Calling all sneakerheads: you can get your kicks while looking at kicks at Australia's new Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street exhibition. Making its debut Down Under, this wide-ranging showcase has arrived at Gold Coast's HOTA Gallery, where it's making its only Aussie stop. It's always a good idea to wear trainers when you're walking around a gallery, but they're obviously the only footwear that'll do here. First staged by The Design Museum in London, Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street pays tribute to the footwear's origins and evolution — through sports to fashion, surveying iconic brands and names, and obviously touching upon basketballers Chuck Taylor and Michael Jordan's relationships with the shoes. In total, more than 200 sneakers are on display at exhibition's six-level Australian base, with HOTA giving over its walls and halls to shoes, shoes and more shoes for the summer of 2023–24. Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street started on on Saturday, November 25, and marks the site's first major design exhibition since opening in 2021. While a hefty amount of trainers feature, the entire showcase includes 400-plus items. The other objects at Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street span photos, videos, posters, artworks and process material, all helping to explore the journey that the footwear style has taken in its design and culturally. Attendees can learn more about sneakers that were initially made specifically for getting sweaty, which is where the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars and Nike Airs come in (and, with the latter, to add to a year that's already seen the movie Air step through the story behind them). Also featuring: the shoes that've become cultural symbols (such as the Vans Half Cab and Reebok InstaPump Fury), future advancements in making kicks (as seen with Biorealize for Puma) and big-name collaborations (Jordan, of course, plus Run-DMC and more). From there, visitors can check out sneakers that've made a splash on the runway (Comme des Carçons and A-Cold-Wall*, for instance), find out more about plant-based sneakers (such as Veja and Native Shoes) and customisable kicks (as Helen Kirkum and Alexander Taylor are doing), and dive into celebrity endorsements (Travis Scott with Nike, Pharell for Adidas and the like). Laid out in chapters called 'STYLE' and 'PERFORMANCE', the exhibition's first part goes big on aesthetics and its second on the act of making the best trainers — covering Chuck Taylor's basketball clinics, sneaker culture in New York City and everything that's happened since. Also, Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street's Aussie run isn't forgetting its location, adding rare homegrown shoes and collaborations to the mix. Remember the Nike Air Presto that the Australian Olympic team wore at Sydney 2000? You'll see it here. The same with the New Balance 997.5 Tassie Tiger and BespokeIND's Melbourne Rules, with the latter made for the 2016 AFL grand final. Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street is the Gold Coast venue's second huge Australian-exclusive in 2023, following Pop Masters: Art From the Mugrabi Collection, New York and its focus on Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring from February–June. In 2024, the site will welcome Italian Renaissance Alive, the latest multi-sensory art experience from the folks behind Van Gogh Alive and Monet in Paris, giving both locals and tourists alike plenty of reasons to drop by. Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street opened on Saturday, November 25 at HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast — head to the exhibition's website for further details and tickets. Images: Milk and Honey Creative.
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef sits on every Australian's bucket list, especially given that the thriving underwater expanse is under threat from climate change. And while most of us have been content to simply swim, snorkel or sail through it — or stay in the Whitsundays and gaze out at it from a sandy beach — visitors to Queensland's far north can now spend a night underwater. Get ready to sleep under the sea at Reefsuites, the Great Barrier Reef's very own underwater hotel. It's not the first space of its type around the world — a resort in the Maldives, submerged villas in Dubai and a room at an African hotel all boast similar experiences — but it is the first at this Aussie natural wonder, and in Australia in general. Launching on Sunday, December 1 as part of a new floating pontoon called Reefword — which is moored at Hardy Reef, around 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach — Reefsuites features two underwater rooms that can sleep four in total. Guests can choose betweeen king double or twin single options, and each room comes with floor-to-ceiling views of the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life. Those underwater vistas are a highlight not only in the bedrooms, but in the attached private ensuites A stay onsite includes all meals, most beverages (beer and wine are part of the package, but cocktails will cost you extra), a night dining experience under the stars, a guided snorkelling tour and a semi-submarine tour, and access to the underwater observatory. Naturally, it doesn't come cheap. Enjoying all of the above will start from $799 per night per person for a double booking (two people in a room), or $1199 for a single — and that covers a stay from 4.30pm on the day of arrival until 2.30pm the next day. As for the $8 million Reefworld pontoon itself, it's a partnership between Cruise Whitsundays and the Queensland Government, and has the capacity to host 300 visitors per day. Measuring 12 metres by 45 metres, it's designed as a hub for diving and snorkelling — as well as a place to stay — and also offers guests access semi-submersible vessels. Announcing the project back in August, Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones noted that Reefworld and Reefsuites will add something new and unique to the popular tourist hotspot. "This will give more people the chance to see the Great Barrier Reef and will allow tourists to experience this natural wonder in new ways." The aim, of course, is to ramp up tourism, with an extra 60,000 visitors per year expected thanks to the new attraction. For more information about Reefsuites, or to book a stay, visit the Cruise Whitsundays website. Images: Cruise Whitsundays.
A road trip through the American South is one of those epic, once-in-a-lifetime journeys. It's also the epitome of Americana and offers an unrivalled way to experience the South. The sheer distance between many of the South's most distinctive sights, sounds, culture and history can only be bridged via four wheels, and there's no freedom quite like the one when you take to the road. Your next destination depends only on your interests and how much fuel (or gas, as it's known in the States) is in the tank. In partnership with Travel South USA, we've curated the best routes in each of the South's nine states to accelerate your trip planning. Create an adventure that's entirely your own by linking up different sections of the region's countless routes. Whether you want to cruise through vibrant towns, savour Southern cuisine or catch your breath in the face of awe-inspiring natural scenery, the open road can take you there in the South. Route 66 — Missouri One of America's most iconic highways, driving along Route 66 is a classic American road trip. Affectionately known as "Mother Road", the route covers over 450 kilometres traversing America from east to west, but Missouri's stretch is one of the highway's best segments. Not only will you pass through two of Missouri's largest cities, encounter well-preserved motor courts harkening to a bygone era and enjoy incredibly scenic views, it also takes in some of the Route's most historic attractions and is lined with fascinating landmarks that will have you stopping the car every couple of miles. Music, Marches and Mardi Gras — Alabama The South is and historically has been a region of outsized cultural impact in America — and a road trip through Alabama is one of the best ways to see the history of the US firsthand. Stop in the central cities of Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, where Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks made history; in Muscle Shoals where music history was made with recordings by many of America's most influential artists; and in Mobile, which is one of America's oldest cities, the birthplace of Mardi Gras and where you'll find fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf. For miles of powdery white sand, beaches, resorts and plenty of outdoor fun, be sure to stop at Alabama's coastal cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach too. Outer Banks Scenic Byway — North Carolina Extending for over 138 miles (about 220 kilometres), the Outer Banks Scenic Byway follows the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Showcasing the region's scenery and history, you'll drive alongside pristine beaches, windswept dunes and local landmarks. In addition to the charming coastal towns en route, be sure to add these must-sees to your road trip itinerary: Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates where the first flights in heavier-than-air aircrafts took place; Jockey's Ridge, the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast; Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you'll find America's tallest lighthouse; and fuel your sightseeing by filling up on oysters along the North Carolina Oyster Trail. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail — Kentucky The American South is the birthplace of bourbon and nowhere is it better to experience that culture than in Bourbon country itself along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The trail takes you through the state's legendary distilleries, showcasing the craft of bourbon-making. With the option to stop at a few distilleries in the state or at each and every single one, the trail can last anywhere from four days to a whole leisurely month on the road — all while taking in the rest of the sights of Kentucky too. Tennessee Scenic Trails & Byways — Tennessee Tennessee's 95 counties are filled with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Take the scenic route and embark on any number of the state's 16 self-guided scenic drives. The trails and byways are a breeze to follow — they're well marked by brown signs — and you'll discover captivating attractions, local eateries and noteworthy stops along the way. Highland Scenic Highway — West Virginia Nestled in the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway is one of the most stunning drives on America's East Coast. Over 43 miles (about 70 kilometres) the route traverses crystal clear rivers and wild forest where native spruce trees tower. This unmissable drive promises panoramic views and adventures in the Potomac Highlands and is one of the best ways to experience West Virginia's natural beauty. [caption id="attachment_988789" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Angela Liguori[/caption] Scenic Highway 11 — South Carolina Named after the Native Americans who once called the South Carolina foothills home, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (South Carolina Highway 11) captures some of the most stunning views of South Carolina's mountains and landscapes. Along the highway, take in views of Table Rock State Park's 350-million-year-old granite dome. Stop along the way for a hike or canoe in the State Park, or continue driving to experience the beautiful Wildcat Branch Falls from the comfort of your car. Natchez Trace Parkway — Mississippi If you've ever wondered where the largest octagonal home in America can be found, the answer lies along the Natchez Trace Parkway at Longwood, a historical home that's listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 444 miles (about 715 kilometres) through Mississippi and two other states, the scenic drive includes historical points of interest and passes through lush forest where outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, or camping amidst the state's wilderness await. Great River Road — Louisiana See all of Louisiana along the Great River Road which follows the Mississippi River from north to south. This route is a designated All-American Road, which means it contains features that can't be found anywhere else in America. On this route, you'll find UNESCO sites such as Poverty Point World Heritage Site, where artifacts dating back to 1700–700 BC are still being uncovered; the Frogmore Plantation and Gins, a still-functioning cotton farm that tells story of slavery in the area; the tallest state capitol building in the US in Baton Rouge; and New Orleans where an abundance of museums can be explored alongside world-class venues and restaurants and a thriving live music scene. Find your next adventure in the South. Discover more unforgettable destinations and start planning your trip with Travel South USA.
When the first and second seasons of Sex and the City spinoff And Just Like That... started streaming, a famous setting made an appearance Down Under. If you'd always wanted to hang out on Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker, Hocus Pocus 2), stoop, that became a temporary reality in Sydney and Melbourne. For season three, which is currently working through its episodes on HBO Max, a different spot from the show is on its way to Australia. We hope you're hungry, be it for something sweet or savoury, because Hot Fellas Bakery is about to hit Sydney. Yes, this purveyor of baked goods is usually fictional. The brainchild of character Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone, Better Things), it lives up to its name in the series. It'll also exist IRL at Darlinghurst's Taylor Square in the Harbour City, but only for one weekend: from Friday, June 27–Sunday, June 29, 2025. Hot Fellas Bakery first made the leap from the screen in New York — where else? — and will do the same in Australia just two weeks after its Big Apple debut. The pastries on offer won't cost you a thing. Neither will the coffee. There'll be limited-edition merchandise up for grabs as well. Equally doing its moniker proud is set to be part of the pop-up, too. On the menu: Vegemite babka, Golden Gaytime cream puffs and AP buttermilk croissants. While Hot Fellas Bakery has locked in a three-day Sydney run, you do only have a brief window of time each day to head by, however. It's operating from 10am–12pm on Friday, June 27, then from 8am–12pm on Saturday–June 28–Sunday, June 29, 2025 — and will close earlier each day if everything is already sold out. [caption id="attachment_1009739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Craig Blankenhorn/Max[/caption] And if you haven't kept up with the Sex and the City world, And Just Like That... debuted in 2021 to continue Carrie, Miranda Hobbes' (Cynthia Nixon, The Gilded Age) and Charlotte York Goldenblatt's (Kristin Davis, Deadly Illusions) stories — with Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall, How I Met Your Father) largely sitting it out, except for a brief cameo in season two. Other familiar faces abound, including John Corbett (To All the Boys: Always and Forever) reprising his role as Aidan Shaw from season two onwards, plus David Eigenberg (Chicago Fire) and Evan Handler (Power) also returning. Check out the trailer for Just Like That... season three below: Hot Fellas Bakery is popping up at Taylor Square, 191–195 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney from 10am–12pm on Friday, June 27, plus 8am–12pm on Saturday–June 28–Sunday, June 29, 2025 (or until sold out). And Just Like That... streams in Australia via HBO Max. Head to the platform's website for more details.
