Walking through a cathedral made of 100,000-plus lights, moseying beneath a canopy of glowing multi-coloured trees, wandering between ribbons of flashing beams — you'll be able to do all of this when Lightscape heads to Australia for the first time in 2022. Originally meant to debut Down Under in 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, the after-dark light festival will be taking over the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria — Melbourne from Friday, June 24–Sunday, August 7, beaming away from 5.15pm Wednesday–Sunday. While the leafy Birdwood Avenue spot is already extremely scenic, to say that Lightscape will be brightening up the place is quite the understatement. Prepare to see the garden illuminated by immersive and large-scale installations scattered along a 1.8-kilometre route, including sparkling trees, luminous walkways and bursts of colour that look like fireworks. A big highlight: large-scale works like Winter Cathedral, the aforementioned installation that'll feature more than 100,000 globes and make you feel like you're being bathed in radiance. Lightscape comes to Australia after taking over gardens across the United Kingdom and the United States. Developed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK, it's understandably proven a huge success — and more than two-million people wandered along its glowing trails last season. In Melbourne, Lightscape will also commission local artists to create works that'll celebrate the city's culture and nature — giving the after-dark light festival a local touch. Fingers crossed for pop-up food and drink stalls scattered throughout — selling, we hope, mulled wine to keep hands warm during the chilly winter nights. Lightscape will light up Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, from Friday, June 24–Sunday, August 7. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
Ready to indulge your inner socialite? Cruise Bar & Restaurant is primed to make it happen, with its triumphant return after months of renovation. Best-known for its front-row seats to the Sydney Opera House, now that the extensive building works are out of the way, a relaunch is prepped for Thursday, May 1, meaning you won't have to wait long to get acquainted with the venue's new look and feel. Led by award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle, Cruise Bar's luxe makeover blends refined elegance with effortless fun. With the place a regular haunt for local and international celebs, from Kylie Minogue to Justin Bieber, this facelift covers more than just the basics. Taking over the venue's top floor is Melba's Rooftop – a sunset-hued haven with panoramic harbour views. Appropriately named after Dame Nellie Melba – an iconic opera singer and international jet-setter – she's often considered Australia's first global celebrity. "We've carefully curated an offering that reflects Sydney's evolving food and drink culture. From the menu to the design, every detail has been considered to create an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and uniquely Cruise. This isn't just a comeback – it's a statement, and we can't wait to welcome Sydney back," says General Manager John Harvey. More than just a design rethink, a new menu teems with sophisticated modern Australian cuisine, with Head Chef Han Chen (a'Mare, Felix) guiding the glamorous direction. Expect a deep dive into Australia's native larder, drawing inspiration from the country's diverse landscapes. There's bush tomato butter mussels and pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream. Then you have the Grande Cruise Seafood Tower, featuring freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters, Australian prawns, scallop ceviche, and scallop mousse zucchini flowers. It's basically indulgence epitomised. The drinks list has also been reinvented, this time with renowned barman Tom Bulmer (Margaret, O Bar, Jane) leading a push towards native flavours. The Lilly Flower brings together raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila and hibiscus, while the Afternoon Fashion reimagines a classic old fashioned with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattleseed. Try the Berry in Sight for something even bolder, combining mulberry and bush apple with blended whisky and desert lime shrub. "Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there's always been a place for a venue like Cruise," says Harvey. "It's got history, it's got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it's got an elevated experience to match." Cruise Bar & Restaurant is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, May 1, at Circular Quay West, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
A string of long weekends is a joy while it's happening, such as the current Easter and ANZAC Day run (plus Labour Day, too, if you're in Queensland). When it's over and five-day work weeks become a reality week after week again, however, holiday dreams start calling. Clearly Jetstar wants you to get a jump on planning your next vacation, given that the Australian airline has just kicked off its latest big flight sale. Both domestic and international fares are on offer at discounted prices, with 40,000-plus seats available between now and 11.59pm AEST on Sunday, April 27, 2025. You'll want to get in quick, though, given that sale tickets mightn't last that long — and these deals run until sold out if that happens before the scheduled end date. One-way prices start at $49 for Club Jetstar members and $54 for everyone else this time, which covers routes from Brisbane and Melbourne to and from Newcastle. Next up, $97/102 will get you between Adelaide and Sydney, $99/104 from Melbourne to Cairns, and $114/119 between either Sydney or Melbourne and Uluru — and flights to and from the Gold Coast, Whitsunday Coast and Margaret River are also among the discounts. With the overseas options, one-way fares kick off at $159/165 from Cairns or Darwin to Bali, while Melbourne–Singapore ($179/189) and Brisbane ($279/289) or Sydney ($299/319) to Seoul are some of the other choices. Expect to primarily take winter getaways no matter where you're heading, although the international routes cover dates from mid mid-May to late-August 2025 and the domestic fares are for mid-July to late-September 2025 travel. The usual caveats apply: all prices apply to one-way fares; checked baggage is not included, so you'll want to travel super light or pay extra to bring a suitcase; and, as per above, dates vary according to the route. [caption id="attachment_938861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Jetstar's Just Plane Good Sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Sunday, April 27, 2025 — or until sold out if prior. 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.
If you enjoy getaways of the pampering, wellness-oriented and soaking kind — you're in luck. Victoria is set to score the country's largest-ever hot springs experience at the majestic 12 Apostles, opening in 2026. The $200 million 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort project will be the biggest hot springs offering in Australia, sprawling over a 79-hectare site encompassing multiple onsite hospitality venues, 70 baths and a 150-room wellness resort. "Traditionally hot springs have been associated with places like Japan and Europe, but Australia has seen an enormous renaissance on natural bathing," Founder and Principle Design Consultant of Spa Sessions Naomi Gregory says. "I see this as being the premium bathing location in the country." [caption id="attachment_907721" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort, renders[/caption] Details on the new hot springs resort and spa are scarce at the moment, but will feature natural bathing sourced from geothermal mineral springs set approximately 1km below the site. Victoria is quickly becoming a hot spring haven, with future plans including a 900-kilometre trail filled with bathing spots dubbed The Great Bathing Trail to span along the Victorian coast. The latest announcement follows the recent opening of Mornington Peninsula's Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Gippsland's Metung Hot Springs and Peninsula Hot Springs' huge, ongoing expansion plans. [caption id="attachment_907722" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort, renders[/caption] 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort is set to open in 2026. More to come. Images: Renders, supplied.
The Australian winners for the Airbnb Host Awards for 2022 have just been announced. As well as operating impressive places to stay, these Hosts have been recognised for providing extra special hospitality, going the extra mile to provide things like breakfast hampers, welcome gifts sourced from local boutiques and other stand-out experiences. It's far beyond the 'find your key in the lock box hidden in the carport, mind the rusty nails and spiderwebs' kind of hospitality. These Hosts truly go all out. The coveted Host of the Year award went to Alstonvale's Carla Dawes (pictured below), whose Olinda Cottage in the NSW Northern Rivers welcomes guests with a mix of personal touches, unexpected features and warm and welcoming experiences. Dawes cooks up homemade meals, gathers fresh flowers for each guest, buys local sourdough for brekkie and has even lent a hand with a proposal. (We just hope the couple left a five-star review.) Tasmanians Peter and Charlie were named Best New Host for the luxury self-contained studio they run on their bush property in the Huon Valley. One of the biggest perks of this stay is the in-studio dining — the hosts cook up a restaurant-quality dinner made from produce grown in their very own permaculture food garden. Meanwhile, The Winged House (pictured below), which is designed to look like a plane on a cliffside in Tasmania's Table Cape, has picked up the Most Unique Stay award. We'd also put it up for best room with a view — the panoramic sea views here are next-level stunning. The sole Victorian property on the list took out the title of Best Designed Stay. Coombs Hill Barn (pictured below), located in Merrijig in Victoria's High Country, was a true labour of love for owners Katherine and Wade Harris — they spent three years dismantling, re-erecting and designing a 160-year-old barn that they had shipped over from the USA. The result is a truly breathtaking property that blends traditional, rustic and industrial accents with a natural palette inspired by the surrounding mountains. The Best Nature Stay award, recognising Hosts who showcase the best of Australia's stunning natural landscape, went to The Container. Susie and Gordon (pictured below) have been Hosts for over 12 years, and wanted to ensure their Airbnb encompassed nature from the outside in while showcasing the possibilities of sustainable travel. Everything here is eco-friendly, from the repurposed shipping container which makes up the shell of the accommodation to the solar- and hydro-powered electricity that the property runs on and chooks laying eggs for guests. Plus, this rural paradise is located just 20 minutes from Launceston, making it an easy choice for holidaymakers looking to reduce their travel footprint. Of course, Airbnb isn't just about accommodation — it's also a platform for experience providers. Paul Quincey won the award for Most Magical Experience for his guided kayak tours along a secluded part of Noosa's Lake Weyba — and on-water experience that gives visitors the chance to see sea eagles and stingrays in their native habitats. For the full list of this year's winners and runners-up in each category (and to plan your next stay), head to the Airbnb website. 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.
Being an Airbnb Host is hard work, but also a truly rewarding experience — and Carla Dawes, who has just been named Australia's Airbnb Host of the Year, can certainly vouch for that. Having joined the accommodation platform as a Host five years ago, Dawes transformed the downstairs of her residence in Alstonville, NSW into a welcoming destination for travellers from around the world to call home during their time in the Northern Rivers. Dawes goes above and beyond to make her guests feel as welcome as possible — from providing fresh flowers, herbs and eggs from her property for guests to enjoy during their stay, to stocking local produce that showcases the best of the region. We sat down with the official host with the most to chat about her hosting journey, what she loves about it and her tips and tricks for beginners. What do you do to ensure an outstanding experience for your guests? Hosting for me is about putting everything into a stay that I would want to experience on my travels. For me it's all in the detail — greeting your guests is always a nice way to welcome them and answer any questions they might have before they settle in. I think wanting to give your guests the very best experience you can, in every way, is the making of a good Host. I supply a book full of my local recommendations for cafes, restaurants and places of interest — such as galleries, shops, walks and beaches. I think this is a valuable resource, especially if your guest isn't familiar with the area. Hopefully this directs them to a wonderful experience. To ensure an outstanding experience I think it's most important to have your place sparkling clean from top to bottom. Added extras like spare pillows, blankets and towels — things that make your guests stay that little bit more comfortable — also help. I supply local products to showcase our region's wonderful offerings, such as a fresh loaf of sourdough from Harvest in Newrybar, Brookfarm muesli and Byron Bay Cookies. I also like to place fresh flowers and herbs from my garden and fresh eggs from my hens as a special touch. Guests are also welcome to collect eggs and harvest their own vegetables, herbs or fruits from my garden to use during their stay. What inspired you to offer local ingredients for breakfast? When I'm travelling, it's about escaping my daily routine. Sitting on a deck and having breakfast with coffee is one of my favourite ways to start the day before exploring the local area. This is what I want my guests to experience. I take pride in using fresh eggs from my hens and homegrown seasonal produce from my garden. What's something you wish you knew when you started hosting? When I started hosting, I didn't have many people to talk to about tips and tricks for Hosts until I found the Airbnb Community online forum where a large range of subjects are covered. Now it's my go-to if I ever need advice from other Hosts and the Airbnb team. What do you find rewarding about hosting? I love that I get to meet all sorts of people from different countries, backgrounds and professions, and to hear their stories and help them in any way I can to make them feel welcomed, relaxed and taken care of. Creating magical moments with my guests for their loved ones is pretty special, even with such a small part I play in setting up the flowers, food or secret surprises is always a joy. What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a Host? What are some good ways to get started? I think when you start out as a Host, creating a routine around preparations and having an area to store equipment for your listing is helpful. Respond to guests' enquiries as quickly as possible. Also, provide clear instructions on check-in times, directions to your place and a contact number. What are some of the benefits of hosting? What has hosting allowed you to do? I run a 14-acre property with vegetable gardens, an orchard and chooks among some of the day-to-day jobs. Becoming a Host has not only allowed me to earn an income from my property, but it has also given me the freedom and flexibility to continue my work on the land without being committed to a 9-to-5 job elsewhere. Want to begin your own hosting journey with Airbnb? If you're feeling inspired, head to the website to find out how to get started. 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.
