Awash as the internet is with kids promoting their #personalbrands, it's cool to see someone so young found a publication like Rookie, a surprisingly down-to-earth and intellectual voice in the teen zine scene. Launched in 2011, it's festooned with the Tavi aesthetic, which, since her solo blogging days as a 13-year-old, has channelled '90s pop-goth and pretty pastels, movies like Ghost World and all the quirkiest developments of the fashion world. But it's Tavi's self-awareness and feminism that make her a compelling fashion commentator: never glossing over the fact that this is an industry which fetishises youth, she's all for female empowerment. We're looking forward to hearing her speak on a local stage.

Book here (from July 12) to see Tavi speak at the Opera House on August 18, and here for her August 23 appearance in Melbourne.

Data'll Be All

Making sense of complicated numbers is a problem we've been struggling with for decades,  and you've probably got the results of previous attempts on your phone. Whether you've personally been trying to make sense of big space numbers, powers of ten, two hundreds years of development or just trying to sort your tax, you've been working the problem. And there's stuff hidden in there. XML data, web publishing and mp3s weren't obvious candidates to revolutionise radio until they added up to podcasts, nor combining the tech in Gmail and word processing to make something like Google Docs. Equally, who knows what City data — like waste, water use or cycling sensors — could add up to in the right combinations?

Sustainability and climate change are two of the City of Sydney's big focuses in interpreting their data, and they're also, as Carbon Arts founder Jodi Newcombe says "often identified as 'wicked problems' or 'very wicked problems'. And those are [problems] characterised by the fact that people who are trying to solve them are also creating the problem as well." The visualisations and ideas from the Slam are meant to give individuals a way of finding a little leverage into these wicked problems.

Lycra Forecast: Low

Artists Tega Brain and Gavin Sade used a speed data feed from city cycleways — which output a daily report on how many cyclists go in what direction  — combined with the inference that fast cyclists are likely to be harder-core, lycra-clad 'MAMILS' (Middle Aged Men in Lycra). So their plan is to measure this with the Lycra Index. Slow moving cyclists like Sunday riders or families can use the index to work out whether it's a good day set out on the lanes at low speed. MAMILS, conversely, get to see whether it's a good day for a speedy commute into work.

Cycling 365

Brain and Sade's choice to work with cyclists acme sprung from the work of Mitchell Whitelaw, who also tapped into public bike feeds to prototype a tool visualising a year's worth of cycling data in a web browser. The city has magnetic sensors in bike lanes, much like the ones that detect cars at a set of traffic lights. In the troughs of the usage data, Christmas, New Year's and bike festivals start to become obvious.

Race for a Low Number

Carbon Arts was also looking to commission an artwork for Art and About that played with City data feeds. The winner of the commission was artist Keith Deverell, who plans to use sport to make some inner-city buildings' environmental footprints more obvious. Six or so screens will be lined up side by side in September. On each, the image of a marathon runner will represent each building's energy usage, drawn from public energy data. Low usage will make these virtual runners run a better race, high usage a poor one. Each runner's image will be assembled live using VJ software, pretty much like a computer voice assembles its artificial sentences out of prerecorded pieces.

Keep Up With the Joneses

Zina Kaye and Mr Snow from Holly were similarly interested in big buildings. Engaging with the problem of modern apartment blocks with no incentive to keep their fancy water recycling systems running efficiently, they proposed a series of lobby indicators, reports and rewards to help residents to both keep up with the Joneses, and stay up to date with how well their building's waste systems are working.

Get Some Data With Your Coffee

Jon McCormack and Greg More worked with data tallying how cafes use energy in different parts of their shop. They split the data into colour-coded graphs picking apart each element of the premises' electrics. From this, they proposed all cafes have coffee cups and outdoor branding colour stamped with their own energy consumption profile. Like shopping for organic, single origin or fair trade coffee, you'd be able to shop for a more efficient caffeine fix.

More Plumbing, Less Hack

Javier Candeira described his idea as more plumbing than hack, per se. Rather than receive data from cities, banks or media, he'll help people broadcast their own sustainability data outward on the wider web. The idea is to upload it to compare your own usage against what other people use living in similar circumstances. Say, in an apartment or in a three-person share house. "Facebook for devices" Xively does this already, but needs special hardware. Candeira's plan is to get all this going with the stuff you have already.

Sucking Up Info from Around Town

Andrea Polli, and fellow members of ISEA guests the Social Media Workgroup, proposed networked sensors called GNOMES (Geo-locative Networked Outdoor Monitoring Environment). These sensors measure ambient environmental conditions, like the energy that can be sucked out of the air around a city via RF (radio waves). By Sunday they've set up a functional recording device using a coffee cup cabled to electronics. Less innocuous than the GNOMES, it records passers-by's ideas on how to make the city more sustainable.

Photos by Lucy Parakhina. Lycra index mock ups by Tega Brain and Gavin Sade, apartment foyer mockup by Zina Kaye and Mr Snow, street interface by Jon McCormack and Greg More, and GNOME by the Social Media Workgroup.

Drone It Yourself takes the guesswork out of droning, by using simple components to transform any (lightweight) item into a flying beast of the skies. Channelling our Zeitgeist's motif of personal customisation, anyone can 3D-print the kit's parts, which can also be altered and enhanced with any clamps or other addenda you may wish to incorporate into your quadrocopter. Grab your remote control/pizza/Frankie magazine, and dispatch it on its stealth mission. The kit's four propellors connect to a control unit containing a receiver, bluetooth module, 4 ESCs and OpenPilot CC3D flightcontroller. Presto: next-level convenience — and a springboard for further innovation — is achieved. Check out the video below to see how it looks when drones become tools that anyone can make.

Via Mashable.

City farming is a worthy and growing trend. It's surprising the number of munchable fruit, flower, vegetable and herb varieties that can flourish while on the climb. Edible Walls is not only a space-saving and socially responsible design enterprise but a beautiful and stylish one, not unlike when your dad piles pasta skyward in the centre of your plate in an adorable attempt to be master chef. Could we see edible walls spring up as a common sight in cafes and homes across Sydney, as nature is increasingly integrated into city life? We reckon we will, and attending Sydney Design is a great way to get educated so you can mastermind your own high-rise harvest.

This year Sydney Design's 75+ events seek to answer the question, 'Can clever design save the world?' Duh. This very interrogative will be debated by a panel of designers and business bigwigs facilitated by Nell Schofield. But there's plenty of other festival festures to excite the aspiring design maverick. The Australian International Design Awards gather wacky gadgetry and ingenious innovations, while a Powerhouse retrospective exhibition celebrates the influential work of US designer and furniture innovator George Nelson.

It definitely doesn't stop there. Architects Eko Prawoto and David Sheppard will present keynote addresses on the topic of urban reconstruction and recovery from earthquake damage. Healthabitat's Paul Pholeros and Heleana Genaus illuminate the links between health and manmade environments. Among the festival's other exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops and just plain fun stuff: Stringram marries string design to Instagram, native biodiversity enjoys full reign in Parramatta's Vorsprugarten, and jewellery becomes artfully and deliberately biodegradable in Earth to Earth, Ashes to Ashes. Then there's Workshopped13, the 3x3x3 Design Challenge, Translocated Making, and more initiatives that could just save the world.

Sydney Design runs citywide, 3-18 August, 2013.

Selling itself as 'the first watch built for the 21st century', the Pebble is compatible with both iPhone and Android. It's also fully customisable. The wearer can choose from an array of watch faces, making changes as often as desirable. The designers write that they 'strove to create a minimalist yet fashionable product that seamlessly blends into everyday life'.

The selection of apps is growing all the time, from biking and running monitors to golf rangefinders to music software. Bluetooth enables connection with a nearby smartphone, which means that the Pebble can access GPS, and communicate notifications from social networks and email accounts. The phone weighs in at 32 grams and its black and white screen offers a resolution of 144 x 168 pixels.

Drawbacks include the tendency to reduce a smartphone's battery life, by up to 10%. Plus, owners of a Blackberry, Windows 7 or Palm phone don't have any chance of compatibility yet.

Following delays, the first Pebbles were shipped to Kickstarter supporters in January this year. On July 7, they (the watches, not the supporters) became available on shelves in America's consumer electronics store, Best Buy.

[via mashable]

The back-to-work blues have hit us all pretty hard this year — especially as summer took its time to shine. If you're like us, you're already yearning to escape the office or your current work-from-home situation. And this loved-up time of year (yup, Valentine's Day is coming) offers up a great excuse to book a trip away with your partner.

With this in mind, Virgin Australia has launched the Bring on More in Adelaide sale, offering up to 30% off flights to the City of Churches — with prices as low as $89 one way from Melbourne.

You may not know it, but Adelaide is a mighty romantic city. It's home to spectacular wine, chocolate and fresh oysters — all aphrodisiacs — alongside a huge variety of activities made for loved-up couples. So, this year, swap the usual Valentine's Day staycation for an unforgettably romantic (and discounted) trip to Adelaide. Here's some inspiration to get you love birds started.

Tommaso Cantelli

JOIN AN OYSTER TOUR

There are stacks of reason why oyster tours are great for dates. First off, there is the aphrodisiac element (if you believe all that), but it's also a unique way to feel swanky while enjoying the outdoors. Few places compare to the famed Coffin Bay, located on South Australia's picturesque Eyre Peninsula.

Here, you and your partner can don some arguably unsexy waterproof waders to frolic in the clear blue waters and learn a little about oyster farming. You'll then head back to the beachside Salt Water Pavilion where you can dine on freshly caught oysters while sipping on local wines.

EXPLORE VAST WINE REGIONS

Speaking of wine, Adelaide is surrounded by several world-famous wine regions. And you really don't have to go far to visit them. You've got the Adelaide Hills located just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, McLaren Vale at 45 minutes, and the Barossa (where Two Hands Wines, pictured above, is located) and Clare valleys around 1.5 and two hours away, respectively. Pick one, book a driver (so one of you doesn't have to miss out) and explore as many cellar doors as you can — possibly opting for private tours and tastings to make it all the more romantic.