Forged over six decades so far, Robert De Niro's resume contains multitudes. 2025 marks exactly 60 years since his uncredited on-screen debut in Three Rooms in Manhattan — and if a New York-shot French drama seems an unlikely pick for his first-ever movie, it's a case of De Niro starting to build his wide-ranging filmography from the outset. Comedies, thrillers, musicals, horror, dramas and action fare all have a place among his work. His name instantly brings a particular genre to mind, though: gangster flicks. For one, The Godfather Part II, he earned his first Oscar. For Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon), he made a helluva early impression in Mean Streets, then was spectacular in 90s masterpieces Goodfellas and Casino, plus in 2019's The Irishman. With Barry Levinson, another director that he's collaborated with again and again, De Niro one-ups his past organised-crime movies in a specific way, however, including Once Upon a Time in America and The Untouchables. The Alto Knights is a tale of two IRL mob bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Neither figures are new to the screen. They're not even new to Levinson's pictures, after both popped up in Bugsy back in 1991. But here, the Academy Award-winning Rain Man filmmaker and directing veteran — helmer of Diner, The Natural, Good Morning, Vietnam, the first episode of iconic police procedural series Homicide: Life on the Street and two instalments of Dopesick, too, and more — focuses on the pair's relationship as the two childhood pals become fierce rivals. And to stress the connection between Frank and Vito, and draw attention to the parallels between the duo, he has his Sleepers, Wag the Dog, What Just Happened and The Wizard of Lies star play both men. De Niro doing double duty for one of his go-to filmmakers. De Niro leading a gangster picture with a script by Nicholas Pileggi, the crime reporter who wrote the non-fiction books Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family and Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, then co-penned the screenplays for their movie adaptations Goodfellas and Casino with Scorsese. De Niro in a mobster flick produced by Raging Bull, Goodfellas and The Irishman's Irvin Winkler. That's the recipe behind The Alto Knights. It was Winkler who had the idea for De Niro to portray both Frank and Vito, Levinson tells Concrete Playground — and the choice is one of the feature's best moves, especially when the actor is literally facing off against himself. When he's in Frank's shoes, De Niro is all about attempted respectability, as someone who sees diplomacy as the best way to rule the Big Apple's criminal underworld. Switching to Vito, he's the hot head who'll do anything, and bring down anyone, to regain the top job. Costuming, hair and makeup help, but De Niro makes both roles distinctive as the two men, who both grew up as Italians in NYC hanging out together around the titular social club, find themselves battling it out after Vito takes control of the Luciano crime family, then flees to Italy following a run-in with the law, then returns for the throne Frank is now perched on. As has proven true across many of Levinson's movies, since the chatter-heavy Diner with Kevin Bacon (MaXXXine), Mickey Rourke (The Wheels of Heaven), Steve Guttenberg (High Potential), Daniel Stern (For All Mankind), Paul Reiser (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), Tim Daly (Life & Beth) and Ellen Barkin (Poker Face) gave him his directorial debut, there's a storytelling element to The Alto Knights. With the film structured around Frank telling this tale to viewers, add another familiar component to the picture's setup. The narrative shared is one not just about friends turned foes, or about power struggles between mob bosses both vying to sit at the top of the mafia ladder, including the impact upon those around them — Debra Messing (Bros) plays Frank's wife Bobbie, Kathrine Narducci (Godfather of Harlem, and De Niro's past co-star in both The Irishman and A Bronx Tale) is Vito's counterpart Anna and Cosmo Jarvis (Inside) portrays Vito's righthand man Vincent Gigante — but of a moment that changed America and organised crime within it forever. That's one of the reasons that Levinson was so interested in hopping onboard, he advises. And of getting De Niro acting opposite himself as the film's two lead characters, it helped that the two-time Oscar-winner (for Raging Bull as well) and seven-time nominee beyond his two victories (for Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Awakenings, Cape Fear, Silver Linings Playbook, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon) is "one of the great actors in the history of cinema" and "has great instincts as an actor", he notes. Speaking with Levinson, we dived into the decision-making behind that pivotal casting, digging into Frank and Vito's connection, and the organic nature of De Niro's performance. On Casting De Niro as Both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese This is a film with history, not only because it heads back to the 50s — and to the decades around it. But if The Alto Knights had made it to the screen before now, those twin De Niro performances mightn't have been at its centre. "Well, it came about — originally this goes back, I guess people have been trying to do a movie about Frank Costello for years," Levinson explains. "And Nick Pileggi got involved and was working on something, and I came onto the project. And somehow we were talking about Vito, and he was a character in it, but the idea was 'well, why don't we just follow what took place?'." "That they were best friends as kids, they hung around The Alto Knights place, and as they grew older, best friends, they started to grow apart. One was much more ruthless and spontaneous in doing things. The other one was much more deliberate, almost a corporate sensibility about how to run the mafia. And then the clash of the two," he continues. "And so when we began to really get that together, Nick's writing, and we had a draft of it, we gave it to Irwin Winkler. And Irwin Winkler liked the draft and he said 'what about Bob playing both roles?'." "And I was thinking for a second, and I went 'well, that's s an interesting way to — we are talking about one of the great actors in the history of cinema, so it's not like this is impossible for him to do. Let's see what he thinks'." "And he responded well, and then that's how that all came about." On What Appealed to Levinson About Digging Into Costello and Genovese's Connection in The Alto Knights, Especially After Featuring Both Figures as Characters in 1991's Bugsy When Frank and Vito last played a part in a Levinson movie more than four decades ago, they weren't the focus. Bugsy hones on its namesake, with Warren Beatty (Rules Don't Apply) as Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. But because Bugsy had his own key childhood link to Charles "Lucky" Luciano, they're all in the same slice of the mob world. Before Vito and Frank's stints at the apex of the Luciano crime family, Lucky was in the job first. (In a film that also flashes backwards, NCIS and Mayor of Kingstown alum Amadeo Fusca plays him in The Alto Knights.) A Frank- and Vito-centric film interested Levinson "because we were watching the mafia as Vito took over, and then because of having to leave the country and turning it over to Frank, it began to change," he says. "And that change led to a feud between the two of them, basically because of Vito wanting control again. You go 'well, that's a great conflict. That's a story to explore'." "And then: 'what happened because of that?'. It wasn't like it was just two guys and one killed the other or whatever, maybe. It changed the whole, in the sense it brought the hearings on organised crime, that all came about because of the incident that takes place in the film." "And you'd say 'well, this is an interesting arc of the mafia and what happened. That's a story that's interesting'. That was basically 'can we tell that story?'." On the Direction That You Give Someone When They're Playing Two Different Characters in the Same Film How do you guide someone as a director, if you even need to in the case of an actor of De Niro's calibre and experience, when they're tasked with portraying two completely different characters and giving two completely different performances in the one movie? And how does the process of building the two parts work? "He has great instincts as an actor," Levinson calls out to begin with. "And as we would go along in the process leading up to the filming of it, you're talking about one character, you're talking about the other character, this piece of information, that piece of information — you just start adding that. Bob absorbs it." "Then you're going through the whole process of makeup. 'What does this one look like? What does that one look like? How do we do this? How do we handle that?'. And then that starts coming in — and then 'what is the rhythm of the way they talk to one another?'. One is slow, much more deliberate. The other one is faster, quicker, more sort of dangerous in the way that he throws ideas around. And then you start putting these pieces together," Levinson adds. "And then, of course, in the process of the shooting, we would sit down in Bob's trailer and go over the scene and tweak it a little bit and tweak it a little bit. And 'hey, what about this?'. And then you add to it and you keep building for it. And at the end of the day, after you build all that, you want to create the spontaneity. And that's what Bob can do — he's not mechanically going through one character or another." "There's a spontaneity about them that it feels like these two guys are talking to one another, and they're making up things as they go along, rather than 'I say my line, now you say your line'. It just feels more organic." The Alto Knights opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
You might only eat birthday cake when it's your own big day, or if someone you know is celebrating. In October, commemorating 11 years of Lune Croissanterie also counts. As it did in 2022, the cult-favourite bakery is marking its latest occasion with one of its Frankenstein's monster-style sweet treats: a twice-baked birthday cake croissant. Each month, Lune Croissanterie whips up a new batch of limited-time specials, giving you something tasty to look forward to when you flip over your calendar. Iced Vovo cruffins, twice-baked finger bun croissants, pumpkin pie cruffins, lasagne pastries, lamington cruffins, its own take on baklava: they've all been on the list so far in 2023, just for a month. Now comes the return of its sprinkles-topped birthday treat, alongside other bites such as Snickers cruffins, choc-chip cookie pastries and an everything croissant. As also seen in Lune's very own cookbook by founder Kate Reid, the birthday cake croissant is exactly what it sounds like. Lune has taken a traditional croissant, filled it with birthday cake frangipane, then topped it with a sprinkle crumble, buttercream icing and then even more sprinkles. What's a birthday without sprinkles, after all? A bad one. The birthday cake croissant is available everywhere except the Melbourne CBD store right through the month until Tuesday, October 31, and you can order it online from Armadale in Melbourne, plus South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane. The rest of the list pops up here and there — but always at at least one spot in Melbourne and Brisbane, where Lune currently operates until it launches in Sydney in 2024. If you're excited about the Snickers cruffins, it takes a Lune cruffin, pipes in peanut crème pâtissière and salted caramel, then adds chocolate ganache and sundae peanuts on top. The bakery describes it as "like a chocolate-chip cookie, a muffin, croissant and a Snickers bar all rolled into one delicious package". The twice-baked choc-chip cookie pastries are filled with milk choc chips and a Marie biscuit frangipane, then score melted dulce chocolate ganache and choc-chip cookie chunks drizzled over them. As for the everything croissant, it's a take on the everything bagel featuring herb paste and chive cream cheese. There's also a hazelnut pudding that's made with Frangelico caramel hazelnut financier and praline cream, if you still need something to tempt your tastebuds. Lune's October specials menu runs until Tuesday, October 31, with different specials on offer at Armadale, Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne, and South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane. From the Armadale, South Brisbane and Burnett Lane stores, you can also order them online. Images: Pete Dillon.
Low and slow barbecuing has long become one of Brisbane's favourite styles of food preparation, and there's a festival to prove it. Come Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 18, the Victoria Park sporting fields will be engulfed in the kind of smoky, spicy taste sensations that can only come from taking your time to lock in as much goodness as possible. Following on from sold-out fests in previous years, the fifth annual Brisbane BBQ Festival will once again see a convoy of food trucks, burger joints and more converge upon Herston to prove their culinary patience. They'll be starting up their ovens long before their doors open, and you'll get to devour the long-simmering rewards. Between sampling from the likes of Brisket & Co, Black Iron Smokers, The Bacon Strip Club and Ze German Sausage, you'll also watch teams of professionals battle it out to be crowned the low and slow champions, all while scoring free samples of their creations. Or, sip frosty bevs at pop-up bars, learn new skills at masterclasses and workshops, and browse the marketplace for barbecue-related products to help you whip up a storm at home.
Back in 2007, when the original, UK version Skins started airing and you started watching, you didn't know how handy your new favourite show was going to be. These days, an actor from the first two generations of the cast pops up in just about everything. Nicholas Hoult was in Mad Max: Fury Road and the last three X-Men movies. Dev Patel went on to star in Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold flicks. Jack O'Connell just stole the show from George Clooney and Julia Roberts in Money Monster. And don't forget Hannah Murray and Joe Dempsie are in Game of Thrones. Yes, your British teen drama fandom certainly is useful when it comes to spotting familiar faces in current films and television programs — but consider that a warmup. We're going to stop listing all the awesome things former Skins talent have done, because we don't want to give away all the answers to the ultimate test of your love: Brightside's Skins UK Generation 1&2 Trivia. We know, we know — there really is a trivia night for everything these days; however you know you want to go to this one. Man vs Bear will be asking the questions about Effy, Cook, Tony, Sid, Michelle, Jal, Cassie and the gang, and if you want to respond, you'll need to register in advance. It's free, there'll be prizes (of course), and if you're keen to keep celebrating all things English, you can hang around afterwards for Brighty's Smiths Tribute.
Describing a dance and a state of uncertainty alike, limbo is one of those always-intriguing words. Many terms boast multiple meanings, but this one skirts two ends of the spectrum — the party-fuelled joy of a parade of people trying to pass under a bar while bending over backwards, and the malaise of being stuck waiting and not knowing. Both require a degree of flexibility, though, to either complete physical feats or weather the fickleness of life (or, in limbo's religious usage, of being caught in an oblivion between heaven and hell). It's no wonder then that British writer/director Ben Sharrock chose the word for his second feature, following 2015's Pikadero. His Limbo lingers in a realm where men are made to contort themselves, biding one's time anticipating a decision is the status quo and feeling like you've been left in a void is inescapable. The fancy footsteps here are of the jumping-through-hoops kind, as Limbo ponders a revelatory question: what happens when refugees are sent to a Scottish island to await the results of their asylum applications? There's zero doubting how telling the movie's moniker is; for Syrian musician Omar (Amir El-Masry, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) and his fellow new arrivals to Scotland, there's little to do in this emptiness between the past and the future but wait, sit at the bus stop, check out the children's playground and loiter near the pay phone. That, and navigate the wide range of reactions from the locals, which veer from offensive to thoughtful. Everything about the situation demands that Omar and his companions make all the expected moves, but it also forces them to potter around in purgatory and stomach whatever is thrown at them to do so. In Omar's case, he's made the trip with an actual case — physically, that is, thanks to his prized possession. He's brought his grandfather's oud with him, which he rarely lets slip from his grasp, and so he feels its weight where he goes. It's a canny part of Limbo's script in two ways. Whatever they're fleeing in search of a better life, every refugee has a case to be welcomed into safer lands that they carry around with them, but Sharrock manifests the idea in a tangible sense. With Omar's musical dreams, which the beloved oud also represents, in limbo as well, the ever-present instrument additionally acts as a constant reminder of the sacrifices that asylum seekers make in leaving their homes, even when there's no other option, and the costs they pay when they're met with less-than-open arms, then left waiting for their new existence to begin. Just as the term limbo means so much, so does that oud — and so does the feature it's in. A film can be heartbreaking, tender, insightful and amusing all at once, and Limbo is indeed all of those things. It's both dreamlike and lived-in, too, a blend that suits its title and story — and also the mental and emotional state shared by Omar and his other asylum seekers as they eke out their hope and resilience day after unchanging day, all while roaming and roving around an island that may as well be another world. The Scottish landscape around them looks like it could grace a postcard, and Sharrock has cinematographer Nick Cooke (Make Up) box it into an almost-square frame to make it resemble vacation snaps. That choice of 1.33:1 aspect ratio also confines the movie's characters in another fashion, of course, offering a blatant visual flipside to the holiday-perfect splendour; being trapped anywhere is bleak, even if it appears picturesque. Omar has company in his misery: in the run-down house he's installed into, Afghani Farhad (Vikash Bhai, Hanna) is more optimistic, while Abedi (Kwabena Ansah, Enterprice) from Ghana and Wasef (Ola Orebiyi, Cherry) from Nigeria wait the wait with them. The biggest events in their routines come via talks by Helga (Sidse Babett Knudsen, The Translators) and Boris (Kenneth Collard, Fanny Lye Deliver'd), government officials, about appropriate behaviour and 'cultural awareness' in the fresh lives they haven't get been given permission to start. If hell is other people, as Jean-Paul Sartre coined, limbo is being told what to do by other people while lacking the means and opportunity to do it. A film can be both heavy and light simultaneously as well, which is another of Limbo's strengths, with every dose of biting truth counterbalanced by a wry streak. Sharrock sees both seriousness and levity in his narrative, his characters and their plights, and recognises the nightmarish and the beautiful in tandem. Obviously, the latter especially applies to the feature's aforementioned haunting cinematography, which lenses a place that keeps Omar pals physically in limbo with a probing eye, but it also ruminates on the small delights. Limbo is a film about people first and foremost, and also spies the solace they bring each other — and the catharsis they find when they need to, including when they're so far from home, not really by choice, and endeavour to find themselves a new one. In a movie that's witty and perceptive, affectionate and poignant, and unwavering and clear-eyed, the tonal seesaw that Sharrock rides and perfects is just that: perfection. Trauma, racism and punishment by bureaucracy sit beside friendship, Freddie Mercury obsessions and binge-watching Friends; yes, whether Ross and Rachel were on a break comes up. Limbo's casting is perfection also, because so much hangs upon El-Masry's ability to convey the whirlwind of emotions torturing Omar inside. He's trying to reconcile where he's stuck now with what he's left, and watching him fight that battle — in scenes where he's calling home to talk to his mother especially — epitomises the film at its most moving. That's the movie overall, too, lingering as it is between knowing what's right, best, smart and safe, and wanting what the heart wants when blighted by pain and dreariness. Limbo is a feature about coping with that dance, and it's something to willingly dwell on.