Whether you're looking for an excuse to visit this year's Ramadan Night markets, or are simply seeking out the best of the best to build your itinerary before you go, you've come to the correct place. Running from Saturday, March 9-April 8, Lakemba's vibrant celebration of food and culture has returned, open from 6pm to 3am every Thursday to Sunday. These month-long markets take over Haldon Street to honour the Islamic month of Ramadan, providing sustenance and a sense of community for participants while they break their daily fast (something to keep in mind when visiting), as well as providing the rest of the community with platefuls of reasons to head along. Solidifying itself as an annual institution within the community, the markets breathe life into the local haunts of the suburb with food that you'll be craving all year round. If you are looking to test the waters with different cuisines, this is the perfect place to do so. Each stall features a particular cuisine, with the selection ranging from familiar crowd-pleasers like Lebanese and Indian dishes to lesser known gems like the Pakistani, Syrian and Burmese options on offer. As a local, I've collated a range of helpful tips — as well as a selection of the top stalls to add to your hit list — to ensure a successful haul of top-tier dishes. Our recommendation: dive in headfirst and you'll be pleasantly surprised. The Headliners To start the night with a bang, hit up the stars of the show. These must-visit stalls range from mains to snacks and desserts to local sips. Looking for dessert and a show? Secure a slice of knafeh from Yummy Yummy Knafeh or Al Fayhaa Nablous Knafeh. The delicious Middle Eastern dessert is a must-try, with cheese as the main ingredient — so you are guaranteed to enjoy the perfect cheese pull — combined with a topping of pistachios and a dousing of rose water sugar syrup. For a creamy dessert, Syrian ice cream from Bakdash Ice Cream is a cold treat that'll sit lighter in the stomach. Or you can opt for decadent strawberry chocolate pots from Sugar House Waffles. For heftier dishes, sink your teeth into a freshly-made burger from Broaster Chicken, the Chicken Tikka burger from Adda Kebab & Spicy Chicken (a personal favourite of mine), or opt for the Ramadan-special camel burger if you're feeling adventurous. Unfortunately, the two limited edition burgs are only available annually — so make the most of this rare treat. If you are not on the burger train just yet, head over to Deccan Flavours or Desi Hub for a Chicken Tikka box fresh off the grill. Each box includes naan, juicy chicken pieces fresh off the grill, creamy mint sauce to accompany and a side of salad. Then there's Shahi Dastarkhwan where the chicken curry wraps are the main event. Packed full of flavour and encased in light, pillowy bread, these wraps are also an annual go-to. At the stall, you'll find four flavours of curries to try, including the Hariyali chicken covered in a minty marinade (green), chicken cooked in coconut cream (white), 'Majestic chicken' — a blend of turmeric and other spices (yellow), and the classic Chicken 65 (red). For a palate cleanser, try the refreshing lemonade from a small lemonade stand with a humble setup called Fresh Lemonade (situated next to the Commonwealth Bank). There is an expansive array of flavours on offer here, including the crowd-favourite classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade and mint lemonade — all of which contain fresh fruit. You'll also find a new-and-improved set of offerings, from Turkish lavashak and Italian cannoli to camel milk hot chocolate. The Culture Vulture For those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the night markets, opt for a coffee hit with a shot of Arabic coffee. This is also available at the Yummy Yummy Knafeh stand, so you can pair it with a slice of knafeh for the full experience. This intense blend is reminiscent of a long black — and is not for the weak — so we highly recommend sipping. Keen to avoid coffee after hours? Head to The Nawabz or Adda Kebab & Spicy Chicken for the rose-flavoured Kashmiri Chai (dubbed the 'pink drink') and stay for a snack. The Nawabz stall also offers gol guppas (thin, round shells filled with curried chickpeas), which are a bite-sized delight accompanied by a tangy liquid spice mixture to dip the balls into — a treat that you'll also be able to find at the Desi Paikari Bazar stall. For a creamier drink comparable to a thick white hot chocolate, opt for the Sahlab next to the King Crepe stand. Much like a warm milk pudding, this Middle-Eastern drink is the perfect selection to warm you up on a cooler night. Comfort Classics If You Don't Intend to Venture Too Far For visitors who don't want to venture too far outside their usual takeaway favourites, you can grab chicken fajitas from Fajita King; dutch pancakes, chocolate-covered dessert sticks and crepes from King Crepe; chips on a stick — the best being from Al Fayhaa Chicken; and manoush (Lebanese pizza) from Traboulsi Bakery and Al Fayhaa Bakery. Tips and Tricks to Keep You Ahead of the Game Hankering for some extra insight? I'm going to share some insider tips with you. First and foremost, be sure to take cash. Many businesses only accept cash, while the majority have a preference for it. Peak times tend to be from 7pm-10pm if you're looking to avoid the crowds but keep in mind that you run the risk of stalls not being fully set up if you arrive earlier. Of course, the risk of visiting later in the night means items could be sold out completely — disastrous! Hitting up the markets in groups or with reusable bags is also highly recommended. There are plenty of stalls to explore and you'll need your hands to either hold your loot or post those money shots on social media — many businesses are happy to put on a show for you if you do. Searching for parking is a difficult feat, so public transport will be your best bet. There are shuttle buses available from Roselands and Campsie from 6:30pm to 12:30am for those in the neighbouring suburbs. Plus, Lakemba's train station is less than a minute from all of the action. Finally, many of the businesses are now also available on UberEats for those residing nearby. Keep in mind, though, that many of the popular dishes are stall specials and are only available at the markets. The 2024 Ramadan Night Markets will take over Lakemba from 6pm-3am every Thursday to Sunday from Saturday, March 9 until Monday, April 8. To stay up-to-date or for additional information, head to the event's page on the CBCity website.
If you know anything about the golden era of Hollywood, then you'll have heard of Edith Head. Today celebrated as the single most significant costume designer in the history of cinema, she spent nearly 50 years working at Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios, dressing the stars and starlets of the era in nearly 1000 movies. She also holds the records for the most Academy Awards won by a woman (eight, by the way — no big deal). The Costume Designer exhibition at Bendigo Art gallery draws from the archives of Paramount, the Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design and private collections, collating over 70 costumes designed by Head from the 1930s to the 1960s. You'll see designs from classic films like Vertigo and Sunset Boulevard and costumes worn by iconic performers including Veronica Lake, Gloria Swanson, Olivia De Havilland, Dorothy Lamour, Jane Russell, Hedy Lamarr, Fred Astaire and Yul Brynner. Costume lovers should definitely make the trip for this rare opportunity to see these seldom-displayed designs. Image: Edith Head and Hollywood, 2017, installation view, courtesy Bendigo Art Gallery.
The Darlinghurst end of Oxford Street is known for a few things, but most arguably this strip of Sydney is famous for all things queer. Fabulous drag queens tottering into Stonewall and the rainbow pedestrian behind Taylor Square. And, of course, Mardi Gras. Also in this colourful corner of Sydney, you'll find The Bookshop Darlinghurst: a specialty store dedicated to LGBTQI+ literature and film. You may well have passed this little shopfront before, with the rainbow flag or a saucy book cover catching your eye. It's been around for over 35 years and has played an integral role in Sydney's queer community and culture. The Bookshop is jam-packed, stocking everything from books to calendars, magazines and DVDs. Whether you're here for the Priscilla Queen of The Desert DVD, some erotica, a calendar or a good read — Call Me by Your Name, Holding the Man and Benjamin Law's recent Growing Up Queer in Australia, for example — this bookshop's got it all.
There's a certain magic about paints and canvas — whether it conjures nostalgic memories of pre-school afternoons or more recent artistic attempts at boozy adult art classes. For those who want to give their masterpiece another crack, head straight for Tilly's Art & Print. Stocked with oils, markers, paper, and pencils a plenty, this inner west institution is a must-see for aspiring artists. Whether you're looking to craft your own handmade cards or perhaps give that creative side-hustle a go, a wander through these aisles are bound to leave you inspired.
Set on the bustling high street of Military Road, Constant Reader has long been a fixture of the Mosman community. One of the longest-standing independent book retailers in Sydney, Constant Reader boasts nonfiction and fiction books on just about every topic you could imagine. The store is run by enthusiastic and incredibly well-read staff, so you'll be sure to find something to lose yourself in. Or, if you're in search of the perfect gift, the team's always more than happy to suggest titles that will please even the fussiest of readers.
How do you define a classic album? Is it sales figures, popularity over time, how influential it is, or something completely indefinable? We've all got our personal favourites, but with countless great LPs throughout the history of music, at some point you need to ask the experts. Luckily, Sydney has a number of peerless record stores, all staffed by helpful and knowledgeable enthusiasts keen to share the sounds they love with you. In partnership with LEGO Art, which has paid tribute to The Beatles' The White Album in its latest range, we spoke with five record store owners about the albums that make them tick and what, in their own personal view, makes a record worthy of the term 'classic'. Read on to find out what made the cut. BEATDISC RECORDS: 'DOUBT SEEDS' Parramatta institution Beatdisc Records will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary, and owner Pete Curnovic is keeping it local with his classic album selection: Doubt Seeds, the swansong LP from Sydney alternative rockers Bluebottle Kiss. "They knew it was their final album so they went all out," he tells us. "It was all recorded analogue in Leichhardt and it's never been pressed on vinyl." Curnovic says the band's foray into experimentation and improvisation is why it's topped his personal list, as well as the memorable show at Manning Bar around the time of the album's release. Fourteen years since it hit the shelves, Doubt Seeds is still on Curnovic's playlist at least once a month. Find Beatdisc at Queensland Arcade, Church Street, and check out what's in store, here. [caption id="attachment_782971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] THE RECORD STORE: 'FRANCIS INFERNO ORCHESTRA PRESENTS VERANDA CULTURE' "The perfect album at one point isn't a perfect album at another point," says The Record Store's Stephan Győry. The Surry Hills store owner eventually settled on Francis Inferno Orchestra Presents Veranda Culture, a 2017 release that's as suitable for "losing your mind on the dancefloor", says Győry, as it is for "chilling out on the couch on Sunday at 3am". He says, "It's my go-to when I'm on the doof island." The Record Store continues to buy and sell new and second-hand records, as well as a range of equipment for vinyl enthusiasts. Find The Record Store at 34/277 Crown Street. Its online store has free shipping within Australia for orders over $100. [caption id="attachment_716226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] COTTONMOUTH RECORDS: 'ILL AT EASE' Cottonmouth Records' label and store boss Zach Williams firmly believes the albums you love in your formative teenage years can shape your entire musical identity, and the Enmore-based store owner picked Ill At Ease, the 1995 release from Adelaide metal mainstays The Mark Of Cain, as his classic album pick. "I was angsty and it was the most raw record I'd ever heard," says Williams, who puts much of the record's impact down to the production from hardcore punk icon Henry Rollins. Williams also played in a band that covered a handful of The Mark Of Cain tracks as a teenager, so his connection to the record runs deep. Find Cottonmouth Records at 182 Enmore Road, or visit its online store to stock up on vinyl. [caption id="attachment_736386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] REPRESSED RECORDS: 'FUN HOUSE' Fun House, the second album from The Stooges, is often held up as one of the most influential records in punk's history, and Repressed Record's Nic Warnock certainly agrees. "It drew a line to the things I like now," he says, before adding that a new live album of the band from the time has recently been released and, even though it "kind of sucks", it makes him love the record even more. "It's part of being human," he says, noting its messy recording, and the rich lineage that makes punk such an important and enthralling subculture. Find Repressed at 413 King Street, Newtown, or shop for records, books and CDs from its online store. [caption id="attachment_736384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] DESIRE BOOKS AND RECORDS: 'THE STONE ROSES' The Stone Roses' eponymous debut "oozed all the cool and swagger that had been brewing in Manchester [in the 80s] into some sort of defining crescendo," says Desire Book's & Records owner Tim Barber, who chose an album that shaped his teenage years, and celebrated the scene known as 'Madchester'. Barber says, "Pop music always moves on, very few records get remembered and even fewer become classics". But, in the eyes of many, over 30 years on, The Stones Roses has truly stood the test of time. Find Desire Books & Records at 3/3 Whistler Street, Manly. Discover more about the new LEGO Art range, here. Top image: The Record Store, Kitti Gould
With social distancing and public gathering rules in place across the country, Mother's Day is going to look a little different in 2020. While the annual celebration of mums isn't usually associated with fried chicken, KFC is, this year, bucking the trend and launching a 'mum-umental' celebration of chook. This Mother's Day weekend, KFC is slashing 25 percent off its entire menu — and delivering it to your door. So, order some finger lickin' good chook and Zoom your mum to tell her you love her (and maybe send her a gift, if you haven't already). The limited-time offer is available from select KFC stores nationwide and runs from Saturday, May 9 till midnight on Monday, May 11. To get your hands on some cheap 11 secret herbs and spices, head to Menulog's website or use the Menulog app and enter KFC4MUM at checkout. The deal is only valid when you spend $30 or more. While your food is on its way, you can meditate with KFChill, a wellness website that lets you unwind to the sound of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. Yes, it'll make you hungry. You can't road trip to the world's first drive-thru-only KFC or marry your loved at the famed chicken chain this weekend, but 25 percent off a Zinger Burger, Original Recipe Chicken and potato and gravy is sure to lift your spirits. Plus, Popcorn Chicken is a pretty good snack for when you're binging Tiger King or streaming this year's Oscar-winning flick. KFC is offering 25 percent off its entire menu via Menulog from Saturday, May 9 to 11.59pm on Monday, May 11. To order, head to the Menulog website and enter KFC4MUM at checkout. The deal is only valid for orders of $30 or more.
Summer is here, which means barbeques, beach trips, and, of course, school holidays. Sydneysiders with kids (or 'kidults') now at home are in luck, as Waterworld Central is returning for another year. Held at the Entertainment Quarter, Australia's largest inflatable waterpark is turning the school holidays into one giant, supersoaked adventure. Waterworld Central kicks off on Friday, January 9, 2026 and runs until Sunday, February 1, with sessions running from 10am to 4pm. [caption id="attachment_1046557" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe, Waterworld Central[/caption] Waterworld Central is split into several inflatable attractions. Feel the rush on the massive wave slide, and beat the heat in the winter-themed Snow World Pool. You can float the day away in the Paddle Boat Pool, or unwind and chill in the Gorilla Pool. This year's slide lineup is designed for all kinds of families and friend groups, including thrill-seekers, toddler parents, and anyone who just wants to beat the heat. [caption id="attachment_1046558" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Waterworld Central[/caption] Spectators can enter for free if they don't fancy getting wet alongside the kiddos. But for those taking the plunge, you can nab an All-Day Super Pass (all ages) for $60. Otherwise, a two-hour stint costs $40 for individuals aged five and up, while a two-hour Toddler Pass (which includes a child under five and a supervising adult) also costs $40. If you're planning a summer birthday, group outing or family holiday catch-up, Waterworld Central also offers discounted group booking rates. Think of it as the ultimate way to cool down this summer holiday, and be sure to book your tickets in advance before the sessions sell out. Book your tickets here. Lead image credit: Waterworld Central
You might not know the Mughal Empire by name, but chances are you're familiar with its legacy. The once-mighty dynasty — which ruled overlarge swathes of South Asia for over 300 years between the 16th and 19th centuries, stretching at its peak from the Bay of Bengal to western Afghanistan — was one of the region's most influential, implementing a reformist agenda that touched many areas of life, including centralised government, the rise of Urdu and the construction of iconic monuments including the Taj Mahal. The Mughals were also responsible for introducing new foods and spices to the region, leading to the creation of enduringly popular dishes like biryani, korma and chicken tikka, among others. It's this rich legacy that's being drawn upon at Cleveland Street newcomer Nawabi. Located right around the corner from Wunderlich Lane, the cosy spot leans heavily into the regal traditions of Mughlai cuisine, with a menu inspired by the opulent banquets enjoyed by Mughal emperors and nobility, and recipes that have been passed down over centuries. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by rich, warm tones and the heady aroma wafting from the tandoor. On the menu, you'll find well-executed takes on classics — think: a range of full-flavoured biryani and rice dishes, sizzling seekh kebabs, and a variety of proteins cooked in the tandoor as well as in traditional Mughal woks, with dishes that make full use of ground and whole spices. You can pair your meal with a tandoor-fired naan or paratha, or a lesser-seen sheermal, a sweet, soft, saffron-accented flatbread made with milk. It wasn't just the spices that the Mughals brought to the table — they also knew how to end a meal on a high. At Nawabi, you can finish your feast with time-honoured Mughlai desserts, including gulab jamun, falooda and pistachio or mango kulfi. You can also go for a hearty ras malai, in which soft cottage cheese is soaked in saffron-infused milk and topped with pistachios and almonds. You might be feasting like royalty but you won't need the bank balance of a king to dine at Nawabi — aside from share platters, nothing on the menu is more than $30. If you're with a group, you can go for one of the generous banquet menus, which start at $59 per head and feature a broad spread of the restaurant's signature dishes. Plus, Nawabi offers free BYO, as well as zero corkage for its opening period. Nawabi is now open Tuesday–Sunday, from 5–10pm, at 351–353 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. For more information, head to the venue's website.