STAY IN A LUSH HOTEL

A romantic getaway is incomplete without a luxurious place to rest your heads — or get Ade(laid)e. One of our favourite CBD stays is the undeniably cool Hotel Indigo (pictured above), which boasts large luxurious rooms and an outdoor pool overlooking the city.

If you can't make it to Paris but you're looking for a chic French-style getaway, book a stay at Sofitel Adelaide. This glamorous five-star hotel has a huge array of rooms and suites as well as its own wine bar and French fine dining restaurant.

It's also hard to overlook the old-school glamour of The Playford. Unwind in the spa and sauna after a long day of exploring Adelaide before returning to your opulent art nouveau suite to order room service to your bed.

Sia Duff

PARTAKE IN EXCEPTIONAL DINING

Heading to Adelaide means heading to a deliciously diverse range of restaurants and bars — most championing local produce with incredibly tasty and creative dishes.

As a strong start, there's the much-adored Africola (pictured above), where North African dishes are backdropped by art-covered walls and an energetic buzz. Over on Peel Street, Southeast Asian street food meets natural wine at Gondola Gondola, the upstairs Bread and Bone plates up woodfired burgers, steaks and ribs, and the appropriately named Peel St features a menu of refined yet simple fare made from quality local ingredients.

Alternatively, you can amp up the romance with one of the best meals you'll likely ever have — book a table at Restaurant Botanic, the winner of Australia's Restaurant of the Year award for 2023, to experience modern Australian dining at its absolute finest.

Adam Bruzzone via South Australian Tourism Commission

DISCOVER UNIQUE DATE DESTINATIONS

The City of Churches is far more than its places of worship — there are countless things for loved-up couples to do here. First off, as we are talking romance, we highly recommend a trip to the Haigh's Chocolate factory — for Adelaide is the birthplace of this beloved chocolate maker. Here, you can taste all its best creations and go on a special behind-the-scenes tour to see how this all-too romantic treat is created. But if you want to get out in nature, you can try a dolphin sanctuary kayak tour, paddling about with your partner in tow. Moreover, a day spent wandering around the Art Gallery of South Australia is aways a win, while a sunset cruise along the coast is what Valentine's Day is made for. You're clearly spoilt for choice.

Take advantage of Virgin Australia's latest travel deal, booking discounted flights to Adelaide here. But hurry, the sale ends on Monday, February 6.  

Top image: Skillogalee courtesy of South Australia Tourism.

This yeasty ranking does for beer what the other Hottest 100 does for bangers, and it has just anointed its best tipple from 2022's brews. Coming out on top is Mountain Culture's Status Quo pale ale, with the New South Wales brewery from the Blue Mountains giving the GABS countdown a new winner for the first time in a few years. In both 2020 and 2021, Canberra's Bentspoke Brewing Co did the honours with its Crankshaft American IPA. In 2022, that brew came in third instead

Mountain Culture also bested 2017 and 2018 winner Balter Brewing Company, which notched up second position with its Balter XPA. And, it beat out Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale, the winner of the 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2019 polls, and 2020's second-place getter, which nabbed fourth position this year — as it did in 2021.

Your Mates Brewing Co came in fifth with its Larry pale ale, while Better Beer's zero carb variety sits in sixth. Rounding out the top ten are Young Henrys' Newtowner pale ale in seventh, Coopers' original pale ale in eighth, Bridge Road Brewers' Beechworth pale ale in ninth and Black Hops Brewery's GOAT hazy IPA in tenth.

Mountain Culture, which is run by husband-and-wife team DJ & Harriet McCready, also placed 15th and 31st with other tipples — and clearly had ample company. 2022's hottest 100 was whittled down from 311 vote-receiving breweries and 2140 of their beers, with more than 60,000 folks having their say about Australia's best craft beers.

As a result, the top ten was the most closely contested in GABS history, and a record-equalling 58 breweries made the full list of 100 brews. That includes 28 beers from NSW, 26 from Queensland and 18 from Victoria, plus 11 from Western Australia, nine from the ACT and eight from South Australia.

Run by GABS — or the annual festival also known as the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular, which returns for 2023 this May and June — the countdown is a people's-choice poll decided by booze lovers around the country.

If you're thinking "less background, more beer", here's what you've been waiting for: the rundown of the best beverages from the past year that just keep tempting tastebuds. Working your way through the whole 100 isn't just a great way to show your appreciation for locally made brews, either — consider it research for the 2023 countdown.

GABS HOTTEST 100 AUSSIE CRAFT BEERS OF 2022:

1. Mountain Culture — Status Quo Hazy Pale Ale
2. Balter Brewing Balter — XPA Pale Ale
3. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Crankshaft American IPA
4. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Pacific Ale Australian Pale Ale
5. Your Mates Brewing Co — Larry Australian Pale Ale
6. Better Beer — Better Beer Zero Carb Australian Pilsner
7. Young Henrys — Newtowner Australian Pale Ale
8. Coopers Brewery — Original Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale
9. Bridge Road Brewers — Beechworth Pale Ale American Pale Ale
10. Black Hops Brewery — G.O.A.T. New England IPA
11. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Single Fin Australian Pale Ale
12. Capital Brewing Co — Capital XPA Pale Ale
13. Pirate Life Brewing — South Coast Pale Ale American Pale Ale
14. Revel Brewing Co — Strawberries & Cream Sour Ale Kettle Sour
15. Mountain Culture — Cult IPA New England IPA
16. Brookvale Union — Ginger Beer
17. Philter Brewing — Philter XPA Australian Pale Ale
18. Beerfarm Royal — Haze Hazy IPA
19. Balter Brewing — Hazy IPA
20. Black Hops Brewery — East Coast Haze Hazy Pale Ale
21. Balter Brewing — Eazy Hazy Hazy Pale Ale
22. Little Creatures — Little Creatures Pale Ale American Pale Ale
23. Heads Of Noosa Brewing Co — Japanese Style Lager
24. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Barley Griffin Australian Pale Ale
25. 4 Pines Brewing Co — 4 Pines Pacific Ale Australian Pale Ale
26. Coopers Brewery — Sparkling Ale Australian Pale Ale
27. Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Patio Pale American Pale Ale
28. Brick Lane Brewing Co — One Love Pale Ale American Pale Ale
29. Grifter Brewing Co — Pale Australian Pale Ale
30. Modus Brewing — Modus Cerveza Lager
31. Mountain Goat Beer — GOAT Very Enjoyable Beer Lager
32. Better Beer — Better Beer Ginger Beer
33. Heaps Normal — Quiet XPA Pale Ale
34. Capital Brewing Co — Coast Ale California Common
35. Blackflag Brewing — Rage Juicy Pale Pale Ale
36. Mountain Culture — Be Kind Rewind New England IPA
37. Matso's Broome Brewery — Matso's Ginger Beer
38. Your Mates Brewing Co — Tilly Ginger Beer
39. Coopers Brewery — Coopers XPA American Pale Ale
40. Balter Brewing — Bucket Full Of Nothin' Hazy IIPA
41. CBCo Brewing — Pale Ale American Pale Ale
42. Capital Brewing Co — Hang Loose Juice Blood Orange NEIPA New England IPA
43. 10 Toes Brewery — Pipeline Pale Australian Pale Ale
44. Balter Brewing — Captain Sensible American Pale Ale
45. Ballistic Beer Co — Hawaiian Haze Hazy Pale Ale
46. Bright Brewery — Alpine Lager Lager
47. KAIJU! Beer — KAIJU! KRUSH Australian Pale Ale
48. Grifter Brewing Co — Serpents Kiss Fruit Beer
49. Feral Brewing Co — Biggie Juice New England IPA
50. White Rabbit — White Rabbit Dark Ale
51. Big Shed Brewing Concern — Boozy Fruit New England IPA
52. Green Beacon Brewing Co — Wayfarer Tropical Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale
53. Range Brewing Co — Disco Hazy Pale Ale
54. Stomping Ground Brewing Co — Gipps St Pale Ale American Pale Ale
55. Young Henrys — Hazy Pale Ale
56. Willie The Boatman — Albo Australian Pale Ale
57. Burleigh Brewing Co — Twisted Palm Australian Pale Ale
58. Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Lager Australian Pilsner
59. Akasha Brewing Co — Super Chill Australian Pale Ale
60. Dainton Beer — Equalizer Hazy Pale Ale
61. 4 Pines Brewing Co — 4 Pines Pale Ale American Pale Ale
62. Kosciuszko Brewing Co — Kosciuszko Pale Ale American Pale Ale
63. Black Hops Brewery — Black Hops Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale
64. Brouhaha Brewery — Strawberry Rhubarb Sour Kettle Sour
65. Moon Dog Craft Brewery ‚ Old Mate American Pale Ale
66. Blackman's Brewery — Juicy Banger Lager
67. Capital Brewing Co — Trail Pale Ale American Pale Ale
68. Hop Nation Brewing Co — J-Juice New England IPA
69. Blackflag Brewing — Astro Punk XPA Pale Ale
70. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Side Track All Day XPA Pale Ale
71. Your Mates Brewing Co — Sally American IPA
72. Bodriggy Brewing Co — Speccy Juice Session IPA
73. Burleigh Brewing Co — Bighead No-carb Lager Lager
74. Coopers Brewery — Coopers Pacific Pale Ale Australian Pale Ale
75. Eumundi Brewery — Eumundi Alcoholic Ginger Beer
76. Rocky Ridge Brewing Co — Jindong Juicy Hazy Pale Ale
77. Young Henrys — Natural Lager Lager
78. Dainton Beer — Blood Orange NEIPA New England IPA
79. Hop Nation Brewing Co — Rattenhund Pilsner
80. Capital Brewing Co — Rock Hopper IPA American IPA
81. Little Creatures — Pacific Ale Australian Pale Ale
82. Diablo Co — Diablo Ginger Beer
83. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Cloud Catcher Australian Pale Ale
84. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Sprocket American IPA
85. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Hazy As Hazy Pale Ale
86. Wayward Brewing Co — Raspberry Berliner Weisse Berliner Weisse
87. Young Henrys — Motorcycle Oil Porter
88. Mismatch Brewing Co — Session Ale Session IPA
89. Little Creatures — Rogers Amber Ale
90. One Drop Brewing Co — Double Vanilla Custard Pancake Imperial Nitro Thickshake IPA Milkshake IPA
91. 4 Pines Brewing Co — Hazy Pale Ale
92. Balter Brewing — Balter IPA American IPA
93. Coopers Brewery — Best Extra Stout
94. Hawkers Beer — West Coast IPA American IPA
95. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Pipe Dreams Coastal Lager Australian Pilsner
96. Range Brewing Co — Lights + Music TIPA
97. Dainton Beer — Jungle Juice Hazy IPA
98. Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel — Three Sheets Australian Pale Ale
99. Bad Shepherd Brewing Co — Peanut Butter Porter Porter
100. One Drop Brewing Co — We Jammin' Sour

For more information about the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2022, head to the GABS website.