Guns N' Roses just busted out 'November Rain' there on a November evening. Elton John will hit it up in January, closely followed by Red Hot Chili Peppers the same month. That venue: Suncorp Stadium. When a band or musician plays the Milton site, they're always a big name — and more of them might now be coming to town over the next few years. To host mega-popular acts, you need a stadium that can welcome a hefty crowd, and the Castlemaine Street location is a Brisbane go-to. But, it's also surrounded by homes and shops, as well as small streets that aren't well-equipped for the traffic — and parking — that a big gig can bring. So, there's a cap on the number of concerts that Suncorp Stadium can host in order to not annoy the neighbours. In 2023 and 2024, however, that figure is going up temporarily — doubling from six to 12. The idea is to attract more major concerts and help give the Queensland economy a boost, announced Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. "We're seeing a stream of major international music acts putting together plans to get back on the road with world stadium tours after Covid," Hinchliffe said in a statement. "Right now, Suncorp Stadium — with its central location, capacity and public transport capability — is highly sought-after by promoters bringing music events to Australia. Whether it's Ed Sheeran or the Red Hot Chili Peppers, major concerts bring visitors who spend millions of dollars in the tourism economy and support local jobs." "Five concert events are already locked in for Suncorp Stadium in the first two months of 2023." [caption id="attachment_861847" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Gibson[/caption] There's no word yet on which big names might be tempted Brisbane's way to fill the extra concert slots. Still, if you've ever been annoyed because your favourite superstar musician or band has played Sydney and Melbourne, only to give Brissie a miss — a familiar scenario — consider this a promising move. In the past, the venue has played host to U2, The Police, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, One Direction, Bon Jovi, Queen, Justin Bieber, Phil Collins, Robbie Williams and more, so thats the calibre of acts the Queensland Government is hoping to attract. Before locking in the temporary change, the Queensland Government sought community feedback, with 78 percent of folks responding supporting the concert cap's increase, including 168 local residents and businesses in the Lang Park Traffic Area. [caption id="attachment_859836" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pavel Suslov[/caption] Find Suncorp Stadium at 40 Castlemaine Street, Milton. For more information about upcoming gigs at the venue, check out the Suncorp Stadium website. Top image: Richard Greenwood via Tourism and Events Queensland.
Seligman (Stellan Skarsgård) comes across Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg), lying broken and beaten in the street. She refuses an ambulance, so he takes her back to his house, where she tells him the story of lifelong obsession with sex. Nymphomaniac is, in many territories around the world, released in two separate parts. In Australia, we are getting the whole thing in one massive four-hour go, albeit with some of the more extreme material cut. Although it's hard to imagine they cut much, given what's left in. There's a good chance that Nymphomaniac will confirm your preconceived notions of director Lars von Trier. To his fans, it is a bold, funny, challenging film that dives headlong into a difficult subject. To his detractors, it is further evidence that von Trier's idea of provocative cinema is a rote combination of mental illnesses and genital close-ups. I should confess at this point that I am traditionally a von Trier detractor, but one who claimed his previous work, Melancholia, to be one of 2011's best films. Nymphomaniac, however, is a litany of his worst tendencies. He seems terrified of sincerity; every moment that comes dangerously close to a human emotion is immediately undercut with a cynical aside as we cut jarringly back to the 'present -day' story. What should be a clever framing device becomes a get-out-of-jail free card for von Trier. Joe and Seligman fall over themselves to acknowledge the extraordinary coincidences in Joe's story, as if von Trier thinks this makes up for lazy writing. Or is winking at us to show us the lazy writing is deliberate. Either way, he seems to believe a veil of self-aware cynicism insulates him against potential criticism. It does not. Now, it must be acknowledged that making fun of Shia LaBeouf these days is like shooting fish in a barrel, and must only be attempted when the situation absolutely calls for it. This is one such situation. Casting LaBeouf as one of the 'English' characters feels like von Trier's biggest prank, and LaBeouf enters each scene as if he was asked to try some sort of Britishy accent moments before 'action!' was called. I'm not saying it's bad; I'm saying nobody's allowed to make fun of Dick Van Dyke ever again. There's an adage in filmmaking that if you have a great ending, audiences will forgive any trespasses. And Nymphomaniac, I must confess, has a great ending. It went out on such an impressive note, it almost made me forget my problems with the proceeding four hours. Almost. Ardent fans of von Trier will find much to enjoy in this film, as he continues exploring the themes and styles of works such as Breaking the Waves, Dogville and Dancer in the Dark. If you do not count yourself as a fan, then I suggest you stay well away. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gdxzno5Xp2Y
As far as cocktails go, mimosas rank among the easiest to whip up, even if you'll never give Australia's best bartenders a run for their money. But maybe you just never get the quantities of sparkling and orange juice right. Perhaps you always find either champers or OJ in your fridge, but not both. Or, you could love sipping mimosas at brunch picnics and aren't so fond of lugging around multiple different bottles. Whichever fits, new Australian brand mYmosa has a solution. It serves up mimosas in a can, all ready for you to enjoy without doing any mixing yourself. Pick up one of the label's tinnies and you'll be drinking Australian dry white wine paired with natural orange flavours, then carbonated — and you won't be doing any pouring yourself. If it sounds like the kind of tipple you now wished you'd thought of, you won't be surprised to hear that it came about after mYmosa founders Amanda Goddard and Bec Pini went on a work trip to New York City in 2017, found themselves sipping sparkling rosé out of cans — and mimosas at breakfast — and had a brainwave. The two Brisbane marketing and communications professionals then spent five years pursuing their mimosa-in-a-can idea, aided by a lull in work that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. Clearly, we now know how the duo spent lockdown. "Bec and I have always been known as the first to start a party and last to leave a party, so it just feels like a natural progression to create a beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, anywhere and at any occasion," explains Goddard. "We are a classic start-up story, where the kitchen bench, a soda stream, ample variations of wine and orange became our laboratory," adds Pini. "Fast forward, and we have worked with a formulation team, a winery and a manufacturer to create our 'little darling'." mYmosa's 250-millilitre cans are vegan and gluten-free, and currently available via online bottle shop SIP'ER, retailing for $10 a tin or $34 for a four-pack. Or, you can nab cases of 16 via the mYmosa website for $128.40. While the brand has launched with one variety, Goddard and Pini are working through new formulations — so your canned drinks list might soon be growing. There's something to say cheers to, over an Aussie tinned mimosa of course. Find mYmosa cans on sale now via online bottle shop SIP'ER, retailing for $10 a tin or $34 for a four-pack.
Flanked by industrial neighbours, Rogue Bistro might just be one of Brisbane's best-hidden treasures. Serving breakfast and lunch on weekends, and dinner Tuesday-Saturday nights, Rogue adds an appreciated dynamic to the Brisbane food scene: fine dining without the fuss. The staff are genuine, welcoming and enormously attentive to their guests needs. The decor has an understated elegance (even in the bathroom), and a canopy of fairy lights adds a welcome sparkle to the neighbourhood. And don't get me started on the food. A sincere passion for the trade shines through in every meal plated by the kitchen. A recent menu change merely reinforces the chef's talents for combining flavours and techniques to create memorable food experiences. The drinks menu lists well-crafted cocktails next to a range of beers, ciders, wines and non-alcoholic refreshments to keep all thirsts at bay as you try to answer the night's most pertinent question: what to eat. The dinner menu is a cruel friend, tempting you to order every item listed. To combat food envy that so often accompanies a meal, 'The Ark' ($45pp) gives you the chance to choose three animals and three sides to share between two. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the depth of the menu and delight your tastebuds to no end. Pig, bird and sheep proved to be a winning combination when accompanied by honey-roasted carrots with labna and the braised beetroot salad with candied walnuts and gorgonzola. Although you'll think you are extraordinarily full after dinner (which you will be), there is always room for dessert. The menu is short but sweet, with only four options to choose from. The staff highly recommend the cherry ripe chocolate fondant ($13), but the lemon tart ($13) was the winner at our table. The balance of the citrus curd, raspberry puree and the playful vanilla floss melt into one delightful spoonful after another. For those lacking a sweet tooth, cheese for two ($18) with quince and dried fruits should certainly satisfy. However, dinner is not the only thing Rogue gets right. Weekend brunch comes in many shapes and sizes, as can be seen across their Facebook page. Highlights include pancakes with salted caramel and fruits ($16); the spiced mince pot with poached eggs, avocado salsa and creme fraiche ($19); and avocado on toast with chorizo, sweet corn salsa, goats curd and almond dukkah.
There's a new kid on Brisbane's bubble tea block, but this one's no amateur. In fact, Milksha is one of Taiwan's leading bubble tea chains. First launched back in 2004 — and now boasting hundreds of outposts across Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau and Canada — the company originally made its debut Down Under in Melbourne in 2019. Now, it's heading to another Australian city, opening the doors to a shiny new Albert Street store on Thursday, April 7. Known as Milkshop to its Taiwanese fans, Milksha was founded by a dairy farmer and sets itself apart from competitors by using fresh milk. It took almost two decades, but now those creamy bubble teas will finally be on offer in Brissie. With hopes of winning a new legion of local bubble tea fans, Milksha Brisbane is serving up its signature milky drinks, seasonal juices and specialty teas. So, what exactly will you find in your Milksha drink? Well, if bubble tea's your thing, you'll want to check out the honey pearl toppings — tapioca pearls cooked in honey and flash-frozen before being shipped to Brisbane. There's also matcha from century-old Japanese brand Izumo Tousuien, fresh taro milk made with taro imported from Taiwan's famed Dajia District, Valrhona cocoa. and a range of vibrant toppings such as milk pudding and herbal fairy-grass jelly Other tea flavours include brown sugar, wintermelon, earl grey and barley, as well as mango and orange green tea blends. When it first hit Melbourne, Milksha sold more than 1000 cups a day during its initial two weeks — if you're wondering just how popular these milky bubble teas are. And, to celebrate its arrival in Brisbane, Milksha is giving away free earl grey tea lattes from 11am on Thursday, April 7 — until stock runs out. Find Milksha at 115 Albert Street, CBD from Thursday, April 7. Images: Tim Harris.
Summer might be in full swing on both sides of the ditch, but it's never too early to start thinking about your music festival plans for the year ahead, as well as how to spend the frostier months. One solution that ticks both boxes: Queenstown winter music festival and ski trip Snow Machine, which is returning in September 2023 for its huge second year. It's the hottest festival for the colder months, packed with five snow-filled days of music and adventure at two mountain-topping ski resorts this year. On the just-dropped lineup sits a heap of must-see names, including Art vs Science, Hayden James, Hilltop Hoods, The Jungle Giants and Peking Duk, all helping give Snow Machine's winter wonderland a thumping soundtrack. After launching in Japan in 2020, the festival was actually supposed to make its arrival in Aotearoa in September 2021 but was cancelled due to the pandemic. It finally debuted in September 2022, and now makes a comeback from Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10, 2023. Attendees will be treated to action-packed days on the slopes, après ski events on both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, and a hefty roster of international acts against the idyllic backdrop of New Zealand's adventure capital. Also dropping in to share the stage will be Benee, Broods, Coterie, Danny Clayton, Jacotène and Jimi The Kween, as well as Kate Fox, Neil Frances, Northeast Party House, Pete Murray, Set Mo, Shapeshifter, Stace Cadet (doing a DJ set), Sweet Mix Kids and Zahn Walker. Other than the wintry backdrop, one of the things that sets Snow Machine apart from other music fests is being able to book your entire getaway with your ticket. Packages span both five and seven nights of accommodation, and include a four-day festival ticket and five-day ski pass. If you'd rather make your own way or pass on the skiing, there are 'ticket only' options — and VIP packages if you really want to do it in style. Festival goers are also encouraged to immerse themselves in the adventure capital by adding on heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and skydiving — and that's on top of Snow Machine's huge welcome party, and vintage retro day dedicated to old-school ski suits. Also returning in 2023: the second annual Polar Bare, which endeavours to set a world record for the most amount of people heading down the slopes their swimwear. SNOW MACHINE 2023 LINEUP: Art vs Science Benee Broods Coterie Danny Clayton Hayden James Hilltop Hoods Jacotène Jimi The Kween The Jungle Giants Kate Fox Neil Frances Northeast Party House Peking Duk Pete Murray Set Mo Shapeshifter Stace Cadet (DJ set) Sweet Mix Kids Zahn Walker Tom Tilley and Hugo Gruzman present First Base Snow Machine will be held from Tuesday, September 5–Sunday, September 10, 2023 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Presale tickets go on sale from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, January 17, with general tickets available from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, January 18. For more information, visit the festival's website. Images: Pat Stevenson/Ben Lang. 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.
Think bright sights in Brisbane, and Riverfire probably springs to mind. Or, if you're fond of all things festive, any one of the city's Christmas displays might, too. But the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens plays host to another must-see luminous attraction each year: Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside, which turns the riverside CBD spot into a dazzling outdoor art gallery — after dark as well. The 2022 event is all locked in, so mark Friday, May 20–Sunday, May 29 in your diary. For ten days, from 5–10pm daily, the gardens will come alive with artworks, installations and projections, with nine pieces set to liven up the already-scenic inner-city spot. On the artist lineup: Leila Honari, Julie Monro-Allison, Tim Gruchy and more. And if previous years' pieces are anything to go by, expect everything from the gardens' plant life to its furniture and buildings to get quite the vibrant makeover. All those shimmering sights will be paired with twilight walks, interactive workshops and talks, as well as a discovery trail for children. You'll be able to watch artworks created live, too — and contribute to them — and also hit up food trucks and an outdoor bar from Friday–Sunday. Of course, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens has always been more than just that patch of grass and trees at the edge of the CBD thanks to its gorgeous greenery, ponds filled with cute turtles, free exercise classes and more — but it's never more alluring than during this fest. And if you missed the first three events in 2018, 2019 and 2021 — or if you went along and loved it — 2022's event promises a whole heap of new garden wonders. Either way, prepare to roam through the centre of Brisbane and see its natural splendour in a whole new way. Top image: 'Museum of our lost world' (2021) by Simone Eisler.
