You won't have to hack together IKEA's latest collection, as the iconic furnisher of homes everywhere has just released its collaboration with Stockholm-based architect-turned-designer Gustaf Westman. Renowned for his bubbly, curvaceous pieces, it's Westman's first-ever product design collaboration, though he's far from an unknown quantity. He counts design-conscious celebs like Tyler, the Creator and Olivia Rodrigo among his fans. While we usually associate the Swedish giant with ready-to-assemble furniture made for functionality, this collaboration brings a little more personality to the fore. Created with joyful informality, Westman's 12-piece collection is inspired by seasonal celebrations, challenging tradition through his trademark sculptural shapes and bold colour combinations. "For me, this was an opportunity to take traditional holiday decor aesthetics and turn it on its head, instead, introducing a sense of playfulness and boldness," says Westman. "This is my interpretation of the holidays; it's a new design for a new generation." So, what's in store for IKEA and Westman fans? As you might expect, there's no shortage of pieces celebrating food and togetherness. The most attention-grabbing is a dedicated meatball plate — especially appropriate considering IKEA's iconic dish turns 40 this year. Meanwhile, Westman has designed an offbeat porcelain cup and saucer set for glögg, aka mulled wine, shaped by memories of his grandma's holiday baking. Westman's collection is also here to level up your lighting. There are matching candlesticks and holders in two candied colours — red and blue — and a portable, rechargeable lantern that twists from a round shape into an orbital one. Those familiar with Swedish Christmas traditions will also recognise a reimagined candelabra-style lamp, traditionally placed in windows during the holiday season. "Celebration often comes with established traditions, and we were curious to explore a more fun and inclusive take," says Maria O'Brian, IKEA Range Identity Leader. "Teaming up with Gustaf Westman felt like a natural match to help us reimagine the holidays with a twist." The limited-edition IKEA x Gustaf Westman collection will be available for purchase from Monday, September 29. Head to the website for more information.
When Andres Walters (The Lobo Plantation, Kittyhawk), partner Gabrielle Walters (Black by Ezard) and mate Daniel Noble (Ramblin' Rascal Tavern, Mojo Record Bar) decided to open a new bar, finding the perfect location turned out to be much easier said than done. But when eye-watering rents fortuitously forced the trio to start looking up, they stumbled upon an unassuming space within a run-down office building — and Old Mate's Place was born. A little tough to find, but well worth the effort, the two-level set-up makes for a charming hideaway, pulling inspiration from the diminutive drinking dens you'll find hidden throughout office blocks in Japan. Inside, the trio has paid homage to the Clarence Street building's "beautiful guts" and its heritage-listed facade. The bar's lower floor calls to mind an old library, complete with stately bookshelves, dapper furnishings and family heirlooms throughout. Foliage creeps in and around the bar like it's been there forever. And now, after opening in September 2018, the bar's secluded — and equally as green — rooftop space is ripe for sinking beers and carefully created cocktails. If you can get there early, nab a spot at the bar or one of the few low tables before the crowds come marching in. While their previous bars might have built reputations on showcasing specific spirits, Old Mate's Place sees Walters and Noble widen the focus, embracing the creative space that comes with celebrating all booze in equal measure. Expect a cocktail list that's broad and oft-changing, spreading plenty of love across a 300-strong back bar selection. To match, the kitchen's currently pumping out four variations of a Philly cheesesteak and a few meats and cheeses. Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney
In the heart of Sydney's centre is a haven of enthralling cuisine: Nel, the passion project of owner and Chef Patron Nelly Robinson. Described as a "culinary odyssey" Nel's constantly evolving 11-course degustation menu is crafted to elevate modern Australian fine dining experiences. Nel's exquisitely formed dishes show a delicacy, imagination and precision of technique that quickly sets the place apart. Each course is plated to precision under the watchful eye of Chef Nelly who started his career as a kitchen hand when only a teenager at the Michelin-starred restaurant Northcote (UK). He has built his vast culinary experience working in restaurants across the UK and abroad — including a stint at the Michelin-starred Lancashire chef Nigel Howarth — before earning his spot as one of Australia's top personalities and opening Nel in March 2015. [caption id="attachment_893950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gardens By The Bay. Nel. Supplied[/caption] Located in an underground bunker in an otherwise drab stretch of Wentworth Avenue, Nel is a subdued but stylish space with exposed brickwork and an open kitchen. The set menu ($185PP, wine pairing $165PP, non-alc pairing $85PP) is a prix fixe affair that changes periodically. Each menu concept created by Chef Nelly tells a unique story with engaging and thought-provoking elements. The innovative dishes serve as a masterclass on combining different textures into a harmonious whole. There's a touch of Philippa Sibley in the exquisite presentation and maybe even a bit of Heston's playfulness to Robinson's cooking. Every dish brings at least one touch of left-field inspiration, be it an unexpected crunch or a surprising citrus zing. If you are opting for the wine pairing, drops are carefully calibrated to match the food while building on the profile of the partnering wine. As with everything at Nel, it is clear a lot of thought has gone into these pairings. With exemplary, well-informed service to guide you through a heady menu, Nel is exceptional from start to finish. Originally published in 2015. Updated March, 2023.
Sydney has just added to its collection of stunning pools with the opening of Gunyama Aquatic and Recreation Centre today, Monday, February 1, which is home to not one, but three bodies of water, as well as a fitness training centre and a 4950-square-metre sports field. Located in Zetland, just ten minutes from the Sydney CBD, the new $106.5-million-dollar aquatic centre has been in the pipeline for more than five years, with the City of Sydney accepting designs from architects back in 2014. Work on the centre then begun in 2018. It's now the city's biggest aquatic centre since the 2000 Olympics Games. Gunyama, which means "wind from the southwest" in the local Dharug language, is fitted out with a 50-metre heated outdoor pool surrounded by a 'beach' area inspired by Sydney's ocean pools. Inside the centre, you'll find a 25-metre lap pool with adjustable depth — to allow for everything from water polo to kids' swimming classes — and a hydrotherapy pool. [caption id="attachment_798656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brett Boardman[/caption] An indoor and an outdoor gym, an openair yoga deck, a cafe, a multi-purpose sports field and meeting rooms all make up the remainder of the complex. Rooftop solar panels and cogeneration systems have also been installed in order to create an environmentally sustainable complex. Surplus energy from the building will help power surrounding buildings in the community. The centre sits in Green Square, one of Sydney's most densely populated and fastest-growing neighbourhoods. The city area, which encompasses Beaconsfield and Zetland, and parts of Alexandria, Rosebery and Waterloo, is expected to grow by 30,000 residents over the next ten years. Gunyama is the sixth pool and fitness centre operated by the City of Sydney, alongside locations in The Domain, Ultimo, Camperdown, Surry Hills and the CBD. For access to all six you can purchase a membership for $17.90 a week to swim only or $28.45 for access to the pools and gyms. Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is now open at 17 Zetland Road, Zetland from 6am–8pm daily. Images: Brett Boardman
Paddington's Italian eatery Barbetta wears many hats, including daytime cafe, gourmet smallgoods store and workshop space. The venue on Elizabeth Street is the casual sister venue to nearby Cipri Italian and the owners are, not surprisingly, focusing on classic Italian food. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee, the all-day cafe is designed by ACME & Co. — that is, the team who brought you a long list of successful Sydney favourites including The Grounds of Alexandria (and The Grounds of the City), Archie Rose, Fred's and Happy as Larry. The contemporary, bright interior adds nostalgic elements that are reminiscent of classic Italian cars and 1950s movies. For breakfast, think deconstructed Sicilian buckwheat pancake with fresh ricotta, figs and crushed cannoli ($16) and Italian sausage with baked free-range eggs, Tuscan cabbage, baked ricotta and toasted sourdough ($20). Lunch will focus on heartier dishes, like house-made lasagne and spinach ricotta ravioli ($22 each), porchetta paninis ($18) and spicy meatball burgers ($21), along with salads and snacks. The cafe's Neapolitan pastry-chef is also turning out a daily selection of Italian desserts, cakes and gelato to accompany your afternoon coffee break. On the drinks side of things, the requisite coffee and juice is paired with milkshakes and Italian soft drinks. The venue doesn't have a liquor licence just yet, so at present there's a sweet no-corkage BYO deal. Plans for an Italian snack bar are also on the horizon. In the smallgoods deli, takeaway meals like lasagne, gnocchi and slow-cooked lamb shanks will be on offer, along with fresh pastas, sauces, cheeses and meats. The store's selection of packed Italian products include coffee, condiments and biscuits, and pre-packed picnic sets are ready for Centennial Park lazing. If you're looking for your next date idea or just want to learn a new skill, Barbetta is also hosting twice weekly pasta making workshops on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes include a hands-on cooking demo with antipasti and BYO wine, followed by dinner/lunch and the pasta you made to take home. Images: Nikki To Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Talk about going out on top: Sky Safari, a mainstay of Sydney's Taronga Zoo since 1987, is saying farewell. The sky-high cable car — the Harbour City's only cable car, in fact — has been a beloved part of a trip to the animal-filled tourist attraction for a huge 35 years. But, once February 2023 arrives, it's retiring in its current guise. That means that Sydney locals and visitors alike have until Tuesday, January 31 to go for a last spin, which includes views of the Sydney Harbour, peering down at Taronga's Asian elephants as they play and attempting to see squirrel monkeys. But, hopefully, this is just a goodbye-for-now situation, with an upgrade already planned — pending final approval. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) "The current Sky Safari is an ageing asset and has reached the end of its workable life with Taronga," explained the zoo's team announcing the news. "Plans are underway for an exciting new experience. While we are in early stages of planning, the revitalised Sky Safari will feature additional larger and accessible gondolas, extend along an expanded route, and provide greater access to the zoo for guests of all ages and abilities," the statement continues. [caption id="attachment_830238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Last upgraded in 2000, and even carrying the Olympic Torch for the Sydney Olympics that same year, the Sky Safari has carried more than 20 million passengers over its lifetime, helping ferry zoo-goers around the 28-hectare site. In its absence, there'll be extra buses in holiday and peak periods to move patrons to Taronga's top entrance. When 2025 hits, that's when the new Sky Safari is aiming to start operating, as part of a major investment by the New South Wales Government that'll also help future-proof it as much as possible — and Taronga itself. Announced back in April 2022, Sky Safari 2.0 is set to gain more gondolas than the 21 currently used, and larger and more accessible ones at that. At the moment, it can't accommodate guests in bigger wheelchairs, which is something that's set to be addressed The revamped Sky Safari will also head along an expanded route, complete with new terminals. That'll connect to fellow upgrades that are in the works at the Taronga Zoo Wharf — and, thanks to those extra gondolas, increase Sky Safari's daily capacity. And, Taronga visitors will also gain additional ways to view the venue's inhabitants from a lofty perch. At the time of writing, the makeover proposal is still in the planning stage, and accepting community feedback. Ideally, a development application will be lodged in 2023, with construction starting before the year is out. Taronga Zoo's Sky Safari will take its last ride in its current form on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Head to the zoo's website for further details, and for bookings before the end of the month.
Art exhibitions are fleeting, gracing walls and halls for just days, weeks or months at a time, then moving elsewhere or never being seen again. The Lume, Melbourne's multi-sensory digital art gallery, is also set to be a brief addition to Australia's cultural scene. The venue opened in 2021, and has now announced that it will shut its doors in 2026, after deciding not to extend its lease at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Whether you're an art lover based in the Victorian capital or elsewhere around the country, you've now got just over a year — before January 2026 — to head by. Until early December 2024, Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius is filling The Lume with a tribute to the iconic artist. Then, come Boxing Day 2024, the site is bringing back its Vincent van Gogh exhibition, complete with The Starry Night projected large, taking over an entire room; the immersive Sunflower room, where golden petals stretch as far as the eye can see; an immersive cafe inspired by the artist's Café Terrace at Night; and more. "The Lume Melbourne's lease at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre was up for renewal in January 2026, and we have made the decision to not extend the lease beyond that time. This decision, made in alignment with our parent company Grande Experiences, reflects our ambition to explore new directions and technologies that build on our success here in Melbourne," said the team behind the gallery in a statement. "Since opening in November 2021, The Lume Melbourne has become a beloved cultural destination, inviting audiences to experience art in an inclusive, accessible and engaging way. We are incredibly proud of what's been achieved over the past three years." "Looking forward, The Lume is excited to embrace new technologies that deepen connections with our audiences and will transform the way visitors engage with art and culture. This evolution will guide us toward opportunities best suited to support these creative possibilities," the crew continued. "We look forward to an unforgettable final year at MCEC and to sharing this exciting new chapter of The Lume as we continue to push the boundaries of how technology can bring art and culture to life." When it initially opened, The Lume launched with its immersive van Gogh showcase — making the exhibition's return a full-circle moment. Also wowing audiences at the gallery: a celebration of Monet and his contemporaries, a huge showcase dedicated to First Nations artists and, since early 2024, all things da Vinci. The Lume Melbourne is set to close at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, in January 2026. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius displays until Sunday, December 8, 2024. Van Gogh at The Lume opens on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further information. Images: Morgan Sette / Miles Noel Photography / Grande Experiences.
Here's a cheap way to update your wardrobe, as long as you're so fond of ALDI that you're keen to show your love via your outfit. Already a go-to for budget-friendly groceries, snow gear and whatever other specials that it can rustle up, the supermarket chain started its own streetwear collection in 2024, and that move proved a hit. Accordingly, you can now get excited about decking yourself out in the company's 2025 range. Selling clothes wasn't new for the chain when the ALDImania collection initially debuted, as everyone who regularly trawls its middle aisles will be well-aware, but this was the first time that the brand released its own ALDI threads. Those pieces sold out, so 2025's collection is even bigger. Everything still comes cheap, though, clocking in at under $20. Available from ALDI stores from Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the new range features 29 pieces. ALDI-branded hoodies, track pants, sneakers, socks and beanies are back, as are sweatshirts, t-shirts, bucket hats and caps. You can also get ALDI clogs this time around. For some items, there's also multiple colours available, with grey, back and white the 2025 lineup's base hues. Both types of shoes come in two styles, as do the t-shirts. For little ALDI fans, kids' sweatshirts and track pants are also on offer. Again made from sustainably sourced or recycled materials, the collection starts at $4.99 cost-wise, which'll get you a pair of socks. The most you'll pay is $19.99 for the sneakers. In-between those maximums and minimums, hoodies will set you back $14.99, beanies and bucket hats $7.99 each, clogs are the same price, and tees $8.99. If you'd like a compact umbrella (in three designs) or a double-walled insulated mug (in four designs), they help round out the collection. ALDI's 2025 streetwear range will hit the chain's supermarkets around Australia from Wednesday, April 9. Visit the ALDI website for more details.
