Two years on from shutting its doors, Balmain's oldest licensed pub The Dry Dock will reopen under new owners and with an ambitious full-venue transformation. A haven for great pubs, Balmain has lost some real gems over the last few years, but with the return of mainstays like The Exchange Hotel (in the form of Fabbrica Pasta Bar) and now The Dry Dock, things are looking good for a Balmain renaissance. The heritage-listed Dry Dock was established all the way back in 1857 and has long been a community cornerstone. After it closed, industry veteran James Ingram snatched up the historic venue under the guise of his company Peninsula Hospitality in collaboration with investor Mike Everett. Everett, a Balamian resident of nearly three decades, introduced Ingram to the pub with the intention of returning it to its former glory and reinventing its offerings. "When Mike told me about The Dry Dock and I first looked at it, I was impressed with the layout and size of the pub, and I could immediately see the potential to combine a great dining concept with a classic pub experience — and this sparked the momentum which founded Peninsula Hospitality," says Ingram. The pair have grand plans for the building, including a classic 90-person ground-floor pub, a 120-seat lounge bar and a detached 100-seat dining room. Leading the charge in the kitchen will be Head Chef Ben Sitton who brings with him experience at some of Sydney's top venues including Felix, Uccello and Rockpool Bar & Grill. While the pub is set to offering on-fuss feeds paired with top-notch drinks on the ground floor, Pensinuslar Hospitality and Sitton are creating a luxurious French-influenced menu for the dining room. While we don't have a confirmed open date just yet, the hospitality group has promised the stalwart will be back up and running seven days a week by the end of the year. The Dry Dock is located at 22 Cameron Street, Balmain. It will reopen under the guidance of Public Hospiality by the end of 2023.
Back in 2020, Lord Howe Island was picked as one of the best places to visit on the planet. The 11-kilometre-long, two-kilometre-wide expanse just a two-hour flight east of Sydney is also one of Australia's most incredible islands, clearly. Now, it's being recognised for boasting the best hotel in the South Pacific — beating out resorts in Fiji and Bora Bora, which is quite the feat. The latest acclaim being showered Lord Howe Island's way comes courtesy of Tripadvisor, which has surveyed its users' review data and unveiled its Best of the Best Hotels list as part of its 2023 Travellers' Choice Awards. Open since around 1895, Pinetrees Lodge earned the top spot in the South Pacific rankings, and also came in at number 25 on the best all-inclusive hotels list, which details the top spots where everything you need is all in one place. [caption id="attachment_901975" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pinetrees Lodge[/caption] Joining Pinetrees Lodge among the Aussie highlights in the South Pacific are six other accommodation destinations. The Reef House Adults Boutique Tropical Escapes in Palm Cove came in second, The Remington Muswellbrook ranked fourth, RACV Torquay Resort sits in fifth, Brisbane's Kingsford Smith Motel at sixth and Element on Coolum Beach at seventh, then Little National Hotel Sydney in tenth. Filling the gaps between them: Fiji's Tokoriki Island Resort in third spot, then Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort at eighth and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in ninth position. That's quite the handy rundown of local and local-ish places to spend a night or several on your next vacation or staycation — and all seven Aussie hotels obviously took the top seven berths in the Australia-only top 25 as well. That lengthier list spans everywhere from Sovereign Park Motor Inn in Ballarat and MACq 01 Hotel in Hobart to Laneways by Ovolo in Melbourne and the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. [caption id="attachment_901976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rambagh Palace[/caption] Sadly, there was no Aussie showing in Tripadvisor's top ten hotels in the world, with the number-one spot going to Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India. As all these kinds of rankings offer, the rest of the placeholders comprise an impressive travel bucket list, pinballing from Ozen Reserve Bolifushi on Bolifushi Island in the Maldives to the Shangri-La The Shard in London, plus Ikos Dassia in Greece, Padma Resort Ubud in Puhu in Indonesia and more. In various subcategories, other hotels given some love include Dromoland Castle Hotel in Ireland, a 16th-century castle that's been named the best hotel for sleep; The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, aka the newly dubbed best hotel with a spa; and the yurts of Patagonia Camp in Chile, which were anointed the best out-of-the-ordinary hotel. Or, there's The Toulson Court in England as the best B&B or inn — a field that Yarra Gables in Victoria came in third in worldwide — and White House Hotel in Istanbul as the best small hotel. [caption id="attachment_901973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ozen Reserve Bolifushi[/caption] TOP TEN HOTELS IN THE WORLD 2023: 1. Rambagh Palace — Jaipur, India 2. Ozen Reserve Bolifushi — Bolifushi Island, Maldives 3. Hotel Colline de France — Gramado, Brazil 4. Shangri-La The Shard, London — London, United Kingdom 5. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong — Hong Kong, China 6. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai — Dubai, United Arab Emirates 7. Romance Istanbul Hotel — Istanbul, Türkiye 8. Ikos Dassia — Dassia, Greece 9. Ikos Andalusia — Estepona, Spain 10. Padma Resort Ubud — Puhu, Indonesia [caption id="attachment_901978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tokoriki Island Resort[/caption] TOP TEN HOTELS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC 2023: 1. Pinetrees Lodge — Lord Howe Island, Australia 2. The Reef House Adults Boutique Tropical Escapes — Palm Cove, Australia 3. Tokoriki Island Resort — Tokoriki Island, Fiji 4. The Remington Muswellbrook — Muswellbrook, Australia 5. RACV Torquay Resort — Torquay, Australia 6. Kingsford Smith Motel — Brisbane, Australia 7. Element on Coolum Beach — Coolum Beach, Australia 8. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort — Sigatoka, Fiji 9. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort — Bora Bora, French Polynesia 10. Little National Hotel Sydney — Sydney, Australia [caption id="attachment_901977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Reef House Adults Boutique Tropical Escapes[/caption] TOP 25 HOTELS IN AUSTRALIA 2023: 1. Pinetrees Lodge — Lord Howe Island, NSW 2. The Reef House Adults Boutique Tropical Escapes — Palm Cove, Qld 3. The Remington Muswellbrook — Muswellbrook, NSW 4. RACV Torquay Resort — Torquay, Vic 5. Kingsford Smith Motel — Brisbane, Qld 6. Element on Coolum Beach — Coolum Beach, Qld 7. Little National Hotel Sydney — Sydney, NSW 8. Zagame's House — Melbourne, Vic 9. Sovereign Park Motor Inn — Ballarat, Vic 10. Mansi on Raymond — Sale, Vic 11. Quest South Perth Foreshore — South Perth, WA 12. Quest Orange — Orange, NSW 13. Emporium Hotel South Bank — Brisbane, Qld 14. MACq 01 Hotel —Hobart, Tas 15. Julie-Anna Inn — Bendigo, Vic 16. Majestic M Suites — Adelaide, SA 17. Alcyone Hotel Residences — Brisbane, Qld 18. Laneways by Ovolo — Melbourne, Vic 19. Quest Echuca — Echuca, Vic 20. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat — Tallebudgera, Qld 21. Quest Warrnambool — Warrnambool, Vic 22. Korte's Resort — Rockhampton, Qld 23. Novotel Brisbane South Bank — Brisbane, Qld 24. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney — Sydney, NSW 25. Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury — Adelaide, SA For more information about Tripadvisor's 2023 Travellers' Choice Awards, head to the service's website. 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.
Lives of extravagant luxury. Globe-hopping getaways. Whiling away cocktail-soaked days in gorgeous beachy locales. Throw in the level of wealth and comfort needed to make those three things an easy, breezy everyday reality, and the world's sweetest dreams are supposedly made of this. On TV since 2021, HBO's hit dramedy The White Lotus has been, too. Indeed, in its Emmy-winning first season, the series was a phenomenon of a biting satire, scorching the one percent, colonialism and class divides in a twisty, astute, savage and hilarious fashion. It struck such a chord, in fact, that what was meant to be a one-and-done limited season was renewed for a second go-around, sparking an anthology. That Sicily-set second effort arrives Down Under on Monday, October 31, airing week to week — via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — and the several suitcase loads of scathing chaos it brings with it are well worth unpacking again. Sex, status, staring head-on at mortality and accepting the unshakeable fact that life is short for everyone but truly sweet for oh-so-few, regardless of bank balance: they're The White Lotus season two's concerns. All three played key parts in season one as well, but this sunnily shot seven-episode second run emphatically stresses that the bliss money is meant to bring is truly a mirage, as is the carefree air of a vacation. Accordingly, another group of well-off holidaymakers slip into another splashy, flashy White Lotus property — this time in Taormina in Italy, sat atop jagged cliffs and beneath the looming Mount Etna — and work through their jumbled existences over drinks by the pool, dinners at the bar, hefty room-service bills and sightseeing trips around town. Another death lingers over their trip, with The White Lotus again starting with an unnamed body — bodies, actually — then jumping back seven days to tell its tale from the beginning. Running the Sicilian outpost of the high-end resort chain, White Lotus manager Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore, Across the River and Into the Trees) is barely surprised by the corpse that kicks off season two. Non-plussed about the hotel's demanding guests, her staff and men in particular, she's barely surprised at much beforehand, either. Initially, viewers will share her lack of astonishment, with writer/director/creator Mike White (Brad's Status) setting up this return visit with similar elements as season one. New location, new hotel employees, a mostly new cohort of travellers, same malaise and mayhem: that's The White Lotus' second season at the outset and on the surface. As it proved the first time around with such potency, however, this series is exceptional at letting the supposedly straightforward and idyllic blister like a sunbather catching some rays — and at peeling away layer upon layer of ostensible ecstasy in a seeming utopia. Now married to Greg (Jon Gries, Dream Corp LLC), who she met in Hawaii in season one, Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (Jennifer Coolidge, The Watcher) is among the resort's fresh arrivals — and, with her husband, the show's familiar faces. Everyone else around Sicily skips through the series for the first time, some with a heartier spring in their step than others. Tanya's assistant Portia (Haley Lu Richardson, After Yang) is hardly thrilled when she's dispatched to her room, for instance, after Greg gets furious that she's on their vacation with them. She wants this jaunt away to be an experience after spending years alone in her room doomscrolling through the pandemic, but her boss just wants an emotional lap dog. Actually, Portia wants her trip to become a lusty Italian sex comedy, which White gleefully plays up across his slate of season-two characters; when in the country, clearly. Also having a conflicted time are three generations of Di Grasso men: Bert (F Murray Abraham, Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities), who wants to visit his mother's village and flirts with every woman he sees; Dominic (Michael Imperioli, The Many Saints of Newark), a Hollywood hotshot navigating a marital breakdown due to his philandering; and the Stanford-educated Albie (Adam DiMarco, The Order), who's determined for his relationships with women to be everything his grandad's and dad's aren't. And, there's another far-from-content group in the Spillers and the Babcocks, with tech whiz Ethan (Will Sharpe, Defending the Guilty) and his employment-lawyer spouse Harper (Aubrey Plaza, Best Sellers) newly flush with cash after the former sold his company, but begrudgingly accepting a getaway invite from his finance-bro college roommate Cameron (Theo James, The Time Traveller's Wife) and his stay-at-home wife Daphne (Meghann Fahy, The Bold Type). In the superbly written first five episodes of season two, White examines an array of familiar and relatable dynamics among Sicily's tourists, spanning new and long-standing couples, bosses and employees, and fathers and sons. When Portia and Albie cross paths early, it adds strangers potentially tumbling into a vacation romance to the itinerary a well. Delightfully, devilishly detailed characters are one of this show's strengths again, though, as aided by pitch-perfect performances all-round — especially from Coolidge once more, the endlessly cynical and expressive Plaza, and the tumultuous-and-loving-it Abraham. Another of The White Lotus' key drawcards, as paralleled in the new opening credits which play with Renaissance-style paintings: exposing how much emptiness, unhappiness and uncertainty sits behind such privileged lives, even in picturesque surroundings where opulence and relaxation are touted as the only aims. Eating the rich — and why they're eating themselves — is one of film and TV's favourite topics of late, whether Succession is spinning it into a similarly stellar satire across streaming queues, or Parasite and then Triangle of Sadness are winning the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or. The White Lotus has always found extra bite in surveying the high-end holiday industry that relies upon well-to-do tourism, catering to such guests' every whim no matter how demanding or outlandish, too, by contrasting the vast difference between such vacationers and the staff at their beck and call, and acknowledging that true euphoria is never the end result. In season two, the remit broadens to Sicily locals who don't work at the titular resort — not officially, anyway. Sex worker Lucia (Simona Tabasco, The Ties) and aspiring singer Mia (Beatrice Grannò, Security) hang around the hotel to meet and chase both clients and dreams, and to covet the excess around them. All that glitters isn't gold for them, either. All similarly isn't quite what it seems for Palermo-dwelling Brit Quentin (Tom Hollander, The King's Man), who decamped to Sicily decades back and, with his nephew Jack (Leo Woodall, Cherry), rounds out season two's key character list. Through them, The White Lotus' widened scope also encompasses the expat community, as well as the reality behind turning a holiday into your daily life. There's new shades to the show this time around, but its overall insights aren't surprising, of course. Still, White keeps pushing further, cutting both sharply and deep as he takes down and tears apart the fallacy of wealth and lavishness. What's always made The White Lotus so delicious — and such a potent, perceptive, snaky and amusing must-see — isn't just its moneyed misery and messiness, after all, but smartly stripping bare the idea that stacks of cash and scenic settings can buy perfection and satisfaction, even fleetingly, for anyone. Check out the trailer for The White Lotus season two below: The second season of The White Lotus starts streaming Down Under from Monday, October 31 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one. Images: HBO.