First, the bad news: Australia's most envied job, aka Tourism Australia's Beach Ambassador, is sadly already taken. Now, the excellent news, especially if you're keen on a beach holiday or several (or ten) throughout 2023: that lucky coast lover, beach expert Brad Farmer AM, has just named Australia's best beaches for 2023.

Australia has 11,761 sandy spots according to Tourism Australia, so narrowing down the most stunning to a mere ten is no small feat — even if you've spent four decades focusing on the absolute best, as Farmer has. The number-one place to hit the shore this year from that hefty list? South Australia's Stokes Bay, which is located on Kangaroo Island.

Being named Australia's best beach is the second huge piece of praise that Kangaroo Island has received already in 2023, after The New York Times included the entire landmass among its 52 places to visit this year. Farmer has gotten more specific, however, singling out Stokes Bay for a number of reasons — its location, safe swimming options, overall atmosphere and clandestine entrance among them.

"Most of the island's 50 or so glorious beaches are all relatively secluded, yet accessible, so visitors are much more likely to encounter paw prints of the many furry lounging locals than footprints of the work weary human," notes Farmer of Kangaroo Island, announcing his picks for Australia's best beaches for the year.

"Stokes Bay Beach on the gentler north coast, with its long 500-metre sandy sweep of low impact waves, features a generous and safe tidal swimming pool for wading or snorkelling with its aquarium like atmosphere. There's a timeless hint of mystique about this hidden treasure with a shimmering reward when the curtains lift. From the western entry carpark and seasonal cafe, this veiled beach is reached through a 'secret tunnel' — a hand-hewn cavernous carved trail finally revealing a stunning scene as if rewarding the adventurer. Stokes Bay is long overdue to be recognised as Australia's Best Beach in 2023," he continues.

East Coast Photography

Stokes Bay claimed top position after Misery Beach in Western Australia scored the honours in 2022, Cabarita Beach in New South Wales did the same in 2020, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy island in Far North Queensland achieved the feat in 2018, and Cossies Beach in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, in the Indian Ocean, earned the title in 2017.

This is the first time that a South Australian beach has earned the honours. Still, among the 2023 list's highest-ranked spots, Stokes Bay is joined by beaches in every Australian state and territory, including Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean Territories.

Coming in second in Australia's best beaches for this year: Boomerang Beach on New South Wales' mid-north coast. NSW is the one of only two states to take two places in the top ten, too, with Balmoral Beach on Sydney Harbour in tenth position.

Elsewhere, Rainbow Beach on Queensland's Cooloola Coast ranked third, Apollo Bay on Great Ocean Road in Victoria slotted in fourth, Adventure Bay on Bruny Island in Tasmania came fifth and Hamelin Bay in Western Australia's southwest notched up sixth position. Then came Little Bondi Beach in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory at seventh, British Admiralty Beach on King Island in the Bass Strait in Tasmania at eighth and Flying Fish Cove on Christmas Island in ninth spot.

Visit Great Ocean Road

Wondering how Farmer makes his picks? This year, he was particularly interested in beaches with a unique cultural connection to First Nations Country, as well as outstanding locations that don't always come up when folks are searching for Australia's best beaches online.

"Australia really is just one big beach and there are simply so many surprises to be discovered in our own sandy backyard," Farmer says.

So pack your togs, round up some mates and start ticking these off. We see many road trips in your future — not that anyone ever needs a new excuse to head to the beach, whether they're one of Australia's best or not.

THE TOP TEN BEST AUSTRALIAN BEACHES FOR 2023:

1.  Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
2.  Boomerang Beach, Mid North Coast, New South Wales
3.  Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Coast, Queensland
4.  Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
5.  Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, Tasmania
6.  Hamelin Bay, South-West, Western Australia
7.  Little Bondi Beach, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
8.  British Admiralty Beach, King Island, Bass Strait, Tasmania
9.  Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island
10. Balmoral Beach, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

For more of Brad Farmer's beach tips, head to his Best Australian Beaches website.

Top image: Tourism Australia.

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 — including Kangaroo Island.

This development is hardly surprising, but still obviously hugely welcome. When it comes to mashing buttons, the 2013 game also inspired a 2014 expansion pack and 2020 sequel. Also, even just two episodes in so far, HBO's version has been attracting viewers faster than any sudden movement attracts zombies.

When the series' debut episode aired on Sunday, January 15 in the US and Monday, January 16 Down Under — where it screens and streams via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and on Neon in New Zealand — it became HBO's second largest debut ever. The first? A little show called House of the Dragon in 2022.

In America alone, The Last of Us' movie-length first instalment has notched up more than 22 million viewers, while its second episode earned 5.7 million viewers just on one night — more than a million than that premiere chapter, and giving HBO its largest-ever growth from week one to week two of any series it has ever made.

In other words, even after leaping to television with a huge gaming fanbase behind it, The Last of Us' popularity is spreading. Given how impressive the HBO series' first season is — how thoughtful, character-based, well-cast, and committed to exploring not just what's happening in its contagion-ravaged dystopian world but why life is worth fighting for — that too is unsurprising.

For newcomers to the franchise on consoles and as a TV series, it's set 20 years after modern civilisation as we know it has been toppled by a parasitic fungal infection that turns the afflicted into shuffling hordes. Pascal plays Joel, who gets saddled with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie (his Game of Thrones co-star Ramsey) out of a strict quarantine zone to help possibly save humanity's last remnants. There wouldn't be a game, let alone a television version, if that was an easy task, of course — and if the pair didn't need to weather quite the brutal journey

As a television series, The Last of Us hails from co-creator, executive producer, writer and director Craig Mazin, who already brought a hellscape to HBO (and to everyone's must-watch list) thanks to the haunting and horrifying Chernobyl. He teams up here with Neil Druckmann from Naughty Dog, who also penned and directed The Last of Us games.

Alongside Pascal and Ramsey, the series also boasts Gabriel Luna (Terminator: Dark Fate) as Joel's younger brother and former soldier Tommy, Merle Dandridge (The Flight Attendant) as resistance leader Marlene and Aussie actor Anna Torv (Mindhunter) as smuggler Tess. And, Nico Parker (The Third Day) plays Joel's 14-year old daughter Sarah, Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) and Nick Offerman (The Resort) feature as isolated survivalists Frank and Bill, Storm Reid (Euphoria) pops up as Boston orphan Riley, Jeffrey Pierce (Castle Rock) plays quarantine-zone rebel Perry and Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey also guest stars.

HBO hasn't announced when season two will arrive, but cross your fingers that it drops early in 2024.

Check out the full trailer for The Last of Us below:

The Last of Us screens and streams via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and on Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of the first season.

Images: Liane Hentscher/HBO.

If you know a legend who fits the bill, you can nominate them here and go in the running to win a phenomenal WorldPride experience for you and the one you've nominated. Fifteen winners will score a package that includes tickets to the sold-out opening ceremony featuring Kylie (no surname necessary) and Charli XCX, VIP viewing access of the Mardi Gras Parade, and dining and entertainment vouchers at top Sydney venues. Flights and accommodation will also be provided for interstate recipients. So as prizes go, this one is a certified banger. Scroll for the full details.

Speaking of certified bangers, it is apt that the campaign is fronted by Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas. The mighty pop queens have consistently used their platform to support and celebrate the rights and spirit of the queer community throughout their career.

The duo launched their involvement with the following statement:

"For Jessie, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for both of us as passionate allies, we're honoured to bring American Express' With You &Proud initiative to life — we can't wait to celebrate this incredible community and share our personal stories of pride together."

"Having grown up deeply connected and involved with the LGBTQIA+ community from a young age and creating safe space for all at our shows for 18 years, representing Australia for WorldPride and being part of this incredible initiative will be an absolute personal and career highlight."

The Veronicas join NBL player Isaac Humphries and MasterChef alum and beloved food personality Khanh Ong as With You &Proud ambassadors.

Full Prize Details

Recipient packages will include curated experiences made up from the below:

2x tickets to Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert featuring Kylie Minogue
2x tickets to Kinky Boots performance
Double pass Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Experience
Merivale dining experience voucher
Saint Peter dining experience voucher
2x Club Cindy Parade viewing passes
Hair styling experience or make up experience
House of Priscilla voucher for costume shopping
Flights and accommodation at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay, for interstate travellers

Nominations are open until 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday, 29 January. For T&Cs visit the website. 

I want to begin by saying I don't consider myself adventurous. Diving into a tank with fully grown sharks isn't something I would have chosen to do for most of my life. But you don't get many chances to take this kind of plunge.

Shark Dive Xtreme takes place in the beloved Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium, a truly historic landmark of our city. I spent many a school holiday afternoon running among its dark hallways and viewing windows, hypnotised by the aquatic wonders inside.