Good news hasn't been easy to find among Australia's music festival scene in 2024, but Strawberry Fields is bucking the trend. The annual fest on the banks of the Murray River is only just dropping its lineup now, on Monday, July 8, but it's already almost at ticketing capacity. Some events are all about who's taking to the stage. Some boast a setup and setting worth spending a weekend in no matter which acts are on the bill. Strawberry Fields doesn't skimp on talent, of course, but its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. That spot: Tocumwal in New South Wales, where the regional weekend-long party sports not just multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, but also a bush spa. Having a soak between sets is worth entry alone. So far, 95 percent of Strawberry Fields' tickets have been snapped up — a huge feat that was achieved in a mere three hours — but more are going on sale from 9am on Tuesday, July 9. If you're lucky enough to secure your attendance from now, you won't be locking in a music-fuelled getaway across Friday, November 15–Sunday, November 17 sans lineup. The just-unveiled roster of acts is massive, including DJ EZ, KiNK, Daddy G from Massive Attack and Seun Keuti & Egypt 80 just for starters. Some will make the Wildlands stage their temporary home, such as Sam Alfred, SWIM, DJ Theo Parrish and DJ TSHA among the other names. Others, like Jaubi, KOKOKO! and Soichi Terada, will hit up The Grove stage. The Deep Jungle stage will welcome Circle of Live's Australian debut, plus DJ Paula Tape, Sébastien Léger and Township Rebellion. And over at expanded The Beach stage for 2024, which will indeed get you making shapes while in the river, Physical Therapy leads the charge. Also, a showcase from Japan's underground scene is sure to be a highlight. Beyond the tunes, a new amphitheatre is part of this year's fest, focusing on performance art, lifestyle and chilling out; the bush spa now boasts a sauna; and a special projection art installation will pay tribute to Nick Azidis. Also, the Moroccan Bedouin lounges and tea ceremonies will be running in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, plus the glamping options are back to make your weekend as lavish and as low-maintenance as possible. For another year, if you happen to be born on this year's festival dates, you can register to score a free ticket. Happy birthday to you indeed. Tickets for locals come at a discount, too, costing half the regular price if your postcode is in the Berrigan Shire. In addition to all of the above, Strawberry Fields lays claim to being one of the country's most-sustainable festivals, doing the environment a solid while unfurling its fun. It is powered by biodiesel fuel as well as solar power, its rewash revolution system has diverted over 200,000 single-use plastics from landfill, composting toilets are provided and all transport is carbon offset via Treecreds. Strawberry Fields 2024 Lineup: DJ Afrodisiac Aldonna Babycino Bertie Byron Yeates College of Knowledge DJs Daddy G (Massive Attack) x Don Letts Dameeeela DJ EZ DJ Pgz featuring Ecstatic Mob Dr Banana Ed Kent Emmyk & Tilly Hiroko Yamamura Jordan Brando B2B Luke Alessi Kia Kim Ann Foxmann Laura King Livwutang Lovefoxy Marie Montexier Mikalah Watego Minyerra Mothafunk Naycab Niks Nooriyah Paula Tape Physical Therapy Pnny Poli Pearl Rainbow Disco Club featuring Kikiorix, Sisi, Kuniyuki (live) Rona. B2B Dima Sam Alfred Sébastien Léger Simona Castricum Sky High Trio Soul Clap Stev Zar Suze Ijó SWIM Theo Parrish Township Rebellion TSHA U.R.Trax Vanna Zjoso Live Alisa Mitchell Cinta Circle of Live featuring Kuniyuki, Sebastian Mullaert and Sleep D Evening News Harvey Sutherland Immy Owusu Jaubi Jupita Kaiit Karo X Kee'ahn KiNK Kobie Dee Kokoko! Mandeng Groove Mildlife Miss Kaninna Pataphysics Sachém Sarita Mcharg Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Sinj Clarke Soichi Terada Tarabeat x Mz Rizk Versace Boys Viken Armen Wulumbarra Xmunashe Zfex & Ausecuma Beats Zourouna [caption id="attachment_887378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] [caption id="attachment_887377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] Strawberry Fields 2024 will take place at Tocumwal, New South Wales, from Friday, November 15–Sunday, November 17. The final release of tickets go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, July 9. Head to the festival website for further details. Strawberry Fields images: Duncographic.
When you're doing an office coffee run in Sydney CBD, it's widely expected that you'll do what it takes to get the best cup possible. Whether it's hoofing it an extra block, up a hill or through construction — no obstacle is too great when it comes to snagging the best coffee in Sydney. Luckily, our fine city centre is dotted with roasters and cafes turning great single-origin and house blends into espresso, filter and cold brew coffees — you just need to know where to find them. So here we give you the best coffee shops in Sydney. Seek them out and you'll be rewarded with both taste and gratitude from your caffeine-hungry co-workers. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Bakeries in Sydney The Best Bagels in Sydney The Best Breakfast in Sydney
A staple of holiday dining tables the world over, the humble Christmas ham is too often sidelined as a one meal wonder. Add a slice or two of really good bread and suddenly a problem leftover transforms into a culinary masterpiece. Behold, the humble ham sandwich. After the festive rush is done and dusted, and the downtime between Christmas and New Years gets underway, let Abbott's Bakery's loaves do the heavy lifting when it comes to high adventure, low touch meals. Surf and Turf Sandwich While you may be off the clock and in relaxation mode in the days after Christmas, time waits for no crustacean and is definitely of the essence if you've got leftover prawns piled up from Christmas lunch. A surf and turf sandwich is an ingenious way of using up some of Christmas lunch's most perishable ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes with no cooking required. All you need to do is lay out a few slices of your favourite Abbott's Bakery bread, on which you'll spread on a tangy green pickle relish, before adding lettuce and whatever ham you have on hand — that can be store-bought slices or sliced off the last of the Christmas ham. Then top the bottom layer with another slice of bread, add tartare sauce, lay down some prawns and any extra tartare to taste. Finally, top with some more greens and a final slice of bread. Lunch is served and leftovers are given new life. Provolone and Ham Melt This provolone and ham melt makes the most of the mish mash of charcuterie board leftovers that litter kitchens throughout the holiday season. Combined with leftover ham and sandwiched between two slices of Abbott's Bakery Sourdough White, this is an inventive toastie that packs a flavour punch and can be made in 20 minutes or less. Start by spreading mayonnaise and mango chutney on two slices of Abbott's Bakery bread. On the slice with chutney, add shaved ham, pear slices, roasted peppers and provolone cheese before topping it with the other slice of bread. For the perfect golden brown crunch, brush both sides with melted butter and grill on a griddle until the cheese is oozy and melted. Classic Croque Madame A croque madame is one of those indulgent breakfasts that requires time more than skill. Difficult to throw together in a rush, but deceptively easy, this grilled cheese sandwich is a classic for a reason. This particular recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and starts with a fresh slice of Abbott's Bakery sourdough. Spread on some fruit paste and your favourite chutney, layer with ham and a mix of cheeses and top the filling with your second slice of bread. Then, heat half a tablespoon of butter and cook your sandwich in a frying pan for two minutes on each side with the lid covered. Remove your sandwich from the pan, add another half tablespoon of butter and fry an egg to place on top of the sandwich. Voila, breakfast — or lunch or any old meal in between when you're pottering around and feeling peckish — is ready. Ham, Brie and Spiced Mango Sandwich Summer means mangoes and this recipe demonstrates there's more than one way to skin a mango. This sandwich starts with the mango salsa which is acidic, spicy and sweet in equal measure. Once the salsa is ready, set it aside and spread butter and mustard on a slice of Abbott's Bakery Wholemeal bread. Then, layer lettuce, ham, brie and the salsa on the buttered bread before topping with microherbs and another slice. Plate it all up with a fresh wedge of lime. Ripping Two-Cheese and Ham Toastie The combination of flavours in this toastie call for a darker bread with a slightly more nutty, malty and earthy flavour. A mixture of sharp Dijon and sweet mustard pickle adds zing, while the blend of cheeses used — gruyere and colby — elevates this sanga into something special. Layer the spreads, cheese and ham between two slices of Abbott's Bakery Dark Rye bread, give them a grill in a fry pan for two minutes on each side. Then, remove them from the heat, add rocket for a fresh, peppery and ripping toastie to tuck into. Ham, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich (HLT) Forget the BLT. Meet its Christmas cousin the HLT. Proving that there are countless ways to mix up what goes between two great white slices, the ham, lettuce and tomato sandwich is both a spin on a classic and fantastic in its own right. Ready in mere minutes, assemble this classic lunchtime feed by layering ham, sliced cheese, tomato and lettuce on Abbott's Bakery Rustic White bread that's been spread with mayo and mustard. Discover the full range of Abbott's Bakery bread and create your ideal sandwich.
Think of a New York-set or -shot movie or TV show, and odds are that it probably featured the Waldorf Astoria. Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums filmed there, for one. Sex and the City did as well. Booking in a luxe stay within its stately confines might be high on your travel bucket list as a result — but come 2025, you'll be able to enjoy the Waldorf Astoria experience right here in Australia. Adding to its 30-plus sites around the world — including in Las Vegas, Cancun, Beijing, Berlin, Bangkok and the Maldives, to name a selection of spots — the hotel brand is setting up shop in Sydney in just a few years. Set to tower over Circular Quay, it'll be the Hilton-owned chain's first-ever Aussie location. It'll also join the lineup of six Waldorf Astoria properties in the Asia-Pacific region. [caption id="attachment_849250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel[/caption] So, whether you're Sydneysider now dreaming of an indulgent staycation or you hail from elsewhere but you're always looking for an excuse to visit the New South Wales capital, you'll have a new place to spend a lavish night (or several). And, given the location — at One Circular Quay, 1 Alfred Street — you'll be able to lap up impressive vistas over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while you're there. Now under construction, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will feature 220 rooms — 179 guest rooms and 41 suites — across its 28-floor expanse. Also a huge highlight: two new restaurants, the Waldorf Astoria Spa on level one, and the central gathering space that the brand has dubbed 'Peacock Alley' at its sites around the globe, which'll come complete with the Waldorf Astoria clock. Plus, to truly take advantage of the views, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar — and yes, peering out over the harbour here will be a given. Design-wise, Tokyo-based firm Kengo Kuma & Associates is doing the honours alongside the Sydney-based Crone Architects; expect a luxurious look that'll "artfully blend contemporary living with cutting-edge design," according to the statement announcing the hotel. "As the first Waldorf Astoria property to debut in Australia, Waldorf Astoria Sydney signals Hilton's commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to the world's most sought-after destinations," said Hilton Chief Brand Officer Matt Schuyler. "Our highly personalised, elegant service and iconic environments are at the heart of every hotel, and we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests in Sydney." Waldorf Astoria Sydney is one of 20 new hotels that the chain is set to open around the globe — so if you get accustomed to the brand's deluxe stays once it opens its doors locally, you'll have plenty of additional sites worldwide to add to your must-visit list. The Waldorf Astoria is due to open at One Circular Quay, 1 Alfred Street, Sydney, sometime in 2025 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Top image: Waldorf Astoria Beijing.
You've played Nintendo's Mario games, including on Google Maps and mobile phones. You've tried your hand at Mario Kart in reality. You've made plans to hit up the Super Nintendo theme park in Japan, or perhaps the upcoming second site in Hollywood. And you've watched 1993's live-action Super Mario Bros, which starred Bob Hoskins as the titular, John Leguizamo as Luigi and Dennis Hopper as King Koopa. If all of the above fit — or even just some of it, because everyone has pressed start on at least one Mario game — then you're primed for the character's next leap to the big screen. This time, it's happening in animation, and Nintendo has just dropped a colourful sneak peek during its Nintendo Direct stream. The film: The Super Mario Bros Movie, which has enlisted Chris Pratt (The Terminal List) to voice the Italian plumber, because the former Parks and Recreation star doesn't have enough big franchises (see: Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World and The Lego Movie) on his resume. (So far, there's only one new Super Mario Bros, but predicting there'll be more if it does well at the box office is as easy as collecting mushrooms in the games.) As initial teaser trailers tend to do, there's little in terms of story in this first glimpse at the movie — but Mario does frolic his way to the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) gets a-running in spooky surroundings (here's hoping that games' haunted house soundtrack makes the jump to cinemas, too) and Bowser (Jack Black, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood) gets fiery as well. Also among The Super Mario Bros Movie's voice cast: Anya Taylor-Joy (Amsterdam) as Princess Peach, Keegan- Michael Key (Reboot) as Toad, Seth Rogen (Pam & Tommy) as Donkey Kong and Fred Armisen (Los Espookys) as Cranky Kong. Hailing from directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies), penned by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and produced by Illumination Entertainment (aka the studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions flicks, and the Sing films), the movie reaches cinemas Down Under at the end of March 2023. That gives you plenty of time to mash buttons in the interim — just try watching this first sneak peek and not busting out your old Mario games. Check out the trailer below: The Super Mario Bros Movie releases in cinemas Down Under on March 30, 2023.
A day spa isn't just a place to restore your weary limbs, it's a rare chance to shut your brain off. Getting a dose of wellness is now easier for those in Sydney with the launch of Soak Bathhouse Alexandria — a sprawling $230 million development that means you don't even have to leave town to feel refreshed. Set just four kilometres from the CBD, the complex spans an impressive 700 square metres, making it one of the brand's biggest yet. And it comes with all the amenities that make for a luxury wellness escape, featuring state-of-the-art mineral pools rich in magnesium, alongside hot spas, cold plunge pools, a dry cedarwood sauna and a steam room. "At a time when Australians are more stressed and burnt out than ever, we're deeply committed to giving people the chance to step away from the pressures of daily life and enjoy a much-needed moment of pure relaxation," says Soak Bathhouse CEO and Co-Founder, Alexis Dean. "Soak Bathhouse is about offering simple, accessible doses of wellness to everyone, helping them escape to a space where both mind and body can truly unwind." Developed by Bourke & Bowden with design from celebrated Australian architect John Wardle, the bathhouse's attraction goes far beyond its pools and baths. The complex also features a series of social amenities, from flexible work zones and a street-level culinary experience to a central courtyard and rooftop entertaining areas. This approach builds on recent wellness trends, where this previously solo or partnered ritual has slowly transformed into a group experience, as serene retreats now encourage guests to self-care with pals. Plus, with Soak Bathhouse Alexandria's central location, escaping everyday concerns while fostering in-person connections is made easy. Whether you're heading along with mates or seeking a solitary visit, you'll also encounter lavish private experiences, including rejuvenating massage services, an infrared sauna and LED red-light therapy. So, perhaps now is the perfect time to organise a long-overdue catch-up, where you can chat amid an urban oasis or allow yourself to switch off with a peaceful dip and scrub. Soak Bathhouse Alexandria is now open Monday–Thursday from 6.30am–10pm, and Friday–Sunday from 6.30am–12am at 25 Bourke Road, Alexandria. Head to the website for more information.