Peanut butter and whiskey may not be your first choice of flavour combinations. But once you take that first sip, you'll realise it opens up a whole different way to drink. Skrewball is the first brand to blend American whiskey with peanut butter, which has lead to a nutty sweet creation with just enough salt to keep things balanced. This innovative whiskey has incited a flavour revolution globally and opened up endless possibilities for creative cocktail variations. But unlike most novelty spirits, it doesn't need a full bar setup to be useful. You can drink it straight, mix it with one ingredient or take it a step further. Here are five ways to give it a proper go, starting simple, then building up from there. Let's dive in. The Salty Nuts Shot This one's as simple as it gets: just pour a shot of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey in a salt-rimmed glass. It's probably the best way to taste the whisky on its own and the salt helps bring out the roasted flavour and tone down the sweetness. It's not subtle, but it is fun. And once you try it, it'll probably make more sense why this whisky has taken off. Get the recipe Nutty Cola Whiskey and cola has always been a classic, and Skrewball slides into the combo pretty comfortably. The caramel in the cola blends with the peanut butter flavour to give you something sweet, a little nutty and very easy to drink. Add a squeeze of lime if you like it sharp. This one's good for people who want to try something different without overthinking it. Get the recipe Nutty Transfusion This is where things start to get a bit more interesting. Known as the Nutty Transfusion, this combo pairs Skrewball with grapefruit juice, lime juice and a splash of ginger ale. It's bright and bitter, which cuts through the richness of the whiskey. It's also easy to adjust to your taste. Just add more grapefruit for extra bite, more ginger ale for fizz, or more Skrewball if you're into the sweeter side. Get the recipe Skrewball Ice Cream Less cocktail, more dessert in disguise. To nail this recipe, all you have to do is drop a scoop of coffee ice cream into a glass of Skrewball, add a couple of coffee-infused ice cubes and call it a day. It's cold, creamy and just boozy enough. If you're craving an affogato after dinner, this will do the trick. Get the recipe Try it With… Basically Anything Once you've had a taste of peanut butter whiskey, it's not hard to start experimenting. Skrewball works surprisingly well with ingredients you might already have on hand, like soda water, coconut milk, sour mix, iced coffee, and other flavoured liqueurs. It doesn't always need to be complicated, sometimes it's just about swapping it in where you'd usually use a regular whiskey, and seeing what happens. Get more ideas Whether you're a whiskey fanatic or just want to mix something that tastes good and impresses your guests, now you've got five excuses to try that bottle. Just don't be surprised if it ends up being your new favourite. Explore more Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey recipes on the website.
A carbon neutral city in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, is emerging. Masdar City is a leading sustainable development project designed by Foster & Partners. Buildings take inspiration from traditional Arab architecture and feature undulating curves. Alternative energies power the city, like solar roof panels which capture the noonday sun. Last week 8,000 visitors flocked to get a first glimpse of the city as part of the Organic Market launch event. “The event aimed at creating awareness among the UAE community, highlighting the benefits of sustainable living at one of the world’s most environment-friendly urban developments,” said Ahmed Baghoum, Director of City Zone, Masdar City. [Via PSFK]
It seems like Merivale have gone a little loco lately. First the insanity of Freaky Tiki, now this: a downtrodden Surry Hills pub transformed into a Mexican cantina. El Loco is a temporary solution to the reinvention of this venue, a prequel to a fully blown Mexican restaurant. But we think the wild mishmash of this whirlwind transition is the best part about it. Gone is the band room and, while we deeply regret the loss of another live music venue in Surry Hills, it's looking good. The previously sound-proofed walls have been pulled apart and repainted with brightly coloured cacti and skulls in Mexican hats. Lights hang from exposed beams and the busy kitchen stands open for observation. While there's a few options on the menu, this place is all about the soft tacos (all $5). Don't expect an entirely traditional offering, however. While this place is conceptually Mexican, the food's strength is its subtle Asian twist. I loved the Carne Asada, with lemongrass beef and salsa verde, and the Queso de Soya, chilli marinated tofu with pico de gallo. The front room remains more recognisable as a pub-style bar, with classic tap beers, wine and spirits still on offer. The new addition here is the tequilas, with over twenty varieties to pick and choose from. The cocktail menu is a little pricier than the food, with all options at $13.50, but the margaritas are justifiably delicious. With opening hours that stretch to 3am on weekends, this is a great late night option for a drink and a bite. Remember that it's only temporary though, so make the most of these tacos and get in quick.
It has been eight months since Petersham bid farewell to its iconic 1950s-style diner Daisy's Milkbar. And while they were always going to be big shoes to fill, the suburb might just have found a worthy successor in the Stanmore Road site's newest resident, The Sunday Baker. A cheery bakery cafe with a striking pink facade, this one's helmed by a mother-daughter-daughter trio and it's specialising in fun, feel-good food. Inside, you're greeted by an upbeat pastel colour palette, with an offering of brunches, lunches and signature sweet treats to match. Floral bouquets top the tables, while the words 'you bake me happy' adorn one wall. It's the suite of house-made baked goods that takes centre stage here, with creative options like golden Gaytime cupcakes and Iced VoVo-inspired mini cakes beckoning from the front cabinet. That said, you'll find plenty more tempting creations on the all-day cafe menu, from maple baked beans served with coconut yoghurt and savoury granola, to the 'Boujee B&E; roll featuring smoky tomato relish and Japanese mayo on a soft milk bun. There's also a raft of fun choices for pint-sized diners, and dishes aplenty for vegan and gluten-free guests. This newbie is throwing some serious support behind its inner west producer fam, too, showcasing locally-made wares right throughout the menu. Keep an eye out for brined delights from I Made A Pickle, artisan tea by T Totaler, relishes and jams courtesy of Dulwich Hill's Drunken Sailing Canning, and coffee from Newtown-born roasters Campos amongst them. Find The Sunday Baker at 340 Stanmore Road, Petersham. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, from 7am–4pm.
A future path of degeneration seems set: first you reduce your social life to interacting with Little Robot Friends instead of humans, and then inevitably, you start drinking with robots. Hopefully one-night stands with robots don't follow, but a yearly event in San Francisco doesn't seem too worried about this outcome. BarBot, a fundraiser hosted by the Robotics Society of America (launched all the way back in 1978 when robots were considerably less adept at shaking Martinis) takes its cues from Austrian cocktail-robot event Roboexotica. Inventors bring their mechanised bartenders to the event, demonstrating the many weird ways a robot can create and present an alcoholic beverage. Nerds still know how to party, y'all. It's a natural marriage when you think about it: cocktails require a very precise measure of different ingredients, and robots can be programmed to carry this out flawlessly. A robot-mixed drink might lack the flair of human interpretation, but chances are it'll be pretty good, and why shouldn't cocktails be automatically dispensed from a robot like coffee from a coffee machine? Monday morning would never be the same. Now in its seventh year, the two-day BarBot is growing in popularity, with 3000 drinks mixed for up to 2000 human attendees over the course of each evening. So who makes the barbots? Everyone from IBM top research brass to engineering students, and the diversity of entrants is reflected in the different ways their machines work, with spinning transparent cylinders of liquid, flashing lights and clever ornamentation. This year some bots were upwardly-mobile, touring the floor to tantalise guests with their offerings, while others utilised touch screens and one even took drink order specifications via dance moves on a DDR mat. Sense of humour is key: there was a requisite R2D2 and a steampunk barbot, and in the video you will see delightful classical statues pee out bespoke booze for one very lucky punter. Through this kind of fun interaction between people and technology, the RSA hopes to foster education and enthusiasm for the development of robotics. Via Gizmodo.
If you've spent one too many nights wandering hungry around Circular Quay, dodging dodgy fish and chips and bad pizza, you'll welcome this news. The watery end of Sydney's CBD has finally sorted itself out, scoring a slew of decent eateries. It's part of a new $60 million development on Alfred Street called Gateway Sydney. The new precinct has been transformed by Woods Bagot Architects from a very average walk-past-worthy food court into a slick new dining area. The ground floor features Gelato Messina's first CBD store (sorry Gelatissimo), Four Frogs Creperie (ham and cheese galettes for brekkie, yes please) and a new outlet for Adriano Zumbo's pastries. Also featured is Roll'd, Workshop Espresso, The Gozleme Co. and health food outlet Urban Orchard, among a slew of others. You can enjoy it all sitting at banquette-esqe burnt orange seats, benches or out on the little park that's been created on the Loftus Street side. Some of the outlets even have their own cafe-like seating areas. The ground floor will be open from 7am until 5pm each day. The second level houses Neil Perry's second incarnation of his Burger Project, Chat Thai, a 50-seater sushi train and 2015 World Barista champions, Canberra's Espresso Room, to name a few. It's more of a dining affair, and opens for dinner as well. But that's not all. Remember that new rooftop venue that Salt Meats Cheese and Shuk last month announced they'll be opening later this year? That's slated to open in December. The project is being developed by DEXUS Development Group, and the DEXUS Wholesale Property Fund own 100 percent of the new precinct. "The intent was to open up the Circular Quay end of the CBD, which we have done with great respect to the existing environment," said Liann Lim, development manager for city retail at DEXUS. "The surrounds set a spectacular stage for a dramatic dining experience to unfold, with each of our retailers serving their dishes with an element of theatre." So is this the start of Circular Quay's renaissance? It could well be. This year, the Pullman opened Hacienda, an impressive new vista bar overlooking the harbour. Finally it looks like Bulletin Place will be getting some company. Images: Mark Sherborne and Lauren Vadnjal.
This family-owned Indian restaurant in Sydney has been feeding the lower north shore a taste of regional Indian fare for over two decades, first opening in Crows Nest back in 1998. Now, in its latest incarnation in the heart of Cremorne, Nilgiri's is delivering owners Ajoy and Meera Joshi's modern interpretation of the truly diverse cuisines of their shared homeland. Expect familiar flavours married with plenty of creative twists, across a menu that's entirely certified halal. Kick things off with the likes of tandoor-smoked chicken thigh fillets with tomato chutney, ground dried coconut, fenugreek & coriander seed marinade or cumin-spiced fermented white lentil fritters tomato & tamarind broth before settling in to heartier plates like the slow cooked yearling goat with ground fennel seeds and mint sauce, or the Queensland banana prawns served with coconut sauce and mustard seeds, fresh ginger & green chilies. Vegetarian dishes are in strong supply, too — go for the caalifilawar pulimkari, tandoor-smoked cauliflower florets with tamarind, fenugreek seed & garlic sauce or the fried baby eggplant with coconut, coondapuri masala & fresh curry leaf sauce. And if you fancy picking up some skills of your own, book in for Ajoy's ever-popular Indian cooking classes. Held throughout the year on Monday's, there are two dishes prepared each class including one vegetarian option. You'll Take them home to share with your housemates or family, or keep them all for yourself, feasting for a few nights after the class.
Australia has lost an icon, with news of Olivia Newton-John's death sadly announced on Tuesday, August 9. Across more than half a century in the entertainment industry, the British Australian singer and actor helped give the world everything from Grease to Xanadu — and songs such as 'I Honestly Love You' and 'Physical', too. There are plenty of ways to pay tribute to Newton-John. Singing 'You're the One That I Want' and 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' all day counts. Rewatching Grease for the billionth time does as well. And, so does getting 'Xanadu' or 'Magic' stuck in your head. Or, you can truly take the star's advice and get physical at Retrosweat's tribute sessions. The aerobics outfit is dedicating two sessions this week — its regular classes at 7pm on Tuesday, August 9 and at the same time on Thursday, August 11 — to the Aussie legend. Each one runs for 60 minutes, and dressing like you're stepping out of Newton-John's 'Physical' clip (or even wearing anything Grease or Xanadu-themed that doubles as workout attire) is recommended. Sydneysiders can head along at 242 Young Street in Waterloo on Tuesday — and 525 Crown Street in Surry Hills on Thursday. Fancy joining in at home or from outside of Sydney? Retrosweat livestreams its classes, including these two, if you join its Retrosweat Home Video service. In preparation for the classes — and just to bask in Newton-John's 80s-era glory — you can revisit the 'Physical' music video below:
"Didn't seem fair on the young lad. That suit at the funeral. With the braces on his teeth, the supreme discomfort of the adolescent." That's how what just might be your favourite new novel of 2024 starts. The book in question? Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. The acclaimed Irish author, who previously penned Conversations with Friends, Normal People and Beautiful World, Where Are You, will release her fourth tome on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. It arrives three years after her last, which also hit three years after Normal People. And if you're already wondering if it will get the TV treatment, as Normal People did first — and made everyone obsessed with Paul Mescal in the process — then Conversations with Friends, it's obviously too early to answer that. Cross your fingers, though. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Faber Books (@faberbooks) Intermezzo will follow two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, as they're grieving the loss of their father's death. The former is in his 30s and a successful Dublin lawyer, but turns to medication to sleep to cope with his loss. The latter is 22 and plays chess competitively. Peter also has complicated bonds with two women, his first love Sylvia and college student Naomi — which will sound familiar to Rooney fans — while Ivan meets the older Margaret not long after his dad's passing. "For two grieving brothers and the people they love, this is a new interlude — a period of desire, despair and possibility — a chance to find out how much one life might hold inside itself without breaking," says the official blurb for the book. "Intermezzo is a story of brothers and lovers, of familial and romantic intimacies, of relationships that don't quite fit the conventional structures," explains Alex Bowler, the book's publisher at Faber & Faber in the UK. "After three miraculous books, Sally Rooney's millions of readers will recognise the beauty and insight, the pain and hope that radiates from this new novel. But it marks an exquisite advance, too, in the work of a writer who seems so attuned to our lives, our hearts and our times." [caption id="attachment_842444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Enda Bowe/Hulu[/caption] Intermezzo will be published on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. For further details, head to publisher Faber & Faber's website. Images: Normal People / Conversations with Friends.