No one should spend their lunch break eating at their desk, but stopping that habit isn't always easy. From Monday, February 3–Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is giving you plenty of motivation to step away from the computer. Head to the riverside spot from Monday–Thursday for a middle-of-the-day meal and your lunch costs will start at $25. Seven HSW venues are getting in on the deal, with most serving up multiple options — so you can pick between several dishes at Felons Brewing Co, Felons Barrel Hall, Mr Percival's, Stanley, Greca, Yoko Dining and Ciao Papi. Or, you can work your way through them all (and stare at their slightly different views of the water) across two months. You'll just need to keep an eye on each eatery's opening hours — and, while you can just rock up, bookings are recommended. As for what you'll be eating during the Let's Dine festivities, the specials are varied. Double smash burgers, baked fish and char-grilled eggplant parmigianas are on offer at Felons, while chicken and cashew stir fry, warm pork salad and noodles in beef curry broth are on the menu at the brewery's Barrel Hall — all for $25 each, and not just for lunch, with the deal running from 11am–late. For dining over the water, Mr Percival's is doing grilled fish, pork cutlets and pumpkin lasagne for between $25–29 — and also from 11am–late. If you're keen on Ciao Papi, you'll be eating a two-course menu for $49 from 12–3pm that includes a glass of wine or beer, plus a pick of dishes such as kingfish crudo and roast chicken. Stanley also has a two-dish spread for the same price from 12–4pm, but with selections including duck spring rolls and Beijing shredded beef. Opt for Greca or Yoko and you'll be paying $35 — for a souvlaki platter at the former from 12–3pm, with your choice of chicken, haloumi or seasonal vegetables; and for a bento box at the latter from 12–4pm, with a vegan option available.
Many a bar, pub, club and watering hole line Fortitude Valley's streets; however, there's one thing that the suburb hasn't had until now. While craft breweries have been popping up nearby in Newstead, in the CBD under the Story Bridge and over the river at Kangaroo Point, the inner-city hotspot has remained quiet on the beer-making front — but that's where Soapbox Beer comes in. Taking over an old agricultural store on the corner of Gipps Street and Ranwell Lane, and open since December 2018, the newcomer both brews and serves up its hoppy beverages onsite. In a spacious venue filled with reclaimed timber and industrial fittings largely nabbed from demolition works, you'll find a 2000-litre steam brew system pumping out Soapbox's core brews, plus a 200-litre system for seasonal and smaller batch beers. Always pouring through the taps are five particular beverages: a malt and citrus-heavy pale ale, a chocolatey and bitter dark ale, an IPA with orange notes, a slightly sweet kolsch and an American-style amber ale. To help line the stomach, Soapbox also slings a menu of share plates, snacks, steaks and burgers, many of which include beer as an ingredient. Between pints, you can tuck into potato curry croquettes with a pale ale vindaloo sauce or a grilled wagyu beer steak with a porter onion gravy — or a brisket burger with beer-pickled daikon, the obligatory beer-battered fish and chips, and even beer fudge brownies with hops salted caramel sauce. As for the folks responsible, Soapbox is the brainchild of craft beer aficionados Luke Nixon and Scott Robertson, who started home-brewing six years ago. They've now traded in their film industry and corporate jobs to jump from making tipples in their backyards to whipping up beverages in the centre of Brissie's nightlife scene, with help from Greg James as their new head brewer. Images: Rachael Nixon.
D4vd has officially been removed from the touring lineup of Spilt Milk, in the midst of official investigations into a dead body discovered in a Tesla registered in the artist's name. His 2025 touring schedule has been up in the air ever since the investigation began, but after quietly being scrubbed on the weekend, the organisers have confirmed their decision today as reported on Rolling Stone. The body was discovered in the Tesla trunk after police were called to a tow yard in Hollywood to investigate reports of a foul smell coming from the car. It took a week for medical examiners to identify the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing for over a year. Burke was on tour when Rivas' body was discovered, and he continued to play shows. "Last week we removed d4vd from our website and marketing out of respect for the unfolding story," a statement reads. "We can now confirm d4vd will not perform at Spilt Milk and we are working on a replacement booking which we'll announce as soon as it's finalised." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Spilt Milk (@spiltmilk_au) Tickets for d4vd's headline shows while in the country have also been quietly scrapped. Rolling Stone AU/NZ has contacted promoters for comment. According to a previously released statement, Burke has been "cooperating" with authorities during the investigation. He has not been named as a suspect or a person of interest, nor has he been accused of any crimes. While authorities haven't identified a suspect or person of interest yet, several details about the investigation have come out. For instance, the impounded Tesla was towed from the affluent Bird Streets neighbourhood in the Hollywood Hills, with neighbors telling Rolling Stone that it had been spotted in various places. It was eventually towed from a spot on Bluebird Avenue, where sources said it had been sitting for at least three weeks. After Rivas was identified, law enforcement searched a house around the block from where the car was towed. Police left with several items, including a computer. The home's owner later confirmed to Rolling Stone that the residence had been rented to Burke's manager, Josh Marshall, last year, starting in February 2024. Spilt Milk will take place in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast between Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 14. For more information on the lineup, visit the website.
If you're a pet owner, you'll know if can be difficult getting your dog/cat/iguana/parrot/rat from A to B — especially if you don't own a car. Example A: your friend has given you and Fido a ride to the beach, then bailed and left you and the fluffy boy stranded. Trains are out (in NSW or Queensland), Fido's too big for a box on a bus, you're nowhere near a ferry or CityCat, so you book a taxi, but the drive takes one look at sandy Fido and says no. Thankfully, this type of scenario will be left in the past when Uber Pet launches in Sydney and Brisbane tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10. Launching as a trial, Uber Pet will be available in your Uber app as a separate option — alongside UberX, Comfort and Pool — and will match you with a driver who's happy to pick up pets. It'll cost an extra $6–7 per ride, with some of that passed onto the drivers, too. While the cat below may not agree, it's really a win-win scenario. If the trial is a success, it'll be rolled out nationally as a permanent option on the app. So, you can plan more trips to dog-friendly pubs, beaches and parks. And get to the vet a little easier (don't tell your cat). While Uber expects cats and dogs will be the most common passengers, it allows any kind of domesticated animal use the service — at the driver's discretion. Assistance and service animals are still allowed in regular Ubers, as they are on all forms of public transport. You can read more about travel for assistance animals in NSW and Queensland here. Uber Pet is available in Sydney and Brisbane from Tuesday, March 10.
Since November 2024, 200,000 people have enjoyed an IRL Bluey experience in Brisbane, wandering through the immersive installation dedicated to the series in the city that the animated hit sprang from. That number is set to grow. Due to its unsurprising success, Bluey's World is sticking around the Queensland capital, extending its season until February 2026. On- and off-screen, Bluey is inseparable from Brissie. For its setting, the hit animated series takes inspiration from the Sunshine State spot. It also hails from a studio based in the River City. The Heeler home resembles Brisbane's Queenslanders, too. And back in 2022 when a replica of the Bluey house popped up temporarily, there was only one place for it. It always made sense, then, that stepping inside the famous show would happen in the exact right location. Announced in 2023, Bluey's World gets attendees walking around life-sized sets that recreate the beloved family-friendly staple. Yes, the Heeler house and yard are part of the setup — for real life. Yes, you can expect to hear "wackadoo!" more than once while you're there. Movie World might've badged itself as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, but it's no longer the only big tourist hotspot giving visitors to southeast Queensland — and locals as well — a chance to explore their on-screen favourites IRL. Sprawling across 4000 square metres, Bluey's World features the Heelers' living room, playroom, kitchen, backyard (poinciana tree included) and more. Alongside bringing the global TV sensation's sets into reality, it also boasts familiar interactive games such as Keepy Uppy and Magic Xylophone, plus other activities for both kids and adults. Haven't accompanied your own little ones, or your nieces and nephews, to Bluey's World yet? Perhaps you know that appreciating the adorable Aussie show about a family of blue heelers isn't just for children, but you still haven't made the trip. Either way, this addition to Northshore Pavilion in Northshore Brisbane is big — literally thanks to its sizeable floor plan. And yes, as seen in the series, you can arrive via CityCat, including right through until early next year. "The response to Bluey's World has been phenomenal. Seeing families laugh, play and explore the attraction firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. We set out to create a truly special experience, and it's wonderful to watch it become a must-visit Brisbane destination for fans of all ages," said Bluey's World Producer Andrew Kay. "We're so proud of the one-of-a-kind experience we've created, and with the season now extended, we can't wait to welcome even more fans to Bluey's World. Reaching 200,000 visitors in just a few months is a testament to the love and enthusiasm for Bluey. It's been amazing to see families from all over the world step into Bluey's home and immerse themselves in the Heeler family's adventures," added BBC Studios ANZ Head of Commercial Scott Modra. Visitors should plan to spend 70 minutes bounding through the experience — and will also find an indoor playground that nods to Bluey's Brisbane neighbourhood, plus spring rolls and pizza on offer at the cafe. There's a soundscape to match, plus a gift shop. Bluey's World is exclusive to Brisbane, making it a tourist attraction to fans not only locally and nationally but worldwide. Unsurprisingly, that's a big part of the push from both the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, who are supporting the BBC Studios- and HVK Productions-produced experience. Find Bluey's World at Northshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Northshore Brisbane until February 2026 — head to the attraction's website for more information and tickets.
To put it lightly, 2020 has been a pretty surprising year for most. And, while so many small businesses have been forced to downsize in recent months, business owner Lauren Lance found herself in an unexpected position: signing the lease on a second location for her bespoke plant store, The Borrowed Nursery. "I've been so fortunate that I'm in an industry that has seen growth," says Lance. "People are taking more pride in their house because they're spending more time in them." Pre-COVID-19, Lance's focus for The Borrowed Nursery was for it to be a plant hire company servicing people from Brisbane to Byron Bay. The initial inspiration struck when helping some friends plan a wedding. "We were mixing and matching pots to plant succulents in, and I thought there might be something in this idea," she says. As a former interior designer, Lance quickly identified a gap in the market. "There was corporate plant hire available, but nothing where you could be a bit more creative about what you were choosing," she says. "It was all about finding an identity of our own. We wanted to focus on a more 'design' approach." [caption id="attachment_780820" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] The early days were a flurry of activity, and Lance remembers scribbling down her daily figures on scraps of paper: "I was not tech savvy. Eventually I realised I needed systems in place, to see which plants were doing well, and where we were making money." After starting with a traditional point of sale system, Lance moved the business across to Square. "We had a machine from a bank, but there were too many limitations. With Square, we could still get all the information and tracking we needed, but it was more user-friendly and cost-effective for the business." After outgrowing its original space, The Borrowed Nursery moved into a new spot at Mermaid Beach. Now with triple the floorspace, Lance was able to start offering the nursery for event hire, too. The industrial-chic venue is a dream location, with soaring ceilings, exposed beams, painted brickwork, and peach-hued doors. Unsurprisingly, the hiring arm of the business was a huge success, and Lance was able to hire the space out for weddings and engagement parties, baby showers, corporate workshops and photo shoots. The business was moving rapidly when suddenly the industry came to a standstill. Under Queensland's lockdown restrictions, with weddings and events postponed indefinitely, The Borrowed Nursery had to pivot in order to survive. "It was really nerve-racking at the start. The plant hire and event hire just completely dried up," she says. [caption id="attachment_780817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] Luckily, Lance was able to lean into the online retail side of the nursery, and noticed that people were buying plants in "volumes we usually only see at Christmas". Shoppers were particularly interested in air-purifying plants, with increased sales of snake plants, ribbon plants and devil's ivy. With people entertaining more at home, The Borrowed Nursery was also quick to boost its homewares line, adding cheeseboards and platters for sale. "Last week we even branched out and added in a cocktail mix, which is kind of random but it's really working, and it's nice to support another local brand," says Lance. Going forward, the business owner is excited to open her next outpost of The Borrowed Nursery, at a location recently secured in Albion, Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_780818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] Following Queensland's lockdown period, The Borrowed Nursery is currently focusing on traditional bricks and mortar retail. But Lance feels confident the e-commerce side of the business will be supported as it expands. "Square helped us with Click and Collect, and it's good to know that it's in the background for our next stage," she says. "You have to ride the wave. You have to be resilient. And you have to remember what your motivation is. For me, it was always about creating something from nothing, creating something truly unique, so that has kept me going." Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. Top image: Shaelah Ariotti
If hitting the Brisbane River is your usual way to get around town, you'll need to change your plans for the near future. With Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaching southeast Queensland and expected to make landfall in or near Brisbane at the end of the week, Brisbane City Council has suspended the River City's CityCat and ferry services. As announced on Monday, March 3, 2025, the last services until further notice ran on Monday evening. As at midnight the same day, all ferry terminals, between UQ St Lucia and Northshore Hamilton have also closed. [caption id="attachment_958247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] While the weather impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred aren't yet being felt in Brisbane, CityCats and ferry services have been stopped so that the vessels can be moved to safety. Announcing the news, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the council had "made this decision to prioritise the safety of passengers, crew and our vessels ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred." "A combination of high tides, flash flooding, dangerous high winds and intense rainfall creates a serious safety hazard, including debris on the Brisbane River." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner (@brisbane.lordmayor) At the time of writing, all other public transport services in Brisbane — so, buses and trains — are still operational ahead of likely wet, windy and wild weather. In the past, flooding has seen the entire network shut down, and Brisbanites advised to avoid all non-essential travel. As Tropical Cyclone Alfred is felt in the River City, it won't be surprising if this happens again. Exactly when CityCat and ferry services will be up and running again hasn't yet been advised, and will obviously depend on the conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology's latest advice, issued at 4.52am AEST on Tuesday, March 4, notes that the cyclone is currently Category 2, with 95-kilometre-per-hour winds at its centre and wind gusts reaching 130 kilometres per hour. While it's presently 560 kilometres east of Brisbane and 560 kilometres east of Maroochydore, moving south southeast at six kilometres per hour, it is forecast to turn towards the Queensland today. It's then predicted that Tropical Cyclone Alfred will cross the southeast Queensland coast either late on Thursday or early Friday morning. Tropical #CycloneAlfred (Cat 2) is currently located 560km east of #Brisbane and #Maroochydore. It is currently moving southeast but is expected to turn westwards toward the #Qld coast later today. Latest: https://t.co/QdjBLkJdvZ pic.twitter.com/ElW9n39oVQ — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 3, 2025 To keep up to date with the latest conditions, warnings, alerts and timetables, Brisbanites can head to the below services: The Bureau of Meteorology's Queensland warnings page, tropical cyclone advice, Queensland X and Facebook Brisbane City Council's emergency dashboard Brisbane City Council's X and Facebook Translink's website, X, Facebook and Instagram Queensland Fire and Emergency Services's website, X, Facebook and Instagram Qld Traffic Stay safe and dry out there, Queenslanders. Brisbane City Council will continue to update its emergency dashboard. For other transport impacts, keep an eye on the Translink website. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to update its warnings and maps regularly — visit its website for further details and updates. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland.