A Sydney mainstay and enthusiast of all caloric affairs, Mary's, is expanding into a new AM enterprise with the launch of a weekend brunch menu exclusive to its North Sydney outpost. The new fixture fixates on the most important meal of the day after a wildly successful pop-up event in June, where the restaurant trialled an all-day breakfast menu for a week. The menu is available every Saturday and Sunday from 9am–2pm, beginning on Father's Day weekend. "We had such a great response to the pop-up and had so much fun creating this menu. Launching it in sync with Father's Day weekend is just perfect timing for all those hungry, thirsty dads," said Mary's co-founder Jake Smyth. There are a few ways to tuck into the menu. If you're partial to a bottomless brunch, $55 per head will set you up with Mary's brunch classics alongside free-flowing mimosas, bloody marys, house wine or beer, and Loggerhead filter coffee. Or, pace yourself and spare the belt notches with a step-by-step exploration of the à la carte collection. Get that bottomless filter coffee coming and settle into your TV-show-detective morning routine with doughnuts by the piece or in a half dozen. Seeking something savoury? Take your pick from egg and cheese muffins, bacon and sausage stacks, biscuits in gravy or a full brekkie burger — with a sausage patty, 'trashcan' bacon, fried egg, cheese, hash brown, smoked maple syrup and house HP. There's a vegetarian take too, with a stack of mushrooms, fried egg, hash browns and smoked ketchup. Keeping with big breakfast tradition, there are pancakes too, which come in stacks ranging from classic to chaotic. On one end of the spectrum is the Classic Stack adorned with whipped butter and maple syrup, and on the other end is The Widow Maker, topped with bacon, patties, eggs and hash browns. You'll want to skip dinner the night before for the latter. All that food got you extra thirsty? Mary's classic $10 margs are available just as you'd find them at other Mary's venues, and the weekend brunch offering also offers mimosas, palomas and Spicy Pickle Margaritas, if you need a little hair of the dog. Mary's North Sydney will launch the new weekend brunch menu on Saturday, September 5. Find it at T16/155-189 Miller Street, North Sydney, 2060. Open from Monday–Sunday, hours vary. Find out more and make a booking via the website.
The jolliest time of the year is almost here. And, that means the most festive movie-viewing window of the year is nearly upon us, too. We all know that it wouldn't be Christmas without rewatching a heap of suitably themed flicks, whether you've loved Elf since you can remember, prefer a classic such as It's a Wonderful Life or will only watch Die Hard — but Stan is hoping that you'll add a new Australian comedy to your end-of-year rotation. Sometime around Christmas, the streaming platform's subscribers will be able to watch festive Aussie flick A Sunburnt Christmas. And yes, you are probably just now realising that Australian doesn't actually have that many Christmas films to its name. This newcomer will join the likes of Bush Christmas, both the 1947 and 1983 versions; the animated Around the World with Dot; and recent horror movies Red Christmas and Better Watch Out — and it seems to be really leaning into the fact that it's a seasonal Aussie film. Directed by Christiaan Van Vuuren (Bondi Hipsters, The Other Guy), A Sunburnt Christmas follows a group of kids who mistake a runaway criminal for the real Santa. Daryl (Snowtown and Acute Misfortune's Daniel Henshall) happens to be dressed appropriately, red suit and all. He has also just crashed a van full of toys. But as well as not being Father Christmas, he's being chased by a mobster called Dingo (Animal Kingdom and Ride Like a Girl's Sullivan Stapleton). Kids, crims, hijinks — if you're currently thinking about Home Alone or Bad Santa, that isn't surprising. But these children live on an outback farm with their a single mother (The Gloaming's Ling Cooper Tang), and neither Joe Pesci nor Billy Bob Thornton are anywhere to be seen. The all-ages-friendly flick doesn't yet have a release date, but you can obviously expect it to hit your streaming queue just as you're breaking out the eggnog. A Sunburnt Christmas will be available to stream via Stan later in 2020 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
Winter is coming, as Game of Thrones has been telling us for years — but the show's final season is coming first. Before the weather turns cold again in the southern hemisphere, fans of the epic HBO series will be able to discover how the popular series wraps up, so mark your calendars accordingly. After leaving everyone hanging for the entirety of 2018, HBO announced in January that Game of Thrones' eighth and final season will hit the small screen on April 14, 2019, US time — so Monday, April 15 in Australia — nearly two years after season seven premiered in July 2017. And, today — just over a month out from the release date — they finally blessed us with a trailer. There's a lot crammed into the two short minutes, starting with Arya Stark running through the hallways of Winterfell and talking of ticking more names off her list, saying, "I know death. He's got many faces. I look forward to seeing this one". You'll also see the Targaryens on horseback leading the Unsullied, Jon Snow most likely about to fly a dragon, Tyrion Lannister hanging out somewhere not in the north and Cersei happily drinking wine (probably still naively refusing to believe that winter is, in fact, coming) and, ultimately, everyone preparing for one huge war with the White Walkers. But, that's just the start, we'll let you watch it for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlR4PJn8b8I You can also check out the other season eight teasers here and here. If you're eager to get your fix of the series' staples — that is, battles, bloodshed, betrayal, bare chests, family bickering, Jon Snow knowing nothing (including about his long-lost aunt) and plenty of dragons — then you can keep ticking the days off your calendar — there are now 40 to go. Of course, we all know that this isn't really the end of the world created by author George RR Martin — and no, we're not talking about the now seven-year wait for his next book in the literary franchise, The Winds of Winter. A prequel TV series to Game of Thrones is in the works, set thousands of years before the events we've all be watching since 2011, with Naomi Watts set to star. Come next year, you'll also be able to tour original GoT filming locations in Northern Ireland. The first episode of Game of Thrones Season 8 will air on HBO on Monday, April 15, AEDT.
Ramen is a soup for all seasons, an evergreen option for solo lunches, dinner dates or — hell, if you can find a noodle shop that does early hours — a bowl for breakfast. And there's an increasing number of Sydney ramen joints serving up this Japanese wonder-soup, from reliable chainstore staples to the more experimental variations. While we're dedicated ramen enthusiasts, this is by no means an all-encompassing list — it's a wrap-up of quality broths, office favourites and interesting bowls that are some of the best ramen in Sydney. Slurp on, noodle fans. Recommended reads: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney The Best Bubble Tea Spots in Sydney The Best Takeaway Joints in Sydney The Best Fried Chicken in Sydney
Unlike the often slow-moving Skybus, plans for Melbourne's long-awaited airport rail link seem to be speeding ahead. Last year, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that construction would start within ten years; however that timeline has been updated. Work is now set to get underway within the next four years if the state's current Labor government is re-elected. As revealed today by the Premier, 2022 is the new commencement date for the rail link — and the service also now has a proposed route. The government's preferred plan is to connect the CBD to Tullamarine via an expanded transport hub at Sunshine station, as well as using the existing Albion East rail reserve plus sections of tunnel to connect from there to the airport. Facilitating links to regional and metro train lines including the Melbourne Metro, it's known as the Sunshine alignment, and it's the frontrunner among the four routes under consideration. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1020813444327485440?s=19 The news comes as part of a broader funding announcement, with the government set to pledge $5 billion to the project. That sum matches the amount committed by the Federal Government back in April, with a total cost of up to $13 billion anticipated. The rest of the funds will be raised from private sector contributions. "This project has been talked about for too long, it's time to get on and build it and that's exactly what we'll do," said Premier Andrews in a statement. The proposed rail line is expected to help ease congestion, speed up travel times and create a stack of new jobs in the process — and finally give Melbourne a services that plenty of other state capitals already have, with Sydney and Brisbane's airport rail links long-established, and Perth currently in the process of building its own. Melbourne's airport rail link will commence construction as the state's other major train infrastructure project nears completion, with the $11 billion Melbourne Metro slated to be up and running through stations in Parkville, North Melbourne, CBD North, CBD South and the Domain by 2025. Image: Global Panorama via Flickr.
Ready for it? Whether you danced in the aisles at your local cinema or you haven't yet seen the concert film version of one of the biggest music tours currently traversing the globe, you'll be able to enjoy Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour at home from Thursday, December 14. Swifties, you'll be able to celebrate the pop star and newly crowned TIME Person of the Year's blockbuster film to celebrate the singer-songwriter's birthday. That falls on Wednesday, December 13 in 2023; however, with the time difference, Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is hitting digital on the Thursday in Australia and New Zealand. If your wildest dreams have been about getting in on Taylor Swift's Eras tour since it was first announced, then the pop superstar comes bearing gorgeous and enchanted news, clearly — including while the movie is still in cinemas. Missed out on tickets to see Swift when she plays Melbourne and Sydney in early 2024? Consider this the next best thing. Look what the world made Swift do: turn her current massive tour into a movie that's also proven a smash, taking in almost $250 million at the worldwide box office since releasing in October, ranking it in the top 20 for takings so far this year. While fans have been able to experience a money-can't-buy view of the 'Shake It Off', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Bad Blood' musician's gig — working through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular — on the big screen, the extended version is coming to digital. Accordingly, donning your friendship bracelets at home means seeing three songs performed that aren't in the theatrical cut. The IRL Eras Tour kicked off in March in the US, then headed to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Next on the list: Japan, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, a return to the US and, of course, Australia, all in 2024. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is still in cinemas, and will be available to rent on digital from Thursday, December 14 in Australia and New Zealand. Read our review.
Burnt Orange has a fascinating history. It was originally a golf club, then it was converted into a clubhouse during the Second World War for the army stationed at the nearby barracks. Now, it's a cafe, boutique shop, and one of the best places to come for high tea in Sydney. Bring your loved ones for macarons, Belgian chocolate mousse and house-made scones with jam and cream — all with incredible harbour views. And if high tea isn't your jam, Burnt Orange also dishes up top-tier breakfast and lunch dishes. Other favourites on the lunch menu include the Green Goddess salad; a Thai fish pie with scallops, salmon, makrut lime and coconut; a wagyu beef burger with Swiss cheese and spinach artichoke; and a free-range pork tenderloin served with broccolini and pickled blackberry. Its dessert menu includes a baked lemon cheesecake with yoghurt foam and a mandarin curd tart with torched meringue. If all this has you feeling thirsty, then try one of its classic cocktails, including the Hemingway daiquiri, the lemon drop or the rum sour. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
You don't need to be an audiophile to appreciate the difference a half-decent speaker makes to your listening experience. Whether it's films, TV, music or gaming, a good soundbar brings new depth and clarity to whatever you're watching or listening to. Soundbars are designed to work in tandem with televisions — and in this case, size really does matter. If your TV is on the smaller side (50 inches or less), you'll want a compact soundbar to match. Larger screens, on the other hand, demand a soundbar with enough power and width to balance the scale and sync sound placement across the display. If you're chasing that true 3D sound experience, start your search with something like the JBL BAR Gen 4. The slimline model packs Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and both HDMI input and HDMI ARC, delivering a full surround-sound experience ideal for film buffs, gamers and music lovers alike. It's sleek, reliable and built to last — a perfect pick for anyone who wants immersive audio without the bulk of a full home theatre setup. For those working with a smaller budget, the LG Sound Bar S40T makes an excellent entry point. At around $400, it offers 300W of output power — impressive volume for its size — and Dolby Audio processing for solid sound quality, though it doesn't include Dolby Atmos. It's a compact, dependable choice for apartment living or anyone upgrading from basic TV speakers. If you're looking for a middle ground, the Bose Smart Soundbar offers the best of both worlds. It combines Dolby Atmos with Bose Truespace technology, which intelligently scales up lower-quality audio for a cinematic feel. If you already own Bose earbuds or headphones, you can even pair them for a true surround experience — perfect for late-night viewing. At the high end, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a powerhouse, packing Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth, smart home compatibility and automated self-calibration that tailors its sound to your room. It's compact, elegant and precise — designed for those who want to hear every sonic detail. Then, of course, there's the full-blown home theatre route. Samsung's Q-series Soundbar HW-Q990F brings 11.1.4 channel sound with subwoofers and rear speakers for a completely immersive experience — all yours for just under $2000. Sony's home theatre packages offer similar setups, letting you mix and match components without sacrificing sound quality. And if you want to build your own setup, Sony offers modular home theatre packs that let you mix and match soundbars, subwoofers and satellite speakers without losing sound quality. The result is rich, cinematic audio that scales to your space — whether you're in a small apartment or a full home cinema. Whichever way you go, upgrading to a proper soundbar setup will instantly elevate your home listening experience — and might just make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Image: JBL
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That's the feeling of winter slipping away (or maybe you've been sitting cross-legged for too long) and with its demise comes the return of Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the coming of the warmer months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition and it always nails the balance between new releases and cult classics. The film program is yet to be announced, but we'll keep you updated as soon as it is. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can also enjoy a plethora of snacks from food trucks — perfect, messy treats made for reclining on bean beds. Bean beds and snack trucks, is there anything better? This season includes screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, running from November through to March. Get your pens out and jot down these dates. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2019 DATES Sydney: Nov 28–Mar 29 (Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 28–Mar 29 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens) Perth: Nov 30–Mar 29 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 13–Feb 16 (Botanic Park) Brisbane: Dec 14–March 29 (Roma Street Parkland) The Moonlight Cinema kicks off on November 29. For more information and bookings here.