It's been less than a month since Sydney hospitality giant Merivale revealed plans to open its first-ever venue outside of New South Wales, snapping up Flinders Lane site Tomasetti House. But the next phase of the group's expansion into Victoria has already begun, with CEO Justin Hemmes announcing Merivale has also purchased the historic Lorne Hotel on Wednesday, May 19. The well-known Great Ocean Road pub has almost 150 years under its belt, with previous owners John and Paul Upham at the helm for the past 11 years. While Merivale will receive the keys in the coming months, Hemmes has indicated The Lorne Hotel will operate as normal over summer. So, if the group is planning one of its legendary makeovers, it sounds like it won't be happening until at least next autumn. "The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location," Hemmes said in a statement. "We feel honoured to continue [John and Paul's] legacy and help usher the pub into the next phase of its incredible 145-year history". Merivale currently operates more than 60 venues across Sydney, including popular restaurants Totti's and Mr. Wong, pub stalwarts The Beresford and Vic on the Park, and expansive bars Ivy and Coogee Pavilion. The group's growth has been especially noticeable in recent years, with high-profile purchases including the likes of The Duke of Gloucester Hotel, Hotel Centennial and most recently, Norton's Irish Pub. [caption id="attachment_705112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Merivale's Coogee Pavilion[/caption] Last year, Merivale copped criticism locally after announcing plans to expand its Merivale at Home delivery service to Melbourne, right at the height of the city's winter lockdown. One week later, after attracting disapproving responses from many of Melbourne's local and struggling hospitality businesses, it put the plans on hold — conceding the plans were "an oversight" in a statement to Concrete Playground. Merivale will take over The Lorne Hotel at 176 Mountjoy Parade, Great Ocean Road, Lorne later this year. Further plans are yet to be announced, but you can keep an eye out for future details at the Merivale website.
In the heart of Sydney city, you'll find the bright and bustling Haymarket: the epicentre of Asian culture and cuisine. The streets are alive with colour, movement and smells beckoning you from one restaurant to the next. Clusters of caligraphy-covered shops compete for space along the packed streets illuminated by glowing lanterns and neon lights. The smell of garlic frying and meats grilling wafts through the air, as dumpling carts emit a steamy haze. It's all very Blade Runner-esque — and just like that complex sci-fi it can, at first, be a little difficult to navigate. To one side, you'll see Paddy's Markets heaving with bargain hunters; the other, Dixon Street, full to the brim with cuisines from across Asia. But where should you start? Don't stress. Last year, we partnered with City of Sydney and spoke to chef Mori Higashida of tip-top ramen joint Gumshara about his favourite spots around the area. And now, we've teamed up with City of Sydney again to pull out ten essential spots for you to hit next time you're wandering around Haymarket. Read on, take note and make tracks to this inner-city culinary wonderland.
Paying tribute to great authors and writers is easy. Libraries beckon, as do whatever happens to be on your own bookshelf or Kindle. Getting the chance to celebrate the talents behind some of the greatest works of literature ever committed to paper in a stunning exhibition is far more rare, however. Indeed, Writers Revealed: Treasures From the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London is a world-first. Clearly, it's a special treat for word nerds — especially if you're a fan of Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, JRR Tolkien, Bram Stoker, the Brontë sisters, Virginia Woolf, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and more. What goes on display at a showcase dedicated to wordsmiths? When it arrives at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast from Saturday, April 12–Sunday, August 3, 2025, Writers Revealed will span author portraits, plus rare handwritten manuscripts and first editions. Over 70 pieces of art will feature the likenesses of the writers responsible for Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet, The Lord of the Rings, Dracula, Wuthering Heights, Sherlock Holmes and other masterpieces. More than 100 texts will be included, too, with six centuries of literature covered. [caption id="attachment_987067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] William Shakespeare, associated with John Taylor, oil on canvas, feigned oval, circa 1610. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] As the exhibition's full name states, this is a collaboration between the British Library and the National Portrait Gallery, London. If you're wondering why the two institutions are pairing portraits with texts, one of the showcase's aims to explore how literature and visual expression are linked. Also in the spotlight: the legacy of influential writers, plus digging into their creative processes. Oscar Wilde, Harold Pinter, William Blake, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, Lord Byron, TS Eliot, Thomas Hardy, James Joyce, DH Lawrence, John Keats, William Wordsworth and Rudyard Kipling are some of the other greats earning Writers Revealed's attention, as are AA Milne, Beatrix Potter, Dylan Thomas, Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and Zadie Smith. Among the highlights that'll fill 1000 square metres in HOTA's Gallery 1 for 16 weeks: Austen's writing desk, what's thought to be the only Shakespeare portrait to be painted while he was alive, illustrated letters from Tolkien to his grandson, Lewis Carroll's diary entry about Alice in Wonderland and Virginia Woolf's handwritten Mrs Dalloway manuscript. [caption id="attachment_987064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harold Pinter by Justin Mortimer, oil on canvas, 1992. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] "We are thrilled to collaborate with the National Portrait Gallery on Writers Revealed, a truly unique exhibition that brings together some of the most exceptional objects from our collections. Visitors will experience rare first editions and exquisite manuscripts alongside celebrated portraits of the writers who created them," said Alexandra Ault, Lead Curator of Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the British Library, announcing the exhibition. "Featuring treasures that rarely leave our gallery in London, this major new exhibition will bring HOTA's visitors closer to some of the most-important figures in English literary history," added Catharine MacLeod, Senior Curator of 17th Century Collections at the National Portrait Gallery. "Encountering these displays, visitors will discover what is revealed and what is hidden when life, writing and portraiture intersect." [caption id="attachment_987063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charles Dickens by Daniel Maclise, oil on canvas, 1839. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beatrix Potter by Delmar Harmood Banner, oil on canvas, 1938. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987066" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lord Byron, replica by Thomas Phillips, oil on canvas, circa 1835, based on a work of 1813. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] [caption id="attachment_804623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scott Chrisman, Pixeltape Media[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A vista through the Romantics display through to Queen Victoria by Sir George Hayter (1863) at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Photo by Oliver Hess.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Antoniou[/caption] Writers Revealed: Treasures From the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London displays at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, from Saturday, April 12–Sunday, August 3, 2025. Head to the gallery's website for further details and tickets. Top image: Jane Austen by Cassandra Austen, pencil and watercolour, circa 1810. © National Portrait Gallery, London.
Byron Bay is known for many things, including beaches, Hemsworths, a stunning lighthouse and, sadly, a terrible reality TV show. From October, the crews behind existing favourite Luna Wine Store and natural wine importers Lo-Fi Wines are hoping that the coastal town draws folks in for another reason: Bar Heather, their new Paris-inspired natural wine go-to. A restaurant as well as a watering hole, the soon-to-open venue sees owners James Audas and Tom Sheer (ex-Noma, Oscillate Wildly and LP's Quality Meats) team up an impressive staff list: chef Ollie Wong-Hee (ex-Ester, Sixpenny and Franklin), sommelier Ollie Smith (formerly at 10 William St) and restaurant manager Amalia Oxley (previously Agrarian Kitchen). They'll oversee a 68-seater on Johnson Street, located just across from Luna, that'll pair some of the best vinos from around the world with a locally focused food menu. "Over the years we've collected some very special bottles and always thought that if we ever opened a drink-in venue this is where they would go," says Sheer. "We only plan to do this once, so we figured we better do it right." Those drops will include from wine names such as Matassa, Alessandro Viola and Gut Oggaua — with vino by the glass starting at $14 and bottles from $50. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bar Heather (@heather.bar) Both the wine list and the culinary lineup will rotate frequently; however, diners can look forward to a range of snacks, small dishes and larger share plates among Wong-Hee's offerings. Think: a potato chip, comté and shiitake combo; duck confit with betel leaf and kohlrabi; and grilled king green prawns in a sauce made from the seafood's shells. And, price-wise, snacks will start at $8, mains at $32 and desserts from $16. Seaside vibes might breeze through Byron by default, but Audas and Sheer are nodding to their French inspiration in Bar Heather's decor, which'll include an attention-grabbing, mortadella-coloured, marble horseshoe bar. Patrons will also spy French wooden flooring, green leather banquettes with an aged appearance and hanging art aplenty. And, as a soundtrack, afro beats, funk and late disco will set the mood. Bar Heather will open evenings from Wednesday–Sunday, and keep part of its seating — 60 of which will be found indoors, and eight outside undercover — open for walk-ins each night. Find Bar Heather at G9 Jonson Lane, 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay from early October — with reservations currently open from Wednesday, October 19. It'll operate from 5pm–12am Wednesday–Sunday. Images: Jess Kearney.
Negronis and Italian bar snacks are at the centre of Surry Hills' new aperitivo bar which opens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 14. Bar Conte is the project of Raffaelle Lombard and his partner, interior designer Victoria Hampshire who have worked together to transport you to the Amalfi Coast through a sleek bar inspired by Italy's aperitivo culture. "I have dreamt of this concept for the past 10 years. The negroni is my drink of choice, and has been since I was a young man growing up in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. It's bitter, strong and clean — the ultimate pre-dinner drink. We felt it deserved its own dedicated bar," Lombard says. The obvious place to start at Bar Conte is with a negroni. There are more than 20 varieties on the menu. Alongside your classics, there's a range of intriguing combinations: the Negroni Sbagliato 1972 combines Campari, Cinzano 1757 and prosecco; the Il Professore is a mix of Campari, Campano Rosso Vermouth and Kimbo coffee liqueur; and the Rhubarb is made from Glendalough Rose Gin, Cinzano 1757 and Rabarbaro liqueur. "The temperature and the quality of the vermouth is what makes a good negroni," according to Lomard. "Growing up in Italy, our family homes were always stocked with vermouth, and on special occasions I would be able to try them. 30 years on, I have grown to love those flavours, there is so much nostalgia and many memories for me when it comes to vermouth." Further along the menu and you'll find a selection of classic cocktails — martinis, margaritas, spritzes and sours — followed by European wines and beers. Accompanying the drinks is a creative array of bar snacks pulled together by Head Chef and co-owner Steve De Vecchi (ex-The Apollo). Think rosemary focaccia, wagyu carpaccio and marinated eggplant caprino. There are also menu items infusing the bar's signature drink, including oysters with a negroni dressing and negroni-infused salumi. Located on the corner of Riley and Foveaux Street, across from Forrester's, Bar Conte has transformed a corner terrace formerly occupied by a convenience store into an inviting 38-seat bar accentuated with a warm burnt red, forest green and brass fit-out. "I have always had a love of bottle green and brass, with bottle green tiles and forest green marble, complementing the warmth of the parquetry floor and the deep red walls that are a reference to our life and travels in Italy," said Hampshire. Bar Conte is located at 340 Riley Street, Surry Hills. It's open from 4.30pm Monday–Thursday and from 11.30am Friday-Saturday. Images: Steven Woodburn
Stuff. I know I have too much of it. And storage? Far too little. This weekend I just finished reading What's Mine Is Yours, a book by Rachel Botsman and Roo Rogers advocating collaborative consumption. Basically, it talks about all the avenues through which people swap, share, barter, trade and rent on a massive scale with the help of communication technologies like the interwebs. I was left staggered by the sheer amount of stuff I own which spends most of its time in my possession gathering dust. How exciting, then, to stumble upon a solution to my problem both local and nation-wide in its reach. The Garage Sale Trail will be held on Sunday, April 10 this year in backyards, front yards and garages right across Australia. You can register your garage sale on the website, and on the day people can hop between garage sales in their local area. Pop in your post-code to check out what's near you. The pilot project held in Bondi last year attracted droves of people, emptied ATMs in the area and saw the equivalent of 15 shipping containers of goods exchanging hands. Sounds like a pretty sweet way to get sustainable. https://youtube.com/watch?v=AuOBz7FF7z4
Serving cold hard drinks to all-comers since 1884, the Marrickville Tavern has undergone a sporting glow-up that embraces the community's immense history. Reimagined from top to bottom with recognisable iconography, the new fit-out leans heavily on local pride. If you know a thing or two about boxing, it won't take long to notice a full-scale mural celebrating Marrickville born-and-bred boxing royalty, Jeff Fenech. Nicknamed the 'Marrickville Mauler', Fenech was so thrilled with the piece created by artists Lara Allport and Miguel Gonzalez that he showed up to adorn it with his signature. Tracing his journey from local amateur to international champion, the mural is a fitting tribute to one of Marrickville's favourite sons. Meanwhile, the sports memorabilia goes further with an IBF World Championship belt signed by Kostya Tszyu, the 'Thunder From Down Under', hanging from the wall. Besides these accolades, the Marrickville Tavern has revamped the place with a full-size pool table beneath state-of-the-art LED screens with Bose sound systems and subwoofers. There are 10 screens spread throughout the venue, so expect loud sports round-the-clock. Of note, the venue champions female sports, with these matches displayed on the main screen whenever live. The menu has also been given a spruce up. For $16 throughout the week, guests can score a hearty pie like pepper steak or red wine lamb shank with a pint. Every Monday to Friday from 4-6pm brings $7 beer and house wines to get you ready for the big game, while Fridays and Saturdays from 9-11pm champion $15 post-match margs and negronis. For something a little fancier, a curated cocktail line-up features espresso martinis, an old fashioned and MT palomas. The Marrickville Tavern is open Monday–Saturday from 10am-4am and Sunday from 10am-10pm at 296 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. Head to the website for more information. Images: Jessica Nash and Steven Woodburn.