When Enoggera Terrace's old Skate Arena reopened as Red Hill Cinemas late last year, it gave Brisbane a blast from the past — and the new picture palace isn't done feeling nostalgic just yet. From February, the site is going retro with a regular lineup of throwback favourites. It all starts with The Princess Bride on Friday, February 7 — a pick that's hardly inconceivable. On Valentine's Day, revisiting Dirty Dancing is in order, while other 80s-era highlights include Labyrinth, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, The Breakfast Club and Footloose. If you haven't seen Kevin Bacon defy a dancing ban and punch-dance out his anger in the latter, then you have a big gap in your movie viewing. Some sessions will feature karaoke beforehand, and others encourage dressing up — and, when Grease hits the screen on Friday, February 28, it's part of a sing-along session on one of those summer nights. Pulp Fiction and A Clockwork Orange are also on the bill, with the current lineup spanning through until Friday, April 3. Most sessions run on Friday nights, but if you're eager to revisit E.T., you'd best block out the afternoon of Sunday, March 1.
If you prefer an art experience that extends beyond looking at works on a wall, prepare to be impressed by Melbourne's new immersive digital art gallery. Set to open in late 2020, The Lume will take the form of a $15-million 2000-square-metre gallery, decked out with 150 state-of-the-art projectors. Projections of some of the world's most celebrated works will be splashed across various surfaces, backed by powerful musical soundtracks and complemented by aromas. The project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which, for the past 14 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 130 cities across the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. Known for celebrating art world greats like Vincent van Gogh and da Vinci through modern, multi-sensory technology, Grande Exhibitions will use a similar formula at The Lume. Instead of showcasing original works, the gallery will rely on a curation of music and moving image to create a tapestry of instantly recognisable artworks. At night, The Lume will transform into an events space, thanks to a collaboration with catering company Food & Desire. So, next Christmas party you could be sipping bubbles while looking at (and smelling) a Van Gogh. To get more of an idea of what to expect from The Lume when it opens later this year, check out this teaser: https://youtu.be/-nFtXTTXpWk The Lume will open in an unconfirmed Melbourne location in late 2020. We'll let you know when more details are announced. You can check out some of Grande Exhibitions' other gallery experiences over here. Updated March 2020
It may come as a surprise but boutique fashion-cafe Denim Co. in South Bank has one of the best acai bowls going round. With a serious dose of acai (thank goodness, because after serious sampling one can tell when places are stinging out on the good stuff) the bowl, or rather, hipster-jar-complete-with-denim-bow-embellishment is both rich in colour and flavour. Tangy and refreshing it comes finished with Irrewarra granola on top (or accommodatingly switched for a crumbled cranberry bliss ball and slivered almonds). A pure winner in every sense.
Beloved by budget-conscious shoppers, German-born discount supermarket chain Aldi has been slinging its groceries across Australia for over two decades. But for its next big Aussie move, it's setting up shop for just two nights — which'll be filled with ridiculously affordable gin, wine and cheese. As Aldi's devoted customers well and truly know, you can get plenty of things at the company's stores for cheap — not only food, but everything from beds and kettles to games and snow gear as well. On the culinary side of things, that includes dairy products and, in some states, vino, too. So to show them off, Aldi is launching a two-evening-only Sydney bar. Called The Trophy Room, it'll nestle into 111 Elizabeth Street and host just four seatings, with sessions from 5–6.30pm and 7.30–9pm on both Friday, July 15–Saturday, July 16. You'll need to nab a ticket to get in, with bookings opening at 9am on Friday, July 8. Expect plenty of competition for a spot, though — the fact that your entire visit will only cost you $4.41 is certain to attract a crowd. Yes, you read that price correctly. No, there's no missing numeral, and the decimal point isn't in the wrong place either. For less than a fiver per person, you'll get a gin cocktail upon arrival, then a tasting selection from Aldi's wine range, plus a cheese platter featuring Aldi cheeses to line your stomach. The reason for the pop-up, and the super-cheap price? To showcase Aldi's affordable and acclaimed wines, and its just-as-reasonably priced award-winning cheeses, all at a time when inflation is seeing supermarket prices rocket. The Trophy Bar is also designed to be replicated at home — the menu, that is — given that Aldi's vinos would start from $0.83 a glass if they were priced individually, and max out at $2.49 a glass. As for its cheeses, the chain advises that its triple-cream brie would cost $0.56 for a single serve, while a smooth blue cheese would be priced at $0.62. Aldi's Trophy Room will pop up at 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney from Friday, July 15–Saturday, July 16. Bookings are limited, and open at 9am on Friday, July 8.
If you have firm thoughts on South Bank's place and purpose in Brisbane, then you might've shared them with the Queensland Government back in 2022. That's when news of the precinct's upcoming revamp was revealed, complete with a draft proposal outlining how the 42-hectare patch of the River City's inner city could change — and it was also when the public was asked to comment on those ideas. More than 25,000 pieces of feedback were received. Two years later, the new South Bank Master Plan has been unveiled. The riverside stretch has been part of Brissie since 1992, but it is about to look significantly different. With the location notching up more than three decades since it was turned into public parklands after Expo 88, the new plan focuses on how it can evolve for the people of Brisbane over the coming years. Accordingly, a trip to South Bank in the future will involve hopping along a treetop walk, strolling along wider footpaths, shopping at a permanent handmade goods market and taking a longer promenade to Kangaroo Point. Many of these additions and expansions were in the blueprint initially, alongside refreshing Little Stanley Street's dining options, adding a beach plaza and enhancing the Queensland Performing Arts Centre cultural forecourt. A key part of the overall concept, as announced by Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing Grace Grace, is to focus on South Bank's southern and northern gateways — so where the Maritime Museum currently sits, and also the BRISBANE sign — plus Grey Street. One big aim: to make Grey Street "one of the world's most-recognisable subtropical people-centric streets". Here's what's definitely staying the same: the arbor, the BRISBANE sign, the existing heritage buildings, the rainforest, the Rainforest Green, the Riverside Green and the River Quay lawn. But the plans from there are hefty, ranging from relocating the Epicurious Garden to Little Stanley Street and adding a busy tucker trail, through to removing the piazza and also Flowstate, and expanding the lagoon. More riverside lawns, including one that peers over the beach and the city, and more riverside eateries are also on the list. Throw in temporary river stages, a potential water taxi from the Cultural Centre, more outdoor dining, laneways, a digital water wall, an island archipelago in the water play zone, an elevated lookout and a reflecting pool, and that's still only part of what's in store. "We know that people want more greenery and shade, enhanced connections to surrounding areas like the CBD, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Gabba, and more active transport opportunities — this plan delivers that and more," said Grace. "South Bank is a lasting legacy of Expo 88 and its Master Plan envisions how South Bank can help create our next big legacy, including from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We want to ensure the legacy of these investments is felt for residents and visitors for decades to come." Susan Forrester AM, Chair South Bank Corporation, called the plan "a testament to the collective efforts of the community, who provided invaluable feedback and insights throughout the planning process and played a crucial role in shaping the future of South Bank. "With 89 percent of respondents expressing support for the plan's vision, we are prioritising increased greening of the precinct, improved accessibility and travel connectivity improvements. We have a unique opportunity to reimagine South Bank and create an incredible legacy for future generations." Given that this is a long-term blueprint, exactly what will be in place when — including ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games — hasn't been finalised. But Brisbane's Olympics transformation was never going to forget South Bank, which is also set to welcome QPAC's fifth theatre, the Neville Bonner Bridge connecting to the Queen's Wharf precinct, and the new Kangaroo Point green bridge with an overwater bar and restaurant. For more information about South Bank's revamp, head to the South Bank Master Plan website.
Spoiler warning: this interview incudes spoilers for Yellowjackets season three if you're not up to date with the series at the time of publication. It was meant to be a simple sports trip, with a high school girls' soccer team travelling from New Jersey to Seattle to compete in a tournament. That's where the plot of Yellowjackets begins in a linear sense — with American teenagers, their coaches and one of the latter's two children all flying across the US in 1996, and with the promise of on-field glory awaiting. But after the plane carrying the titular team is diverted over Canada, it plunges to the ground en route. What immediately happens next for young women who should be living normal teen lives, not doing whatever it takes to survive, is one half of the series. What's occurring a quarter of a century afterwards also fills Yellowjackets' frames, as the hit survivalist thriller has spent three must-see seasons so far exploring the impact of a wild dance with the wilderness, and with the trauma such an experience sparks, plus the vulnerability of being stranded then scarred by it. New Jersey, Seattle, Canada: that trio of locations is pivotal to Yellowjackets, even if no one has yet made it to the middle spot on the list. In the show's third season, New York proves crucial as well, but New Zealand and Australia have also long left their own imprint. The series began with Aotearoa's Melanie Lynskey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz's) leading the present-day cast as the adult Shauna, nee Shipman and now Sadecki, one of the team members to make it back from the plane crash alive. Also since the first season, Australians Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Liv Hewson (Party Down) have helped dig into what enduring in the forest really entails, the first as Charlotte "Lottie" Matthews and the second as Vanessa "Van" Palmer. In season two, New Zealander Simone Kessell (Muru) joined Lynskey among the survivors — and joined Eaton in portraying Lottie. Alongside a killer premise, an unflinching embrace of the darkness and devastation that was always going to spring from such an ordeal, a glorious array of 90s nods and a spectacular cast — Christina Ricci (Wednesday), Juliette Lewis (I'm a Virgo), Tawny Cypress (Law & Order) and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) also play the 2020s-era crew; Sophie Thatcher (Companion), Sophie Nélisse (No Return), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Scream VI) and Samantha Hanratty (Atlas) are among the talents bringing the squad's younger guises to life — characterisation has always been one of Yellowjackets' strengths. There's no doubting that these are complex women, both as teens and decades later. Its cast may portray a team, but the show sees its main figures as individuals, surveying their respective wants, needs, desires and fears. In Lottie's case, Yellowjackets spies someone yearning to be loved and accepted, so much so that she tries to grasp it in her faith in her new surroundings. No high schooler is prepared for suddenly living in the wilderness for months and months awaiting rescue, but Lottie's moneyed upbringing — her dad financed the fateful private plane to Seattle — leaves her seesawing between confidence and fragility. She's so assured in her beliefs in the forest that her fellow survivors start following her lead. She's also troubled, including from her family life, and despite how she projects herself to the world. The adult Lottie is introduced as a wellness guru-slash-cult leader, complete with purple-wearing disciples, but she's still weathering the same internal struggles. Following a stint staying at Shauna's and bonding with the teenage Callie Sadecki (Sarah Desjardins, The Night Agent), season three takes Lottie's story to an end that the character avoids in the woods, as the world discovered at the end of the latest run's fourth episode. How is Kessell feeling now that the character's fate is out there in the world? "I've got to say the fans of Yellowjackets are everything," she tells Concrete Playground. When the episode aired, an influx of messages came her way. "It's so lovely and so kind and generous, and I think I'll read them all," she advises. "I didn't quite expect such an outpouring of love and support." "And also because season two starts on Netflix soon, I was cautious not to — and for people who haven't watched that episode yet — put a spoiler on social media and things like that. But I'm overwhelmed. And it's amazing that you can play these characters that touch so many people." [caption id="attachment_995131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] Kessell came to Yellowjackets more than three decades into her career. Like her compatriot Lynskey, she was starting out as an actor when she was a 90s teen herself. NZ TV series Homeward Bound gave Kessell her first role — and from there, her resume has spanned everything from Xena: Warrior Princess, the OG Heartbreak High, CSI: Miami, Underbelly and Terra Nova through to 1%, Pine Gap, Our Flag Means Death, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Wellmania, Critical Incident and plenty of others. Next, she'll be seen in The Last Frontier, a new American thriller series that also sees her keep a Down Under connection courtesy of Aussie Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer). Kessell is coy about whether Lottie could possibly return to Yellowjackets in some form, spirit or otherwise, in the future. "Oh my goodness, how would I play ghost Lottie? My god, I don't even know," she laughs. But she's deeply grateful for the chance to have stepped into her shoes, she also shares, in a chat that covers the balancing act that is portraying such a complicated character, plus how she approached taking on a figure that'd already been established in a younger guise, the Australian and NZ-heavy roster of talent, why the show has earned such a devoted following and more. On Saying Goodbye to Lottie — and What It Has Meant to Play Her "I've had so many people say 'is Lottie really dead? Please come back. Diva down. I miss you mother. I'm an orphan'" — all these great social media comments, which crack me up. But I think when I found out that Lottie was going to die in the season, of course I was disappointed because I just loved playing her. If I'm really honest, I just love playing Lottie. So unpredictable. And she's so vital. And you don't know whether she's going to analyse you or laugh at you — or laugh with you. And I think that getting the opportunity as an actress in my late 40s, playing those characters, they don't come along very often. So when you get them, you grab them with both hands. And I got to really, really play in the world of Lottie, which was incredible. So, when they told me she was no longer, I just went 'okay'. It's that kind of show, right? It's Yellowjackets. So it's the kind of show, if you're going to die — and let me just say, I'm not the only main character that dies this season — so, I went with it. And it was just so great to film, and it was such amazing cast — and I just had the time of my life working on the show." On Juggling Lottie's Confidence and Her Vulnerabilities — Her Faith in the Wilderness, Too, and Her Desperate Need to Be Loved and Accepted "The first season was a lot tougher, because she was really unravelling — and we saw that through the flashbacks. Also, you don't know what's happened in the wilderness till you read the script or watch the episode for the younger characters. So you've got to really go with your gut instinct, because you get these new scripts and you're like 'oh my god, I did that?. Huh. Maybe I would have played that other scene differently had I known I did that'. I think as an actress, you have to have a well where you can tap, or a part of me that I can tap and go there, and there was some really vulnerable, fragile scenes this season — but mostly last season, too, where she was just haunted by her past and