Ever since the world initially watched Squid Game in 2021, Netflix has been obsessed with bringing everyone's favourite South Korean streaming series into real life. First came pop-up stunts. Then arrived reality competition show Squid Game: The Challenge, obviously without a body count. Experiences that let everyone play the show's games without appearing on TV are also part of the IRL fun. As the show's second season approaches, dropping on Boxing Day 2024, Australia keeps welcoming Squid Game activations — starting in St Kilda, where 200 pink guards relaxed on the Melbourne suburb's beach to kick things off. Three years back, however, Young-hee made its eerie presence known in Sydney. The Red Light, Green Light doll has now returned to the Harbour City, crossing the famous waterway by ferry with 300 pink guards as an escort to get to Luna Park Sydney for Squid Game: The Experience. On Thursday, December 12, 2024, a towering sight joined the harbour alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House — and, as the pictures show, it was quite an image to behold. From Saturday, December 14, you can head to Luna Park to be in the doll's company. Just in time for the Christmas holidays and Squid Game season two's release, Squid Game: The Experience will get everyone playing with Young-hee. Call it Red Light, Green Light. Call it Statues. Call it Grandmother's Footsteps. Whichever name you prefer, how good are you at the game that involves folks a-sneaking, ideally without being caught? Now, how would you fare trying to creep forward while avoiding being spotted when Young-hee is lurking? Squid Game: The Experience lets you find out. Get your green tracksuit ready. Front Man will be there to dare you to take the Squid Game challenges IRL. Busting out your marbles skills and walking over the glass bridge are also on the agenda. Some games are inspired by the Netflix program. Others are brand new. You'll only know if Squid Game: The Experience takes any cues from the thriller's second season, though, if you drop by after Thursday, December 26. Players can take part individually, or in groups of up to 25. As you work through the challenges, which get harder as you go along, you'll earn points. Another difference from the series: if you get eliminated from a game, you'll still be able to take part in the challenges that follow. Squid Game: The Experience arrives at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, from Saturday, December 14, 2024. Head to the venue's website for more information and to buy tickets. Squid Game season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, December 26, 2024. Season three will arrive in 2025 — we'll update you when an exact release date for it is announced.
Like beer and sunshine, cheese and crackers and Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean Covey, wine and cycling are made for one another. And if there's one undoubtedly dreamy way to spend an afternoon, it's meandering through idyllic vineyards on two wheels. Fortunately, Australia's expansive, uncrowded wine regions are made for such adventures. So, we've scoured every vineyard in the country to find cycling trails filled with cellar doors and ocean vistas — just for you, our dedicated wine lovers. Here are nine of the prettiest and tastiest. While these trails are made for cycling between wineries, don't forget it's still a crime to ride a bike while intoxicated in all states. So drink and ride responsibly, and be safe on the road. If you plan on drinking at every winery, consider booking a mini bus instead. [caption id="attachment_685954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] BAROSSA TRAIL, SOUTH AUSTRALIA This 40-kilometre sealed rail trail, shared by cyclists and walkers, travels through the heart of the Barossa Valley, a world-famous wine region located 80 minutes' drive northeast of Adelaide. Your journey begins in the north in Angaston, one of South Australia's oldest settlements, before passing through the villages of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch, to reach Gawler's heritage-listed buildings. Look out for Mengler Hill Sculpture Park, the Barossa Museum, epic views of the Barossa Range and kangaroos, among countless cellar doors and eateries. [caption id="attachment_680367" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bruzzone[/caption] CLARE VALLEY RIESLING TRAIL, SOUTH AUSTRALIA If too much riesling is never enough, this car-free cycling trail is made for you. Find it in idyllic Clare Valley, around two hours' drive north of Adelaide. Your adventure starts on the Valley's southern edge in the gateway town of Auburn, before rolling 35 kilometres north to Barinia. Among the cellar doors you shouldn't miss are O'Leary Walker Wines, surrounded by rural panoramas; Skillogalee, whose rieslings are renowned; and Sevenhill, the Valley's oldest winery, founded in 1851 by a bunch of Jesuits who fled Poland due to persecution. [caption id="attachment_685953" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacqui Way[/caption] SHIRAZ TRAIL, MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Forty-five minutes' drive beyond Adelaide's southern border lies McLaren Vale, known for its Mediterranean climate, excellent reds and proximity to the Fleurieu Peninsula's spectacular coastline. On the Shiraz Trail, you'll cycle 14 kilometres, kicking off in the McLaren Vale township and heading south to the cute village of Willunga. Make slight diversions to visit experimental winemakers Alpha Box & Dice, who are currently working on an entire alphabet of wines, and Hamilton Winery, home to Australia's longest-serving wine making family, who's been stomping on grapes for over 180 years. The Shiraz Trail is one section of the 37-kilometre Coast to Vines Trail. [caption id="attachment_685960" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Swan Valley[/caption] SWAN VALLEY CYCLE TRAIL, WESTERN AUSTRALIA This picturesque trail in Swan Valley — around 90 minutes' drive northwest of Perth — gives you not one, but four routes to choose from. For maximum reward for your efforts, conquer the three-kilometre loop starting at Baskerville Oval, which takes in five wineries. Or, if you're keen to spend more time in the saddle, opt for the 18-kilometre loop beginning at Maali Footbridge, Swan River. You'll pass several cellar doors, as well as artists' studios, local produce and a sculpture park. You'll find maps and more info here. [caption id="attachment_685785" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] RUTHERGLEN TO WAHGUNYAH RIDE, VICTORIA Here, your boozy escapades occur in the majestic company of the Murray River. Climb aboard at Rutherglen, a town three hours' drive northeast of Melbourne that's home to more than 20 wineries, and pedal nine kilometres north to riverside Wahgunyah. Along the way, you'll come across Jones Winery, where you can taste shiraz made from 113-year-old vines; Rutherglen Estates, whose home dates to 1886; and Valhalla Wines, which specialises in Rhone Valley varietals. The Rutherglen to Wahgunyah Ride is one section of the mighty 100-kilometre Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. MILAWA GOURMET RIDE, VICTORIA For easy-peasy pedalling along super-flat terrain, make tracks to Milawa, a foodie's mecca found three hours' drive northeast of Melbourne. The Milawa Gourmet Ride stretches for five kilometres, from Brown Brothers Cellar Door, where you can borrow a bike for free, to Sam Miranda Winery. In between swirling and sipping, tuck into an array of gourmet deliciousness, including handmade dairy at Milawa Cheese, condiments at Milawa Mustards and fresh fruit at Blue Ox Berries farm gate. Like the Rutherglen to Wahgunyah Ride, this journey is part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. If you want to continue exploring the Victorian High Country by bike, you'll find more great rides here. [caption id="attachment_686034" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] STANTHORPE TO BALLANDEAN BIKE TRAIL, GRANITE BELT, QUEENSLAND Three-and-a-half hours' drive inland from Byron Bay is Queensland's Granite Belt. Elevated 1000 metres above sea level, this dramatic landscape is a wonderland of rugged granite formations and dense woodlands. See it all from two wheels on the Stanthorpe to Ballandean bike trail. For 30 kilometres, you'll wind along tranquil country roads, pausing at wineries, picnic spots and maybe a brewery or two. The way is dotted with signposts, to keep you on track. The Granite Belt's claim to fame is producing varietals seldom grown in Australia. Among the whites, you'll find roussane, alvarinho and petit manseng, and, among the reds, sagrantino and montepulciano. HUNTER VALLEY CYCLEWAY, NEW SOUTH WALES Opened in 2017, this 10.6-kilometre cycleway runs alongside Hermitage Road – through one of the most winery-dense spots in the Hunter Valley, which lies around 90 kilometres' drive northwest of Sydney. Be sure to visit De Iuliis' stunning cellar door for a cheese and wine flight, as well as Peter Drayton Wines, and its onsite brewery Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse, for excellent wines and craft beers. Meanwhile, at Mistletoe Wines, you'll be sipping sparkling rosé in a sculpture garden, and at Tintilla, sangiovese in an olive grove. You'll find more great wine-filled Hunter Valley bike rides here, too. [caption id="attachment_685963" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lowe Wines, Destination NSW[/caption] MUDGEE WINERY RIDE, NEW SOUTH WALES Three hours' drive northwest of Sydney, the friendly country town of Mudgee has been cultivating grapes since the mid-1800s. There are now more than 35 cellar doors and you can visit 22 of them along a ten-kilometre loop that starts in town, at the Clock Tower. At Lowe Wines, you'll be sampling organic drops and taking a self-guided tour of the vineyards, while at Vinifera, Di Lusso and Mansfield, you'll be working your way through Mediterranean varietals, from Spanish tempranillo to Italian barbera. The map's over here.
If a horror movie sports a killer premise, more films are always likely to follow. So, when A Quiet Place gifted cinemas just that back in 2018, giving it a sequel and then a spinoff didn't come as a surprise. Neither does the latest news about this hit saga: after 2020's A Quiet Place Part II and 2024 prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, A Quiet Place Part III has officially been locked in. You'll be watching the next flick about trying to survive post-apocalyptic times by being as silent as possible — because the extra-terrestrials that've invaded the earth get brutal when they hear a noise — in 2027. And, you'll be viewing a film with John Krasinski (IF) behind the lens again. The actor-turned-director helmed both the OG A Quiet Place and Part II, and is returning for Part III after Michael Sarnoski (Pig) did the honours on Day One. So far, all that's known about A Quiet Place Part III is a release date — Thursday, July 8, 2027 Down Under — and that Krasinski is directing, writing and producing, as per Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. So, just what the narrative will chart and which characters will be the focus haven't yet been revealed. Also unknown so far: if there'll be any familiar faces, including whether Emily Blunt (The Fall Guy), Millicent Simmonds (Wonderstruck) and Noah Jupe (Lady in the Lake) will be back. So far, after life as we know it ended thanks to aliens that leap upon any and every sound, audiences have already seen what happened on day 89, days 471–7 and, in a couple of different ways, on the day that started it all. Add when A Quiet Place Part III is set to the list of details that haven't yet been advised, however. When the first A Quiet Place made its way to the big screen, it did excellent things with its mostly dialogue-free premise and gave films about otherworldly attackers a creative spin, quickly proving a box-office sensation as a result. Again, more movies building upon that success was to be expected. So are more sequels now, given that we're living in busy horror franchise times — as 28 Years Later, Final Destination Bloodlines, I Know What You Did Last Summer and M3GAN 2.0 can help attest in 2025 so far, and as Black Phone 2, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, The Conjuring: Last Rites and The Strangers: Chapter 2 are also set to demonstrate this year. There's obviously no trailer for Quiet Place Part III yet, but check out the trailers for A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II and A Quiet Place: Day One below: A Quiet Place Part III is set to release on Thursday, July 8, 2027 Down Under. Read our reviews of A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place Part II and A Quiet Place: Day One. Via Variety / The Hollywood Reporter.
Fine dining can drift into performance — more chef's narrative, less dinner. At Singapore's Marguerite, Chef Patron Michael Wilson has made a series of choices to dismantle that rigour: an open kitchen that reads like a row of domestic island benches, total accessibility to the pass, and a standing invitation to wander over, ask questions, or simply watch. The atmosphere is notably calm — no barked orders, no theatre for theatre's sake — which makes a long tasting menu feel less like a marathon and more like an unhurried, convivial evening. The setting is singular. Marguerite lives inside the city's famed Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay — the world's largest glass greenhouse — and the restaurant leans into that sense of immersion. Plants thread through the room and curl around tabletops set with course-specific cutlery and crockery collected on Wilson's travels. In contrast, a ten-seat private room — inspired by mountain peaks and cumulus clouds — is wrapped in deep blue, burgundy, grey and dark forest green. Singapore's climate complicates strict seasonality. When your pantry can include Australian finger limes, New Zealand lamb and French cream for house-churned butter, "place" becomes a choice. Marguerite chooses freely — loosely French in spirit, but adapted for the tropics with lighter sauces, smaller bites and lucid riffs on classics. Steak frites becomes a bite-sized potato tart filled with tartare and crowned with a fried quail egg; ajo blanco appears as an ethereal foam; and New Caledonian prawn paste is transformed into delicate "tagliolini", glossed with clear spiced consommé and bright aromatics. Course after course arrives like edible sleight of hand — entire plates of flavour distilled into a mouthful. Pairings echo the kitchen's precision. Alongside a generous, far-reaching wine match, Marguerite's Temperance program offers non-alcoholic pairings — clarified juices and fermented jun tea — designed to deliver complexity without cloying sweetness. A mixed "demi" option straddles both. Service keeps the tone grounded and genuine throughout. Wilson's path explains the poise. Melbourne-born, he worked with Andrew McConnell and Guy Grossi before earning a Michelin star at Phénix in Shanghai just five months after opening. Marguerite followed in November 2021 and earned its own star within eight months, showcasing what he calls "creative cuisine" — craft, provenance and produce brought into clear focus. All bookings at Marguerite include a complimentary limousine buggy to and from the Gardens entrance and Flower Dome access for a pre- or post-meal stroll. Images: Supplied
There's a moment in the (so underrated) spy-comedy show Chuck that I think we can all relate to. Rachel Bilson's character, trying to cope with a stressful situation, closes her eyes and starts intoning under her breath: "Turkey, Muenster cheese, egg bread, grilled". That's right, she's gone to her happy place, and it's a sandwich. Sandwiches are just an excellent thing, having brought solace into the middle of our days for centuries. Now new Redfern cafe Three Williams has taken it upon themselves to not only put the sarnie in the spotlight but to up the ante with what they've called a 'narnie', which comes wrapped in their glistening, signature house-baked flatbread that's much like Indian naan. Oh yes. Three Williams is the kind of next-level cafe Redfern has been waiting for, with a vibe that's a little bit Grounds of Alexandria. That's not entirely surprising, really, given that former Groundsman Glen Bowditch leads the team on the floor, while the menu comes from Tim Bryan, who's ex-ARIA looking to get homey. It's a big, warehousey cavern that's been warmed up with beech wood, wall lights and plain old conviviality. The team is clearly positioning the place as a neighbourhood hub where you know you'll always be welcome. They've got free Wi-Fi if you want to get some work done, tables big enough for a crowd and a kids' corner where any tykes can be kept occupied. Coming here is a no-brainer; it's good at any time. The only thing missing, perhaps, is some sound baffling; noise bounces around the exposed brick chamber. But it's the narnies that people are particularly flocking for. Priced between $11-$14, gloriously rich and too loose to hold in one hand, these aren't the sort of sandwiches you're meant to eat every day at your desk — and yet, since Three Williams is literally next door to the Concrete Playground office, I've done basically that. The pick of the trio of flavours is the grilled prawn with avocado, sweet corn, tomato salsa and aioli ($12 take away/$13 eat in). Packed with juicy prawns, it's beautifully fresh, summery and seductive, like a taco in overdrive. Runner-up is the glazed beef brisket with slaw, gherkins and chipotle mayonnaise ($13/$14) — a sublime combination that's sometimes let down by a lingering layer of fat on the meat. The fried tempeh with pickled veg, Sriracha and lime mayo ($11/$12) is decent — excellent texturally but in flavour a bit stubbornly earthy. There's also a range of hearty and wholesome salads ($12-$14), perfect for people who want a light meal but not necessarily salad lovers who crave the burst of raw veg and zing of vinaigrette. The breakfast menu is short, but you don't want to miss it. The star of the show is the boldly reinvented French toast ($14), which instead of being soggy with egg (don't get me wrong; that's how I usually like it) is light and crisp, crusted on the outside with toasted pecans and maple syrup and topped with yoghurt and fresh berries. It's beautiful to eat and beautiful to Instagram. The poached eggs with marinated bull horn peppers, Serrano ham, feta and dukkah on toast ($16) is another solid choice: the ingredients are perfect individually and in combination, though a sauce could help to tie them all together. Also on the brekkie menu are the likes of granola with hibiscus pear ($12) for every day, and bacon-and-egg-roll-with-a-vengeance 'The Merchant' (that's chilli fried egg, crispy bacon, pickled slaw and ranch dressing on a brioche bun) for special occasions (like hangovers). Couple anything with a smooth Single Origin coffee and you'll be set to face the day. So what are you waiting for? Three Williams is out there, awaiting you with open arms and a sandwich of kings. Images: Kitti Gould.