Strong, simple and undeniably stylish, the martini is one of the world's most popular cocktails for good reason. Now you can sample a great version alongside a host of high-end bites, as Four Pillars returns for the third edition of its Martini Collective, running until Sunday, June 22. To do so, they've teamed up with some of the best bars and restaurants across Sydney, with each serving up a mini martini made with Four Pillars' Olive Leaf Gin. However, each venue has come up with its own snack pairing, giving you the chance to see which one couples best with your drink. Ten venues have joined the Martini Collective for its 2025 run in Sydney, including returning favourites like Shell House, The Charles, Le Foote and NOMAD. Meanwhile, newcomers include Bar Julius, Bistro Grenier, Bopp & Tone, Chophouse, The Grill at the International and NOUR. So, what snacks are up for grabs? Some of the most enchanting include Shell House's cruller topped with whipped fish roe and white anchovy, and Bar Julius' charred focaccia with macadamia and rosemary cream, green olive crumb and lemon myrtle. Don't forget, World Martini Day falls on Saturday, June 21, so get your pals together for a cocktail-driven celebration. Images: Declan Blackall.
Situated on the corner of Crown and Stanley Street, Bar Nina features a menu full of Italian-inspired dishes set alongside a classic cocktail list and craft brews. Owners Rebecca O'Shea and Jeffrey Sue have enlisted the help of Head Chef Luke Davenport in crafting the Bar Nina menu. Formerly of two Michelin star English restaurant The Ledbury, Davenport brings his expertise to Sydney with a menu full of pasta and plentiful share plates. Diners can select from a range of pasta Davenport hand creates every day — from fettuccine with slow-cooked duck ragu bianco ($29), to a prawn spaghetti ($32). Groups looking to sample the menu will find plenty to share, including Sydney rock oysters ($5 each) or pork and veal terrine and mostarda served on sourdough. If you venture away from the share plates and pasta, you'll find heartier meals like a vegan caponata paired with king oyster mushroom and pearl barley, or a whole baby snapper ($34). The drinks list centres around an extensive cocktail menu containing tried-and-true classics alongside a few of Bar Nina's own creations. Keeping with the southern European theme, you'll find a Mediterranean G&T made with Cinzano 1757 and Four Pillars olive leaf gin, or the summery electric blue La Nina, featuring two types of rum, orgeat, lime and blue curacao. Cocktails are $17–19, but those that head down between 4–6pm each day can score an affordable selection of happy hour drinks including $7 Pirate Life tap beer, $10 margaritas and $10 Aperol spritzes. The fun doesn't stop at happy hour though, with bottomless brunch on offer every Saturday and Sunday. The boozy brunch can be booked between 11am–3pm on weekends and for $59–79 comes with two hours of drinks alongside a set selection of highlights from the Bar Nina menu. Truly a jack-of-all-trades, Bar Nina is open from 8am each morning, serving The Little Marionette coffee to CBD workers and early risers looking for their caffeine fix. Pastries are also on offer each morning for commuters to snack on, before the full menu becomes available from midday on weekdays and 11am on weekends.
Live your Lion King dreams at Symbio Wildlife Park. While the park's 16 acres of manicured gardens on the Illawarra escarpment are home to fearsome species like cheetahs, alligators and snakes, you'll usually be set up with a fluffier (and friendlier) playdate on a behind-the-scenes experience (starting from $125 per person). Meet rare and secretive Nepalese red pandas as they descend from the trees to pluck snacks from your hands and enjoy a belly rub. Or, learn about the complicated social lives of meerkats as the inquisitive mob scurries around your feet, ready for a feed. Fulfil a childhood dream by dedicating a full day to the animal kingdom and interacting with numerous zoo inhabitants while shadowing a zookeeper. You'll get to prepare food, clean habitats, provide animal enrichment toys and learn about each unique species as you explore the park. Images: Destination NSW
The White Cockatoo — or The Cock, as it was affectionately known — is the latest in a string of old fogey pubs to be torn apart and put back together, for Gen Y's drinking pleasure. So pull up a seat, order a beer and get reacquainted with the pub in its new incarnation as West Village, a brand new 130-year-old hotel in the heart of Petersham. The much-loved Cock was snatched up late last year by Goodtime Hospitality, a newly established hospitality group consisting of entrepreneur James Bodel and Locky Paech (ex-The Norfolk and The Forresters). Over the last year they've had a thorough overhaul, championing the original heritage details and laying waste to anything that was awkward and ugly. In one heroic gesture they demolished the old pokies room (hurrah!) and replaced it with a light-filled courtyard (double hurrah!). Now known as the 'patio', this area is soon to operate as a standalone cafe, so you can expect to see lots of smiling commuters getting on at Petersham station, coffee in hand. The West Village pub menu consists of modern Australian share plates and main dishes put together by Paech and head chef Sam Thomson (ex-Catalina). Undoubtedly, some will lament the exit of the legendary monster schnitzels from the good ol' Cock days, and as a peace offering, West Village are serving up a darn good veal schnitty, pan-fried in lemon and caper burnt butter ($22). But if you can't be consoled, you can track down the old ones at The Goni's Schnitzelria in Marrickville. One of the main indicators used to determine a good pub is the steak test. At West Village you can choose between an ethically-farmed fillet steak ($28) or porterhouse ($20). Both are branded with dark caramelisation, evenly cooked and plump with juices, thanks to a highly refined technique. Each steak comes with a choice of side dish. I went for the crispy potato spuds in truffle oil and parmesan, but you can opt for peas, mint and feta, spiced kale chips, coleslaw or seeded mustard potato mash if you think you know better. The one dish on the menu that's raising eyebrows is the kimchi poutine ($12). That’s right, I said kimchi poutine. It's a serving of fries covered with kimchi (fermented cabbage, chilli, carrot, radish and spring onion) topped with melted cheese and sour cream. While it's hardly the food pairing of the century, it still gets top marks for originality and a participation ribbon for giving it a go. A safer bet however would be the blue swimmer crab roll filled with avocado and celery ($12) or the deep fried crumbed camembert, served with chargrilled sourdough, a sweet balsamic reduction and rocket. As far as the drinks go, there's a stellar wine list on show, which has been curated by Andrew Jamieson Wine Merchants, coupled with a wide selection of craft beers and negroni on tap, for those who need their cocktail in five seconds flat. Welcome to the neighbourhood, old friend. Images: Alana Dimou
Tim Key is a bad poet. A bad, terrible, awful poet. Or so he would have you think.Key's show, The Slutcracker, is actually a deadpan stand up act masquerading as a sincere piece of performance poetry. A carefully constructed shambolic mess. It begins with him lurching on stage, drinking a can of beer to change into his dishevelled suit in front of the audience and ends with a bare-foot party game. In between he reads his awful (very good) poems, screens his pretentious (funny) art-house movies and bickers (banters) with his off-stage sound man Fletch.The comedy hinges on Key's droll onstage persona â€" like a mix between a very dry Daniel Kitson and a super-pretentious Bill Murray. The show was a smash hit at this year's Edinburgh Fringe where it won the Comedy Award. It’s now on at The Sydney Festival as apart of their ‘About An Hour’ program, which presents hour-long, world standard, Fringe theatre for only $30.https://youtube.com/watch?v=dLjTwh6s53c
Last time I went down to Wollongong the driver announced that the last carriage of the train would be a quiet zone. No loud conversations, no chatting on the phone, no music without headphones. This was followed by a loud, automated announcement saying the same thing again, but louder. While a quiet carriage would have to be pretty appealing for the weary reader struggling to beat Game of Thrones to the end of voluminous original A Storm of Swords, you also have to wonder what else you could mandate the end of a train carriage be used for, if only the power was at your command. In places like India and Japan, there are women-only carriages (and there were some calls for that here not long ago) and in Sydney, a group is already taking this idea into its own hands with on-train, flash mob-style music sessions. In the Czech Republic, though, they’re putting space aside for flirting. According to the ABC, commuters in Prague will soon have the option of riding in a dedicated singles carriage. Flirting on the subway in Prague is nothing new — the Prague Frommers guide even has a dedicated guide to the best lines for kissing on — but a dedicated hooking-up space still makes for a first. The planned carriage is part of a drive to convince more locals to abandon their cars for public transport. People whose hooking up is already done won't be asked to leave, nor forced do sit-ups, but it does raise the prospect of Ashley Madison-ing some already committed commuters. Or maybe making for some really awkward rides with home with colleagues during those crowded peak hours. Via ABC / Reuters. Image by Brad Hammonds.