It's no secret that Sydney is home to some amazing bars, breweries and pubs. There's nothing better than sitting back in your favourite spot, with your favourite drink and getting stuck in with your best mates. And there's nothing worse than getting hungry and realising you'll need to give up your table in search for a feed elsewhere. But, while most of our top bar picks don't have kitchens, it turns out some of them allow patrons to bring in any food they fancy. So, we've teamed up with DoorDash to bring you some excellent spots around the city where you can settle in with a schooner in one hand and a snack in the other.
George A Romero has been called "the father of the zombie film". The late, great director — the creative force who helped usher in a horde of shuffling undead-focused movies thanks to his iconic and influential Night of the Living Dead in 1968 — is also the father of a new zombie flick-loving filmmaker. When you're the daughter of the man who is also responsible for Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Land of the Dead, Diary of the Dead and Survival of the Dead, and you're making your directorial debut, adding a new addition to the horror genre clearly just comes naturally. Tina Romero's Queens of the Dead is a horror-comedy about a Brooklyn warehouse drag party that gets overrun by a zombie outbreak. It's also the opening-night film at Sydney Underground Film Festival for 2025. That's how the event is kicking off its 19th year — with gore, glitter, and the no-longer-living terrorising the dance floor and eating flesh — with SUFF screening at Dendy Newtown from Thursday, September 11–Sunday, September 14. One year out from celebrating its next huge milestone, 2025's ode to wild, weird, wonderful, surreal and sublime cinema has anniversaries on the brain already. Marking 45 years of Xanadu is one big highlight, complete with a disco-themed afterparty at Bootleggers after the screening. Or, you can catch a 30th-anniversary session of Steve Buscemi (Wednesday)- and Catherine Keener (Joker: Folie à Deux)-starring indie comedy Living in Oblivion instead. Still on blasts from the past, SUFF is also heading back to the 80s with cult-classic UHF, where Weird Al Yankovic (The Naked Gun) plays a man who finds himself becoming the manager of a low-budget television station. You won't just be watching and hearing the picture, either — you'll also be smelling an array of scents due to the return of SUFF's scratch 'n' sniff experience, complete with cards giving you the full sensory treatment. Courtesy of the rest of the program, when audiences aren't checking into Japanese horror Tokyo Evil Hotel, catching Cheech & Chong's Last Movie or charting Butthole Surfers' career in documentary Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth and Nothing But, then everything from Ebony and Ivory from An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn and The Greasy Strangler's Jim Hosking to dark comedy Snatchers and exploitation horror Pater Noster and the Mission of Light awaits. Plus, among SUFF's 2025 documentaries, Coexistence, My Ass! focuses on Israeli Persian actor-turned-activist/comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi, Yellow House Afghanistan explores life under Taliban rule, The Life and Films of Andy Milligan pays tribute to its filmmaking namesake, the Iggy Pop-narrated Exorcismo dives into Spain's "Clasificada S" cinema and Occupy Cannes is all about Troma's efforts at one of the world's most-prestigious film festivals. When it wraps up for this year, the festival is closing with the 16mm-shot Fucktoys, which takes inspiration from tarot's Major Arcana cards as it follows a hustler seeking salvation.
Six String is the first craft brewery built on the Central Coast and their beer is an ever popular facet of Sydney bottle shops and craft venues for good reason — its core range is all award-winning, which includes the Coastie, golden ale, pale ale and dark red IPA — all of which you can, and should, try at the tasting bar. The best reason to visit, though, is for the seasonal releases, many of which you can only try in Erina. They'll sort you with pop-up restaurants and food trucks as well, so you can keep your hanger at bay and enjoy the beery fruits of the Six String labour.
Every small town needs a touch of higher-end fashion, and this boutique definitely meets that niche for Cronulla. On the quieter side of Surf Street, Meet That Store has a chic aesthetic that ensures it isn't crowded with racks and racks of clothing. Instead, you'll find carefully chosen pieces with the demographic of the beachside locals in mind. With every item of clothing on the rack, there is a selection of matching accessories to go with it. If you have a special occasion coming up, Meet That Store is definitely your one-stop shop to look and feel a million dollars. Images: Caitlin Morahan.
There's an intrinsic connection between emerging bands and pubs. The neighbourhood pub is a testing ground; the crucible where garage bands find out whether they've got what it takes to make it in front of a crowd. Who better to help these local legends get their start in the live performing world than Rolling Stone? A household name in music. Rolling Stone AU/NZ has teamed up with Keno for Local Legends, a multi-state gig series that pairs up-and-coming bands with great pubs. There are two gigs going down in May: the first at the Stock Exchange Hotel in Brisbane on Saturday, May 24, and the second at Hotel Steyne in Sydney on Saturday, May 31. Both events are free, with doors opening at 4pm before you wrap your ears around of a lineup of tunes from bands from all over Australia. When the series comes to Manly's The Steyne, get in early for the 5pm opener — indie rock group MARVELL has been selling out shows and sharing stages with the likes of Lime Cordiale and The Grogans, so you won't want to miss it. Things will chill a bit from 6pm, with an acoustic-style set from local indie pop star Charli Lucas and Central Coast-born pop artist Molly Millington. The 7.15 support act will bring the energy back up as New Zealand pop rock trio BORDERLINE take the stage. Having debuted in 2023, BORDERLINE brings a sound that takes inspiration from The 1975 and Coldplay, with pop tunes that often spin into rock and funk territory through their discography. Then the headline act, Melbourne-based pop trio Blusher, will close the night with high-energy sounds that fit right in with A-listers like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. But unlike seething crowds and pricey tickets to see those two, Rolling Stone Local Legends is free entry, so you've got no reason not to check it out. Rolling Stone Local Legends will take place at Hotel Steyne on Saturday, May 31, from 4pm. For more information, visit the Rolling Stone website. Gamble Responsibly. Think! About your choices. Help is close at hand. Call Gambler's Help, ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Service or GambleAware 1800 858 858 gambleaware.nsw.gov.au or www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Whether you're treating yourself to a staycation or travelling further afield, no one likes going on holiday without their four-legged best friend. That adorable pooch isn't just your trusty companion at home, but in general — and, as every dog lover knows, those barking cuties like doing everything you do (and 100-percent think they can, too). At QT Hotels & Resorts across Australia and New Zealand, your dog can now come for a luxurious sleepover with you, with the chain going pet-friendly. Book yourself and your pupper in for a night, and you won't be the only one ordering off the dine-in menu or scoping out the mini-bar, either. Now on offer at all of QT's sites, the chain's Pup Yeah! fur-friendly stays include a night's accommodation for you and your doggo, an in-room menu specifically for woofers, a pooch-friendly mini bar offering and designer canine bedding. The doggy food range is overseen by the brand's head of treats — Nic Wood in Australia and Jiwon Do in NZ — and includes steak tartare with raw beef, mushrooms and egg yolk; bone marrow risotto with bone broth and crispy pigs ears; and chicken livers and pork necks on wholemeal toast with chicken gravy. Fancy a pupper dessert? There's also a bacon ice cream sandwich, made from bacon ice cream, dried liver and oat biscuits. If your canine has dietary requirements, QT also has appropriate options thanks to Eden Bondi — including vegetable terrine, sweet potato meatballs, and pupcakes with watermelon. And, in the mini-bar, there are also treats from pet bakery Woof Gateau for Aussie dogs, while NZ pooches can snack on bites from Wellington dog bakery Smack Bang. Bedding-wise, in Australia your pupper will be reclining in comfort thanks to a Nice Digs sleep set — and Wolves of Wellington is doing the honours in NZ. Some QT sites are even doing dog treatments at their onsite spas, such as pedicures, mud masks and blow dries. If you're now thinking of planning an indulgent getaway with your pooch, you'll just need to make sure it weighs less than 20 kilograms. Packages start at $450 per night, which includes bedding, a water bowl and a dish for your doggo from the in-room menu. For more information about QT Hotels & Resorts' Pup Yeah! dog sleepovers — and to book a stay — visit the chain's website.
When a movie premieres at the Cannes Film Festival, the literal applause it receives makes headlines. It happens every year — and at fellow major international film fests such as Berlin and Venice, too — with reports detailing the number of minutes that the audience put their hands together for while on their feet. Back in May 2024, The Apprentice was no different. While the time spent clapping varied depending on the source, this was still a story. But there was also another tale that followed swiftly after the feature's debut, as it was likely always bound to: the response from its subject to this unofficial biopic, or at least from his campaign, including a cease-and-desist letter attempting to stop anyone else from seeing it. The Apprentice's title tells everyone the who and the why of this situation. Before he was America's 45th president, Donald Trump spent over a decade hosting the reality-TV series that shares its moniker with Ali Abbasi's new film. This isn't a chronicle of Trump's time on the show, or in the Oval Office afterwards, however. It isn't just an unsanctioned big-screen Trump biography, either. Making his first English-language feature after 2016 Danish horror film Shelley, the Oscar-submitted 2018 Swedish standout Border and 2022's Persian-language serial-killer thriller Holy Spider, Copenhagen-based Iranian Danish filmmaker Abbasi also doesn't simply step through Trump's origin story in the 70s and 80s — although it chronicles his start in real estate, his relationship with his father and his marriage to Ivana. The movie's pitch-perfect name hones in on the most-crucial element of the picture: that this is a portrait of chasing power seen through a mentor-protege relationship. Trump is the apprentice. His guide: New York City attorney and political fixer Roy Cohn, who first came to fame in the 50s investigating suspected Communists with Senator Joseph McCarthy. Abbasi digs into how Cohn helped shape Trump, including the three rules of winning passed down from the former to the latter. Those tenets: first, attack, attack, attack. Then, admit nothing and deny everything. And lastly, claim victory while never ever admitting defeat. It's impossible to watch these rules outlined in The Apprentice — or even read them on the page — and not spot how they still dictate Trump's actions today. That's one of the film's many astute moves. Another: casting Sebastian Stan (Dumb Money), who gives one of his two phenomenal performances for 2024 alongside A Different Man, as Donald Trump. Seeing him anchor the familiar Trump mannerisms, speech patterns, talking points and attitudes — details that anyone who has even just spotted the IRL figure on the news across his political career in passing will instantly recognise — in the younger version of the man, an iteration brought to the screen with complexity, is both haunting and uncanny. Equally exceptional: a can't-look-away Jeremy Strong in his first post-Succession part as Cohn, in another of the film's performances that demands awards attention. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Oscar-nominee and Bodies Bodies Bodies star Maria Bakalova also leaves an impression as Ivana. And Abbasi remains one of the most-exciting directors working today in every choice that he makes throughout The Apprentice, including deploying a visual approach that scrapes away any gleam from his take on Trump at every moment. "I think we've been quite restrained," Abbasi tells Concrete Playground about the movie, talking about the instant backlash and the complicated response he knows it will continued to receive. "If we wanted to be controversial, we have ample, ample opportunities to be so." We also chatted with the director about the quest to get the film made and seen, building a portrait of someone that everyone in the world has an opinion of, why he wanted to bring this tale to the screen, getting Stan onboard, and the importance of diving into Trump and Cohn's relationship. On the Diverse Responses to the Film's Premiere, Including the Cannes Standing Ovation and the Trump Campaign's Reaction "It's sort of the same in a way. What do they say, you have to grab a compliment whenever, wherever you find it, whichever way you find it, in whatever form you find it? I think if the Trump campaign thinks that this is the worst — they have an actually really funny formulation, they're saying this is 'pure fictionalised trash'. And I'm like, that's a very general sentence you can basically write in the beginning of every feature film. It's pure fictionalised trash — that's a punk-rock way of saying 'this is the movie'. And look, I think we've been quite restrained. I think this is a quite a restrained movie. I do not understand where people talk about controversy, controversial. If we wanted to be controversial, we have ample, ample opportunities to be so and to do so, and include stuff. I mean, with this guy, the sky is the limit, right. And therefore it's a little bit difficult for me to understand. Of course, we're the underdogs in this game. We just want to get the movie released. So any help, any publicity is appreciated. I don't mind. But on the intellectual level, when people talk about this as being controversial, provocative and the Trump campaign bashing us, I'm like 'have you actually seen the movie? You know, you come out, I would say, much better than you might have'." On Building a Complex, Three-Dimensional Portrait of Someone That Everyone in the World Has an Opinion Of "There's this fable about this father and son, and they have this donkey and they want to go over a river or something like that. They try one way and then someone comes and says 'no, no you can't tie the donkey like that. You have to do it upside down'. And they do it upside down and they say 'no, no, it if you do it upside down, it's going to drown and die in water. You have to do it from the side'. And anyway, it ends up that the donkey goes in the water anyway and drowns. It's a little bit like this movie. It's impossible to get that balance because everyone has an opinion about this donkey. And especially, I think, I really see this acutely in the US. Because I feel like it's impossible, almost, for the Americans — at least, for the critics — to see this as a movie. They either hate the idea of a Trump movie or they think it's not enough — or they think there's nothing new about him that they couldn't read about. So it's a vicious cycle. It feeds itself. And in in reality, I think the only balance that matters is the balance of three dimensionality of character and the authenticity of character. Do I deeply care if we hurt Donald Trump? No, I don't give a fuck, you know. He doesn't care. Why would I care? But I do care about what I feel is fairness. I don't want us to either work for him or work against him. Everyone has different agendas around him and around this sort of political minefield we're living in, and I'm this one guy who actually does not have an agenda either way for against. My agenda is a humanist agenda. I think it's interesting to investigate these people, and the time and the political apparatuses which they're part of." On What Appealed About Bringing This Story to the Screen After Abbasi's Past Films Shelley, Border and Holy Spider "I think what was exciting about this project was the fact that it it's not an American movie — it's about America. And as someone who grew up in Iran, I have this really special relationship to America. I mean, Iran was an American colony until 79. And then after that, we became the archenemy and America became the great satan. And we had this very tense relationship. I think that if you grow up in the Middle East, you have a different view of American politics. You don't really see the difference between Democrats and Republicans in the same way. The outcome is the same. The outcome would end up being a bomb on your head anyway. So I think this this sort of tension and fascination got me curious about American politics, obviously, and the American political system, and this social Darwinism that sort of runs through a lot of things in in American society — this sportifying of everything, so to speak. Even the debates, I don't know if anyone can come up with any single substantive point from the last Trump-versus-Harris debate, but everyone was like 'who won? By what margin did they win?'. But I think there's also something more, there is another complexity in in this story — it's not a Trump movie. It's about this very formative relationship, which Trump is obviously part of. But it's also equally about Roy Cohn, who's as colourful character and as exciting a character, and not as in plain sight as Trump is. And how through this relationship, Trump becomes the person he is. In that way, again, it's also my chance of studying or investigating the system they're operating." On Finding the Right Actor to Play Donald Trump — and Getting Sebastian Stan Onboard "I think for me, casting is like 80 percent of my job. That's also why I am really, really picky and it takes very long time for me to cast my movies, because really once you cast someone, there is not a whole lot you can do about that choice on set either way. And I meant this in a sincere way. It's not a criticism, it's not a problem, but it's something — it's a commitment, I guess. That's a good way of putting it. And that commitment was something that Sebastian definitely paid to this. We start talking about this 2019. And then movie evolved and fell apart few times. It fell apart right after January 6, I remember, as an example of the times. And I think in a way, it is a difficult part to prepare for — not only on a technical level, not only in terms of research and all that, but also mentally. I think I went through a version of this with Holy Spider myself. I was like, the movie itself is one thing, the consequences of making the movie is something else. So I had to mentally prepare to do Holy Spider for many years before I actually made it. I think it's the same for Sebastian. I think maybe the one good thing that came out of all these years of waiting and rebuilding the project was he had time to mentally prepare for the fact that he is doing this person who's extremely polarising — and the aftermath, which is also going to be polarising — and it hasn't even started yet. I think we're going to see the real reactions when the movie comes out. It's different for me. I'm an outsider to this political system, to the US. I can't say I'm an outsider to Hollywood anymore, because now I'm part of it. But I have a sort of a safety distance. If everything goes wrong, if shit hits the fan, I'm still in Copenhagen — and that's not the case for Sebastian. That's not the case for Amy [executive producer Baer, Purple Hearts] and Gabe [screenwriter Gabriel Sherman, Alaska Daily], who started the project. These are people who are taking real risks with this. As much as I don't understand the controversiality and the risk of it, I do know that I'm not the audience. I'm not the masses — that would be seen very differently." On The Apprentice Living Up to Its Name by Unpacking Roy Cohn's Influence on Donald Trump "It's a little bit of a Frankenstein story in a way, like how the monster is created by the master. But in that case, I think politically speaking, I think it's very wrong to refer to Donald as a monster. Because that would also imply that there's a monster in town and there are some other innocent people who are not. And in fact, that's really not the case. I think anything that the opponents are accusing Trump of doing, they have done themselves in some degree, one way or the other. The argument is here is not that 'oh, there are some fine people on both sides' or everything is relative. I don't think it's relative. I think there's some stuff, like when he comes and says 'people are eating dogs', that's a despicable, stupid, racist, fascist thing to say. That's not relative. That's black and white. But in terms of the dynamics of it, back to Roy Cohn, I think that in the movie as in reality, he had an outsized influence on how Donald became the person he is, and how he learned to navigate and pull the levers of power. And also, most importantly, maybe, how to deal with media. Once you know the rules, you can see how he's on a daily basis using those rules. And there's something interesting about these characters, because in a way, they are pretty punk rock. Punk rock is not something you associate with the right that much — mostly anarchist leftwing, that vibe of it. But when you look at these people, they do what the fuck they want. They establish rules. They tear the rule book. They're colourful. They don't care. And I think that maybe in terms of mentality, that was maybe also a big contribution from Roy. You know, you don't have to give a shit about people. If you say something wrong in an interview, double down, triple down, quadruple down. Who cares? Fuck them, you know?" The Apprentice opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 11, 2024.