The eye and the brain are incredibly powerful organs through which humans receive and process a large proportion of their sensory information. What we see every second of everyday helps shapes our understanding of almost every aspect of our lives. And our brains develop certain expectations about objects based on a long history of experience. However, sometimes optical illusions can challenge our pre-conceived ideas of structures and confound both our eyes and brains. Through clever deceptive techniques, artists and architects can create buildings that elude our basic understanding of how constructions are made and what they include. Here are nine bewildering optical illusions sure to confuse and amaze and challenge your conceptions of architecture. Warped Building This apartment building is your average apartment block...with a twist. A fairly large, warped twist. The unique structure is situated in the Czech Republic's capital city, Prague, and has picturesque views overlooking the River Vitara. El Grifo Magico Appearing to defy gravity and perform some magical feat, this 'floating tap' seems to be pouring an endless supply of water from its vantage point of mid-air suspension. Even though a magician should never reveal their secrets (and stop reading now if you would like the magic to remain), it has been revealed that a pipe hidden by the water actually holds the structure up. Upside Down House Spider-man? Gravity-defying shoes? Talented acrobats? No, it's another awe-inspiring architectural design that tricks and boggles the mind. This unorthodox house has everything upside down and back to front - literally. Trompe-l'eoil Ever after looking at this image several times, it is still impossible to fathom the appearance of this melting building, closer resembling a time warp than an apartment block. In actual fact, this image actually depicts a painting, but even then it succeeds in confounding the brain.The image uses the french art technique of tromp-l'eoil, which attempts to make 2D images appear like 3D optical illusions that really exist. One-walled House History has taught us to understand a house as a building comprising of at least four walls, a roof and a door. However, in Odessa, Ukraine, they have challenges this perception by creating a disconcerting house, which from the front appears orthodox, but when viewed from the side reveals only a single walled-building. Cafe Wall Illusion In 1979 a cafe was erected in Bristol, England, with a perplexing exterior that confused and bemused, and which continues to do so into the present day. A variant of the Münsterberg shifted chessboard illusion, this tessellating pattern uses light and alternating bricks of black and white to make the parallel and even lines appear to be sloped. All the line are actually horizontal and all the levels of the building perfectly equal in size. Bâtiment Another building which seems to flout all logical laws of gravity is the artist Leandro Ehrlich's mirrored art installation for the 'In Perceptions' exhibition in Paris. Whilst people appear to be casually hanging from 3-storey balconies or chilling whilst suspended horizontally to the wall, this trickery is actually a result of a mirrored painting of a building on the ground. 3D Lichtenstein House The top image gives the impression of a quaint and colourful little house that would be fitting within the setting of a fairytale story. The second picture, however, reveals its highly deceptive nature. Cleverly using only two walls placed at specific angles, when viewed at from a particular viewpoint, this house appears to be a complete 4-walled building. Sinking House Another sneaky illusion using angles, the top picture of this house depicts a building seemingly falling into the depths of the Earth. Yet when righted, the correct angle of the house demonstrates a perfectly average home located on the slope of a hill.
Boasting first-class wineries, coastline, bushland and surf beaches, Margaret River has more than earned its reputation as one of Australia's most beautiful places to explore. It's a region where you can go mountain biking along twisty old logging tracks, seek out Australia's megafauna fossils at Mammoth Cave and visit Busselton's eight-metre-deep Underwater Observatory — all in one action-packed day, should you choose. If it gets too much or you're due a little 'me time', Margaret River has just as much to offer those who want to wind down and experience some of the finer things in life. From sampling wines at one of the oldest wineries in the area to sitting in natural spas or simply watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean, the region has no shortage of bounties in the self-care department. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are some restrictions on where you can go on a holiday. But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_720253" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] WATCH THE SUNSET AT SURFERS POINT A ten-minute drive from the main town of Margaret River, Surfers Point in Prevelly is one of the best surf beaches in Australia. But it's not only the waves that draw people to its white shores; well equipped with viewing platforms and benches, Surfers Point is also one of the best spots around for admiring the stunning pinks, oranges and reds of a sunset over the ocean. For those who want next-level sensory delights, pack a picnic basket with local wine and cheese to enjoy while you take in the views. Trust us, you won't regret it. [caption id="attachment_720296" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarrad Seng[/caption] VISIT THE INJIDUP NATURAL SPA Nothing says serenity more than a secret natural spa. Found at the end of an unmarked gravel path, near the car park at the end of Wyadup Road in Yallingup, Injidup (or Wyadup) Spa is a natural rock pool with amazingly clear water that bubbles up like a jacuzzi as waves from the ocean are pushed through the crevasse. Now that the word is out, it's not quite the secluded spot it used to be, but if laying your tired body against warm rocks while water foams and flows around you is appealing, it's worth a visit. TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE AT BODHI J Nestled in the cliffs above Injidup Beach and offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean is Bodhi J at Injidup Spa Retreat. Treatments range from body wraps to mineral facials and spa baths, but the Li'Tya Marta Kodo rock massage is a signature. Inspired by Aboriginal Australian techniques for realigning energy flow, the massage includes applying hot stones to your body's pressure points in a rhythmic massage that'll have you feeling so boneless you'll be floating on air long after it's over. STAY IN A LUXURY VILLA WITH YOUR OWN PRIVATE SPA AT THE LOSARI RETREAT Fancy being surrounded by 100-year-old peppermint trees while you sip champagne in a hot tub overlooking a pristine lake? Then the Losari Retreat is the place for you. Set on 26 hectares of lush greenery, the boutique hotel is only an eight-minute drive from the Margaret River town centre but makes you feel transported to a secret country escape much farther away. The four limestone villas each have their own private outdoor spaces with spa baths, as well as cosy lounge areas and fireplaces that are perfect for when the weather gets a little cooler. And, as if that wasn't enough, there are also in-villa spa treatments and massages for when you really need pampering. HIKE A PORTION OF THE FAMOUS CAPE TO CAPE TRACK White sand beaches, clear blue waters, rugged cliffs — Margaret River is filled with show-stopping scenery, and there's no better way to enjoy it than by hiking a portion of the famous Cape to Cape Track on one of Walk into Luxury's guided tours. Along the way, you'll explore the likes of surfer favourite Redgate Beach, bash through Boranup Karri Forest bush and witness spectacular ocean views at Canal Rocks. Once you've satisfied your sense of adventure, it's time to do the same for your appetite, via gourmet platters, lunch hampers and a particularly indulgent midday meal at Vasse Felix, Margaret River's first vineyard and winery. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Injidup Spa Retreat.
Mark this down as one of 2026's must-see tours: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds are playing a slate of shows in Australia. Two gigs will take over The Domain Sydney on Friday, January 23–Saturday, January 24. The group's Wild God tour is finally making its way to this part of the globe, after dates across UK, Europe and North America in 2024 and 2025. Fans can get excited about a two-and-a-half-hour concert focused on the band's 2024 record Wild God, but also spanning their four-decade career. 'Red Right Hand' and 'Into My Arms' have indeed been on the set list so far. Cave and Ellis last hit the stage Down Under sans the rest of The Bad Seeds on the Aussie run of their Carnage tour in 2022, supporting the 2021 album that shared the tour's name — which actually marked Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo. Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names as well, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Images: Megan Cullen.
Cashed-up visitors to the Gold Coast will soon have a new upmarket place to stay, and the southeast Queensland getaway destination will score some more bragging rights in the process. In 2027, the Glitter Strip is already set to welcome the first Aussie outpost from luxury brand St Regis. Now, in the same year, it'll become home to Marriott International's debut Luxury Collection resort on the country's mainland as well. The Marriott International hotel chain is behind St Regis, too, plus The Ritz-Carlton, which will open its third Aussie location on the Gold Coast in 2026. Accordingly, it's set to be a huge few years for the brand Down Under, adding the Marina Mirage Gold Coast to its existing JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast in the city. If your bank balance allows, your future holiday plans will also benefit. Boasting 110 spots to slumber around the globe, The Luxury Collection made its local premiere with The Tasman in Hobart back in 2021, and also spans everywhere from the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Prince de Galles in Paris to the Suiran in Kyoto. The Gold Coast's addition to the list will feature 122 rooms as part of the new precinct planned for the site of the existing Marina Mirage on The Spit, transforming Seaworld Drive. As part of their stay, guests can get excited about hanging out at the rooftop bar and pool, eating a meal at the signature restaurant and chasing bliss at the day spa. There'll also be a jacuzzi, wellness and beauty centre, garden, and function and event spaces. Exactly what each will entail — menu items, cuisine styles, relaxing treatments and the like — hasn't yet been revealed. Marriott International Inc is working with Makris Group on the Marina Mirage Gold Coast, with the family-owned company owning the site since 2013. The full resort-style overhaul of the Marina Mirage will also include a new marina, restaurants and shops, and both villas and residences. "The reimagination of the iconic Marina Mirage precinct presents an inspiring opportunity to expand our luxury footprint on the Gold Coast — a market we know very well, after more than 35 years' experience operating the city's two leading resorts under our JW Marriott and Sheraton brands," said Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International. "The destination's resilience during and post-pandemic has been remarkable, and we are very confident that proven demand for high-quality hotel experiences will be a strong foundation for the success of our first Luxury Collection property on mainland Australia." Find the Marina Mirage Gold Coast on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach from sometime in 2027 — keep an eye on the Marriott International website for further details in the interim.