I really had to go there emotionally. I was away from my family — living in Vancouver, and hadn't seen my family for a long time. My two boys, because they're at school here, and my husband and everything. So I was able to really tap into the loneliness in myself. And the unknown. As an actress, you find the things that really resonate truthfully for yourself and then put it through the character's words, and that's where I go. And then you have to take it off. You go for a run, or you go and do a hot pilates class, or you drink some white wine. You just throw it at the wall and see what sticks. And she was vulnerable. Thank you for saying that, because that was something I really wanted to find in her this season — just lost, a bit out at sea." [caption id="attachment_995127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On How Kessell Approached Stepping Into Lottie's Shoes When Courtney Eaton Had Already Established the Character as a Teen "First of all, Courtney's a lot taller than me — so literally stepping into shoes that were a lot higher. And also I wanted to do Courtney justice as a young actress on the verge of her career, and a character that she had done such a beautiful job with setting up. I wanted to make sure I did it well out of respect for her craft and her work. But those are high stakes, and there's a lot of pressure. I mirrored a few of her mannerisms, and then I decided that 25 years ago — I don't know about you, but 25 years ago, I was very different to who I am today, so that gives you a lot of room to play. And Lottie was the queen of reinventing herself. In this season, yet again she reinvents herself. Yet another mask is put on Lottie. She's gone from spiritual guru cult leader to now sort of like a bit of a vagabond, a bit of a lost soul, finding shelter at Shauna's house, at the Sadeckis', when really she has a penthouse in New York. She's shoplifting even though she's probably worth $100 million. Things like that. So you just roll with it on the show, and you never know what the writers are going to throw at you, so you have to be open to all of those storylines. But yeah, it was big shoes — literally high shoes — to fill." [caption id="attachment_995129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On the Down Under Origins of Plenty of the Cast "Unfortunately I never got to work with Liv and Courtney, because they're in the different timeline. So it was often Melanie and I. And Melanie, even though she's been out of New Zealand maybe 25 years, has got a stronger accent than ever. And, because I'm me, I still fall on the ground — even though I when I get drunk, I speak like that. So she's got a great Kiwi accent and the two of us just chat, chat, chat, chat, chat away — and I can tell that the American and Canadian crew are like 'what are they saying? What are they talking about?'. And often, Melanie and I, I'd be like 'babe, how do I say this word?'. She's like 'oh, well, I think you say it like this'. And I was like 'okay, great, great, great'. And then occasionally our accents would drop and we'd laugh. But it's just lovely having someone, when you're so far away and you're working with such heightened characters, to have a confidant and have a best friend like I had with Melanie. She's not only an incredible actress, extraordinary talent, she's actually a really beautiful person. And that was that was a joy." On Why Kessell Thinks Yellowjackets Has Earned Such a Dedicated Following "I think the two timeframes make it — if you're not into the older timeline, then you've got the younger timeline. I think the fact that it twists and turns the way it does. I think the fact that it's set in the 90s, so for older audiences, they're like 'oh my god, I remember this song, I remember this time, I remember this'. So you can reminisce. And then it's also, I think, there's the part that you go 'oh my god, how would I be if my plane had crashed?'. And what we did to survive — that's kind of intriguing, because it could have happened to any one of us, right? And then it goes to a whole different level. So I think there is a part of us that's intrigued with the actual storyline and what happens to these girls, and do they get rescued or do they all go fucking crazy? And I guess the answer is the latter, and then we get to see it as older versions. I think the casting on the show is brilliant. I think everyone is like their younger selves, and I think there's a part of it that makes you go 'that really could have happened to me and what would I have done?' And 'if you're that hungry, what would you have done?'." [caption id="attachment_995130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant[/caption] On What Gets Kessell Excited About a New Role More Than Three Decades Into Her Career "I think the writing. And I think speaking to you, a journalist, you get that — when you read something that pops off the page and you can't stop reading it, as an actress that's everything to me. And then my mind starts going. I love picking up bits of people in my life, like a characteristic or a way someone tilts their head or eats their food or walks, all of those wonderful things that we instinctively do as human beings. So if I feel I can paint that into a character, then I get really excited. Then I'm like 'ooooh, this is a challenge. Oh my god, what's her voice? Where's she from? What's happened to her? Why is she doing what she's doing? Why is she behaving badly or why is she behaving this way?'. That's what gets me going. [caption id="attachment_894498" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lorenzo Agius/SHOWTIME.[/caption] And that's, I think, why I'm so sad to see the end of Lottie in Yellowjackets, because I got to do that — I got to play in that world for a long time. And there were no restrictions on me as an actress. I got to really dive deep and nothing was a no. When I asked them, I was like 'what if I tried this?'. And it's like 'yeah, go for it'. I think that's why that show is so successful, because we were given so much rope to play with and then, I guess, eventually, she hung himself with it, right? She didn't. That's not a spoiler." Yellowjackets season three streams via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one and review of season two, plus our interview with Melanie Lynskey. Yellowjackets stills: Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
What happens when a croissanterie known for perfecting its signature dish, and also for getting inventive with its pastries, joins forces with a distillery that both knows how to make a stellar dry gin and equally likes experimenting? We're talking about Lune and Four Pillars, of course — and the result is the world's first croissant gin. Is this the new perfect brunch drink? Will this help you enjoy a breakfast of champions? You can be the judge from Wednesday, February 19, 2025, when the croissant gin hits stores — and online. And yes, it's a buttery sip. "Lune croissants are made with nearly double the butter of your average croissant, so we knew that butter had to be a key part of the gin," explains Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse, with Lune's own clarified butter a key ingredient. Alongside that caramel slice-smelling dairy product, the croissant gin is made with almonds that've been roasted in the Four Pillars distillery kitchen, juniper and a range of other botanicals, plus wattle seed and nutmeg. The recommended way to knock it back? In G&Ts or in espresso gin-tinis. While this isn't the type of tipple that just anyone could've dreamed up, Lune and Four Pillars joining forces couldn't seem more obvious — not only for their similar meticulous approaches to their chosen wares, but as Melbourne-born success stories that hero local ingredients. The croissant gin sprang from shared visits and tours, then hand delivering butter and testing distillations. If it sounds like a bucket-list collab, Lune Founder Kate Reid agrees. "Infusing our Lune magic into my favourite gin was a dream come true. I can honestly say I've never been thirsty for a croissant before but once you taste this gin, you'll understand what I mean." "It turns out there is a knack to distilling butter, but after a few trial distillations we found our sweet spot and we couldn't be happier with the end result," explains Prowse. "The nuts and spices add a real depth to the gin, the vanilla bean brings a hint of sweetness, and then we've bought in our signature organic oranges to deliver lovely brightness and balance." The croissant gin retails at $80 a bottle — or $100 with a Four Pillars x Lune tote bag exclusively from Four Pillars. If you're among the first to get your hands on it, free croissants are also on offer. On launch day, the Four Pillars Sydney Lab in Surry Hills will be giving away free Lune croissants with first 50 bottles of gin sold, for instance. At Dan Murphy's Malvern East and BWS Hawksburn in Victoria, plus Dan Murphy's Double Bay and BWS Potts Point in New South Wales, as well as Dan Murphy's Newstead in Queensland, there'll be a limited number of Lune vouchers up for grabs on launch day as well. And on Saturday, February 22, the Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville will have free Lune croissant for the first 50 bottles purchased, too. Croissant Gin will be available from the Four Pillars website, Four Pillars Distillery, Four Pillars Lab, and select Dan Murphy's and BWS stores from Wednesday, February 19, 2025 — head to the Four Pillars website for further details.
Few things in life are better than a long weekend getaway with your mates accompanied by excellent views and quality brews. So, where are the best road trip stops for stocking your picnic along the route? We asked, and you answered. There's no better recommendation than a recommendation from a mate, and we consider you all to be the sharpest mates out there, dear readers. So here are choice spots to stop along your route for tasty grub — and a bev from your local The Bottle-O — as recommended by you. As a side note and a hint of things to come, we're pleased to see that sausage rolls will never go out of fashion. The Baker's Duck, Toowoomba QLD Are you keen on a trip out to the lovely Darling Downs region for a long weekend? Home to great beef farming, famous gardens, top produce and epic escarpment views, if you're out that way, you won't have to go far to pack your picnic bag or stock your esky. Head to Toowoomba, Queensland's 'Garden City', which boasts the best of the Darling Downs. While you're there, don't miss out on the quality pastries and pies at The Baker's Duck, as recommended by Concrete Playground reader Steve: "Top choices for a road trip feed are definitely the chunky beef and mushroom pies or the pork and apple sausage rolls." Once you've stocked up on bakery classics, hit Picnic Point to take in those great views over a bottle of regional plonk or some cider. Closest The Bottle-O: Toowoomba Les Nôtres, Riddells Creek VIC This long weekend, Melburnians up for a hit of fresh country air should head to the Macedon Ranges. Village vibes, a booming local arts scene and farmers' markets stocked with local goodies are all on the cards. Don't miss a visit to Les Nôtres (which is French for 'ours', but once you see the food, you'll be thinking 'mine'), recommended by our Vic-based reader Sarah: "They have the best croissants and these excellent lemon curd cruffins and hazelnut praline eclairs that I can never say no to." We're sold. You can find Les Nôtres at a bunch of markets or the pop-up in Riddells Creek. Stock up and pair them with a lager or chilled white wine from Romsey's The Bottle-O once you hit your campsite or accommodation. Hot tip: While you're in the area, if you're up for an adventure, go explore Lerderderg State Park for a good chance of spotting koalas. Closest The Bottle-O: Romsey Bred Co, Albany WA If you're in Perth, Pemberton or Margaret River and keen on a coastal drive over the long weekend, Albany is a cracking weekend getaway spot boasting spotless white sand beaches and 'gram-worthy granite cliffs. Stock up on local brews and wines at Centennial Park's The Bottle-O, then swing by Bred Co, a hyperlocal bakery with a particularly loose menu item that comes recommended by our IG follower Blake: "You should go there for the beef sausage roll with béchamel cheese, life-changing!'' Once you're set for drinks and eats, all you need to worry about is enjoying those stunning coastal vistas around Albany. Closest The Bottle-O: Centennial Park Uprising Bakery, Newcastle NSW Sydneysiders, are you heading north this long weekend? Myall Lakes National Park is popular for its views, cheap campsites, epic sand dune beaches and kayaking on the lakes — even better when enjoyed with baked goodies from Uprising Bakery in Newcastle as recommended by reader Kate: "Pork and lemon preserve sausage roll — it doesn't get better than that. Maybe the brownie slab." Maybe? How about definitely. Check Lambton's local The Bottle-O to pick up some drinks to enjoy as the sun sets across the sand dunes after you arrive. Bliss. Closest The Bottle-O: Lambton Bruny Island Cheese Co, TAS Tasmanians or the Tasmania-bound, grab your mates and hop a barge to Bruny Island to enjoy the rugged coasts, wild nature and secret coves. Bruny is wonderfully untouched, which means you're definitely not getting any local sparkling delivered via UberEats, so before you leave the Tassie mainland, make sure you stock up at The Bottle-O in Margate. When you arrive at Bruny, check out the famous Bruny Island Cheese Co., as recommended by reader Tom (and every member of Concrete Playground's team who've done a stint in Tassie): "The best cheese in all of Australia, you can't change my mind." There are plenty of accommodation options on the island, but you can embrace the elements by staying at one of the park's campgrounds at Cloudy Bay or Jetty Beach so you can toast with your mates and scoff cheese as the sun sets over the water. Closest The Bottle-O: Margate Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Bred Co.
Australia's surf park obsession knows no bounds. Urbnsurf Melbourne launched in 2020 as the first Aussie surf park, Urbnsurf Sydney will open in mid-May 2024, the same team behind both has earmarked Brisbane and Perth as future locations, and the latter is set to get the country's largest surf park from a separate outfit. Next on the list is The Break Surf & Stay, which has been approved as an addition to the seaside town of Aldinga in South Australia — but will be set back from the coast when it starts pumping out waves in mid-2026. The venture, which will give everyone another reason to head to the Fleurieu Peninsula, has just been given planning consent by the City of Onkaparinga Council assessment panel. Clearly, it isn't enough for Australia to be girt by sea; the nation is also determined to fill plenty of its land with man-made wave pools, so that hitting the beach isn't the only way to hang ten. The Break Surf & Stay will sprawl across a a 7.1-hectare site, with the $100-million facility boasting a 11,700-square-metre surf lagoon. And, for visitors from out of town, it'll also double as accommodation, featuring 35 short-stay villas. Who says that you need to slumber beachside to wave up to waves? The park's surf technology from Endless Surf will create waves up to 2.1-metres high, which folks will be able to hit for 18 seconds on a single peak and nine for a split peak. The team behind the venture advises that its wave system will be a first for the southern hemisphere Don't know how to live the Point Break life already? A surf academy will be onsite to teach newcomers to the sport the skills. Also set to be included: a wellness studio, plus a store selling and renting boards and wetsuits. A craft brewhouse, licensed restaurant, skating area and nature play spot are all in The Break Surf & Stay's plans, all set among native vegetation, with 300 new trees to be planted. 'Barefoot luxury' is the vibe, with architects Studio Gram taking their design cues from the obvious: the coast. Construction will start in 2025, with The Tuit Road facility just 40 minutes out of Adelaide. It's also aiming to host surfing competitions, including attracting international waves to unleash their skills in The Break's lagoon. "The Break has been an absolute passion project for everyone involved," said Richard Sheppard, one of the surfing enthusiasts-turned-founding partners alongside Ben McCarthy, Leigh Gapp and Dwight Stuchbery. "There is a significant market for health and wellness, active and surf tourism that is largely untapped in South Australia, and we believe this transformational project will help to unlock that opportunity for the region and the state. And that's to say nothing of the benefits of attracting new visitors to this region's world class vineyards, beaches, eateries, trails and landscapes." "Our vision is to see The Break become a destination for families and surf lovers from around the country and the world, while also using the facilities to teach every South Australian kid to surf in safe, inclusive, controlled conditions," added McCarthy. [caption id="attachment_953676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] No Swan No Fine via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Break Surf & Stay's first waves are expected in 2026 on Tuit Road, Aldinga, South Australia — keep an eye on the venue's website for further details in the interim.