If you've done the same, you might have witnessed a group of people clad in scuba gear stepping inside the shark tank. Years ago, one of those people was my dad, a typical thrill seeker and the common crowd for this activity. Me on the other hand? I never considered myself doing the same. And for the last two years, nobody could. This was one of the many experiences to close its doors at the height of the pandemic, but, as of December 2022, the sharks are once again inviting small groups of humans to hang out in their tank. I was starting to feel a little too comfortable in my comfort zone, so when given the opportunity to join a group, I said yes without even thinking it through.

After gathering at the meeting point, my fellow divers and I enter the briefing room, where we go through the necessary red tape and learn the basics and house rules of the tank. I was surprised to learn that no previous scuba certification or experience is needed for this experience. I was a complete scuba rookie pre-dive, but newbies and pros alike spend an hour being briefed on all the essential details, including an overview of the gear, the dos and don'ts of swimming in a shark tank, and the basic hand signals you'll need to communicate with your instructors (walk, kneel, stop, shark, equalise, I'm okay, I'm not okay, etc). It's at this point that I'm at the peak of my nerves — my mind couldn't help but wander to where things could go wrong.

Once we graduate from the classroom, it's time to get wet. We step into the changing rooms to put on our wetsuits and water boots, quickly pose for a pic, and then head behind the scenes. We step into a large space above the tank and all of a sudden, it feels very, very real. The sharks are within sight.

Andrew Howell

As I walk in, my eyes immediately lock onto a fin slicing through the water, like a beckoning wave. It's surreal, not only because this is behind the scenes of somewhere I've visited many times in my life, but because I'm now looking at a real life shark. That I'm about to swim with. Oddly enough, at this point I feel my nerves fading and my excitement increasing — though that could just be the adrenaline.

But there's one more step before we hop in: the training tank. This is where you take the theory and put it into practice in a watery — but shark-free — environment. Andrew and Nick, our fabulous instructors, help us don the scuba gear and get used to it in chest-deep water. This is the only point I actually feel — albeit briefly — scared. Of the scuba, not the sharks. My leg cramps up and I lose my balance, suddenly tipping over like a sinking ship. Once upright and relaxed, we stand in the water for what feels like an hour, adjusting to our sole source of oxygen being a tube leading out of a tank on our backs. Once we can signal that we're calm and ready, it's go time.

A glass door slides open, and we're suddenly sharing the water with grey nurse sharks, port jackson sharks, wobbegongs, stingrays and all manner of fish. Out we step and down we go into the tank, where everything gets surprisingly calm. I don't feel panicked — I just focus on breathing and taking in my surroundings. Thankfully, I'd been able to convince three friends to come along to take photos for me, and I spot them just outside. Having familiar faces I can look at and mentally anchor to really helps to settle my nerves, so I recommend you invite yours too — they'll score discounted entry to the aquarium for their troubles.

Down below, all I can hear is the sound of my own breath. I don't dare twist my head to look around at the risk of rupturing some critical element of my oxygen supply, so every time I turn, I move my entire body. If a shark doesn't pass into my peripheral vision, I wouldn't know it was there.

Now, I have to confess: it's not so much swimming as it is shuffling. If, like me, you're a total novice at wearing a heavy oxygen tank and weight belt, it can be really tricky to hold your balance. So while the instructors and experienced divers in the group move with ease, I have to put a lot of effort into staying upright and glued to the floor. After all, we've been told that holding your breath makes you buoyant, and I have no intention of floating into the path of a shark. You drift down, sit on the floor for a while then slowly make your way over the tunnel and across to the other end of the tank.

Andrew Howells

With my friends on the dry side of the tunnel gleefully watching and filming, we set off, gracefully (awkwardly) swimming (shuffling) along the seafloor like true fish out of water. We make our way around the tank, from one end to the other, taking care not to poke or step on any of the residents. When not moving, we quietly lean against the tunnel, taking it all in. Each of the sharks comes over to inspect our dive group more than once, slowly approaching, getting a good look, then gently passing by and going for another lap. Despite their large frame and sharp teeth, I never feel threatened, even when they come close enough to touch me.

After spending roughly 30 minutes in this underwater wonderland, it was time to say goodbye. Hoping nothing is nipping at my ankles, I climb the stairs and step back onto dry land, once again enjoying free oxygen and once again burdened by gravity. The scuba gear feels much heavier, but I feel like I'm on cloud nine.

And just like that, it's over. We remove our gear, shower off the smell of salt and sealife and go about our days. I didn't lose any fingers and didn't see my life flash before my eyes. I was a guest in the home of these beautiful creatures, and they were excellent hosts. It seems terrifying, and it's easy to imagine the worst, but at Shark Dive Xtreme, you are in very safe hands — and fins.

In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to the newly revamped The Island Gold Coast, the spot we're putting up guests who book one of our exclusive For The Love VIP packages.

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL?

The Island once had a reputation of notoriety as a Schoolies-friendly Surfers Paradise hot spot with an aesthetic and fit-out wearied by time and wear. But no longer. It's undergone a major renovation and design overhaul to be re-envisioned as a tasteful boutique hotel that gives off nods to Soho House members clubs and classic California coastal hotel design. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise across the road from Main Beach and walking distance to some of the area's best restaurants and bars, it puts guests situated perfectly for a combination of laidback beaching by day and mixing it up at night.

THE ROOMS

Each of the 98 rooms is full of hardwood timbers, native plants and open facades that bring the outside, in. The natural elements help make this space feel like a calm personal hideaway.

The four-and-a-half-star accommodation has all the top amenities. Rooms feature a private balcony as well as tea and coffee facilities, a mini bar, the obligatory flat-screen TV, free wifi and a safe — luxe linen sheets are also a big win. Many of the rooms also come with partial sea views down to Surfer's Paradise Beach, so make sure you pick one when booking.

FOOD AND DRINK

You don't have to go far for good grub, with the hotel's restaurant, Goldie's, on the ground floor (right next to the pool). Get your classic brunch dishes till 10am then pop in for lunch or dinner for $18 wood oven pizzas, selection of burgers or the holy chicken parmy.

You can also head up to The Island Rooftop in the afternoon for similar dishes alongside a selection of fresh seafood including trays of oysters and a special aperitivo menu on Thursday — for $69 guests get unlimited cocktails and food for two hours.

Lynda Hinton (Unsplash)

THE LOCAL AREA

You're right in the thick of it when staying at The Island Gold Coast. First off, the Surfer's Paradise Beach is mere moments away or you can head further south if you want some slightly less-populated beach action at Broadbeach, Palm Beach or North Burleigh.

Alternatively, you can take to the streets to find some of the area's boutique stores or hit up Home of the Arts to find live performances, lake-side strolls, cinema and art exhibitions.

THE EXTRAS

The Island is not just a fun place to stay, it's also a proper nightlife destination for locals and guests. The boutique hotel hosts drag brunches, a drag musical, Sunday live music sessions around sunset, weekend parties on the rooftop and the Cocktail Flight Club each Thursday (for $20 you'll get to taste a series of cocktails and get a full size version of your favourite). Even if you're not staying here, it's worth stopping by if you're visiting the GC.

Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. 

This new mystery-of-the-week series is an all-out must-see in its own right, and one of 2023's gleaming streaming aces already. Given its components and concept, turning out otherwise would've been the biggest head-scratcher. Beneath aviator shades, a trucker cap and her instantly recognisable (albeit sun-bleached here) locks, Lyonne plays detective again, as she did in Russian Doll — because investigating why you're looping through the same day over and over, or jumping through time, is still investigating. Johnson gives the world another sleuth, too, after offering up his own spin on Agatha Christie-style gumshoes with the ongoing Knives Out saga. This time, he's dancing with 1968–2003 television series Columbo, right down to Poker Face's title font.

Lyonne isn't one for playing conventional detectives — not that she couldn't, or wouldn't nail it hands down. Streaming on Stan in Australia and TVNZ On Demand in New Zealand, Poker Face casts her as Charlie Cale, who starts poking around in sudden deaths thanks to an unusual gift and a personal tragedy. As outlined in the show's ten-part first season, four episodes of which arrive on Friday, January 27 with new chapters dropping weekly afterwards, Charlie is a human lie detector. She can instantly tell if someone is being untruthful, a knack she first used in gambling before getting on the wrong side of the wrong people. Then, when a friend and colleague at the far-from-flashy Las Vegas casino where Charlie works winds up dead, that talent couldn't be handier.

Poker Face's 1970s-inspired debut episode sets up three whys: why its charmingly wry and affably no-nonsense protagonist knows when anyone around her is fibbing, why the series itself follows her road-tripping across America in a rundown Plymouth Barracuda, and why an episodic array of murders in different places is in her future. Courtesy of her gift, she's soon fleeing casino boss Sterling Frost Sr (Ron Perlman, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) and his enforcer Cliff Legrand (Benjamin Bratt, DMZ), then taking whichever odd jobs she can find from town to town. The show's second instalment sees her car break down, requiring a mechanic to patch it up — while its third takes her to a famed brisket barbecue business, and its fourth involves a hit 90s metal band attempting to reclaim past glories on tour. In Poker Face's fifth episode, an aged-care home is the scene of a crime. And in its sixth, two former TV co-stars bicker their way through a play until someone becomes a victim.

"Why?" isn't just a question that Johnson — as Poker Face's creator, the writer and director of its first instalment, a helmer twice more, plus a scribe once again as well — has to establish, and fast. As Charlie notes about her preternatural ability, "the real trick of it is figuring out why: why somebody is lying". People spout fabrications and deceptions all day every single day, as she can't avoid everywhere she goes. Mostly, they're minor and have little impact on anyone else, Charlie advises. But it's the reasoning behind the bigger falsehoods that she's interested in. So, the show moves her from place to place, has her hear a lie just as a body shows up, then saddles her with puzzling out what's going on — and, yes, why.