Charles and Ray Eames had a bit of a backwards Lannister twins problem. Everyone thought they were siblings. Both were famous for their innovative design work, but people who hadn't met them would just go on ahead and assume they were brothers. They weren't. They were husband and wife. Nowadays they're often best remembered for designing chairs. They did, for sure, make some wonderful chairs. But it wasn't just furniture where they excelled. The Eames office designed almost everything. The Eameses' work was so either ahead of its time or so timeless that lots of its products are familiar objects today. The Eameses' grandson, Eames Demetrios, is about to make a brief visit to Sydney at both the Sydney Film Festival and for Vivid Ideas to talk about both his grandparents' work and his own. To help you get your head around the breadth of their combined output, we've assembled just a few examples of the family's pioneering work. Chairs The Eameses spent over a decade experimenting with shaping wood. They'd invented a surprisingly striking splint out of moulded plywood for the US army during the Second World War. When they'd moved into their new apartment in 1941, their idea of fun was to squeeze a plywood moulding machine into their spare bedroom. They'd made it themselves out of scrap wood and a bicycle-driven pump and called it 'Kazam!'. They took turns riding the bike. After the war they moved to a real studio at 901 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in LA and stayed there for the rest of their working lives, still working with plywood. One of the products of their iterative wood obsession, in 1956, was the Lounge Chair and Ottoman. The lounge was designed for furniture company Herman Miller. While the lounge chair still looks pretty space age, their Molded Plywood Chairs (below) are much more familiar. The Eameses' work in chairs went on to be so successful that today these pieces just seem, well, normal. The SFF Hub plans to have a bunch of these Herman Miller chairs on display over the duration of the festival. The Eames' Lounge Chair and Ottoman will be there, as will the Moulded Plywoods and a new version of the classic Shell Chair. You can place an order for a chair online, though, it should be noted that the price is usually where these chairs' similarity to school chairs suddenly ends. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0 The Long Zoom The beginning of Contact does it, as does the end of Men in Black: the almost-infinite, long zoom across the universe has been a movie staple since the '90s. The shot was pioneered by the Eameses in their 1977 film Powers of Ten, which ostensibly explored the geographic power of adding and subtracting a zero to long numbers. As the film whips out from the Chicago lakeside into the depths of space, and back again, its effortless play with scale and relentless zoom whip you into a exponential sense of pleasant disbelief. Charles Eames had done some film work, though Hollywood didn't end up being his thing. But, about the time George Lucas had the predecessor to ILM filming their Death Star in a parking lot — and well before computer-based special effects — the Eameses were polishing off a nine-minute tracking shot that traversed the known universe. Eames Demetrios will be presenting Powers of Ten alongside a selection of his grandparents' extensive corpus of short films at Eames on Eames, including Design Q&A ("known to specialists") and Music of the Fifties ("just never seen" and "fascinating because it is, in many ways, the beginning of the music video"), not to mention a restored version of the multiscreen Glimpses of the USA. Multiscreen In an age where lining up multiple screens is about as hard as putting two phones side by side, it's hard to imagine how big a deal it was to see a multiscreen image. During the cold war, the USA put on an American trade exhibition in a Moscow park, which would later become famous for the 1959 Kitchen Debate between then Vice-President Nixon and the Soviet leader, Premier Khrushchev. Not too far away from this culinary power centre, the Eameses had been commissioned to make "a major propaganda exercise designed to inject the elixir of consumerism into the heart of the Soviet empire". So they made a film. Glimpses of the USA was a massive array of seven screens designed to overwhelm Muscovites with the breadth of experience in American life. Seven landscapes, seven cityscapes or seven people popped across the screen, in quick succession. It was designed to dazzle: and it worked. Apparently, the final sequence was so powerful it brought tears to even Nikita Khrushchev's hardened eyes. Interactive Museum Exhibitions Interactivity doesn't give you bragging rights at museums these days. But in 1975, though computers had come a long way since the President of IBM ostensibly said "I think there is a world market for about five computers," they were still pretty much unheard of for the museum experience. Ray and Charles Eames put together a concept film for a makeover of New York's gargantuan Metropolitan Museum. They laid out a vision of a connected experience, where visitors could call up their favourite artwork on a computer and its display would automatically show them related items from the collection. Back then, this vision didn't wash. Reports from 1977 talk about electronic controversy: "concerns about an art museum weakening its raison d'etre by activities not concerned with the experience of original art but, instead, films, facsimiles and electronic gadgetry." The funding was withdrawn, and the touted makeover never happened. Nowadays, this 'electronic gadgetry' is just called the Metropolitan's 'website'. Innovator in the Centre Reviewing the recent documentary, Eames: The Architect and the Painter, New York Times film critic A.O. Scott compared the Eameses' influence to Steve Jobs' for the sheer breadth of the influence their design work on our everyday lives. Scott took this comparison further, saying they were also happy to be the centre of the credit: "Like Walt Disney — and like Steve Jobs — Charles Eames did not share credit. His name alone went on the studio's products." Eames Demetrios disagrees. His counterpoint to Scott easily works through the details of his grandparents' crediting history, with the opinion that a story like Charles' alleged surprise that Deborah Sussman wanted credit for Day of the Dead is "demonstrably untrue". But he adds, "I don't think it was told in malice, because it represents an emotional truth, which is that it is a very hard to feel you are getting your due when you are living/working inside someone else's worldview — especially a powerful one like the Eameses." In the absence of space for his full reply here, Demetrios points to the chapter '901 Culture' in his book An Eames Primer for more detail. A Virtual World Eames Demetrios' films started out relatively tame. Common Knowledge presaged the production method of local film 52 Tuesdays, by giving a documentary portrait of dozens of people every few weeks for a year in 1988, but he "kept thinking it would be really amazing to be able to visit a story physically. To create a parallel world that people could visit." Demetrios created the virtual world of Kcymaerxthaere, a story whose locations have leeched across out of fiction and into the physical world. "It is kind of like a novel with every page in a different place," he says. "Most of the installations are markers (in bronze or stone) that tell a piece of the story." Since 2003, the project has installed 99 sites across 22 countries. There are ten in Australia. He has aspirations to install one in the Red Centre but is open to suggestions from Sydneysiders about a site closer to home. "The key is that we need permission to install the marker permanently (or for at least 99 years)," he adds. Sydneysiders can take a turn at interpreting this world at Storytelling to Generate Fresh Perspectives at Vivid on Sunday, June 7. Eames will be telling some stories from Kcymaerxthaere, after which participants will be invited to make their own "disputed likenesses" (images based on the stories) on postcards to be sent off to previous participants. Local participants will get postcards from other workshops before too long. Melburnians can check out a Kcymaerxthaere exhibition opening at Pure and General from June 11. Good design is good hosting is good grandparenting Charles Eames saw the designer as a host, focused on getting the details right for the recipient of whatever thing he was designing. This need to design "to the need" is pervasive in the Eameses' work and its cultural spread is echoed in modern tech firms' ambitions to sweat the details. It's the same sort of obsession with details at the heart of the story of Steve Jobs anxiously calling Vic Gundotura to tweak the yellow in a Google logo. "Charles and Ray are far more famous today than they were in their lifetimes," says Demetrios. "The notion of a rockstar designer did not exist then." Their legacy is only now getting some of the mainstream attention it deserves, three years after the release of the documentary Eames: The Architect and the Painter. But it wasn't just their design skills that lasted. Their parenting and grandparenting skills kept two generations of children interested in working to preserve their legacy. Demetrios also sees time with his grandparents as the roots of his design education. "My theory is that we learned about design backwards when we were growing up — we learned all the lessons about life that we now realise were lessons about design too. Things like the fact that Charles and Ray were excellent hosts. Picnics were important; presentation was important; experience was important. "As we are older, we understand that they were teaching by example one of their key ideas: 'The role of the designer is essentially that of a good host, anticipating the needs of the guest.'" 'Interactive display' image, actually a multitouch sequencer, by Daniel Williams. The couple's grandson Eames Demetrios will be guiding audiences through a screening of some of his grandparents' short films during the Sydney Film Festival at Eames on Eames and getting a few thoughts off his chest at Vivid Ideas.
Kaldor project 31 — a tough follow-up to Marina Abramovic: In Residence — promises cutting-edge choreography from French artist Xavier Le Roy. This ambitious project will unfold in three parts at Carriageworks and will be realised through the assistance of artistic collaborator Scarlet Yu and a group of 18 Australian performers. Self Unfinished is Le Roy’s seminal solo performance, which premiered in 1998. Unlike his later projects, this work was designed for a theatre space and has received acclaim for reconfiguring the relationship between audience and performer. You can also see two sides of Temporary Title – the rehearsals and the final product. Spoiler: everyone will be in the nude for the latter. Don’t let that deter you though. This piece will be an exploration of not quite human forms, testing the boundaries between the strange and the familiar.
2021 isn't over just yet, and none of us have worked through all the new shows currently sitting in our streaming queues. Still, 2022 is already shaping up to be a huge year in television. Stranger Things will finally return, for instance, and The Crown will also unleash its new cast. Oh, and HBO will debut a little prequel to one of its biggest hits ever. Given how successful Game of Thrones proved for HBO — even after its eighth and final season caused plenty of uproar — the on-screen world inspired by George RR Martin's books was never going to simply disappear. Indeed, before GoT even finished, there was chatter about what would come next, with the network first announcing that it was considering five different prequel ideas. It then green-lit one to pilot stage, scrapped it and later decided to adapt Martin's House Targaryen-focused Fire & Blood for the small screen as a show called House of the Dragon. Next, it opted to give novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg the TV treatment, too, and to work on an animated GoT show. And, it's been reported that another three prequels are also under consideration. Of course, all of the above announcements have been happening for so long that it's easy to forget that new GoT-related fare will eventually grace the small screen — starting next year. Although an exact premiere date hasn't yet been announced, we won't merely be talking about House of the Dragon in 2022. We'll also be watching its ten-episode first season. And, thanks to the just-dropped teaser trailer for the series, we can get a glimpse of what's in store right now. HBO released a few images from the show earlier this year, but now they've gone one better. Yes, dragons are mentioned. Yes, everyone looks suitably broody. Yes, the Iron Throne shows up, because of course it does. While the trailer really is just a teaser, viewers can expect to spend more time with flame-breathing scaly creatures and the family that adores them when House of the Dragon arrives in 2022. If you thought the Targaryens were chaotic already, delving into their history — and their love of using dragons to wage wars and claim power — is certain to cement that idea. We all know what happened to the last surviving members of the family in GoT, including Daenerys and her boyfriend/nephew Jon Snow; however, House of the Dragon, like Fire & Blood, jumps back 300 years earlier. Cast- and character-wise, House of the Dragon stars Emma D'Arcy (Misbehaviour) as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first-born child of King Viserys; Matt Smith (His House) as Prince Daemon Targaryen, the King's brother; Rhys Ifans (Official Secrets) as Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King; Olivia Cooke (Pixie) as Alicent Hightower, Otto's daughter; and Steve Toussaint (It's a Sin) as Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka 'The Sea Snake', a nautical adventurer from a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. These Westerosi folk will all grace a tale that harks back to Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms — which is what started the hefty 738-page first volume in Fire & Blood's planned two-book series — and then works through the family's history from there. Aegon I created the Iron Throne, hence the returning favourite's prominence. And you don't have to be the Three-Eyed Raven to know that this tale involves plenty of GoT's staples: fighting, battles for supremacy and bloodshed. Also set to pop up on-camera: Paddy Considine (The Third Day) as King Viserys, Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon and Sonoya Mizuno (Devs) as Mysaria, Prince Daemon's paramour. Behind the scenes, Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal are acting as the series' showrunners. Sapochnik has a hefty GoT history, winning an Emmy and a Directors Guild Award for directing 'Battle of The Bastards', helming season eight's 'The Long Night', and doing the same on four other episodes. As for Condal, he co-created and oversaw recent sci-fi series Colony, and co-wrote the screenplay for the 2018 film Rampage. Check out the first teaser trailer below: House of the Dragon is due to start airing sometime in 2022 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Images: Ollie Upton/HBO.
