and garnishes. Winter chill, be gone. ABURI SALMON BOWL FROM RAIJIN Make sure your Boundary Street Markets trip doesn't end without a visit Raijin for one of its Aburi Salmon Bowls. Fresh salmon is sliced and fired on site so it gets a nice smoky flavour. It's then served atop a healthy bed of brown rice with some fresh veg to balance out that tasty, tasty sauce slathered on top. Every morsel of salmon is fire blasted and smoked just enough so that it still retains superb ocean freshness. This is a firm favourite of the Boundary Street Markets so be warned, there might be a small queue when you go to order your bowl. SLOW BREW CHAI When you've already had a feed but you could still use a little warming from the inside out, wrap your chilly fingers around a warm mug from Slow Brew Chai. As you sip the slow-simmered chai spiced with cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, cardamom and a few other secret spices, kick back and enjoy some of the free nightly music and entertainment. Extra points if you bring your own mug or keep cup. SALTED CARAMEL AND NUTELLA DOUGHNUTS FROM ORGANIC FROG There's really nothing to say about doughnuts that hasn't already been said — they're warm (obviously), somehow light (at least in texture) and completely delicious. But these here are Frog doughnuts. You could almost say they're a health food seeing as they're gluten free, dairy free, yeast free, egg free and low in sugar. So you know what that means — you can, and should, have two (or more). The stall's plain and cinnamon doughnuts come with toppings like salted caramel, Nutella and organic jam. Grab a half doz to share (or scarf up all by yourself) — just make sure to get a snap for your feed first, if you can. RATATOUILLE FROM MA PETITE Ma Petite is known for many things, especially its beef bourguignon and light-as-a-cloud crepes. But at this French food stall, we think the real star is the ratatouille. This French Provençal dish has a rich history as a simple yet hearty meal, where vegetables are the hero. Ma Petite's version is no exception. Served alongside fresh cucumber to balance out the tomatoey stew, fresh vegetables like zucchini, capsicum and eggplant are simmered in a mix of tomato and spices until tender. With no cheese or carbs to be found, this one is the epitome of healthy winter comfort food. CHICKEN MOMOS FROM TIBETAN MOMO CAFE Momos are one of Nepal's most popular traditional dishes — and with good reason. These tender parcels are filled with meat (or veg), steamed and served up with tomato pickle (golbheda ko achar) for dipping, smearing and generally enjoying alongside these doughy bites. These South Asian dumplings can be found on almost every street corner in Kathmandu and may remind you of the Chinese dumplings that we all know and love from yum cha. At the Tibetan Momo Cafe stall, you'll find chicken, beef and pork momos, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Grab a plate of the steaming parcels to share — or to gobble up all on your own. Instead of spending your winter nights on the couch, discover all the after-dark happenings in your city here — and don't forget to document it all on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light so you can capture your best moments no matter what. Images: Cole Bennetts.
2024 started with Donald Glover on-screen in the TV remake of Mr & Mrs Smith. 2025 Down Under will begin with Childish Gambino returning to Australia and New Zealand on his The New World tour. The rapper and hip hop star has announced five dates across the two countries, starting in January and running into February, on what will be his first trip to these shores since 2019. On the agenda, then: summertime magic, when the musician/actor/writer/director plays not just his latest album Atavista — the finished version of 2020's 3.15.20 — but tracks from a career behind the microphone that dates back to 2011. Accordingly, expect to hear 'This Is America', 'Redbone', 'Sweatpants' and other songs from his past records Camp, Because the Internet and Awaken, My Love!. The Down Under leg of the tour will kick off at Spark Arena in Auckland, Gambino's only Aotearoa show. From there, he's hitting up the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena and RAC Arena in Perth. When he last headed this way — complete with a headline spot at Splendour in the Grass — it was after initially announcing a 2018 Australian tour, then cancelling it due to an ongoing injury. Before that, he performed at Falls Festival in 2016. [caption id="attachment_955317" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eli Watson via Flickr.[/caption] Gambino mightn't have been on Aussie and NZ stages for a spell, but Glover had the final two seasons of Atlanta — both in 2022 — reach screens since he was last Down Under. Voice work on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, producing TV series Swarm, the aforementioned Mr & Mrs Smith: they've all joined his resume as well. He'll also be heard as Simba again in Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to 2019's photorealistic version of The Lion King, before 2024 is out. On all Australian and New Zealand shows, Gambino will be supported by Amaarae. Childish Gambino 'The New World' Tour 2025 Australia and New Zealand Dates Tuesday, January 28 — Spark Arena, Auckland Saturday, February 1 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, February 4 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Friday, February 7 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, February 11 — RAC Arena, Perth Childish Gambino is touring Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025 — with ticket presales from Thursday, May 16, 2024 at staggered times, and general sales from Monday, May 20, 2024 at staggered times. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Eli Watson via Flickr.
After a brief sneak peek featured in Disney+'s teaser trailer for its 2025 slate, The Handmaid's Tale has unveiled its first proper look at its upcoming sixth season — the dystopian thriller's final run. Since 2017, watching the series has meant wishing for one thing: the end of Gilead, the totalitarian, male-dominated society that rules the show's dystopian version of the United States. (No, not the masterplanned Sydney community of the same name.) In the award-winning series adapted from Margaret Atwood's book, that outcome is finally coming in a way, and fans will be able to see how the tale wraps up from April 2025. For June (Elisabeth Moss, The Veil) and her fellow red-wearing women, revolution is also coming. Rallying against the oppressive status quo however possible has sat at the heart of this series since day one — and in the last season, June is back in the fight. The teaser trailer for season six is narrated by its protagonist, noting the ways that the regime tried to push her and her fellow women down, including via their restrictive attire. "The dress became a uniform — and we became an army," June advises. Of course, it's highly likely that The Handmaid's Tale won't conclude with the total destruction of Gilead, because a TV version of The Testaments in the works — and is set to arrive sometime after The Handmaid's Tale finishes its run. It too is based on an Atwood novel, on her sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, which hit shelves in 2019, which means that her fictional nightmarish realm isn't going far. If you haven't read the book, The Testaments is set 15 years after the events of its predecessor, and also includes familiar characters. How that'll play into the end of The Handmaid's Tale on-screen obviously hasn't been revealed. For now, blessed be your streaming queue with The Handmaid's Tale season six this autumn — and praise be what looks like one helluva reckoning. Alongside Moss, Yvonne Strahovski (Teacup), Bradley Whitford (The Madness), Max Minghella (Maximum Truth), Ann Dowd (The Friend), O-T Fagbenle (No Good Deed), Samira Wiley (Breaking News in Yuba County), Madeline Brewer (Space Oddity), Amanda Brugel (Dark Matter), Sam Jaeger (Wolf Man) and Ever Carradine (The Neighbourhood) all return among the cast, with Josh Charles (Moss' The Veil co-star) a new addition. The sixth season of The Handmaid's Tale debuts in the US on Tuesday, April 8. Down Under, it streams via SBS On Demand and Neon. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Handmaid's Tale season six below: The Handmaid's Tale season six debuts on Tuesday, April 8 — and streams Down Under via SBS On Demand and Neon.