Embarking on an adventure need not be at the expense of the planet. In a world where conscious living is becoming a mantra, wanderlust and sustainability now walk hand-in-hand. Say goodbye to travel guilt with this list of ten feel-good adventures that promise awe-inspiring moments and a lighter impact on our precious planet. Together with B Corp-certified travel group Intrepid Travel, we've selected the trips that allow you to explore the planet with a green conscience. Europe by Rail One of the best low-impact ways to explore Europe is by train. The countries of the continent are all interconnected by rail networks. You can hop on a train in London and travel under the English Channel to arrive in the City of Lights: Paris. Spend a couple of days exploring the French capital, from the Eiffel Tower to the artistic neighbourhood of Montmartre in Paris — once home to artistic legends Van Gogh and Picasso. Then hop on a train south to Nimes to discover ancient Roman monuments and swim or kayak in the Gardon River. Next, it's on to Catalonia in Spain to the colourful city of Barcelona before journeying to the heart of Spain, the capital city of Madrid. Not only is this adventure more convenient — no long airport queues or driving days — it's also more carbon-friendly as you will travel by public transport the entire way. Hiking the Dolomites If an adventure for you includes lacing up your hiking boots and traversing a mountain range, then The Dolomites should definitely be on your travel list. The stunning, rugged scenery of the epic mountain range in the northern Italian Alps is next to none. You will make most of the footprints on this journey, not carbon emissions. This adventure to The Dolomites covers the Three Peaks of Lavaredo loop, a full-day walk that is widely regarded as the most scenic hike in the region. The trip will require you to hike up to 14 kilometres a day — although there is a cable car ride one day — so you'll want to pack light and consider hiking poles. You'll be fuelled on your hike with breakfasts, an apple strudel tasting, a cheese tasting, a gourmet picnic lunch and the guesthouses along your route have bustling restaurants with schnitzel and beer on offer for hikers. New Zealand by Bike Jump in the saddle and follow the Central Otago Rail Trail through the unforgettable landscape of South Island. Kick things off in the outdoor paradise of Queenstown at the base of The Remarkables mountain range, then meander through valleys, wine regions and small gold-mining towns. Not only will you see the epic landscapes of New Zealand without impacting the environment, but also by travelling on this trip, you'll directly support Intrepid Foundation partner World Bicycle Relief. It provides school kids, health workers, and farmers in remote areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income. Trek or Train the Inca Trail Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of most wanderlusting travellers. The fascinating ancient Incan civilisation perched atop a mountain range in the Sacred Valley. As you journey to the iconic site, you will pass through local villages, marketplaces and maize crops. Stop for lunch and chat with locals — see if you can pick up a few words of the local Quechua language — before climbing to the summit. Did you know you have many options to see this epic clifftop wonder? This trip allows both trekkers and non-trekkers to visit Machu Picchu with the Inca Trail and Quarry Trail for those who want to travel by foot and train option for those who wish to have a more comfortable climb. Morocco by Foot Where are my ladies at? This women-only trekking tour of Morocco promises an epic adventure off the beaten path. Take in the beauty of the M'goun Valley over four days of hiking. You'll need to be relatively fit for this adventure as you'll be walking up to seven hours daily meandering through picturesque valleys and rocky terrains. By travelling on this trip, you may only make a low environmental impact, but you will make a major impact on the lives of the young women and girls of the High Atlas Mountains — as this trip is led by a female leader and supports female-owned businesses throughout the area. Explore the Red Centre The spiritual heart of Australia is Uluru. The Red Centre is a must-visit for all Australians and visitors to this country. Circumvent the sandstone monolith and witness heart-soaring sunsets and sunrises where the red ground changes to orange and purple. Lace up your hiking boots and walk the Kings Canyon Rim Trail in Watarrka National Park. Then, wind through two of the Kata Tjuta's towering domed rock formations on the Walpa Gorge Walk. This is a camping and trekking adventure for those who want an action-packed trip that doesn't cost the earth. Central America by Bus and Boat Feel the calming sea breezes on Playa del Carmen, trek through the lush jungle and cruise to Rio Dulce on this three-country trip to Central America. Amble down the coast by ferry, shared boat and bus with options to hire a bike to explore the region on two wheels. Public transportation allows you to live like a local and reduce your impact while exploring the local wonders of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Vietnam by Train Travel by sleeper train from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City on this adventure to Vietnam. Bike through the UNESCO-heritage ruins of Ninh Binh, kayak between the limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island and explore the local markets and nightlife of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Take in the stunning scenery from the local point of view, all without the carbon guilt. Hike, Bike, Kayak Through Japan Embark on an epic adventure from Tokyo to Osaka by boat, public bus, metro, bullet train, train, taxi, walking, bike and kayak. This is an adventure for those adventurous travellers who love to get their hearts pumping. Cycle along the Shimanami Kaido to the Inland Sea, hike between the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Way and traverse the World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trail (one of only two in the world), The Kumano Kodo. This trip also supports World Bicycle Relief, which provides bicycles to school kids, health workers, and farmers in rural areas. Walk the Camino De Santiago If you spend your weekends walking the bush and hiking up mountains, amp up your adventuring travel with this iconic 100-kilometre trail, the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Uncover the real Galicia as you trek through quaint hamlets, ancient bridges, and Roman ruins on your journey from Sarria to the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela. This is more than just a physical challenge, it's a journey to the past and one that respects the environment you'd be travelling through — there are no buses or cars on this adventure, just your own feet, so be sure to pack sturdy (and comfy) walking boots. Also, this trip directly supports Intrepid Foundation partner Open Arms, which helps safeguard the rights of migrant people. Intrepid Travel offsets emissions on its trips on its travellers' behalf. The company also has a carbon reduction target you can read about on the website. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Fashion isn't the first industry that most rugby stars choose post-retirement. For Lewi Brown, however, it was a chance to channel his creative streak into a self-run project. Earls Collection is an elevated menswear label that creates nostalgic and sport-inspired looks. Now in its sixth year, the brand is going from strength to strength with new collections and its Paddington brick-and-mortar store. We caught up with founder Lewi Brown in Sydney to learn more about Earls Collection and why it's helping him find the community he lost after leaving the NRL. Founded just days after retiring from the NRL in 2018, Earls Collection represents a strong family connection for the Māori creative director. Lewi grew up as the child of a single mother and used his creativity to get by. While it would be decades until he explored the fashion world seriously, Lewi always had a creative streak, crediting skaters as his ultimate sport and style inspiration. "I had to get creative with what we had," he says. "We didn't have much money so I wasn't wearing designer stuff. Half the time I was wearing my aunty's skate shoes, my sister's skate shoes, just to try and piece things together. As I grew up, I started to embrace the creativity of dressing." The name also ties to Lewi's family legacy. Earls is the middle name of Lewi, as well as his father and grandfather, both of whom passed by suicide. "This brand is built off mental health [awareness]." Now, Lewi is channelling a whole new community using the creativity he didn't know he had as a child. Through working with creative collaborators on shoots or via the face-to-face relationships built in the Paddington store, Earls Collection is helping foster a sense of community that can often be lost when leaving an institution such as the sporting world. [caption id="attachment_1028531" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] "When I played rugby league, community was huge. You had your community within the boys at training each day, then the wider community, then the fans." As a business owner, the founder and creative director has to wear many hats, but Lewi loves the juggle and credits tools such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 to his creative drive and success. From booking meetings on the fly to campaign photoshoots and helping make styling and business decisions, the phone is supercharged by Google Gemini*, making it even easier to run his self-made brand. "I always knew it would be a challenge. Some days I'm logistics, some days I'm designing, some days I'm in the warehouse packing orders. When you love something, and you're so passionate you'd do anything for it," he says. In addition to his familial and community inspiration, Lewi often looks to vintage stores and clothes to help inspire Earls Collection's aesthetic. During our catch-up, Lewi takes us to the consignment store SWOP Darlinghurst. "The most beautiful thing about vintage wear is that you can't emulate that. The textures of the fabrics [get] better with age and time and patience. That's the beauty about thrift shopping." While many celebrity ambassadors take on similar projects to chase fame and money, it's clear that the sporting community spirit is at the heart of Earls Collection. "I'm not just here for money or fame or to have a profile. I'm really passionate about clothing." Explore more at Samsung. Images by Declan May If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please contact Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for help and support. *Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
Is the Avatar franchise set to win its third Academy Award for Best Visual Effects? With its characteristically rich and stunning visuals, the just-dropped first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash makes that case. The latest film in the sci-fi saga is set to arrive three years after Avatar: The Way of Water, and 13 years after all things Avatar initially hit cinemas with what's still the world's biggest box-office blockbuster. Get ready to return to Pandora: come December 2025, James Cameron will usher viewers back to the Na'vi-inhabited moon, and into the middle chapter in the director's planned five-film series. In past entries, forests and reefs have proven home to the franchise's blue-hued residents, but volcanic plains join in this time around. So, meet: the Ash People. Oona Chaplin (Treason) portrays Varang, the new clan's leader. Her message in the sneak peek: "your goddess has no dominion here". When Avatar: Fire and Ash plays in picture palaces Down Under from Thursday, December 18, viewers will also see Michelle Yeoh (Star Trek: Section 31) and David Thewlis (Sherlock & Daughter) among the cast. Leading the ensemble, Sam Worthington (Relay) and Emilia Pérez Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana (Elio) are back as Jake Sully and his warrior wife Neytiri, alongside fellow returnees Sigourney Weaver (The Gorge), Stephen Lang (House of David), Cliff Curtis (Invincible), Britain Dalton (Dark Harvest), Trinity Bliss (The Life of Chuck), Jack Champion (Everything's Going to Be Great), Bailey Bass (Interview with the Vampire) and Kate Winslet (Lee). Cameron once again directs, and co-wrote the screenplay with the also-returning Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Mulan). Since the first Avatar in 2009, the filmmaker behind it has only helmed movies in the franchise. If getting excited about one new Avatar film isn't enough, the two final flicks that are set to follow Avatar: Fire and Ash are slated for release in 2029 and 2031, respectively. Check out the Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer below: Avatar: Fire and Ash releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 18, 2025 Images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
There's plenty of unwinding to be done while you dine at the new-look Tilbury Hotel. Last November the Wooloomooloo pub underwent renovations — its first reno in 12 years — and has emerged on the other side with a new menu, a new vibe and a new aesthetic. Pastel undertones, bright whites, gold brass trimmings offset with dark and light woods will have you escaping the city grind in no time. Think Scandinavian meets coastal sea breeze, and a few retro details flowing out into the sunny courtyard. Grab a seat at one of the leather banquettes, or pull up a chair complete with its own stitched quilt, where you can expect a gastropub menu with a little bit of everything. A glass of sparkling and a few Port Stephens rock oysters with Archie Rose gin, dill and cucumber ($4 each) will have you kicking back in no time. Chase it up with Fraser Island spanner crab on toast ($4 each), and you might just quit your day job. The crispy smoked ox cheek, radish and pickled mushrooms ($22) will take things up a notch, or if you're more of a poultry fan, try the chicken terrine with apple and celeriac remoulade, hazelnuts and sourdough ($18). Best washed down with an ice-cold bottled, or on-tap brew. Jumping straight to mains? Skip the ricotta gnocchi with garlic prawns, scallops and heirloom tomatoes — the blended capsicum in the sauce overpowers the delicate flavours — but do go for the pan fried snapper, saag aloo, lentil dahl and lassi dressing ($33). The fish is perfectly cooked, the spices well-balanced, and it goes down nicely with a glass of La Belle Pierre rose ($12). Of course, there's also a few meaty options for those who need something more substantial. Desserts will surprise; there's a savoury element in each offering. You can stick to the classics with the choccy and cardamom pudding with rosewater cream ($15), but we suggest going for it with something more exotic like the pumpkin panna cotta with cacao nib and pumpkin puree ($15). It's creamy, light and the perfect combination of sweet and savoury. Can't decide? Order the dessert platter ($30) and you won't have to. And if you prefer to drink your dessert, an espresso martini will do the trick ($18). Apart from the regular lunch and dinner menu, they're also serving brunch from 10am on Sundays, and, once the clock strikes noon, they switch to a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. If it's fine food in a relaxed and polished pub setting you're after, then The Tilbury's got you covered. Just make sure you leave enough time to really unwind, and enough room for dessert. Updated: March 10, 2016.
Visiting a zoo, checking out all creatures great and small, then going home to slumber in your own bed: that's one way to get an animal fix. But menageries around the country have started offering more than just a day trip — with Taronga Zoo home to a wildlife retreat, as well as its own glamping experience; Melbourne Zoo letting folks stay overnight in its elephant exhibit; and Queensland's Australia Zoo now launching its own cabins. If this news sounds familiar, that's because the move was first announced back in 2019, with an opening date of 2020 originally planned. Obviously, we all know what's been holding life in general up over the past few years. So if you're keen for a sleepover among the animals at the Irwin family's Beerwah zoo, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is now up and running. Guests can choose from eight rustic cabins, complete with roomy decks that peer out over the site's bushland surroundings — and at the wildlife within it. Indeed, the zoo is calling the whole Crocodile Hunter Lodge setup a "multi-species habitat". As well as the cabins' various human visitors, red kangaroos, emus, echidnas and koalas that were affected by the 2019–2020 summer bushfire season also call the venue home. Fancy keeping an eye out for animals while taking a dip? The Billabong, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge's 25-metre infinity pool, also looks out over the native wildlife. Unlimited Australia Zoo entry — where more than 1200 animals await — and a peek inside the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital comes with every stay as well, for every guest. Back in the cabins, which are made out of timbers recycled from the zoo's famous crocodile viewing grandstands — which Steve Irwin built himself — you'll find a queen bed and two singles; a kitchen equipped with a fridge, microwave, cooktop and dishwasher; and a lounge with a TV. There's a dining space on the verandah as well and, to munch on while taking in the breeze, each booking comes with a breakfast pack, too. And, you'll also score a welcome gift. A stay doesn't come cheap, though, with prices starting at around $949 for an overnight visit for two adults. If you're keen on a restaurant feed, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge opened alongside the zoo's new Warrior Restaurant & Bar — and it's welcoming in lodge guests and general punters for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and also for group bookings in its private dining room. The focus inside its charred timber-clad walls: Aussie cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, and paying homage to Indigenous Australians and the plants that have long been part of First Nations diets. Breakfast options include haloumi and corn fritters with poached eggs, corn and tomato salsa, avocado, fresh herbs and tahini yoghurt — plus cranberry and pecan granola, with Maleny cane sugar yoghurt, bee pollen and berry compote. The lunch lineup features duck liver parfait with kumquat chilli marmalade and toasted brioche; salmon rillettes with toasted sourdough, capers, cucumber and, pickled shallots; and a selection of sandwiches. And, for dinner, there's pan-fried snapper, blue pumpkin and rosemary risotto with wattleseed crumb, and river mint-crusted Tasmanian lamb loin — among other dishes. At the bar, a small snacks offering helps line the stomach — think plates with cheese, ham and quandong chutney — while the wine menu spans three pages. Opening The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Terri Irwin said that "Steve always had a dream that one day, people would not just visit Australia Zoo, but stay overnight, and have the immersive experience of listening to and being around wildlife after dark." She continued: "it was so important for us to make his dream come true through the opening of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. This stunning luxury accommodation is surrounded by our conservation work, providing a home to endemic wildlife species while further continuing Steve's important legacy." Sustainability and conservation is a big focus of Australia Zoo's new addition, with the grounds featuring more than 3000 native trees and shrubs, including greenery that provides food for species such as the endangered glossy black cockatoo. "By building this luxury accommodation with lush bushland around for our animals, we are achieving Dad's vision of a world where humans and wildlife can peacefully coexist, making this planet a better and more harmonious place for future generations," said Robert Irwin. Find The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and Warrior Restaurant & Bar at 88 Irwin Road, Beerwah, Queensland. For further information, visit the venue's website.
Do you sometimes find yourself resenting Chet Faker for his award-winning whisker-wearing*? Do you refuse to listen to Mumford & Sons, not only for their blatant commercial success but also their rugged yet luxurious face forests? Well, you're not alone. Men in the US have been dealing with similar beard-related anxieties and have undergone facial hair transplants to compensate. Using similar techniques to that of Shane Warne and the Advanced Hair Studio, facial hair transplants take hair from the patient's head, make micro-incisions on a bare patch of face, and insert the roots into empty follicles. Even when the hair falls out, the implanted roots begin to grow new hair. All in all, it's a process that ranges from US$3,000 - $7,000. And, for that money, here's hoping it's worth the pain. Though plastics surgeons have reported an increase in "hip" and "fashionable" young men from Brooklyn seeking the procedure, it also has roots in more substantial causes. Many who seek the transplant are the victims of facial scars, women seeking gender reassignment, or Hasidic Jews trying to achieve a denser payot. (Now you feel bad about laughing, right?) Though it may be easy to make fun of those seeking the procedure for the wrong reasons, it's also pretty concerning. Are men developing body image problems about their bare chin in the same way some women are about their flat chests? So what if you don't look like a homeless lumberjack? It doesn't make you less of a man. If anything, it takes you one step away from the likes of Zach Galifianakis and Shia LaBeouf. And, if you ask us, that's surely something to be thankful for. *Can neither confirm nor deny his ARIA win was beard-related. Via DNAinfo. Image by Juan Luis.