When Bros turns its attention to Hollywood's past with queer stories, and with gay men on-screen specifically, it doesn't hold back. A film starring and co-written by Billy on the Street, Parks and Recreation and Difficult People's Billy Eichner isn't going to bite its tongue, including about the poor record of LGBTQIA+ inclusion and representation in mainstream cinema. First, Eichner's character Bobby Lieber reflects on being asked to pen exactly the kind of feature that Bros is — a studio-made rom-com with two gay men as its leads, that's honest about queer life and love, and also broad in its appeal — with acerbic and hilarious results. Later, Bros digs into Hollywood's penchant for tragic queer tales, and for Oscar-bait performances by straight actors playing gay. The movie laughs, but it also hits its targets. Blazing a trail, yet being hyperaware that this'd be a better world if it wasn't: that's one aspect of Bros. The first-ever Hollywood rom-com about and starring two openly gay men, it's a film that does what nothing else has before and knows it. That feat is worth celebrating. So is the fact that Bros features an all-LGBTQ chief cast, another mainstream milestone. Just as worthy of praise and affection: that Bros is warmly and candidly entertaining and engaging, while still remaining unflinchingly authentic about the characters and culture it depicts, and clearly knowing that making viewers laugh and cheer is a rom-com's number one aim. It was filmmaker Nicholas Stoller, a veteran of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Five-Year Engagement and the Bad Neighbours franchise, that actually set Bros in motion — and approached Eichner to be involved. The pair had worked together on Bad Neighbours 2 and TV series Friends From College, but Eichner was still skeptical that a movie like this could and would ever happen. Thankfully for audiences, it has. In the process, it also adds a big-screen star turn and a nicely layered performance to Eichner's resume. He doesn't run around the New York City streets yelling about pop culture at people, but he does get opinionated on his character's podcast, and the feature is set in NYC. He does have Debra Messing pop up as well. Plus, Eichner gets to fall for — and also work through a swathe of conflicting feelings about — Luke Macfarlane's Aaron Shepard. The Brothers and Sisters and frequent Hallmark network star is another key part of Bros, and he's no one's mere hunky love interest. This is a pioneering film not just because it's about two gay men and hails from the big end of town in filmmaking circles, but also because it heroes complex gay characters living complicated gay lives. Visiting Down Under for Bros' Australian premiere, Eichner and Macfarlane chatted with Concrete Playground about making gay rom-com dreams come true, never thinking a movie like this could happen, and the rewards of genuinely reflecting their own experiences and community on the silver screen. ON GETTING THE CHANCE TO MAKE HISTORY — AND HAVING A STORY TO TELL Billy: "I was shocked that he [Nicholas Stoller, Bros' director and co-writer] wanted to do it with me, and very flattered. And I said yes knowing that it was a huge and very rare opportunity, but also not having any idea if I had the skills to do it, or a story that was worth telling. But as it turned out, once I sat down at my laptop, 20-plus years of being an openly gay man and navigating the world of dating and relationships and all that, I had a lot to say. I didn't even realise it at the time, but I guess I had a lot bottled up that I wanted to get out — and this movie gave me the opportunity to do that in a funny and entertaining way, I hope." Luke: "I was sent a script — and part of the job of being an actor is reading scripts, and sometimes that's a challenge. But reading Bros was a total delight. I really remember laughing out loud, and being a little bit nervous because comedies have not been something I've done a lot of. But also just underneath all the comedy and the jokes, I really understood and responded and connected to this character of Aaron." ON NEVER EVEN THINKING THAT A MOVIE LIKE BROS COULD EXIST Billy: "It wasn't something that I was thinking about. I honestly think I wasn't sure if something like this could happen even. I thought maybe it could happen as an indie film, because historically that's where we were allowed to make movies like this, as independent films. And many of those are great, and we are very lucky to have them — and Bros wouldn't exist without decades of queer indie cinema paving the way for more mainstream queer content. But even so, when Nick [Stoller] and Judd Apatow, who produced it, when they said that they thought that Universal, a major studio, would want to make it, I honestly didn't believe them. I didn't think they were right. I was pleasantly surprised — really shocked — when Universal both wanted to make it and felt strongly that we do it as authentically as possible and with an all-LGBTQ cast. I was really, really surprised by that. And so, it's not really something I thought about because I didn't really think it was possible to produce at this scale." ON SEIZING AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY Luke: "The approach to every job as an actor is that you have to do your absolute best because they will take away the opportunity if you don't. So I can speak simply as an actor, I always try to give the best, but rarely do I connect as deeply with a character." Billy: "I think for all of us, we understood what a rare and unique experience it was, and we all wanted to bring our A game and do the best we can. Nick Stoller, who's directed many movies over the years and has been involved in many TV projects successfully, said he's never been with a cast that showed up to set and was more prepared. You don't sit there and think 'let's shoot a historic scene' or 'oh god, this scene has to be good because, you know, it's the first LGBTQ this or that'. But at the same time, we just all wanted to do a good job because we realised what a rare opportunity it was. And we wanted to give the LGBTQ community a movie that felt authentic to their experience, and give every audience — straight, gay or whatever it was — a movie that would make them laugh out loud a lot, and feel good about life." ON ENSURING THAT BROS IS AUTHENTIC ABOUT GAY LIFE, LOVE AND CULTURE Billy: "It just came down to wanting the movie to be an honest reflection of my life, and the lives of the gay and queer people that I know. Again, we didn't sit down and say 'let's write a historic movie'. You don't even sit down and say 'let's write a gay movie'. We just said 'let's write an honest movie, and a funny movie, and let the chips fall where they may, and hope that regardless of how familiar they might be with the inner workings of gay male dating and relationship culture in 2022, that the honesty would be impactful for all audiences'. And, that you could feel this when you're watching the movie. I think you can tell when a movie is lying to you. And, we wanted to give people something that was uplifting, and feel-good but still grounded and truthful. Honestly, our goal was just to make a laugh-out-loud funny movie. We didn't want to make a gentle dramedy about the gay male experience, and we didn't want it to be sad or tragic. We wanted it to be honest but ultimately a feel-good movie. We wanted it to be laugh-out-loud funny start to finish, and we also wanted to make sure that both of the central characters were multi-dimensional people — that they were both more than meets the eye. When you meet Bobby, when you meet Aaron, you might think they're a certain type of person or a certain type of gay man, but as the movie unfolds you realise there's a lot more for both of them going on underneath the surface — that they both have their moments where they're wrong, they both have moments where they're right, they have moments when they are flawed and hypocritical, they have moments when they are hilarious and triumphant and joyful. I think that reflects real life — that was our goal for the movie, to make sure that it was very rich and complicated and not one-dimensional or two-dimensional. Even if that made it a bit more of a complicated experience for the audience, we weren't just going to give them this kind of easy breezy rom-com that floats by without anything real going on. We wanted to give people a very rich experience." ON THE REWARDS OF MAKING BROS Luke: "You always want to play characters that are complex and multidimensional and have an arc. Just purely from an actor, and being rewarded and challenged by your part, that's exactly what you want — especially when the character is so close to who you are and the life that you live. So, I'm incredibly grateful that this script that was written, that is also very funny, was also very smart and kind of meant for smart audiences." Billy: "There's so much of it that's been so rewarding. We want the movie to be as relatable as possible to all audiences — straight and gay. That said, there hasn't been a tonne of representation in mainstream films for queer characters, for gay men, especially in comedies, and again movies that aren't tragedies, movies that aren't about the suffering of being gay historically, that are about modern gay people and the way we live our lives. And it's been really gratifying to hear and to be getting messages from people, especially queer men, and who in addition to thinking this movie is funny and entertaining, are having a real emotional response to it. It's just very impactful and very moving to see your life, or a version of your life that's at least a little closer than the ones you usually get — and certainly more than a movie about a straight couple might make you feel. As much as we love those movies, there is something unique and powerful about seeing someone from your community, someone that is dealing with the same types of things that you're dealing with on a day-to-day basis, when it comes to love and your own insecurities and vulnerability, seeing that reflected on a big screen especially. I think that's an experience we don't get a lot as gay men, especially in contemporary storytelling. And getting the messages I've received from gay men who've seen it, who've had a really emotional response to it, who said it really moved them in a way that was surprising and they weren't expecting that, has been really gratifying." Bros released in cinemas Down Under on October 27. Read our full review.
Have you ever been half way through the work week and fantasised about living a simple life? Perhaps you've been dreaming about waking up in a timber cottage with nothing but rolling hills as far as the eye can see? Well, luckily for you, there's a small collection of architecturally designed houses on vineyards and cabins set amongst idyllic gardens in New South Wales — perfect for your next serene weekend venture. To help you live out your dungaree wearing, straw chewing, horse riding dreams, here's a list of the most charming farm stays across NSW you can book right now. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Luxury Getaways From Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains The Blacksmith's Luxury Cabin, Bellbrook Perfect for a rejuvenating and relaxing getaway. Situated on a regenerative organic farm, you can preorder hampers filled with the farm's fresh produce, book meditation sessions at the nearby "spirit pools", one-on-one yoga classes, massages, and Ayurvedic diet coaching. From $250 a night, sleeps two. The Gate House by Yeates Wines, Eurunderee This architecturally designed, split-level farm stay shares a backyard with Yeates Wines cellar door, so expect a complimentary wine tasting on arrival. It also boasts high ceilings, a slow combustion fireplace, a kingsize bed and sprawling views of the vineyard. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Jaguar Stay, Mogo One of three adult-only luxury villas on the property, all of which have their own plunge pools. Jaguar Stay is close to nearby South Coast beaches and is directly next to Mogo Wildlife Park, a small, privately owned zoo, so you'll be waking up to the sound of exotic animals. From $575 a night, sleeps two. Rustic Country Escape, Tenterfield An idyllic cottage situated on a creek with homely, rustic interior styling in the Northern Highlands. Set amongst picturesque gardens with a view of the adjacent farm, this farm stay is the perfect spot to switch off and unwind. From $247 a night, sleeps two. Vibrant Meadow Lodge, Far Meadow Gaze across the rolling countryside while lounging by the pool in this quaint and summer-heat-friendly cottage. Inside, cook up a feast in the bright and colourful country kitchen. From $399 a night, sleeps five. Kestrel Nest Ecohut, Mount Adrah Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, this eco-hut is nestled above a rocky mountain stream on the edge of rolling farmland and a conservation area, with an outdoor bathtub, a fireplace and firepit. From $460 a night, sleeps four. The Shearing Shed, Cowra A charming renovated shearing shed with an open-plan living room. Five kilometres from historically rich Wiradjuri Country (Cowra), what was once a vibrant area during the Gold Rush era. From $250 a night, sleeps two The Loft, Kyangatha The perfect farm stay for animal lovers, this two-level timber loft is set in a paddock with two horses, a small herd of cows and free-range ducks. It also has outdoor shower, a galley-style kitchen and a river on its doorstep. From $195 a night, sleeps three. Kumbogie Cabin, Daruka Situated on a working sheep farm, this eco-friendly retreat is as secluded as they come. Kumbogie Cabin is 900 metres from any neighbours that aren't the kangaroos, wallabies, birds and echidnas that frequent the surrounding bushland. From $150 a night, sleeps two. Luxurious Farm Stay, Peak Hill A renovated two-bedroom 70-year old shearing shed with French doors leading onto decks with views across the 118-year old property. Offers a family-sized barbecue for open-air cooking, and an outdoor bar to match. From $240 a night, sleeps five. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Fancy soaking in Sydney's expansive coastal surroundings while putting one foot in front of the other? Then head to the city's newest attraction. Stretching between the two titular beaches, the just-launched Bondi to Manly Walk spans 80 kilometres along the east coast and harbour foreshore — connecting the existing tracks in the area into one epic, super-scenic seaside trek. First announced in November 2018 and now open for Sydneysiders to stroll along, B2MW meanders past all of the expected highlights; think secluded coves, spectacular views, bushland, clifftops, and landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As the name makes plain, it starts and ends at Bondi and Manly beaches, but there's plenty to see in-between. You'll also wander everywhere from the Hornby Lighthouse and Mrs Macquarie's Chair to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Curlew Camp. Specifically winding through Bondi, Watsons Bay, Rose Bay, Darling Point and Kirribilli, past Taronga Zoo, over to Spit Bridge, then through Manly Wharf to Manly Beach, the track combines a host of already-popular trails. Stroll along the South Head Heritage Trail, Green Point Walking Track, Hermitage Foreshore Track, Bradleys Head Walk and Georges Heights Walk, then head through the Manly Scenic Walkway, North Head Sanctuary, Australian Memorial Walk and Fairfax Track. Emphasising the people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the land through which the B2MW travels, the trail also journeys past significant Indigenous sites such as an Aboriginal People's midden between Fisher Bay and Sandy Bay, Aboriginal engravings at Grotto Point, and the ancestral reburial site and rock art at Reef Beach. Plus, while you're moseying, you'll follow 350 Aboriginal Whale Symbol signs along the mega trail's lengthy expanse — with an app also available to help you plan and track your walk. Sixty kilometres of the massive track runs over public land, including bushwalking paths, while the other 20 kilometres takes walkers along footpaths — with the trek coming about after considerable co-operation between the relevant local, state and federal government bodies. And if you're wondering how long it takes, suggested itineraries split the walk into four, five and seven-day routes, although you can obviously make the journey however you see fit. The Bondi to Manly Walk is now open. For more information, visit the walk's website. Images: Destination NSW.
Super Discount is part play, part dance piece and part super-heroic triumph. Under Bruce Gladwin's direction, a cast of six from Geelong's Back to Back Theatre Company survey the escapism of the myth of the superhero, whilst treading some fairly muddy territory about disability as well. STC's Wharf 1 is left unadorned by designer Mark Cuthbertson, save one remarkable opening tornado, constructed by a team of 'Air Engineers'. A snake of dry ice swirls upwards as we listen to performer and devisor Sarah Mainwaring speak about the impossibility of reaching an 'ever-shifting centre'. And boy do these guys get left of centre in the show that follows. The first half is a slow pondering of the limits of devising theatre and of disability as the cast tries to decide who should play the role of Mark Deans, a performer with Down's syndrome who they’ve decided can't play himself because he will not be clearly heard. The conversations between the cast as they audition people are revealing and honest. Able-bodied actor David Woods recalls being ignored during a Q&A session after a performance in Vienna and complains that he is dismissible because he doesn’t have a disability. He reads out definitions of different intellectual disabilities from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and Simon Laherty gently explains that he finds it offensive. Then Woods says the word retard. It's awkward, and fantastically so. Any tensions about allowable terms are addressed directly in this first section before we head out in to the wild world of what performer and devisor Scott Price calls 'post-disability'. The tension between mockery and comedy never goes away though, much as German director Christoph Schlingensief achieved in his reality TV style show Freakstars, with its cast of people with an intellectual disability. Actor and devisor Brian Tilley has brought his encyclopaedic knowledge of superheroes to the piece and his bravado is a powerful match to Woods's relentless challenges to everyone around him. As the pair get dressed for a showdown, Woods takes Tilley to task on his love of superheroes, explaining that we'd all be better off if we realised that no one will save us and we should just get on with our lives. Nevertheless, Woods cuts a fine form in Shio Otani's puffy super hero outfits and performs an electric duet with Tilley. Marco Cher-Gibard's music here is excellent, and combined with Andrew Livingston’s lovely fluoro panels, it’ll have you wishing you could join in, as Mark Deans does from his seat upstage. Deans makes the transformation from peripheral participant to the subject of Woods' mimicry of him, to a kapowing boss with a calm that is pretty funny. His performance in the final sequence is completely captivating. Image by Jeff Busby.