When December hits, 'tis the season to be jolly. 'Tis the season to be celebrating over cocktails and sipping plenty of drinks in general, too. But even just a few days into the merriest time of year, or summer, you might feel like you've already tried every beverage there is. Enter Cocktail Porter's DIY Messina espresso martini kits, which come in dulce de leche and chocolate-hazelnut versions. You might've sipped these boozy treats before, actually, because this isn't the first time they've been available. Still, Cocktail Porter has brought them back for the appropriate time of the year, letting you make your own boozy end-of-year beverages — or start-of-year, once 2023 hits — using Messina products. Unsurprisingly, these make-at-home packages have proven popular, especially after we've all been spent more time than usual at home over the past few years. Now that there's no restrictions on heading out of the house, though, they're back to being an easy favourite for parties, casual after-work sips and occasions like Christmas — or just because. First, the dulce de leche espresso martini kit. Basically, it's the answer to a familiar dilemma. No one likes choosing between tucking into dessert or having another boozy beverage, so these kits combine the two. To enable you to whip up dulce de leche espresso martinis at home, you'll get a box filled with vodka, coffee liqueur, cold-drip coffee and Messina's dulce de leche topping, plus Messina's chocolate hazelnut spread and shaved coconut to go on top. Prefer a Nutella-esque spin to your espresso martinis? The Messina choc-hazelnut espresso martini kit comes with the gelato chain's choc-hazelnut spread, as well as vodka, espresso and Baileys. For a garnish, the pack also includes Ferrero Rochers for you to crush. Once your kits arrive, you just need to follow the instructions, then get drinking. Whichever variety you choose, you can pick between two different-sized packs. A small dulce de leche kit costs $85 and serves up six drinks — or you can opt for the large for $149, which makes 18 dessert cocktails. With the choc-hazelnut, you'll pay $80 for the six-drink pack and $145 for a 16-cocktail offering. Cocktail Porter delivers Australia-wide, if that's your summer drinking plans sorted. You can also sign up for a subscription, which'll see a different kit sent to your door each and every month. To order Cocktail Porter's Gelato Messina cocktail kits, head to the Cocktail Porter website.
The back-to-work blues have hit us all pretty hard this year — especially as summer took its time to shine. If you're like us, you're already yearning to escape the office or your current work-from-home situation. And this loved-up time of year (yup, Valentine's Day is coming) offers up a great excuse to book a trip away with your partner. With this in mind, Virgin Australia has launched the Bring on More in Adelaide sale, offering up to 30% off flights to the City of Churches — with prices as low as $89 one way from Melbourne. You may not know it, but Adelaide is a mighty romantic city. It's home to spectacular wine, chocolate and fresh oysters — all aphrodisiacs — alongside a huge variety of activities made for loved-up couples. So, this year, swap the usual Valentine's Day staycation for an unforgettably romantic (and discounted) trip to Adelaide. Here's some inspiration to get you love birds started. [caption id="attachment_886121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tommaso Cantelli[/caption] JOIN AN OYSTER TOUR There are stacks of reason why oyster tours are great for dates. First off, there is the aphrodisiac element (if you believe all that), but it's also a unique way to feel swanky while enjoying the outdoors. Few places compare to the famed Coffin Bay, located on South Australia's picturesque Eyre Peninsula. Here, you and your partner can don some arguably unsexy waterproof waders to frolic in the clear blue waters and learn a little about oyster farming. You'll then head back to the beachside Salt Water Pavilion where you can dine on freshly caught oysters while sipping on local wines. EXPLORE VAST WINE REGIONS Speaking of wine, Adelaide is surrounded by several world-famous wine regions. And you really don't have to go far to visit them. You've got the Adelaide Hills located just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, McLaren Vale at 45 minutes, and the Barossa (where Two Hands Wines, pictured above, is located) and Clare valleys around 1.5 and two hours away, respectively. Pick one, book a driver (so one of you doesn't have to miss out) and explore as many cellar doors as you can — possibly opting for private tours and tastings to make it all the more romantic. STAY IN A LUSH HOTEL A romantic getaway is incomplete without a luxurious place to rest your heads — or get Ade(laid)e. One of our favourite CBD stays is the undeniably cool Hotel Indigo (pictured above), which boasts large luxurious rooms and an outdoor pool overlooking the city. If you can't make it to Paris but you're looking for a chic French-style getaway, book a stay at Sofitel Adelaide. This glamorous five-star hotel has a huge array of rooms and suites as well as its own wine bar and French fine dining restaurant. It's also hard to overlook the old-school glamour of The Playford. Unwind in the spa and sauna after a long day of exploring Adelaide before returning to your opulent art nouveau suite to order room service to your bed. [caption id="attachment_777850" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sia Duff[/caption] PARTAKE IN EXCEPTIONAL DINING Heading to Adelaide means heading to a deliciously diverse range of restaurants and bars — most championing local produce with incredibly tasty and creative dishes. As a strong start, there's the much-adored Africola (pictured above), where North African dishes are backdropped by art-covered walls and an energetic buzz. Over on Peel Street, Southeast Asian street food meets natural wine at Gondola Gondola, the upstairs Bread and Bone plates up woodfired burgers, steaks and ribs, and the appropriately named Peel St features a menu of refined yet simple fare made from quality local ingredients. Alternatively, you can amp up the romance with one of the best meals you'll likely ever have — book a table at Restaurant Botanic, the winner of Australia's Restaurant of the Year award for 2023, to experience modern Australian dining at its absolute finest. [caption id="attachment_785247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone via South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] DISCOVER UNIQUE DATE DESTINATIONS The City of Churches is far more than its places of worship — there are countless things for loved-up couples to do here. First off, as we are talking romance, we highly recommend a trip to the Haigh's Chocolate factory — for Adelaide is the birthplace of this beloved chocolate maker. Here, you can taste all its best creations and go on a special behind-the-scenes tour to see how this all-too romantic treat is created. But if you want to get out in nature, you can try a dolphin sanctuary kayak tour, paddling about with your partner in tow. Moreover, a day spent wandering around the Art Gallery of South Australia is aways a win, while a sunset cruise along the coast is what Valentine's Day is made for. You're clearly spoilt for choice. Take advantage of Virgin Australia's latest travel deal, booking discounted flights to Adelaide here. But hurry, the sale ends on Monday, February 6. Top image: Skillogalee courtesy of South Australia Tourism.
Any day of the week can be improved with pizza. Fridays don't really need any help if you hit the office for a stand work week, but a few slices can make a great day even better. Throw in the fact that Treasury Hotel is serving up this champion of dishes in its openair courtyard from 4.30pm each week until Friday, December 2 and, yes, you have yourself a winning way to welcome the weekend. This is exactly what your Friday arvos need: $15 woodfired pizzas, with supreme, Hawaiian and pepperoni versions available. If you're still hungry, you fancy something to go with your slices or you're in the mood for something snackier, there's also warm marinated olives, warmed whiskey nuts and a garlic pizza with dips for $9 a pop. Also on offer: a bar slinging sips and live entertainment, all in the Treasury Hotel's heritage surroundings. You'll need to pay for your drinks on top, of course, but consider this a tasty way to line your stomach for those after-work tipples. Keep an eye on the weather, however, because Woodfired Fridays will only happen if it isn't rained out.
Don’t you just hate it when you are eager to pop some tags, but lack the quintessential twenty dollars in your pocket? If only you could trade your grandad’s outdated, over-worn clothes for someone else’s grandad’s cool, and hip attire, without having to indulge in the capital practise of legal tender. Well count yourself lucky, because on the 21st of April Southside Tearoom will be providing such opportunity, without lowering themselves to the standards of a flea market. Clothes swaps are more than a budget means of getting a trendy new outfit, but also ensure that your new look can be original and just a little bit startling.The thing about your trash, and other people’s trash, is it is coincidentally someone’s, or your treasure. You’ve worn that outfit all month, so trade it for a new outfit - you can finally be rich and original. Starting from 5pm, Southside Tearoom will be ablaze with vintage lovers, fashionistas and bargains galore. So, do it - trade what you don’t need for something far more dashing.
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. For its big comeback this year, the festival boasts a 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. In Brisbane, Fridayz Live has a date with Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, October 17. Fridayz Live 2025 Lineup Mariah Carey Pitbull Wiz Khalifa Lil Jon Eve Tinie Tempah Jordin Sparks Mariah Carey images: Raph_PH via Flickr. Wiz Khalifa image: Daniel Kelly.
Forget scones, jam and cream, as delicious a combination as that is — at The Lab's lunar new year high teas throughout February, it's ditching the classic setup. Instead, you'll tuck into pork belly bao, red bean buns and mandarin curd tarts to celebrate the year of the tiger, with the $50-per-person spread available every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm throughout the month. Also on the menu: prawn dumplings and xiaolongbao from the dim sum range, plus sweet treats such as pistachio macaroons, pistachio and chocolate pyramids, gold foil chocolate leaves, layered chestnut cakes with meringue and pineapple shortbread. And, to treat your eyes as well as your stomach, they'll be served in a candy box platter. The full 12-dish lineup has been designed to symbolise celebration and good fortune, if you feel like your luck could use a bit of a boost as the lunar new year kicks into gear. Something that'll definitely be brightening up the place: an interactive lantern installation filled with glowing rows, so get ready to take some snaps as well on your trip to The Treasury.