Michelin-trained chef Manuel Diaz is the driving force behind Nativo, an authentic Mexican taqueria in Pyrmont. Located above the John St Square Rail Station, Nativo brings tacos and Mexican street food with an Aussie twist to the neighbourhood with a fun, vibrant menu that pulls through native Australian ingredients. The focus of the taqueria is mainly on takeaway — although the venue does have 14 al fresco seats available for dining — so the menu is concise. So start with you've got tacos in four styles: the conchinita pibil — a slow-cooked pork taco with pickled onions and saltbush morita salsa ($9), the beef brisket taco with slow-cooked brisket, oaxaca cheese, avocado and a kunzea salsa verde ($9), the croqueta de papa with a fried potato, refried beans, 'mushroom chorizo' and orange-chipotle salsa filling ($9), or the zarandeado octopus taco starring Tasmanian octopus complimented by chimichurri, confit onions and potato ($10). Then there's the range of antojitos or snacks (antojitos translates to 'little cravings' in Spanish). The classic guac and chips combo ($7) is elevated by lemon myrtle oil, coriander, jalapenos and pepita crumble. Or for something a little more grande there's 'la diabla' taco cup ($12) which comes with two tacos, chicken, cheesy guajilo sauce, iceberg lettuce and guac, the quesadilla rolls ($16) or the vegan-friendly tostada croqueta de papa ($12) served with a fried tortilla, refried beans, 'mushroom chorizo', watercress salad and kunzea salsa verde. Born and bred in the city of Oaxaca, chef Manuel Diaz's breadth of experience comes from working across some of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant La Chevre d'Or in France. Since moving to Australia, he's occupied kitchens across the Milpa Collective Group's collection of Mexican favourites like Sonora and Carbon, and headed up Bar Patron as the Executive Chef. "The best of Mexican gastronomy is inspired by ideas developed by the Indigenous communities and ancestors of the country," says Diaz. "I have crafted a menu that honours these flavours and traditions, and we celebrate our union with the Australian community by complimenting these recipes with native Australian ingredients to create a unique fusion that brings these roots together."
One of the most famous artworks in the world is coming to your home, ready for you to peer at whenever you want. Even better: you don't need a hefty bank balance or to be a Glass Onion-style tech mogul to afford it. You will have to build the iconic piece yourself, however, and it will be fashioned out of plastic bricks — all thanks to the latest addition to Lego's art range. That masterwork: The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, aka the woodblock print that dates back to 1831, is part of the artist's Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series and is instantly recognisable. Depicting a stormy sea with Mount Fuji in the background, the piece might just be the best-known Japanese artwork ever, with original versions on display everywhere from the Tokyo National Museum to the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Great Wave is certainly one of the most reproduced in history, but making the leap to Lego is a first. How many bricks does it take to turn such a beloved nearly 200-year-old print into a Lego creation? That'd be 1810, including tiny circle blocks for intricate detail. Indeed, this layered 3D set doesn't just recreate just the design of Hokusai's original, or the overall image, but its lines and depth as well. The Lego Art Hokusai: The Great Wave kit has started hitting stores worldwide, and will be available Down Under from Wednesday, February 1. Genuinely big enough to hang on your wall, The Great Wave set is unsurprisingly aimed at adults — a group that Lego has been courting for years, including with succulents, orchids, bouquets and bonsai fashioned out of bricks, because the toy brand knows that you don't ever really grow out of its interconnecting blocks. Lego's latest artistic reimagining follows in the footsteps of the company's The Starry Night set in 2021, which gave Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece the same treatment. Also included in The Great Wave kit, which'll cost AU$169.99 / NZ $179.99 when it goes on sale: a decorative tile with Hokusai's signature. Plus, Lego has created a soundtrack to go with it, so you can listen along as you build, as part of its ongoing focus on adults using its bricks to relax. For more information about Lego's new 'The Great Wave' kit, which goes on sale on Down Under on Wednesday, February 1, head to the company's website.
The renowned Sydney Seafood School has revealed a brand new look that has been developed as part of the Sydney Fish Market's sweeping renovations, which is set to open in January 2026. The new space is high above the water and comes with a cracking view of Blackwattle Bay — a vibrant space where Sydneysiders can learn what it takes to prep seafood like a pro. The transformed space upgrades the school's offering in several ways. There's now a dedicated event space, an oyster bar and upgraded appliances from Neff and Gaggenau. The program has been similarly upgraded, classic courses like the Singapore chilli mud crab and barbecue courses have been reimagined ahead of summer, while some new offerings have joined the program too. The Seafood Discovery course educates guests on the history of Sydney Fish Market and provides hands-on experience in preparing NSW-native species, while the Land & Sea class focuses on native ingredients and showcases how easy they are to prepare at home. If you're not a seafood fan, you can instead book classes in baking, preserving, pasta making and gluten-free cooking. The guest chef classes continue, each led by Sydney hospo legends like Danielle Alvarez (Culinary Director, Sydney Opera House Events), Khanh Nguyen (King Clarence), Joel Bickford (Shell House, The International), Brendan Pang (author, street food expert and content creator), Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater and the soon to open Flaminia) and Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio, a'Mare, Vineria Luisa), with more to be announced. Sally Webb, General Manager for Sydney Seafood School, says "Unveiling the new space is such a special moment for us. We've taken everything people have always loved about the school – the expertise, the joy and the incredible seafood – and brought it to life in a fresh new way." "We've designed classes that reflect the way Aussies love their seafood. From learning how to confidently handle a whole fish to exploring underutilised species to build your seafood repertoire – we'll do it all!" The Sydney Seafood School can be found at 25 Bank Street, Pyrmont, in the Sydney Fish Market. Bookings are available now for 2026, and you can make yours here.
Come October 2025 around Australia, Tomato Day will be back on the big screen, all thanks to Looking for Alibrandi's inclusion in this year's Italian Film Festival lineup. A quarter of a century has passed since the Pia Miranda (Invisible Boys)-starring Australian page-to-screen classic reached cinemas, so the nation's annual celebration of Italian movies has programmed the beloved picture based on Melina Marchetta's 1992 book in its closing-night slot. Audiences will get a particular filmic treat, too, given that the 4K restoration of the film will be gracing the screen. So, as well as surveying the latest in Italian cinema — as IFF does every year, 2025 being no exception — there's an Aussie flavour to the festival this time around. Another example: the Greta Scacchi (Darby and Joan)-narrated Signorinella: Little Miss, with the team responsible for Lygon St — Si Parla Italiano turning their attention to Italian women who helped make the Italian Australian community what it is. 2025's Italian Film Festival kicks off in mid-September, starting in Canberra and Adelaide, then heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Ballarat, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Ballina, and Perth across a countrywide tour between Wednesday, September 17–Wednesday, October 22 (with dates varying depending on the location). While Looking for Alibrandi is on closing duties, romantic comedy Somebody to Love will get IFF 2024 started, as hailing from Perfect Strangers filmmaker Paolo Genovese. In the festival's centrepiece slot is La Grazia, the latest from Paolo Sorrentino (Parthenope) — and, like The Hand of God, Loro and The Great Beauty, starring Toni Servillo. Its inclusion is quite the get for IFF, given that the movie will head to Australia direct from having its world premiere opening the 2025 Venice International Film Festival. Servillo is a significant feature of IFF's lineup this year, too, thanks to also appearing in Sicilian Letters and The Illusion, with the first focusing on Cosa Nostra boss Matteo Messina Denaro's time as a fugitive and the second heading back to Giuseppe Garibaldi's efforts in 1860 to unify Italy. In another highlight, Napoli — New York sees Gabriele Salvatores (Cassanova's Return) chart the path of two Neapolitan children to New York in 1949 — and continue, as also evident courtesy of Looking for Alibrandi and Signorinella: Little Miss, the festival's celebration of migrant stories. The must-sees keep coming from there, with IFF also screening 2024 Venice Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winner The Mountain Bride — Vermiglio; Diamonds by Ferzan Özpetek; The Great Ambition, which won Elio Germano (Trust) the Best Actor Award at the David di Donatello Awards for portraying former Italian Communist Party leader Enrico Berlinguer; Italian box-office hit The Boy with the Pink Trousers; and the Valeria Golino (Maria)-led Fuori, a biopic about Italian feminist writer Goliarda Sapienza. Or, attendees can catch post-WWII-set drama My Place Is Here, as based on the novel by Daniela Porto; The Life Apart, which sports Vicenza as a backdrop; and Gianni Versace — Emperor of Dreams, as focused on the fashion icon. And, for its blast from the pasts for 2025, the fest is embracing giallo, to the delight of horror and thriller fans. Think: a new 4K restoration of Dario Argento's Deep Red, alongside Lucio Fulci's A Lizard in a Woman's Skin, Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace, Pupi Avati's The House with Laughing Windows and Sergio Martino's All the Colours of the Dark. Italian Film Festival 2025 Dates and Venues Wednesday, September 17–Wednesday, October 15 — Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra Wednesday, September 17–Tuesday, October 15 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, September 18–Wednesday, October 15 — Palace Moore Park, Palace Norton St, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Friday, September 19–Thursday, October 16 — The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Church St, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and Cinema Nova, Melbourne Saturday, September 20–Thursday, October 16 — Palace Regent Cinemas, Ballarat Saturday, September 24–Wednesday, October 22 — Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane Thursday, September 25–Wednesday, October 15 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina Thursday, September 25–Wednesday, October 22 — Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth The 2025 Italian Film Festival tours Australia in September and October. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
A pillar of Sydney's hospitality scene for two decades now, Maurice Terzini's beachfront Italian fine-diner and breezy bar Icebergs closed in May of this year to undergo refurbishments during the colder months. The iconic Bondi venue is now reopening exactly 20 years to the day that it first swung open its doors. Icebergs was originally slated to reopen in late October; however, 2022's persistent extreme weather — particularly its unprecedented rainfall — has caused interruptions to the work being done on the venue. As a result, the reopening has been pushed back to December, with the first service now coinciding with the restaurant's 20th birthday on Wednesday, December 14. Anyone who previously had a reservation for November or early December should have been contacted by the Icebergs team. "For anyone who has received a phone call or email from our reservations team, please understand this has deeply affected us all and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. We are doing our very best to find an alternative location or a future date with us," a statement from Maurice Terzini and the Icebergs crew reads. When the Bondi venue closed earlier this year, it was revealed Terzini and co had enlisted the help of Rome-based architect Lazzarini Pickering to put his spin on the upgraded venue. Pickering has worked on incredible buildings across the globe, including now-closed local hospitality spots Neild Avenue and Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons, and Icebergs once-idealised Bali beach club. The reopening night on December 14 is already booked out, but if you want to reserve a spot for dinner or drinks at Icebergs once it's back in business, you can head to the restaurant's website. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Icebergs Dining Room and Bar (@icebergsdiningroomandbar) Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is located at 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach. It will reopen on Wednesday, December 14.
The meat's in the oven, the pavlova's ready to decorate and the Christmas carols are cranked. All that's left to do is take a load off with a drink of choice. This year, that might be Four Pillars' Australian Christmas Gin, with the much-loved distillery bringing back this limited-edition release for another festive season. Conceived as holiday spirit distilled in a bottle, this tipple combines all flavours and notes you'd normally taste in a classic Christmas pudding. That means warm spices and dried fruit like nutmeg, sultanas and citrus peel alongside pine-like juniper, cassia and star anise. The result? Gin that has that familiar botanical scent, but tastes like Christmas. Now on its tenth annual release, the inspiration for Four Pillars' Christmas Gin involves more than just the mere arrival of the holiday season. Instead, Co-Founder Cameron Mackenzie wanted to replicate his late mother Wilma's Derby Day tradition. With the family listening to the races, she'd whip up a Christmas pudding, with its warming scent taking over the entire house. To make each release even more special, Four Pillars teams up with a different artist every year, asking them to produce a brand-new label that reflects what an Aussie Christmas means to them. For this merry season, 2021 label artist and 2023 Archibald Packing Room prize winner, Andrea Huelin, has composed a piece incorporating elements from every past release. "Who would've thought ten years ago that Australian Christmas Gin would still be the gift that keeps on giving? This recipe is one we'll be passing down for generations to come, and all thanks to Wilma and Cam," says Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse. Alongside complementary stocking stuffers like jars of gin and orange relish and Christmas gin puddings, Four Pillars has also revealed four jolly cocktails in collaboration with award-winning bartender Nick Tesar. From Gin & Ginger to Strawberry Smash, these easy-to-make concoctions will make listening to your odd uncle's ravings a little more bearable. Four Pillars' Australian Christmas Gin is now available online and from select bottle shops. Head to the website for more information.
If your dream getaway involves staying in your favourite movie, walking in your music idol's shoes, hanging out with celebrities and once-in-a-lifetime pop culture-themed experiences all round, Airbnb has had you covered for a few years. You've seen the accommodation platform's special listings in the past, including being able to slumber at Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton — and also Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay. The list goes on — and it's only set to grow. Now, these kinds of Airbnb listings have a name and a category: Airbnb Icons. And to celebrate, the company has unveiled the next 11 spots that money normally can't buy (and in some cases, still can't, with most reservations free). [caption id="attachment_953321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ryan Lowery[/caption] If getting some shuteye in the Up house is your idea of vacation bliss, you're in luck — located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, and taking bookings until Tuesday, May 14, it's a newly unveiled Airbnb Icon. Yes, the balloons are all there. Yes, you'll feel like you've walked into the gorgeous animated film. And yes, gazing at the stars is one of the activities on offer while you're on the premises. Still on Pixar, the latest chance to get excited about Inside Out 2 comes via the opportunity to sleep in the flick's headquarters, aka where the emotions convene and try to keep Riley's mood in check. It'll be taking bookings in June, which is when the movie releases in cinemas. [caption id="attachment_953323" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eric Ogden[/caption] Still on cinema, maybe you'll find out what it sounds like when doves cry at Prince's Purple Rain mansion when it hits Airbnb Icons in August. This is the actual house from the inimitable film, as decked out in purple aplenty. You'll sleep in The Kid's bedroom, hear rare Prince tracks and go crazy with love for the flick and the late, great artist behind it, of course. Stepping inside X-Men '97 is also on offer, with the X-Mansion open for reservations until Wednesday, May 15. Guests will undertake student orientation, give Cerebro a whirl, get a superpower and stay in Wolverine's room. This one has a cost, setting you back AU$149.51 per guest, and can welcome in eight wannabe heroes. [caption id="attachment_953325" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Max Miechowski[/caption] Doja Cat, Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and Kevin Hart are all also on the Airbnb Icons list, each hosting stays. Available to book from October, Doja's listing includes a living-room show. Coming from Sunday, May 12, Kapoor's will see you spend time at her Chennai holiday home. And as for Hart, as available to reserve from August, he'll get you giggling at him and other comedians at his Coramino Live Lounge. Checking into the Ferrari Museum for an evening will be open for bookings from Monday, May 6 — and it covers sleeping in a bed made with the same leather as Ferrari car seats, doing a hot lap and eating at Cavallino, Enzo Ferrari's favourite restaurant. Or, from Wednesday, May 22, you'll be able to reserve a night at the Musée d'Orsay, snoozing in a bedroom designed around its clock, watching the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony from its rooftop terrace and nabbing a private look at its impressionist collection. [caption id="attachment_953327" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Prior[/caption] The initial 11 Airbnb Icons offerings also include a gaming loft hosted by TikToker Khaby Lame, which is taking bookings now until Tuesday, May 14 — and, with reservations launching on Friday, May 3, being part of reggaeton star Feid's tour for a full week. Here's how bookings work: whether they're free or not, you need to book through the app. If you are selected for a reservation, you'll get a digital golden ticket — of which there'll be 4000-plus available in 2024 alone. Folks will be drawn at random after they put in a submission for a property, then they'll be judged as semi-finalists, all of which will take place within seven days of the booking period closing. You can only put your name up for each listing once. And if you're picked, you have 24 hours to accept the invite. As has always been the case with these listings, even before they had the Icons category, you'll also need to pay for getting to the property — that isn't included in the reservation. Still, some of your fantasy holiday spots just became a reality. [caption id="attachment_953329" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frederik Vercruysse[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] House of Pixels[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953331" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sismatyc[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953334" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Federico Ciamei[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953324" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ryan Lowery[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Holly Andres[/caption] For more information about Airbnb's Icons stays, and to make bookings, head to the Airbnb website. Top image: Ryan Lowery 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.