Poker Face doesn't hide its own formula, laying it bare from the outset. In its opening episode and all that follow, the focus initially sits with someone who isn't long for this world, their killer and the surrounding players. Viewers watch what happens to that chapter's fated person, scope out all the connected parties, then team up with Charlie — learning where she fits in and witnessing her getting to the bottom of the latest death. Poker Face's audience has the advantage of already seeing what occurred, of course. But, as it does for Charlie, the why still requires unravelling. Often she's putting together what viewers know, but adding further details or context, or seeing the various pieces from different angles. She's also openly calling bullshit frequently, with Lyonne uttering it as often and distinctively as she does "cockroaches" in Russian Doll.

In the era of peak TV — peak streaming also — as populated by hook-heavy series demanding non-stop binges, Poker Face does something old-fashioned: it revels in its standalone chapters. Wanting to watch one after another after another is still the end result, but soaking in each mystery rather than constantly setting up the next twist is the show's main aim. Some elements bleed from one instalment to the next, as Charlie keeps trying to evade her pursuers. But for between 45–60 minutes per episode, there's a whodunnit to solve, a contained cast of players, and plenty of Lyonne being a sharp, droll and astute delight. Sometimes she's tasting pieces of wood, too, or calling a dog a fascist. In fact, in the same very episode that contains the timber chewing and canine altercations, she also introduces someone to Bong Joon-ho's Okja — because Poker Face's small joys are many.

As comes with the case-of-the-week territory — see also: one of the all-timers in this genre, Law & Order — this series' sweet sleuthing baby is joined by a masterful cast of familiar guest stars. When Lyonne isn't squaring off against Adrien Brody (See How They Run), she's hanging out with The Menu's Hong Chau and Judith Light, or with Lil Rel Howery (Deep Water) and Danielle MacDonald (The Tourist). Her Russian Doll mother Chloë Sevigny (Bones and All) leads those aforementioned metal rockers, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Pinocchio), Ellen Barkin (Animal Kingdom), Nick Nolte (The Mandalorian), Cherry Jones (Succession), Jameela Jamil (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) and newly minted Oscar-nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once) also feature.

Throw in Johnson's own history with mysteries, hailing back to his stellar 2005 movie debut Brick and also including Looper, and Poker Face couldn't boast a better winning hand. Going all in for the series and its big bag of fun is the natural response.

Check out the full trailer for Poker Face below:

Poker Face streams from Friday, January 27 via Stan in Australia and TVNZ On Demand in New Zealand.

Images: Peacock.

Although its first two seasons only spanned 20 episodes all up, Party Down is one of the very best sitcoms of the 21st century, and proved a must-see right from the get-go. It's the show that Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas started after that also-beloved 00s series was initially cancelled, and came about in a collaboration with writer/producer John Enbom and producer Dan Etheridge — two other former Veronica Mars staff — and none other than Paul Rudd.

And, just like Thomas' detective show, Party Down is also making a comeback. Are we having fun yet indeed.

If you're instantly giggling at "are we having fun yet", then you saw Party Down's first two seasons. And, you'll know that Scott uttered that phrase more than once — or had it shouted at him. His character, Henry, was an actor famous for saying that line in a TV commercial. But in-between gigs, and because acting wasn't turning out as he planned, Henry was also working for Party Down's titular catering company.

Scott made the jump over to Party Down after also appearing in Veronica Mars, as did plenty of his co-stars, including Ken Marino (The Other Two) as the catering outfit's oh-so-eager (but always-bumbling) manager, plus Ryan Hansen (A Million Little Things), Martin Starr (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) and a pre-Glee Jane Lynch as fellow waiters. Rounding out their gang of unhappy serving staff the first time around: Lizzy Caplan (Fleishman Is in Trouble), Jennifer Coolidge before she was winning awards for The White Lotus and Scott's Parks and Recreation co-star Megan Mullally.

Party Down's long-awaited six-episode third season will start streaming via Stan in Australia from Friday, February 24, and sees most of the cast return — including Scott, Marino, Hansen, Starr, Lynch and Mullally. Caplan had scheduling issues making the also-excellent Fleishman Is in Trouble; however, Jennifer Garner (The Adam Project), Tyrel Jackson Williams (Brockmire) and Zoë Chao (The Afterparty) join the cast instead, plus James Marsden (Dead to Me) in a recurring part.

Story-wise, this new 13-years-later go-around sees Marino's Ron Donald still running the Party Down team despite his past big dreams. And, as the trailer makes plain, plenty of other familiar faces are back in the bow ties as well, catering party after party.  Hilarity ensues again in this sneak peek, because of course it does.

Check out the trailer for Party Down season three below:

Party Down's third season will start streaming via Stan from Friday, February 24.

Yes, your 2023 getaways just got cheaper — and you now have a new way to fly off on holidays, too. The soon-to-launch carrier's aim: opening up routes to more of the country's regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering low-cost fares in the process.

In its first batch of flights, one-way fares start at $49, with tickets available to 12 destinations on 15 routes.

In this initial batch of fares, most routes leave from the airline's Sunshine Coast base, with the $49 options getting passengers to Coff's Harbour, Port Macquarie and Rockhampton. Legs to the Whitsunday Coast, Mackay and Newcastle come in at $59 from the Sunny Coast, while the $69 fares include trips to Albury and Townsville. The most expensive? $79 to get to Victoria's Avalon airport, Mildura and Cairns.

Departures from Cairns to Mackay cost $49, and to Rockhampton costs $59. Bonza's just-dropped first fares also include Rockhampton to Townsville for $49 and Newcastle to the Whitsunday Coast for $79.

The number of flights per route varies, ranging from two to five — with the Sunshine Coast to Cairns getting the most each week.

When its full range of flights hits the air, the airline will also service locations such as Bundaberg, Gladstone and Toowoomba, in Queensland — plus Tamworth in New South Wales — as part of its big focus on regional destinations. Bonza's second batch of fares is expected to drop in a few weeks, covering flights from its second base in Melbourne

To book, you'll need to download the airline's app. For travellers who have already done so, the carrier advises that you will need to delete it and then reinstall the latest version to get access to reserve flights.

App-only reservations are one of Bonza's points of difference, unless you're booking via a registered local travel agent. Another: a previously announced all-Australian in-flight menu, spanning both food and craft beer.

Passengers will get soaring in planes given names as Aussie as the carrier's itself: Bazza, Shazza and Sheila. The trio will take passengers to places they mightn't otherwise been able to fly to, too, with Bonza noting that 93 percent of its routes aren't currently served by any other airline — and 96 percent of them don't presently have a low-cost carrier.

The airline is launching with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance.

Bonza's fares don't include baggage and seat selection, which you need to pay extra for — and it is cheapest to do so when you make your booking, rather than afterwards.

Bonza is set to start flying from Tuesday, January 31 , with flights on sale now. For more information, and to buy fares, head to the airline's website, or download its app for Android and iOS.

Creating this therapist-focused series for Apple TV+ — with its first two episodes hitting on Friday, January 27, and the remainder of the ten-episode first season dropping week by week afterwards — Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel didn't miss Shrinking's immediate potential, though. Lawrence and Goldstein add the show to their roster alongside Ted Lasso, which the former also co-created, and the latter stars in as the also wonderfully gruff Roy Kent to Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning effect. It too bathes in warmth amid chaos, all while understanding, exploring and accepting its characters as the flawed folks we all are. As for Segel, he's no stranger to playing the type of super-enthusiastic and super-earnest figure he inhabits again here, as seen in Freaks and Geeks and How I Met Your Mother.

If Ted Lasso downplayed the soccer, instead emphasising the psychologist chats that were a pivotal part of season two, Shrinking would be the end result. Also, if Scrubs, another of Lawrence's sitcoms, followed doctors specialising in mental health rather than working in a hospital, Shrinking would also be the outcome. It's worth remembering that Scrubs featured a very funny and clever nod to Ford, which likely makes his casting here a dream come true for Lawrence. Round up all of these familiar elements, details brought over from elsewhere and past references, and Shrinking turns them into a series that's thoughtful, supremely entertaining, well-cast and well-crafted — and an engaging and easy watch.

Ford is the biggest name among Shrinking's many recognisable faces, because a career forever tied to the Blade Runner, Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises will do that, but he's in supporting mode. Segel (Windfall) leads the show as Jimmy Laird, a therapist who is initially seen waking up his empty-nester neighbour Liz (Christa Miller, a Scrubs alum and also Lawrence's wife) in the deep of night while hanging out with sex workers and self-medicating around his backyard pool. She's not mad, however, because he's been like this for some time — and she's been helping keep his life running, primarily by being a surrogate parent for his teenage daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell, Generation). A year back, Jimmy's wife Tia (Lilan Bowden, Murderville) passed away; saying that he's struggling to cope is an understatement.

As overused and irritating as the dead-wife trope is — men can flounder all by themselves without a deceased spouse to blame — Shrinking thankfully unpacks the concept. It explores how Jimmy's all-or-nothing attitude has always been part of his persona, questions his idealised view of his marriage, and establishes that his faults weren't suddenly sparked by going through what nobody ever wants to. Co-scripting as well, Lawrence, Goldstein and Segel also ensure that Shrinking examines how loss affects more than just middle-aged white men unexpectedly without wives, courtesy of not just Alice but also Jimmy's colleague and Tia's best friend Gaby (Jessica Williams, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore). And, while never underplaying the existence-altering weight of grief, it spies how everyone is the sum of their best and worst experiences, including Jimmy and Gaby's boss Paul (Ford, The Call of the Wild), Liz, Jimmy's estranged pal Brian (Michael Urie, Younger) and Jimmy's patients.