Are you sick of the dull winter weather that has taken over our southern skies? Is your skin turning pale from the lack of Vitamin D hitting your pores? Do you want to bring back the sun, sand and sea of glorious summer? For those who, like us, answered 'hell yes' to all three, we have collated ten of the best beaches in the Northern Hemisphere that are must-see destinations for people wanting to chase summer around the globe and see some exquisite, exotic foreign places in the process. 1. Shoal Bay, Anguilla With its pinkish-white sand and stunning turquoise water, this two mile stretch of beach is not only one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean, but also the world. Despite its many villas and restaurants, this holiday destination has not yet been overrun by tourists, so you can still enjoy a relaxing day at this pristine spot before witnessing a dreamlike sunset, seemingly at the edge of the earth. 2. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands Judged the 'World’s Leading Beach' at the World Travel Awards four years in a row, you can be sure that this spectacular beach will not disappoint. Along with white sandy beaches, Grace Bay is also home to some of the richest and most beautiful coral and aquatic life in the world. Unwinding doesn’t get much better than this. 3. Paradise Beach, Philippines Living up to its name, this spot really is a traveller’s paradise. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun, sip on a coconut cocktail, munch on some delicious Filipino cuisine as you listen to the waves crashing gently on the shore whilst laying in your beach recliner. 4. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand The hype surrounding this picturesque island is not unwarranted. The looming fortress-like cliffs tower over approaching boats, and the beaches are simply beautiful. Of the two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, the former remains completely free of inhabitants and the latter totally without roads. 5. Candolim Beach, India One of the longest beaches in the state of Goa, Candolim is a stark contrast to the populated centres of bustling India. It is just south of the famous Calangute Beach, but this beach is much more serene and peaceful. Candolim is a relaxed village containing only smalls inns and hotels, and has also been home for over 12 years to an immovable beached tanker, River Princess. 6. Costa Smeralda, Italy The southern tourist island of Sardinia, off mainland Italy, plays host to some of the most alluring and secluded coves and beaches in the world. The ‘Emerald Coast’ features 80 idyllic bays with pristine beaches, many of which are only accessible by boat. This northern coastline is ensconced in the unspoiled wilderness of Sardinia’s Lisa di Vacca and contains unique panoramic views of the surrounding national parks. 7. Baska Voda, Croatia Baska Voda is a major tourist resort situated along the astonishing Makarska Riviera in Croatia’s south. Lying at the foot of the incredible mountain Biokovo, this 2km long pebbly beach is rich in olive groves and pine woods, making for an interesting and dynamic holiday destination. 8. Maspalomas Beach, Canary Islands The beach comprises of enormous wind-sculpted dunes, located just behind the mesmerising blue sea and soft sand. Divided into four regions, Maspalomas caters for all tastes. The beach offers tonnes of sports and leisure facilities as well as beach bars, restaurants and shops, and though it sits off mainland Africa it is considered the westernmost point of the Sahara Desert. 9. Makena Beach, Maui The iconic Maui Island is one of Hawaii's most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. Comprising all the qualities travellers crave in a classic Hawaiian beach holiday - surfing, volcanoes, family friendly activities, posh resorts and traditional culture - Maui encompasses the envisioned relaxing yet exciting Hawaiian vacation. Makena is considered by many to be the best stretch of sand on the island. 10. South Beach, Florida Last but certainly not least on the list, is the primary party coastal city, Miami Beach. Featured in countless movies and TV shows, this iconic strip is a must-visit location for those on the quest of following summer around the world. Miami Beach is home to myriad festivals, parties and events, including Art Basel and Winter Music Conference.
We are all well aware of the pervasive effect social media has on our lives in terms of connecting, conversing and sharing with others on an unprecedented scale. Yet there are a whole myriad of other uses that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter provide, which can have immensely positive effects. Take a look at a few valuable uses for social media sites that you probably didn't expect. 1. Mapping Infectious Diseases Graham Dodge founded a cunning website called Sickweather which ingeniously uses Facebook and Twitter updates to track infectious diseases. Unlike Google Flu Trends, which launched in 2010 and is based off people's searches, Sickweather can actually track the occurrence and locations of specific ailments. Dodge is also optimistic that through the use of event schedules, travel and weather patterns and environmental data, social media will be able to predict the spread of diseases. He has already noted pertinent trends of the spread of disease throughout America, and now hopes to win a $21,000 prize in a government-sponsored competition for a new app, which uses Twitter to warn us about public health issues. So next time you feel a cough creeping up on you, do us all a public service and tweet about it. 2. Helping the Homeless find Equality A study conducted by the University of Dayton has discovered that Facebook provides a refuge for homeless people by making them feel more equal. Everyone on Facebook is equipped with the same services and benefits, whether that be liking, commenting, messaging or uploading photos. This, and the fact that people can't smell if they didn't shower yesterday, or even know that they are homeless, which, says one of the subjects of the study, makes them feel accepted. Facebook is also important in helping them establish community networks, and helping solve practical issues such as where to find social services, a meal or shelter. 3. Tracking Public Opinion Topsy released a new political index last week called Topsy Pro Analytics whereby we can use Twitter to gauge public opinion by searching particular topics or hashtags. The complex technology delves into two years of data from Twitter feeds and is updated in real time. The mass number of results from the search not only reveal the frequency and number of tweets about a topic over time, but it also measures the tone and actual content of the tweets and who is conversing most about it. 4. Getting Your Voice Heard Thunderclap is a new site, which allows users to send out a message. Once enough people tweet it or post it on Facebook (at this stage 500 messages over 5 days) the site reaches its threshold and all the updates are sent out at once. This not only increases the chance of the message becoming a trending topic on Twitter but it also increases chances of people seeing multiple updates on Facebook and paying more attention to it. The tool could be a dream for non-profit organisations and the like to help amplify their message. 5. Educating Conservative Cultures about Sex Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are transforming the way youth consume their media, even in developing nations such as Ethiopia, Mozambique or Indonesia. Social media is also a great tool in educating young people about safe sex practices and the importance of condoms. Through Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and YouTube videos younger audiences can learn about condom use without the embarrassment of their parent's presence and remain anonymous if they wish to. Through these social media platforms it is significantly easier for youth in these lesser developed countries to access information about HIV protection and family planning and chat about sensitive issues. 6. Engaging a 3000 Student Class The thought of teaching a 3000 strong student cohort would surely be enough to plague any teacher or lecturer with terrible nightmares. But John Boyer at Virginia Tech seems to find this massive class a piece of cake. Boyer introduced a novel system of 'gaming principles' by which students can rack up points to determine their notes. On top of this, Boyer poses regular questions on Facebook and Twitter for his students to respond to and also holds office hours using instant messaging on Ustream so he can respond to his many pupils in real time. Skype is also utilised to host interviews with important figures in global issues, such as Kony2012 creator Jason Russel, or a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. 7. Sharing your Organ Donor Status Facebook has introduced a new status option in the United States and United Kingdom which allows users to proclaim their organ donor status. By openly advertising in their biographical information that one is willing to be or already is a registered organ donor, doctors and advocacy group leaders believe that this will have a domino effect and encourage many others to sign up to be an organ donor. As well as this, being able to view it on Facebook would most likely hasten the decision and make it easier for family members to approve their loved one's donation. The company is looking to expand the tool to other countries in the coming months.
It's that time again: to wish that you're in Germany for the next month, or to do your best to pretend you are even while you're right here at home. That's the kind of response that Oktoberfest inspires, because we can't all always head over to Europe just for the annual brew-fuelled celebration. Sydneysiders can hit up The Bavarian's various locations around town between Friday, September 16–Sunday, October 9 instead, though. On the menu: parties, German-style beers, schnapps, giant pretzels, pork-heavy menus, Sunday sausage sizzles and, at some venues (York, Manly, Tuggerah, Wetherill, Macarthur, Castle Hill and Green Hills), Oompah bands providing a soundtrack. So, everything you could want and need to mark the occasion. The venues will sport all the Oktoberfest trimmings — greenery, ribbons and bright tables cloths included — and staff will be decked out in dirndls and lederhosen. Yes, you're encouraged to dress up as well. If you're most excited about the drinks, there'll be eight types of beers, plus tasting paddles to sample them all. Also, the final week of the fun — so, from Monday, October 3 onwards — has been dubbed Big Beer Week to ramp up the brews. Fancy living your best Oktoberfest life all year round afterwards? You can purchase one of The Bavarian's one-litre steins to take home with you and— for $40, which includes a beer that you'll drink onsite first. Food-wise, options start with the OktoberBoss set menu, which serves up a feast of pork knuckle, pork belly, sausages, schnitzels and sides (plus a schnapps on arrival) for groups of four-plus for $49 per person. If it's just you and one mate / your date, there's the Oktoberfest Mate set menu is for two-plus diners for the same price, spanning pretzels, pork belly, sausages, schnitzels and sides. Brews can be added to each menu for an extra $45 per person — and you can cap things off with an apple strudel for $7 a pop. Love pretzels? A special lineup of giant versions is on offer for the first few days of The Bavarian's Oktoberfest shenanigans, from Saturday, September 17–Friday, September 23 — including ones topped with bacon, filled with cheese and covered in sprinkles (no, not all at once). Or, there's a black forest doughnut pretzel. The word for that is yum. Snag fans can make a date with those sausage sizzles, which are available at Manly, Penrith and World Square on Sundays in October. There'll be six types of traditional bangers, served solo in a roll (from $10) or via a sausage wheel on a stick.
If there's one thing the suburb of Canterbury lacks it's trendy restaurants. Instead, the area is littered in car dealerships, bathroom showrooms and desolate properties waiting to be snapped up by building developers. But in amongst the grime and grit is a modern gem serving up an eclectic mash-up of Mexican and Turkish fare, which people from all over Sydney pack out almost every night of the week. You'd have no idea Pazar was even there if it wasn't for the pink neon sign. From the outside, it looks like an old, derelict garage with peeling paint and faded signs situated on the busiest road in Canterbury, but on the inside, the change of scenery is remarkable. There's loud music, carnival lighting draped from the ceiling beams, wooden feature walls, an open kitchen complete with a wood-fired oven, waiters ducking in-between tables and an atmosphere that's buzzing with chatter. And it's much bigger than you'd expect, too. They've built a colourful outdoor area that's conveniently covered with retractable panels to keep the elements in or out, depending on the weather, and they've dropped in an old shipping container to enclose the space — with the idea that it might eventually become the space for a takeaway drive-thru. When it comes to the share menu, there are 15 savoury options to choose ranging from $5–38, eleven of which are vegetarian. And they do things a little bit different here. While there is table service, staff won't take your original food and drink order at the table (well, not verbally). Instead, grab a paper menu and pen off the table and get ticking. That's it. When you're done choosing, just hand your order over. However, any orders that follow can be ordered later with your waiter. They're a friendly bunch. The first thing you'll want to tick off on your menu is the maple-smoked labne with nectarine and fennel jam, sesame seeds and pepitas ($15). It's phenomenal despite simply being strained yoghurt. It's creamy, smoky, crunchy and sweet, sort of like adding quince to cheese and crackers, but so much better. However, it doesn't come served with bread, which is an extra $5. The kofte ($16) aren't your typical kofte either. There's no ground meat, but rather spiced red lentils, bulgur and mixed pickles that come served with a plate of lettuce cups, which makes it look more like san choy bao than the Middle Eastern staple you're used. It's surprisingly tasty, however — almost like the real thing. You also won't find falafel, but instead zucchini herb balls with feta and sumac yoghurt ($10 for 3). The flavour is delicate and the texture is spongy. If you want to be wowed, then the ember-blackened pumpkin with pepita chimichurri, feta and toasted almonds ($24) will do just that. You can watch the chefs roast the pumpkins whole in the wood-fired oven from behind the back counter until they're completely charred on the outside and perfectly orange and cooked in the centre. For meatier options, the roast pork belly with smoky chipotle salsa, pineapple and quinoa salad ($34) probably isn't worth the price tag, but it does come with some superbly crisp crackling. The drinks menu is small, but still covers most things — from cocktails to craft beer to sangria and wine. The only thing you won't find is sparkling or Champagne by the glass, so if you love bubbles, you'll have to settle for a $58 bottle instead. There are also no split bills, so you've been warned. Whether you live in the neighbourhood, or just passing through, this one in a million restaurant (in Canterbury) is definitely worth a visit if not several. Images: Kitti Smallbone
Conventional maps of political results seen in the media, in stats and in reports often demonstrate a skewed and non-inclusive representation of the outcomes of US Presidential Elections. This then creates a politics of maps. However, Mark Newman, a renowned complexity researcher, has attempted to abate the confusion behind these inaccurate portrayals by creating his own highly inclusive and bona fide images. Newman believed the representations of states coloured by the majority votes was insufficient. Not only do these maps fail to take population into consideration, but they also demonstrate democratic or republican voters in each state as black and white, or in this case blue and red, rather than showing the many shades in between. After billions of dollars and years of incessant campaigning, surely an authentic portrayal of the election results is not too much to ask. Newman has answered this call by creating more realistic and more complex illustrations of the election results. First, view the varying processes Newman went through in accurately depicting the 2008 presidential elections, followed by his political map of the most recent 2012 election. 2008 Election Results By State With red depicting republicans and blue democrats, this widespread map of the 2008 Presidential Election is obviously a vast illusion, as one would not be wrong in mistaking the winner as McCain rather than Obama. 2008 Election Results Population Cartogram This more precise depiction instead shows the election results compared to the population sizes of each state. The fact is that the red states often have a lower population than the blue, thus increasing the proportion of blue in this image and eradicating the sea of red in the previous one. 2008 Election Results by County Rather than assuming an entire state is a homogenized mass holding a single political view, this map shows the electoral votes in each county of the US. Again, however, this image is incredible deceptive and misleading. 2008 Election Results by County Population Cartogram Using the same technology as before, this map demonstrates the results of the election by county, according to population. Once again this makes the balance between red and blue more accurate, however, this is much more specific and localized to certain areas. 2008 Election Results by County in Shades Forget 50 shades of grey, what we want to see is 50 shades of purple. To closer resemble the balance that exists within states and the nuances in voting patterns, Newman used varying shades of purple rather than simply two block colours. This eliminates the vast mass of red or blue spreading over particular areas and demonstrates that the country is not actually starkly divided. 2008 Election Results by County in Shades Population Cartogram Combining all the complex techniques above produces this truthful and reliable depiction of the election results compared to population per county. Much more accurate than the first map given! 2012 Election Results And now for the long awaited images of the recent 2012 US Presidential Election. Here is the image of the standard and simple map of the election results of Romney VS Obama. Not too distant from the image we saw from the 2008 Election. 2012 Election Results by County in Shades Population Cartogram Here is the more authentic portrayal of outcomes from the 2012 election using population per county and shades: an up-to-date representation of America's voting patterns that couldn't be much more accurate.