The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Fred again.., Skrillex and Happy Mondays have played it. De La Soul, Aphex Twin, Carl Cox and deadmau5, too. For dance music fans, and just music fans in general, The Warehouse Project's fame extends far past its Manchester home. The event itself is now roaming further than Britain as well, including locking in its first-ever Australian visit. Yes, Manchester's rave scene is heading Down Under, with The Warehouse Project announcing a big weekend in both Sydney and Melbourne across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024. It's busting out a heap of talent on both dates in both cities, swapping between Bonobo's Outlier series and Mall Grab's Looking for Trouble parties. Melbourne's PICA will get its The Warehouse Project experience started on the Saturday with Bonobo, while Munro Warehouse in Sydney Olympic Park will welcome Mall Grab to begin. Come Sunday, they'll swap. On both bills is plenty of company: HAAi, Kelly Lee Owens, Paula Tape, dj pgz and Krysko with Bonobo for starters; and Effy, Jennifer Loveless and DJ Dameeeela with Mall Grab, with more to come there as well. This is a two-city tour, so if you're keen on hitting up The Warehouse Project in Australia and you live somewhere other than Sydney or Melbourne, you'll need to plan an interstate trip. The Manchester institution's Aussie debut comes after initially going international in 2023 in Rotterdam and Antwerp. [caption id="attachment_868300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mall Grab, by Rob Jones[/caption] It was back in 2006 that The Warehouse Project first unleashed its club nights on its birthplace, kicking off in a disused brewery and then moving underneath Manchester's Piccadilly station, in a space that's also been an air-raid shelter — and also to a warehouse that dates back to the 1920s. Now, it calls former railway station Depot Mayfield home when it's on in its home city. "Following the success of our first international editions in Rotterdam and Antwerp last year, we've been having great fun putting more international plans together. Australia has always been somewhere we've dreamed of hosting The Warehouse Project," said co-founder Sam Kandel, announcing the Aussie dates. "We are also so grateful to Bonobo and Mall Grab, and all the artists both international and domestic who will each play a special part of this WHP Australia debut." The Warehouse Project Australia 2024 Bonobo Presents OUTLIER Dates: Saturday, May 25 — PICA, Melbourne Sunday, May 26 — Munro Warehouse, Sydney Lineup: Bonobo (DJ set) HAAi Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set) Paula Tape dj pgz Krysko More to come Mall Grab Presents Looking For Trouble Dates: Saturday, May 25 — Munro Warehouse Sunday, May 26 — PICA, Melbourne Lineup: Mall Grab Effy Jennifer Loveless DJ Dameeeela More to come [caption id="attachment_943890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mayfield Depot, Rcsprinter123 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Warehouse Project will hit Australia for the first time across Saturday, May 25–Sunday, May 26, 2024, with presale tickets from 10am AEST on Tuesday, March 5 and general sales from 11am AEDT on Thursday, March 7. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Rob Jones for Khroma Collective.
Not only is The Rocks home to some of Sydney’s most secretive cafes and innovative restaurants, it’s also got the views. Situated directly across the water from Bennelong Point, the area is perfectly positioned for uninterrupted vistas of the Opera House, Circular Quay and the Harbour. The trick is knowing exactly where to find them. Here are five eateries in The Rocks where your meal comes with significant doses of sea and sky. GLENMORE HOTEL Book a table on the Glenmore Hotel's rooftop for 180 degree views of the Harbour and CBD. It's glorious in the sunshine, but even on rainy days, you can honour your lunch date, thanks to a retractable roof that'll keep you dry. Built across the road in the 1880s and moved, literally brick-by-brick, to its current location in the 1920s, the Glenmore is one of the few buildings on Cumberland Street to have survived the building of the Harbour Bridge. A nine-month renovation in 2012 brought it well into the 21st century. The menu offers hearty pub fare, from eight-hour beef brisket to beef and red wine pot pie to pan-roasted salmon with mixed quinoa. 96 Cumberland Street MCA CAFE The MCA Cafe combines multimillion dollar views with a casual feel. Its fourth floor, waterfront position means that the vista is extraordinary, taking in the Opera House, the Bridge and Kirribilli. But because the interior has been given a canteen-like fit-out, with red plastic chairs and counter service, you can adopt as relaxed an approach to lunch as suits you. The menu, taken care of by Fresh Catering, is varied, fresh and creative, featuring the likes of smoked trout salad with couscous, tomato, spinach, tarragon and nigella seeds, and roasted salmon with green beans and rosemary kipfler potatoes. Open every day from 10am – 4pm and late night Thursdays until 9pm. 140 George Street ALTITUDE @ THE SHANGRI-LA The Altitude Restaurant affords genuinely dazzling views. That's because it's on the 36th floor of the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel and it's fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows. The fancy-pants menu rises to the occasion. While you're working through your seared scallops with Iberico crumb, braised abalone, salsify and dried persimmon or blueberry sorbet with white chocolate, basil gel and sugar glass, gaze out over Harbour and city panoramas that stretch for miles. Try to get there for sunset. THE DINING ROOM @ PARK HYATT What Altitude offers in dizzying heights, the Park Hyatt Dining Room offers in its spectacular proximity to the water. A table here is about as close to the Harbour as you can get without jumping on a ferry. And the 4 metre, floor-to-ceiling glass doors make the indoor-outdoor transition seamless. Like Altitude, The Dining Room is for fine dining. Dishes include Darling River kangaroo loin with oscietra caviar, horseradish and lemon myrtle, and cobia and black sesame mousseline with pimiento del piquillo and chorizo condiment. WOLFIES Wolfies' home is a 19th-century sandstone storehouse in Campbell's Cove. For the best views, reserve an outside table. To mix historic atmosphere with harbour glimpses, opt for one of the cosy, mahogany-floored private rooms. Star attractions of the contemporary Australian menu include the hot and cold seafood platter loaded up with crayfish, tiger prawns, Balmain bugs and loads more; the grilled Moreton Bay bugs; and the chateaubriand. Top image: The Glenmore.
A Johnny Cash show, to be held inside Parramatta Gaol, is on the bill for the 2015 Sydney Festival's Parramatta program. Aussie rocker Tex Perkins will take on the role of the legendary singer-songwriter, recreating his groundbreaking 1968 Folsom Prison shows, framed by looming, razor-wired limestone walls in what was once the jail's exercise yard. The 19th-century jail is now out of commission but will make a suitably moody backdrop for Perkins' Far From Folsom, which also involves The Tennessee Four and Rachael Tidd doing the the vocals of June Carter. The one-night only spectacle is but one of five world premieres to which Western Sydney audiences will be treated. At the Parramatta Opening Party (POP), scheduled for January 9, Paul Kelly will bring his new collaboration, The Merri Soul Sessions, to the stage for the first time ever, for which he’ll be joined by a bunch of our best local soul performers, including Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Kira Puru and Vika and Linda Bull. The free event, which kicks off from 6pm at Parramatta Town Hall, will also feature Radical Son, Christine Salem, New York City DJ, $mall ¢hange, the Waratah Drumcorps and 'Uptown' Brown. Elsewhere in Parramatta, there’ll be a rooftop performance from the Stiff Gins and a block party hosted by the fine Soul of Sydney folk. The emphasis on dancing your way to a good time will be continued at Disco Dome, which is described as “an after dark walking tour” but sounds more like a mobile dance party. Situated at the Information and Cultural Exchange, this event transports the audience back to a time when “the funk” had a strong grip on Parramatta — between 1979 and 1995. It’s a journey not only through music but through architecture and history, featuring dynamic digital, sonic and live artworks by Justene Williams, Khaled Sabsabi, Liam Benson, David Capra and Heath Franco, Fadia Abboud and Jerome Pearce. Meanwhile, the Riverside Theatre will provide a temporary home for two world firsts. There’s Legs on the Wall's PUNCTURE, which will see the stage turned into a dance floor that travels through a world history of body movement, from ballet to tango to hip hop, and, wait for it, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show — yep, every child’s favourite ravenous critter will hit the stage in puppet form. We know it’s meant for kids, but... Finally, there’s Cirque Alfonse, coming all the way from Quebec, to entertain us with a whole lot of “whip-crackin’, wood-chuckin’ and log-balancin’ and axe-jugglin’ galore — with live banjo-pickin’ and bluegrass-playin’ thrown in for good measure”. Multipack tickets for Sydney Festival Parramatta go on sale at 9am on October 24, while single tickets will be up for grabs from 9am on October 27. The full Sydney Festival program will be announced at noon tomorrow (October 23). Watch this space.
Sydney's southern suburb of Kogarah suffered a devastating loss to its culinary community when Pino's Dolce Vita caught fire and ultimately closed back in 2016. The award-winning Italian deli was founded by Pino Tomini Foresti back in 1978 and was the heart of the local food scene for decades. Now, after much deliberation and over one year's worth of renovations, the butcher, deli and cafe has returned to its original President Avenue location. Pino's reopened in December 2018 with a brand new fit-out and an extended offering of authentic Italian fare. The shop now sells over 100 types of handmade Italian sausages and salumi, plus cuts of meat that are exclusive to the butchery. There's also an extensive collection of local and international cheeses and a huge range of artisan small goods, too. In the cafe, the team is slinging freshly brewed coffee, breakfast and lunch, plus homemade cakes and pastries — including these cannoli. It's a true family affair here, with Foresti's wife Pia, daughter Carla, son-in-law Michael and sons Fabiano and Marco all taking part in the business. The new digs put emphasis on this family-friendly atmosphere and emulate the bustling vibes of a true Italian deli. If you're looking to book your next gathering, Pino's now offers a catered, warehouse-style event space, too — packages including grazing boards and Italian wines that'll transport your party to the European coast.
Get ready to feel insecure about your age. That dynamo 17-year-old with the Grammys and the dance moves and the best friend named David Bowie is set to hit our shores in April. Lorde has announced six shows across the country including Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. After a heartbreaking cancellation earlier in the year, this will be Lorde's first Australian stadium tour after playing smaller clubs and the Laneway circuit. And while we're sure to get the full royal treatment from her 2013 breakthrough album Pure Heroine, this 2014 tour is said to have some surprises in store. It's been announced there will be a huge light show component, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a cameo from Ziggy Stardust. In good news for wunderkinds nationwide, every show on the tour will also be all ages. Stands to reason, really — if the main act is underage why should you have to flash ID? General tickets go on sale 9am on Friday, March 21, but if you're a Frontier member you should get excited — pre-sale is available for just 24 hours from 2pm Thursday, March 13. See the Frontier Touring website for more details. Lorde April/May Australian Tour Dates (supports yet to be announced) Thursday April 24 — Melbourne, Festival Hall (All Ages) Sunday April 27 — Adelaide, EC Theatre (All Ages) Tuesday April 29 — Perth, Challenge Stadium (All Ages) Friday May 2 — Sydney, Hordern Pavillion (All Ages) Sunday May 4 — Newcastle, Entertainment Centre (All Ages) Tuesday May 6 — Brisbane, Riverstage (All Ages)
Every Friday evening, Dixon Street is awash with tourists and locals browsing the popular night markets. Explore stalls with designer wares, kooky knickknacks and delectable street food including battered takoyaki (octopus balls), skewers from BBQ King and the peanuty, sugary Dragon Beard Candy. If you still have room, make the all-important stop at Emperor's Puffs to end your night — the famed puffs are only 30 cents each, so they certainly won't break the bank. Once you've shopped and eaten till your heart's content, it's time to check out the area's great street art. And, since many of the works are constructed from globes and LEDs, after dark is the best time to see them. One to look out for is Jason Wing's In Between Two Worlds, spanning across Factory Street, Hay Street and Kimber Lane in Haymarket. The beguiling work references both Indigenous and Chinese motifs for wind, water, fire and earth, which are believed to each have their own spirits. Image: Destination NSW / Daniel Boud.