Mud, moss and murky waters mightn't sound like dream Airbnb features, but they couldn't be more exciting if you're a fan of pop culture's favourite solitude-loving ogre. To celebrate Halloween with a fairy tale theme, the accommodation booking platform has added a unique Scottish Highlands stay that'll turn you green with envy if you don't score the reservation — and have you spending the weekend at Shrek's Swamp IRL if you do. Hey now, this is the nostalgic all-star of Airbnb listings, aka a recreation of a spot straight out of the Shrek movies. And the host? Donkey, although it's unlikely that that means that either Eddie Murphy or a domesticated equine will be there to greet you. Here's what is definitely included: two nights for up to three guests in a stumpy structure that goes rustic inside and out, all for free. You'll enjoy a parfait, fireside stories, waffles in the morning, "earwax candlelight" to set the mood (the listing's words, not ours), and having the whole place to yourselves behind the "danger" and "stay out" signs. Oh, and absolutely no torches and pitchforks. Whether onions are included hasn't been revealed. "Shrek's Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests," said Donkey, announcing the stay (well, said Airbnb giving the statement the appropriate themed spin). "You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it. I can't wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves." If you're keen, you'll need to try to nab the booking at 4am AEDT / 3am AEST / 6am NZDT on Saturday, October 14 — and, if your wish comes true, you'll be off for a stay across the weekend of Friday, October 27–Sunday, October 29. As always, whoever gets the reservation is responsible for their own travel, including if they have to get to and from Scotland. This listing is also helping a good cause, with Airbnb making a one-off donation to the HopScotch Children's Charity, which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Scotland, as part of the Shrek's Swamp promotion. Somebody once told us that the platform loves offering up once-in-a-lifetime spots to slumber, as its recent history shows. In the past, it has had nights at Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, Gwyneth Paltrow's Montecito abode, Hobbiton, the Bluey house, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine up for grabs. Also on the list: The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, Japan's World Heritage-listed Suganuma Village and the House of Sunny studio. Last Halloween, it similarly went with a movie theme, listing the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage. For more information about the Shrek's Swamp stay on Airbnb, or to book at 4am AEDT / 3am AEST / 6am NZDT on Saturday, October 14 for a stay across Friday, October 27–Sunday, October 29, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Alix McIntosh. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Every month, the fine folks at the Brightside show their affection for a film that everyone knows and loves — and in July, we're not worthy of their pick. Well, unless you don a trucker cap and a flanno, and headbang along to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' in a car filled with your mates, that is. Yes, Brighty is going Wayne's World, and declaring the '90s music comedy the Baberham Lincoln of Saturday Night Live spin-offs. Both the original film and its 1993 sequel will be screening on their beer garden projector, but the night doesn't stop there. Because Wayne and Garth are all about classic rock tunes, Wherewolves, Zefereli and Bonerstorm will be serving up more than a few, as will the Brightside's resident DJs. As always, themed drinks specials and a prize for the best outfit are all part of the fun — and we recommend denim and leather for the latter. Party on, Brisbane.
It might be warm and sunny in Brisbane more often than it's not, but that doesn't mean the city is blessed with beach weather all year round. Sometimes it's just too cold to dip your toes in the ocean out at Wynnum or splash around in South Bank's riverside pools — let alone to trek to the coast. That's where heated facilities come in, offering up the watery fun Brisbanites know and love while keeping the temperature much more pleasant than nature intends in winter. If you're after a steamy dip even when it's chilly or rainy outside, we'd recommend giving these five heated pools a try. [caption id="attachment_777649" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] VALLEY POOL There are plenty of pools in Brisbane, but there's a reason that the Valley Pool remains one of the city's favourites. No, it's not just because everyone walks and drives past it on Wickham Street all the time — although location does have something to do with it. This local institution boasts history dating back to 1925, as well as ideal conditions for taking a dip regardless of the weather. High walls keep the wind out and blessed heating keeps the temperature up, but you can still feel the fresh air on the back of your neck as you're doing laps. At present, the Valley Pool is only open to lap swimmers, not spectators or sunbathers. Open Monday–Friday 5.15am–7.30pm, Saturday 5.15am–12pm and Sunday 7.30am–12pm. NEWMARKET POOL Who needs one heated swimming pool when you can splash around in two? That may be Newmarket Pool's main claim to fame — well, that and their slides and water features for kids — but it's reason enough to head slightly north of the city. While the eight-lane 50-metre pool is currently closed for maintenance, as is always is in winter, the smaller 25-metre body of water is open, and lets you enjoy all the benefits of a toasty warm dip. You'll be doing laps here, because that's what the 25-metre pool is all about; however you can also make a date with an aqua aerobics class, which are held eight times a week. 25-metre pool open Monday–Friday 8am–3.30pm and Saturday 12–1pm. QUT GARDENS POINT POOL If you spend your weekdays in the inner city, QUT Gardens Point Pool should be your swimming spot of choice. It's located within Queensland University of Technology, but it's open to the public — and it's also the only Olympic Standard, 50-metre indoor 27-degree heated pool in the Brisbane CBD. For those serious about their watery activities, that should be all the convincing you need. The shiny facility also offers learn-to-swim programs, squad training and just plain old leisure swimming. Open Monday–Friday 5am–6.45pm. [caption id="attachment_777651" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council[/caption] CENTENARY AQUATIC CENTRE The best pools in Brisbane cater for as many kinds of wet and wild fun as they can, and Centenary Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill is no exception. If it's a central spot to splash and swim laps in comfortable temperatures that you're after, then that's just what you'll get — as well as a diving platform for anyone looking to leap from a great height, a health club onsite, and a group fitness program. Plus, it's super close to the city. Open Monday–Thursday 5am–3.30pm and 5.30–8pm, Friday 5am–3.30pm and 5.30–6pm, Saturday 8.30am–6pm and Sunday 7am–6pm. [caption id="attachment_777652" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane City Council[/caption] COLMSLIE AQUATIC CENTRE Located within the Colmslie Recreation Reserve at Morningside are two pools and a water play park just waiting to get you wet. The Colmslie Aquatic Centre may be one of the relatively newer additions to Brisbane's map of public swimming spots, opening in 2010, but it remains an enticing one nonetheless. Both pools are heated and accessible all-year round, and play host to squad training as well as fitness classes. Open Monday–Thursday 5am–3.15pm and 5–8pm, Friday 5am–3.15pm and 5–6.30pm, Saturday 9.30am–6pm and Sunday 8am–6pm. Top image: Centenary Aquatic Centre, Brisbane City Council.
Six seasons and a movie. That's how long everyone who loved sitcom Community — its cast and crew included — hoped that the community college-set comedy would run. Alas, when the show wrapped up after 110 episodes in 2015, it only achieved the first part of that goal. And while a film doesn't appear to be in the works in the immediate future, the Greendale gang are all reuniting for a virtual table read. After Parks and Recreation banded its cast together for a new one-off special episode to raise money for charity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Community is following in its footsteps — although its cast and crew won't be performing fresh material. Instead, they'll be reading through the season five episode 'Cooperative Polygraphy', Variety reports. Cast members will join forces via an online video call, stepping back into their old roles. That means that Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong will all be present. Fresh from hosting the Tiger King post-series special via video chats, Joel McHale will be involved as well. And, in news that'll have all Community fans singing "Troy and Abed in the morning", Donald Glover will be, too. Glover left the series partway through the fifth season. They'll be joined by Community creator (and Rick and Morty co-creator) Dan Harmon, as well as a special guest: Game of Thrones and Narcos actor Pedro Pascal. The latter will read the part originally played by Walton Goggins when the episode aired. Screening in full via Sony Pictures TV's Community YouTube channel at 7am AEST on Tuesday, May 19 (2pm Pacific Time on Monday, May 18 in the US), the reunion will also feature a Q&A with the cast — and fans will be asked to donate to José Andrés' World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods. If you're now in the mood to binge your way through Greendale antics in the lead up, all six seasons of the series is now streaming on Netflix, too — and on Stan in Australia. Check out the Community season one trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4W4L9TLJa8 The Community virtual table read will air via Sony Pictures TV's Community YouTube channel at 7am AEST on Tuesday, May 19 (2pm Pacific Time on Monday, May 18 in the US). Via Variety. Image: Netflix.