Wander down Cronulla's The Esplanade and you'll find a bright white all-day diner welcoming in locals and visitors from all edges of town. The friendly neighbourhood restaurant Bobby's comes from the team behind Bangor Tavern, pulling from the flavours and aesthetics of the Mediterranean while celebrating seafood just metres from rolling waves and white sand. The venue opens its doors at 7am each day, accommodating surfers and early morning beach-goers with coffee and breakfast bites. Around lunchtime, the full menu is rolled out and that's when things really begin to fire up. Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas (Totti's, Otto) and Head Chef Shaun Baker (Bills, Yan Restaurant) have created a menu of fresh ocean-to-table creations, leaning on staples of modern Australian diners and bold Mediterranean dishes. There are plenty of crowd-pleasing options for a gorgeous summer's day: ultra fresh oysters, prawn rolls, barramundi burgers and cuttlefish linguine. Fish and chips and rump steak are on offer for those who like to have their own main, or if you're in the mood to share you can order a whole snapper or spatchcock for the table, then pair it with a series of share-friendly starters. As for the drinks, the Mediterranean theme continues here with hospo mainstay Alex Cameron moving over from French favourites Franca and Armorica to curate a list of European wines and cocktails designed to pair well with seafood on a hot Cronulla day. Limoncello spritzes and a pineapple and lime negroni both grace the cocktail list, while the Horn Iced Tea freshens up its Long Island counterpart with the addition of Aperol and prosecco.
From 12.01am on Monday, August 16, residents of Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius of their homes. These regions are already under lockdown, and will remain that way until at least 12.01am on Saturday, August 28; however, stricter travel limits are now being brought in. Since the end of July — more than a month into Greater Sydney's now seven-week-long lockdown — people in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions have only been able to travel ten kilometres from their homes to go shopping. That distance requirement has applied to exercising for this entire lockdown, too; however, it'll now be reduced to five kilometres across the board if you're heading outside of your own Local Government Area to shop or exercise. If that sounds familiar, that's because that shorter radius is already in effect in 12 parts of the city deemed LGAs of concern. Those areas must still stick to a strict five-kilometre zone, even within their LGA. While you're probably quite familiar with the patch of land surrounding your home thanks to the last seven weeks of lockdown, there are a few easy ways to check out your household's government-approved five-kilometre travel radius. But, none have proved quite as popular as KM From Home — a website that originally launched in Ireland back in March, when that country introduced its own travel restrictions — and was first jumped on by Melburnians back in August 2020. The online map is free and easy to use — simply centre it to your address, select a five-kilometre radius and you'll see a big red or blue bubble encompassing the zone you're free to travel in under the NSW Government's new rules. You'll find other radius apps out there as well, including the likes of Map Developers. Alternatively, if you've got a Garmin watch, you can download this range warning and it'll alert you when you're closing in on a certain distance from your run's starting point. Want to check a specific park or shopping centre to see if it falls in your five-kilometre zone? There's a function on the Google Maps app that allows you to measure a distance as the crow flies. On desktop, simply right click on a location on the map, select 'measure distance' and then click anywhere else on the map and it'll show you exactly how far the address is from your starting point. Under the current rules, you can only exercise in groups of two, or with your household members — and only one person from your household can leave home once a day to collect essential supplies. Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in lockdown until at least 12.01am on Saturday, August 28. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Km From Home.
The new year is here, ushering in a delectable 12 months of delicious innovations from chefs and bartenders across the Harbour City. Sydney has one of the most dynamic hospitality scenes in the country, with a steady supply of new venues, dishes, cocktails and all manner of culinary delights vying to be the city's latest epicurean obsession. But which of these fads are merely a flash in the pan and which will actually influence the way we eat and drink over the coming year? We've scoured the city for the fresh thinking currently popping on menus to name the emergent trends hungry Sydneysiders will be tucking into throughout 2025. Mighty (and Mini) Martinis Move over frozé, Aperol icy poles and boxtails — Sydney's most exciting drinks trend is ditching the gimmicks and getting back to basics. In recent months, some of Sydney's most exciting bar openings have been anchored to that most classic of classics, the martini, including Concrete Playground's current pick for Sydney's best bar, Bobbie's in Double Bay. While conventional wisdom, especially when it comes to cocktails, might suggest more is more, martinis are now not only shaken and stirred — they've also shrunk. The mini martini, with a pour as small as 30ml, is being pitched as the aperitif of the moment, offering a swift strong sip before moving onto wine that also downsizes the often eye-watering price tag of larger cocktails. Bread and Butter Gets a Glow-Up [caption id="attachment_986378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] The flavour and finesse some fine diners have already brought to the humble bread basket has lofted this once forgettable nibble to a scene-stealing event in its own right, but the elevation of the bread course is reaching ever more impressive heights in Sydney right now. Newcomers like ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine in Redfern, where you can enjoy a house-made fougasse flatbread spread with wildflower butter, are leaning into the culinary bells and whistles that are increasingly expected by Sydney diners but tilda, the 110-seat ground-floor restaurant at the recently refitted Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has set the gold standard with its $39 bread service. This theatrical affair features a roving trolly laden with accoutrements — chives, spring onions, smoked salt, honey and more — to be folded through a generous dollop of whipped cultured Pepe Saya. This pimped-up, made-to-order butter is then ready to be slathered on a saltbush focaccia from AP bakery — truly, the upper crust. One-Stop Hospitality Precincts for a Nose-to-Tail Evening Multi-venue hospitality hubs have been gaining momentum in recent months, with some of 2024's biggest openings — The Bristol, Walker Street, The International and Wunderlich Lane, to name only a few — falling into this ascendent category of dining destination. Delivering convenience and quality all under one roof, these one-stop shops allow patrons to enjoy all the variety of a venue hopping evening without having to pound the pavement or brave the weather. A New Wave of Authentic Japanese Dining Japanese cuisine is hardly difficult to come by in Sydney — throw a stone in any direction and you're likely to hit a steaming bowl of ramen, a freshly charred skewer from a robtata grill, a stack of sushi train plates or a tasty bento box. However, there's far more to Japanese dining than just this handful of familiar feeds. An influx of omakase restaurants — the quintessential Japanese chef's table experience — made a notable impression on Sydney diners in 2021–22 and more casual Isakaya-style venues are also increasingly commonplace in the Harbour City. However, a handful of new openings in 2024 made the case for an even more immersive way to experience the Land of the Rising Sun's culinary culture. Ramen Auru in Crows Nest has recreated a classic Tokyo noodle house in stunning detail, complete with shokken ordering machine, and a tatami dining space with low tables and fluorescent tube lighting. In the CBD, JOJI uses a more contemporary lens to conjure a sophisticated, modern Japanese bar, while Prefecture 48, a six-venue dining precinct on Sussex Street, is showcasing lesser-known dining styles including kaiseki — Japan's answer to the degustation. Checking In for a Great Meal Sydney hotels have a well-established pedigree of excellent dining, with recent openings such as Brasserie 1930, helmed by Nick Hildebrandt and Brent Savage of Bentley Group at Capella Sydney, and Mitch Orr's Kiln at Ace Hotel pushing the standard ever higher. The recently renovated Sofitel Sydney Wentworth features four new hospitality venues, including Vietnamese-French fusion fine diner Delta Rue and sprawling rooftop watering hole Wentworth Bar, while The Eve at the Surry Hills Village development, a surprisingly lush and tropical inner-city boutique stay by TFE Hotels, will feature multiple hospitality options by Liquid & Larder, the team behind celebrated Sydney venues including Bistecca and The Gidley, including Lottie, a leafy rooftop poolside Mexican mezcaleria. Some restaurateurs are also trying their hands as hoteliers. Seafood savants Josh and Julie Niland are opening their first boutique hotel above the new digs of the pair's flagship fine diner Saint Peter in Paddington, while the Continental Deli's expansion on Australia Street in Newtown will feature a trio of two-bedroom suites in addition to the development's three new hospitality venues. Comeback Kings It has been a bruising few years for Sydney's hospitality sector. The lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic years followed by a cost-of-living crisis that has shown little sign of slowing have left a litany of restaurant and bar closures in their wake. However, while these turbulent times have spelled disaster for some businesses, others have found a silver lining. While established businesses have struggled to hold on to customers, new openings have remained enticing for Sydney diners. Seizing on this, some restaurateurs have relaunched or rebranded their businesses to ride this wave of enthusiasm for all things new. Raja, the much-lauded mod-Indian fine diner in Kings Cross by Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden, closed less than a year after it's launch, only to rise from the ashes as Teddy, an affordable retro neighbourhood eatery and bar far better tooled to meet the needs of fiscally fraught diners. Donut Papi, the popular Filipino bakery which closed in July 2024, relaunched in September as House of Papi, a meryenda concept showcasing a broader spectrum of Filipino eats. And legendary late night Chinese restaurant Golden Century, which closed in 2021, announced in November 2024 that it would be resurrected at Crown Towers, once again serving up dim sum and fresh seafood, including its famed pipis in XO sauce. Happy Hours for Happy Wallets While happy hours are nothing new, their scale and scope in Sydney has exploded as restaurants and bars have battled to coax back cash-strapped punters with cost-of-living-defying deals. More than just shaving a dollar or two off the cost of a house wine or schooner of beer, many of these discounts are impressively generous, such as Franca's $5 martinis, Teddy's all-day discounts on Sundays or Bobbie's Golden Hour, where customers can not only enjoy $10 cocktails but also free snacks. Other venues, such as Arms Length in Kings Cross and Island Radio in Surry Hills, are helping their customers to save with bolt-on bottomless deals, with free-flowing alcoholic beverages for less than the cost of the average bottle of wine. Breathing New Life Into Disused Spaces [caption id="attachment_937670" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Hansen[/caption] Like any major city, Sydney is in a constant state of flux, with disused and dilapidated buildings demolished to make way for shiny new architectural wonders. However, the time between a property being sold and the beginning of its redevelopment can sometimes be months or even years. Seeing a ripe opportunity, hospitality maven Maurice Terzini of Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar fame has pioneered a new model for hospitality businesses, transforming buildings awaiting demolition into pop-up eateries. This brainwave has resulted in two successful ventures to date: Snack Kitchen, a relaxed cucina-deli hybrid opened in partnership with Terzini's son Sylvester, and Mirage KX, an edgy queer-coded cabaret club collaboration with House of Mince's Peter Shopovsky, both located in Potts Point. The Maybe Sammy Crew have partnered with low-to-no waste mixologist Matt Whiley to launch a similar venture in Haymarket. Little Cooler is a punky dive bar concept which used 100 percent repurposed materials to create its grungy, uber-cool fitout in a basement location set to be redeveloped in late 2026. Top image: Jason Loucas
Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills: the rag trade centre of Sydney where many of the city's fashion flock have designed, tailored and traded their finery. And yet for all its garment glory, the area has not really offered anything much in the way of decent drinking quarters. So where can tired tailors and model slashies go for cocktails, cuddles and (air) kisses? Meet Li'l Darlin, the pizza and cocktail establishment of the eponymous small bar chain, that has opened up chic shop in the Hills. A white picket fence sections off the outdoor tables, sprawling Paris-like along the pavement. Potted plants line the windows and fairy lights twist, twinkling, through the hazy interior. The staff are bubblier than bubbly and the ambiance is immediately convivial. Li'l Darlin is a perfect fit for those around Elizabeth Street looking for a nibble and tipple after work or a casual catch up of a weekend. But Li'l Darlin is no enfant terrible. This is an establishment from where you can expect decent, non-designer, prices for unpretentious and delicious food. The lunch (from 12pm) and tapas (from 5pm) menus both focus on fun, fresh feasts. Far from haute cuisine, lunch is ready-to-wear, street-style fodder – expect treats like the Giant Chicken Schnitzel ($12) or the self-proclaimed World's Best Hotdog ($12). You'll find the tapas are equally as fabulous — the Li'l Cheeseburger ($13.90) comes slider-style, with homemade mustard and overflowing with fries. And seldom would a couturier otherwise delight in the discussion of plump, drumstick-like legs, but here the Crispy Chilli Chicken Drummers can't be overlooked ($11.90). Though the food is fabulous, Li'l Darlin is a bar at heart. Its extensive Australian and New Zealand-centric wine list and selection of beers and ciders mean no trendsetter is without a toast. Try the Li'l Old Fashioned, a drupe-driven take on the classic cocktail, with rye whisky, maraschino liqueur, cherry bitters and a brandy-infused cherry ($17.90) And while snobs might scoff at the Icyee Cocktails ($12), it's hard to resist their young at heart charm. Li'l Darlin is a fun and entertaining addition to this stretch of the Hills. Strut, don't stroll, in for the cocktails, tapas and kitsch.