Shrinking isn't called Shrinking without capturing its therapists in action; add it to the pile of recent fare, such as The Patient and The Shrink Next Door, that jump on and off the couch. Shrinking's twist: after taking his Liz-interrupted evening as a wakeup call, and attempting to work through his mourning and be an attentive dad again, he decides to ignore ethics, get frank and shower his patients with tough truths. Tired of discussing their woes endlessly without seeing changes, and suffering from compassion fatigue, he makes drastic moves — threatening not to be Grace's (Heidi Gardner, Saturday Night Live) shrink any longer if she doesn't leave her abusive husband, for example, and taking new patient Sean (Luke Tennie, CSI: Vegas), a young war veteran with anger issues who'll soon be living in Jimmy's pool house, to box out his feelings in the ring.

Both sweetness and melancholy linger in Shrinking as it finds as many ways as it can to layer in one of therapy's key takeaways: that working through everything that life throws your way, and also working on yourself in the process, is never simple. Talk reigns supreme, whether Jimmy is desperately trying to get back on Alice's good side, Alice is confiding in Paul instead, Paul makes what he says count, Gaby gets drawn deeper into Jimmy's dramas or Sean is endeavouring to move on from his military service while avoiding confronting its impact. An embracing, cosy, feel-good vibe radiates, too — in a series that's another hearty hug, as Ted Lasso is, but one that's sharper about the pain that everyone carries for their own multitude of reasons.

Shrinking could've just gifted viewers Ford's second-ever regular small-screen role in his almost six-decade career — arriving swiftly after his first in Yellowstone prequel 1923, in fact — and been happy coasting on Ford's presence. He's unsurprisingly exceptional, and wanting more of his no-nonsense but soft-hearted veteran shrink if a second season eventuates springs exactly as expected going in. He's pitch-perfect as the show's resident grump, and at fleshing out the reasons why. He's fragile when diving into Paul's own troubles and regrets, warmly wise dispensing advice to Jimmy and Alice, and hilarious when he's getting blunt and also singing terrible tunes. And he's just one terrific component that makes Shrinking click, alongside knowing that being alive is constantly juggling an array of components and making the most of whatever you can.

Check out the trailer for Shrinking below:

Shrinking streams via Apple TV+ from Friday, January 27.

Within a couple of hours' drive of Sydney, there are hidden caves for cooling off in, huge sandstone caves for camping in (with 50 or so of your closest mates), beachside caves for picnicking in, tunnel caves for meeting glow worms in and river caves for swimming in.

In short, there are a lot of caves. Here are ten we think you should visit.

Robert Montgomery via Flickr

CAVES BEACH, LAKE MACQUARIE

Caves Beach is no misnomer. This magical beach is famous for the labyrinth of caves found at its southern end. They're only explorable at low tide, so be sure to time your visit according to the charts. You'll find Caves Beach 130 kilometres north of Sydney, just south of Swansea Heads, which is where Lake Macquarie joins the sea. Bring some camping supplies — and a good book — and camp out until the tide starts to change.

Dee Kramer for Destination NSW

CAVE BEACH, JERVIS BAY

Not to be confused with the aforementioned Caves Beach, Cave Beach is located on the other side of Sydney in Booderee National Park — about a three-hour drive south from Sydney. As well as its namesake cave, at the western end of the beach, it is known for its turquoise waters primed for snorkelling, surfing and swimming. If you're planning to spend the night there, you'll find a secluded campsite 300 metres from the beach.

PINDAR CAVE, BRISBANE WATER

Contemplating a cave party? Pindar Cave might well be your first choice. It's an enormous overhang made of sandstone that can accommodate as many as 50 explorers at once. And you're perfectly welcome to stay the night. To reach Pindar, jump on a Central Coast or Newcastle-bound train to Wondabyne Station. From there, the cave is located three or four hours on foot. If you're driving up, there are several places to park your car before venturing into the national park.

GLOW WORM TUNNEL, WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK

Strictly speaking, this isn't a cave. It's a 400m long, disused train tunnel that used to form part of the Wolgan Valley Railway. Glow Worm Tunnel may be rocky and dark, but there are stacks of glow worms hidden within. So we could hardly be expected to leave it off the list. You'll find it about 30 kilometres northeast of Lithgow. The best way to arrive is via a five-kilometre stroll along what used to be the railway, which you can even work into an overnight hike. But if you're short of time, drive further and reduce the walk to one kilometre.

While you're there, please avoid flashing torches, smoking, lighting fires, making a racket and, most importantly, touching the glow worms — they're fragile creatures and easily killed. And if you want to explore the area across a few days, we recommend staying at this local treehouse accommodation.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

RED HANDS CAVE, KU-RING-GAI NATIONAL PARK

This is one of Ku-ring-gai National Park's most well-known sites for Indigenous heritage. On the Red Hands Cave walls, you'll see ochre handprints that have been there for thousands of years. Red Hands Cave is a short walk from Resolute Picnic Area in Ku-ring-gai's West Head section. For a longer journey, continue along the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a nearly five-kilometre loop featuring more art, engravings and a historic shelter.

Destination NSW

JENOLAN CAVES, BLUE MOUNTAINS

Needless to say, we couldn't exclude this classic. In Jenolan Caves, 175 kilometres west of Sydney, you'll discover some of the most ridiculously beautiful rocks on the planet. There are nine caves altogether, filled with limestone formations, pristine underground rivers and secret chambers. The only way to visit is by tour — choose the cave that most appeals to you, take it easy with a one-hour Imperial Cave Tour or get an adrenaline hit on an abseiling escapade.

Aidan Casey via Flickr

PALONA CAVE, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Made of limestone, Palona Cave stands out in the mostly sandstone Royal National Park as it comes with exotic furnishings like stalagmites and stalactites. That also means it's a lovely place to cool off, made even more refreshing by a nearby waterfall (to find it, follow the track another 20m). Getting to Palona Cave involves walking or cycling a couple of kilometres along Lady Carrington Drive, from the crossroads with Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.

Steve via Flickr

FIG TREE CAVE, WOMBEYAN KARST CONSERVATION RESERVE

Like the Jenolan Caves, the caves in the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve are a dazzling series of natural limestone structures. The most visited is Fig Tree Cave, which can be explored via self-guided tour, and is crowded with all kinds of striking 'cave furniture', from stalagmites and stalactites to helictites and cave coral. Leave yourself enough time to swim in the stunning Wombeyan Gorge. You can always stay the night too, as there's a campground, cabins and private accommodation. The Wombeyan Caves are in the Southern Highlands, about 180 kilometres southwest of Sydney.

Andrew Harvey via Flickr

RIVER CAVES CANYON, NEWNES PLATEAU

Even though River Caves is a canyon, you don't need abseiling skills to visit. All you have to do is walk in. That said, you can expect to get your knees — and maybe even your thighs — wet. But chances are you'll be so awed by the towering sandstone walls surrounding you to notice. River Caves Canyon is on the Newnes Plateau, just west of Newnes State Forest, about 162 kilometres northwest of Sydney. Navigating your way there can be tricky, but there are some helpful instructions over here.

Adam J.W.C. via Wikimedia Commons

WIND CAVE, BLUE MOUNTAINS

This extraordinary structure is the creation of wind erosion. As a result, the walls are covered in tiny, intricate formations that have the colour and look of honeycomb. Being far taller than it is deep, it feels a bit like a giant's picnic spot. The views are beautiful, incorporating the Grose Valley and Mount Banks. To reach Wind Cave, head to Blackheath and take Hat Hill Road all the way to the end before following the signs leading to Anvil Rock. From there, it's only a 200-metre walk from the carpark.

Top image: Jenolan Caves, Destination NSW.

Nothing screams first date more than the suggestion of casually 'grabbing a drink'. This oh-so predictable site of small talk and cringeworthy conversations exists as the 20-30-40-50-plus-somethings dating default. It's non-committal and virtually foolproof. Pick a spot, set a time and the guarantee of booze is sure to give you both the added incentive to show up (at the very least). But these dates can tend to be incredibly uninspiring. And let's face it, drinking your way to slurry incoherence isn't the best way to 'wow' your potential partner.

So if you feel it's time to spice up your dating game, here are some ideas to get you started. From budget-friendly daytime spots to revamped tried-and-true classics, this is your go-to guide of the best, actually interesting Sydney date ideas.

Vic161015 via Wikimedia Commons

BYO PICNIC AT WENDY'S SECRET GARDEN IN LAVENDER BAY

In a city as spectacular as this, why wouldn't you want to head outdoors? And nothing spells a romantic evening like a sunset picnic by the sea. Pack a basket full of goodies, fling out a blanket and crack open a beer or two at this secluded oasis complete with hidden artworks and harbour views. Tucked away from the masses of buildings that crowd the shoreline, this scenic spot makes for the perfect date night venue. Plus, it's as budget-friendly as you want it to be. Check out our favourite Sydney picnic spots if all goes well and you're up for a second date.

Cassandra Hannagan

SEE A CULT CLASSIC FILM AT GOLDEN AGE CINEMA

Before you groan in protest at the idea of seeing a flick, think again. Golden Age is much more than your average movie theatre. Hidden underneath Surry Hills' old Paramount building, this venue brings back the romance and nostalgia of early cinema. Screening beloved cult classics plus a carefully selected array of recent releases, Golden Age's intimate session sizes make this spot perfect for taking that someone special.

Best of all, you'll be sipping some of Sydney's best cocktails and chomping through some mighty tasty snacks like the ever-changing selection of popcorn flavours or even cheese or charcuterie boards. If the vibes are high and you're looking for a spot to break down what you just saw with your plus one, head to one of the beloved bars and restaurants nearby. Our picks would be Poly or the sleek lobby bar at the Ace Hotel.

PADDLEBOARD OR KAYAK YOUR WAY ACROSS SYDNEY

For those who like to take a bit of a risk, this one's just for you. Learn how to navigate the waters of the harbour like a pro by taking a stand-up paddleboarding lesson from the crew at Rose Bay Aquatic Hire. Or, you can check out one of our five other favourite SUP spots around the city. They'll be guaranteed spills and possibly a few bruised egos along the way, but this has to be one of the best ways to experience Sydney's sparkling scenic spots. Otherwise, if balance isn't your strong suit, kayaking?