Spraying reboots, remakes, sequels and prequels across cinema screens like a spirit supposedly sprays ectoplasm — gushing reimaginings, spinoffs and seemingly never-ending franchises, too — Hollywood ain't afraid of no ghosts. It loves them in horror movies, obviously, but it adores the spectre of popular intellectual property even more. These phantoms of hits gone by can be resurrected again and again, all to make a profit. They haunt both cinemas and box-office blockbuster lists, making film-goers and the industry itself constantly feel like they're being spooked by the past. With 14 of Australia's 15 top cash-earning flicks of 2021 all falling into the been-there-done-that category in one way or another, looking backwards in the name of apparently going forwards is now mainstream filmmaking 101, and the big end of town rarely likes bustin' a money-making formula. After more than a few pandemic delays, that's the world that Ghostbusters: Afterlife floats into — a world that's made worshipping previous glories one of the biggest cash-spinners show business could've ever dreamed up. The fourth feature to bear the Ghostbusters name, but a new legacy sequel to the original 1984 film, this reanimated franchise entry certainly sports a fitting subtitle; treating its source material like it's nirvana is firmly filmmaker Jason Reitman's approach. To him, it might've been. Although he established his career with indie comedies such as Thank You for Smoking and Juno, he's the son of director Ivan Reitman, who helmed the OG Ghostbusters and its 1989 follow-up Ghostbusters II. To plenty of fans, those two initial comedy-horror flicks were something special as well; however, acknowledging that fact — and trying to recreate the feeling of being a kid or teen watching the first Ghostbusters nearly four decades ago — isn't enough to fuel a new film. To be fair, the younger Reitman isn't particularly interested in making a new movie; Be Kind Rewind's "sweded" Ghostbusters clips are more original than Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Instead, he directs a homage that sprinkles in links to its predecessor so heartily that it's probably easier to name the scenes and details that don't scream "hey, this is Ghostbusters!" as loudly as possible. And, even when Reitman and co-screenwriter Gil Kenan (Poltergeist) appear to shake things up ever so slightly, it all still ties back to that kid-in-the-80s sensation. Sure, Ghostbusters: Afterlife's protagonists aren't adult New Yorkers, but they're small-town adolescents who might as well have ambled out of one of the era's other hot properties: Steven Spielberg-helmed or -produced coming-of-age adventure-comedies about life-changing, Americana-dripping, personality-shaping escapades. Phoebe (Mckenna Grace, Malignant) is one such child, and a new inhabitant of the cringingly titled Summerville, Oklahoma at that. With her mother Callie (Carrie Coon, The Nest) and brother Trevor (Finn Wolfhard, The Goldfinch), she's made the move because the granddad she never knew just passed away, leaving a dilapidated rural property to his estranged family. The townsfolk speak his nickname, "dirt farmer", with mocking and intrigue, but his actual moniker — and all that equipment he's left behind — brings big changes Phoebe's way. While being Dr Egon Spengler's granddaughter doesn't initially mean too much to her, other than giving her love for science a genetic basis, she's soon segueing from testing out ghost traps with local teacher Mr Grooberson (Paul Rudd, The Shrink Next Door) to cracking Egon's secret efforts to stop a world-shattering supernatural event. Who ya gonna call? Reitman and Kenan's teen fantasies, presumably. The pair haven't taxed themselves with their screenplay, which reads like backyard cosplay. That said, when they're not getting characters to utter the obvious — including "who ya gonna call?", of course — or trotting out mini marshmallow men for no good narrative reason, Reitman and Kenan do expend ample energy differentiating Ghostbusters: Afterlife from 2016's Ghostbusters. Wrongly maligned by manchildren who claimed that women bustin' ghosts somehow ruined their childhoods despite the fact they're now ostensibly grown, the latter is a comic gem that's far nearer in tone to the 1984 flick than this new nostalgia dump. But the female-fronted film didn't linger on every Ghostbusters nod it could shoehorn in every 30 seconds or so, and definitely didn't regard all those winks as the sole reason it existed, so Ghostbusters: Afterlife is here to redress that (and, continuity-wise, to flat-out ignore that the last movie was ever made). It seems that Hollywood does want to blast away some spirits after all: the remnants of prior franchise entries that didn't thrill their diehard fans. There's no point asking if this is what blockbuster filmmaking is now, because we've all seen the proof countless times — but even Spider-Man: No Way Home's theme park-esque references to past web-slinging iterations still recognised the movies that weren't universally loved. The Matrix Resurrections plugged into its chequered history even deeper, defiantly making its two worst predecessors indispensable to the latest movie. But Ghostbusters: Afterlife doesn't dare challenge, surprise, or do anything other than pander to and try to evoke claps and cheers from viewers easily pleased by loving what they've always loved. Bringing back familiar faces, blatantly ripping off the original Ghostbusters' ending, tastelessly resurrecting (via CGI) the late Harold Ramis as Egon: there is no inspiration here, only bland, tedious, sentiment-coddling cinematic gruel. If only Reitman approached Ghostbusters: Afterlife less like inevitably inheriting the family business, and more like the smart, sharp and very funny comedies already on his resume. If only he'd brought over just a single proton-pack blast of Young Adult and Tully's disdain for idolising the past. If only he'd given the engaging Grace something more to do than act out his own path — learning to follow in her grandfather's footsteps, just as Reitman does with his dad. There's more where these laments came from, too. If only there really was something strange, unusual, wacky and silly in this movie's neighbourhood, other than Rudd never ageing. If only Ghostbusters: Afterlife wasn't just empty and easy fan service: the movie. If only it wasn't bloated, shot like a parody of an 80s all-ages adventure, far too influenced by Wolfhard's Stranger Things, wasteful of its cast, and determined to remind its audience over and over that better Ghostbusters films exist. This fourquel only has eyes for one movie, it ain't afraid to show it, and it isn't itself — and that's what it leaves you wishing you'd watched again instead.
There's a certain type of song that everyone knows: Disney songs. Maybe they're the bare necessities? Perhaps they're part of the circle of life? Or, maybe we just can't let them go? Whatever the reason, they're the tracks we all still remember all of the words to, so Southside Tea Room wants you to be their guest to belt out a tune or two. In news that'll make you want to hold a baby animal up to the sunlight, the Morningside hangout's popular Disney Karaoke is back. You just can't keep a good animation-fuelled singalong — and a Disney-themed costume contest, plus temporary tattoos — down. It's a whole new world of fun, and what can you say except you're welcome? To meet demand, two sessions will take place on March 24, at 5pm and 8pm. If you just can't wait to be the karaoke king (or queen), just make sure you book in advance —tickets cost $5 per person, and reservations open at 9am on February 26.