Fresh from being named the Festival of the Year for the fourth time at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards, The Big Pineapple Festival has announced the news that every fan of dancing in the shadow of a giant piece of tropical fruit wants to hear. Come spring, the beloved event will return. Not only has the fest locked in its date, but organisers have also revealed that this'll be a big tenth-anniversary celebration. Diaries out: Saturday, November 1, 2025 is when you'll be hitting Pineapple Fields in Woombye. There's no lineup details as yet, or an exact timeline outlining when the fest's acts will be announced, but The Big Pineapple Festival crew is promising a "blockbuster event" — and its usual Aussie focus. "When we started this festival years ago, our goal was to put Australian artists front and centre, and create an unforgettable experience for fans," said Mark Pico, The Big Pineapple Festival's Founder and Festival Director. "To be here over a decade later with the festival stronger than ever and even earning industry awards again ... is incredibly humbling. It's a testament to the amazing community of artists, attendees and partners who have believed in The Big Pineapple Festival from the start." On Australia's list of big things, the Big Pineapple is among the most famous. It's big. It's a pineapple. It's heritage-listed Queensland icon. It's surrounded by pineapple fields. Basically, what's not to love? It's not merely a reason to head to Nambour to gawk at over-sized fruit, though. Back in 2013, it also became home to a music festival, which ran annually until taking a break in the early years of the pandemic — as every similar fest did. The Big Pineapple Festival's COVID-19 hiatus came to an end in 2024, with help from The Amity Affliction, Tones And I, Bliss n Eso and Peking Duk. In years prior, everyone from Violent Soho, The Veronicas, Rufus Du Sol, Hayden James, Example, Alison Wonderland, Birds of Tokyo and Grinspoon have taken to the event's stage, as have Vera Blue, Ball Park Music, Illy, Dune Rats, John Butler Trio and Ocean Alley. While waiting for this year's lineup, fans can start getting excited now about one new part of the fest in 2025: a performance by whoever wins the Rising Star award at this year's debut Sunshine Coast Music Awards. The Big Pineapple Festival will return on Saturday, November 1, 2025. We'll update you with more details when they're revealed — keep an eye on the fest's website, Facebook and Instagram in the interim. Select images: Claudia Ciapocha / Charlie Hardy.
There's nothing like a splash of gin to make your day feel a little fancier, summer or otherwise. But if you're after something a little less boozy than a mid-arvo martini, clear some space in your fridge for this nifty line of alcohol-infused condiments. The Amsterdam-born Gin Mayo — and its recently released sibling Gin Chup — are here to help liven up your lunch. Starting life in 2017 as a house-made condiment on the menu at Amsterdam seafood restaurant Mossel & Gin, the boozy mayo quickly became a cult pantry staple, with the brand taking on a life of its own. Packaged in a squeeze-friendly tube, the gluten free sauce is crafted on creamy Zaanse mayonnaise, which is made to a recipe from the 1950s. It's then elevated with a hit of Bobby's Gin, which is distilled in the Dutch city of Schiedam and boasts a base of eight different botanicals. Clocking in at two percent alcohol per tube, the Gin Mayo supposedly is a solid match to some seafood or fried chicken, but also brings a little something extra to that sandwich or burger. Recently, the brand has added to its line of products with a zesty gin-infused ketchup, or Gin Chup, which creators say works a treat when accompanying the likes of a triple-cheese toastie. Like its mayonnaise sibling, it also boasts two percent alcohol per tube — though you can expect that to translate to a festive flavour punch, rather than any overpowering boozy aftertaste. Steadily growing in popularity here on Aussie shores, the gin condiments are now available online and at select specialty food retailers across the country. That includes Sydney's Darlo General and Sorry Thanks I Love You, and Melbourne's St Ali, Blackhearts & Sparrows and Meatsmith. To find out all the spots stocking Gin Mayo and Gin Chup locally, or to buy them online, head to the St Ali website. You can grab a 170-millilitre tube for RRP $15.
If you're a well-off manchild who's ever defiantly moved out of home all grown up-like, stole all your mum's tupperware and turned your old room into a storage space because you're great and responsible and have your own Medicare card, Bondi Hipsters' new Old Spice ad will strike a few chords. The Australian follow-up to the bang-up hilarious viral 'Mom Song' brought out by the deodorant branding geniuses in January this year, 'Old Spice Man Song' (or Mahn Song) has been crafted by Bondi Hipsters for our own market. Both focused on the fact that Old Spice apparently makes you an immediate Man, the 333-riders have put less focus on freaky couch-dwelling, son-clingy mums and more on dudes who move out of home and think they're big ol' grown ups. Bondi Hipsters Dom and Adrian play two dudes breaking the news to Dom's possibly North Shore-looking mum that he's moving because he's a mahn with a cool leather wallet and a Swiss-made watch, whose beard grows quicker and chest hair grows thicker because of Old Spice. Of course it does, you've seen what happened to this guy. Watch the Bondi Hipsters' Old Spice ad here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=TuiKdWz6IKo Then revisit the US-version 'Mom Song', just for kicks. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JEbpbNTkIdk Via Junkee.
When BrewDog created its own craft brew for dogs back in 2018, it was one of those moments that really just had to happen. If you're going to give your brewery a canine-centric name, you're going to have to come good on it at some point. So, by whipping up an IPA solely for woofers, the Scottish beer brand did just that. Again, it was inevitable — BrewDog was started by a couple of friends and a dog, after all. That's not all that the company has in store for pupper-loving craft brew fans and their four-legged best friends, though. Now, during a period when every pet owner has been enjoying more quality time with their furry companions — and really needing the company, let's be honest — BrewDog is launching new Dogkeeper packages. In fact, it's doing more than that. It's also giving 50 of the Dogkeeper packages away for free, too. The brewery is calling the giveaway a 'scheme'; however, it's really just a chance to win one of the packs. You just need to upload a photo of you and your doggo to Instagram by Wednesday, September 2, tag in #BrewDogKeeper and @brewdogau, and explain why your cute pooch has been oh-so helpful during this chaotic year. That last part shouldn't be difficult at all. On offer — and also available to buy via BrewDog's freshly minted Australian online store from Monday, August 31 — is the full selection of the company's Aussie-brewed beers. Each Dogkeeper package is $25 and includes the brand's Punk IPA, Hazy Jane New England IPA, Elvis Juice grapefruit-infused IPA and West Coast-style pale ale, which are all for humans, as well as the Subwoofer IPA that's especially for your canine. As Brisbanites all know — and beer aficionados across the rest of Australia have been envious about as well — BrewDog set up its first Aussie brewery in Brisbane in 2019. That's where it's making its brews locally and, via its new online store, will be sending them around the country. Delivery costs $15, no matter the size of your order or your location. BrewDog's Dogkeeper packs will be available to purchase for $25 via the Aussie online store from Monday, August 31. To go in the running to win one of 50 free packs, upload a photo of you and your dog to Instagram by Wednesday, September 2, tag #BrewDogKeeper and @brewdogau, and explain why your pooch has been especially helpful in 2020.
Bangarra Dance Theatre has been creating poignant theatrical performances since 1989, fusing together contemporary dance, music, poetry, art and design to spotlight First Nations culture and stories. The company's latest work is Horizon — a double bill of contemporary dance works that pay homage to the landscapes, skies and spirits that are considered significant by First Peoples across the Oceania region, from Australia to the Torres Strait Islands and Aotearoa. Sani Townson's Kulka opens the show, honouring his grandfather and highlighting his Torres Strait heritage. This is followed by collaborative work The Light Inside by Bangarra alum and Torres Strait choreographer Deborah Brown and Māori Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson. In partnership with Bangarra Dance Theatre, we spoke to Sani Townson — choreographer, Bangarra alum and presently Bangarra's Youth Programs Coordinator — about creating Kulka, what sparked his passion for dance, and why you need to see Horizon. On What You Love Most About Working with Bangarra Dance Theatre The sense of family. I've been on all sides of this company — I was a dancer and am three years back into the fold of Bangarra again, inspiring and nurturing a new generation of young talent in the Youth Programs team. Now I have this opportunity to create with the company. My heart is full. On the Power of Dance When I was younger, traditional dance was the first time I ever fell in love with movement — how song and dance marry together. But with the contemporary art form of dance, I loved how you can make amazing shapes with bodies; how you can manipulate the muscles on your body with the use of light; and how the human body can act as a paintbrush on a blank piece of canvas. On the Inspiration Behind 'Kulka' In my Grandfather's language of Kalaw Kawaw Ya, 'kulka' means 'blood'. This piece pays homage to my grandfather, Sania Guy Townson. This is merely my interpretation, in contemporary dance form, of a story he passed on to me about how my family got our totem and our clan. I've carried his name my whole life as he was an important man to my Saibai Island families. Carrying a name like his has definitely made me work extremely hard to get to where I am today. I have taken his name all over the globe and I will continue to do so where I can. He has seen me perform as a dancer with Bangarra and now his voice will be in the Drama Theatre in the Sydney Opera House. On Spotlighting Your Torres Strait Heritage Through Your Work All my works have always been in the mother tongues of both Kalaw Lagaw Ya and Kalaw Kawaw Ya. Every time I make a work, I really want to make sure that you, as the audience, will leave the theatre with a bit of the Torres Strait with you. On What Makes 'Horizon' So Special This is a cross-collaboration between the First Nations peoples of Australia and Aotearoa and the one thing we share, which is the night sky. My piece starts coming from the stars and ends looking up to the stars. Our cultures differ but share the night sky. In a world premiere, Horizon will run at the Sydney Opera House from Tuesday, June 11–Saturday, July 13, before touring Canberra from Thursday July 18–Saturday, July 20, Brisbane from Wednesday, August 7–Saturday, August 17, and Melbourne from Wednesday, August 28–Saturday, September 7. Book your tickets to Horizon today, and find out more, at the Bangarra Dance Theatre website.
It's the excuse you need to stop for a drink on the way home from work, or to even hit quittin' time a little early. On Thursdays, Cielo Rooftop is serving up $1 oysters from 4pm — letting you slurp down some super-affordable saltwater bivalve molluscs, soak in the Fortitude Valley bar's scenic city views and liven up your pre-weekend routine. On the menu: natural oysters for $1 a pop, or you can pay a bit more for raspberry mignonette oysters ($3 each) or truffle oysters ($5 each). This celebration of freshly shucked oysters does come with a caveat, though: to access the cheap seafood, you will need to buy a beverage. You can also only purchase 24 oysters per person — if you're thinking about making the absolute most of the once-a-week deal. You'll find the venue's usual array of drinks waiting to wet your whistle; however, Cielo Rooftop is going hard on its $45 cocktail trees, which include three signature tipples.
If a warm glass of sauvignon blanc at your local pub isn't your ideal post-work tipple, then follow us. Those magical hours before dinner are treasured in the Italian culture, and Brisbane is starting to follow suit. While the classic Aperol spritz has proven a great pre-meal staple — just look for the crowds of punters clutching those distinctive, blush-toned cocktails — it has company. There are more tasty tipples in store for those keen to broaden their horizons. And we've rounded up the bars serving them. From cheap spritzes to free snacks, these are our favourite (and best value) aperitivo hours around Brisbane.