GET ACTIVE INDOORS

There's a few ways to get the adrenaline pumping with your date, but if La Niña strikes again or you're looking add some competition into your day, check out Sydney's indoor bouldering scene at either 9 Degrees in Waterloo or Blochaus. Both have multiple levels of difficulty, so they're perfect for beginners and pros alike.

If you've still got a bit of childhood spring in your step, take a trip to Alexandria or Miranda's Sky Zone indoor trampoline parks could be just the way to liven things up. For just $18 you can get yourself a whole sixty minutes of gravity-less mayhem.

Sam Manchester

STAY AFTER HOURS AT THE GALLERY

Live music, drinks and the city's best art. No, this isn't the opening of the hottest new nighttime venue. On Wednesdays throughout the year, the Art Gallery of NSW keeps its doors open late to bring together Sydney's art-loving community for Art After Hours. Each iteration features the likes of live music, talks, workshops and access to the gallery's latest exhibition. If you're keen for more late-night cultural adventures, you can also head to the Powerhouse Museum on Thursdays or MCA on Fridays for their weekly after-work cultural events.

Nikki To

LEARN SOME CULINARY SKILLS WITH A COOKING CLASS

New year, new chance to learn new skills. For most of us, that's how every January starts — but once February, March and April roll around, it's easy to let that plan fall by the wayside. Enter Cornersmith, the family-run cooking school which will load you up with new know-how. The organisation's hands-on workshops cover a range of topics but focus largely on the likes of pickling, preserving and fermenting. Always wanted to know how to make your own tofu? Fancy making your own bottled tomatoes? Desperate to create and perfect your own signature hot sauce? Head along and you'll learn everything you need to.

If seafood is more up your alley than making marmalade, check out the Sydney Seafood School's culinary classes. Located above the current Sydney Fish Market site, the school has been a staple for top-notch cooking classes for over 30 years now. Book the right night and you could even be treated to a masterclass from some of Sydney's best chefs.

Paddington's Italian eatery Barbetta lets you do just that at its regular (and super popular) pasta-making classes. Running regularly throughout the week, the classes let you get your hands dirty while you learn to roll out the likes of gnocchi, lasagna, fettuccine, orrechiette and strozzapretti.

LEVEL UP WITH ARCADE GAMES, DODGEMS AND BOWLING

If the couple that hits the arcade together stays together, then this town of ours has a few options to help your relationship keep going strong. From the moment you walk into Newtown's 1989, you'll notice a laidback vibe, rows of games consoles, walls covered with VHS tapes and cereal-spiked cocktails, so you and your date can hit flippers, smash buttons and pass go. Otherwise, you can head over to B. Lucky and Sons to shoot hoops, show off your dance game skills and race through Mario Kart, all while drinking boozy bubble cups; to Hijinx Hotel for a series of larger-than-life activities and escape rooms; or head west to Sydney's largest indoor fun park.

Expedition Escape Rooms

TRY TO ESCAPE FROM A LOCKED ROOM (FOR FUN)

By now, we've all heard about escape rooms. They've been one of the big thing in adult puzzles for a few years now, so much so that Brooklyn Nine-Nine even based one of its storylines around the concept. And, they've popped up all around Sydney, so you can choose between an eerie Australian outback-themed room in Redfern, a 1940s espionage mission in Newtown and a version set in a haunted toy shop in St Peters. But, no matter which kind of room and experience you choose — because picking from all the different themes is part of the fun — trying to find your way out of a confined space is a great bonding activity.

Daniel Boud

LEAN INTO THE ROMANCE AND CATCH SOME JAZZ

It may be cliche, but it's cliche for a reason. Jazz is the most romantic style of music and there's plenty of places where you can integrate it into a date around Sydney each week. On the more opulent side of things, you can head to Restaurant Hubert — one of our top 15 restaurants in Sydney — which hosts daily live jazz with a luxurious side of French food. If you're looking for a more relaxed spot to catch a wailing sax or silky piano, local favourites like The Lansdowne and Yulli's Brews host regular free jazz nights.

TAKE HOME A MEMORY FROM YOUR DATE AT A POTTERY CLASS

If you're eager to pick up a new skill but cooking isn't your preferred use of your hands, head to Clay Sydney for a pottery class. Catering to beginners and more seasoned pottery enthusiasts, the studio runs a variety of workshops that will have you getting messy and flexing your creative muscles. You can choose to make a keep cup, dinner set or teapot; opt for a wine and clay night where you can enjoy your favourite pét-nat or craft beer during the class; or there's even date-night specific packages if you want to really lean into the romance.

Top image: Golden Age by Cassandra Hannagan

Messina's hot tubs are the brand's extra-special, always limited-edition treats. No, the word 'hot' doesn't reflect the required temperature. Indeed, in this case, the tub comes with layers of cream cheese gelato with red velvet cake and red velvet fudge, all to be eaten cold. On top: toasted red velvet cake crumbs, plus piped cream cheese chantilly.

While the dessert is timed for the supposedly most romantic day of the year, who you share it and your Messina love with is up to you. Grab a spoon with your significant other, go all in for Galentine's Day instead, or treat yo'self to multiple days of pink- and red-hued gelato, cake and fudge — the choice is obviously yours.

Tubs cost $40 each, and you'll need to place your order online on Monday, January 30. Because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand now staggers its on-sale times — so folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.15am, and New South Wales customers are split across three times depending on the store (with tubs from Bondi, Miranda, Randwick, Circular Quay and Surry Hills on sale at 9.30am; Darlinghurst, Brighton Le Sands, Parramatta, Tramsheds and Manly at 9.45am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Norwest, Rosebery and Penrith at 10am).

Wherever you live, you can then pick up the red velvet hot tubs between Saturday, February 11–Tuesday, February 14.

Fans of Messina will know that the gelato fiends are quite fond of making these kinds of indulgent — and supremely tasty — specials, after previously serving up everything from its the chain's take on the Viennetta, Iced Vovo gelato and lamington sticky scrolls to a scoopable Ferrero Rocher flavour, Basque cheesecake gelato and fairy bread cookie pies.

Gelato Messina's red velvet hot tub will be available to order from on Monday, January 30, from 9am local time in Queensland and the ACT, 9.15am in Victoria and between 9.30–10am in New South Wales.

With borders now open, those looking for a spot to spend a long weekend over the ditch shouldn't overlook it in favour of some of its flashier city siblings. In fact, Rotorua recently joined places like Bucharest, Athens, and Seychelles on Forbes' list of the top 50 destinations to travel to in 2023.

Concrete Playground recently visited Rotorua for the weekend and found it rich not only in culture, but in luxe and relaxing experiences. Here's our guide on where to eat, drink, play and stay next time you're in this hot pool hotspot.

EAT AND DRINK

You're might be already familiar with Eat Street, a famous laneway of restaurants and bars in the heart of Rotorua, but there is a far greater bevvy of spots hidden around the town's streets — you just need to know where to look.

Fuel up with a morning coffee and brunch at Junction on Fenton, a family-friendly eatery attached to the historic I-site building in town. Here you can learn a little about the area before fuelling up for the day with a filling feed — we'd recommend the aptly named breakfast dish 'No Time to Waffle' to send your blood sugar sky-high.

For a relaxed yet vibey dinner of share plates and truly excellent cocktails, look no further than Poco Tapas on Arawa Street. Tucked up an unassuming staircase above a lawyer's office — don't get confused by the very corporate entry — this eatery specialises in share plates like flatbreads and dips, fried chicken and some truly standout vegetable side dishes. The cocktails are also excellent. Don't sleep on the espresso martini.

Unlike many of New Zealand's tourism hotspots, Rotorua isn't stacked with wineries — but its best-kept secret for wine fans is, surprisingly, found up the gondola. If you're begrudgingly being forced into some daredevil activities, find an excuse to sneak away to Volcanic Hills' tasting room. Rotorua's only cellar door, this stunning spot offers vinos with lake views — and is also in a great supervisory position over the luge.

Make sure to include a walk through the Redwoods on your weekend trip — either marvelling from the ground or from 20 metres in the air during the treetop walk. Once you've sufficiently worked up an appetite, head to Eastwood Cafe, a chic eatery found in the stunning new Scion Innovation Centre on the outskirts of the forest. Perfect for a post-ride or hike refuelling, this new spot is a real standout, thanks to its modern fit-out, stacked menu and above all, a giant authentic pizza oven behind the counter churning out fresh 'zas. Conk yourself into a carb coma with the carbonara pizza which manages to combine two excellent Italian dishes in one. Feeling extra peckish? Splurge on a side of spicy chicken wings — and do not miss the daily $10 margarita.

PLAY

You're going to need at least three days in Rotorua to really soak up all the activities so book that annual leave now. And don't worry if you're not a thrill seeker or 'outdoorsy' type — even those without a penchant for adrenaline will find plenty to do.

For an activity that manages to blend both exercise and geology (but in a fun, non-school-like way), opt for a kayak tour with Paddle Board Rotorua. These tours allow you to see steaming geothermal activity from the water and get up close and personal with some pretty stunning geysers — which have a cute tendency to explode when you're near them. On our trip, a geyser blew that guide swore hadn't happened in the three years he'd been running the tours. This was very exciting and only mildly terrifying.

If you've never seen a real-life kiwi (the bird, not the people) you're going to want to pay a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery — yes, this is where that famous picture of Harry and Meghan with the kiwi was snapped. The tireless work this team does is, quite simply, amazing: retrieving kiwi eggs and bringing them to their onsite incubators, raising them as hatchlings and allowing them to grow strong enough to survive in the wild — without being food for pests like stoats and rats. You'll get to see eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks, and all of your ticket cost goes into back into the hatching programme.