Long gone are the days when fries meant, simply, fries. Now, that classic fast food side of golden shoestring chips is up against some pretty tough competition, as kitchens everywhere get a little crafty in the potato department. From fat sweet potato wedges to cheesy haloumi chips to those classic tater tots, piled high with toppings, we've embraced the humble spud in a whole bunch of delicious forms. But not all fries are made equally, so we've teamed up with Zeus Street Greek — makers of traditional Greek fare and exceptional haloumi chips — to find the best in your city. We've rounded up Sydney's best poutine, Melbourne's crunchiest sweet potato chips, Brisbane's favourite kimchi fries and, at the top of the proverbial chip pile, Zeus Street Greek's standout wintry loaded fries — topped with slow-cooked beef brisket, lashings of harissa aioli, feta and fresh — which are available in all three. Ditch the plain ol' shoestring for something a little more special — these fries are a whole lot more than just fries. [caption id="attachment_674236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zeus Street Greek, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane[/caption] HALOUMI CHIPS It's safe to say that salty cheese sensation haloumi has become a staple of the Aussie brunch menu, as at home at your local cafe as the ubiquitous smashed avo or chilli scrambled eggs. But why stop there? We're here to tell you that haloumi's true culinary calling might just be in chip form, as the ultimate cheesy snack. Aussie favourite Zeus Street Greek is dishing up a winning example of haloumi fries, as part of a modern menu that mingles traditional Greek flavours with top local ingredients. A cult favourite at the group's stores nationwide, these haloumi chips are the kind you'll dream about — lengths of that Cypriot cheese are tossed in tapioca flour, lightly fried and teamed with a smoky house-made yoghurt. A few bites of these and you'll wonder why you ever wasted your time on cheese-free chips. [caption id="attachment_676400" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Thirsty Wolf, Sydney[/caption] POUTINE Born in Quebec and often touted as Canada's national dish, poutine is that glorious mess of mess of french fries, cheese curds and gravy. And while the original concept has sometimes got lost in translation venturing to other parts of the world, we know of a few cracking interpretations to be found right here in your own backyard. For the real deal, pay a visit to Sydney bar and eatery The Thirsty Wolf, where the kitchen is doing those Canadians proud with its traditional offering of chips smothered in real curds and gravy. They'll even let you take things to the next level, loading up on bacon bits or extra cheese for a couple more dollars. Down south, Melbourne's Belleville is dishing up a menu of global-inspired street eats, where poutine sits happily alongside the likes of southern-fried cauliflower and miso-glazed chicken. This reworking of Canada's classic dish features a decadent assembly of beer battered fries, melty cheese and rich chicken gravy, finished with a kick of hot sauce. And while Brisbane's 5 Dogs is best known for its classic American-style hot dogs, you'll find it hard to pass up a go at the poutine chips — here, featuring hot, crisp fries, doused in both cheese and a house-made gravy. [caption id="attachment_676874" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Howler, Melbourne[/caption] SWEET POTATO FRIES As plenty of you will agree, those regular spuds ain't got nothing on sweet potato. Especially when they're cut into fries, salted and deep fried to perfection, with that crisp outer and soft potato middle just begging to be dipped and devoured. The fact they're supposedly a whole lot healthier than the other kind, full of beta-carotene and vitamins — well, that doesn't go astray at all. Luckily, food haunts across the country are coming to the sweet potato party, offering tasty creations that are sure to impress. Up in Sydney, inner west pub The Erko is whipping up fat sweet potato wedges that come drenched in sour cream and sweet chilli sauce — just try and find a better match to a few weekend arvo pints. Brisbane's Newstead Brewing Co is also embracing the humble sweet potato species at its Newstead headquarters, here served in fry form and teamed with a creamy aioli. And at Howler in Melbourne, the kitchen's beloved burger creations are made even better when devoured alongside a serve of their crisp sweet potato fries and chipotle mayo. [caption id="attachment_677570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zeus Greek Street (for a limited time only)[/caption] LOADED FRIES The overachievers of the chip family, loaded fries are the kind of dish you go for when only jazzed-up eats will do. And we love seeing just how creative people can get with their toppings. Zeus Street Greek's signature Yia Yia's Chips have a Grecian twist and come topped with oregano and crumbled feta. Until September, you can catch the tweaked version, too: Loaded Yia Yia's Chips. They're decked out with slow-cooked beef brisket, lashings of smoky yoghurt and harissa aioli, and a tumble of feta and fresh chilli to finish. In Melbourne, the Animal Fries at South Yarra burger joint Hello Sam certainly live up to its name, topped with grilled onion, bacon bits, spring onions, grated cheese and a good drizzle of the house McSam sauce. Meanwhile, the supercharged fries at Brisbane's Nom Nom Korean Eatery pays homage to the restaurants Asian roots, decked out with a cream cheese sauce that's cut through with a spicy kick of kimchi. And at the aptly named Loaded by BL in Sydney, a customisable menu means you're faced with a whole lot of choices when it comes to those loaded fries. From potato variety and cheese style to meat toppings and sauces, it's all up to you. But for a super nostalgic treat, take a swing at the porky tots — potato gems topped with liquid cheese, pulled pork, onion, barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of chilli flakes. To find more great traditional Greek fare in your city, head to zeusstreetgreek.com.au.
The sleepy western suburbs of Sydney may not seem like the most obvious place to drop a multi-million dollar food court. But it's certainly one of the smartest. Catering to the area's growing population (and large number of residents with southeast Asian backgrounds), Cabra-Vale Diggers — which straddles the border of Canley Vale and Cabramatta — has just completed a gigantic expansion of their premises, including a 600-seat food precinct, named District 8. After eight months of construction, the club has turned 2000 square metres of space into an all-day diner, which is open from 9am till late every day of the week. As the name suggests, District 8 will have eight food offerings, and vendors have been organised in a way that feels like a culinary voyage through the countries of the Mekong River. You'll be able to get everything from dumplings, congee, noodles and baked goods, to jellyfish salad, poached Hainan chicken, beef massaman curry and crispy silver fish green mango salad. There will also be a dessert area and a bar. The food precinct's design is an architectural marvel to behold. Over 5000 pieces of red timber hang from the ceiling and 2000 roof tiles were imported from China to give the ultra-modern space an authentic Asian feel. If that doesn't work for you, then maybe the 266 Maneki Neko that were imported from China to form a huge 'waving arm cat' wall will. "We have created 'streets' and walkways throughout the scheme, surrounded by columns, plants and Hong Kong-style illuminated signage to really give that feeling of being outdoors," says Tina Fox, project manager of Altis Architects, who painstakingly designed nine mock-ups before completing the project, two of them to scale. "There is some logic behind District 8, as some Asian countries are divided into districts," says Boris Belevski, CEO of Cabra-Vale Diggers. "Not only does the number eight imply good fortune, but there will be eight vendors." District 8 is part two of an $18 million four-stage renovation to the food offerings at the Diggers. A restaurant and cafe have already opened on the premises, with a steakhouse and a dining room for the venue's new hotel the next stages to be completed. Cabra-Vale Diggers and District 8 is now open daily from 9am till late at 1 Bartley Street, Canley Vale. For more information, visit cabravale.com.au.
One of Sydney's best dog walking arenas is the 40-hectare Bicentennial Park. The scenic parkland encourages pups to accompany your day. Drinking alcohol is permitted, so you're welcome to sip a few brews while your dog-child runs around with his friends — there's a designated off-leash area near P5a car park for that purpose. Your doggo is also welcomed (on a leash) around much of the park (except the Badu Mangroves) — so you can hike up to Treillage Tower for expansive views of the wetlands, stroll along Homebush Bay or check out the boardwalks. If you're hungry, you can grab a snack at Cafe at Waterview, or pre-pack a feast and enjoy it one of the barbecue or picnic areas.
You've crooned your way through sing-along screenings of Spice World, wished you could visit the huge memorabilia exhibition in Britain and just generally been following Spice Girls news since the English pop stars unleashed their brand of girl power on the world back in the 90s. Now, come 2020, Australians just might be able to spice up their lives with the group itself — according to Melanie Brown, aka Mel B, they're coming our way. As part of their Spice World reunion tour, Mel B and her bandmates Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell have been playing gigs across the British Isles, bringing their zigazig-ah back to stadiums. They just played their last concert in London on Saturday, June 15 UK time, during which Mel B concluded the proceedings by saying "we'll see you in February in Australia". https://twitter.com/HalinaWatts86/status/1140009527129137152 No further details have been revealed, and nor has an official tour announcement at this stage — but here's hoping that if anyone is in the know about the Spice Girls' plans, it's one of the Spice Girls themselves while the group is on stage. If you're a fan, you'll wannabe hollering about the chance to see Scary, Sporty, Baby and Ginger perform in Australia for the first time — in a huge light and costume-filled performance, no less. Victoria Beckham, aka Posh, isn't part of the current shows, so this won't be the full Spice experience. Still, four out of five Spice Girls is better than none. It has been a big week for Spice news, with an animated Spice Girls movie also just announced, targeting a 2020 release. Unlike the live shows, it'll feature the whole Spice gang, according to The Hollywood Reporter. And, it'll include both new and old songs as well. The Spice Girls look set to tour Australia in February 2020, with dates and venues yet to be revealed. We'll keep you posted with further details as they come to hand.
The Toxteth Hotel, lovingly referred to as 'The Tocky' by locals, has been a Glebe staple for decades and continues to attract an unusually eclectic crowd of Carlton-drinking, Akubra-donning patrons sitting next to ironically moustached students wearing tight pants and sipping a schooner of Young Henrys. While this crowd combo wouldn't work in most places, it's a mix that The Tocky has become known for. This old-school Aussie/new-school hipster scene is in part due to the Lo-Fi and The Standard revamp back in 2012, when they transformed the beer garden into a inner west pub dream. The greenhouse-like space is centred around an open bar and is frequented by yuppies and students who love an outdoor schooner and schnitty. The Pimm's Garden Bar is serving up pints of craft along with overly-garnished cocktails, like the Bloody Mary that uses a salt rim made of Grizzly's Jerky. The Tocky is far from a craft beer bar, but they are hosting Crafty Wednsdays with Wayward, Batch and Young Henrys on tap. But the real draw for all patrons is the ace pub food that has continued to stay on-point throughout the years. It's not your average specials offering though, as weekly dishes have been known to include lamb brains. The prawn cakes ($21) deserve a regular spot on the menu; a fresh mixture of dill and capers and a crisp fennel and rocket salad goes well with the Marie Rose bisque. The 'pickled things' ($9) — which include a pickled egg — is a nod to the pub's British origins, while the southern fried chicken ($13) draws on American influences. Both are worth a taste. If you're looking for classic pub grub, The Tocky Burger ($18) is just that — it's a super satisfying combo of streaky bacon and gooey cheddar cheese, topped with a special Thousand Island sauce. While pubs aren't known as dessert joints, don't make the rookie mistake of not saving room in your belly for sweet stuff. The weekly special is usually top notch, but the vanilla and lemon cheesecake is unreal ($12). Served with blueberry compote and vanilla ice cream, this is the perfect, decadent end to any pub meal. Not looking for anything fancy? Well, with $14 meals Monday to Friday — including a chargrilled beef rump — you can still come to The Toxteth for that reliable bang-for-your-buck pub grub too. Images: Kitti Gould
Known locally as the Addison Road Markets, Marrickville's weekly organic market is a favourite among Sydneysiders near and far. Visitors come from across the city for this one, so Marrickville locals are especially lucky to have it located within their postcode. The market takes place each Sunday from 9am–3pm and boasts vibes aplenty. Apart from all the fruit, veg, eggs, pastries, breads, cakes, tarts, quiches and pies — all of which are organic — the market also offers heaps of food stalls. So, while doing your weekly shop, you can also tuck in to everything from pho, ravioli and lamb rolls to raw vegan treats, speciality coffee and loaded yoghurt cups. Also on offer: plants, homewares, vintage threads, vinyl, soaps and more. You name it, they've got it.When you're not perusing the many stalls, have a seat in the adjoining grassy area for live music and other entertainment. Be sure to get in early to get the best pick of the bunch though, as the market's popularity also means that stalls sell out. Marrickville Organic Food Market takes place each Sunday from 9am–3pm.
Wollongong's independently owned and operated microbrewery, Illawarra Brewing Company, offers visitors, locals and beer enthusiasts a chance to get involved in the making (and drinking) of craft beer. The brewery is open for tours as well as tastings, which are done at the bar that overlooks the beer making machinery. The warehouse opens up on sunny days, and on Saturday there is usually a burger truck, too. Of course, you can also pick up a six-pack or get your growler filled to takeaway. Along with serving bold IPAs and barrel-aged sour beers, the brewery also has a range of core beers on offer, including its summer ale, rust amber ale, IPA and pilsner.
Penrith is growing from a regional town to a main player in the suburb wars of Sydney. And one of the lovely things about the area is that you can still find some great independent shops to support. There's a special place in heaven for those of us who show some love to these local legends who are the heart and soul of this fast growing region. To showcase some of the best businesses in Penrith, we've teamed up with American Express to create this guide to shopping local in the area. These businesses demonstrate exactly why western Sydney is such a great place to live right now, and you can shop small at these stores with your Amex Card.
Surry Hills's Japanese dining institution TOKO — which closed back in April after 15 years of trade on Crown Street — has finally found a new home on George Street in the city. Under the leadership of owner Matt Yazbek and Head Chef Sunil Shresthra, TOKO now offers an omakase experience which celebrates their most popular dishes from the past along with a few exciting new creations. They've learned a few new tricks during the temporary closure. It's clearly been the year of omakase for Sydney. From the picturesque Bay Nine in The Rocks to Circular Quay's tiny 12-seat Besuto, and not one — but two chef's table-style menus from hospitality darling Chase Kojima (one at Sokyo and a special ramen omakase in Kojima's own Chatswood restaurant), the luxuriously indulgent and precisely-prepared multi-course experiences have well and truly entered the mainstream of high-end dining. But back to TOKO. The team has returned with a vengeance, lifting their drinks game too. Expect a huge range of sake, shochu and Japanese whisky — curated by their own Sake Sommelier, Paul Birtwistle. The concept of the sake somm is an Australian first, so you're ready to deep dive into the world of sake, you've now got the perfect spot for it. Architect Matt Darwon, who designed the original TOKO, also took the reins in the brand new 330-square-metre venue. Just like with the menu, they've blended the old with the new. Some of the bespoke timber furnishings have made their way from Surry Hills to the CBD, but there are also several new additions. Along with seating for 100 diners, the venue also boasts a robata grill, omakase sushi bar and 16-person private dining room for special occasions. They're not messing around. They've even designed a late-night menu catering to patrons wandering in past 10pm (they have a hard-to-find 2am license) for those looking for something more sophisticated than a slice of pizza. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of courses. These extended business hours will bring a new venue into the mix of those contributing to the revitalisation of Sydney's nightlife and after-hours scene. TOKO opened earlier this month at 275 George Street, CBD. Images: Steven Woodburn.