Sydneysiders take their pizza seriously, and with good reason. Thanks to our superb collection of authentic Italian pizzerias, complete with woodfired ovens and traditional methods, the Harbour City's pizza-philes are well versed on the difference between sub-par 'za and the real deal. But like many dishes carried to far-flung climes by migrant communities, there are plenty of non-Stivale interpretations of pizza that are every bit as culturally legit as their Neapolitan or Roman cousins. Case in point: the United States has almost as many pizza variants as Italy, from the hefty Chicago deep dish to the rectangular-pan Detroit style and of course, the iconic New York slice. Sydneysiders can get the quintessential NYC pizza experience courtesy of a beloved Big Apple stalwart, Sal's Authentic New York Pizza, which, in addition to its Darlinghurst outpost, also boasts another Sydney venue on York Street in the CBD and four restaurants in Melbourne, as well as branches across the ditch in Wellington and Auckland. Since 1975 — when Salvatore Leo opened his first pizza parlour in Little Neck, Queens — Sal's has been producing pizzas that fuse Italian recipes, passed down through the Leo family, with American produce. The same is true in Australia, with Sal's pizzas featuring the sustainably farmed premium Wisconsin mozzarella, vine-ripened Californian tomatoes and New York-milled spring wheat flour used in the States. The only locally sourced ingredient is the water used to make the dough and even this was thoroughly vetted via blind taste tests to ensure Sydney's H2O didn't undermine quality or flavour. All the recipes on offer in Sydney were developed by Sal himself, showcasing timeless toppings like pepperoni, buffalo chicken, Italian sausage and meatballs, as well as more contemporary inclusions like black garlic and chilli-infused hot honey. While every topping is available by the slice, as is the New York way, diners can also enjoy full pizzas. However, be warned — at 18 inches, tackling the whole pie should only be attempted by the truly famished. In the unlikely event you are still hungry, there are also classic sides on offer, including fresh-baked garlic knots, pepperoni wheels, mozzarella sticks and buffalo wings made to a recipe that has been in Sal's family since 1964.
Bradfield, Sydney's third city centre, is currently being built around the new Western Sydney airport. But construction in Parramatta — Sydney's second city centre — definitely hasn't slowed. High-rise buildings continue to go up, the Powerhouse Museum has been given the official go-ahead, and now work has begun on a new multimillion-dollar aquatic and leisure centre. The 40,000-square-metre community facility is currently being built within the expansive surrounds of Parramatta Park in the heart of the ever-growing Western Sydney hub. Predicted to cost $88.6 million, the facility will include three pools: a ten-lane 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool and an indoor learn-to-swim pool. It will also feature spa and sauna facilities, an indoor water playground, a cafe and a fitness centre — plus a multipurpose community rooms and a 200-space carpark. Testing on the Parramatta site has already begun as part of the construction process, with the facility expected to be completed by early 2023. And, sustainability is big a focus. Five hundred native trees will be planted in the area surrounding the centre, and solar panels will also be installed on sections of the centre's roof. The solar panels will generate approximately 142,000 kilowatts of power annually. The project is partially funded by the NSW's Government's Restart NSW Fund. It'll provide an initial $38.5 million investment in building the centre, plus a subsequent $11.6 million to help future-proof the facility as Parramatta continues to grow. The community facility is the latest major aquatic development around Sydney, with Gunyama Aquatic and Recreation Centre, a $106 million aquatic and leisure centre opening in Green Square back in February — and the iconic North Sydney Pool currently closed for a $63 million upgrade. For more information on Parramatta Park's new aquatic and leisure centre, head to the City of Parramatta website
Cinema has a big problem — and for the first time in quite a while, it can't be summed up by the words "sequel", "reboot" or "Adam Sandler". For a long time now, convenience stores and cinema candy bars have been known for their bizarre Prohibition-era pricing of ordinary goods. Now they are being joined by a third champion of Weimar-esque inflation – the cinema ticket counter. According to Screen Australia, in 2005, the maximum price you'd pay to see a movie on the big screen was $15. In 2015, the last year for which there is recorded data, that price had exploded to $24.50. And while this hasn't reduced the number of Australians going to the flicks each year, the number of times people visit has been steadily declining since 2009. Melbourne couple Sonya Stephen and Shane Thatcher say that only around 16 per cent of available movie tickets are purchased in Australia each year. Their solution, a new app called Choovie, is an attempt to allow audiences to drive demand — and, by extension, the prices they pay at the door. "Every time we went to the cinema and there was only a few people in there, he [Thatcher] would start questioning how you could use technology to get more people to go to the cinema more often," says Stephen. "It became obvious that by using smartphone technology there could be a genuine win-win, people could see more movies and cinemas could make more money." Choovie is a push for cinemas to adopt a fluid ticket price based on the time of the screening and the popularity of the film. The app would then share this information with users and allow them to find the best deal. In other words, you'll probably still pay a mozza for the new Star Wars in mid-December and whatever the biggest flick is on Boxing Day, but when you're busting to see Tears of the Otter by that Danish guy at 11am on a Wednesday morning, Choovie will help you find a ticket that takes these things into account. Obviously, much of the app's success will rest on whether cinemas decide to play ball or not; however with Australian movie theatres currently selling less than a fifth of their available product, Stephen is confident that more bums on seats will also mean bigger profits for cinemas. "The onus is on us to prove that it works. If we can do that I can't see why everyone wouldn't come on board." Choovie goes live on 27th March in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, with staggered launches across the rest of Australia in the months following. For more information, visit their website.
Baz Luhrmann has always had a knack for casting. As his three-decade filmography shows, he's long had a talent for plenty more — dazzling imagery, pitch-perfect needle drops, and a hyperactive and immersive vibe that makes viewers feel like they've stepped right into his movies, for starters — but his films are always immaculately cast. He had 90s teens swooning over Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. His made Elizabeth Debicki a star via The Great Gatsby. And just try to name someone who didn't want Ewan McGregor to serenade them after Moulin Rouge!. You can't; they don't exist. Elvis, Luhrmann's biopic about the king of rock 'n' roll, is no different. Indeed, the acclaimed Australian filmmaker wouldn't have made it if he wasn't able to find the right actor for the job. And that stellar stroke of casting, enlisting Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's Austin Butler to sport the pompadour, sideburns and oh-so-many jumpsuits, has exactly the effect that Luhrmann intended. Watching Butler in the film's meticulous recreations of Presley's live performances, you instantly understand why the singer became an icon. You see what audiences in the 50s, 60s and 70s saw. Even better: you feel as thrilled and excited as they must've felt. Charting Presley's life from his birth in Tupelo, Mississippi to his death in 1977 at the age of 42 — as told by his manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) — Elvis spans the details that a big-screen biography about one of entertainment's most famous names needs to. It's also made by a filmmaker with his own name recognition and sense of style. The result: an Elvis movie and a Luhrmann movie. It has the swagger of both. It mixes Presley's songs — some sung by Butler, some by the man himself, some blending the two — with hip hop. It sashays between swirling imagery and a Luhrmann-esque sensory onslaught to concerts so electrifying that you can almost smell the sweat. It's little wonder that Elvis debuted at the Cannes Film Festival to a 12-minute standing ovation. It's also unsurprising that bringing the film back to Australia, including to the Gold Coast where it was shot, was one helluva party. During the whirlwind Aussie tour, ahead of the movie's local release on June 23, we chatted to Luhrmann about all things Elvis — spanning everything from telling more than just Presley's story to Butler's virtually fated casting, thank you, thank you very much. THE MUSIC BIOPIC ALL SHOOK UP From Strictly Ballroom, his hit debut back in 1992, through to his 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, his most recent big-screen release until now, music has been a crucial part of Luhrmann's films. Perhaps that's why Elvis feels like a movie that he was always going to make — and the style of feature, a music biopic, that was always going to pop onto his resume at some point. Asked if it felt that way to him, Luhrmann says that he was drawn to making more than just a music biopic. "I always liked the way Shakespeare would take a historical figure and make a bigger idea," he says — and as Romeo + Juliet fans know, Luhrmann's long been a fan of the Bard. "And I was so in love with Amadeus. I don't know how old I was when I saw that, but the thing about that film is it's called Amadeus but it's not really about Mozart. It's Salieri's story — and who the hell is Sailieri? That's the point of the movie. He was the most famous composer on the planet, and god goes and puts genius in this piglet of a person and he's very angry about it. So the film's about jealousy," Luhrmann continues. "I wanted to use the canvas of Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker — never a Colonel, never a Tom, never a Parker — this giant, out-there character, who, you know, was a carnival barker and a sort of Svengali type. He saw this kid who had grown up in one of the few white houses in the Black community and went 'I don't know what he's doing but that's the best carnival act I've ever seen'. And I just think the spread of the life — the 50s, 60s, 70s — if you want to explore America, what a great canvas. And through music, what a great canvas." FROM DANCING TO 'BURNING LOVE' TO DIRECTING AN ELVIS MOVIE Thanks to a wonderful piece of trivia from Luhrmann's past, directing Elvis almost seems like it was meant to be. He says the same about Butler playing Elvis — but only Luhrmann won a dancing contest to 'Burning Love' when he was ten. "I did. I went up to the DJ and I said 'hey mate, can you put on 'Burning Love' because it really gets going, you know?' Luhrmann recalls. "And we had the matinees at our little cinema for a while" — because, yes, Luhrmann's father Leonard ran a small-town movie theatre when he was growing up — "and I just thought he was cool". Ask a teenage Baz about Presley, though, and his answer would've differed. Unpacking why is part of the reason he has made Elvis now. "Pretty quickly, by the time I was about 18, I was into Bowie and stuff like that, and Elvis kind of was in the background," Luhrmann says. "But I think he was always present to me, but I was also very aware that under 35, he's just kind of a Halloween costume. My kids are like, he's the funny guy in the white suit, you know?" "Anything that is iconic, that becomes rusty — at some point something iconic must've been amazing, must've felt amazing, but it's just become ossified," Luhrmann continues. "So I've spent my life taking kind of implausibly cheesy things and trying to re-code them so that what they felt like, you can feel again." In what quickly proves typical Luhrmann fashion, he has an anecdote to explain, one relating to one of the most memorable songs in his movies yet. "When I was doing Moulin Rouge!, we were thinking about the key love song, and I was at a piano bar in San Diego. And 'Your Song' came on. And the guy was like "it's a little bit funny…" — every cheesy bar in the world would play 'Your Song' by Elton John. But I went home with Anton [Monsted, the film's executive music supervisor, and Elvis' music supervisor as well] and we listened to the original recording. And, we realised, what an amazing song." GETTING THE RIGHT ELVIS IN THE BUILDING Call it a case of suspicious minds: if Luhrmann was going to make Elvis, he wasn't going to cast just anyone. The world is full of Elvis impersonators, which is a skill all of its own. But that wasn't what Luhrmann was looking for — and although Harry Styles was also considered, the pop star wasn't what the director was after, either. Butler wanted the part so badly that he made and sent a video of himself singing 'Unchained Melody' before Luhrmann was even casting. "It wasn't like an audition," the filmmaker says. "He talks about it now, but I only learned recently or during the process that what happened was, he'd made another video and it wasn't good, he thought. And he had lost his mum the same year that Elvis did. So he has this nightmare and he goes down the stairs and thinks 'what I am going to do with this terror?'." "So he goes down and he just sort of, he's in a bathrobe, and he's playing it, and shooting with an iPhone as he's singing it. And I thought, it wasn't an audition. I thought it was like spy cam or something. I said 'who is this? What is this?'." "And then he came in, and pretty much he was Elvis from the moment he walked in," Luhrmann continues. "He just kept getting more and more Elvis, to the point where during the pandemic I had to tell him to slow down, like he was going to break himself. But I think it's like a life or death commitment for him." THOSE PHENOMENAL LIKE-YOU'RE-THERE CONCERT SCENES Strictly Ballroom had brilliantly choreographed and shot ballroom scenes. Moulin Rouge! was filled with big musical numbers, including in the eponymous Parisian establishment. The Great Gatsby boasted parties that could sit in the dictionary under 'decadence'. Luhrmann knows how to direct a spectacle — and, in Elvis, that comes via the concert scenes. Chatting about them, he credits the team effort — and Butler. "Firstly, you've got to start with Austin, whose commitment — it was like, it's a freak situation. I mean, his casting in the role is almost a freak situation. It's like forces beyond me almost, without getting too Hammer horror. He was drawn to be in this movie, and I wasn't going to make it unless I could find someone to play it," Luhrmann notes. "Then, COVID meant that whatever he was doing, he had to do it for another year. And by then he was so Elvis." Obviously, there's more to Elvis' centrepiece scenes than just pointing the camera at the Butler, as exceptional as he is. Luhrmann was determined to use the recreated footage to show — rather than tell — the audience what made Presley a star, and so incendiary, and why he was such a hit. Again, viewers don't just see the singer and his impact; they feel it, like they're there in that audience in the 50s, 60s and 70s. "Working with [cinematographer] Mandy Walker and [executive music producer] Elliott Wheeler, and the music people and all that, [we were] making sure shot by shot — making sure the look, shot by shot, it was identical in many regards," Luhrmann says. "But then you flip the coin, and you show what you didn't see in the documentaries and what you don't see in the concert footage. So it's getting the two sides to it." Elvis screens in Australian and New Zealand cinemas from June 23. Read our full review. Image: Hugh Stewart / © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Darling Harbour hotspot Bungalow 8, which underwent a $3 million reno last year, is welcoming the cooler months with the return of Rhythm and Brunch. Head along on the first Sunday of the month for two hours of bottomless drinks, tasty eats and nonstop R&B, all backdropped by dazzling harbour views. For $89, you'll be sipping on endless cocktails, wine and beer. The cocktail menu is dedicated to a trio of refreshing spritzes: Aperol, limoncello and a peach, wild berry and hibiscus serve. On top of that, you and your mates can graze on a generous share platter, loaded with smoked salmon finger sandwiches, Thai-style chicken wings and grilled corn on the cob. You'll also be treated to sweet bites like mini danishes and fluffy scones. Providing the soundtrack will be a series of DJs spinning R&B tunes, including plenty of sing-along-able hits. When the bottomless drinks finish, you can stick around for an after-party that'll go well into the night.