If there's anyone in Sydney who knows where to find the best street art, the smartest galleries and the most fun art gatherings, it's Scott Marsh. Even if you don't know his name, chances are, you know his work. His most famous piece is undoubtedly Kanye Loves Kanye, a seven-metre-tall mural of two Kanyes kissing one another, which appeared in Teggs Lane, Chippendale, in April 2016. Within a month, someone paid Marsh $100,000 to buff (graffiti-speak for paint over) it. Also among his international headline-grabbing works are Casino Mike, a satirical portrait of former NSW premier Mike Baird painted as a protest against the lockout laws, and Tony Loves Tony, an image of Tony Abbott marrying himself. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Sydney, we've called in Scott, whose favourite spots range from Wendy Whiteley's dreamy harbourside garden to the best shops for premium spray paint. A stay in one of Pullman's two locations in central Sydney — Hyde Park and Quay Grand Sydney Harbour (there's also two more at Sydney Airport and Sydney Olympic Park) — will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you contemplate all you've seen in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Scott's perspective on Sydney's artistic hot spots, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. SUNDAY WALLS AT THE LORD GLADSTONE Since June 2015, artists and musicians have been gathering once a month at the Lord Gladstone in Chippendale for Sunday Walls. From 2 until 10pm, an emerging or established graffiti artist works on a temporary mural with a stack of spray cans, while live hip hop DJs provide a soundtrack. Punters hang around to watch, eat $10 fried chicken and share $15 jugs of Frank Strongs. The Lord Gladstone attracts a pretty laidback, eclectic crowd, and watching a new art work appear before your eyes can't not be fun. GOODSPACE GALLERY OPENINGS Goodspace Gallery gives Chippendale a weekly art fix with exhibition openings on Wednesday evenings from 6pm–9pm. Artists score a good deal because the space doesn't charge rent or take commissions. Plus, both local and international talent features. In early November, Sydney-based photographer James Simpson exhibited Endless Summer, a collection of photos influenced by French and Italian cinema of the '60s and '70s. The week before, photographer Joshua Valageorgiou, who splits his time between Sydney and Athens, took over the space with Cluster, a black-and-white analogue series. [caption id="attachment_644404" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Luke Shirlaw[/caption] IRONLAK ART AND DESIGN About a year ago, this graffiti-dedicated retail space opened on the ground floor of Central Park, Broadway. It's the Sydney flagship of Ironlak, a premium spray-paint brand founded in the early 2000s by Australian graffiti artist Luke Shirlaw, in collaboration with brothers Levi and Heath Ramsay, and now sold internationally. Not only is Ironlak Art and Design a great place to check out quality products and meet artists, the walls are covered in street art. Plus, it's open until 8pm 363 days a year, so even if you're in a full-time job, you can drop by and get what you need to start your next project. REDFERN AND NEWTOWN GRAFFITI AND STREET ART There's a few great street art spots around Redfern and Newtown that I check out whenever I can. More often than not, I find something new to see. In Redfern, expect to catch me around The Block or Phillip Lane, where there's a lot of Indigenous street art, including works by Reko Rennie and Hego, telling stories of history, identity and resistance. When I'm in Newtown, I take a wander down Wilford and Gladstone Streets. Young Henrys is nearby, which means it's pretty tempting to stop for a beer sample or two. FINTAN MAGEE'S HOUSING BUBBLE MURAL This is my favourite mural in Sydney. It's called The Housing Bubble and it's on the side of the Urban hotel, on the corner of Enmore and Station Streets. Fintan Magee, an artist who was born in Lismore and grew up in Brisbane, painted it over the course of four days during Marrickville Council's Perfect Match street art festival in July 2015. Every year, the event brings a bunch of new works to Sydney, by providing artists with spaces and encouraging crowds to watch as they sketch, paint and spray. [caption id="attachment_644637" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] by Newtown Graffiti[/caption] SYDNEY STEEL ROAD, MARRICKVILLE Found just a short walk from Sydenham Station, Sydney Steel Road puts a whole lot of excellent art, colour and vibrancy into an otherwise industrial area. There's everything from realistic portraits to political statements to giant, surrealist murals. When you're done here, wander across Camdenville Park to May Lane, which gives you a stack more work to see. A shopkeeper started a graffiti wall there more than 15 years ago because he wanted to create a space where artists could work legally. May Lane is a fixture on the Perfect Match program, so major new works are added each year. 567 KING Newtown's graffiti writers have been stocking up here since August 2005, and these days, artists of all kinds drop by. Whether you want spray paint, pencils, paints or paper, you can get it. Plus, if listening to a bit of hip hop on vinyl or CD while you're working is your thing, you can make your picks in the shop and ask the crew to deliver them to your door. There's also a handy commissioning service: get in touch with a request for an artwork and 567King will hook you up with the right artist for the job. BRETT WHITELEY STUDIO When Brett Whiteley died in Thirroul in 1992, he left behind this studio in Surry Hills, where he'd worked and lived since 1985. Walking in here is a bit like stepping back in time, into Whiteley's private and artistic life. There are paintings he started but never finished, piles of books that gave him inspiration and quotes scrawled across the wall. In the adjoining gallery, temporary exhibitions showcase works owned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Whiteley Estate and private collectors, so there's always a new reason to visit. WENDY'S SECRET GARDEN Across the harbour, in Lavender Bay, is the creative work of the other half of the legendary Whiteley partnership: Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden. From 1970, for the best part of 20 years, the Whiteleys lived in a house nearby. When Brett passed away, Wendy coped with her grief by setting to work on the land, which back then, was disused railway property, covered in rubbish and weeds. Now, it's a haven of blood leaf, ginger, angel's trumpets, palms, fig trees and sandstone walls overhung with rambling vines, where I come to escape, sketch and drink coffee. MCA ARTBAR MCA ARTBAR combines art with music and live performance to create something entirely new. The happening takes over various parts of the gallery on the last Friday of every month, and even if you've checked out the program, you never can tell quite what you're in for. In July 2017, Latai Taumoepeau curated Archipela_GO ....this is not a drill, a mix of live performances and interactive works exploring climate change. Before that, in May, Vivid 2017 artist Julia Gorman brought together samba dancers, DJs, artists and a pop-up jewellery stall for a night of colour and light. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
Us Aussies might not get to enjoy a white Christmas here on home turf, but that doesn't mean we can't indulge in all the classic wintery yuletide treats. Think, fruit mince pies, creamy egg nog and spiced gingerbread fresh from the oven. Or hey, how about a festive fusion of gingerbread and gin, like you'll find in the latest drop from The Craft & Co? The Collingwood distillery has just announced the return of its cult favourite Gingerbread Gin, a seasonal creation that's been steadily growing in popularity since debuting in 2019. Having just scooped another medal at last month's Australian Gin Awards, the spiced tipple is once again heading to a bottle shop shelf near you, with this year's edition now available to buy from The Craft & Co's online store and select booze retailers. The spirit is a nod to one of the classic food and drink pairings, inspired by stories from 18th-century England, when Brits would apparently warm the cockles with a combination of hot gin and gingerbread. The Craft & Co's riff on this concept takes the form of a rich, smooth gin, with warming flavours imparted by a mix of cinnamon, macerated ginger root, smashed nutmeg and tonka bean. It's unfiltered and clocks in with an ABV of 40 percent. So, how to put this Gingerbread Gin to good use? Apart from sipping it neat or on ice for a quick hit of Christmas cheer, the distillers recommend matching the drink with some blood orange soda or ginger beer. We're told it also works a treat in milky cocktails, and you can find recipes for a Gingerbread Gin Alexander and a Gingerbread Gin Egg Nog over on The Craft & Co's website. You can grab a Gingerbread Gin for $85 from The Craft & Co's online store or at its cellar door at 390 Smith Street, Collingwood. It's also available from select retailers including Dan Murphy's, BWS and Boozebud.
On most weekends, somewhere in Brisbane is hosting a beer festival. They might not happen every single weekend, but they definitely pop up with frequency. Only one is called the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular, however, and dedicates itself to weird, wild, wonderful and inventive varieties that are made exclusively for the booze-fuelled party. And that very fest is back for 2023. If you're a newcomer to GABS, as the festival is known, it started off as a Melbourne-only celebration of ales, lagers, ciders and more. Then, it started spreading along Australia's east coast capitals, as well as to New Zealand. Now, its 2023 plans will see it return for its Brisbane event on Saturday, June 10 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Attendees can look forward to an event that's considered to be one of the best craft beer and cider festivals in the Asia Pacific region. And, you can grab tickets from the GABS website from 3pm on Friday, March 3. One big reason: it'll pour at least 1200 kegs — which in past years have been inspired by breakfast foods, savoury snacks, desserts, cocktails and more — from 240 taps. In 2022, peanut butter, coffee, earl grey tea, chicken salt, pizza, fairy floss, bubblegum and sour gummy bears all got a whirl. The event surveys both Australian and New Zealand breweries, plus folks from the US and UK, with more than 120 set to be pouring their wares this year. Also on the bill: other types of tipples, including non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, whiskey, gin, cocktails and wines. In fact, Archie Rose, Monkey Shoulder Whisky and Yellow Tail Wines will all be making their GABS debuts. GABS is known for dishing up a hefty lineup of activities to accompanying all that sipping, too, which'll span a silent disco, roaming bands, circus and sideshow performers, games and panels with industry leaders in 2023, as well as local food trucks and vendors to line your stomach. Yes, that includes the Mountain Goat air guitar championship, the Balter tins of glory, the Atomic wheel of pourtune and the Black Flag skate ramp. Updated March 3.