Let's be honest, interstate trips are the perfect budget-friendly breather. You get all your well-deserved downtime, without the fuss of long-distance flying and complicated international travel requirements. These Airbnbs are perfect for just that — with breathtaking views of cities across Australia for the perfect getaway. If you're eagerly planning day trips, weekend getaways and luscious week-long vacations, check out some of the best Airbnbs for the perfect vacation — or staycation — across Australia. Tamarama Panorama, Sydney In keeping with the beachside neighbourhood's "glamarama" reputation, the views from this home's floor-to-ceiling windows are dazzling. You can walk down your outdoor staircase to the beach, or just lay out on the balcony chairs and enjoy the ocean views from up above. From $700 a night, sleeps six. Harbour Hideaway, Sydney The views from this beachfront apartment and its gorgeous porch are hard to beat. If viewing the golden sand and blue water from above wasn't quite enough, the pad also has beach access. From $500 a night, sleeps two. Opera House Views, Sydney Whether you've lived in Sydney your whole life or you're just popping in for the weekend, this condo's jaw-dropping outlook over the city skyline will make you feel like you're seeing it for the first time. From $258 a night, sleeps four. Bondi Beach Ocean View, Sydney Only steps away from Sydney's most famous beach, this condo is close to not only Bondi Beach but also many nearby restaurants, bars and cafes. But its views will probably have you wanting to stay in. From $400 a night, sleeps two. Single-Bedroom Luxury Apartment, Melbourne Perfectly positioned near The Crown in the heart of Melbourne, you can take in pretty much all of the CBD from the floor-to-ceiling windows in this high-rise apartment. From $160 a night, sleeps two. Melbourne Spaceship Penthouse, Melbourne With windows on the walls and ceilings resembling a spaceship cockpit, enjoy an unmatched 270-degree view of Melbourne. From $258 a night, sleeps two. Breathtaking CBD Views, Melbourne Also conveniently located in Melbourne's CBD, the views from this apartment's bedroom are absolutely breathtaking. From $143 a night, sleeps four. Stylish Waterfront Apartment, Melbourne With utilities such as a gym, swimming pool and BBQ area all available, this property is a peaceful waterfront oasis — and only a free tram ride from Melbourne's bustling city centre. From $150 a night, sleeps two. Million Dollar Views, Brisbane Surprisingly, the real selling point of this high-rise apartment isn't its central location or its nice interior finishings, but the view from the apartment complex's rooftop pool. From $221 a night, sleeps four. Stylish One Bedroom, Brisbane Centrally-located and modern, the skyline views from this apartment and its roof will make even Brisbane locals feel like they're on a luxury vacation. From $189 a night, sleeps two. Riverview 29th Floor Apt, Brisbane Located in the heart of South Brisbane, treat yourself to stunning city views from the apartment, balcony, or rooftop infinity pool. From $205 a night, sleeps three. City View, Perth Slide open the glass doors after a long day exploring the city and enjoy the sunset over Perth from your living room. From $200 a night, sleeps two. Cottesloe Beach View, Perch Just steps from one of the most popular beaches in Western Australia, the ocean views are the star of this apartment. From $410 a night, sleeps four. French Farmhouse, Perth Craving a nature immersion? This pad is for the traveller whose ideal vacation involves forgetting about the outside world altogether. With a foliage-covered courtyard outside its windows, this rustic townhouse will help you forget about the existence of the city centre a mere five minutes away. From $200 a night, sleeps four. Glenelg Beachfront Apartment, Adelaide With arguably the best waterfront views on this list, this apartment gets up-close and personal with Glenelg Beach. But, just in case you get tired of the unrestricted views, there is plenty to do nearby in Adelaide's CBD. From $405 a night, sleeps four. Pearl, Adelaide A cosy and bright beachfront cottage, this recently renovated designer property boasts a sea view that can be enjoyed from the open lounge and kitchen or stone patio that leads directly onto the dunes. From $336 a night, sleeps four. Asri Garden Studio, Adelaide For secluded garden views, check out this tranquil studio inspired by Japanese and Balinese design. It's all about nature: nestled into a secluded garden and designed to incorporate natural materials and natural light. From $200 a night, sleeps two. View Studio, Hobart The best way to end an action-packed day in Hobart? Taking in the epic views of the city's lights from the bath in this Airbnb's master suite. From $235 a night, sleeps two. Tiny House Tasmania, Hobart For those looking to experience the tiny home craze, a trip to Hobart may be the perfect opportunity. This home overlooks the Derwent River and notably features an outdoor bathtub perfect for a relaxing evening after a day spent exploring. From $195 a night, sleeps two. Mountain View Retreat, Hobart If you prefer to get your outdoor fix in the mountains, this cosy mountainside retreat is only minutes away from Hobart — but has stunning views. From $140 a night, sleeps two. Marina Views, Darwin Enjoy this property's stellar view of the marina from its all-day shaded balcony, to keep you out of Darwin's heat. From $180 a night, sleeps four. Harbourfront Escape, Darwin This apartment right on Darwin's harbour will give visitors the perfect taste of Darwin's coastal life: explore during the day — or night — and then returning to the complex's outdoor pool and sunset views. From $189 a night, sleeps two. Opulent Ocean View Townhouse, Darwin Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this townhouse boasts waterfront views in a prime location in Darwin's Stuart Park. Suitable for families or for a private getaway, you can switch off in this spacious stay and soak in the gorgeous sunrises — or sunsets — by the pool. From $481 a night, sleeps eight. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb
We don't recommend taking regularly life advice from cartoon characters, but ever since an animated crab sang about the joys of living under the sea, it's an idea that's been lodged in everyone's minds. Nearly three decades after The Little Mermaid told us "darling it's better down where it's wetter", you can now experience the underwater life for yourself. If you've ever wanted to make like Ariel and slumber surrounded by sea life, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has made that dream a reality by building a lavish underwater hotel suite. Now open and welcoming guests, the US$15 million space is being called the world's "first undersea residence" — and while a series of submerged villas in Dubai and a room at an African hotel might beg to differ, this still looks and sounds mighty impressive. Named The Muraka, which means coral in Dhivehi, the Maldives' local language, it's a two-level apartment that comes complete with sleeping and living quarters both above and five metres below the waterline. While the top floor boasts two bedrooms and bathrooms, including one with an ocean-facing tub; a powder room, gym, living room, kitchen, bar and dining area; two separate decks facing directly towards the sunrise and sunset; an infinity pool; and even butler's and private security quarters (with staff on hand 24 hours a day), it's the lower level that's the main attraction. Let's face it — you know that's exactly where everyone will head first. Down a spiral staircase, guests will find a king size bedroom, living area and bathroom, all surrounded by 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean's marine inhabitants. In total, the suite sleeps nine, making it a luxe destination for travelling groups with plenty of cash. And we do mean plenty, with Architectural Digest reporting that a stay costs around US$50,000 per night. That's not the only underwater experience on offer at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island — for the past 13 years, the resort has also been home to an undersea restaurant, so you can eat beneath the ocean's surface as well. Images: Justin Nicholas. 2018 Hilton.
The idea that you can't have too much of a good thing has been part of The Office franchise ever since an American version of the UK-originated hit was initially locked in. As well 188 episodes of the US take on the workplace comedy, more iterations have followed around the world, including in Australia. An American spinoff called The Paper led by Domhnall Gleeson (Echo Valley) also arrives in September 2025. Here's another way that "the more, the merrier" applies to The Office: via the Superfan episodes. Extended scenes, bloopers, deleted moments: they're all included, alongside other bonus content — and for the first time, these lengthier instalments are available Down Under. [caption id="attachment_1018235" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Haston/NBC[/caption] As at Thursday, August 21, 2025, Binge has dropped the Superfan episodes across seasons 1–8 of the US The Office, spanning 170 episodes — and an extra 28 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds material. This is the first time ever that they've not only been made available in Australia, but outside of the US. Get ready to see the beloved sitcom in an entirely new way, then, no matter how many times you've watched and rewatched it before. For everyone who has ever had a cringeworthy boss, annoying co-worker or soul-crushing office job, this comedy franchise has understood for more than two decades now. It was back in 2001 that the original UK version of The Office arrived, introducing the world to the literally paper-pushing David Brent. And, in 2005, an American series featuring the also-awkward Michael Scott hit the small screen as well. The US iteration of The Office proved one of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original. It was also immensely easy to just keep rewatching, as fans have known since the 2005–13 show finished its run. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Mountainhead), John Krasinski (Fountain of Youth), Jenna Fischer (Mean Girls), Rainn Wilson (Home Delivery), Mindy Kaling (Velma), Ed Helms (Family Switch), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners), Craig Robinson (Hot Frosty) and more in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. As for The Paper, it streams from Thursday, September 4, 2025, also on Binge, and is set at a midwestern newspaper publisher. As its predecessor was, it's a mockumentary series. The setup: the same documentary crew that turned their cameras towards Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch have found a new workplace to explore. Their time pointing their lens the Toledo Truth Teller's way coincides with Ned Sampson (Gleeson) joining the publication as editor-in-chief, with the paper's newest employee underwhelmed with the status quo and brimming with ideas about how to change things. Check out a trailer for The Office season one's Superfan episodes below: The Office Superfan episodes are available to stream in Australia from Thursday, August 21, 2025 via Binge.
In 2019, the Great Barrier Reef gained a new addition, as well as a new way to enjoy its natural underwater delights. When the Museum of Underwater Art installed its first artworks in December, it became the southern hemisphere's first attraction of its type — and yet another reason for everyone to add visiting Australia's tropics to their travel bucket list. Two artworks were put in place at the time. The first, Ocean Siren, is located 30 metres offshore from The Strand jetty at Townsville and actually towers above the water; however, it interacts with live water temperature data from the Davies Reef weather station, then changes colour in response to variations as they happen. The second Coral Greenhouse, definitely lurks below the sea. And, until now, that meant that visiting it was a bit of a problem. As part of an official launch of the Museum of Underwater Art's first phase, folks can now take a tour of Coral Greenhouse — with recreational divers and snorkelers able to access the work from Saturday, August 1. The tours are being run by Adrenalin Dive Townsville and Pro Dive Magnetic Island, who'll help you see and swim through this striking sculpture. Down the track, SeaLink Queensland, Yongala Dive Burdekin and Orpheus Island Resort will be able to take you for a splash, too. [caption id="attachment_778364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Curnock[/caption] And it is striking. Coral Greenhouse sits 18 metres below the waterline on the John Brewer Reef off Townsville, measures 12 metres in height and weighs around 58 tonnes. It's made out of stainless steel, neutral marine grade cement and zinc anodes, and it does indeed look like a greenhouse. In fact, it's an underwater building. It's also filled with more than 20 sculptures, many resembling local school children — and has been made to both stand up to wave pressures and cyclones, and remain visible to divers and snorkelers. Most importantly, it isn't just a greenhouse in name, with the piece featuring coral garden beds. With that in mind, Coral Greenhouse is also designed to "offer opportunities for scientists, marine students and tourists to engage in action-based learning and to conduct globally important research on coral reef restoration and new technology," marine sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor notes. The creator of the Museum of Underwater Art, he sees this particular work as "an interface into our underwater world" and a way "to tell stories of the Great Barrier Reef, and for people to understand what a fragile, beautiful and sacred space it really is". [caption id="attachment_778365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Curnock[/caption] In total, four pieces are planned for the Museum as part of its aim to highlight reef conservation, restoration and education — with two more sculptures set for Palm Island and Magnetic Island in the future. Palm Island's forthcoming installation will connect the spot's the cultural story to the land and sea, according to the MOUA's website, and is expected to be in place by the July 2021. As for the Magnetic Island artwork, it's working towards a December 2021 unveiling. Of course, while the first tours of the underwater museum have officially kicked off, not everyone can get into Queensland. The Sunshine State has, at writing, closed its borders to all of Victoria and greater Sydney. Find the Museum of Underwater Art off the shore of Townsville, Queensland. For more information, visit the museum's website. To book a tour, head to the Adrenalin Dive or Pro Dive Magnetic websites. Images: Matt Curnock
Perched beside the river in New Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse is already one of the Queensland capital's most striking venues, and has been since the former power station relaunched as a performance site more than two decades ago. Now, as part of an expansion plan that's also set to see a permanent outdoor cinema and twice-yearly night market join its offerings, it also boasts a luminous new events space right by the water. Meet the Pleasuredome, which was first announced back in June 2022, and is now up and running on Powerhouse's Performance Lawn. The 450-person, 520-square-metre venue is a handcrafted Nordic-style tent, with Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director Kate Gould coming up with the concept, and Australian stage and site designer Bruce McKinven (Dark Mofo) then doing the honours. Its purpose: to be used for special events and functions year-round. Visitors will find not just a performance and party space inside, but full-service bars and al fresco lounging zones. Indeed, when it isn't being used for shows and events beneath the lawn's Moreton Bay fig trees — think: long-table dinners, cabaret and theatre-style gigs, plus weddings and other private functions — it can be deployed as a hangout space. Officially launching on Saturday, November 19, it's currently opening free to the public every Saturday morning at the Powerhouse Farmers Markets, giving Brisbanites the chance to check it out and take advantage of its laidback configuration — which, when the event calls for it, can be moved into full-theatre mode for everything from theatre, comedy and dance through to music and circus. "Brisbane is famous for its natural beauty, vibrant community spirit and enviable outdoor lifestyle and the Pleasuredome celebrates all three in equal measure," said Gould, opening the space. "Made from handsewn sailcloth from The Netherlands, the organic-shaped, fluted tent-like structure balances an international feel with an authentic local presence, responding beautifully to its relaxed sub-tropical location under the Moreton BayfFigs beside the Brisbane River. Doubling as a community gathering space and a new home for unique events, Bruce McKinven has created a truly breathtaking new venue that is sure to become an iconic Brisbane experience." Pleasuredome is due to be followed by the aforementioned cinema, which was originally slated for a spring 2022 opening date but hasn't started screening yet, and the Hap Wah Night Market. The 1950s-inspired cinema will show everything from big-name blockbusters to arthouse flicks, and host film festivals as well, with a major exhibitor running the setup. And, it'll feature chairs, cushions and rugs to sit on, and serve up gourmet food and champagne. As for the market, it's set to debut in March 2023, running for the entire month. It'll then take place in October, and also return in the Powerhouse forecourt and surrounding parks in those two months every year. Here, Brisbanites can look forward to a food-focused night market that'll score its own village precinct each time that it's up and running, and have Blade Runner-meets-Queensland theming with a dash of Cantonese culture, too. The name stems from a north Queensland sugar plantation from the 19th century, aka the state's first Chinese business, and the markets will also feature free and cheap art installations, music and films. Find the Pleasuredome at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. For more information about the venue, head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website.
Getting to Howard Smith Wharves just got easier, especially travelling to the revamped space beneath the Story Bridge via the very thing it peers out over: the Brisbane River. While the site's ferry terminal opened in December 2021, and the CityHopper and Cross River Ferry Service have been servicing it since, the CBD spot is only now becoming part of the CityCat route. From Monday, May 27, 2024, you can cruise into and out of Howard Smith Wharves all day each day. The first services start at 6.10am daily, and the last run at around 11.30pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends. So, there's no more needing to get off at Riverside and walk up to HSW — even if that stroll does come with a nice riverside vantage. If you're thinking "finally", that's understandable. Any new riverside precinct in inner-city Brisbane was always going to need to be part of the CityCat network — and 45,000 people per year have already been getting to Howard Smith Wharves via the CityHopper and Cross River Ferry Service. "Howard Smith Wharves is not only one of Brisbane's most beloved entertainment areas, but directly linked to the iconic Fortitude Valley precinct, so a permanent CityCat stop at the wharves makes perfect sense," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. "The introduction of these daily services will mean that more people can easily travel between Howard Smith Wharves, the city and South Bank, as well as a host of other terminals along the river as they see the best of Brisbane." The CityHopper and Cross River Ferry Service will keep running as they have been, giving folks a heap of ways to get to HSW via the river, but the CityHopper will move its timings by three minutes. Howard Smith Wharves started opening in late 2018, giving Brisbane a riverside brewery in the heart of the city — plus everything from Japanese, Greek and Cantonese restaurants to an overwater bar. Since then, it's been making the most of its perch by the water in every way except one; however, that's changed now that it's part of the now-19 stop CityCat network. Getting there and back via CityCat from Monday, August 5 will also only cost you 50 cents per journey for six months, when the Queensland Government slashes all Translink public transport fares to half a dollar for half a year. CityCat services to and from Howard Smith Wharves, which is located at 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane, commenced on Monday, May 27, 2024. Head to the Translink website for timetables and further details. Top image: Reuben Nutt.