After all that education, it's time to find your zen. Luckily Rototua is known for its hot pools. For an authentic clay-smeared experience, hit Hell's Gate. Here you'll soak in the mud pools slathered in the good grey stuff before getting into the "health-giving" sulphur pools for an Insta-worthy soothing soak. Just be sure to give your swimsuit a good wash separate from the rest of your clothes — ours still smell a little sulphury a few months down the track. Otherwise, opt for one of the Polynesian Spa's famous private pools for a delicious soak overlooking the lake.

STAY

If you're looking for a romantic spot to soak up the views and just get away from it all, there are several glamping experiences nearby, including the stunning Kokako Retreat, 30 minutes from Rotorua. With an outdoor tub, firepit and epic sunset views, it's the perfect way to really feel like you've managed to escape from the city.

If you want to stay right in the heart of things — including a stone's throw from some of the aforementioned eateries — opt for the newly refurbished Pullman Rotorua. Rooms start from AU$170 a night, and the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. The buffet breakfast each morning is worth a stay alone.

GETTING THERE

Rotorua is located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island: a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland and a five and half-hour drive from Wellington. Alternatively, there are breezy twice-daily 45-minute flights from Auckland Airport.

Expect this soon-to-drop fourth season to be no do different, clearly; the more things change for the Roys, which also includes patriarch and business titan Logan Roy (Brian Cox, Remember Me), plus Shiv's siblings Kendall (Jeremy Strong, Armageddon Time), Connor (Alan Ruck, The Dropout) and Roman (Kieran Culkin, No Sudden Move), the more that volatile underlying dynamic stays the same. And, expect to start seeing the results this autumn Down Under. That timeframe had already been announced, but HBO has now revealed an exact release date — Monday, March 27 in Australia and New Zealand — along with another sneak peek at the upcoming episodes.

This is the third glimpse at what's in store in Succession season four, following on from an initial sneak peek in a broader HBO trailer in mid-October last year, plus another in late 2022 when that autumn timing was confirmed. In the entire trio of teasers, Shiv, Kendall, Roman and Connor have banded together to form a rebel alliance against their dad. In the new trailer, they're asked to call him to try to start mending their rift. No, that isn't a simple request.

All of the current the chaos stems from the season-three move to sell the Roy's company Waystar Royco to a tech visionary played by Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman), who also returns in season four. Unsurprisingly, not everyone is thrilled. When an entire series is about who'll take over the lucrative and powerful family business, removing that option for everyone is going to cause some hefty fallout.

Also included in this sneak peek: Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen, Operation Mincemeat) trying to stay on Logan's good side following his own actions at the end of season three, and his betrayal of his Shiv. And, also Tom inappropriately comparing the Roys' battle to world politics — talking to cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun, Zola), naturally.

It was back in 2021 when HBO announced that Succession would return for a fourth run, after its Emmy-winning third season proved that exceptional — and popular. Viewers are clearly in for more power struggles and more savaging of the one percent, aka more of what Succession has always done best.

Indeed, if you're a fan of twisty TV shows about wealth, privilege, influence, the vast chasm between the rich and everyday folks, and the societal problems that fester due to such rampant inequality, there have been plenty of ace examples of late, including The White Lotus and Squid Game. No series slings insults as savagely as this tremendous series, however. No show channels feuding and backstabbing into such an insightful and gripping satire, either.

Check out the latest teaser for Succession season four below:

Succession season four will start streaming from Monday, March 27 Down Under, including via Foxtel, Binge and Foxtel On Demand in Australia and Neon in New Zealand.

Check out our review of season three.

Images: Claudette Barius/Macall B Polay, HBO.

"We want our customers to feel like they're eating at a restaurant without actually having to dine inside a restaurant," Golden Century Group's Billy Wong said.

The new restaurant is open for lunch and dinner six days a week, set inside Darling Square's Exchange Building on the level below XOPP.

Highlights on the menu include roast duck accompanied by rice or noodles, barbecued char siu, and a variety of dim dum created in-house and steamed to order. The real table-pleaser is likely to not even be a main menu item, but the XO pippies sauce that you can order as a $4 side to bring that signature Golden Century kick to any dish.

When Golden Century's Sussex Street home closed last year after more than three decades, owners the Wong family took the opportunity to revamp XOPP, bringing it closer to the experience of the original, beloved restaurant.

"XOPP at Darling Square has reopened with the installation of live seafood tanks and a new menu more aligned to the original Golden Century," Billy Wong told Concrete Playground at the time. "We listened, and many of our chef and front-of-house team members have joined from Sussex Street to continue serving our customers their GC favourite dishes."

Now with the addition of this more casual barbecue eatery, Darling Square has become a one-stop-shop for any Golden Century fans.

Golden Century BBQ is located at 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket. It's open 11.30am–8.30pm Wednesday–Monday.

Rydges Melbourne is currently undergoing a top-to-toe transformation, slated to return in its next incarnation from autumn. And it's leaving the past well behind. You can push aside any existing notions you had of this long-running hotel brand — Rydges Melbourne 2.0 is a whole new kettle of fish.

Set in the heart of the action on Exhibition Street, the hotel is set to reopen as a Rydges flagship complete with 370 freshly revamped rooms, including 35 suites, plus 25 new apartments catering to the business-leisure set.

A completely overhauled look steered by the renowned Luchetti Krelle features soothing interiors of natural stone and pale timber complemented by loads of natural light. An impressive collection of local art has been curated by interior designer Janet Graham, and all the rooms are kitted out with Rydges' signature DreamBeds.

Alongside all that, there's a hefty 1500 square metres of revamped event and conference spaces, including a lofty ballroom in the former Bobby McGees digs and a brand-new rooftop terrace. And there'll be more news to come soon about the property's signature restaurant, which is set to "celebrate the theatre of food".

Rydges Melbourne is currently taking bookings from June onwards, with prices starting from $270 a night.

Rydges Melbourne is set to reopen at 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne some time in autumn. We'll share more details about its offerings as they drop.

If you're a newcomer to GABS, as the festival is known, it started off as a Melbourne-only celebration of ales, lagers, ciders and more. Then, it started spreading along Australia's east coast capitals, as well as to New Zealand. So far, its 2023 plans will see it return for its Aussie run to see out autumn and welcome in winter.

While only dates and venues have been confirmed so far, and not brewers heading along or the beers they'll be whipping up, attendees can look forward to an event that's considered to be one of the best craft beer and cider festivals in the Asia Pacific region.

One big reason: it'll pour at least 120 brews, which in past years have been inspired by breakfast foods, savoury snacks, desserts, cocktails and more. In 2022, peanut butter, coffee, earl grey tea, chicken salt, pizza, fairy floss, bubblegum and sour gummy bears all got a whirl.

The event surveys both Australian and New Zealand breweries, with more than 60 set to be pouring their wares this year. Also on the bill: other types of tipples, including non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, whiskey, gin, cocktails and wines.

GABS is known for dishing up a hefty lineup of activities to accompanying all that sipping, too, which'll span a silent disco, roaming bands, circus and sideshow performers, games and panels with industry leaders in 2023, as well as local food trucks and vendors to line your stomach.

GREAT AUSTRALASIAN BEER SPECTAPULAR 2023 DATES:

Friday, May 19–Sunday, May 21 — Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne
Friday, June 2–Saturday, June 3 — ICC Darling Harbour, Sydney
Saturday, June 10 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane

GABS will take place across Australia's east coast throughout May and June— head to the event's website for further details.

Anything can happen at Dark Mofo. One of two massive arts festivals run by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter event has always prided itself on being a fest where the dark, sinister, confronting and boundary-pushing come together, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. So, for its first program announcement for 2023, a wild dance theatre performance inspired by Dante's The Divine Comedy sounds completely in the event's wheelhouse.

That production is A Divine Comedy, hailing from Austrian choreographer and performance artist Florentina Holzinger, and hitting Dark Mofo as both an Australian premiere and an Aussie exclusive. Playing for three days throughout the festival's Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 dates for 2023, it dives into the hell, purgatory and paradise of Dante's classic work, all to explore how humans negotiate life and death.

"We are thrilled to present Florentina Holzinger's A Divine Comedy for Dark Mofo 2023. She is a super-talented artist who is brazenly contemporary and culturally relevant," Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said, announcing the news.

"This is the most incredibly wild theatre performance that we have presented in the history of Dark Mofo. Its scale is unprecedented and bold, a fitting highlight for our tenth festival. We can safely say the audience will be anything but bored."

Holzinger is known for making challenging and provocative theatre, and for exploring gender relations — including how women's bodies are represented in art and media. For A Divine Comedy, she's staging the whole show as a giant autopsy room, in fact, then unleashing choreography that dances with existence, mortality, the end that awaits us all, and our struggle to cope with what that all means.

Dark Mofo attendees will watch a cast of all-female-identifying performers spanning all ages, as well as a variety of physical, musical and athletic disciplines, take to the stage for the work. And, they'll see nude performers, slapstick acts, bodily substances and references to slasher movies as well — plus a jam-packed selection of nods to art and dance's respective histories.

A Divine Comedy will play Dark Mofo from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18, with the rest of the fest's program set to be revealed this autumn.

Whatever else joins the bill to help the event officially hit ten years, it'll be part of Carmichael's last at the helm. He'll step down after Dark Mofo 2023, making way for a new Artistic Director from 2024 onwards.

Wondering what else might be in store? Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels, for instance.

In 2022, patrons were treated to performances by The Kid LAROI, and the sounds of Chernobyl and Candyman — plus rainbow installations, and signature festivities such as the Nude Solstice Swim, the City of Hobart Winter Feast, Night Mass: Transcendence in the In The Hanging Garden precinct and the Reclamation Walk.

Already keen to get booking? Fancy a Tasmania trip in the interim? Our Concrete Playground Trips Hobart getaway might also be of interest.

Lusy Productions

Dark Mofo 2023 will run from Thursday, June 8–Thursday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2023 program will be announced in autumn — check back here for further details.

A Divine Comedy will play Dark Mofo from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18. A ticket ballot for the show is open until 12pm AEST on Friday, February 10.

A Divine Comedy images: Nicole Marianna Wytyczak.

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.