As fun as parties, feasts and downing eggnog all are at this time of year, one thing can make them better: games. We're not just talking about guessing how long until your uncle falls asleep after lunch, or seeing who knows all the words to every pop Christmas carol. Instead, we're talking about eating, drinking, playing and being merry in Brisbane's very own bar-slash-arcade. 'Tis the season for all of the above at Netherworld, and it's throwing quite the shindig to prove it. Just bring your button-mashing self; some cash for tokens, brews, eggnog and a Hellmouth roast; and your willingness to get snapped on a winter wonderland-themed Christmas stage It all takes place from midday on Saturday, December 19, complete an appropriately merry soundtrack to accompany your rounds of playing whatever pinball, arcade, console or board game takes your fancy. A karma keg will be pouring at the bar, too, raising cash for those needing some festive help. [caption id="attachment_622335" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarah Ward[/caption] Top image: Cole Bennetts.
Drifting off to sleep to the sound of falling water doesn't have to be created through a mindfulness app and your imagination when you're in Tropical North Queensland. If you head to Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park, you can listen to the sounds of an actual babbling creek situated right next to your campsite. To get there, drive an hour west of Cairns and then pitch a tent at either the Lower Davies Creek or Upper Davies Creek campsites. Then, spend a couple of days exploring the hikes, mountain bike trails and waterfalls throughout the neighbouring parks. Just make sure you book your campsite in advance as there are only eight spots available at each campground.
If December to you means luminous festive decorations — November as well, or basically the second that Halloween is over — then simply driving through your neighbourhood can be a jolly good time. Wherever you look, there just might be a glowing set of Christmas lights sharing its seasonal merriment and brightening up the suburban streets. Of course, these lit-up displays really shouldn't cause such a fuss. They pop up everywhere every year, after all, and we're all well and truly aware of how electricity works. But twinkling bulbs are just so hard to resist when it's the happiest portion of the calendar. Perhaps you're a casual Christmas lights fan, and you're completely fine just checking out whichever blazing displays you happen to pass in your travels. Maybe you have a few tried-and-tested favourite spots, and you return to them every year. Or, you could want to scope out the best and brightest seasonal-themed houses and yards. Whichever category you fall into, an Australian website called Christmas Lights Search is likely to pique your interest, especially given that it has been updated for 2023. Christmas Lights Search is as nifty and handy as its name suggests, covering festive displays all around the country. To locate all the spots that you should head to, it's as easy as entering your postcode or suburb — or those of places nearby — and letting the site deliver the relevant options. Plus, it also rates the lights displays, if you want to either go big or stay home. It's also constantly being updated, so, like the best combos of glowing trees, sparkling bulbs and oversized Santas, you might want to check it out more than once. When you pick an individual address listed on the site, you'll be greeted with some key information, too. The level of detail varies per listing, but expect to potentially peruse photos, the ideal hours to swing by, a date range and a description of what's on offer. All that's left is to get searching, plot out where you'll be heading every night between now and Christmas Eve, and get ready to see oh-so-many reindeer, candy canes and snowmen. Putting up your own Christmas lights for the neighbourhood to see? Spotted something in your travels that you think everyone else would like to check out? You can add both to Christmas Lights Search as well. [caption id="attachment_882325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] To find festive displays near you, head to the Christmas Lights Search website. Top image: Donaldytong via Wikimedia Commons.
Once a year, the Caxton Hotel welcomes in seafood lovers, throwing a huge annual festival that pairs plenty of the ocean's finest with a huge Paddington street party. On Saturday, November 13, it's adding another big shindig to its agenda — without the fish, but will plenty of craft brews instead. Kicking off at 12pm, the inaugural Caxton Craft Park Party is all about beers from Aussie craft breweries, including regular favourites and up-and-comers. So, you'll spend your Saturday sipping tipples from Stone and Wood, Young Henry's, Brouhaha and Revel Brewing Co, as well as from Ballistic, Wayward, Your Mates, Brooklyn Brewery and Heads of Noosa. Also on offer: live music, food stalls, char-grilled meat platters and just generally taking over The Caxton Hotel's car park and beer garden. Entry is free, but you'll obviously need your wallet for all those brews — whether you're keen to stick with the tried-and-tested or expand your beer repertoire.
Across ten extremely amusing initial episodes in 2022, Loot had a message: billionaires shouldn't exist. So declared the show's resident cashed-up character, with Molly Wells (Maya Rudolph, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem) receiving $87 billion in her divorce from tech guru John Novak (Adam Scott, Madame Web), then spending most of the Apple TV+ sitcom's first season working out what to do with it (and also how to handle her newly single life in general). That she had a foundation to her name was virtually news to her. So was much about everything beyond the ultra-rich. And, she was hardly equipped for being on her own. But Loot's debut run came to an entertaining end with the big statement that it was always uttering not so quietly anyway. So what happens next, after one of the richest people in the world decides to give away all of her money? Cue season two of this ace workplace-set comedy from Wednesday, April 3. Created by former Parks and Recreation writers Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard, in their second Rudolph-starring delight — 2018's Forever was the first — Loot splices together three popular on-screen realms as it loosely draws parallels with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his philanthropist ex-wife MacKenzie Scott. At her charity, as Molly's staff become the kind of friends that feel like family while doing their jobs, shows such as 30 Rock and Superstore (which Hubbard also has on his resume) score an obvious sibling. As its protagonist endeavours to do good, be better and discover what makes a meaningful life, The Good Place (which Yang also wrote for) and Forever get company. And in enjoying its eat-the-rich mode as well, it sits alongside Succession and The White Lotus, albeit while being far sillier. Nothing was broken about this mix and setup in season one, so there's no fixing required the second time around — just leaning in further and letting Loot's talented cast make the most of it. Co-starring alongside Rudolph: Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (American Horror Story) as foundation head Sofia, Joel Kim Booster (Fire Island) as Molly's assistant Nicholas, Ron Funches (Good Burger 2) as her cousin Howard and Nat Faxon (Our Flag Means Death) as company accountant Arthur, plus Stephanie Styles (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Meagen Fay (9-1-1) as the cheery Ainsley and hippie-ish Rhonda to round out the office gang. As motley crews dictate, everyone has a personality archetype. Sofia is dedicated and determined. Nicholas chases clout. Howard and Arthur both bring sweetness, the latter as a daggy dad who also becomes Molly's everyman love interest, for instance. Loot has a clear lead, but it also patently adores its ensemble; with this group, there's plenty to love. After Molly's huge announcement, she has downsized mansions in season two, while also grappling with John's rekindled romantic interest and trying to make good on her word — and to get her homelessness-tackling project Space for Everyone off the ground. Loot knows that the path back from such an extravagant existence isn't straightforward, though. Plenty of its humour comes from Molly attempting to do what she thinks is right, but being the type of out-of-touch that money literally buys. Still, she has a caring heart and noble intentions, which Loot always sees. This is a series that's teeming with designer attire, jet-setting, lavish spiritual retreats and opulent dream homes, and watches them gleam, yet is keenly aware that nothing sparkles as brightly as truly being yourself, learning what makes you feel fulfilled, real