Trips to the flicks in Sydney are about to get big again. Huge, even. Massive, in fact. After closing down back in 2016 when the entire building was demolished, the IMAX in Darling Harbour will finally reopen in its newly rebuilt form before 2023 is out. Initially, the venue was meant to relaunch in 2019, then in 2021; however, that clearly didn't happen. Giant nights at the movies are coming to all film lovers who wait, however, complete with a hefty 693-square-metre screen to peer at. That screen really is large. It'll also be part of IMAX's most-advanced theatre experience so far, spanning 4K laser projection using a system with a new optical engine and custom-designed lenses. Thanks to a range of proprietary technology, viewers can apparently expect the images gracing the screen to be brighter, too, with increased resolution, deeper contrast and the widest range of colours that IMAX has seen. As for the sound, that'll be piped through a 12-channel setup. Running the site will be EVT, the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas, Moonlight Cinema, the Skyline Drive-In and the State Theatre, a heap of bars and restaurants, plus QT Hotels, Rydges and other hotel chains. The organisation also has three other IMAX venues to its name: in Auckland and Queensgate in New Zealand, and IMAX Karlsruhe in Germany. As well as that enormous screen, the luxe IMAX Sydney upgrade will include a choice of different seating, such as recliners, couples' lounges and private pods. There'll be 430 seats in total, on par with the old venue. And, the food and beverage range is getting a revamp courtesy of a marketplace experience. "We're thrilled to partner with EVT to bring audiences a world-class movie going experience at the new IMAX Sydney theatre in The Ribbon," said Giovanni Dolci, IMAX's Chief Sales Officer, announcing the news. "We're confident that this iconic venue will become a cultural landmark and will instantly join the ranks of our most celebrated and successful flagship cinemas around the world, from New York, Cannes and Tokyo to Los Angeles, Seoul and London," Dolci continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by imaxsydney (@imaxsydney) "At EVT, our vision is to be leaders in creating experiences and properties that escape the ordinary. Our research tells us that audiences want choice," added EVT's Director of Entertainment Australia Luke Mackey. "We've created multiple ways to experience IMAX, featuring Australian first premium seating options — full recliners, couples' lounges and private pods. The location also leverages experts from across EVT to deliver elevated food and beverage and an innovative venue for conferences and events. We believe that IMAX Sydney located in the heart of Sydney will be the best IMAX in Australia, attracting locals and tourists alike". There's no word yet as to which massive blockbusters will be gracing the new IMAX screen when it reopens, or an exact date — but Sydneysiders, you'll soon have a new huge spot to see huge flicks. IMAX Sydney will reopen at Darling Harbour sometime in 2023 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
At some point in the near future, when television production returns to normal, Taika Waititi will be writing, directing and executive producing two new animated Netflix series based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Yep, if you were wondering what the Jojo Rabbit Oscar-winner is up to next, they're a couple of things on his slate. Right now, though, he's turning his attention to another Dahl favourite — and enlisting plenty of pals. Across ten episodes, James and the Giant Peach with Taika and Friends sees Waititi team up with a whole heap of famous talent to narrate the beloved book. If you've ever wanted to hear the Boy, What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople read to you, then here's your chance. If you've always wondered what would happen if his Thor: Ragnarok stars Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Cate Blanchett voiced James and the Giant Peach characters too, well, that's on the agenda as well. Also lending their voices: Liam Hemsworth, Jojo Rabbit's Roman Griffin Davis and Archie Yates, plus other big names such as Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevingne, Mindy Kaling, Lupita Nyong'o, Billy Porter, Gordon Ramsay, Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds and Olivia Wilde. Four episodes are currently available via YouTube, with new instalments added each three times a week — at 3am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in Australia, and at 5am in New Zealand. And if you're wondering why, the aim is raise funds for COVID-19 impacted charities, especially those helping seriously ill children and medical workers in vulnerable areas of the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJNSg_oMrOQ
One room. One table. Twenty seats. And an ever-evolving set menu of modern Australian dishes. That's what you can expect from The Farmhouse. But there's much more to this beloved Rushcutters Bay restaurant. With a name like The Farmhouse, there's a risk that the restaurant will lean heavily on the kitsch. You know, lame 'Love lives here' signs and faux-distressed furniture and a real meat-and-three-veg approach to the food. This isn't the case here. The rustic farmhouse theme is certainly evident, but it has the refinement of an inner city fine diner. Co-owners Nick Gurney, Aidan Thomas and Brodie Stewart are responsible for the fit-out, which involves a single room with high wood-beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls and a single communal table. Here, 20 guests per sitting (6.00pm and 8.30pm) enjoy their five-course set menu. Said menu changes constantly — the kitchen changes half every fortnight, which means you could dine there once a month and never eat the same thing twice. As with many high end restaurants, it reads as deceptively simple: whole roasted Bannockburn chicken with cauliflower and cheddar; Spencer Gulf calamari and scallop with parnsip; Cowra lamb rump with mozart potatoes and kombu butter. Notice something else? Yep, there is a drive to sustainably source from local producers. The idea of having a meal while sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers may not sound enticing to all (introverts), but the cosy vibes, good food and excellent wine (all Australian and French) will quickly change your mind. It's like having a dinner party with a bunch of strangers — but none of you have to lift a finger.
Here's something to spice up your weekend plans. Head to Bondi Junction on Saturday, March 21, to take part in the Global Table event and celebrate all things multiculturalism with a feast for the senses. Taking over Oxford Street Mall from 10am–4pm, expect a diverse day filled with music, food and fun. Hosted by Waverley Council, Global Table is a dynamic event celebrating a wide range of flavours, cultures and traditions. Centred around a 35-metre-long table, guests engage in communal dining in its truest sense. Taste a plethora of authentic dishes from around the world with a variety of food vendors sharing treasured family recipes. On the mainstage, artists and dancers will showcase traditional performances from their home countries. Performers from Türkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Thailand, Japan and Guana will generously share their cultural expressions through dance and music. Then, you can wander the streets and discover market stalls featuring handmade goods and treasures. You can also experience henna tattooing, Japanese Kimono dress up, and a circus workshop for kids. Bringing people from around the globe together, head along with the whole family for a global feast and cultural showcase. "Our annual Global Table event in Bondi Junction is a vibrant celebration of multiculturalism that brings people together through a shared love for food, culture and community. The 35-metre-long communal table is the perfect setting to meet someone new and hear the stories behind treasured family recipes, while sampling authentic dishes from across the world and enjoying an eclectic array of live entertainment from multicultural performers. This beloved community festival, now in its 16th year, is family-friendly, free and a true feast for the senses. A word of advice, make sure you come hungry," says Waverly Mayor Will Nemesh. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
If you needed a new reason to make the journey to the historic fishing town of Patonga, then the recently renovated Boathouse Hotel has you covered. Located along the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay, the spot relaunched last year with all-day dining, seaside views and a large outdoor deck overlooking the water — and now its revamped rooms are available to stay in as well. It's the first Central Coast venue for the Boathouse Group, which originated in Palm Beach back in 2008 and now boasts eight venues to its name. The stunning new interior is similar to the group's other beachside venues and resembles the inside of a luxury yacht, while the large outdoor deck offers prime seating for the warmer months. On the food front, the menu spans breakfast through dinner with a focus on quality produce and fresh fare. For brekkie, there are healthy options like the granola ($18), bircher muesli ($18) and green bowl (avocado, kale, broccoli, seed loaf and cashews, topped with a poached egg — $22), along with more decadent eats like the croissant French toast ($22) and sausage sangas with manchego, caramelised onions and chilli ($16). For lunch and dinner, classic pub grub, including parmas ($26), pork ribs ($44) and burgers ($26), sit alongside more refined fare — think snapper ceviche with cucumber and sesame ($24) or yellowfin tuna pasta with capers and herbs ($32). A takeaway shop turns out finger food like fish and chips, too. The classic cocktail list continues the beachside vibes, with a frozen watermelon margarita, cucumber cooler and pomegranate mojito all making the list at $19 a piece. Other drink specialties include a rare magnum offering and 17-strong beer list. Non-alcoholic options range from cold press juices and smoothies to tonics and kombucha. If you're eager to stay for a night or several — and willing to pay between $240–850 per night — the hotel's accommodation includes three one-to-three bedroom guest apartments, each with waterfront balcony views. The trio of rooms sit on the structure's upper level, and also feature separate living and dining areas, marble bathrooms, and either a kitchenette or kitchen. Decor-wise, they're unsurprisingly coastal-themed, complete with timber and terrazzo flooring, nautical-inspired fabrics, handmade shell mirrors, and rope and cane pieces. Located a 90-minute drive from Sydney, or 30-minute ferry trip from Palm Beach, it's the perfect spot to build a weekend getaway around. If you do, here are a few more Central Coast spots to check out while you're there. The Boathouse Hotel Patonga is now open at 6/8 Patonga Drive, Patonga. Open Monday through Tuesday from 7am–3pm and Wednesday through Sunday from 7am–9pm.
Hotel Morris is an impressive design-led boutique hotel with a sense of warm, understated luxury as well as a fantastic wine bar Bar Morris. Hotel Morris is tucked away on Pitt Street in Haymarket not far from the best of Chinatown, the Sydney CBD, and Surry Hills. The heritage listed property first opened as a hotel in 1929 — a design showcase for architect Virgil Dante Cizzio's interpretation of the Inter-War Palazza style. It underwent a significant refurb before reopening in 2023, boasting beautiful new finishes and detail while maintaining the elegance of its historic Italian influence. The exterior has been refurbished to retain the original design, with a bold white and red sign proudly exclaiming 'Hotel Morris' out the front. Inside, art deco-leaning suites welcome guests with Jarrah wood accents and custom furniture that pays homage to the history of the building. Downstairs, the aforementioned Bar Morris continues the building's design with a sleek 40-seat space built around pink marble, velvet, leather, timber flooring, and vibrant flourishes of red.
Remember the Pokémon Go phase? What a time in millennial history. And while you may not see hordes of people playing it in your local park these days, fans need not despair. Because Pokémon is coming back to you in real life. Three years after the game temporarily took over the world, a pop-up bar decked out in everything Pokemon is hitting Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this year. We don't have specific details, like the when and where of it, but can tell you to expect everything to do with the franchise: Pokéball-shaped burgers, as well as games, themed cocktails and prizes. The bars will supposedly be divided into seven regions and each session will includes two hours of 'hunting, battling and catching time' — we're interested to see how that will be interpreted. You can complete all regions to be the ultimate winner, where we suppose you might win one of the aforementioned Pokémon prizes. There will also be prizes for the best dressed and a DJ spinning tracks. The nitty gritty of it all, though, is yet to be revealed. Will you be playing on the app, or will you have to find Pokémons in a scavenger hunt? Does anyone still actually play Pokémon Go? The mystery is yet to be solved, but you may want to start rounding up your old catching team. We don't know dates for this one, but you can be the first to know when tickets are available by signing to the mailing list. The event comes from the same group that have previously announced a Simpsons-themed Flaming Moe's tavern and a Harry Potter-themed Cauldron Bar. While neither of these events have actually happened — even though the Cauldron Bar initially scheduled for last month — organisers have told Concrete Playground that they are trying to find the perfect venues for the bars, and both of them are still "in the pipeline". The Pokébar should hit Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane later this year. Tickets will be $35 for a two-hour session. They're not yet on sale, but you can register here.
You might reasonably assume that taking the spotlight in front of an adoring audience would be the number-one perk of the job for a performer, particularly if they happen to be headlining one of the biggest musical theatre blockbusters in living memory. However, for Vidya Makan, who is currently appearing as Eliza Schuyler in the final Australian season of global megahit Hamilton, it's the moments she's not on stage that mean the most. "What I get to do as Eliza every night is an honour and a joy. But honestly, more often than not, It's actually just watching the incredible talent of my cast mates and the genius of everyone involved with this show that I most love," she shares. "Everyone in this company is the best in the world at what they do. And every night I get a front-row ticket to see some of our nation's and the world's best artists in action." [caption id="attachment_980455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Williams[/caption] It's been almost a decade since the original cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda's hip hop-driven history play about the meteoric rise and ultimately tragic fall of American founding father Alexander Hamilton first shook the bedrock of Broadway. And for almost a decade, Makan has been listening to that original cast's recording of the Grammy, Olivier, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning show. While she admits this helped her learn her lyrics (given most of the show was already thoroughly committed to memory), being a Hamilton superfan has also posed some challenges. "After getting cast, I stopped listening to the original recording. I didn't watch any other reference videos — I needed to forget everything I already knew," she explains. "The most important thing for me is that I bring my own version to a character. So I read the Ron Chernow book that the musical is based on to try and find as many clues as I could to the essence of who this real woman was. She's described as vivacious. She used to put the boys to the test when she was a kid. She'd go hiking up mountains without the help of gentlemen, unlike the women around her, and I think it's that aspect of her that I really relate to. [caption id="attachment_980456" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Williams[/caption] "Crafting my Eliza, I wanted to make her really forthright and lean away from the idea of her as someone who just let's things happen. She's this incredibly courageous woman and I think that is very much reflected in her generosity. I certainly learn from her every night I get to play her." Beyond this research, Makan's account of Eliza also shifts depending on the actors she's appearing opposite — particularly the titular leading man. "I find it really exciting when we have different Hamiltons on — it changes my character and that's a really, really wonderful thing," she says. "If you come to see the show and you get to see an understudy, count yourself lucky, because they really bring it — it actually elevates everyone's performance and brings new magic to the world of the show as well." [caption id="attachment_980457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Williams[/caption] In the majority of performances, however, Makan stars alongside Jason Arrow, who has delivered the title role since Hamilton first premiered in Australia in March 2021. "He's been playing this part for almost four years — that's like doing an undergraduate degree," Makan jests. "When I'm creating my Eliza, I'm working off someone who knows their Hamilton so intimately and as an actor, you don't often get that privilege. One of the first things Jason said to me was, 'Please don't feel like you have to fit into what we've created. I'm really excited to meet your Eliza and to see what that does to my Hamilton.' I think that generosity is reflected everywhere in this cast. And that's really what makes this particular production something you will never see again. It's so special, that dynamic and every night it's why it's so charged and electric and nuanced." [caption id="attachment_980459" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Much like the handful of talented artists who have had the opportunity to portray Eliza in various productions around the world, Makan is an astonishing performer. But her skillset also shares a unique synergy with Hamilton's creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who in addition to composing the show, also starred in its original production in the title role. Makan, who trained in musical theatre at Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane, is also a composer who starred in her own debut show, The Lucky Country, which received broad acclaim when it premiered at Sydney's Hayes Theatre in June 2023. "Every night [performing in Hamilton] is a masterclass for me. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm here to perform on stage but it's hard to stop analysing the whole genius of the thing," she says. "We've done over 100 shows now in Sydney, but even now I'll be lying in bed and I'll have a line going through my mind and something new will suddenly reveal itself. You never stop learning from this show — that's why it truly is one of the greatest of all time." [caption id="attachment_979301" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Hamilton is playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until January 25. Head to the Hamilton website for more details. Top image: Daniel Boud
When the end of the week rolls around it's always worth a tiny celebration — heck even if there are 52 of them, you made it through another one! It's easy to fall back on going to the pub around the corner, or the closest bar to your office, but isn't it about time you did something a little different, and even a bit special? We've done the leg work for you and found seven great bars that will shake you a sublime cocktail, and add in something a little special — be it a rooftop, a tasty pop-up, great DJs, Instagram-worthy interiors or stunning views (or all of the above). Round up your mates and pick one of these from a hat — we can guarantee they will take your Friday night drinks to another level of decadence, deliciousness and double taps. Whether you've hit your targets at work, or been kicking goals at the gym, you deserve to treat yourself for the small wins and milestones. The world's finest French vodka, Grey Goose, celebrates its versatility and commitment to quality ingredients as it allows bartenders to create incredible cocktails that upgrade any summer occasion — starting with those Friday night drinks. Here's where we think you should go — and what you should order as your first, premium cocktail of the night.
"Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" They're the questions that the full trailer for Wicked poses in its first moments. The rest of the sneak peek, the film it's for, and both the musical and the book that it's based on all explore those queries through the tale of Glinda (Ariana Grande, Don't Look Up) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Pinocchio). Film lovers, you're going off to see the witches, the powerful witches of Oz, when Wicked soars from the page and the stage to the screen in 2024. The famous and beloved theatre musical adapts a book that takes inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, and has been a show-going favourite for more than two decades thanks to composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman. Now, it's heading to cinemas as a two-part movie. The first instalment, now just called Wicked rather than Wicked: Part One, arrives in November with director Jon M Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians) behind the lens. Grande dons pink and Erivo sports the requisite green in both the first teaser trailer for the movie — which arrived amid the annual Super Bowl sneak-peek frenzy (see also: Deadpool & Wolverine) — and also for the just-dropped complete sneak peek. Haven't caught the stage show on its current Australian run, including in Sydney since 2023 and in Melbourne from March 2024 , with Brisbane to come? Defy gravity in your local picture palace before the year is out instead. In the two trailers for the film, Glinda tells Elphaba "don't be afraid". "I'm not afraid," is the fellow witch's response. "It's the Wizard who should be afraid of me." As for why, the second trailer steps through more of the plot — complete with renditions of 'Popular' and, yes, 'Defying Gravity'; Elphaba getting her black witch hat; flying monkeys; hues of pink and green aplenty; and meeting the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum, Asteroid City) in Emerald City. Wicked follows the Land of Oz's witches, with telling their untold tale the musical's whole angle. On the stage, the show has notched up more awards than you can fit in a hefty cauldron over the years. That includes three Tonys from ten nominations, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and six Drama Desk Awards. Joining Grande and Erivo in bringing Wicked to the cinemas is quite the who's who-style cast. Alongside Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh (A Haunting in Venice), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Ethan Slater (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel) and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) also feature. As for when the second Wicked movie will also get flickering, it's due in November 2025. Check out the full trailer for Wicked below: Wicked releases in cinemas Down Under on November 28, 2024.
Maybe you love nothing more than telling simulated people what to do. Perhaps a fantasy universe is your favourite place to escape to when you're mashing buttons. More than a quarter-century back, virtual critters might've been your go-to pastime. The Sims, World of Warcraft and Neopets have all made an impact on the gaming world, and on audiences. All three are also scoring plenty of love when Game Worlds takes over the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne. For five months from mid-September 2025 till February 2026, this video-game exhibition will shine a spotlight on 30 iconic titles — and make attendees feel like they're stepping inside some of them, too. Expect everything from original concept art and never-before-seen designs to rare objects to fill the Federation Square site's Gallery 4. Expect to be able to get playing, rather than just peering, as well. [caption id="attachment_997869" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blizzard Entertainment[/caption] Although the full lineup of games featured hasn't been revealed as yet, they'll span from the 70s until now, and 20 of them will be playable. Demos, games from years gone by, trying to break speed records: they're all part of the setup, which will include international hits, new Australian releases and everything in-between. "As the home of videogames in Australia, Game Worlds celebrates the continuous evolution of this century's defining artform. It builds on ACMI's multi-decade experience in making video-game exhibitions, and our long-term support of the Australian video-game sector through preservation, education, industry partnerships and our dedicated Games Lab," said ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan, announcing the exhibition. "Whether you love games as much as we do or have never picked up a controller, Game Worlds gives fresh insight into video games and their cultural impact." [caption id="attachment_997868" align="alignnone" width="1920"] World of Neopia[/caption] As Chan referrenced, ACMI has staged major video-game showcases before. This is its third, in fact, following 2008's Game On and 2012's Game Masters. Since the latter, the venue has also hosted smaller gaming exhibitions, such as 2017's Code Breakers — where women in the industry were the focus — and 2024's Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition. Earlier in 2025, it celebrated 25 years of The Sims across one nostalgic weekend. As it regularly does with its showcases, the gallery will pair Game Worlds with talks, film screenings and other events, family-friendly activities among them. [caption id="attachment_997870" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blizzard Entertainment[/caption] [caption id="attachment_997871" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blizzard Entertainment[/caption] Game Worlds displays at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne, from Thursday, September 18, 2025–Sunday, February 8, 2026. Head to the venue's website for more details. Top image: Electronic Arts.
Australia is home to some incredible music festivals, with Laneway, Bluesfest, Splendour, Groovin' the Moo and Dark Mofo bringing some of the world's best acts to our shores each year. But live music isn't the only excuse to head out of town. Australia is also home to heaps of out-there festivals set in rural and random locations, celebrating everything from spuds and watermelon to Mary Poppins and the Nutbush. Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary getaway? Here's our pick of the top ten weird and wonderful festivals to track down around the country.
There's a line towards the end of Drive-Away Dolls that's so glorious, so hilarious and so descriptive of the film's plot that it feels like Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke's lesbian road-movie comedy caper could've sprung from it alone. The dialogue in question spans eight words that are best discovered by watching, riffing on a familiar phrase — and it's marvellous. Ethan is no stranger to writing sparklingly witty and sidesplitting banter. His filmography is filled with it and, with his sibling Joel, he has two Oscars for Best Screenplay, winning for Fargo's original script and No Country for Old Men's adaption. The Coen brothers' own O Brother, Where Art Thou?, A Serious Man, True Grit and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs also scored them nominations, as did co-penning the Steven Spielberg-directed Bridge of Spies. Ethan and Tricia — who are not only married, but have past experience working together thanks to the latter's role editing some Coen brothers' movies, starting with The Big Lebowski — didn't base Drive-Away Dolls' narrative on that particularly perfect line. That's not how Ethan pens his scripts, he tells Concrete Playground, whether Joel or Tricia is his co-writer. "We write very much, as me and Joel always wrote, in order — in scene order, not knowing, not outlining, and not knowing where we're going in terms of outline, or certainly not in terms of future lines of dialogue that we want to work in," he explains. "So that came up because the situation warranted at that point." What a situation that Drive-Away Dolls dives into; there might be only one Coen attached, but it's still pure Coens. Two lesbian friends attempt to hightail it away from their everyday Philadelphia lives — one after a fresh breakup; the other unable to relax since her last relationship ended quite a while earlier, and just in general — with Tallahassee, Florida their destination. Margaret Qualley (Poor Things) plays the outgoing, confident, as-casual-as-they-come Jamie, who soon has police officer Sukie (Beanie Feldstein, American Crime Story) for an ex. Geraldine Viswanathan (Cat Person) is the perennially stressed and uptight Marian. Their getaway idea: driving a car that needs taking to their destination anyway, aka the eponymous cheap car-hire service. But their mistakenly allocated vehicle has hidden cargo, which sets a couple of bickering and bumbling goons (Plane's Joey Slotnick and The Blacklist's CJ Wilson) on their trail. There's an anarchic everything-that-can-go-wrong-will air to Jamie and Marian's eventful road trip, and to the antics of the men following their every move (and to the storyline's twists, which bring in characters played by The Last of Us' Pedro Pascal, The Color Purple's Colman Domingo, Oppenheimer's Matt Damon and The Burial's Bill Camp, too). But this isn't the soulful Inside Llewyn Davis; rather, Raising Arizona, Burn After Reading, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou? but queer, touring lesbian bars and featuring wall dildos is the vibe. "I think the only thing that we wanted, we definitely wanted to make it a fun queer movie. And, we thought about Cynthia Plaster Caster very early on. She was someone we were like 'okay, we're going to work something like that into the plot'," advises Tricia. [caption id="attachment_942716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Margaret Qualley, Beanie Feldstein, Tricia Cooke, Geraldine Viswanathan and Ethan Coen. Photo by Marion Curtis / StarPix for Focus Features.[/caption] How do Coen and Cooke really tie all of those elements together, including the artist — "not famous now, kind of forgotten," Ethan notes — known for making plaster casts of celebrity penises? ("Later on, she also cast women's breasts," stresses Tricia; "she wasn't a one-trick pony," adds Ethan.) Uproariously, in their gleeful version of a B-movie, with a 60s- and 70s-inspired spirit, and while crafting a period piece. The movie's action is set in the 90s, where today's ever-present technology can't simplify the scenario. It feels like a throwback several times over, then, and like writer/director/producer Coen and writer/editor/producer Cooke are having an absolute ball making it. Harking back three decades is a nod to Drive-Away Dolls' history as well, with the film initially conceived and scripted back then under the name Drive-Away Dykes. With that moniker, it was indeed a case of coming up with the title, adoring it, then basing the whole movie around it. With the film that's resulted all these years later in cinemas Down Under from Thursday, February 22, we chatted with its two guiding forces about finally bringing it to the screen — including while Ethan and Joel take a break from their collaborations (Ethan and Tricia teamed up to make 2022 documentary Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind first, while Joel helmed 2021's The Tragedy of Macbeth solo). Also covered: how Drive-Away Dolls' narrative came about, digging the script back up, casting Qualley and Australia's own Viswanathan, and loving making comedy capers. On Coming Up with Drive-Away Dolls' Story — and Its Original Title Tricia: "Well, we did come up with Drive-Away Dykes — a friend of mine and I, not Ethan and I. And I went home and I mentioned it to Ethan, and he was like 'that's a great name. We should write that movie'. So it just started out because drive-away — I don't know if you have them in Australia, but here they're companies where you can go and get a car, and you can drive it, and you drop it off wherever the owner of the car wants it driven. So we thought that was an interesting beginning of a road movie. And then, ending up with the wrong car — or what might possibly be in this car that they weren't anticipating. So we started from there." Ethan: "Trish came up with the title Drive-Away Dykes in the Pravda bar in New York, down on Lafayette." Tricia: "Yeah, which sadly is no longer there." Ethan: "I hear they're putting up a plaque there, like Fat Black Pussycat, where Bob Dylan wrote 'Blowin' in the Wind' — but it's where you conceived Drive-Away Dykes." Tricia: "Excellent. I can't wait." On How the Film Finally Come to Fruition Decades After Initially Writing the Script Ethan: "Actually, it was just because me and Trish worked on a documentary together — we made a documentary movie about Jerry Lee Lewis — and we just enjoyed working together. Not that we hadn't before. Trish would cut some of mine and Joel's movies. But we enjoyed working together, and we thought 'hey, we've got this old script that we didn't manage to get made, so why don't we look at that again, and rewrite it again, and make the movie?'." Tricia: "We both had time. Ethan had kind of decided to take a break, and our kids are grown now, and after the Jerry Lee Lewis movie it was kind of like 'okay, well, what we're going to do next? Well, we have this script here, so let's see if we can interest anyone'." On How Drive-Away Dolls' Screenplay Evolved Since the Original Version in the 90s Ethan: "It was not the case that we worked on it over the years. We wrote it and then forgot about it for many years. And when we did come back, we did rewrite it. How is it different? I think it's mainly the main two characters are a little more…" Tricia: "Fleshed out." Ethan: "In the rewrite, the odd couple thing is highlighted. The free spirit versus the uptight woman, that's more pointed in in the rewrite." Tricia: "And we also made it a period movie. When we wrote it initially, it was contemporary and it didn't feel right to keep it contemporary for a couple of reasons. It's a lot easier to find people now with cell phones and the internet, and all of that. And also, all of the lesbian bars and stuff, that was such a big part of my world back then, and that's all changed — not significantly, but it's different now. And so I felt like it wouldn't be a proper representation, and something I didn't know, going to a lot of queer bars in 2022." Ethan: "It's a weird paradox where lesbian birds then were a little more transgressive, or felt at least a little transgressive. And now, now they don't. And there aren't as many, weirdly. I don't know what explains that." On Casting Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as Jamie and Marian Ethan: "They both came in, and when each of them came in, we said 'okay, that's the person'." Tricia: "They went to the top of the list. Geraldine came in very early. We saw her maybe in the first group of people we auditioned. Margaret came in very late. So we kind of had a Marian, we knew we were very high on Geraldine — and had a few other Jamies, but when Margaret came in it was like 'oh, that's Jamie'. She just flopped down in the chair, and she had the spirit that Jamie had. That was a harder part to cast." On Ethan Directing His First Narrative Feature without Joel Ethan: "Weirdly, well, same and different. Weirdly the same because I made it with Tricia — and Trish isn't titularly the co-director, but she is in fact. I mean, we made the movie together. So in that respect, it's kind of familiar. You're just working with another person, and it's all very collegial, and it's the two of you making the movie. So it wasn't different in terms of me working by myself, because I wasn't working by myself. It's different because I'm working with a different person." Tricia: "Joel knows more than I do." On Still Making a Movie That Feels Like a Coen Movie — and Gravitating Towards Comedic Capers Ethan: "It just seems that kind of thing is promising story fodder. You know what I mean? It's what Trish was talking about —a drive-away, you go 'okay, what could make that story go? Okay, there's something in the car they don't know about. And there's bad guys who were after them because they're after the stuff in the car'. You're looking for an engine for the story, something to propel the story — that's a caper." Tricia: "And also, we love just being on the road here in the States. There's such a car culture. So much is out there, there's so much material out there — and it just seems like it could be fun. The scenery is always changing, there's always something of interest out there. So those are good things to play around with story-wise, too." Ethan: "And you get lots of good stuff. The bar at the beginning, the starting point of the trip, and that mirror bar at the end, the end point of the trip — and that's a story." Tricia: "Raising Arizona is definitely, when anyone asks 'what's your favourite Coen brothers movie?', I always say Raising Arizona. Probably because I didn't work on it, but also it's just so much fun to watch them do wacky things — Goodman, and…" Tricia, to Ethan: "Oh, there's another!" Ethan: "Goodman and Bill Forsythe." Tricia: "We're trying to think of all of the dumb men in cars that have been in Ethan's movies." Drive-Away Dolls released in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, February 22. Read our review. Images: Wilson Webb / Working Title / Focus Features.