The L1 Dulwich Hill line of Sydney's tumultuous light rail has been closed indefinitely, with buses replacing trains across the line while major repairs are completed. The seven-year-old vehicles were revealed to have major cracking, causing them to be decommissioned for repairs. At a press conference on Friday, November 7, NSW Transport Minister Rob Stokes announced the cracking was worse than they originally expected and revealed the light rail could be out of action for up to 18 months. Stokes confirmed this was a worst-case scenario date and he expected the vehicles to be working again sooner than the 18-month estimate. Cracks were found in 12 trams that run from Dulwich Hill and the Central Grand Concourse. The inner west line was unveiled in its current form in 2014 after a significant extension that added 5.6 kilometres of track and a fleet of 12 new vehicles that have now presented cracks. "We believe this is the right thing to do," Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins proclaimed, saying that the vehicles are not currently dangerous to passengers but could become problematic if left to crack further. Collins also confirmed the government was looking into the idea of utilising the L2 and L3 light rail vehicles, however, revealed there are engineering challenges with this and said they wouldn't want to disrupt the other lines in order to plug a hole in the Dulwich Hill line. In order to soften the blow of this closure, the NSW Government is offering 50 per cent reductions on fare prices for replacement busses. These buses will run 6am–11pm each day, however will not stop at the Capitol Square and Pyrmont Bay stops, as well as the Exhibition Centre when travelling towards Dulwich Hill. The newer L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line have not experienced the same issues and will continue to run as normal. Stay up to date with the latest news regarding the L1 Dulwich Hill light rail via Transport for NSW.
There aren't many directors whose work we look forward to more than Joel and Ethan Coen. The Oscar winning siblings behind Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men and Inside Llewyn Davis among many others, the pair have made a name for themselves with their memorable characters and masterfully constructed plots, often seasoned with liberal lashings of dark, esoteric humour. Their latest film is set to be released on February 25, and we've managed to get our hands on some complimentary tickets. Hail, Caesar! is a screwball comedy set in 1950s Hollywood, and concerns a famous film star, played by George Clooney, who is kidnapped by a mysterious organisation. Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand make up the star-studded ensemble, along with Channing Tatum dressed as a sailor (which, quite frankly, seems like it'll be worth the price of admission on its own). [competition]558865[/competition] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0
There's no need to shake off that Swiftmania, Australia. The world's biggest pop star right now has hit the country, unleashed the first three nights of the Aussie leg of her Eras tour, broken records and given everyone an enchanted time. There's no way that you could not know that Taylor Swift has arrived Down Under, with Melbourne her first stop. That trio of initial gigs even means that she makes more appearances at the MCG in 2024 than most AFL teams, in fact. So, you went along and it was gorgeous, and you're still keen to get your Swiftie on. Or, you're hitting the Sydney concerts at Accor Stadium from Friday, February 23–Monday, February 26 and want to get the full lowdown. Missed out completely? Eager to figure out how to cope? We can help you with that as well. We were lucky enough to hit up an Eras show in Melbourne, so we have the details. We've outlined logistical tips if you're watching Swift's three-hour spectacular in Sydney, too — plus Swift-related events across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. And yes, the Eras concert film will help fill that blank space in your calendar. Here's our Australian Eras tour 101: [caption id="attachment_941681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] The Show (and Yes, It's as Sensational as You've Heard) Before even getting to the show, most fans have memorised the setlist, seen most of the performances on social media and created perfect recreations of Swift's Eras tour costumes. They know what's to come. But are they ready for it? Absolutely not. From the moment that Swift enters the stage — emerging from the giant flower petals that everyone has seen in countless videos of already — the MCG loses its shit. It's the feeling of being a part of the international tour that's been obsessed over for so many months that draws up the excitement. We don't need to be surprised. We just want to be a part of these legendary moments. Swift doesn't disappoint, on any level, for none of the three-hour show packed with hits. She runs through each of her albums, spanning 18 years of music, ticking off the bangers as the crowd screams the lyrics along with her — no matter what era they come from. She doesn't lose breath or miss a beat for a moment. She's done this show god knows how many times now and knows exactly what she's doing. She's a total pro. [caption id="attachment_941679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] But while Swift soars in her most upbeat hits, the more-emotional ballads show her real vulnerability. The walls seem to really come down for a few moments. This is best seen in her ten-minute version of 'All Too Well', captivating the audience for the entire song while it's just her on stage with a guitar in a stunning red-and-black sequinned coat. She gets visibly angry, is particularly pointed with some harsh lyrics and takes the audience with her on the journey of hating the celeb we all know this song is about. From start to finish, Swift repeatedly reminds you why she is an icon — and that she's got plenty of more eras to come. Let's just hope that she brings them back Down Under to smash some more records and give us another (or first) chance to see her IRL. [caption id="attachment_941680" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAS Rights Management[/caption] Tips to Help Make Hitting the Gigs as Gorgeous as Possible When it comes to the kit you'll be wearing, most Swifties go down one of two routes. You can sequin the house down and be inspired by her tour looks, or try to recreate one of her iconic music-video ensembles. Glitter is almost a must, even if it covers your bathroom at home for months afterwards. And friendship bracelets. You've got to invest in some if you want to participate in those sweet community feels at the concert, when everyone is swapping bracelets with one another, sharing their excitement for what's to come. It couldn't be more wholesome. While heels might go with your outfit, flats are probably the smartest choice. Everyone gets a seat, but you'll be standing and dancing for over three hours. Everyone in the crowd tries to sit down in between eras when the stage gets changed over and Swift quickly swaps into a new outfit, but it's not enough to save your poor feet (especially as there isn't that much time between albums). Beyond that, be sure to bring a portable battery for your phone. Even if you say you won't take videos, you likely will. And there are plenty of times during the night when fans turn on their camera lights and sway along to the slow jams. For most of us, this will kill our batteries in an hour. [caption id="attachment_940691" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] If you're heading to one of the four Sydney shows, it's time to start planning your journey. Gates open at 4.30pm, and everyone has assigned seating, so there's no need to camp out overnight to secure the best spot. The show will kick off around 6.20pm, with Sabrina Carpenter handling opening duties. Get down early to see what she rhymes with Sydney during her iconic 'Nonsense' outros. While there is car parking available, it's almost fully booked up already, so public transport is the optimal option for heading in. Travel on PT is included in your ticket, and both express trains and major event buses are running each night to deal with the masses of Swifties making the pilgrimage to Sydney Olympic Park. If you're attending on the Friday or Saturday, leave yourself some extra time — Blink-182 is performing at Qudos Bank Arena on both these days, so there will be two lots of music lovers travelling to the same spot. Everyone's journey in will be a little different, of course, but if you head to Central, Redfern or Strathfield Station, you'll be able to get a direct train. While there are a couple of spots to eat near Accor Stadium, it's not exactly a cornucopia of food and drinks. Consider hitting up a venue near one of these key stations for an early dinner or a couple of celebratory cocktails. City Oltra is a perfect pitstop for a few slices of some of the city's best pizza and a glass of orange wine just metres from Central Station. If mimosas on a rooftop are more of the vibe, consider stopping over at The Old Clare Hotel. As for Redfern, The Sunshine Inn, RaRa Ramen, Redbird and BrewDog are all stellar options for a pre-gig feed. Or, if you're just after a few top-notch drinks, Arcadia Liquors always does the trick. Plus, Strathfield is filled with plenty of standout dining options. Our picks for a cheap and cheerful meal: Korean fried chicken and a bottle of soju from the no-frills CC Train, or a big brothy bowl from Hansang. Not Going? How to Play Along Elsewhere Look what you made Australia do, Swifties: put on Taylor Swift-themed festivities everywhere and anywhere, to prolong the lavender haze swirling not just around Melbourne and Sydney, but Brisbane as well. From candlelight tributes and colourful cocktails to painting pottery and showing off your knowledge of Swift trivia, you have options. Sydney: Sydney well and truly has Swift fever, so if you're a Lover lover but you're not heading to Accor Stadium, there are plenty of Taylor-themed events happening all across the Harbour City. There's Taylor Swift bottomless brunch at both Harry's by Giuls and Above 319, Eras-themed doughnuts at Miss Sina, and limited-edition cocktails at Moxy Sydney and Alibi Bar and Dining. Crown Sydney is hosting a Swiftie High Tea at Teahouse until Sunday, February 25. The extravagant afternoon activity features a lineup of sweet treats representing some of Swift's most beloved albums — like the 1989, a lavender ganache with yuzu and almond streusel — as well as some savoury mouthfuls like whisky teriyaki wagyu and Sichuan miso-baked toothfish. If you want to flex your knowledge, Taylor Swift Trivia is popping up across Western Sydney, including Guildford on Sunday, February 25 and Penrith on Wednesday, February 28. The Argyle is getting in on the action with a Taylor Rave on Thursday, February 22 and, if you think you'll be full of energy after the show and you're looking to kick on with some more big TS sing-alongs, Oxford Art Factory is hosting a series of unofficial afterparties on the nights of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. [caption id="attachment_940473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paolo Villanueva via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Melbourne: While most of the Taylor Swift-themed parties and events in Melbourne took place just before or during her time in the city, there is one way to still join in the fun in the week following: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift. The hour-long concert features Swift's music played by a string quartet. It's running at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday, February 24 at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The moody candlelit performance is a brilliant chaser for any Swiftie who went to the shows, or even those who couldn't nab the hotly fought-over tickets. Brisbane: Every Brisbane Swiftie, and most Brisbanites in general, is well aware that T-Swift isn't bringing Eras to the Queensland capital. To commiserate, you can calm down in a number of ways — including at Fritzenberger South Bank's Swift-themed trivia night on Wednesday, February 21, then at a tribute party on Saturday, February 24 at Fortitude Valley's The Sound Garden, where a DJ will be spinning all the requisite tunes. Also on Saturday, February 24, head to Clontarf's The Craft Haven to make and paint Taylor Swift-inspired pottery. Then, on Sunday, February 25, Fluffy is taking its cues from the singer back in Fortitude Valley. And, come March and April, Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift will help you embrace your Swift love story at Grand on Ann, too. [caption id="attachment_922251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trafalgar Releasing[/caption] How to Enjoy Eras Whenever You Want Back in October 2023, singing and dancing along to the Eras tour without actually attending the Eras tour became possible. That's when Swift released concert film Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour, which took in over $260 million at the worldwide box office when it hit the big screen. It also got everyone excited when it arrived on digital. Its next stop, if you're ready for it: Disney+ from Friday, March 15, complete with five extra tunes — 'cardigan' and four acoustic tracks — that haven't featured in other versions of the movie. You don't need to be a Swiftie to enjoy the film. In fact, watching it might turn you into one no matter how you feel about the pop superstar going in. There's no denying that the singer knows how to put on a helluva show — and the cinematography on display, plus the energetic direction by Sam Wrench (Billie Eilish Live at the O2), gives viewers an intimate experience across 169 minutes while also stressing how massive the Eras tour gigs are. The feature was shot over three concerts at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium in August 2023 — so, not at Swift's largest-ever gigs of her entire career at the MCG across Friday, February 16–Sunday, February 18, 2024 — and everything about it is dazzling. That includes the costume changes, choreography and setlist, and the fact that the tour and the film both exist as an ode to Swift's knack for reinvention. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour plays Australia until Monday, February 26. Head to the tour website for further details. Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour will stream via Disney+ from Friday, March 15, 2024. Read our review. Taylor Swift Australian Eras tour images: TAS Rights Management.
You may already know that the Stockton Beach sand dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. But, it's hard to truly appreciate the sheer size of them until you hop on a sandboard and start sliding down one of the hills — and you just keep sliding. There are a few companies that offer sandboarding experiences in the Port Stephens region, but Sand Dune Safaris is our pick for a couple of reasons. It's a family owned and operated business, and because it doesn't accept large inbound tour groups, the team are able to offer a more intimate experience — and this includes allowing you to stand on the board and 'surf' down the dune if you're game. You'll also get to travel to Sand Dune Safaris' spot on the dunes in 4WDs which, they say, is "half the fun". Normally, the company has a continuous shuttle service heading out to the dunes and back every 15 minutes, so you can stay and play as long as you please. It also a shaded picnic area out on the dune, so you can take along an esky with drinks and snacks when you need a rest. Also be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat as the sand is extremely reflective due to its high silica content, so it can get mighty toasty out there. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Sand Dune Safaris is now running six two-hour sessions per day. Bookings are essential with a limit of nine people per group. Sessions are subject to change as restrictions are lifted so keep checking the website for the latest info. Images: Destination NSW