connection and genuine benevolence, all of which are priceless. It's hard to imagine anyone but Rudolph selling Loot as wholeheartedly, or ensuring that the concept hits its mark. It isn't a simple task, parodying the ridiculously affluent while humanising a lead character who can't remember anything but rolling in dosh — and also showing her well-to-do trappings without undercutting the show's eat-the-rich mantra by making her life, or even just the materialism, freedom and security of a an abundant bank balance, seem aspirational. By now, however, almost three decades since she made her screen debut and nearing a quarter century since her first Saturday Night Live days, it's been proven several times over that Rudolph can do everything. Playing Molly requires that flexibility, as honed so expertly in sketch comedy. It also hinges on Rudolph committing to being the joke again and again, while digging past satirising Molly to unearth the person beneath the billions. Put Loot's lead in any show or movie and it's worth watching (see also: everything from Away We Go, Bridesmaids, The Way Way Back and Sisters to Up All Night and Maya & Marty). That said, also harking back to her SNL stint, she's a spectacular team player even when giving a star turn, which this recognises. Yang and Hubbard have filled Loot's cast perfectly with actors who bounce off of Rudolph flawlessly, including in guest roles in season two. When Ana Gasteyer (American Auto), Rudolph's SNL co-star, pops up as another obscenely well-off ex-wife, audiences can be forgiven for wanting a spinoff that pushes them both to the fore. And when Benjamin Bratt (Poker Face) joins the series briefly, it's a sublime inclusion. For the show's regular ensemble, season two delivers more subplots and supporting-character arcs. Sofia gets a boyfriend (O-T Fagbenle, Secret Invasion), plus more time away from the job that she's devoted to. Nicholas dives into his cultural heritage, adopted upbringing and dating behaviour. Howard follows an opposing route to Molly, endeavouring to free himself from debt rather than giving away money, while also embracing a passion as a side hustle. Chemistry still lingers between Molly and Arnold, but no workplace sitcom lets romance come easily — and no series about a person bettering themselves, and also unearthing themselves in a midlife crisis, allows new love to blossom quickly, either. From Molly doing Vogue's 73 Questions and Taylor Swift obsessions becoming a plot point to runway appearances and weaving in a hilarious nod to a movie masterpiece, Loot isn't short on other reasons to get giggling — or other ways to flesh out Molly and the gang. Another pivotal element that it boasts in abundance: the potential to keep growing, especially as Molly's bank balance dwindles. Skewering levels of wealth that no one should have, and that only the one percent of the one percent can grasp, will never stop proving rich and necessary comic material. Loot has bite, laughs, thematic capital to keep building upon and a roster of talent making it one of Apple TV+'s comedy standouts. It was true in its first season and remains the case in its second: this is a series to invest in. Check out the trailer for Loot season two below: Loot streams via Apple TV+, with season two starting on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
If you haven't heard the news, South by South West is officially coming to Sydney for its first festival outside of Texas later this year, and details of its massive gaming-focused arm of the conference, officially titled the SXSW Sydney Gaming Festival, have now been revealed. Running for the length of the festival, the gaming program will feature a Sydney edition of a global esports tournament, an indie game showcase, a tabletop game expo, hands-on demonstrations for AR and VR creations, panels, performances, a social hub and an investment summit for pitch sessions and general industry hobnobbing. The headline event will be the Intel Extreme Masters, which will arrive at the Aware Super Theatre from Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22 following massive iterations in Katowice, Rio de Janeiro, Dallas, and Sydney back in 2019 when the event sold out Qudos Bank Arena. The longest-running pro gaming tour in the world, Intel Extreme Masters is the gaming world's equivalent of the World Cup or the Olympics and will bring some of the world's leading esports pros to Australia. The Indie Games Showcase will place the spotlight on 150 independent games from Australia, New Zealand and the globe, with sessions diving into the world of the indie open to both industry and general audiences. You can catch sneak peeks of a new animated word game called Gubbins, a highly stylised adventure puzzle game called Birth and a restaurant-set time management game called The Chef's Shift among the 150 titles. If you prefer your games more tangible, there will be a dedicated tabletop festival within the conference with exhibitors, demos, seminars, stage sessions and a freeplay area all dedicated to IRL card, roleplay and board games. [caption id="attachment_906082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gubbins[/caption] This is just the start of the gaming section of the SXSW Sydney program with more to be announced closer to the date. Beyond gaming, the world-renowned fest is bringing together innovators and venue-fillers from across a heap of industries between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22. There's been an initial announcement of keynote speakers and musicians, plus a heap of local artists and a pair of parties so far, with more to come. On the previously announced section of the program, you'll find speakers like Chris Lee (also known as Lee Sung-Su), the Chief A&R Officer and former CEO of K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment; The Genesis Machine author and Future Today Institute founder Amy Webb; and Saudi women's rights activist Manal al-Sharif — plus a heap of musicians like Redveil, Connie Constance, Otoboke Beaver, Wallice, Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, Teenage Joans, Phoebe Go, MALI JO$E, Ashli. [caption id="attachment_906083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birth[/caption] The festival will take place within a walkable precinct within the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more. Think of the fest's footprint as a huge hub, with festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations popping up everywhere. So far, venues named include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
In front of the camera, Thomas M Wright's first credit came courtesy of Round the Twist. Two decades later, he has roles on everything from The Secret Life of Us, Top of the Lake and The Bridge through to Van Diemen's Land, Balibo, Everest and Sweet Country to his name. But since hopping behind the lens in 2018, the Australian actor-turned-filmmaker has proven one of the country's most fascinating new directors — first with Acute Misfortune and now with the upcoming The Stranger. That initial helming stint saw Wright take on the story of artist Adam Cullen and journalist Erik Jensen, after the latter was invited to stay with the former in 2008 to turn his life story into a biography. One of the most stunning recent Aussie filmmaking debuts, Acute Misfortune not only explored its subject in a riveting warts-and-all fashion, but also interrogated the nation's fascination with festering masculinity — and yes, it truly was something special. Premiering at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, then set to arrive in Australian cinemas on October 6 before hitting Netflix around the globe on October 19, The Stranger also draws from reality — from the effort to apprehend the person responsible for Daniel Morcombe's abduction and murder. That said, this isn't a recreation or a dramatisation. If you didn't know about the ties to reality going in, or even before pressing play on the just-dropped new trailer, you probably wouldn't pick it — even with lines like "this is the largest missing person's case in the history of our state and is one of the largest in the history of our country". Crucially, The Stranger isn't about the crime, but focuses on the undercover operation to bring the perpetrator to justice. Joel Edgerton (Thirteen Lives) stars as Mark, who goes undercover to befriend drifter Henry (Sean Harris, Spencer) — first striking up a conversation while travelling, with Henry unaware of Mark's true identity and motives. While fictionalised, The Stranger joins Australia's growing list of unsurprisingly tense films unpacking dark chapters in the nation's past, such as Chopper, Snowtown and Nitram. Check out the trailer for The Stranger below: The Stranger will release in Australian cinemas on October 6, and stream Down Under via Netflix from October 19.
Next time that you peer out on Brisbane from a lofty spot with a drink in your hand, you might want to make that tipple a boozy Milo, a margarita made with bush tomato and chilli-infused agave syrup, or a gin and green chartreuse concoction garnished with lemon myrtle and pepperberry caviar. They're all among the sips that The Beaumont Beer Garden will be pouring when it opens in Fortitude Valley on Monday, April 7, 2025, and gives the inner-city suburb — and Brisbane in general — a new rooftop bar. Gipps Street, running between Wickham and Ann streets, is your destination if you're keen to hit up the River City's latest sky-high watering hole. If you hadn't guessed from the above drinks, The Beaumont takes inspiration from Australia. The Great Dividing Range is a particular influence — spanning its flora, fauna, flavours and colours — as are classic Aussie pubs. "The Beaumont Beer Garden pays homage to these 'beautiful mountains' through our menu and cocktail list, and our design aesthetic and colourings. We borrowed the earthy tones (burnt orange, eucalyptus green and navy) with playful pastel accents of Australian flora from these ancient mountains," says Danny Webster-Clamp, Group General Manager. "The menu at The Beaumont Beer Garden shines the flavour light on Australia's rich culinary heritage, blending traditional flavours with modern twists," he continues. "We have a commitment real to local and will showcase high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and unique native produce. From grilled barramundi with finger lime and macadamia crumble to slow-cooked eucalyptus lamb, our mains have bold flavours." First, those beverages, all courtesy of Bar Manager Tiwene Kaimoana. Expect the Milo Flip made with spiced rum, Licor 43, Milo syrup, condensed milk and fresh egg to be a hit. The Outback Blaze Marg — crafted on tequila, cointreau, bush tomato and chilli-infused agave syrup and lime, with a chilli salt rim — is sure to become a favourite as well. So is The Last Cheers, which is where that mix of gin, maraschino, green chartreuse, lime juice, lemon myrtle and pepper berry syrup, with lemon myrtle and pepperberry caviar as a garnish, comes in. Other cocktails to try include the Aussie Sunrise (vodka, amaretto, finger lime, lime, Kakadu plum syrup and lemonade), The Great Reef (raspberry vodka, Malibu, blue curaçao, lilly pilly syrup, cranberry, apple and pineapple) and Release the Kraken (coconut and macadamia rum, coffee liqueur, fresh coffee and macadamia syrup). Prefer beer? A range of craft brews is available. If the Milo Flip doesn't get you feeling nostalgic, the Vegemite fries among Head Chef Joshua Kelly's food options will. They're skin-on chips dusted in Vegemite salt, and they're ready to pair with a heap of other dishes. So, the Byron Bay burrata comes with chargrilled mango and witlof salad, the spring rolls feature crocodile and lemon myrtle, the Mooloolaba king prawns are coated with red gum and garlic butter, there's a wagyu rib fillet with Granite Belt red wine jus, and the venue's hot dog is made with grilled kangaroo sirloin and bush chutney. If you'd rather a pizza, topping combinations span chilli, chargrilled pineapple and prawns; grilled peaches and prosciutto; and lemon myrtle kangaroo with a Kakadu plum glaze. As for the decor, eucalyptus plants, vintage signage, timber aplenty — including wooden tables and benches — and iron accents all feature, as does festoon lighting beneath the open sky. Find The Beaumont Beer Garden at 21 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley, from Monday, April 7, 2025 — and head to the venue's website for more details.
Recently, a wave of international hotel chains have been choosing Melbourne as the first spot to drop their luxury accommodations in Australia — Lanson Place and The StandardX. And the latest to join the fold is 1 Hotels, which is preparing to open a luxury hotel at the newly revitalised Northbank Precinct in May 2025. Located right on the Yarra River, the pet-friendly hotel will be home to 277 guest rooms and 114 hotel-branded residences, a slew of drinking and dining destinations, a resident-only rooftop and a lavish day spa. The level-five spa will have a large sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and swimming pool, plus its own gym with in-house trainers. As with 1 Hotels in London, Hollywood and New York, this Melbourne site will include swathes of reclaimed and recycled materials as well as stacks of plants and other natural elements. All in all, you'll find over 2000 plants scattered throughout 1 Hotel Melbourne, plus there'll be direct access to a 3500-square-metre riverside park. This park is part of the new Seafarers Rest precinct, which sits within the broader Northbank Precinct. This oft-forgotten wedge of land between Flinders Street and the river — located opposite Southbank and accessed via the Seafarers Bridge — is preparing for a massive glow-up. And 1 Hotel will be one of its main attractions. 1 Hotel Melbourne is slated to open in May 2025, and will be found at 9 Maritime Place, Melbourne. For more information, you can check out the hotel's website.
Forget Christmas carols — when the end of the year hits, one song stands above the rest in Australia. Maybe you just find yourself singing it as December 21 approaches. Perhaps you make an annual pilgrimage to see Paul Kelly play it, given he usually tours at that time of year for good reason. Or, you could celebrate gravy day by, well, making gravy. The recipe's right there, after all. The song we're talking about: Kelly's Christmas classic 'How to Make Gravy', which was first released in 1996 on an EP of the same name. More than a quarter-century on, it's as intertwined with the festive season Down Under as prawns and street cricket — and it's being turned into a movie. As first reported by Variety, How to Make Gravy will hit screens thanks to Warner Bros. Australia and Speech and Drama Pictures — the latter of which is run by musician Megan Washington and writer/director Nick Waterman — who've locked in the rights to make the song into a film. As anyone who knows the words by heart and is currently singing them right now while they're reading this is well aware, Kelly's tune tells a story, starting with a prisoner called Joe who writes to his brother Dan. Presumably, Stella, Frank and Dolly will all also feature, and Rita, Roger, Mary and her new boyfriend. Junior Murvin will have to pop up on the soundtrack, of course. Also, the words "and give my love to Angus" better get uttered — or would it really be a How to Make Gravy movie? It's far too early for announcements regarding casts and release dates, but you could probably put money on it hitting screens — big or small, whichever it heads to — on December 21. Whether that'll be this year or next also hasn't been revealed, but you're about to get a new gravy day tradition either way. (And, given the character of Joe also pops up in other Kelly songs such as 'To Her Door' and 'Love Never Runs On Time', cross your fingers that we're about to get a PKCU — Paul Kelly cinematic universe — too.) How to Make Gravy, the movie, doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when further details are announced. Via Variety.
We can't know exactly what every moment in history was really like, but we can imagine. Take the events of 1770 that shaped Australia, for example. Sure, there are plenty of accounts of the first interactions between James Cook and the nation's Aboriginal population; but what was it really like? In a project developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast, East Coast Encounter aims to dive deeper into this chapter of the past. More than 40 pieces by 16 creatives contribute a variety of takes on the significant occasion every Australian learns about in school, courtesy of the work of Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, writers and songwriters. The aim of the exhibition is to bring different perspectives and ponderings together, reflecting upon and recreating the moment that two worlds started to combine. Sounds like plenty to view and contemplate, with East Coast Encounter showing at the Caboolture Regional Art Gallery until January 21, 2017. Image: Gail Mabo, Constellation (2014), Monoprint on paper, 59.5 x 89.5cm. Courtesy of Monsoon Press for Umbrella studio.
When amateur photographer Alfred Elliott's glass plate slides were discovered under a Red Hill house in 1983, the world of turn-of-the-century Brisbane came vibrantly to life. Something of our own answer to Vivian Maier, Elliott had a knack for capturing the poetry of the mundane and the special moments in everyday life. Elliott’s work, spanning 50 years, is now accessible through this Museum of Brisbane exhibition. On show is not just the work, but the changing times — a period of explosive population growth was upon us, technological advances and the tumult of the World Wars. Distant and foreign, yet comforting and surprisingly relatable, Elliott also lets us into his personal life, offering snippets of family and home, altogether creating a wholesome and intriguing insight into the times. Make your way to the Museum of Brisbane for a rare glimpse at where we came from and how far we’ve come.
Fish Lane Bistro occupies the old Meatball Company space in The Fox Hotel. While much remains the same — the black chevron benches, red plaid tables and graffiti covered ceilings — you'll be hard pressed to find any meatballs. These days the space is full of quality pub fare at a decent price. Satisfying gourmands and the straight-up hungry, Fish Lane Bistro delivers mains for under $30. And, though it may not win any awards, it will keep you, your stepmother, neighbour and colleagues happy as Larry. We recommend you kick things off with the twice-baked manchego cheese soufflé entree ($16). Fluffy as a cloud, and comparable to a savoury cheesecake in texture, the dish is balanced with sweet pear, balsamic figs and walnuts. But, if cheese ain't your thing, the salmon tartare with cucumber salad ($17) may be up your alley. Mains wise, I can never walk past lamb and, fortunately the lamb rump with charred broccolini and spiced labnah ($29) goes down a treat. If lamb isn't your cup of tea, the sticky wagyu short rib with a mountain of leafy greens ($30) is tender and filling and rivals others elsewhere. For those with hearty appetites, we recommend you add a side or two to your main. Choices range from hand-cut duck fat chips or steamed greens, to spiced cauliflower with chickpeas, cranberries and coriander yogurt or haloumi with sweet corn, pearl couscous and lemon. Then, of course, round it all out with Fish Lane's signature espresso martini with salted caramel and shortbread ($16). Located close to the Cultural Centre, Fish Lane Bistro makes for a perfect pre-show meal and even has a menu to accommodate theatre-goers with two courses for $40.
